Moth to the Flames: A BRAND NEW absolutely unputdownable crime thriller for 2025! (A Dr Vanessa Marwood Crime Thriller Book 3)
£4.70
‘A ripper of a book!! More please!’ Netgalley reviewer, 5 stars
Forensic entomologist Dr Vanessa Marwood isn’t in Sydney for the sights. She’s hunting for answers – and Detective Finn Harper, renowned cult expert might have them. His expertise could be the key to exposing a shadowy organisation with ties to Vanessa’s hometown and the glittering elite of New York.
But a few days into her stay, a shocking crime rocks New South Wales – seven bodies are found in an abandoned warehouse, cocooned in expensive Muga silk. It’s macabre and ritualistic, and everything points to the insect-obsessed cult Finn has made it his life’s work to bring down. Could they be capable of something this sophisticated?
Then, three more cult members go missing, and soon the clock is ticking on this unique and horrific case.
As the media and police force reach a frenzy, Finn and Vanessa must pool everything they know – and risk their own safety – to find whoever is behind these sick, statement murders, that are only the beginning…
Fans of Angela Marsons, Patricia Cornwell and Cara Hunter will be absolutely gripped until the final, breathtaking twist.
What everyone is saying about Moth to the Flames:
‘I couldn’t put it down. Five stars’ Netgalley reviewer, 5 stars
‘A great series… plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked… I can’t wait to see where the story goes next’ Netgalley reviewer, 4 stars
‘Great book and series! This book had shocking suspense… and some crazy twists!’ Netgalley reviewer, 5 stars
‘Kept me guessing until the end’ Netgalley reviewer, 5 stars
‘Can’t wait for the next installment to come out’ Netgalley reviewer, 5 stars
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Additional information
| Publisher | Embla Books (18 Mar. 2025) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 3.5 MB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page numbers source ISBN | 1471416453 |
by Peter
This is a brilliant crime series. Vanessa Marwood, world renowned forensic entomologist, finds herself in the middle of another murder crime scene. This time on a busman’s holiday in Australia, where she continues to find dark links to her own family’s history. Having read, and enjoyed, the first two books I felt scared for all the characters being introduced, wondering which were going to be alive by the end of the book. I particularly liked insect mad child Elsie, daughter of love interest Police Detective Finn. I’m now looking forward to the next instalment as there’s a suggestion that they will be in the next book too. Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
by Beth Griffiths
This is such a great series, and while they can technically be read as standalones, I think they work better if read in order. Vanessa’s family is tied up in some mysterious bug ring that runs throughout the 3 books.
I’m so intrigued by the weird cult element. We get to see just how far it reaches and learn a bit more about Vanessa’s family in this book but there are still so many questions.
I love learning about all of the different insects, and the entomology side of the case is so interesting. It makes a nice change from the usual crime thriller setup.
Vanessa is such a cool character and as usual there are some great side characters. I loved Finn and his adorable daughter.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked but I did find there were a few long winded chapters where we were just thrown a lot of information or theories, which slowed down the pace. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
I read an arc
by Jean Easdon
Interesting premise. Well written. Too much insect explaining in narrative for my liking. Well rounded characters. Downside for me I guessed the perpetrator. I would definitely read the next offering as some unanswered questions exist. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.
by Neville Townsend
Dr Vanessa Marwood is in Australia looking for answers Detective Finn Harper a cult expert might be able to supply them but then bodies are discovered leading to her helping. Full of twists and good chracters and plenty if info about insects. This series is getting better with each book.
by SB
This is Book 3 of Dr Vanessa Marwood, a forensic entomologist (bug lady). This story finds our hero in Australia on what is meant to be a holiday! Of course, Vanessa is not known for her downtime, lol!! Her reason is to meet DI Finn Harper, who is a leading expert in Cults. However, Vanessa is soon drawn into the mysterious murders of bodies found and helps Finn unlock why they are displayed in this way. All the subplots are woven together to lead to a dramatic conclusion. It was a ripper of a book!! More please!