Wracked with guilt over the fact that he's alive because another human being was killed, McCaleb embarks on a private investigation of his donor's murder - a crime as horrific as anything he ever encountered as a serial killer investigator for the FBI.
©2004 Michael Connelly; (P)2004 Brilliance Audio
"A Darn Good Book"
After reading the publisher's summary, I was concerned that the book might be uninteresting or a bit slow. Fortunately, I did not pass this book up!
Blood Work is very engrossing story that kept my interest throughout. In the end, I liked this book enough to write a positive review.
Before writing this review, I checked out Amazon.com and found that there are (at the time of this writing) 188 reviews. Most all the reviewer praised this book. Additionally, I discovered that Blood Work was turned into a movie that is acted and directed by Clint Eastwood. At the end of the book, the author Michael Connelly, acknowledges all those who significantly helped him write this book. Interest that Connelly mentions that the actor Clint Eastwood was an initial reviewer of the manuscript.
Overall, every book that I have read by Michael Connelly, I have liked very much, and I can highly recommend all that I have read...
The Narrator Dick Hill is one of my favorite readers. His voice really fits my idea of the main character, FBI agent McCaleb. I never imagined a persona like Clint Eastwood stereotype when hearing Dick Hills voice.
In this reading, Dick Hill also does an amazing Hispanic accent. I am always amazed by the range of characters Dick can sound like! Check out other books narrated by Dick Hill, by clicking on the NARRATOR hyper-link "Dick Hill".
The last book I read, prior to this book, narrated by Dick Hill was Tripwire written by Lee Child (also an excellent author and narrator combination).
If you like FBI characters, I highly recommend books with the character Pendergast (a FBI agent, independently wealthy, and not a stereotype FBI character) written by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child and books by Nelson DeMille. I suggest that you start with The Cabinet of Curiosities and The Lion';s Game (by the aforementioned authors respectively).
marlin515
"Great Book"
I have read a lot of the newer books by Connelly but this is really good. I love the Bosch books but have only listened to one other Terry McCaleb book. Very suspensful and well developed characters and plot. Really enjoyed it.
“I love all genres of books, however when I listen to audio books as I clean, garden, drive they are better with a lot of heat!
"Outstanding Book"
This book takes you on an suspenseful rollercoaster. Just when you think you have things figured out you're thrown through a loop. I just couldn't stop listening until the end.
"5 stars only because 6 isn't an option."
The movie was pathetic. The book, amazing! Everything by Connelly is great and this is one of his best. Dick Hill is one of the best readers out there. I had this book when all you could get them on was cassette, and the truest test of a great audiobook is, would you buy it again to listen to it a second time. Money well spent. TWICE
"Can't go wrong with Connelly"
This book takes you on an emotional and suspenseful rollercoaster. Just when you think you have things figured out you're thrown through a loop. I have read all of Connelly's books on all his character series and Bloodwork is one of my favorites. You have an ex-FBI agent conducting his own investigation by his own rules and a genuinely original reason for doing so (don'ty want to spoil it for those who haven't heard it yet).
In addition, Dick Hill is one of my favorite narrators because of the range of characters he can pull off.... women, hispanic, russian. I wish he narrated all of Connelly's books. You will not be disappointed in any way with Blood Work!
Texas Book and Movie Lover
"Blood work kept my blood rushing"
What a thriller! Although it starts off slowly and takes several hours of listening to really grip you, once you are sucked into the story you will find that you can't put it down and must find out what happens next. Nothing is typical about this mystery and several surprises are in store. I found myself guessing (wrongly) who the killer was and was pleasantly surprised with the way the plot wove together. Great story. I was glad to have known nothing about the story beforehand so I'm purposely not writing anything about the story in this review other than to say if you enjoy a good thriller you will likely enjoy this one. It's not highly graphic and not the kind that makes you afraid of every bump you hear. Just a good, enjoyable thriller with unexpected plot twists and turns. Enjoy!
"Entertaining from start to finish"
This was a great listen for this genre. The characters were well-developed and the story was surprising at times. Connelly is a solid writer and Dick Hill did a great job bringing the characters to life.
"Connelly and Hill deliver again!"
I am a great fan of both Michael Connelly and Dick Hill. Connelly moves the story along with just the right amount of character introspection. I just recently saw the movie again and wanted to see how the book and movie track each other. Thankfully, all the basics of the book made it to the movie. There are, however, sufficient differences to make both enjoyable in their own right, whether enjoying the book or movie alone, or enjoying both.
I usually like to see the movie first because, out of necessity, there are usually things in the book that are left out of the movie and it easier to accept new facts, characters and information than it is to look in vain for them. Also, having seen actors populate the characters, I have a visual reference for the characters when reading the book. Clearly, I think that Terry McCaleb is much younger than Clint Eastwood, but there was still a face to the character.
Most of Connelly's novels occupy the same universe with characters freely moving between them. Therefore, if you are Harry Bosch fan, you might want to read this before reading 'A Darkness More than Night' as Terry McCaleb figures prominently in that story.
I thoroughly enjoy Dick Hill's narrations across a number series that I follow. I get a little disappointed when I listen to one of a series' books narrated by another no matter how accomplished they may be. I am just getting into the Jack Reacher series and am pleased to see that he has narrated many of them also. Keep up the Good Work.
"Better than anticipated"
Always like to guess who the murderer is. This book kept me guessing until the end. Would definitely recommend.
I'm constantly listening to recorded books. Right now I'm a bit sick and weak, but can still enjoy a good listen. I'm so glad I have this resource available.
"Another winner"
Some of Connelly's books are better than others. This is a really good listen. There are some new characters in this story and lots of exciting action. I believe tis is the only Connelly novel that has been made into a movie.