Review The Taste of Blood

14 May 2026

James Craig’s The Taste of Blood is a solid but somewhat uneven entry in the Inspector Carlyle series, earning a respectable three stars for its gripping premise and fast-paced plot, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.

The novel opens with a striking hook: a brutally beaten woman arrives at A&E, only to be arrested as an illegal immigrant—before swiftly escaping and leaving a trail of bodies in her wake. It’s an immediately compelling setup, and Craig wastes no time plunging readers into a tense, high-stakes manhunt. The moral ambiguity at the heart of the story—victim or vigilante?—adds an intriguing layer that keeps you turning the pages.

Inspector John Carlyle remains a dependable central figure, bringing a sense of weary realism to the investigation. His dogged pursuit of the truth grounds the story, even as the case grows increasingly complex. The procedural elements are well handled, and there’s a gritty authenticity to the depiction of London’s policing and bureaucracy.

However, while the plot is undeniably engaging, the character development can feel a little thin. The mysterious woman at the centre of the story is fascinating in concept, but she remains somewhat distant, making it harder to fully invest in her motivations. Similarly, some supporting characters come across as more functional than memorable.

The pacing is brisk, which works in the book’s favour, but it occasionally comes at the expense of depth. Certain plot developments feel rushed, and the emotional stakes don’t always land as strongly as they could. The story raises interesting questions about justice, identity, and revenge, but doesn’t explore them as deeply as it might have.

That said, The Taste of Blood is still an enjoyable read, particularly for fans of crime fiction who appreciate a straightforward, action-driven narrative. It’s tense, easy to get through, and delivers enough twists and intrigue to hold your attention—even if it doesn’t quite linger in the mind afterwards.

This is a competent and entertaining thriller that shows flashes of brilliance, but ultimately feels like it’s just shy of something truly memorable.