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Jillian Hillcrest #1
On Message
Murder intrudes on PR Executive Jillian Hillcrest's routine as head communications executive at a small Silicon Valley biotechnology company. She is eagerly staying on message to inform investors, the media and the community about her company and its products. When someone near to her is murdered, a determined San Francisco police inspector involves her in the investigation, convinced she is key to solving the crime. She co-operates fully only to find that solving a murder is more hazardous than writing press releases. On Message is the first in the Jillian Hillcrest mystery series. As with all the novels in this series, it was inspired by a real California case.
314 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2011
10 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Joyce T. Strand
12 books567 followersJoyce Strand, much like her fictional character Jillian Hillcrest, served as head of corporate communications at several biotech and high-tech companies in Silicon Valley for more than 25 years. Unlike Jillian, however, she did not encounter murder in her career. She focused on writing articles and press releases and delivering presentations to publicize her companies. Joyce received her Ph.D. from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. and her B.A. from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 10, 2012
‘On Message’ is a fast-paced, high octane thriller that takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride and keeps them guessing at the identity of the killer until the surprising reveal. The first book in the Jillian Hillcrest Mystery Series shows Joyce T. Strand knows how to write and will quickly stake her claim in the thriller genre.
Jillian Hillcrest is a PR Executive with Harmonica Therapeutics a biotech company in the process of second phase trials for FDA approval of a drug to treat Lupus. The job is demanding but she is good at it. She has a firm grasp on keeping ‘on message’ with the media only giving information about the trials that brings the firm to good light.
When Jillian receives the call that her longtime friend has been killed in a hit-and-run, she is determined to prove it was murder. Working side-by-side with Homicide Detective Loren Sherwood of the San Diego Police Department, the search for the killer begins. Problem is she doesn’t know where to start until links begin to form between her friend and a potential investor in Harmonica.
As the investigation continues a second murder puts Jillian in the crosshairs of the killer. As Detective Sherwood and Jillian get closer to solving the murders, Jillian herself becomes a target with almost fatal consequences.
With her first installment in the Jillian Hillcrest Mystery Series, Joyce Strand brings the competitive world of biotechnical companies and their quest to become the first to develop new pharmaceuticals in the treatment of disease. Joyce is privy to this information as she has been head of communications for biotech and high-tech companies for 25 years. A lady with lots of letters behind her name, Joyce received her Ph.D. from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.; and her B.A. from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA; she successfully adds author to the list. Her next book in the series ‘Open Meetings’ (June 2012) promises to bring us more action for Jillian Hillcrest and again is based on true events.
Jillian Hillcrest is a PR Executive with Harmonica Therapeutics a biotech company in the process of second phase trials for FDA approval of a drug to treat Lupus. The job is demanding but she is good at it. She has a firm grasp on keeping ‘on message’ with the media only giving information about the trials that brings the firm to good light.
When Jillian receives the call that her longtime friend has been killed in a hit-and-run, she is determined to prove it was murder. Working side-by-side with Homicide Detective Loren Sherwood of the San Diego Police Department, the search for the killer begins. Problem is she doesn’t know where to start until links begin to form between her friend and a potential investor in Harmonica.
As the investigation continues a second murder puts Jillian in the crosshairs of the killer. As Detective Sherwood and Jillian get closer to solving the murders, Jillian herself becomes a target with almost fatal consequences.
With her first installment in the Jillian Hillcrest Mystery Series, Joyce Strand brings the competitive world of biotechnical companies and their quest to become the first to develop new pharmaceuticals in the treatment of disease. Joyce is privy to this information as she has been head of communications for biotech and high-tech companies for 25 years. A lady with lots of letters behind her name, Joyce received her Ph.D. from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.; and her B.A. from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA; she successfully adds author to the list. Her next book in the series ‘Open Meetings’ (June 2012) promises to bring us more action for Jillian Hillcrest and again is based on true events.
August 5, 2012
I loved the way the author started out her novel by grabbing the readers right at the beginning. This is a thriller that seems to take readers on a ride that will keep them trying to guess the identity of the real killer. It is also based on a real murder case.
I also loved the name she gave her fictitious biotechnical company - Harmonia Therapeutics. In Greek Theology - Harmonia is the immortal Goddess of harmony and concord.
I also really liked how the author intermingled her mystery novel with food and cooking, which made this a fun read as well.
The main character, Jillian Hillcrest is an executive with Harmonia Therapeutics. Jill is a very independent career-minded woman, who is good at her job.
The mystery starts when she learns her friend dies from being struck by a hit-and-run driver. But, Jillian thinks her friend's death is the result of a murder. She hooks up with a Homicide Detective to search for the killer to prove her friend's death was a murder. Jillian begins investigating her friends death, and becomes firmly convinced her friend was murdered.
I personally can empathize with Jillian in her initial inability of not knowing how to investigate, as I had the same problem when I personally investigated the real-life murder of my millionaire ex-husband, who was murdered with arsenic poison.
This fiction thriller "On Message" heats up and becomes even more interesting when another murder is committed. When Homicide Detective Sherwood and Jillian get close to solving both murders, Jillian becomes a target herself.
I am not one to give out spoilers...but I will say It has lots of twists and turns and you will be intrigued and surprised by the ending. You must read the novel to find out what happened. I think you will be astonished.
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
I also loved the name she gave her fictitious biotechnical company - Harmonia Therapeutics. In Greek Theology - Harmonia is the immortal Goddess of harmony and concord.
I also really liked how the author intermingled her mystery novel with food and cooking, which made this a fun read as well.
The main character, Jillian Hillcrest is an executive with Harmonia Therapeutics. Jill is a very independent career-minded woman, who is good at her job.
The mystery starts when she learns her friend dies from being struck by a hit-and-run driver. But, Jillian thinks her friend's death is the result of a murder. She hooks up with a Homicide Detective to search for the killer to prove her friend's death was a murder. Jillian begins investigating her friends death, and becomes firmly convinced her friend was murdered.
I personally can empathize with Jillian in her initial inability of not knowing how to investigate, as I had the same problem when I personally investigated the real-life murder of my millionaire ex-husband, who was murdered with arsenic poison.
This fiction thriller "On Message" heats up and becomes even more interesting when another murder is committed. When Homicide Detective Sherwood and Jillian get close to solving both murders, Jillian becomes a target herself.
I am not one to give out spoilers...but I will say It has lots of twists and turns and you will be intrigued and surprised by the ending. You must read the novel to find out what happened. I think you will be astonished.
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
March 25, 2012
I was asked to review this book by the author Joyce T. Strand. This is her first novel.
I enjoyed this book. I personally think in the beginning all the explanation of how biotechnology companies work was too much information. I found myself getting lost in the knowledge. I understand that some of it was needed to explain the store.
The murder mystery part of the story was amazing. It was very fast paced but yet not too fast. I loved how they ended up solving the crime.
I loved the side story of the main character of Jillian as well. I am anxious to see what happens between Jillian and her ex Chad.
I loved how this book ended. I knew when I started to read this book that it would be a series eventually. The author ended this book beautifully without a cliffhanger of the next book.
I highly recommend checking out this new author. I can see her having great success.
I enjoyed this book. I personally think in the beginning all the explanation of how biotechnology companies work was too much information. I found myself getting lost in the knowledge. I understand that some of it was needed to explain the store.
The murder mystery part of the story was amazing. It was very fast paced but yet not too fast. I loved how they ended up solving the crime.
I loved the side story of the main character of Jillian as well. I am anxious to see what happens between Jillian and her ex Chad.
I loved how this book ended. I knew when I started to read this book that it would be a series eventually. The author ended this book beautifully without a cliffhanger of the next book.
I highly recommend checking out this new author. I can see her having great success.
July 30, 2012
A well thought out and executed first novel. From reading other reviews I saw many of the complaints were that there was too much technical information. For me I felt the information was needed as Biotech companies are a specialty field and unless you are familiar with that world there is little known about them. I enjoyed the book and I look forward to future Jillian Hillcrest novels.
March 21, 2017
After reading the Brynn Bancroft series from Ms. Strand, I had a desire to go back and read more into Jillian Hillcrest. While the books aren't needed to fulfill any understanding, I am grateful that I took the opportunity to order this series! I learned a great deal about biotech companies that answered some of the questions I found myself asking while reading Brynn's series. When Jillian's friend Lisa is found murdered, the questions start rolling in. You're not quite sure who she should trust or where she should turn. I fell in love with how Strand incorporated up-to-date issues with this book. It's amazing how much deception there is in such an industry and scary that people are willing to kill if the wrong information ends up in hands that could expose and destroy an entire drug testing program as well as those involved in the venture. Definitely couldn't put it down!
February 28, 2022
Excellent read!!
February 19, 2012
Originally published on my blog Ruby's Books.
A mystery after my own heart. There are so many things I loved about this book I seriously don't know where to start. First, I had no idea who the killer was. I was thinking of a different person so I was so happy and pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. Second of all, I liked that there was always a phrase or a small scene or a detail that changed my opinion of certain characters. Then there's the fact that I couldn't figure out the motive for the murders. For me, that was one of the things that kept me reading the book. I really wanted to know why.
Jillian is a wonderful character. She's smart, strong willed, funny, stubborn, friendly. Also (and this is one thing that made me love her more) she's a coffee addict. She's also still friends with her ex husband and I liked that. That might be a strange friendship, but I'm fond of those. And the romance addict in me hopes that maybe they'll get back together and stay that way :P
I loved the pacing. The book didn't stall when it didn't need to and it didn't rush when it wasn't necessary. Another thing I loved were the smaller chapters with POVs from other characters. I loved that. Besides having the previous chapter end with a cliffhanger, you would also get a view inside some other character's head and that made the entire book feel multidimensional. Sort of like one of those "meanwhile" moments in movies. I loved that.
Oh, I also loved Cynthia Anderson, Jillian's neighbor. Reminded me of one of my older neighbors back home and how much I loved her. I do believe everyone needs a neighbor like Mrs. Anderson.
I don't know if it's good or bad (if you ask me, it's a very good thing), but I can't think of a single thing I didn't like or that I wished was different. I think it's one of those mystery books that any mystery fan should read, so it's definitely on my Recommended list. I also can't wait for the next installment, Open Meetings, sometimes this year I think.
Do read this wonderful book, you won't be disappointed!
A mystery after my own heart. There are so many things I loved about this book I seriously don't know where to start. First, I had no idea who the killer was. I was thinking of a different person so I was so happy and pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. Second of all, I liked that there was always a phrase or a small scene or a detail that changed my opinion of certain characters. Then there's the fact that I couldn't figure out the motive for the murders. For me, that was one of the things that kept me reading the book. I really wanted to know why.
Jillian is a wonderful character. She's smart, strong willed, funny, stubborn, friendly. Also (and this is one thing that made me love her more) she's a coffee addict. She's also still friends with her ex husband and I liked that. That might be a strange friendship, but I'm fond of those. And the romance addict in me hopes that maybe they'll get back together and stay that way :P
I loved the pacing. The book didn't stall when it didn't need to and it didn't rush when it wasn't necessary. Another thing I loved were the smaller chapters with POVs from other characters. I loved that. Besides having the previous chapter end with a cliffhanger, you would also get a view inside some other character's head and that made the entire book feel multidimensional. Sort of like one of those "meanwhile" moments in movies. I loved that.
Oh, I also loved Cynthia Anderson, Jillian's neighbor. Reminded me of one of my older neighbors back home and how much I loved her. I do believe everyone needs a neighbor like Mrs. Anderson.
I don't know if it's good or bad (if you ask me, it's a very good thing), but I can't think of a single thing I didn't like or that I wished was different. I think it's one of those mystery books that any mystery fan should read, so it's definitely on my Recommended list. I also can't wait for the next installment, Open Meetings, sometimes this year I think.
Do read this wonderful book, you won't be disappointed!
July 15, 2012
BEC'S REVIEW
Crime stories seem to be popular for review at the moment, as this is another one. However what makes this one different is that it is set in the realm of medical knowledge and biotech, where the main protagonist is a PR rep for a drug company developing a drug for Lupus. There are many twists and plot turns in the novel and much danger for our main character. There is suspense and risky situations that should have you on the edge of the seat. There is so much potential for this to be a real page turner and yet it falls short of that.
One of the main reasons it falls short is that this story gets bogged down in unnecessary detail. In all stories the information give should advance the plot in some way. However there was much information in this novel that was unimportant in terms of the actual story. I didn’t need to know that much about Lupus or what the drug they are developing intends to do, since it does not affect the plot. The same holds true for many other little snippets of information that just weren’t important and made me feel as if I was wading through this book rather than racing along to a climatic ending.
The other failing for me was the many points of view, or characters who got their own chapters. While this was fine for the major characters, such as our protagonist and the detective, there were some points where I was left wondering why I needed to hear from a character, especially in such detail in many cases. Not everyone involved in a story needs their voices to be heard, and there were quite a few minor characters whose personal point of view chapters could be left out. It just adds to the extra information.
However despite these failings this book was interesting. I just feel it has the potential to be more than just interesting, I feel it could be a great read, with just a bit of editing and cutting. It has all the elements of a great detective story, an interesting main character, several crimes, a mystery, suspense, danger and a few red herrings in the mix. If only it didn’t get bogged down in the details.
Source: The Masquerade Crew (http://s.tt/1b7om)
Crime stories seem to be popular for review at the moment, as this is another one. However what makes this one different is that it is set in the realm of medical knowledge and biotech, where the main protagonist is a PR rep for a drug company developing a drug for Lupus. There are many twists and plot turns in the novel and much danger for our main character. There is suspense and risky situations that should have you on the edge of the seat. There is so much potential for this to be a real page turner and yet it falls short of that.
One of the main reasons it falls short is that this story gets bogged down in unnecessary detail. In all stories the information give should advance the plot in some way. However there was much information in this novel that was unimportant in terms of the actual story. I didn’t need to know that much about Lupus or what the drug they are developing intends to do, since it does not affect the plot. The same holds true for many other little snippets of information that just weren’t important and made me feel as if I was wading through this book rather than racing along to a climatic ending.
The other failing for me was the many points of view, or characters who got their own chapters. While this was fine for the major characters, such as our protagonist and the detective, there were some points where I was left wondering why I needed to hear from a character, especially in such detail in many cases. Not everyone involved in a story needs their voices to be heard, and there were quite a few minor characters whose personal point of view chapters could be left out. It just adds to the extra information.
However despite these failings this book was interesting. I just feel it has the potential to be more than just interesting, I feel it could be a great read, with just a bit of editing and cutting. It has all the elements of a great detective story, an interesting main character, several crimes, a mystery, suspense, danger and a few red herrings in the mix. If only it didn’t get bogged down in the details.
Source: The Masquerade Crew (http://s.tt/1b7om)
February 18, 2014
On Message
This is both the first book in the Jillian Hillcrest Mystery series, and the first book released by author Joyce T. Strand.
I read it over 2 days; within a 24 hour period. I really enjoyed it! In my opinion, it is well written with a fabulous plot line, well structured story, and likeable characters. I do not have a background in PR or biotechnology and, as such, I did find the detail about the drug trials, etc. a bit too much, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
The mystery itself – who murdered her best friend Lisa and how did it have anything to do with Jillian’s employer Harmonia – seemed to be a stretch in the beginning but by the end, it all made perfect sense. And the whodunit part? A complete mystery to me until the very end. Just how I like it!
What also intrigued me about this story was the unexpected link to the gay community. Jillian’s best friend Lisa was an out lesbian whose family had basically disowned her. This is probably one of the greatest fears a gay or lesbian experiences when contemplating “coming out” and to see that worst case scenario fear actually realized with this character was truly heartbreaking. I remember too well feeling this fear when I myself came out to my family and friends so many years ago. But this part of the storyline was treated with such finesse and an honest-feeling insight that actually surprised me.
There are currently 3 books in the Jillian Hillcrest Mystery series. I look forward to reading the other two!
This is both the first book in the Jillian Hillcrest Mystery series, and the first book released by author Joyce T. Strand.
I read it over 2 days; within a 24 hour period. I really enjoyed it! In my opinion, it is well written with a fabulous plot line, well structured story, and likeable characters. I do not have a background in PR or biotechnology and, as such, I did find the detail about the drug trials, etc. a bit too much, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
The mystery itself – who murdered her best friend Lisa and how did it have anything to do with Jillian’s employer Harmonia – seemed to be a stretch in the beginning but by the end, it all made perfect sense. And the whodunit part? A complete mystery to me until the very end. Just how I like it!
What also intrigued me about this story was the unexpected link to the gay community. Jillian’s best friend Lisa was an out lesbian whose family had basically disowned her. This is probably one of the greatest fears a gay or lesbian experiences when contemplating “coming out” and to see that worst case scenario fear actually realized with this character was truly heartbreaking. I remember too well feeling this fear when I myself came out to my family and friends so many years ago. But this part of the storyline was treated with such finesse and an honest-feeling insight that actually surprised me.
There are currently 3 books in the Jillian Hillcrest Mystery series. I look forward to reading the other two!
December 8, 2012
I enjoyed ON MESSAGE, right from the attention-grabbing, funny, first page. It’s the story of amateur sleuth Jillian Hillcrest, who’s pulled into crime-solving when one of her friends gets killed by a hit-and-run driver. Jillian is a public relations executive at a biotech company called Harmonia Technologies, located south of San Francisco in Redwood City. Harmonia is in clinical trials for a new lupus drug.
Joyce Strand brings to life the ins-and-outs of a how a biotech company works, from funding to research to setting up and running the trials to getting the media on board. It’s a competitive ruthless world out there, with money and reputations and people’s lives at stake, yet Jillian manages to live in it with ethics and compassion. Jillian is also passionate about her career in public relations, and, in addition to her job, spends a lot of time promoting her field.
When Jillian is pulled into the investigation by a San Francisco police detective, she doesn’t think she could be at risk. But when there’s a second murder, the stakes get higher, and Jillian finds herself in danger. There are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings in this mystery and I was guessing until the end. I liked Jillian and as I live near the Bay Area, I loved reading about San Francisco, Redwood City, Woodside and places in-between. OPEN MEETINGS, the next in the series, is on my to-read list.
Joyce Strand brings to life the ins-and-outs of a how a biotech company works, from funding to research to setting up and running the trials to getting the media on board. It’s a competitive ruthless world out there, with money and reputations and people’s lives at stake, yet Jillian manages to live in it with ethics and compassion. Jillian is also passionate about her career in public relations, and, in addition to her job, spends a lot of time promoting her field.
When Jillian is pulled into the investigation by a San Francisco police detective, she doesn’t think she could be at risk. But when there’s a second murder, the stakes get higher, and Jillian finds herself in danger. There are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings in this mystery and I was guessing until the end. I liked Jillian and as I live near the Bay Area, I loved reading about San Francisco, Redwood City, Woodside and places in-between. OPEN MEETINGS, the next in the series, is on my to-read list.
October 5, 2012
From health care debates to fatalities caused by "safe" drugs, the news is full of the goings-on in the world of giant pharmaceutical companies these days. On Message takes us inside that world with Jillian Hillcrest, a public relations executive for a company which is developing a drug for Lupus. The wheels-within-wheels world of On Message involves not only the difficulties of proving a drug's effectiveness, but the draw of greed for parasites who want to cash in on the profits. Jillian becomes inadvertently involved in the machinations of various unscrupulous players, and without her--no justice. More than the plots and intrigue, though, On Message is about the Jillian and her people--family, friends, neighbors--and their relationships. Although there are more red herrings in On Message than on your average Monterey fishing boat, this is not a book about gunfights and car chases, but about love and betrayal and redemption. Oh, and the short course in the history of PR. That and big pharma could use some image-polishing, and Strand wraps itin a very attractive package. And, finally good food and wine. We are in San Francisco, after all.
June 6, 2012
This book is an absolute thriller, I received it through the Goodreads first reads program. The plot is amazing, the characters engage throughout the book, the happenings are actual events. You befriend the main character from the first page and are truly awed by the precession of events. Jillian is a great antagonist. She's witty, funny, organised and friendly. It surprised me that she was still friends with her ex husband but that emphasises how friendly she really is.
The book's layout was greatly comforting when reading and I liked that each main characters' opinion was valued.I can't think of anything I didn't enjoy or could improve. The way in which the mysteries are weaved within, this ultimate book of the century is truly inspiring. This book is food for the mind and is simply required for survival!* Don't be merciless to yourself, grab your copy today!
*Can't wait for the sequel, Open Meetings!
The book's layout was greatly comforting when reading and I liked that each main characters' opinion was valued.I can't think of anything I didn't enjoy or could improve. The way in which the mysteries are weaved within, this ultimate book of the century is truly inspiring. This book is food for the mind and is simply required for survival!* Don't be merciless to yourself, grab your copy today!
*Can't wait for the sequel, Open Meetings!
March 28, 2012
'On Message' takes the reader into a corporate world where everything seems perfectly organised, until someone rocks that world and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Joyce Strand's insight into the life of Jillian Hillcrest, who is the central character, is comprehensively displayed in this intriguing story of greed and betrayal. Jillian truly realises the importance of friendship, as she is inevitably drawn in to the unravelling nightmare that is taking place. The book contains a moral message, which, for me, is a testament to its title. I am very much looking forward to Joyce Strand's next novel.
http://www.amazon.com/On-Message-Jill...
http://www.amazon.com/On-Message-Jill...
June 7, 2012
Jillian Hillcrest spends too much time explaining the technical stuff involved in biotech companies to enjoy the mystery surrounding her. Most readers will tune out the story due to all the technical information and explanations. The author gets too detailed with the information not really necessary for a mystery. May be the next story will be better.
August 6, 2012
Very easy read. Interesting background on Communications and Marketing professionals as well as the world of pre-ipo biotechnologies. Takes place in the San Francisco Bay area. Decent light entertainment.
June 9, 2012
Great mystery....you'll like it for sure. Look forward to her new one coming out On Meeting.
August 3, 2012
Interview with Joyce Strand at http://www.olivia-m-martinez.blogspot...
You'll love her books!
You'll love her books!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews