Violent Exposure by Katherine Howell

Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 312
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: When Suzanne Crawford is found stabbed to death and her husband Connor is discovered to be missing, it looks like just another tragic case of domestic violence to Detective Ella Marconi. But as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems. Why is there no record of Connor Crawford beyond a few years ago? Why has a teenager who worked for the pair gone missing too? And above all, what was the secret Suzanne knew Connor was keeping at all costs – even from her?

As Ella begins to build a picture of the Crawfords' fractured lives, things around her are deteriorating. Her relationship with a fellow officer is hanging by a thread and her parents seem to be keeping secrets of their own. But Ella only has time for the job she loves, and she knows she has to see her way through the tangled web of deceit and lies to get at the truth – before it's too late

Review:

WOW, I didn't think it was possible but Aussie author Katherine Howell has outdone herself, Violent Exposure blew me away. This is my favourite of Katherine's novels featuring Detective Ella Marconi and that's saying something, because I've loved them all.

Violent Exposure is an "edge-of-your-seat" ride blending the gritty realism of the paramedic scene (and years of Katherine's personal experience as a paramedic) with the nail-biting suspense of the investigative world. It moves along at a cracking pace but not at the expense of character development. With trademark attention to detail, Katherine gives us further insight into Ella Marconi's personal life, she delves into all facets of the paramedics' lives and provides so many unexpected twists and turns, my heart was literally in my mouth.

Katherine does a brilliant job tying the threads of this story into a read both compellingly subtle and exquisitely thrilling. If you haven't read a Katherine Howell novel then what are you waiting for?? I know I'll be one of the first in line to buy Katherine's 5th novel; Silent Fear.

And guess what? I have an awesome international competition going up on my blog tomorrow for 3 of Katherine's novels. Check out some of my reviews of Katherine's previous novels in anticipation of this fantastic giveaway :)

Frantic 2007

The Darkest Hour 2008

Cold Justice 2010

Visit Katherine Howell's website to find out more about this talented author and her work.

Win These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf. Check this blog post for details!