Spotlight: Killer Friends by Chris Karlsen

A missing man. A murder without a body. And a Victorian London detective determined to uncover the truth.

Today I'm featuring Killer Friends by Chris Karlsen, a historical suspense novel and the fourth book in the Bloodstone series. Set in Victorian London, the story follows homicide detective Rudyard Bloodstone as a seemingly straightforward missing-person investigation begins to reveal something far more sinister. The evidence points to murder-but there's one major complication - the victim's body is nowhere to be found.

With its blend of mystery, murder, wealthy families, hidden secrets, and darker corners of Victorian society, Killer Friends sounds like an intriguing case for readers who enjoy historical crime and suspense. Chris Karlsen brings an especially interesting perspective to the series after spending twenty-five years in law enforcement before turning to writing.

This spotlight is part of the Goddess Fish Promotions Blurb Blitz, so be sure to keep reading for more about the book, an excerpt, information about the author, and the giveaway.

Book Details

Spotlight: Killer Friends by Chris Karlsen

Killer Friends
By Chris Karlsen
Series: The Bloodstone Series, Book 4
Published by Books to Go Now on November 2025
Genres: Suspense, Historical Fiction
Formats: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Pages: 334

The next book in the Bloodstone Murders series is a historical thriller that received the Chanticleer award for global suspense.

Henrietta Newell stormed into the detective bureau. She claimed her adult son was missing and feared for his safety. The detectives attempted to reassure her that the absence of a bachelor in his thirties, in a city like London, wasn’t extraordinary. Despite their efforts, she insisted an investigation be conducted, reminding them of her political connections.

Detective Rudyard Bloodstone and his partner were told to look into the matter. Their investigation reveals evidence of suspicious and unusual activity but no clues regarding the man’s disappearance. The few leads they develop take them from the world of wealthy families and into the secret society of sexual peculiarities.

The detectives discover the victim didn’t simply disappear. He was murdered. They have the evidence except for one problem, they’re missing the victim’s body.

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Reader Resources

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Reader Info at a Glance

Good Fit For Readers Who Enjoy:	Historical mysteries, Victorian settings, police investigations, murder suspense, and stories involving secrets beneath respectable society.
Setting:	Victorian London
Main Character:	Homicide Detective Rudyard Bloodstone

If historical crime investigations are your thing, you can find more books on my
Mystery & Detective review hub.

Things to Know:

Series. Book 4 in the Bloodstone series
Setting. Victorian London
Focus. Missing-person investigation that develops into a murder case
Tone. Historical suspense with darker criminal themes
Content Notes. Murder, captivity, threatened violence, and references to sexual themes/secret society material

Excerpt

To give you a feel for the writing style, here's a brief excerpt:

Coopersmith and Hamblin had waited for Ruddy and Archie to leave Jameson's office.

"Well?" Hamblin asked.

"He wants us to give it two more nights to see if this mystery man Lacey spoke of shows." Ruddy dropped into his desk chair. Frustrated and fed up with the time already wasted at The Prince's Hat, he thought Jameson would call off the stakeout. Ruddy had argued against it but the superintendent insisted.

Ruddy dreaded telling Newell's mother they'd done all they could.

"The worst is going to be telling Newell's mum we're closing the case as unsolved. She'll forever hope," Ruddy said, resigned. "Without a body, she'll take that hope to her grave."

"As would mine," Archie said.

Jameson's decision delayed having that unhappy conversation. Making them spend another two nights in hope of arresting a drunk who may or may be a possible accomplice was like picking at a scab, in Ruddy's opinion.

"If we are able to bring this man in, I'll be sorely tempted to resort to violence. Whatever it takes to get to the truth and settle this bloody case," Arch said, as peeved at the assignment as Ruddy.

Archie rarely threatened to turn violent. The few times he had, Ruddy enjoyed the thrashing. He jumped in when needed, which wasn't often. A few suspects had underestimated Archie. Grey had begun to streak Arch's brown hair and crow's feet had lightly gathered by his eyes but age hadn't affected his strength. Before he joined the police force, he'd partnered with his father, a stone mason, lifting, and stacking stones all day. He still helped his dad with the heavier stone work. Clothing hid his powerful arms.

"You may get your chance yet," Ruddy teased. "Let's crack on and get this pub business over."

Before we wrap up, here's a little more about the author behind the book.

Meet the Author

Chris is a Chicago native, spent 25 years in law enforcement with two agencies, and turned to writing after retirement. She now writes three series and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and four rescue dogs.

Learn more:
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