Series: Serial Investigations
Volume: 3/?Publisher: -
Genre/s: M/M Crime/thriller
Length: 60 000 words
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✮
Serial Investigations London can finally close its last case. But is it really possible? It turns out that the police have found new evidence that Ray Riley was tortured before his death. The trail leads to another shocking, monstrous discoveries indicating unequivocally that a madman or even two madmen are somewhere close looking for their next victim. Serial Investigations London and the police must join forces and stop the duo of cold-blooded killers. Unfortunately, the investigation is not the only thing Will and Ram must deal with, as their personal problems are getting more and more out of hand.
In "Blood Alcohol", the third volume in "Serial Investigations" series, from the very beginning we are able to see that the main characters take their first, huge emotional step forward and slowly start to change significantly, which indicates that since the first volume they have come a long way to get to this place. That's definitely one small step for mankind, but one giant leap for a man, as coming out is one of the significant changes I've mentioned above. I think it is worth noting that in her novel, Rhiannon D'Averc remains faithful to, let's call it, stages of coming out, gradual acceptance of one's sexuality, which in a perfect way emphasises Will's character and personality. His coming out begins with accepting himself, saying these important words about his sexuality out loud for the first time, sharing the secret with this first person, and then gradually with others. I really liked the fact that the manner in which Will starts to open up to his sexuality tells us a lot about him and is the perfect next stage in building this character.
Jealousy, which in this novel is a form of internal evolution within one of the characters, is another important change worthy of our attention. To be honest, the fact that Ram is jealous of his friend is the first deep, very emotional feeling over which the man has no power, which he doesn't control, and that is a clear evidence that Ram, despite his bravado, feels insecure about his relationship with Will. I think that in this case it is not important whether Ram's jealousy is related to love or friendship. In both cases we have the same feeling, which has the same source and arouses the same emotions in a person. Jealousy is something very personal and it has a great psychological significance, which is why I'm glad that the author gave us some insight into Ram's psyche, because he is undoubtedly the most closed character in the series. The author doesn't change and doesn't weaken him, but in a manner fully consistent with her way of building this character gives him a chance to develop and slowly change.
Characters' development and the way not only they, but also their relationship changes are not the only advantages of "Blood Alcohol". After all, it's a powerful, very interesting story and the case Ram and Will have to solve is quite shocking. The two previous parts of the series were really good and the plot kept us in suspense, but now everything seems to be even better, stronger, deeper, more dangerous. We can say that the story reaches its higher level and now, even more strongly than before, we want to read this book at one sitting, because it is almost impossible to take a break. The success of the story the author tells us in this volume consists of many factors. Another one of them is the fact that the San Francisco secret is finally revealed, which until now has been infuriating, because I didn't know any details concerning the events, as to the characters it was a taboo topic. In short, there is a lot going on in "Blood Alcohol" and that's a huge advantage of this book.
In the third volume in the series, I also liked the fact that Will and Ram are more open to other people than before. On the one hand, we see the development of the friendship between Will and Harry, who to some extent managed to pull Will out of his comfort zone and as a friend gives him all the things Ram in his current state can't give. On the other hand, the professional one, we finally have the opportunity to take a closer look at the relations of our two main characters with Alex, and consequently also with his investigation group. From the first volume we know that looking at Alex our boys see their unfulfilled dreams, aspirations, the future, which they themselves had rejected. However, this situation doesn't change the fact that to some extent they are still friends and the opportunity to take a look at their friendship's dynamics was a very interesting experience, as it made me realize how much Ram and Will had sacrificed when going to San Francisco and lost because of the things that had happened there.
In summary, "Blood Alcohol" is a really good part in "Serial Investigations" series and an excellent novel in itself. The author showed us that she still can amaze us, has a lot to offer and prove to us, while her characters are only at the beginning of their difficult journey towards an uncertain future. This suspenseful novel is undoubtedly worth recommending.
Headcanon: Alex, Ram and Will go out for a drink at least once every two months, when Alex has some free time.
Fanfiction idea: Serial Investigations London is working on an alien abduction case. Ram and Will don't believe it's possible, but the client pays well.
AU idea: Harry Potter!AU
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Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
BOOK 2
Add on Goodreads
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
Serial Investigations by Rhiannon D’Averc
Serial Investigations follows a private detective duo, Will and Ram, through tricky cases, mortal danger, and the horror of (maybe) unrequited love for your best friend – with plenty of demons to battle along the way.
The stories need to be read in order.
Overall Heat Rating for the series: 2 flames
Goodreads Series Link
Warning: All books contain depictions of alcoholism, anorexia, and violent crime/murder.
Serial Investigations follows a private detective duo, Will and Ram, through tricky cases, mortal danger, and the horror of (maybe) unrequited love for your best friend – with plenty of demons to battle along the way.
The stories need to be read in order.
Overall Heat Rating for the series: 2 flames
Goodreads Series Link
Warning: All books contain depictions of alcoholism, anorexia, and violent crime/murder.
BOOK 3
Book Title: Blood Alcohol
Length: 60 000 words/ 173 pages
Release Date: November 30, 2019
Genre/s: M/M Crime/thriller
Trope/s: Slow burn friends to lovers
Themes: Coming out, murder, inner demons
A horrific torture case with a ticking clock.
All he can see is the bottle.
Blurb
All he can see is the bottle.
Blurb
Private detectives Ram and Will thought they’d wrapped everything up when they found Ray Riley’s body in Sevenoaks. But it turns out that things aren’t what they seemed – and Riley may be the latest victim of a torture-happy murderous duo.
For the second time, Serial Investigations London are called in to assist as civilian consultants with DI Alex Heath’s team at the Met – but they have their own personal problems getting in the way of clear thinking.
Will has something to get off his chest, and it’s related to that kiss they shared – the one they both tried to forget. But Ram can’t stop drinking to push away the confusion, and this time he’s going to land himself in more trouble than ever before.
Can they get over their issues for long enough to stop another murder – or even keep themselves alive?
For the second time, Serial Investigations London are called in to assist as civilian consultants with DI Alex Heath’s team at the Met – but they have their own personal problems getting in the way of clear thinking.
Will has something to get off his chest, and it’s related to that kiss they shared – the one they both tried to forget. But Ram can’t stop drinking to push away the confusion, and this time he’s going to land himself in more trouble than ever before.
Can they get over their issues for long enough to stop another murder – or even keep themselves alive?
BOOK 1
Book Title: Bloodless
Length: 70 000 words/ 240 pages
Release Date: April 29, 2019
Genre/s: M/M Crime/thriller
Trope/s: Slow burn friends to lovers
Themes: Identity struggle, murder, unrequited love
How do you solve a murder…
… When you’re the prime suspect?
Blurb
… When you’re the prime suspect?
Blurb
A body cut up into pieces and left in Highgate Wood. It sounds like the most exciting case that private detectives Ram and Will have had to deal with since leaving their FBI training and returning to London.
As each new body is piled up amongst the trees, the stakes get higher – and Serial Investigations London embraces their first real challenge.
But Ram’s lifestyle – staying out all days of the week, drinking too much, and having sex with a different man every night – soon catches up with him when the police realise there’s just one link that connects the bodies.
And it’s him.
Will faces a battle around the clock to prevent his best friend from being put away for life – and while the two of them face their own demons, there’s a secret hanging over their heads that might just bring it all crashing down.
If you’re a fan of BBC’s Luther, Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole, or sharply witty gay men, you’ll love Serial Investigations. Jump into the action from the very beginning with Bloodless, the first book in a series you won’t dare to put down.
As each new body is piled up amongst the trees, the stakes get higher – and Serial Investigations London embraces their first real challenge.
But Ram’s lifestyle – staying out all days of the week, drinking too much, and having sex with a different man every night – soon catches up with him when the police realise there’s just one link that connects the bodies.
And it’s him.
Will faces a battle around the clock to prevent his best friend from being put away for life – and while the two of them face their own demons, there’s a secret hanging over their heads that might just bring it all crashing down.
If you’re a fan of BBC’s Luther, Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole, or sharply witty gay men, you’ll love Serial Investigations. Jump into the action from the very beginning with Bloodless, the first book in a series you won’t dare to put down.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
BOOK 2
Book Title: Blood Evidence
Length: 63 000 words/ 200 pages
Release Date: August 15, 2019
Genre/s: M/M Crime/thriller
Trope/s: Slow burn friends to lovers
Themes: Coming out, murder, unrequited love
Add on Goodreads
A missing person’s case…
… A murder investigation?
Blurb
… A murder investigation?
Blurb
Private detectives Ram and Will got their name in the news by catching a high-profile serial killer, and now they’re getting more clients. When they’re hired to find a missing person, all they’re worried about is having to spend a night away from home. They go to check his last known sighting in Kent, staying in a quaint country inn.
Little do they expect that Serial Investigations London are about to get thrust into a new murder investigation – one that happens right under their noses.
A confession seems to solve the case, but is it genuine? With suspicions running high, the duo still have to find time to sniff out the whereabouts of their client – and avoid getting arrested themselves.
With Ram hitting the bottle harder than ever and Will fighting to stay in control, they might be about to lose more than just the case.
Little do they expect that Serial Investigations London are about to get thrust into a new murder investigation – one that happens right under their noses.
A confession seems to solve the case, but is it genuine? With suspicions running high, the duo still have to find time to sniff out the whereabouts of their client – and avoid getting arrested themselves.
With Ram hitting the bottle harder than ever and Will fighting to stay in control, they might be about to lose more than just the case.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
BOOK 4
Book Title: Blood Sucker
Length: 65 000 words/ 191 pages
Release Date: March 28, 2020
Genre/s: M/M Crime/thriller
Trope/s: Slow burn friends to lovers/misunderstandings
Themes: Conflict, murder, trust and loyalty
A dead body posted on social media.
A vampire stalking the streets of London?
Blurb
A vampire stalking the streets of London?
Blurb
Will and Ram’s private detective partnership seems to be unravelling. After they ended up sleeping together, the tension between them is at an all-time high – and the unsolved Simon Shystone case is haunting them and their police contacts.
DI Alex Heath normally wants their help, but when a murderer posts images of his victim on social media, the chase is on to trace his digital footprint. With his superiors breathing down his neck, he might not be able to bring Serial Investigations London in on one of the biggest cases of their career.
They should be focusing on the artist who seems to have disappeared without a trace from his home studio. Could his latest commission have something to do with it? And will they be able to handle finding another client turned up dead?
Things are spiralling out of control for Will and Ram – and this time, they might not have each other to rely on.
DI Alex Heath normally wants their help, but when a murderer posts images of his victim on social media, the chase is on to trace his digital footprint. With his superiors breathing down his neck, he might not be able to bring Serial Investigations London in on one of the biggest cases of their career.
They should be focusing on the artist who seems to have disappeared without a trace from his home studio. Could his latest commission have something to do with it? And will they be able to handle finding another client turned up dead?
Things are spiralling out of control for Will and Ram – and this time, they might not have each other to rely on.
BOOK 5
Book Title: Blood Sport
Length: 164 pages
Release Date: June 30, 2020
Genre/s: M/M Crime/thriller
Trope/s: Slow burn friends to lovers/misunderstandings resolved
Themes: Murder, kidnap, vanquishing the big bad
A copycat killer who knows every detail. A locked room with no escape.
Blurb
Blurb
Serial Investigations London is officially closed for business – with private detectives Will and Ram still not talking to one another after an explosive argument. Even when a copycat killer springs up, seemingly targeting only their own cases, they can’t see eye to eye.
Little wonder, given that they both have something more important on their minds. Someone knows about San Francisco – about the man who died on a rooftop at their feet. Who has discovered their deepest secret? And what will they do to keep it buried?
That’s when another mystery piles up on top of the rest: a traditional trope that every seasoned detective must face, the locked room. But this one has a deadly twist, and if they don’t come to terms with their differences and work together, one of them might not live to regret it.
Will and Ram face the most pressing and personal danger yet – but the question is, who’s behind it? And will they realise they’ve been set against one another before it’s too late?
If you’re a fan of BBC’s Luther, Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole, or sharply witty gay men, you’ll love Serial Investigations. The story continues with Blood Sport, a nail-biting series of twists and turns that will have you questioning how they’ll ever survive.
Click 'Buy Now' to enter the minds of troubled yet brilliant detectives as they struggle inside an interconnected web of lies – and the spider is getting hungry…
Praise for Serial Investigations:
“The front cover didn't lie; Bloodless is exciting and thrilling.”
“Sets up a really great atmosphere right from the start and constantly leaves you wanting to find out what happens next.”
“A punchy storyline makes it difficult to put down and leaves you wanting more.”
“Just the right amount of action, plenty of intriguing deception and detective work.”
“Love the plot twists! Can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next to Will and Ram.”
Little wonder, given that they both have something more important on their minds. Someone knows about San Francisco – about the man who died on a rooftop at their feet. Who has discovered their deepest secret? And what will they do to keep it buried?
That’s when another mystery piles up on top of the rest: a traditional trope that every seasoned detective must face, the locked room. But this one has a deadly twist, and if they don’t come to terms with their differences and work together, one of them might not live to regret it.
Will and Ram face the most pressing and personal danger yet – but the question is, who’s behind it? And will they realise they’ve been set against one another before it’s too late?
If you’re a fan of BBC’s Luther, Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole, or sharply witty gay men, you’ll love Serial Investigations. The story continues with Blood Sport, a nail-biting series of twists and turns that will have you questioning how they’ll ever survive.
Click 'Buy Now' to enter the minds of troubled yet brilliant detectives as they struggle inside an interconnected web of lies – and the spider is getting hungry…
Praise for Serial Investigations:
“The front cover didn't lie; Bloodless is exciting and thrilling.”
“Sets up a really great atmosphere right from the start and constantly leaves you wanting to find out what happens next.”
“A punchy storyline makes it difficult to put down and leaves you wanting more.”
“Just the right amount of action, plenty of intriguing deception and detective work.”
“Love the plot twists! Can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next to Will and Ram.”
Excerpt
Bloodless – Chapter One
Bloodless – Chapter One
Unlocking the door to your new home for the first time is supposed to be exciting. I guess it was the jet-lag, but I couldn’t even force myself to smile as we walked in. Not even for Ram’s sake.
We crashed in hungover and out of it, the sparkling wine and whisky of the plane no longer seeming like such a good idea. I chose a bedroom and dragged my suitcases inside. It felt good to no longer have all of my worldly possessions attached to my person. Without the weight of my backpack on my shoulders, I could feel just how much strain the muscles had been under.
I found Ram still standing at the wide windows of the living room. He was looking out of the clean, fresh glass into the grey and drizzling London of December. It felt like a jolt to look out and see not palm trees, but old Victorian factories and blocks of flats as far as the eye could see.
But then again, no one has ever mistaken Whitechapel for California. It was always going to be a bit of a culture shock, coming back home again.
I shook him by the shoulder, trying to ignore the pit in my own stomach. Maybe if I could get him to snap out of this weary daze we had both fallen into, he would be able to wake me up in return.
“Ram?” I asked, after a moment. He simply swayed under the movement of my hand, like a doll. I wasn’t even sure he was actually looking out at anything.
He turned and looked at me when he heard his name. It was like he was looking at someone he didn’t recognise from a long distance away. If I had felt uneasy before, that expression made my scalp itch with worry. Of the two of us, Ram is the calm and centred one. Even when he’s so drunk he can barely walk, he doesn’t lose it. Not like me. But I’ve never seen him like this before.
“I’m going to take a shower,” he said, after a moment, seeming to rouse. He shrugged off my hand and walked away, leaving me stood watching the place where he had been stood watching. I felt like a sentinel. Something had left us behind and we were plunging into a bowl of cold water, too confused to even try to hold onto the side. I wondered if it would even wash away what we had on our hands.
I was alone, without the option of distracting myself by looking at him. The only thing I could do was to keep moving. I heard the sound of the shower turn on, and I guided my weary feet into my new room. It felt like midnight, but the sun wasn’t even at its midday apex. I went from task to task, like an automaton, letting the cogs turn by themselves to keep my mind empty. Suitcase unzipped; clothes pulled out; find hangers; one by one, up on the rail. Knick-knacks. Decorations. Picture frame.
The flat came furnished, but now I realised that on our hasty flight out of San Francisco we forgot to take a few things into account. The beds had mattresses, but no pillows or sheets. The drawers in the kitchen held no cutlery, crockery, or mugs for tea. Even if they did, there was no kettle, no bags of tea, no instant coffee machine.
I ran out of things to do but I had to find something. I stalked from room to room, tablet in hand, stabbing the pages of an online shopping site. Kettle — black, chrome, retro. Tea bags — Earl Grey, Caramel Rooibos, Herbal Blend. Bed set — plain blue, reverse check, king size. Next.
Ram’s room. Suitcases still locked, black leather bag slung onto bare mattress, leather jacket discarded next to it.
He wouldn’t mind. It’s not like we have any secrets from each other.
Or many, at least.
Open the suitcase (correctly guess the code on the lock). Take out clothes, one by one, to string them up on hangers and leave them waiting for him. Personal items. Books stacked by the bed. Jewellery case. Boots on the floor by the door. Leather jacket hung up last, finally, the only thing left untouched.
I wondered how long it must have been now.
A long time, surely, but all I could hear still was the water hitting the shower tray. Over and over, the same hiss in the same tone.
A long time for Ram to be in there, on his own, with those thoughts swirling around in his head.
With razors and scissors and other sharp things.
“Ram?” I shouted, pounding on the locked bathroom door.
Nothing but the sibilant hiss of the water.
I threw my shoulder into the door, felt it bounce back against me, sending a shockwave through from the impact. Again. The door rattled, the lock unable to give. Again. Again. As many times as it took, again, ignoring the flower of pain blooming out across my shoulder and back. Once more, and I was stumbling forward into the room, momentarily disorientated as the momentum carried me onwards.
The glass of the shower door was all steam, except for a patch near the bottom where the spray of the water was heavy enough to keep it clear. I saw his legs, sprawled across the floor, and I could barely breathe for the fear that I had realised too late.
I wrenched open the door and saw him, and for a moment I understood nothing. He was whole — yes. No blood. But he was lying naked under the water, letting it hit his face and open eyes without blinking, not even reacting to my appearance.“Ram?” I said again, but his eyes didn’t even flicker in response.I reached in and grabbed his shoulder, ignoring the water. It quickly drenched my shirt through to the skin, spreading up over my chest and into my eyes as I shook him.Slowly, like he was caught in a time lapse, his face swivelled around. His eyes looked at me, but they were empty. I don’t think he even saw me.“Everything’s going to be alright,” I said, reaching up and turning the shower off. I didn’t know if it was the truth, but he was alive. For the time being, that was enough.He stirred a little when the water stopped hitting him, but only for a moment. His shoulders slumped back down and he rested, resigned, still looking fixedly at nothing.I grabbed a towel from my bathroom, thankfully one of the few things I did remember to bring with me. I ran back to find him still sitting in the same place. It was like there was no one left inside to notice that he must be cold and uncomfortable. I pulled him out of the shower and into my waiting arms. He came willingly, falling against me like a doll. I towelled him dry as best I could and held him tight, like we were kids again, trying to take some small comfort from one another. His head slotted under my chin, and it felt right but so wrong, because Ram is supposed to be the strong one.“Everything’s going to be fine, Ram, I promise,” I said, closing my eyes and praying that I was telling the truth.
About the Author
Rhiannon D'Averc is a crime writer based in the UK. She works as a ghostwriter and author under her own name as well as under pseudonyms. As a professional writer for over a decade, she also keeps herself busy as Chief Editor of London Runway, an indie fashion magazine. Her short stories have been published in Litro, Devolution-Z, Storgy, Literati, and more.
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