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Blood Trails #4
Corruption
An exorcism went horribly, horribly wrong. Did the ritual fail? Or was it sabotaged... Shade is a witch, not an exorcist. But when two priests are killed during an exorcism, the surviving witness begs Shade to find out who–or what–is responsible. And what good is a private investigator who's afraid of the tough cases? Danger mounts as Shade plunges into a world of hedonism to wade through the muddy waters of good vs evil. If she's going to survive against the army of enemies piling up, she's going to need help. But who can she trust when the demon who survived the exorcism creates chaos among allies and suspects alike?After all, with the proper temptation, anyone can be corrupted...
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2019
162 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blackstream
53 books512 followersJennifer Blackstream is a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She is amazed and grateful to have made a writing career out of a Master’s degree in Psychology, hours of couch-detecting watching Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and endless research into mythology and fairy tales. She firmly believes that whether it’s a village witch deciding she wants to be a private investigator, or a single mother having a go at being a full time writer, it’s never too late for a new adventure.
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 15, 2019
Once again the story sucked me in, whirled me around, kept me on my toes, entranced, thrilled and entertained me from beginning to end. So many twists and turns I didn't see coming! So fascinating people, such an interesting plot. I am Roman catholic and so sometimes struggle when authors insert Jesus in fantasy settings but here it was done quite nicely and even though the main characters don't believe, it was very believable. The struggle, the doubts, the priests and church, it was all very real and still fit perfectly into the world of the PI witch. I am still on the fence how I feel about Flint - marvellously done, this maybe kind of sure villain!
What intrigued me most was Majesty. I have to say I am a big fan of the mystery kitten now - but please don't tell Peasblossom. Of course she will always be my favorite *throws around honey in case she heard*
I can't wait to read more about all of them!
What intrigued me most was Majesty. I have to say I am a big fan of the mystery kitten now - but please don't tell Peasblossom. Of course she will always be my favorite *throws around honey in case she heard*
I can't wait to read more about all of them!
February 6, 2022
The Blood Trails series is only getting stronger with each book! If you ever wished the Dresden Files had more pixies, or the Discworld series had more witches applying their 'headology' to the world's woes, come hither.
I always buy five copies of this series to hand out to my D&D group friends, because that is what a good friend does with an extraordinary series.
Shade is a little tougher and wiser for the trials she's overcome (and unnerving enemies--and compromises--she's made). But she's still the lovable and sensible multiple-Ph.D.-holding village witch (with a sketchy past) turned private investigator. And she's still out in the harsh streets (and dark woods) of Cleveland, Ohio with her canny and snarky pixie familiar Peasblossom making sure supernatural ("Otherworld") predators don't evade the authorities--human or inhuman.
Well, with the caveat that sometimes Shade has to come to an arrangement or understanding with some shady characters...but that's a risk you take when dealing with ancient powerful beings, amiright?
I won't go into spoilery detail. Corruption gets five stars from me because it brings in some of my favorite quirky side characters and allies to date, and some of the sharpest dramatic twists, and as usual the writer doesn't settle for easy moral and philosophical choices and answers. Plus the action starts with a bang and tension runs high, with Shade and Peasblossom and their client both hunters and hunted--but the laughs keep coming too, and that's just how I like it.
Until today I never posted a book review (I'm a little reticent by nature and nothing I write feels quite good enough). But I've realized even my little effort can be helpful to the creative types whose work brings me such delight and food for thought. And so I sign off--
WHEN YOU LOVE A STORY, SPEAK UP--BOOST THE SIGNAL!
I always buy five copies of this series to hand out to my D&D group friends, because that is what a good friend does with an extraordinary series.
Shade is a little tougher and wiser for the trials she's overcome (and unnerving enemies--and compromises--she's made). But she's still the lovable and sensible multiple-Ph.D.-holding village witch (with a sketchy past) turned private investigator. And she's still out in the harsh streets (and dark woods) of Cleveland, Ohio with her canny and snarky pixie familiar Peasblossom making sure supernatural ("Otherworld") predators don't evade the authorities--human or inhuman.
Well, with the caveat that sometimes Shade has to come to an arrangement or understanding with some shady characters...but that's a risk you take when dealing with ancient powerful beings, amiright?
I won't go into spoilery detail. Corruption gets five stars from me because it brings in some of my favorite quirky side characters and allies to date, and some of the sharpest dramatic twists, and as usual the writer doesn't settle for easy moral and philosophical choices and answers. Plus the action starts with a bang and tension runs high, with Shade and Peasblossom and their client both hunters and hunted--but the laughs keep coming too, and that's just how I like it.
Until today I never posted a book review (I'm a little reticent by nature and nothing I write feels quite good enough). But I've realized even my little effort can be helpful to the creative types whose work brings me such delight and food for thought. And so I sign off--
WHEN YOU LOVE A STORY, SPEAK UP--BOOST THE SIGNAL!
April 30, 2019
Honestly, the back and forth with the demonic posession wasn't as interesting plot to me as the previous installments, but that's mostly a matter of my personal taste. What I like about Jennifer Blackstream's books is that the problems and solutions aren't black and white here, they're all grey, and actions have reprecussions. It's a shame the main character misses interesting supporting cast (Andy could be a block of ice for all that matters) except for Peasblossom, who remains awesome.
Still, one of the better UF series out there.
Still, one of the better UF series out there.
March 10, 2020
1. I hate it but whatever Flint said about Shade were all true. All her action are influenced by her emotion.
2. I like Shade character but hate her attitude at the same time. She can do more magic but she seems limited ( maybe because of her trauma past she forget everything that she capable of ). I don't know, I feel frustrated with her. She seems like she capable of many thing but she look weak to me. Other than she is Baba Yaga ex- apprentice. Her sympathy heart no limit Urghhh.
3. I don't like Flint. NOT AT ALL. I just hope Shade not fall to his lust charm. I hope too he is not romantic interest. I hope Shade not fall in love with him. I hope Shade have steel mental.
4. At first I don't mind with Andy because he been so helpful this whole time. But then I get annoyed with him because he keep asking questions, so nosy to me maybe to you guys he's not. He should not stick his nose to place that not supposed as a human. Now because of him Shade make many enemies and he also with the kelpies. I don't like his stubborn attitude and make him look like he does not see reason. Because of him, everyone are put in dangerous situation.
5. I am sorry author but that make all of your characters interesting. Good job.
6. Overall, this book 4 storyline excite me. Your book engrossed me. Love it. Thank you
7. I only like Peasblossom. Only her no one. Maybe in the next book. Not forget Liam😍
2. I like Shade character but hate her attitude at the same time. She can do more magic but she seems limited ( maybe because of her trauma past she forget everything that she capable of ). I don't know, I feel frustrated with her. She seems like she capable of many thing but she look weak to me. Other than she is Baba Yaga ex- apprentice. Her sympathy heart no limit Urghhh.
3. I don't like Flint. NOT AT ALL. I just hope Shade not fall to his lust charm. I hope too he is not romantic interest. I hope Shade not fall in love with him. I hope Shade have steel mental.
4. At first I don't mind with Andy because he been so helpful this whole time. But then I get annoyed with him because he keep asking questions, so nosy to me maybe to you guys he's not. He should not stick his nose to place that not supposed as a human. Now because of him Shade make many enemies and he also with the kelpies. I don't like his stubborn attitude and make him look like he does not see reason. Because of him, everyone are put in dangerous situation.
5. I am sorry author but that make all of your characters interesting. Good job.
6. Overall, this book 4 storyline excite me. Your book engrossed me. Love it. Thank you
7. I only like Peasblossom. Only her no one. Maybe in the next book. Not forget Liam😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2019
L'agent Andy Bradford du FBI est un peu trop présent pour mon goût mais les choses vont changer dans le prochain tome... Il entraine Mother Renard dans des situations très difficiles. Leur relation la tire vers le bas, elle se fait des ennemis plus vite avec lui dans son entourage.
Flint est présent mais très discret dans ce tome. On risque de le voir plus souvent dans le prochain tome.
La panthère et Majesty sont aussi présents et j'était très heureuse de les revoir. Liam, le loup-garou, a brillé de son absence. Dommage!
Une histoire intéressante, l'enquête sur la mort de minotaurs jumeaux qui faisait un exorcisme. Très captivant, je n'ai rien vu venir... et la fin, je l'adore!
Le contre, c'est que l'histoire fait parfois référence aux livres antérieurs. Il y a près de six mois entre la parution des livres, on doit alors se rappeler qui était Dabria, la sorcière du premier livre.On parle encore de Anton Winters mais comme on en parlait aussi dans les autres livres c'est moins difficile de se le rappeler surtout qu'il était très présent dans le premier livre.
Cela dit, j'attend le prochain tome avec impatience.
Flint est présent mais très discret dans ce tome. On risque de le voir plus souvent dans le prochain tome.
La panthère et Majesty sont aussi présents et j'était très heureuse de les revoir. Liam, le loup-garou, a brillé de son absence. Dommage!
Une histoire intéressante, l'enquête sur la mort de minotaurs jumeaux qui faisait un exorcisme. Très captivant, je n'ai rien vu venir... et la fin, je l'adore!
Le contre, c'est que l'histoire fait parfois référence aux livres antérieurs. Il y a près de six mois entre la parution des livres, on doit alors se rappeler qui était Dabria, la sorcière du premier livre.On parle encore de Anton Winters mais comme on en parlait aussi dans les autres livres c'est moins difficile de se le rappeler surtout qu'il était très présent dans le premier livre.
Cela dit, j'attend le prochain tome avec impatience.
May 21, 2019
I picked up this book in the Nook store on my tablet because I had to know what happens next with the characters. My personal review of the book is as follows:
I personally found the case that this book is centered around to be interesting even though at times(as more of the details of the case were revealed) I felt like I was reading the next book in a series(that still had ties to what the main storyline was about); then as with the previous books in the series I felt like the case took me as the reader right back to where the plot started(I can't really explain more without giving away the whole storyline) which kinda bugged me a bit.
I also felt like the character development made sense for most of the characters and it was interesting to see the difference discussions on faith and right and wrong.
The ending of the book pulled me into wanting to find out what happens next so I downloaded the next book in the Nook store on my tablet before I started writing this review. Overall I personally rate this book a 6 out of 10.
I personally found the case that this book is centered around to be interesting even though at times(as more of the details of the case were revealed) I felt like I was reading the next book in a series(that still had ties to what the main storyline was about); then as with the previous books in the series I felt like the case took me as the reader right back to where the plot started(I can't really explain more without giving away the whole storyline) which kinda bugged me a bit.
I also felt like the character development made sense for most of the characters and it was interesting to see the difference discussions on faith and right and wrong.
The ending of the book pulled me into wanting to find out what happens next so I downloaded the next book in the Nook store on my tablet before I started writing this review. Overall I personally rate this book a 6 out of 10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2019
The fourth book in the Blood Trails series takes the shades of gray established in the previous books and mixes them thoroughly when Shade is asked to save a demon (and its paladin host) after a double homicide of their exorcists. While this book has kind of stale representation of its religious characters, it serves to contrast the negative side of the religious characters with the social graces of the demon and her cult, while still defaulting to paladin = good, demon = bad. Blackstream continues with her unfailing depiction of lovable main and side characters. I'm rooting for the cat sith and the maybe-not-so-terrible-we'll-see leannan sidhe.
July 31, 2022
can’t seem to put it down.
They is addicting. At times I want to stop reading the series but I like it too much to put it down.
You can see the growth in Shade as time goes on. She tries to do the right thing and is now realizing what some of the consequences are as she learns what it takes to be a investigator.
If you are into witches, vampires, fairies, etc then this is the book for you.
These books are easy to follow. They have some funny parts that make me laugh often. Especially her familiar. She is spunky and doesn’t hold back her sarcasm. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
They is addicting. At times I want to stop reading the series but I like it too much to put it down.
You can see the growth in Shade as time goes on. She tries to do the right thing and is now realizing what some of the consequences are as she learns what it takes to be a investigator.
If you are into witches, vampires, fairies, etc then this is the book for you.
These books are easy to follow. They have some funny parts that make me laugh often. Especially her familiar. She is spunky and doesn’t hold back her sarcasm. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
February 9, 2019
Corruption begins when Shade is requested to help out with a Demon issue, but she has no idea what she is truly walking into. This brings in a whole lot of twists and turns, and ends up with Shade getting the short end of the stick, and her doing her best to help Andy.
This book was really really good, I loved Shade, and I'm very anxious for the next book. The only downside is there doesn't seem to be a love interest, and I really hate Shade's "master" I hope that gets fixed really quickly.
This book was really really good, I loved Shade, and I'm very anxious for the next book. The only downside is there doesn't seem to be a love interest, and I really hate Shade's "master" I hope that gets fixed really quickly.
September 12, 2023
Shade investigates murders involving a demon and the Catholic Church. She tries the patience of her allies. Lots of discussion on faith and saving souls.
The end of the book encourages the reader to report typos, but when I have done so in the past I get no acknowledgement. I'd be shocked if this book was even proofread. Sentences confusingly mashed together with commas instead of being separated by periods or semicolons, phase for faze, apostrophe S plural, nowhere as two words, Ebay for eBay multiple times, drown for drowned, tale for tail, loathe (verb) for loath (adj.).
The end of the book encourages the reader to report typos, but when I have done so in the past I get no acknowledgement. I'd be shocked if this book was even proofread. Sentences confusingly mashed together with commas instead of being separated by periods or semicolons, phase for faze, apostrophe S plural, nowhere as two words, Ebay for eBay multiple times, drown for drowned, tale for tail, loathe (verb) for loath (adj.).
January 19, 2019
Holy wow
I’m reeling from this story. It was intricate, unique, unexpected, and so freakin plausible. I love how everything made sense; the arguments from the priests and the acolytes, the kelpies revenge tactics, the loops thrown by the demon and bounty hunter. The story was dirty and gritty and raw and really hard to read at times... because it was so damn good. I feel like I’ll need to reread it again in a few days to catch all the stuff I missed the first time. Just. Wow.
I’m reeling from this story. It was intricate, unique, unexpected, and so freakin plausible. I love how everything made sense; the arguments from the priests and the acolytes, the kelpies revenge tactics, the loops thrown by the demon and bounty hunter. The story was dirty and gritty and raw and really hard to read at times... because it was so damn good. I feel like I’ll need to reread it again in a few days to catch all the stuff I missed the first time. Just. Wow.
December 27, 2024
This one could have benefitted from an editor. There's a line in a late chapter that makes no sense, and our best guess is that one of the characters got a rewrite and this line was missed in the fix. And there's a mystery thread that was never explained (at least as far as my co-reader could determine, and we were both playing pretty close attention).
Two new characters were briefly introduced and I hope we see more of them. Which I guess means I'm reading the next one...
Two new characters were briefly introduced and I hope we see more of them. Which I guess means I'm reading the next one...
November 20, 2019
Not good
There are many things wrong with this book and it was a huge disappointment. There were too many new characters and non stop action. However, non stop action isn't a good thing in this case. When the action doesn't stop there isn't any time for character development. These books aren't going any where. Shade isn't growing at all. I'm bored with them.
There are many things wrong with this book and it was a huge disappointment. There were too many new characters and non stop action. However, non stop action isn't a good thing in this case. When the action doesn't stop there isn't any time for character development. These books aren't going any where. Shade isn't growing at all. I'm bored with them.
January 29, 2022
struggling
Shade seems to be getting less self aware rather than more. For someone who knows the world and it’s rules she acts with recklessness. She willingly sold herself. I ended up agreeing with Flints assessment that her moral high ground and world view are unstable. I’m not sure I liked her at the end of this book.
Shade seems to be getting less self aware rather than more. For someone who knows the world and it’s rules she acts with recklessness. She willingly sold herself. I ended up agreeing with Flints assessment that her moral high ground and world view are unstable. I’m not sure I liked her at the end of this book.
February 5, 2023
She is frustrating. She seems level-headed but it’s all for show. When push comes to shove she is irrational and emotional. She is not just all that, she is a self-centered vigilante who believes what she does is right without thinking of any of the repercussions of her actions, actually no, she does think about it but deems it unimportant, which is worse.
May 15, 2024
3.5 stars
Really enjoy this series.
The thought of an exorcism put me off for a long while. We do not see one. It doesn't happen and the book isn't scary.
It's an interesting idea: a soul bound to a demon NOT possessed. I don't consider this cannon for Christian beliefs or theology.
There some vulgar mentions and descriptions of sex as a demon is involved.
Really enjoy this series.
The thought of an exorcism put me off for a long while. We do not see one. It doesn't happen and the book isn't scary.
It's an interesting idea: a soul bound to a demon NOT possessed. I don't consider this cannon for Christian beliefs or theology.
There some vulgar mentions and descriptions of sex as a demon is involved.
January 23, 2019
Incredible
This is an extremely good series. I adore all the characters, both protagonists and antagonists. The storylines are exceptionally good. The author has created a wonderful literary world. I HIGHLY recommend this book and this series.
This is an extremely good series. I adore all the characters, both protagonists and antagonists. The storylines are exceptionally good. The author has created a wonderful literary world. I HIGHLY recommend this book and this series.
February 10, 2019
Amazing
A true gem! I could not put it down even for a minute and it was because it gripped me with it's suspence and perfect intrigue. Jennifer, you are good at spinning a good tale!
A true gem! I could not put it down even for a minute and it was because it gripped me with it's suspence and perfect intrigue. Jennifer, you are good at spinning a good tale!
March 1, 2019
Hooked
So much packed into one book. Loved the sisters and Scath. I try not to figure out the mysteries so I was delightfully surprised at who done it. Keep it up, I'm looking forward to the next case!
So much packed into one book. Loved the sisters and Scath. I try not to figure out the mysteries so I was delightfully surprised at who done it. Keep it up, I'm looking forward to the next case!
March 13, 2019
Fantastic addition to the series
Well written, interesting story, and the writer gives deeper glimpses into the goals and objectives of all of the characters. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Well written, interesting story, and the writer gives deeper glimpses into the goals and objectives of all of the characters. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 6, 2021
Don’t like this Andy character at all. I also don’t know why the h is so hell bent on being a partner with him, what’s special? He is the most weak of them all? … and so condescending to everybody including Shade.
July 27, 2023
Another banger (as the kids say)! The absolute chaos of the magic battles were a joy. Shade is terribly flawed and it’s hard to watch her shoot herself in the foot but she always solves the case. I didn’t see any of it coming!
January 20, 2019
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. If you've made it this far into the series, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait for book 5!!
February 3, 2019
Fantastic
I love this series and look forward to more of it.
Thank you for writing this great series Jennifer Blackstream
I love this series and look forward to more of it.
Thank you for writing this great series Jennifer Blackstream
February 9, 2019
What is next....
This series is amazing. I cannot wait to see what things this witch and her crew will get into next. Whatever it is I am sure it will be crazy.
This series is amazing. I cannot wait to see what things this witch and her crew will get into next. Whatever it is I am sure it will be crazy.
May 1, 2019
Good but detail heavy
I loved it but some of the pages I had to reread. I am not a good private investigator lol otherwise it was fantastic. Can’t wait for the next
I loved it but some of the pages I had to reread. I am not a good private investigator lol otherwise it was fantastic. Can’t wait for the next
October 29, 2020
Awesome
Each book gets me everytime! You are following one path then Bam! So much happens! I am in love with this series.
Each book gets me everytime! You are following one path then Bam! So much happens! I am in love with this series.
December 3, 2021
This is my least favorite so far. Was kinda hoping foe more Liam. She keeps dangling these men. Keeps me wanting more
January 26, 2022
4.5 Stars:)
March 4, 2022
Loving Shade
Oh my god! Thank you for giving me life with this series and characters. I am enjoying the books so much. I have already decided to read them all!
Oh my god! Thank you for giving me life with this series and characters. I am enjoying the books so much. I have already decided to read them all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews