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Title:	Better the Blood
Authors:	Bennett, Michael
Genre:	Fiction: New Zealand
Pages:	329
Year:	2022
Language:	English
Description:	It starts with a daguerreotype, recording for posterity a brutal act of colonial violence... one hundred and sixty years later MÄori detective Hana Westerman and her team face a race against time to stop a suspected serial killer at large in Auckland. But these are no ordinary murders, and in the twists and turns of the pursuit that follows, the complex history of MÄori and PÄkehÄ interaction is laid bare, driving this gripping and thought-provoking thriller.
Categories:	Fiction NZ, MÄori, Suspense/Thriller, 2025 Titles

Reviews

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By: CHCH 537		2025-07-09 10:19:17

Loved the cultural aspect of it - brings relevant information of aspects of N.Z. to a wider audience. Well-written.

By: WELL 221		2025-06-25 10:05:04

A rare consensus where everyone loved the book and hopes there is a second one.

By: PALMN 040		2025-06-23 14:26:48

Good thriller which ticked all the boxes. We all read and enjoyed, and it triggered an interesting discussion. Most of us will read sequels.

By: NELS 040		2025-06-16 10:29:10

All agreed that this is an enlightening book and generates a good discussion.

By: TARR 001		2025-04-07 12:07:24

A robust discussion, which was enlightening for some.

By: AUCK 443		2025-03-24 14:30:40

Contemporary issues well covered. Clever structure and tensely plotted. Well-written, with excellent notes which developed/promoted discussion.

By: CHCH 268		2025-03-10 11:54:18

Easy reading. Great sized font. Thought provoking re Maori perspective, language and cultural meaning. Drew us in.

By: CHCH 299		2024-12-03 09:58:32

Everyone in the group enjoyed this book, including those who don't read crime novels. The characters were well-drawn, the storyline gripping, and the descriptions vivid. We read it while 'hikoi te tiriti' was taking place, which added to the book's impact and made it an excellent discussion book. Two members found the violence disturbing.

By: CHCH 481		2024-10-09 11:53:21

Thought provoking and illuminating. Should be read by all New Zealanders. Interesting way to highlight an important part of N.Z. history.

By: DUNED 042		2024-10-02 15:00:46

We found this to be a very stimulating read. We liked the writing style very much and could certainly imagine a great film or TV series. The subject matter was also important in illuminating our history and how it continues to impact on the present.