The Blood Promise Liz Mistry
5 stars

A new detective partnership

I have read a lot of Liz Mistry’s previous books and have always enjoyed them.

This book introduces us to a new partnership, DC Jasmine (Jazzy) Solanki and DC Annie (Queenie) McQueen, two totally different characters. They have been put together as a result of demotion into the ‘D’ squad and due to the A, B and C squads being otherwise engaged they are allocated a horrific murder to investigate.

Imogen Clarke is celebrating her 16th birthday and is waiting in her bedroom for her parents to prepare her traditional birthday breakfast. When she eventually goes down to the kitchen she discovers both her parents murdered, decapitated and with various mutilations.

This is the horrendous crime that Jazzy and Queenie are confronted with but the situation is made even worse when Jazzy recognises parts of the murder scene that relates specifically to her own mother’s murder many years ago. Jazzy had been 10 and was left with her twin sister and brother who were 6, in the house with their mother’s body. Social Services had split all the children up and despite Jazzy’s best efforts she had been unable to trace them. However she has had a stalker sending her letters for the past 18 months. Is this all connected in some way?

The plot moves quickly and as is usual with this author there are quite graphic descriptions but they are always in line with the plot which moves very quickly, jumping between the present and Jazzy’s horrendous childhood.

I really enjoyed the interaction between the two main characters and the difficulties for female police officers which drew two totally different people together.

There were two shocks at the end of the book, one of which was completely unexpected. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Karen Deborah
Net Galley

I appreciate that the first book in a series needs to do a lot of scene setting and back stories, but I did find this one quite convoluted and stretching credibility. However, I really liked the characters of Jazzy and Queenie, and Ms Mistry has left an enjoyable cliff hanger for readers to meet them and their disparate team again soon.
Thank you to netgalley and HQ for an advance copy of this book
3.5 rounded up to 4

DC Jazzy Solanki and DC Annie McQueen (nickname Queenie) are part of a team that their boss DCI Dick has named Team D - jokingly named for Team Dunces. Although, they are far from it! The book starts 15 years ago, when a young PC Elliot Balloch rescues 10 yo Jazzy and her twin siblings 6 yo Simon and Mhari from a bad home situation. Cut to the present day, Jazzy and Queenie are assigned to a crime scene at the Clark's home to help the start of an investigation. However, all is not as it seems as Jazzy discovers. Soon Team D (Jazz Queens) are linking other crimes to the present day. Who is behind all of this? How is Jazzy involved? Why is this happening? The sub plots come together to a climatic ending! I will be recommending this book.

🎈🎂DC Jasmine has some major trauma to work through😨

The Blood Promise had a good share of twists, some I had anticipated and others a total surprise, and a female lead who suffers, suffers, suffers. There are regular instances when Jasmine/Jazzie spaces out in unreliable memories of her traumatic past dealing with an alcoholic mother. It's not my favorite type of crime mystery (I prefer my police detectives to be a bit less emotionally fragile) but it's an exciting serial murder case with new deaths somehow linked to Jasmine's troubled childhood. The story puts little focus on the victims or their surviving family members and I think that was a lost opportunity for getting me more emotionally engaged. I felt it got much better and faster paced in the last half.

Jasmine's work partner, DC Queenie McQueen, really got on my nerves initially. She's so talkative, abrasive and in your face. Eventually new facets of her character are revealed and I got to not like, maybe accept is a better word, her quirks.

I liked the twist related to Jasmine's uncomfortable relationship with their big boss Afzal. On the other hand, there was a hanging thread, a pretty big one, at the book's end that I wish had been tied off. Seems it will be fodder for treatment in a subsequent book in this new series. I am not a big fan of this technique because I don't want to have to re-read an earlier book to refresh my memory of what went before.

It's not my favorite of the books I've read by Mistry, but I liked the twists and turns involved in finding the killer.

Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

It's a fast-paced thriller and no mistake. Two twists at the end - one fairly obvious, one a good surprise. The use of Scottish slang or archaic words felt forced when they weren't spoken; a kind of "I have a new word and I'm going to use it lots" type of thing.

Historically, I enjoy books by this author and I enjoyed this too, but it could have been slightly better.

Brilliant loved reading this book I was hooked from start to finish, the story and characters pulled this book together brilliantly for the reader and I look forward to the next.

Detectives Jazzy Solanki and Annie McQueen are in a group that have been demoted for various reasons.

Luckily for them, the ‘superior’ teams are too busy when a girl finds her parents horrifically murdered on her sixteenth birthday.

Jazzy realises there are factors that are similar to other cases, and the team are soon investigating, in the hope that no one else dies.

What a gripping tale from the author! I have read and enjoyed all her books, but for me, this one tops them all.

The characters are wonderful, Annie McQueen made me laugh a lot, I loved her. Jazzy was a great character, but in a different way to Annie. I felt for Jazzy & was spurring her on the whole time.

It is a gritty and extremely gruesome story. There were some amazing twists along the way, and the ending did make my jaw drop!

I hope that there will be more from Jazzy and Annie, I can’t rave about these two enough. I now have a new and favourite duo.

My thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Blood Promise by Liz Mistry is a marvellous contemporary novel that drew me in from the start. It is the first book in Solanki and McQueen series which promises to be gripping.
Solanki and McQueen are an unlikely pairing – a young police officer with a troubled past, and a more experienced officer whose daughter was murdered. Both their pasts haunt their days but they are determined to bring a killer to justice. Their personalities complement each other as they also build their relationship.
The reader is drawn in from the start as the book opens with a crime scene fifteen years earlier. We skip to present day and another crime scene – could they be linked? As the body count rises, it suddenly becomes personal. Can Solanki and McQueen catch the killer before more murders are committed?
The landscape and weather are dark and brooding, which mirrors the action.
All of the novel is set in villages in Scotland, around the Inverness area. It is a wild and rugged landscape which helps to heighten the tension.
We see the action from alternating points of view and in the third person, except for the killer’s voice which is in the first person. As the novel progresses, we really begin to wonder if anyone can catch the killer?
This was a fabulous start to a new series. The ending is perfectly poised for book two and I cannot wait to read it.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.

I was really excited to read this book because the synopsis sounded like the kind of book I love. However, this was a struggle. The investigation and twists were interesting. But I found it hard to stay focused because there was a sudden shift on who was telling the story. For instance, when Imogene runs to the neighbors house after seeing her parents, the text shifts to Jazzy’s observations of Wueenie. I had to backtrack several times to make sure I made the shift and know whose voice I was reading. This happened a lot, and so I lost a lot of enjoyment of being immersed in a story. Maybe a change of font for when the killers voice was talking would have made a big difference on the flow of the story.

I also got tired of all the references to her boss “Dick”. We could see he wasn’t a great guy, so I felt hit over the head with the reminders. And I’m not too sure this partnership works.

I did finish, and felt with a few edits I would have enjoyed it a lot more. I have seen reference to her other mystery series, and they have great reviews, so I will try that- might be more my style!

So, yes the mystery is interesting, but due to aforementioned issues, I was held back from really getting into it.

This was a very emotional, and at times gruesome story. Jazzy and her partner, Queen, are the first on the scene to a horrific murder. It doesn't take long for Jazzy to make aa connection between the murder and events from her life. She is convinced the killer is sending her a message, but who and why?
Lots of guessing on my part as I tried to figure things out. Was a bit surprised! My only fault with the book was the ending. It seemed very rushed. But, there was a great set up for the next book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Really enjoyed this story as it offered both a great who done it as well as an emotional back story leading through to the situation. Well written and very enjoyable

Loved this book. Suck interesting characters, and the interaction between them. The storyline was difficult in places, and you really felt so many emotions for the main character Jazz, and her sidekick Queenie. The ending was a little rushed but I am so glad that there is an opening for a follow up. Can’t wait.

This was smy 1st time reading this author so I wasn't sure what to expect but the premise had me intrigued! It does start off pretty gory and it doesn't get much more discreet on the descriptions of the crime scenes but in saying that, it also doesn't feel like pointless gore thrown in for shock value! It does make sense and adds to the tension and dark undertones of the book. Its well written, the characters were brilliant. Original and well written. I loved the atmosphere and how well the environment was captivated and put over.

The Blood Promise by Liz Mistry

Publisher HQ

Time to read less than a day

Stars 5

Review

Having read and loved Liz's Nikki Parekh I was really excited to get my grubby paws on her new series.

This lived up to the same expectations I had from her other series. I really enjoyed this. I could not put it down so thank you once again for the opportunity to lose myself for a couple of hours

I totally devoured this book and I was totally engrossed. Would Def recommend to all. It kept my attention from the first to the last page

Thank you Netgalley and HQ for the opportunity to review.

A new detective series featuring detectives Jasmine (Jazzy) Solanki and Annie (Queenie) McQueen, from the pen of the talented Liz Mistry.

Jazzy has a secret past, one that she’s managed to keep from her colleagues, however it’s about to be revealed in a most gruesome and disturbing manner, and more importantly it will put Jazzy’s life in serious danger.

Imogen Clark was awake early, she was looking forward to her 16th birthday, but nothing could have prepared her for the horrific, stomach churning scene awaiting her as she descended the stairs and entered the kitchen, and discovered her parents had been killed in a gruesome manner, not only that but the killer had left a message.

Jazzy and Queenie attend the scene and Jazzy believes the message was meant for her - she shares her birthday with Imogen, and further investigation links the killer with a stalker who’s been following Jazzy for some years.

Liz Mistry takes us back to her native Scotland for this new series, with a very dark storyline, however, because it’s peppered with some great banter between Jazzy and Queenie, it helps lighten the mood. As the story progressed the tension increased, leading to some heart pounding moments. A gripping police procedural, a strong start to this new series, and a welcome addition to the Tartan Noir genre.

My thoughts about Liz Mistry’s The Blood Promise delivers a chilling and gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Set in Scotland, the novel follows the investigation of Detectives Jazzy Solanki and Annie McQueen into the brutal murder of Imogen Clark’s parents on her 16th birthday. Writer Liz Mistry skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads, keeping readers guessing at every turn. Liz Mistry’s writing is sharp and atmospheric, immersing readers in the gritty streets of Scotland and the minds of its characters.With plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the final, heart-pounding conclusion. The story of Liz Mistry’s The Blood Promise begins with Imogen Clark wakes up on her 16th birthday to find her parents dead at the breakfast table, along with a message from their killer.
A twist of fate Detectives Jazzy Solanki and Annie McQueen join the investigation, but the more they discover, the more Jazzy suspects that the killing is a twisted message for her. Jazzy shares the same birthday as Imogen, and believes that this is more than a coincidence. A race to catch a killer
When Jazzy discovers the connection between the killer and the stalker who has been following her for years, she is forced to confront the dark past she was desperate to keep hidden. She must stop at nothing to solve the case, before she becomes the next victim. Overall Liz Mistry’s The Blood Promise is a thrilling and immersive crime novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. With its compelling characters, twisty plot, and atmospheric setting. I would like to say a big thank you to publishers HQ Stories, for kindly letting me read and this fantastic book on netgalley which I’ve enjoyed reading and reviewing. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This is the first book in the authors new series , this time set in Scotland and featuring two recently demoted D.S.
Jasmine Solanki ( Jazzy) and Annie McQueen ( Queenie).
Finding themselves thrown together and having to work as a team is not exactly a perfect pairing but boy what a team they become.
Their immediate boss DI Dick, has banished them to the D team , they however are not about to remain on the sidelines of any investigation.
So when they become involved in looking into a particularly gruesome murder they team up with Geordie McBurnie and Fenton Heggie and the Jazz Queens are born.
The murder throws up connections to Jazzy`s own mother`s death 15 years ago. Unable to recall every detail its only as the case progresses Jazzy remembers more. The more she does, the more she is convinced the case is linked to her own past.
Great start to a new series filled with wonderful characters, there is tension, intrigue and humour throughout and I for one look forward to more outings with the Jazz Queens.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I've been so excited to read The Blood Promise. It's the first book in a brand new series by Liz Mistry, who is one of my favourite authors and it does not disappoint! In this series, there are two heroines, Jazzy Solanki and Annie McQueen, who have very different personalities, but form a wonderful partnership when they both find themselves demoted. There are a few lovely moments of dark humour and I absolutely love these characters. I can't wait to see where their relationship goes as the series continues.
Both Solanki and McQueen have issues from their pasts and I love the way that Liz Mistry explores this, continuing to show us that women with mental health issues can thrive in society. At the beginning of the novel, they are both in quite a vulnerable place and I was rooting for them to succeed and show everyone what they could do.

Unlike Liz Mistry's other novels, The Blood Promise is set in West Calder. I've never visited this area, but nevertheless, it was easy to picture everything and feel immersed in the story as her sense of place is immaculate, not only in terms of the physical landmarks but also her intricate knowledge of the community.

I love hearing from the perspective of the killer in crime novels and The Blood Promise is one such novel. I really appreciated being able to get inside the killer's mindset and have some idea of what they were going through and why they acted in the way they did.

I found the beginning of The Blood Promise quite slow, as the detectives struggled to nail down the perpetrator. However, this changes very quickly in the last third of the novel which is incredibly fast paced. I really wanted to know what was happening and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for answers, especially as the detectives find themselves in some very dangerous situations.

I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series!

Brilliant! A totally new set of characters and location I wasn’t sure what to expect but I totally loved them by the end of the book. Can’t wait for the Jazz Queens next investigation.

It is a while since I last read a book by Liz Mistry. I certainly wasn't disappointed.
The way in which the characters were developed was intriguing.
This story is set in Scotland and has a plethora of interlinked characters involved in investigating a series of horrific murders.
It soon becomes clear that DC Jazzy Solanki and her sidekick Annie McQueen are going to be drawn into a challenging investigation. I won't go into detail about the storyline for fear of spoiling the plot. Suffice to say that there are enough twists and turns in the story to keep the reader engrossed until the very last page.
This was a book which I didn't want to end. I found it extremely entertaining, even though it is extremely gruesome in places.
I think it has similarities to some of Mo Hayder's darker stories.
I give my thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for a copy in exchange for this review.