Dead Blood City Review—A Gritty, Myth-Soaked Urban Fantasy That Cuts Deep

If you’re looking for a gritty, emotionally charged urban fantasy that blends mystery, mythology, and the supernatural, Dead Blood City will pull you in and won’t let go. Just prepare yourself as this one gets dark. You’ll need to take a breath every now and then.

At a Glance

The Story

You follow Detective Saoirse Reilly, and from the very first page, you know she’s not okay. She’s grieving the recent loss of her uncle, reeling from a traumatic on-the-job incident, and burdened with a chilling ability: she can see into people’s pasts. When a child, Delaney Bascom, goes missing and her babysitter turns up dead, Saoirse is dragged into a case that’s darker and weirder than anything she’s faced before.

What starts as a kidnapping turns into something much more sinister—an introduction to the Vrykolakas, a breed of ancient vampires, and a tangled web of memory, trauma, and myth. As the story unfolds, two timelines start to blur: Saoirse’s hunt for Delaney and the ancient visions she experiences. You’re never quite sure how it all ties together—until it does, and it hits hard.

The Characters

You won’t immediately love Saoirse—but that’s what makes her so compelling. She’s flawed, deeply human, and spiraling fast. She doesn’t want to be a hero; half the time she doesn’t even want to live. But despite all that, you find yourself rooting for her. She’s not trying to save the world—she’s just trying to hold herself together long enough to save one girl. That’s what makes her feel real.

Then there’s Somerled, the precinct psychologist, who will keep you guessing. One moment he feels like an anchor, the next like a threat. Is he trustworthy? Is he dangerous? You’re never quite sure—and that’s part of the tension that keeps you turning pages.

The Writing and Pacing

The book starts slow. You might feel like you’re wading through shadows at first. But once the story clicks into place, the pace picks up and the tension skyrockets. Jo Denning doesn’t just throw action at you, she makes you feel it. The writing is evocative, at times brutal, and at others, achingly emotional. This isn’t just a detective story with supernatural elements. It’s a deep dive into grief, trauma, and the messiness of survival.

Denning’s prose cuts close to the bone. There are quiet, devastating moments tucked between the violence and gore. It's a story about loneliness, family (both chosen and broken), and trying to find a reason to stay alive when everything hurts.

Themes and Tropes

• Supernatural detective mystery
• Mythological creatures (Vrykolakas/vampires)
• Psychic visions & ancient memory
• Found and fractured family bonds
• Mental health and suicidal ideation
• Dark fantasy meets procedural crime

Final Thoughts

Dead Blood City is not an easy read. It’s heavy, violent, and emotionally raw. But if you’re in the mood for a dark urban fantasy that doesn’t flinch away from pain—and isn’t afraid to ask big questions about grief, purpose, and control—it’s absolutely worth it. Just make sure to check the content warnings beforehand.

This is only the beginning of Saoirse’s story, and trust me, by the end, you’ll want to see where she goes next.