Reviews

Quality Book Reviews, February 2, 2008  (First Edition)

“BAD BLOOD is the first by Pat Whitaker. Usually with the first publication of a new writer you wonder if it is worth picking up and reading, well this one is well worth picking up. The author has penned a murder mystery like no other, it is written in present tense and contains a wealth of twist and turns. The author has the ability to draw you into the story and leaves you yearning for more.

The setting is England, and the author himself was born in England. He has the gift of vivid detail and the senses he arouses in you as you read is remarkable.

Upon finishing this one I was in awe and cannot wait to read future works from this author.”

Thomas Stone, Author, September 19, 2010 (Second Edition)

“BAD BLOOD is one of author Pat Whitaker’s first efforts in the fiction realm. It is an outstanding mystery story in that it artfully weaves diverse characters and sub-plots into a cohesive whole that delivers an altogether entertaining reading experience. Additionally, BAD BLOOD is about vampires — and who doesn’t love a good vampire story? Especially when it offers an alternative view of what being a vampire is all about.

The story kicks off with a series of murders in Manchester, England, where victims are found drained of blood with those two tell-tale marks upon the side of their necks. The chief investigator is a bloke named Detective Inspector Paul Stringer who, by the way, shows up in some of Whitaker’s other stories, making him (at least for me) sort of a Carl Kolchak character. For the uninformed, that’s Kolchak from the old Night Stalker television series, circa 1974. While Stringer is not as hard-boiled as Kolchak, he is definitely more personable and professional. Stringer’s female counterpart in the story is played by Doctor Katherine Platte, a psychologist called into the investigation to help profile the killer, or, as we soon learn, killers. But don’t be misled here, Platte and Stringer are not destined for romance. Stringer is far too professional, at least in this particular tale, and the good Dr. Platte becomes involved with another, far more mysterious character by the name of Hugh Montecrief. Hugh has connections to the murders and secrets that, well, are best kept secret.

Without giving too much away, I can say BAD BLOOD follows the investigation of a suspected serial killer that branches into a search for motives among diverse suspects while speculating on the possibility that real-life vampires just may be out here among us.

Whitaker draws his characters in delightful fashion with honesty and good humor. Stringer is the kind of cop you hope will be around to help should trouble arise. Dr. Platte is a well-educated professional with a woman’s sensibilities. The bad guys are troubled souls who have their reasons for who and what they do, but it doesn’t make them any less evil.

BAD BLOOD, like Whitaker’s other books, is a short read, intended for one or two long sittings. The story is engaging enough to accomplish exactly that. Five Stars and a bloody good time.”

Cheryl Landmark, Author, May 03, 2011 (Second Edition)

“Mr. Whitaker has created an enjoyable murder mystery wrapped up in a cocoon of vampirism. His characters are well-developed and likeable, especially the main female character, Katherine Platte, the consultant psychologist. I enjoyed her easy-going, humourous relationship with the personable and intelligent police inspector, Paul Stringer, and her rather more romantically-inclined relationship with the mysterious and handsome, Hugh Montecrief.

The book is not a very long one–it can be devoured in one or two sittings–but its alternative view on vampirism really makes you think about whether it really is a myth or possibly based in reality. Although it seems at times to jump all over the place with unconnected subplots, the story all comes together into a cohesive whole with a nice little twist at the end.“