Malice Intended

by Ron Handberg

Minneapolis anchorwoman and single mother Maggie Lawrence must take her colleagues into her confidence when proof of her darkest secret is revealed to her and someone begins to sabotage her career. Original.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Thriller

608 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good plot regarding child pornography with the backdrop of a television station investigation. Good to the very end.

[Carl Brookins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another television broadcasting news mystery/thriller. It's an aspect of life author Ron Handberg knows well. He spent many years as the successful News Director of a local Twin Cities television station.
Rising news anchor Maggie Lawrence has a secret--who hasn't--she'd like to keep out of the public consciousness. It's the kind of thing that if known, could adversely affect her career. Given the nature of the secret, it's not too surprising that there are those who are in the know and some low-life types try to use that knowledge to further their own goals. There's a good deal of stalking and preying in this book and times of rising tension where it all works quite well. Everything portrayed here is possible, but you are required to stretch the limits of belief at times.
Malice Intended is a good story idea and the motivating reason is a twist. The book is filled with characters both interesting and not so, but it takes a long time to resolve. The novel covers some ground in more detail than necessary. It's an okay read for the beach this winter, but Handberg is a better storyteller than this one would lead you to believe.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read about a news anchor who is being blackmailed about her sexcapdes as a teenager. Interesting who turns out to be the blackmailer.

[Marni · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a couple of plots going on at the same time, it had me picking it up to read at any opportunity.