Customer Reviews

Bloodborn

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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 sits in the top five bestsellers on the Australian authors list, and she's breaking out in the States, finally. If you're ready for a professional writer who grips on all levels within a few pages and never lets go, read this novel. Then her others. Terrific work and a terrific character whose story has amazing places to explore in the next many books.

An addition from the UK Sunday Mail... "Kathryn Fox is Australia's answer to Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs: a trio who make Shakespeare's Weird Sisters look like the Nolans."

Point is... get this book and send it to friends as a holiday gift.

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...

Dr. Anya Crichton, the brilliant forensic pathologist from Without Consent and Malicious Intent returns with her most chilling case yet. Two young girls have been brutally attacked: one is left dead, the other raped and abused, barely surviving. Crichton is pulled into the case, and the reader soon learns that the doctor will stop at nothing, due to her care for anyone abused and victimized, but also drawing in some history involving herself in an abusive situation. Crichton must work with the young girl, making sure she fully recovers to testify against her attackers, the ones who murdered her sister. Now the girl must face a courtroom and the dreaded Harbourn brothers. This is a family that is used to breaking the law and getting away with it; they've been doing it for years, know their ways around the law and how to string the courtroom along, and expect to do the same with this case. But Crichton isn't going to let them get their way.

Author Kathryn Fox, who is a medical practitioner with a special interest in forensic medicine, knows how to keep a reader hooked from start to finish. Anya Crichton is similar to Patricia Cornwell's Kaye Scarpetta, but because of her background, there is more depth to her character, as readers see she is a pathologist for a reason: to stop whoever it was that abused her, and to prevent others from getting away with their crimes. Fox employs a gritty, descriptive writing style, not holding back on garish, bloody details. At the same time Crichton is a very human character, caring for others, with friends and emotions, as well as an extracurricular habit of playing drums.

Bloodborn is a medical thriller that will satisfy any fan of Patricia Cornwell or Kathy Reichs, as well as addicted viewers of TV shows like C.S.I or Bones. Bloodborn is a great place to start in discovering the impressive Dr. Anya Crichton, and after readers can move onto Fox's other books featuring Crichton in her debut with Malicious Intent and Without Consent, as well as Skin and Bone.

Originally written on September 30th, 2009 ©Alex C. Telander.

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Kathryn Fox delivers another great 'reality' fiction novel. For me what makes all Fox novels so captivating is the chilling reality that victims, like the characters in her books, come to life based on her knowledge and experiences first hand as a general practitioner.
Malicious Intent: A Novel
Skin and Bone
Without Consent