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henrymarlene's review
3.0
Do you enjoy when other books are brought into the book you are reading? If so, then Blook & Ink will be perfect for you. Professor Jack Griffin is very interesting academic; all he has is his work, after his divorce and a little bit of a breakdown. He acquires a student by the name of Hieronymus Beck who seems to be his biggest fan, who seems a little obsessed. Hieronymus wants Jack to read and critique everything he writes. Jack comes across some ‘research’, a list akin to crime solved when playing Cluedo. In that very moment Jack has to decide to leave the list as a work of fiction, or to convince the authorities that this is a real list of murders happening across the world, and before his eyes.
Blood & Ink moves in several speeds, and you need to adjust your reading to keep up, or savour the detail. There are key moments where other fiction novels into this book as a way for Jack to explain and elaborate on the murders, weapons, locations and motives, and at some points, you have to read really carefully – is this really happening or is it just pages from a book? Jack is caught up in these murders, and the police are hot on his heels. The more he tries to explain to the police what is unfolding, he is drawn deeper into becoming a suspect. This book is unlike any crime novel I have read. It is not what you expect, and the mystery factor is high. If you want to challenge what you read in relation to crime fiction, this could be your answer.
Blood & Ink moves in several speeds, and you need to adjust your reading to keep up, or savour the detail. There are key moments where other fiction novels into this book as a way for Jack to explain and elaborate on the murders, weapons, locations and motives, and at some points, you have to read really carefully – is this really happening or is it just pages from a book? Jack is caught up in these murders, and the police are hot on his heels. The more he tries to explain to the police what is unfolding, he is drawn deeper into becoming a suspect. This book is unlike any crime novel I have read. It is not what you expect, and the mystery factor is high. If you want to challenge what you read in relation to crime fiction, this could be your answer.
fasmina's review
5.0
Blood & Ink is at times fast-paced and at times slow. This book is a bow to all the thrillers out on shelves; a nod to true crime fiction. The author nicely, subtly draws existing fiction into his books, and mixes it up to make us wonder whether we are actually reading a true crime fiction.
Professor Jack Griffen has a student who adores him, wants his assurance and acceptance with everything he writes. His name is Hieronymus Beck. Jack stumbles upon a set of sheets written by Beck, a research for his next novel. Divorced, ill and known to have had a nervous breakdown, Jack tries to show the world, and the police, that Beck is on a killing spree, after realising that his research is actually becoming true. When police does not believe him, he tries to stop Beck on his own, taking the world, and false identities along the way. His family and his life is at stake and what actually happened/happens is the climax.
It starts off with the first person POV of Jack and it’s part horrifying and part hilarious. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments along with few chuckles. Last third of the book also bears the third person POV of a profiler who works for the police, the only person who trusts Jack. This is a super wild ride, and most of the time, a bit confusing, which is why the book is brilliant.
Be warned: you should read this book with minimal distractions because it needs your complete focus.
Professor Jack Griffen has a student who adores him, wants his assurance and acceptance with everything he writes. His name is Hieronymus Beck. Jack stumbles upon a set of sheets written by Beck, a research for his next novel. Divorced, ill and known to have had a nervous breakdown, Jack tries to show the world, and the police, that Beck is on a killing spree, after realising that his research is actually becoming true. When police does not believe him, he tries to stop Beck on his own, taking the world, and false identities along the way. His family and his life is at stake and what actually happened/happens is the climax.
It starts off with the first person POV of Jack and it’s part horrifying and part hilarious. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments along with few chuckles. Last third of the book also bears the third person POV of a profiler who works for the police, the only person who trusts Jack. This is a super wild ride, and most of the time, a bit confusing, which is why the book is brilliant.
Be warned: you should read this book with minimal distractions because it needs your complete focus.
chelseamanda's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
hannahbanks's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mandylovestoread's review
4.0
Blood and Ink is an interesting and unique style of crime book. It is a difficult book to review as my feelings on it jumped around a fair bit as I was reading it. The storyline was indeed in a league of its own, but I found myself not quite believing it at times. It is best to just go with it though, as it has many implausible threads. If you are a lover of crime fiction, and classic literature, you are certainly in for a treat. This book references many of these books, as well as true crime stories.
jack is an English Literature professor in Western Australia. He is bit of a mess, his wife has left him and taken their daughter to the US for a fresh start. Work is pretty much his life. One of his students, Hieronymus, an exchange student from the US, is writing a crime novel and throws ideas around with Jack. But then he discovers that a woman has been attacked in identical circumstances to one of those ideas. And then another idea comes to life... Jack follows these crimes around the world, following the breadcrumbs being left for him by Hiero. But the police soon start to suspect Jack - and it becomes a race to stop the killings and clear his name.
It was very well written and constructed, with plenty of twists to keep you intrigued. It took me a while to finish but I am glad that I stuck with it.
Thanks to Freemantle Press for my copy of this book to read. Book and Ink is out now
jack is an English Literature professor in Western Australia. He is bit of a mess, his wife has left him and taken their daughter to the US for a fresh start. Work is pretty much his life. One of his students, Hieronymus, an exchange student from the US, is writing a crime novel and throws ideas around with Jack. But then he discovers that a woman has been attacked in identical circumstances to one of those ideas. And then another idea comes to life... Jack follows these crimes around the world, following the breadcrumbs being left for him by Hiero. But the police soon start to suspect Jack - and it becomes a race to stop the killings and clear his name.
It was very well written and constructed, with plenty of twists to keep you intrigued. It took me a while to finish but I am glad that I stuck with it.
Thanks to Freemantle Press for my copy of this book to read. Book and Ink is out now
poogi's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
missmonograph_creative's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A perfect crime thriller with brilliantly executed mystery that kept me gripped to the end. The perfect Australian summer crime showcase!
Brett’s writing is gritty and perfectly suited to his chosen genre. His prose style lent itself beautifully to the pace of the novel, allowing me to read at a comfortable speed but without becoming bored or too overwhelmed. His descriptions and human insights were show-stopping and were one of the main things that stood out to me while reading.
Aside from the brilliant prose, the story was incredible. It wasn’t necessarily unpredictable but rather held my interest through the journey. It was multi-continental and featured many of my favourite things in literature (LOVE the references) and crime novels in general. The story was a perfect amalgamation of elements from thrillers, academic novels, and crime fiction in general.
Characters were introduced and developed in perfect rhythm with the plot and introduced that extra element that you often don’t find in gritty crime thrillers.
This book will be a go to rec for those looking for Australian fiction, crime fiction or a thriller.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
steveinadelaide's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
BLOOD & INK is a thrilling, fast-paced mystery novel that follows Professor Jack Griffen as he attempts to track down a serial killer. US exchange student Hieronymus Beck is Griffen's biggest fan and the two of them share a passion for classic crime books. But when Beck vanishes, leaving behind clues to five different murders, everything changes. The chase begins and Griffen must use his knowledge of classic crime to catch the killer before it’s too late – and before the killer gets him!
The story is filled with suspense, intrigue, and a few surprise twists along the way. The characters are engaging and well-developed, making for an enjoyable read. Every chapter leads to another unexpected turn as Griffen races against time to save others and himself.
BLOOD & INK is an intriguing mystery that will keep you reading until the very last page. Adams has crafted a complex plot and intricate characters, making this book a must-read for fans of crime fiction. With its thought-provoking story, exciting scenes, and unpredictable twists, BLOOD & INK is an exciting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
weirdfi's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Received a copy from Better Reading Preview
~~~
Okay, so my first book from Better Reading was another Aussie crime book, however I can recommend this one as more my cup of tea.
Whilst the main character the story revolves around Professor Jack Griffen still seemed silly at times and a few suspension of disbelief moments were needed from myself I enjoyed learning about almost every character. And I enjoyed most of the plot for the better part, and when I didn't enjoy the plot there was enough interest to keep me going.
I *slight spoiler alert* did not expect an international crime spree from this little book!
It kept it more diverse and expansive, when a reference to a book, movie or true crime occurred- and there were many- if I had no context or knowledge of the reference the main arc kept me invested. If you don't like carrots of other crimes and third and fourth walls all over your reading avoid this one, otherwise dive in and see which references you pick up and understand along the way. Thanks to a high school movie in Lit Class I knew of one particular New Zealand crime and it gave that part an extra thought for me! I'd definitely be interested in seeing if Brett has or will write any other books.
~~~
Okay, so my first book from Better Reading was another Aussie crime book, however I can recommend this one as more my cup of tea.
Whilst the main character the story revolves around Professor Jack Griffen still seemed silly at times and a few suspension of disbelief moments were needed from myself I enjoyed learning about almost every character. And I enjoyed most of the plot for the better part, and when I didn't enjoy the plot there was enough interest to keep me going.
I *slight spoiler alert* did not expect an international crime spree from this little book!
It kept it more diverse and expansive, when a reference to a book, movie or true crime occurred- and there were many- if I had no context or knowledge of the reference the main arc kept me invested. If you don't like carrots of other crimes and third and fourth walls all over your reading avoid this one, otherwise dive in and see which references you pick up and understand along the way. Thanks to a high school movie in Lit Class I knew of one particular New Zealand crime and it gave that part an extra thought for me! I'd definitely be interested in seeing if Brett has or will write any other books.
thunderhead's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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