Blood on the Tracks

Sydney Rose Parnell Series, Book 1

By: Barbara Nickless

Narrated by: Emily Sutton-Smith

A young woman is found brutally murdered, and the main suspect is the victim's fiancé, a hideously scarred Iraq War vet known as the Burned Man. But railroad police Special Agent Sydney Rose Parnell, brought in by the Denver Major Crimes unit to help investigate, can't shake the feeling that larger forces are behind this apparent crime of passion.

In the depths of an icy winter, Parnell and her K9 partner, Clyde - both haunted by their time in Iraq - descend into the underground world of a savage gang of rail riders. There, they uncover a wide-reaching conspiracy and a series of shocking crimes. Crimes that threaten everything Parnell holds dear.

As the search for the truth puts her directly in the path of the killer, Parnell must struggle with a deadly question: Can she fight monsters without becoming one herself?

©2016 Barbara Nickless. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Great debut, looking forward to more from this author

I am very impressed with this debut novel by Barbara Nickless. I thought she did a superb job with this book and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. This is another one of those who done it books that really keeps the reader/listener guessing right up to the very end.
A woman is brutally murdered, she's kind and helpful to the down and outers and the hobos who pass through hitching rides on the railroad. Some say she's like an angel others say she's a busybody getting involved with the wrong people. And then there's her fiancé a badly burned Iraq veteran who is arrested for the crime.
I could go on and describe the railroad police and the detective from the major crimes unit but you can read all that on the synopsis provided.
What you won't see there is that while the main story is playing out there are multiple subplots going on concurrently. Each of these subplots ties into the main story and each provides another suspect but don't get too attached to anyone in particular because the ending will throw you for a loop.
Emily Sutton-Smith gives an Excellent performance.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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Great Story and Narration

Great Story with lots of twists to keep you guessing. Parts were difficult to hear as my stepson was killed by a train in 1985.
I look forward to the next book in this series. Narration was very well done. I want to know what happens to some of the characters from this book. I will look for more from Barbara Nickless, I like her character building and the flow of her storyline.

A Thrilling, Mysterious, Great Read!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend 'Blood on the Tracks' to my friends, and to everyone else, because there are plenty of twists and turns within the book... and most of the investigation is not just dealing with the crime scene or interviews.

There is plenty of that, of course, but it seems like most of the action is *outside*, as in, not inside buildings, etc. This, to me, makes this book a refreshing book to read.

The prime suspect and most of the witnesses are homeless, so Agent Parnell, Clyde (Parnell's K9 partner), and the other team members are doing what they need to do outside more often that not.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Very much so. There is murder, sexual themes, coarse language, and the like... but it is not in every few paragraphs, pages, etc. Personally, I do not like books where it is completely filled with sexual themes, coarse language, and whatnot. There is more to books to that.

This book is focuses more on the murder, it's investigation, and more importantly, the unique relationship between Sydney Rose Parnell and Clyde. Both survived the Iraqi war, and have a severe case of PTSD. They must learn to work together, to help each other heal, to trust each other, and to have faith in each other -as a team, and individually.

While in the war, Parnell was involved in a situation that was more of a hush-hush situation, a secret coverup, that has started to effect her life during this particular mission. Because she started talking about it, albeit only a little bit, her life is put in grave danger.

Well, I suppose her life was put in danger the moment she got involved in the situation in Iraq, but that was contingent on everyone involved keeping their mouths shut.

Apparently, someone didn't keep their mouths shut, and now there is someone tracking everyone down and figure out what is going on.

This part of the story line will continue on in the next book. The other story line, the one that involved solving the murder has been dealt with in this book. She -as in, Parnell- has even hooked up with someone (for the moment at least).

I so look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Which character – as performed by Emily Sutton-Smith – was your favorite?

I'd have to say that my favorite character(s) are Parnell and Clyde; their relationship is very unique, and having them adjust to life at home is very intriguing to me.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I'm not sure; I'd have to say that Murder, homelessness, and probably a few others would be great tag line...

Any additional comments?

Just a fair warning, there is coarse language, sexual situations,

I loved it!!

Good book believable characters narration was great interesting storyline. Was able to follow both storylines! Hate the way our Vets are treated!

Can't wait for next book

Excellent, gritty, addictive!! I couldn't wait to get back to listening. Great first book by Barbara Nickless. Love the Sydney Rose character and especially Clyde.

Enjoyed the story

We enjoyed the story and my wife was happy because she knew who did it before me. Look forward to future stories.

A very well written story and a very good reading.

I don't usually read murder mysteries, but I had a road trip and found an offer on this title. I was pleasantly surprised. The author found just the right words to describe the situations, the weather and the people. The narrator's slow steady pace helped to savor the mood of the story. Well worth a listen.

Worthwhile

Surprisingly well written and engaging. The insights felt genuine; I enjoyed the unpatrionized treatment of the female protagonist.

Recommend this book.

Very interesting story, gives a look at a lifestyle you don't want live. A very surprising climax to the story.

Amazing

What made the experience of listening to Blood on the Tracks the most enjoyable?

I was hooked from the first chapter. The story was fast-paced and very entertaining. Narrator was terrific.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes.

Which character – as performed by Emily Sutton-Smith – was your favorite?

Sidney

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes