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As a physician running a private pathology practice, Dr Anya Crichton often testifies as an expert witness for either the prosecution or the defense in criminal cases. Her reputation as a forensic consultant lands her a job with Sydney’s chief coroner, Morgan Tully, when Tully asks her to look over the records of another pathologist suspected of bungling several autopsies. As much as Anya hates to be thought of as a whistle-blower, she badly needs the job. Her position as head of the Western Regional Sexual Assault Service satisfies her need to help rape victims, but it doesn’t fully pay for the continuing battle she’s waging against her ex-husband for custody of her young son Ben. Because Anya needs money, she agrees to examine the case records of Dr Alf Carney. One of Carney’s cases involves a rape and murder for which Geoffrey Willard was convicted and served 20 years in prison. Recently released from jail, Willard is now suspected of committing three more rapes and a murder. Anya’s examination of the rape victims proves a key factor in the new police case against Willard, but the pathologist has her doubts as to his guilt. Forensic evidence convinces her that the mentally challenged Willard was falsely accused the first time. Does this mean he’s innocent in the latest cases, or could the decidedly troubled ex-con be venting his hatred of the system by reenacting the crime for which he was unjustly convicted? Kathryn Fox is a medical practitioner living in Sydney, Australia. Fox brings her interest in sexual assault victim protection laws to bear in this, her second novel featuring pathologist Dr Anya Crichton. While that interest ultimately drives the plot, Fox’s apparent need to campaign on behalf of rape victims slows the action considerably in the beginning of the book. Opening chapters alternate between descriptions of Willard’s return to society and Anya’s work with rape victims, and it is not until 100 pages into the story that Anya reveals to the police her suspicions of a serial rapist at work in Sydney. The action picks up considerably after that with the author concentrating less on Willard’s personality and more on Anya and the investigation. Throughout the book, Fox plays fair with her clues and presents some fascinating forensic evidence to defend Anya’s assumptions. Character descriptions are strong, and the plot is highly believable, especially when Fox describes small town justice and police attitudes and actions when dealing with mentally challenged suspects. Fox also pens a strong subplot concerning Anya’s divorce and custody battle. Dr Crichton is an appealing character, one whose moral convictions outweigh her need to be popular with her peers. Despite the book’s slow start, readers will be drawn to the story because of this gutsy protagonist.
Reviewed by Mary V. Welk, August 2007
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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