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Breakthrough
Is Blood really Thicker than Water?
Something is terribly wrong at Angiras, a family-owned medical start-up. Neddy Emory and her brother Charles are about launch a revolutionary life-saving therapeutic device. But they've hit a major snag. Critical research is unraveling and, to their shock and horror, one-by-one, team members are falling mysteriously ill.
Neddy and Charles race to move the project forward, while struggling to keep their employees safe. Failure is not an option. Without the device, their younger brother Daniel will die. But Neddy begins to suspect the company’s innovative research methods are being tampered with. When probed, Charles gaslights her. He refuses to slow down, claiming he is Daniel’s only hope.
Torn between loyalty to her family and the welfare of the staff, Neddy desperately searches for the truth. Then the unspeakable happens. A fatality. Charles appears to finally be persuaded. But his next move shocks her, and she the danger is only beginning. And she is on her own.
For fans of THE MAIDENS who will appreciate Neddy’s determination and perseverance as she fights to keep her family together despite fractured relationships, greed, and treachery.
“Breakthrough is a story as much about rebuilding a family narrative as it is about confronting extraordinary problems despite the cost of their resolution … nearly impossible to put down…” – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Something is terribly wrong at Angiras, a family-owned medical start-up. Neddy Emory and her brother Charles are about launch a revolutionary life-saving therapeutic device. But they've hit a major snag. Critical research is unraveling and, to their shock and horror, one-by-one, team members are falling mysteriously ill.
Neddy and Charles race to move the project forward, while struggling to keep their employees safe. Failure is not an option. Without the device, their younger brother Daniel will die. But Neddy begins to suspect the company’s innovative research methods are being tampered with. When probed, Charles gaslights her. He refuses to slow down, claiming he is Daniel’s only hope.
Torn between loyalty to her family and the welfare of the staff, Neddy desperately searches for the truth. Then the unspeakable happens. A fatality. Charles appears to finally be persuaded. But his next move shocks her, and she the danger is only beginning. And she is on her own.
For fans of THE MAIDENS who will appreciate Neddy’s determination and perseverance as she fights to keep her family together despite fractured relationships, greed, and treachery.
“Breakthrough is a story as much about rebuilding a family narrative as it is about confronting extraordinary problems despite the cost of their resolution … nearly impossible to put down…” – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Judy Kroll
1 book3 followersJudy Kroll worked for over twenty years in large and small corporations, including four years in the pharmaceutical industry, as a human resources professional and later as a career counselor. She provided job search assistance to hundreds of individuals, including physicians, pharmacists, medical device developers, chemists, and other scientists impacted by mergers and downsizings. She is a practicing yogi (twenty-three years.) Both corporate experiences as well as many years 'on the mat' inspired her book, Breakthrough. Specifically, in both of these very disparate worlds, she observed the same phenomenon: the devastation wrought when a much-respected boss or mentor turns out to be unethical, and one must find a new path forward, seemingly alone.
She lives in northern New Jersey, and in addition to writing, gardening, and practicing yoga, Judy co-chairs a not-for-profit conservation organization.
She lives in northern New Jersey, and in addition to writing, gardening, and practicing yoga, Judy co-chairs a not-for-profit conservation organization.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 19, 2025
I’m going to come right out and say it: Breakthrough is in the running for my top thriller of 2025.
It’s written in the first person perspective of Neddy, who as Chief Financial Officer of the family business, is gearing up for a crucial merger with another research company. It’s through this that she meets Adam, a research scientist who is lovely but who I felt anxious about for a while given the potential conflict of interests a relationship could create, plus my suspicious mind was attributing all kinds of motives to his interest in Neddy.
While they’re getting to know each other, Neddy is keeping a secret from him about her worries that something is very wrong with the research. But her brother Charles keeps reassuring her that it’s all fine, just unfortunate, unconnected medical events. Charles, a doctor who dreamed up the trial and who is passionately searching for the answer to their ailing brother’s health, is the epitome of calm and balance. Until the cracks start to show.
I raced through this book, stumped by what someone involved in the research was trying to tell Neddy, and suspecting foul-play of everyone and everything. Except perhaps Waldo the dog.
Judy’s scientific expertise makes this a truly immersive experience, with believable, relatable characters and a ploy so tense that I had to unclench my shoulders several times. If you want an adrenaline rush in a book, look no further. If I could give more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I would!
It’s written in the first person perspective of Neddy, who as Chief Financial Officer of the family business, is gearing up for a crucial merger with another research company. It’s through this that she meets Adam, a research scientist who is lovely but who I felt anxious about for a while given the potential conflict of interests a relationship could create, plus my suspicious mind was attributing all kinds of motives to his interest in Neddy.
While they’re getting to know each other, Neddy is keeping a secret from him about her worries that something is very wrong with the research. But her brother Charles keeps reassuring her that it’s all fine, just unfortunate, unconnected medical events. Charles, a doctor who dreamed up the trial and who is passionately searching for the answer to their ailing brother’s health, is the epitome of calm and balance. Until the cracks start to show.
I raced through this book, stumped by what someone involved in the research was trying to tell Neddy, and suspecting foul-play of everyone and everything. Except perhaps Waldo the dog.
Judy’s scientific expertise makes this a truly immersive experience, with believable, relatable characters and a ploy so tense that I had to unclench my shoulders several times. If you want an adrenaline rush in a book, look no further. If I could give more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I would!
October 29, 2025
Thank you to Victory Editing, Judy Kroll, and the team at NetGalley for the digital ARC of this one!
This was fun and a bit of a break from the hardboiled horror I had been consuming.
The writing was well placed as well as linear when it comes to building the story. It was a fast read.
This was a thriller minus quite a bit of the thrill. It did keep me engaged through the story to see how it all ended. There really was no shock or any grand reveal.
This is a Sophie's choice type of story where the company the main protagonists family has built is trying to cure her brothers illness, things then go poorly.
Fun cozy thriller. Might be a good fit for readers of Robin Cook. 3 1/2 stars
This was fun and a bit of a break from the hardboiled horror I had been consuming.
The writing was well placed as well as linear when it comes to building the story. It was a fast read.
This was a thriller minus quite a bit of the thrill. It did keep me engaged through the story to see how it all ended. There really was no shock or any grand reveal.
This is a Sophie's choice type of story where the company the main protagonists family has built is trying to cure her brothers illness, things then go poorly.
Fun cozy thriller. Might be a good fit for readers of Robin Cook. 3 1/2 stars
October 21, 2025
Breakthrough is a taut and emotionally charged thriller that explores the fragile line between ambition and morality. Judy Kroll plunges readers into the high-stakes world of Angiras, a family-run medical start-up on the brink of launching a revolutionary therapeutic device. But as the countdown to success begins, so does a chilling unravelling.
Neddy Emory, the heart of the story, is a compelling protagonist—driven, loyal, and increasingly suspicious. As team members fall mysteriously ill and the company’s research begins to crumble, Neddy must navigate not only corporate sabotage but the darker corners of her own family. Her brother Charles, once a trusted partner, becomes a source of gaslighting and manipulation, forcing Neddy to choose between saving lives and protecting the people she loves.
Kroll’s writing is sharp and immersive, balancing scientific intrigue with emotional depth. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a shocking twist that redefines the stakes. It’s a story about trust, resilience, and the cost of keeping secrets.
Perfect for fans of The Maidens and anyone who enjoys thrillers with a strong emotional core, Breakthrough is a page-turner that lingers long after the final chapter.
With thanks to Judy Kroll, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Neddy Emory, the heart of the story, is a compelling protagonist—driven, loyal, and increasingly suspicious. As team members fall mysteriously ill and the company’s research begins to crumble, Neddy must navigate not only corporate sabotage but the darker corners of her own family. Her brother Charles, once a trusted partner, becomes a source of gaslighting and manipulation, forcing Neddy to choose between saving lives and protecting the people she loves.
Kroll’s writing is sharp and immersive, balancing scientific intrigue with emotional depth. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a shocking twist that redefines the stakes. It’s a story about trust, resilience, and the cost of keeping secrets.
Perfect for fans of The Maidens and anyone who enjoys thrillers with a strong emotional core, Breakthrough is a page-turner that lingers long after the final chapter.
With thanks to Judy Kroll, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
November 17, 2025
Breakthrough by Judy Kroll is part medical thriller, and part suspense.
Charles and his sister Neddy own a company that’s working to develop a new way to deliver medication to patients with certain lung diseases. They drive is incredibly personal as their brother Daniel suffers for one of the diseases. They are hoping to treat more effectively.
When engineers working on the new medication delivery system begin to exhibit, unusual and yet seemingly unrelated symptoms, Neddy starts to suspect that’s some of their companies development practises might be to blame. But she has called in an incredibly difficult position because delaying the research may put her brother Daniel’s life at risk but continuing might put the lives of others at risk.
I found this to be a very compelling novel. It presented many moral and ethical dilemmas, including the desire to achieve good things through questionable means. I thought the characters were well-written and the story held my interest from beginning to end.
Charles and his sister Neddy own a company that’s working to develop a new way to deliver medication to patients with certain lung diseases. They drive is incredibly personal as their brother Daniel suffers for one of the diseases. They are hoping to treat more effectively.
When engineers working on the new medication delivery system begin to exhibit, unusual and yet seemingly unrelated symptoms, Neddy starts to suspect that’s some of their companies development practises might be to blame. But she has called in an incredibly difficult position because delaying the research may put her brother Daniel’s life at risk but continuing might put the lives of others at risk.
I found this to be a very compelling novel. It presented many moral and ethical dilemmas, including the desire to achieve good things through questionable means. I thought the characters were well-written and the story held my interest from beginning to end.
October 13, 2025
What a terrific story! Both original AND suspenseful, Breakthrough is tightly constructed, full of lovely, telling details, and Neddy (the main character) is strongly developed and convincing. The author has managed to make a world about which I knew nothing (medical research and Big Pharma) compelling: I really cared about the project’s outcome. I even felt that I understood the process - special praise here for an unusual ability to be clear without either boring or condescending to.
The stakes are very high here, both monetary and personal. This combination is a potent one - it certainly hooked me. I read this at one sitting.
I wish every author used Kroll’s clever idea of identifying text exchanges by highlighting them separately - what a difference that makes! Interestingly, it also adds to the immediacy first established by the Neddy’s first-person voice. I really liked this book.
The stakes are very high here, both monetary and personal. This combination is a potent one - it certainly hooked me. I read this at one sitting.
I wish every author used Kroll’s clever idea of identifying text exchanges by highlighting them separately - what a difference that makes! Interestingly, it also adds to the immediacy first established by the Neddy’s first-person voice. I really liked this book.
December 9, 2025
‘Breakthrough’ is an engaging medical thriller that keeps you guessing till the end! This is the author’s debut, and it certainly didn’t read like it was. This was an excellent take on the genre, and along with the action and tension, there was a heartwarming story. I will be looking forward to what Judy does next!
Despite this being a medical thriller, the science was easy to grasp, and the author manages the delicate balance of making sure it came across as being authentic but also not bogged down with scientific jargon and too many details. It was a fascinating subject, and I was interested as I have lucid dreams sometimes!
Neddy, our ballsy protagonist, was easy to root for. She was tough but also delicate as well. Her character was nuanced and full of empathy. It was a pleasure to read about her, and I absolutely flew through this book! Literally, as it was on a plane. It was an immersive and engaging book.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
October 8, 2025
As a physician with 25+ years in pharma, going into this I was a bit skeptical. The premise seemed far-fetched, but I looked it up and as my daughter would say, “it’s a thing.” (I won’t spoil it by revealing the premise). The story kept me engaged and the characters were for the most part well-developed; the family tensions were realistic and at times heartbreaking. The explanations of the phases of drug development are nicely put in layperson’s terms. The pressure on small companies to produce (or perish) is quite real and was nicely depicted in terms of the unfortunate tendency of a few to cut corners to generate results.
My only nits to pick were around some of the medical aspects of the story. Daniel has pulmonary fibrosis. While this is a serious disease, there are treatments, and I kept wondering why none was mentioned, or why he was not a candidate for a lung transplant.
My only nits to pick were around some of the medical aspects of the story. Daniel has pulmonary fibrosis. While this is a serious disease, there are treatments, and I kept wondering why none was mentioned, or why he was not a candidate for a lung transplant.
November 18, 2025
This was a quick, enjoyable and evocative read that I finished in one sitting. It was also more emotional than I expected and added and extra layer to the story in my opinion.
The writing was engaging and hooked me in right from the very start, at first I was worried that I would be bogged down with science due to the subject matter of the book, and, I am also not the most scientifically minded girl, but it was done so well and I didn't feel like anything went over my head at all.
The characters were well developed and I found myself really liking Neddy and found myself really thinking about what I would do if i was in her position.
The book is full of tension which steadily builds all the way through and twists that kept me guessing until that final twist that had me on the edge of my seat.
The writing was engaging and hooked me in right from the very start, at first I was worried that I would be bogged down with science due to the subject matter of the book, and, I am also not the most scientifically minded girl, but it was done so well and I didn't feel like anything went over my head at all.
The characters were well developed and I found myself really liking Neddy and found myself really thinking about what I would do if i was in her position.
The book is full of tension which steadily builds all the way through and twists that kept me guessing until that final twist that had me on the edge of my seat.
October 24, 2025
Breakthrough is a emotionally charged, taut and tense thriller that explores the lines between mortality, doing what is right and protecting your family. Nelly is our protagonist who is on the brink of starting up a revolutionary therapeutic device that could save lives. It's relentlessly fast paced environment of the medical world was easy to follow and understand and the family drama was at times heartbreaking. I felt it was perfectly balanced with science, drama and suspense. It's not just money on the line if the company doesn't succeed, it's also lives on the line including a family member. I never felt bored or confused by the medical jargon because the author has explained everything in easy to understand terms and I think this is a masterpiece of a debut.
November 20, 2025
3.5 🌟
“If she saves her brother, can she live with herself?”
This was such an interesting, fun read. Breakthrough brings together a brilliant combination of medical, workplace and family drama, to bring an intriguing story that asks, how far would you go to save a loved one?
I enjoyed Judy’s writing style, I didn’t feel overly “thriller”(maybe more drama?), but it was fast paced and I still enjoyed it. It did really make you think of the ethical impacts of research, and how we make difficult decisions that could affect everyone around us.
This book was surprisingly emotional, especially towards the end, I admittedly found myself watery eyes a few times (which I wasn’t expecting at all). I would definitely be interested in reading Judy’s next books!!
“If she saves her brother, can she live with herself?”
This was such an interesting, fun read. Breakthrough brings together a brilliant combination of medical, workplace and family drama, to bring an intriguing story that asks, how far would you go to save a loved one?
I enjoyed Judy’s writing style, I didn’t feel overly “thriller”(maybe more drama?), but it was fast paced and I still enjoyed it. It did really make you think of the ethical impacts of research, and how we make difficult decisions that could affect everyone around us.
This book was surprisingly emotional, especially towards the end, I admittedly found myself watery eyes a few times (which I wasn’t expecting at all). I would definitely be interested in reading Judy’s next books!!
October 8, 2025
Wonderfully written and easy to read! As in any book with a multitude of characters and a storyline to go along with them it takes some time to learn the character's personalities and their roles in the story. I thought this was done very well. For me once I got to know who was who it started to really flow. It's a good mix of real world stuff- family relationships, business, some tragedy, love and forgiveness. I couldn't put down the last third of the book until i finished. If you like a little bit of intrigue with a few twists and turns you'll enjoy. I look forward to Ms. Krolls next book.
November 20, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo’s Book Tours.
This thriller was a unique and interesting read. The protagonist was Neddy, who was a strong character and interesting to follow. I found the work of Neddy and her family to be something quite mind-boggling, and something that I couldn't fully comprehend. Nevertheless, I was intrigued by some of the themes presented to me, like lucid dreaming.
This was a fast-paced read, and I was never sure what would happen next. I also felt that no-one, no matter what their circumstances, was ever truly safe.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This thriller was a unique and interesting read. The protagonist was Neddy, who was a strong character and interesting to follow. I found the work of Neddy and her family to be something quite mind-boggling, and something that I couldn't fully comprehend. Nevertheless, I was intrigued by some of the themes presented to me, like lucid dreaming.
This was a fast-paced read, and I was never sure what would happen next. I also felt that no-one, no matter what their circumstances, was ever truly safe.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
October 8, 2025
This debut novel is an engaging and thought-provoking read. The author has skillfully drawn on career and life experiences to create a story that feels both authentic and compelling. The protagonist is faced with difficult decisions that affect her family, career, and personal ethics, and the way these challenges unfold keeps the reader fully invested. What makes this book stand out is how it pushes you to reflect on your own choices—what would you do if you were in her position? A strong first effort from a new author, and I look forward to seeing more from her.
November 21, 2025
Breakthrough by Judy Kroll
🌟🌟🌟💫
A medical thriller. Neddy and her brother Charles are on the verge of a company merger. This merger will save the family business and potentially, their brother Daniels life. Around the concept of Lucid Dreams, they develop a concept that can help people recover from illnesses
I enjoyed the story. Was obvious who the behind all the illnesses and threats. The final twist I didn't get. An easy read, just didnt grasp me as much as I expected it too
Thanks to @zooloosbooktours for gifting me a copy of this book to review
🌟🌟🌟💫
A medical thriller. Neddy and her brother Charles are on the verge of a company merger. This merger will save the family business and potentially, their brother Daniels life. Around the concept of Lucid Dreams, they develop a concept that can help people recover from illnesses
I enjoyed the story. Was obvious who the behind all the illnesses and threats. The final twist I didn't get. An easy read, just didnt grasp me as much as I expected it too
Thanks to @zooloosbooktours for gifting me a copy of this book to review
November 18, 2025
This is a very interesting medical drama. The story is compelling and kept me engaged. Once I was hooked I wanted to know how it would all unfold.
There were so many unlikable characters and so many of the choices made me so sad. The medical piece was also very interesting. I was interested by the science and disucssion of medical ethics.
This is a debut novel and I look forward to more of her work.
There were so many unlikable characters and so many of the choices made me so sad. The medical piece was also very interesting. I was interested by the science and disucssion of medical ethics.
This is a debut novel and I look forward to more of her work.
November 19, 2025
As soon as I saw the details for this book I knew it would be right up my street!
Set in the medical research world which I know nothing about but it was fascinating and what a great setting for a psychological thriller.
It was a fast paced read which was even faster as I couldn’t put it down I don’t think I even blinked for most of it. I was suspicious of everything the characters and the information being given, definitely my read of the last few months if not longer.
Set in the medical research world which I know nothing about but it was fascinating and what a great setting for a psychological thriller.
It was a fast paced read which was even faster as I couldn’t put it down I don’t think I even blinked for most of it. I was suspicious of everything the characters and the information being given, definitely my read of the last few months if not longer.
November 26, 2025
This really surprised me, at first it took me a bit longer to get into but I thought this was fantastic. It is definitely unique, I couldn’t put it down in the end. I was definitely cheering on Neddy, so glad she kept insisting on finding out details.
The setting is in a medical scene, I automatically thought about really bright lights, white walls and plastic cots for the sleepers. I would be exactly like Neddy, wouldn’t trust no one.
The setting is in a medical scene, I automatically thought about really bright lights, white walls and plastic cots for the sleepers. I would be exactly like Neddy, wouldn’t trust no one.
October 9, 2025
The story blends science, suspense, and family tension in a way that pulls you in from the start. The depth of the characters and the challenges they face create emotional intensity and moral complexity through every twist.
A beautifully written debut that stays with you long after the final chapter. I’m looking forward to what this talented new author writes next.
A beautifully written debut that stays with you long after the final chapter. I’m looking forward to what this talented new author writes next.
October 7, 2025
The family / work dynamics were fascinating. Mixing family and business went to a whole new level. The subject matter was so interesting. Very creative writing. Loved this book- I read it in no time!
October 8, 2025
Fast paced and inventive, especially the actual medical premise. Great character development and quite a few surprises. Read in one sitting on a plane trip because I couldn't put it down. Have to say, the flight seemed one of the quickest I've ever taken!
October 15, 2025
A breakout novel from a talented new author! Breakthrough includes realistic tension in the biotech startup world combined with interesting family dynamics and medical innovations. It is a fast-paced read, keeping your attention throughout. I finished it in record time!
October 10, 2025
I could not put this book down! Great plot, good dialogue and interesting characters.
October 11, 2025
What a wonderful debut novel from this author. I couldn't put it down. Great writing, story and I loved the main character.
January 19, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great pacing, and a subtle reveal. Well done!
December 3, 2025
A medical thriller, but also family drama. The small family-owned company is on the verge of a breakthrough that will revolutionize healthcare. With one of their brothers being in dire need of this new treatment, Neddy and Charles are pulling out all the stops to get this device working and approved for use.
It’s a fast-paced book with lots of twists. I enjoyed reading it and will watch for more books by this talented author.
It’s a fast-paced book with lots of twists. I enjoyed reading it and will watch for more books by this talented author.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews