Trail of Blood - (Theresa MacLean Novels) by Lisa Black (Paperback)

About the Book

It's been 75 years since the Torso Killer terrorized Cleveland with a horrific spree of murder/dismemberments. He was never caught. Forensic scientist Theresa MacLean's investigation into a current murder reawakens a long-dormant nightmare.

Book Synopsis

"Quite simply, one of the best storytellers around."
--Tess Gerritsen

Murders past and present collide in Trail of Blood, the third riveting crime fiction masterwork by Lisa Black to feature forensic scientist Theresa MacLean. Based on the real-life and still unsolved "Torso Killer" murders that terrified residents of Cleveland, Ohio more than seventy five years ago, Trail of Blood is a masterful forensic thriller from the acclaimed author of Takeover and Evidence of Murder that fans of Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, Jefferson Bass, and Michael Connelly, and, of course, C.S.I., will absolutely adore.

From the Back Cover

Seventy-five years ago, the Torso Killer terrorized a city with a horrific spree of murder/dismemberments. He was never caught.

It would be impossible for the maniac to still be at large--and active--today . . .

A decapitated body has been found in a sealed room in an abandoned building--and forensic scientist Theresa MacLean believes the decades-old corpse is a previously unaccounted-for victim of the legendary psychopath. But the discovery of a second body--newly slain and bearing the unmistakable signature of the Torso Killer--suggests the unthinkable: that a copycat serial killer is following in a madman's bloody footprints.

A long-dormant nightmare has been reawakened as a dark history repeats itself. Theresa MacLean's forensic investigation has opened a door into a terrifying past--a door someone desperately wants to keep closed . . . and will keep killing to make it so.

Review Quotes

"Theresa delves further into the actions of ... the now-wealthy husband, analyzing fibers, substances and stomach contents to prove a most ingenious murder. Black (Takeover, 2008), a former forensic scientist, knows her stuff and briskly leads readers along the trail of clues right behind her likeable, no-nonsense heroine. Smart science propels this intelligent, well-thought-out crime thriller." - Kirkus Reviews
"The solution to the mystery involves an undetectable and diabolical method for murder. It also involves clever police work in which Theresa explores the mind of the murderer and turns his brilliance against him. With Evidence of Murder, Black demonstrates an ability to create memorable characters and to fashion a suspenseful, well-structured plot. And her expertise--she is a forensic scientist herself--shows in her handling of the technical aspects of the case.... A suspenseful plot and a quick read." - Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers
"Fans of the forensic mysteries "CSI" TV series and Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta novels will enjoy the emphasis on evidence. An amazing read that rivals...the best of the genre." - Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers
"A tautly plotted, relentlessly suspenseful debut. Let's hope she writes another scorcher--and soon." - Booklist (starred review) on TAKEOVER
"Takeover is captivating. Part procedural, part psychological suspense, and every inch a thriller, Takeover succeeds from the opening chapter." - Ridley Pearson on TAKEOVER
"Takeover is a riveting hostage drama packed with surprises. Once Lisa Black gets you inside the bank, you--like the bad guys--won't be able to stop." - Peter Abrahams on TAKEOVER
"The combination of a credible, likable hero and a bizarre, chilling story is rare in crime fiction. . . . Lisa Black makes the tumblers click perfectly." - Jeremiah Healy on TAKEOVER
"Lisa Black heightens the suspense and breathes new life into the classic hostage thriller. . . . In Takeover, Black's frenetic plot starts strong and never wavers through its gripping finale." - South Florida Sun Sentinel on TAKEOVER
"The category is so saturated that it's imperative for authors to show another side of forensics... In her second novel about Cleveland forensic investigator Theresa MacLean, author Lisa Black constructs an involving plot. . . . A realistic approach to crime detection . . . a terrifying ending. . . . Black keeps the action well balanced with the forensics aspects while also delivering a heart-wrenching look at grief." - South Florida Sun Sentinel
"Lisa Black wows us with another tense and unputdownable thriller. She is, quite simply, one of the best storytellers around." - Tess Gerritsen
"Black paints a believable portraits of a professional woman struggling to move on with her life.... Fast-paced thriller features a lot of detailed forensics with a rip-roaring ending." - Publishers Weekly
"A page turner with riveting, utterly convincing forensic details that testify to the author's experience as a forensic scientist. . . . A very enjoyable read." - Boston Globe