Blood Ties

By: Brian McGilloway

Narrated by: Owen McDonnell

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

How can a dead woman avenge herself on her killer 20 years after her murder?

This is the puzzle facing Ben Devlin in his latest case. He is called to the scene of a murder - a man has been stabbed to death in his rented room and when his identity is discovered Devlin feels a ghost walk over his grave as he knows the name Brooklyn Harris well. As a teenager, Harris beat his then-girlfriend Hannah Row to death, and then spent 12 years in prison for the murder.

As Devlin investigates the dead man's movements since his release, it becomes apparent Harris has been grooming teenage girls online and then arranging to meet them. But his activities have been discovered by others, notably a vigilante, who goes straight to the top of Devlin's list of suspects...until he uncovers that Harris was killed on the anniversary of Hannah's death - just too big a coincidence in Devlin's books. So Hannah's family join the ever-growing list of suspects being interviewed by his team. And then forensics contact Devlin with the astounding news that blood found on Harris's body is a perfect match to that of Hannah Row's. Yet how can this be; the girl was murdered many years ago - and Devlin doesn't believe in ghosts.

©2021 Brian McGilloway (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK

Critic reviews

"A compulsive police procedural, but it's so much more than that: thought-provoking, compassionate and beautifully-written. McGilloway is one of the finest crime-writers working today." (Ann Cleeves)

"Blood Ties is one of those rare gems; a beautifully written crime novel that's also brilliantly paced, skillfully plotted and utterly absorbing. Brian McGilloway is, quite simply, a master of his art. Bravo." (Jo Spain)

"Brian McGilloway's police procedurals are a masterclass in crime fictions." (Andrea Carter)

"A clever, engaging and beautifully crafted police procedural." (Irish Independent)

Great

Brian McGilloway never fails to amaze. This was slowly thrilling and, in the end, unbelievably touching. Well done sir.

Beautifully written. Wonderful narrator

This is a book that will stay with me. The narration is perfection. The story is not just a murder mystery. It is the story of grief and truth and love of family.

Where are the rest the of the Ben Devine books?!

Blood Ties is one of the best written and best narrated mysteries I’ve ever listened to. I’m always desperately looking for non-cozy Irish-written, Ireland-located mysteries/thrillers, and Brian McGilloway hits a grand slam with this one. Please add more to Audible! McGilloway writes very gracefully and his characters are perfectly drawn. Not to mention a terrific story.

Great narrations adds to a great story

The narrator does a great job with all the voices in this book. The story itself is engaging and will keep you guessing to the end. Dialog is top-notch, especially if you have Irish roots.

Outstanding

Really loved this. Great portrayal of the endless cycle violence sets in motion, especially when fueled by intolerance and ignorance.
Also one of the better stories I’ve seen so far that address the everyday difficulties of life with aging loved ones during COVID-19.
Pitch perfect narration.

Audible needs the rest of this series

I gave this book 5 stars all around because its been so long since Ive listened to anything I really liked. Ben Devlin is a character u can care about and has more depth than most in this genre. I like books from Ireland and Scotland in this genre and another plus is their beautifully accented narration. (Especially when they r narrated by Irish or Scottish narrators!!) Yes, I really hate it when theyre not! Being American, I cant really tell the difference between the Scottish and Irish accents, but I can sure tell when a Brit is narrating their books. I am disappointed that Audible only has the latest book in the Inspector Devlin series. I will have to get the other books in print and read them. I am going to try the Lucy Black series by this author, but will have to start with Book 2, since I guess Book 1 is so very old no one could possibly be interested. I mean we're talking 2011! (?) Im pretty much addicted to Audible as their records would show. How about the other books in these series?

Thicker Than Blood

A cold case who-dun-it with a very introspective look at what it means to be family & the ties of blood. Covid & lockdown enhancing the reality of loss. A clever & intricately woven story.

Story was well told and the lynchpin.

Well narrated and a good story. A little recent history helped also make the listen worthy.

boring

it was like watching grass grow. I began to wonder if it would ever end