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Murder With Malice
Murder With Malice by Deirdre Oliver is a gripping, action-packed thriller that masterfully blends suspense with character development. The story follows Georgie West, a former superintendent and almost-commander, as she embarks on a mission to solve a murder and reclaim the professional glory stolen by her arrogant ex-boyfriend. What seems like a straightforward task quickly spirals into a complex and dangerous investigation. As Georgie assembles her team and begins tracking the killer, she finds herself facing unexpected challenges: a new police team that resents her, a cunning murderer who is always one step ahead, and a series of gruesome murders that span years, suggesting a deeply personal connection to her past.
The brilliance of Murder With Malice lies not only in its suspenseful plot but also in its exploration of Georgie’s character. As she confronts the possibility that the killer may be someone from her own history, we see the layers of her tough, stoic exterior begin to peel away, revealing the insecurities and vulnerabilities beneath. This transformation makes Georgie a relatable and compelling protagonist, as readers witness her evolution from a fallen-from-grace cop to someone who learns to embrace her emotions and trust others. One of the novel’s strengths is the dynamic relationship Georgie develops with her new team, despite the initial resistance she faces. The story showcases significant growth and character development, both for Georgie and her colleagues, adding depth to the narrative. However, it’s worth noting that the book includes descriptions of violence and discussions of off-page rape and child abuse, which can be distressing to read. The ending is bittersweet, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
For fans of thrilling murder mysteries where detectives relentlessly pursue justice and serial killers leave tantalizing clues, Murder With Malice is an exceptional read. Deirdre Oliver delivers a compelling and emotionally resonant story that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Pages: 270
The Psychopath Next Door
In Rendezvous With Evil, a woman who has survived multiple traumas and fights for justice for those who cannot defend themselves finds herself embroiled in a mystery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story actually came from book 1 in the series, Out of the Shadows. It began as a subplot there and grew too big for the book. So it spilled over to book 2. I have re-titled it, A Dance with the Devil because the villain is a classic psychopath masquerading as a human. Socio/psychopaths lead everyone into a macabre dance with evil and Crispin is beautiful, as every respectable devil aspires to be. I have always been intrigued by socio/psychopaths since the first one I met when I was a psychiatric nurse. He was a very young man who was attractive, charming, extremely manipulative and totally without a conscience. What more could a writer want in a villain?
Who is your favorite character to write for and why?
Clearly Hannah but I adore Gloria. I love all my characters and why not? They tell the story, not me. But I really enjoyed Crispin, the villain this time. It’s not always possible to use one of these sorts of psychopaths. Often those portrayed are too extreme and one sided to be believable. But Crispin is a respected (?) barrister working in a respected (?) profession amongst respected people. He is literally, the psychopath next door, (see Martha Stout’s book, The Sociopath Next Door.)
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My fascination with socio/psychopaths and their impact on society that is often hidden behind their manipulative charm is something I’ve had for a long time. These people, who lack the basic attributes that distinguish us from other animals, empathy and conscience, are found across all levels of society. Many are in jail, but many are not and they leave a trial of destruction, wreaking havoc in people’s lives, as Crispin does to his wife, Celia.
Dealing with them is very difficult as they have an uncanny skill of recognising people’s inner weaknesses which they ruthlessly use against them. For instance Crispin finds Hannah’s ambivalence about the violence in herself and turns it against her. The full fallout from this is explored in the next book, The Spider Waits.
Hannah’s usual hang-ups regarding Justice and intimacy are continued here as well.
Can readers look forward to more from you soon? Will they see Hannah in a second installment?
Rendezvous with Evil (A Dance with the Devil) is the second in the Hannah Tree Detective Series. Book three is already available and book four is with an editor as we speak. Notes already exist for book five.
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A DISPOSABLE WIFE
A Disposable Wife, by Deirdre Oliver, offers a compelling exploration of theater, mystery, and the intricacies of human emotion. The author adeptly crafts a narrative that immediately immerses readers, painting scenes with a clarity that almost leaps off the page. Central to the book’s appeal is the masterful character development. The protagonist, Hannah, is introduced with a depth that vividly captures her inner conflicts and emotions, drawing the reader into her complex journey.
The book’s dialogue stands out for its authenticity and dynamism, contributing significantly to character development. Conversations flow naturally, subtly revealing characters’ traits and motives and enhancing the overall narrative. The story’s pacing is a notable achievement, skillfully balancing moments of tension with introspection, maintaining momentum while allowing for character and plot development. This careful pacing is integral to the book’s engaging quality.
Intricately plotted, A Disposable Wife is a testament to the author’s narrative finesse. The story unfolds with unexpected twists, yet its complexity never overshadows its readability. This balance makes the book not only intriguing but also broadly accessible.
A Disposable Wife is particularly recommended for enthusiasts of mystery genres and those with an interest in theater and drama. Its rich setting and thematic depth will resonate with this audience. The book stands as an engrossing example of storytelling excellence, characterized by vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue. It is, indeed, a testament to the author’s ability to weave immersive tales that resonate deeply with its readers.
The Difference Between Justice and the Law
In Out of the Shadows, a woman fueled by revenge and the encouragement of a new acquaintance turns her passion for justice into a career as a detective. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a psychiatric advocate, I once overheard the trans woman who later became Gloria say exactly what Gloria did when we first met her. I never met her but I kept those few sentences in my head for 10 years until I found a story to put her in.
Hannah, on the other hand, is a mix of many, many people I have known, both professionally (as a psychiatric professional), and personally, who had terribly traumatic early lives but managed to survive and were some of the most heroic people I ever met. The story evolved from the characters, as most of my stories do, with them leading the way.
I thought your characters were incredibly memorable and relatable. Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
Oh, Hannah. I did not have her traumas, but I think her sense of justice and her desire to seek the truth and put down pretentiousness comes from me. I am known for not compromising when it comes to BS and have been a member of the Sceptics Society. I am also a died-in-the-wool feminist and have noted over a long life that life isn’t quite as fair for women as it is for men. So I guess it’s inevitable that some of that comes out in many of my characters. The females, anyway.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme is the difference between justice and the law. While the law of the land seeks to address injustice, it so often fails to do so. Take rape, where 92% of women do not report this serious assault to the police. This is after 20%+ of women and 6% of men experience it. Then because of all kinds of prejudice plus the adversarial nature of court proceedings of the 8% of cases reported, many drop out, so only 1% result in a conviction. It’s not only rape but any crime where injustice happens because of the necessary high burden of proof, clogged legal system, disparity between lawyers’ competence (poor vs rich). So many people will never see justice. Gloria makes all this clear to Hannah.
The other theme is the drag theatre. I didn’t see that as a theme because, as an actress, I worked with gay people all my life and saw nothing odd about that. But a beta reader said it was interesting to him how `these people’ were portrayed as simply ordinary everyday people – which, of course, they are. But to him, it was an important book because it didn’t in any way sensationalize that, and he felt people should read the books to get a better understanding of `them.’ Dear me, are we really in the 21st century? With all the shenanigans going on in America right now, I begin to wonder.
Can you give us a peek inside book 2? Where will the next installment take Hannah?
Book 2 has Hannah wondering if the detective life is for her. As she puts it, in all her cases her clients did okay but she was kidnapped, beaten up and failed in her major task, But when her first and eternally grateful client asks her to `just visit a friend of her daughter’s, Hannah bites the bullet and goes along with it. What she doesn’t expect is that this favor will bring her head to head with a clever and ruthless psychopath. She’s appallingly out of her depth as she tries to outmaneuver this rogue human being in a race to save her client’s life and her own. In his twisted mind, anyone who thwarts him must be destroyed, and Hannah is in his way. To defeat him, Hannah must think like him, but will that threaten her mind as well as her body?
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In Hannah Tree’s flotsam life only two things motivate her, injustice and the desire to destroy the person who ruined her life.
Troubled loner Hannah Tree’s drifter lifestyle changes forever when she meets the statuesque Gloria Starr.
Gloria, who sees something in Hannah that Hannah cannot, pulls her off the streets, gives her a job and puts a roof over her head. She also encourages her to turn her fierce pursuit of justice into a detective business. Hannah isn’t so sure, but since ramming justice down abusive people’s throats is something she’s always done she figures she might as well be paid for it.
But when, by a twist of fate, Hannah stumbles across the man who ruined her life, her burning need for revenge takes over. Heedless of the consequences Hannah pursues her obsession down dark and dangerous pathways, exposing appalling abuses at every turn, risking not only her own safety but that of everyone around her.
But those responsible do not tolerate meddlers.
THE FRIDAY NIGHT CLUB
The Friday Night Club emerges as an enthralling Australian crime thriller, inviting readers into the complex world of its protagonist, Hannah. This novel cleverly intertwines her gritty confrontation with a dark past and her unwavering dedication to forging a brighter future for others while delivering sharp retorts and resolute denials that keep the pages turning.
The narrative’s unique quality lies in its vivid, anime-esque portrayal of scenes and characters, conjuring a visual feast reminiscent of Japan’s renowned art style and storytelling pace. Whether intentional or a happy coincidence, this approach provides a dynamic backdrop for the unfolding drama. The novel boasts a tapestry of diverse and vibrant characters, including Gloria, an emblematic figure of the transgender community, Damian, a flamboyant drag queen, and Nick, the ostensible heartthrob. Each intersects with Hannah’s journey uniquely, enriching the narrative with their distinct presence. Hannah herself is a study in contrasts: a woman striving for emotional detachment yet continually drawn into the lives and troubles of those around her. Her battles against external injustices, sinister crimes, and internal demons offer a compelling exploration of the protagonist’s psyche, history, and evolving worldview.
The story unfolds briskly, presenting a series of rapid developments that keep readers on the edge of their seats. However, this occasionally limits the space for characters and readers to fully absorb each twist. While the narrative’s portrayal of institutional systems in Australia may offer a fresh perspective to those accustomed to American settings, it adds a layer of intrigue and cultural nuance. Moreover, the central romantic subplot evolves with a fervent intensity, offering a passionate, if sometimes unexpected, journey that captivates and thrills.
The Friday Night Club, by Deirdre Oliver, is an exceptional book that readers will be drawn into from the opening pages. Oliver delivers a captivating and emotionally resonant experience that holds the tension and suspense from start to finish. The novel’s narrative and memorable characters have firmly established it as a not-to-miss read.
Pages: 310 | ASIN : B0B8XM7Z31
LITERARY TITAN 