Zoe and Tatum are back. The action picks up where the second volume left them, on their own, chasing Zoe’s childhood nemesis Rod Glover. They know he’s dying so, with nothing to lose, he’s more dangerous than ever. And he has a new buddy who drinks human blood for breakfast (and lunch, and dinner). The murders are truly horrific, and there is a twist that made me gasp. I wasn’t sure who the bad guy was or how everything tied together. Now that we know the characters, it’s even easier to get sucked into the story. There are new members of law enforcement that change the dynamics a little. The ending dragged a little for my taste, but it was still a very entertaining read with solid, if quirky, characters.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/ Thomas & Mercer!

One Persistent And Adaptable Serial Killer

Catherine is home alone. There is a knock at the door. She recognizes the caller and unlocks the door. The door slams into her; a hand clamps her face; she is hit and blacks out. When she wakes up, one person is sucking blood from a cut on her hand. Later Detective Holly O’Donnell arrives at the murder scene. She goes outside and sees two people trying to enter the crime scene. Those two want to speak with the officer in charge. They introduce themselves as SA Tatum Gray and Dr. Zoe Bentley from the FBI BAU. They were in Chicago and were notified by CPD of a strangulation murder. Since they were there because the serial killer Rod Glover was suspected to be in Chicago, they asked if they can observe the crime scene to see if Glover could be involved. Aspects of the crime scene fit his MO, but there are significant deviations.

The major main storyline thread proceeds from here. From the start the relationship of Holly with Tatum and Zoe was not good, but she does not have a partner so she grudgingly accepts their help because of the FBI’s speedier lab work and better resources. A second main storyline thread unfolds in the voice of “the man in control” so a parallel view of the perp’s side is available. There are plenty of twists, turns and misdirections. This combination quickly captured my interest and kept my mind actively engaged for the rest of the novel. This is my major requirement for a high star rating.

The quality of the B-storyline threads matches the main storyline threads. The relationship between Tatum and Zoe and how they interact with others continues to expand depth of their characters. Adding to these threads are Tatum’s relationship with his lovable grandfather, Marvin, and Zoe’s relationship with her sister, Andrea. Lastly, insight is provided into how Zoe prepares for and survives in this work environment and how obsessed she is with this type of work. Also returning is the irritating reporter, Harry Barry, who imposes himself into the main and B-storyline threads. These threads are integrated well into the main storyline threads and increased my enjoyment in reading this novel.

You, as a potential reader, need to be forewarned that there are rape, murder, abduction and torture scenes, not graphic or titillating but some described as they occurred. Some may find these aspects disturbing. Also, there are some scenes involving vampirism. The use of vulgar language actually is less than normal for police procedurals I have read. Overall, this novel definitely should be labeled as having Adult Content.

As mentioned above, I particularly liked the quality of the main and B-storyline threads that really captured my attention. I continued reading many times when I should have been doing something else. There were not any loose ends by the end of the novel. Obviously, my enjoyment was helped by having read the previous two novels, but I did not feel that there were any holes in the novel’s flow if you haven’t. If this storyline appeals to you, I believe that you can read this novel first in this series.

Based upon my enjoyment in reading this novel, I rate it with five stars. I do recommend reading this novel.

I have received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer with an expectation for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

Thicker than Blood is book 3 in the Zoey Bentley series. Zoey is a FBI profiler with a knack for getting into the killers head but a near death encounter (Book 2) with a serial killer has thrown Zoey off her game. Suffering from PTSD, Zoey is spending too much time in the victims head's as she chases the demon from her childhood, next door neighbor/murderer Rod Glover. Glover has integrated himself into a Chicago community and picked up a sidekick. Zoey's partner, Agent Tatum Gray fights to keep Zoe healthy and sane as the killings escalate and danger comes too close. Full of action and suspense, Zoey's story captures the imagination and races the heart for a page flipper of a thriller that kept me reading way into the night. Awkward, intense, and brilliant, Zoey has quickly became one of my favorite lead characters in the thriller/suspense genre. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

Review for 'Thicker than blood ' by Mike Omer

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Thomas & Mercer publishing .

Available to preorder for release on 23rd June.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is the third book in the 'Zoe Bentley Mystery' series . It mentions previous cases but gives any background needed to go with it. I will definitely be happy to read more of his books. This can be read as a standalone and reading it made me want to read the previous books in the series as well as more to come.

Written from the perspectives of several people including the FBI, detective, reporter, the victims and a killer.

Loved Tatum's personality , he made me laugh several times. I hope that he will be in the other books in this series as he has such a big personality. The rest of the characters were also very strong and realistic but it was definitely Tatum that stood out for me.

The storyline was unique and I don't think the blurb did it justice. It was a true page turner filled with mystery, lies, gore, crime, horror, suspense and some humour. An excellent psychological thriller.

I don't think that the cover gives the book much justice either and it probably wouldn't be something I would have picked up in the shop between that and the blurb.

THE writing was excellent throughout the book, along with the descriptions which dragged me straight into the plot.

I never did guess who the perp was which is a big bonus as there's nothing worse than guessing who did it within the first few pages. This book contains plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers, horror, suspense, young adults (13 plus), crime, mystery... I can go on so basically if your looking for a good book preorder this.

Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads and Amazon (UK and. Com) and over 30 Facebook pages

£3.98 to purchase on kindle. I think this is a very good price for this book.

427 pages

Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews

#ThickerThanBlood #NetGalley #MikeOmer #BookReview #Thomas&Mercer

Zoe is an FBI profiler. Together with her partner they are chasing a killer who likes to drink the blood of his victims. The MO proves to be like Rod Glover the serial killer, who has been pursuing Zoe for years. This book is dynamite. I could not tear my eyes away from the pages. I was on the edge of my seat at times while turning page after page well after midnight. This is definitely a book you dont want to miss.

If you've read any of Mike Omer's previous books in the series, then you'll know that the killers in his books are absolutely depraved, devious individuals. But this one takes the cake! Thicker than Blood is an unsettling, dark and twisted read about a killer with a taste for blood! Unputdownable, this book may just leave you with a serious case of I-cant-sleep-without-the-lights-on.

When the body of the local Pastor's daughter is discovered, savagely murdered, the police are clueless about who the killer might be. Soon joining them on the scene are Zoe Bentley & her partner, Tatum. Arriving uninvited, the FBI agents are not made to feel welcome by Det. O'Donnell who is charged with leading the investigation. But Zoe has a lead & a possible suspect already in mind. The murderer’s MO is identical to that of Rod Glover—Zoe's nemesis & the serial killer who’s been pursuing Zoe since childhood. Forensics reveals the murder to be his work, but not his alone; desperate to fulfill his sick purpose, he has taken on an equally depraved partner.
Zoe’s own frustration grows after another woman turns up dead and drained—and another goes missing. Time is running out: Zoe knows her own death will be the climax of Glover’s sinister play, which has been unfolding for twenty years. To stop Glover and his vile partner, she’ll need to plunge deep into their motives; but this means drawing ever closer to becoming another casualty of a dark, dark thirst.

Although difficult to love, I find myself drawn to Zoe. While I find her rough-at-the-edges personality a bit endearing I find it difficult to be convinced about her thought process & ultimately the guesses she makes to zero in on the killer. Zoe takes pride in her job as a forensic profiler and thinking like a killer part is very fascinating to me. I like it when so many possibilities are thrown at her and how she makes the educated (or lucky) guess of who the killer could be. I also liked this book because it finally brings her face-to-face with Glover. This book had many twists I never saw coming, yet I also had quite a few things figured out before they were verified in the book. I am not thoroughly convinced of Zoe's ability to profile yet, but in all, this was a very enjoyable read I recommend!! I look forward to reading the next in this exciting series which will undoubtedly be amazing!

Thank You, NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer & Mike Omer for an arc!

I loved this book so so much. The unfolding relationship between Zoe and Tatum is perfectly written and fits beautifully in a very creepy and exciting hunt for a not just the killer which has plagued Zoe's life but a possible vampire wannabe. Omer is an incredible writer and this is a must read for any thriller fan.

Mike Omer does it again. The serial killer points of view are excellent and well written and offer great insight and perspective without giving too much away. I always find myself surprised at who the killer actually turns out to be. Zoe is written very well and she continues to evolve as a character. However, I feel that Tatum is left to languish and is mostly used as a way to balance out and reign in Zoe. We hardly get any of his backstory and I think that going forward that could be something to help drive the narrative in a future novel. Otherwise, a great story.

This is the third book and conclusion to the Zoey Bentley series. You most definitely need to read the previous books in the series to not only understand Zoey and the other characters, but to also understand the serial killer Zoey has been chasing for the other two books.
In ‘Thicker Than Blood’ FBI Profiler Zoey Bentley and her partner Tatum Gray are in Chicago helping the CPD chase a killer who is drinking his victims blood. Zoey is sure the killings are the hallmarks of serial killer Rod Glover, who she’s been chasing since their encounter when she was a teenager, but she’s finding it hard to convince local police, especially when the killings are slightly different to Rod Glover’s MO.
When it becomes clear Zoey and Tatum were right and Rod Glover was involved, it also sheds light on the fact that the police are hunting not just one killer, but a pair of killers working together.
I enjoyed this book and thought it was a good conclusion to the series. It kept me guessing until the very end as to who the co-conspirator was. And we finally had some resolution to the Zoey/Rod Glover storyline which, while it was satisfactory,I thought it could have been a bit longer. 3.5 stars.

FBI profiler Zoe Bentley is back with agent Tatum Gray. They are on the trail of Rod Glover who has killed numerous women. This case is different. Drinking blood. Can't be there man, it isn't his MO....or can it? I enjoy this series. Zoe is a likeable character, a believable character, she's been through a lot so she does have some social skill issues. I like that. Mysteries are my favorite...enjoyed the surprise. I just love Tatum's grandfather, always a little humor side bar. Thank you to Netgalley for being able to read this before it comes out. However, now I have to wait for the next one.

This book was absolutely amazing!! I am an avid fan of Mike Omer's books and was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this ARC. The Zoe Bentley series was my first introduction to Mike Omer's writing and I quickly devoured his other books. I definitely hope this won't be the last of Zoe as she is my favorite character and I would love to see what the future holds for her and Tatum.

The storyline as always is suspenseful and taught with twists and turns that keep you up all night. The action and suspense was everything I have come to love about this series. It definitely won't disappoint and the peeks into a twisted depraved mind makes a fascinating read. This is a police procedural that delivers in all the ways!!! It is very realistic and engaging. This book can be read as a stand alone.
However, I feel much of the suspense in the overall story is better enjoyed by reading the entire series. I promise you won't be disappointed I literally could not put it down.. I am so grateful to the Publisher Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing this ARC for an honest review.

Bentley and Tatum are back, and they are on the hunt for serial killer Rod Glover. After his appearance in Zoe’s apartment and attempted rape of her sister, Glover was shot by Tatum’s grandfather and ran.
They’ve followed him to Chicago. A raps and murder case has connections to Glover, but also the strange notion of blood drinking. They didn’t expect to work this case. But vampirism aside, the murderer’s MO is identical to that of Rod Glover—the serial killer who’s been pursuing Zoe since childhood. Forensics reveals the murder to be his work, but not his alone; desperate to fulfill his sick purpose, he has taken on an equally depraved partner.

Zoe’s own frustration grows after another woman turns up dead and drained—and another goes missing. Will they catch him before his spree increases?

This is the final book in the Zoe Bentley/Rod Glover story arc (though I'm not sure if it's the final book in the series). Dr. Zoe Bentley and her partner, Special Agent Tatum Grey, return to Chicago on the the tail of Rod Glover. The action heats up as multiple confounding factors interfere with the investigation, and Zoe must deal with her residual trauma from her sister's encounter with Glover. While I didn't find this book as strong as the first book, it provided a satisfying conclusion to the story. I'm interested to see if Omer continues the series with Zoe and Tatum on the hunt for other baddies!

Hands-down this book was amazing.

I adore the Zoe Bentley series. The author brings fresh, new material to the table and there’s so much happening, it will keep you reading all night long. Trust me when I say, it’s worth it!

This is the third book in the Zoe Bentley series and can be read as a stand alone. Mike Omer writes a furtive police procedural delivering all of the intrigue and suspense that should accompany the hunt for a serial killer…or two. The characterization is wonderfully developed as Omer brings Bentley and Gray’s characters to some very important truths about their careers and lives.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #ThickerThanBlood, which was read and reviewed voluntarily.

I struggle rating these books, because I have a couple of issues with them, but I also keep coming back!

Zoe Bentley and Tatum are back, investigating a murder that seems to connect to Rod Glover, Zoe's nemesis since book one. Only, there's some details that just don't seem to fit - including the fact that someone's been drinking blood.

As usual with this series there's good points and bad - the characters are very well drawn, they're all individuals with quirks that set them apart, but they still read as very real. The psychological aspects of the book are pinpoint accurate, and the operating methods of law enforcement similarly well-researched and portrayed. But the dialogue still clunks here and there, and the plot itself seemed off this time around; there's more plates spinning than usual, and here and there it seemed like they might just drop.

But despite my objections, here we are at book 3, and I'm still coming back to read the series. If you're looking for an entertaining read, with realistic and well thought out psychology and methods, you could do a lot worse.

This was a fitting conclusion to the Zoe Bentley mystery. It does a fitting job of giving a self-contained mystery, while concluding the overall arc of Zoe. The murders in this book are chilling and the police procedural parts are engaging.

I enjoyed the first two books more, but I still deeply enjoyed this entry into the saga. I'm having a hard time putting my finger on why that is, but the entire series is worth a read.

ARC given from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is the third in a series. I believe the author gives you enough info that this can be read as a stand alone. Zoe and Tatum are back as partners and they are still in Chicago hunting for Glover. They insert themselves in to a recent murder due to their suspicions that Glover is involved.
Throughout the series Zoe has been very scientific and doesn't understand a lot about human interactions but, she loves some Katy Perry, She has been obsessed with finding this serial killer since she was attacked by him as a child. Tatum is the epitome of the fun guy. He gets along with everyone but, definitely has a tendency to anger authority figures.
You can read as a stand alone but, I would suggest reading the series from the beginning for the character development. I was worried the author was going to turn Zoe into the female Sheldon Cooper, he has made her a unique character and I see less Sheldon in her in this last book. Tatum has also grown. He still gets frustrated/angry with Zoe but, it is more balanced with his feelings of admiration for her skills.
Another positive about the series is that the main character doesn't end up in similar situations as the previous two books. The character learned from the previous experiences.
The relationship is also changing between Zoe and Tatum. I have no idea if there is romantic feelings or just feelings of friendship and camaraderie that come from being outcast crime fighters.
Either way - I'm ready for book 4. Maybe Tatum will develop an appreciation for Adele and Zoe will let loose a little.

I've been hooked on this series since the beginning. As soon as I finished reading A Killer's Mind, I kept checking to see if In the Darkness were available yet. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on what exactly I love about it, but here's me riffing: I like the relationship between Zoe and Gray. I don't find Dr. Bentley off-putting at all; I think her manner is very relatable, especially considering her past.

And on that note, I'm glad this book ties up the Rod Glover story. As much as I've enjoyed reading the books so far, I'm not sure I could suspend my disbelief as Zoe fails to catch this guy over like, 15 books. So I think it's a smart time for that case to come to an end.

But I'm not saying that I want these stories to come to an end. I would very much like to continue reading about Zoe and Gray and why Marvin's mad at the cat now. If they continue to be this compelling, with such sharp plot twists, then I won't be able to resist.

Thicker than Blood was a chilling and creepy third installment of the Zoe Bentley Mystery series. Zoe continues to be a strong and stubborn protagonist and I like how the author shows us a little more of her with each book. I love the partnership between her and Tatum and how supportive he is of her. Overall, a strong mystery in a compelling series.