Blood Rivalry

A Southern Novel of Power, Deceit, and Rebirth (Atkins Family Low Country Saga, Book 3)

By: Paul Attaway

Narrated by: W. Keith Tims

Blood Rivalry, the third book in the Atkins Family Low Country Saga series, finds Walker and Eli Atkins, living in Charleston, South Carolina, fifteen years after the conclusion of Eli’s Redemption.

Eli, a celebrated chef, and Walker, a lawyer, are brothers, building families and careers, each affected by the gruesome murder twenty years ago of Eli’s high school sweetheart. The hunt for the killer, in the public’s eyes, cemented Eli and Walker in roles neither wanted – Eli as the savior and Walker in need of a savior – thus casting a chill over their relationship. Walker sees a chance to play the hero when, through his representation of two clients, he takes on the Governor of South Carolina, Johnny Dunsmore, the eldest son of Colin Dunsmore, the patriarch of a politically powerful family.

For fifty years, Colin Dunsmore carefully crafted an image for the family, intent on placing Johnny in the White House. But Walker uncovers a history of deceit and murder that defines the family, and as he pulls at strings, Colin Dunsmore’s tapestry of lies begins to unravel. Confronted with the Dunsmore’s ruthlessness and the knowledge that they will stop at nothing to win, Walker turns to Eli and together they embark on a cross-country race with the Dunsmores to secure the secrets, that if revealed, would upend their empire.

©2025 Paul Attaway (P)2026 Paul Attaway

Dangerous Family Secrets

Blood Rivalry, the third book in the Atkins Family Low Country Saga, follows brothers Walker and Eli Atkins, whose relationship remains strained by the aftermath of a brutal murder twenty years earlier.

When Walker’s legal work pits him against South Carolina Governor Johnny Dunsmore, he uncovers generations of deceit and murder within the powerful Dunsmore family. Realizing they will stop at nothing to protect their political empire, Walker turns to Eli. Together, the brothers race across the country to uncover secrets capable of bringing the Dunsmore dynasty crashing down.

Author Paul Attaway continues the Atkins family saga with a strong understanding of the complicated relationships that bind family members together. He brings these relationships to life through vivid detail, capturing the tensions, loyalties, resentments, and emotions that have developed over time. The dialogue feels natural and purposeful, revealing character while consistently moving the storyline forward. Attaway writes emotion particularly well, giving his characters authentic reactions and depth without allowing those moments to overwhelm the story. There is also a haunting atmosphere woven throughout the narrative, created by the secrets, unspoken truths, and deeply held emotions that have been carefully buried over the years. That lingering sense of the past continually pressing against the present adds both tension and depth to the story. His richly detailed storytelling makes the characters, their relationships, and the secrets connecting them feel genuine and compelling.

Narrator W. Keith Tims delivers a compelling performance, skillfully capturing the emotional weight and tension of the story. His clear narration and natural cadence make the listening experience inviting, while his expressive interpretation draws the listener deeply into the characters and their experiences. Tims gives each character a distinct, realistic voice, allowing individual personalities to emerge naturally through dialogue. He moves seamlessly between quieter, emotionally charged moments and scenes of heightened tension, adjusting his pacing and tone to complement the mood. His performance also enhances the haunting atmosphere surrounding the secrets, strained relationships, and lingering influence of the past. Through strong characterization and thoughtful interpretation, Tims brings Attaway’s words to life and keeps the listener fully immersed.

With deeply rooted family conflicts, long-buried secrets, and mounting suspense, Blood Rivalry is a compelling continuation of the Atkins Family Low Country Saga that leaves listeners eager to discover what awaits the Atkins family in the next installment.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.