I tried several times to read Blood Lines, but the sluggish plot compelled me to put it down. When it came down to it, the novel was around 200 pages too long. I had basically the same impression of Blood Lines that I had for the first book with Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor. The book had promise, but the plot was slow and simple. I felt no real desire to keep reading, to find out what was going to happen.

The essential element to a thriller, especially when it comes to a suspenseful one, is the pacing. Without the twists and turns, the result is an uninteresting novel. As a fan of Nelson DeMille, I am surprised that the collaboration with Alex DeMille is not provoking the same response. For these reasons, I would not recommend either Blood Lines or the previous book with Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor.

I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to review this novel was my own.

A fine author and now maybe his son taking the reins. Kept me on th edge as do most of his books. I will miss his writing. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher!

Thank you to netgalley.com for this ARC.

I am a huge Nelson DeMille fan and had read the first book in the series. I have to say that I enjoyed this one in the series more than the first. I liked the location of Germany and the ties between modern conflicts and older conflicts. This was a fast paced story and good story. I liked the interactions of the two main characters this time although I thought Maggie's character could have been given more screen time.

Overall another good one from Nelson DeMille. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

Another story with the two Army Criminal Investigators five months after the last story. They are now back together working a case once again this time in Berlin and once again Brodie has his way of doing things which is what gets him in trouble most of the time but which also solves the cases. Taylor is still having problems with him but not as much as she had in the first book, for now, she is used to some of his ways and there are moments that he does try not to act out. This is still a very entertaining book with the two main characters leading the way. A very good book. Very much worth the read.

I usually really enjoy Nelson Demille's writing but not this time. Halfway in it was getting tedious and wordy and unfortunately never got any better. The murder investigation/espionage story was boring to put it bluntly. I was hoping for something similar to The Charm School which has been a longtime favorite of mine but this one wasn't even in the ballpark. My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Not having seen each other since their last mission, Army Criminal Investigation Agents Maagie Taylor and Scott Brodie are reunited in Berlin to investigate the murder of a fellow Army CID agent. Scott and Maggie don’t know why the agent was in Berlin but the story German authorities are selling doesn’t make sense. The search for the truth will lead Scott and Maggie into the cesspool of humanity and ultimately uncover a plot so sinister it defies logic.

Nelson and Alex DeMille have penned an exciting and terrifying thriller that feels all too real, unfortunately. It’s quintessential Nelson DeMille: funny, snarky, and complex. Blood Lines kept me engaged and I even learned a few things which is always nice.

Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Blood Lines.

In Nelson Demille's latest Brodie/Taylor sage, Army Criminal Investigation Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor have been separated for five months following their last assignment. They are reunited in Berlin and tasked with investigating the murder of CID Special Agent Harry Vance of the 5th MP Battalion. Harry's body was discovered in a city park in the heart of Berlin’s Arab refugee community.

The authorities suspect this is an act of Islamic terrorism, but Brodie and Taylor soon believe there is more to this case. Brodie and Taylor work to discover what Harry was doing in the days and weeks before his death, and become immersed in the many conflicts and contradictions of the new Germany. Brodie and Taylor are receiving pushback from both the Germans and American. But they are also facing a possible threat from American intelligence agents who fear that the pair might have learned too much about US clandestine operations during their mission in Venezuela.

Ultimately, Brodie and Taylor realize that the murder of Harry Vance was merely the start to a much bigger future event, which they must stop. As always, Nelson Demille never disappoints.

I have followed this author for many years. His books never let me down. The story builds and retains my interest.

Ebook/Adventure: I didn't like this book and I hate that I feel that way.
It took me a while, but I figured it out. I only felt indifference to the murder victim. I didn't care. There was so much narrative before Brody and Taylor got to investigate; by the time the investigation started, I had no investment in any of it.
The last Taylor and Brody book was different because I wanted to understand why the suspect was a deserter. I wanted answers.

Blood Lines is a gripping thriller co-authored by Nelson DeMille and his son, Alex DeMille. The novel delves into the world of espionage, terrorism, and international intrigue, as protagonist Corey and his team work to prevent a catastrophic attack. Set against the backdrop of contemporary geopolitics, the story's fast-paced narrative and complex characters will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The authors' meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of the subject matter make Blood Lines a compelling read. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the authors' vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, immersing the reader in a world of danger and suspense.
This novel is highly recommended, as it not only delivers an enthralling story, but also provides valuable insights into the complexities of modern-day espionage and global security.

Another great book by Nelson and Alex DeMille. It grabs you right from the beginning with a horrible murder. And it brings you on a ride, that you’ll never forget. Germany revisited. Terrorist, Nazi, Biochemical warfare. I hate to reveal so much of this book. I can’t wait for someone to buy rights of this book and make it into another great movie. Especially at the end.

Action packed and full of surprises! "Blood Lines" by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille does not disappoint. Many twists in the plot and cultural biases examined, as these familiar characters are on to a new murder mystery to uncover. Thank you to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

I haven’t read the first book in this series but was able to pick up easily what must have happened in it that was relevant to book 2, Blood Lines. It’s well-written with believable characters, flawed but sympathetic. Almost too many characters, especially about 60-70% through the book, when they keep coming! But it’s a good plot and will teach those younger than those of us who remember the Cold War and divided Berlin a useful amount of history regarding that time. Looking forward to what I hope will be Book 3 in this series.

Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor are again on the hunt for a murderer. A fellow CiD agent has been assassinated in Berlin and they must work with a host of other agencies to try to unravel the twisted crime. The novel starts out slowly and builds to a surprising ending. Brodie is the typical macho law enforcement hero who is tempered by Maggie Taylor his partner and former lover. They slowly unravel the crime on their own putting themselves and the solving of the mystery in peril. There is a pretty young woman in the mix and of course, Brodie finds himself involved with her, something that is dangerous to both of them. I enjoyed the read, it has a lot of connection to the terrorism in the Middle East and is a timely novel given what is happening today. As always the DeMille's entertain. Thanks to #NetGalley#BloodLines for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is the story of my six-year breakup with Nelson DeMille, an author I used to LOVE. It all started in 2017, when I read and reviewed The Cuban Affair, and wrote “Seventeen years ago, someone whose opinions on books NEVER matched mine recommended Lion’s Game by Nelson DeMille, and I LOVED it. Since then, I’ve grabbed every new DeMille book and been puzzled by the inconsistency: for example, Night Fall was terrific. The Panther? Not so much. And don’t even get me started on Radiant Angel.”

I kept thinking, “what happened? Was it him? Was it me?” I looked back at my reviews for the last three DeMille books I had read. 2017’s Cuban Affair was four stars. 2019’s The Deserter, written with his son, screenwriter Alex DeMille, was three stars. books Then in 2022 came The Maze, which was two stars, and I didn’t even finish it. (see a pattern here?)

I thought maybe it was the protagonist I didn’t like. After all, the most recent and most disappointing was The Maze, which was #8 in the John Corey series. I just found Corey annoying with his relentless wisecracking and enormous ego. After that one, I had decided I was DONE with DeMille. But here we are in 2023, and I am notified that Army CID Special Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor (introduced in 2019 in The Deserter) are back, this time going after the murderer of one of their fellow agents. I thought, “sounds good! Maybe NDM is back in form!” <sigh>

Another DNF. Just didn’t care. Like another reviewer said, “I had great hopes for this one but can’t say it delivered for me…others will no doubt enjoy it.” But, sad to say, Nelson and I are through. Thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review. Two stars.

This is a voluntary review for a complimentary ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and the author/publisher.

Being a huge fan of The Lion’s Game and many other books from this author, I had great hopes for this one but can’t say it delivered for me. The writing has moments of cringe-worthy events that unfortunately should’ve evolved with the times a little. I think the history bogged down the reading for me as it was just not interesting to me but others will no doubt enjoy it.

I really do enjoy the Brody story line., I feel like I'm learning a thing or two as I read . I have always enjoyed Nelson DeMille books, so reading this book that he wrote with his son was great.

Army CID agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor are back, investigating the murder of fellow agent Harry Vance in a park in Berlin. No one knows why Harrywas alone in that park in the Arab part of town, but Brodie and Taylor will find out why he went that particular park and who he was meeting.

Brodie and Taylor’s last case ended with them having found out dangerous classified information. Their partnership ended and Scott thought he’d never see Taylor again. Now they’re paired up again and their chemistry is as strong as ever.

As they investigate, Brodie going on unauthorized tangents as usual, they get a little too close to the truth and are removed from the case. How can they help Berlin avoid a possible terrorist attack?

I really enjoyed the historical sections of the book and Brodie and Taylor’s banter gives the book a lighthearted edge. I highly recommend this book. 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

I like the intricacies of Nelson Demille's books and this has plenty of them. Maybe too many. I thought this was a bit long with too many red herrings but overall a good read. The history of Germany was interesting and the setting of Berlin provides plenty of history. A thorough explanation if how the investigation reaches its conclusion with well drawn characters.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

No DESERTER, all DESERT! The last one was the worst; I thought the great DeMille sequence was done. The Deserter was a mystery wrapped up in a travel brochure about Venezuela.

Blood Lines is back out front, back on point, they delve into describing every building and bush at times but quickly snap back into the story line.

The story, the character, the plot, everything is over the top here on this outing.

Enjoy!!