A review by clair_82
Blood Rites by David Stuart Davies
3.0
Blood Rites is actually the third book in the DI Paul Snow series but can most definitely be read as a standalone.
Whilst this is a police procedural with Snow investigating the murders of four individuals, I felt that this book was more of an exploration of Snow’s sexuality and the lies that he has to live to order to keep his career on an upwards trajectory. Remembering that this is the 1980’s, Snow is unable to really admit to himself that he is homosexual let alone live an openly gay life. This just wasn’t the done thing in this era, especially for a member of the police force of any rank.
The book opens with a Police function whereby Snow is taking along a plus one in the form of Matilda who he has been dating for 3 months. Snow enjoys Matilda’s company and knows that she wants to take their relationship to the next level however (understandably giving what we know!) he is not so keen on that himself! It is clear from these early scenes that Snow definitely separates his professional and personal life…..and then he has a private life that he keeps shut away completely!
Well, I say this is how the book opens, that is after a prologue set in December 1985 entitled ‘The End’ where a murderer is very calmly cleaning up his weapon of choice and putting it back in its rightful place as though they are just doing the washing up! The relaxed and blasé nature of the murderer is so chilling! The main narrative then focuses on the events of the 3 months leading up to this scene.
The murder victims arrive in relatively quick succession to each other however there doesn’t seem to be any connection other than the fact that they are not the most desirable members of society! This results in a tough case for Snow to crack and he is receiving lots of pressure for an arrest. The reader has the privilege of understanding the murderer’s motives early on so is willing Snow to unearth the truth!
Blood Rites is an easy read both in its pacing and complexity which focuses on gut instinct of DI Snow (given the era) in order to investigate the murders.
Whilst this is a police procedural with Snow investigating the murders of four individuals, I felt that this book was more of an exploration of Snow’s sexuality and the lies that he has to live to order to keep his career on an upwards trajectory. Remembering that this is the 1980’s, Snow is unable to really admit to himself that he is homosexual let alone live an openly gay life. This just wasn’t the done thing in this era, especially for a member of the police force of any rank.
The book opens with a Police function whereby Snow is taking along a plus one in the form of Matilda who he has been dating for 3 months. Snow enjoys Matilda’s company and knows that she wants to take their relationship to the next level however (understandably giving what we know!) he is not so keen on that himself! It is clear from these early scenes that Snow definitely separates his professional and personal life…..and then he has a private life that he keeps shut away completely!
Well, I say this is how the book opens, that is after a prologue set in December 1985 entitled ‘The End’ where a murderer is very calmly cleaning up his weapon of choice and putting it back in its rightful place as though they are just doing the washing up! The relaxed and blasé nature of the murderer is so chilling! The main narrative then focuses on the events of the 3 months leading up to this scene.
The murder victims arrive in relatively quick succession to each other however there doesn’t seem to be any connection other than the fact that they are not the most desirable members of society! This results in a tough case for Snow to crack and he is receiving lots of pressure for an arrest. The reader has the privilege of understanding the murderer’s motives early on so is willing Snow to unearth the truth!
Blood Rites is an easy read both in its pacing and complexity which focuses on gut instinct of DI Snow (given the era) in order to investigate the murders.