Better the Blood: The compelling debut that introduces Hana Westerman, a tenacious Maori detective

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**Shortlisted for the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction, Ockham New Zealand Book Awards**

'A compelling, atmospheric page turner with an authentic insight into Mori culture' Val McDermid

A DETECTIVE IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH.
A KILLER IN SEARCH OF RETRIBUTION.
A CLASH BETWEEN CULTURE AND DUTY.
THE PAST NEVER TRULY STAYS BURIED.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hanna Westerman is a tenacious Mori detective juggling single motherhood and the pressures of her career in Aucklands Central Investigation Branch. When shes led to a crime scene by a mysterious video, she discovers a man hanging in a hidden room. With little to go on, Hana knows one thing: the killer is sending her a message.

As a Mori officer, there has always been a clash between duty and culture for Hana, but it is something that shes found a way to live with. Until now. When more murders follow, Hana realises that her heritage and past are the keys to finding the perpetrator.

Especially when the killer's agenda of revenge may include Hana and her family . . .

As page-turning as it is eye-opening Ambrose Parry

A remarkable new detective Daily Mail

[A] highly addictive read My Weekly

So chilling Crime Monthly

Opens a unique window onto a fascinatingAntipodeansociety as only world-class crime fiction can Deon Meyer

Reviews

Stunning. Better the Blood is a tremendous debut, and Hana Westerman, the Maori detective at the center of the story, instantly becomes one of the great characters in crime fiction on any continent. This novel has it all: a gripping mystery, complex and memorable characters, and timely social and cultural commentary. Dont miss it -- David Heska Wanbli Weiden, author of Winter Counts