Candice Fox

Candice Fox is an Australian crime fiction author who emerged on the literary scene in 2014. She has gained recognition for her dark psychological thrillers and successful collaborations with James Patterson. Fox has received multiple accolades for her work, including three Ned Kelly Awards. Her notable solo works include the Archer & Bennett series and the Crimson Lake series, which showcase her distinct approach to crime fiction and complex character development. Born in 1985 in Bankstown, New South Wales, Fox briefly served in the Royal Australian Navy before pursuing a career in writing. She has since established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary crime fiction, combining both solo projects and high-profile collaborations. The author's partnership with James Patterson has produced several bestselling titles, including the Detective Harriet Blue series. Her writing style is characterized by intricate plotting and psychological depth, drawing from her background in both academic and military environments.

Readers praise Fox's complex characters, especially her morally ambiguous protagonists and distinctive villains. Her plots receive acclaim for unpredictable twists and dark psychological elements. Fans highlight her ability to maintain tension and create atmospheric Australian settings. Readers specifically like: - Fast-paced narratives that don't sacrifice depth - Authentic portrayal of Australian locations and culture - Strong female protagonists, particularly in the Crimson Lake series - Balance of suspense and character development Common criticisms: - Some find her violence and dark themes excessive - Patterson collaborations seen as less sophisticated than solo work - Occasional plot holes noted in later series entries - Dialogue can feel unnatural in places Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Crimson Lake: 4.0/5 (15,000+ ratings) - Hades: 3.8/5 (5,000+ ratings) - Never Never (with Patterson): 4.1/5 (28,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Average 4.3/5 across all titles - Solo works tend to rate higher than collaborations - Recent releases maintain consistent 4+ star ratings

Eden (2014) Detective Frank Bennett investigates a series of murders alongside Eden Archer, a complex homicide detective carrying dark secrets of her own.

The Chase (2021) Prison transport officer Celine Osbourne faces a desperate pursuit across the country after 650 male inmates escape during a breach, including a notorious killer she helped incarcerate.

Hades (2014) A dark thriller following homicide detective Eden Archer and her partner Frank Bennett as they investigate a series of murders connected to Eden's foster father, Hades.

Fall (2015) Eden Archer goes undercover at a remote farm while her partner Frank Bennett investigates the disappearance of young women in a case that intertwines with their personal demons.

Crimson Lake (2017) Former police detective Ted Conkaffey, wrongly accused of a crime, teams up with private investigator Amanda Pharrell in tropical North Queensland to investigate a missing persons case.

Redemption Point (2018) Ted Conkaffey and Amanda Pharrell pursue two cases: a brutal double murder at a local bar and the continued search for evidence to clear Ted's name.

Gone by Midnight (2019) Private investigators Ted Conkaffey and Amanda Pharrell search for a young boy who vanishes from a hotel room in Crimson Lake while his mother was just outside the door.

Michael Robotham writes psychological crime thrillers set in Australia and the UK with complex, damaged protagonists. His Joe O'Loughlin series follows a clinical psychologist who helps solve murders while dealing with his own personal struggles.

Jane Harper creates Australian crime fiction centered in remote, harsh locations that become integral to the plot. Her Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk series explores crimes in rural communities while examining long-buried secrets.

Sarah Bailey writes police procedurals featuring Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock, who investigates murders in both rural and urban Australian settings. Her novels focus on the psychological impact of crime on investigators while exploring small-town dynamics.

Dervla McTiernan crafts police procedurals set in Ireland featuring Detective Cormac Reilly, who investigates cold cases and current crimes. Her books emphasize police department politics and institutional corruption while maintaining complex murder investigations.

Emma Viskic creates crime fiction featuring deaf investigator Caleb Zelic, who solves cases in Melbourne's criminal underworld. Her work combines detailed forensic elements with examination of family dynamics and personal identity.