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🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2

The fourth in the DS Nikita Parekh series, this book can be read as a standalone novel (although, in the case of this reader, there is an evolving backstory with Nikki’s family that is begging for more background. I will have to find a way to catch up with the rest of this series).

A darkly grim set of crimes, apparently unrelated yet all involving machete attacks on teenage victims, is sweeping across Bradford, UK and Nikki (with her partner, the elegant and awesome DC Sajid Malik) is on the case. Unfortunately for Nikki, the brutality of these crimes, combined with the nature of its victims, has struck a nerve, leaving our main protagonist, still fragile after earlier challenges covered in previous books, (including the recent death of her mother), unable to bring her best game forward.

As the story line plummets into a stomach-turning series of incidents that may or may not be tied to the horrific racist vigilantism that feels all too familiar these days, a parallel plot involving Nikki, – a breath of fresh air she battles to be of service again – emotionally (and physically) scarred but as one person, standing up for what must be done and what she will somehow find a way to do, to set her world to rights again, is inspiring in a way that feels somehow counter-balancing, welcome, and definitely cheering.

A fast-paced read characterized by an intricate plot, a truly diabolical mind, followers and leaders, and some of the very best and very worst family situations you may encounter (no spoilers here, you will have to read the book), this book is highly recommended to crime and mystery devotees, and in particular those (like me) who never get enough of a strong female lead.

I enjoyed meeting with Nikki, her family, her colleagues and all the series regulars, and look forward to reading the prequels as well as books to follow.

A great big thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

My stop today on the @rararesources #blogtour for #bloodgames by @lizMistry