4.6 (28 ratings)
ThrillerHorror
Bloodlines: A Psychological Thriller
⚠️ WARNING: Aspects of this book are quite dark. For a complete list of content warnings, please visit the author's website.
Alyssa Carter just wanted to fill in the blanks on her family tree. A DNA test was supposed to offer roots, not rot.
When the results arrive, they shatter everything she thought she knew about herself. Her frantic research leads her down a dark path that starts with the FBI at her door, asking questions about a serial killer she's never heard of. But the DNA doesn't lie. The connection is real.
The deeper Alyssa digs, the more the past unearths itself. Gruesome crimes staged like theater. Bodies left as messages, and a family she never knew existed.
But someone is watching. And they don't want her to find the truth.
As her research spirals into obsession, strange things begin happening. Objects moved in her home. Threatening tokens left on her doorstep. The line between family history and present danger blurs until Alyssa can no longer tell if she's investigating the past or being hunted by it.
Some family secrets are buried for a reason, and blood ties can kill.
For readers who crave the twisted family dynamics of Sharp Objects, the moral ambiguity of Gone Girl, and the slow-burn dread of The Good Girl, Bloodlines is a chilling psychological thriller about identity, inherited darkness, and the terrifying cost of learning where you really come from.
Alyssa Carter just wanted to fill in the blanks on her family tree. A DNA test was supposed to offer roots, not rot.
When the results arrive, they shatter everything she thought she knew about herself. Her frantic research leads her down a dark path that starts with the FBI at her door, asking questions about a serial killer she's never heard of. But the DNA doesn't lie. The connection is real.
The deeper Alyssa digs, the more the past unearths itself. Gruesome crimes staged like theater. Bodies left as messages, and a family she never knew existed.
But someone is watching. And they don't want her to find the truth.
As her research spirals into obsession, strange things begin happening. Objects moved in her home. Threatening tokens left on her doorstep. The line between family history and present danger blurs until Alyssa can no longer tell if she's investigating the past or being hunted by it.
Some family secrets are buried for a reason, and blood ties can kill.
For readers who crave the twisted family dynamics of Sharp Objects, the moral ambiguity of Gone Girl, and the slow-burn dread of The Good Girl, Bloodlines is a chilling psychological thriller about identity, inherited darkness, and the terrifying cost of learning where you really come from.
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Reader Reviews
4.6
28 ratings
Liz M.
Inside Story
May 25, 2026
This one absolutely leaned into that creeping “your bloodline may actually ruin your life” kind of horror, and honestly? It worked. The slow unraveling of Alyssa’s identity kept me hooked from the start, especially once the FBI showed up and the story shifted from curiosity to full-blown paranoia. The idea of discovering a serial killer hidden somewhere in your family tree is terrifying enough, but the way the author layered in the stalking, the threatening tokens, and the feeling of constantly being watched made the tension feel relentless.
The atmosphere was easily one of the strongest parts of the book. Everything felt dark, unsettling, and emotionally heavy in a way that kept me turning pages. The crime scenes were vivid without feeling overly gratuitous, and the mystery surrounding Alyssa’s family history unfolded at a really satisfying pace. I also loved how obsession became such a major theme — watching Alyssa spiral deeper into the truth while simultaneously putting herself in danger added a lot of emotional weight to the story.
That said, there were a few moments where the pacing dragged slightly in the middle, particularly during some of the research-heavy sections. I also would’ve liked a little more depth from a few side characters because some of them felt more like tools for the plot than fully developed people.
Overall though, this was a chilling psychological thriller packed with disturbing family secrets, escalating paranoia, and a constant sense of dread. If you enjoy dark domestic thrillers with morally messy characters and unsettling twists, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Michele M.
Inside Story
Apr 14, 2026
How important would it be to know where you came from? Whose blood runs in your veins? How much danger are you willing to face to find your past? Alyssa faces all these questions when she takes a DNA test. What she didn’t expect was the FBI showing up on her door, she didn’t expect to be stalked or hunted down either and she sure didn’t expect to come face to face with a killer. But she wants the truth - she’ll keep going. This book was a pleasure and a little creepy to read - with an interaction/ending that I didn’t see coming but I’m so glad it did!!! First time author Carly Black really knocked it out of the park. I read this in less than 8 hours just could not put it down
Crystal O.
Inside Story
Apr 13, 2026
Bloodlines is a debut novel by Carly Black and it will not disappoint. Had me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could because I needed to know what was going to happen next in this twisty, dark, and unforgettable psychological thriller.
What would you do if you find out your adopted and you eventually find out that one of your biological family members may be tied to several unsolved murders that were committed many years ago?
Must read this!!!!
What would you do if you find out your adopted and you eventually find out that one of your biological family members may be tied to several unsolved murders that were committed many years ago?
Must read this!!!!
Elise B.
Inside Story
Mar 27, 2026
This was a very interesting and suspenseful read. I did struggle keeping my attention on it to read a lot at one time but that might just because of my ADHD.
If you enjoy a long suspense you will love this thriller.
If you enjoy a long suspense you will love this thriller.
Carol G.
Mar 22, 2026
What a fantastic premise for a story! To find the family she desires, Alyssa takes a DNA test, only for the FBI to show up investigating a serial killer unknown to her. When she reviews the findings, she quickly becomes aware she's being observed, and a frightening delivery confirms the perilous situation she faces.
I thoroughly enjoyed Alyssa's unfolding journey, and especially the great twist. Would highly recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed Alyssa's unfolding journey, and especially the great twist. Would highly recommend!
Destany L.
Inside Story
Mar 15, 2026
An absolutely an amazing book I could not be happier that I read it. They author did the phenomenal job.
Gail C.
Inside Story
Mar 15, 2026
I loved Bloodlines! Alyssa wants to fill in her family tree. But when DNA results lead her to find she is connected to a serial killer, she is determined to find the truth of the murders. But someone is watching her, entering her home and leaving threatening messages. She must decide if finding the truth of who she's related to is worth continuing to dig into the murders of a serial killer whose DNA is a close match to her.
Eva E.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
Bloodlines by Carly Black is a dark, gritty thriller that successfully captures a "Dexter" vibe, plunging readers into a world of obsession and uncomfortable truths. While the story starts off a bit wobbly, it eventually finds its stride, evolving into a tense exploration of how one tiny decision can ripple out and change a life forever. It’s the kind of book that pushes your boundaries and presents moral dilemmas that make you question exactly how far you would go to uncover your own history.
The mystery is engaging, and though I managed to guess the main twist, it felt earned and logically sound—a satisfying "I knew it!" moment. However, the book isn't without its frustrations. The protagonist, Alyssa, often feels like she isn't the "brightest bulb in the room," making several questionable choices that lead to some far-fetched scenarios, particularly regarding the strange lack of FBI involvement. I found myself wishing her friend Karen had a larger role, as she was a standout character. Despite some conflicting feelings about the lead, it is a compelling, boundary-pushing read. It earns 4 bloody stars.
The mystery is engaging, and though I managed to guess the main twist, it felt earned and logically sound—a satisfying "I knew it!" moment. However, the book isn't without its frustrations. The protagonist, Alyssa, often feels like she isn't the "brightest bulb in the room," making several questionable choices that lead to some far-fetched scenarios, particularly regarding the strange lack of FBI involvement. I found myself wishing her friend Karen had a larger role, as she was a standout character. Despite some conflicting feelings about the lead, it is a compelling, boundary-pushing read. It earns 4 bloody stars.
Tiffany R.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
This book was dark and intriguing. I was on the edge of my seat. My heart was pounding. I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know what happened next. All the things. I do recommend this book to everyone.
Stephanie B.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
The book held my attention, based off teasers I thought the book would be a quicker pace. I enjoyed it and I look forward to reading what the author publishes in the future.
Natasha S.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
This book completely captivated me from the very first page, keeping me hooked and on edge the entire way through. Every chapter seemed to pull me deeper into the story, creating a sense of tension that never let up. It really makes you realize that sometimes, it’s best to leave certain things alone, because curiosity can lead to unexpected consequences. And then came the twist at the end—absolutely brilliant and completely unexpected! It tied everything together in a way that left me stunned and thinking about it long after I finished. Truly, such a good read and one I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a gripping story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taryn N.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
This was a great book for a "wtf did I just read" mantra. I said that to myself quite a few times throughout reading. This is about one woman's plight to find out who her family is, since her parents clam anytime she asks. So she submits a DNA swab to an ancestry-type site. What happens next is a whole lot of events that get your anxiousness kicking in. Annnnddd this is why I will never do any of these DNA ancestry sites lol.
Samara H.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
A fantastic read from start to finish. The storyline was excellent—full of twists that kept me on my toes and eager to see what would unfold next. The writing was smooth, engaging, and pulled me straight into the world of the characters. An all-round great book and an easy five stars from me.
Brianne H.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
soo good. this dark and twisted psychological thriller had me from the very beginning.
if you found out that you had a serial killer in your bloodline would you keep looking into it to find the truth or would you say that's not worth risking my life? that's the question Alyssa has to keep asking herself.
if you found out that you had a serial killer in your bloodline would you keep looking into it to find the truth or would you say that's not worth risking my life? that's the question Alyssa has to keep asking herself.
Matt D.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
Alyssa's life is definitely not going as she planned it. Her job, her life, and even her family are all falling down around her. Her parents weren't exactly forthcoming with family history. Old family records don't help much. She finally breaks down and buys a DNA test kit. She sends the completed kit back, but in the process she kicks off a chain of events that will see her already shattered world fall to pieces around her. All she wanted was a family. What she got was a whole lot more.
First off, the author owes me lunch. I started reading at the start of my lunch hour at work and promptly lost track of time. It's just that good. I found myself feeling the unease and the dread in every page. The author is able to blend a perfectly paced story with a unique concept that kept me guessing all the way up to the jaw dropping conclusion. When I say I was shocked, I mean it. Wow.
I recently did a DNA test kit and now I'm seriously considering looking deeper into the results, but after Alyssa's problems I am very apprehensive.
If you're looking for a fast paced and tense read, you definitely want to grab this book. Just make sure you do everything you need to get done first before the book sucks you in.
First off, the author owes me lunch. I started reading at the start of my lunch hour at work and promptly lost track of time. It's just that good. I found myself feeling the unease and the dread in every page. The author is able to blend a perfectly paced story with a unique concept that kept me guessing all the way up to the jaw dropping conclusion. When I say I was shocked, I mean it. Wow.
I recently did a DNA test kit and now I'm seriously considering looking deeper into the results, but after Alyssa's problems I am very apprehensive.
If you're looking for a fast paced and tense read, you definitely want to grab this book. Just make sure you do everything you need to get done first before the book sucks you in.
Jaime T.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
Alyssa does a DNA test and finds out she has been adopted. So she sets out to find out everything she can about her family.
Is knowing where you truly come from all the rage? What traits get passed down through DNA? "Blood doesn't lie. " Join Alyssa on her journey to find out who makes her the person she is.
Is knowing where you truly come from all the rage? What traits get passed down through DNA? "Blood doesn't lie. " Join Alyssa on her journey to find out who makes her the person she is.
Danielle H.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
Bloodlines By Carly Black was written for people who enjoy dark themes, suspense, family drama, deceit, & psychological thriller/horror! The fmc has had the absolute worst luck, from her person relationships to her family relationships. The writer shows no mercy to the main character, the poor girl was going through hell at the very start of the book. Things just get progressively worse & progressively dangerous! The things that start happening to her, make you question YOUR OWN sanity! I was in complete shock at the end of this book, that ending was totally unexpected. I am definitely recommending this book to all my friends! (Well, the ones who can handle it! 😉)
Michael C.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
Whew. Bloodlines is an amazing story. If you can handle the anxiety that comes with it. This one follows Alyssa, who has some life troubles that leaves her divorced and unemployed. During this time she decides to submit a DNA sample to check on her genealogy. She doesn’t know a whole lot about her family and she’s extremely curious. Then all of a sudden an FBI agent rolls up talking about her DNA being tied to murders. No. Not just one. She then thrusts herself into an investigation into her past that digs up some very unfortunate information and a person she never thought existed.
This story had me hooked and didn’t let go. Carly’s writing is amazing. So many times throughout I swear I could hear and feel our main characters heartbeat and blood pressure go through the roof. Turns out it was MINE. Well done and I cannot wait to read more from Carly Black.
This story had me hooked and didn’t let go. Carly’s writing is amazing. So many times throughout I swear I could hear and feel our main characters heartbeat and blood pressure go through the roof. Turns out it was MINE. Well done and I cannot wait to read more from Carly Black.
Katlin S.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
Thank you to Inside Story for a copy of this book! This one was so great. Alyssa trying to figure out who her family is and running into a stalker who tells her to keep quiet. The twists were so good!
Christina S.
Inside Story
Mar 6, 2026
Loved Bloodlines! I couldn't put it down and it had me guessing the whole time! Before you read it though make sure you check trigger warnings.