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Robert Bryndza
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Cold Blood: A gripping serial killer thriller that will take your breath away Kindle Edition

by Robert Bryndza (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 16,502 ratings
‘OMG what a story… you seriously need to read this one. I devoured this in one sitting… pulse-racing, nail-biting… I thought my heart was going to explode… will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.’ Chelle’s Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The suitcase was badly rusted, and took Erika several attempts, but it yielded and sagged open as she unzipped it. Nothing could prepare her for what she would find inside…

When a battered suitcase containing the dismembered body of a young man washes up on the shore of the river Thames, Detective Erika Foster is shocked. But it’s not the first time she’s seen such a brutal murder…

Two weeks earlier, the body of a young woman was found dumped in an identical suitcase. What connects the two victims? As Erika and her team set to work, they quickly realise they are on the trail of a serial killer who has already made their next move.

Yet just as Erika starts to make headway with the investigation, she is the target of a violent attack. Forced to recover at home, and with her personal life falling apart, everything is stacked against her, but nothing will stop Erika.

As the body count rises, the case takes an even more twisted turn when the twin daughters of one of Erika’s colleagues are suddenly put in terrible jeopardy. The stakes are higher than ever before, but can Erika save the lives of two innocent children before it’s too late?

She’s running out of time and about to make a disturbing discovery… there’s more than one killer.

A brilliantly gripping thriller from the global multi-million-copy bestselling author, Cold Blood will have you hooked from the first page and holding your breath all the way to the heart-stopping ending.

Can be read as a standalone

Read what everyone is saying about Cold Blood:

‘Stunningly good book that I couldn’t put down… a superb read, I loved every single page. I devoured this book in a day, it was awesome.’ Bonnie’s Book Talk, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely LOVE Robert Bryndza’s writing and the Erika Foster series is probably one of the best female detective series I’ve read… no wait, not just female, but the best detective series ever!… Wow, wow, wow!! Erika is back with a bang.’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Incredibly gripping and had me utterly hooked… most definitely the best one in the series yet! I can't wait for the next one!’ Novel Deelights, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Unputdownable... I couldn’t read it fast enough and stayed up way too late... best thriller I have read in ages and I’ve read some good ones... this is as good as it gets… brilliant. I loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Thoroughly gripping... I would sell my kidney to find out what's going to happen to Erika Foster next. Would I recommend Cold Blood? It’s a thousand hell yeses.’ The Book Review Café, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Blindingly excellent… These books should come with a disclaimer as once you start reading you aren’t going to want to walk away. This is a book you are going to want to feast upon and devour as fast as you can.’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A heart-racing, hold-your-breath, drama-packed instalment of one of the best crime thriller series available! Robert Bryndza is a genius and raises the bar for the genre!’ The Quiet Knitter, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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  1. Book 5 of 9
    Detective Erika Foster
  2. Print length
    616 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    September 20, 2017
  6. File size
    2.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert Bryndza is the author of the international #1 bestseller The Girl in the Ice, which is the first in his Detective Erika Foster series. 

The Night Stalker, Dark Water and Last Breath are the second, third, and fourth books in the series, and the fifth book, Cold Blood has just been published.

Robert's books have sold over 2 million copies and have been translated into 27 languages.

In addition to writing crime fiction, Robert has published a bestselling series of romantic comedy novels. He is British and lives in Slovakia.

You can find out more about the author at robertbryndza.com and on Twitter and Instagram @RobertBryndza

Sign up to Robert Bryndza's New Release Mailing List here: eepurl.com/UITxz

(Simply cut-and-paste that address into your browser. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07462X1JX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 20, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 616 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786811486
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 5 of 9 ‏ : ‎ Detective Erika Foster
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 16,502 ratings

About the author

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Robert Bryndza

Robert Bryndza

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Robert Bryndza is an international bestselling author, best known for his page-turning crime and thriller novels, which have sold over five million copies.

His crime debut, The Girl in the Ice was released in February 2016, introducing Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster. Within five months it sold one million copies, reaching number one in the Amazon UK, USA and Australian charts. To date, The Girl in the Ice has sold over 1.5 million copies in the English language and has been sold into translation in 29 countries. It was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller (2016), the Grand prix des lectrices de Elle in France (2018), and it won two reader voted awards, The Thrillzone Awards best debut thriller in The Netherlands (2018) and The Dead Good Papercut Award for best page turner at the Harrogate Crime Festival (2016).

Robert has released a further five novels in the Erika Foster series, The Night Stalker, Dark Water, Last Breath, Cold Blood and Deadly Secrets, all of which have been global bestsellers, and in 2017 Last Breath was a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Mystery and Thriller. Fatal Witness, the seventh Erika Foster novel, has just been published.

Most recently, Robert created a new crime thriller series based around the central character Kate Marshall, a police officer turned private detective. The first book, Nine Elms, was an Amazon USA #1 bestseller and an Amazon UK top five bestseller, and the series has been sold into translation in 18 countries. The second book in the series is the global bestselling, Shadow Sands and the third book, Darkness Falls.

Robert was born in Lowestoft, on the east coast of England. He studied at Aberystwyth University, and the Guildford School of Acting, and was an actor for several years, but didn’t find success until he took a play he’d written to the Edinburgh Festival. This led to the decision to change career and start writing. He self-published a bestselling series of romantic comedy novels, before switching to writing crime. Robert lives with his husband in Slovakia, and is lucky enough to write full-time.

You can find out more about Robert and his books at www.robertbryndza.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
16,502 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this thriller series, particularly praising Erika Foster's character development and the author's talent. The book features a fast-paced narrative that moves swiftly through the plot line, with one customer noting the author's ability to tell two stories simultaneously. Customers find the writing easy to read and appreciate the realistic portrayal of serial killers.

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ReadabilitySuspenseful storyCharacter developmentWriting qualityGraphic contentPacingStrengthAuthor
274 customers mention "Readability"262 positive12 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, particularly praising the Erika Foster series.

"...A great read!!!" Read more

"...Great read. I could not put it down. If you love suspense and plot twists, this book is for you!" Read more

"...I do appreciate that. "Cold Blood" is a good read so I do recommend it if you're a fan of this genre or of the author." Read more

"Great series, love the main character and can’t wait for the next book." Read more

201 customers mention "Suspenseful story"179 positive22 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story of this psychological thriller, with each chapter being better than the last.

"...Soon a 2nd body in a suitcase is discovered. Good story about who the bodies were and how they ended up in a suitcase" Read more

"Suspenseful and smart, as always, and I love the strong lead character, Erika, and am anxious to see where this series takes her; this book was much..." Read more

"This is my favorite so far in the series. Great story and suspense. Love all the returning characters. Robert please write more in this series." Read more

"...Just gripping and thrilling." Read more

79 customers mention "Character development"73 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the strong lead character Erica Foster, with one customer noting how the author allows readers to glimpse into the characters' minds.

"...Top notch detecting along with good character development makes this read fly by way too quickly!..." Read more

"Actually, all of the characters are great. This book is a bit more frightful in the actions of the killers. I'm ready for the next book...." Read more

"Love the characters, locations and the twisted plots. Read all the books quickly as they are hard to put down! Hurry with more Erika!!" Read more

"I loved the book. Really glad I found this series. Great characters" Read more

50 customers mention "Writing quality"41 positive9 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it easy to read and well-crafted, with one customer noting the author's ability to tell two stories simultaneously.

"not as good as his previous but still well written and held my attention. I do look forward to his next book." Read more

"I love the whole series! Hes an amazing writer and she is easily my favorite character. Amazing. Every books will have this review...." Read more

"Robert Bryndza is a very good author...." Read more

"...and her partners, and I think these books are really “cozy” and easy to read though this one was darker than the others in the series." Read more

18 customers mention "Graphic content"14 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the graphic content of the book, with several praising it as an excellent thriller, and one noting its realistic portrayal.

"...I love Robert Bryndza's style and am eager to read the next. I highly recommend this book and any other b ook in this series." Read more

"...The settings are vivid and unique." Read more

"...What he does really well is write the bad guys who are just as interesting, if not more so, than the cops Erika works with. And that’s a good thing." Read more

"...version of "love." It's a bloody book, terribly graphic with the dismembering of bodies, but I was hooked and kept reading...." Read more

18 customers mention "Pacing"14 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, describing it as fast-paced, with one customer noting how it moves swiftly through the plot line.

"This is a fast paced and gripping book that I enjoyed reading. Good plot and Erika is typical Erika doing all she can to solve the case." Read more

"Couldn't stop reading. Fast paced. Quite the page turner. Very much looking forward to the next novel. Don't miss this." Read more

"...They're fast, page-turning, heart pounding thrillers. I mean I'd read until I dropped from exhaustion. What great reads! Thank you 😊..." Read more

"...Only thing that took away from 5 stars, seems a tad bit slow in the middle...." Read more

16 customers mention "Strength"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the book, describing it as a well-crafted tale with a very strong female protagonist.

"...I love the character of Erika Foster. She is tough and stands up for herself. I like that about her...." Read more

"Strong female lead with a complex history and personality. I was drawn to her and her ownership of her dysfunction." Read more

"...character in Erika Foster, a smart, appealing heroine who is as strong as she's tall. But can those long legs outrun the worst of them?..." Read more

"...She does have a lot of passion in her heart and she is a very strong woman. Lighten her up a bit...." Read more

14 customers mention "Author"14 positive0 negative

Customers praise Robert Bryndza as an amazing author, with one customer noting how he keeps their interest throughout the book.

"...AMAZING. Amazing read! Favorite author. FAVORITE SERIES." Read more

"The author just seizes to amaze me. Once I started reading, I just didn't want to stop...." Read more

"Robert Bryndza is an amazing author and I very much enjoy the Erika Foster series...." Read more

"This author is kick-ass great! I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all five of the Erika series...." Read more

Thriller that takes you to the edge of your seat the entire time!!
5 out of 5 stars
Thriller that takes you to the edge of your seat the entire time!!
When I first began reading the Erika Foster series I didn’t know they were a series lol. Unfortunately, I read them out of order. Thankfully I wasn’t too lost or it was very easy because of the author to piece things in order. I just finished Cold Blood and I have to say, it was gripping, terrifying at times and the character Max was just awful! I love these books and hope they continue. I’ve grown to adore Erika and would really love to see her come away from all of this settled and happy! I have the next book of the series (thankfully I’m in order now) and I’m beginning it today! If you’re considering reading the series... you will not be disappointed!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • S. Whitt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is the 4th book in the Erika Foster series and it did not disappoint. I read the first one when a friend rave about what a great thriller and loaned me her copy. I was hooked and have read each one in order. Each book stands alone, but I enjoy reading them in order. I love Robert Bryndza's style and am eager to read the next. I highly recommend this book and any other b ook in this series.
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  • SH
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic 5th book in series!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    In the 5th book of the Detective Erika Foster series, Erika and her team are working on the case of a dismembered body that was found near the river in a suitcase. They find out that another suitcase was found with a dismembered body two weeks prior. The story alternates between the current investigation and the events leading up to the murder from another character’s point of view. I really enjoyed this book. It was very dark with unexpected twists (which I love). Also, I feel like Bryndza did a fantastic job showing how a relationship can turn dangerous. This part of the story broke my heart. This is scary because it could happen to anyone. I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just leave it at that! Delving deeper into who Erika is as a person was also exciting. She is battling feelings of guilt over what happened to one of team members in Last Breath (Book 4). She has strong feelings of needing to protect the people she cares about that I can relate to. I’ve loved every book in this series and can’t wait to read the next!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Elaine Emmerick
    5.0 out of 5 stars IT'S A MUST-READ!!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The story opens with DCI Erika Foster and DI Kate Moss inspecting a large suitcase with a dismembered dead body of a man inside. There's no ID and his face is unrecognizable.

    DI James Peterson has been on medical leave from an incident of being shot in the stomach. James and Erika were an item - but now they're just friends.

    The Police find another dismembered body of a woman in a suitcase. She was killed the same way as the man. The Police identify the two bodies: Thomas Hoffman and Charlene Selby. Erika and Moss visit the families to give the bad news.

    Max and Nina met while working at a Chip Shop and ended up getting fired. They start seeing more and more of each other. Max is a hot-temper and violent man. Nina stays locked in their flat...Max has the only key; he doesn't want her to leave.

    As they continue their investigation - two more bodies are found in suitcases - their bodies dismembered. They are identified - they are all connected - but how? What does Max and Nina have to do with it? Who killed these people?

    It's a race against time - Max and Nina have kidnapped Commander Paul Marsh's twin girls - Mia and Sophie. How will they find the girls? Erika and Moss are frustrated because they have no leads.

    What happens next took me by surprise! As the story continues, the pieces start to come together. Max and Nina are on a collision course and there's no way out for them. Will Erika and Moss catch them before it's too late? You'll have to read it to find out!

    Robert has created a story full of suspense and thrills! The characters are believable and people you care about. Erika is a complicated woman - all she knows is work - she has a difficult time maintaining personal relationships. Her relationship with James was rocky so they decide to just be friends.

    This is Book 5 in the Detective Erika Foster series. I love series books - it's an opportunity to visit with old, dear friends! Robert has created characters that continue to grow and evolve.

    I highly recommend Cold Blood as well as the other 4 books! They are well-worth reading! You won't be disappointed - I promise!!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • J. Everetts
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is a real thriller. It has interesting characters and plot. The ending is worth the wait. This whole series is emotional. Every book is a winner .
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  • Southern Gal
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sad, Gory and Disturbing
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm no stranger to this type of novel, nor to the Erika Foster series; however, this one is particularly gruesome. But I guess that's the work of serial killers, right?
    As for Erika Foster, she's a difficult character to like. At over six feet tall, lanky and underweight -- complimented by a sour disposition -- she copes with the stresses of her detective job and the guilt and grief from the loss of her policeman husband with cigarettes and a penchant for vodka. Detective Inspector Foster is a morose loner with few, if any, friends, family far away in a foreign country, and no social life to speak of. Erika is, in fact, more like a man than a woman. But that's my take on her as a woman myself.
    The book is interesting but with the predictable tragic ending. There's profanity and the "f-bomb" throughout [which I loathe] but it's not completely permeated with it as in some books. I do appreciate that.
    "Cold Blood" is a good read so I do recommend it if you're a fan of this genre or of the author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bookpreneur
    5.0 out of 5 stars Robert Bryndza rocks it again!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    DCI Erika Foster finds a battered, dismembered body washed ashore in a suitcase. Is this related to a female victim found in a second suitcase a few weeks earlier?

    This book is full of neat touches and the prose is first rate. I especially enjoyed the interviews with characters such as Mariette, someone who needed a little getting to know. Nils gave me the chills. Sliding down a slippery slope and with unexplained allergies at odd times of the year, I couldn’t help wondering if Erika would make her delivery unscathed. The interwoven chapters of Nina and Max are especially intense. We know from the outset that Nina wants to ride shotgun. But just how far will she go to be loved? Because Max’s idea of a relationship doesn’t quite fit the norm. He’s been to hell and back and a return ticket like that is tricky.

    This is the sort of scary and compelling tale that has its readers watching their rearview mirrors when driving in the dark. Bryndza has created a wonderful character in Erika Foster, a smart, appealing heroine who is as strong as she's tall. But can those long legs outrun the worst of them?

    Cold Blood is a satisfying example of good storytelling. Robert Bryndza rocks it again!
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Stephen and Yvonne Peszel
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best Erika Foster novel yet.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 22, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The best of the DCI Erika Foster series, one of the best reads in a while, and I have read some good ones recently. Excellent character development and a villain to hate, and fear. I’d still like to see her promoted and see just how she deals with that, I think this maverick would make an interesting Superintendent. Now hurry up and write book 6
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  • Laura Arce
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magnifico autor
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 20, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Me gusto mucho. Es un autor excelente. Te mantiene atrapado en su lectura
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  • Craczy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great title
    Reviewed in France on March 15, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Gripping, impossible to put down. Nice plot, well written and speedy! Hope the next one comes out soon! Loved this one!
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  • Sandra M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Estoy acabando la serie y no quiero!
    Reviewed in Spain on December 12, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Este es el penúltimo libro de la serie y la voy a echar mucho de menos cuando termine, son maravillosos!
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  • Cliente Amazon
    3.0 out of 5 stars Decepcionante e com final insosso
    Reviewed in Brazil on October 13, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Esperei ansiosamente por esse livro, mas confesso que me decepcionei. Ainda que apareça bastante, Erika Foster parece mais uma coadjuvante em sua própria história. Ela divide espaço com Nina e Max, os criminosos da vez. A ideia de mostrar a mudança de Nina de menina ingênua a criminosa (por amor) é boa, mas faltou alguma coisa na execução. Já Mas oscila um pouco, é perceptível desde o começo que ele não é flor que se cheire, mas de repente ele fica louco de pedra. O tom foi exagerado.
    Achei a Erika mais chatinha nesse livro e fiquei triste com o atual estado da sua relação com o Peterson. Além disso, a situação com o Marsh me pareceu mais uma desculpa para a falta de acontecimentos na vida pessoal da policial.
    Enfim, a leitura foi bem demorada e, para mim, o final é bem insosso. Bryndza faz melhor do que isso.
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