Blood Rush

By: Helen Black

Narrated by: Imogen Church

Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Would you commit murder, just to fit in?

The UK is gripped by the threat of gang violence - the media is building on that hysteria, convincing us that knife crime is rife and the streets are flooded with guns and drugs. So when a member of a notorious girl gang is charged with a brutal murder, sympathy is in short supply. Enter Lilly Valentine, a tough talking lawyer who is never prepared to take things at face value and is determined to uncover the truth, whatever the cost.

A gripping crime novel that will force every listener to reassess what they think they know about society and gang culture.

About the author: Helen grew up in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. At 18 she went to Hull University and left three years later with a tattoo on her shoulder and a law degree. She became a lawyer in Peckham and soon had a loyal following of teenagers needing legal advice and bus fares. She ended up working in Luton, working predominantly for children going through the care system.

©2011 Helen Black (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"A dark and gripping read that will have you on the edge of your seat" (Closer magazine)

Fantastic Book

Arrived as promised and in good condition. Helen Black is a great researcher of the subject of all of her books. This is no exception and covers a subject that is still very much at the forefront of modern day crime----weapons and gang culture. I was kept interested all through the book and will buy more from this very good author.

Imogen Church was fantastic with the delivery of the story

Intriguing story read by my favorite narrator.

Would you consider the audio edition of Blood Rush to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version; but since Imogen Church narrates the audio, nothing could be better. I discovered Helen Black because Imogen Church does the narration. I am addicted to Imogen Church, and I love thrillers, so I search for thrillers narrated by her. This was a good find.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Blood Rush?

Maybe the scene in the crack house? This was a very atmospheric, scene heavy novel, so there were many.

What does Imogen Church bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Thanks for giving me a chance to rhapsodize about my favorite narrator! She is able to embody each character with their unique voice, without drawing attention to the transition. Her velvety voice draws one inside the story, and is never distracting in itself. Her timing is always flawless. I find it very difficult to wean myself off of Imogen Church when I want to listen to a book narrated by someone else. I have listened to four Imogen Church narrations in a row. My definition of bliss is to be read aloud to by Imogen Church.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Sorry, it would be a spoiler.

Any additional comments?

This is a fascinating glimpse inside the world of girl gangs, poverty and adolescent angst.

Better Than the Previous Novel, but Sloppy

The previous Helen Black novel was so egregious, I almost passed on this novel. I liked Lily slightly better in this story, but she still makes poor decisions pretty consistently.

My biggest grievance is the lack of editing. For example, the author uses the device of saying the character “kissed her/his teeth”, not once or twice but 12 times! It was so boringly repetitive that I started counting its frequency. If you listen to this audiobook with friends, it might make a fun drinking game, though.

As always, Imogen Church is magnificent!

Bad Ending

I really like this author, I have read two of her books this being the second. The ending left a lot of answered questions.
Imogen Church is truly fantastic in every book, In fact, I will look for books that she narrates because she is that good..

If you like a great ending this book is not for you.. I think this author is capable of great things but needs work on the endings.