Review: Evil Intentions, Denise Osborne (2005)

In Evil Intentions, the fourth installment of her clever Feng Shui Mystery series, Denise Osborne proves once again why she is the reigning expert at blending ancient wisdom with modern-day suspense. While many cozy mysteries rely on simple tropes, Osborne elevates the genre by weaving the principles of Feng Shui into the very fabric of her plot, making it as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling.

The Plot: High Stakes in Georgetown

The story centers on Salome Waterhouse, a Japanese-American Feng Shui practitioner whose life is momentarily thrown out of balance when an arsonist targets her Georgetown home. The stakes turn deadly when the body of a professional "organizer" is discovered—a woman whose life was dedicated to order, yet whose death is surrounded by chaos.

Salome, alongside an unlikely but charming team— including her ex-husband (a mystery writer) and a sharp-witted private investigator—is pulled into a dangerous investigation. What begins as a local tragedy soon uncovers a dark underworld involving human trafficking and a formidable nemesis from Salome’s past.

Why This Book Works

• Unique Protagonist: Salome Waterhouse is a refreshing lead. Her "New Age pragmatism" allows her to see clues through the lens of energy flow and spatial harmony, offering a perspective you won't find in your average police procedural.

• The "Eco-System" of Characters: The dynamic between Salome and her ex-husband adds a layer of warmth and humor that balances the darker themes of the mystery.

• Vivid Setting: Osborne captures the sweltering, high-pressure atmosphere of Washington D.C. perfectly, making the city feel like a character in its own right.

• Educational and Engaging: Even if you know nothing about Bagua maps or chi, Osborne weaves these details so seamlessly into the narrative that you'll feel like an expert by the final chapter.

Final Verdict

Evil Intentions is a "must-read" for fans of Nancy Pickard or Louise Penny. It’s a sophisticated, fast-paced mystery that reminds us that when our environment is in clutter, our lives often follow. Osborne’s writing is sharp, her pacing is excellent, and her ability to harmonize a gritty crime story with spiritual insight is truly impressive.

Carolina Dean