In Cold Blood

Beatrix Rose, Book 1

By: Mark Dawson

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

The new book from acclaimed writer Mark Dawson (author of the number one best-selling John Milton series), In Cold Blood is an action-packed thriller about ruthless betrayal and bloodthirsty vengeance.

Beatrix Rose was the most dangerous assassin in an off-the-books government kill squad until her former boss betrayed her. A decade later, she emerges from the Hong Kong underworld with payback on her mind. They gunned down her husband and kidnapped her daughter, and now the debt needs to be repaid. It's a blood feud she didn't start but is going to finish. Beatrix has already crossed one name off her Kill List. Her second target is a mercenary being held hostage by Somali terrorists. Can she infiltrate the most dangerous failed state on the planet and scrub him off the List, too?

Packed with explosive action and pause-resistant suspense, this is the must-listen first novel in a brand new series that is sure to be as successful as the John Milton series.

©2014 Unputdownable Limited (P)2014 Unputdownable Limited

Another hit for Dawson

If you could sum up In Cold Blood in three words, what would they be?

Sassy bitch revenge

What did you like best about this story?

It's a quick listen that you won't want to turn off

Have you listened to any of Mark Deakins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

They picked the wrong woman.

Any additional comments?

Mark Dawson's style is easy yet exciting . He doesn't overthink his story lines, choosing instead to stick to the plot, the action and the character development. I'm hooked - they're quick reads and guilty action pleasures.

Climbs to a clamorous climax!Recommended

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

I'd recommend this audio version to all, who like international action thrillers - especially for lovers of the genre who may not have tried audio books before.

What was one of the most memorable moments of In Cold Blood?

The final escape sequence was a pleasant surprise. I thought it would be far-fetched.

Which character – as performed by Mark Deakins – was your favorite?

Mark Deakins' voice for Number 10 was performed perfectly for my ear.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

During the raid, my muscles tensed occasionally and my heart rate rose a tiny bit.

Any additional comments?

To me a good audiobook needs a good story and a the right reader. Mark Dawson and Mark Deakins are a good fit in more ways than the same initials and first names.

Excellent side story!!

I love this side step to the John Milton legacy...I just hope that it has more life in it than she does!

Mark Dawson has written an Audiobook success!

Would you consider the audio edition of In Cold Blood to be better than the print version?

Mr. Dawson is such a descriptive writer. I believe that helps to make this book perfect for the audio format. His broad vocabulary and fast paced style helps keep the reader involved and on the edge of their seats.

What did you like best about this story?

This book is well written, the reader is not left with the niggling doubt that they missed something earlier in the book. Mark Dawson does a great job making sure that his series novels do well as stand alone reads.

Which character – as performed by Mark Deakins – was your favorite?

I appreciate the level of depth in Beatrix Rose, it's hard to imagine what an assassin, heroine addict, mother would be like. This great read however draws the picture so well that she is engraved in my imagination.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I love the mental battle when she has to decide on simply completing her goal ( retrieving the next person on her list) or rescuing the rest of the prisoners in the jail.. The decision to rescue the brother was made so easily but the battle over the rest of the prisoners shows the depth of her character.

Any additional comments?

The narrator does a great job pacing this book. I look forward to more works by the author and narrator.

Another good one from Mr Dawson

I've recently discovered this wonderfully entertaining author and have read or listened to six of his novels I the last month. Beatrix and john Milton are fantastic characters and his descriptive style or writing gives you a sense of being there. I'm not one to give spoilers or plot rehashes. If you like action with well developed characters Please read or listen to these books. It has made my long commute something to look forward to.

Action great, intent not so good

Liking all the Milton Series, I find the action excellent but the premise poor. Hate only gets you so far. To throw away the life she could have after finding Isabella makes Rose trivial. Won't read the rest because Milton was so much better.

Good Read. Fast paced & well written

First note - I am miserly when it comes to using my credits. It is a rare occasion I will spend a credit it for anything less than 8 hours. Generally I look for books 10 hours or better. I bought this one in a two for one and would normally not spend even a half a credit on less than 8 hours worth of read and didn't realize what I did until I downloaded the book and double check to see if there was a download problem. Accepting that I blew it, I decided I would listen to the book since I had some tasks to perform that would last the length of the book. I'm glad I made a mistake on how I used my credits because this was a good, entertaining and well narrated story. Considering the length of the story, not much depth is given to any of the characters. All we know is Beatrix is a bad ass killer and gets the job done. She has a handler who we know little about asides from having the ability to get her info and the necessary means for her to pull off her solo attacks. Not that the lack of info on the characters seemed to matter. The story in itself was engaging. In any case, I have gone beyond my miserly tendencies of not parting from my credits for such short stories and bought the other two books in the series. I based these purchases on the others reviews and the fact that I really enjoyed this book. Maybe the characters will unfold throughout the series. Hoping I didn't shoot myself in the foot, I am getting ready to begin listening to the second in the series, Blood Moon Rising.

In Cold Blood

What did you love best about In Cold Blood?

Mr. Dawson developed the story and characters artfully.Beatrix faces challenging situations and handles them like the pro she is.The ending leaves you curious and wanting to read/ listen more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of In Cold Blood?

Simple scenes in her travel through Muslim territory showed how Beatrix, a smart and strong women, survived in a man's world.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene the end showed action and quick reactions as Beatrix saved the hostages and still got her man without compromising her identity and the mission.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to the next Beatrix story.

Unusual characters in an interesting story.

Would you consider the audio edition of In Cold Blood to be better than the print version?

Yes. I liked the audio for the sense of drama and suspense the narrator brought.

What other book might you compare In Cold Blood to and why?

It reminded me a bit of a female "Grey Man".

Which scene was your favorite?

When the truck got a flat tire and she changed it but not quick enough to avoid an attack by the rebels.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Only that it was WAY TO SHORT!!!!! There is a lot of time and room to develop these characters. I'm looking forward to reading what happens with Beatrix Rose next.

Any additional comments?

WAY TO SHORT!!!!! What happens next??

Another great novel by Dawson

Would you consider the audio edition of In Cold Blood to be better than the print version?

No. They are both great. However I am just getting into using the audio editions. I am sure that they will grow on me.

What did you like best about this story?

The tense, fast moving action throughout.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't pick one. I enjoyed the whole novel.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

A reader can never go wrong when purchasing a novel by Mark Dawson. Great writer.