In Cold Blood (Detective Isabel Blood, Book 1)

‘I read this in one sitting and loved every minute of it. The detective story reads like an episode of Vera.’ 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

No secret can stay buried forever…

As the Whitworth family begin renovations on their new home, their plans are brought to an abrupt end when they discover a body buried in the back garden.

DI Isabel Blood and her team are called to investigate, but as she approaches Ecclesdale Drive, a feeling of unease settles in her gut.

The property cordoned off is number 23. The house she used to live in as a child…

The forensic team estimate that the body has been in the ground for up to forty years – coinciding with the time Isabel’s family lived in the house.

Isabel’s father vanished without a trace when she was fourteen years old. And with her mother remaining tight-lipped about her father’s disappearance, Isabel can’t escape the unnerving sense of dread that it’s his body, buried in the garden.

Fans of Vera, Val McDermid and Elly Griffiths will love In Cold Blood!

Readers love In Cold Blood!

“A gripping police procedural thriller that had me engrossed from the first page. The storyline had me intrigued, so much so that I read it in one day.” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

“Isabel Blood is a great character and I really enjoyed getting to know her. I’m a great fan of police procedural novels and this was an excellent read! The case was a fascinating one and the story was cleverly plotted… with numerous twists and turns and some rather surprising revelations!” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

“If you’re looking for a cosy crime novel that is packed with suspense, then this is the book for you. A fantastic debut novel that I have no hesitation in recommending.” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

“This is a fabulous debut crime novel!” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

“I loved this book from beginning to end and cannot wait to read more from Jane Bettany.” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

• Jane Bettany is the winner of the HQ Gransnet competition, where HQ were looking for new authors writing about characters over 40. The editor of Gransnet Cari Rosen, HQ author Sarah Morgan and books journalist Nina Pottell were all judges for the prize.

• Jane is willing to write short stories or features if required.

• Press release announcing Jane’s deal with HQ has been already circulated with the Bookseller.

Competition: The Darkest Evening;Here to Stay;Every Missing Thing;The Thursday Murder Club;Impostor;The Body in the Dales;The Descent;A place of Execution;The Quartet Murders;The Last Sister. Ann Cleeves;Mark Edwards;Martyn Ford;Richard Osman;LJ Ross;J. R. Ellis;Matt Brolly;Val McDermid;Kendra Elliot;Joy Ellis