So yes this is another book that has been languishing on my shelf since 2018 so I thought I better try and read it as I’m reviewing the latest in this series soon.

This is the third in the series and can be easily read as a standalone.

If Fear Wins is complex and well written police procedural with plenty of moments that will shock and surprise you.

There is so much crammed into this novel. Terrorism, spies, drug dealers, and of course murder. I will warn you the method of killing is quite shocking and a little gruesome but I wouldn’t expect anything less from Tony Forder.

Bliss and Chandler are a great team, even if they don’t see eye to eye some of the time. There’s also that hint of is there more to their relationship than just friendship?

I have to be honest, I didn’t find it quite as gripping as the previous book, I felt my concentration going about the sixty percent mark but the action packed ending made up for it.

I’d recommend If Fear Wins if you like your police procedurals on the darker side.

Again, I’m a bit of a late comer to the DI Bliss series, but I’m sure as hell making up for it now. If Fear Wins is the third of the DI Bliss series and it’s a cracker involving the Spooks, Counter- Terrorism and of course Bliss and Chandler.


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If Fear Wins reunites Bliss with someone from his past and, as usual, the acerbic Bliss, skips around the edges of protocol, putting himself at risk both physically and mentally, in order to do the right thing. What starts out as a possible (and very gruesome) terrorist attack, soon becomees something else as the web of clues tangle and interweave. in a multi faceted police procedural that gave my heart a much needed workout.

So, what makes me devour these Bliss books? Well, there are many things. I love the dynamics between Penny Chandler and Bliss. She is a worthy foil to his sardonic wit and gives as good as she gets – I love that. I also love the fact that, in Bliss, we see a hero who doesn’t conform to all the usual stereotypes of a crime fiction hero. He’s in his fifties, he has had to adapt his life to manage his Menieres diagnosis and he’s a straight talking, slightly difficult to get on with at times, detective. In other words he’s real.

But, more than that, he’s what many of us aspire to – a hero who refuses to let the bad guys win regardless of the personal cost. He’s tenacious, intelligent and yet vulnerable and flawed.

I’m catching up on the rest of the Bliss series, but I believe (at time of writing) If Fear Wins is on sale for only 99p – My recommendation ? Go get the damn thing before the price shoots up again.

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I absolutely love this author’s books so when I saw this one was available I jumped at the chance to get my hands on a copy and boy, it was most definitely worth it!

The characters are superb, I loved their interaction, it is a completely believable story and it genuinely had me hooked. Everything about the book worked for me and it was a brilliant read!!

No hesitation at all in giving this a 5 star review, I thought it was superb!!

I am a huge fan of Detective Inspector (DI) Bliss and Detective Sergeant (DS) Chandler, so I was delighted to have the chance to catch up with them in If Fear Wins. Their relationship remains as close as ever, and I enjoyed the quips between them which provided light humour to what turns out to be a pretty harrowing case. Although Bliss' detective style may not be popular with all his colleagues, I admire his ability to think outside the box whilst telling everything like it is. At one point, Chandler likens him to Gene Hunt from Ashes To Ashes. I like this comparison, and it provides a handy frame of reference for the novel.
I have also enjoyed the first two novels in this series, Bad To The Bone and The Scent Of Guilt and was pleased to see the appearance of, and references to some of the characters from these novels. Although this may not be ideal for first time readers, I felt it created a thread which connects the novels together, and it was interesting to see how events had changed people and the characters had grown over time.
If Fear Wins is very cleverly plotted. It has several different strands, which all lead the reader down very different paths, but come together perfectly in the end. The subjects that Forder chooses to explore are often very distressing, as is the concept of "necklacing" with which this novel begins, but they are very current topics and the novel feels very relevant to the modern world. The hard hitting aspects of If Fear Wins create an abundance of tension, which make it so very gripping until the final page.

This is already the third book in the DI Bliss series, and having just finished the second book, I could honestly wait to get my hands on this one. And I was not disappointed. I think DI Bliss is without a doubt my new favorite copper. Maybe a movie must be made of this gripping book. Highly recommended.

A well spun maverick cop’s investigation!

‘If Fear Wins’ is the third book in the DI Bliss series. He certainly is a maverick cop, with plenty of experience in solving crimes, regardless of sticking to the rules. He is a cop who cares and in this investigation, he is reunited with his work partner Chandler. I did enjoy their banter together.

The plot opens with the most shocking explicit crime for Bliss, Chandler and the team to unravel. Before long the Counter Terrorism Unit has to be involved. Immediately this leads to the problem of who was the deceased? What was the motive? Also, concurrently there is the mystery of a missing soldier too. It really doesn’t make any sense at all. As you may imagine, Bliss really wants to do things his own way, without any outside intervention.

Tony Forder very cleverly opens twists, turns and suspicions, so sending the reader off in many directions. Even MI5 and MI6 become involved at various levels of the investigation. Luckily Bliss is rather like a terrier with a bone who never gives up until the bitter end.

I really enjoyed the multi-layered events, which were obviously designed to send the reader off in many directions. Unfortunately, the pace slackened slightly towards the middle, but I would certainly recommend reading this book, either as a stand-alone tale or maybe follow this series.

Galadriel.

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books and Tony J Forder for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of If Fear Wins.
I have not read any previous novels by this author, something that I will be rectifying as soon as possible. I really enjoyed reading If Fear Wins. It grabs you from the very start and keeps you intrigued until the very end.
I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a face-paced thriller. Will definitely be reading more from this author.

An exciting police procedural, that I’m sure will be enjoyed by anyone following the DI Bliss series! This is my first Bliss and Chandler book, but I’ll be adding the previous ones to my “to read” list. It’s a stand-alone, but I’m curious about the backgrounds of the investigators. Bliss is a likable and witty detective that has some issues with authority and I found his relationship and exchanges with Chandler to be quite humorous, at times.

A gruesome murder is detailed in the start of this book...this is my first encounter with “necklacing” and it is a horrific way to kill someone!
 
After the murder, Bliss and Chandler start to investigate a missing person. And when the body is identified, it links back to their murder case.

There were times the story slowed down and I started to lose interest, but that could be because police procedurals aren’t my main interest.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

#IfFearWins #NetGalley

this is the third book in the DI Bliss series, was a bit slow to start but once it got going that was it, plenty to keep you guessing, not my cup of tea this one

Hier passt alles: Glaubhafte Story, liebenswerte Charaktere und lebhafter, lebensechter Sprachstil. Kann als Einzelband gelesen werden.

This is book 3 of the DI Bliss series, and I was very much looking forward to it. But having said that, if this is the first in the series, you have read, there is no problem, as it can stand as a stand alone book. Tony gives you just enough info so you aren't lost, but not enough to discourage you from reading the previous books!

The story is very much a twisted tale of six degrees of separation, and how deceptions can be very very deceiving. Red herrings abound in this page turner, and just when you think you have ti all worked out, there is a surprise, that makes you go "AHA", and with a satisfying ending, this is a book you'll be happy to have on vacation!

This is the third book in the DI Bliss series, and I have read all three. The books keep getting better with each one.

Even though this is the third in the series you can read it very well on it’s own as it does read well as a standalone.

This book follows Bliss and Chandler as they start off investigating some missing person reports, and end up looking into the case of a burnt body, and are dragged into avoiding counter terrorism and the MI5, all whilst trying to work out who would want to murder someone in such a horrific way.

The book got me hooked from the outset as I was trying to work out why someone would do that to another person, and also who would do it. There were enough suspects and red herrings through the story that I was kept guessing about everything all the way through until the end.

I really liked the way BI Bliss acted and reacted to all the counter terrorism people and his bosses whilst investigating everything and also the way he looks into all the possibilities makes him a very good officer and made the book that much more enjoyable.

An enjoyable read if a little slow in getting going. There was sufficient character back story sketched out to allow me to catch up withough requiring me to have read previous books in the series, making this to work as a stand alone book. The interplay between Bliss and Chandler was great and I felt there could have been more of this as scenes using both characters worked particularly well. Overall a nice easy read and I will certainly look out for other early books in the series.

Once again Tony Forder nails it with this winning duo, Bliss and Chandler, these two detectives are made to work together and just their names alone make them worthy of a TV series, add in the superb plot lines and you have yourself a winner!

Anyway “If Fear Wins” is a cracking read that picks away and explores at a number of issues which is what makes this series more than “just” a police procedural. Resources, politics and racism are all thrown into the mix resulting in a novel that will result in paper cuts to your fingers as you will be turning the pages so fast!

Racial and political tensions are explored with a brutal, but frank honesty and the pressure really builds up as a sensitive approach is required to lead the investigation without causing further unrest in the community. Throw into the mix, an old face from Bliss’s past and this plot just gets even more intriguing!

I love Bliss, he’s old school in his heart and constantly battling internally with new ways of policing and the politics involved. He has good strong banter with his team and is a solid leader but definitely not a character that makes for a dull reading experience. His wee spark and indeed his flaws give off an intrigue that is both engaging and compelling. He and Chandler gel together so well. Bliss might be her superior but there is a real sense of equity in the relationship and she is not afraid to challenge him where she thinks he is in the wrong. There is still a bit of an emotional dance going on between the two of them, a real “will they/won’t they” feeling.

A cracking police procedural with well crafted plots, superb character development and a real feeling of being caught up in the lives of the characters as well as in the investigation. “If Fear Wins” is another outstanding installment in the Bliss and Chandler series and not to be missed!

Until November last year I hadn't read any of Tony J. Forder's books, that If Fear Wins is now the fourth I have read should be a good indication of how highly I rate his novels. It is his third book to feature DI Jimmy Bliss and DS Penny Chandler and despite some fierce opposition from the previous novels, I believe it is the best yet.
The book opens with a horrific crime, the sight of a torched body enough to turn the stomachs of even the most experienced officers. At first it's not even clear if forensic evidence will be able to identify the victim but with reports of two recent missing people, the team are at least able to concentrate their initial investigations into trying to discover more about the two people currently unaccounted for. As it becomes apparent who the victim was, evidence comes to light which strongly suggests they may have been murdered as an act of terrorism. Bliss and Chandler must now work with a multiple agency unit knowing that this has become a deeply sensitive case which could lead to severe repercussions in Peterborough and across the country once the public become aware of their fears.
If Fear Wins is different to the previous books in the Bliss and Chandler series in that I didn't feel the two protagonists were ever directly in danger in this story. Instead the book concentrates on their painstaking investigation; the difficulties that arise from working alongside other units, the frustration and disappointment experienced when promising leads come to nothing and the moments of enlightenment that give them hope when it seems the case may stall. The book also sees the return of a face from Bliss' past and as he becomes involved in a second off the record investigation on their behalf, he is able to reflect on the path his life has taken in the period since they last met. Although If Fear Wins can be read and thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone novel, it does contain spoilers about the previous cases and so I would ideally advise starting from the beginning of the series if possible.
The events from the past continue to impact on Bliss in particular, both in his own responses and how others behave around him. The development of the main characters, particularly Bliss is one of the highlights of If Fear Wins. At one point in the novel it is acknowledged that in many ways he is the stereotypical damaged cop, living alone with just his music for company. And yet he never feels a stagnant character; although the essence of the man remains the same - his difficulties dealing with authority, his self-criticism, his propensity to keep things to himself and his dogged determination to handle cases his own way - he has also undoubtedly changed. He has learned to control his temper better, is able to recognise that the politics of the job must sometimes be negotiated rather than contested and is beginning to accept that though outcomes of cases may not always be perfect he can focus on the positives rather than dwell on what went wrong. He has actually becomes one of my favourite fictional detectives, his troubled past gives him an air of vulnerability which juxtaposes well with his often brusque demeanour. His perceptive nature extends beyond his cases into his role as leader and though he may be old school he bears none of the misogynistic or bigoted traits of some older officers, meaning he is a supportive and insightful boss. Though very much his book, Penny Chandler continues to play an important role too. The relationship between the two is a complicated one; their easy humour perhaps masking their real feelings for one another. There can be little doubt that Bliss relies on Chandler more than any other person but whether than extends beyond a deep friendship is something he isn't perhaps yet ready to contemplate. Chandler is far more than an adoring sidekick however, a discerning officer in her own right, she has the potential to go far in her career and has no qualms in questioning Bliss' handling of the case when she disagrees with him.
Tony J. Forder's assured writing coupled with his impressive research has produced a thoroughly engaging and intricately plotted story. I was engrossed throughout by the twists and turns of the case which eventually becomes a tense race to save lives, as the initial horrific murder is just the start of a compelling investigation into a web of crime. It recognises the delicate balance between the public's right to know information and the danger that the resulting fear from that knowledge may result in further bloodshed. It also acknowledges the reality that terror doesn't just come from terrorism and perhaps just knowing that there are people capable of carrying out the most brutal, evil acts means we are already subjugated by fear. I've read quite a few police procedurals and If Fear Wins is up there with the best of them. The mystery is genuinely perplexing, the characterisation is superb throughout and the complexities of the case are completely riveting and utterly believable. If Fear Wins is one of my favourite books of the year, I enjoyed every minute of this excellent novel and highly recommend it.

If Fear Wins is the third book in the DI Bliss and Chandler series by Tony J Forder. The novel opens with the discovery of a body in a country lane, and we learn that the victim has been killed in horrific circumstances. Tony opens the story with a series of questions that I wanted answered, who was the victim they had found, what did he do to deserve what had been inflicted on him?

Tony’s descriptive techniques really brought the scenery in this book to life. He paints the murder scene in vivid detail and I felt as though I was there, Tony reeled me into the story straight away. After the initial discovery of the body, the police soon think that they know the identity of the victim after scouring local missing person’s reports, and again this opens up more questions for the police which pushes the plot forward.

As we entered the main phase of the investigation, I did feel that the pace in the novel slowed down a little, but Tony kept the intrigue there especially as DI Bliss began to examine the possible theories as to why the man was killed. Some of the ideas that the author explored here were quite alarming to think about, and I can certainly imagine some of the ideas that were put forward happening in real life.

I really liked DI Bliss and Chandler. I thought that they had a good working relationship and it is clear from their dialogue that they are characters who enjoy each other’s company, I’m definitely looking forward to finding to catching up with them again.

If Fear Wins is an intelligent, multi layered and tightly plotted story. I haven’t read the previous books in the series but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and I will certainly be reading the first two books as soon as I can. Thank you to Sarah Hardy at Bloodhound Books for inviting me to take part in the blog tour and for providing me with a copy of the book to read.

When a torched body is found, DI Bliss and Chandler are called in to investigate. Consulting their list of recent missing persons, DI Bliss quickly thinks he knows who the victim is. The evidence points to a terrorism attack. Or is that what investigators are merely meant to believe?

Meanwhile, someone from Bliss’ past makes a rather surprising appearance. This friend’s husband recently apparently committed suicide by jumping off a bridge but Bliss’ friend is convinced her husband would never do such a thing. Throw in some MI5, MI6 and a Counter-Terrorist Unit and Bliss sure has his work cut out!

Here’s a wee warning. Don’t be eating anything when you start this book. I promise you, your appetite will be gone in a flash. This is one of the most disturbing murder scenes I’ve ever read about. It made for some seriously uncomfortable reading and it’s definitely one I won’t be forgetting in a hurry. The setting is quite obviously meant to point a certain way but DI Bliss is suspicious about some rather convenient factors. Can he convince his superiors though?

True to form, Tony J. Forder once again delivers an incredibly multi-layered crime fiction story with various threads you feel should somehow be connected but there’s no way in high heaven you’ll figure out how. Or that’s what happened to me anyway. I was left guessing until the end as the author took me on a gripping journey through the criminal world in Peterborough. DI Bliss remains as determined as ever and I love how sometimes all that’s needed is that copper’s instinct, that gut feeling that something isn’t quite as it seems no matter what the evidence says.

This is the third instalment in the DI Bliss series. I think you can safely get away with treating this as a stand-alone but for the full experience, start at the beginning. You’ll notice, I’m sure, that this series is only getting better. The author has a firm grip on things that make a good crime story compelling. From well-developed characters to an intelligently plotted storyline and intriguing investigations, there’s a great deal to keep you hooked here.

Oh how Detective Bliss makes me laugh! To be honest with you, I probably shouldn't say that because he deals with a lot of things that us civilians would run away from, but it's the way he presents himself when dealing with the murders or colleagues he would love to murder himself, that is when I can't help but laugh.

'If Fear Wins' is an incredibly intense read, especially seeing as it starts off with the discovery of a burnt body. Who wanted someone dead so badly that they chose to douse them in petrol and set them alight? What on Earth did the victim do to deserve that? I was flabbergasted by the incident and due to the authors rather descriptive writing, I felt as though I was seeing the burnt body with my own eyes. An image I have struggled to forget, that's for sure!

Personally, I felt that there was a chunk of storyline in the middle which was incredibly slow to read. Bliss and his team were going round the houses with their investigation, using 'could be' scenarios as their way forward. Unfortunately that did make me struggle reading the book at times, because I felt that certain parts dragged on a little bit too much for my liking. That said, the majority of the storyline was very well written and full of oomph, making the slow parts not seem that much of a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

At one point, the MI5 and the Counter Terrorist Unit were involved in the investigation, there was a lot of complex material to try to get my head around. Yes, it was slightly confusing at times but it was so interesting. Tony J Forder could have easily taken on a lot more jargon than he did, yet he wrote the complex and intense scenes in such a way that even I could get the gist of the processes.

Whilst I do admit that 'If Fear Wins' had its ups and downs, I can honestly say that I did enjoy the novel, finding myself getting sucked into the investigation quicker than I can say 'I love books'. Tony J Forder is an excellent story teller, executing his tales with precision, intensity and a lot of suspense.

This book cements my love of police procedurals - so much grit, intrigue, and roller coaster situations, how could I not like it?

A torched body, a missing person, possible terrorist threat, a friend needing help, MI5, a vindictive boss are just a few of the basics in this third in the series book. It can be read as a stand alone, the stories do have a continuing theme so to read the series would give a much better understanding.

The author definitely has a lot going on in this book as he takes the reader into a police procedural story. DI Bliss and Chandler are back working together and I really like this combo as they work their way through the streets and surrounding area of Peterborough. I really like the character of Bliss, in some ways he is corny, a little cliché but a great character all the same. He does have a the odd personality trait and a history that does not sit well with others but this adds a slight touch of humour to him and the story.

The plot is a labyrinth of twists that I have come to expect from this author with the red herrings along the way. The vast majority of the book is given to the investigations, briefings and the lives of the characters. The author gradually builds up the suspense and intrigue in the story before pulling the threads for the conclusion. I have not included anything about the plot for fear of spoiling it for other readers. The author has woven threads into the story that I didn’t expect and in a clear way as the story drew me deeper in.

This is darker and a little more gruesome than previous books. It also felt as if there was more police procedure to this than other with various agencies being involved with their bureaucratic faffing and interfering and this for me worked well.

A great read for those who like a clever plot in their crime, thriller, murder, suspense reads, and one I would definitely recommend.

An excellent page-turning police procedural story, the third DI Bliss story so far in the series. There were several references to crimes that he had previously solved and some descriptions of these were given, but not having read any of the others myself I'm not sure how many spoilers there were. Personally I think I would have preferred to have read the earlier books first and I definitely shall do so soon. The plot is complex enough to keep the reader keen and wanting more, with plenty of suspects and clues along the way. It featured strong main characters who I have already warmed to and am keen to meet again very soon. Overall a hugely enjoyable book.