Sending a book that I’ve spent eighteen months writing, out into the world is scary. What if they hate it? Yet the fear is mixed with relief, joy, and pride.
So, I’m thrilled to announce that, today, February 13, you can purchase Blood of the Innocents, the fifth book in my NYPD Detective Chiara Corelli mystery series, from my publisher (https://tinyurl.com/yc4zvpnw) in ebook and paperback formats. Starting February 18, you can purchase your ebook or paperback at the bookstore of your choice. And for those who love to listen, the audiobook, narrated by Abby Craden, will be released March 4.
Blood of the Innocents can be read as a standalone. However, if you’d like to read the earlier books, for a limited time the ebook versions of A Matter of Blood, The Blood Runs Cold, A Message in Blood, and Legacy in the Blood are reduced from $9.99 to $6.99 at https://tinyurl.com/yk55tdbs
Synopsis
When a rising star singer is found brutally murdered in New York State Senator Leigh Drayman’s living room, NYPD Detectives Chiara Corelli and P.J. Parker are thrust into a high-stakes investigation. The victim, Alessandra Moreau, harbored a closely guarded secret shared with only three people. She was transgender—just like the senator.
What begins as a focused investigation into three suspects explodes into something far more sinister when thirteen identical murders of trans women surface from the past two years. As the killer’s pattern accelerates and the body count rises, Corelli and Parker uncover two cold cases from nearly two decades ago that could hold the key.
But their quarry is clever, methodical, and has been hiding behind a perfect disguise for years. In a race against time, the detectives must unravel decades of deception before another woman dies.
Early Reviews
“Another well written, gripping crime story from Catherine Maiorisi, although it is number 5 in the series, you can start with this one without feeling lost, as there is only the occasional mentions of previous books/cases. Featuring the two queer detectives Chiara Corelli and P.J. Parker, this book follows them as they investigate the brutal murder of a trans woman…. Reading this whilst the political vilification of Trans folk intensifies was sobering and thought provoking. Reinforces my observation that skilled crime writers like Maiorisi can explore societal issues with more freedom, clarity and empathy than writers in many other genres. Recommended.” Goodreads
“Blood of the Innocents is different from the books I normally read in that it doesn’t include a romance between the two Main Characters. The book is very much a police procedural which is definitely the kind of book I enjoy, however. As a result, I really enjoyed reading it.
The book features two strong, queer detectives as they work to solve the mystery of the brutal murder of multiple trans women by a violent serial killer. Catherine Maiorisi does an incredible job of highlighting the prejudice that still exists towards the trans community and was particularly thought provoking given the current political situation, particularly in the United States. This may make the read a difficult journey for some readers, but it unveils a very important message about the damaging effect of hate.
I certainly recommend this story.” Goodreads
So
I hope you’ll read Blood of the Innocents and post a review. And if you enjoy it, please encourage your friends real, or virtual, to read it as well
Comment on this post or contact me on my website (http://www.catherinemaiorisi.com) to let me know what you think about the book or the series.
Thank you for your support,
Catherine
Catherine Maiorisi
In addition to her mysteries and her general fiction GOLDIE winner, The Disappearance of Lindy James, Catherine has authored five romances novels. Her latest, Love Among the Ruins, won the GOLDIE for Best Romance–long.
Catherine has also published multiple mystery and romance short stories in various anthologies.
Love Chiara and PJ and looking forward to reading this new one ~ thank you for writing a great series
Thank you, Anne. It’s always wonderful to hear from readers.
Catherine, congratulations on the new Chiara!
You voiced the feelings of a new release perfectly— that weird combination of trepidation and exhilaration authors experience.
We’ll be reading!
Sounds great, Catherine. Congrats on another winner book 🙂
Thanks, Dawn. I sure hope it’s a winner.
Thanks, Marni. It is a weird combination.
Congratulations, Catherine! Sounds like a real page-turner. And boy, do I know the feeling–sending your “baby” out there into the cold, cruel world. This time I’m sure the book will be loved!
Thanks, Connie. I know you know. And I hope you’re right that it’s loved.
Congratulations Catherine! This one sounds really good!
Thank you, Emilya.
Congratulations, Catherine. I’m looking forward to reading your newest book. Blood of the Innocents sounds fascinating!
Thanks, Mally. I hope you like it.
Congratulations, Catherine! In my tbr!
Thank you, Jean, I hope you enjoy it.
Congratulations. Catherine. Sounds riveting. Can’t wait to read it.
Thank you, Susan.
Congratulations! Looking forward to reading this one, Catherine!
Thanks for your support, Suzanne.
Cold cases and closely guarded secrets? I’m already hooked. Congratulations, Catherine!
Thanks, Lori.
Congratulations on your new novel! I love the title, and I’m impressed by how you tackle important issues in your crime fiction.
Thank you, Nancy. The restriction I placed on myself by requiring blood in all the titles makes it hard to come up with a title that also fits the story. I believe this one does both well. As for important issues, I think it’s a way to torture myself because it makes the story more complex and therefore, harder to write. Who was it that said I hate writing but I love having written? Sometimes that’s how I feel in the throes of wrestling the book into shape.