Do we really need another forensic pathologist? If Kathryn Fox’s debut novel Malicious Intent is anything to go by then it appears that we do, and that we have a very good addition to the genre.
After her evidence helps win a prestigious case Dr Anya Crichton hopes that she will get more work so that she can resolve her financial situation. She desperately wants to obtain custody of her young son from her ex-husband. She is asked by a lawyer to investigate the obvious unintended death of a young Lebanese girl. However, as she undertakes the investigation, she notices links between two other apparent suicides which give her cause for concern. Her curiosity pushes her to dig deeper into the case to not only find a motive, but also evidence which will lead her to the killer. What she uncovers is so unexpected and shocking that she finds herself fighting for her life along with that of her colleague and her son Ben.
Malicious Intent is an excellent
debut novel for a number of reasons. It is gripping, it is set in Sydney instead
of somewhere in America which makes a change. The main protagonist is an attractive,
down to earth character whose personal problems add depth to her character.
There are some creepy parts in the novel for example where we read the story
from the victim’s point of view, but in essence, don’t let this put you off
the novel. Malicious Intent is in fact a nicely paced novel with a twist, which
will surprise many. Certainly, a must if you are a fan of Patricia Cornwell
and Kathy Reichs.
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Ayo Onatade