Relative Malice

Detective Kendall Halsrud #1

by Marla Madison

ASIN B00AZOS6Z2 moved to the most recent edition

When four family members are found dead after a home invasion, Detective Kendall Halsrud takes charge of the case. In the murder house, she discovers an empty crib with blood drops next to it on the wood floor. The family: a father, mother, teenage daughter, and young son have been fatally shot . . . but where is baby Philly?
The desperate search to find the child derails when a man is arrested for murdering the family and claims to have killed the baby. Suspecting he had an accomplice, Kendall isn’t convinced. Refusing to give up on finding the child, Kendall persists in unearthing the family’s secrets. With the help of a hacker turned spurious fortune-teller and a former cop hired by the missing baby’s uncle, she discovers a furtive pedophile ring is planning on buying and sharing a baby. Can she stop them while there's time to save Philly?

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

387 pages, ebook

First published January 9, 2013

About the author

Marla Madison currently works part-time doing arbitration for the the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Hard at work now as an author, she is writing her sixth novel of suspense. Her first series, the TJ Peacock & Lisa Rayburn suspense series, has three editions out, the third, Girl Undone, has just been released. Marla is currently working on the third novel in her second suspense series which spotlights Detective Kendall Halsrud.

At home in Northwestern Wisconsin, Marla lives on Prairie Lake with her significant other, Terry, a beloved shelter-dog, Skygge, and Poncho, an opinionated feline from the same shelter who believes he is the boss of everything.

Some of her favorite things are playing duplicate and tournament bridge, golf, reading, pontooning, and taking long walks with her dog.

Reviews

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start of reading this novel by Author Marla Madison, the murder mystery grabbed me. After Detective Kendall Halsrud's partner has a heart attack, she becomes the lead detective working on a home invasion crime where the husband, wife, son, and teen-aged daughter are killed. However, the 10-month old daughter cannot be found. Kendall's new partner is Ross Alverson, known to be a womanizer. But Kendall is a strong-willed woman who can hold her own when it comes to men. Gray Glausson, brother of the deceased father, wants to find his missing niece. There are complex crimes that seem to be linked together and eventually Kendall works with Gray's corporation security chief privately to help locate the toddler. There are numerous characters in this novel, each one having secrets that are eventually revealed by the author. Secrets of the law enforcers as well as the suspects. The author weaves these well-defined characters remarkably well through the story and I had no trouble following each scenario. This mystery novel is intense and moves rapidly along. It's an exemplary thriller, dynamically written. I highly recommend this compelling novel.

[Videoclimber(AKA)MTsLilSis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't bring myself to finish this one. I got about 70 percent done. The problem I had was that there were so many characters that I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. The storylines were slow moving. I did not know enough about any of the characters to make me care about them. I did want to find out what happened to the baby, but not enough to make myself keep reading. I very seldom do not finish when I have gotten this far. After trying to go back several times and try to remember who was who, I finally gave up.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most excellent 5 star read! review to come...:)
Loved this book…I had no idea what was coming until the end and I like when that happens!
I enjoyed Detective Kendall who inadvertently gets a big home invasion case where all 4 members of the family are executed except the 10 month old baby who, somehow seems to have disappeared leaving behind some confusing blood drops…. Where did baby Philly go?
Detective Kendall is adrift in her life, living in her car and at the station and upon constant nagging by her well meaning father to move in with him, she finally finds and moves into an apt. above a bar and kindles a friendship with the woman who lives across the hall who just happens to be psychic and an expert computer hacker!
Very soon there is a man who claims he murdered the whole family but, Kendall doesn't buy it. With the help of her new partner the womanizing Ross Alverson and her new friend across the hall who almost gets killed in the process, Kendall crack the case. The characters are real, compelling and very likeable. I read this book in a single sitting and when I do that it is always a most excellent 5 star read for me.
This is a page turner from the first page to the last and I will most definitely be reading more from this author Marla Madison in the future


I won this on goodreads for a fair and honest review

[Susan Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detective Kendall (Kenny) Halsrud has her hands full. She's still somewhat recuperating from being shot, she's practically homeless, her partner is unexpectedly hospitalized, and she's investigating a gruesome home invasion/multiple murder/baby kidnapping case. Along the way, Kendall joins forces with one of the murder victims' relatives, an albino fortune teller and a former detective, who's now turned PI.

If it sounds like there's a lot going on in Relative Malice, that's because there is. In fact, there are so many characters and subplots thrown into the mix, it quickly becomes a chaotic jumble of "stuff" that went off in far too many directions.

The book is told in multiple POVs, which wouldn't be bad if each POV character were given their own chapters. But, the author has chosen to suddenly switch POV in mid-chapter, disrupting the flow of the story. Several times, character dialogue flowed into one another, which became another irritating source of confusion.

Much of the story dealt with a very dark subject: the possibility that "baby pedophilia" was the primary reason for the home invasion. Without revealing spoilers, suffice it to say that a graphic description was included for good measure. Nasty stuff, and in my opinion it wasn't necessary to spell it out for readers.

There were several far-fetched coincidences thrown in: Kendall just happens to move into an apartment right across the hall from a fortune teller who just happened to have done an ominous card reading for two of the murder victims right before they were murdered. Said fortune teller just happens to be a computer hacker on probation who has the ability to track down several "baby pedophiles" for Kendall (just a tad too Girl With the Dragon Tattoo to be original). These things alone made the story far too unbelievable even for a fiction novel.

The main character, Kendall, spent a lot of time internally putting herself down as not being as attractive as she would like. However, it seemed that the majority of the other characters (male and female) were spending a lot of time plotting to get her into bed.

I really thought I'd enjoy this book much more than I actually did. I read the glowing five star reviews and had high hopes for it. The book was free, so the price was right, but I'm afraid I can't recommend Relative Malice.

3 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton, http://ebookreviewgal.com

[SarahRobins_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced with lots going on. I didn’t love it. It all seemed a bit too easy for the cop trying to solve this crime.

[Monty Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Reading

This was a great book to kick my shoes off, get comfy in the recliner, and read until the end. I read the two books out of order but it didn't matter too much.
Hoping you will enjoy the adventures of Detective Kendall Halsrud as much as I did.

[Korin: A Crone Running Amok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Device Kendall Halsrud is called in on a horrible case family husband wife two kids dead and the baby is gone. The how is painfully obvious but who and why and where the baby is makes the entire story. Several triggers here all of them ugly but the story is so moving and so well done that it's worth risking them.

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relative Malice opens dropping you right into the action as a home invasion is being investigated by Detective Halsrud and her partner. A family is killed and a baby is missing, but nothing is missing. They can't explain it, but they know they only have a short few hours if they stand a chance of finding Philly Glausson alive, if she even is alive. Ms. Madison takes the reader along in the backseat of Halsrud's Highlander as she loses one partner, gets another and then yet another, the same guy who got her shot the last time they worked together. Halsrud doesn't have time to deal with Adam Nashlund, but Philly's uncle, her only remaining relative, hires him as a PI to find his niece.

Working together Kendall and Nash work their way through the possible suspects and friends of the family. Along the way you get more and more insight into Kendall's past and the reasons she is so desperately holding onto the belief that Philly is still alive.

The action is nonstop until the dust settles and the reader finds out the real reasons why the Glaussons' died, the real reasons why Nash got a divorce and the real reasons why you'll want to immediately start Iced Malice, so you can find out the next installment of Malice by Madison

[Charles Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

When four members of a family are slaughtered, and their 10-month-old daughter goes missing, rooky detective Kendall Halsrud is determined to find the child—despite everyone else’s belief that the girl is dead. Homeless after being kicked out by her roommate, Kendall takes a room over a bar, where she encounters an exotic neighbor, a fake psychic and paroled hacker, Brynn. With the assistance of Brynn, and Adam Nashlund, a former cop, Kendall puts her career and life at risk in her pursuit of the truth. In the process, she uncovers family secrets that have lain buried for years.
Relative Malice by Marla Madison follows Kendall and other characters through the murky, distasteful world of pedophiles, baby merchants, and dysfunctional family relationships—a journey that will leave you breathless until the conclusion, that will surprise you.
Madison has enough twists, false leads, and red herrings to keep any mystery aficionado thrilled. Although I found the ending a bit too pat—as if the author felt she’d told enough of the story, and just added it to tie up loose ends—it was still a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Angela Risner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Relative Malice finds that four members of a family have been murdered during a home invasion. However, the fifth member of the family, a baby girl, is missing and presumed dead. The case is assigned to Detective Kendall Halsrud, who has many, many complicated relationships in her life.

Here are my issues with the story:

1. I'm not drawn to any of the characters except perhaps Brynn, the young fortune teller who lives across from Kendall. Other than that, it seems like some characters are brought in and then dropped, never to be heard from again.
2. The story feels as though we were brought into the middle of a conversation.
3. The pacing was slow.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marla Madison has a wonderful way of weaving the characters in this suspense novel. There are twists and turns that keep the reader moving forward, wanting to turn the page and see what happens next. The author also uses vivid sensory descriptions to make the book come alive. A family is found murdered in central Wisconsin. I thought the title was a clue, but it wasn't at all what I expected. A good read for those people wanting a quick page turner.

[Brian Borgford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable reading. A collection of subplots and stories that all have a connection to the main theme. Not exactly a page-turner, but I enjoyed taking a slow pace at reading and following the characters and unfolding tale. The story itself is fairly complex so I found it worthwhile to go slow and absorb the varied information and clues that are dropped along the way. Nice tidy ending, pulling all of the pieces together.

[Lolabdo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm putting it back on the 'to read' pile. Just couldn't get into and I'm surprised because the ratings are good. Maybe just not for me???

Storyline just seemed so 'done'

[Roseanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some editing mistakes, a bit annoying with the overdone cop speak and a little far fetched. Still, I found myself intrigued enough to finish the book. Overall, not bad for a quick vacation read.

[Jenn4Gators · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book but it fell kind of flat for me. Detective Kendall Halsrud is investigating a murdered family and their missing baby. Despite everyone else's belief that the baby is dead, Kendall won't give up on finding her. I found the main character to be very unlikeable with a negative attitude and somewhat juvenile decision making skills. It's even more obvious when more of her backstory is revealed. There were a lot of characters and several story lines to follow which made this confusing to read at times. I think it had potential but often felt like there was a lot going on and too many characters to develop them well.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Kendall Halsrud becomes the officer in charge when her partner is taken ill, of a home invasion case - the murder of four of the Glausson family, and a missing baby. Circumstances lead to Halsrud working with Adam Nashlund, the security chief of Gray Glausson, brother of the deceased father. They have to delve into the past to expose the secrets that could lead to the guilty party.
An enjoyable fast paced mystery story

[Keith Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing

A thoroughly engrossing ' hard to put .down' story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. A family story which commences with the deaths of all family members. All, but there is doubt in Kendell's mind as to the fate of the of the young baby. Where did she go and how and why ? Ispect there a possibility that the baby survived, ? But how and why, There is more to the background thsn anyone could ever imagine..

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. At times had to review characters to keep from forgetting who what and where they come into the story.
While some of the characters are far fetched or typical of this type of book they keep the story moving.
The resolution of the baby bonding to a stranger due to perfume seemed to easy but at least there was a conclusion.
Would have been nice to know what happens to the protagonist at the end.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent series, good characters and setting

Really 3.5 stars, great characters and plot, and as usual I am drawn to locations new to me. Last year I read a bunch of detective novels set in Superior, WI so this one in Eau Claire also appealed to me. I plan to read the rest of the series!

[nancy gregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story, good read

Plot twists and turns leading Detective Halsrud through a variety of suspects . This is worth reading if you like stories involving police that do their jobs and limited descriptions of outrageous behavior, violence, foul language, and gratuitous sex. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Cynthia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

killers on a rampage

Kendall’s first big case was four people killed and their baby missing. Her partner has a heart problem which leaves her in charge of the investigation. Not much progress finding the killer. The investigations leave them to solve a pedophile ring in the area.
The story is interesting. I like the main characters even with their drama baggage.

[Maureen Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, multiple mysteries

Selling babies. It’s the issue at the basis of many of the crimes woven together here.

Sometimes I found Madison’s wording awkward. I realized there was no swearing. That means that where a swear word, or even “poop” might be used more commonly, the word “defecate” threw off the rhythm of a conversation

[Barbara Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book, a page turner, for sure. From the first page to the last I was intrigued If anyone loves thrillers--mysteries then I recommend this book. I will be reading her others in the future...

[Erika Sobin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery

Great story line with strong characters. Slightly confusing trying to keep track of who some of the lesser seen characters were. Would definitely read more from this author.

[Dee Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good "Who done it"

Relative Malice by Marla Madison is a well written mystery about the murder of an entire family and how one tenacious detective refuses to give up until she has all the answers.

[Katherine Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A action packed book.

This book was packed with excitement and anticipation . The characters were believable but there seem to be too many of them. I found it very difficult to keep focused the story,the

[Linda Tucker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad language

Was interested in the murder story but bad language was used immediately. Not necessary! Also, the main character seemed, in my opinion, to be of questionable character.

[Chris Jarvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the characters. I like fallible characters, and Det. Halsrud is definitely fallible. The jumping 1st person POV was a little distracting and the story meandered quite a bit. I think that was okay. This is more like a 3.5 stars - so I might check out further stories.

[Sharon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Great beginning for the series. Strong characters. Kendall and Nash are getting to know each other better. They found the missing baby and found out the mother gave a baby boy up for adoption

[Lisa Kader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

What can I say about this book? It is fast paced. You will be shocked on the out come of this book. I am enjoying reading this author's work.