Better the Blood
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Better the Blood
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Better the Blood
Top of the Lake meets Val McDermid by way of Jane Harper in this brilliantly gripping debut by award-winning New Zealand screenwriter and director, Michael Bennett.
Detective Senior Sergeant Hana Westerman is an unwavering, determined Māori detective working in Auckland's Central Investigation Branch. Her life is a delicate balance between her demanding career and her responsibilities as a single mother. One day, Hana is drawn to a chilling crime scene via a mysterious video, where she finds a man hanging in a hidden room. With scant evidence but unfaltering intuition, Hana realises that the killer has chosen her as the recipient of a personal message.
Hana's career has always seen her walk a fine line between the demands of modern law enforcement and her cultural heritage. But this time, with repeated murders that seem to be meticulously planned and culturally motivated, she begins to understand that the resolution lies within her own heritage and history. As the body count rises, Hana realises that she might be next on the killer's list, putting not only herself but also her family at risk.
A DETECTIVE IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH.
A KILLER IN SEARCH OF RETRIBUTION.
A CLASH BETWEEN CULTURE AND DUTY.
THE PAST NEVER TRULY STAYS BURIED.
WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE OF PARADISE.
Val McDermid praises the book as "a compelling, atmospheric page-turner with an authentic insight into Māori culture", capturing its essence magnificently. Indeed, Bennett masterfully navigates the complexities of cultural identity and modern justice, crafting a story that is as enlightening as it is thrilling.
With accolades such as Winner of the Best First Novel Award at the 2023 Ngaio Marsh Awards and a finalist for Best Novel at the same awards, Better the Blood is a remarkable introduction to a thrilling new detective series.
Critical Acclaim:
"As page-turning as it is eye-opening" - Ambrose Parry
"A remarkable new detective" - Daily Mail
"[A] highly addictive read" - My Weekly
"So chilling" - Crime Monthly
"Opens a unique window onto a fascinating Antipodean society as only world-class crime fiction can" - Deon Meyer
Additional honours include being shortlisted for the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, longlisted for the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger, and shortlisted for Audio Book of the Year at the Capital Crime Fingerprint Awards.
Dive into the dark and captivating world of Better the Blood and follow Hana Westerman's journey as she navigates a landscape where the past and present collide, cultures clash, and justice must be served.
Series: Hana Westerman
View allBook Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Better the Blood has been praised as a stunning and gripping debut, featuring a memorable Maori detective, Hana Westerman. Reviews highlight its complex characters, rich Maori cultural details, and intricate plotting. It is noted for its powerful social commentary on colonialism and modern identity, making it a thought-provoking and eye-opening read.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781398512245
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 30 March 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 21.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 0g
Pages: 336
About the Author
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is an award-winning screenwriter, director and author. His first book, a non-fiction work telling the true story of New Zealand’s worst miscarriage of justice, In Dark Places, won Best Non-Fiction Book at the 2017 Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael's second book, Helen and the Go-Go Ninjas, is a time-travel graphic novel co-authored with Ant Sang. Better the Blood, the first Hana Westerman thriller, was shortlisted for the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction/Ockham New Zealand Book Award, as well as being shortlisted for the Audio Book of the Year at the Capital Crime Fingerprint Awards. It was also longlisted for the CWA John Creasey New Blood Debut Dagger and was a finalist for both Best First Novel and Best Novel at the 2023 Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael's short and feature films have won awards internationally and have screened at numerous festivals, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Locarno, New York, London and Melbourne. Michael is the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, in recognition of members of the Māori filmmaking community who have made high-level contributions to screen storytelling. He lives in Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand), with his partner Jane, and children Tīhema, Māhina and Matariki.
Also by Michael Bennett
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