Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Pg. 69: Jonathan Hayes' "Precious Blood"

The current feature at the Page 69 Test: Precious Blood by Jonathan Hayes.

About the novel, from the author's website:
New York City Medical Examiner Edward Jenner thought he’d got out, turning his back forever on forensics after the nightmare of 9/11. But then the students started turning up dead, their bodies forced into bizarre poses, and Jenner is dragged back onto the city's dark streets in a nightmare race against the clock — and the twisted imagination of a psychopath. College sophomore Ana DeJong survived the attack that killed her roommate; she thought she’d escaped, but the killer has other plans…
Among the praise for Precious Blood:

“One of New York’s hottest authors!“
—New York Post

“First-time novelist Jonathan Hayes seems poised to claim a solid reputation in the subgenre of forensics crime fiction with his well-plotted Precious Blood. A New York City pathologist for more than 20 years, Hayes puts the focus on character and plot while melding in enough crime scene detection to give his novel authenticity and validity. While at times those grisly behind-the-scenes forensics details play an important role in Precious Blood, Hayes’ real triumph is his careful focus on the fragile emotional state and recovery of his hero. Precious Blood is a dark, hard-boiled procedural that soars.”
Oline Cogdill, The Sun-Sentinel

Precious Blood is a brilliant debut… an intelligent thriller that takes you down the meanest streets, peopled by complex characters, pacing that doesn't let up until you’ve turned the last page, and dialogue that crackles and cuts to the bone…”
Linda Fairstein, author of the New York Times bestsellers Bad Blood and Death Dance

“Taut and chilling… a fast-paced thriller written by a real player in the game of forensic sleuthing.”
Kathy Reichs, author of the New York Times bestseller Deja Dead and Bones to Ashes

Read an excerpt from Precious Blood -- or listen to an excerpt -- and learn more about the author and his work at his website and the Precious Blog.

Jonathan Hayes is an English freelance writer living in New York City, a career forensic pathologist, a Senior Medical Examiner in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manhattan, and a clinical assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine.

The Page 69 Test: Precious Blood.

--Marshal Zeringue