I will be very surprised if Stuart Nevilles new book isn´t optioned as a movie very soon. This story about a mother who is prepared to go to any length to protect her daughter is extremely cinematic in its storytelling. There are scenes in the book that I can see exactly how they would play out on the big screen.
It is also a true page turner. I had to stop myself from devouring it in one sitting. the kind of story that takes hold of you and doesn´t let go until the last page. Not to spoil the but I can see echoes from John Ajvide Lindqvist and the great (but overlooked) horror movie Near Dark in Nevilles writing and as any horror fan knows that is NOT a bad thing.
I´ve read some of Nevilles crime writing before and liked it but I hope this is not a one off because he has a lot of talent as a horror writer and with this he has produced a contender for best horror novel 2024.

Thank you to NetGalley and SoHo Press!

The lengths of a mother’s love for her child are legendary. This book brings that home in spades.
Rebecca is just trying to do what’s best for her child Moonflower, even though it has upended both of their lives, and the lives of everyone they touch. Staying constantly on the move, while making sure to provide Moonflower with what she needs is exacting a heavy toll, and you feel from the get go that things are heading off the rails. When they inevitably do, the reader is left with an ending that is disturbing to say the least, but unavoidable.

"Blood Like Mine" wasn't quite what I expected, and I'm still not 100% confident I know exactly what was happening, but it was tough and beautiful and interesting.

I love books that blur the lines between literal monsters and awful humanity, which this book does nicely, turning expectations sideways and leaving many characters a muddy moral grey.

In the vast realm of crime fiction, where stories of darkness and intrigue captivate readers, Stuart Neville's "Blood Like Mine" stands as a chilling tale that explores the depths of human desperation and the chilling pursuit of a relentless serial killer. Set amidst the snowy landscapes of Colorado, Neville weaves a captivating narrative that delves into the lives of Rebecca Carter and her daughter, Moonflower, as they find themselves ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a cunning predator. Rebecca Carter, a single mother pushed to the brink of despair, finds herself stranded on a desolate mountain highway during a treacherous snowstorm. Destitute and alone, she is faced with an agonizing decision: accept help from a stranger or protect her daughter's hidden past. Meanwhile, Special Agent Marc Donner relentlessly pursues a sadistic serial killer who leaves a trail of blood and severed spinal cords across the country. As Donner's investigation draws closer to Rebecca and Moonflower's refuge, the delicate balance of their lives hangs precariously. Neville masterfully crafts a narrative that grips readers from the outset, plunging them into the heart of this chilling pursuit. The characters are vividly portrayed, each carrying their own burdens and secrets, adding depth and complexity to the story. The author's writing is sharp and evocative, creating a vivid backdrop that enhances the suspense and tension. As the pages turn, readers are taken on a twisting journey, where danger lurks around every corner and the line between predator and prey becomes blurred. What truly sets "Blood Like Mine" apart is Neville's exploration of the lengths people will go to protect those they love. Rebecca's unwavering devotion to her daughter, Moonflower, serves as a powerful emotional anchor amidst the chaos and violence. The bond between mother and daughter becomes a beacon of hope in a world consumed by darkness. The novel's pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the tension ratchets up with each passing chapter. Neville skillfully orchestrates a series of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The resolution of the story is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease. In conclusion, Stuart Neville's "Blood Like Mine" is a haunting and gripping crime thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. With its well-crafted characters, intricate plot, and exploration of the human psyche, this novel stands as a testament to Neville's storytelling prowess. If you seek a tale that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end, "Blood Like Mine" is a must-read.

The title and description of the book gives the plot away but that doesn’t matter, this is a story of trying to survive under impossible circumstances and the man who is trying to stop this Mother and Daughter duo.
Rebecca and her daughter Monica (big Friends fan) travel the mid west of America trying to stay one step ahead of the law and trying to survive. Unfortunately to do this they must kill. Special Agent Marc Donner has been tracking the dead bodies across the States, all of them have had their throats cut open, spinal cord severed and they have bled out. He soon realises something else as is play. As this cat and mouse chase plays out it becomes apparent that not all of them will survive.
Ok, my thoughts on this. I loved Stuart Neville’s Belfast series. The Twelve (The Ghosts of Belfast) was quite possibly the best debut I have ever read, he tried main stream writing under Haylen Beck and I wish he had written this novel under that pseudonym. It’s a page turning read but for me lacked the punch of the Belfast series, and his other stand alones. I’ve read all this authors books but wasn’t keen on the Haylen Beck novels. Let’s hope the next outing returns to the ones I love, the gritty streets of Ireland.

#BloodLikeMine. #NetGalley

Oh, biscuits. You'd think because of the subject matter, particularly a spoilery reveal, that I'd be over the moon about this book,. Unfortunately, I just connect with any of the characters and as a result, this story really dragged for me. Melancholy [spoilery noise].