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Carver and Lake #1
Splinter in the Blood
A propulsive debut suspense novel, filled with secrets, nerve-jangling tension, perplexing mystery, and cold-blooded murder, in which a police officer on the hunt for a macabre serial killer is brutally attacked, and only his partner knows the truth about what happened—and who did it.
After months of hunting a cold-blooded murderer that the press has dubbed the Thorn Killer, Detective Greg Carver is shot in his own home. His trusted partner, Ruth Lake, is alone with him. Yet instead of calling for help, she’s rearranged the crime scene and wiped the room clean of prints.
But Carver isn’t dead.
Awakening in the hospital, Carver has no memory of being shot, but is certain that his assailant is the Thorn Killer. Though there’s no evidence to support his claim, Carver insists the attack is retaliation, an attempt to scare the detective off the psychopath’s scent, because he’s getting too close. Trapped in a hospital bed and still very weak, Carver’s obsession grows. He’s desperate to get back to work and finally nail the bastard, before more innocent blood is spilled.
One person knows the truth and she’s not telling. She’s also now leading the Thorn Killer investigation while Carver recuperates. It doesn’t matter that Carver and the rest of the force are counting on her, and that more victims’ lives at stake. Ruth is keeping a deadly secret, and she’ll cross every line—sacrificing her colleagues, her career, and maybe even her own life—to keep it from surfacing.
Utterly engrossing and filled with masterfully crafted surprises, Splinter in the Blood is a propulsive roller-coaster ride, filled with deception, nerve-jangling tension, perplexing mystery, and cold-blooded murder.
After months of hunting a cold-blooded murderer that the press has dubbed the Thorn Killer, Detective Greg Carver is shot in his own home. His trusted partner, Ruth Lake, is alone with him. Yet instead of calling for help, she’s rearranged the crime scene and wiped the room clean of prints.
But Carver isn’t dead.
Awakening in the hospital, Carver has no memory of being shot, but is certain that his assailant is the Thorn Killer. Though there’s no evidence to support his claim, Carver insists the attack is retaliation, an attempt to scare the detective off the psychopath’s scent, because he’s getting too close. Trapped in a hospital bed and still very weak, Carver’s obsession grows. He’s desperate to get back to work and finally nail the bastard, before more innocent blood is spilled.
One person knows the truth and she’s not telling. She’s also now leading the Thorn Killer investigation while Carver recuperates. It doesn’t matter that Carver and the rest of the force are counting on her, and that more victims’ lives at stake. Ruth is keeping a deadly secret, and she’ll cross every line—sacrificing her colleagues, her career, and maybe even her own life—to keep it from surfacing.
Utterly engrossing and filled with masterfully crafted surprises, Splinter in the Blood is a propulsive roller-coaster ride, filled with deception, nerve-jangling tension, perplexing mystery, and cold-blooded murder.
416 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2018
324 people are currently reading
5113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
February 7, 2018
This is a intense blend of psychological thriller and police procedural set in Liverpool. Aside from a hunt for a sociopath serial killer, known as the Thorn Killer, there is the mystery and intrigue of the relationship between DCI Greg Carver and DS Ruth Lake, underpinned by distrust, lies, secrets and deception. Carver is the lead investigator of the killer who has tortured and killed 5 women, tattooing them painfully using a thorn as the stylus, experimenting with differing inks mixed with a variety of plant poisons. Carver falls apart after the fifth victim, Kara Grogan, is chosen because of her strong resemblance to his wife, Emma, and is found deliberately posed, wearing her earrings. He is separated from Emma, binge drinking, running a case which he documents officially at work conscientiously, but which is entirely fictitious, whilst at home he has his real investigation notes.
The story opens with DS Ruth Lake tampering with a crime scene where Carver has been shot, removing the gun and the private case notes. Lake is ex-CSI forensic investigator turned detective, she can read people, and can determine when she is being lied to and maintains an impressive calm impassivity in her efforts to get to the truth. Thanks to Lake, Carver survives, but his memory is shot to pieces and he cannot recall the events surrounding his shooting, although he is less than forthcoming about what he does know. Lake and Carver lie to each other, as Ruth picks up the trail for the serial killer as she digs deep into the life of Kara and the other victims. The murder of businesswoman Adela Faraday begins to reveal connections with the hospitalised Carver and some of his secrets. Carver begins to recover the occasional memory as he and Ruth continue their investigation to uncover the killer. In the meantime, the macabre killer begins to focus on Ruth, whose life becomes endangered. This is a intelligent serial killer, highly manipulative, completely obsessed by accessing the secrets of the victims, the lives they keep secret from their families and others.
This is a disturbing and unsettling read, with its fascinating and flawed protagonists whose lives and relationship with each other is mired in darkness. So much so that the serial killer's interest in them is inevitable, and it makes for compulsive and compelling reading. The author has created a mentally unhinged and controlling killer whose behaviour and thinking gets under your skin and creeps you out, particularly given the atmosphere of menace that pervades the novel. I am not sure if this is the first in a series, but I really hope we get to renew our acquaintance with Carver and Lake, they make an unusually gripping pair in crime fiction. An absorbing and entertaining read that had me appreciating the author's skills in plotting and characterisation. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
The story opens with DS Ruth Lake tampering with a crime scene where Carver has been shot, removing the gun and the private case notes. Lake is ex-CSI forensic investigator turned detective, she can read people, and can determine when she is being lied to and maintains an impressive calm impassivity in her efforts to get to the truth. Thanks to Lake, Carver survives, but his memory is shot to pieces and he cannot recall the events surrounding his shooting, although he is less than forthcoming about what he does know. Lake and Carver lie to each other, as Ruth picks up the trail for the serial killer as she digs deep into the life of Kara and the other victims. The murder of businesswoman Adela Faraday begins to reveal connections with the hospitalised Carver and some of his secrets. Carver begins to recover the occasional memory as he and Ruth continue their investigation to uncover the killer. In the meantime, the macabre killer begins to focus on Ruth, whose life becomes endangered. This is a intelligent serial killer, highly manipulative, completely obsessed by accessing the secrets of the victims, the lives they keep secret from their families and others.
This is a disturbing and unsettling read, with its fascinating and flawed protagonists whose lives and relationship with each other is mired in darkness. So much so that the serial killer's interest in them is inevitable, and it makes for compulsive and compelling reading. The author has created a mentally unhinged and controlling killer whose behaviour and thinking gets under your skin and creeps you out, particularly given the atmosphere of menace that pervades the novel. I am not sure if this is the first in a series, but I really hope we get to renew our acquaintance with Carver and Lake, they make an unusually gripping pair in crime fiction. An absorbing and entertaining read that had me appreciating the author's skills in plotting and characterisation. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
May 30, 2018
Just WOW! What a story! What a ride! This debut novel blew me away! Hopefully this is only the first in a long series.
Detective Greg Carver is on the trail of a serial killer ... The Thorn Killer. This killer grabs woman and spends days and days tattooing their bodies with a thorn, filled with poison. So far there have been 5 victims with no evident connection.
Detective Greg Carver is shot in his own home. His trusted partner, Detective Ruth Lake, is alone with him. Yet instead of calling for help, she’s rearranged the crime scene and wiped the room clean. She's also removed the gun she finds next to him.
But Carver isn’t dead.
Upon awakening in the hospital, Carver can't remember what happened. He has a vague memory of Ruth standing over him with a gun. Did she shoot him?
One person knows the truth and she’s not telling. She’s also now leading the Thorn Killer investigation while Carver recuperates. Ruth is keeping a deadly secret, and she’ll cross every line—sacrificing her colleagues, her career, and maybe even her own life—to keep it from surfacing.
I was hooked from the very first page .... drew me in like a magnet. There are so many elements to this story.. some professional, some personal. I loved the characters. The interaction between Carver and Lake runs the gamut of emotions .. .anger, sadness, and when they start lying to each other, you have to wonder if the friendship they have will survive.
There are several secondary characters that I really hope return in a future book. I would love to know their back stories.
The suspense starts on page 1 and never lets up. There are many twists and turns and surprises around every corner. The ending was so unexpected and explosive ... I never saw it coming.
Many thanks to the author / William Morrow / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy of this fantastic crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Detective Greg Carver is on the trail of a serial killer ... The Thorn Killer. This killer grabs woman and spends days and days tattooing their bodies with a thorn, filled with poison. So far there have been 5 victims with no evident connection.
Detective Greg Carver is shot in his own home. His trusted partner, Detective Ruth Lake, is alone with him. Yet instead of calling for help, she’s rearranged the crime scene and wiped the room clean. She's also removed the gun she finds next to him.
But Carver isn’t dead.
Upon awakening in the hospital, Carver can't remember what happened. He has a vague memory of Ruth standing over him with a gun. Did she shoot him?
One person knows the truth and she’s not telling. She’s also now leading the Thorn Killer investigation while Carver recuperates. Ruth is keeping a deadly secret, and she’ll cross every line—sacrificing her colleagues, her career, and maybe even her own life—to keep it from surfacing.
I was hooked from the very first page .... drew me in like a magnet. There are so many elements to this story.. some professional, some personal. I loved the characters. The interaction between Carver and Lake runs the gamut of emotions .. .anger, sadness, and when they start lying to each other, you have to wonder if the friendship they have will survive.
There are several secondary characters that I really hope return in a future book. I would love to know their back stories.
The suspense starts on page 1 and never lets up. There are many twists and turns and surprises around every corner. The ending was so unexpected and explosive ... I never saw it coming.
Many thanks to the author / William Morrow / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy of this fantastic crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 20, 2018
I am unsure whether this is pegged to be the start of a new series, but I really hope so because I thoroughly enjoyed it - I found the main characters to be divisively engaging and the dark undertone to the plot really did get under my skin.
I liked this one for the way it was told - we start with a detective shot and his sergeant standing over him - but did she shoot him? If so why? That is the question and instead of going back in time we go forward, day by day, as he lies in the hospital and she continues to instigate a cover up.
This is a serial killer thriller that has an intriguing "bad guy" - the mode of death is the type which feels more horrific the more you actually think about it. The two investigations, that into the killer and that into the shooting of one of our main protagonists move forward side by side. There are plenty of twists and turns to be had, both in event and character, overall it was a proper page turner of a read and very well written, giving a fresh feel to proceedings even whilst following the best tropes of the crime thriller.
Overall yes, I approve. More please.
Recommended.
I liked this one for the way it was told - we start with a detective shot and his sergeant standing over him - but did she shoot him? If so why? That is the question and instead of going back in time we go forward, day by day, as he lies in the hospital and she continues to instigate a cover up.
This is a serial killer thriller that has an intriguing "bad guy" - the mode of death is the type which feels more horrific the more you actually think about it. The two investigations, that into the killer and that into the shooting of one of our main protagonists move forward side by side. There are plenty of twists and turns to be had, both in event and character, overall it was a proper page turner of a read and very well written, giving a fresh feel to proceedings even whilst following the best tropes of the crime thriller.
Overall yes, I approve. More please.
Recommended.
July 1, 2018
Splinter in the Blood starts off strong with a woman covering up a crime scene. Why is Ruth Lake covering up a crime scene at home of her partner, Detective Greg Carver? And what will happen next?
Reading this book feels a bit like starting to watch a movie in the middle or on a random page start a book. Not that the book has that confusing feeling. Instead, it feels like you are in the middle of an investigation and you get to know more about what happened before as the story progresses.
Now I want to say that one thing is a bit of a downer with this book. It was pretty easy to figure out who the serial killer is. True, the author throws out some red herrings, but I had my eyes set on a person quite early one, and then I just had to wait to find out if I was right. And I was btw. This actually was both a blessing and a curse. I mean, I like to be surprised and I was never surprised by reading this book, on the other hand, do I like feeling like I'm one or two step ahead in the story. Another thing is that I can't say that this book is in any way successful. It was interesting, a perfectly alright crime novel, and I would definitely read more in this series. I especially liked Carver's new talent after he wakes up after being shot. Hopefully, the next book will take me by surprise and get my pulse raising.
I want to thank William Morrow for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!
Reading this book feels a bit like starting to watch a movie in the middle or on a random page start a book. Not that the book has that confusing feeling. Instead, it feels like you are in the middle of an investigation and you get to know more about what happened before as the story progresses.
Now I want to say that one thing is a bit of a downer with this book. It was pretty easy to figure out who the serial killer is. True, the author throws out some red herrings, but I had my eyes set on a person quite early one, and then I just had to wait to find out if I was right. And I was btw. This actually was both a blessing and a curse. I mean, I like to be surprised and I was never surprised by reading this book, on the other hand, do I like feeling like I'm one or two step ahead in the story. Another thing is that I can't say that this book is in any way successful. It was interesting, a perfectly alright crime novel, and I would definitely read more in this series. I especially liked Carver's new talent after he wakes up after being shot. Hopefully, the next book will take me by surprise and get my pulse raising.
I want to thank William Morrow for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!
June 27, 2018
Hot damn! I do so love a debut novel that keeps me guessing RIGHT TIL THE VERY END! I legitimately had no idea who the killer was until the very end when it was revealed. Ashley Dyer is the pen name of Margaret Murphy and Helen Pepper in their debut book written together. Gotta say, I absolutely loved it.
The intricacy of why the Thorn Killer is named the Thorn Killer and how the victims are killed absolutely fascinated me. I won't go into details as this is all slowly revealed throughout the course of the novel. Carver and Ruth both have their own issues and are clearly flawed. I'm still unsure how I feel about Carver but Ruth.... she's got spunk, pizzazz and isn't afraid to go against the grain. I absolutely adore her.
I actually did not even pay attention to the fact that this was the first in a series until after I turned that last page and thought to myself, "Self, but what happens now? Ruth has all those... and Carver still needs to... I need more information please!" Then I saw it was a series and sighed a bit of relief - I'm really looking forward to learning more about Carver and Ruth and seeing what happens to them ahead.
I did think there were some parts that lulled, but quite honestly, that's because I've been working 10-12 hour days and my mind is mush. Then I would encounter parts where I was struggling to stay awake to read. Ultimately, this one really perked my serial killer love.
DYING FOR MORE DYER.
Thank you to William Morrow Books for this copy <3
The intricacy of why the Thorn Killer is named the Thorn Killer and how the victims are killed absolutely fascinated me. I won't go into details as this is all slowly revealed throughout the course of the novel. Carver and Ruth both have their own issues and are clearly flawed. I'm still unsure how I feel about Carver but Ruth.... she's got spunk, pizzazz and isn't afraid to go against the grain. I absolutely adore her.
I actually did not even pay attention to the fact that this was the first in a series until after I turned that last page and thought to myself, "Self, but what happens now? Ruth has all those... and Carver still needs to... I need more information please!" Then I saw it was a series and sighed a bit of relief - I'm really looking forward to learning more about Carver and Ruth and seeing what happens to them ahead.
I did think there were some parts that lulled, but quite honestly, that's because I've been working 10-12 hour days and my mind is mush. Then I would encounter parts where I was struggling to stay awake to read. Ultimately, this one really perked my serial killer love.
DYING FOR MORE DYER.
Thank you to William Morrow Books for this copy <3
August 25, 2020
This is when I would like goodreads add a half star rating for me this book a 3.5 star rating.a slow start to this book but liked parts of this book and not so keen on some parts of this book.DCI Greg Carver gets shot and DC Ruth Lake on the case but Carver doesn't help Ruth is he covering up what is he hiding.the thorn killer involved with brutal murders.good ending.
June 20, 2019
RATING: 3 STARS
2018; William Morrow/HarperCollins Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
I have read/listened to books longer than this one, but at times I felt like the book was never going to end. I liked the novel, but it didn't wow me like it did other readers. I went in thinking it was going to be something great and I may have had too high expectations. One thing I did enjoy was the realistic characters of Carver and Lake. I don't think I will continue the series.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2018; William Morrow/HarperCollins Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
I have read/listened to books longer than this one, but at times I felt like the book was never going to end. I liked the novel, but it didn't wow me like it did other readers. I went in thinking it was going to be something great and I may have had too high expectations. One thing I did enjoy was the realistic characters of Carver and Lake. I don't think I will continue the series.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
August 4, 2022
Me ha gustado mucho esta novela, es una novela algo diferente, comienza cuando la policia encuentra al inspector Greg Carver en su casa, víctima de un disparo, también sabemos que su compañera la sargento Ruth Lake esconde algo.
La novela está narrada en tercera persona, consta de 58 capítulos y un epílogo, comienza con un ritmo pausado que a medida que avanza la trama se va acelerando sin llegar a ser trepidante. En la narración tendremos la visión de lo que pasa, por parte de 3 de los protagonistas, Greg Carver, que está ingresado en el hospital y apenas tiene protagonismo, el asesino de las espinas, algunos capítulos los veremos a través de él y Ruth Lake, es el personaje que tiene mayor protagonismo en la novela.
La novela comienza como he dicho con Greg Carver ingresado en el hospital tras someterse a una delicada operación, además de tener amnesia, y no recordar lo que sucedió la noche que le dispararon, entonces la policia, se ocupa de 2 investigaciones, por un lado, la investigación de quién disparó a Carver que se complica según avanzan y en la cual, Lake no "puede" participar y por otro lado, la investigación sobre "el asesino de las espinas" tras el cual Carver y Lake llevan un año y que Lake va a continuar con ella.....
Me han gustado mucho los protagonistas, muy bien perfilados y muy humanos, tras el seudónimo de Ashley Dyer se esconden 2 autoras, que personalmente me ha encantado su estilo, publicaron la segunda novela de la serie en 2019, ojalá lo traduzcan pronto.
La novela está narrada en tercera persona, consta de 58 capítulos y un epílogo, comienza con un ritmo pausado que a medida que avanza la trama se va acelerando sin llegar a ser trepidante. En la narración tendremos la visión de lo que pasa, por parte de 3 de los protagonistas, Greg Carver, que está ingresado en el hospital y apenas tiene protagonismo, el asesino de las espinas, algunos capítulos los veremos a través de él y Ruth Lake, es el personaje que tiene mayor protagonismo en la novela.
La novela comienza como he dicho con Greg Carver ingresado en el hospital tras someterse a una delicada operación, además de tener amnesia, y no recordar lo que sucedió la noche que le dispararon, entonces la policia, se ocupa de 2 investigaciones, por un lado, la investigación de quién disparó a Carver que se complica según avanzan y en la cual, Lake no "puede" participar y por otro lado, la investigación sobre "el asesino de las espinas" tras el cual Carver y Lake llevan un año y que Lake va a continuar con ella.....
Me han gustado mucho los protagonistas, muy bien perfilados y muy humanos, tras el seudónimo de Ashley Dyer se esconden 2 autoras, que personalmente me ha encantado su estilo, publicaron la segunda novela de la serie en 2019, ojalá lo traduzcan pronto.
February 27, 2018
Typical detective/police mystery. There was something about the writing that I just did not enjoy. I felt we were just thrown into something without a good layout as to how the story got to where it was in the beginning. The main character could have been more likable if more time was spent explaining who she is as a person. Once I found out that Ashley Dyer is actually two authors writing together it made sense that the writing felt like things were missing-missed connections in the story. I would recommend for mystery fans though and I would be interested in following through to future books if this becomes a series.
June 26, 2018
In the first of a new series, partners Greg Carver and Ruth Lake have been chipping away for months on a case dubbed the "Thorn Killer", where female victims have been tattooed with thorns and poisonous ink. After Carver ends up shot in the chest, presumably by this psycho, Ruth must continue to work every angle hoping to catch a sadistic killer before any other victims are claimed. This a well done slow boil police procedural for those who have enjoyed Tana French or Tess Gerritsen.
February 25, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an advance copy of Splinter in the Blood, a police procedural featuring DCI Geg Carver and DS Ruth Lake of Liverpool police.
The novel opens with a bang, almost literally, with Ruth removing a gun and cases files from Greg's house while he lies dead from a gunshot wound in his chest until she realises he isn't dead. With Greg rushed to hospital Ruth is left to lie to the investigating officers about these events and carry on with the Thorn Killer investigation they have been pursuing for a year where 5 young women have been killed after being held for weeks and covered in bizarre tattoos.
I thoroughly enjoyed Splinter in the Blood and couldn't put it down. At the heart of it is Greg's reckless lifestyle and his now faulty memories about that night but it equally about Ruth's belief in him and her determination to discover what happened to him despite being barred from the investigation, while still working on the Thorn Killer case. She's a bit of a one woman band but it works really well. I really like that the novel starts well into this latter case as it is a novel and unusual approach which again works really well.
The writing and pacing are excellent. I found myself hanging on to every word as the twists come fast and furiously but they all seem realistic as each discovery follows logically from the previous one. Of course, Ruth has some special skills to help her on her way but they are grounded in fact so don't seem outrageous. I also think that the police way of thinking is well portrayed with much disapproval of Ruth and Greg's maverick ways and a strong adherence to Occam's razor (otherwise known as the bleeding obvious).
The protagonists, Ruth and Greg, are immensely appealing. Despite working closely for a year there is, initially, a distinct lack of trust between them with both lying through their teeth. Ruth knows he's lying because she knows people and Greg knows she's lying because he appears to have developed synesthesia and can see people's auras. Once they come clean with each other they can get on with the investigation, or rather Ruth can and Greg can try to remember.
Splinter in the Blood may be another serial killer novel but it is well done and I love it. I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
The novel opens with a bang, almost literally, with Ruth removing a gun and cases files from Greg's house while he lies dead from a gunshot wound in his chest until she realises he isn't dead. With Greg rushed to hospital Ruth is left to lie to the investigating officers about these events and carry on with the Thorn Killer investigation they have been pursuing for a year where 5 young women have been killed after being held for weeks and covered in bizarre tattoos.
I thoroughly enjoyed Splinter in the Blood and couldn't put it down. At the heart of it is Greg's reckless lifestyle and his now faulty memories about that night but it equally about Ruth's belief in him and her determination to discover what happened to him despite being barred from the investigation, while still working on the Thorn Killer case. She's a bit of a one woman band but it works really well. I really like that the novel starts well into this latter case as it is a novel and unusual approach which again works really well.
The writing and pacing are excellent. I found myself hanging on to every word as the twists come fast and furiously but they all seem realistic as each discovery follows logically from the previous one. Of course, Ruth has some special skills to help her on her way but they are grounded in fact so don't seem outrageous. I also think that the police way of thinking is well portrayed with much disapproval of Ruth and Greg's maverick ways and a strong adherence to Occam's razor (otherwise known as the bleeding obvious).
The protagonists, Ruth and Greg, are immensely appealing. Despite working closely for a year there is, initially, a distinct lack of trust between them with both lying through their teeth. Ruth knows he's lying because she knows people and Greg knows she's lying because he appears to have developed synesthesia and can see people's auras. Once they come clean with each other they can get on with the investigation, or rather Ruth can and Greg can try to remember.
Splinter in the Blood may be another serial killer novel but it is well done and I love it. I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
August 10, 2024
Splinter in the Blood
is a formulaic, police procedural that wasn't bad; it also wasn't great.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Detectives Carver and Lake are on the hunt for a serial murderer named The Thorn Killer.
But the book opens up with an injured Carver in his home and his partner, Ruth Lake, covering up the crime. Why?
As Carver recovers, Lake takes up the investigation, against her superior's orders, and begins probing into the background of the latest victim.
As she delves deeper, she discovers most of the victims held secrets their families were unaware of, which is a clue behind the elaborate tattoos the killer sketches on their skin.
As Lake gets closer to the truth, she must deal with red herrings, an annoying police consultant who reeks of ego and superiority and an unforeseen assailant before she comes face to face with the killer.
And it is not who she thinks it is.
But I knew who it was. I called it the moment the character entered the scene. But I read A LOT of mysteries.
Yet that's not the reason why I am giving this a two star review.
There was something off about the writing.
As some reviewers noted, it felt like readers were dropped in the middle or first third of the book. That might be due to the fact that the author is the pen name of two authors.
You can tell because the narrative does not flow. It is disjointed, static and lacks cohesion.
There is also the lack of exposition on the part of the main characters.
There is no context as to Carver and Lake's professional relationship. She is protective of him but we have no idea how long they've been working together. Bits and pieces of their personal lives are strewn around like breadcrumbs.
Lake used to be a CSI before a detective. Lake is an enigma. No one really knows much about her, including the readers.
Carver is separated from his wife. He has a drinking problem. He is obsessed with the case.
These paltry clues about their live are meant to be interesting but because there is no background to these tidbits, it lacks punch and context. The scraps of information feel sort of like a side note.
Such as: Lake knows how to hide evidence and clean up a crime scene because she used to be a CSI.
Good to know. Thanks for that side nugget.
The writing may also be blamed for the two dimensional characterization of Carver and Lake.
Lake is doing most of the footwork and detecting since Carver is in the hospital for 90% of the story, which is fair, but I don't get a sense of who they are.
They seem capable, but I can't say I like them.
Lake is stoic and almost abnormally calm, good traits to have since she is a female in a male dominated industry. But I don't know her.
Who is she? What does she like to do? Is she a robot?
I can't get a read on her but then Lake is wrapped up in the case and that's the main focus.
Splinter in the Blood is plot driven, not character driven. Understood.
Still, I would like to know a little bit about the people I'm reading about. I want to care about them.
This is not a good intro to Carver either, since his obsession with the case and constant drinking and booty calls leads to the end of his marriage.
Can you say cliche? Another cop whose marriage is over because of his obsession over a case. Natch.
The villain appears to be quite tame, despite the deaths and terror this person has caused.
Or maybe the horrors of real life can't compare to fiction and that's why I felt so down when the showdown was near.
I will read the next book in the series.
Perhaps, by then, the authors would have figured out a way to write in tandem with one another.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Detectives Carver and Lake are on the hunt for a serial murderer named The Thorn Killer.
But the book opens up with an injured Carver in his home and his partner, Ruth Lake, covering up the crime. Why?
As Carver recovers, Lake takes up the investigation, against her superior's orders, and begins probing into the background of the latest victim.
As she delves deeper, she discovers most of the victims held secrets their families were unaware of, which is a clue behind the elaborate tattoos the killer sketches on their skin.
As Lake gets closer to the truth, she must deal with red herrings, an annoying police consultant who reeks of ego and superiority and an unforeseen assailant before she comes face to face with the killer.
And it is not who she thinks it is.
But I knew who it was. I called it the moment the character entered the scene. But I read A LOT of mysteries.
Yet that's not the reason why I am giving this a two star review.
There was something off about the writing.
As some reviewers noted, it felt like readers were dropped in the middle or first third of the book. That might be due to the fact that the author is the pen name of two authors.
You can tell because the narrative does not flow. It is disjointed, static and lacks cohesion.
There is also the lack of exposition on the part of the main characters.
There is no context as to Carver and Lake's professional relationship. She is protective of him but we have no idea how long they've been working together. Bits and pieces of their personal lives are strewn around like breadcrumbs.
Lake used to be a CSI before a detective. Lake is an enigma. No one really knows much about her, including the readers.
Carver is separated from his wife. He has a drinking problem. He is obsessed with the case.
These paltry clues about their live are meant to be interesting but because there is no background to these tidbits, it lacks punch and context. The scraps of information feel sort of like a side note.
Such as: Lake knows how to hide evidence and clean up a crime scene because she used to be a CSI.
Good to know. Thanks for that side nugget.
The writing may also be blamed for the two dimensional characterization of Carver and Lake.
Lake is doing most of the footwork and detecting since Carver is in the hospital for 90% of the story, which is fair, but I don't get a sense of who they are.
They seem capable, but I can't say I like them.
Lake is stoic and almost abnormally calm, good traits to have since she is a female in a male dominated industry. But I don't know her.
Who is she? What does she like to do? Is she a robot?
I can't get a read on her but then Lake is wrapped up in the case and that's the main focus.
Splinter in the Blood is plot driven, not character driven. Understood.
Still, I would like to know a little bit about the people I'm reading about. I want to care about them.
This is not a good intro to Carver either, since his obsession with the case and constant drinking and booty calls leads to the end of his marriage.
Can you say cliche? Another cop whose marriage is over because of his obsession over a case. Natch.
The villain appears to be quite tame, despite the deaths and terror this person has caused.
Or maybe the horrors of real life can't compare to fiction and that's why I felt so down when the showdown was near.
I will read the next book in the series.
Perhaps, by then, the authors would have figured out a way to write in tandem with one another.
July 26, 2018
First Sentence: A woman stands in the middle of Detective Chief Inspector Greg Carver's sitting room.
Detective Greg Carter has been shot and critically wounded in his own home leaving him hospitalized and with amnesia. Fearing it may have been a suicide attempt, his friend and colleague, rearranges the scene and wipes it of fingerprints. But was it? Or was Carver shot by the target of months of investigation; the Thorn Killer, who kidnaps and tattoos women with a poisonous ink causing them to die slowly and in great pain. While Carver is fighting to recover, Ruth violates every rule while searching for the killer.
What an interesting approach. One may believe the shooter is obvious, but are they right? Then there is the aspect of our knowing the thoughts of the Thorn Killer. The author provides an excellent way of presenting a lot of questions, and compels one to continue reading in order to know the answers.
There are wonderful lines which can make one smile. It's hard not to enjoy the reference to "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" and Ruth's remembering "Singularity is almost invariably a clue." Dyer, pen name for the writing team of Margaret Murphy and Helen Pepper, leaves one wondering when she takes one down a new path. The introduction of a third internal voice is neatly done.
The author covers the forensic information well. She explains it in terms that are easily understood but not patronizing. The consideration given to the toxicologist is a very nice touch. It is also a good reminder as to which garden plants are best avoided.
In a way, one can't help but be relieved when a truth is revealed. Still, it adds a new set of questions. Dyer is very good at keeping the reader off balance. However, that she has given each of the protagonists a special ability is a bit contrived, but both abilities do exist and are real.
Dyer addresses the issue faced by women today—”Maybe she should have been more conciliatory, but sleepless nights and the daily graft involved in presenting an armor-plated front to the alpha males who would have her job given the chance wearied her beyond exhaustion." At the same time, Dyer doesn't dwell on it or beat the issue of sexism to death.
As an American, it is very interesting reading the details of the 1997 UK amendment to the Firearms Act which banned all automatic weapons as well as handguns smaller than 60 centimeters. Dyer also goes into detail about cognitive interviewing. The information provides reference and insight fascinating and is done in such a way that it doesn't bog down the plot.
When the suspense kicks in, it comes on fast. It is gripping and moves one to the edge of one's seat. There is not stopping now, and it all builds to a very well-done climax.
"Splinter in the Blood" is an extremely good debut with well-done details and a cracking ending.
SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD (Pol Proc-DS Ruth Lake/Det. Greg Carver-England-Contemp) – G+
Dyer, Ashley – 1st book
Wm. Morrow – July 2018
Detective Greg Carter has been shot and critically wounded in his own home leaving him hospitalized and with amnesia. Fearing it may have been a suicide attempt, his friend and colleague, rearranges the scene and wipes it of fingerprints. But was it? Or was Carver shot by the target of months of investigation; the Thorn Killer, who kidnaps and tattoos women with a poisonous ink causing them to die slowly and in great pain. While Carver is fighting to recover, Ruth violates every rule while searching for the killer.
What an interesting approach. One may believe the shooter is obvious, but are they right? Then there is the aspect of our knowing the thoughts of the Thorn Killer. The author provides an excellent way of presenting a lot of questions, and compels one to continue reading in order to know the answers.
There are wonderful lines which can make one smile. It's hard not to enjoy the reference to "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" and Ruth's remembering "Singularity is almost invariably a clue." Dyer, pen name for the writing team of Margaret Murphy and Helen Pepper, leaves one wondering when she takes one down a new path. The introduction of a third internal voice is neatly done.
The author covers the forensic information well. She explains it in terms that are easily understood but not patronizing. The consideration given to the toxicologist is a very nice touch. It is also a good reminder as to which garden plants are best avoided.
In a way, one can't help but be relieved when a truth is revealed. Still, it adds a new set of questions. Dyer is very good at keeping the reader off balance. However, that she has given each of the protagonists a special ability is a bit contrived, but both abilities do exist and are real.
Dyer addresses the issue faced by women today—”Maybe she should have been more conciliatory, but sleepless nights and the daily graft involved in presenting an armor-plated front to the alpha males who would have her job given the chance wearied her beyond exhaustion." At the same time, Dyer doesn't dwell on it or beat the issue of sexism to death.
As an American, it is very interesting reading the details of the 1997 UK amendment to the Firearms Act which banned all automatic weapons as well as handguns smaller than 60 centimeters. Dyer also goes into detail about cognitive interviewing. The information provides reference and insight fascinating and is done in such a way that it doesn't bog down the plot.
When the suspense kicks in, it comes on fast. It is gripping and moves one to the edge of one's seat. There is not stopping now, and it all builds to a very well-done climax.
"Splinter in the Blood" is an extremely good debut with well-done details and a cracking ending.
SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD (Pol Proc-DS Ruth Lake/Det. Greg Carver-England-Contemp) – G+
Dyer, Ashley – 1st book
Wm. Morrow – July 2018
December 24, 2019
2.5 / 5
DNF @ 46%
I don't really know what to say about this one. The writing is good, the plot is interesting, but I just can't get into it. I feel like I don't know the characters at all, which at almost halfway through, feels wrong. And it's not even that they're unreliable narrators, because I'm actually quite fond of those, it's that even at 46% the characters feel like I just started reading about them.
I dunno y'all, I'd be willing to give this author another try, but this book just doesn't speak to me. It's missing that... spark. That thing that makes it unputdownable, irresistible. That and the fact that every time I finish a chapter, it takes me a solid three minutes of cajoling myself into picking it back up, means I'm officially calling it.
DNF @ 46%
I don't really know what to say about this one. The writing is good, the plot is interesting, but I just can't get into it. I feel like I don't know the characters at all, which at almost halfway through, feels wrong. And it's not even that they're unreliable narrators, because I'm actually quite fond of those, it's that even at 46% the characters feel like I just started reading about them.
I dunno y'all, I'd be willing to give this author another try, but this book just doesn't speak to me. It's missing that... spark. That thing that makes it unputdownable, irresistible. That and the fact that every time I finish a chapter, it takes me a solid three minutes of cajoling myself into picking it back up, means I'm officially calling it.
July 28, 2018
4-5*s I really enjoyed this one. It was great on audio. Paromjit wrote an excellent review for this title. Read it! ; ))
Read
July 1, 2021I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but even though I've read the book in a few sittings. I don't remember it at all. Nothing comes up in my mind when I look at the book or the blurb but I know I read it. Was probably not in the right headspace for the book and will not give it a rating obviously. Might read it again some time in the future to see if it sticks in my head better then.
March 15, 2019
För nästan exakt två år sedan hade jag nöjet att läsa den här som originalmanus. Den gången föll jag som en fura, för både karaktärer och historia. När jag såg att den skulle översättas blev jag glad och när boken dök upp hos mig blev jag överlycklig. Det var med nästan skräckblandad förtjusning som jag började läsa det översatta slutresultatet. Läs mer på min blogg
Read
June 5, 2018No rating because I just DNF. The writing style is too jumpy for me. There a point of grasping the character's personality or some action/event that I don't seem to grab before the next scene or slant comes along. It just jars me. Diminishes my interest incredibly. I might try it again when I am in a more peaceful and fully tolerant to tangents mode. I won the copy and appreciate the chance.
When I am introduced to new characters in a book #1- I think I just need more time to focus on their particulars and within less trauma/ violence than is seated here.
When I am introduced to new characters in a book #1- I think I just need more time to focus on their particulars and within less trauma/ violence than is seated here.
January 29, 2018
Having read Margaret Murphy's books written as A D Garrett, I was very much looking forward to her new venture as Ashley Dyer, and it exceeded all expectations. DS Ruth Lake and DCI Greg Carver are investigating the murders of five young women in Liverpool and a breakthrough seems close when Ruth finds Greg shot in his flat. Both principal cops have interesting back stories and the plot is absolutely fascinating, full of twists and rapidly evolving. I hope this is the first of a series!
April 21, 2018
Jag tror jag gillade den här boken redan efter bara några meningar. Vi kastas rätt in i handlingen, in i en scen som kan betyda nästan vad som helst. Jag gillar verkligen tvetydigheten här. Den sätter igång fantasin och väcker intresset, minst sagt. Läs mer på min blogg
June 27, 2019
Great premise but either it was too long or too repetitive because I found myself skimming the last quarter of the book. I couldn't relate to the characters which is unusual for me and British police procedurals.
December 5, 2019
A slow suspense building book featuring an interesting serial killer and two failed police detectives.
May 4, 2020
En mörk och spännande kriminalroman om en seriemördare. Den var stundvis krypande otrevlig när vi får följa den kvinnliga polisen följa spår efter att hennes kollega blivit skjuten. Hon rotar i seriemorden samt skjutningen av kollegan. Det är väldigt långsamt tempo i handlingen och så anade jag vem som var skyldig lite för tidigt så jag blev inte förvånad över upplösningen.
January 20, 2021
3,5 / 5 ⭐
April 25, 2021
A hot mess of a lead character and a freak filled supporting cast? Yes, please! 3 1/2 Stars
July 24, 2022
Superb debut novel. A unique method of murder; very inventive. The characters are drawn in such a way as to keep the reader guessing throughout the story as to their motives.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
April 30, 2018
Me ha gustado mucho esta novela, me ha atrapado por su principio: una situación que parece muy clara y comprometida, pero que a lo largo de la historia, y con unos giros sorprendentes, pero muy bien llevados, acabamos conociendo lo que sucedió en realidad. Además, es una exclente novela de asesinos en serie!!
June 19, 2018
Summary from Goodreads:
"After months of hunting a cold-blooded murderer that the press has dubbed the Thorn Killer, Detective Greg Carver is shot in his own home. His trusted partner, Ruth Lake, is alone with him. Yet instead of calling for help, she’s rearranged the crime scene and wiped the room clean of prints.
But Carver isn’t dead.
Awakening in the hospital, Carver has no memory of being shot, but is certain that his assailant is the Thorn Killer. Though there’s no evidence to support his claim, Carver insists the attack is retaliation, an attempt to scare the detective off the psychopath’s scent, because he’s getting too close. Trapped in a hospital bed and still very weak, Carver’s obsession grows. He’s desperate to get back to work and finally nail the bastard, before more innocent blood is spilled.
One person knows the truth and she’s not telling. She’s also now leading the Thorn Killer investigation while Carver recuperates. It doesn’t matter that Carver and the rest of the force are counting on her, and that more victims’ lives at stake. Ruth is keeping a deadly secret, and she’ll cross every line—sacrificing her colleagues, her career, and maybe even her own life—to keep it from surfacing."
My Thoughts:
How could I not want to read this book after that synopsis? I mean seriously - I felt like this book summary was written with my tastes in mind. Dark, secretive main character where you don't know their true intentions? Check. Possibly unreliable main character with memory issues? Check. Page turning mystery where you don't fully know who to trust or what is going on? Check, check, check. I was sold on reading this one as soon as I read the above and it was just as good as I had hoped it would be! This is just the type of thrilling mystery that I can't get enough of! I was immediately intrigued from the very first page. What actually happened to Greg Carver that night? Why did Ruth compromise the crime scene and what is she hiding? Those questions alone kept me reading and turning the pages as fast as I could. It was just such a tangled mystery and I couldn't get enough! Ruth was such a great main character to read about as I'm a sucker for a main character with a secretive nature. It just always seems to add to the suspense and tension in the book when you don't fully know the motivations behind the main character and their actions. The mystery portion of this book was very well done and kept me guessing until the very end. I found the last 100 or so pages made the book unputdownable for me (no that's not a real word but it feels like it should be). I could not stop reading and really didn't want to! I'm super excited that this looks to be the beginning a series! Bring on the next book please!
Overall, I really enjoyed my time reading this book and am left really excited about this being the beginning to a new series! There was just something so completely immersive about this book and my reading experience with it. I couldn't stop reading and really didn't want to! I found myself trying to figure out what was going on and why the entire time that I was reading. I wasn't successful which made for a very page turning read! I'm really excited to see what these authors come up with next! I think that readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers should give this book a try! I can easily recommend it and really want more book just like this one! It felt like it was written for me and my reading tastes so what else could I possibly want?
Bottom Line: A page turner that left me pining to read more!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. Thoughts are my own.
"After months of hunting a cold-blooded murderer that the press has dubbed the Thorn Killer, Detective Greg Carver is shot in his own home. His trusted partner, Ruth Lake, is alone with him. Yet instead of calling for help, she’s rearranged the crime scene and wiped the room clean of prints.
But Carver isn’t dead.
Awakening in the hospital, Carver has no memory of being shot, but is certain that his assailant is the Thorn Killer. Though there’s no evidence to support his claim, Carver insists the attack is retaliation, an attempt to scare the detective off the psychopath’s scent, because he’s getting too close. Trapped in a hospital bed and still very weak, Carver’s obsession grows. He’s desperate to get back to work and finally nail the bastard, before more innocent blood is spilled.
One person knows the truth and she’s not telling. She’s also now leading the Thorn Killer investigation while Carver recuperates. It doesn’t matter that Carver and the rest of the force are counting on her, and that more victims’ lives at stake. Ruth is keeping a deadly secret, and she’ll cross every line—sacrificing her colleagues, her career, and maybe even her own life—to keep it from surfacing."
My Thoughts:
How could I not want to read this book after that synopsis? I mean seriously - I felt like this book summary was written with my tastes in mind. Dark, secretive main character where you don't know their true intentions? Check. Possibly unreliable main character with memory issues? Check. Page turning mystery where you don't fully know who to trust or what is going on? Check, check, check. I was sold on reading this one as soon as I read the above and it was just as good as I had hoped it would be! This is just the type of thrilling mystery that I can't get enough of! I was immediately intrigued from the very first page. What actually happened to Greg Carver that night? Why did Ruth compromise the crime scene and what is she hiding? Those questions alone kept me reading and turning the pages as fast as I could. It was just such a tangled mystery and I couldn't get enough! Ruth was such a great main character to read about as I'm a sucker for a main character with a secretive nature. It just always seems to add to the suspense and tension in the book when you don't fully know the motivations behind the main character and their actions. The mystery portion of this book was very well done and kept me guessing until the very end. I found the last 100 or so pages made the book unputdownable for me (no that's not a real word but it feels like it should be). I could not stop reading and really didn't want to! I'm super excited that this looks to be the beginning a series! Bring on the next book please!
Overall, I really enjoyed my time reading this book and am left really excited about this being the beginning to a new series! There was just something so completely immersive about this book and my reading experience with it. I couldn't stop reading and really didn't want to! I found myself trying to figure out what was going on and why the entire time that I was reading. I wasn't successful which made for a very page turning read! I'm really excited to see what these authors come up with next! I think that readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers should give this book a try! I can easily recommend it and really want more book just like this one! It felt like it was written for me and my reading tastes so what else could I possibly want?
Bottom Line: A page turner that left me pining to read more!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. Thoughts are my own.
June 15, 2018
Thanks to William Morrow for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Whenever a new crime series comes out I'm always excited to be able to start from the beginning. SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD is book one to the Carver and Lake series, and man, talk about a debut. Ashley Dyer brings us a psychotic serial killer, gruesome murders, and a web of deceit as one detective tries her best to keep her secrets hidden.
Detective Greg Carver is found shot in his own home, and he is found by his partner, Ruth Lake. Why was she there? Why did she rearrange the crime scene, remove items, and wipe down all of the surfaces she touched? They suspect this is the work of the serial killer, dubbed the Thorn Killer, that Carver has been hunting down. By some kind of miracle, Carver survives, but when he wakes up in the hospital he has no memory of what happened.
Now Ruth is lead investigator on the Thorn Killer case, but she is willing to risk everything to keep her secrets hidden. Even if that means sacrificing her career, colleagues, and even more victims. What does she know? What truly happened to her partner that night?
There are so many questions throughout this thriller and Dyer did a fantastic job pulling the reader along. Despite being a 400 page book, I flew through it. The short chapters and changing perspectives keep the pacing up and pages flipping. We get to see through the eyes of Lake, Carver, and the Thorn Killer. I am always a fan of diving into the minds of the serial killers in these types of books, especially when the killer has such a unique method of torturing their victims. Tattooing them for days on end with a poisoned thorn. The suspense will hit you from page one and not let up until the explosive ending!
I can't wait for more for Dyer about Carver and Lake!
I give this 5/5 stars!
Whenever a new crime series comes out I'm always excited to be able to start from the beginning. SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD is book one to the Carver and Lake series, and man, talk about a debut. Ashley Dyer brings us a psychotic serial killer, gruesome murders, and a web of deceit as one detective tries her best to keep her secrets hidden.
Detective Greg Carver is found shot in his own home, and he is found by his partner, Ruth Lake. Why was she there? Why did she rearrange the crime scene, remove items, and wipe down all of the surfaces she touched? They suspect this is the work of the serial killer, dubbed the Thorn Killer, that Carver has been hunting down. By some kind of miracle, Carver survives, but when he wakes up in the hospital he has no memory of what happened.
Now Ruth is lead investigator on the Thorn Killer case, but she is willing to risk everything to keep her secrets hidden. Even if that means sacrificing her career, colleagues, and even more victims. What does she know? What truly happened to her partner that night?
There are so many questions throughout this thriller and Dyer did a fantastic job pulling the reader along. Despite being a 400 page book, I flew through it. The short chapters and changing perspectives keep the pacing up and pages flipping. We get to see through the eyes of Lake, Carver, and the Thorn Killer. I am always a fan of diving into the minds of the serial killers in these types of books, especially when the killer has such a unique method of torturing their victims. Tattooing them for days on end with a poisoned thorn. The suspense will hit you from page one and not let up until the explosive ending!
I can't wait for more for Dyer about Carver and Lake!
I give this 5/5 stars!
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