I am delighted to share my review of What Dies Inside Us by Tony J Forder. THis is the 11th book in the series and it sees our loveable DI Jimmy Bliss coming up for retirement, but that does not mean he has an easy final week! And what an amazing book it was, again my favourite one so far 🙂
My huge thanks to Tony for sending me an advanced copy of this book. My views are my own.
FOR SOME, LIFE CAN BE MURDER
When the police are unable to find a body, they are forced to dismiss a homeless veteran's claim that he witnessed a homicide. But after he is found murdered in the same spot two days later, DI Bliss and the Major Crime Unit set their sights on catching a ruthless killer.
Elsewhere, when the daughter of a cuckooed family is reported to have attempted suicide, Jimmy Bliss and DC Penny Chandler have their doubts and vow to uncover the truth. But the situation is about to get much worse, and violence is certain to erupt on the city streets.
In his final two investigations before retiring from the police force, Bliss undergoes a desperate search for answers. Answers that prove to be as elusive as the identities of the men making so many people's lives a complete misery. But with his colleagues every bit as determined to bring these people to justice, the team uses all of their experience and insight to uncover the one lead they need to make a breakthrough in both cases…
MY REVIEW
This is the last time we get to see DI Jimmy Bliss in this role, he is in his last week at the Peterbortough Major Crimes Unit before his retirement. This will not, however, be the last we see of him as he will still be working with the force but in a different role. This means the series will continue, which I am very glad about.
This book starts with a heart-stopping moment. It threw me for a moment, you will understand if you have read this series. From then the story gets into the nitty gritty of murder and an investigation. Just because it is Jimmy's last week does not mean he will not take on work.
When a murder has been reported but the body has disappeared, it makes the witness come across as unreliable, there are other reasons for this. But, when the witness is murdered it begs the question as to why, what did he see that would cause this reaction?
As the team try to get their heads around this case, or could it be two cases? After all, just because there is a connection, does not necessarily mean they are connected. Add to that the missing body! As I was saying, there is also another case that comes into the office. This is one of an overdose and of a drug gang taking over a residence, they have become victims of being cuckooed!
With two, possibly three cases on the books, this is going to be a tough week for Jimmy. Not only will he want to leave with a clean sheet and no outstanding cases, but he also has other things on his mind.
Once again the author has really got the team working overtime and there are diversions and conflicts on the cards. There are some grey areas, but Jimmy is the older style of copper who sees beyond the theory and the protocols. Because this team has been together a while there is a solid camaraderie between them, the banter is good as always but there is also the opportunity for thoughts to be aired, and if things don't feel right then someone will mention it. You only get this sort of thing with an established team and the author knows his characters inside out and this is why this sort of banter works so well.
There is a really nasty element to this story, not just murder, even though that is, of course, bad, but the cuckooed family have their own storyline. This is one that looks like an attempted suicide, but there is far more to this than first impressions suggest.
Having Jimmy Bliss as the main character means he has built up a lot of respect over the years, as well as treading on a few toes. This becomes evident with his retirement party, it did feel emotional and it was a chance to see the softer side of this man.
Having Jimmy still remain around in the future is fabulous, and it also fits in so well with the character. Still wanting to help and be part of the force feels right. This is his work family and they are a very close bunch. I cannot imagine him wanting to leave them behind and go into full retirement just yet! So I am eagerly awaiting to see what the author has in store for the loveable Jimmy.
This is an established series and one that I have read from the beginning, it is one I would recommend reading in order as there are things that have happened in the earlier books that still crop up and have a bearing. And, they are also amazing books to read as well!
If you are a fan of crime and thrillers that are fast-paced and intense then this is a series and a book for you. A police procedural that has more than just the crimes at its centre. This is another amazing instalment in the DI Bliss series and one I would definitely recommend.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tony J Forder is the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime thriller series. The first seven novels, Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt, If Fear Wins, The Reach of Shadows, The Death of Justice, Endless Silent Scream, and Slow Slicing, were joined in December 2020 by a prequel novella, Bliss Uncovered. The series continued with The Autumn Tree and Darker Days to Come, and The Lightning Rod. The next, What Dies Inside Us will be published in autumn 2023.
Tony's other early series – two action-adventure novels featuring Mike Lynch – comprises both Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun. These books will hopefully be joined in 2024 by The Dark Division.
In addition, Tony has written two standalone novels: a dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, and a suspense thriller set in California, Fifteen Coffins.
The Huntsmen, released in October 2021, was the first book in a new crime series, set in Wiltshire. It featured DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May. The second book, The Predators, will be released on 15 May 2023.
Tony's first 8 novels were originally released by a publisher specialising in crime fiction. In 2020, Tony decided to strike out on his own, and subsequently negotiated the return of all publishing rights to himself. Each of those 8 books has subsequently been re-released under his own imprint, Spare Nib Books.
Tony lives with his wife in West Sussex, UK, and is a full-time author. He is currently working on the two more Jimmy Bliss books.
Links
All of Tony's links can be found on Linktree: HERE
Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx
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