Jane Isaac

This is the fourth in the DCI Helen Lavery series; it is the second I have read and enjoyed. Although part of a series, I think Evil Intent would be fine as a standalone.

In this case, a series of dead bodies of young women with a pentagram carved into their chests is investigated by Helen’s team. In addition, the half brother of a notorious criminal who was the nemesis of both Helen and, before that, her father, has turned up in town and his son has become a close friend of her son’s.

This is not only a solid police procedural, but it also focuses on the affects of violence on victim’s families, as well as the impact of policing on an officer’s family. It moves along at a good pace and I did not want to put it down!

Helen is a strong, confident female character. I’ve read too many authors with female leads who have flaws in the their personality make up. Helen is an emotionally mature individual and I look forward to reading the next in this series. Are changes coming? As the story ends, Helen, who is Acting Detective Superintendent is about to say goodbye to her Assistant Chief Constable who has taken a job with another department.… (mehr)

Evil Intent by Jane Isaac is the fourth instalment in the DCI Helen Lavery series but reads quite well as a stand-alone. The police procedural takes place in Hamptonshire, where the DCI and her investigators are on the hunt for a serial killer of young women. His gruesome signature is the upside-down pentagram that he carves on his victims’ chests. The book deals with Helen’s personal life and the day-to-day investigative work done to solve these horrid crimes. Jane Isaac brings a humane touch to this violent story by showing that the victims’ families are treated with compassion and personal attention. The characters are varied and interesting and the resolution of Evil Intent is developed slowly and logically but remains a surprise for the reader till the end. This police procedural is a great way to spend a winter day. I look forward to reading more mysteries written by Jane Isaac. Highly recommended. Thank you to Legend Press, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.… (mehr)