Oh. My. Life. This book ... It's one of those 'what did you just do' reads with a 'why did you do that' moment, and it's one for which I think the impact will be felt for quite some time, both on an off the page I mean ... I'm delighted that Finn and Paulsen are back, I just wasn't expecting to read that. This is a book packed with tension, uncertainty and danger, and one that really taps into themes that could, sadly, have been ripped form the headlines. Corruption, negligence, revenge, immigration and family are all very key themes in a story which packs a real emotional impact on so many levels.

I won't delve too far into the plot - the blurb tells you all you really need to know. It's DI Finn's first day back at work and what a rude awakening it is too. Not as distressing perhaps as it is for MP Claire Beacham, but not exactly a day of light duties and paperwork either. Understandably, colleagues are concerned about the impact such a horrific case might have on Finn but, for once, he really does seem like he has gained some semblance of control over his grief, and is fuelled by a determination to find justice for the victims in this case, I like Finn as a character, like his vulnerability, and like the way in which Will Shindler has built an element of self doubt into his return to work. It would be strange if he came back firing on all cylinders, and so that hesitancy is understandable and relatable on many levels. You can't keep a good man down though, and alongside his old partner in crime Mattie Paulsen, and temporary replacement Jackie Ojo, you have a wonderful team that it is a pleasure to spend time with, even if it is often also in the company of corpses.

The Blood Line sees the return of a fafe from Finn's past, and a name that will be somewhat familiar to people who have read the first book in the series, The Burning Men. That adds tension, uncertainty and conflict to an already messy case, the victims bearing similar hallmarks to this particular villains M.O. And their return does tie into the main case, in a way which remains hidden for some time but will ultimately lead to some of the most unforgettable and impactful moments in the book. There are scenes of action which get the pulse racing, but none more so than the one towards the end of the book, the shockwaves of which will be felt for some time to come. It's one of those watershed moments that feels like it might be a bit of a turning point for the characters too, and I'm intrigued to see how Finn will handle it.

I love the feeling of these books. That edge of darkness which is lessened to some degree by the simple humanity infused in the main characters. The author keeps the mystery flowing until just the perfect moment, the implications of what is revealed leading to an element of sympathy, if not forgiveness, for the perpetrator of the crimes. It's another really gripping case, full of twists and turns, that kept me completely hooked until the very last page. if you love this series you will love, and hate, this.

I’ve read the earlier books in this excellent crime series featuring DI Alex Finn and his DC Mattie Paulsen so I was pleased to be offered the opportunity to review this latest one which is certainly up to date in its subject matter.
Alex has been on a 6 month sabbatical recovering from the death of his wife but is now returning to work feeling a lot better and more able to cope.
When a social worker is murdered Alex and his team are asked to investigate. There is a subsequent connection to a local MP who is trying to stop a young jailed gangster, Ben, being deported and Alex decides to look into a link.
Meanwhile in another plot strand the leader of the gangsters is trying to get to Ben in jail using all means available. Bribery and threats to members of the police seem to be his method of choice. However even he does not know why MP, Claire is being stalked by a murderer.
This is a plot which is easy to believe. Unfortunately an MP being the target of a killer is not a new scenario, particularly if we look at events over the last few years and it really made me think how I would feel if I worked in a high profile job serving the public. There would always be that fear in the background and it would almost be impossible to be completely protected by the police.
I really enjoyed catching up with Alex and Mattie- they are great characters and the ending when it came was totally unexpected and definitely left me wanting to read more. I’m certainly looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend The Blood Line and the earlier books to all crime thriller fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my review copy.

4/5 Very Good

The 4th book in what is easily one of the best and underrated series out right now.

Alex Finn and Mattie Paulsen return albeit a much lesser role from Mattie.

This fantastic crime series continues with a different Alex Finn, same protagonist but one that’s learning to deal with his issues. It makes for a slightly different read from the rest without the anger and brooding, it’s a welcome change.

The plot and pace as is usual spot on. A bit more political than I like but then it’s very relevant plot line.

The Finale is both upsetting and shocking and you wander where it leaves this new Finn

Will Shindler is a great author and this series grows from strength to strength.

Superb

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Any book by Will Shindler is a good read and this is no exception. I highly recommend it.

Yay we are back again with DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulson and this is a book that is non stop action from beginning to end. After an absence of 6 months Alex Finn returns to work and is immediately thrown into a case both gruesome and puzzling. So many different things are happening in the book and non seem to be connected as the team struggle to find a connection to a series of brutal murders and MP Claire Beacham who is being targeted by the killer and receiving a number of very disturbing body parts.
This is one heck of a brilliant read and as the series has progressed the characters are all becoming like old friends and this is all down to the excellent crafting by Will Shindler. I found the story to be very emotional at times and the ending was a surprise and now I am desperately hoping that we won’t have to wait too long for the next instalment. So I loved the read I and I love the series, this book can be read as a stand-alone but I would advise anyone to read the whole series to get a full understanding of all the characters and I no hesitation in giving this a full 5 stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The second book to feature DI Laura Hart and what a belter. After the first book After The Dark Tide I knew I would like this series. A body is found but who is he and what is his real name??? Another page turner which takes the reader on a journey to Belfast and Dublin. To the IRA and MI 5. Another heart stopping, action packed trek through the mind of this very talented author's mind and a budding romance to Boro. What's not to love and so highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

Finn is back after compassionate leave following his wife's death and his subsequent breakdown. Intending to coast into his return after a lengthy absence and complete break from active duty , he is hit with a bloodthirsty murder,; an apparently perplexing motiveless case.Two murders follow, all involving a tenuous link to a local MP who is fighting a case to prevent the deportation of a young criminal . No facts support her involvement to three murdered individuals. . However the extradition plus her link to the imprisonment of a child abuser all confuse and detract from solving the case of three apparently innocent victims. Into this complicated mix is a cold blooded criminal mastermind who does not make mistakes and a detective with financial and family problems. A fast moving complex police investigation that involves several mysteries and even more difficult solutions. A final series of actions carried out by a cold hearted killer leaves the chief protagonist with several bodies, a large number of casualties and the reader waiting for yet another sequel if in this case, cold justice is to be served at some point in future. sequel. A well crafted storyline with three dimensional characters and interesting if brutal conclusion. Many thanks to Author. Publisher and Netgalley for this ARC

The DI Alex Finn series is one of the best in modern crime fiction, with great plots, tremendous characterisation and excellent writing. The squad is very much at a crossroads as this fourth instalment gets under way, with Finn returning to work after a sabbatical. The interaction between the cops is fascinating and the insight into their personal lives most revealing. The action is engrossing from the start and the tension never lets up. I was relieved when the author left the words To Be Continued in his postscript!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy of The Blood Line, the fourth novel to feature DI Alex Finn of The Met.

On the evening before Finn’s return to work after a six month sabbatical he is asked to visit MP Claire Beecham, who came home from work to find a parcel on her doorstep and on opening it found a severed head. It is not the last “present” she will receive and trying to find a motive and a culprit taxes the team’s abilities.

I enjoyed The Blood Line, which is a multi stranded novel with several interlocking layers and a very interesting subplot, although calling it a subplot is perhaps selling it short as it almost takes over the novel by supplying the bigger developments and twists, and, no, I’m not going to give away its substance.

I have too many things going on just now to really devote myself to my reading, so I had to dip in and out of this novel rather than settle down for a long session. I think this slightly distorted my view of the novel and it didn’t have the impact on me that it should have had, hence 4 rather than my more customary 5 with this series. Still, I found all the links between the characters clever and the ending quite a jolt, not just for events, but for the hint of unfinished business.

The plot is well executed with various twists and turns and strategic reveals to keep the reader turning the pages. As I said I like the way it slots together eventually although it’s not obvious at the start. I also like the way it incorporates contemporary themes, although I was less enthusiastic about the way some of Claire’s secrets were brushed aside as understandable.

The Blood Line is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

*4.5 stars*

Author, Will Shindler, has quickly become a real favourite of mine, and ‘The Bloodline’ merely confirms the reason for that.

Labour MP, Claire Beacham returns home after a busy day to find a parcel on the doorstep - no name, no label. As a politician this usually raises a red flag, a serious warning, but after the day she’s had she decides to just open it. What she discovers is horrific! A severed head rolls across the kitchen floor, the blood still dripping from her hands, not surprisingly it leaves her traumatised. Unfortunately for Claire this won’t be the last delivery of it’s kind!

DI Finn is returning to work following a six month sabbatical after suffering mental health issues after the death of his wife Karin. He was hoping for a uncomplicated case to break him gently back in, but this is going to be just the opposite. It’s grim and gruesome and almost impossible to crack - almost.

This is a multi faceted story which succeeds on every level, and it covers many current topics - including the safety of MP’s, (something that has become more prominent in recent years here in the UK), immigration, police corruption and organised crime on a massive scale. The plot is brilliant, with lots of twists and turns after stalling in many a cul de sac on the way, the characters are multi layered, and vividly drawn on both sides of the law. Well-written, extremely tense, this is a series that just grows and grows! Roll on book 5# in the series, I can’t wait.

After a forced break, DI Alex Finn is returning to the Metropolitan Police with a renewed outlook, but it will be tested by his first case back - that of a severed head left on the doorstep of a prominent politician. She does not recognise the head, but it is clear that a message is being sent to her. Can Alex and his team decipher the code before more packages are sent?

This is the first book in this series that I have read, but I'm lead to believe it is a sequel! As a result, the characters are pretty well-formed and the plot does move along fairly quickly, although it is a bit slow in the beginning! A 4* book for me.

Thank you Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.

One sentence review: Painfully boring

SYNOPSIS

DI Alex Finn returns to work only to be thrown head first (excuse the pun) into a creepy ass case: politician Claire Beacham received a severed head at her doorstep with no name, no note, nothing. As the body part deliveries continue, DI Finn and DS Paulsen are thrust into the underbelly of politics to crack the case.

MY OPINION

I'm no stranger to a DNF; I will pull the trigger 2 pages in if I feel we're not compatible. But recently I've found myself wasting a lot of time getting to 30/40% in a book before calling it in. So when I found myself debating to yeet or keep around 40% in this one, I decided to slog on just so I tell myself I finally finished a book after almost a week of constant DNFs 😢

While I considered book #2 The Killing Choice to be Honda Civic Reliable, this book was more like my husband's 2012 Ford Focus that failed its inspection when we moved provinces.

This book, like several new releases this year tbh, felt like it was slapped together in an afternoon. The writing was purely tell, no show. There were flashes of something respectable, but mostly it was "DI Finn felt sad. He frowned." Then you had one my biggest pet peeves, which I call "clickbait writing." This isn't foreshadowing, it's telling the reader "hey I have a secret but you're going to have to read at least 75% of this book before I tell you" and then the secret is like "I'm not a natural blonde." This is the laziest way to create suspense. Here's an example from the book:

And so she told her. The revelation hung in the air between them.

'So now you know..' said Claire. 'Please say something.

This exchange happened at 43% in the book and the revelation that hung in the air wasn't actually revealed until 95%.... Are you serious???

SPOILERS TO SCROLL AHEAD





The reveal was the nail in the one-star coffin tbh. So miss thang had an ab0rtion that made her infertile (nearly impossible) which turned her into an alcoholic and a domestic abuser??? RIIIIGHHHTTT LOL. This was one of those: keep it in the drafts. It felt like thinly veiled pro-life propaganda: if you have an ab0rtion, you too could become an alcoholic abuser! I understand that infertility may cause women to become more depressed and angry, but linking the infertility to ab0rtion (where the chances are infinitesimal) is what made this icky for me.

Then after this weird pro-life ad, Alex Finn tells Claire no worries about being an abuser, we all have our secrets. Pause sir. Whooping your partner's ass is NOT a harmless secret???? Slap the cuffs on her immediately. And volunteering/championing for a domestic violence shelter afterward does not balance the scales.

The above was even more cringeworthy after I read the author's note where he said he wanted to make Claire relatable. Excuse me? Idk how many people are relating to becoming infertile due to ab0rtion and Bautista Bombing their bf as a result? Have you ever spoken with a woman?

The twisty twist that Emma was Ray's daughter was LOL?? Are you dead ass that nobody put 2+2 together???? They had the intel that he had an estranged daughter and thought hmmm maybe the fact he's going after a prisoner with a girlfriend around his daughter's age could be more than a coincidence?? Nah.





PROS AND CONS

Pros: the case was juicy and the plot was thicc at some points

Cons: weird political messaging, slow as a snail, lacklustre writing, unlikeable characters

Will Shindler's latest addition to his wonderful London based DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen series is a particularly chilling, gruesome, and horrifying blood soaked affair. Finn is returning after a 6 month break addressing the necessary trauma of the grief that swamped him after the loss of his wife, Karin. He is definitely in a better place, and although apprehensive, looking forward to working with his MIT police team, led by Acting DI Jackie Ojo in his absence. However, he finds himself immediately plunged into a case that is to test him to his limits, professionally and personally, and have him questioning his abilities. After a long, tough and exhausting day, Claire Beacham, Labour MP for Wimbledon South, returns home to find a parcel on her doorstep, opening it up only for the shocking sight of a bloody severed head to roll out onto her kitchen floor.

As Finn arrives on the scene, his team are keen to identify the victim, and find the rest of his body. It is to be first of a series of killings with body parts delivered to a shattered Beacham, who has no idea why or who might be targeting her in this terrifying manner. However, despite the pressures she is under, she is determined to do all that she can to prevent the deportation of 22 year old Benjamin Ngomo, currently in prison. In the meantime, wanted ruthless OCG boss, Ray Spinney, known as the 'Handyman', has returned to Britain from Switzerland with plans of carrying out a big well organised heist and laundering the proceeds. The police delve into Beacham's life, their task made more difficult with the high number of trolls spewing their hatred online, as they desperately search for connections between her and the dead victim, a social worker.

This is a gritty crime series that goes from strength to strength, one of the highlights for me is the stellar character development that takes place, here we see Finn becoming a more relaxed and caring boss, improving his relationships with his team, slowly moving through his grief, although the horrors of the ending threaten to derail his recovery. Paulsen's relationship with her partner, social worker Nancy Deen is helping to anchor her, and she is looking for promotion to DS, a step that will involve her moving on from Finn's team. This is a dark, gripping and macabre crime read with a high body count, with police corruption, mental health issues, trauma, and a focus on families, parents and children. MP Claire Beacham is a revelation, who in the face of challenges from all corners of her life and her past, still has the remarkable resilience to do all that she can for her constituents, like Ngomo, a man sceptical of her good intentions. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

An excellent read, from an author I hadn’t read before. Will certainly check out his other titles and look forward to the follow up to this one.
On of the best books I have read of late.
Recommend.

4-5 rounded up

DI Alex Finn #4
What a good title and most appropriate!

This is another well crafted addition to an excellent series. Central to the plot of this one is labour MP Claire Beacham who is sent a parcel whose contents shock everyone to the core. DI Alex Finn returns to work after a six month sabbatical and has a baptism of fire as the ensuing murder enquiry has far-reaching consequences. A huge sense of doom seems to overhang all as Will Shindler yet again keeps you super glued to the pages.

First of all, the issues covered here are extremely topical and pertinent encompassing themes such as the insidious far reach of OCG’s, there’s corruption and issues surrounding immigration. I really enjoy that an MP is central to the plot and the character of Claire is a good one and it would be great to read about her in future books. The police team are so well crafted too, Finn has many issues but he’s working hard on them and I really like Mattie Paulsen. DCI John Stegman is an interesting boss!! I’ll leave it there!

This multilayered, well thought out fast paced gritty plot keeps you on your toes although I do figure out a couple of things it doesn’t in anyway spoil the enjoyment as things unfold. There are lies by the truckload, huge betrayal that has terrible consequences and there is some horrifying violence though this is never over played but yet you are left in no doubt. The plot contains some very sinister characters who have precious little or no morality so outcomes are never going to be pretty. If becomes more and more chilling, the end of the shocker that freezes your blood and which leaves you impatient for number five! I can’t wait!!

Overall, this is another belter of a novel
and is certainly a strap yourself in, twisty, ‘turny’ rollercoaster that is chock full of tension.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

Wow, this series of books featuring DI Alex Finn is really shaping up to be really, really good and this latest book is a great addition. I love the two main characters, Finn and Paulsen, and loved being back in their world as they investigate a murder. The author has tackled topical issues here and dealt with them very well - safety of MPs, immigration, crime gangs and police corruption. I was immediately drawn into the story with the prologue - talk about getting off to a great start - and from there on in I was hooked. Finn returns to work after a six month sabbatical and hits the ground running when he is thrown into a high profile investigation straight away. I absolutely loved this read and everything about it - the author grabbed my attention right from the start and never let it go until the last page. It is beautifully written, engaging, flows well. and has a great plot line that is all too believable and realistic in todays society. I loved all the different story threads here which all slowly come together as the book progresses and the last quarter was, in my opinion, just brilliant - very tense with lots of action and wow moments. And lastly the author has dealt with Finns grief very sensitively and with much care - I had so much empathy for him as a character and could resonate with his feelings, thoughts and emotions. For me, I think this is the best book yet. Seriously this series is just going from strength to strength. If you’ve not heard of Will Shindler then you are in for a treat. I’d highly recommend this book and series although I would say if start with the first book The Burning Men if he is a new author to you, Definitely looking forward to the next book and this one has to be one of my best reads this year.

My thoughts about Will Shindler’s The Blood Line is an outstanding police procedural thriller. It’s gripping from the start to finish and is packed with exhilarating suspense, and thrills. Will Shindler’s The Blood Line also tackles corruption in all spheres from the UK police force to politicians. Writer has surpassed all the expectations with his solid writing and outstanding suspense. Will Shindler’s fourth book in the DI Alex Finn series The Blood Line begins with a bang and the excitement keeps going. Will Shindler’s The Blood Line story begins with an introduction to character Claire Beacham returns from a busy day at work to a parcel on her doorstep – no note, no label. As a politician, she’s used to being suspicious of anonymous hate mail but today she’s too tired to worry. She opens it, finding a gruesome surprise inside. A severed head falls to her kitchen floor; the rich, red drip of blood on her hands.
It is clear to Claire and those around her that this terrifying package is a message. But who sent it, and why. It’s Claire’s first delivery – and won’t be her last. DI Finn cannot enjoy the gentle return to his role in the Murder Investigation Team of the Metropolitan Police that he planned. Someone is targeting Claire and with every message comes another casualty. With the clock ticking, DI Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen must wade through the depths of the murky political sphere before the bodies start piling up. On the whole, Will Shindler’s The Blood Line is a powerful and gripping police procedural thriller that leaves an impact as it resonates with the problems of the police corruption. It is sure to work big time like it’s others books in the series. I would like to say a big thank you to author Will Shindler and Publishers Hodder Books Publishers, for kindly gifting me a copy to read and review this brilliant book, which I’ve enjoyed reading on NetGalley.

The Blood Line is the fourth in the DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen series and as I said in my review of Book 3 the series just keeps getting better.
Claire Beacham is the Labour MP for Wimbledon South and a shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding. When she returns from work one evening to find a severed head on her doorstep, Finn, newly returned to duty after compassionate leave and Paulsen are put on the case.
This is a hugely topical novel, covering themes such as organised crime gangs, immigration and the safety of MPs. The plot is clever and multi layered with lots of twists and turns. It's a hugely satisfying police procedural and the various plotlines come together well by the end. Finn and Paulsen are likeable characters and I like the way the author continues to deal with Finn's bereavement sensitively and realistically. A well written and compelling novel that I'd highly recommend.
4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.