Evidence of Murder

Theresa MacLean #2

by Lisa Black

Jillian Perry has been found dead in the woods, leaving behind a husband of three weeks and a young daughter. Her body shows no visible marks, and the autopsy reveals no sign of foul play. Apparently it was a suicide—Jillian purposely wandered into the forest and succumbed to the freezing weather. But something doesn't feel right to forensic investigator Theresa MacLean, and she can't let it go.

Still emotionally shattered by a devastating loss months ago, Theresa focuses all her attention on the case—one that gets stranger with the appearance of the dead woman's ex-boyfriend seeking custody of Jillian's little girl. Every twist the investigation takes raises the stakes lethally higher. And unless Theresa can find evidence of murder—evidence that doesn't seem to exist—someone may soon share Jillian's ghastly fate.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Lisa Black spent the happiest five years of her life in a morgue. Strange, perhaps, but true. After ten years as a secretary, she went back to school to get a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Cleveland State University. In her job as a forensic scientist at the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office, she analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes.
She had her life sorted out just the way she liked it until her husband got fed up with Cleveland snow and moved them to Florida, 1400 miles away from her family and her career. Not that she’s bitter or anything. Now she works as a Certified Latent Print Examiner and Certified Crime Scene Analyst for the city of Cape Coral, Florida, police department.
Lisa has lectured at writer’s conventions and appeared on panels. In her life as a writer she’s a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. In her life as a forensic specialist she’s a member of the American Academy of Forensic Scientists, the International Association for Identification, and the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts. She has had over 1050 hours of instruction in forensic topics and has testified in over 60 trials.
Her book Perish was shortlisted for the inaugural Sue Grafton Memorial Award by Putnam and Mystery Writers of America. Her That Darkness is a #1 Amazon bestseller and Evidence of Murder is a NYT bestseller. Lisa was a Guest of Honor at 2021 Killer Nashville.

Reviews

[Laura (Kyahgirl) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had good points and bad points but about halfway through I couldn't take the bad points anymore. They were TSTL heroine, super judgmental characters, long drawn out plot. I did like the narrator, but didn't like the story well enough to stick it out and find out who dunnit!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is the second book in a series, I listened to it—something I rarely do. I didn’t have access to the first book without paying for it—something I almost never do! It was an interesting mystery, and I was able to get into the story. I like Theresa, the protagonist, who does more than the forensic work she is expected to do. She becomes a detective, and it puts her in some life-threatening situations. The ending is especially tense. I plan on reading more of the series.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few days after I finished Takeover, (her first in this series, my review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), this book came in from the library. Since I was still fresh from Takeover, I didn’t want to forget how I felt about the characters, so I decided to begin reading it.

(I know, I was in the midst of other books, too…but, I was anxious to see if this was going to be a good series…or not.)

Let me just start with the premise of the story and then I will go into my thoughts about it.

Jillian Perry is the wife of a wealthy video game creator and mother of a little girl. She is found dead in the woods. The police consider it a suicide.

But…

Our protagonist, forensic investigator, Theresa MacLean thinks otherwise. In fact, the more she investigates (yes, she is investigating – something forensic investigators don’t typically do) the more she believes it is murder.

There is one big problem…

There is no physical evidence to explain how she has died. No fatal wounds. No signs of strangulation. No signs of drugs or poison. Nothing. As far as the forensics experts can tell, she just wandered into the woods and froze to death.

Theresa’s boss is pushing her to close this case and move on. But she is still recovering from the death of her fiancé (Book 1-Takeover), and can’t let this case go. She also fears that the killer is going to strike again.

Apparently, whatever technique the killer is using is diabolical, and only Theresa can figure it out – and she has a plan to use it against him.

Now…

Granted the author demonstrates an ability to create memorable characters and suspense and an interesting plot, including some fascinating forensic techniques.

You see…

The author creates numerous suspects and red herrings, but not a very satisfying ending. Part of the fun of reading a mystery is attempting to arrive at a solution (as readers), as well as understand where we are going and why – and the author doesn’t give us an opportunity.

Unfortunately…

Her writing style lacks flair for a mystery writer. And that kind of spoils the pace and flow and energy of the reading experience for this reader/reviewer.

This book will be my last for this series. 3.5 stars.

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one much more than I did. Nothing really happened.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

What?

It started out well - creepy-ish cover art, intriguing description. This is apparently the second book in a series, but I had never heard of or read the first, and to this book's credit, I don't think it's necessary to have read the first. I was expecting a fun, but thrilling, read and the forensic details of the crime scenes IS impressive. However, the narrative soon devolves into the sort of tale in which the villian(s) ultimately end up explaining their entire plan to the good guys right before the bad guys plan to kill them, but of course the good guy, Theresa or Tess, has outwitted them. I'll avoid spoilers, but suffice to say that the quick explanations toward the end of how everything gets neatly tied up was truly cringe-worthy in cases. This is probably a first, in which I actually intentionally left a book on the plane when I was done.

[Aiesha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was rather disappointing to me! It didn't start off that way but as I kept reading, it was just so repetitive and the twists & turns that I was expecting never happened! I especially didn't like the fact that the main character was doing police detective work and that is not her job! Her cousin in the police officer... yet she was doing all of the investigating, not really doing it well, and not following proper procedure! It just wasn't realistic and definitely NOTHING like the first book, Takeover, which I liked a lot! It's made me hesitant about going to the 3rd book but since there are only 4 in the series so far, I guess it wouldn't hurt. I just hope it's nothing like this book was!

[Su · Rating 2 out of 5]

As sequel to the author's first novel, Takeover, this setting finds the protaganist still in the midst of her grief. I just thought the author stretched credibility with some of her plot lines. I hate it when a forensic investigator is made out to be a detective and super sleuth, when in reality I think most of their job is performed in a lab. Also, the ending was so contrived and wrapped up so neatly that I found it to be very simplistic. Don't get me wrong, it was an easy and enjoyable read, but as mysteries go it wasn't very mysterious!

[Diane Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The main character seemed obsessed over the death of a young Mother. Everyone is attributing it to her grief over the loss of her fiancé.
This is the 2nd book in a series but it easily stands by itself. I kept turning the pages trying to figure out how this would end. I would definitely read this author again.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

You have to suspend your belief a bit in order to enjoy this book. In real life there is no way a forensic lab tech would be out in the field, taking risks and solving murders, like Theresa did in this book. That's okay though-- aren't books meant to take us out of reality? This was more of a howdunnit than a whodunnit, which was a nice change.

[CLM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forensic investigator Theresa MacLean, is not an actual detective and is recovering from the tragic loss of her fiance, so no one wants her poking around in a suicide case. But she is not convinced it *was* suicide and feels an obligation to the victim's baby daughter to keep pursuing the evidence - even if it puts her job and safety in jeopardy.

This felt so dated I was surprised the publication date was 2009 but I enjoyed it anyway.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really had some tense moments. That’s a career field I have no interest in.

[Tara Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theresa is lowkey batshit but I’m okay with that

[Betty Stoneking · Rating 5 out of 5]

if like murder body ever close. i never read anythink by lisa black i would read would more books by her lisa black,

[William Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good plot, good characters, very suspenseful with some good twist.

[Neil Mudde · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book starts of interesting describing the characters that appear throughout the book, getting past the middle of the book, the plot becomes tedious, dealing with the forensic investigator Theresa Maclean her past life, her present life with her daughter, in any case once past the middle I started skipping pages, as the plot seemed to unfold far too slowly for me, the forensic details became complicated time spent in the lab, seemed extremely unrealistic, in any case unfortunately according to Tess Gerritsen, who claims it is "Unputdownable thriller" perhaps until around page 180

[Melissa Ammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Black. I found it quite enjoyable with relatable characters.

Theresa MacLean, a forensic scientist, was called to the case of Jillian Perry who was an apparent suicide. Theresa was also involved in two other cases that were seemingly related to Mrs. Perry. As it turns out, Theresa starts questioning if Mrs. Perry really killed herself. The truth is very well concealed due to the writing talent of Ms. Black.

If I ever catch up with my TBR list, I will definitely read more from Ms. Black.

[Tabithas_Heart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe I read the whole thing.

Had the murder solved by about page 5. The rest was rather tedious, especially the laborious explanations of the working of a crime lab, as if anyone in a real crime lab would have been allowed to behave in such a manner. The characters weren't really likable. I kept waiting for the story to get better. This book is okay if you are bored on a plane; it is a light read. Otherwise, find something else.

[Minty McBunny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the 6th book in this series first and really enjoyed it. I thought it was fresh and sharp and very entertaining. The first two books, however, have been much less so. The stories are much too long and slow paced for the plot, they just drag on for pages with nothing happening. I know they get better by book 6, if I didn't, I would probably give up on this series now.

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Lisa Black. Being a Clevelander my whole life, I cannot be more happy than when an author uses our home town. Yes, it is about murders and investigations, but she uses Cleveland well. Hope this series continues for a very long time!

[Normalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it and want to read more in the series. It is a lot like Bones and you have to take some of it with a suspension of belief and she is a scientist and not a police person. Still pretty fun to read with lots of fun quirky characters.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring....didn't like the heroine.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Theresa MacLean mystery series by Lisa Black. It is most aptly titled as the entire plot is spent trying to determine means of murder of Jillian Perry found dead after 3 weeks of marriage and leaving behind an infant daughter Cara whose father is unknown. Jillian has a history of work in the escort business so not much attention was given to the death by the powers that be in the police department including her cousin Frank. Theresa's gut tells her she was murdered by a close by associate who would have had opportunity though motive was hard to ascertain until she got input from a love struck loner and confident Drew. With that determined Theresa could then proceed with investigating means as pathology and her forensic examination of the body came up empty for answers. Interestingly there is a scene in this story that mimics that in book one in the series and consequently, Chris Cavanaugh, the Cleveland Police Department hostage negotiator is once again called into action despite his failure to have kept up his no- fatality negotiation record in previous book.

The plot seemed rather drawn out for me and untangling and identifying the ultimate explanation of how the death occurred was mind boggling-hard to follow. Nonetheless, I do like the character development and will proceed to the next book in the series, Defensive Wounds. I am particularly drawn to the book because of my familiarity with the Cleveland area. The author makes references to geography and history as well as cultural establishments which I enjoy. Theresa Maclean is grieving the loss of her fiancé of 9 months prior abruptly killed in a bank robbery in this story which accounts for her going outside her job description to follow her gut in many ways in which she is not even trained.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing sequel

This book was terrible! I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this one was a mess. The protagonist is not at all likable, she’s judgmental and has an awful sense of self preservation. She makes ridiculous decisions and doesn’t seem to be a very good parent.

The word cousin is used repeatedly to describe the relationship between Theresa and Frank - I read this on Kindle and did a search out of curiosity, it was used like 30 times. Not including cuz or other ways to define the fact that they are related. We get it!!!

The most egregious part of this book though is that this forensic scientist is out there investigating the crime by herself. She’s interviewing witnesses, obtaining evidence illegally, putting herself in harms way repeatedly despite having no weapon or training as a police officer.

Unfortunately I will not be reading the other books in this series.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character in this series is a forensic investigator and single mom. A young mother is found dead in a park and the cause of death cannot be determined. The woman's significant other is a famous video game developer who doesn't seem very upset about the woman's death. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend is very adamant that the killer is the boyfriend and wants to help the police in any way possible. MacLean feels like there is something not right about the murder. She continues to pursue the case even when it threatens her own safety. I liked the main character in the series but didn't like the writing and plot as well as some others. I will probably read the next in the series to see if it gets better.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recently billed as new on libby but must be a re-release. It's from 2009 and Theresa MacLean is a forensic investigator for the ME. She is called to the scene of a frozen body (the second) leaning on a tree and suicide is assumed by her Det cousin Frank.

Somehow, it seems off. The girl, Jillian, a former escort, new Mom & wife has by all accounts no signs of murder but Theresa is adamant that foul play is involved but she is unable to convince anyone else of the fact. The husband seems good for it but can she prove it.

It's a good mystery but it's strange that a forensic investigator does all the investigating alone and puts herself in danger.

This series is better than the new Locard series currently being written.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa Black does it again with an intense murder mystery set in snowy Cleveland, Ohio.

Forensic investigator Theresa MacLean and her cousin , CPD Detective Frank Patrick investigate the disappearance and then death of Jillian Perry. How does someone die in the snow but not show any signs of freezing to death.

It's a complex tale of deception mixed with a heavy case of stalking and lots of misdirection. MacLean's second case is just as intense as the first one. And yes, she gets herself in trouble for going beyond the bounds of her job a few times. At least she's not partnered with a serial killer / copy.

If you like mysteries set in urban settings, you'll love this one.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young woman, and new mother, freezes to death overnight in a Cleveland park. Or did she? Nobody can figure you exactly how she died. There begins an interesting how-dunnit!

Our protagonist can't let go of the case and becomes much more of a detective than her job description would allow as a forensic investigator.

I liked Theresa as a lead character and the eventual bad guy was well-drawn. There was quite a bit of intense suspense but the story just didn't light me on fire. Good attempt though!

[Maris Soule · Rating 5 out of 5]

In EVIDENCE of MURDER, it’s the tenacity of forensic investigator Theresa MacLean and her fear that if she fails a baby will die, that keeps her looking for why a healthy, well-adjusted new mother is found frozen to death in the woods by Lake Erie. A forensic examiner herself, author Lisa Black writes credible CSI scenes combined with interesting characters who are dealing with their own personal problems. How the mystery is solved is fascinating

[Brucie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good episode in thriller series with an engaging character who knows her limitations and crafts a remarkable ending.

[Lynn Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynnie

What a great book, love this series. Hope to see more. Fast moving easy read. Enjoy it very much. Great story lines.