Deviant Vandals

by Jenna Malin

One detective running from her past,
another running from himself.

After faking her death and running for her life, Detective Evelyn Hale takes refuge in Defiance, Missouri, where a surge of violent crime has the town on edge. Suspicious of her circumstances and haunted by his own ghosts, her new partner, Conrad Kendry, wants her gone. But try as he might to convince everyone otherwise, he needs her help.

A string of vandalisms promise two chaos and destruction. Kendry fears they’ll soon grow violent, and he’s out of leads—and chances. Rumors swirl around the precinct that the higher ups are looking for any excuse to fire the angry son of their late Police Chief, despite his stellar conviction rates.

They both have one chance—one case—to put aside their differences and make this partnership work. Will they reconcile their differences and learn to trust each other before time runs out, and these crimes turn bloody?


Deviant Vandals is book one in The Detectives of Defiance, a romantic mystery series perfect for those who like true crime documentaries, crime procedurals (like NBC’s Law and Special Victims Unit, CBS’ NCIS, ABC’s The Rookie, and Fox’s Bones), and a slow-burn romance that leaves you begging for more. Each book brings a new case, which will lead Evelyn and Conrad down the winding path of conspiracy and corruption in pursuit of the serial killer who tried to take Evelyn’s life—if they can learn to trust each other first.

*Series must be read in order.*

Genres: Mystery, Romance

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2026

About the author

Jenna Malin is a St. Louis mystery romance author, poet, and live-music lover. She never feels more herself than when she's in the crowd at a show.

Malin independently released six poetry collections while writing her debut mystery romance novel, Deviant Vandals, which is the first book in her crime procedural series, The Detectives of Defiance.

Reviews

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. Wow this book had my by the edge of my seat from the very beginning!! I was hooked, if you like CSI or NCIS you will definitely love this book!! Well written and I truly enjoyed this book!! It made me feel like i was right there with them!! Cant wait to see how this series plays out!!

“Deviant Vandals is book one in The Detectives of Defiance, a romantic mystery series perfect for those who like true crime documentaries, crime procedurals (like NBC’s Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, CBS’ NCIS, ABC’s The Rookie, and Fox’s Bones), and a slow-burn romance that leaves you begging for more. Each book brings a new case, which will lead Evelyn and Conrad down the winding path of conspiracy and corruption in pursuit of the serial killer who tried to take Evelyn’s life—if they can learn to trust each other first.

*Series must be read in order.*”

[CozyreaderLisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviant Vandals is a 5-star crime thriller-romance that pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat. When I say I was hooked, I mean it. If you like Bones or CSI, you definitely need to pick this up! I felt like I was right there in the story with them. I loved Evelyn and Conrad’s witty banter so much that several times I caught myself laughing out loud and saying, “ Go, Evelyn!” I am absolutely dying to read the next book! This author has totally knocked it out of the park with this story! Definitely a must-read!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got the email with the chance to ARC read a mystery romance with a LA Vice detective on the run and an ex-marine now detective with some serious trust issues, I knew I had to give it a shot.

It definitely gave Bones/Castle and CSI vibes, but add in all the emotional attachment. It’s full of trauma, determination, desperation, suspense, danger, longing, tension and banter! The banter and chemistry between the MCs was addictive!

You immediately get drawn into the story with the dark pasts and present circumstances the MCs are dealing with. Then you add in the current mystery each MC is dealing with personally and their first case as partners? Yeah, I was absolutely hooked and devoured this book as fast as I could. Conrad and Evelyn are the perfect storm and I can’t wait to see how their partnership and romantic plot develops!

As crazy as the circumstances were, Jenna was still able to make the story feel real and allowed you to connect to the characters easily. The story was well paced and the writing was easy to follow, never leaving you feeling like something was missing.

I may have had a random outburst when the book ended… I need more of Conrad and Evelyn! I can’t wait to find out where this mystery leads!

[Jess Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a crime-meets-romance read that actually hooks you: this is it. Deviant Vandals is easily one of the strongest debut novels I’ve read, and it genuinely felt like I was dropped into a high-stakes crime show (think CSI, but make it emotional, romantic and a little unhinged in the best way).

The crime elements are detailed and clever without feeling overwhelming—you can tell the author did her research, because everything feels intentional and real. I found myself fully invested in the cases like I would be if I was watching a true crime doc.

Speaking of the characters… the FMC and MMC? Top tier. The banter is sharp, the tension is chef’s kiss, and the slow burn is SLOW (in a “I am begging you two to get it together” kind of way). The yearning?? Painful. Addictive. Exactly what I want. What really sold me was how natural the relationships felt: nothing forced, nothing rushed. Just really solid character work that makes you care way too much about fictional people.

By the end, I was fully invested and immediately ready for the next book because I need to know what happens next.

Safe to say: not disappointed in the slightest.

[Kaitlynn Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

oh baby.
this is one of the slowest of slow burns, with secrets everywhere you turn, no one you can trust, and running from trauma.
Conrad and Evelyn are truly, cut from the same cloth. They balance one another, understand one another, and when push comes to shove they will both lay everything out for their partner.
You don’t have a damsel in distress, you have a survivor who can and does handle her own. You don’t just have a brute as a grumpy MMC, you have a man who is fighting for his life while there is not a soul who knows the demons trying to destroy everything he’s built.

This mystery romance will have you on the edge of your seat, closing your book/putting down your kindle in disbelief, and screaming internally at characters at every turn. From start to finish the investment never stays.
The cliff hanger has me REELING for more.

[Kayla Rhein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviant Vandals by Jenna Malin had me completely hooked! I got so invested in the characters so fast, and the Criminal Minds vibes throughout were absolutely immaculate ✨ The mix of tension, mystery, and character dynamics made it impossible to put down. I already cannot wait for the next installment because I need more of these characters immediately!!!!

[Gunnar Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to get through as, an ARC reader. but I finally found the time to finish this masterpiece! As much as knowing the inspiration behind it, and being a huge fan of NCIS myself, Deviant Vandals is a book that not only encompasses the idea, but is able to stand alone as it's own creation. Well done, and well crafted, this is a must read for anyone who loves Bones, NCIS, and I'll even add Stephen King's Mr. Mercedes to the list.

[D.O. Scissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic start to the series !! Looking forward to the next installment.

[Leanne Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is not my usual genre for books but I am so glad I spent out of my comfort zone. It was brilliant I couldn’t put it down I just needed to know what was going to happen next. I loved the banter and tension between Evelyn and Conrad!

[Elizabeth Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of Law & Order, The Rookie, Criminal Minds, and crime procedurals with tension filled partnerships, then this book needs to be on your radar.

Jenna had me hooked from the start. A grumpy/sunshine dynamic, partners to lovers energy, a deliciously slow burn, and all the banter? Come on — count me in.

I absolutely love Conrad and Evelyn. The tension, the back-and-forth, the nicknames (Ghost and Raider), the way he doesn’t trust her but can’t stop watching her — I was hooked. Completely obsessed with these two.

And that ending?!? I finished this book immediately begging for book two in the series because I need more. If you love crime, mystery, detective duos, and romance simmering in the background, go grab Deviant Vandals — available now.

[Lacey Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is rare to find a book that grabs you so quickly these days. But Deviant Vandals did just that. I was fully invested in every characters story as well as the case. It was one of those books that made it hard to be a functioning adult, and not just call out of everything so I could just sit at home and read. By trade I am a re-reader of books I love, but that list is not extensive. This on is definitely on that list, this is a story I will enjoy reliving. I am highly anticipating the next book in the series!

[Cassandra Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me HOOKED from page one. 😭🔍

Deviant Vandal genuinely felt like watching an episode of Bones, CSI, or Criminal Minds; except somehow even more emotionally damaging because I got way too attached to these characters way too fast. 🫠

The crime and investigation aspects were SO well done. Everything felt detailed, realistic, and intentional without becoming overwhelming or overly technical. You can tell Jenna Malin did her research because every case and reveal pulled me in deeper and deeper. I seriously felt like I was right there alongside the characters trying to piece everything together. 🕵️‍♀️

And Evelyn and Conrad???
Obsessed. Immediately. 😭

Their banter was absolutely top tier; sharp, witty, funny, and full of tension. I was literally laughing out loud at some of Evelyn’s comments because she does not hold back. The chemistry between them is incredible, but what made it even better was the slow burn. And I mean SLOW slow burn. The kind where you’re sitting there begging fictional characters to get it together already. 💀

There’s no spice in this one, but honestly? The tension carries the entire book. Every interaction felt loaded with emotion, trauma, and unspoken feelings, and it made me desperate to see where their relationship goes next.

I also really loved that both characters are carrying their own pain and trauma underneath everything. It added so much depth to the story and made them feel incredibly real.

For a debut novel, this was seriously impressive. The pacing, the tension, the character work, it all worked so well together that I completely devoured this book in just a few hours. 📚✨

By the end, I was fully emotionally invested and immediately needed book two.

If you love:
🔎 crime thrillers
🖤 slow burn tension
🔎 witty banter
🖤 emotionally damaged characters
🔎 Bones / NCIS / Criminal Minds vibes
🖤 crime-meets-romance stories

please pick this up immediately because WOW. 😭✨

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deviant Vandals by Jenna Malin was a genuinely enjoyable read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story balances multiple threads; the central mystery, side plots, and a well-developed romantic subplot, without ever feeling overwhelming. In fact, the constant movement between these elements made it hard to put down, as there was always something interesting unfolding.
One of the highlights for me was the romantic dynamic, which gave off strong Moonlighting or Scarecrow and Mrs. King vibes. The chemistry felt natural and added a fun, slightly nostalgic layer to the story without overshadowing the main plot.
My only real hesitation comes from the believability of the partnership at the heart of the story. It’s a bit of a stretch to accept that a detective would place so much trust in someone whose identity isn’t what it seems. That element required some suspension of disbelief that didn’t fully land for me.
That said, it didn’t take away much from the overall experience. The pacing, engaging plotlines, and character interactions made this a compelling and satisfying read.

[Jessica Stueber · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Deviant Vandals
By Jenna Malin
Self-Published (05/24/26)
5⭐️

Have you ever read a book and feel like you’re just watching a movie in your head? That was this book. The storyline flowed so effortlessly that it painted a crystal clear picture.

Detective Evelyn Hale is running from her past and chasing a ghost, all at the same time. She lands in Defiance, Missouri where she begins her new job in the police department. Her new partner Conrad Kendry is a bitter, retired military man that gives Evelyn a very hard time. They both are emotionally damaged and full of PTSD.

This true-crime thriller is a rollercoaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end! Follows the line of true crime shows, such as Law & Order, NCIS, FBI. It was a fast read with an open ending! Thank you to Jenna Malin for this free ARC book in exchange for my candid review.

🔘Romance
🔘Thriller/Suspense

[Samantha Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Jenna Malin for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Whew we. I knew I would enjoy this one going in, but I was not prepared for just how much!! I have a lengthy history in law enforcement, much of it as a detective myself. My real-life love interest (husband) is also in law enforcement, so you can see why this appealed to me so much. I get so excited for these books, but they can be hit or miss for me if the details stray too far from reality to be believable. I am so glad to say that Jenna kept it believable in this book for me. I was really able to enjoy this book instead of nitpicking (unwillingly) procedure or industry-specific things.

The romance in this was excellent for me. I love me a slow-burning romance, and Jenna delivers it here in the best way. I was hooked on this story from the very beginning, and honestly, it never let up. This series is now on my radar, and I WILL be picking up the next book as soon as I can!

[Angel aka BooksnCats007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Received this as an ARC from the author, this is my honest review.

When I tell you that I was SAT and devoured this book in 4 hours, I could not put this down. Such a delight to read.

The beginning grabs your attention, and the pages following had me feeling like I was watching an episode of NCIS or Bones, with humorous banter and realistic intensity that had me on the edge of my seat.

My heart goes out to both of the MCs, who have each experienced trauma in their own secretive ways.
There wasnt any spice in this book, but the tension is definitely there. Cannot wait to see their relationship grow throughout the series.

Ready for book two!

[Becca Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review

2 detectives with trust issues from past experiences are paired together. Tensions high and sparks in the air, the good and bad kind, they must work together on their first case to solve a series of graffiti attack that seem to escalate.

This book is what I hope to be the first of many in a series. Both detectives have cases they want to solve personally and while nothing super romantic happened in this book, you can tell there is attraction on both their parts.

Will be highly anticipating the next in the series and whatever case they are given next and how each of their own investigations go.
Who will fully trust the other first?

[Lisa Gaede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviant Vandals by Jenna Marin is a really thrilling romantic suspense that grabbed my attention from the first page. If you're a fan of investigative shows, like NCIS, this book feels like watching one unfold in your head. The crime details are well-crafted and immersive, keeping the mystery engaging and constantly making you want to know what happens next.

The romance adds the cherry on top to the story, with witty characters, great chemistry, and yummy slow-burn tension that kept me invested. The balance between suspense and romance was spot on, making it a surprisingly fantastic read. I couldn't put it down and already can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC for my honest review of Deviant Vandals. I must say that this isn't my normal genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I was engaged throughout the whole book and the plot was fantastic! I love a good plot winthin a plot. I am definitely hooked and ready for more of Conrad and Evelyn's partnership and for more cases to be solved especially the Big Two Cases. Furthermore, as a Medwesterner, I don't know if I have ever read a book before set in St. Louis! It felt like home! Highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys detective storyline and slow-burn romances.

[Nyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like the extended pilot for a new tv show I desperately want to watch immediately. I started the book this afternoon and just couldn’t put it down; I read the whole thing in one sitting!

Deviant Vandals is an engaging, well-written, and extremely fun and enjoyable crime drama with dark elements, strong characters on massive healing journeys, and a super intriguing mystery. I cannot wait to keep reading about Evelyn and Conrad — and I desperately need to see these villains get their due! What a strong start to a series. I’m so glad I got this ARC and could dive into Defiance.

[Shabella Gutierrez-McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author. This review is 100% my own opinions. I loved this book! The premise and the plot are something I haven’t read before. That really had me engaged in the book. The way the author named all the chapters really helped too. The author did an amazing job with the FMC and the MMC and their character growth. It was very natural and not pushed. I would recommend this book to anyone!

[C Me Read Write Now · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I LOVED this book!!! I have a masters degree in Criminal Justice, grew up watching Body of Evidence, Rescue 911, The First 48, and NCIS and I loved every single thing about this book. It scratched an itch in my brain I didn't know I had!! I love a good book that involves crime scenes, detectives, and a good story line/plot! I read this as an ebook and I will need to purchase a physical copy for my bookshelf! I cannot say this enough, if you like NCIS, you will love this book!

[Kassie Vittoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader and got an advanced copy of the book, and I loved it. Jenna has a way with words that makes you feel like you are actually there with the main characters in the book.
This is a slow burn romance book with a good mystery plot that will make you not want to quit reading! Can't wait for book 2!

[Brianne Hersey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im an arc reader and got an advanced copy of this book and i loved it.

The plot had intrigued me and I couldn't wait to read this. The author keeps you and the characters guessing who you can and cannot trust.

I look forward to reading more with these characters and see where this story takes them

[Heather Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, fast-paced, and hard to put down. The mix of mystery and slow-burn romance works perfectly, with Conrad and Evelyn’s banter and tension stealing the show.
The partnership takes a little suspension of disbelief, but the chemistry and pacing more than make up for it. Perfect for fans of Law & Order or NCIS.

[Chelsea Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing debut novel! If you like Bones, CSI, any type of crime show with some romance lurking in the background, this book is for you! I finished this book so quickly and am dying for book 2! It’s clever, sassy, and everything you’re looking for!

[Morgan Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all I was NOT ready for this book to break me the way it did.

Jenna Malin has killed it with her debut book. 📖

Trust me when I say you are going to want this book when it comes out next month. Especially if you are someone who loves Bones or Castle type cop shows.

[Nikki ☕️🧬📚💀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Kendry and Hale are team goals! Loved the storyline! Honestly, I can’t wait for the second book!

[Shelby Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

JENNNAAAAAAAA

(review coming after im emotionally stable)

[Christen Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as ARC reader.

engaging and emotional read that explores identity and personal struggles. The main character feels real and relatable, and the story keeps you interested from start to finish.

While the pacing can be a bit uneven at times, the strong character development and meaningful themes make up for it.