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Detective Claudia Nunn #1
Blood Stained
Can’t find her.
Can’t see him.
Can’t trust anyone.
The first in a gripping new Sheffield-set crime series starring Detective Claudia Nunn.
Detective Claudia Nunn’s colleague DS Dominic Harrison has been leading the case against a dangerous serial killer, who hunts his victims using a dating app. But now his own wife has gone missing.
Then a large pool of blood is discovered in their garage. And Dominic is the prime suspect.
Is Dominic being framed by a serial killer or will Claudia expose an even uglier truth?
Can’t tell a soul how it ends.
Can’t see him.
Can’t trust anyone.
The first in a gripping new Sheffield-set crime series starring Detective Claudia Nunn.
Detective Claudia Nunn’s colleague DS Dominic Harrison has been leading the case against a dangerous serial killer, who hunts his victims using a dating app. But now his own wife has gone missing.
Then a large pool of blood is discovered in their garage. And Dominic is the prime suspect.
Is Dominic being framed by a serial killer or will Claudia expose an even uglier truth?
Can’t tell a soul how it ends.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2021
683 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Bradley
19 books263 followersRebecca Bradley is a retired police detective who lives in the UK with her family and her two cockapoo's Alfie and Lola. They keep her company while she writes. Rebecca needs to drink copious amounts of tea to function throughout the day and if she could, she would survive on a diet of tea and cake while committing murder on a regular basis, in her writing of course.
To download a FREE novella of THREE WEEKS DEAD visit her website at rebeccabradleycrime.com
You can always chat with her on Twitter where she can be found spending far too much of her time at @RebeccaJBradley
To download a FREE novella of THREE WEEKS DEAD visit her website at rebeccabradleycrime.com
You can always chat with her on Twitter where she can be found spending far too much of her time at @RebeccaJBradley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
October 11, 2021
Rebecca Bradley is a new-to-me author although she's written quite a few books. A Goodreads friend reviewed Blood Stained and rated it pretty highly (thanks Jazz Webb!) and since the book was free with my Kindle Unlimited membership I borrowed it and it's been lingering on my Kindle for months until now.
DS Dominic Harrison is in the process of trying to uncover the identity of a dangerous serial killer in the Sheffield area when his wife, an undercover officer, goes missing. Detective Claudia Nunn has been put in charge of the investigation and is interviewing DS Harrison about his missing wife.
I'm quite impressed with the quality of the writing as well as the characters in this book and I definitely plan to read book 2 in the series which is also available from Kindle Unlimited. The story, told from Claudia's viewpoint as the interview progresses alternating with Dominic's recounting of the search for the serial killer, held my interest throughout. I had sort of guessed the denouement of the story but still was a little surprised at how things were left. Now I really HAVE to read the second book!
3.5 Stars rounded up!
DS Dominic Harrison is in the process of trying to uncover the identity of a dangerous serial killer in the Sheffield area when his wife, an undercover officer, goes missing. Detective Claudia Nunn has been put in charge of the investigation and is interviewing DS Harrison about his missing wife.
I'm quite impressed with the quality of the writing as well as the characters in this book and I definitely plan to read book 2 in the series which is also available from Kindle Unlimited. The story, told from Claudia's viewpoint as the interview progresses alternating with Dominic's recounting of the search for the serial killer, held my interest throughout. I had sort of guessed the denouement of the story but still was a little surprised at how things were left. Now I really HAVE to read the second book!
3.5 Stars rounded up!
March 23, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Detective Claudia Nunn #1
DS Dominic Harrison has been leading a case against a dangerous serial killer who hunts his victims using a dating app. But now his wife has gone missing. When a large pool of blood is found in their garage, Dominic becomes the prime suspect. Is Dominic being framed or will Detective Claudia Nunn expose an even uglier truth?
Set in Sheffield, this is a new series to featre Detective Claudia Nunn. A serial killer is meeting women through a dating app. A Detective Sargeant's wife has gone missing. Mix them together and you end up with a good plot for a book. I did have a couple of issues with the story though: Detective Nunn wouldn't investiate or interview a case involving a collegue. It would be someone from a different police force. The story is told from Dominic and Claudia's perspectives and told in the past and present day. I did guess where this story was going but that didn't spoil my enjoyment. I quite enjoyed this book and i will be looking out for the next book in this new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks and the author #RebeccaBradley for my ARC of #BloodStained in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Claudia Nunn #1
DS Dominic Harrison has been leading a case against a dangerous serial killer who hunts his victims using a dating app. But now his wife has gone missing. When a large pool of blood is found in their garage, Dominic becomes the prime suspect. Is Dominic being framed or will Detective Claudia Nunn expose an even uglier truth?
Set in Sheffield, this is a new series to featre Detective Claudia Nunn. A serial killer is meeting women through a dating app. A Detective Sargeant's wife has gone missing. Mix them together and you end up with a good plot for a book. I did have a couple of issues with the story though: Detective Nunn wouldn't investiate or interview a case involving a collegue. It would be someone from a different police force. The story is told from Dominic and Claudia's perspectives and told in the past and present day. I did guess where this story was going but that didn't spoil my enjoyment. I quite enjoyed this book and i will be looking out for the next book in this new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks and the author #RebeccaBradley for my ARC of #BloodStained in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
"Blood Stained" is the first book in author Rebecca Bradley's DI Claudia Nunn series set in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
"Seconds to Die" and "She Knew Her Killer" are the second and third books in the series respectively.
All books are well-plotted, intriguing police procedurals with strong and compelling characterizations.
Although all three books are standalone reads, starting with "Blood Stained" (my favorite book in the series) is highly recommended.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook, read by Laura Brydon and Adam Price.
Laura Brydon's voice sounded similar to a "Valley Girl" from the UK. (Is that possible?)
Once I became used to Laura Brydon's voice, I enjoyed the narration and felt like I really knew DI Claudia Nunn.
Author Rebecca Bradley is a talented writer and former police detective whose expert knowledge of criminals, crime scenes, and law enforcement is reflected in all three books.
If there is a DI Claudia Nunn, Book 4.........I'm in!
"Seconds to Die" and "She Knew Her Killer" are the second and third books in the series respectively.
All books are well-plotted, intriguing police procedurals with strong and compelling characterizations.
Although all three books are standalone reads, starting with "Blood Stained" (my favorite book in the series) is highly recommended.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook, read by Laura Brydon and Adam Price.
Laura Brydon's voice sounded similar to a "Valley Girl" from the UK. (Is that possible?)
Once I became used to Laura Brydon's voice, I enjoyed the narration and felt like I really knew DI Claudia Nunn.
Author Rebecca Bradley is a talented writer and former police detective whose expert knowledge of criminals, crime scenes, and law enforcement is reflected in all three books.
If there is a DI Claudia Nunn, Book 4.........I'm in!
March 30, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
BLOOD STAINED (Detective Claudia Nunn Book #1) by Rebecca Bradley is the first book in a new British police procedural thriller/mystery that I could not put down and read all in one sitting. This is an intense and intriguing new thriller with hairpin turns in its plot from a new to me author and I will definitely be following DI Claudia Nunn in her future books.
DI Claudia Nunn follows the facts no matter where they may go. Claudia is assigned to investigate a missing person report and interrogate the missing woman’s husband. The missing woman, Ruth is an undercover investigator and married to a fellow officer and a friend.
DS Dominic Harris has been investigating a serial killer, the Sheffield Strangler, who meets divorced women in their forties with one or more children through a dating app for the last six months. Now he is being held and investigated for the disappearance of his wife and fellow officer by DI Nunn. Harris claims his innocence and swears he is being set up by the Sheffield Strangler.
As the hours pass, DI Nunn is working to find and save Ruth, exonerate DS Harris and solve the Sheffield Strangler case but will the facts lead to the solution expected?
I loved this story and the author’s intricate and tightly woven plotting that not once, but twice truly surprised me. The first surprise is the only reason I was slightly disappointed because it made the previous pages I had just read no longer feel truly realistic. (I cannot say why without spoiling it for you, but you can agree or disagree yourself.) This book is a page turner with the dual narratives of DI Nunn’s investigation in the present and DS Harris’ investigation in the previous six months intertwined throughout. The characters are interesting and fully fleshed. The ending is a huge surprise that has me anxiously waiting for the next book.
I highly recommend this first book in this new series and look forward to many more!
RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Rounded Up)
BLOOD STAINED (Detective Claudia Nunn Book #1) by Rebecca Bradley is the first book in a new British police procedural thriller/mystery that I could not put down and read all in one sitting. This is an intense and intriguing new thriller with hairpin turns in its plot from a new to me author and I will definitely be following DI Claudia Nunn in her future books.
DI Claudia Nunn follows the facts no matter where they may go. Claudia is assigned to investigate a missing person report and interrogate the missing woman’s husband. The missing woman, Ruth is an undercover investigator and married to a fellow officer and a friend.
DS Dominic Harris has been investigating a serial killer, the Sheffield Strangler, who meets divorced women in their forties with one or more children through a dating app for the last six months. Now he is being held and investigated for the disappearance of his wife and fellow officer by DI Nunn. Harris claims his innocence and swears he is being set up by the Sheffield Strangler.
As the hours pass, DI Nunn is working to find and save Ruth, exonerate DS Harris and solve the Sheffield Strangler case but will the facts lead to the solution expected?
I loved this story and the author’s intricate and tightly woven plotting that not once, but twice truly surprised me. The first surprise is the only reason I was slightly disappointed because it made the previous pages I had just read no longer feel truly realistic. (I cannot say why without spoiling it for you, but you can agree or disagree yourself.) This book is a page turner with the dual narratives of DI Nunn’s investigation in the present and DS Harris’ investigation in the previous six months intertwined throughout. The characters are interesting and fully fleshed. The ending is a huge surprise that has me anxiously waiting for the next book.
I highly recommend this first book in this new series and look forward to many more!
RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Rounded Up)
March 23, 2021
Blood Stained is the first instalment in the Detective Inspector Claudia Nunn series, set in and around the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The prologue begins with a woman called Ruth washing dishes at her kitchen sink when she knows someone is behind her. She's frozen, paralysed by fear but promises herself she won't go down without a fight. She tries to use a glass as a weapon against him giving her time to run, but he catches her by the hair dragging her back and dropping her at his feet. She struggles under his weight, kicking and punching the best she can when he reigns a blow down on the side of her head. 9 hours later and DI Dunn is at Snig Hill Police Station where her superior DCI Maddison Sharpe has requested her to carry out the unenviable task of interviewing 52-year-old DS Dominic Harrison, the shaken husband to missing person, Ruth. Claudia and Dominic have a close bond but the nature of it is not known until much later on. She reluctantly agrees. For the past 6 months, the police have been trying to apprehend The Sheffield Strangler, a serial killer seemingly targeting women over the age of 40. They had all been killed then buried in shallow graves in woodland areas and discovered only by chance. Each body showed signs of the same MO and at each dump site, red lipstick was found. Ruth, a police officer herself in the undercover unit, had gone undercover to try to catch the vicious perpetrator in the act as the bodies piled up and the local police became more and more desperate to stop his spree before any more women lost their lives. On the night Ruth went missing, DS Harrison had gotten home late after team meetings at the station and she wasn't home.
After ringing around colleagues and friends and walking her route from home to work he reported her missing and though he was now under suspicion he was adamant that the Strangler had abducted her. When Claudia attends Dom's address at Green Lane, Wharncliffe Side, to execute a search warrant she finds a large bloodstain on the garage floor but still no sign of a body. Dom is now their prime suspect but maintains he is innocent and is being framed by the crafty Strangler. Did he really kill his wife? Rewind 6 months and DI Adyant Kapoor had informed Dom that the body of a woman had been found in Ecclesall Woods by dog walker, Derek Fearns, who had literally tripped and fell onto her, and that she had been subjected to horrendous brutality. Dom is sent to secure the scene until the Crime Scene Unit can arrive. The victim had blonde hair, was aged in her forties and there were ligature marks around her throat and yet it had also been cut. Her name was Julie Carver and it is found that she had used an online dating site recently; when more women are murdered in the same manner by a guy known as "Christian" in his online dating profile the police have found the connection. Can Claudia get to the bottom of whether Ruth is alive or dead while also putting a stop to the serial killer's antics? This is a compulsive and enthralling procedural and a brilliant start to a new series. There were a plethora of wicked twists, turns and red herrings to keep you turning the pages, and it's an incredibly tightly plotted thrill ride with intricate detail and a ring of authenticity to many of the events as the author is a retired police officer herself. A riveting and thoroughly addictive mystery thriller and a dark, addictive and intensely woven page-turner. Highly recommended.
After ringing around colleagues and friends and walking her route from home to work he reported her missing and though he was now under suspicion he was adamant that the Strangler had abducted her. When Claudia attends Dom's address at Green Lane, Wharncliffe Side, to execute a search warrant she finds a large bloodstain on the garage floor but still no sign of a body. Dom is now their prime suspect but maintains he is innocent and is being framed by the crafty Strangler. Did he really kill his wife? Rewind 6 months and DI Adyant Kapoor had informed Dom that the body of a woman had been found in Ecclesall Woods by dog walker, Derek Fearns, who had literally tripped and fell onto her, and that she had been subjected to horrendous brutality. Dom is sent to secure the scene until the Crime Scene Unit can arrive. The victim had blonde hair, was aged in her forties and there were ligature marks around her throat and yet it had also been cut. Her name was Julie Carver and it is found that she had used an online dating site recently; when more women are murdered in the same manner by a guy known as "Christian" in his online dating profile the police have found the connection. Can Claudia get to the bottom of whether Ruth is alive or dead while also putting a stop to the serial killer's antics? This is a compulsive and enthralling procedural and a brilliant start to a new series. There were a plethora of wicked twists, turns and red herrings to keep you turning the pages, and it's an incredibly tightly plotted thrill ride with intricate detail and a ring of authenticity to many of the events as the author is a retired police officer herself. A riveting and thoroughly addictive mystery thriller and a dark, addictive and intensely woven page-turner. Highly recommended.
March 25, 2021
DS Dominic Harrison has been pursuing a vicious serial killer, one who finds and hunts his victims through a dating app.
But then Dominic's wife goes missing and there's a large pool of blood in his garage. He is the prime suspect.
Detective Claudia Nunn is tapped to investigate Dominic, even though they have worked closely together. The powers that are think she will be the best person to question him and the person he will be most open to up and confess.
But Dominick can't be more adamant that he had nothing to do with his wife missing. In fact, he begs Claudia and everyone else that they should be out there looking for her. He insists that the serial killer he's been searching for has framed him.
Is he telling the truth? Will Claudia be able to investigate without prejudice? Will she find the serial killer? Find his missing wife?
A tightly woven plot with non-stop action and intrigue from the very start make this a true page turner. Suspenseful twists and turns lead to a very unexpected conclusion. Watch for the huge twist!
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
But then Dominic's wife goes missing and there's a large pool of blood in his garage. He is the prime suspect.
Detective Claudia Nunn is tapped to investigate Dominic, even though they have worked closely together. The powers that are think she will be the best person to question him and the person he will be most open to up and confess.
But Dominick can't be more adamant that he had nothing to do with his wife missing. In fact, he begs Claudia and everyone else that they should be out there looking for her. He insists that the serial killer he's been searching for has framed him.
Is he telling the truth? Will Claudia be able to investigate without prejudice? Will she find the serial killer? Find his missing wife?
A tightly woven plot with non-stop action and intrigue from the very start make this a true page turner. Suspenseful twists and turns lead to a very unexpected conclusion. Watch for the huge twist!
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 25, 2021
It's official 2021 is the year of awesome crime thriller!!
This is the first and I hope not the last in the Claudia Nunn series. What an opening! Undercover officer Ruth Harrison is missing presumed dead. Her husband DC Domonic Harrison reports her as missing and is convinced it is linked to his on going investigation of the serial killer dubbed the strangler. Claudia is tasked with interviewing Dom to gage as much as she can from him. With a personal relationship they think its their best chance to find Ruth and see if Dom has anything to do with her disappearance.
Oh my god I just loved this book. The layout was so fresh with Claudia we are in the present following her investigation and with Dominic we start 6 months prior to uncover his investigation and how that has lead him to believe Ruth's disappearance is linked. I loved the fact that even though we are jumping back we are still recievung the information from Dominic as he is telling Claudia what happened and laying out his investigation. It meant we as readers got to decide if we felt there was a link.
I like Claudia she's a rule follower take charge badass it has to be said. There are soooo many reasons why she shouldn't take the case but the choice is taken away from her. Yet when we find out why she was so resistant when the DCI assigned her I have to say I had to re read it several times. Even though this series is around her this case doesn't allow for much of her personality to shine through which is very clever of the author because she has left her wide open to further develop.
Dominic I am not keen on for so many reasons. Main is he seems to think he's better than he is, just really grated on me.
The case the stranger is quite gruesome. But again the way the book is layed out we aren't bogged down with the details of each crime. Yet I guessed who the killer was and didn't waiver and I was correct. But yet I didn't even care I was just on the edge of my seat to read it all play out.
This is one of those books the more I write in a review the more I will give away. So all in all I loved it and roll on any sequels. Great book for all u crime fans our there. 5 stars
Thanks to netgalley the publisher and author for a digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinion
This is the first and I hope not the last in the Claudia Nunn series. What an opening! Undercover officer Ruth Harrison is missing presumed dead. Her husband DC Domonic Harrison reports her as missing and is convinced it is linked to his on going investigation of the serial killer dubbed the strangler. Claudia is tasked with interviewing Dom to gage as much as she can from him. With a personal relationship they think its their best chance to find Ruth and see if Dom has anything to do with her disappearance.
Oh my god I just loved this book. The layout was so fresh with Claudia we are in the present following her investigation and with Dominic we start 6 months prior to uncover his investigation and how that has lead him to believe Ruth's disappearance is linked. I loved the fact that even though we are jumping back we are still recievung the information from Dominic as he is telling Claudia what happened and laying out his investigation. It meant we as readers got to decide if we felt there was a link.
I like Claudia she's a rule follower take charge badass it has to be said. There are soooo many reasons why she shouldn't take the case but the choice is taken away from her. Yet when we find out why she was so resistant when the DCI assigned her I have to say I had to re read it several times. Even though this series is around her this case doesn't allow for much of her personality to shine through which is very clever of the author because she has left her wide open to further develop.
Dominic I am not keen on for so many reasons. Main is he seems to think he's better than he is, just really grated on me.
The case the stranger is quite gruesome. But again the way the book is layed out we aren't bogged down with the details of each crime. Yet I guessed who the killer was and didn't waiver and I was correct. But yet I didn't even care I was just on the edge of my seat to read it all play out.
This is one of those books the more I write in a review the more I will give away. So all in all I loved it and roll on any sequels. Great book for all u crime fans our there. 5 stars
Thanks to netgalley the publisher and author for a digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinion
March 28, 2021
4 stars
A murder investigation turns intensely personal for several detectives involved. This book is very well written and paced, with an MC I cared much for.
[What I liked:]
•The writing is really good, with striking turns of phrase, and not cliché. I highlighted several lines just because I liked the way a description was worded.
•The timeline isn’t totally chronological, but it’s done in a way that enhances the story instead of being that way for no reason or getting convoluted. It actually increased a lot of narrative tension & definitely raised the stakes.
•I like Dom a whole lot. He’s a flawed yet very sympathetic character. I was very engaged with the outcome of his interrogation & the crime’s solution.
•Interesting plot! I enjoyed the details about interviewing family members, inter-departmental politics among the police, the forensics work, etc. The level of professional detail made the story seem very real, without getting bogged down in jargon or technical facts.
•I kinda figured out who the strangler was halfway in, but watching the rest of the details unfold & confirm it was delicious.
•Ohhh man! That ending! I can’t wait for the series to continue!
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•With the connection between Dom & Claudia, it’s really unbelievable she would have any involvement in the case. I found that hard to overlook.
•Plus, the risk Claudia takes towards the end seemed unrealistic. She knew way better.
CW: on page physical assault (non-sexual), murder
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
A murder investigation turns intensely personal for several detectives involved. This book is very well written and paced, with an MC I cared much for.
[What I liked:]
•The writing is really good, with striking turns of phrase, and not cliché. I highlighted several lines just because I liked the way a description was worded.
•The timeline isn’t totally chronological, but it’s done in a way that enhances the story instead of being that way for no reason or getting convoluted. It actually increased a lot of narrative tension & definitely raised the stakes.
•I like Dom a whole lot. He’s a flawed yet very sympathetic character. I was very engaged with the outcome of his interrogation & the crime’s solution.
•Interesting plot! I enjoyed the details about interviewing family members, inter-departmental politics among the police, the forensics work, etc. The level of professional detail made the story seem very real, without getting bogged down in jargon or technical facts.
•I kinda figured out who the strangler was halfway in, but watching the rest of the details unfold & confirm it was delicious.
•Ohhh man! That ending! I can’t wait for the series to continue!
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•With the connection between Dom & Claudia, it’s really unbelievable she would have any involvement in the case. I found that hard to overlook.
•Plus, the risk Claudia takes towards the end seemed unrealistic. She knew way better.
CW: on page physical assault (non-sexual), murder
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
October 7, 2024
I was enjoying this and while I can suspend belief on somethings. The main shock factor to me was not plausible and could literally never happen….. even with suspending belief. 😂
March 12, 2021
D.I. Claudia Nunn book one
A gripping tense read from this new author to me, set in Sheffield we join the team at Snig Hill police station. Claudia is assigned to interview witness D.S. Dominic Harrison her father, she didn't want to take this case but Maddison Sharpe requests it, Ruth his wife has gone missing and the Sheffield strangler is still on the loose after six months and they were working round the clock to get her found. Her father is convinced he has her to get him back.
This is one very emotional case for the team to deal with and I must say it left a lump in my throat, the house of maven velvet berry lipstick holds a key to all the other murders and after a house search blood is found and the lipstick, It's definitely a full on book to read and I just couldn't put this down, a real page turner all I can say is Wow!! pick it up and read.
A gripping tense read from this new author to me, set in Sheffield we join the team at Snig Hill police station. Claudia is assigned to interview witness D.S. Dominic Harrison her father, she didn't want to take this case but Maddison Sharpe requests it, Ruth his wife has gone missing and the Sheffield strangler is still on the loose after six months and they were working round the clock to get her found. Her father is convinced he has her to get him back.
This is one very emotional case for the team to deal with and I must say it left a lump in my throat, the house of maven velvet berry lipstick holds a key to all the other murders and after a house search blood is found and the lipstick, It's definitely a full on book to read and I just couldn't put this down, a real page turner all I can say is Wow!! pick it up and read.
March 25, 2021
I've previously read one of Rebecca Bradley's DI Hannah Robbins series and enjoyed it so I was eager to see what this new series had to offer.
Claudia is tasked to investigate the disappearance of Ruth Harrison. The problem is their prime suspect is her husband Dominic, a police officer. He believes that it's linked to a case he's investigating, a serial killer called the Sheffield Strangler. The case is personal to Claudia as she knows both Ruth and Dominic, can she put her feelings aside and solve the case?
Blood Stained is a police procedural that I felt was a lot heavier on the procedural aspect, focusing on evidence gathering and interviews, which I found fascinating. We go back and forth between Ruth missing and the current investigation and six months previously with the Sheffield Strangler case seeing both Claudia and Dominic in action.
I liked Claudia. She's ambitious but also a rule follower, keen to solve the case even though this case was emotionally draining for her. There was some good sparring between her and Dominic through their interviews together and she's not one to back down from a challenge.
I will say I figured out the who quite early on, even though there were a few good twists in there, but the why was what kept me turning those pages. Also, it is not the most action packed of stories but it had a steady pace throughout.
Blood stained is a gritty and realistic mystery which has left me wanting to see more of these characters.
Claudia is tasked to investigate the disappearance of Ruth Harrison. The problem is their prime suspect is her husband Dominic, a police officer. He believes that it's linked to a case he's investigating, a serial killer called the Sheffield Strangler. The case is personal to Claudia as she knows both Ruth and Dominic, can she put her feelings aside and solve the case?
Blood Stained is a police procedural that I felt was a lot heavier on the procedural aspect, focusing on evidence gathering and interviews, which I found fascinating. We go back and forth between Ruth missing and the current investigation and six months previously with the Sheffield Strangler case seeing both Claudia and Dominic in action.
I liked Claudia. She's ambitious but also a rule follower, keen to solve the case even though this case was emotionally draining for her. There was some good sparring between her and Dominic through their interviews together and she's not one to back down from a challenge.
I will say I figured out the who quite early on, even though there were a few good twists in there, but the why was what kept me turning those pages. Also, it is not the most action packed of stories but it had a steady pace throughout.
Blood stained is a gritty and realistic mystery which has left me wanting to see more of these characters.
March 25, 2021
It is always good to be introduced to a new author so I was looking forward to reading this book by Rebecca Bradley.
The story is set in Sheffield, an area I am very familiar with having lived in South Yorkshire for most of my life so I really enjoyed reading about the different places.
Dominic is investigating the Sheffield Strangler. He has killed several women horrifically leaving their children motherless but nobody living seems to know what he looks like and he is clever leaving no clues and no forensic evidence only a lipstick left with each body. Then Dominic's wife goes missing and he is arrested on suspicion of murder and finds himself being interviewed by Claudia, who knows him and his wife very well.
This is a very intriguing story that switches between the present day and the Sheffield Strangler investigation. If you like to get into the nitty gritty of detective work then this is definitely a book for you it follows the investigation into Ruth's disappearance in detail making for a very interesting read.
The twists and turns are many causing me to change my mind about what happened many times throughout the book and the identity of the Sheffield Strangler was a complete shock I certainly didn't see coming.
Personally I was disappointed with the ending but hopefully there is more to come in this story.
Thank you to the author, Joffe Books and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.
The story is set in Sheffield, an area I am very familiar with having lived in South Yorkshire for most of my life so I really enjoyed reading about the different places.
Dominic is investigating the Sheffield Strangler. He has killed several women horrifically leaving their children motherless but nobody living seems to know what he looks like and he is clever leaving no clues and no forensic evidence only a lipstick left with each body. Then Dominic's wife goes missing and he is arrested on suspicion of murder and finds himself being interviewed by Claudia, who knows him and his wife very well.
This is a very intriguing story that switches between the present day and the Sheffield Strangler investigation. If you like to get into the nitty gritty of detective work then this is definitely a book for you it follows the investigation into Ruth's disappearance in detail making for a very interesting read.
The twists and turns are many causing me to change my mind about what happened many times throughout the book and the identity of the Sheffield Strangler was a complete shock I certainly didn't see coming.
Personally I was disappointed with the ending but hopefully there is more to come in this story.
Thank you to the author, Joffe Books and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.
July 13, 2022
THE AUTHOR PLAYS WITH US READER'S LIKE A CAT PLAYIN' WITH A MOUSE. EACH CHAPTER THEY TOY WITH US READERS. I THINK THEY DID AN EXCELLANT JOB KEEPING YOU ON THE EDGE THEN FLIPPING TO ANOTHER BIT OF INFORMATION. I WAS AT 65% TIRED OF BEING TOYED WITH, I HAD TWO POSSIBLE SUSPECTS BUT WASN'T EVEN CLOSE TO DECIDING WHO-DONE-IT. BY 89%-91% WOO-HOO YAY I WAS RIGHT. ;D
January 10, 2024
This book made me so uncomfortable. I did not guess the ending but did have some suspicions of certain characters throughout... Would definitely recommend!
April 5, 2021
Vibes of AC-12 having to investigate other police officers here... (Line of Duty fans). As always with Rebecca Bradley, you know you are getting a very accurate representation of police work and the sometimes tricky relationships between colleagues. Wishing the author all the best with this new setting, new characters and new crime series!
June 26, 2025
WOW what a suspense filled thriller. A brilliant read must get more in the series.
March 26, 2021
I have enjoyed all of this author’s earlier books and was looking forward to this new series. It is an unusual one, I’ve never read a book where a member of the team has to investigate a colleague. That colleague is Dominic and it concerns the disappearance of his wife, Ruth. He claims it is the work of a serial killer he has been investigating.
As the novel progresses you see both investigations, Dominic attempts to find the serial killer and Claudia trying to find out who, if any of them, is responsible for Ruth’s disappearance. And as usual there were times I was aching to find out what happened next with both.
With the author’s background I was prepared for the level of detail concerning a murder investigation. This made the book more real and at times more upsetting. Not with the forensics but the emotions and not just concerning families.You could see the effect the crimes had on both of teams involved and the way they had to learn to cope. I also had a lot of appreciation for the way they worked together, in particular Claudia and Ross Kane.
I read plenty of books and I’m not often taken by surprise but there were a few times in this book when I read something unexpected. One of them I had to reread, flicking back to see what I had missed. And it worked perfectly.
A great start to a promising new series.
As the novel progresses you see both investigations, Dominic attempts to find the serial killer and Claudia trying to find out who, if any of them, is responsible for Ruth’s disappearance. And as usual there were times I was aching to find out what happened next with both.
With the author’s background I was prepared for the level of detail concerning a murder investigation. This made the book more real and at times more upsetting. Not with the forensics but the emotions and not just concerning families.You could see the effect the crimes had on both of teams involved and the way they had to learn to cope. I also had a lot of appreciation for the way they worked together, in particular Claudia and Ross Kane.
I read plenty of books and I’m not often taken by surprise but there were a few times in this book when I read something unexpected. One of them I had to reread, flicking back to see what I had missed. And it worked perfectly.
A great start to a promising new series.
March 20, 2021
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. This was a brilliant book it had a great story and characters, many twists and an unexpected ending, I can't wait for more from this author.
March 29, 2021
This was quite hard for me to review and rate, and I’ll explain why at the end.
The story starts with Ruth finding a man in her home standing behind her. As he strikes, she tries to defend herself and then it all goes black.
During the past six months, police in Sheffield have been hunting a serial killer dubbed The Sheffield Strangler who has been targeting women aged in their forties. He starts to strangle them, then slits their throats and dumps their bodies in shallow graves after smearing their faces with a particular shade of lipstick. After several deaths, the detectives, led by DS Dominic Harrison and DI Adyant Kapoor, are making little progress and have received taunting letters from the killer. It transpires each of the women has recently met a man on a dating website, and with this in mind, a trap is set by using Dominic’s wife Ruth, an undercover officer. One night Dominic arrives home late to find Ruth is missing and out of contact. DI Claudia Nunn, based at Snig Hill police station in Sheffield, is ordered by her boss DCI Maddison Sharpe to interview prime suspect Dominic about Ruth’s disappearance. But why is Claudia so opposed to arresting and interviewing Dominic? Surely it's not just the fact she and Ruth were friends? The story switches between the present day as Claudia, together with her trusty DS Russ Kane, continues to grill Dominic whilst her team delve into Ruth’s disappearance and suspected murder, and with Dominic’s description of his six month investigation into the serial killer. He insists that, with the strong prospect of a new witness, the Strangler is worried they are getting too close and has targeted Ruth either as a distraction or a direct attack on the very detectives who are chasing him. So can Claudia discover what happened to Ruth and will her split inquiry take them any nearer to identifying The Strangler?
Without giving away any spoilers, the whole premise of Claudia being chosen to head the inquiry was unbelievable and unrealistic on a number of levels. The rest of the story of the Strangler investigation was excellent, with well drawn characters, an engrossing exciting plot and a clever final twist, but the truth about Claudia lost it that all important fifth star. 4*
The story starts with Ruth finding a man in her home standing behind her. As he strikes, she tries to defend herself and then it all goes black.
During the past six months, police in Sheffield have been hunting a serial killer dubbed The Sheffield Strangler who has been targeting women aged in their forties. He starts to strangle them, then slits their throats and dumps their bodies in shallow graves after smearing their faces with a particular shade of lipstick. After several deaths, the detectives, led by DS Dominic Harrison and DI Adyant Kapoor, are making little progress and have received taunting letters from the killer. It transpires each of the women has recently met a man on a dating website, and with this in mind, a trap is set by using Dominic’s wife Ruth, an undercover officer. One night Dominic arrives home late to find Ruth is missing and out of contact. DI Claudia Nunn, based at Snig Hill police station in Sheffield, is ordered by her boss DCI Maddison Sharpe to interview prime suspect Dominic about Ruth’s disappearance. But why is Claudia so opposed to arresting and interviewing Dominic? Surely it's not just the fact she and Ruth were friends? The story switches between the present day as Claudia, together with her trusty DS Russ Kane, continues to grill Dominic whilst her team delve into Ruth’s disappearance and suspected murder, and with Dominic’s description of his six month investigation into the serial killer. He insists that, with the strong prospect of a new witness, the Strangler is worried they are getting too close and has targeted Ruth either as a distraction or a direct attack on the very detectives who are chasing him. So can Claudia discover what happened to Ruth and will her split inquiry take them any nearer to identifying The Strangler?
Without giving away any spoilers, the whole premise of Claudia being chosen to head the inquiry was unbelievable and unrealistic on a number of levels. The rest of the story of the Strangler investigation was excellent, with well drawn characters, an engrossing exciting plot and a clever final twist, but the truth about Claudia lost it that all important fifth star. 4*
March 27, 2021
Detective Sergeant Dominic Harrison, has been leading the case against a dangerous serial killer, who hunts his victims using a dating app. But now his own wife has gone missing and police discover a large pool of blood in his garage. Detective Inspector Claudia Nunn of the South Yorkshire Police has a personal connection to the case – the missing woman is her bff, and they have a family connection. Claudia’s not sure she ought to be the one leading the investigation, but her boss thinks otherwise, and Claudia’s an adult and a professional, so she does her job. The race is on to find the missing woman, and learn whether Harrison is a victim or a perpetrator.
This book was a slow starter for me. I’m a huge fan of the author, but this one left me meh at first. I kept reading, though, because I like the author so much. I’m glad I did.
Normally I like to follow the story and learn whodunnit along with the main character. This time I accidentally sussed out the “real” killer rather early –a throw-away line from the author tripped my crazy wire and I thought, well isn’t that person an unlikely suspect? And I was right. Just about that point, the story took a “what the hell” turn into exciting and the rest was a roller coaster ride.
The settings are well-described, and the details about the police investigation ring true. The plot is dark and gritty and real. The relationship between Harrison and Claudia is complex and layered. There’s an intriguing twist at the end that makes me eager to watch their relationship as they continue to partner in upcoming books. The author also provides a handy guide to British slang at the end. I will read more in this series. The author also writes the excellent Hannah Robbins series, about a Nottingham DI.
If you like dark, gritty police procedurals with dimensional characters, intense plots, and compelling crimes, give this a go. Also check out the Hannah Robbins series.
This book was a slow starter for me. I’m a huge fan of the author, but this one left me meh at first. I kept reading, though, because I like the author so much. I’m glad I did.
Normally I like to follow the story and learn whodunnit along with the main character. This time I accidentally sussed out the “real” killer rather early –a throw-away line from the author tripped my crazy wire and I thought, well isn’t that person an unlikely suspect? And I was right. Just about that point, the story took a “what the hell” turn into exciting and the rest was a roller coaster ride.
The settings are well-described, and the details about the police investigation ring true. The plot is dark and gritty and real. The relationship between Harrison and Claudia is complex and layered. There’s an intriguing twist at the end that makes me eager to watch their relationship as they continue to partner in upcoming books. The author also provides a handy guide to British slang at the end. I will read more in this series. The author also writes the excellent Hannah Robbins series, about a Nottingham DI.
If you like dark, gritty police procedurals with dimensional characters, intense plots, and compelling crimes, give this a go. Also check out the Hannah Robbins series.
March 29, 2021
This is book is set in Sheffield which appealed to me as I live in the city.
The story is set around an investigation into a serial killer named the Sheffield Strangler, one of the officers involved with finding the perpetrator is Dominic Harrison . We then learn that Dominic’s wife Ruth is missing , is she another victim of the Sheffield strangler ? Harrison is arrested for the disappearance/ murder of Ruth , is he being framed?
DI Claudia Nunn is in charge of interviewing Dominic Harrison, we learn why she does this under duress due to her realationship both with the arrested officer and the missing officer.
This is an easy read with plenty of twists and turns and the conclusion was an intriguing one. I found the book compelling with some interesting threads within the story , both in regards to the character relationships and also the depths of the narrative.
I found the characters genuine and look forward to the next book in the series.
Overall a solid read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this copy.
The story is set around an investigation into a serial killer named the Sheffield Strangler, one of the officers involved with finding the perpetrator is Dominic Harrison . We then learn that Dominic’s wife Ruth is missing , is she another victim of the Sheffield strangler ? Harrison is arrested for the disappearance/ murder of Ruth , is he being framed?
DI Claudia Nunn is in charge of interviewing Dominic Harrison, we learn why she does this under duress due to her realationship both with the arrested officer and the missing officer.
This is an easy read with plenty of twists and turns and the conclusion was an intriguing one. I found the book compelling with some interesting threads within the story , both in regards to the character relationships and also the depths of the narrative.
I found the characters genuine and look forward to the next book in the series.
Overall a solid read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this copy.
May 1, 2021
I love Ms Bradley's Di Hannah Robbins series and was very eager to try out her new police officer, DI Claudia Nunn. When a fellow police officer goes missing, DI Nunn is in charge of interviewing the husband, despite her close friendship with her missing colleague. So far so good - and then Ms Bradley takes everything you think you know and turns it upside down and inside out. Just when you think every permutation of a police procedural has been done, here's a new kid on the block. A totally captivating and gripping experience from start to finish. If this is the start of a new series, and I'm praying to all my gods that it is, we readers are in for a treat.
June 4, 2021
Breath-taking – over and over again!
DI Claudia Nunn is less than pleased at her latest directive from above; a colleague has been investigating a series of murders attributed to a serial killer and now his own wife has gone missing. When a pool of blood is found at their home, he is regarded as a suspect and it is Claudia’s job to interview him. Her superiors trust her to get to the truth: is he guilty or is he being set up?
I cannot begin to tell you how glad I am to be in at the beginning of what promises to be a phenomenal series! Claudia Nunn is a realistic, likeable, well-drawn character who appealed from the very beginning. There are twists and turns throughout and some shocking surprises. Rebecca Bradley is an author who really knows her stuff and this is a novel which has been honed to perfection. An awesome thriller, one which I have no hesitation in recommending and giving all five sparkling stars. Definitely a not-to-be-missed series!
DI Claudia Nunn is less than pleased at her latest directive from above; a colleague has been investigating a series of murders attributed to a serial killer and now his own wife has gone missing. When a pool of blood is found at their home, he is regarded as a suspect and it is Claudia’s job to interview him. Her superiors trust her to get to the truth: is he guilty or is he being set up?
I cannot begin to tell you how glad I am to be in at the beginning of what promises to be a phenomenal series! Claudia Nunn is a realistic, likeable, well-drawn character who appealed from the very beginning. There are twists and turns throughout and some shocking surprises. Rebecca Bradley is an author who really knows her stuff and this is a novel which has been honed to perfection. An awesome thriller, one which I have no hesitation in recommending and giving all five sparkling stars. Definitely a not-to-be-missed series!
July 20, 2022
4.5/5⭐️
Wow, this book!
We have Ruth Harrison who is a undercover cop. One might she goes missing and the prime suspect? Her husband Dominic Harrison who is also a cop. DI Claudia Nunn has to figure out if the all so innocent Dominic has really killed Ruth as tonnes of her blood is found in their garage or the Sheffield Strangler has.
I haven’t seen this book talked about enough. It was so fast paced and I loved the plot of it. Being a reader who loves mystery and thrillers it was quite easy to figure out who dunnit. However if you are a new reader into the genre this book is a great start.
Very excited to read the rest of the series, I find detective series spare very underrated but I am a sucker for them.
Wow, this book!
We have Ruth Harrison who is a undercover cop. One might she goes missing and the prime suspect? Her husband Dominic Harrison who is also a cop. DI Claudia Nunn has to figure out if the all so innocent Dominic has really killed Ruth as tonnes of her blood is found in their garage or the Sheffield Strangler has.
I haven’t seen this book talked about enough. It was so fast paced and I loved the plot of it. Being a reader who loves mystery and thrillers it was quite easy to figure out who dunnit. However if you are a new reader into the genre this book is a great start.
Very excited to read the rest of the series, I find detective series spare very underrated but I am a sucker for them.
March 26, 2021
Absolutely brilliant
Blood Stained is not your average crime thriller. Oh no, Rebecca Bradley has written a book that goes beyond that.
The story is told from two different points of view. First Claudia Nunn interviewing DS Dominic Harrison and investigating the disappearance and possible murder of his wife Ruth, who is also a police officer. Then you have Dominic's side of the story as he tried to track down the Sheffield Strangler.
The book is well written with carefully drawn characters. I'm not afraid to admit I found the story compelling and couldn't put the book down.
If you are looking for a different type of crime thriller look no further than Blood Stained.
Highly recommended indeed.
Blood Stained is not your average crime thriller. Oh no, Rebecca Bradley has written a book that goes beyond that.
The story is told from two different points of view. First Claudia Nunn interviewing DS Dominic Harrison and investigating the disappearance and possible murder of his wife Ruth, who is also a police officer. Then you have Dominic's side of the story as he tried to track down the Sheffield Strangler.
The book is well written with carefully drawn characters. I'm not afraid to admit I found the story compelling and couldn't put the book down.
If you are looking for a different type of crime thriller look no further than Blood Stained.
Highly recommended indeed.
April 2, 2021
I loved this book and was lured in from the very first chapter. It was fast paced with stunning revelations throughout and the ending was totally unexpected. This leads me to believe there will be a follow on book and I cannot wait to get my hands on it. Many thanks to Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
March 24, 2021
Blood Stained is the first of a new series featuring Detective Claudia Nunn. Claudia is a strong, likeable character, tasked with a difficult case that couldn't get more personal, yet she handles it professionally, even at times when she feels like she's going to crack.
To date, I've read every single book Rebecca Bradley has written and really enjoyed them all. In Blood Stained, her style of writing seems to have changed a little, maybe, less police procedural, more thrillerish, if that's a word? Whatever it is, it certainly works. Even after the first couple of pages, I knew this was going to be one hell of a book, but that didn't cut it. I honestly think this is her best book so far and I really hope book 2 is ready soon!
To date, I've read every single book Rebecca Bradley has written and really enjoyed them all. In Blood Stained, her style of writing seems to have changed a little, maybe, less police procedural, more thrillerish, if that's a word? Whatever it is, it certainly works. Even after the first couple of pages, I knew this was going to be one hell of a book, but that didn't cut it. I honestly think this is her best book so far and I really hope book 2 is ready soon!
August 28, 2022
3.8 stars
Almost 4 stars except...it's too easy!
Almost 4 stars except...it's too easy!
September 15, 2025
Well there was a twist at the end I didn’t see coming. Already got the second book in this series loaded on the kindle (Seconds to die)
March 6, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Blood Stained, the first novel to feature DI Claudia Nunn of the Sheffield Police.
DS Dominic Harrison has been hunting the serial killer known as The Sheffield Strangler for six months and now his wife, Ruth, has gone missing. Is he guilty of murder or is The Sheffield Strangler framing him? It’s DI Nunn’s job to find out.
Blood Stained is very much a mixed bag with some outstanding parts full of tension and mystery and other parts that ask the reader to believe some unlikely and unrealistic scenarios. It is told from Claudia’s perspective as she evaluates what she is being told and from Dominic’s when the narrative slips into the past to describe the hunt for the killer. There is tension throughout the novel from Dom’s inability to catch the killer and the resulting pressure and from Claudia’s nerves, because she has some link to him that isn’t initially disclosed. This is good and makes the novel a page turner with the author ratcheting up the tension and suspense by running these two themes in tandem.
I don’t want to issue spoilers so all I will say is that Claudia should never have been in the same office as Dominic, never mind interviewing him as a potential murderer. Unbelievable is my mildest comment on the subject. Then there is one particular action she takes that for a supposed by the book officer beggars belief. She tried to inform her boss, I hear you cry, sorry, but why her boss didn’t find out is akin to the dog eating my homework. The final twist in the novel is clever, but again rather unbelievable.
I swithered between three stars, given what the reader is asked to believe, and four stars for the tension and interesting serial killer hunt plot. I have settled for four as it is quite absorbing on the whole. I’m unsure if I would read another novel in the series as I didn’t like the ending and what it promises, especially as it offers another unlikely premise.
DS Dominic Harrison has been hunting the serial killer known as The Sheffield Strangler for six months and now his wife, Ruth, has gone missing. Is he guilty of murder or is The Sheffield Strangler framing him? It’s DI Nunn’s job to find out.
Blood Stained is very much a mixed bag with some outstanding parts full of tension and mystery and other parts that ask the reader to believe some unlikely and unrealistic scenarios. It is told from Claudia’s perspective as she evaluates what she is being told and from Dominic’s when the narrative slips into the past to describe the hunt for the killer. There is tension throughout the novel from Dom’s inability to catch the killer and the resulting pressure and from Claudia’s nerves, because she has some link to him that isn’t initially disclosed. This is good and makes the novel a page turner with the author ratcheting up the tension and suspense by running these two themes in tandem.
I don’t want to issue spoilers so all I will say is that Claudia should never have been in the same office as Dominic, never mind interviewing him as a potential murderer. Unbelievable is my mildest comment on the subject. Then there is one particular action she takes that for a supposed by the book officer beggars belief. She tried to inform her boss, I hear you cry, sorry, but why her boss didn’t find out is akin to the dog eating my homework. The final twist in the novel is clever, but again rather unbelievable.
I swithered between three stars, given what the reader is asked to believe, and four stars for the tension and interesting serial killer hunt plot. I have settled for four as it is quite absorbing on the whole. I’m unsure if I would read another novel in the series as I didn’t like the ending and what it promises, especially as it offers another unlikely premise.
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