Monday, March 10, 2008

Blood Poison by D.H. Dublin

Blood Poison by D.H. Dublin
Berkley; 2007
Crime Fiction, 295 pgs

Started: 02/13/2008
Completed: 02/18/2008
Rating: * (Good)

First Sentence: The bulging trash bag snagged on a rock and tore, spilling eggshells, orange peels, and coffee grounds as Dottie dragged it across the dirt.

Reason for Reading: After reading The Translator by Daoud Hari, I was ready for something light and entertaining. I decided Blood Poison might just do the trick. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of this book through Amateur le Livre for review.

Comments: Blood Poison by D.H. Dublin is the second book in the C.S.U. Investigation series set in Philadelphia. Crime Scene Investigator Madison Cross has been on the job for three months and she already has a reputation stirring up trouble.

Madison is stranded at the home of the deceased, Derek Grant, his body splayed out on the kitchen floor, as she waits for the medical examiner’s office to retrieve the body. The cause of death appears to be natural, perhaps a heart attack. Before their arrival, however, the dead man’s father arrives home, after having checked himself out of an assisted living home after only a week’s stay, and Madison must break the news to him. Madison cannot help but feel for the grieving father, who seems to have no one else in the world. When the routine toxicology panel comes back with questionable results, Madison’s job becomes even harder. Did Derek Grant commit suicide or could it be something more sinister?

Meanwhile, Madison is pulled into what appears to be a more complicated investigation when, another body has the entire Philadelphia Crime Scene Unit stumped. They have little to work on besides bones, hair and nail tips. A forensic anthropologist is called in to help with the identification. The woman was obviously murdered, but exactly who she was and why someone would kill her remains unknown.

Things are not always what they appear to be and if anyone is bound to uncover the truth, Madison knows just where to look. The closer she gets to uncovering the truth, the more dangerous the situation becomes for her.

Madison is easy to like. She is smart and caring, although a little naive. She gave up a promising medical career to work with the Crime Scene Unit along side her uncle, Lieutenant David Cross, and is trying to settle into her new life. She is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters who are talented and supportive.

Author D.H. Dublin has written a suspense filled novel. He takes the reader into the center of a crime scene unit and lets the reader walk through the paces of what it might take to solve a crime, weaving the investigation naturally into this entertaining crime fiction novel. I will definitely be keeping a look out for further books by D.H. Dublin. Originally published on
Amateur le Livre. © Wendy Runyon, 2008.

Be sure and check out the author's website.

12 comments:

  1. This sounds like a great read, Wendy. Thanks for the review. And I also enjoyed reading the interview with the author. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Whew--my imagination is way too active for something like this. :) I used to read suspense books when I was younger, but I would find myself having to talk myself to sleep! Now I just watch on TV and allow myself to close my eyes if needed! Glad you found what you were looking for, though, after the heavier read.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've never actually read a book about a CSI but I sure love TV shows that involve them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Melody - It was an enjoyable book to read. I also was very curious to see how the author would respond to my questions. I was surprised that he doesn't have a background in forensic investigations, but then, with all the media attention it's gotten in recent years, there's definitely a lot of resources out there to pull from.

    Trish - This book really wasn't all that graphic in terms of the crime scenes. The details in the research were what intrigued me the most.

    Still, I know what you mean. The older I get, the less I want to see the really graphic stuff. I still seem to be able to read about it though. :-)

    Jen - I don't watch any of the CSI shows--just couldn't get into them at all. Reading about it, however, is a different story. I imagine a book like this will appeal to the CSI tv fans though. At least those who enjoy reading. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yea, as many mysteries I read I don't think I've read one with a CSU element. Sounds interesting and how neat that you also got to ask the author some questions. I'll have to go check those out :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Iliana - This was my first other than Jeff Lindsay's books, which somehow don't seem the same.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This one does sound intense, and good.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Booklogged - It was entertaining. It's more of a brain candy type book than anything else, but it hit the spot.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great review! Thanks for the link. I checked it out but am going back to find your questions.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Wendy, Your review definitely does intrigue me. I'll have to give the first in the series a try.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nicola - I look forward to reading what you think of it!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to visit Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Don't be shy! I would love to hear from you. Due to a recent increase in spam, I will be moderating all comments for the foreseeable future. Please be patient with me as it may take a few hours before I am able to approve your comment.