Trial Dose: A Detective Constance Egan Blood Compass Novel - Book Two

by Esme Reed

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2026

Reviews

[Mary Ryan]

This is the second in the series and although I didn't read the first one, it didn't make any difference. We are quickly introduced to Constance and her background which makes her uniquely placed to investigate the deaths of several patients who are participating in a medical trial.

I enjoyed the story but found it hard to warm to Constance. She seemed too clinical for me although I might feel different in further books. The story itself is a story of revenge and although we can figure out who the killer is, I enjoyed how Constance and Dominic gradually find their way to identifying him and stopping him before the next murder. I would read the next in the series once it comes out to see if I can get to grips with Constance.

[Mary]

I liked this story. A clinic heart drug trial and patients are suddenly dying. The possibility there is a killer among the ones that are trying to save the patients. I just did not like the writing style as it is constantly being said "the thing". It is just very repetitive. Like every paragraph talks about "the thing": the thing being understood, the thing being unsaid, the thing being felt. I don't remember it being as prominent in the 1st book. All that being said, I still really liked this book. The St. Louis area is accurate (which I appreciate). I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Giordano]

I liked the idea for the story but, for my taste, there were too many strange and complicated phrases that prevented the story from flowing smoothly. The actual story got lost in all the unnecessary prose throughout the book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.