I Am In Blood

Reviews / Votes

Murphy's descriptive talent shines through ... not for the faint hearted -- Sunday Business Post bright talent finds his groove with latest Gothic creation ... a talent worth celebrating and is heading in the right direction if he is to be spoken of in the same breath as other decorated Wexford writers such as Colm Toibin, Eoin Colfer and Peter Murphy -- Gorey Guardian, New Ross Standard and Enniscorthy Guardian there's quite a buzz around Irish Crime Fiction at the moment with the suggestion that the Irish could replace the Scandinavians as the next big thing. One of the spearheads for this campaign could very well be Joe Murphy with this intriguing third novel -- reviewsrevues.com the writing style of the book is overwhelmingly dark, with gothic atmospheric scenes ... Murphy was an artist painting the scenes so I could see, smell and taste and experience the misery, and harshness of life in Dublin during the 1890's ... I would certainly recommend 'I Am In Blood' ... an atmospheric, and gruesome gothic thriller. Book groups would have some interesting discussions about the content too -- sj2bhouseofbooks.blogspot.co.uk a provocatively surprising read, at times graphically gruesome writing writhes from the pages, and a strong stomach is required to deal with some of the overtly descriptive and violent detailing. Three different men in different time spans have their thoughts and feelings brought to life, the connection isn't immediately obvious, then unsettling and troubling thoughts start to knock at your minds door as a recognition of repetition and joining of tales occurs. The intense, vivid descriptions of Dublin hint at what is to come, the stories twist together, encouraging the pages to turn faster and faster while a part of you almost fears to look in case your suspicion is correct. A disturbing, unsettling, dynamic, and intensely hard-hitting read; once you start, you really won't be able to stop -- lovereading.co.uk an exciting, gripping, breath-taking story of murder, horror, mystery and suspense flavoured with a gothic taste from beginning to end whilst intertwining Victorian times and modern day! -- Catherine Bryce for lovereading.co.uk a page-turning thriller, although it defies genre, touching on 'real-life' crime, the recent passion for vampire novels, the supernatural and psychological mystery -- Genevieve McAllister for lovereading.co.uk kept me on the edge of my seat! -- Elisabeth Thomas for lovereading.co.uk a very disturbing, dark and hard hitting read, once you read the first chapter you are hooked -- Lynsey Farmer for lovereading.co.uk very enjoyable, it galloped along at a good pace and was well written with main characters I could empathise with -- Liz Stein for lovereading.co.uk an utterly compelling read and I simply couldn't put it down. Murphy's setting and his characters are wonderful depictions and his portrayal of Victorian Dublin's poverty, crime and politics are top notch. I particularly enjoyed the portrait of George the DMP Sergeant ... I felt wrenched out of 1890s Dublin when the book ended and could happily have read another hundred pages about these characters. I think this is Joe Murphy's best work yet. If you are a fan of Kevin McCarthy's Peeler and Irregulars you will love this book and I am sure this book will see Joe Murphy gain many new fans -- lisareadsbooks