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ingo_lembcke's review against another edition
5.0
Read the second book in the series first, not planned, and that was great, so I wanted to know what happened before en détail.
Here my review of the second book in the series - will not repeat this here, as most also relates to this book, except (sadly), not as much use of social media, but the use of smartphones, computer, internet etc. is up-to-date, very real and you get the feeling the author knows her way with these tech and devices.
Wow! And what a beginning. Not wanting to spoil it, read the blurb, and so far it looks like the second book: a fast moving plot, leading to a probable 5star page-turner, short chapters, with changing POV, vivid bad dreams and memories from Carver with his medical problems. And is it one case (the Thorn Killer) or two (then what happened to Carver)?
Even just 10% into the book, one twist is answered, but lots of questions remain.
Setting is Liverpool, UK. So not London, which has been used too often for my taste, like it.
Breathtaking beginning, you do not know what happened, the first clues you get at 30%, and then that later that gets turned 90° or even 180°, nice twists.
So, 5stars for this book, during some part the investigation lacks suspense (middle or 60% into the book imho) and drags a little, but the twists are well done and I did not guess the killer till the revelation, very well done. Changing POV's, Carver, Lake, Killer. Some secrets stay buried and what I really liked, that for all the mistakes they (Carver and Lake) make: no vigilant heroism, and when they go places alone, they leave word where they are going (well most times).
Here my review of the second book in the series - will not repeat this here, as most also relates to this book, except (sadly), not as much use of social media, but the use of smartphones, computer, internet etc. is up-to-date, very real and you get the feeling the author knows her way with these tech and devices.
Wow! And what a beginning. Not wanting to spoil it, read the blurb, and so far it looks like the second book: a fast moving plot, leading to a probable 5star page-turner, short chapters, with changing POV, vivid bad dreams and memories from Carver with his medical problems. And is it one case (the Thorn Killer) or two (then what happened to Carver)?
Even just 10% into the book, one twist is answered, but lots of questions remain.
Setting is Liverpool, UK. So not London, which has been used too often for my taste, like it.
Breathtaking beginning, you do not know what happened, the first clues you get at 30%, and then that later that gets turned 90° or even 180°, nice twists.
So, 5stars for this book, during some part the investigation lacks suspense (middle or 60% into the book imho) and drags a little, but the twists are well done and I did not guess the killer till the revelation, very well done. Changing POV's, Carver, Lake, Killer. Some secrets stay buried and what I really liked, that for all the mistakes they (Carver and Lake) make: no vigilant heroism, and when they go places alone, they leave word where they are going (well most times).
edshara's review
4.0
A random pick from a Little Free Library, that turned into a pretty enjoyable 4 star read.
Splinter in the Blood, started off quick, by dropping us, right into the middle of things. However, after the quick start, things slowed down. Now, I did find the book still interesting, even at its slower pace. Its just out of the multiple books, I was reading, it wasn’t always my first choice to pick up. During the slowdown you’re given background information on the main characters, victims and even some musings from the Thorn Killer. It was all well and good, but I kept waiting for something explosive to happen. (Especially since this is a serial killer, mystery/thriller).
The characters were likable, even Greg, who was definitely a jerk. I know it’s the formula to tease bits and pieces, but I would’ve liked more information on Ruth. It’s like we circled around her quirks, without ever really getting anything definite about the why. The antagonist is mostly hidden, yet you can still probably figure things out, if that’s your goal. For the most part, Splinter in the Blood, reads like an episode of the original Law & Order series. You’re gonna get a lot of information and maybe even learn something new. Throw in a few climactic points before an ending that feels a little rushed. Good, but probably not for everyone.
Splinter in the Blood, started off quick, by dropping us, right into the middle of things. However, after the quick start, things slowed down. Now, I did find the book still interesting, even at its slower pace. Its just out of the multiple books, I was reading, it wasn’t always my first choice to pick up. During the slowdown you’re given background information on the main characters, victims and even some musings from the Thorn Killer. It was all well and good, but I kept waiting for something explosive to happen. (Especially since this is a serial killer, mystery/thriller).
The characters were likable, even Greg, who was definitely a jerk. I know it’s the formula to tease bits and pieces, but I would’ve liked more information on Ruth. It’s like we circled around her quirks, without ever really getting anything definite about the why. The antagonist is mostly hidden, yet you can still probably figure things out, if that’s your goal. For the most part, Splinter in the Blood, reads like an episode of the original Law & Order series. You’re gonna get a lot of information and maybe even learn something new. Throw in a few climactic points before an ending that feels a little rushed. Good, but probably not for everyone.
kellerko's review against another edition
4.0
A fast-paced thriller. Off to look for the second one in the series.
wanderlustqueen's review against another edition
5.0
This book was insane - I was fully wrong about where it was going and I loved it.
colorfulleo92's review
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but even though I've read the book in a few sittings. I don't remember it at all. Nothing comes up in my mind when I look at the book or the blurb but I know I read it. Was probably not in the right headspace for the book and will not give it a rating obviously. Might read it again some time in the future to see if it sticks in my head better then.
moonchild7277's review
2.0
Won this book on Goodreads. I liked Ruth Lake better than Greg Carver. I think this is mostly because Lake doesn’t always follow the rules. I mostly felt annoyed with Carver. At least I felt something for the character. I have read books where I didn’t form any opinions about the characters. While I didn’t expect who the Thorn killer was, I felt like neither did the author until she wrote it. I felt the same way about Lake shooting Carver until all of sudden, Lake didn’t. It was like the author had the storyline figured out and changed their mind in the middle of the novel and decided to go in a different direction but didn’t want to change what was already written. There were some parts of the novel that where my mind started to wander. Will not be reading anymore in the series. I had trouble in deciding if I should give the book 2 or 3 stars. After writing some of the review, I am going with 2 stars based on what I said above and I’ve read better books this year.
jess1carose's review against another edition
3.0
not a great read, idea was good but the characters didn't grab my attention.
novelesque_life's review
3.0
RATING: 3 STARS
2018; William Morrow/HarperCollins Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
I have read/listened to books longer than this one, but at times I felt like the book was never going to end. I liked the novel, but it didn't wow me like it did other readers. I went in thinking it was going to be something great and I may have had too high expectations. One thing I did enjoy was the realistic characters of Carver and Lake. I don't think I will continue the series.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2018; William Morrow/HarperCollins Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
I have read/listened to books longer than this one, but at times I felt like the book was never going to end. I liked the novel, but it didn't wow me like it did other readers. I went in thinking it was going to be something great and I may have had too high expectations. One thing I did enjoy was the realistic characters of Carver and Lake. I don't think I will continue the series.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
alibi313's review against another edition
4.0
A really well-constructed entry into the serial killer genre. The story was enriched through the addition of a second mystery. The only weak point was in pointing Lake in the direction of the obvious (but wrong) suspect too early in the book. After reading hundreds of these types of stories, my spidey senses aimed me towards peripheral characters for clues, so I guessed the real killer earlier than I’d have liked, keeping me from giving this book a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
Splinter in the Blood by Ashley Dyer is an absolutely brilliant police procedural that is quite riveting.
Detective Sergeant Ruth Lake and her partner Detective Chief Inspector Greg Carver have been working on a particularly sadistic and baffling serial killer case. Over the course of a year, five women have been kidnapped, ritualistically tattooed and murdered then displayed in carefully positioned poses. The latest murder of university student Kara Grogan hits very close to home for Greg since the young woman closely resembles his estranged wife, Emma. Drinking heavily and obsessed with the case, he summons Ruth to his flat late one evening. Upon her arrival, she is stunned to learn Greg has been shot. Following this shocking discovery, Ruth's actions are inexplicable and leaves one very important question unanswered: why does she remove evidence from the crime scene before calling for assistance? And even more important, why is Ruth so unnerved when she notices that Greg is still alive?
As Greg's partner, Ruth is not assigned to the investigation into his shooting. She instead focuses her attention on the serial killer case that has been dubbed the "Thorn Killer" due to method in which he tattoos his victims. Turning her attention to the most recent victim, Ruth meticulously goes over the case files and revisits Kara's flatmates in order to ascertain her movements in the weeks before her death. She also continues her research into the killer's peculiar methodology of tattooing the victims with thorns. Upon conferring with expert Dr. Lyall Gaines, Ruth learns important information but he rubs her the wrong way with his superior attitude and somewhat heavy-handed attempts to turn professional relationship into something more personal.
Whilst Ruth continues working the Thorn Killer investigation, Greg's recovery is slow and hampered by a head injury. With only fragmented memories of the night he was shot, he is confused by his jumbled thoughts, possible hallucinations and troubling synesthesia which provides him the ability to "see" people's emotions. Greg is also undergoing grueling physical therapy which is needed to counteract the effects of the concussion and the short time he was in a coma. In an attempt to help him deal with the trauma and emotional component of his recovery, Greg undergoes therapy with psychologist Dr. Laura Pendinning.
Further complicating an already complex situation, a woman Greg has been involved with, Adela Faraday, has been found murdered. This raises several intriguing avenues for the investigation into the circumstances of her death. Was Greg somehow involved with her murder? Or was he also a victim of the killer? Once again, Ruth is prohibited from working on the case but since she removed evidence that could identify the killer, she surreptitiously investigates Adela's murder on her own. Will Ruth unmask the perpetrator? Or will she find evidence that Greg is in some way connected to Adela's death?
Splinter in the Blood is a spellbinding mystery with a fascinating storyline. Greg and Ruth are multi-faceted characters with compelling histories that make them sympathetic and easy to like. The plot moves at a brisk pace as the investigations into the various cases steadily yield leads that demand further exploration. With clever twists, intriguing misdirects and plenty of red herrings, Ashley Dyer brings the novel to a dramatic, action-filled conclusion. This gripping debut is sure to be a hit with readers who enjoy well-written British police procedurals.
Splinter in the Blood by Ashley Dyer is an absolutely brilliant police procedural that is quite riveting.
Detective Sergeant Ruth Lake and her partner Detective Chief Inspector Greg Carver have been working on a particularly sadistic and baffling serial killer case. Over the course of a year, five women have been kidnapped, ritualistically tattooed and murdered then displayed in carefully positioned poses. The latest murder of university student Kara Grogan hits very close to home for Greg since the young woman closely resembles his estranged wife, Emma. Drinking heavily and obsessed with the case, he summons Ruth to his flat late one evening. Upon her arrival, she is stunned to learn Greg has been shot. Following this shocking discovery, Ruth's actions are inexplicable and leaves one very important question unanswered: why does she remove evidence from the crime scene before calling for assistance? And even more important, why is Ruth so unnerved when she notices that Greg is still alive?
As Greg's partner, Ruth is not assigned to the investigation into his shooting. She instead focuses her attention on the serial killer case that has been dubbed the "Thorn Killer" due to method in which he tattoos his victims. Turning her attention to the most recent victim, Ruth meticulously goes over the case files and revisits Kara's flatmates in order to ascertain her movements in the weeks before her death. She also continues her research into the killer's peculiar methodology of tattooing the victims with thorns. Upon conferring with expert Dr. Lyall Gaines, Ruth learns important information but he rubs her the wrong way with his superior attitude and somewhat heavy-handed attempts to turn professional relationship into something more personal.
Whilst Ruth continues working the Thorn Killer investigation, Greg's recovery is slow and hampered by a head injury. With only fragmented memories of the night he was shot, he is confused by his jumbled thoughts, possible hallucinations and troubling synesthesia which provides him the ability to "see" people's emotions. Greg is also undergoing grueling physical therapy which is needed to counteract the effects of the concussion and the short time he was in a coma. In an attempt to help him deal with the trauma and emotional component of his recovery, Greg undergoes therapy with psychologist Dr. Laura Pendinning.
Further complicating an already complex situation, a woman Greg has been involved with, Adela Faraday, has been found murdered. This raises several intriguing avenues for the investigation into the circumstances of her death. Was Greg somehow involved with her murder? Or was he also a victim of the killer? Once again, Ruth is prohibited from working on the case but since she removed evidence that could identify the killer, she surreptitiously investigates Adela's murder on her own. Will Ruth unmask the perpetrator? Or will she find evidence that Greg is in some way connected to Adela's death?
Splinter in the Blood is a spellbinding mystery with a fascinating storyline. Greg and Ruth are multi-faceted characters with compelling histories that make them sympathetic and easy to like. The plot moves at a brisk pace as the investigations into the various cases steadily yield leads that demand further exploration. With clever twists, intriguing misdirects and plenty of red herrings, Ashley Dyer brings the novel to a dramatic, action-filled conclusion. This gripping debut is sure to be a hit with readers who enjoy well-written British police procedurals.