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noveldeelights's review against another edition
4.0
Twelve years after leaving Peterborough and the Major Crimes Team, DI Bliss is back in familiar surroundings. On his first day, he’s thrown head first into what looks to be a serial killer investigation when the body of an elderly woman is found. Meanwhile, DI Bliss’s former colleague DS Chandler has been working on rape investigations. When her most recent case leads her back to Peterborough, she thinks there may be a connection between the rapes and the murders. Their search for the killer will lead them to America and back again.
As far as this murder investigation goes, The Scent of Guilt reads perfectly well as a stand-alone but I do feel you’d miss out on quite a bit of background regarding, for instance, DI Bliss’s health, which is explained in the first book in this series Bad To The Bone. I’m glad I managed to squeeze that one in before I read this one, even though I must admit the twelve year gap threw me off a little bit in the beginning and I thought I’d missed a book somewhere. Things have obviously changed in the last twelve years and some of the people DI Bliss used to work with have been replaced. Not all of them are happy to see him return and it’s not all plain sailing.
The chase for the serial killer is incredibly thrilling. The detectives quite quickly zero in on a potential suspect but are they right in doing so? Is there a rapist and a killer? Or is there only one person responsible for both vile acts? What is the motivation behind these attacks and why now? All these questions must be answered, preferably before there’s another victim. But when DI Bliss jets off to America, is he putting his own investigation into jeopardy? I didn’t have a clue but I really enjoyed trying to figure it out.
I love that part of this book is set in America. Cold cases are always fascinating to me and having the chance to work on this puzzle alongside Bliss, trying to find some kind of connection to what’s happening back in the UK, really held my attention throughout. The Scent of Guilt is a well plotted and suspenseful crime thriller. The pace starts off a little slow but ramps up as you go along and ultimately ends with a most satisfying conclusion. Another great addition to this series and I hope Bliss and Chandler will return soon!
As far as this murder investigation goes, The Scent of Guilt reads perfectly well as a stand-alone but I do feel you’d miss out on quite a bit of background regarding, for instance, DI Bliss’s health, which is explained in the first book in this series Bad To The Bone. I’m glad I managed to squeeze that one in before I read this one, even though I must admit the twelve year gap threw me off a little bit in the beginning and I thought I’d missed a book somewhere. Things have obviously changed in the last twelve years and some of the people DI Bliss used to work with have been replaced. Not all of them are happy to see him return and it’s not all plain sailing.
The chase for the serial killer is incredibly thrilling. The detectives quite quickly zero in on a potential suspect but are they right in doing so? Is there a rapist and a killer? Or is there only one person responsible for both vile acts? What is the motivation behind these attacks and why now? All these questions must be answered, preferably before there’s another victim. But when DI Bliss jets off to America, is he putting his own investigation into jeopardy? I didn’t have a clue but I really enjoyed trying to figure it out.
I love that part of this book is set in America. Cold cases are always fascinating to me and having the chance to work on this puzzle alongside Bliss, trying to find some kind of connection to what’s happening back in the UK, really held my attention throughout. The Scent of Guilt is a well plotted and suspenseful crime thriller. The pace starts off a little slow but ramps up as you go along and ultimately ends with a most satisfying conclusion. Another great addition to this series and I hope Bliss and Chandler will return soon!
syren1532's review against another edition
3.0
DI Jimmy Bliss is back in Peterborough. His last stint there didn’t end well but now he’s back in Major Crimes. He’s called to the discovery of an elderly lady’s body - she’s been murdered while walking her dog, the killer has also killed the dog. This is the third murder of an elderly woman in the city. There have also been a series of rapes on young women in the city. The two investigations are linked by Bliss’ former DS Penny Chandler who is part of a team investigating the rapes. The ensuing investigation leads to Bliss visiting California where similar cases occurred several years ago and by chance leads to a link to the UK and information which leads to the identification of the perpetrator.
An enjoyable read - easily read as a standalone even though this is the second in the series.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Tony J Forder for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
An enjoyable read - easily read as a standalone even though this is the second in the series.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Tony J Forder for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
ljwrites85's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second in the Bliss and Chandler series, but can easily be read as a stand alone without missing much, although I would recommend reading the first Bad To The Bone too, just because it is such a good book.
This book is set twelve years after the first, with DI Bliss accepting a job back in Peterborough. He is thrown in the deep end with a triple murder case, much to his superior’s annoyance. His former partner, Penny Chandler has been promoted to DS and is working down in London for the sexual crimes division. She’s sent back to Peterborough to investigate a series of rapes but she notices the timing of the cases seems to link with Bliss’s case. Are they connected?
It is nice to be reading another book by Tony J Forder, I’ve read a couple by him now and he doesn’t disappoint! It's another engrossing police procedural that builds to a heart pounding ending.
Now a little warning, this book takes on the particularly difficult subject of rape, but I feel the author and handles it with care and consideration which I appreciate.
Even though twelve year have passed Bliss still has the same issue with authority and ability to beat himself up for things he can’t control. Chandler is still hard working, intelligent officer from the first book and the only person who can make Bliss see sense (most of the time anyway). I love the two them working together, and I don’t know whether it’s just me but I think they’d make a good couple too.
My only issue is the fact they go to America. Yes, LA was a nice change from Peterborough but in the age of a cash strapped police force, it seems a bit unbelievable that they would send two officers in the middle of a serious investigation to the US. I mean couldn’t they have posted the files over? Did an interview via Skype? Although that probably would have been a lot less interesting.
Overall a fantastic read and I’ve heard there may even be a third in the pipeline, I hope so!
This book is set twelve years after the first, with DI Bliss accepting a job back in Peterborough. He is thrown in the deep end with a triple murder case, much to his superior’s annoyance. His former partner, Penny Chandler has been promoted to DS and is working down in London for the sexual crimes division. She’s sent back to Peterborough to investigate a series of rapes but she notices the timing of the cases seems to link with Bliss’s case. Are they connected?
It is nice to be reading another book by Tony J Forder, I’ve read a couple by him now and he doesn’t disappoint! It's another engrossing police procedural that builds to a heart pounding ending.
Now a little warning, this book takes on the particularly difficult subject of rape, but I feel the author and handles it with care and consideration which I appreciate.
Even though twelve year have passed Bliss still has the same issue with authority and ability to beat himself up for things he can’t control. Chandler is still hard working, intelligent officer from the first book and the only person who can make Bliss see sense (most of the time anyway). I love the two them working together, and I don’t know whether it’s just me but I think they’d make a good couple too.
My only issue is the fact they go to America. Yes, LA was a nice change from Peterborough but in the age of a cash strapped police force, it seems a bit unbelievable that they would send two officers in the middle of a serious investigation to the US. I mean couldn’t they have posted the files over? Did an interview via Skype? Although that probably would have been a lot less interesting.
Overall a fantastic read and I’ve heard there may even be a third in the pipeline, I hope so!
toellandback's review against another edition
5.0
The second in the DI Bliss series and another riveting read as he is hunting down a rapist and killer with an ongoing pattern which takes him far beyond his native Peterborough. Chandler is back (thankfully) to keep Bliss grounded and it's a hugely entertaining whodunnit and whydunnit with an edge of your seat final confrontation.
sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition
5.0
The Scent of Guilt is the second book in the DI Bliss series. As the book is set twelve years after the first book, Bad to the Bone, you don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. As it’s a good book though you will probably want to go back and read it and see how it all starts.
Whilst I enjoyed Bad to the Bone, I have to say The Scent of Guilt just blew me away. Bad to the Bone was the authors debut novel and he has written a few books since then and for me, with The Scent of Guilt, you can really see how much the author has grown as a writer. The story just flows perfectly and his talent just oozes through the pages. It was brilliant and seemed so effortless which made it even more enjoyable.
Bliss I was slightly unsure of in the first book as there were parts of him that I couldn’t relate to but with time, and like a good wine, he has certainly improved with age. The working chemistry between him and Chandler is just mesmerising and I couldn’t tear myself away from the pages.
A crime involving rape is never going to be something that is easy to read. I really have to applaud the author with his writing skills in getting the victims feelings across to the reader. I’m not sure what research he may have done but he totally nailed it for me and parts made for some really emotional reading.
The Scent of Guilt is very much a game of cat and mouse with some shocking twists and turns. The author has raised the bar very high with this book and I literally can not wait to see what he has in store for us next.
Whilst I enjoyed Bad to the Bone, I have to say The Scent of Guilt just blew me away. Bad to the Bone was the authors debut novel and he has written a few books since then and for me, with The Scent of Guilt, you can really see how much the author has grown as a writer. The story just flows perfectly and his talent just oozes through the pages. It was brilliant and seemed so effortless which made it even more enjoyable.
Bliss I was slightly unsure of in the first book as there were parts of him that I couldn’t relate to but with time, and like a good wine, he has certainly improved with age. The working chemistry between him and Chandler is just mesmerising and I couldn’t tear myself away from the pages.
A crime involving rape is never going to be something that is easy to read. I really have to applaud the author with his writing skills in getting the victims feelings across to the reader. I’m not sure what research he may have done but he totally nailed it for me and parts made for some really emotional reading.
The Scent of Guilt is very much a game of cat and mouse with some shocking twists and turns. The author has raised the bar very high with this book and I literally can not wait to see what he has in store for us next.
clair_82's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, [b:Bad to the Bone|33282277|Bad to the Bone|Tony J. Forder|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1491931489s/33282277.jpg|54006756], so I was absolutely thrilled to hear about the next book and to be on its blog blitz. Unfortunately, due to being unwell, I was unable to post my review on my scheduled date but here it is, better late than never.....
The Scent of Guilt is twelve years after Bad To The Bone and we pick up with DI Bliss upon his return to Peterborough. Whilst this book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first book to get an understanding of what led to Bliss leaving Peterborough in the first place and to get a background to his relationship with Chandler and his chain of command. If Bliss was expecting a gentle return to the Peterborough team, he was wrong because pretty much when Bliss arrives in Peterborough, the body of a female is found throwing him straight into a serial killer investigation. Prior to his return, the team have been investigating the deaths of two others to no avail so when a third body turns up with the same MO, Bliss and the team are put under immense pressure to find the perpetrator.
What I really liked from Bad To The Bone was the rapport that Bliss and DC Chandler had so I was pleased to see that Chandler was to also feature in this book as don't think it would have been the same without her - someone has to keep Bliss in check! Chandler and Bliss haven't been working together since his departure from the city twelve years ago however they have remained on friendly terms - during which time she has promoted to DS and working on the Met’s sexual crimes team in London.
As to be expected from the nature of the plot, there are scenes in this book that are difficult reading but Forder deals with these brilliantly and sensitively. What particularly stood out to me were the scenes between Bliss and an elderly gentleman who has had his wife taken away from him in the worst possible way - the dialogue between these two men is both harrowing and heartwarming.
The Scent of Guilt is a brilliantly complex and gripping police procedural investing in parallel the murders of older women alongside the rapes of young women - both are which are portrayed sensitively with an authentic voice. I look forward to book three to pick up again with Bliss and Chandler.
The Scent of Guilt is twelve years after Bad To The Bone and we pick up with DI Bliss upon his return to Peterborough. Whilst this book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first book to get an understanding of what led to Bliss leaving Peterborough in the first place and to get a background to his relationship with Chandler and his chain of command. If Bliss was expecting a gentle return to the Peterborough team, he was wrong because pretty much when Bliss arrives in Peterborough, the body of a female is found throwing him straight into a serial killer investigation. Prior to his return, the team have been investigating the deaths of two others to no avail so when a third body turns up with the same MO, Bliss and the team are put under immense pressure to find the perpetrator.
What I really liked from Bad To The Bone was the rapport that Bliss and DC Chandler had so I was pleased to see that Chandler was to also feature in this book as don't think it would have been the same without her - someone has to keep Bliss in check! Chandler and Bliss haven't been working together since his departure from the city twelve years ago however they have remained on friendly terms - during which time she has promoted to DS and working on the Met’s sexual crimes team in London.
As to be expected from the nature of the plot, there are scenes in this book that are difficult reading but Forder deals with these brilliantly and sensitively. What particularly stood out to me were the scenes between Bliss and an elderly gentleman who has had his wife taken away from him in the worst possible way - the dialogue between these two men is both harrowing and heartwarming.
The Scent of Guilt is a brilliantly complex and gripping police procedural investing in parallel the murders of older women alongside the rapes of young women - both are which are portrayed sensitively with an authentic voice. I look forward to book three to pick up again with Bliss and Chandler.
vesper1931's review
4.0
After twelve years working away DI Bliss is back in Peterborough and the major crimes team. Dropped straight into an investigation which has turned into a serial killer case as a third murdered victim has been discovered. Meanwhile DS Chandler is back as she involves herself into two rape cases.
The second in the series is another interesting and entertaining well-written story. Also with some likeable characters.
The second in the series is another interesting and entertaining well-written story. Also with some likeable characters.
karlou's review against another edition
5.0
I was immediately impressed when I started reading The Scent of Guilt that Tony J. Forder has taken the rather unusual step of setting this second book in his DI Bliss series twelve years after the previous novel. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel but if possible I would recommend reading the series in order. Jimmy Bliss was forced to move away from Peterborough after the fall-out from the investigation covered in Bad to the Bone and after several years involved in policing organised crime, he has returned to the city to head up a murder investigation. In the intervening years he hasn't managed to completely overcome his demons but he has learned how to manage them more effectively and is taking better care of his health. He's still prone to losing his temper in the face of unreasonable authority but he at least now grudgingly accepts the unavoidable politics of the job. Meanwhile Penny Chandler is now a Detective Sergeant and has been working in London for the Sapphire Unit, investigating rape and serious assault. The pairing between the two officers is a real strength of this series and I was relieved that their reunion feels a natural progression of the cases they are investigating and not forced for the sake of the plot. The easygoing rapport between them remains but the older and wiser Bliss has come to recognise just how much he relies on Chandler. The progression in their relationship is thoughtfully explored and once again character development is an outstanding feature of this series.
The narrative is told in the third person and follows Bliss' investigation but occasionally chapters reveal the killer's movements instead and being privy to the thoughts of this twisted and dangerous individual who is driven to commit heinous acts of violence is chilling and adds an even more desperate sense of urgency to the proceedings. The two detectives face a race against time before there are more rapes and murders and the case ends up taking them to California after an extraordinary tip leads them to look into a cold case over there. Moving the action away from Peterborough could have been a risk as I felt the author's local knowledge added a sense of authenticity to the sense of place in Bad to the Bone. Thankfully the gamble pays off; the various locations and the complexities of law enforcement in America have clearly been well researched meaning these engrossing scenes are also completely believable. It's not all Californian sun however, and the conclusion back in England is absolutely breathtaking and really makes the most of a windswept, remote location.
The Scent of Guilt may be an intriguing mystery with superb characterisation and riveting action but it's also a contemplative examination of what makes somebody evil. Tony J. Forder considers some complex themes here as characters' discussions include the generational patterns of abuse and the morals of the death penalty; and the importance of relationships, whether as sources of love, trust and strength or as more toxic influences are thought-provokingly scrutinised. I thoroughly recommend this intelligent, compelling thriller and eagerly look forward to reading more books from Tony in the future.
The narrative is told in the third person and follows Bliss' investigation but occasionally chapters reveal the killer's movements instead and being privy to the thoughts of this twisted and dangerous individual who is driven to commit heinous acts of violence is chilling and adds an even more desperate sense of urgency to the proceedings. The two detectives face a race against time before there are more rapes and murders and the case ends up taking them to California after an extraordinary tip leads them to look into a cold case over there. Moving the action away from Peterborough could have been a risk as I felt the author's local knowledge added a sense of authenticity to the sense of place in Bad to the Bone. Thankfully the gamble pays off; the various locations and the complexities of law enforcement in America have clearly been well researched meaning these engrossing scenes are also completely believable. It's not all Californian sun however, and the conclusion back in England is absolutely breathtaking and really makes the most of a windswept, remote location.
The Scent of Guilt may be an intriguing mystery with superb characterisation and riveting action but it's also a contemplative examination of what makes somebody evil. Tony J. Forder considers some complex themes here as characters' discussions include the generational patterns of abuse and the morals of the death penalty; and the importance of relationships, whether as sources of love, trust and strength or as more toxic influences are thought-provokingly scrutinised. I thoroughly recommend this intelligent, compelling thriller and eagerly look forward to reading more books from Tony in the future.
abz75's review against another edition
4.0
Another fab book by Tony Forder. This book is set 12 years after the first book, however I did not notice much difference in the characters (which is a good thing). I loved the change of scenery with a trip to America and the new characters. The character development for penny and Jimmy Bliss was lovely. Overall and enjoyable book.
muffhead's review against another edition
5.0
An elderly woman is found murdered and Bliss is called back to his old station after 12 years and a dark cloud.
He is given the case over a DCI which goes down as well as youd expect it to!
However Bliss reassembles his team, some on reputation and some he knows and they go to work.
One of his oldest friends Penny comes to talk to a rape victim in un unrelated case.
An unexpected phonecall from a cop in America sends Bliss off to investigate what could be a copycat crime, although the similarities are remarkable.
The little sojourn to the states is a brilliant aside, with lots of action and a nice little blossoming potential love story. Lots of banter which is genuinely laugh out loud funny.
When Bliss lands back in the UK its breathtaking and non stop until the end. The 2 baddies actually made me feel sick, they are that well written.
I randomly read the second in series so im bow going to read the rest and add another author to my must read. You should too.
He is given the case over a DCI which goes down as well as youd expect it to!
However Bliss reassembles his team, some on reputation and some he knows and they go to work.
One of his oldest friends Penny comes to talk to a rape victim in un unrelated case.
An unexpected phonecall from a cop in America sends Bliss off to investigate what could be a copycat crime, although the similarities are remarkable.
The little sojourn to the states is a brilliant aside, with lots of action and a nice little blossoming potential love story. Lots of banter which is genuinely laugh out loud funny.
When Bliss lands back in the UK its breathtaking and non stop until the end. The 2 baddies actually made me feel sick, they are that well written.
I randomly read the second in series so im bow going to read the rest and add another author to my must read. You should too.