|
“What a fantastic book! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a day and a half! I just wish that Phil Davies had more for me to read!!” Clive Griffin “This is an exceptional book with a strong Christian message aimed specifically I think, at a non Christian audience. The plot is gripping, the characters even more so, their inner code, rules and morality influencing the way in which they deal with the after-effects of committing a heinous crime together. Blood on Their Hands is one of those books you can’t put down, the suspense maintained to the very last page. Like I said, “exceptional” - I could easily see this being made into a blockbuster film!!” Gill Williams “Blood on Their Hands is an absolutely riveting read that I couldn't put down! The reality of the story line and the accuracy of the research, transport you to the time and place, it's so believable. The depth of the characters captivates you as you join them on their unique journey. The only disappointment is that the journey had to end; but even when you finish you can’t stop thinking about it! What a blockbuster!! I’d recommend it to anyone." Karen Thomas “Dear Phil…..I just thought I’d drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed reading Blood on Their Hands. It’s been a long time since I read a book I couldn’t put down. It was absolutely enthralling and all the way through, found myself hungrily turning the pages to find out what happened next. As a lawyer myself, I found the courtroom scenes tremendously gripping and the ending, well, it was simply electrifying! What a twist! Thanks for a great read.” Margaret Griffiths LLB (Hons) LLM, Professor of Law “I have read and previewed many books over the years, interviewing authors like Maeve Binchy, Jean Auel and Jeffrey Archer. So when I was introduced to Phil Davies and given a copy of his two recently released novels - Blood on Their Hands and 666….mark of the beast, to my shame, I didn’t read them for a while….a Christian who writes novels?.....yeah right! Both books are gripping from first page till last, the kind you simply can’t put down. Neither is a ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild’ book…they might even make you a little uneasy in places. But what a read, and both have the potential to make great movies. Beautifully crafted and zealously researched, they’re great literary entertainment; the best books I’ve read in years!........and yep…that surprised me! Can’t wait for the sequels!” Gary Hoogvliet, Director of Broadcasting, UCB TV “Blood on Their Hands is a riveting read and as a practicing criminal lawyer, I can thoroughly recommend it. The drama of the courtroom is reminiscent of true life. This is a book that captivates you from the very first page as the author intelligently sets the storyline and cleverly establishes the characters in a way that has the reader identifying with each in turn. I found the book an easy and compelling read and regularly had visions of its characters being portrayed on the big screen. Blood on Their Hands stirs the emotions and highlights the question of conscience which every human being must face during the course of their life. A must for your collection, I look forward to seeing more books from this talented and creative author!” Stephen Akinsanya LLB (Hons) - a practicing barrister at Old Bailey Chambers, London “When my husband brought this book home I thought it was going to be more of a man’s book. Much to my surprise, I quickly engaged with the characters and became part of their world, to a point where I felt I was one of them. This was especially true of Mai Ly and Bian. Though the ending didn’t quite satisfy me, all-in-all, I found Blood on Their Hands a totally compulsive read, a book impossible to put down. I wait in eager anticipation for a follow-up book and for its inevitable transference to the big screen.” Ann Edwards “I'm not usually fussy when it comes to thrillers or war stories but I have two brothers and I wondered if Blood on Their Hands would be suitable for them as a Christmas present. Before I gave it to them, I decided to read it myself. It was incredible! It captured my interest from the very start and as each scene unfolded I couldn't wait to see what came next. The characters were so interesting! I just couldn't put the book down. As a Christian, I especially identified with Michael McBride’s transformation. His journey was beautifully explained in a down-to-earth, non-preachy way and I’m sure the book is an ideal tool for evangelism, especially for men. So far, I’ve given four away, including two to my brothers!” Vi Griffiths “I was very impressed with the Blood on Their Hands trailer and equally impressed, now that I’ve finished reading the book, with Phil’s story-telling ability. He has a real eye for character and ear for dialogue and has crafted a perfectly convincing novel. I sincerely wish him every success for the future.” Robin Wade, Wade & Doherty Literary Agency, London
“As an ex-military serviceman myself, I really enjoyed the way the author captures the mentality of the fighting man, troops who have different values and differing reasons for what they do. Blood on Their Hands conveys the archetypal personalities one finds in the ranks and expands tremendously as the characters are placed into a realism that can only have come from either first-hand experience or thorough intensive and painstaking research. Would I recommend it? Certainly; buy this book, read it and enjoy. AWESOME!!” Martin Nash
“What an amazing book! This is quite simply a fantastic story! The book trailer raises your expectations and Blood on Their Hands has no trouble delivering. While it’s a work of fiction, the realism created by the author is astonishing; with so many books like the Twilight series and the Harry Potter phenomenon dominating the "fiction" market these days it's truly a breath of fresh air to have encountered such a believable story. From early 20th century Ireland to a modern day Los Angeles courtroom, from gangster controlled Chicago to the Vietnamese jungle...this book takes you everywhere!! Lawrie Richard Davies “I've just finished Blood on Their Hands and whilst I enjoyed it, I'm not going to be as fulsome in my praise as others who have commented previously. It carries all the hallmarks of a good thriller - interesting characters, a good yarn, sparse dialogue, and a strong plot. The author weaves the story well and the plot is a gripping one with the sense of "place" a particular strength. However, I wasn’t sure on a few issues, namely the dislocation created by the twenty-five year leap forward, the Christianity sub-theme which felt like a sop to the American market and also the way the author uses the epilogue to tell us what happens that book’s many characters. That said, I would read another book by this author. The advertising blurb shows he's co-written another called 666....mark of the beast. I'll try it.” Gareth Newton
“I am not an avid reader. In fact I’d go as far as to say I’ve never read a book cover to cover – until Blood on Their Hands! The ‘need to read’ may be a new experience but it certainly ticked all my boxes - a rich tapestry packed full of historical and geographical accuracy, laced with a real grasp of the environments in which the book is set. There were moments when from under the covers, reading, I could ‘smell’ the deep Laotian jungle and ‘hear’ the Mekong river gently flowing outside my bedroom window! The reality of this read is frightening, mainly because part of me believes that these events have actually been penned down in history - it all just seems to fit! Phil’s ability to create characters with whom the reader can have tremendous empathy is quite outstanding. I challenge any reader to deny the fact that at some point, they didn’t side with one of the defendants (McBride is my hero!) or struck out with the grief as they shared the pain with Mai-Ly and Thimay. And as for Phil's description of Bian...let’s just say we can’t wait for the movie!! This page-turner deserves to be on everyone’s bookshelf and I for one, am already looking forward to Phil’s next ‘must read.’” Owen Davies
“Having just read Blood on Their Hands, I can honestly say that it’s an absolutely brilliant book – the best book I’ve read. I took it away with thinking it would last me well into my holiday and ended up finishing it in two days! There is something in it for everyone: war, conflict, love story, court etc. Amazing!! I loved the characters and the way they developed. Everything was so true-to-life, it was as if I was watching a film in my mind. Talking of films, Blood on Their Hands would make a true blockbuster movie! I cant wait for Phil’s next book. Hurry!!” Paula Lewis
"Blood on their Hands is FANTASTIC!! I couldn’t put it down and read it in two days, the first 290 pages in one sitting!! As an avid reader, I’ve read many autobiographies, thrillers, war books etc. but I can honestly say none has captured me the way this one did – none even coming close to this amazing epic. But with all good things, there’s a downside – three actually! One is when you’ve finished it; two, is that you have to wait for the sequel and three, trying to read another book becomes impossible because it can’t come near this one! If you’ve read the reports on this book and debated whether to order a copy, I strongly suggest you buy it. I promise you’ll thoroughly enjoy it and consider the money you spend a precious investment. Great work Phil. Please hurry with the follow-up!” Dean Jones
Already half way through a good book, I picked up Blood on Their Hands just to read the prologue, getting a flavour for my next ‘holiday read’. I couldn’t put it down, reading it cover to cover in just a few days. The book sets the scene exceedingly well and you’re captivated by the depth of each of the main characters as the story moves forwards towards the crime-scene. The detail of this book is excellent from emotions, geography, facts and character, you feel you are there watching ‘fly-on-the-wall’ with every paragraph. The pace increases as the tension mounts, leaving you hanging from scene to scene, reading every turn of the story without being able to forecast the outcome. And what a finale, unpredictable as the characters themselves. Seriously, I spent good chunks of time gripped to this book, finding any excuse to pick it up and get to the next stage - a mean achievement for a reader with a young family and a busy lifestyle. It’s amazing to realise this is a first novel from the author. I’m looking forward to many more. Craig Walker
“Usually, my reading stops at magazines but my daughter was raving about Blood on Their Hands so much, I thought I’d give it a go. I was gripped right from the start and whenever I put it down, found myself thinking about the next scene, the next chapter. I needed answers! Yes, I loved the story from start to finish and felt a real connection with all the characters especially the grandmother who was left behind. It made me very emotional. Overall, the word I’d use to describe Blood on Their Hands is FANTASTIC!!” Julie Pomeroy
“It’s hard to believe that Blood on Their Hands is a debut novel. Phil Davies writes with the maturity of authors with many more titles to their name. In many respects it’s reminiscent of a John Grisham or a Lee Child and certainly deserves its place on the shelf alongside any of their books. Beautifully crafted and zealously researched, Blood on Their Hands tugs on your heart and toys with your emotions. From the very first page, I was captivated by the storyline, engrossed in the characters and submerged into the various plot-lines. This was so much the case that I read the entire 500 pages in just a couple of days! Can't wait for the sequel!!” David Dean
“I received my copy of Blood On Their Hands and by the next day had finished it! I found it impossible to put down, reading late into the night and picking it back up the following day to finish in one sitting!! The expertise with which the author has built the characters makes it difficult to believe that this is his debut novel. The research has to be appreciated, as does the sensitivity with which the author has boldly handled difficult scenarios without compromise, yet in my opinion not overly gratuitously. I was taken on an emotional roller coaster and as the story came to its climactic conclusion found myself wanting more. I am convinced we will be hearing more about this novel in the future; roll on the next one!!” David Crabb
"Blood on Their Hands begins with some memorable pen portraits of the main antagonists. It’s a very effective scene-setter for what quickly becomes an absolutely gripping tale. I really couldn’t put the book down! I especially enjoyed the way the author builds up the tension and excitement in the run-up to the climactic court encounter. Phil Davies sure can tell a good story!!" Chris Jones
“Though Blood on Their Hands is very different from my usual read, it is without doubt, one of the best books I’ve ever read!! The storyline is vey engaging, emotional, and intense and I especially enjoyed the way the author sets the story into its timeline. It’s a hard-hitting, gritty read that gripped me from the very early chapters, to a point where I couldn’t put it down! I heartily recommend it and hope to see it published in Australia”. Leeann Pomeroy-Jones (Australia)
“Phil Davies has produced a sparkling gem of a debut novel. An author very much 'at home' with his craft, his storytelling is lyrical; bursting with chorus and refrain while the melody line is strong and true. A factual, investigative approach weaves itself throughout this prose; both strands working effortlessly together to offer a fully-faceted tale of the human heart. Mr. Davies stays consistently focused and his love for the protagonists exudes an excitement that proclaims, ‘listen to this....’ The book is offered to the reader as a gift, infused with humility from a writer who gives freely of himself through his creation. Mr. Davies invites us to climb into the drama, where he’s taken up residence, so much so it feels like we are offered a cup of tea with his tale! Altogether 'Blood on Their Hands' is a fusion of heart, mind and spirit that leaves the reader fully satisfied yet hungry for more. A literary masterpiece!” Marcia Postema (USA)
“As a prolific reader reading as many as three books a week, I was intrigued by the cover design and title of Blood on Their Hands. After working through the early chapters of background, I became more and more engrossed in the story. It is one of the best researched books I have ever read. This book is a rare find: an exciting story-line, with an incredible insight into one of the worse scenarios of human tragedy. It all makes Blood on Their Hands an amazing read. And for all you ladies out there, go buy the book; you won't be disappointed.” Ann Brettle
“What a great book! It’s an enthralling read cover to cover and very difficult to put down. My favourite character was Bian. She plays an epic part and never loses her dignity. It felt like the story came to life and at times I felt as if I were there with her and the rest of the characters. I can’t wait for Phil’s next book”. Valerie Handford
"My reading preference is non-fiction, but this novel had me gripped to my seat turning page after page from start to finish! I loved how the life-stories of the fictional characters are woven into actual historical events. The respective lives and legacies of Michael McBride and Rudi Kingsbridge brilliantly displays not only the battle of good versus evil, but also how one's worldview influences both your response to and your interpretation of what is good and evil. I would recommend this great novel to anyone even if they have no interest in novels generally, it is an exceptional book!!!" Wayman Berkatt (South Africa)
“Blood on Their Hands is riveting! It’s an exhilarating book which explores an inhumanity v. humanity type theme in great detail. Kingsbridge revels in his ruthless ways, McBride is remorseful and Frankie eventually allows himself to become the hapless victim of degradation. In stark contrast, the heroine is truly an admirable character as she bravely struggles not to allow her past to influence her future. Despite the various characters' reactions to a diabolical event that connects them, their destinies are unexpectedly intertwined later in their lives, with shocking consequences. Blood on Their Hands has something for everyone, regardless of age, nationality or gender. I would definitely recommend it as a must-read!” Vincentia Bhika (South Africa)
“What an epic read! I had every intention of keeping it for my holiday read but couldn't resist!! It may appear at first sight to be a 'boy's book' and, yes the violence is fairly graphic which you’d expect in a story where part of the action is set in Vietnam during the early 70's. The book, however, is about much more than war or action. It is about character and choices and about the consequences to those choices! A stark lesson is that if you make a seriously bad choice, you or someone else will eventually pay! The way the author builds the characters is just amazing to the point that the reader can't wait to see some of them get their come-uppance! The attention to detail is incredible: the rivers, the street names, the towns are all real places and give enormous depth to the story. It is difficult to put down throughout but by the time you reach trial time, it’s impossible to put down! A brilliant read. Buy it!” Debbie Bullock
"Loved it!! Blood on their Hands is a fascinating, character driven journey following the lives of four young men as they travel physically, emotionally, spiritually into middle age towards the brightest of spotlights. Emotions are portrayed in such a realistic, vivid style that you feel you are stood alongside them as they walk, experiencing their pleasures, feeling their pain and hurting their hurts. In many ways, it’s a study of men, how they make their choices and how they react to circumstances, with their reactions dependent upon their core character and what’s in their heart. Blood on Their Hands really is a rollercoaster ride of raw emotion that will take you on a journey that is enthralling from start to finish. Awesome!! Jenny Grant
“I love to read while sat on an exercise bike. I picked up Blood on Their Hands, planning to give it a half hour or so. Before I knew it I was fifty pages in and ninety minutes on the clock! And it didn’t let up when I was stretched out on the settee either. The book has everything: a real life journey that is full of suspense, intrigue, vengeance, drama, strong characters and a blistering climax. At different times, it’s war story, love story, legal story and the author’s attention to detail is remarkable throughout. I thought it was an epic read – one that wouldn’t allow itself to be put down. You will love it. A literary star is born! John Bullock
“On the face of it, the back cover suggests that Blood on Their Hands may be a book for the boys. However, it presents an equal case of callous blood thirsty action against compassion and character identification that it is definite page turner for any reader, male or female. From the start, Blood on Their Hands draws the reader into its plot, and grips you with its story, so much so that it is difficult to live a normal life whilst it is still unfinished on your bedside table! A definite page turner, this book will not only grip you, but challenge your moral base, thoughts and reactions to the events, and make you wonder whether you’d react in the same way!” Tracey Metcalfe
“I couldn't put it down!! What a book!!!!” Elroy Duckitt (South Africa)
“What a book!! Couldn't put it down from beginning to end!! The quality of the character development enables you to easily read it. I also enjoyed how the book has something to offer everyone. It was a truly excellent read! Very impressive!” Ian Martin
|