Blood Rites

By: Sharon K. Gilbert

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

As Charles and Beth plan their wedding, the newly titled detective must unravel the clues to a riddle that hints at his past, and he is forced to reveal a dark secret to his beloved duchess. But worst of all, wolves that walk like men have been seen at St. Katherine’s Docks and Victoria Park. Is all of this connected to a cedar crate shipped to England in 1870? Might an ancient stone marker be the source of the evil now stalking women in London? Redwing’s members have redoubled their efforts, but a schism has arisen within their ranks, and two powerful spiritual entities begin a battle that rages not only in the infernal realm but in the world of men. Can the faithful men and women of the ‘inner circle’ solve the riddle in time? And why is Charles Sinclair’s blood so very special to the infernal realm? Sir William Trent knows the answer to that question, but his plans do not include Sinclair. He wants Elizabeth all to himself, which means both Paul Stuart and Charles Sinclair must die.

Compelling story and loveable characters.

The author gradually and skillfully drew me into the story. I came to admire and care about the characters. They aren't perfect people, but they are loveable. The supernatural aspects of the story are revealed very gradually. I appreciate the way their Christian faith isn't ridiculed, but it is elevated.

Hate the artificial voice, love the story

Narrators have to be human. Only that way can genuine emotions and general appeal be sustained in the ears of the listener. That said Sharon Stone’s Dickensian-feel narrative is certainly able to carry the book on its own. The second instalment of the Redwing saga is a development and deepening of the themes and main plot as presented in Blood Lies. And as such it works beautifully as a pageturner - albeit the story progresses at a pace mirroring a time when life was not as dizzieingly hurried as it’s now. Stone is perhaps too much of a romantic in her approach to the rigid class-distinctions of 19th century Britain. This isn’t gritty realism, but the idyllised society of well-mannered and faith-filled nobility being the focus of a mystery blending spiritual warfare, blood-curdling crime and romantic love.