'Snow Wasted' by Matthew Malekos

Published by Robert Hale,
31 December 2014.
ISBN 978-0-7-7198-1367-2

Despite the title, which might lead you to believe that we are looking at a novel set in a cold clime, this book is set in Cyprus.  The forensic pathologist, Karen Laos, normally based in Manchester, is asked to go to Cyprus to do the autopsy on a young British officer found dead in suspicious circumstances.   The background history of Cyprus in the late 20th century with the clash of the Cypriot government and the British military command at the British military bases is thoroughly explained which is helpful in the circumstances of this tale.

Karen is highly professional operator and her work is important in elucidating the history of the murky events on the base in which the dead officer, Andrew Morrison, had become embroiled.  Her work is comprehensively described, possibly in too much technical detail for the average reader.  Gradually the story unfolds of crime syndicates running a drug trade with the aid of corrupt officials. 

The characters, good and bad, do come alive and the ramifications of events reach a satisfactory conclusion.  This is a satisfying read.  Matthew Malekos shows his professional knowledge as an ex-psychiatric nurse and his knowledge of Cyprus.

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Reviewer: Jennifer S. Palmer

This is the second book about Karen Laos, the first was Peroxide Homicide.

Matthew Malekos is an ex-psychiatric nurse. He lives on the island on Cyprus with his civil partner.

Jennifer Palmer Throughout my reading life crime fiction has been a constant interest; I really enjoyed my 15 years as an expatriate in the Far East, the Netherlands & the USA but occasionally the solace of closing my door to the outside world and sitting reading was highly therapeutic. I now lecture to adults on historical topics including Famous Historical Mysteries.