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2 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Like my 9th grade sister wrote it Feb 12, 2008
This book just wasn't very good. It wasn't executed well, as a romance or a police-procedural. I haven't checked out the supplemental website, so I can't speak to it, but there were just so many flaws in this novel that I nearly just put it down, though I did end up skimming through the last half. The characters are generally likeable. Chasing-a-serial-killer is a classic conceit for a book of this type, and there were some interesting details to the investigation, but there were also unrealistic spins on things, such as one officer freaking out over investigating only 11 suspects as if that was a crushingly high number. Also after like 3 days on the trail of this killer the officers were acting like they'd been on some sort of marathon investigation. Whatever. On the other hand there's minimal blood and guts. Plus there was a cute dog involved (which is what gets it an extra star: I'm a softy for the cute animal-person relationships).
The characters never quite acted/reacted like real people would, but rather like how someone in junior high imagines they would, and that makes it hard for them to be truly sympathetic. Tone and scenes changed often, usually in a jarring manner. Too often the characters would be thinking/doing one thing, then suddenly think/do the opposite. For instance, there was some drama with one half of a couple acting cold and distant the morning after, eaten up with guilt, then a sentence later, without any motivational transition, she's glowing. They were bipolar: all defensive and yelling one moment, then crying and contrite the next. Relationships and other important connections between people were introduced abruptly. And honestly, they were like teenagers in their actions, reactions, statements. It was uncomfortable.
The characters too often did/realized things "instantly" or "immediately;" this is a pet peeve of mine. But overall the writing and phrasing was unskilled. For instance, there's an entire paragraph in the beginning of the book in which each sentence (and there are many) begins with "she" and then is structured to have the character completing an action. On pg. 94 one character stifled screams of ecstasy as her body experienced "climatic" pleasure. I'm not sure what the weather had to do with things, though I guess they were in Florida (a far-cry from Seattle in the winter). There were also too many euphemisms that I somehow found comical: "sweet, succulent valley" or "private garden."
I guess I could go on. I did want to address another review that wondered how one with Carmen's insecurities became a well-regarded homicide detective. For me, it wasn't so much that detectives are without insecurities, it was that she had a certain reputation as a hard-bitten, driven detective that was never in evidence. How did she get that reputation, anyway?
I respect anyone with the gumption and focus to write an entire novel, let alone get it published. I don't want to sandbag this author. I've never written a novel, so it's easy for me to sit here and critique. I'm not sure what this author could do to improve her writing; she's not without any talent, it's just really immature at this point.
2 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Dissapointed Dec 22, 2007
One reviewer stated "Malicious INTENTIONS is a gripping Crime Drama and, at the same time, a beautiful love story", another claimed " DC has an amazing story telling talent!" Yet another reviewer implied DC's writing is realistic. Unfortunately, based on those reviews, I read the book.
To me it was a quick read that felt like a Nancy Drew mystery channeling a lesbian romance police procedural. The weaknesses and insecurities of the main character in Malicious Intentions made the possibility of her being a homicide detective completely absurd. As far as the police procedural part, a Nancy Drew mystery is more believable. Romance wise, if George and Nancy were to get together I suspect it would hotter than the romance in MI which is about as exciting as tepid bath water.
I would advise checking out Wall of Silence by Gabrielle Goldsby, or Gun Shy by Lori L. Lake, and give Malicous Intentions a pass.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 A Great Serial Killer Novel with Realism Jun 14, 2007
Sometimes its tough to pick a novel to read, especially in the detective/crime genre. There seems to be so many great ones out there. What makes this one stand out is its realism. The story opens with Detective Carmen Moore being awakened in her apartment with news that there's been a murder in her building. To make matters worse, the killer leaves no forensic evidence to follow and no witnesses.
Mixed into the mayhem is Carmen's blossoming relationship with Detective Zoe Childers, who is not only intelligent, but beautiful as well. As Carmen and Zoe explore their attraction for one another, the killer explores the ways to keep them apart... permanently.
This is a great read!
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
To Catch a Killer and Find True Love! Feb 12, 2007
This is the first book I have read from DC Elmore and I was very pleased! I thought the plot was good from start to finish and the the book flowed nicely. No lagging in this fast-paced thriller! I read it in one afternoon. I couldn't put it down. The characters had great chemistry and seemed to click. The book made sense all the way through and I look forward to the sequel. Malicious Intentions is full of murder, mystery, lust, love,and strong friendships. If you love murder mysteries and throw in a little romance, you will enjoy this book! The two main characters (Carmen and Zoe) are great and very well written. DC has an amazing story telling talent! Highly recommended and I will keep this book in my collection to read again!
4 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Amazingly true-to -life! Jan 05, 2007
I don't know about you but when I pick up a mystery of any sort, fiction or not, I prefer that the details be factual in both theory and practice. People that come out of intensive surgeries do not have mad, passionate love-making right there on the hospital bed. That's not real...and an author shouldn't portray that it is.
D.C. Elmore does a fantastic job of creating and bringing life to Carmen Moore and the cast of Malicious Intentions. The scenes are so vivid and no detail is left out. I was left on edge the entire time! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a bit of realism in their fiction!
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