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Lord and Lady Hetheridge #5
Blue Blooded
Tony Hetheridge is stepping into a new career—private detective. As a Chief Superintendent for New Scotland Yard, he spent years presiding over the “Toff Squad,” handling murders that intersected with the rich and powerful. Now that mantle passes to his wife, Kate, while Tony is free to pick and choose his cases. The first: the strange suicide of Mariah Keene and the simultaneous disappearance of her twin, Mark. The twenty-one-year-old twins were Uni dropouts, recreational drug users, and dabblers in the unusual spiritual discipline called sacred geometry. But those risk factors pale compare to their association with the unjustly acquitted triple murderer, Sir Duncan Godington.
As Tony goes undercover in the City of Westminster to search for Mark and discover what really happened to Mariah, tempestuous Kate struggles to balance family life with work. She and Tony are determined to adopt nine-year-old Henry; her estranged sister, Maura, is suing to regain full custody. At Scotland Yard’s new HQ, her best mate Paul Bhar is being put out to pasture while Kate finds herself up for a long-sought promotion. And her first solo investigation, the high-tech murder of a politician, takes an unexpected turn toward Tony’s case—and Sir Duncan. Is it mere coincidence? Or has Sir Duncan’s reckoning come at last?
As Tony goes undercover in the City of Westminster to search for Mark and discover what really happened to Mariah, tempestuous Kate struggles to balance family life with work. She and Tony are determined to adopt nine-year-old Henry; her estranged sister, Maura, is suing to regain full custody. At Scotland Yard’s new HQ, her best mate Paul Bhar is being put out to pasture while Kate finds herself up for a long-sought promotion. And her first solo investigation, the high-tech murder of a politician, takes an unexpected turn toward Tony’s case—and Sir Duncan. Is it mere coincidence? Or has Sir Duncan’s reckoning come at last?
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
April 16, 2022
Another great book in this series in which all the main characters come within minutes of dying - that would be one way to end a series I suppose. Fortunately Emma Jameson is not so cruel but it is a very tense chapter for Tony, Kate, Paul and the reader. And not everyone escapes unharmed.
In Blue Blooded Tony is beginning his new life as a P.I. and his first case is that of twins, Mariah and Mark Keene, one of whom died and one disappeared at the same time. Unfortunately they appear to have been involved with Tony's long time antagonist, Sir Duncan Godington and the situation between them gradually comes to a head.
There is a lot of domestic story line too which I enjoy so much in these books. Young Henry is unavoidably causing issues between Kate and his natural mother, Maura. Ricky accidentally burns half the house down. Paul discovers he is about to be pushed aside at work. Love it - and I still have two more books to read.
In Blue Blooded Tony is beginning his new life as a P.I. and his first case is that of twins, Mariah and Mark Keene, one of whom died and one disappeared at the same time. Unfortunately they appear to have been involved with Tony's long time antagonist, Sir Duncan Godington and the situation between them gradually comes to a head.
There is a lot of domestic story line too which I enjoy so much in these books. Young Henry is unavoidably causing issues between Kate and his natural mother, Maura. Ricky accidentally burns half the house down. Paul discovers he is about to be pushed aside at work. Love it - and I still have two more books to read.
October 31, 2019
This may be the last of the series. At least, Jameson has chosen, for the time being, to move on to other writing.
If you haven’t read any others this is NOT the place to start.
The cast includes:
Lord Anthony Hetheridge, fixture heading one of Scotland Yard’s most successful murder investigation teams, now “retired.”
“Paul” and “Kate,” former members of that team
Harvey, Hetheridge’s home-based factotum
Mrs. Snell, formerly Hetheridge’s Scotland Yard “gatekeeper” now his personal assistant
DCI Jackson, the new chief of Hetheridge’s team
Sir Duncan Godington, a sociopath-murderer who has yet to be brought to justice.
I find this the most satisfying volume since the first of the series. I like the comfort Jameson shows with her characters and the little details that she gets right.
"The best thing about a Blackberry variant was that good old-fashioned Blackberry keyboard. Funny how her thumbs hadn’t forgot."
"In a real confrontation, Kate would have kneed his groin, broken his fingers, or both. In a training session, she needed to make a less agonizing point he’d remember."
This book certain marks a morphing from what many have characterized as a “cozy” mystery series to a more “thriller” orientation. You won’t mistake Tony Hetheridge for Jack Ryan but Jameson builds the tension well and has a plausible “clock” ticking in the background.
Without launching any spoilers, the final chapters of this book should prove satisfactory to anyone who has immersed themselves in the series.
"Mates and casual acquaintances kept asking him how he was holding up. He always smiled, laughed a little, and said something meaningless. If only he was an American who could weep in the arms of strangers and spill his deepest fears in a tweetstorm. But he wasn’t, and he couldn’t. In the aftermath of the crisis, he’d never felt more English."
If you haven’t read any others this is NOT the place to start.
The cast includes:
Lord Anthony Hetheridge, fixture heading one of Scotland Yard’s most successful murder investigation teams, now “retired.”
“Paul” and “Kate,” former members of that team
Harvey, Hetheridge’s home-based factotum
Mrs. Snell, formerly Hetheridge’s Scotland Yard “gatekeeper” now his personal assistant
DCI Jackson, the new chief of Hetheridge’s team
Sir Duncan Godington, a sociopath-murderer who has yet to be brought to justice.
I find this the most satisfying volume since the first of the series. I like the comfort Jameson shows with her characters and the little details that she gets right.
"The best thing about a Blackberry variant was that good old-fashioned Blackberry keyboard. Funny how her thumbs hadn’t forgot."
"In a real confrontation, Kate would have kneed his groin, broken his fingers, or both. In a training session, she needed to make a less agonizing point he’d remember."
This book certain marks a morphing from what many have characterized as a “cozy” mystery series to a more “thriller” orientation. You won’t mistake Tony Hetheridge for Jack Ryan but Jameson builds the tension well and has a plausible “clock” ticking in the background.
Without launching any spoilers, the final chapters of this book should prove satisfactory to anyone who has immersed themselves in the series.
"Mates and casual acquaintances kept asking him how he was holding up. He always smiled, laughed a little, and said something meaningless. If only he was an American who could weep in the arms of strangers and spill his deepest fears in a tweetstorm. But he wasn’t, and he couldn’t. In the aftermath of the crisis, he’d never felt more English."
September 28, 2025
Pretty darn satisfying, but with caveats. The previous book suggested this book would tie up a multi-book arc, which it did, but the first half had me questioning whether it would happen or not.
The slow and meandering beginning wasn’t promising. It felt like filler. Then, around 50% there was a huge info dump, and shortly after, a smaller one. I suspect Jameson was focused on the finale, and couldn’t find a way to organically remind readers about the villainy of her murderer.
However, the 3rd act came in hot. I’m not an action fan or into violence, but was there for every minute. Apparently, I do have a bloodthirsty side.🧛♀️ Good job, Jameson!
But wussy me felt very bad for one of the victims (meaning, there were already enough victims. It felt needless)😢
This one was definitely not a cozy mystery.
TW:
Infanticide.
The slow and meandering beginning wasn’t promising. It felt like filler. Then, around 50% there was a huge info dump, and shortly after, a smaller one. I suspect Jameson was focused on the finale, and couldn’t find a way to organically remind readers about the villainy of her murderer.
However, the 3rd act came in hot. I’m not an action fan or into violence, but was there for every minute. Apparently, I do have a bloodthirsty side.🧛♀️ Good job, Jameson!
But wussy me felt very bad for one of the victims (meaning, there were already enough victims. It felt needless)😢
This one was definitely not a cozy mystery.
TW:
Infanticide.
February 2, 2019
At last!! A new Hetheridge mystery!
I love these characters, and the author doesn't write them nearly as often as I would like. (But we can't all be J.D. Robb!)
This particular story has a much better detective story than previous books, but is more of a thriller than a whodunit. And we finally got a lot more resolution of ongoing story arcs. Can't wait for the next installment! (Hope Paul finally has some luck in the lady love department!)
I love these characters, and the author doesn't write them nearly as often as I would like. (But we can't all be J.D. Robb!)
This particular story has a much better detective story than previous books, but is more of a thriller than a whodunit. And we finally got a lot more resolution of ongoing story arcs. Can't wait for the next installment! (Hope Paul finally has some luck in the lady love department!)
March 4, 2018
WONDERFUL STORY!!!!!!!!
When I saw that there was a new book in the series I was ecstatic!!! I love, love, love, this series and have been checking and checking for a new book!!! This book was fabulously enjoyable!! I have been checking and checking for a new one and this story was worth all that effort to make sure I didn't miss one somehow! The love and support between all the characters is so heartwarming and moving at times. I find Tony to be such a wonderfully kind and caring man. I admire Kate's strength and determination to be such a good woman and mother to Richie and Henry. I adore Henry! I love Paul's character and how he is portrayed with all his insecurities..... But also as a loyal friend and a man who has finally found his way!! The mystery and suspense in this book was intriguing and parts of it kept me turning my Kindle pages very quickly to see what would happen next. I have re-read all the other books in the series many times and always enjoy them all over again because the writing is so clever and you end up feeling like the people in the books are like family. I thought this latest book was excellent and I was very happy to read that Emma is going to keep writing about them all!!!! If you haven't tried this series, give them a try and you will have the pleasure of truly enjoyable reading experiences!!!
When I saw that there was a new book in the series I was ecstatic!!! I love, love, love, this series and have been checking and checking for a new book!!! This book was fabulously enjoyable!! I have been checking and checking for a new one and this story was worth all that effort to make sure I didn't miss one somehow! The love and support between all the characters is so heartwarming and moving at times. I find Tony to be such a wonderfully kind and caring man. I admire Kate's strength and determination to be such a good woman and mother to Richie and Henry. I adore Henry! I love Paul's character and how he is portrayed with all his insecurities..... But also as a loyal friend and a man who has finally found his way!! The mystery and suspense in this book was intriguing and parts of it kept me turning my Kindle pages very quickly to see what would happen next. I have re-read all the other books in the series many times and always enjoy them all over again because the writing is so clever and you end up feeling like the people in the books are like family. I thought this latest book was excellent and I was very happy to read that Emma is going to keep writing about them all!!!! If you haven't tried this series, give them a try and you will have the pleasure of truly enjoyable reading experiences!!!
January 6, 2022
I've been hooked on this series through four books, and of course, I was looking forward to reading this, the fifth. Now that I'm done, I'll call it okay, but it's my least favorite so far. In part, that's because the action crossed over almost to unbelievable; the rest of the turn-off came because I can't imagine living amid that kind of personal-life turmoil and don't much care for reading about someone else's - no matter how much I love the main characters.
They are, for the record, Lord Tony and Lady Kate Hetheridge, who have had to relocate while Tony's ancestral home, Wellegrave, is being renovated (part of the above-mentioned turmoil that I won't specify). Tony has just taken leave of his job as chief superintendent for New Scotland Yard and is trying his hand at private investigation while Kate, once his Yard subordinate, is dealing with a not-so-friendly new boss. At least she still has her best friend and co-worker, Detective Sergeant Paul Bhar, for professional comfort (he's pretty much the same old, same old as in previous books, much to my delight).
For now, Tony and Kate have moved to a three-story condo in Westminster's newest high-rise; Kate isn't delighted, but her son, who appears to be somewhere on the autism spectrum, and Henry, the young son of her mostly estranged sister, Maura (whom Kate and Tony hope to adopt despite Maura's lawsuit to gain full custody) are having the times of their lives. Trying to drum up some business, Tony takes on a missing person case; it's for Mark, the son of wealthy acquaintances, who went missing when his twin sister Mariah took a supposedly intentional nosedive off the roof of a nearby high-rise. Meanwhile, Kate is heading up the investigation of the murder of a high-profile politician - an investigation that smacks of involvement of Tony and Kate's old nemesis and sworn enemy, Sir Duncan Godington.
The rest of the book intricately weaves all these characters and events together in a dark web that threatens lives, takes a couple of them and has a bang-up ending (for the most part implausible, but it gets the job done). All in all, it's a series entry I'd say at best is okay. But it does set the stage for the next one, which I hope to begin reading soon.
They are, for the record, Lord Tony and Lady Kate Hetheridge, who have had to relocate while Tony's ancestral home, Wellegrave, is being renovated (part of the above-mentioned turmoil that I won't specify). Tony has just taken leave of his job as chief superintendent for New Scotland Yard and is trying his hand at private investigation while Kate, once his Yard subordinate, is dealing with a not-so-friendly new boss. At least she still has her best friend and co-worker, Detective Sergeant Paul Bhar, for professional comfort (he's pretty much the same old, same old as in previous books, much to my delight).
For now, Tony and Kate have moved to a three-story condo in Westminster's newest high-rise; Kate isn't delighted, but her son, who appears to be somewhere on the autism spectrum, and Henry, the young son of her mostly estranged sister, Maura (whom Kate and Tony hope to adopt despite Maura's lawsuit to gain full custody) are having the times of their lives. Trying to drum up some business, Tony takes on a missing person case; it's for Mark, the son of wealthy acquaintances, who went missing when his twin sister Mariah took a supposedly intentional nosedive off the roof of a nearby high-rise. Meanwhile, Kate is heading up the investigation of the murder of a high-profile politician - an investigation that smacks of involvement of Tony and Kate's old nemesis and sworn enemy, Sir Duncan Godington.
The rest of the book intricately weaves all these characters and events together in a dark web that threatens lives, takes a couple of them and has a bang-up ending (for the most part implausible, but it gets the job done). All in all, it's a series entry I'd say at best is okay. But it does set the stage for the next one, which I hope to begin reading soon.
March 13, 2018
I'm in love with the Lord and Lady Hetheridge series. For me, a mystery book can have the most brilliant crime plot ever, but it means nothing to me without the characters. This series delivers: a bit of romance, constant character growth, and the kind of banter I love between a detective couple who respects each other. The characters live and breathe on the pages, and I'm addicted to these books!
This installment was more thriller than mystery - a 'can't put down' conclusion of events from the past four books. I love it when a series doesn't follow a formulaic mystery pattern from book to book. This really shook things up. Can't wait for the next one!
This installment was more thriller than mystery - a 'can't put down' conclusion of events from the past four books. I love it when a series doesn't follow a formulaic mystery pattern from book to book. This really shook things up. Can't wait for the next one!
March 27, 2018
Well what can I say, unfortunately totally disappointed. I have enjoyed the previous books in the series, at first I was sceptical as it is written by an American but I found them well written and entertaining. However I don't know what happened with this one. It was very disjointed, the plot had massive holes in it and the showdown at the end totally implausible. There was far too much backstory of the main protagonist just thrown in; horrific generalisation of Londoners that do not have plums in their mouth and by the way Henden is a place where female chickens go to chill, Hendon is an area in London and where the Met training centre is. I found myself continuing to read just to spot the errors and generalisations, not to enjoy the story. As a British subject and someone who lived in London for over 15 years this book just irritated me. The family dynamic which made the characters likeable and interesting was washed over and disjointed as well. I feel somewhat guilty leaving a review like this but it's only because up until now this series of books has been really enjoyable, the characters interesting and the crimes plausible. Please Ms Jameson be careful with the next one, we love your work and your characters, but please please think the next one through!
September 4, 2025
Major upheaval has the family living in a high rise, Paul believes his police career is all but over, and the H has retired and bored. Then bad things happen. The final chapter was awful and amazing. The H and h are badly hurt, now recovering but nothing will be the same.
June 6, 2020
Tony has embarked on his new career as private investigator; Kate’s new guv is her old guv, DCI Jackson; Paul is in the doghouse and relegated to training officer.
In their private lives, Paul is dating Kyla, half-sister of his former love, Tessa, who was the former lover of serial murderer, Sir Duncan Godington. Tony and Kate are still planning to adopt Henry, even though it means a court battle with Maura. Richie gets hold of a lighter and burns down half of Wellgrave House, so the Hetheridges are temporarily living in an ultra-modern high-rise on Leadenhall Street.
Tony is hired by a countess to find her son who has been missing for several months after his twin sister either jumped or fell or was pushed to her death from the Leadenhall high-rise whilst under construction. Coincidentally, the twins had been acquainted with Sir Duncan.
Then Lady Isabel, Sir Duncan’s half-sister and lover, arranges a meetup with Paul and proceeds to spill ALL the beans of Sir Duncan. She claims Sir Duncan has a terminal illness, and that he plans to kill Tony.
I think this was the best of the series so far. Finally, Sir Duncan receives justice for his crimes.
In their private lives, Paul is dating Kyla, half-sister of his former love, Tessa, who was the former lover of serial murderer, Sir Duncan Godington. Tony and Kate are still planning to adopt Henry, even though it means a court battle with Maura. Richie gets hold of a lighter and burns down half of Wellgrave House, so the Hetheridges are temporarily living in an ultra-modern high-rise on Leadenhall Street.
Tony is hired by a countess to find her son who has been missing for several months after his twin sister either jumped or fell or was pushed to her death from the Leadenhall high-rise whilst under construction. Coincidentally, the twins had been acquainted with Sir Duncan.
Then Lady Isabel, Sir Duncan’s half-sister and lover, arranges a meetup with Paul and proceeds to spill ALL the beans of Sir Duncan. She claims Sir Duncan has a terminal illness, and that he plans to kill Tony.
I think this was the best of the series so far. Finally, Sir Duncan receives justice for his crimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2021
I absolutely enjoyed reading this installment. We looked deeper into a few characters. Henry is fascinating. Me, I’m liking this child character, who knew. The whole book moved fast and I liked the speed and tension involved during the cheesy solution of the mystery.
Was it perfect? Nope.
Did I enjoy it? Why yes, very much.
Was it perfect? Nope.
Did I enjoy it? Why yes, very much.
March 7, 2018
Deeply satisfied sigh here. I’m so invested in these characters I hope we live the rest of our lives together.
The evolving relationships are realistic and always involve me completely. I was beyond happy with everything that took place in this latest book.
No spoilers, but I think you’ll be satisfied with where our favorite team /family finds themselves at the end of this one.
Tony-perfect husband/step dad/ friend/ gentleman/man/human
Kate-vulnerable wife/sister/daughter but dangerously serious about her job
Paul-so naive, such a bad judge of women, so honorable and deep down brave
(New guv )Jackson - growing into a likable human after all the years of being a pure jerk
Henry- makes me laugh. And cry.
Sir Duncan-crazy crazy crazy cunning and lethal.
And the minor characters so well fleshed out they are never just fillers. I love how they each get a cameo or sometimes supporting role as the books continue.
Love love love this series.
The evolving relationships are realistic and always involve me completely. I was beyond happy with everything that took place in this latest book.
No spoilers, but I think you’ll be satisfied with where our favorite team /family finds themselves at the end of this one.
Tony-perfect husband/step dad/ friend/ gentleman/man/human
Kate-vulnerable wife/sister/daughter but dangerously serious about her job
Paul-so naive, such a bad judge of women, so honorable and deep down brave
(New guv )Jackson - growing into a likable human after all the years of being a pure jerk
Henry- makes me laugh. And cry.
Sir Duncan-crazy crazy crazy cunning and lethal.
And the minor characters so well fleshed out they are never just fillers. I love how they each get a cameo or sometimes supporting role as the books continue.
Love love love this series.
February 28, 2018
Definitely worth the wait! The characters are very interesting, the crimes sound very current, the book moves along quickly. It’s hard to say more without giving any spoilers, so I’ll just say that even as I anticipated some of the events, the suspense had me stressed. Emma Jameson’s research on cyber crimes and mental health issues, among other things, makes her story seem very probable. She writes so well that my focus stays on the story and the people in it, not stopping occasionally to critique grammar or style. (It’s an English major fault.) I look forward more from her!
March 1, 2018
I have read the previous four Lord & Lady Hetheridge books by Emma Jameson several times over and couldn't wait for Blue Blooded to be released. It was worth the wait! Tony is now a private detective and his first big case turns out to be connected to Kate's current murder case. The ending is thrilling and there are of course several twists along the way. This is a great series!
May 11, 2019
The Blue Series
I can not wait to read the next installment! I’m so elated I ventured outside of my book box and read these.... I’m hooked.... on to the next reading adventure!
I can not wait to read the next installment! I’m so elated I ventured outside of my book box and read these.... I’m hooked.... on to the next reading adventure!
March 31, 2018
4.5 Stars
Though these kind of mystery novels aren't my usual go-to, Emma sure is! I SO enjoyed this book. I LOVE Emma's writing, the way a serious situation can always become hilarious with the right inner joke. Tony and Kate are great together. Their interactions are so sweet to read. Though this book and series in general isn't ABOUT romance, they are still, as a couple, the main focus of the story.
It's been a while since the last book. A few DAYS before this book was sneaked released on me I told my brother I miss this series and there is no telling when the next one would turn up. Well, it's here and it was as wonderful as I remember the previous ones to be, only the setting is a bit different since Tony isn't working for the police anymore.. He is trying to build himself a career as a PI, which turns out to be a lot alike and also a lot different than his previous job. Kaye and Paul are still working at the police, now under Jackson whom they both loathed, yet Jackson turns out as an okay guy I have to admit (it helps that every scene with him somehow turns to be funny on his expanse hehe).
Tony finds a case to solve - a missing person. But the parents seems to hold too many truths to themselves and the fact Sir Duncan is involved AGAIN doesn't bode well.. Kate and Paul's investigation seems to cross paths if only for the fact that it too has to do with Sir Duncan so the question is how to connect all the dots and also how to catch him this time around.
I loved getting Paul's POV as well. He had such a tough time with everything that happened to him in the previous novels. he deserves a break, or rather a winning, as both Tony and Kate realize. But right now, the police is more likely to take him off the field entirely than promoting him as he SO wishes. It was difficult to read, I felt so sorry for him, for everything that happened that brought him to this place. But in the end he proves to himself and everyone what he's worth which was truly heart lifting to read.
Another POV we got was Henry (Kate's nephew). It was actually really interesting getting his side of things especially as his mother and aunt are at a battle of custody for him. He is in a very difficult place. He wants to give his mother a chance but he also loves Kate and Tony and enjoy his life with them. I also really loved the way the story concluded on this issue as well, with a strange connection between the mystery part to Kate and Maura's past. Unlike the mystery which ended horrific, for Kate and Maura there is still a chance.
I don't want to say more because really there is no need. Kate and Tony are awesome together, but also with their extended family and friends. This book held me at the edge of my seat especially near the end when everything seems to EXPLODE. I was barely holding myself together with everything that was going on and the risk EVERYONE was put in.
I love the world Emma has created and I'm happy that on the very last page Emma promises us MORE, but not in the very near future (working on 'Dr Benjamin Bones' currently which I have to finish up actually!) If you're into British Mysteries, this one is for you! If you're into British humor - also! But even if not, I really suggest you give this one a go. My only reason for reducing half a star is me being frustrated with so many abbreviations and reference for things I have NO CLUE what they mean. It surely has to do with the fact I'm not British.. But I do wish we'd get some kind of a "dictionary" or footnotes to what would be basic for anyone from the UK but is totally unknown to anyone outside it.
More Reviews HERE
Though these kind of mystery novels aren't my usual go-to, Emma sure is! I SO enjoyed this book. I LOVE Emma's writing, the way a serious situation can always become hilarious with the right inner joke. Tony and Kate are great together. Their interactions are so sweet to read. Though this book and series in general isn't ABOUT romance, they are still, as a couple, the main focus of the story.
It's been a while since the last book. A few DAYS before this book was sneaked released on me I told my brother I miss this series and there is no telling when the next one would turn up. Well, it's here and it was as wonderful as I remember the previous ones to be, only the setting is a bit different since Tony isn't working for the police anymore.. He is trying to build himself a career as a PI, which turns out to be a lot alike and also a lot different than his previous job. Kaye and Paul are still working at the police, now under Jackson whom they both loathed, yet Jackson turns out as an okay guy I have to admit (it helps that every scene with him somehow turns to be funny on his expanse hehe).
Tony finds a case to solve - a missing person. But the parents seems to hold too many truths to themselves and the fact Sir Duncan is involved AGAIN doesn't bode well.. Kate and Paul's investigation seems to cross paths if only for the fact that it too has to do with Sir Duncan so the question is how to connect all the dots and also how to catch him this time around.
I loved getting Paul's POV as well. He had such a tough time with everything that happened to him in the previous novels. he deserves a break, or rather a winning, as both Tony and Kate realize. But right now, the police is more likely to take him off the field entirely than promoting him as he SO wishes. It was difficult to read, I felt so sorry for him, for everything that happened that brought him to this place. But in the end he proves to himself and everyone what he's worth which was truly heart lifting to read.
Another POV we got was Henry (Kate's nephew). It was actually really interesting getting his side of things especially as his mother and aunt are at a battle of custody for him. He is in a very difficult place. He wants to give his mother a chance but he also loves Kate and Tony and enjoy his life with them. I also really loved the way the story concluded on this issue as well, with a strange connection between the mystery part to Kate and Maura's past. Unlike the mystery which ended horrific, for Kate and Maura there is still a chance.
I don't want to say more because really there is no need. Kate and Tony are awesome together, but also with their extended family and friends. This book held me at the edge of my seat especially near the end when everything seems to EXPLODE. I was barely holding myself together with everything that was going on and the risk EVERYONE was put in.
I love the world Emma has created and I'm happy that on the very last page Emma promises us MORE, but not in the very near future (working on 'Dr Benjamin Bones' currently which I have to finish up actually!) If you're into British Mysteries, this one is for you! If you're into British humor - also! But even if not, I really suggest you give this one a go. My only reason for reducing half a star is me being frustrated with so many abbreviations and reference for things I have NO CLUE what they mean. It surely has to do with the fact I'm not British.. But I do wish we'd get some kind of a "dictionary" or footnotes to what would be basic for anyone from the UK but is totally unknown to anyone outside it.
More Reviews HERE
March 6, 2018
Since the prior book in the series was published in 2015, I've been waiting anxiously for "Blue Blooded," the fifth of Emma Jameson's books featuring Tony Hetheridge, a hereditary Baron who just happens to be a Scotland Yard Chief Inspector, and his working-class wife, Kate. Lord Hetheridge quite fittingly heads a unit that specializes in crimes among the Posh, and in the course of the series, the Hetheridges have not only fallen in love and married, but witnessed (and usually, thwarted) some extraordinarily bad behavior amongst the upper classes. The series is enlivened by a cast of fully-fleshed out supporting characters, including members of Kate's dysfunctional family, star-crossed Detective Sargent Paul Bhar and his loving if trying mother, and a particularly clever and evil nemesis, Sir Duncan Godington.
This book did not disappoint. When it begins, Tony has left Scotland Yard and is in the process of setting up as a private investigator, Kate and Paul Bhar continue in the "Toff Squad" (Paul still making an effort to redeem himself from an earlier, career-killing mistake), and all the Hetheridges are attempting to adjust to a new (if temporary) residence in one of London's fashionable high rises. When Tony is engaged to locate a missing twin whose sister committed suicide by leaping from a similarly well-known building, the case reveals a number of dark crimes amongst England's highest, and builds toward a confrontation with Duncan Godington, an environmentalist whose empathy is directed only towards Mother Nature, and not to his fellow human beings.
New readers can enjoy this book without having to have read the prior titles in the series, as some time is devoted to introducing us again to the key supporting characters. The book is an engaging read (I especially enjoyed the vignettes of life in an ultra-posh apartment building) that barrels to a riveting conclusion atop one of London's highest buildings. I couldn't put it down!
This book did not disappoint. When it begins, Tony has left Scotland Yard and is in the process of setting up as a private investigator, Kate and Paul Bhar continue in the "Toff Squad" (Paul still making an effort to redeem himself from an earlier, career-killing mistake), and all the Hetheridges are attempting to adjust to a new (if temporary) residence in one of London's fashionable high rises. When Tony is engaged to locate a missing twin whose sister committed suicide by leaping from a similarly well-known building, the case reveals a number of dark crimes amongst England's highest, and builds toward a confrontation with Duncan Godington, an environmentalist whose empathy is directed only towards Mother Nature, and not to his fellow human beings.
New readers can enjoy this book without having to have read the prior titles in the series, as some time is devoted to introducing us again to the key supporting characters. The book is an engaging read (I especially enjoyed the vignettes of life in an ultra-posh apartment building) that barrels to a riveting conclusion atop one of London's highest buildings. I couldn't put it down!
August 15, 2024
Blue bloodied.
Tony, Lord Hetheridge, is beginning his career as a private eye, taking a case with which he is familiar, the disappearance of twins, sister and brother, young adults. There is an indication of their affiliation with a villain from more than one previous books, Sir Duncan Godington. Kate has been assigned what appears to be the car-bombing of a politician; Paul seems to be destined to be assigned a position as instructor. Kate and Tony continue to share information, coming to the conclusion their two cases may be linked. Godington continues to be a puppet master as he hatches his most nefarious plot, with Kate and Tony in his crosshairs. Subplots are in the mix here, making this a very suspenseful book.
Tony, Lord Hetheridge, is beginning his career as a private eye, taking a case with which he is familiar, the disappearance of twins, sister and brother, young adults. There is an indication of their affiliation with a villain from more than one previous books, Sir Duncan Godington. Kate has been assigned what appears to be the car-bombing of a politician; Paul seems to be destined to be assigned a position as instructor. Kate and Tony continue to share information, coming to the conclusion their two cases may be linked. Godington continues to be a puppet master as he hatches his most nefarious plot, with Kate and Tony in his crosshairs. Subplots are in the mix here, making this a very suspenseful book.
August 25, 2024
The original "Toff Squad", a Metropolitan Police Unit designed to delicately investigate matters when a celebrity or well-connected person is involved, is no more now that Tony Hetheridge has been forced into retirement. This development leads to a change in career and Tony is reborn as a private investigator. When his first case leads him to the door of his arch-enemy, the entire squad finds themselves endangered.
Wow! After having somehow overlooked this one in sequence I'm beyond thrilled to have gone back to uncover the action I'd missed. While I tend to guzzle anything that Emma Jameson writes, I unabashedly devoured this book. Even though there have been changes in the dynamics, reading Blue Blooded felt like a return to home. At their very core, the characters remain people I've loved for many years.
I highly recommend this police procedural.
Wow! After having somehow overlooked this one in sequence I'm beyond thrilled to have gone back to uncover the action I'd missed. While I tend to guzzle anything that Emma Jameson writes, I unabashedly devoured this book. Even though there have been changes in the dynamics, reading Blue Blooded felt like a return to home. At their very core, the characters remain people I've loved for many years.
I highly recommend this police procedural.
March 6, 2018
Finally, we learned what happened after Tony "retired" and things went south with Paul's career. The wait was way too long for this book, but once the plot started moving along the story raced at a breakneck speed to a disturbing but somewhat satisfying conclusion. Emma Jameson promised in the author's notes that there will be more books in this series. Here's hoping the next doesn't take as long as it did to produce this one.
March 8, 2018
A sudden stop
This books marks endings and new beginnings for several ongoing characters. When these changes take place, the characters lives will be forever changed. The plot twists come fast and furious in this book. But, in the end, the Hetheridges are all stronger and ready to get on with their lives. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
This books marks endings and new beginnings for several ongoing characters. When these changes take place, the characters lives will be forever changed. The plot twists come fast and furious in this book. But, in the end, the Hetheridges are all stronger and ready to get on with their lives. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 25, 2021
I enjoyed this one, but the best part was
SPOILER ALERT!
The death of the super villain.
And I hope the author continues to write this series, and focuses on crimes that are not all done by, planned by or arranged by one person who they can never catch.
SPOILER ALERT!
The death of the super villain.
And I hope the author continues to write this series, and focuses on crimes that are not all done by, planned by or arranged by one person who they can never catch.
December 16, 2024
Tony is starting his career as a private detective after leaving Scotland Yard, where Kate still works. He is looking for a missing person whose twin sister has just died--or has she? There's a group of computer hackers who are apparently following a madman who has killed several people and gotten away with it, and apparently, Tony and Kate are on the hit list.
June 6, 2018
"Blue Blooded" crackles with revenge, intrigue and murder. I couldn't put it down. This is Emma Jameson's best book yet. The criminal world does not stand a chance when Tony, Kate and Paul are on the law's side. I eagerly await more of their adventures in this captivating series.
December 21, 2019
I am addicted to this series. I especially like it on Audible.
January 16, 2022
I really like the way Emma Jameson writes. Here are some examples:
The chapter on the Golden Rectangle (Fibonacci number sequence) eschatological truth was especially delicious.
Good mystery too!
"May I suggest an armistice for the remainder of the afternoon?" Tony interrupted mildly. Here his long-perfected rhetorical device, the patrician tone of command, was useless. Not only because he addressed blue bloods who occupied a higher place on the aristocratic food chain, but because it was a warring couple. Only imbeciles took on embattled spouses on their own turf.
Kate led Maura to the plush sofas and overstuffed armchairs where businesspeople were pretending to be masters of the universe via laptops and mobiles. There, they split the sandwich (chicken salad) and the orange juice (from concentrate) and soaked up the mass disapproval like a tonic.
The chapter on the Golden Rectangle (Fibonacci number sequence) eschatological truth was especially delicious.
"It's God's arithmetic," the priest had said, encouraging his class to seek the Golden spiral in the natural world.
Good mystery too!
May 24, 2018
Not my favorite! (Contains spoiler)
I would like to give this 2 stars because I disliked the story so much, but the writing is excellent as always. I've read all the Hetheridge mysteries in order and loved them until this one.
Seemed unnecessarily violent, perverted and malevolent in order to finally destroy Sir Duncan. Thankfully he's gone so perhaps we can move on to a new theme in this evolving story.
I would like to give this 2 stars because I disliked the story so much, but the writing is excellent as always. I've read all the Hetheridge mysteries in order and loved them until this one.
Seemed unnecessarily violent, perverted and malevolent in order to finally destroy Sir Duncan. Thankfully he's gone so perhaps we can move on to a new theme in this evolving story.
June 25, 2018
I wish I could take my time with this series, but I always end up devouring them. The chemistry between Lord and Lady Hetheridge is so good I just want to keep reading it, but the action in the stories keeps the plot moving so quickly I can’t wait to see what happens next.
In this story, (it feels almost like an episode), Lord Hetheridge launches his private detective service but it’s not really taking off like he’d expected it to. A fellow PI throws him a bone of a case she’s sick of. Meanwhile, Kate and Paul launch an official investigation into a car bombing that took the life of a politician. The two seemingly unrelated cases quickly turn into two prongs of the same organization headed by nefarious bad man of the series, Sir Duncan.
The sleazy undersides of the story seem a little more sleazy this time as backstories are revealed that definitely creep into deviance. There were hints in prior stories, but the author seems to really let loose this time. Perhaps that was to make the eventual ending a little more justifiable or palatable? In the end it will take Tony, Kate, and Paul using all their wits just to keep alive.
All three, in the real world, would need extensive mental therapy after this ending.
Jameson seems to throw it all at us in a really big showdown, I love this series and these characters so much that I’ll swallow it whole, but the question remains, Where can she take the series from here? Meanwhile, I’ll be content to re-read these stories over and over.
In this story, (it feels almost like an episode), Lord Hetheridge launches his private detective service but it’s not really taking off like he’d expected it to. A fellow PI throws him a bone of a case she’s sick of. Meanwhile, Kate and Paul launch an official investigation into a car bombing that took the life of a politician. The two seemingly unrelated cases quickly turn into two prongs of the same organization headed by nefarious bad man of the series, Sir Duncan.
The sleazy undersides of the story seem a little more sleazy this time as backstories are revealed that definitely creep into deviance. There were hints in prior stories, but the author seems to really let loose this time. Perhaps that was to make the eventual ending a little more justifiable or palatable? In the end it will take Tony, Kate, and Paul using all their wits just to keep alive.
All three, in the real world, would need extensive mental therapy after this ending.
Jameson seems to throw it all at us in a really big showdown, I love this series and these characters so much that I’ll swallow it whole, but the question remains, Where can she take the series from here? Meanwhile, I’ll be content to re-read these stories over and over.
March 5, 2018
I'm disappointed. I've enjoyed this series from the first book. The main attraction was the relationships among characters--the careful working out of maintaining family, friendship, and love among disparate personalities, classes, and circumstances. The relationships are still there, but they don't so much develop as move herky-jerkily through the author's paces. It's as if Jameson had decided she wanted her characters to be in some particular places and some ongoing plot points resolved at the end of this book and sensibility, believability, or pacing be damned.
Now, add to the whack character development a completely unbelievable ending wholly out of sync with the series and you have some real problems. Plus the problem of having an entire plot developed by one character telling another page after page of history and plot. Not even in dialog. Monologue. Clunky.
Three stars because I still like reading about Kate and Tony and Paul. But I sure hope Jameson will refrain from the third act Hollywood thriller stuff next time and emphasize people instead of unlikely spectaculars.
Now, add to the whack character development a completely unbelievable ending wholly out of sync with the series and you have some real problems. Plus the problem of having an entire plot developed by one character telling another page after page of history and plot. Not even in dialog. Monologue. Clunky.
Three stars because I still like reading about Kate and Tony and Paul. But I sure hope Jameson will refrain from the third act Hollywood thriller stuff next time and emphasize people instead of unlikely spectaculars.
September 6, 2018
For about the first third of the book, this was going to be a 3-star read. Way too much introspection and reflecting on the Story So Far. Being a writer and knowing that my earlier drafts can contain too much exposition I wonder if Jameson let herself be rushed into getting this book out under pressure from her fans. To which I say, you're an indie! Take as long as you need to make the book great.
Things definitely improved after a while, with a nice pacy plot and a pretty darn good thriller denouement, followed by a satisfying resolution that again was a little sketchy. The Dick Van Dyke English appears to be getting worse ("crikey hell"??????), there are some wonderful research fails (flowers from all seasons blooming at once) and you really don't want to inquire too closely into the character motivation and plot developments, but who cares? We love Tony and Kate. Sometimes fun is better than polish.
Things definitely improved after a while, with a nice pacy plot and a pretty darn good thriller denouement, followed by a satisfying resolution that again was a little sketchy. The Dick Van Dyke English appears to be getting worse ("crikey hell"??????), there are some wonderful research fails (flowers from all seasons blooming at once) and you really don't want to inquire too closely into the character motivation and plot developments, but who cares? We love Tony and Kate. Sometimes fun is better than polish.
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