| Title | : | Bloodstream (DI Murphy and DS Rossi, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1471141381 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781471141386 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 480 |
| Publication | : | First published October 22, 2015 |
Murphy is dismissive, but the media pressure intensifies when another couple is found in the same manner as the first. Only this time the killer has left a message. A link to a private video on the internet, and the words 'Nothing stays secret'. It quickly becomes clear that more people will die; that the killer believes secrets and lies within relationships should have deadly consequences...
Bloodstream (DI Murphy and DS Rossi, #3) Reviews
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Bloodstream – The King of Scouse Noir Returns
Bloodstream is the third book in Luca Veste’s Scouse Noir series of crime thrillers, with Detective Inspector David Murphy and his Detective Sergeant Laura Rossi leading the Liverpool North Major Incident team. With each book the writing gets better, the setting of Liverpool and its strong imagery on the conscience and Veste is improving with every book.
Luca Veste is a brilliant talented writer who writes some dark, disturbing and gripping thrillers, that makes it impossible to put down. He will take you on a quite believable journey, throw in plenty of twists and turns, that you regret finishing, and leaves you wanting more. We get a journey in to some of the darkest places in Veste’s mind and he has more to come, good job he has a degree in Criminology and Psychology.
Two reality and social media stars are found murdered in an abandoned house in Anfield, and this leads to a massive media scrum and citizen journalism which piles pressure on DI David Murphy and his team. But with no forensic evidence left at the crime scene they are hoping for a lucky break or a mistake from the person who committed the murders. At the same time Murphy is also concerned for a missing eighteen year old female who may or may not be his daughter.
Murphy and Rossi rapidly become aware as they begin their investigation there is nothing ordinary in this case, made harder by being in the full glare of the twenty four hour rolling news. What they hoped would be an isolated case gets wider when they find this murder is not the murderers first and they have to take that on board. It does not help that again with no clues or any links to each other the police are in the dark in a race against time.
Will they be able to find the killer before he strikes again? Will they ever find out what links the cases? Is social media helping or hindering the investigation? These are just some of the questions aimed at Murphy and Rossi as the pressure becomes intense on them both and need to be able to see the bigger picture at work.
Once again Luca Veste gives us some great characterisation in Bloodstream, there is more depth to the interpersonal relationship between Murphy and Rossi, and especially how they bounce off each other. Both characters are getting stronger with every outing, so much so that in my mind I have cast David Morrissey and Rachel McDowall as my Murphy and Rossi.
Liverpool and the Wirral is a fantastic backdrop for the books and makes a pleasant change to read a UK crime thriller that is not set in London, Manchester, Glasgow or Edinburgh. It is a breath of fresh air in the UK crime genre to be given the tour of Merseyside which makes the juxtaposition of the haves and have-nots even more striking, the new next to the old all centred round the mouth of the Mersey.
Read Bloodstream and you will see why Luca Veste is King of Scouse Noir that his talent is on the rise and one of the best new voices in crime fiction. You will love the characters, the plot and the writing you will regret that you finish the book and that you want more. Over to you Luca .. -
Luca Veste Has done it again with this page turning thriller he keeps you glued to every page & never a dull moment I love the way his characters are strong never flawed .
This Author is on the rise one to watch out for. -
So the third novel from Luca Veste then and each one has been an absolute joy for crime fiction fans – Blood Stream is no exception to that, I completely devoured this in two sittings, an extremely addictive and excellent read.
Two reality tv stars are discovered dead and Murphy and Rossi are under intense media scrutiny as they attempt to unravel what happened. When more couples turn up the same way, things only get more difficult. Meanwhile Rossi is in a new relationship and Murphy is still struggling to mend his own friendships after the emotive events of The Dying Place.
I just love the way Luca Veste writes – an involving, immersive style that just simply hooks you – never fails to give you a starting line that pretty much ensures you are not going to want to put the darn book down and then continuing in that vein all the way through. Gritty but not untamed there is a great authenticity to the feeling of it and the plot fairly rockets along taking you on a journey into some dark and twisted places.
Murphy and Rossi are fast becoming one of my favourite crime duo’s – their relationship is well imagined and very compelling, both have an intriguing and impressively drawn background that just adds a great deal of depth to each of the individual crime stories being told.
In Blood Stream there is a really good mix of continuing the main character arcs and giving us a self contained mystery – the vagaries of social media are put under the spotlight and it’s really quite scary stuff in places. There are some edge of the seat moments, intuitively written to give maximum effect, this really is crime fiction at its very best. Impressive.
Highly Recommended. -
This was my first Luca Veste and I enjoyed it. Yes it is a little clichéd and a little ITV Crime Drama-like but Veste is very readable and his Murphy and Rossi team are likeable. The plot concerns the murder of a Liverpool-based celebrity couple and the subsequent investigation which reveals the existence of a serial killer targeting couples who have been keeping secrets from each other. It is a competent police procedural which has something to say about the way social media and the tabloid press exploit both celebrity and victims of crime. Veste could perhaps have explored this aspect of his story more but there was enough here to make me read more of the series and, on Whispersync, John Keeble's Liverpudlian narration really captured the Scouse wit.
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Luca Veste does it again.
There are many crime thriller books out there and the competition is fierce but Veste yet again gets a 5* from me.
If you have not read the first 2 books in the "Murphy Series" I would suggest you do so as this book does refer back to certain acts contained within both of those.
It may be because I am from the area (albeit "over the water" as Rossi/Murphy might say) or because clearly the main character has a great surname (obviously biased!!) but the writing and descriptive parts of the book are really spot on. Even the jovial remarks/jokes at colleagues and who they support, where in the city they live are always delivered just right. The characters and respective friends/families are all interesting so even when the story drifts away to other sub plots I never lost interest for one moment and in fact could not wait to turn to the next page.
So, do yourself a favour and read this book. If you have not read the first 2, read them first and then come back to this. I am already waiting for number 4. The only problem the author has is keeping up such quality.
Great stuff -
Someone is killing couples. The case is high profile because a celebrity couple have been involved. They are tied to chairs, face to face and made to admit their lies to one another. The killer is obsessed with love, and truth. David Murphy and his sidekick Laura Rossi can’t seem to get a handle on the case until, for each of them, it comes closer to home.
This, I now see, is the third in a series but it stands really well as a novel in its own right and doesn’t need to be propped up by information in the earlier books. The tension in the story is ramped up gradually and when readers come to discover, along with the detectives, who is responsible, it becomes a race to read to the end and see what happens. A thoroughly enjoyable story. -
First book I have read of this author and after reading this I am now the owner of all Luca' s books. I really enjoyed bloodstream and found it hard to put down but being half term and being off work I had to entertain the children but every spare half an hour was spent with this book.
I did at times wish I would have read the first two books before this one so I could get to grips with the main characters and old stories as this book does reference the past alot but it didn't hinder me reading I just wanted to know the full story of the team I was reading about. -
A surprisingly gripping book considering it has sat on my shelf for the best part of two years untouched. Enjoyable and easy to read on the whole. The combination of Murphy and Rossi is an interesting one, though not as fresh or “new” a dynamic as I had hoped for, going by the back cover. As ever I’ve come into this series halfway through by buying cheap, the rest will surely be visited soon.
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Can't wait till next year for number 4!!!!
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Third book in the Murphy and Rossi series as the two police officers investigate the apparent ritualistic killing of two on line celebrities, a middle level footballer and a young woman famous for being famous both having met on a celebrity TV programme and both subject of scrutiny and abuse in the on line world. The killings however don't stop and the police procedural develops against the back story of the detectives personal issues.
Good solid crime fiction which I enjoyed although I'm not sure how Murphy remains resilient despite the personal traumas with which he keeps managing to deal. -
Ohhhhh my! This one was great! A crazy different kind of murder case that also tied into the already existing story line of Murphy. This series is really great if you are a fan of police procedurals. I’m onto the next book!
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Good detective book.
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3.5 stars. Predictable but enjoyable non the less.
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I’m really into crime fiction at the moment – I don’t know why, but I’m really, really enjoying it and I can’t get enough of it. Bloodstream is a book that’s been sitting on my shelf for a while, I can’t remember when or how I got the book, but it piqued my interest and I started reading it. Now, it was only when I was a little ways in that I realised this was part of an ongoing series, book three of the DI Murphy & DS Rossi series but I was too far in to give up and read the other books first, namely because I don’t yet own them (although through the power of the internets, they are all on their way!) so I just cracked on anyways, and while there does seem to be references to the previous books, I think, it does read perfectly fine as a stand-alone, although the series-finisher in me was shaking the whole time like someone going through alcohol withdrawal, because I just KNEW IT WASN’T RIGHT IN MY HEART.
However, enough of my existential crisis. Bloodstream actually got my attention because who doesn’t love to see a z-list celebrity being murdered for #reasons. I was intrigued as to why these celebrities had been chosen, what the motive was, etc. It’s a pretty good hook, because I don’t think I’ve ever read a crime fiction novel that has killed off actual celebrities, they’re usually untouchable, even the fictitious ones!
What kept me hooked to Bloodstream was two-fold; firstly the relationship between Murphy and Rossi is fantastic. I love a good partnership, especially one that seems to have a decent bit of history that I’ll hopefully read more of as soon as Veste’s other books arrive. And two, I actually liked the reasoning for the killings; don’t get me wrong, it was grotesque, but I’m actively fascinated with the reasoning the killer did what they did. It’s a lot easier to understand if there’s actual reasonings as to a killer just killing for the hell of it, I guess.
I raced through Bloodstream. The pacing was perfect and while there were references to back stories I knew nothing about, I was interested enough to get the rest of Luca Veste’s backlist, so I can learn more about Murphy and Rossi, obviously Bloodstream has spoiled a bit of what happens, but not the main ways in which they catch various killers nor their motivations. So that’s fine by me! It was fascinating to see a crime series set in Liverpool, more or less they’re usually set in quieter places, small villages rather than big cities, and I don’t think I’ve genuinely ever read a book set in Liverpool (not a class thing, I’ve never read a book set in County Durham, either, it’s just not London, so people don’t write about it, what can ya do?) so it was nice to discover a new city, so to speak and Veste paints a fantastic picture although I did mentally be sick in my mouth every time Liverpool FC/Anfield was mentioned (GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED).
I genuinely really enjoyed Bloodstream, I’m glad it randomly ended up on my shelves (I still don’t know how, my memory is like a sieve at this point – case in point, I’ve bought three novels twice recently *facepalm*) and even gladder that my copies of the previous Murphy/Rossi books are winging their way to me as I speak! I can’t wait to read more from Veste, he’s a fantastic writer and this was an excellent novel. -
This is the third book in the popular series, featuring Detectives Murphy & Ross and is set in Liverpool.
Somebody is abducting couples, who are hiding secrets from each other. The kidnapper then forces one of the couple to watch the other being killed, before being killed themselves. The police investigation is hampered by the fact that there are no clues, as the perpetrator is very forensically aware and the police have very little information to work with. The killings continue and the police face a race against time to catch the murderer before he (or she) strikes again. They become involved in a game of cat & mouse.
This book is really well written and it is obvious to see why Luca Veste is so popular. The story flows really well and at no point did I feel confused or left behind so to speak. The author writes in such a manner, that I felt like I was a member of the team and actively taking part in the investigation. Reading this book was like being on a rollercoaster in that there were lots of twists & turns. Just when I thought that the action had settled for a bit, off we would go again & my stomach would lurch. Luca knows how to build a dramatic & tense atmosphere and how to ramp up the pressure. At times I literally had to hold my breath as the story was so tense. The author is not frightened to tackle modern day subjects such as the dangers of social media, infidelity & mental illness.
The characters in this book are well written. The partnership of Murphy & Rossi works and it’s clear to see that they are very fond of each other. Rossi is a workaholic so when she finds a boyfriend, Murphy encourages her to take time out and spend time with her new boyfriend. However is the new boyfriend all that he appears to be?
The perpetrator is terrifyingly realistic. Luca’s depiction of him sent shivers down my spine an made my skin crawl.
I really did enjoy this book and would definitely recommend it to others. I look forward to reading more in the Rossi & Murphy series. -
Bloodstream is Luca Veste's third novel, his third in the DI David Murphy and DS Laura Rossi series, and in my opinion his best novel in the series so far.
It's opening, is brutal, Chloe Morrison watches her boyfriend Joe Hooper die at the hands of an unidentified killer before being murdered herself. The perpetrator we learn is all about exposing the secrets and lies that couples hide from and tell each other.
Although their lives played out on reality TV, away from the cameras Chloe and Joe we no different.
As Murphy and Rossi begin their investigation fears grow for a local missing girl, Amy Maguire. It seems unclear whether any potential suspect would have kidnapped her as they seem to be targeting couples, but the detectives fear for her life nonetheless.
A media frenzy soon surrounds the investigation, for Chloe and Joe were not the perpetrators first victims, and it seems unlikely that they will be his/her last.
As pressure mounts on the case, Murphy encourages Laura to spend some time away from work with her new boyfriend, whilst he remains and tries to think outside the box. What he discovers shocks him to the core and he begins to worry for his colleagues safety.
But should he be worrying for his own safety more?
Murphy and Rossi must get to the killer before he strikes again, that much is clear, but what if they are already too late?
Bloodstream is a fast-paced thriller which you will not be able to put down!
I literally cannot wait for #4 (if there is one....) -
Bloodstream by Luca Veste was published in paperback by Simon & Schuster on 22 October 2015. It is the author's third novel and once again, features detectives Murphy and Rossi of the Liverpool police. The first in this series: Dead Gone was published in January 2014, and the second, The Dying Place was released in December 2014.
Well kept secrets, the glare of the media, a lack of evidence and the incessant buzz of social media theorists are no help to Murphy and Rossi as they work to solve this case. Two celebrities are found dead in a derelict house and there are no clues. Well, no clues that are easily found. The killing continues, there are more deaths. The case becomes more and more complex.
Once again, Luca Veste has written a crime story that grips from page one. He allows the reader a little insight into what has happened, far more than poor Murphy and Rossi have, whilst keeping up the mystery and suspense. The relationship between these two detectives is amazing, they work well together and their own vulnerabilities and emotions are not hidden, they are real and lifelike.
The Liverpool setting is so well-done, there's a darkness to the place that is echoed in the references to the grim and often deadly side of Social Media. This is a story that is up to date, relevant and at times, very disturbing.
Luca Veste's awareness of the psychology of the killers, the victims and the police adds a depth to this novel that makes it fresh and contemporary. His writing is accessible and exciting. -
The 3rd in the popular Murphy and Rossi series, set in Liverpool, sees the 2 detectives hunting down a serial killer who is determined to punish couples for lying and deceiving each other. It is dark, fast paced and breathtaking!
Murphy and Rossi work well together as a team and I feel that with every book in the series their relationship develops just a little more and we get to know more about them. Murphy has many of his own demons to battle i this book and the previous two books but I don't feel this takes over the main plot but serves to remind us why he may act in the ways that he does. His reconciliation with his wife Sara, comes under jeopardy in Bloodstream and I am interested to see how this develops further along with his friendship with Jess (solicitor) who struggles to forgive him for not protecting her son - there are many unresolved issues in these relationships and hopefully they will develop throughout the series.
Rossi also comes into her own more in Bloodstream and we see her beginning a new relationship which could be endangering her life - I'm glad we are seeing more of her character now and I would like to see her come out more as the series progresses.
Once again Luca does not let his readers down - a strong 4 stars for Bloodstream -
In this the this in the Murphy and Rossi series, in Blood Stream you have another sure fired top police procedural read, as I have become accustomed to Luca Veste treats the reader to a killer opening which just sucks you in draws out your breath and leaves you gasping for more. The author started from a very high plateau with his first book with a writing style that is slick and fast paced, however this book ratchets up the writing. Guaranteed that once started I found it hard to put down, cosy this isn't as his victims are certainly put through both an emotionally and violently charged wringer, but as I now expect darkly delicious. A highly enjoyable page turner written with the assured measure of a writer who has cracked the format for keeping this reader entertained.
I eagerly await the next novel. -
Bloodstream is the search for a serial killer in Liverpool by the police duo of Murphy and Rossi. It begins with the discovery of a reality tv couple found murdered. Needless to say, more bodies of couples pile up amidst a media frenzy with little in the way of clues for the police team.
Finally, near the end the police get a real break and a protracted finale follows. Rossi and Murphy find themselves personally involved. This was an ok police procedural, just not my cup of tea. For me, I prefer more depth to a story, more complex character development and more intricate plotting.
Nevertheless, I can understand others might find it a more satisfying read. It just was not for me. -
Again, a mystery with a topic that is a social commentary of our times
In this novel a man is killing couples who lie -keep hurtful secrets - from each other. He wants people to see that love isn't real - that it is all lies. So he kills couples - revealing their secrets from each other.
The main characters - the police officers, David Murphy and Laura Rossi, are very well portrayed. I can;t wait for the next book!! -
Another cracker from Luca. They just keep getting better. Would be 4.5 stars but I can't do halves on here.
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Fantastic read. A gripping psychological thriller that was hard to put down. Would have finished it in a couple of days if I didn't have to work. Would highly recommend
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I don’t know where to begin describing how bad this was so I’m not going to (begin). Waisted too much time on this already
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This British series is a little hard to come by in the US, but I've managed to find the first 3 books in the series at one or another of my favorited used book haunts.
This is a return of Murphy & Rossi, the dynamic duo who have successfully solved cases involving murder and mystery. Rossi's personal life is evolving, as she is in a new relationship with an anesthetist. Murphy's personal life is on the mend - his marriage to Sarah has solidified and his old friendship with attorney Jess still on the rocks from our last episode
In this case, someone is killing couples after seating them across from each other and apparently having them confess their sins to each other. The attention to the killings explodes when one of the pairs of murder victims is from a reality television series.
A background case that Murphy is keeping an eye on is a missing girl from an old school friend of his, who may or may not be his daughter due to an old fling...
Who is this Man In Black who is forcing confessions and then killing the couples? -
Another great book in this series’. A little slow to start with but from about halfway through it gathers pace. I actually though it was Laura Rossi’s boyfriend who was killing people. Close enough though. The only thing that annoys me is the constant reference to Laura being Italian and the odd outbursts of Italian the character makes. Yes, we know she is Italian as I’ve read all of the books in the series’ so far.
