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Helen Harper
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Dire Straits (Bo Blackman Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Helen Harper (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,506 ratings

A half dead daemon. A massacre at my private investigators’ office. Planted evidence that points to me as the main suspect for both crimes.

Yep. All in all, I’m having a very bad week.

I know I’m inexperienced and often naive but I’m going to find out who’s behind these terrible crimes. I’m even prepared to get involved with one of London’s most powerful vampire families and their enigmatic leader if that’s what it takes to get answers.

I might not survive the month. But giving up is not an option.

This is the first thrilling book in the urban fantasy Bo Blackman series. Expect dark, gritty adventure with a sprinkling of romance.

And lots and lots of vampires.

Book One - Dire Straits
Book Two - New Order
Book Three - High Stakes
Book Four - Red Angel
Book Five - Vigilante Vampire
Book Six - Dark Tomorrow

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  1. Print length
    383 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    8 July 2014
  5. File size
    3.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product description

About the Author

Saskia Maarleveld is an experienced audiobook narrator and voice-over actress based in New York City. Raised in New Zealand and France, she is highly skilled with accents and dialects, and many of her books have been narrated entirely in accents other than her own.

After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan, and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full-time. Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00LMZF9HG
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 8 July 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 383 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,506 ratings

About the author

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Helen Harper

Helen Harper

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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time, thanking her lucky stars every day that's she lucky enough to do so!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

She currently lives in Edinburgh with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,506 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book well-written and intriguing, with more twists and turns than a labyrinth, featuring a kick-ass likable heroine. Moreover, the pacing receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how it flows along building anticipation. Additionally, they appreciate it as a fantastic start to a new series.

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28 customers mention ‘Readability’28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read, with one customer specifically appreciating the English phrases used in the story.

"...I love the English phrases which come naturally to the character and which I use in my daily conversations...this makes it more "real"...not..." Read more

"...The writing is good...." Read more

"...detective stories was just right: a good balance of mystery, action, romance, and believable "real-life" aspects...." Read more

"...was going to happen next lol, suffice to say I thought this was a good read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series." Read more

27 customers mention ‘Story quality’27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story intriguing with more twists and turns than a labyrinth, and one customer mentions it holds their interest until the end.

"...The story itself is good with a few twists and turns, but nothing too taxing, although I wasn't anticipating the end........" Read more

"...The storyline is interesting and enjoyable, not predictable at all, and well paced. The writing is good...." Read more

"...from some of the "standard fantasy" books and this excellent series of detective stories was just right: a good balance of mystery, action, romance,..." Read more

"...The story was also not contrived and the plot explained without being long winded - I hate it when a whole page is dedicated to how handsome/funny/..." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Character development’16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the kick-ass and likable heroine, with one customer noting how the relationships between characters develop well throughout the story.

"...I love the English phrases which come naturally to the character and which I use in my daily conversations...this makes it more "real"...not..." Read more

"...As the plot moves along the characters relationships develop well and I'll be interested to see where they go in the next books...." Read more

"...I found that the lead character was engaging and that the pace of the novel kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next..." Read more

"...which is a fete in itself but reoccurring themes such as a strong likable heroine and great chemistry between characters...." Read more

15 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and brilliant.

"...All in all, a good book which I shall read again and again.....buy it, read it and enjoy it...I did!" Read more

"I enjoyed the characters, especially Bo, she's down to earth and likeable with a touch of feisty to boot...." Read more

"...All unfounded! This was a great book and start to a new series; some of the elements are the same with regards to the world and its inhabitants,..." Read more

"I really enjoyed this...." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Start’9 positive0 negative

Customers find this book to be a fantastic start to a new series.

"...All unfounded! This was a great book and start to a new series; some of the elements are the same with regards to the world and its inhabitants,..." Read more

"Oh my stars!! A brilliant beginning for this series' I'm already half in love with Bo & that's after book #1!..." Read more

"This was a really good start to a new series. I look forward to Helen Harper's book releases and this didn't disappoint...." Read more

"Brilliant new series with a kick ass likable heroine. Who is tough on outside but insecure on inside...." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Pacing’6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one noting how it flows along building anticipation, while others mention how quickly they progressed through the series.

"...lust" that seems to afflict most heroines, it flows along building anticipation, as a good book should...." Read more

"...storyline is interesting and enjoyable, not predictable at all, and well paced. The writing is good...." Read more

"...characters are, or about how dark/ominous a room is; quick without being rushed...." Read more

"Brilliant new series with a kick ass likable heroine. Who is tough on outside but insecure on inside...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Gail-Force
    5.0 out of 5 stars A heck of a lot better than the blurb suggested......
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 January 2015
    Verified Purchase
    There seems to be a lot of this genre on the market at the moment, and to be honest I've considered buying this a few times but the blurb sounded just like any other paranormal chick lit.....However, although the premise is the same as the others, the story and dialogue bang it right up to 5 stars for me...I read it in 2 days and promptly read book 2 and am downloading book 3 as I type this.

    I love the English phrases which come naturally to the character and which I use in my daily conversations...this makes it more "real"...not that I have Vampires in my world, but you get the picture.

    The attraction between Bo and Michael isn't the usual "instant lust" that seems to afflict most heroines, it flows along building anticipation, as a good book should.

    The story itself is good with a few twists and turns, but nothing too taxing, although I wasn't anticipating the end.....

    All in all, a good book which I shall read again and again.....buy it, read it and enjoy it...I did!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Gunitini
    4.0 out of 5 stars Truly a very enjoyable read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 February 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the characters, especially Bo, she's down to earth and likeable with a touch of feisty to boot. I found myself laughing more than once at her turn of phrase and attitude towards what's happening around her. A heroine with a good sense of humour is always a good thing.
    The storyline is interesting and enjoyable, not predictable at all, and well paced. The writing is good. It's set in the kind of world that I like reading of- namely where vampires, witches and other things roam alongside humans, and it manages to hold its own.
    As the plot moves along the characters relationships develop well and I'll be interested to see where they go in the next books.
    Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Karen Chance/Ilona Andrews/Patricia Briggs/Kim Harrison et al. I will definitely be reading more from this author and can honestly safe I'm delighted to have found her after a long spell of reading run of the mill stuff in this genre of late.
    Also, I'm pleased it's set in London with English characters. All my favourite writers in this genre seem to be American.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Frank B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this whole series!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 June 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I felt like a change from some of the "standard fantasy" books and this excellent series of detective stories was just right: a good balance of mystery, action, romance, and believable "real-life" aspects.
    Well-written and very enjoyable.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 July 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I've read this book before, but it must have been a while ago because I didn't have the faintest idea what was going to happen next lol, suffice to say I thought this was a good read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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  • Michele
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great start to another HH series.....
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 July 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I was worried about how HH would be able to top her Bloodfire series which was gripping from start to finish. The trouble with series is that although Bloodfire finished pretty much tying up the loose ends, I always find it difficult when the author starts something new as I get attached to the previous characters. Therefore, there was a little apprehension with this book. All unfounded! This was a great book and start to a new series; some of the elements are the same with regards to the world and its inhabitants, however, the characters - NOT the same - have great chemistry and there is believability in the relationships. The story was also not contrived and the plot explained without being long winded - I hate it when a whole page is dedicated to how handsome/funny/brooding characters are, or about how dark/ominous a room is; quick without being rushed.
    Well written, and like the mark of all good series, leaves us wanting more. Please let the sequel come quickly :-)
    7 people found this helpful
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  • DebB
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad and well written
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This starts well with some nicely descriptive writing covering a stake out, with the derelict scene and tension well described, through to taking a cold shower and trying to get clothes on over damp skin. Our heroine is a determined human in a world that contains vampires, daemons, witches and faeries - oh and her grandfather - not sure what he is, but he’s something.

    There are some nice touches - like when she’s escaped a bloodbath and is sitting on a train, freaked that people are staring, only to realise that her skirt is caught up in her knickers - every woman’s dread - and I liked that Rogu3 - her Mr Fix-it - turned out to be what he was. A neat trick, and, when you think about, totally logical.

    There are the usual never-tell-anyone-a thing, and rush-in-without-a-plan annoyances of these types of book, and the romantic direction of subsequent books is blindingly obvious, but all minor annoyances. The baddie was well hidden, and the scene is well set for sequels, but I really hated the ending - I even read it twice to see if it felt better second time around, and it doesn’t. Will I read the next one when it comes out? Hmmm, right now, I’m really not sure…
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Kariné Nolan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dire straights Bo #1
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 November 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Oh my stars!! A brilliant beginning for this series' I'm already half in love with Bo & that's after book #1!
    More twists & turns than a labyrinth, just when you think you've figured it out there's another two twists
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars New series off to a good start
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 July 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I read, and thoroughly enjoyed, Helen Harper's previous series of books so I was very pleased to discover that she had a new book out. I read this book practically in one sitting and am now eagerly awaiting the next instalment.

    The book does have a lot of elements typically found in other books of this genre, but then you tend to expect that after you've read a few. I found that the lead character was engaging and that the pace of the novel kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next (feeling a little sleep deprived this morning).

    If you are a fan of this genre then give this book a try and, if you haven't already, check out the Bloody Destiny series. I would say that along with Karen Chance, Kim Harrison, Darynda Jones and Debra Dunbar, Helen Harper has become one of my 'go to' authors.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Sonia Franz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in Australia on 25 October 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If you enjoy mysteries with a twist, this book is for you. Bo is an Private Investigator. She's been set up and her world is turned upside down. She'll do anything to find out who did it. A suspenseful read
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  • Tammy
    5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful
    Reviewed in Canada on 27 October 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What an amazing idea for a new “fangled” vampire story! It was a one read book for me! Couldn’t put it down!
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  • F.L.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting new world full of suspense
    Reviewed in Germany on 17 June 2018
    Verified Purchase
    After loving the lazy witch series by Helen Harper, I tried this darker and bloodier series kick-off. As a non-native english speaker, the amount of violance was okay for me (I normally don't like that kinda stuff).. It's starts off exciting and doesn't loose suspense throughout. The hints and misleadings are well set. I especially enjoyed the tone/writing style and characters. While the funnier "lazy witch" is still my favourite, I can also recommend and will definetely read on this series. Helen Harper is currently my top author in this genre!
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  • Corey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United States on 27 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Bo stumbles into a big mess and ends up changing her life. This book has some twists and turns. Bo wants to find who set her up and the only way to do that is to be recruited as a vampire.
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  • Red
    3.0 out of 5 stars "Mais... Je ne voulais pas devenir un vampire !"
    Reviewed in France on 17 April 2016
    Verified Purchase
    J'avais apprécié la série Blood Destiny (complète), je me suis dis que j'allais tenter celle-ci. J'ai essayé de m'accrocher mais me suis arrêtée au tome 3. L'action ne se déroule pas assez vite à mon goût, les deux personnages principaux, Bo et Michael, tournent l'un autour de l'autre sans que leur relation évolue tellement (tome 3 quand même, qu'ils finissent ensemble ou s'entretuent mais qu'il se passe quelque chose !). On comprend que Bo ne voulait pas devenir vampire et Helen Harper brode autour de cette thématique ses aventures et son évolution dans ce nouveau monde qui s'est ouvert à elle mais auquel elle ne veut pas appartenir. On est ici aussi dans la lutte pour le pouvoir (humain et non humain, Familles de vampires, daemons, etc.). D'autres personnages sont intéressants mais... J'attends toujours qu'il se passe quelque chose de plus... Vu la fin du 3e tome, je me dis que le fil directeur du 4e est prévisible. Peut-être que non mais je n'en saurais rien car je stoppe là ma lecture.
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