Better the Blood

In "Better the Blood," debut author Michael Bennett introduces Hana Westerman, a determined Maori detective navigating her challenging roles as a single mother and police officer in Auckland CIB. When she uncovers a ritualistic murder connected to a historic injustice faced by New Zealand’s indigenous peoples, Hana embarks on a gripping investigation linked to a brutal act of colonial violence from 160 years ago. As she races to catch a serial killer tied to this past, Hana confronts her own painful history and familial ties to the events that shaped her ancestors' lives, making the case strikingly personal. This captivating thriller sheds light on long-standing injustices while delivering a compelling narrative.