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Reflection of Evil
Paul Marriott was twelve years old when he witnessed the death of his father. This experience awakened a dark, malevolence which resided in his inner sanctum, an evilness that in coming years would be unleashed through the murder of innocent women. He believed his scheme was one of pure brilliance. By enticing his chosen victims to divulge their greatest fears he’d create a way to manifest them into a reality. No one would question lives taken through seemingly accidental events. But he hadn’t counted on the scientific expertise and supernatural insight of Chief Pathologist, Dr Tahilia Baxter or the investigative prowess of Detective Brodie Halligan.
The psychological background of a serial killer unfolds. Portraying the distinctive roles of Pathologists, Criminologists and Police Officers along with the victim’s journey in to the afterlife brings together the rational world of science and the esoteric forces of the spiritual domain. This spine-tingling murder mystery captures the intrinsic nature of forensics, takes you into the sinister realm of a killer’s mind and transforms you into another dimension. May the words instill an understanding of forensic science and evoke an awareness of spirit which allows you to question your own beliefs…the unique connection between life and death.
The psychological background of a serial killer unfolds. Portraying the distinctive roles of Pathologists, Criminologists and Police Officers along with the victim’s journey in to the afterlife brings together the rational world of science and the esoteric forces of the spiritual domain. This spine-tingling murder mystery captures the intrinsic nature of forensics, takes you into the sinister realm of a killer’s mind and transforms you into another dimension. May the words instill an understanding of forensic science and evoke an awareness of spirit which allows you to question your own beliefs…the unique connection between life and death.
442 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 13, 2025
Just found this in my grandpas house, it’s by a small local author from Perth which was apparent as there were lots of typos and errors - that aside this wasn’t bad, it switched from perspective of serial killer to police/forensics and basically just followed the murders. Nothing crazy happened no plot twists or anything but it was still engaging and I learnt more about the post mortem process 😃 The supernatural elements made the book diff from others, it was lowkey tooooo long.
May 2, 2012
REFLECTION OF EVIL by Bridgette Powell is a book flagged as Forensic Science united with Spirituality in a spine chilling murder mystery novel. So right up front I should just say I wasn't particularly convinced. I'm not a fan of this type of cross-over, not being a welded-on fan of the supernatural or metaphysical. Having said that, because I'm a reader and can therefore be a somewhat tricky prospect, I number amongst my favourite books a few that fall exactly into this category. So, long story short, I'll now have a go at this sort of thing, whereas once upon a time I would have been stepping away at a rapid pace.
The book starts out with the prologue, the opening paragraph of which is:
"With a gentle tug, the silk scarf covering her eyes fell away. Her beaming smile froze clown like as she took in his malevolent expression. Then she heard the humming emanating from the box at his feet. Innate fear paralysed her senses as she watched him reach down and unhinge the catch, releasing the myriad of frenzied and buzzing insects from captivity. The swarming mass burst forth in a dense, pulsating cloud."
The story centres around a number of characters that the reader meets very quickly. A psychotic killer with a low boredom threshold, Forensic pathologist Tahilia Baxter who has psychic visions, and Detective Brodie Halligan who, along with stopping a killer, is also trying to deal with a growing attraction to Baxter.
Despite my concerns, the supernatural element of the story is actually pretty well handled. Presented in a matter of fact, low-key manner it isn't too much of a stretch for a reader to accept. There's nothing overtly fantastical going on, and as the story unfolds, many of the visions that Baxter experiences become increasingly disturbing as they become increasingly obscure. Surprisingly the potential clash of Science and Spirituality wasn't quite as glaring as you'd think it could be. This is assisted by some good characters who are approachable and believable.
This is, however, another psychotic serial killer story, and whilst, in itself, not a bad plot it is yet another psychotic serial killer story and the supernatural element is about the only twist in what is, nowadays, a particularly heavily trodden path. There was also the rather odd inclusion of acronyms (or explanations of acronyms) which is probably something that other readers simply won't notice - but for some reason it clanged and yanked me firmly out of the story every time I came across one. I honestly don't remember another novel in which, for example, Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) and Personal Assistant (PA) was quite styled that way. But a more serious problem is that at 433 pages this is a hefty tome and whilst there is no denying the author has a way with words, there were passages that got bogged down. There seemed to be enough opportunities throughout to pare down and tighten up both the storytelling and the descriptive elements, contributing to both the tension build, and the readability as at points it did feel a little padded / overblown.
To be fair though, debut novels often suffer from "more is not enough" syndrome, and my overdosing on mad, bad serial killers should have nothing to do with whether or not this is a novel that readers with a liking for a touch of the supernatural should take a look at. Set in Perth and surrounds, REFLECTION OF EVIL might be just the thing for readers looking for something a little bit different, or those who really enjoy genre cross-over like this.
The book starts out with the prologue, the opening paragraph of which is:
"With a gentle tug, the silk scarf covering her eyes fell away. Her beaming smile froze clown like as she took in his malevolent expression. Then she heard the humming emanating from the box at his feet. Innate fear paralysed her senses as she watched him reach down and unhinge the catch, releasing the myriad of frenzied and buzzing insects from captivity. The swarming mass burst forth in a dense, pulsating cloud."
The story centres around a number of characters that the reader meets very quickly. A psychotic killer with a low boredom threshold, Forensic pathologist Tahilia Baxter who has psychic visions, and Detective Brodie Halligan who, along with stopping a killer, is also trying to deal with a growing attraction to Baxter.
Despite my concerns, the supernatural element of the story is actually pretty well handled. Presented in a matter of fact, low-key manner it isn't too much of a stretch for a reader to accept. There's nothing overtly fantastical going on, and as the story unfolds, many of the visions that Baxter experiences become increasingly disturbing as they become increasingly obscure. Surprisingly the potential clash of Science and Spirituality wasn't quite as glaring as you'd think it could be. This is assisted by some good characters who are approachable and believable.
This is, however, another psychotic serial killer story, and whilst, in itself, not a bad plot it is yet another psychotic serial killer story and the supernatural element is about the only twist in what is, nowadays, a particularly heavily trodden path. There was also the rather odd inclusion of acronyms (or explanations of acronyms) which is probably something that other readers simply won't notice - but for some reason it clanged and yanked me firmly out of the story every time I came across one. I honestly don't remember another novel in which, for example, Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) and Personal Assistant (PA) was quite styled that way. But a more serious problem is that at 433 pages this is a hefty tome and whilst there is no denying the author has a way with words, there were passages that got bogged down. There seemed to be enough opportunities throughout to pare down and tighten up both the storytelling and the descriptive elements, contributing to both the tension build, and the readability as at points it did feel a little padded / overblown.
To be fair though, debut novels often suffer from "more is not enough" syndrome, and my overdosing on mad, bad serial killers should have nothing to do with whether or not this is a novel that readers with a liking for a touch of the supernatural should take a look at. Set in Perth and surrounds, REFLECTION OF EVIL might be just the thing for readers looking for something a little bit different, or those who really enjoy genre cross-over like this.
October 1, 2023
I thought this story was really good and well written. However, the proofreading was abysmal imo. Is there a sequel? I enjoyed knowing the setting as it’s set in Perth.
September 10, 2012
Tah is a forensic pathologist. Brodie is a senior detective. Paul is the murderer who brings them together. Tah is top in her field and oversees the mortuary. She also has another side to her. She has visions of the deceased that help her discover causes of death and the evidence to support her theories.
Brodie is the det. assigned to an apparent accidental death. Tah recieves a vision right before she starts the post mortem exam. This vision leads you on an exciting and thrilling ride into the mind of a serial killer.
Paul has an experience as a child that allows his dark side to take over his personality and has him thinking he is doing the world a justice. His serious dislike of women and his calculated kills lead Tah and Brodie in connecting the dots. Paul also believes he is smarter than the average bear and that there is no way he can be implicated in the murders.
This author has left no stone unturned! There was nothing she didnt tie up for the audience! This book is an excellent and gripping read. I had this sitting on my kindle for about a month and Ifinally decided to start it. Wow is all i can say. Ms Powell has clear vision of how a disturbed individual operates. It was scary the way Paul Marriott manipulates his victims. The really scary part was how calculating he was. I almost thought he would get away with it. Thanks to the Tah, Brodie, and his victims... justice prevails!
I cannot believe i waited so long before reading this book! 5 stars all the way!!! I cant wait until the next installment to see what Paul has up his sleeve.
***Disclosure***
I received an arc copy from the author of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Brodie is the det. assigned to an apparent accidental death. Tah recieves a vision right before she starts the post mortem exam. This vision leads you on an exciting and thrilling ride into the mind of a serial killer.
Paul has an experience as a child that allows his dark side to take over his personality and has him thinking he is doing the world a justice. His serious dislike of women and his calculated kills lead Tah and Brodie in connecting the dots. Paul also believes he is smarter than the average bear and that there is no way he can be implicated in the murders.
This author has left no stone unturned! There was nothing she didnt tie up for the audience! This book is an excellent and gripping read. I had this sitting on my kindle for about a month and Ifinally decided to start it. Wow is all i can say. Ms Powell has clear vision of how a disturbed individual operates. It was scary the way Paul Marriott manipulates his victims. The really scary part was how calculating he was. I almost thought he would get away with it. Thanks to the Tah, Brodie, and his victims... justice prevails!
I cannot believe i waited so long before reading this book! 5 stars all the way!!! I cant wait until the next installment to see what Paul has up his sleeve.
***Disclosure***
I received an arc copy from the author of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2012
I was sent a copy of this to review and couldn't put the book down. I was absolutely enthralled from the start.
It was about a serial killer who leaves a distinguishing mark on all of his victims- despite setting them up to look like accidental deaths. The pathologist assigned to the first two murders is in tune with the victim's spirits. She shares information with the police detective assigned to the case and they try to build a case against the murderer- building enough evidence to arrest him.
I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
It was about a serial killer who leaves a distinguishing mark on all of his victims- despite setting them up to look like accidental deaths. The pathologist assigned to the first two murders is in tune with the victim's spirits. She shares information with the police detective assigned to the case and they try to build a case against the murderer- building enough evidence to arrest him.
I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
November 1, 2012
I love this book because it is a good reminder that while our bodies die, WE don't and sometimes WE need help getting to the other side. So well written. Bravo Bridgette!
November 19, 2012
Good read that needs a good proofing.
January 8, 2020
Book was amazing. Found it hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews