‘The Other Fiancé by Ali Blood

Published by Avon,
15 February2024.
 ISBN: 978-0-00852719-9 (PB)

Three years after her fiancé was murdered, walking his dog in a London park, journalist Gemma Morgan is starting to move on with her life – except that her new date isn’t all he seems... Meanwhile, an informer has phoned the paper to say Met DCI Elias Cain is in the pay of one of London’s criminal gangs – Gemma has investigated Cain before, when his wife disappeared. Can she nail him at last?

Against a background of increasing violence, the dangers of online dating are clearly demonstrated: Gemma’s danger from her new date, John Jackman, Alice’s controlling husband, Sean Kelly and Martin’s top-model wife – all three couples met on-line. It’s easy for Jackman to find out where Gemma lives, and the chapters focused on him and show the man behind the pleasant facade, and heighten the tension as Gemma continues to meet him in spite of her instinctive misgivings.

Most of the novel is narrated by Gemma, drawing us into her increasing fear. I enjoyed the vividly drawn South London background, and the authenticity of the newsroom scenes (Blood is a journalist), which also showed some decent men, particularly Gemma’s friend Martin, as a counterpoint to the violence displayed by others in the book: Jackman, Kellly, and possible wife-murderer DCI Cain, now in the anti-corruption squad. The story builds to a gripping climax.

A fast-paced ‘woman in danger’ thriller with good characterisation, a well-created background and a serious message about the dangers facing women today.
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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

Ali Blood, a pseudonym used by James Raven, has been a journalist for most of his working life. After reporting for local, regional and national newspapers he moved into television as a news scriptwriter. He then worked his way up to become Director of a UK News Division. He now runs his own TV production company. James spends much of his time writing and travelling. He is also an accomplished magician. He is the author of a number of books including After the Execution, Malicious, Rollover, Stark Warning, Urban Myth, Red Blitz and Arctic Blood.

http://www.james-raven.com/

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh and came to Shetland as a newly qualified teacher. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  She lives with her husband and two Shetland ponies.

www.marsalitaylor.co.uk