BLOOD KILLS by Nanci Rathbun

Title:  BLOOD KILLS
Series:  Angelina Bonaparte #4
Author:  Nanci Rathbun
Publisher:  Dark Chocolate Press, LLC
Publish Date:   04.20.2021
Category /Genre:  Modern Detective; Mystery
Recommended for:  16+ due to adult situations
Grammar/editing:  A – near perfect
Received from:  Nanci Rathbun (as an ARC gifted copy)
Goodreads link: Blood Kills
Date completed: 02.05.2021
 
Description from the publisher:
A murdered metal sculptor. A Russian mobster on the hunt. Can a talented PI outsmart a vindictive killer who has her in his crosshairs?

Private investigator Angelina Bonaparte can barely contain her excitement. Thrilled to reunite with her detective boyfriend after an obligatory embargo of several years, she’s preparing every detail for his return. But she’s forced to put passion on the backburner when she discovers a local artist brutally slain.

When the dead man’s own last will and testament shockingly predicts his death, the seasoned sleuth ignores her lover’s warnings and digs into the victim’s treacherous links with the Russian mob. But with the culprit still on the loose and the evidence not matching up, Angelina’s life could be snuffed out the ultimate criminal mastermind.

Is Angelina’s romantic reunion in danger of being fatally cut short?

Blood Kills is the spine-tingling fourth tale in the Angelina Bonaparte Mysteries thriller series. If you like riveting twists, blossoming love affairs, and pulse-pounding close calls, then you’ll adore Nanci Rathbun’s high-octane story.
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BLOOD KILLS is the fourth book in the Angelina Bonaparte series.  They should be read in the order of release.
 
Retrouvaille (n.), the joy of meeting or finding someone again after a long separation.
Merriam-Webster(.com) Dictionary
 
I have waited three years for this release.  Angie and Wukowski have also been waiting three years (948 days) for their reunion. Just sixteen days before his retirement and their reunion, fate in the form of a murder scene, brings them together sooner than planned. 
 
I listened to the first three books in the series on Audible, and grabbed the kindle edition of this as quickly as I could because of how much I had loved Angelina Bonaparte before.  Though I was reading this time, in my head I was still hearing the voice of Kieren Callan Metts (the narrator).
 
I love the quotes at the beginnings of the chapters and in the voices of the characters.  It amazes me the amount of research that must go into finding an appropriate quote and the sources vary from Confucius and famous poets to memes, A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh), and advertising slogans.
 
Between the suspense story and my happiness at having Angie and Ted back together kept me glued to my kindle. 
 
I love how Wukowski (Ted) tries so hard to balance his natural protectiveness with a need to respect Angie’s independence.  Angie is independent, but also respects Ted’s need to protect.  It makes them a perfect couple.
 
The investigation into death of Mick Swanson could be ripped from headlines – in fact, that’s what started Ms. Rathbun started on this story.  Actually a footnote from a headline story, and the thought of, “what if it was a killer who …”
 
I’m looking forward to what the next story may be as we look back into Angie’s past.  I only hope we don’t have to wait another three years!
 
Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
 
Angelina Bonaparte Mystery series:
1.      Truth Kills
2.      Cash Kills
3.      Honor Kills
4.      Blood Kills
Also from Nanci Rathbun:
·         Mommie Diarist (not released)
 

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