I’m shocked. Horrified. I’m reading Preston and Child’s BLOODLESS, because my blog friend Mae Clair made it sound so good in the review on her blog. If you’ve never read one of her reviews, you’re missing something. But beware! Your TBR file will grow even when you swear you won’t buy another book. https://maeclair.com/
I’m only at 72%, but this book is one heck of a thriller. And I’ve just learned how most of the parts come together, which involves…and I love this….the paranormal. Piecing all of the clues together has been a fun ride, but I couldn’t figure out WHAT’S killing people. Now, I have an idea. And it’s awesome.
But along the way, Savannah’s lead detective enlists the help of a tracker whose dog catches the scent they need and rips his leash away from his owner to follow the trail. From the way the pacing’s set up, the reader knows this isn’t going to end well. I’m not giving anything away here. If you read it, believe me, you’ll know. But I kept thinking, writers aren’t allowed to kill dogs or cats in mysteries. It’s one of the UNSPOKEN rules. Guess what? Rules are made to be broken. And boy, was it effective!
I’m reaching one of the high points of the book now. I’d have kept reading last night except I couldn’t keep my eyes open. A lot is happening, and I’m curious how the writers are going to bring everything together. A lot of bodies and carnage look possible. But the authors have already tossed in some great twists and turns, so who knows?
BUT…let’s face it. People can die. They usually do (in mysteries). But to kill a dog? It upped the ante of the killer. Job well done. And I hope I can stay awake long enough tonight to finish the book! Mae Clair recommended a good one!
Judi Lynn 
I am so glad this book has you invested. I HATE when animals get killed, but I’ve read enough thrillers to know that animals (even cats and dogs) aren’t always safe. I’ve encountered a few books (some by blogging friends) where animals were killed and I had to skim the scenes because they were so graphic.I’m thankful P&C didn’t go that route.
And I’m so glad you are getting an introduction to Pendergast. I’m thoroughly besotted with that guy!
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This is a great story! Glad I read your review and gave it a try.
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Wiw
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Wow
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Eek! Not a dog. Especially a service/ working dog. I’d have a problem with that.
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It made for a strong scene, and the violence was off screen. It created great tension. In this book, it worked.
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Mae does write wonderful reviews. She’s recommended a few that I’ve been unable to resist. The dog-thing is painful, though.
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It really worked, made you realize how strong and ruthless their adversary is.
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You make the book sound so exciting that I want to read it.
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I really enjoyed it. Not the usual detective/thriller.
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Since I’m a dog/horse person, it’s painful to read/write scenes when they are distressed or injured and satisfyingly cathartic when the perpetrator gets punished for it. I don’t characterize people I know or have met, but I do bring back to life dogs and horses I’ve loved. My late Sheltie, Sandman, became Puddin in Hermione’s Reverie. I never recovered from Bambi and have difficulty opening the book to this day. My sister had to be taken out of the theater when she started sobbing. IMHO, F. Salten’s purpose for Bambi’s mother’s death was meant to give compassionate perspective to the cruelty of hunting, especially when it’s done for “sport” and not survival. The story met its objective.
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Bambi’s mother’s death stuck with me, too, but Disney always kills off mothers. Holly and I just watched Cruella and when the mother dies, we looked at each and nodded, “Yup, it’s Disney.” Of course, that works for the story, so the kid has to survive, thrive, on his own.
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