"A Cup Of Malice is both shocking and perceptive..."

• ASIN: ‎ B0C2LG38SF
• Publication date: ‎ April 14, 2023
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 305 pages
• Genre:  Legal Thrillers and Mysteries

The BookViral Review:

An intensely intriguing Legal Thriller that fires on all cylinders, A Cup Of Malice is one of those rare novels that promises much from its opening pages and delivers beyond our expectations. Both pithy and suspenseful Cain writes with the authoritative voice of his experience and it’s to his credit that his plot stands in contrast to many of today’s thrillers which often seem simple-minded and lacking in genuine depth.

Underpinned by an observant and intelligent narrative A Cup Of Malice is accurate in its broad legal strokes without allowing detail to overwhelm its storyline and whilst another author might have left us adrift in a sea of coincidences and contrived leads Cain keeps it straight with superb plot threads and well-conceived twists.

It’s easy to identify the good guys from the bad. It’s taut and well-paced, but for readers reading between the lines it also works on a moral level with Cain delving into the back channels of political influence as twisted heiress Molly Chrysler seeks to bend the rules to her own nefarious agenda.

On the latter, A Cup Of Malice proves particularly powerful and affecting with the characters of John Abel and Molly so well-crafted that we understand not just their motivations but the emotions that drive them as well. Equally important, Cain knows how to embrace exposition and incorporate detail in a way that unspools naturally whilst he ratchets up the suspense.

With a traditional plot structure, readers who are fans of intelligent characters exchanging whip-crack dialogue will be in their element with the flawed but highly likeable Able being perfectly pitched as Molly’s nemesis. A staunch, defiant character who despite his advancing years all but bounces off the page with authenticity whilst a fine ensemble of supporting characters is sharply observed too.

Here  A Cup Of Malice is both shocking and perceptive as Cain evokes a strong sense of place, moral choices, immoral certainties and human nature. Holding us in his grip to give us something to think about beyond what proves to be a cracking ending.

A taut and engrossing novel A Cup Of Malice proves a powerful and highly entertaining read that leaves us with a burning desire to see what’s next for Abel and Molly. It is unreservedly recommended.