SHORTLISTED FOR THE BORD GAIS ENERGY IRISH BOOK AWARDS
CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Introducing Cathy Connolly - a gripping new thriller from a
brilliant new talent in Irish crime fiction
Sam Blake is a pseudonym for Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin, the founder of The Inkwell Group publishing consultancy and the hugely popular national writing resources website Writing.ie. She is Ireland's leading literary scout and has assisted many award-winning and bestselling authors to publication. Vanessa has been writing fiction since her husband set sail across the Atlantic for eight weeks and she had an idea for a book.
Instantly gripping, perfectly paced, and filled with a brilliant
cast of characters, led by the utterly likeable and relatable
Detective Cathy Connolly. Writer Sam Blake moves cleverly between
locations making sure that the reader is always in an interesting
and revealing place that will bring them closer to uncovering the
truth. And from the murky depths of these buried secrets comes an
ending that truly shines.
*Alex Barclay*
A stunning slap in the face of a novel. Beginning with a crime so
shocking in its intensity that you have to read twice to grasp the
horror. Then the narrative truly kicks in with breath-taking speed.
Superb writing and a plot of adrenalised depth. This is easily a
contender already for Irish crime novel of the year.
Be warned, the ending will rend your heart
*Ken Bruen*
PD James meets Karin Slaughter in this stylish debut. Sam Blake has
created a heroine crime sleuths will love in DC Cathy Connolly.
She's feisty, yet vulnerable, extremely intelligent, yet deeply
instinctive. In other words, the kind of woman you want to have a
glass of wine with and pour your heart out to.
*Niamh O'Connor*
It's always a delight when fiction provides women with depth and
personality . . . a deliberately paced, character driver mystery
coupled with some genuinely creepy moments and labyrinthine twists
makes Little Bones a worthwhile summer read.
*The Irish Times*
This dark and juddering thriller . . . A major boon in Little
Bones' appeal factor is Det Cat Connolly who leaps from the page .
. . Little Bones has discussions to raise via Cat and her personal
life, themes that colour the contemporary Ireland backdrop for the
uninitiated.
*Sunday Independent*
From the very first page the reader is treated to a tense,
fast-paced journey of suspense. A thrilling debut with a gutsy
protagonist and a memorable story. The pages will practically turn
themselves . . . Highly Recommended.
*Bleach House Library*
One to watch.
*Crime Always Pays blog*
A truly engrossing read
*Independent.ie*
'Tightly plotted, believably charactered and told with style - what
more can you want? A great debut.'
*The Bookbag*
'With so many twists and turns, both expected and unexpected, this
book is entirely engrossing. I enjoyed this book so much that at
just over halfway in I was already recommending it to friends that
I thought would appreciate it.'
*The Quiet Knitter*
'Addictive, shocking and full of mystery. I cannot wait to read
more from this author.'
*Supermum*
'There are separate parallel story lines and viewpoints that take
events outside Ireland as the mysteries add up. The stories revolve
around women in this complex police procedural. Family
relationships, greed and memory are examined in this extremely
well-told, well-written novel.'
*Crime Thriller Hound, book of the week*
'a feisty new addition to the growing number of female police
detectives in crime fiction...Like all the best fictional
detectives, Cat comes to us complete with her own complex backstory
and personality quirks. She is strong-willed, independent,
smart-mouthed and funny. She is, in short, a great character (as
well as being a champion kick boxer)...With a real cliff-hanger
ending, this is a highly-recommended wintery read. Cat Connolly is
a great addition to the world of crime fiction and I cannot wait to
see what happens to her next.'
*Crime Squad*
It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. It's all extremely
mysterious and it takes at least two thirds of the novel before the
coin finally dropped and I got the bigger picture on how all the
puzzle pieces fit (perfectly and brilliantly) together. There was
definitely more going on than I ever expected.
*The Belgian Reviewer*
From the first page I was hooked and couldn't read it fast
enough...And THAT ending, I really didn't see it coming...There's
is definitely a new heroine on the block in the form of Garda Cathy
Connolly & I've got a new girl crush too. Highly Recommended.
*Celeste Loves Books*
an ambitious debut novel, a meticulously researched police
procedural and a striking example of the crime novel as a vehicle
for exploring society's flaws and faultlines. Cathy Connolly is a
compelling character, a creation as complicated, flawed and
gripping as Little Bones itself, and one who augurs well for Sam
Blake's future.
*The Irish Examiner*
There's freshness to the setting and the characters and a warmth to
the writing. The strong plot lines are skilfully woven together...a
gripping and well-paced read from a promising new writer.
*Christine Poulson*
'Really excited to read the first in the series from a new author
and I am really looking forward to getting to know the characters
more in the future. A definite must read for crime fiction
enthusiasts. You'll enjoy this if you like : Ann Cleeves, Sheila
Bugler, Peter James.'
*BookMuse UK*
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