What do you think?
Rate this book
Malevolent Intent: A Lee Danforth Suspense Novel
After a disastrous fourth tour overseas, Army Colonel Vernon Matheson is forced into civilian life with a forced medical retirement and a fractured mind. Hoping to rebuild, he returns to Charleston—only to walk into a his house trashed, a dead woman on his bedroom floor, and his wife and five-year-old daughter gone without a trace.
Instead of allies, Vern finds resistance at every turn. His once-steady grandparents are evasive and erratic, the lead investigator seems determined to frame him, and time is bleeding away with every false lead. Into the chaos steps Lee Danforth—a sharp, relentless attorney assigned to his case, and the last person Vern wants digging through his shattered life. But as their alliance deepens, so does the danger.
As Lee Danforth and Vern Matheson dig deeper into Angela Matheson’s double life and trail of drugs, secrets, and betrayal, they uncover something far a calculating killer who has been stalking this family for months, orchestrating every piece of their destruction. With a hurricane bearing down on the South Carolina coast, Vern and Lee must race to find his daughter, Katie, before the storm—and the man hunting them—brings everything crashing down.
Because the deeper they dig, the deadlier the truth becomes.
Instead of allies, Vern finds resistance at every turn. His once-steady grandparents are evasive and erratic, the lead investigator seems determined to frame him, and time is bleeding away with every false lead. Into the chaos steps Lee Danforth—a sharp, relentless attorney assigned to his case, and the last person Vern wants digging through his shattered life. But as their alliance deepens, so does the danger.
As Lee Danforth and Vern Matheson dig deeper into Angela Matheson’s double life and trail of drugs, secrets, and betrayal, they uncover something far a calculating killer who has been stalking this family for months, orchestrating every piece of their destruction. With a hurricane bearing down on the South Carolina coast, Vern and Lee must race to find his daughter, Katie, before the storm—and the man hunting them—brings everything crashing down.
Because the deeper they dig, the deadlier the truth becomes.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Hampton
3 books10 followersR. S. Hampton is a former attorney turned novelist, drawing on her three decades of legal experience in the southern United States to write thrilling, fast-paced stories centered on bold, complex women. After practicing law for thirty years, she discovered creative writing as a means of channeling her energy and exploring new narratives; free from the constraints of societal norms and rules. What started as a way to unwind from the challenges of work and life evolved into a passion for crafting complex and page-turning stories.
Hampton writes fast-paced thrillers and suspense novels with a bit of grit and a touch of dark humor– blending high-stakes plots with gripping investigations and dynamic interactions. Her debut novel, Forever Gone, releases on July 1, 2025, marking her entry into the literary world with a compelling story that pulls no punches. Inspired by her lifelong love of travel, Hampton’s novels unfold across diverse and vibrant settings, where danger and intrigue are never far away.
Hampton writes fast-paced thrillers and suspense novels with a bit of grit and a touch of dark humor– blending high-stakes plots with gripping investigations and dynamic interactions. Her debut novel, Forever Gone, releases on July 1, 2025, marking her entry into the literary world with a compelling story that pulls no punches. Inspired by her lifelong love of travel, Hampton’s novels unfold across diverse and vibrant settings, where danger and intrigue are never far away.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 3, 2025
I received this as an ARC, I was lucky to be able to read the first book as well. This story continues to follow Lee Danforth and her team. Vern Matheson returns from being deployed to find his daughter and wife are missing, and a woman was found dead in his house.
The police believe he was involved, so we follow the journey to find the missing wife/daughter and everything that unfolds. We also have an impending Hurricane that is causing background tension.
the story was well written, and kept moving, I really enjoyed the story overall and thought it was a great second book from the author.
If investigation, suspense, crime books are your liking, this series would be enjoyed.
The police believe he was involved, so we follow the journey to find the missing wife/daughter and everything that unfolds. We also have an impending Hurricane that is causing background tension.
the story was well written, and kept moving, I really enjoyed the story overall and thought it was a great second book from the author.
If investigation, suspense, crime books are your liking, this series would be enjoyed.
December 8, 2025
What a plot twist! I don’t think I have ever been so invested in a character’s identity and so blown away by the truth. The multiple points of views were flawlessly executed and really added to intrigue of the story. The mystery, the intrigue, the suspense was all there and everything was eventually wrapped up in a nice bow. My mind is still reeling from the truth and I’m sure I’ll be thinking of this book for months to come.
This book has currently been published as an e-book through Amazon only and will be released to all other retailers on 1/03
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book has currently been published as an e-book through Amazon only and will be released to all other retailers on 1/03
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 4, 2025
R.S. Hampton creates a whirlwind of a ride in her second book, Malevolent Intent. Grittier and darker than her first book in the series, Forever Gone, R.S. Hampton challenges her main character, M.L. Lee in more than just a new role as criminal investigator. Her new characters, Sharpe, Weaver and Vern are multidimensional characters that struggle with dark and slippery pasts. I found the use of flashbacks directly related to complex PTSD intriguing and disturbing.
Malevolent Intent grabbed me and would not let me go from its first few pages.
Malevolent Intent grabbed me and would not let me go from its first few pages.
December 3, 2025
What a great story!! It had everything everything you need to keep you wrapped up in a book you do not want to put down. This story had you hooked from page one and never let you go. Loved Lee and Vern as main characters and all that surrounded them in the story. Yes you did love some and dislike others but that is what a great story does. I am looking forward to reading the other book in this series!!
This was an ARC read that I left an unbiased review for.
This was an ARC read that I left an unbiased review for.
November 20, 2025
Malevolent Intent by R.S. Hampton surprised me in all the best ways. I went in expecting a fairly standard suspense novel, but the opening chapters hooked me immediately. The pacing is tight, the tension builds fast, and the characters feel gritty and real—especially Vernon Matheson, whose life unravels the second he steps off a plane and back into “normal” life. The setup of a missing child, a ransacked home, and a dead stranger on the bedroom floor instantly creates a sense of urgency that never really lets up.
I really enjoyed the alternating perspectives. They gave the story layers and helped me connect with the characters on different levels. Lee Danforth is especially compelling—smart, steady, and a great counterbalance to Matheson’s internal chaos.
What stood out most to me was how grounded the story felt. Even though the stakes were high, nothing ever drifted into the unbelievable. The military backstory, the police procedures, the emotional fallout—they all rang true and kept me invested.
It’s definitely on the darker side in places, but never gratuitous. Just enough grit to make the suspense feel authentic.
Overall, Malevolent Intent is fast-paced, tense, and full of twists. A solid read that kept me turning pages, and one I’m glad I picked up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the alternating perspectives. They gave the story layers and helped me connect with the characters on different levels. Lee Danforth is especially compelling—smart, steady, and a great counterbalance to Matheson’s internal chaos.
What stood out most to me was how grounded the story felt. Even though the stakes were high, nothing ever drifted into the unbelievable. The military backstory, the police procedures, the emotional fallout—they all rang true and kept me invested.
It’s definitely on the darker side in places, but never gratuitous. Just enough grit to make the suspense feel authentic.
Overall, Malevolent Intent is fast-paced, tense, and full of twists. A solid read that kept me turning pages, and one I’m glad I picked up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2025
Into the Eye of the Storm
Hungry alligators, a raging hurricane, a corrupt officer, an angry veteran, and a razor-sharp attorney — Malevolent Intent throws you straight into the storm, literally and figuratively.
After a devastating fourth tour overseas, Colonel Vernon Matheson returns home to rebuild his life — only to find his house wrecked, a dead woman in his bedroom, and his wife, Angela, and daughter, Katie, missing.
With a hurricane closing in and the lead investigator seeming far too eager to pin everything on him, Vern teams up with attorney Lee Danforth, the last person he wants digging into his past.
As they peel back the layers of Angela’s double life, they uncover a predator who has been stalking the family for months. Time is running out — for Vern, for Lee, and for little Katie.
Hampton writes with a sharp, gritty edge that fits the world of legal thrillers and domestic suspense. The pacing is solid throughout — steady at first, then tightening and accelerating as Hurricane Umberto approaches. The tension lifts naturally as the danger closes in.
I enjoyed the structure of the POVs. Lee’s chapters are written in the first person, giving us direct access to her thoughts and instincts. The other perspectives — Vern, Sharpe, Angela and Weaver — are written in third person, creating a broader, more cinematic view of the unfolding investigation. This combination adds depth, allowing readers to move between emotional closeness and a wider, more suspenseful perspective.
This story offers the same wide cast of vivid personalities I loved in Forever Gone.
Lee remains a standout — smart, methodical, and guided by instinct. Vern is explosive and unpredictable, the kind of character who makes you mutter “please don’t screw this up” while flipping the page faster. I loved Sharpe’s POV: dark, twisted, magnetic, and impossible to look away from. I only wish we got more of the Judge — his wisdom and calm presence ground the chaos in a way I really enjoy.
The dark humour sprinkled throughout is excellent. “Deadville” felt so authentic it must come from lived experience, and “Weasel” made me laugh out loud. It’s clever relief in a very tense story.
While I enjoyed their dynamic, I personally didn’t feel strong romantic chemistry between Vern and Lee — but their teamwork under pressure, especially with a hurricane approaching, kept me invested.
I really enjoy Hampton’s writing style, and having read Forever Gone, it’s a privilege to be part of her ARC team. Malevolent Intent is another solid, engaging entry into Lee Danforth’s world, and I’m already looking forward to what happens next in her life.
Soon to be released.
Hungry alligators, a raging hurricane, a corrupt officer, an angry veteran, and a razor-sharp attorney — Malevolent Intent throws you straight into the storm, literally and figuratively.
After a devastating fourth tour overseas, Colonel Vernon Matheson returns home to rebuild his life — only to find his house wrecked, a dead woman in his bedroom, and his wife, Angela, and daughter, Katie, missing.
With a hurricane closing in and the lead investigator seeming far too eager to pin everything on him, Vern teams up with attorney Lee Danforth, the last person he wants digging into his past.
As they peel back the layers of Angela’s double life, they uncover a predator who has been stalking the family for months. Time is running out — for Vern, for Lee, and for little Katie.
Hampton writes with a sharp, gritty edge that fits the world of legal thrillers and domestic suspense. The pacing is solid throughout — steady at first, then tightening and accelerating as Hurricane Umberto approaches. The tension lifts naturally as the danger closes in.
I enjoyed the structure of the POVs. Lee’s chapters are written in the first person, giving us direct access to her thoughts and instincts. The other perspectives — Vern, Sharpe, Angela and Weaver — are written in third person, creating a broader, more cinematic view of the unfolding investigation. This combination adds depth, allowing readers to move between emotional closeness and a wider, more suspenseful perspective.
This story offers the same wide cast of vivid personalities I loved in Forever Gone.
Lee remains a standout — smart, methodical, and guided by instinct. Vern is explosive and unpredictable, the kind of character who makes you mutter “please don’t screw this up” while flipping the page faster. I loved Sharpe’s POV: dark, twisted, magnetic, and impossible to look away from. I only wish we got more of the Judge — his wisdom and calm presence ground the chaos in a way I really enjoy.
The dark humour sprinkled throughout is excellent. “Deadville” felt so authentic it must come from lived experience, and “Weasel” made me laugh out loud. It’s clever relief in a very tense story.
While I enjoyed their dynamic, I personally didn’t feel strong romantic chemistry between Vern and Lee — but their teamwork under pressure, especially with a hurricane approaching, kept me invested.
I really enjoy Hampton’s writing style, and having read Forever Gone, it’s a privilege to be part of her ARC team. Malevolent Intent is another solid, engaging entry into Lee Danforth’s world, and I’m already looking forward to what happens next in her life.
Soon to be released.
November 20, 2025
The book opens with the return to civilian life for Colonial Vern Matheson after the harrowing events that led to his medical discharge from the army, only to walk into a nightmare at home. He finds his house in complete disarray, full of strangers, with a dead woman in his bedroom, and no sign of his wife or daughter Katie. And so the race to find his family begins against the backdrop of a major hurricane that is approaching the area.
His only remaining family are his grandparents, and they seem to be reluctant to shed any light on what has been happening while Vern was away. The corrupt cop assigned to the case is consumed with covering his own shady deals. Vern turns to attorney Lee Danforth to help but their shared history brings unresolved tension into the mix that needs to be sidelined until Katie is found.
The chapters rotate through the perspectives of the main characters, which gives the mystery a nice depth and lets you sit with each person’s motives as things grow darker. This is the second in the Lee Danforth series and while it can be read as a standalone, I now want to understand more about the past case that is mentioned throughout this story.
I very much enjoyed the dynamics between all the characters, and as there are quite a few, the story is multi layered. The pacing is steady throughout, but the added deadline of the approaching hurricane ups the tension levels.
I’m very grateful to the author for the opportunity to be a part of her ARC team and I look forward to reading more in what I hope will be a long series with these characters.
His only remaining family are his grandparents, and they seem to be reluctant to shed any light on what has been happening while Vern was away. The corrupt cop assigned to the case is consumed with covering his own shady deals. Vern turns to attorney Lee Danforth to help but their shared history brings unresolved tension into the mix that needs to be sidelined until Katie is found.
The chapters rotate through the perspectives of the main characters, which gives the mystery a nice depth and lets you sit with each person’s motives as things grow darker. This is the second in the Lee Danforth series and while it can be read as a standalone, I now want to understand more about the past case that is mentioned throughout this story.
I very much enjoyed the dynamics between all the characters, and as there are quite a few, the story is multi layered. The pacing is steady throughout, but the added deadline of the approaching hurricane ups the tension levels.
I’m very grateful to the author for the opportunity to be a part of her ARC team and I look forward to reading more in what I hope will be a long series with these characters.
November 20, 2025
R. S. Hampton’s Malevolent Intent is a gripping thriller that balances high-stakes suspense with deeply human emotion. At its heart is Army Colonel Vernon Matheson, a man scarred by war and thrust into civilian life only to find himself at the centre of a nightmare—his home destroyed, his family missing, and suspicion closing in from every direction.
What makes this story so compelling is not just the mystery, but the way Hampton layers Vern’s fractured psyche with the relentless pace of the plot. The arrival of Lee Danforth, a sharp attorney who becomes both ally and irritant, adds a dynamic push-and-pull that keeps the tension alive. Their uneasy partnership evolves into something richer as they uncover secrets, betrayals, and a calculating predator who has been orchestrating the family’s downfall.
The Charleston setting, with a hurricane looming on the horizon, heightens the atmosphere—nature itself becomes a ticking clock against which Vern and Lee must race. Hampton’s prose is taut yet vivid, painting both the chaos of Vern’s unraveling world and the fragile hope that drives him forward.
This is a thriller that doesn’t just deliver twists; it asks what happens when trust is shattered, when family is endangered, and when survival depends on confronting both external enemies and inner demons. Malevolent Intent is fast-paced, emotionally charged, and perfect for readers who love their suspense with a touch of grit and heart.
With thanks to RS Hampton, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What makes this story so compelling is not just the mystery, but the way Hampton layers Vern’s fractured psyche with the relentless pace of the plot. The arrival of Lee Danforth, a sharp attorney who becomes both ally and irritant, adds a dynamic push-and-pull that keeps the tension alive. Their uneasy partnership evolves into something richer as they uncover secrets, betrayals, and a calculating predator who has been orchestrating the family’s downfall.
The Charleston setting, with a hurricane looming on the horizon, heightens the atmosphere—nature itself becomes a ticking clock against which Vern and Lee must race. Hampton’s prose is taut yet vivid, painting both the chaos of Vern’s unraveling world and the fragile hope that drives him forward.
This is a thriller that doesn’t just deliver twists; it asks what happens when trust is shattered, when family is endangered, and when survival depends on confronting both external enemies and inner demons. Malevolent Intent is fast-paced, emotionally charged, and perfect for readers who love their suspense with a touch of grit and heart.
With thanks to RS Hampton, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
December 15, 2025
Malevolent Intent hooked me from the first page and never let go. Set in Mt. Pleasant, SC, a place I once called home, the Low Country backdrop made this thriller feel instantly personal and haunting. Hampton throws us straight into chaos with the kidnapping of a baby girl, and the tension only ramps up from there.
Vern, a combat veteran already struggling with trauma, returns home to find a dead woman in his house and his wife and child missing. His panic and heartbreak are written so vividly that it tore me apart. The one steady light in the chaos is Lee Danforth, sharp, intuitive, and fierce, who brings both grounding and hope as she works to uncover the truth. Their chemistry simmers just under the surface, never overshadowing the investigation but adding a perfect emotional thread.
Between the missing child, a corrupt cop trying to frame Vern, and a killer who always feels one step ahead, this story stays relentlessly gripping. Every clue tightens the tension, and Hampton saves a jaw-dropping twist for the end that I absolutely did NOT see coming. I devoured this book in one sitting, tense, emotional, and brilliantly crafted.
Vern, a combat veteran already struggling with trauma, returns home to find a dead woman in his house and his wife and child missing. His panic and heartbreak are written so vividly that it tore me apart. The one steady light in the chaos is Lee Danforth, sharp, intuitive, and fierce, who brings both grounding and hope as she works to uncover the truth. Their chemistry simmers just under the surface, never overshadowing the investigation but adding a perfect emotional thread.
Between the missing child, a corrupt cop trying to frame Vern, and a killer who always feels one step ahead, this story stays relentlessly gripping. Every clue tightens the tension, and Hampton saves a jaw-dropping twist for the end that I absolutely did NOT see coming. I devoured this book in one sitting, tense, emotional, and brilliantly crafted.
December 24, 2025
Recieved as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review.
Author R.S. Hampton delivers another spectacular, emotional book with Malevolent Intent as terrifying events unfold during the massive hurricane Umburto.
With his military career over, Vernon Matheson returns home to discover is now civilian world is as shattered as his former military life. This wife and daughter have vanished and a murdered woman is found in this trashed out home. Even with attorney Lee Danforth helping this emotionally shattered man navigate the complex justice system; Vernon is discovery so many disturbing family secrets, he doesn't know how to handle any of it. As the race to find his wife and daughter as the hurricane barrels closer and closer, devious killer is taking advantage that no one notice his strategic murders buried within the raging storm... until it's too late.
Highly recommended.
Author R.S. Hampton delivers another spectacular, emotional book with Malevolent Intent as terrifying events unfold during the massive hurricane Umburto.
With his military career over, Vernon Matheson returns home to discover is now civilian world is as shattered as his former military life. This wife and daughter have vanished and a murdered woman is found in this trashed out home. Even with attorney Lee Danforth helping this emotionally shattered man navigate the complex justice system; Vernon is discovery so many disturbing family secrets, he doesn't know how to handle any of it. As the race to find his wife and daughter as the hurricane barrels closer and closer, devious killer is taking advantage that no one notice his strategic murders buried within the raging storm... until it's too late.
Highly recommended.
December 5, 2025
R.S. Hampton delivers another gripping page-turner in this second installment featuring attorney Lee Danforth. This time, Danforth is drawn even deeper into the shadowy world of child trafficking lurking just beneath the historic streets of Charleston, SC. As a massive hurricane churns toward the coast, Hampton layers atmospheric suspense with the desperate search for a missing child and her mother. Are they still alive? Can they survive long enough to be found? And in the murky lowcountry marsh—just who is feeding the alligators?
December 21, 2025
Lee Danforth is getting ready to switch jobs but wants to tie up loose ends at her law practice. Her new boss asks her to take one last case for a former client whose 5 year old daughter and wife are missing.
It’s a race against time with a massive hurricane coming. Can Lee help keep her client out of jail and find his missing daughter before the storm hits?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a race against time with a massive hurricane coming. Can Lee help keep her client out of jail and find his missing daughter before the storm hits?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were relatable and the tension between Lee and Vern is palpable. I loved the style of writing as it has a good balance throughout and would recommend it to anyone who likes crime and legal plots as this has a bunch of them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2025
Hampton has delivered a solid follow-up novel in the Lee Danforth series. Malevolent Intent keeps you on the edge of your seat with its fast pace and unpredictable turns. The multiple POVs create a story with many layers and deep character connections. I found myself thoroughly invested in the outcome.
Make sure to read the first book, Forever Gone, so you get the initial backstory for Lee and her team.
R.S Hampton is certainly finding her writing flow, and I can’t wait to read more from her.
Make sure to read the first book, Forever Gone, so you get the initial backstory for Lee and her team.
R.S Hampton is certainly finding her writing flow, and I can’t wait to read more from her.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews