Little Bones

Instantly gripping, perfectly paced, and filled with a brilliant cast of characters, led by the utterly likeable and relatable Detective Cathy Connolly. Writer Sam Blake moves cleverly between locations making sure that the reader is always in an interesting and revealing place that will bring them closer to uncovering the truth. And from the murky depths of these buried secrets comes an ending that truly shines. * Alex Barclay *

A stunning slap in the face of a novel. Beginning with a crime so shocking in its intensity that you have to read twice to grasp the horror. Then the narrative truly kicks in with breath-taking speed. Superb writing and a plot of adrenalised depth. This is easily a contender already for Irish crime novel of the year.
Be warned, the ending will rend your heart

* Ken Bruen *
PD James meets Karin Slaughter in this stylish debut. Sam Blake has created a heroine crime sleuths will love in DC Cathy Connolly. She's feisty, yet vulnerable, extremely intelligent, yet deeply instinctive. In other words, the kind of woman you want to have a glass of wine with and pour your heart out to. * Niamh O'Connor *
It's always a delight when fiction provides women with depth and personality . . . a deliberately paced, character driver mystery coupled with some genuinely creepy moments and labyrinthine twists makes Little Bonesa worthwhile summer read. * The Irish Times *
This dark and juddering thriller . . . A major boon in Little Bones' appeal factor is Det Cat Connolly who leaps from the page . . . Little Bones has discussions to raise via Cat and her personal life, themes that colour the contemporary Ireland backdrop for the uninitiated. * Sunday Independent *
From the very first page the reader is treated to a tense, fast-paced journey of suspense. A thrilling debut with a gutsy protagonist and a memorable story. The pages will practically turn themselves . . . Highly Recommended. * Bleach House Library *
One to watch. * Crime Always Pays blog *
A truly engrossing read * Independent.ie *
'Tightly plotted, believably charactered and told with style - what more can you want? A great debut.' * The Bookbag *
'With so many twists and turns, both expected and unexpected, this book is entirely engrossing. I enjoyed this book so much that at just over halfway in I was already recommending it to friends that I thought would appreciate it.' * The Quiet Knitter *
'Addictive, shocking and full of mystery. I cannot wait to read more from this author.' * Supermum *
'There are separate parallel story lines and viewpoints that take events outside Ireland as the mysteries add up. The stories revolve around women in this complex police procedural. Family relationships, greed and memory are examined in this extremely well-told, well-written novel.' * Crime Thriller Hound, book of the week *
'a feisty new addition to the growing number of female police detectives in crime fiction...Like all the best fictional detectives, Cat comes to us complete with her own complex backstory and personality quirks. She is strong-willed, independent, smart-mouthed and funny. She is, in short, a great character (as well as being a champion kick boxer)...With a real cliff-hanger ending, this is a highly-recommended wintery read. Cat Connolly is a great addition to the world of crime fiction and I cannot wait to see what happens to her next.' * Crime Squad *
It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. It's all extremely mysterious and it takes at least two thirds of the novel before the coin finally dropped and I got the bigger picture on how all the puzzle pieces fit (perfectly and brilliantly) together. There was definitely more going on than I ever expected. * The Belgian Reviewer *
From the first page I was hooked and couldn't read it fast enough...And THAT ending, I really didn't see it coming...There's is definitely a new heroine on the block in the form of Garda Cathy Connolly & I've got a new girl crush too. Highly Recommended. * Celeste Loves Books *
an ambitious debut novel, a meticulously researched police procedural and a striking example of the crime novel as a vehicle for exploring society's flaws and faultlines. Cathy Connolly is a compelling character, a creation as complicated, flawed and gripping as Little Bones itself, and one who augurs well for Sam Blake's future. * The Irish Examiner *
There's freshness to the setting and the characters and a warmth to the writing. The strong plot lines are skilfully woven together...a gripping and well-paced read from a promising new writer. * Christine Poulson *
'Really excited to read the first in the series from a new author and I am really looking forward to getting to know the characters more in the future. A definite must read for crime fiction enthusiasts. You'll enjoy this if you like : Ann Cleeves, Sheila Bugler, Peter James.' * BookMuse UK *