Leeds. November, 1823. When a doctor from the infirmary tells thief-taker Simon Westow about the brutal deaths of two young boys at the hands of a mill overseer, Simon’s painful memories of his childhood reawaken. Unable to sleep, he goes for a walk – and stumbles upon the body of a young man being pulled from the river.

Simon and his assistant, Jane, are drawn into investigating the deaths, seeking a measure of justice for the powerless children. But the pursuit of the truth takes them on a dangerous and deadly path. Can they overcome a powerful enemy who knows he stands above the law in Leeds – and the shadowy figure that stands behind him?

A lovely first review of the book from Yorkshire Bylines: “I read it from cover to cover in one three-hour sitting. Those who like fast-moving action adventure with a hint of mystery and some graphic descriptions of violence will enjoy this book. They will also be pleased to hear that Nickson has written a series of Simon Westow stories, of which this is the fourth …

A delicious review of The Blood Covenant in Yorkshire Bylines : “I read it from cover to cover in one three-hour sitting. Those who like fast-moving action adventure with a hint of mystery and some graphic descriptions of violence will enjoy this book. They will also be pleased to hear that Nickson has written a series of Simon Westow stories, of which this is the fourth …”

And here is the very first US review from Kirkus Reviews: “The past comes back to haunt two thief-takers…A gritty tale of perseverance, cruelty, rage, and redemption not for the faint of heart.”

Read the whole review here.

In On: Yorkshire magazine, the reviewer says: “Nickson has a rare talent for historical reproduction, and the filth and horror of the time he writes about is conveyed loud and clear.”

You can read the entire review here.

Publishers Weekly has given the book the best review I’ve received in my entire career, the kind of words writers only dream about seeing. “Stellar” and “superb.” And I’ve never been compared to James Ellroy before. Go ahead, please read it all. It makes my heart pound. “Nickson does a superb job using the grim living and working conditions for the city’s poor as a backdrop for a memorable and affecting plot.”

Booklist offered some great praise, saying “Nickson is a master at depicting the hardships of life in early-nineteenth-century Britain, and he never stints on realistic detail. Simon and Jane are a charismatic duo, and there are plenty of twists and turns here…”

Promoting Crime Fiction blog liked the book, saying it “reveals the way power and wealth can corrupt and pervert decency and justice, a message that is as relevant today as it was two hundred years ago… The Blood Covenant is a page turner which I recommend.” Read the whole review here.

The Morning Star says the book is on “the right side of history.”