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Blood Rites

DI Haig Crime Thrillers, Book 5

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Blood Rites

By: David J. Gatward
Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart
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A body in a field. A village bound by secrets. Can DI Gordanian Haig untangle ancient beliefs, and bring a barbaric killer to justice?

Gordy Haig is looking forward to a few days of rest, but her peace is shattered when the mutilated body of a local hedgelayer is discovered in a Somerset field on the day of the spring equinox. The corpse has been stripped, cleaned, and arranged, with chilling precision. Whispers of witchcraft surround the victim, and the evidence points to ritual. But Gordy remains stubbornly sceptical. And when the local village closes ranks, and witnesses all repeat the same story, she is left with very few leads to follow. So, when a man comes forward and confesses, the case only grows more troubling. Then the team uncover a grave in the victim’s garden. Exhausted, and with pressure mounting, Gordy must separate truth from superstition, and uncover what really lies behind the Old Ways, before a killer strikes again.

Blood Rites is the gripping fifth novel in the DI Haig Crime Thrillers series — a dark and atmospheric mystery packed with twists, secrets, and unforgettable characters.

Buy Blood Rites to shed light on dark deeds today!

©2026 David J. Gatward (P)2026 David J. Gatward Crime Fiction Mystery Police Procedurals Women Sleuths Exciting Village
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David and Ruth do it again... this book has the feeling of spending time with an old friend, with every installment the lines between fictional character and friend blurs, David's amazing ability to bring the depth and detail to the characters and the places in which these stories take place is breathtaking. Ruth's ability to then bring these words to life prove why she is one of the best voice actors in the world!

Another epic tale in the series

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Well this was a great book. Gruesome, twisty, clever. Everything you expect in a Gatward book no matter what series it is! Well done David, can't wait for the next one

David J Gatward on top form

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Loved the victim and was genuinely upset by what happened to them. Enjoyed the twisty plot and the final reveal.

Another great book in the series

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Listener received this title free

This fifth book in the DI Haig Crime Thrillers series is an excellent listen. Once again, Dave Gatward has come up with an original and compelling plot as Gordy and her team investigate a gruesome murder. There's an intriguing list of suspects, plenty of twists and turns, and the story keeps you guessing right to the end. Highly recommended. Ruth Urquhart's narration is, once again, spot on and brings the characters and story to life.
I was kindly given a copy of the book by the narrator and leave this honest review.

Another winner!

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Always thoroughly enjoy reading about what DI Haig and her team, get up to both at work and in their personal lives. This is a great addition to the series.

Another fantastic DI Haig book.

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