Death's Final Sting – A Gripping Forensic Crime Thriller
A deadly killer, a chilling message and a forensic expert racing against time…
Dr Vanessa Marwood thought she had escaped the horrors of her past when she moved to New York. But when an Oscar-winning actress is found dead, poisoned by a hair clip adorned with a living beetle, Vanessa is thrust into a case unlike any she’s faced before.
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As a second victim—a renowned fashion designer—meets the same fate, Vanessa and NYPD detective Ru Hoshino uncover a web of deception, where the elite hide deadly secrets behind wealth and power. With a murderer who leaves no forensic trace, Vanessa must decipher the insects’ deadly message before the killer strikes again.
Fans of Patricia Cornwell, Tess Gerritsen, and Kathy Reichs will be hooked by this dark, twisty forensic thriller where science holds the key to solving the most sinister of crimes.
What readers are saying about Death's Final Sting?
"A forensic thriller unlike any other—utterly compelling and filled with shocking twists."
— Goodreads reviewer
"Buchanan’s writing is razor-sharp, and Vanessa Marwood is a character I can’t get enough of."
— Amazon reviewer​
"Dark, intelligent and absolutely gripping. I devoured this in one sitting!"
— NetGalley reviewer​
Death's Final Sting – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to read Venom in the Blood before Death’s Final Sting?
No—while Death’s Final Sting is part of the Dr Vanessa Marwood series, it can be read as a standalone forensic thriller. However, reading the first book will deepen your understanding of Vanessa’s past trauma, forensic expertise, and personal struggles.
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Is Death’s Final Sting based on real forensic science?
Yes! Tracy Buchanan meticulously researches forensic entomology (the study of insects in crime-solving), ensuring scientific accuracy while weaving a dark, suspenseful plot. The novel explores real forensic techniques, including insect activity on corpses, poison analysis, and post-mortem interval estimation.
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What makes this book different from other crime thrillers?
Unlike typical detective fiction, Death’s Final Sting brings a unique forensic angle, with Dr Vanessa Marwood using insects as evidence to solve the case. The story blends psychological depth, intricate crime-scene investigations, and an unsettling look at the wealthy elite’s darkest secrets.
Is this book part of a longer series?
Yes! The Dr Vanessa Marwood series follows a forensic entomologist who uncovers deadly crimes using insects and forensic science. More books are planned, each delving into new cases, scientific discoveries, and the personal mysteries haunting Vanessa.
Who should read Death’s Final Sting?
A: If you love psychological thrillers with a forensic edge, this is for you. Perfect for fans of Patricia Cornwell, Tess Gerritsen, Karin Slaughter, and Lisa Gardner, it’s a dark, gripping, and atmospheric read that will keep you on edge until the final reveal.