cover image Without Consent

Without Consent

Kathryn Fox, . . Harper, $7.99 (325pp) ISBN 978-0-06-125255-6

I n Fox's sophomore thriller, the follow-up to last year's Malicious Intent , Aussie physician and freelance forensic pathologist Anya Crichton returns with a temporary gig as acting director at a center for sexual-assault victims. When a number of victims come to the center bearing signs of similar attacks, Anya begins to suspect a serial rapist—and it isn't long before the rapist's m.o. turns to murder. The lead suspect in the police investigation is Geoffrey Willard, a convicted child rapist just released from 20 years in prison; meanwhile, Anya's own investigation throws doubt on Geoffrey's culpability—and also attracts the murderous attention of the real madman. Fox, a physician with a mind for forensic medicine, provides plenty of authentic, grisly detail and has a real talent for carefully plotted mystery. Though the action can occasionally drag in the name of scientific accuracy, Fox keeps the suspense high, the down-under prose fun and her readers guessing, making this a captivating thrill ride with a great kicker. (July)