.jpg)
BLISS IS BACK... AND THIS TIME HE'S TWICE THE THREAT.
Jimmy Bliss’s first unsolved case is proving to be a puzzle. Despite an original investigation and subsequent case reviews, the police still do not have a suspect in the 1999 murder of a local authority worker. The only lead Bliss and his three new colleagues have is the recent unearthing of the murder weapon. But when that takes them no further, they realise their only chance of success is to find fresh evidence missed in the original case.
The reinvestigation is starting to look hopeless when in steps a shadowy figure from Jimmy’s past. The man has a favour to ask, and Bliss a debt to repay. With his loyalty put to the test, can he be convinced the request is genuinely for the greater good?
Meanwhile, the violent executions of two young drug runners are the first lethal blows in a war between organised county lines drug gangs. Bliss is asked to act as the Senior Investigating Officer. Working with his Major Crime Unit colleagues, he professes to align himself with one of the gangs to ensure a peaceful end to hostilities. But will they call his bluff and see his act for what it is?
Bliss’s strategy prompts an unexpected reaction in one psychopathic loose cannon, resulting in threats of violence and the spread of fear. And when those threats become actions, will Jimmy and his colleagues be caught in the line of fire…?
I am thrilled to be hosting the blog tour for Something More To Say today. Huge thanks to Tony J. Forder and Rachel Gilbey from Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me and for my advance digital copy of the novel.
I have been a massive admirer of Tony J. Forder's DI Bliss series since the first book, Bad to the Bone. From his tumultuous first period at Thorpe Wood and the many altercations with his senior officers, I've followed the highs and lows of his investigations and with it the growth of a man who came to understand and accept himself as he built a team around himself whom he guided when necessary yet trusted to follow their own instincts. The workplace banter was a constant but they experienced tragedy too, with the loss of a colleague a terrible burden to bear for them all. At the end of the previous book in the series, What Dies Inside Us, Bliss retired from the police force and so Something More to Say introduces the next stage in his life. I would always recommend reading the previous novels because this first-rate series deserves to be enjoyed in its entirety but Tony J. Forder knows exactly how to keep old fans happy while creating a fresh jumping-off point for new readers to start here. It's a risk to change a winning formula in a well-loved series like this but I'm delighted to say it more than pays off.
Bliss is no longer a Detective Inspector and so doesn't carry a warrant card but one of his two new roles finds him in familiar circumstances. He is now a civilian Senior Investigating Officer, still leading his old team as they desperately try to solve the brutally sadistic murder of two teenage boys and prevent a violent drugs war breaking out in Peterborough. Meanwhile, he is now also heading up an unsolved investigations team and has three new colleagues to work alongside. The recent discovery of a handgun with a ballistics match to the weapon which killed Justin Nolan back in 1999 means this is an obvious choice for their first investigation. It's of particular interest to Bliss because it was a Peterborough-based case, although he wasn't part of the original investigation.
Bliss' notorious short temper means the team looks as though it could be off to a slightly shaky start, with former Detective Sergeant Guy Foley closely questioning him about his close ties to people working in the same building. However, over the course of the series, the development of his character has always been exemplary and although he remains as testy as ever, the team quickly begin to work to their respective strengths but when a face from his past appears to call in a long-owed favour, Bliss has to make some difficult decisions about loyalty and justice. During the course of the novel he is tempted, manipulated and threatened by dangerous individuals on both sides of the law. His steadfast principles are never in doubt but it's still compelling to see how he responds to the powerfully persuasive arguments put before him. He plays some risky games here and it's fascinating to consider whether his actions are shrewd, lucky, reckless or a combination of all three. Both investigations are equally as gripping and the pace never drops as the two storylines race towards their separate, nail-biting conclusions.
There are some dark themes explored here; the pervasiveness of organised crime and the county lines drug trade which lures a never-ending supply of youngsters; the merciless quest for power, and corruption at the highest levels but Tony J. Forder seamlessly balances the horror with finely observed humour which effortlessly captures the jokes and teasing encountered in the workplace – particularly one which deals with such challenging circumstances. The period of readjustment to his new role as a civilian is noted but still the authenticity of the friendship he shares with Penny Chandler is an enduring highlight. Of his new colleagues, Beth Greenhill makes the biggest impression and I'm looking forward to seeing how Tony J. Forder develops her character and the other newcomers as the series progresses.
With its superb characterisation, cleverly constructed, believable storylines and immersive sense of place, Something More To Say is an excellent read from start to finish; crackling with danger yet infused with wit and warmth, it is yet another winner from an author who always delivers. Very highly recommended.
Something More To Say is out now and can be purchased here.
Follow the blog tour, details are below.
About the Author
Tony’s other books include two action-adventure thrillers, Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun, featuring reluctant hero Mike Lynch. Also, The Huntsmen and The Predators, feature DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May, both police procedural novels set in Wiltshire. 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.
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.
Comments
Post a Comment