by P.K. Abbot (Goodreads Author)

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Blood Contest by P.K. Abbot, is a fast-paced mystery/thriller involving a high level official and the death of his son; the murder which occurs in front of his two grandchildren.  

The murderous plot is based on international and political affairs but does not delve too deeply into either of these topics, mainly focusing on finding the killer and motive. This author has created believable and interesting characters who you get to know right away. Using first names and last names interchangeably did make reading a bit confusing at first, until you had all the characters in your head with first and last name. I think I would have done better with an actual list of characters, like those in a play manuscript to eliminate the confusion and allow me to focus on the plot.  

The plot was well developed, and you felt like you were there with the characters. All of the character involvement makes sense and adds a “true to life” feel to the book. The author ties up most loose ends by the end of the book, helping to explain each character’s involvement.  

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars, as there was a loose end that left me wondering. Once I picked this book up, I had a hard time putting it down, as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. There really aren’t any spoilers in the book, as the author has weaved such a tangled web you are constantly being surprised with events throughout the story. It was definitely worth reading.

Christine Bialczak (2020)