Drawn into Malice

Paxton & Walsh Mysteries Book 3

Fiction - Crime
368 Pages
Reviewed on 09/29/2026
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by S. Mathur for Readers' Favorite

Drawn into Malice is the third book in the Paxton and Walsh murder mystery series by Staci Troilo. The murder of a prominent defense attorney brings Paxton and Walsh to the posh, sprawling, old-money estate where he lived with his wealthy wife. But the luxury and polish are misleading, and the place is a hive of jealousy, extramarital affairs, and family secrets. The list of suspects is long, and there’s a lot that doesn’t add up, including some very disturbing and gruesome paintings. As the hunt for the killer heats up, with the media joining in, the body count rises. With the threats hitting close to home, the detectives must follow a trail that pulls together multiple crimes to bring in a brazen killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Readers who enjoy fast-paced police procedurals with a helping of domestic malice will appreciate the plot and skillful writing in Drawn into Malice. The characters and dialogue are perfect for the genre, and there are clues and red herrings sprinkled throughout to tempt murder mystery fans to exercise their gray cells. The detailed, varied descriptions of different locations and settings -- the estate, temporary precinct office, Town Hall, a pretentious art gallery, the family farm -- add to the authenticity of the story. Staci Troilo has a keen eye for the family and financial conflicts that can fuel gruesome crimes. As the investigation unfolds, the tension rises, making this a real page-turner. The unexpected ending hits just right, even though you don’t see it coming.