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Blood Ties
BLOOD the breathtaking emotional thriller by Sam Hayes January 1992. A baby girl is left alone for a moment. Long enough for a mother to dash into a shop. Long enough for a child to be taken. Thirteen years later, solicitor Robert Knight's stepdaughter wins a place at a prestigious London school for the gifted. The only puzzle is his wife Erin's reaction. Why is she so reluctant to let Ruby go? Doesn't she want what's best for her? As Erin grows more evasive, Robert can't help but feel she has something to hide, and when he stumbles on mysterious letters, he discovers she has been lying to him. Somewhere in his wife's past lies a secret; a shocking secret that threatens to destroy everything...
377 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Samantha Hayes
36 books1,261 followersHello!
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page!
My latest psychological thriller THE ENGAGEMENT is out on 10th January 2023 from Amazon, available in ebook, paperback and audio formats. I do hope you love it!
If you love a good 'domestic noir' thriller that will mess with your mind and keep you turning the pages, then my books are for you! You can check out all my titles on my Amazon page here:
https://amzn.to/3jZ83zU
I do hope you'll love getting stuck into my books and enjoy reading them as much as I love writing them. And do let me know what you think - it's great to hear from readers! You can get in touch via my website where you'll find lots of info about me and my books - www.samanthahayes.co.uk or come and 'Like' my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SamanthaHayesAuthor or follow me on Twitter too @samhayes or @samanthahayes.author on Instagram.
Happy reading!
Samantha xx
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page!
My latest psychological thriller THE ENGAGEMENT is out on 10th January 2023 from Amazon, available in ebook, paperback and audio formats. I do hope you love it!
If you love a good 'domestic noir' thriller that will mess with your mind and keep you turning the pages, then my books are for you! You can check out all my titles on my Amazon page here:
https://amzn.to/3jZ83zU
I do hope you'll love getting stuck into my books and enjoy reading them as much as I love writing them. And do let me know what you think - it's great to hear from readers! You can get in touch via my website where you'll find lots of info about me and my books - www.samanthahayes.co.uk or come and 'Like' my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SamanthaHayesAuthor or follow me on Twitter too @samhayes or @samanthahayes.author on Instagram.
Happy reading!
Samantha xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 1, 2016
I love Samantha Hayes books. You are always guaranteed a tense and gripping story which twists and turns. This book has been sitting neglected on my kindle for years and I can't believe that I hadn't read it sooner. If you're after a book that you can't put down this is highly recommended by me. A solid 4 stars
June 28, 2015
Something about this book was just a little bit off. It started out great and I was really enjoying it. Then came Robert, who was paranoid and jumped to conclusions just a little too quickly. I really wanted to find out what happened to Cheryl's baby and kept reading just to find out. The poor girl who gave birth all alone, locked in her room broke my heart and I had to find out what happened to her and her baby. The author weaves a good story, but somewhere along the way, the story gets gobbled. Maybe it was just me. I did read to the end though and I must say, it was a bit unexpected. Some things I had guessed but others not. Hard to write a review without spoilers, but if you are looking for a quick, sort of suspenseful read then this is the book to pick up.
March 13, 2009
I find it incredibly hard to believe this is a debut novel, the writing is just so fantastic! Hayes knows exactly how to lead your thoughts in a certain direction, so you assume that you know how it's going to end, but then shocks you by giving you a completely different ending. The story is gripping right from the very start, and the various secrets that are revealed will stay with you long after you've finished it. I throughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking out for her new book, Unspoken.
December 6, 2012
Blood Ties was a book that grasped by attention and although at some points especially towards the beginning it was somewhat confusing. It was very well written and I liked that it was told from three women. The topic of losing your baby was heartbreaking and I was especially touched by the fifteen year old who despite being at such a young age was so determined to protect her child at all costs. The ending left with unanswered questions about Cheryl and her baby Natasha, I got the impression that she had something to do with her baby's disappearance.
All in all I would recommend it as a book to be read. An emotional rollercoaster.
All in all I would recommend it as a book to be read. An emotional rollercoaster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2023
I read this book when I was 20 and liked it. Re-read it 10 years later and... oh my god, I liked really crappy writing LOL
The detective side of the story is quite nice, I didn't think it would end this way. But the characters? They are basically the same person! Really plain, paranoid (all of them), hysterical and stupid. Every page gave me a facepalm.
A 40 year old man dates a single mother, two months after marrying her he basically says he knows better what is best for his(!) daughter, then some weird scenes of how he loves the daughter more than his wife and then he moves this daughter to another mother without consent from an actual mother! Or without any conversation whatsoever. And the mother is happy she met such a beautiful man. Come on!
Two stars for the decent ending
The detective side of the story is quite nice, I didn't think it would end this way. But the characters? They are basically the same person! Really plain, paranoid (all of them), hysterical and stupid. Every page gave me a facepalm.
A 40 year old man dates a single mother, two months after marrying her he basically says he knows better what is best for his(!) daughter, then some weird scenes of how he loves the daughter more than his wife and then he moves this daughter to another mother without consent from an actual mother! Or without any conversation whatsoever. And the mother is happy she met such a beautiful man. Come on!
Two stars for the decent ending
August 14, 2022
Ich habe es gerne gelesen - bis zum Ende. Das Ende war einfach nur mies. Es ist bis auf vielleicht (und das auch nur mit ganz viel Augen zu drücken) die letzten 50 Seiten kein Psychothriller. Das Cover passt nicht zu der Story (bzw nur auf einen kleinen Aspekt der Story). Es ist kein schlechtes Buch: unter anderem Titel, anderem Genre und anderem Cover wäre es eine "nette" Story gewesen. Aber so bleibt einfach nur: Thema verfehlt. Ich würde dennoch 2,5 bis höchstens 3 Sterne geben, da ich es dennoch nicht bereut habe es zu lesen.
April 3, 2015
This book had me captured from the start. It had many twists and turns throughout based on 3 main female characters. However, I did find some of the situations they got themselves into a bit unbelievable. It did jump from character to character quite unexpectedly, so keeps you on your toes. It was a real page turner.
January 17, 2015
Easy to read with lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Enjoyed this
June 24, 2022
4.8
Dnf 68%
This book was really intriguing and good I liked the plot the suspense the strange and even creepy/messed up vibe this book has to it. Around 3 consecutive chapters lately I've been reading about a character that did something annoying and I just wasn't bothered to deal with their shit so from there my disinterest to carry on reading took place. Not to mention I was busy this month so that didn't help with my continuation of the book.
It was really good. Probs never come back to finish it as I lost interest and got far enough but I was at one point really curious of the ending and how everything was linked.
Dnf 68%
This book was really intriguing and good I liked the plot the suspense the strange and even creepy/messed up vibe this book has to it. Around 3 consecutive chapters lately I've been reading about a character that did something annoying and I just wasn't bothered to deal with their shit so from there my disinterest to carry on reading took place. Not to mention I was busy this month so that didn't help with my continuation of the book.
It was really good. Probs never come back to finish it as I lost interest and got far enough but I was at one point really curious of the ending and how everything was linked.
October 3, 2017
This book was given to me by a friend who thought that I would like it. It’s not a genre that I usually go for.
I like books written from different point of views as this one is although the changing time frame can be slightly confusing at times.
It is a good story despite being very unbelievable in parts.
I like books written from different point of views as this one is although the changing time frame can be slightly confusing at times.
It is a good story despite being very unbelievable in parts.
January 19, 2023
Easy read but kind of read like something a teenager would have written in a creative writing class - very depressing subject matter. Good premise but Robert was SO unlikeable as a character and the ending felt rushed and didn't *quite* make sense.
December 29, 2018
Читала по диагонали диалоги. Обычный любовный роман с драматическими моментами из жизни главное героини. Все очень ровно, я бы сказала никак. Как на мой вкус так мимо.
April 22, 2023
A good twist at the end well worth a read
August 11, 2023
Just finished another thriller and remembered this book I read a decade ago. A very solid psychological thriller with a twist at the end which I still remember, which is impressive given the time that passed.
June 3, 2019
Книга яка подобалась і яка зуміла розчарувати своїм незрозумілим закінченням.
Захоплювалась героєм вітчимом, який немаючи своїх дітей зумів полюбити чужу дочку як свою.
Чекала все ж розв' язки - де чиї діти і з ким все відбувалось і чому? На свої запитання не знайшла жодну відповідь. Нажаль.
Захоплювалась героєм вітчимом, який немаючи своїх дітей зумів полюбити чужу дочку як свою.
Чекала все ж розв' язки - де чиї діти і з ким все відбувалось і чому? На свої запитання не знайшла жодну відповідь. Нажаль.
June 14, 2020
The beginning of the book was somewhat confusing in the way the characters were introduced. I hung in there and am glad I did. Thirteen years ago a baby goes missing. Thirteen year old Ruby does not have a birth certificate. This sends her stepdad, Robert, on journey to find the truth His head tells him one thing and his heart wants it all to be a ridiculous coincidence. What is true? It’s worth hanging in there as there are twists and surprises.
August 23, 2009
Blood Ties by Sam Hayes was one of the most suprising and even shocking books. It follows three on the first look completely different narratives. Cheryl, whose baby daughter, Natasha, dissapeared from the back seat of the car, while the mother was shopping. Ruth, a fifteen-year-old girl, who gave birth to her daughter, runs away from her parents. Erin, whose life on one hand is nearly perfect with loving husband, Robert, and daughter Ruby. However it seems that the secret of her past is about to explode. These three people start off as separate narratives but end as one story.
My favorite part was the story of Ruth, young and pregnant teenager, who runs away in order to keep her baby. Her movements may seem amature and stupied but her love for her daughter and desire to protect her was real. The character herswelf was real.
I did not like the book at first. It seemed too confusing. But as i read on and became more and more involved in the characters life, i appreciated Blood Ties and Sam Hayes more and more. This book is a wonderful piece of literature that makes people life and laugh with characters.
My favorite part was the story of Ruth, young and pregnant teenager, who runs away in order to keep her baby. Her movements may seem amature and stupied but her love for her daughter and desire to protect her was real. The character herswelf was real.
I did not like the book at first. It seemed too confusing. But as i read on and became more and more involved in the characters life, i appreciated Blood Ties and Sam Hayes more and more. This book is a wonderful piece of literature that makes people life and laugh with characters.
March 20, 2012
Как же приятно открывать для себя новых авторов и потом отслеживать, искать, предвкушать знакомство с другими их книгами! После первых 10-20 страниц книги такое имя для меня - Сэм Хайес. Любопытно, но у меня от этой книги два параллельных впечатления: душевно-трогательный рассказ о чувствах человеческих и ма��терски сплетенная интрига, развязка которой начинает проявляться не раньше и не позже той точки, до или после которой детективная часть сюжета оказалась бы недо- или перезрелой. Думаю, что почитать стоит. Если кому-то сразу не понравится, то тут уж извините, на вкус и цвет, как говорится, а если понравится, то не оторветесь до самого окончания!
October 25, 2016
After reading a few of her books previously I was quite looking forward to another Samantha Hayes book, unfortunately, this didn't live up to the same standards as the others. I found the story really slow to start off with, I didn't really want to continue after the first few chapters but I persevered hoping it would get better. I couldn't connect to these characters in any way, the story line was a bit too far fetched for me also. I must admit I did enjoy a couple of the twists in the book but nothing that I would remember or brag about either. Not a book I would recommend!
August 17, 2013
This book grabs you from the start, it is every mother's worst nightmare to have their child abducted but everything is not as it seems. The story covers the moment when a mother realises her baby is missing and then moves forward 13 years.
This book covers a lot of sensationalist subjects but it in a realistic way. One of the best books I've read this year, would certainly recommend it.
This book covers a lot of sensationalist subjects but it in a realistic way. One of the best books I've read this year, would certainly recommend it.
January 13, 2014
Gripping psychological drama. The chapters told from the female characters perspective are excellent. It's the very one dimensional male character that let the book down a little, it was hard to really believe in him. However the author uses some really unique similes and metaphors which I did savour.
March 15, 2020
Recommended by a friend I read this in one day. I couldn't put it down. I kept thinking I'd worked it out but it kept twisting. In the end it just goes to show that some people are survivors others victims.
July 16, 2009
Absolutely astonishing plot, there is a time when it becomes a bit confusing, but well worth the read, must get more books by the author Sam Hayes
Read
July 31, 2011This was an excellent book - with the usual twist from how you think it will end. Couldn't put it down.
September 8, 2011
Absolutely loved this book, and it was even better the second time! Hayes' first book was an absolute credit to her. The final twists at the end were not what was expected
December 11, 2020
This was full of action and drama, a bit confusing at first with each chapter being a different character's point of view. It was hard to keep track or know who was speaking, but then it started to make sense.
It is dark and sad and hopeful, but I am not sure if I missed it but I can't piece together who, if at anyone was kidnapped in that parking lot. As I write this I am thinking it was made up as a cover, but it does not make sense when I read about Ruth/Erin on the train and her memory of running.
I was happy Robert gave his wife a second chance, Erin had to make difficult choices and worked hard to improve her life and provide for Ruby. But still keeping that final secret, will we get another story out of it? It could be interesting how that can play out, so many moving parts.
I was up way too late reading this, and I am grateful I work from home now!!
It is dark and sad and hopeful, but I am not sure if I missed it but I can't piece together who, if at anyone was kidnapped in that parking lot. As I write this I am thinking it was made up as a cover, but it does not make sense when I read about Ruth/Erin on the train and her memory of running.
I was happy Robert gave his wife a second chance, Erin had to make difficult choices and worked hard to improve her life and provide for Ruby. But still keeping that final secret, will we get another story out of it? It could be interesting how that can play out, so many moving parts.
I was up way too late reading this, and I am grateful I work from home now!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2020
I downloaded this after really enjoying Samantha Hayes’s later novel, The Happy Couple, which I loved. Although I’ve given Blood Ties 3 stars, I did enjoy it - it’s just not quite as good, which makes sense given how much earlier it was written.
I think for me there was just too much going on for one novel. I’d have liked one novel about Erin, Ruby and Robert and a separate novel about Cheryl. And I’d have liked the denouement of Cheryl’s story to be less crazy and frenetic.
However, I can see why Hayes wanted to write them all together as an exploration of babies that go missing and of women who take others’ babies.
I will definitely be reading more by Samantha Hayes - I love her writing style and I love that she’s unafraid of handling such difficult subjects.
I think for me there was just too much going on for one novel. I’d have liked one novel about Erin, Ruby and Robert and a separate novel about Cheryl. And I’d have liked the denouement of Cheryl’s story to be less crazy and frenetic.
However, I can see why Hayes wanted to write them all together as an exploration of babies that go missing and of women who take others’ babies.
I will definitely be reading more by Samantha Hayes - I love her writing style and I love that she’s unafraid of handling such difficult subjects.
December 10, 2023
Summary:
A stolen baby
A runaway teenager
A man desperate to keep his family together
…. All of these people are connected in some way …. But how?
My Thoughts:
Blood Ties is Samantha Hayes debut novel. It has a very interesting plot however I wasn’t 100% keen on her writing in this book. I had to reread certain paragraphs to realise that she shifted from one character to another or from the past to the present which was a little annoying. She has written other amazing books & her writing has come on so much more since this one.
My Rating: * * *
A stolen baby
A runaway teenager
A man desperate to keep his family together
…. All of these people are connected in some way …. But how?
My Thoughts:
Blood Ties is Samantha Hayes debut novel. It has a very interesting plot however I wasn’t 100% keen on her writing in this book. I had to reread certain paragraphs to realise that she shifted from one character to another or from the past to the present which was a little annoying. She has written other amazing books & her writing has come on so much more since this one.
My Rating: * * *
July 22, 2020
Really is heart stopping.
As always, another excellent book by Samantha Hayes. My head was spinning 20% into the book. It almost felt like it was soon going to be over. You can imagine my excitement when I realized I still had 80% to go. I could not figure this one out. Any doubts, no need. Best book I read in awhile. Fast, exciting, mysterious and it really messed with your head but in a good way. I don't like books I can figure out easily. Highly recommend. Enjoy.
As always, another excellent book by Samantha Hayes. My head was spinning 20% into the book. It almost felt like it was soon going to be over. You can imagine my excitement when I realized I still had 80% to go. I could not figure this one out. Any doubts, no need. Best book I read in awhile. Fast, exciting, mysterious and it really messed with your head but in a good way. I don't like books I can figure out easily. Highly recommend. Enjoy.
October 11, 2020
I’ve really enjoyed other books by Samantha Hayes, but I just wasn’t able to get into this one. I did stick with it until the end, expecting perhaps some surprising turn of events. The events were hinted at and lead up to throughout the story - which can be nice, but I found in this story it took away from the ‘surprise’ element Samantha is so good at in her other books. It was okay - didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, but an easy way to pass a few hours.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews