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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 use all of their experience and insight to uncover the one lead they need to make a breakthrough in both cases…
It's such a pleasure to be sharing my review of What Dies Inside Us today. Many thanks to Tony J. Forder for sending me an advanced digital copy of the book.
In January 2018, I read the first Jimmy Bliss book, Bad to the Bone and thus embarked upon a rollercoaster journey which has continued to thrill and move me with each subsequent novel in the series. I once described the series as essential reading and my opinion has never changed; Tony J. Forder has created something very special in Jimmy Bliss and his team, and his legions of devoted fans pays testament to that. Therefore, I had mixed emotions starting What Dies Inside Us, the final book in the DI Jimmy Bliss series. It's not the end for Jimmy who will return as a civilian SIO but nevertheless, this is the end of an era for readers as well as for Bliss and his team – but what a way to conclude the series!
What Dies Inside Us features everything I have loved about the series but it never feels as though we're merely retreading old ground. As Bliss begins his final week before retiring from the police force, it's inevitable that he should muse upon the highs and lows of his long career and I would recommend reading the previous books if possible, in order to truly appreciate the subtly powerful emotional impact of this final instalment. His final two cases require the painstakingly dogged, collaborative approach which Tony J. Forder always authentically brings to life. The first, a murder case without a body is intricately plotted and packed with twists and turns. Meanwhile, his second investigation involves the horrendous cuckooing and exploitation of a vulnerable disabled daughter and her family, and is utterly heartbreaking. It isn't surprising that he should be reminded of Molly, the young woman he rescued in Endless Silent Scream and who has become an important part of his life.
Molly makes a welcome return here and their close relationship is heartwarming, The ongoing development of the characters has always been the most impressive aspect of the series for me and it's really touching to reflect upon the changes which have taken place in Bliss's personal life over time, and how despite still being driven to the point of obsession, he isn't the lonely, angry man he once was. Now surrounded by people who love and respect him, Bliss is still inclined to act alone, take risks and doubt himself but he is also able to appreciate what he has. His interest in and care for his team, both personally and professionally is exemplary as ever, and he continues to encourage and infuriate them. His belief in the need for justice sees him making a decision which isn't welcomed by all of his colleagues and it's fascinating to see him negotiate the discussion which allows his officers to make their point. Meanwhile, another member of the team is going through a difficult time, and where Bliss was once an irascible figure who clashed with people time and again, Tony J. Forder has sympathetically evolved his character over time, resulting in him becoming a compassionate yet firm mentor.
The cardboard 'Bliss Pissed-Ometer" which was used to depict his moods in the past, makes its reappearance but for entirely different reasons and as always Tony J. Forder captures the warmth and humour which sustains the team in the face of the grim, challenging investigations which stay with them, regardless of the eventual outcome. Jimmy Bliss is at his absolute best here, with all the different sides of his personality rendered superbly. His long years of experience allow him to offer wise counsel and yet he still doubts himself. He has tempered some of his previous rash, hot-headed impulsiveness but doesn't flinch from danger and he never loses his unique moral compass which means he might not do everything by the book but contrary to what may once have seemed impossible, he has earned the respect of his senior officers.
What Dies Inside Us is a beautifully nuanced thriller with an impeccable balance of light and shade. The darkest recesses of humanity are portrayed in the callous murders and harrowing abuse uncovered in his final cases, and the unavoidable legacy of nightmares, regrets and fears is vividly described; however, ultimately this is a moving exploration of love and friendship. Chandler, Bish, Ansari, Molly and the rest all have their roles to play here and the characterisation is unsurprisingly excellent throughout but this is Jimmy Bliss's book and What Dies Inside Us is the perfect conclusion to this stage of his life. Farewell, Detective Inspector Bliss, it's been an absolute pleasure. I can't wait to discover what lies ahead for Jimmy as a civilian! Very highly recommended.
What Dies Inside Us can be purchased here.
About the Author
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, was 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 two more Jimmy bliss books. His first love was music and he is currently gobbling up as many remastered vinyl albums as he can. Tony has played guitar since his early childhood, and despite selling off his collection at one point he has somehow managed to reacquire a new range and is up to 5 without knowing how.
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