Down in the Blood: A Chilling Cornwall Crime Thriller

Malcolm Richards

Nov 2021 · Storm House Books

About this ebook

Wealthy heiress Kerenza Trezise was about to marry the man she loved…until she killed herself in front of the entire wedding party.

Private investigator Blake Hollow is hired to find out why. Physically and emotionally damaged by a near-death encounter with a serial killer, Blake knows this case is an opportunity to relaunch her struggling P.I. business.

But as she attempts to infiltrate one of Cornwall’s richest families at their impressive Frenchman’s Creek estate, she learns that the Trezises have their own dark secrets to protect, and a shocking legacy of madness, horror, and death.

Worse still, they’ll do anything to stop Blake’s private investigation from revealing the truth, including deception, intimidation, and perhaps even murder.

They say family is forever. But they have never met the Trezise family…

Down in the Blood is a fast-paced and creepy Gothic murder mystery that draws on Cornish folklore and the occult. Fans of British crime fiction will love tenacious private detective Blake Hollow as she delves into another confounding murder case.

Ratings and reviews

Couldn't Put This One Down! Took a break from holiday preparations to begin reading the latest adventure of PI Blake Hollow and couldn’t stop. So I blame Malcolm Richards and his expert storytelling for my being behind in decorating and gift shopping. I didn’t know what to expect after reading the first in this series but I thoroughly enjoyed the character development as well as the introduction of new ones, the vivid scenery descriptions that put me right there where the story was happening, and the unpredictable twists and turns. Malcolm’s tales remind me of Hitchcock’s ability to bring you right to the edge and then let your own mind take over from there to bewilder and terrify you. Hopefully you will not personally relate to the family of the heiress murdered on her wedding day, but you will nevertheless be intrigued by their peculiar relationships. Here’s my advice: finish your holiday to-do list and then reward yourself with some reading time and follow Blake as she tackles another seemingly unsolvable mystery.

Once again Malcolm did a superb job when writing this book! The pace of the story started very slowly which made me as frustrated as Blake with this new case. I do believe that was the intention of the writing style - and it worked. And then just when I was ready to give up, (I wouldn't really have), a seemingly unrelated chapter followed. Providing a twist I was totally not expecting. Then suddenly I couldn't put the book down. I simply needed to know more! I can't wait for the next book in the

I was drawn into Blake’s new case and immediately and found myself setting to work examining the evidence which included family secrets, ancient beliefs and witchcraft, suspecting just about every new character as they were introduced. But in true Malcolm Richards style, there is a twist to the tale and as the story unfolds there is another twist and then another! The plot culminates in a shock ending but I will give nothing away here. Down in the Blood is cleverly written and the characters brought to life so perfectly that I could really feel their whirlpool of emotions and turmoil. When you read it you will not be disappointed, just remember to keep looking over your shoulder, you never know who is watching you!

About the author

Malcolm Richards crafts stories to keep you guessing from the edge of your seat. He is the author of several crime thrillers and mystery novels, including the PI Blake Hollow series, the award-nominated Devil’s Cove trilogy, and the Emily Swanson series. Many of his books are set in Cornwall, UK, where he was born and raised.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and their pets.