Berkeley Blood

Murder Mystery Book. In Mid-20th Century Berkeley, California, Academic Intrigue, Dark Secrets, Deception, and Sinister History. (Murder Mystery Book Series)

By: James Harris

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

A murder mystery book set in Berkeley, California, during the mid-20th century.

In "Berkeley Blood," the narrative unfolds in Berkeley, California, against the backdrop of academic life and shadowy secrets from the past. The story centers on Professor Robert Gunnar, a historian and assistant professor, and his friend, Trygve "Trig" Suzuki, a detective running his own small agency. During the university’s summer break, Gunnar's student and close friend, Bruce Lombardi, goes missing and is later found murdered in a gruesome manner. This mystery compels Gunnar and Suzuki to investigate further.

As they dive deeper into Bruce's life, they encounter a series of academic rivalries and dark secrets. Bruce's recent involvement with a questionable set of historical documents—letters supposedly linking Cesare Borgia to a Satanic cult—becomes a focal point. These documents were held by Jabez Owens, a sensationalist author whose credibility is on the line. Bruce's discovery of conflicting evidence in the Book of Witches, a manuscript proving the historical inaccuracies of Owens's claims, made him a target.

The investigation brings Gunnar into contact with various suspects, including Gerald Kershaw, a wealthy businessman with vague intentions and unsavory connections. As events unfold, Gunnar and Suzuki uncover a network of deceit involving Kershaw and his criminal associates, who aim to secure their positions by eliminating anyone threatening to expose them. This drive led to Bruce's death and poses ongoing dangers to those linked to him.

The tension mounts with the kidnapping of Corinna, Bruce's sister. Gunnar and Guido, Bruce's brother, race against time to rescue her from Kershaw's hideout on a secluded beach. The climactic confrontation sees Gunnar using all his physical and intellectual skills to defeat Kershaw and his men, culminating in a desperate battle amidst the crashing waves where Gunnar ultimately prevails.

The story explores themes of loyalty, the quest for truth in historical scholarship, and the personal costs of seeking justice. While Gunnar battles external enemies, he also grapples with internal conflicts and his past regrets. Yet, through the struggle, he reaffirms his dedication to protecting those he cares about, revealing the intricate blend of strength and vulnerability inherent in his character.

The novel captures the atmospheric tension of mid-century Berkeley and the relentless pursuit of truth against overwhelming odds. As Gunnar and his allies expose the layers of corruption, they navigate a path fraught with danger, uncovering not just the culprits behind Bruce’s murder, but deeper insights into the human condition and the complexities of moral choices. Ultimately, "Berkeley Blood" is a riveting mystery that intertwines academic intrigue with the gritty realities of crime and retribution.

Why readers are captivated by "Berkeley Blood":

• Gripping mystery set against the atmospheric tension of mid-century Berkeley
• Intriguing blend of academic life, historical intrigue, and brutal crime
• Complex characters facing moral dilemmas and internal conflicts
• High-stakes tension with kidnappings, dark secrets, and ruthless villains
• Expertly crafted narrative weaving suspense, drama, and action
• Exploration of loyalty, justice, and the cost of seeking truth

Berkeley Blood delivers a compelling and engrossing tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last.