Better the Blood

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.