My first foray with this author and the first book in a brand new series.78Degrees and Bloody is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride of a story. Tons of action, suspense, and intrigue, too.

Set in LA, the reader is introduced to Casey Stafford. One of the best LAPD homicide investigators there is, he is on an investigation into a murderer, one he is determined to get to before he gets kicked off the case.

There is absolutely no chance of dipping in and out of this book! No, it's a book that grabs the reader and doesn't loosen its grip until the very last page! Fast-paced with a main character you really do get invested in. I was cheering Casey on from the start. I couldn't put it down at all. I am impatiently waiting for the next book now!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and George Prior for the gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.

The story opens with first a man watching a house while you hear what he is thinking. He then goes twice up to the door until finally he is inside after a struggle he kills the man and is looking for something around the house. After resting the man's girlfriend shows up at the house and after another struggle he kills him as well. She though is on the internet as an influencer. He leaves and much later we meet the detectives Casey Staford and his partner Banchet. Each has their personality but he does not fit in with the top brass, yet he has a high rate of solving murders so they make some allowances. A lot is going on in this book with many different characters and different gangs yet the author makes it all work for a very good story that will keep you hooked until the end, very much worth the read.

This was a pretty good crime story of who done it and why?
It's relatable from the social media standpoint.
Interesting. Recommended to those who enjoy trying to figure out some of the hidden menings.

“It might be a Halloween mask”
George Prior’s debut novel is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. From the very first page, the book immerses readers in a gripping narrative, propelled by the cold-blooded and remorseless villain, Brooks. His character—drug-addicted, greed-driven, and dangerously violent—is so vividly portrayed that it’s impossible not to feel a deep-seated hatred for him.

The novel starts with intense, vividly described scenes that set a high-octane pace, drawing readers into a whirlwind of mystery and betrayal. Prior’s exceptional descriptive prowess shines through in the chilling kill scenes and the psychological depths of his characters. The narrative doesn’t shy away from dark themes, including violence, sexual assault, and torture, making trigger warnings a necessary caution.

Detective Casey, the overworked and well-meaning protagonist, leads us through a labyrinth of connections and clues with compelling urgency. The story’s seamless flow between high-paced action and detailed crime investigation keeps readers on edge, eagerly piecing together the intricate plot.

Prior’s ability to delve into the minds of both the killer and his victims adds layers of depth to the thriller. The psychological exploration of the villain’s background and motivations enriches the narrative, making the story not just a chase for justice, but a profound look into the nature of evil.

In summary, George Prior’s debut novel is a triumph of suspense and thriller writing. Its fast-paced start, combined with a meticulously woven plot and well-developed characters, ensures that readers remain hooked until the very last page. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled mystery.

I wasn't really taken in by this novel I'm afraid. Plot and characters felt very rote, and the ARC had a very strange formatting issue where every time there was a double T (better, attempt, etc), there was a blank space. Not really a judgement on the author or the writing of course, but it definitely didn't help. Struggled to finish it as a result.

I’ve always found LA to be a rich setting for crime fiction novels. That’s certainly the case here and the author clearly knows the locations used inside out and showcases them to some effect. As regards the story here, Police detective Casey Stafford is on the trail of a killer, seemingly working their way through people associated with drugs; even if only by association. There is more to the killer’s motive, or at least there is at the beginning of the novel, but as the victims stack up in direct correlation to the killer’s drug usage, any motive goes sailing out the window. That’s a shame as the narrative rather loses its focus after the initial killings and fails to find its feet again.

The language used comes across well and, for all I know, offers a solid slice of life in LA across several stratas of its residents.

So, an enjoyable enough read but one that could have offered much more with a tighter focus on what set the killer off in the first place.

78 Degrees and Bloody is set in Los Angeles. A social media influencer and her boyfriend are murdered.

Detective Stafford and his partner are called in to solve the crime. However, the trail that they take leads them through Chinese and American mafia, the FBI, stolen money and more. With each discovery more murders are committed and they become bloodier and more gruesome.

Now the eyes of the country are on them and the pressure on Stafford is intense.

This book was a nail-biter that kept me going from the first page to the last - with little interruptions on my part. I read it in a day and a half.

An Internet influencer and her boyfriend are brutally murdered on the Westside of Los Angeles, and Homicide Detective Casey Stafford is under pressure by the police department and the news media to catch the killer, but as he investigates, the murders continue. It appears that the suspect is covering his tracks by killing Casey’s witnesses, and each murder is crueler and more disturbing than the last! Good book! I definitely enjoyed reading this one! This book had suspense, murder, mystery, intrigue, action, and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

This was such a good book. It was very suspenseful and it kept me entertained throughout the whole book. I liked it a lot.