Moth to the Flames – A Gripping Forensic Crime Thriller
A body wrapped in silk. A ritualistic killing. A forensic scientist on the hunt…
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A chilling forensic crime thriller where science meets murder. When forensic entomologist Dr. Vanessa Marwood arrives at a brutal crime scene, she finds several bodies cocooned in silk, mimicking the eerie rituals of a secretive cult.
As she digs deeper, she discovers a dangerous connection to her past. With time running out and the body count rising, can Vanessa stop the killer before she becomes the next victim?​
What readers are saying about Moth to the Flames?
"This is a brilliant crime series. Vanessa Marwood, world renowned forensic entomologist, finds herself in the middle of another murder crime scene."
Peter, GoodReads
"Great book and series! This book had shocking suspense, gruesome murders, intriguing, action, mystery, great characters and some, dark family secrets and some crazy twists! The story was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book and series!"
Debbie B, Netgalley​​
Moth to the Flames – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to read the other Dr. Vanessa Marwood books first?
Nope! Moth to the Flames stands completely on its own, so you can jump right in. That said, if you love getting to know a character’s backstory, you might enjoy starting with Venom in the Blood and Death’s Final Sting. Vanessa has been through a lot, and seeing how she’s evolved makes this book even more rewarding.
Where is Moth to the Flames set?
This time, Vanessa finds herself in Australia, where the sun blazes, the forests hum with life and a chilling murder mystery is unfolding. Tracy visited Australia many years ago, and there’s something about Australia’s wild landscapes that makes it the perfect setting for a dark, atmospheric crime thriller, especially one involving an underground cult and forensic science.
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Is the forensic science in Moth to the Flames real?
Yes! Tracy has always been fascinated by forensic entomology (the study of insects in crime investigations), and this book dives into something even more unusual: the extraction of silk from moths and the eerie concept of cocooning. Vanessa uses real forensic techniques to analyse evidence, crack clues and unravel the mystery.
Who is Detective Finn Harper?
Meet Finn Harper, an Australian homicide detective who doesn’t back down. He’s sharp, relentless and has spent his career tracking cult activity across the country. He knows how these groups operate, the psychological hold they have on their members, and—most importantly—how dangerous they can be.
But Finn’s past isn’t as clean as he’d like it to be. And Vanessa isn’t sure whether he’s the best ally, or the most dangerous player in the game.
What books is Moth to the Flames similar to?
If you love dark, immersive crime fiction with a forensic edge and a chilling mystery, this book will be right up your alley. Think:
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The Girls by Emma Cline – for its deep dive into cult psychology
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The Treatment by Mo Hayder – for its forensic and psychological darkness
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Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell – for its sharp forensic investigations
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Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn – for its unsettling, character-driven mystery
Will there be a fourth installment of the Dr Vanessa Marwood series?
You'll have to wait and see! If you want to be the first to know, and also get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and sneak peeks at what I’m working on next, make sure you’re signed up for Tracy’s Readers Club!