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Jill Quint, MD, Forensic Pathologist #1
Vials (Jill Quint, Forensic Pathologist) (Volume 1) by Alec Peche
Will Dr. Jill Quint live long enough to see her first vintage of Moscato wine? She had been providing second opinions about the cause of death of a loved one for nearly 5 years. Her early experience had been as a medical examiner in a county crime lab. She left the crime lab to grow the Muscat grape in California’s central valley in hopes of creating the perfect Moscato wine. She had outfitted a barn as a toxicology lab more for her study of pests to her grapes, than her work as a consultant, but she found herself using the lab for both lines of work. Her latest case was the death of Graeme St. Louis. A young attorney in a wealthy suburb near San Francisco died from necrotizing fasciitis (better known as gangrene). His death appeared to be from natural causes due to the infection caused by a small wound resulting from a brush with sharp coral while scuba diving. Jill soon becomes the next target after she proves that Graeme was murdered. Will she stay alive long enough to find the killer?
Mass Market Paperback
First published September 14, 2013
425 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Alec Peche
41 books60 followersAuthor’s Bio
I have fourteen books published in the Jill Quint, MD murder mystery series. They are best described as soft-boiled mysteries.
The books are set in different locations in the United States and Europe. The lead protagonist is Jill Quint, a forensic pathologist. She worked for a state crime lab, but left as she became disenchanted with court appearances, paperwork, and politics. She operates a vineyard in the central valley of California producing Moscato wine.
Jill also works as a private consultant providing a second opinion on the cause of death for families not satisfied with what they are being told about their loved one's death. She had developed a lab that serves two purposes: she can analyze specimens from a crime scene and she can create organic solutions to pest control and fertilizer for her vines.
Jill is partnered in her adventures with her three best friends who live in another state. Each of those friends has unique skills that move a case forward to being solved.
I also have a second series featuring Damian Green, a loner who lives on an island in San Francisco Bay. He's a computer genius and inventor and his entire family were murdered seven years ago by a mistakenly released prisoner from Soledad Prison. Now he helps Natalie Severino, a retired police detective that solved his family's murders with cold cases. There are 5 books in this series.
I'm a book lover with mystery (mostly) and urban fantasy and romance (occasionally) being the only three genres I read.
Writing mysteries is an adventure - trying to plan for twists and plots to make the story richer. I can get engrossed researching a particular angle of each case. For example, in CASTLE KILLING set in Cardiff, Wales, I spent hours studying different angles of the castle to make sure I threw my victim out the right window. He needed to be four stories up to be dead rather than have multiple broken bones. Yes, I know it sounds like a gruesome question, but if I didn't ask it, one of my readers would.
I hope you will enjoy these stories!
I started a third series with Michelle Watson, a CIA operative with a teleportation skill. Imagine what a spy could do with that skill! There are 3 books in this series.
Alec Peche
I have fourteen books published in the Jill Quint, MD murder mystery series. They are best described as soft-boiled mysteries.
The books are set in different locations in the United States and Europe. The lead protagonist is Jill Quint, a forensic pathologist. She worked for a state crime lab, but left as she became disenchanted with court appearances, paperwork, and politics. She operates a vineyard in the central valley of California producing Moscato wine.
Jill also works as a private consultant providing a second opinion on the cause of death for families not satisfied with what they are being told about their loved one's death. She had developed a lab that serves two purposes: she can analyze specimens from a crime scene and she can create organic solutions to pest control and fertilizer for her vines.
Jill is partnered in her adventures with her three best friends who live in another state. Each of those friends has unique skills that move a case forward to being solved.
I also have a second series featuring Damian Green, a loner who lives on an island in San Francisco Bay. He's a computer genius and inventor and his entire family were murdered seven years ago by a mistakenly released prisoner from Soledad Prison. Now he helps Natalie Severino, a retired police detective that solved his family's murders with cold cases. There are 5 books in this series.
I'm a book lover with mystery (mostly) and urban fantasy and romance (occasionally) being the only three genres I read.
Writing mysteries is an adventure - trying to plan for twists and plots to make the story richer. I can get engrossed researching a particular angle of each case. For example, in CASTLE KILLING set in Cardiff, Wales, I spent hours studying different angles of the castle to make sure I threw my victim out the right window. He needed to be four stories up to be dead rather than have multiple broken bones. Yes, I know it sounds like a gruesome question, but if I didn't ask it, one of my readers would.
I hope you will enjoy these stories!
I started a third series with Michelle Watson, a CIA operative with a teleportation skill. Imagine what a spy could do with that skill! There are 3 books in this series.
Alec Peche
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 5, 2016
I liked the plot and all the characters. The issue I have is with the writing style. For me it was too "see Dick. See Jane. See Dick and Jane run." This is a style used in the old McGuffy readers back in the 1950s. I did finish the book but I don't know if I could read another one.
July 27, 2020
This series was a nice find ... if you enjoy medical thrillers, you will enjoy this.
The lead protagonist is Jill Quint, a forensic pathologist who previously worked for a state crime lab, but left to operate a vineyard in the central valley of California producing Moscato wine. She has a small lab onsite for use in the winery business, but she also continues with forensic consulting.
The book is an easy read, fast-paced and very exciting ... I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read the next in this 10-book series.
The lead protagonist is Jill Quint, a forensic pathologist who previously worked for a state crime lab, but left to operate a vineyard in the central valley of California producing Moscato wine. She has a small lab onsite for use in the winery business, but she also continues with forensic consulting.
The book is an easy read, fast-paced and very exciting ... I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read the next in this 10-book series.
November 29, 2017
Vials is a book with an interesting premise – murder by bacteria – spoiled by mediocre writing.
Overall, this book reads like Ms. Peche roughed out an idea for the novel but when she finished she thought it was a polished work when in reality it was still just a rough idea. The writing is stiff with no ‘flow’ to it, lurching instead from sentence to sentence. It plods along at a level only slightly above what a twelve-year-old would consider engaging. In places, it reaches for a much higher level but it only jars the reader because it is so out of place compared to the sub-par writing around it.
The first chapter has too much backstory and touches only briefly on the mystery instead of focusing on it. All that back story should have been doled out in small doses spread over the rest of the book.
The POV is too distant to draw the reader into the story. Peche tells us what’s happening to Jill instead of making the reader feel as if he is experiencing events along with her. I felt as if I was watching things unfold from the other side of the room or through the front window.
Events happen then almost immediately, there’s a different version. In one chapter, a bullet wizzes past Jill’s head as she sits at a desk. Three paragraphs later, Peche says Jill bending down to re-tie her shoelaces a moment earlier saved her life.
After 60% of the book being mostly in Jill Quint’s POV – throughout the book, Peche drifts freely between POV characters within each chapter. – she starts making other characters the ‘star’ of various chapters. Talk about jarring the reader!
Errors beyond the usual wrong words and missing punctuation were rife in this novel. '…to Puerto Rico.” Mused Detective Carlson.' is one example of a grammar error that appeared in almost every chapter. And it’s Pittsburg, CA, Ms. Peche, not Pittsburgh, CA. As a native Californian, you should have known that. And if not, a little research would have revealed it.
And one last thing Ms. Peche: research how a Molotov cocktail actually works before you have them exploding. Hint: They don’t. Since you got this wrong, I can’t help wondering how many other things you got wrong as well.
I rated this book 1 star just to give it a rating, but it really only merits ½ star.
After wasting my time on this lame effort, I definitely won’t read another Alec Peche book.
Overall, this book reads like Ms. Peche roughed out an idea for the novel but when she finished she thought it was a polished work when in reality it was still just a rough idea. The writing is stiff with no ‘flow’ to it, lurching instead from sentence to sentence. It plods along at a level only slightly above what a twelve-year-old would consider engaging. In places, it reaches for a much higher level but it only jars the reader because it is so out of place compared to the sub-par writing around it.
The first chapter has too much backstory and touches only briefly on the mystery instead of focusing on it. All that back story should have been doled out in small doses spread over the rest of the book.
The POV is too distant to draw the reader into the story. Peche tells us what’s happening to Jill instead of making the reader feel as if he is experiencing events along with her. I felt as if I was watching things unfold from the other side of the room or through the front window.
Events happen then almost immediately, there’s a different version. In one chapter, a bullet wizzes past Jill’s head as she sits at a desk. Three paragraphs later, Peche says Jill bending down to re-tie her shoelaces a moment earlier saved her life.
After 60% of the book being mostly in Jill Quint’s POV – throughout the book, Peche drifts freely between POV characters within each chapter. – she starts making other characters the ‘star’ of various chapters. Talk about jarring the reader!
Errors beyond the usual wrong words and missing punctuation were rife in this novel. '…to Puerto Rico.” Mused Detective Carlson.' is one example of a grammar error that appeared in almost every chapter. And it’s Pittsburg, CA, Ms. Peche, not Pittsburgh, CA. As a native Californian, you should have known that. And if not, a little research would have revealed it.
And one last thing Ms. Peche: research how a Molotov cocktail actually works before you have them exploding. Hint: They don’t. Since you got this wrong, I can’t help wondering how many other things you got wrong as well.
I rated this book 1 star just to give it a rating, but it really only merits ½ star.
After wasting my time on this lame effort, I definitely won’t read another Alec Peche book.
September 25, 2015
This was phenomenal! I LOVED this book! I really do like the medical/pathology thrillers, and this one was just as good as the Kay Scarpetta series, only not quite as dark. Jill is a former ME who 'retired' early to grow wine grapes in California's wine country, but occasionally takes on a case or two to help families come to terms with the deaths of loved ones. This time, the second opinion ends up raising changing an accidental death to a homicide, and brings an element of fright to Jill's life as she becomes the new target of a crafty killer. Lots of medical and international intrigue, but tastfully done. An excellent read, can't wait to get to the next one in the series!
September 18, 2018
If you possess the patience of Job, the perseverance of Atlas and the tenacity of a dog digging for a bone in shifting sand, you might get through this book. Personally, I don't, so, therefore, I did not enjoy the book.
I read through a little more than half of the book and found it interesting. But then, all hell broke loose, each more far-fetched than the other. It became like the Hydra, each time you cut off a head, another grew back. I got so that I found myself skimming through the book just to get to the end. There was no possible way (which you eventually find out) that you could ever surmise who the culprit is, as they keep popping up, dying and popping up with another head. I found it a laborious read, and after you have read approximately 3/4 of the book, know what has happened to that point, Jill talks with reporters and proceeds to give a lengthy synopsis of what has happened. So, you get the impression that we are winding down - nope, Hydra just raised another head - and its off to the races. Now we go through a war zone in our sleepy little town of Palisades Valley, armament, helicopters, etc., the whole nine yards. And all I could think is - Is this ever going to be over?
Add to this, the fact that as you read you find the constant absence of words needed to have a sentence make sense (at least in the English language). That tops it all,. You write a complicated, convoluted, lengthy book and not bother to have an editor/proofreader go through it for errors. That shows a lack of pride in one's work. Never a good sign in an author.
I know I will never read another Jill Quint book, I only read this one because I got it free. There is no way I would ever pay to read more of this author's work.
I read through a little more than half of the book and found it interesting. But then, all hell broke loose, each more far-fetched than the other. It became like the Hydra, each time you cut off a head, another grew back. I got so that I found myself skimming through the book just to get to the end. There was no possible way (which you eventually find out) that you could ever surmise who the culprit is, as they keep popping up, dying and popping up with another head. I found it a laborious read, and after you have read approximately 3/4 of the book, know what has happened to that point, Jill talks with reporters and proceeds to give a lengthy synopsis of what has happened. So, you get the impression that we are winding down - nope, Hydra just raised another head - and its off to the races. Now we go through a war zone in our sleepy little town of Palisades Valley, armament, helicopters, etc., the whole nine yards. And all I could think is - Is this ever going to be over?
Add to this, the fact that as you read you find the constant absence of words needed to have a sentence make sense (at least in the English language). That tops it all,. You write a complicated, convoluted, lengthy book and not bother to have an editor/proofreader go through it for errors. That shows a lack of pride in one's work. Never a good sign in an author.
I know I will never read another Jill Quint book, I only read this one because I got it free. There is no way I would ever pay to read more of this author's work.
July 19, 2019
This is a good story if you can get pass the word count. The story felt like; to me; first or second draft "throw everything in so you
Don't forget something." Please, I liked the story flow, but do I need to know the dog hates cats, so does my dog. The story would be
smoother if the forensic descriptions were streamlined or balanced with more about the vineyard, in other words better editing. Please
don't get me wrong, I liked the story, I would have given it 4stars but the story flow had too many asides and detours. Would I buy it again...
as a ereader story, yipe, as a paperback or more, nope. I will get the next e-story to see if there is better editing; if not; to the cloud and
No more. This is my POV and not meant as anything but MY POV.
Don't forget something." Please, I liked the story flow, but do I need to know the dog hates cats, so does my dog. The story would be
smoother if the forensic descriptions were streamlined or balanced with more about the vineyard, in other words better editing. Please
don't get me wrong, I liked the story, I would have given it 4stars but the story flow had too many asides and detours. Would I buy it again...
as a ereader story, yipe, as a paperback or more, nope. I will get the next e-story to see if there is better editing; if not; to the cloud and
No more. This is my POV and not meant as anything but MY POV.
October 21, 2019
First rate story. 2nd rate writing
The story was fascinating and original, but one of those rare instances where the story was better than the writing. It could have been saved with the services of a good editor. Withdraw it and have it edited properly then post it again. Started off enjoying it greatly but finally gave up because of the typos and other mistakes that were avoidable.
The story was fascinating and original, but one of those rare instances where the story was better than the writing. It could have been saved with the services of a good editor. Withdraw it and have it edited properly then post it again. Started off enjoying it greatly but finally gave up because of the typos and other mistakes that were avoidable.
July 12, 2018
I couldn't finish this book. The writing style is just boring, although it may be a good story. It reminds me of those documentaries where the narrator sounds so bored he is almost asleep. Very disappointed as I thought this would be a good book. Sorry, I won't be wasting money on any more of Alec Peche's books.
May 15, 2020
I'm sure there is a good story somewhere in this book, but I couldn't get past the writing style. Peche is repetitive in a way that is very annoying to the reader. Many of the character's conversations are also extremely stilted as Peche seems to dislike contractions. I gave up after plowing through about a third of the book, which is very unlike me.
February 15, 2019
Boring Writing Style
The plot was interesting but I had to quit after only a few pages. The writing style is boring and juvenile, not enjoyable at all. At least the grammar and word usage was correct. Not recommended.
The plot was interesting but I had to quit after only a few pages. The writing style is boring and juvenile, not enjoyable at all. At least the grammar and word usage was correct. Not recommended.
August 23, 2021
This is my first book by Alec Peche. I've had it on my TBR list for quite a while. The story was intriguing, but the writing and dialogue were very stiff and felt forced. I always felt like I was observing it from the outside rather than feeling like I was experiencing everything from the protagonist's view. In my head, I could almost hear a computer reading the pages to me instead of the book transporting me into the story. I liked it enough to try one more in the series, so we'll see if it improves. Also, in my humble opinion, the author uses the contractions she'd/he'd in the most peculiar way! To the point of being a distraction to the reader! For example, "She'd many more tests to run and still awaited the copies of the hospital and medical examiner’s reports." And, "As he'd some time before his meeting with his client, he decided to probe the sedan." While not grammatically incorrect, it is really awkward - to this reader anyway.
March 10, 2025
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. The storyline was interesting and had enough twists, but the writing style was often awkward. Too much that could have been active conversation was written as passive thoughts. Sometimes, the passive thoughts went on far too long with detail not needed. Contractions were used awkwardly and then not used in places that would be normal.
I think this might be one of her first books, and I enjoyed it enough to try another in the hopes / expectation that the awkwardness was just growing pains in this book.
I think this might be one of her first books, and I enjoyed it enough to try another in the hopes / expectation that the awkwardness was just growing pains in this book.
November 29, 2020
Awful!
The author has all of panache of someone who writes instruction manuals. It also would not end. I finally gave up. I thought the character was reasonably interesting, but the story line was completely implausible. A federal agency is not going to include a victim in conference calls. The author was very detailed to the point of being ridiculous. Conversation was stilted. It was just a horrible book.
The author has all of panache of someone who writes instruction manuals. It also would not end. I finally gave up. I thought the character was reasonably interesting, but the story line was completely implausible. A federal agency is not going to include a victim in conference calls. The author was very detailed to the point of being ridiculous. Conversation was stilted. It was just a horrible book.
February 16, 2023
Not only is this book interesting, with its unique murder method, it's also a really good read. The thrills get bigger until, just when I thought the book must be nearly finished, a huge twist ramped things up. Then another, and another, until I wondered how Jill was ever going to escape the danger she'd got into. But the author very cleverly solves all the problems, and wraps things up perfectly.
February 25, 2024
I love a good medical thriller, and was hoping to find another series. This book disappointed. The author has a wooden writing style. I'll try the next in the series, but that will be the last if it's no better. If you like medical thrillers. read Robin Cook (Jack Stapleton/Laurie Montgomery and Marissa Blumenthal), Michael/Daniel Palmer, Mike Krentz, and Geoffrey Cooper (Brad Parker/Karen Richmond). If anyone knows another good one, feel free to share.
July 18, 2020
Conversation??
I am a big fan of forensic fiction, both on tv and by the written word. This was a very interesting first novel with well explained procedures. The characters were very "flat". Actual conversations and emotions between characters would have have allowed a reader connection with them. I do plan on perusing the next book .
I am a big fan of forensic fiction, both on tv and by the written word. This was a very interesting first novel with well explained procedures. The characters were very "flat". Actual conversations and emotions between characters would have have allowed a reader connection with them. I do plan on perusing the next book .
December 25, 2024
Did not finish
Unable to finish. I loved the premise and was very hopeful, but quickly realized that this book wasn't worth the time. The writing is very stilted and almost reads like step by step instructions. She said this. He said that. Then a 3 paragraph info dump. Lots of inaccuracies with the scientific aspect.
Unable to finish. I loved the premise and was very hopeful, but quickly realized that this book wasn't worth the time. The writing is very stilted and almost reads like step by step instructions. She said this. He said that. Then a 3 paragraph info dump. Lots of inaccuracies with the scientific aspect.
April 8, 2025
A twisted crime
Jill is a forensic pathologist. She has called in on the man died under what everyone thought was normal circumstances. She finds things that do not add up and the plot begins. This story is quite a thriller and has many twists and surprises. There is drama, death, and intrigued. I recommend this book for all the likes a good crime thriller.
Jill is a forensic pathologist. She has called in on the man died under what everyone thought was normal circumstances. She finds things that do not add up and the plot begins. This story is quite a thriller and has many twists and surprises. There is drama, death, and intrigued. I recommend this book for all the likes a good crime thriller.
June 2, 2025
I wasn't sure about this book, and I ended up loving it! I loved murder mysteries, but the forensic science aspect turned me off -well no more. I thoroughly enjoyed the processes Jill needs to take in order to prove her hypothesis. And I love the adult relationship she has with Nathan. I have already ordered books #2 - 4.
September 6, 2019
The title and picture on front hooked me.
This book was very detailed, I could not out it down, it took 2 days. I have already down loaded book 2. Hope it is as great as the first book. Can't wait, got my morning coffee and timer set, reading book 2.☕☕☕📚📚
Thanks
This book was very detailed, I could not out it down, it took 2 days. I have already down loaded book 2. Hope it is as great as the first book. Can't wait, got my morning coffee and timer set, reading book 2.☕☕☕📚📚
Thanks
September 19, 2019
Vials
This book was great. I was having a hard time putting it down. There was not a dull time right to the very end. I would recommend this book and I am starting the next in the series. Happy reading
This book was great. I was having a hard time putting it down. There was not a dull time right to the very end. I would recommend this book and I am starting the next in the series. Happy reading
October 1, 2019
Boy does this book take you for a ride! It was well written, albeit quite fantastical, and moved at a pretty good clip. I am loving all of the characters and the continual development of them. Cannot wait to get the next one.
December 29, 2019
TOO FAR FETCHED
Although the story stated out ok, it morphed in to this RIDICULOUS story about a CONSULTANT giving orders to the FBI!! I finished it bc I don't like to leave a book unfinished, but I would've liked to have stopped about 150 pages from the end.
Although the story stated out ok, it morphed in to this RIDICULOUS story about a CONSULTANT giving orders to the FBI!! I finished it bc I don't like to leave a book unfinished, but I would've liked to have stopped about 150 pages from the end.
February 7, 2020
Fantastic storyline
This book had a fantastic storyline. Everytime you think things are settling down, you realize there is a lot of story left. And things don't stay settled down for long! If you like action and adventure, you've got to try Vials.
This book had a fantastic storyline. Everytime you think things are settling down, you realize there is a lot of story left. And things don't stay settled down for long! If you like action and adventure, you've got to try Vials.
March 2, 2020
Stunning!
Riveting first book. I look forward to starting book 2...... like in 5 minutes!! Lots of surprises and action. Medical lingo not dumbed down but adequately described.
Riveting first book. I look forward to starting book 2...... like in 5 minutes!! Lots of surprises and action. Medical lingo not dumbed down but adequately described.
December 26, 2020
Found new series
Looks like I found my next series to read. Sometimes it's hard to find something new that you like when you read couple books a week. Intriguing, intelligent sex medical Examiner and those who kill.
Looks like I found my next series to read. Sometimes it's hard to find something new that you like when you read couple books a week. Intriguing, intelligent sex medical Examiner and those who kill.
March 21, 2021
I have read this whole series and I love it!!! The books have many twists and turns and unusual settings and adventures. I can’t wait for the next set to come out. You grow very attached to all the characters
October 23, 2021
exciting
Having read two of her later novels, I enjoyed the explicit nature of her investigations. I found her explanations to be repetitious however. Overall I enjoyed it but was not captivated like her future books.
Having read two of her later novels, I enjoyed the explicit nature of her investigations. I found her explanations to be repetitious however. Overall I enjoyed it but was not captivated like her future books.
November 8, 2023
First Book of a New Series
The author develops an excellent story with good characters.
The level of detail is extensive and drags the reader down.
I have downloaded the next book.
This author has a five series that is five stars.
The author develops an excellent story with good characters.
The level of detail is extensive and drags the reader down.
I have downloaded the next book.
This author has a five series that is five stars.
February 9, 2025
I found the book repetitive. Didn't really spark my interest although I did finished it. I understand that it is the first in a series, but am not inclined to read more in that series. It seems as though there are plenty of folks who enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews