The first volume in this relatively new British author’s Dog-Faced Gods trilogy is a revelation. A near future mystery set in a post recession world where financial chaos reigns soon veers uncomfortably into very dark territory indeed as DI Cass pursues a chilling serial killer into the supernatural realm. Has all the narrative depth of multi-stranded TV series like FRINGE or FASTFORWARD with the procedural depth of THE BILL. A fascinating blending of genre elements but it works.

Synopsis

The recession that grips the world has left it exhausted. Crime is rising in every major city. Financial institutions across the world have collapsed, and most governments are now in debt to The Bank, a company created by the world's wealthiest men. But Detective Inspector Cass Jones has enough on his plate without worrying about the world at large. His marriage is crumbling, he's haunted by the deeds of his past, and he's got the high-profile shooting of two schoolboys to solve - not to mention tracking down a serial killer who calls himself the Man of Flies. Then Cass Jones' personal world is thrown into disarray when his brother shoots his own wife and child before committing suicide - leaving Cass implicated in their deaths. And when he starts seeing silent visions of his dead brother, it's time for the suspended DI to go on the hunt himself - only to discover that all three cases are linked ...As Jones is forced to examine his own family history, three questions keep reappearing: what disturbed his brother so badly in his final few weeks? Who are the shadowy people behind The Bank? And, most importantly, what do they want with DI Cass Jones?

Reviews

'A gnarly, involving and atmospheric mystery that explores some very dark territory. It's uncomfortably timely, exceptionally well-written and shows that whatever genre she's working in, Pinborough is yet another author who's well worth keeping an eye on.' - SFX Saxon Bullock

'Crime-horror set in an all-too-credible near future.' - Anthony Brown TOTAL SCI FI

'A Matter of Blood is a cracking read, never less than thoroughly entertaining and genuinely creepy.' BOOK CHICK CITY

'A Matter of Blood is one of the more successful blends of police procedural, horror and fantasy I've encountered, with an engaging and damaged main character I'd be pleased to follow further. If there's any justice [this] will be her breakout book.' LOCUS

About the Author

Sarah Pinborough was born in 1972 in Buckinghamshire, and now lives just a few miles away after a childhood spent travelling all over the world (her father, now retired, was a diplomat). When she was eight she packed her trunk and left the Middle East for a ten-year stretch in boarding school. The memories provide her with much material for her horror and supernatural thrillers... More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation