Not having seen each other since their last mission, Army Criminal Investigation Agents Maagie Taylor and Scott Brodie are reunited in Berlin to investigate the murder of a fellow Army CID agent. Scott and Maggie don’t know why the agent was in Berlin but the story German authorities are selling doesn’t make sense. The search for the truth will lead Scott and Maggie into the cesspool of humanity and ultimately uncover a plot so sinister it defies logic.

Nelson and Alex DeMille have penned an exciting and terrifying thriller that feels all too real, unfortunately. It’s quintessential Nelson DeMille: funny, snarky, and complex. Blood Lines kept me engaged and I even learned a few things which is always nice.

Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Blood Lines.

In Nelson Demille's latest Brodie/Taylor sage, Army Criminal Investigation Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor have been separated for five months following their last assignment. They are reunited in Berlin and tasked with investigating the murder of CID Special Agent Harry Vance of the 5th MP Battalion. Harry's body was discovered in a city park in the heart of Berlin’s Arab refugee community.

The authorities suspect this is an act of Islamic terrorism, but Brodie and Taylor soon believe there is more to this case. Brodie and Taylor work to discover what Harry was doing in the days and weeks before his death, and become immersed in the many conflicts and contradictions of the new Germany. Brodie and Taylor are receiving pushback from both the Germans and American. But they are also facing a possible threat from American intelligence agents who fear that the pair might have learned too much about US clandestine operations during their mission in Venezuela.

Ultimately, Brodie and Taylor realize that the murder of Harry Vance was merely the start to a much bigger future event, which they must stop. As always, Nelson Demille never disappoints.

I have followed this author for many years. His books never let me down. The story builds and retains my interest.

Ebook/Adventure: I didn't like this book and I hate that I feel that way.
It took me a while, but I figured it out. I only felt indifference to the murder victim. I didn't care. There was so much narrative before Brody and Taylor got to investigate; by the time the investigation started, I had no investment in any of it.
The last Taylor and Brody book was different because I wanted to understand why the suspect was a deserter. I wanted answers.

Blood Lines is a gripping thriller co-authored by Nelson DeMille and his son, Alex DeMille. The novel delves into the world of espionage, terrorism, and international intrigue, as protagonist Corey and his team work to prevent a catastrophic attack. Set against the backdrop of contemporary geopolitics, the story's fast-paced narrative and complex characters will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The authors' meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of the subject matter make Blood Lines a compelling read. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the authors' vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, immersing the reader in a world of danger and suspense.
This novel is highly recommended, as it not only delivers an enthralling story, but also provides valuable insights into the complexities of modern-day espionage and global security.

Another great book by Nelson and Alex DeMille. It grabs you right from the beginning with a horrible murder. And it brings you on a ride, that you’ll never forget. Germany revisited. Terrorist, Nazi, Biochemical warfare. I hate to reveal so much of this book. I can’t wait for someone to buy rights of this book and make it into another great movie. Especially at the end.

Action packed and full of surprises! "Blood Lines" by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille does not disappoint. Many twists in the plot and cultural biases examined, as these familiar characters are on to a new murder mystery to uncover. Thank you to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

I haven’t read the first book in this series but was able to pick up easily what must have happened in it that was relevant to book 2, Blood Lines. It’s well-written with believable characters, flawed but sympathetic. Almost too many characters, especially about 60-70% through the book, when they keep coming! But it’s a good plot and will teach those younger than those of us who remember the Cold War and divided Berlin a useful amount of history regarding that time. Looking forward to what I hope will be Book 3 in this series.

Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor are again on the hunt for a murderer. A fellow CiD agent has been assassinated in Berlin and they must work with a host of other agencies to try to unravel the twisted crime. The novel starts out slowly and builds to a surprising ending. Brodie is the typical macho law enforcement hero who is tempered by Maggie Taylor his partner and former lover. They slowly unravel the crime on their own putting themselves and the solving of the mystery in peril. There is a pretty young woman in the mix and of course, Brodie finds himself involved with her, something that is dangerous to both of them. I enjoyed the read, it has a lot of connection to the terrorism in the Middle East and is a timely novel given what is happening today. As always the DeMille's entertain. Thanks to #NetGalley#BloodLines for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is the story of my six-year breakup with Nelson DeMille, an author I used to LOVE. It all started in 2017, when I read and reviewed The Cuban Affair, and wrote “Seventeen years ago, someone whose opinions on books NEVER matched mine recommended Lion’s Game by Nelson DeMille, and I LOVED it. Since then, I’ve grabbed every new DeMille book and been puzzled by the inconsistency: for example, Night Fall was terrific. The Panther? Not so much. And don’t even get me started on Radiant Angel.”

I kept thinking, “what happened? Was it him? Was it me?” I looked back at my reviews for the last three DeMille books I had read. 2017’s Cuban Affair was four stars. 2019’s The Deserter, written with his son, screenwriter Alex DeMille, was three stars. books Then in 2022 came The Maze, which was two stars, and I didn’t even finish it. (see a pattern here?)

I thought maybe it was the protagonist I didn’t like. After all, the most recent and most disappointing was The Maze, which was #8 in the John Corey series. I just found Corey annoying with his relentless wisecracking and enormous ego. After that one, I had decided I was DONE with DeMille. But here we are in 2023, and I am notified that Army CID Special Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor (introduced in 2019 in The Deserter) are back, this time going after the murderer of one of their fellow agents. I thought, “sounds good! Maybe NDM is back in form!” <sigh>

Another DNF. Just didn’t care. Like another reviewer said, “I had great hopes for this one but can’t say it delivered for me…others will no doubt enjoy it.” But, sad to say, Nelson and I are through. Thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review. Two stars.

This is a voluntary review for a complimentary ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and the author/publisher.

Being a huge fan of The Lion’s Game and many other books from this author, I had great hopes for this one but can’t say it delivered for me. The writing has moments of cringe-worthy events that unfortunately should’ve evolved with the times a little. I think the history bogged down the reading for me as it was just not interesting to me but others will no doubt enjoy it.

I really do enjoy the Brody story line., I feel like I'm learning a thing or two as I read . I have always enjoyed Nelson DeMille books, so reading this book that he wrote with his son was great.

Army CID agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor are back, investigating the murder of fellow agent Harry Vance in a park in Berlin. No one knows why Harrywas alone in that park in the Arab part of town, but Brodie and Taylor will find out why he went that particular park and who he was meeting.

Brodie and Taylor’s last case ended with them having found out dangerous classified information. Their partnership ended and Scott thought he’d never see Taylor again. Now they’re paired up again and their chemistry is as strong as ever.

As they investigate, Brodie going on unauthorized tangents as usual, they get a little too close to the truth and are removed from the case. How can they help Berlin avoid a possible terrorist attack?

I really enjoyed the historical sections of the book and Brodie and Taylor’s banter gives the book a lighthearted edge. I highly recommend this book. 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

I like the intricacies of Nelson Demille's books and this has plenty of them. Maybe too many. I thought this was a bit long with too many red herrings but overall a good read. The history of Germany was interesting and the setting of Berlin provides plenty of history. A thorough explanation if how the investigation reaches its conclusion with well drawn characters.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

No DESERTER, all DESERT! The last one was the worst; I thought the great DeMille sequence was done. The Deserter was a mystery wrapped up in a travel brochure about Venezuela.

Blood Lines is back out front, back on point, they delve into describing every building and bush at times but quickly snap back into the story line.

The story, the character, the plot, everything is over the top here on this outing.

Enjoy!!

Nelson Demille and his son Alex are back again with the second book in this series. If you like intrigue, action and suspense look no further. I enjoyed this book and it shows both Demille's at the top of their story telling game. If you like military thrillers this book is not to be missed! Looking forward to seeing what the father/son tandem come up with next.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending me a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion and review of Blood Lines by Nelson Demille and Alex Demille.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I have not read The Deserter (Scott Brodie & Maggie Taylor #1), so all I can say is Blood Lines (Scott Brodie & Maggie Taylor #2) is a great book if you read it as a stand alone. I enjoyed it so much, I'm going to go back and read The Deserter.

In Blood Lines, Special Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor are brought together to investigate the murder of CID Special Agent Harry Vance. What appears to be a random murder turns into so much more after they start following leads, however, the German government, as well as Brodie and Taylor's higher ups, don't really seem interested in getting to the truth.

I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from these authors.

Army Criminal Investigations Department Agent Harry Vance is murdered in Berlin on what appears to be an off-the-books investigation. CID Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor are assigned to a team that will investigate his murder, a chance to prove they can solve a case without stepping on the wrong toes. That will depend on whether Brodie can control what he describes as the adolescent boy inside of him who makes half his decisions. He is reputed by his peers to be monumentally arrogant, among the many other sad male stereotypes such as his declaration that “all men are pigs, but some are more dedicated to the role than others.” Maggie is the opposite—competent, self-assured, disciplined, politic—and partnered with him, it seems, to serve as a foil. Or, perhaps, for the same purpose complementary colors are paired: her civility makes Brodie’s boorishness appear more fully saturated.

This is the first book I have read by Nelson DeMille, born in the 1940s and still portraying the alpha male in a context that—unfortunately—read well in the 1970s when he first published but feels terribly dated and out of touch with the modern flow of things. Maybe his readers don’t mind that Brodie sees the females he works with as sex objects, brags about getting laid, and describes his sexual encounter with a grieving woman in a cringe-worthy, awkward manner that evokes a scene from the 1970s horror flick, “The Omen.” It’s hard to say these things, but honesty is expected here.

I wish to thank the publisher, co-authors, and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

When CID agent Vance is murdered in Berlin the investigation reunites agents Scott Brody and Maggie Taylor from The Deserter. They are sent to Berlin to co-ordinate with German officials and embassy personnel, but have no investigative powers of their own. Vance was one of Brody’s instructors in Intelligence and he is not one to sit on the sidelines. Vance’s body was found in an area with a large Muslim population. The police and embassy are quick to write off the murder as an act of terrorism. Evidence has been planted to reinforce that conclusion. Brody and Taylor, however, have found evidence that there is an ongoing threat.

Vance was involved with Anna, the daughter of a Stasi officer who worked for the Americans. He was betrayed by an American officer known as Odin. Before his death, Vance was close to discovering the traitor’s identity. As Brody and Taylor pursue Odin they discover a connection to East Germany’s chemical warfare labs as well as a rising group of neo-Nazis. They are taken off the case and ordered home when they continually overstep their mandate, but everything is pointing to an imminent attack somewhere in the city. Brody can not leave if there is a chance that he can find Odin and stop it. While Taylor is more disciplined and prepares to leave Berlin, they are still a team and he needs her help.

Brody and Taylor work well together. They are both combat veterans and dedicated officers who have been betrayed in the past by their superiors. Brody has little patience for authority figures and his brash attitude is often restrained by Taylor. Blood Lines delivers a complex mystery that moves slowly at first but builds to a finale that has you on the edge of your seat. I would like to thank NetGalley and Scribner Publishing for providing this book for my review.

I’ve been a huge fan of Nelson DeMille since his first novel, and I particularly loved his early, stand-alone books like Cathedral. In recent years though, I’ve gotten tired of his John Corey novels, as a little John Corey goes a long way. So I was excited to see on NetGalley that DeMille has returned to the characters, Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor from his novel, The Deserter.

In Blood Lines, Brodie and Taylor are re-teamed and sent on a mission in Berlin where one of their own has turned up dead. Their search for the truth takes them all over the city and puts them at odds with all of the other government agencies involved with the case.

It’s a bit longer than it needs to be, but fans of DeMille will enjoy this case and its many layers. I found it a refreshing change of pace.