I loved this book. Kathryn Fox has created a character in Dr. Anya Crichton that is thoroughly likeable and totally committed to her profession. Without Consent is a riveting read about the hunt for a serial rapist which appears to be inexplicably linked to a murder that occurred 20 years previously. Dr Crichton delves relentlessly into the past in her quest for answers as to why evidence which could have proved a mans innocence was never used in court. The author vividly and expertly sets each scene so graphically that I felt I was actually involved in the plot, in fact I am still looking over my shoulder at every creaking floorboard! This book was a joy to read and kept me guessing to the very end. Kathryn Fox obvoiusly knows a great deal about forensic medicine and has cleverly used her knowledge to make this book exciting, interesting and informative. If Kathryn Fox maintains this standard Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs and Tess Gerritsen will have to do some serious worrying!

Fox's high intensity first chapter draws you in straight away, no wading around in background before getting to the point, you are straight into the action and discover these people's stories in time.It is refreshing for a crime novel to be set in Australia, although it wasn't immediately evident that's where we were. This could however be our naivety that crimes can only be set in the UK or US, as so many novels are. Nevertheless, this subtle account of the setting works better than if Fox had initially screamed it as a stereotypical Aussie story with 'g'day' this and 'strewth' that.Anya's compassion for these rape victims is powerful, as is the fight she puts up to protect them, while her superiors concentrate on more convictions rather than considering the traumas which these women have already been through without them being further violated with intrusive examinations. The most harrowing story must be the young girl who was reduced to showering in her swimsuit, afraid to expose herself, even in private.The skilful factor also is that just when you begin to think you've worked it all out and are disappointed that Fox wrote a plot too predictable, a twist (believable, yet momentous) sends you reeling and kicking yourself for thinking the answer could have been so simple.This book is definitely a good travel book (as long as you're not travelling alone) and though there may be those who find fault with this novel as the rapist claims 'if you can't be hurt you can't be loved'. The same can be said here, for all those who are critical, there will be many more who'll love it.

Kathryn Fox's second novel, 'Without Consent', is a fast flowing gripping read. Fox's easy writing style means that the book cannot be put down and the reader will be hooked by page five. The reader is taken on a fascinating journey into the world of Forensic Physician Doctor Anya Crichton. Crichton is a complex character, although a strong independent feisty woman when dealing with her professional peers, her persona is multifaceted, to show a calmer compassionate side when dealing with her patients within the Sexual Assault Unit and also within her personal life, which gives the character a clever balance. The novels plot deals with a series of rapes committed by a serial rapist, which is described graphically and is hold your breath scary in places. Fox's storytelling ability is far superior to that of both Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs and her focus on the relationships between all the main characters within the story means that the crimes could have been committed anywhere in the world, it's only in the later part of the novel that you find out that the story is set in Australia, this makes for a far better paced story, which is why both Cornwell and Reichs' recent novels have been luke warm, as their character descriptions and story focus has been overshadowed by unnecessary geographical descriptions.Kathryn Fox is certainly a gifted writer and someone who is sure to have secured a huge fan base based on this book, can't wait for her next offering.

Dr Anya Crichton is a dedicated Forensic Physician and mother in 'Without Consent' by Kathryn Fox. Anya works with the sexual abuse unit in Sydney and when several woman go to see her with similar brutal attack marks on them she knows she is on the trail of a serial rapist. Things take a sudden twist when two of the rape victims are found dead from a frenzied attack. Are the attackers' needs now unfulfilled by raping them? Or is there a murderer on the loose aswell? These are the questions Anya seeks the answers. Police suspicion turns to Geoffrey Willard recently released from prison, where he spent twenty years for the rape of a minor. The police arrest Geoff, but with Anya digging deeper into forensic evidence do they have the right man? To find the answers to these questions you will need to read the book, with the twists, surprises and layout - each scene is a new chapter - you will find this a hard book to put down. Kathryn Fox is a new writer 'Without Consent' being her second book, this is a refrehing change from the other forensic pathology books around. Ms Fox obviously knows an extensive amount about what she writes about which just adds to the outstanding writing in this book. This is a definite must read and I shall certainly look out for more of Kathryn Fox's work.

I enjoyed Malicious Intent, but in Without Consent, Kathryn Fox has leapt ahead to join the best the world has to offer. She crafts a compelling story with just the right amount of forensic info to move the plot ahead. Unlike many writers who lecture readers with unnecessary information, every piece of forensic detail is vital in the puzzle that even forensic addicts won't have seen before.The characters are engaging, even the deviant Geoffrey Willard. Fox keeps you guessing as to whether or not being dysfunctional and perverted makesyou a killer, or worse. The ending was filled with action, and twists that kept coming.Without Consent does follow on from Malicious Intent but stands alone as well. However, if you like angst in your characters, read Malicious Intent first, because that provides a lot more detail about Anya Crichton's past. Thankfully, Fox hasn't rehashed that in Without Consent, instead concentrating on one of the best stories I've read. She is a gifted story teller.This is an incredibly gripping read that will keep you guessing and shocked until the very last page.As far as I'm concerned, Fox is a fresh new voice in addition to Cornwell and Reichs, and readers shouldn't have to choose one or the other. There is room for all great writing on my bookshelf and Fox is there to stay.I'd recommend Without Consent to any avid crime reader, and am eagerly awaiting the next Kathryn Fox novel.