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Saoirse Reilly #1
Dead Blood City
"An urban fantasy of the finest quality. Fascinating and entertaining!" - Readers' Favorite
"There was no nightmare more hellish than that endless flight, searching for the place she belonged and finding nothing."
On the eve of the blood moon, Saoirse Reilly races to find a missing child. Only then can the traumatized detective finally end her life. While investigating the kidnapping of Delaney Bascom, Reilly enters the supernatural underworld of Boston, Massachusetts. She will have to face ancient monsters and her own demons if she hopes to bring the girl home.
Reilly has the dubious support of Emrys Somerled, a forensic psychologist with a cellar full of secrets, and Domenico Alderisi, an impossibly youthful club owner with a bad habit. A colorful cast supports and hinders Reilly as she begins to see the world for what it really is.
The blood moon is coming.
Will Reilly save the girl and find a reason to live?
"There was no nightmare more hellish than that endless flight, searching for the place she belonged and finding nothing."
On the eve of the blood moon, Saoirse Reilly races to find a missing child. Only then can the traumatized detective finally end her life. While investigating the kidnapping of Delaney Bascom, Reilly enters the supernatural underworld of Boston, Massachusetts. She will have to face ancient monsters and her own demons if she hopes to bring the girl home.
Reilly has the dubious support of Emrys Somerled, a forensic psychologist with a cellar full of secrets, and Domenico Alderisi, an impossibly youthful club owner with a bad habit. A colorful cast supports and hinders Reilly as she begins to see the world for what it really is.
The blood moon is coming.
Will Reilly save the girl and find a reason to live?
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2022
116 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Jo Denning
5 books39 followersJo Denning is the author of the Saoirse Reilly series. She has spent her career as a clinical social worker supporting neurodivergent people of all ages. Jo began writing supernatural crime thrillers as a way of processing the traumatic things she has seen and heard. Her characters may be supernatural but their stories, their fear, and their pain are real. So, too, are their triumphs over impossible odds.
When she's not writing, Jo enjoys baking, drawing, and watching trashy reality TV. She makes her home somewhere in the contiguous United States with her husband, one fluffy cat, and one barely domesticated cat.
When she's not writing, Jo enjoys baking, drawing, and watching trashy reality TV. She makes her home somewhere in the contiguous United States with her husband, one fluffy cat, and one barely domesticated cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 11, 2022
Dead blood city is the first in a new series by an indie author.
Police woman Saoirse Reilly isn't in the best place mentally and thinks of taking her own life soon due to her guilt and anguish of having to kill someone while doing her job. She goes to therapy because she has to in order go back to work, hates the therapist for unknown reasons, really. She just doesn't like him.
Her and her partner get a kidnapping/murder case to work on and she goes into it more than she should due to that past trauma/guilt of the previous case. Surprisingly she doesn't really get in much trouble for not following the protocol. She likes whiskey a lot!
There is some characters of supernatural origins that help/deter her. Unanswered things about herself and her parental origins get hinted about and you can somewhat figure out part but not all so I'm sure more will be disclosed in the next book(s).
There is also a set of prequel short stories which I'll have to read now.
*There are various triggers of abusive nature*!!
Lots of blood, gore, bloodsucking (wanted and unwanted), cursing, slight comments on racism, kidnapping, alcoholism, drug use, torture.
I give this book four stars. The story was interesting, flowed well, I didn't grow bored, dark and plenty of bite 😉, wasn't super hard to figure who the villain of it was going to be but I enjoyed it anyway. I would read the next books in series as I like supernatural fiction and vampires.
It is currently available on Amazon for kindle. I prefer hardcopies and heard that's coming in April. Will definitely keep an eye out for this author and the continuing stories.
I read this book in ARC format and this review is my honest opinion of the book.
Police woman Saoirse Reilly isn't in the best place mentally and thinks of taking her own life soon due to her guilt and anguish of having to kill someone while doing her job. She goes to therapy because she has to in order go back to work, hates the therapist for unknown reasons, really. She just doesn't like him.
Her and her partner get a kidnapping/murder case to work on and she goes into it more than she should due to that past trauma/guilt of the previous case. Surprisingly she doesn't really get in much trouble for not following the protocol. She likes whiskey a lot!
There is some characters of supernatural origins that help/deter her. Unanswered things about herself and her parental origins get hinted about and you can somewhat figure out part but not all so I'm sure more will be disclosed in the next book(s).
There is also a set of prequel short stories which I'll have to read now.
*There are various triggers of abusive nature*!!
Lots of blood, gore, bloodsucking (wanted and unwanted), cursing, slight comments on racism, kidnapping, alcoholism, drug use, torture.
I give this book four stars. The story was interesting, flowed well, I didn't grow bored, dark and plenty of bite 😉, wasn't super hard to figure who the villain of it was going to be but I enjoyed it anyway. I would read the next books in series as I like supernatural fiction and vampires.
It is currently available on Amazon for kindle. I prefer hardcopies and heard that's coming in April. Will definitely keep an eye out for this author and the continuing stories.
I read this book in ARC format and this review is my honest opinion of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! I’m not much of a crime book person, but it was very addicting once I started to read it.
The main character, Saoirse, is strong and realistic with her battles with mental health. It was so sad how she didn’t feel like she had anything to live for. This book did get heavy which is understandable due to the heavy topic. Her special ability to see people’s past is just so interesting. The pace of the book was great and kept my attention, and the writing was really mesmerizing! Also I truly love the main character’s name. So unique. This was a little different front what I usually read, but I’m glad I read it. Overall, really good read! I def recommend.
The main character, Saoirse, is strong and realistic with her battles with mental health. It was so sad how she didn’t feel like she had anything to live for. This book did get heavy which is understandable due to the heavy topic. Her special ability to see people’s past is just so interesting. The pace of the book was great and kept my attention, and the writing was really mesmerizing! Also I truly love the main character’s name. So unique. This was a little different front what I usually read, but I’m glad I read it. Overall, really good read! I def recommend.
March 30, 2022
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review and I can honestly say I loved it!
I found Saoirse to be a heartbreakingly real character, I really connected with her and the descriptions of her struggles with mental health stuck with me.
I love dark crime novels and this delivered and mixed in fantasy for an added bonus!
I will definitely be reading the sequel to this!
I found Saoirse to be a heartbreakingly real character, I really connected with her and the descriptions of her struggles with mental health stuck with me.
I love dark crime novels and this delivered and mixed in fantasy for an added bonus!
I will definitely be reading the sequel to this!
May 11, 2022
3.5/5
Apart of the Rockstar Book Tour!!!
It took me forever to finish this book mainly because it dragged towards the beginning and I felt like I wasn’t vibing with it. However, I continued reading it slowly (x amount of pages every few days) and lemme tell you!!! It was really good!!! I loved how they wrote about vampires and made it mystic as you can call it.
Apart of the Rockstar Book Tour!!!
It took me forever to finish this book mainly because it dragged towards the beginning and I felt like I wasn’t vibing with it. However, I continued reading it slowly (x amount of pages every few days) and lemme tell you!!! It was really good!!! I loved how they wrote about vampires and made it mystic as you can call it.
March 31, 2022
Vampires and supernatural beings come together with a Boston Police Detective to solve a gruesome murder/kidnapping mystery.
Saoirse Reilly is the main character and is a Detective with some issues. A recent incident on the job, the death of her beloved Uncle and a special ability to see into people's pasts has her dealing with emotional demons. The kidnapping of young Delaney Bascom and the murder of Clara, her babysitter brings her into contact with some demons of another kind, Vampires, or Vrykolakas. Saoirse delves deeper into a mysterious and dark underworld as she goes to any lengths to bring Delaney home.
Plot: Two interweaving story lines combine to present a mystery and a mystical tale. The ancient mythic memories Saoirse sees in her visions combine with the present day danger and detective work to keep the reader wondering how it all fits together. This is the first book in a series and there are many questions, regarding her origin, left to be answered in the next instalments of Saoirse's story. The present day section of the story is cleverly thought out with twists and turns along with supernatural elements that takes the reader on a strange journey full of action, blood and gore. (This is a story about blood-sucking creatures of the night. )
Pace: It is quite a whirlwind of action and adventure, as Saoirse races to find Delaney with a looming deadline. This is a story that once began is not easy to put down. It is brutal and violent in parts. It is tense and nail biting.
Writing: Engaging. The story is not all action ,but an emotional story of family, tragedy, loneliness and fighting with ones own demons. It is a story about how others can control you and make you do things you don't choose to do. It is about trust and learning to rely on support to get the job of life done. This is a story that is as much about Saoirse finding herself, as it is about finding Delaney.
Characters: This story is full of some fascinating characters. The MC, is not one that you instantly love and there are many aspects of her character that make you almost dislike her a little. I did feel sorry for her at times, but she is not your usual 'hero type” who saves the day and everyone admires. In fact she is a colossal mess, but as a reader, I found myself believing in her.
Somerled is the psychologist assigned to Saoirse's police precinct and is a riveting character. My opinion of him wavered throughout the story from dislike to understanding and I am not entirely sure if he is on the side of good or evil and what he is.
I admit that I am a huge fan of Vampires, having loved “Interview with a Vampire” , the movie, all things Dracula including a series with Jonathn Rhys Meyers (let's face HF fans, anything with him in it has to be good). This is a modern take on the old stories, brought into the present day with characters we can relate to now. It still maintains that ancient connection to the origins of these supernatural beings and gives it a fresh new look. I am looking forward to finding out how Saoirse fares with her gift and what other adventures she has to face in future books.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.
Saoirse Reilly is the main character and is a Detective with some issues. A recent incident on the job, the death of her beloved Uncle and a special ability to see into people's pasts has her dealing with emotional demons. The kidnapping of young Delaney Bascom and the murder of Clara, her babysitter brings her into contact with some demons of another kind, Vampires, or Vrykolakas. Saoirse delves deeper into a mysterious and dark underworld as she goes to any lengths to bring Delaney home.
Plot: Two interweaving story lines combine to present a mystery and a mystical tale. The ancient mythic memories Saoirse sees in her visions combine with the present day danger and detective work to keep the reader wondering how it all fits together. This is the first book in a series and there are many questions, regarding her origin, left to be answered in the next instalments of Saoirse's story. The present day section of the story is cleverly thought out with twists and turns along with supernatural elements that takes the reader on a strange journey full of action, blood and gore. (This is a story about blood-sucking creatures of the night. )
Pace: It is quite a whirlwind of action and adventure, as Saoirse races to find Delaney with a looming deadline. This is a story that once began is not easy to put down. It is brutal and violent in parts. It is tense and nail biting.
Writing: Engaging. The story is not all action ,but an emotional story of family, tragedy, loneliness and fighting with ones own demons. It is a story about how others can control you and make you do things you don't choose to do. It is about trust and learning to rely on support to get the job of life done. This is a story that is as much about Saoirse finding herself, as it is about finding Delaney.
Characters: This story is full of some fascinating characters. The MC, is not one that you instantly love and there are many aspects of her character that make you almost dislike her a little. I did feel sorry for her at times, but she is not your usual 'hero type” who saves the day and everyone admires. In fact she is a colossal mess, but as a reader, I found myself believing in her.
Somerled is the psychologist assigned to Saoirse's police precinct and is a riveting character. My opinion of him wavered throughout the story from dislike to understanding and I am not entirely sure if he is on the side of good or evil and what he is.
I admit that I am a huge fan of Vampires, having loved “Interview with a Vampire” , the movie, all things Dracula including a series with Jonathn Rhys Meyers (let's face HF fans, anything with him in it has to be good). This is a modern take on the old stories, brought into the present day with characters we can relate to now. It still maintains that ancient connection to the origins of these supernatural beings and gives it a fresh new look. I am looking forward to finding out how Saoirse fares with her gift and what other adventures she has to face in future books.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.
May 3, 2022
I enjoyed the world building and suspense in this story where fae and vampires live aside humans who seem not to realise that they are there. There may be all sorts of unusual creatures doing business in this world, all with different goals, vices, and secrets.
In terms of the characters, I can't say I really cared for any of them. It took a few chapters for me to settle into the main character's POV, but then she started to come alive. She was suicidal and depressed for most of the story, so it is understandable why it would be unpleasant to follow her perspective for so long. That being said, I was happy to see how she came into her power and decided to continue to fight for her life.
I did not care for Dr. Somerland. He seemed creepy, predatory, and possessive. I could not tell if I was supposed to feel that way about him throughout the story or if he was supposed to be more palatable by the end. Perhaps I still don't like or trust him because Saoirse didn't either.
The chief of police was useless. If he wanted Saoirse to stay away from this case, he should have taken her off of it. I did like Bastion. He was reliable, kind, and he had Saoirse's back. I hope good things happen for him later in the series.
This book did a lot of work laying out the groundwork for future stories. We are left with a cast of hardened characters, secrets, and paranormal mysteries that leave room for some epic conflicts in the future.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In terms of the characters, I can't say I really cared for any of them. It took a few chapters for me to settle into the main character's POV, but then she started to come alive. She was suicidal and depressed for most of the story, so it is understandable why it would be unpleasant to follow her perspective for so long. That being said, I was happy to see how she came into her power and decided to continue to fight for her life.
I did not care for Dr. Somerland. He seemed creepy, predatory, and possessive. I could not tell if I was supposed to feel that way about him throughout the story or if he was supposed to be more palatable by the end. Perhaps I still don't like or trust him because Saoirse didn't either.
The chief of police was useless. If he wanted Saoirse to stay away from this case, he should have taken her off of it. I did like Bastion. He was reliable, kind, and he had Saoirse's back. I hope good things happen for him later in the series.
This book did a lot of work laying out the groundwork for future stories. We are left with a cast of hardened characters, secrets, and paranormal mysteries that leave room for some epic conflicts in the future.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2022
I was sooo excited to receive this book as my first ever ARC 🤩 the premise (swipe 👉🏼 for synopsis) and genre blending is quite interesting as this book feels like a noire fantasy/thriller. 🧚♀️🧛🏻 I appreciated Denning’s attempt to shed light on the racism experienced within the police academies/departments/world and pacing through the action of the book, it really helped to keep me engaged. 🙌🏼
That said, I found this book quite difficult to read all the way through. The content is incredibly dark throughout with a disparate amount of levity to properly balance it out, and the MC is not likable enough to really invest in. The MC is very suicidal and besides rescuing the kidnapped girl in the story, the main focus of the book for almost its entirety is how/when she’ll get to end her life. The MC has visions which I thought was really cool in theory, but I found these cutaways to be confusing and quite hard to follow as well as a bit inconsistent. I will say DBC had a more satisfying ending, but it took a lot to get there and I’m not sure the payoff warranted the journey.
Read this book if you like:
🩸<200 pages
🩸Macabre content
🩸Female protagonists
🩸Detective books
CW:
▪️Suicidal thoughts
▪️Substance abuse
▪️Pedophilia
▪️Sexual assault
That said, I found this book quite difficult to read all the way through. The content is incredibly dark throughout with a disparate amount of levity to properly balance it out, and the MC is not likable enough to really invest in. The MC is very suicidal and besides rescuing the kidnapped girl in the story, the main focus of the book for almost its entirety is how/when she’ll get to end her life. The MC has visions which I thought was really cool in theory, but I found these cutaways to be confusing and quite hard to follow as well as a bit inconsistent. I will say DBC had a more satisfying ending, but it took a lot to get there and I’m not sure the payoff warranted the journey.
Read this book if you like:
🩸<200 pages
🩸Macabre content
🩸Female protagonists
🩸Detective books
CW:
▪️Suicidal thoughts
▪️Substance abuse
▪️Pedophilia
▪️Sexual assault
April 13, 2022
This book combined the kidnapping of a little girl, the murder of her nanny and the detective work used to find her with the vampire world.
It has an engaging storyline and a lot of detail. Some books are overly detailed and some books need more but I feel as though this one hit the sweet spot.
The MC is relatable with her mental health struggles and her family dynamics. But, she's has a secret ability! When she touches someone she's able to see scenes from their life just as it happened to them. I only mention this part because it is very important to read, not skim, the book. You could miss an important detail or vision.
Read this book if:
🧛🏻♀️ you like a book mixed with vampires (fantasy) & real life (detectives)
🧛🏻♀️ you like a MC who has both real struggles & an awesome ability
🧛🏻♀️ you don't Skim books. If you're a skimmer make sure to read this one.
🧛🏻♀️ you like mysteries
TW mental illness, murder, kidnapping
It has an engaging storyline and a lot of detail. Some books are overly detailed and some books need more but I feel as though this one hit the sweet spot.
The MC is relatable with her mental health struggles and her family dynamics. But, she's has a secret ability! When she touches someone she's able to see scenes from their life just as it happened to them. I only mention this part because it is very important to read, not skim, the book. You could miss an important detail or vision.
Read this book if:
🧛🏻♀️ you like a book mixed with vampires (fantasy) & real life (detectives)
🧛🏻♀️ you like a MC who has both real struggles & an awesome ability
🧛🏻♀️ you don't Skim books. If you're a skimmer make sure to read this one.
🧛🏻♀️ you like mysteries
TW mental illness, murder, kidnapping
April 21, 2022
Dead Blood City was an addicting dark crime novel mixed with a bit of fantasy. Saoirse Riley is a Detective for the Boston Police and has mental health struggles. She has the unique ability to see into people’s pasts. While investigating a kidnapping and murder, she comes across Vampires.
The mystery and intrigue in this book kept me hooked from the first page and I really enjoyed this first installment in Saoirse’s story. This book has a bit of it all. It’s an engaging supernatural tale about family, tragedy, loneliness, and finding one’s self. It’s filled with so many unique and fascinating characters and in the case of our MC, they aren’t necessarily perfect.
Dead Blood City is a wonderful story that blends mystery, thriller, and fantasy. I’m curious to see where Saoirse’s story goes in the next book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The mystery and intrigue in this book kept me hooked from the first page and I really enjoyed this first installment in Saoirse’s story. This book has a bit of it all. It’s an engaging supernatural tale about family, tragedy, loneliness, and finding one’s self. It’s filled with so many unique and fascinating characters and in the case of our MC, they aren’t necessarily perfect.
Dead Blood City is a wonderful story that blends mystery, thriller, and fantasy. I’m curious to see where Saoirse’s story goes in the next book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 26, 2023
It’s a whodunnit mystery but with a paranormal undercurrent. Saoirse can see visions of what happened to a person when she touches them, making her a pretty good detective. But she doesn’t believe in vampires, werewolves, and the like, despite the abilities she has. However, while working a missing child’s case, her belief is starting to change. Suddenly, vampire-like creatures are very real and play a big part in this mystery.
I found these reads very interesting as it was like reading a detective mystery book, but with monsters involved. Kind of like watching Shadowhunters where the creatures just hide in plain sight!
Thank you R&R Tours for the chance to read this series, I really enjoyed it!
I found these reads very interesting as it was like reading a detective mystery book, but with monsters involved. Kind of like watching Shadowhunters where the creatures just hide in plain sight!
Thank you R&R Tours for the chance to read this series, I really enjoyed it!
April 18, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
I thought the concept was really interesting and particularly liked the inclusion of psychic visions because I think that brought a unique element to the story. Additionally I thought the intersection of real world police work and fantasy elements were really cool!
However, sometimes the execution of all the elements left me really confused about what was going on and who we were focused on. Also this book got DARK like really DARK. definitely not for the faint of heart- be sure to check the trigger warnings
I thought the concept was really interesting and particularly liked the inclusion of psychic visions because I think that brought a unique element to the story. Additionally I thought the intersection of real world police work and fantasy elements were really cool!
However, sometimes the execution of all the elements left me really confused about what was going on and who we were focused on. Also this book got DARK like really DARK. definitely not for the faint of heart- be sure to check the trigger warnings
September 14, 2022
An interesting read. Detective Soirisi has a special ability that she does not want. She is a psychic that wants to die. The story unfolds as she tries to find a missing girl before she is killed. She finds out there are creatures she did not believe exist but they do. Her psychiatrist is strange and seems to know a lot about the occult. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book as she discovers who she really is
October 21, 2024
This was an enthralling read that had me on the edge of my seat for a happy ending and anxious to know what was going on with everyone, what were they hiding!!! The world was immersive and the characters real.
dnf-shelf
March 23, 2025DNF @14%. I went into this knowing this would be dark but the beginning is so slow I can't seem to get into it long enough for it to get good.
May 2, 2022
I liked the book even though it is not in my usual genres of reading. Really liked the main character and despite many obstacles, she continued the search for the kidnapped girl. Keep it going, Jo.
September 29, 2023
I received a copy of this book on Story Origin for an honest review, which is long overdue. I loved this book! It mixes three of my favorite genres: thriller, mystery & fantasy. Saoirse is a character I immediately connected with. She's well-written and I love her! I can't spoil too much, but it's great to see how things unfold.
September 26, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I wasn't keen on the MC.
I didn't like the would be love interest.
I really did not like the MC's maternal family.
Forced myself to finish it and for me the MC is TSTL
Also the world building was IMHO lacking and the police / medical examiner stuff often didn't make sense. I'm someone who enjoys watching police procedurals and reading such books (if I can ever get out of this UF for books, phase I've loads more to read. I'm in a UF for books and Law enforcement for tv phase... this book was supposed to be a nice blend of those.) so some of the stuff was like what?!
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I wasn't keen on the MC.
I didn't like the would be love interest.
I really did not like the MC's maternal family.
Forced myself to finish it and for me the MC is TSTL
Also the world building was IMHO lacking and the police / medical examiner stuff often didn't make sense. I'm someone who enjoys watching police procedurals and reading such books (if I can ever get out of this UF for books, phase I've loads more to read. I'm in a UF for books and Law enforcement for tv phase... this book was supposed to be a nice blend of those.) so some of the stuff was like what?!
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
October 31, 2022
I can normally read a book of this size (under 200 pages) in about 2-3 days. However it took me nearly a week because of how difficult of a read this book was. The writing was imo stilted and far too formal especially for Saoirse Reilly the main character who was anything but formal in the way she was presented.
It also encompassed what amounted to fairy politics without giving the reader much references on which to base what was being read. Though I did appreciate the intertwining of the crime genre and the fantasy genre I think it could have been done differently.
As a fictionalized version of social commentary on the treatment of police officers it was interesting. But as a fantasy book, I found it tedious.
It also encompassed what amounted to fairy politics without giving the reader much references on which to base what was being read. Though I did appreciate the intertwining of the crime genre and the fantasy genre I think it could have been done differently.
As a fictionalized version of social commentary on the treatment of police officers it was interesting. But as a fantasy book, I found it tedious.
August 1, 2024
Too many mistakes DNF at 30%
If you are going to write a police drama please get the procedures down right. No , cops don't type blood on scene, and you got a medical examiner guessing that the victims blood was exsanguinated on scene and a different blood type inserted...hahaha. especially as the crime had just occurred and the body was pulled from the water??? The author was going for dark and broody but just came out sounding ignorant because she didn't do her research. .This author can write a proper paragraph, Just the content is BS.
If you are going to write a police drama please get the procedures down right. No , cops don't type blood on scene, and you got a medical examiner guessing that the victims blood was exsanguinated on scene and a different blood type inserted...hahaha. especially as the crime had just occurred and the body was pulled from the water??? The author was going for dark and broody but just came out sounding ignorant because she didn't do her research. .This author can write a proper paragraph, Just the content is BS.
April 21, 2024
I forced myself to read the whole thing, hoping it would get better. It didn't. Won't be continuing this series.
May 5, 2025
If you’re looking for a gritty, emotionally charged urban fantasy that blends mystery, mythology, and the supernatural, Dead Blood City will pull you in and won’t let go. Just prepare yourself as this one gets dark. You’ll need to take a breath every now and then.
You follow Detective Saoirse Reilly, and from the very first page, you know she’s not okay. She’s grieving the recent loss of her uncle, reeling from a traumatic on-the-job incident, and burdened with a chilling ability: she can see into people’s pasts. When a child, Delaney Bascom, goes missing and her babysitter turns up dead, Saoirse is dragged into a case that’s darker and weirder than anything she’s faced before.
What starts as a kidnapping turns into something much more sinister, an introduction to the Vrykolakas, a breed of ancient vampires, and a tangled web of memory, trauma, and myth. As the story unfolds, two timelines start to blur: Saoirse’s hunt for Delaney and the ancient visions she experiences. You’re never quite sure how it all ties together, until it does, and it hits hard.
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
You follow Detective Saoirse Reilly, and from the very first page, you know she’s not okay. She’s grieving the recent loss of her uncle, reeling from a traumatic on-the-job incident, and burdened with a chilling ability: she can see into people’s pasts. When a child, Delaney Bascom, goes missing and her babysitter turns up dead, Saoirse is dragged into a case that’s darker and weirder than anything she’s faced before.
What starts as a kidnapping turns into something much more sinister, an introduction to the Vrykolakas, a breed of ancient vampires, and a tangled web of memory, trauma, and myth. As the story unfolds, two timelines start to blur: Saoirse’s hunt for Delaney and the ancient visions she experiences. You’re never quite sure how it all ties together, until it does, and it hits hard.
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
January 19, 2023
This author was brought to my attention when I received a complimentary copy of her debut novel from Voracious Readers Only to review. And I'm so happy they did it. Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop I enjoyed it that much. It would appeal to fans of the iZombie comics and TV series, as well as fans of the Deborah Harkness All Souls trilogy and TV series (A Discovery of Witches, etc).
The author has also published short stories set before the events in this book. These stories provide background for the series and possibly hint at things to come. Note that the short stories contain explicit content but, hey, if you're into urban fantasy with the emphasis on dark, that shouldn't be a problem, and might even generate more interest. I would personally recommend waiting until after you have read this first book before reading the short stories, but the surprises will still come whichever order you prefer.
The only problem I have is having to wait for the second book to be released to see what happens next for Saoirse. It can't happen soon enough!
The author has also published short stories set before the events in this book. These stories provide background for the series and possibly hint at things to come. Note that the short stories contain explicit content but, hey, if you're into urban fantasy with the emphasis on dark, that shouldn't be a problem, and might even generate more interest. I would personally recommend waiting until after you have read this first book before reading the short stories, but the surprises will still come whichever order you prefer.
The only problem I have is having to wait for the second book to be released to see what happens next for Saoirse. It can't happen soon enough!
December 19, 2025
Dead Blood City is a dark, thrilling dive into the supernatural underworld of Boston. Jo Denning masterfully blends suspense, horror, and urban fantasy, creating a story that is both chilling and captivating. From the very first page, the tension is palpable, and the stakes feel impossibly high as Saoirse Reilly battles monsters, conspiracies, and her own inner demons.
What sets this book apart is its depth of character and world-building. Reilly is a complex and compelling protagonist whose vulnerability and determination make her journey both relatable and mesmerizing. The supporting cast from Emrys Somerled’s secretive mind to Domenico Alderisi’s enigmatic presence adds layers of intrigue, keeping the reader guessing and thoroughly engaged. Dead Blood City is a masterclass in dark urban fantasy, perfectly balancing action, emotion, and suspense.
This novel is an absolute must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers who crave a story that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is heart-pounding.
What sets this book apart is its depth of character and world-building. Reilly is a complex and compelling protagonist whose vulnerability and determination make her journey both relatable and mesmerizing. The supporting cast from Emrys Somerled’s secretive mind to Domenico Alderisi’s enigmatic presence adds layers of intrigue, keeping the reader guessing and thoroughly engaged. Dead Blood City is a masterclass in dark urban fantasy, perfectly balancing action, emotion, and suspense.
This novel is an absolute must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers who crave a story that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is heart-pounding.
November 11, 2022
* I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only *
A detective who battles with the supernatural and her own will to live, Saoirse tries to solve the mystery of a missing girl. She relies on her partner and the mysterious psychologist Emyrs Somerland to crack the case.
This book was very interesting, and not what I expected. There was many instances of abuse, manipulation, and gore that I hadn’t been expected, but I think added to the story. Also, although I don’t really like Somerland, I did like the complexity of his character, and how you never really figure out whose side he’s on.
Something I did feel like was missing was a little more information on Saoirse’s past, as I couldn’t figure out the explanation of the beginning of the book. I also thought that the action scenes were a little hard to follow.
Otherwise, I really liked the concept of a supernatural mystery, as I love detective novels. Well done!
A detective who battles with the supernatural and her own will to live, Saoirse tries to solve the mystery of a missing girl. She relies on her partner and the mysterious psychologist Emyrs Somerland to crack the case.
This book was very interesting, and not what I expected. There was many instances of abuse, manipulation, and gore that I hadn’t been expected, but I think added to the story. Also, although I don’t really like Somerland, I did like the complexity of his character, and how you never really figure out whose side he’s on.
Something I did feel like was missing was a little more information on Saoirse’s past, as I couldn’t figure out the explanation of the beginning of the book. I also thought that the action scenes were a little hard to follow.
Otherwise, I really liked the concept of a supernatural mystery, as I love detective novels. Well done!
January 29, 2023
Fantasy Suspense Mystery
A superb first book in a new series by Jo Denning. We follow Detective Saoirse as she works to solve a kidnapping and murder while she struggles with her own apparent psychic abilities and feelings of isolation. During the case she also discovers a whole new unbelievable part of the world that she knows nothing about but seems to be part of, filled with new dangers and unlikely friends. Some who help her to solve the case and others who help her to not feel isolated and alone in her abilities.
I loved the pace of this book and the reimagining of both vampires and the encounters with the Fae. I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out more about Saoirse's beginnings but also what abilities she will discover and the next crime she will solve.
A truly excellent murder mystery with a fantasy twist!
A superb first book in a new series by Jo Denning. We follow Detective Saoirse as she works to solve a kidnapping and murder while she struggles with her own apparent psychic abilities and feelings of isolation. During the case she also discovers a whole new unbelievable part of the world that she knows nothing about but seems to be part of, filled with new dangers and unlikely friends. Some who help her to solve the case and others who help her to not feel isolated and alone in her abilities.
I loved the pace of this book and the reimagining of both vampires and the encounters with the Fae. I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out more about Saoirse's beginnings but also what abilities she will discover and the next crime she will solve.
A truly excellent murder mystery with a fantasy twist!
June 3, 2023
I received this copy from Voracious Readers.
I have to say I didn't expect this book to be so good....I've read so many urban fantasies around angst ridden lead characters why would this one be any different? But it really did bring new elements to the genre and a really interesting back story. The world building was fascinating and definitely left me wanting more. The main character went on a very realistic journey and her decisions were believable and true to her nature. Even when I was screaming (internally!) at her to trust her instincts and stop trusting a certain character I totally understood her decisioning.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Saoirse and the people around her and finding out more about her heritage.
I have to say I didn't expect this book to be so good....I've read so many urban fantasies around angst ridden lead characters why would this one be any different? But it really did bring new elements to the genre and a really interesting back story. The world building was fascinating and definitely left me wanting more. The main character went on a very realistic journey and her decisions were believable and true to her nature. Even when I was screaming (internally!) at her to trust her instincts and stop trusting a certain character I totally understood her decisioning.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Saoirse and the people around her and finding out more about her heritage.
October 1, 2023
If I had to sum this up in one word, it would be brilliant. Denning has a unique voice, and does an excellent job of bringing the story to life with vivid descriptions. It felt like I was inside the book, not just seeing, but feeling everything unfold. The story moves along swiftly right from the start, and there are twists you'll never see coming. I loved Reilly from the start - she's a great MC, and while she isn't perfect, she has a grit and determination that drive her forward. The book really embraces the detective noir/dark romance genre, and you might find yourself getting frustrated with the slow burn elements! I can't wait for book two!
November 1, 2023
From the start of the story, I can already tell the story is at a steady pace. It has to do with a crime and how Saoirse had the ability to see others past which is kind of neat.
As the story progresses, Saoirse shows some signs of mental issues especially when she wants to leave her world forever. It did get sad at one point especially when you get to read about those who want to take their lives away. I personally thought Saoirse was strong and had so much to live for.
This story shows growth within the characters. I enjoyed reading about the characters.
As the story progresses, Saoirse shows some signs of mental issues especially when she wants to leave her world forever. It did get sad at one point especially when you get to read about those who want to take their lives away. I personally thought Saoirse was strong and had so much to live for.
This story shows growth within the characters. I enjoyed reading about the characters.
November 28, 2022
I received book from voracious readers. I really enjoyed the story and Saoirse’s world. I found this a good mix of crime and urban fantasy. Saoirse is a strong character struggling with not understanding her gift to see visions and a sense of not belonging. I look forward to seeing her character evolving and learning more about her history as well
December 29, 2022
A great dark crime novel with added fantasy elements. The writing was engaging and the main character had relatable mental health struggles. Overall a good read with a good plot and a useful glossary for further explanation of fantasy creatures.
There are potential triggers including suicidal thoughts and sexual assault so please be aware of that before reading
There are potential triggers including suicidal thoughts and sexual assault so please be aware of that before reading
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