Venom in the Blood – A Gripping Forensic Crime Thriller
Murder, insects and a forensic expert racing to uncover a killer’s dark secret…
Forensic entomologist Vanessa Marwood has built her career on her love of insects and the vital information these tiny creatures can provide at the scene of a crime.
Just as she is about to board a plane for her dream job at a lab in New York, Vanessa receives a call about a chilling set of murders in her hometown. Not only have four innocent victims lost their lives in a single night, but the killer has sewn spider silk into their wounds.
Vanessa swore she would never return to Greensands. But this case, and the dark secrets of her childhood, are drawing her back...
Can she follow the glistening strands of evidence to the killer at the centre of this twisted web? Or will the shadows of Vanessa's past finally close in on her?
Fans of Angela Marsons, Patricia Cornwell and Cara Hunter will be absolutely gripped from the very first page until the final, breathtaking twist.
A dark, atmospheric forensic thriller perfect for fans of Patricia Cornwell, Tess Gerritsen, Cara Hunter and Angela Marsons.
What readers are saying about Venom in the Blood?
"Gripping and endlessly fascinating, VENOM IN THE BLOOD introduces a sleuth whose unique specialty will make you shiver. A chilling start to what promises to be a terrific new series."
Tess Gerritsen, Bestselling Author
"Wow! I loved, loved, loved this book! … it was such a fresh take on a police procedural and I was enthralled by all the descriptions of the insects and spiders, to the point I kept finding myself googling them so I could learn more about the creepy crawlies…"
— Amazon reviewer​
"This was an awesome Netflix series that would make even the most avid insect detester gain some serious respect."
— NetGalley​
Venom in the Blood – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a background in forensic science to enjoy this book?
No! Venom in the Blood blends real forensic science with edge-of-your-seat suspense, making it accessible to both crime thriller enthusiasts and readers new to forensic mysteries.
Is Venom in the Blood part of a series?
Yes! This is book one in the Dr Vanessa Marwood series. Each book follows Vanessa as she unravels crimes using her expertise in forensic entomology, but each can be read as a standalone thriller.
How accurate is the forensic science in the book?
Tracy Buchanan meticulously researches forensic entomology, ensuring accuracy in how insects help determine time of death, movement of a body, and key crime scene clues.
What makes Venom in the Blood different from other crime thrillers?
A: Unlike typical detective-led mysteries, this book introduces a forensic expert as the protagonist, using her knowledge of insect activity to crack the case. The novel blends gritty crime scenes, psychological depth, and an eerie atmosphere that keeps readers hooked.
Who should read this book?
If you love psychological thrillers with a forensic edge, this book is for you. Ideal for fans of Patricia Cornwell, Val McDermid, and Kathy Reichs, it’s a dark, intelligent, and immersive thriller with a truly unique crime-solving approach.