Bloodborn

It wasn't the tight, twisty plot or the engaging characters that kept me speeding through Kathryn Fox's BLOODBORN, but the forensic science. As a veteran forensic pathologist used to seeing legal medicine butchered in novels, it was very satisfying to see forensic medicine realistically portrayed. The Australian setting made it all the more fascinating. More, please!

I have read Fox's other books, and I have to say. She just keeps getting better. This is a fly-by the seat of your pants read. In fact, the family complained because dinner was so late - I couldn't put it down. In Bloodborn, Dr Anya Crichton is back, and she's faced with the victims of a violent family of criminals who commit rape, beat and kill victims, or anyone who gets in their way. The eldest one was sacked from a job so he returned and beat the boss and set the business on fire. These are some of the scariest characters I've read because they seem so lifelike. Instead of cardboard criminals, these are complex individuals, overseen by the total opposite of what we think a mother should be. Family values will never mean the same again. I have to admit to almost crying at one of the victims' stories. Fox has that ability to make you feel with Anya and the victims she cares for. The book opens with a bang, dramatic scene with a shock ending. From there I was hooked. This is Fox's raciest yet and has multiple story lines that eventually come together. As usual, nothing is as it seems and the ending had me holding my breath. Kathy Reichs and Lee Child have praised Bloodborn. And the compliments are well deserved. I'll be buying this as a present to crime-loving friends for Christmas.

Kathryn Fox writes a fast-paced, well-constructed crime novel which has been thoroughly researched and tackles many issues of today's crimes affecting women especially, that often get little if no media coverage. Her characters are believable with whom the reader can immediately relate to. If you haven't read a Kathryn Fox yet, start with Malicious Intent and I guarantee you will have read everything she has written in a very short space of time! Look over your shoulder Kathy Reichs to see who is hard on your heels...

This is an amazing book, recommended by a police friend. I like reading crime books but this one is not just fast-paced, but deals with some pretty gripping issues. I can see why Kathy Reichs gave it such a good wrap (and I'm a fan of her books and work as well). The characters are 3 dimensional, and I was particularly touched by the lead character, Dr Anya Crichton. I'd never heard of forensic medicine before, but it's an exciting change from traditional pathologists, and for me, evoked more emotional involvement, especially with the victims. Fox cleverly manages to break mounting tension to remind you to breathe again. At one quirky scene, I even laughed out loud, but was quickly back into the suspense again. I didn't predict the twists at the end, which were jaw-dropping, and really effective. I'd thoroughly recommend this book for anyone who loves crime books, forensics, or interesting stories. Will definitely be looking for more books by this author.

This is Kathryn Fox's fourth novel. Bloodborn propels along at a fantastic speed, with barely time for a `coffee break'. Right from the start, the reader is plunged into the world of Dr Anya Crichton, forensic pathologist, with its gruesome and shocking crime scene. Fox's plot is tightly written, without padding and reference to previous works in the series, which makes for a wonderful independent read. Where other mystery/thriller authors rehash previous material, this book is, for lack of a better term -devilishly refreshing. Sublime morality, qwirky twists along the way and personable characters is what I love about her books. This is a superb thriller, and I eagerly await her next.