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Malicious Intent
World-renowned Attorney Alexandra Phillips has a knack for turning open and shut cases for the prosecution into wins for the defense. In the third installment of the Behind Closed Doors Series, Attorney Phillips defends another victim who is accused of murdering her abuser.
With the world still reeling from the effects of COVID-19, Protagonist Attorney Alexandra Phillips is determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious HIV strain that is discovered as she searches for a key piece of evidence to exonerate her client. Her client, an adulterous Dallas housewife is accused of murder. Motive? As it turns out, her slain lover was HIV positive and the primary purpose of his seduction was to maliciously expose her to the disease. As a crime of passion attorney, Attorney Phillips is convinced that a Texas jury would exonerate her client if she could prove the decedent's intent to expose her client to the disease...but there's one problem. Her client is innocent, and without a confession, the crime of passion defense isn't an option. With her client's freedom hanging in the balance, Attorney Phillips concedes to the fact that the only viable defense is to find the killer...
Follow Attorney Phillips as she untangles a multilayered conspiracy of cover-ups, betrayal, and revenge. Combining elements of murder-mystery and medical drama with an urban twist, this captivating page-turner is sure to leave die-hard readers wanting more.
Pre- Publication Reviews
The story’s forensic, medical, and legal details are well-researched and satisfying, and it unflinchingly addresses timely social issues, such as systemic poverty, while never allowing the pace to slacken. Overall, Smith delivers a gripping novel that will leave many readers demanding a sequel. A work with a strong, likable protagonist and a plot that will keep readers guessing— Kirkus
Malicious Intent was full of drama, twists, and risks. A. L. Smith kept me on the edge of my chair waiting to see who did it, how, and why. The plot was perfectly executed. Moments where I was introduced to a main character but I still didn't know all of the facts. I liked how that played out...kept the clues hidden in plain sight. Angel's life took a complete 360 turn when she made one mistake out of anger. Martial issues were displayed throughout the pages. It was understandable. Angel thought her husband didn't love her anymore. Her husband Chandler, thought he gave her too much. Both missed the signals. Communication lacked and because of that so did their marriage. It was engaging to watch the events unfold. Overall, I recommend this outstanding urban fiction novel to all readers.— Urban Lit Magazine
With the world still reeling from the effects of COVID-19, Protagonist Attorney Alexandra Phillips is determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious HIV strain that is discovered as she searches for a key piece of evidence to exonerate her client. Her client, an adulterous Dallas housewife is accused of murder. Motive? As it turns out, her slain lover was HIV positive and the primary purpose of his seduction was to maliciously expose her to the disease. As a crime of passion attorney, Attorney Phillips is convinced that a Texas jury would exonerate her client if she could prove the decedent's intent to expose her client to the disease...but there's one problem. Her client is innocent, and without a confession, the crime of passion defense isn't an option. With her client's freedom hanging in the balance, Attorney Phillips concedes to the fact that the only viable defense is to find the killer...
Follow Attorney Phillips as she untangles a multilayered conspiracy of cover-ups, betrayal, and revenge. Combining elements of murder-mystery and medical drama with an urban twist, this captivating page-turner is sure to leave die-hard readers wanting more.
Pre- Publication Reviews
The story’s forensic, medical, and legal details are well-researched and satisfying, and it unflinchingly addresses timely social issues, such as systemic poverty, while never allowing the pace to slacken. Overall, Smith delivers a gripping novel that will leave many readers demanding a sequel. A work with a strong, likable protagonist and a plot that will keep readers guessing— Kirkus
Malicious Intent was full of drama, twists, and risks. A. L. Smith kept me on the edge of my chair waiting to see who did it, how, and why. The plot was perfectly executed. Moments where I was introduced to a main character but I still didn't know all of the facts. I liked how that played out...kept the clues hidden in plain sight. Angel's life took a complete 360 turn when she made one mistake out of anger. Martial issues were displayed throughout the pages. It was understandable. Angel thought her husband didn't love her anymore. Her husband Chandler, thought he gave her too much. Both missed the signals. Communication lacked and because of that so did their marriage. It was engaging to watch the events unfold. Overall, I recommend this outstanding urban fiction novel to all readers.— Urban Lit Magazine
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2023
About the author
A.L. Smith
20 books19 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 14, 2026
A Tense, Twisting Page-Turner
Malicious Intent is a gripping blend of legal suspense, murder mystery, medical drama, and betrayal that kept me fully invested from beginning to end. A.L. Smith does an excellent job of creating a complicated case where the truth is anything but obvious, and just when I thought I had a clear idea of what was happening, another layer of the conspiracy emerged.
Attorney Alexandra Phillips is a strong and compelling protagonist. I especially enjoyed watching her work through the evidence and pursue every possible lead as she fought to prove her client's innocence. The legal aspects added tension to the story, while the medical and forensic elements made the mystery feel even more intricate and believable.
There is plenty of drama, secrets, revenge, and unexpected twists, but the story also explores the consequences of betrayal and poor decisions in a way that gives the characters more depth. The pacing kept me turning the pages because I genuinely wanted to know who was responsible and how all the pieces would eventually come together.
Overall, Malicious Intent is an engaging and suspenseful thriller with a smart, determined heroine and enough twists to keep mystery lovers guessing. Fans of legal dramas, urban fiction, and crime thrillers should definitely give this series a try. I am looking forward to seeing what Attorney Alexandra Phillips faces next!
Malicious Intent is a gripping blend of legal suspense, murder mystery, medical drama, and betrayal that kept me fully invested from beginning to end. A.L. Smith does an excellent job of creating a complicated case where the truth is anything but obvious, and just when I thought I had a clear idea of what was happening, another layer of the conspiracy emerged.
Attorney Alexandra Phillips is a strong and compelling protagonist. I especially enjoyed watching her work through the evidence and pursue every possible lead as she fought to prove her client's innocence. The legal aspects added tension to the story, while the medical and forensic elements made the mystery feel even more intricate and believable.
There is plenty of drama, secrets, revenge, and unexpected twists, but the story also explores the consequences of betrayal and poor decisions in a way that gives the characters more depth. The pacing kept me turning the pages because I genuinely wanted to know who was responsible and how all the pieces would eventually come together.
Overall, Malicious Intent is an engaging and suspenseful thriller with a smart, determined heroine and enough twists to keep mystery lovers guessing. Fans of legal dramas, urban fiction, and crime thrillers should definitely give this series a try. I am looking forward to seeing what Attorney Alexandra Phillips faces next!
May 18, 2026
• 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 •
A.L. Smith delivers a masterclass in tension with Malicious Intent, a gripping legal thriller that thrives on its complex character dynamics and sharp narrative pacing. Instead of relying solely on courtroom theatrics, Smith elevates the story by weaving sophisticated medical elements into a gritty urban setting, keeping the stakes feeling incredibly grounded and immediate.
The heart of the book lies in its flawed, deeply human characters. Protagonist Alexandra Phillips shines as an exceptionally sharp and empathetic lead, anchoring a narrative that refuses to view justice in black and white. Equally compelling is the tragic portrayal of the accused, whose fractured marriage provides a poignant backdrop to the central mystery. Smith handles sensitive themes, ranging from marital disconnect to broader societal issues like systemic poverty, with a rare combination of grit and nuance.
From a technical standpoint, the author’s execution is flawless. The pacing never falters, and the intricate forensic details feel meticulously researched rather than heavy-handed. By cleverly scattering subtle clues in plain sight, Smith challenges the reader to think like an investigator. It is a thoughtfully structured, character-driven page-turner that establishes Smith as a formidable voice in contemporary fiction.
A.L. Smith delivers a masterclass in tension with Malicious Intent, a gripping legal thriller that thrives on its complex character dynamics and sharp narrative pacing. Instead of relying solely on courtroom theatrics, Smith elevates the story by weaving sophisticated medical elements into a gritty urban setting, keeping the stakes feeling incredibly grounded and immediate.
The heart of the book lies in its flawed, deeply human characters. Protagonist Alexandra Phillips shines as an exceptionally sharp and empathetic lead, anchoring a narrative that refuses to view justice in black and white. Equally compelling is the tragic portrayal of the accused, whose fractured marriage provides a poignant backdrop to the central mystery. Smith handles sensitive themes, ranging from marital disconnect to broader societal issues like systemic poverty, with a rare combination of grit and nuance.
From a technical standpoint, the author’s execution is flawless. The pacing never falters, and the intricate forensic details feel meticulously researched rather than heavy-handed. By cleverly scattering subtle clues in plain sight, Smith challenges the reader to think like an investigator. It is a thoughtfully structured, character-driven page-turner that establishes Smith as a formidable voice in contemporary fiction.
August 16, 2023
Malicious Intent by A.L. Smith takes readers on a thrilling ride through the world of criminal defense and intricate legal battles. World-renowned Attorney Alexandra Phillips returns in the third installment of the Behind Closed Doors Series, this time defending a victim accused of murdering her abuser. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney Phillips finds herself navigating a complex web of intrigue, uncovering a mysterious HIV strain, and seeking the truth to exonerate her client. Smith's skillful storytelling keeps readers engaged as Attorney Phillips delves into a high-stakes case that intertwines crime, passion, and deception.
The seamless blend of murder-mystery and medical drama sets "Malicious Intent" apart, adding layers of suspense to the story. As Attorney Phillips works tirelessly to untangle a web of secrets, cover-ups, and betrayals, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of twists and turns that will keep them guessing until the very end. With its compelling characters and urban twist, this captivating legal thriller is a must-read for those who enjoy a mix of suspense and legal drama.
The seamless blend of murder-mystery and medical drama sets "Malicious Intent" apart, adding layers of suspense to the story. As Attorney Phillips works tirelessly to untangle a web of secrets, cover-ups, and betrayals, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of twists and turns that will keep them guessing until the very end. With its compelling characters and urban twist, this captivating legal thriller is a must-read for those who enjoy a mix of suspense and legal drama.
August 16, 2023
Get ready for a legal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish...As soon as I started reading, I was hooked by the gripping premise – Attorney Alexandra Phillips taking on a case to defend a victim accused of murder. But this isn't just any case – it's a complex battle of motives, intrigue, and justice.
The way Smith weaves together elements of crime, mystery, and legal drama is nothing short of masterful. And the twist of uncovering a mysterious HIV strain adds a layer of suspense that had me eagerly turning pages. Attorney Phillips is a character you can't help but root for as she unravels the layers of deception and betrayal. This book is more than just a legal thriller – it's a captivating page-turner that leaves you wanting more.
The way Smith weaves together elements of crime, mystery, and legal drama is nothing short of masterful. And the twist of uncovering a mysterious HIV strain adds a layer of suspense that had me eagerly turning pages. Attorney Phillips is a character you can't help but root for as she unravels the layers of deception and betrayal. This book is more than just a legal thriller – it's a captivating page-turner that leaves you wanting more.
August 31, 2026
Good read,
August 22, 2023
Unfortunately I will not finish this book. There are too many books on my TBR list to waste any more time with this. It's both a dreadful romance novel and a dreadful legal thriller.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews