Bad Blood is the second book in the Harry Hendrick series by British-born author, Gary Kemble. Some months after the exciting events that saw Harry making big news, he is now a freelance journalist working on drafts of several possible stories, some with definite headline potential. A headline event in Harry’s personal life is the welcome reappearance of Bec, unattached and tentatively willing to rekindle their relationship.

But then, under the implied threat of prosecution for certain past activities, Harry is coerced by the Queensland Police to look into a case that has them baffled. It seems that Harry’s previous experience with strange happenings qualifies him to look into a series of bizarre suicides. Four men with nothing in common except the words in their suicide notes, unusual incisions on their bodies, and their association with a certain dominatrix.

A fifth event makes it clear that Mistress Hel exerts a strong influence over the behaviour of the men who use her services. Harry is intrigued: she’s stunningly beautiful, but of course he can surely resist her powers, can’t he? Harry is intelligent, he is excited about getting back with Bec, and, despite warnings from his psychic friend, confident he can be objective.

Once again Kemble gives his reader an original plot that has more than one exciting climax, and features some very topical themes, as well as a few age-old ones: a paedophile ring, the diversion of union funds for personal use, a suicide pact, mixed martial arts cage fights, strip clubs and the exploitation of women, guilt, shame and revenge. Kemble’s familiarity with his setting is apparent in every paragraph.

Kemble’s protagonist a totally believable, ordinary guy; his friends are appealing and many of the incidental characters are the sort one regularly encounters in everyday life. Kemble’s skill at crafting his tale is such that the reader is soon shaking their head at Harry’s naiveté and self-confidence, then beginning to feel anxious for him, and grateful for his good friends, Sandy and Dave. He relieves the tension with well-placed moments of (often black) humour.

This is another brilliant dose of Harry Hendrick, and the reader can only hope that Kemble is planning on more of these adventures with a paranormal streak for this unassuming hero. Readers should be aware that this book contains major spoilers for the first Harry Hendrick book, Skin Deep, so it is advisable to read this series in order.
With thanks to Echo Publishing for this copy to read and review