From the Bookshelf of Kiwi Readers…

Blood Men

Paul Cleave

Why we're reading this: A very good recent Christchurch-set thriller novel from a New Zealand author that is about to be launched…more
[close] A very good recent Christchurch-set thriller novel from a New Zealand author that is about to be launched in the US market

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Aug 24, 2011 Adam Leask rated it it was amazing

I’ve just finished reading the book ‘Blood Men’, by Paul Cleave. I must say that this book was something that I was quite excited about, as after reading his previous books, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his latest creation. Most people, when looking at this type of book, always expect the same ending. I’m not going to ruin the ending of this book for you, but Paul has somehow managed to trick the reader once again, by creating a storyline that’ll never be guessed.
It took me around three si I’ve just finished reading the book ‘Blood Men’, by Paul Cleave. I must say that this book was something that I was quite excited about, as after reading his previous books, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his latest creation. Most people, when looking at this type of book, always expect the same ending. I’m not going to ruin the ending of this book for you, but Paul has somehow managed to trick the reader once again, by creating a storyline that’ll never be guessed.
It took me around three sittings to get this one done, and should really have taken less. The first two, I only ended up doing about 50 pages. On the third sitting, I was really only planning to do another 50 pages, give or take, as I had to be up early the next morning. Once I got started though, I just literally couldn’t put the book down, even to the final chapter, I was mesmerised. I know this may sound cliché, as every major book reviewer will put out a one-liner saying ‘I couldn’t put it down’, but in this case it’s true.
My congratulations go out to Paul, as unlike so many other books that I’ve read in the past few weeks (e.g. Breathless – by Dean Koontz), Paul managed to tie up all the loose ends, nothing was left hanging. Yes, I know that sometimes it is good to leave the reader to form their own opinions on what happened, but in Paul’s case, I’m so pleased he did, as it was far more creative and unexpected than what I could have ever dreamed up.
The only thing out of the entire book that I could pick a hole with was him using the phrase ‘Armed defenders squad’, many times in the book. I don’t have a problem with him using this phrase, it just would have been nice if he had of done a little further research into this. I know that most people call them the ‘armed defenders’, but this is not actually their name. They are known as the ‘Armed Offenders Squad’. I know that this is petty and not even worth mentioning, but it was just annoying every time I read those words throughout the book.
I would definitely read this book again and honestly can’t wait to see what Paul releases next. It’s good to see a New Zealand author with so much talent and skill! ...more

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Apr 06, 2010 Craig Sisterson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime, new-zealand, thrillers, award-winners

Paul Cleave doesn’t write boring stories, that’s for sure. His taut tales told through the eyes of deeply troubled ‘heroes’ have broken the mould when it comes to New Zealand crime and thriller writing, becoming international bestsellers.

In Blood Men, Edward Hunter is a happily-married family man with a great life but a very dark past; he’s the son of a notorious serial killer who’s been in prison for 20 years, and will never be coming out. The son of a man of blood. When tragedy strikes, Edwar ...more

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