The bestselling author of the stunning DI Bliss crime series is back – this time with a thrilling prequel novella.

A double life – a single truth.

Fresh out of uniform, DC Jimmy Bliss finds himself at the centre of an undercover sting. Enlisted by a crew of villains to crack a safe, he fears his cover is blown when he’s seen in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But on the night of the job, things run smoothly enough until the gang leader changes the location of the heist. As the job spirals out of control, Bliss has to trust his instincts and buy some time. There’s just one problem: he has no idea if his team know what has become of him.

As the situation escalates, Bliss finds himself at the mercy of a violent criminal who will do anything not to be caught.

Early reviews from ARC readers:

“Five stars ..For Bliss who was and for the man who he became ...Another Brilliant read.”

“Well written and a great intro to a character that has become a firm favourite.”

“I found the book very easy to read and laughed out loud in a couple of places,the undercover story is easily believable and the twist at the end was one I didn't see coming.”

“However this is not just a book about meeting the young Bliss it is a fantastic crime thriller too and I didn’t see the end coming!”

“As with all Tony Forders books, the description is so good you feel like you are in the pages, living with the characters.”

“Another fabulous bliss book with a killer twist. Definitely a must read.”

“Bliss is a great read, because Tony Forder is a great storyteller.”

“As always an excellent story which, once again I could not put down.”

“Wow! What can I say, I absolutely loved this prequel.”

“A great novella and prequel to the Bliss series.”

“As a big Bliss fan it’s a five from me as this answered questions I had about Jimmy.”

“A truly brilliant read, loved it doesn’t cover it.”

Reviews for other works in the DI Bliss series:

“The author is hugely talented and ranks, in my opinion, with the likes of Peter James and Val McDermid.” Maggie James – bestselling author

“Just a word of warning - prepare to be in tears, on the edge of your seat and gobsmacked in equal measure. A triumph!” Liz Mistry – bestselling author

"Brilliantly written and a fascinating read that, in my opinion, could happily stand shoulder to shoulder with works from the likes of Rankin and Connelly." Steve Robb – BookieWookie blogsite

First published in 2017, now republished in 2021.

From the bestselling author of the addictive DI Bliss series and the compelling standalone novel, Fifteen Coffins, comes a dark, psychological journey into the nightmare world of a serial killer.

Nothing is ever entirely black or white.

Pre-teen girls are being abducted from their homes and their families murdered. When Frank Rogers, ex-DI with the Metropolitan Police, is told that his own daughter is missing, his son a victim, he sets aside his grief to help old colleagues investigate the case. 

Soon Frank’s face is all over the news. And in an unexpected turn of events, the killer contacts the police to say he is willing to talk. But only to Frank.

When the body of the first abducted girl is discovered, Frank realises the investigation has become a race against time to save his daughter’s life. 

In order to solve the case, Frank must work out how the killer is choosing his victims. To do that, he must first enter the killer’s mind. But is Frank able to drag himself into its darker reaches? And if so, will he be able to pull himself back?

First published in 2017, now republished in 2021.

“This is an awesome read that for me that put it on a scare factor alongside Stephen King and Thomas Harris.  The heart breaking opening will make most readers just stand back and take a breath. Frightening, terrifying and imprinted on your mind for every time you say goodnight to your children before you double-check and triple check your doors are locked and bolted again.”

"If I could have given this book more than five stars I certainly would. It is sensational and I think the best thriller I have ever read. I hope he writes some more. In my opinion it's not for the faint-hearted. Brilliant."

"Degrees of Darkness is an excellent read and it is one of my favourite books this year."

"It is brilliantly written, without excessive gore – a mark of a true craftsman. I absolutely loved it, and would HIGHLY recommend."

"A brilliant, hard to put down book that leaves you reeling, and thinking about it long after the final page. Excellent."

"If you read books of this genre then this is up there with the best."

“This book is simply brilliant from start to finish. I loved everything about it, from the memorable, unique and identifiable characters to the wonderfully deep, twisted and well thought-out plot.”

“What a fabulous story from the opening scene it just exploded into a world of pure crazy in the mind of one of the most damaged and twisted serial killers that I have read.”

“Tony has created a character who is evilness personified.”

"Gosh it's so eerie which makes you feel uncomfortable as the story gallops along at such a pace. At one point I had to put my Kindle down because I didn't want to finish the book.....It is that thought provoking and the evil characters are made to feel so real it scared the life out of me."

“Degrees of Darkness certainly took me on a journey to the dark-side and beyond! This is an intensely chilling book. The author suckered me in from the beginning and never really let go. My heart was in my mouth a lot of the time.”

“The characters are absolutely perfect. The author has built compassion and a dogged determination to survive into complex and realistic characters.

The bestselling author of the compelling DI Bliss crime series is back with another stunning novel.

WHEN DEATH BECOMES THE KINDEST CUT OF ALL
When slices of flesh and body parts are discovered in different areas of the country, DI Bliss and his team are tasked with running the operation. After Bliss realises the victims have been subjected to a specific form of torture, it leads him to a cold case involving the brutal and bloody murder of a woman in London twenty-six years earlier.

As the team discover links between their victims, the murdered woman, and gangland crime, they begin a dangerous investigation into both the past and the present. But Bliss is stumped, unable to decide if the current spate of mutilations are acts of revenge or the result of ageing criminals seeking to hide their despicable actions. Following a leak to the media, Bliss’s reaction may have dire consequences.

With the hunt for the victims at fever point, Bliss uncovers evidence steering him in the direction of one particular individual. The only problem being, his prime suspect is the one person it cannot possibly be. When Bliss orders a sting operation, the astonishing truth is revealed. And that’s when things really start to go wrong…

The stunning DI Bliss series of fast-paced police thrillers will appeal to fans of authors like Michael Connelly, Joy Ellis, Peter James, Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons. Tony J Forder is also the bestselling author of Degrees of Darkness, Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun.

Early ARC reviews for Slow Slicing:

“I could almost smell and feel the fear due to the writing...”

“I believe this book deserves more than 5 stars and I highly recommend Slow Slicing as well as the other books in the series.”

“The darkest of the Bliss books thus far, this will have your mind working overtime. Absolutely brilliant.”

“Absolutely Chilling ...The best in the series ....Brilliant.”

“Absolutely loved this and highly recommend it, as I do all the books in the Bliss series.”

Reviews for other works in the DI Bliss series:

“The author is hugely talented and ranks, in my opinion, with the likes of Peter James and Val McDermid.” Maggie James – bestselling author

“Just a word of warning - prepare to be in tears, on the edge of your seat and gobsmacked in equal measure. A triumph!” Liz Mistry – bestselling author

"Brilliantly written and a fascinating read that, in my opinion, could happily stand shoulder to shoulder with works from the likes of Rankin and Connelly." Steve Robb – BookieWookie blogsite

THE FIRST FIVE BOOKS IN THE BESTSELLING DI BLISS SERIES

"A great read for those who like a clever plot in their crime, thriller, murder and suspense reads"

"From well-developed characters to an intelligently plotted storyline and intriguing investigations, there’s a great deal to keep you hooked here."

This great value boxset includes all five books in the bestselling DI Bliss series, including:

Bad to the Bone

The Scent of Guilt

If Fear Wins

The Reach of Shadows

The Death of Justice

Discover your new favourite crime mystery series today

Bad to the Bone:

A skeletal body is unearthed in a wooded area of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. DI James Bliss, together with DC Penny Chandler, investigate the case and discover that the young, female victim had been relocated from its original burial site.

The Scent of Guilt:

Twelve years after he left Peterborough under a cloud, DI Bliss returns to the city and the major crimes team. Having spent years policing organised crime, Bliss is plunged straight into the heart of a serial murder investigation.

If Fear Wins:

When a torched body is found in a country lane, DI Bliss and Chandler are called in to investigate. The detectives are drawn towards recent missing person reports and believe their victim will prove to be one of them. Bliss thinks he knows which, and fears the outcome if he is proven right.

The Reach of Shadows:

Recovering from injuries sustained in a road collision, DI Bliss is taken directly from hospital to a fresh crime scene and ordered to investigate the vicious stabbing and murder of Jade Coleman.

The Death of Justice:

When DI Bliss arrives at the scene of the second murder, he recognises the same three-shot pattern as the first. But there is one major difference: the second victim has been decapitated, the head nowhere to be found. When a second headless corpse is discovered the following day, Bliss and his team realise the killer is on a spree – and he’s not done yet.

Tony J. Forder is also the best-selling author of Degrees of Darkness and Scream Blue Murder. The stunning DI Bliss series are fast-paced police thrillers which will appeal to fans of authors like Michael Connely, Joy Ellis, Faith Martin, Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons.

Discover a bestselling crime series that will have you gripped from the explosive start to the heart-pounding conclusion.

A skeletal body is unearthed in a wooded area of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. DI James Bliss, together with DC Penny Chandler, investigate the case and discover that the young, female victim had been relocated from its original burial site.

A witness is convinced that a young female was struck by a vehicle back in the summer of 1990, and that police attended the scene. However, no record exists of either the accident or the reported victim. As the case develops, two retired police officers are murdered. The two are linked with others who were on duty at the time a road accident was reported.

As Bliss and Chandler delve deeper into the investigation, they start to question whether senior officers may have been involved in the murder of the young women who was buried in the woods.

As each link in the chain is put under duress, so is Bliss who clashes with superiors and the media.

When his team receives targeted warnings, Bliss will need to decide whether to drop the case or to pursue those responsible.

Will Bliss walk away in order to keep his career intact or will he fight no matter what the cost? 

And is it possible the killer is much closer than they imagined?

Also available in the bestselling DI Bliss Series:

The Scent of Guilt

If Fear Wins

The Reach of Shadows

Tony J. Forder is the acclaimed author of Degrees of Darkness and Scream Blue Murder. The stunning DI Bliss series are fast-paced police thrillers which will appeal to fans of authors like Michael Connely, Joy Ellis, Faith Martin, Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons. 

From the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime series comes another gripping police procedural thriller that will have readers hooked from the stunning first page to the very last.

He saved her life once. Can he do it again?

When DI Bliss prevents fifteen-year-old Molly from jumping off the roof of a tall building, he has no idea how deeply she will impact on his life. After learning that the girl is a drugs courier, Bliss realises she is in great danger. As he struggles to have Molly relocated, a local drug dealer and an enforcer sent by the supplier, have other plans for her.

After the remains of a freelance journalist are discovered, an old flame comes back into Bliss’s life. With the clock ticking down, he realises it’s only a matter of time before reports emerge linking the murdered journalist with the police, putting added pressure on the Major Crimes team to find the killer – even if it’s one of their own.

With Bliss torn between the two investigations, he becomes increasingly desperate to move Molly to safety before she can be silenced. But with his focus on saving the girl for a second time, Bliss is blinded to other dangers…

The stunning DI Bliss series of fast-paced police thrillers will appeal to fans of authors like Michael Connelly, Joy Ellis, Peter James, Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons. Tony J Forder is also the bestselling author of Degrees of Darkness, Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun.

“The author is hugely talented and ranks, in my opinion, with the likes of Peter James and Val McDermid.” Maggie James – bestselling author

"Brilliantly written and a fascinating read that, in my opinion, could happily stand shoulder to shoulder with works from the likes of Rankin and Connelly." Steve Robb – BookieWookie blogsite

What early readers are saying about Endless Silent Scream:

‘It really is wonderfully written. This is one of those books that I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.’

‘This is storytelling at its best. Well written, always an intriguing plot, plenty of grit, well paced with a good amount of action a dash of humour and a great mixture of characters you will love, or love to hate.’

‘As has become expected of Tony J. Forder the writing is brilliant and the attention to detail is second to none.’

‘The exquisite ending was totally unexpected, leaving the door wide open for the future.’

‘A plot (or three) that makes me admire Tony for his very sharp mind and being able to plan such intricate, clever but easy to follow storylines. I laughed, I (almost) cried. I loved it. Can't wait for the next Blissful read.’

‘I had to keep closing the book to just think about what was happening and absorb it. The book just got its hooks into me.’

Discover a bestselling crime series that will have you gripped from the explosive start to the heart-pounding conclusion.

Twelve years after he left Peterborough under a cloud, DI Bliss returns to the city and the major crimes team. Having spent years policing organised crime, Bliss is plunged straight into the heart of a serial murder investigation.

Meanwhile, Penny Chandler has been promoted to DS and has been working in

London on the Met’s sexual crimes team. But when two rapes are reported on her old patch in Peterborough, Chandler volunteers to interview the victims.

Chandler joins the hunt for the attacker and soon notices a possible link between the rapes and Bliss’s murder investigation. Could the same man be responsible?

Just as both cases seem to stall, a call comes in from an ex-policeman who knows of unsolved cases in the USA with a similar MO. Bliss finds himself travelling to California to hunt for a killer whose reach may have stretched further than anyone could possibly imagine.

But in order to catch the murderer, Bliss must discover the killer’s motive. A motive which should have remained buried in the past…

Also available in the DI Bliss Series:

Bad to the Bone

If Fear Wins

The Reach of Shadows

What everyone is saying about The Scent of Guilt:

"Dark, brutal and sinister that will have you avidly turning the pages." Yvonne Bastian - Me And My Books

"The novel builds to a crescendo in the final few chapters, and I found myself holding my breath as the tension was almost impossible to bear!" Kate Eveleigh - Portable Magic

"If you're looking for a well-written police thriller then I highly recommend you set time aside and devour these books." Philomena Callan - Cheekype Reads And Reviews

"The Scent of Guilt may be an intriguing mystery with superb characterisation and riveting action but it's also a contemplative examination of what makes somebody evil." Karen Cole - Hair Past A Freckle

"The murders are gruesome, the case is cleverly weaved together, some great twists and it kept me guessing." Dash Fan Book Reviews

"A cleverly woven, complex, and highly intense novel which will leave you with your eyes prised open and your jaw dropping low." Kaisha Holloway - The Writing Garnet

"Brilliantly written and a fascinating read that, in my opinion, could happily stand shoulder to shoulder with works from the likes of Rankin and Connelly." Steve Robb - BookieWookie

"I think the story is very well written and left me guessing all the way through and the final scenes were really dramatic." Simon Leonard - Black Books Blog

"It had my breath caught, my brain hooked and my senses in overdrive; twists and turns will keep you hooked til the very last page. Read it!" Sharon Bairden - Chapter In My Life

"...fast-paced, great plot -another brilliant book and another of the author’s that I have given 5 stars!!" Donna Maguire - Donnas Book Blog

Discover a bestselling crime series that will have you gripped from the explosive start to the heart-pounding conclusion.

One night. Two shootings. Two victims. 

When DI Bliss arrives at the scene of the second murder, he recognises the same three-shot pattern as the first. But there is one major difference: the second victim has been decapitated, the head nowhere to be found. When a second headless corpse is discovered the following day, Bliss and his team realise the killer is on a spree – and he’s not done yet.

After Bliss links the killings and forms a task force with officers from Lincolnshire, they uncover further disturbing news: the murders are not the first in the series – there are four more headless victims, and the Lincolnshire team believe they know why. Not only that, they are also convinced that more potential victims are on the killer’s list.

In a race against time to save further loss of life, Bliss constantly finds himself one step behind and chasing shadows. In order to flush out the hired assassin, he and his team have no choice but to put their own lives at risk. But will everyone survive?

Also available in the bestselling DI Bliss Series:

Bad to the Bone

The Scent of Guilt

If Fear Wins

The Reach of Shadows

Tony J. Forder is also the best-selling author of Degrees of Darkness and Scream Blue Murder. The stunning DI Bliss series are fast-paced police thrillers which will appeal to fans of authors like Michael Connely, Joy Ellis, Faith Martin, Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons.

From the bestselling author of the DI Bliss series comes an enthralling mystery thriller.

The truth can set you free – or bury you.

When FBI Agent Sydney Merlot returns to her home town in northern California to wind down her late father’s PI business, she soon finds herself on the wrong side of the aftermath of a high school shooting.

Sydney’s childhood friend – who is now county sheriff – plus the local PD, the mayor’s office, and most of the town’s inhabitants, are convinced the horror ended when the gunman was killed. Now they just want to be left alone to mourn. But Sydney has other ideas – and she is not alone.

While having to work through her own personal grief, Sydney is openly intimidated and receives anonymous threats. After discovering she is under surveillance, she begins to fear for her life. During her investigation she gains several allies, but as the days pass, Sydney doesn’t know who to trust, and which new friends might actually turn out to be foes...

Early ARC reviews for Fifteen Coffins:

“The crime was a perfect catalyst for the rest of the impressive story line and had some exciting twists- there were times of pure drama, light hearted moments and tears of emotion.”

“I was sucked into the plot from the beginning and therefore stuck between racing through to the conclusion vs slowing down not wanting the book to end! Fabulous!”

“Tony Forder is genius. This book is totally unique, I have never read anything like it.”

“Wow what a read! A powerful story dealing with an emotive subject yet handled so brilliantly.”

“Another 5 star read from Tony Forder.”

“Absolutely fantastic read - totally believable, fast paced and I didn’t see the end coming.”

“Tony is a natural storyteller and I really enjoyed losing myself in this book.”

“Another brilliant read from Tony J Forder!”

“Edge of your seat suspense.”

“This was a compelling and fabulous read.”

“The plot leads us from each shocking surprise to the next with little time to gather breath in between.”

“It is a terrific story and is as skilfully written as Tony's other books.”

“An edge of the seat reading experience that shouldn't be missed!”

“As with any of Tony's books you know you’re in for a treat.”

“Fifteen Coffins is for me Forder's greatest work to date ...and another of my top reads this year.”

“I couldn’t get enough of this book, it’s one of those that you just want to read one more chapter!”

“This book doesn't give its secrets away easily, and that's what makes it amazing, brilliant and at times harrowing.”

“A wonderful highly enjoyable read.”

“Five stars from me and let’s hope there will be another book.”

Discover a crime series that will have you gripped from the explosive start to the heart-pounding conclusion.

When a torched body is found in a country lane, DI Bliss and Chandler are called in to investigate. 

The detectives are drawn towards recent missing person reports and believe their victim will prove to be one of them. Bliss thinks he knows which, and fears the outcome if he is proven right.

Soon the body is identified, and Bliss and Chandler discover evidence suggesting this murder might be a terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, someone from Bliss’s past needs his help, and soon he is juggling his personal life with the demanding case. To make matters more complicated, MI5 and the Counter-Terrorist Unit are called in to help solve the case. But are they on the right track?

Bliss and Chandler soon find themselves in a race against time, and this might just be their most challenging case yet…

Also available in the best-selling DI Bliss Crime series:

Bad to the Bone

The Scent of Guilt 

The Reach of Shadows

What everyone is saying about If Fear Wins:

"If Fear Wins is a brilliantly complex and gripping police procedural which has many threads running through the overall narrative, cleverly brought together." Clair Boor - Have Books Will Read 

"If Fear Wins” is another outstanding instalment in the Bliss and Chandler series and not to be missed!" Sharon Bairden - Chapter In My Life 

"Forder has a very enjoyable writing style and takes the time to go into some of the detail that helps to build all the characters in my mind's eye." Steve Robb - BookieWookie 

"A great read for those who like a clever plot in their crime, thriller, murder, suspense reads, and one I would definitely recommend." Yvonne Bastian - Me And My Books 

"Tony J Forder is an excellent storyteller, executing his tales with precision, intensity and a lot of suspense." Kaisha Holloway - The Writing Garnet 

"This is a fabulous read with twists and turns and a neatly tied up ending." Sally Boland - Sal's World Of Books 

"This is a book that you can sit down with and be sure of a good read, an excellent, very cleverly thought out plot and a smile along the way." Nicki Murphy - Nicki's Book Blog 

"From well-developed characters to an intelligently plotted storyline and intriguing investigations, there’s a great deal to keep you hooked here." Eva Merckx - Novel Deelights 

"Everything about the book worked for me and it was a brilliant read!!" Donna Maguire - Donnas Book Blog 

"If Fear Wins is an intelligent, multi-layered and tightly plotted story." Jacob Collins - Hooked From Page One 

"Why have I not read a book in the DI Bliss series before?! I love it!" Caroline Vincent - Bits About Books 

"I've read quite a few police procedurals and If Fear Wins is

Discover a bestselling crime series that will have you gripped from the explosive start to the heart-pounding conclusion.

Recovering from injuries sustained in a road collision, DI Bliss is taken directly from hospital to a fresh crime scene and ordered to investigate the vicious stabbing and murder of Jade Coleman.

When Bliss realises the victim had reported being stalked, and that two of his own team had been drafted in to take her statement, he is given the unenviable task of interviewing both of his detectives.

Increasingly it appears that the stalker may be their killer. However, several other people soon become part of the team’s suspect list.

Bliss also finds himself being questioned about his own past and has to battle to defend himself whilst continuing to investigate the murder.

Soon more questions arise.

Why would anybody target Jade Coleman?

Why are the team unable to identify the victim’s close female friend?

And why did Jade recently leave her job without any explanation?

With his work cut out, and his team under pressure, can Bliss solve the case before more victims show up?

Or will the shadows of his own past reach out and drag him under before he can succeed?

Also available in the bestselling DI Bliss Series:

Bad to the Bone

The Scent of Guilt

If Fear Wins

Tony J. Forder is also the best-selling author of Degrees of Darkness and Scream Blue Murder. The stunning DI Bliss series are fast-paced police thrillers which will appeal to fans of authors like Michael Connely, Joy Ellis, Faith Martin, Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons.

THE CONTINUATION OF THE BESTELLING DI BLISS SERIES

“For anybody who enjoys high quality crime fiction, this series should be essential reading, I cannot recommend it highly enough!”

“What an absolute joy to discover DI Bliss! If you're a lover of Morse, Frost, even Harry Bosch, these are the books for you.”

This boxset continues the DI Bliss crime series, including the following books:

Endless Silent Scream (Book #6)

Slow Slicing (Book #7)

Bliss Uncovered (Book #0 – prequel novella)

Whether Jimmy Bliss is already one of your favourite detectives, or you are looking for a new favourite UK crime series, these compelling and thrilling books represent great value.

Endless Silent Scream

When DI Bliss prevents fifteen-year-old Molly from jumping to her death, he has no idea how much she will come to mean to him. Neither does he have any idea of the danger she is in, and that having saved her life once he is going to have to do it all over again. And all this while investigating the murder of a journalist fifteen years earlier during a time of riots and outrage in a troubled city.

Slow Slicing

Body parts, engraved with cryptic messages, are discovered in three areas of the country. DI Bliss and his Peterborough Major Crimes Unit are given the task of running a join task force. But when the clues point to a cold case in London, Bliss and his colleagues realise that it’s going to be almost impossible to tell the good from the bad, and the ugly truth is that their gruesome finds are only the beginning.

Bliss Uncovered

This prequel novella looks at Jimmy Bliss’s first case as a callow DC. London gangsters are planning a raid, and Bliss is thrown in at the deep end as an undercover safe cracker. With each passing day he fears being uncovered, but on the night of the job the gang leader makes a decision that will put Bliss’s life in danger not knowing if his team will arrive in time to save his life.

“The author has an amazing mind creating authentic plots that keep the reader’s attention gripped throughout. I’m so glad I discovered this series and can’t recommend it highly enough.”

“It really has been bliss reading these books. As well as happy, excited, worried, tearful and many other emotions. Brilliant!”

“Loving the DI Bliss series. Interesting plots, great characters and plenty of twists and turns. A must read for anyone who loves crime or police thrillers.”

“If you enjoy an action packed fast paced thriller these are for you. Love the characters in these books and the development of their personal stories as well as the crimes they are out to solve.”

“Well Done Tony J. Forder I loved your writing and am now well & truly a fan of DI Bliss.”

“I found these books to be absolutely riveting to read. So pleased to have got to know DI Jimmy Bliss and the rest of his team through this series.”

“Very well written the author has aptitude in descriptive writing not many people can make me feel as if I am there beside them the plots were believable but not so easy that you would get bored all in all a very worthwhile read.”

“Great stories, great action, great team. Books very hard to put down. Very well written and believable action.