Return to Blood
From the award-winning author of BETTER THE BLOOD comes the gripping new Hana Westerman thriller
by Michael Bennett
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Pub Date Apr 17 2024 | Archive Date Apr 16 2024
Simon & Schuster (Australia) | Simon & Schuster UK
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Description
One chance to get justice.
Hana Westerman has left Auckland and her career as a detective behind her. Settled in a quiet coastal town, all she wants is a fresh start.
The discovery of a skeleton in the dunes near her house changes everything. The remains are those of a young Māori woman who went missing four years before, and Hana has a connection to the case. Twenty years ago, a schoolfriend of hers was found buried in the exact same spot. Her killer died in prison, but did the police get the wrong man? And if he was innocent, then why did he plead guilty?
No longer part of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Hana turns to her ex-husband Jaye, a high-flying Detective Inspector, for help. But when he cuts her out of the investigation, she realises that she will have to find the answers she needs on her own.
But in digging deeper, she sets herself on a potentially fatal collision course with a killer.
PRAISE FOR BETTER THE BLOOD:
'A compelling, atmospheric page turner with an authentic insight into Māori culture' Val McDermid
'A tensely plotted, gritty crime novel that has the courage to force us all to rethink our relationship with the past' Vaseem Khan
'Stunning . . . a gripping mystery, complex and memorable characters, and timely social and cultural commentary. Don’t miss it' David Heska Wanbli Weiden
'As page-turning as it is eye-opening' Ambrose Parry
'Opens a unique window onto a fascinating Antipodean society as only world-class crime fiction can' Deon Meyer
'A striking debut and a significant addition to Indigenous literature' Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
'[A] stellar series launch. Bennett is a writer to watch' Publishers Weekly (starred review)
'A remarkable new detective' Daily Mail
'[A] highly addictive read' My Weekly
'So chilling' Crime Monthly
Advance Praise
PRAISE FOR BETTER THE BLOOD:
'A compelling, atmospheric page turner with an authentic insight into Māori culture' Val McDermid
'A tensely plotted, gritty crime novel that has the courage to force us all to rethink our relationship with the past' Vaseem Khan
'Stunning . . . a gripping mystery, complex and memorable characters, and timely social and cultural commentary. Don’t miss it' David Heska Wanbli Weiden
'As page-turning as it is eye-opening' Ambrose Parry
'Opens a unique window onto a fascinating Antipodean society as only world-class crime fiction can' Deon Meyer
'A striking debut and a significant addition to Indigenous literature' Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
'[A] stellar series launch. Bennett is a writer to watch' Publishers Weekly (starred review)
'A remarkable new detective' Daily Mail
'[A] highly addictive read' My Weekly
'So chilling' Crime Monthly
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781398512269 |
| PRICE | A$34.99 (AUD) |
| PAGES | 400 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Sarah A, Reviewer
Return to Blood is a brilliant encompassing cultural mystery/ crime story. Michael Bennett has done a wonderful job of weaving Māori cultural, language and tradition into a modern crime thriller.
The plot follows a couple of different timelines;
There is the present day where Hana, a former detective and mother of 18 year old Addison has just moved from Auckland city to small town Tātā Bay, where her father Eru lives.
Then there is that of Kiri a young 17 year old who gets tangled up in drugs some bad situations and is murdered 5 years earlier.
I really loved the addition of Māori culture and traditions it is very well done and informative with translated footnotes. I also enjoyed the introduction of PLUS 1, Addison’s best friend and a non binary character. I was very impressed with the way they were integrated into the storyline, with respect and normality. Everything about the plot, characters, culture and traditions were done so well and so tastefully. I really enjoyed Bennett’s storytelling and can’t wait to see what else he brings us.
Reviews will be posted on my other sites by the end of April 3rd.
Lisa T, Reviewer
I was lucky enough to read an eARC of Return to Blood, the latest Hana Westerman novel from Michael Bennett.
Following on from Better the Blood, Hana has left the police force and returned to her coastal hometown. As with all retired cops, a discovery of skeletal remains in the sand dunes leads Hana investigating two murders that seem connected.
The characters are further developed, and this time we get to meet Eru, Hana’s dad. He was definitely favourite character this round! I could see this being made into a miniseries, or movie.
It’s so cool being able to read a solid crime novel that’s set in my hometown of Tāmaki Makaurau. As with the first book, there is te reo Māori incorporated throughout the book. There are translations for Māori words, as well as some things that are uniquely “kiwi”. My favourite part of the book was learning more about Māori gods and mythology.
I definitely didn’t see the ending coming, and the last 20% was chefs kiss with the suspense and mystery. Highly recommended for anyone who likes crime novels!
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