Crime School

Detective Kathleen Mallory investigates the murder of a prostitute found in her own apartment complex. The case bears similarities to one from Mallory's past - a murder that occurred during her time as a street kid before joining the NYPD. The investigation leads Mallory through New York City's darker corners as she confronts both old ghosts and present dangers. Her unorthodox methods and personal connection to the case create tension within the police department, even as she pursues leads that others have overlooked. The story connects past and present through parallel narratives involving child exploitation and institutional failures. Through Mallory's pursuit of justice across decades, O'Connell examines themes of survival, revenge, and whether the past can ever truly be put to rest.

Readers praise O'Connell's complex character development of Mallory and the emotional depth brought to her backstory. Many note the book reveals important insights into her childhood while maintaining her mysterious nature. Several reviews highlight the taut pacing and intricate mystery plot. Common criticisms include the slow start and occasional confusion from multiple timeline jumps. Some readers found the secondary characters underdeveloped and parts of the plot hard to follow. Reader Quotes: "Finally explains what makes Mallory tick without ruining her allure" - Amazon reviewer "The parallel stories of past and present got muddled" - Goodreads review Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (150+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (200+ ratings) Most recommend reading the series in order, as this book builds heavily on previous character development and relationships.

The First Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders A detective hunts a serial killer through New York City while dealing with his wife's terminal illness and departmental politics.

In the Woods by Tana French A Dublin detective investigates a child murder that connects to his own traumatic past and missing childhood friends.

The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver A quadriplegic forensics expert and a patrol officer track a killer who leaves cryptic clues throughout Manhattan.

Still Life by Louise Penny Chief Inspector Gamache investigates a murder in a small Quebec village where the victim's artwork contains hidden clues.

The Blue Edge of Midnight by Jonathon King A former Philadelphia cop turned Florida private investigator searches for a missing child while confronting his own dark past.

🔎 Carol O'Connell created the character of Mallory, who appears in Crime School, without planning a series - it was her agent who suggested turning it into one. 📚 The protagonist, Mallory, is known for having sociopathic tendencies and an extremely high IQ, making her one of crime fiction's most unique female detectives. 🏙️ The book's setting in New York City draws from O'Connell's own experiences living there and working as a freelance artist before becoming an author. 💭 Crime School is the sixth book in the Kathleen Mallory series and delves into Mallory's past as a street child, connecting her history to the current murder investigation. 🖋️ O'Connell famously wrote three complete novels before ever attempting to get published, and refused to make changes when publishers initially rejected her work.