Customer Reviews

Blood and Honey (DI Joe Faraday)

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Firstly, it needs to be made clear that in order to fully appreciate the context of "Blood and Honey" it helps to have read the previous (fifth) book in the series "Cut to Black" to appreciate some of the references in this, the sixth of them. Joe Faraday is an ever developing creation, with a range of concerns from the welfare of his deaf son, finance for the operations that he wants to mount to discover the identity of the dead body that is central to the plot, a woman friend who has returned to the Antipodes and his obsession, birdwatching! His 'oppo' DC Winter has gradually developed a grudging respect for Faraday in the course of the series, and is as ever concerned with the 'information' from his wide ranging band of 'snouts' and a growing relationship with an extremely up-market hooker.There are some of the familiar characters from the other stories, both in the police force and outside it, toether with an interesting development in the character of DI Tracey Barber. Hurley laces the book with sub plots which he sustains throughout, as well as flinging in a fine selection of Portsmouth (Pompey) high and low life. A geographical idea of how insular Portsmouth is would help potential new readers, as would an appreciation of just how important the soccer team is to the life of the City. As ever the plots come together with a scattering of a believable sense of happenstance and willing suspense of belief, but the book builds on the strengths of the previous books in the series, as well as offering some interesting avenues to explore in the next book in the series. If you're looking for a 'new' English detective based in a gritty and believable environment then the Joe Faraday stories should provide some excellent reading.

This is the first Graham Hurley book I have read but it won't be the last. This was an absolutely great read....wonderful characters and a real page turner. I am very anxious to read the other books in the series although I feel that this one stood very well on its own. Highly recommend to readers who enjoy British police procedurals.