Blood Bond is the first novel in the Jamshed “Joe” Bashir
series. Bashir is a Pakistani-American Detective who works for the town of
Montair, California. Bashir, along with his partner Bertrese Wellington, is called
to the scene of an apparent murder where a guest is found lying dead in a pool
of blood.
Days later, with the investigation leading in several
different directions and stalling, Gail, the wife of suspect Bryce Engler, is
found dead at the foot of a cliff and signs lead back to a fatal hazing that
occurred thirteen years ago. The hazing, which took the life of a college co-ed
named Jess Bartelak, was covered up by those involved including a prominent
lawyer named Aidan McKay, Gail Groesbeck-Engler, and older sister Marva
Groesbeck.
Joe is lead on a wild goose chase that takes him from
Montair, to Iowa in search of clues and reasons why Gail and Tom were murdered.
As the case spins in its tracks, Joe finds himself attracted to the reserved
and quiet Marva who has a lot on her plate, and seems to be holding on by a
string. Joe also has to deal with his own personal issues when it comes to
having a Jewish girlfriend, and a family that is traditional in nature.
I choose to read this particular novel because I’ve read
Sophie Littlefield’s Aftertime series. I also choose to read it because I have
a tendency of enjoying a good murder mystery novel now and then. I also
wondered just how “sexy” Joe Bashir actually was since the synopsis made it
sound like he was flowing with sex appeal.
Blood Bond is one of those books that you need patience
with. You need to take in all the clues and the possible suspects at face value
and then think outside of the box. Why were Tom and Gail murdered? Was it
really because of a hazing incident gone wrong? Why does Marva suddenly appear
to be the more likeable suspect? How many women will Joe end up sleeping with,
and will he break their hearts in the end, or get his broken instead?
Blood Bond is a fascinating story with a likeable lead
character in Joe Bashir. It should be interesting to see where Littlefield
takes her character after this book. If you like Police Procedural novels, then
you will find yourself engaged to the hilt with Blood Bond. If you like a
little suspense and guess work, then you will also enjoy Blood Bond.
Title - Blood Bond (Joe Bashir # 1)
Author - Sophie Littlefield
Publisher - Pocket Star
Released - November 20, 2012
Good to know this was an OK read for you at least. I want to give it a whirl after I have my PNR run hehehe
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