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Blood Magic
When they found the first body, no one batted an eye.
That was par for the course in Skid Row. But something with these deaths was off. They were made to look like ritualistic suicides, like something supernatural. But I knew better. Besides, I don't believe in magic.
My name is Rick Danvers and I'm an undercover detective with Robbery Homicide. I've been embedded in this slum for a week now, and before the night is over, I'm gonna get to the bottom of the Skid Row Suicides.
That was par for the course in Skid Row. But something with these deaths was off. They were made to look like ritualistic suicides, like something supernatural. But I knew better. Besides, I don't believe in magic.
My name is Rick Danvers and I'm an undercover detective with Robbery Homicide. I've been embedded in this slum for a week now, and before the night is over, I'm gonna get to the bottom of the Skid Row Suicides.
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2015
194 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Domino Finn
32 books212 followersDomino Finn is an entertainment industry veteran, a contributor to award-winning video games, and the grizzled Urban Fantasy author of the best-selling Black Magic Outlaw series. His stories are equal parts spit, beer, and blood, and are notable for treating weighty issues with a supernatural veneer. If Domino has one rallying cry for the world, it's that fantasy is serious business.
Take up arms at DominoFinn.com
Take up arms at DominoFinn.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 2, 2022
Voodoo Good!
Detective Rick Danvers goes undercover on L.A.’s Skid Row, after a series of brutal “suicides.”
Of course no one cares about the deaths of homeless people suffering from mental illness, drug abuse and alcoholism. But the killer has finally killed someone from the other side of the tracks.
With the supposed suicide of the son of a famous nightclub owner, Danver and his police department are finally forced into admitting that the suicides are murders.
Now undercover as Ricky Kicks, Danver has spent a week investigating. He’s found his suspect, but things don’t go according to plan.
Detective Rick Danvers goes undercover on L.A.’s Skid Row, after a series of brutal “suicides.”
Of course no one cares about the deaths of homeless people suffering from mental illness, drug abuse and alcoholism. But the killer has finally killed someone from the other side of the tracks.
With the supposed suicide of the son of a famous nightclub owner, Danver and his police department are finally forced into admitting that the suicides are murders.
Now undercover as Ricky Kicks, Danver has spent a week investigating. He’s found his suspect, but things don’t go according to plan.
July 6, 2023
Blood Magic is a quick read, short story by Domino Finn. Told in first person narrative form, Detective Rick Danvers has gone undercover into a slum called Skid Row to investigate what appear to be ritual suicides. The detective makes it clear that there are voodoo elements surrounding these deaths, but that he is not a believer in blood magic. Over the course of this investigation, Danvers’ bedrock principles as a normal, 21st century cop may suddenly be shaken by magical elements not currently acceptable as part of his modernistic worldview.
Good, fun, punch to the gut story, but I believe the ending was telegraphed in such a way that you might see it coming before the final page. Still, a pretty darn good, short story that's 20 pages long, and also seems to be the introduction to a series. It might actually be worth picking up if you like scary, supernatural, noir detective-type stories.
Good, fun, punch to the gut story, but I believe the ending was telegraphed in such a way that you might see it coming before the final page. Still, a pretty darn good, short story that's 20 pages long, and also seems to be the introduction to a series. It might actually be worth picking up if you like scary, supernatural, noir detective-type stories.
March 23, 2015
I downloaded this great short story in the middle of the night when I could not sleep and it happily entertained me from start to finish.
Bodies are turning up and there are signs of ritualistic elements thrown in for good measure, each looks like a suicide. Rick Danvers with the Robbery/Homicide goes undercover into the dark happenings on Skid Row USA. He gets a bit more than he bargained for.
Good plot that grabs you straight away, it is is horror and has some gory and scary elements, they don't bother me but I am a horror reader anyway, I liked the twist thrown in and the whole "what's going on here" aspect of the book.
I felt it was quite well written too and would be keen to read more in the future from this author. It's a great read, it's free on Kindle at the moment and it's one that will engross you from start to finish.
So what are you waiting for? 3.5 stars from the Bookworm Catlady.
Bodies are turning up and there are signs of ritualistic elements thrown in for good measure, each looks like a suicide. Rick Danvers with the Robbery/Homicide goes undercover into the dark happenings on Skid Row USA. He gets a bit more than he bargained for.
Good plot that grabs you straight away, it is is horror and has some gory and scary elements, they don't bother me but I am a horror reader anyway, I liked the twist thrown in and the whole "what's going on here" aspect of the book.
I felt it was quite well written too and would be keen to read more in the future from this author. It's a great read, it's free on Kindle at the moment and it's one that will engross you from start to finish.
So what are you waiting for? 3.5 stars from the Bookworm Catlady.
March 15, 2015
After reading Shade City, I couldn't help but want to read anything of Finn's work that I could get my hands on. I would have preferred something of than a short story but only because it didn't last very long. (Understandable since it is a SHORT story but still.)
I kind of like cop stories, be they thriller, suspense or mystery. But I really like to see such a classic career choice in horror stories. So, Blood Magic was my kind of tale.
Finn creates a world that fully submerges you as you can practically smell the trash and rot, taste the crazy in the air. His characters basically breathe in front of your face, they become so real. (Or maybe I shouldn't read anything after I take my sleeping pill, they make me crazy.)
Details are not abundant in most short stories but Finn does a damn good job. I never felt lost or confused as to what was happening. I could see this tale being fleshed out into a full length novel with this part taking place around the middle of the book but then again, I liked that abrupt ending that let's the reader imagine how it all ended.
His writing has a flair to it that will keep me coming back to whatever he writes as long as he is churning them out.
I kind of like cop stories, be they thriller, suspense or mystery. But I really like to see such a classic career choice in horror stories. So, Blood Magic was my kind of tale.
Finn creates a world that fully submerges you as you can practically smell the trash and rot, taste the crazy in the air. His characters basically breathe in front of your face, they become so real. (Or maybe I shouldn't read anything after I take my sleeping pill, they make me crazy.)
Details are not abundant in most short stories but Finn does a damn good job. I never felt lost or confused as to what was happening. I could see this tale being fleshed out into a full length novel with this part taking place around the middle of the book but then again, I liked that abrupt ending that let's the reader imagine how it all ended.
His writing has a flair to it that will keep me coming back to whatever he writes as long as he is churning them out.
November 28, 2024
Very good. VERY good.
This deserves five stars. This is terrifying and slightly gory. But I can't judge it's goriness because it's not splatterpunk.
The suspense was on-point, and the use of language in this made it a very scary read.
10/10.
This deserves five stars. This is terrifying and slightly gory. But I can't judge it's goriness because it's not splatterpunk.
The suspense was on-point, and the use of language in this made it a very scary read.
10/10.
August 3, 2018
"Entertaining"
I don't often read horror stories; they've never interested me, but this short story was entertaining. There are a lot worse ways to spend an hour. A decent tale, well-written.
I don't often read horror stories; they've never interested me, but this short story was entertaining. There are a lot worse ways to spend an hour. A decent tale, well-written.
January 2, 2018
Okay okay type book not impressive
One time read for all novel reader. Still the mystery not solved and maybe it's sequel will come in next phase.
One time read for all novel reader. Still the mystery not solved and maybe it's sequel will come in next phase.
April 6, 2015
This is the second piece of work from Domino Finn that I've read to date. I was super excited to read something else from Finn after I enjoyed his book Shade City: The Dead Side Blues so much. I don't think that this short story is quite as great as Shade City was, but it is still really good. I really enjoy Mr. Finn's writing style. He makes good choices in the wording that he uses to describe something. You can give several people, a class for example, an exercise to describe the exact same thing in one sentence. Each individual will be judged on on the words they choose about said thing. The better writers will easily stand out in such an exercise. I feel that Domino's Finn's writing does stand out amongst many of the other authors that I've read through the years, even amid the ones that have a much larger catalogue of work to choose from and years more experience.
The reason I didn't feel as strongly about this story as I did about Shade City is because I didn't relate to the main character of Blood Magic as much as I had to Dante. That has a lot to do with the fact that Shade City was fully developed novel and Blood Magic is only a short story. In a full length novel, an author has the opportunity to use many more words and an abundance of details to get a point across. In a short story, there is a dearth of details as the author uses less words and the path to the conclusion of the story is a more direct route. Had this been a novel or just a longer short story, I might have given it a higher rating because the premise of the story was superb. Still, I enjoyed the story and I feel that the story opens up a new world where there could possibly be prequels or sequels that offer a glimpse of a bigger picture even if it is just one short story at a time.
In conclusion, I've read two pieces of work from Domino Finn and enjoyed each of them. If reading were a baseball game, Mr. Finn would be 2 for 2. While he might not have knocked this one out of the park, sometimes a good, solid base hit is all you need. I've been waiting for a while to get my hands on a copy of his book The Seventh Sons and after reading this story, I'm even more eager to see if he connects yet again. I believe that any fan of modern/urban supernatural fantasy will enjoy Domino Finn's writing. If you're not sure you want to pay full price for a novel from an author you've never read before, check out this short story. It is free to download on Amazon.com. If you read the story and like it, you might wanna check out Domino Finn's Facebook page so you can get updates about the authors upcoming projects. I'm pretty sure you'll be hearing a lot more of Mr. Finn in the future. His writing is too good for you not to.
The reason I didn't feel as strongly about this story as I did about Shade City is because I didn't relate to the main character of Blood Magic as much as I had to Dante. That has a lot to do with the fact that Shade City was fully developed novel and Blood Magic is only a short story. In a full length novel, an author has the opportunity to use many more words and an abundance of details to get a point across. In a short story, there is a dearth of details as the author uses less words and the path to the conclusion of the story is a more direct route. Had this been a novel or just a longer short story, I might have given it a higher rating because the premise of the story was superb. Still, I enjoyed the story and I feel that the story opens up a new world where there could possibly be prequels or sequels that offer a glimpse of a bigger picture even if it is just one short story at a time.
In conclusion, I've read two pieces of work from Domino Finn and enjoyed each of them. If reading were a baseball game, Mr. Finn would be 2 for 2. While he might not have knocked this one out of the park, sometimes a good, solid base hit is all you need. I've been waiting for a while to get my hands on a copy of his book The Seventh Sons and after reading this story, I'm even more eager to see if he connects yet again. I believe that any fan of modern/urban supernatural fantasy will enjoy Domino Finn's writing. If you're not sure you want to pay full price for a novel from an author you've never read before, check out this short story. It is free to download on Amazon.com. If you read the story and like it, you might wanna check out Domino Finn's Facebook page so you can get updates about the authors upcoming projects. I'm pretty sure you'll be hearing a lot more of Mr. Finn in the future. His writing is too good for you not to.
July 16, 2015
3.5 stars.
This was a good lunch time read. Domino Finn sets the backdrop nicely and the story introduces us to some interesting characters.
Like others have said, I could imagine this as a horror film/show as it would have some great set pieces and with various twists would keep the viewer interested just like the book kept me, the reader, interested.
I will check out further work of Finn's, the only reason I did not give it a 4 star was because the ending did not blow me away.
Good stuff.
This was a good lunch time read. Domino Finn sets the backdrop nicely and the story introduces us to some interesting characters.
Like others have said, I could imagine this as a horror film/show as it would have some great set pieces and with various twists would keep the viewer interested just like the book kept me, the reader, interested.
I will check out further work of Finn's, the only reason I did not give it a 4 star was because the ending did not blow me away.
Good stuff.
July 3, 2016
*SPOILER ALERT*
Although I was stumped by the murders and the killer(s) movements - as they seemed to jump from one place to another (Black magic, via astral projection? Spirit bodies?) - this was a mostly satisfying read. I liked the author's writing style, and may be interested in reading more of his work. Hopefully, clarifications will be made in The Black Magic Outlaw series. 3.5 stars.
Although I was stumped by the murders and the killer(s) movements - as they seemed to jump from one place to another (Black magic, via astral projection? Spirit bodies?) - this was a mostly satisfying read. I liked the author's writing style, and may be interested in reading more of his work. Hopefully, clarifications will be made in The Black Magic Outlaw series. 3.5 stars.
December 25, 2016
unfortunately, the story was pretty interesting. but because of how fast pace it was, i had trouble remembering who was who in the story. However, i'm really confused about the ending. "Rick Danvers flashed a smile. The cycle of death and life was a success." Is that supposed to be some kinda twist?
May 30, 2015
Quick fantasy/horror short story. Rick, an undercover cop, investigates a string of strange and bloody suicides in the slum known as Skid Row/The Nickel. But these suicides may not be suicides at all. Recommended if you enjoy a good mystery tinged with the supernatural.
May 28, 2016
It was ok. Better than most the scary short stories I've read. But more of a mystery story than a horror story. I liked the main character & the writing was decent. But the ending was confusing. Recommended if you like short stories & detective/mystery stories.
May 25, 2015
Quick and witty
Great short story with a great tale. A quick read. Keeps you on your tip toes. Undercover and confused loses....
Great short story with a great tale. A quick read. Keeps you on your tip toes. Undercover and confused loses....
June 11, 2015
Good short story for those who like horror and mystery with a touch of supernatural. Easy to read during a lunch break and a nice taster of Domino's style.
November 21, 2016
This guy is one to watch. What an unbelievable piece of writing. Brilliant as HELL.
June 21, 2018
Blood Magic is a FANTASTIC BOOK. I liked they were made to look like ritualistic scenes.
May 28, 2017
Overall, I thought that Blood Magic was a great read. A short horror story that will have you hooked to it the moment you start reading it.
I couldn't put the book down. The description of the book caught my eye, so I thought I'd read it and see how it would go. The book was well written.
I would love to read this again someday.
I couldn't put the book down. The description of the book caught my eye, so I thought I'd read it and see how it would go. The book was well written.
I would love to read this again someday.
July 18, 2019
This was a disappointment. I expected a horror story, but what I got was a crime thriller. I never felt scared or even wondered at the story, and the only reason I continued reading on, was that it was so short.
That said, I guess the story was ok for a cop-story - which I'm not really a fan of.
The writing was ok, if pompous and taxing to read.
All in all, this author's style isn't for me.
That said, I guess the story was ok for a cop-story - which I'm not really a fan of.
The writing was ok, if pompous and taxing to read.
All in all, this author's style isn't for me.
October 28, 2019
This is a gritty street level story that has the police looking into crimes involving the supernatural. These stories have always interested me over the years and this one was pretty good. It has an undercover cop living among the homeless and trying to earn their trust and find out more about them and their community so he can catch a killer who has been killing other homeless people.
October 5, 2025
Quick scary read
This story was well written. It described the scene well and kept me reading. My only problem is that I wish it was a full length book to give more background and world building. I think it would be cool to make it a full novel! But, if you know enough about skid row in LA, then the world building is just fine.
This story was well written. It described the scene well and kept me reading. My only problem is that I wish it was a full length book to give more background and world building. I think it would be cool to make it a full novel! But, if you know enough about skid row in LA, then the world building is just fine.
May 27, 2017
Artistically written. A book that goes into the details to make it feel like this is all the real deal. The spooky deaths, the hardship of the streets, voodoo ritual or suicide? Read on to find out how this will end and find a new Author to add to your the pile.
November 2, 2018
Wow!
Wow! This is a short story about an undercover cop investigating some strange deaths which appear to be suicides. As this is a Domino Finn story, you know that some dark magic is involved. Awesome story, short but oh, so good!
Wow! This is a short story about an undercover cop investigating some strange deaths which appear to be suicides. As this is a Domino Finn story, you know that some dark magic is involved. Awesome story, short but oh, so good!
November 7, 2025
This story could be made more powerful via unpredictability. As the theme of dark rituals is quite common in writing, there needs to be an element of surprise while revealing the practitioner. Overall, it's a nice short story that can fill your break time.
May 10, 2017
Not half as interesting as I had thought that to be... got distracted half way through the book and had only just wanted to finish it!!
June 21, 2017
Good read
This was a good read but it just wasn't the type of book that I normally read but I read it anyway and think that it was a pretty good storyline
This was a good read but it just wasn't the type of book that I normally read but I read it anyway and think that it was a pretty good storyline
August 4, 2017
Twisted
This is a good little story. Nice twist at the end. I would love a novel length work based on it, or what comes next.
This is a good little story. Nice twist at the end. I would love a novel length work based on it, or what comes next.
December 27, 2017
this was an interesting read. I hope there are more to this .
May 4, 2018
Very well written
September 2, 2018
Great short story
It captured and kept my attention for a straight through read.. I liked the message and the presentation. Very well written.
It captured and kept my attention for a straight through read.. I liked the message and the presentation. Very well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews