3 STARS

So, first of all I had no idea this was the 12th book of the series while I requested this off NetGalley. But at no point did I feel this was part of a series and that I missed anything by not reading the first 11 books. So, kudos to the author for not making the reader feel left out.

That being said, I've got to be honest, the actual mystery was not that exciting. I mean the author tried very hard to base this like Earl Stanley Gardner and the Perry Mason series but Perry Mason as a character comes across as such a strong person, a lawyer who is hell bent on making sure the truth of the matter is found out. And with his private detective Paul Drake and secretary Della Street, Mason goes about solving the most unsolvable crimes.

That's the thrill there. Mason's client is almost always caught in an ironclad case. There's no chance that the police will incarcerate someone else. But with clever detective skills and amazing courtroom writing, Perry Mason books are amazing for everyone to read.

This one, well the actual mystery itself was quite boring. There was little to none detective skills involved even though there is a private I in the book. It just felt like Stan Turner was so jaded about taking murder mysteries and so scared of his wife, that he seemed like, excuse me for my language, a wimp. You can't shake off the feeling that he doesn't want to do this. And that he's being forced to, but he is doing this only because he's getting good money. I know that's why lawyers do take up cases. But it felt like that was the sole motivation for doing it.

It's ridiculous how things seem to add up in the end for the case and Melody. I just think it's a big disappointment when the author tried so hard to copy a formula that has worked so well.

I'd definitely pick a Perry Mason novel. Might not pick another Stan Turner novel though. The character is just not strong enough for me.

This is the first book I have read from this author and it was quite entertaining. I am glad I picked up a copy of Deadly Blood!

Knowing that this is the 12th book in a series, i took a chance as to whether Deadly Blood would work well as a standalone or not. I had no problem with getting into the story, which proved to be quite a page turner. Well written, with plenty of twists. I am hoping to read more books by this author. Recommended.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given.



*Waiting for Amazon to publish my review'

I received this book through Net Galley Read Now program.

This is the 2nd story that I have read by this author and I have not been disappointed. This story has Stan being asked to help out a fellow lawter with a case. Stan agrees, but in the end he gets more than he wanted. The individual that he was asked to represent is later charged in the murder of her adopted father. Stan has stated that he did not want to do anymore murder cases, but he agrees to accept this. With a lot of effort in following the clues he is able to obtain a verdict of not guilty by the jury.

During the trial while Stan was cross examining the sister of Stan's clients adopted father, she suffers a stroke and is transported to the hospital where she later dies. During the autopsy it was determined that she was murdered and Stan once again has to defend Melody.

The twists and turns that this trial takes will keep you involved in the story. The ending will blow your mind and you need to buy this book to find out what happens and I highly recommend it.

I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.

My first Stan Turner definitely won’t be my last. The reluctant trial lawyer is called to work outside his comfort level in defense of an orphan accused of murdering her foster father. Excellent character development and plot design lead to an welcome introduction (for me) to this series.

An amazing story of murder and mayhem which grips the reader from the very first chapter. This is a very intriguing and riveting novel which keeps you spellbound until the very end. It never loses your attention and keeps you breathless throughout. Wonderful book!

This is a tight, psychological suspense story that will periodically have you on the edge of your seat . Can’t recommend this series enough. Five stars.

Deadly Blood by William Manchee
This one starts with Stan and yes he's found himself wrapped up in another murder trial. He's not a trial laywer but he is not bad because he has a lot of others to help him.
He gathers clues and brings the case to trial and some things don't go according to plan nor the outcome.
State has a hard time convincing the jury that Melody the young high school student murdered her father. Back history is given about her and the adoption.
Love how the details are collected and descriptions of events-they are very precise so you can follow along.
Just when you think it's all over with as the jury has a verdict, it's not the end of the book by a long shot.
Another murder involving a lot of people from the first trial is uncovered and we start in all over again.
Some of the evidence collected leads to more information than the jurors have and you wonder at what point it will be a mistrial.
Love how it ends and can see a lot of turmoil brewing for the next book... love reading these books, although very lengthy there are details you have to hear about to make the case. Take my time because I do not want the book to end.
Can't wait for the next one. What I also like is that there are not a ton of characters-small handful that we know about already from previous books in the series and new ones for the current trial.
No gory or graphic parts to make me put the book down never to finish it.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Deadly Blood is an entertaining historical legal novel featuring lawyer Stan Turner and the domino's begin falling in the autumn and winter of 1982. Stan is a fairly inexperienced lawyer, and in Deadly Blood is handling his second murder case, mostly against his will. Taking place in the Texas tangle of bedroom communities serving Dallas, Plano, and Collin County, Stan spends a lot of time driving and is mostly late for dinner with his wife Rebekah and their four lovely young children.

Melody Monroe's mother Margary is seeking a TRO - temporary restraining order - against her abusive husband Frank as she files for divorce, and the judge insists that their adopted 16 year old daughter must have her own attorney-ad-litem before Melody's testimony regarding the restraining order can be heard. Stan accepts that chore as a favor to his friend Martin Johnson despite the fact that he has decided to never again do 'family law' after that first murder trial.

When Melody is charged with the murder of her father Frank who died the same day, Stan is guilted into taking her case against his better judgement. It is a decision he will regret many times over the next few months as the Monroe family is whittled down one by one.

William Manchee writes a tight, entertaining tale with characters varying in appeal and mostly sympathetic. I very much enjoyed this novel.

I received a free electronic copy of this novel on December 22, 2018 from Netgalley, William Manchee, and Top Publications LTD in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.