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Dr. Samantha Owens #2
Edge of Black
"WHAT LIES BEHIND grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. Ellison is a great talent—enjoy." —Catherine Coulter, # 1 "New York Times" bestselling author
Revisit book two in J.T. Ellison's heart-racing Sam Owens series...
Dr. Samantha Owens is starting new city, new job, new man, new life. But before she's even unpacked her office at Georgetown University's forensic pathology department, she's called to consult on a case that's rocked the capital and the country. An unknown pathogen released into the Washington Metro has caused nationwide panic. Three people died--just three.
Amid the media frenzy and Homeland Security alarm bells, Sam painstakingly dissects the lives of those three victims and makes an unsettling conclusion. This is no textbook terrorist, but an assassin whose motive is deeply personal and far from understandable.
Xander Whitfield, a former army ranger and Sam's new boyfriend, knows about seeing the world in shades of gray. About feeling compelled to do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Only his disturbing kinship with a killer can lead Sam to the truth...and once more into the line of fire.
Previously Published.
More Praise
"Shocking suspense, compelling characters and fascinating forensic details." —Lisa Gardner, # 1 "New York Times" bestselling author
"A terrific thriller…fans of forensic mysteries, such as those by Patricia Cornwell, should immediately add this series to their A-lists." —"Booklist"
Revisit book two in J.T. Ellison's heart-racing Sam Owens series...
Dr. Samantha Owens is starting new city, new job, new man, new life. But before she's even unpacked her office at Georgetown University's forensic pathology department, she's called to consult on a case that's rocked the capital and the country. An unknown pathogen released into the Washington Metro has caused nationwide panic. Three people died--just three.
Amid the media frenzy and Homeland Security alarm bells, Sam painstakingly dissects the lives of those three victims and makes an unsettling conclusion. This is no textbook terrorist, but an assassin whose motive is deeply personal and far from understandable.
Xander Whitfield, a former army ranger and Sam's new boyfriend, knows about seeing the world in shades of gray. About feeling compelled to do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Only his disturbing kinship with a killer can lead Sam to the truth...and once more into the line of fire.
Previously Published.
More Praise
"Shocking suspense, compelling characters and fascinating forensic details." —Lisa Gardner, # 1 "New York Times" bestselling author
"A terrific thriller…fans of forensic mysteries, such as those by Patricia Cornwell, should immediately add this series to their A-lists." —"Booklist"
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2012
327 people are currently reading
2436 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Ellison
83 books6,922 followersJ.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.
With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.
J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.
J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
April 20, 2013
Just a few notes:
-Where the hell are the ugly/plain people? Everyone in this cast was gorgeous. All the men were ripped, all the women had nice legs and "racks."
-Bullshit on someone being brought in for questioning, about a possible suspect in a terrorist attack, and being allowed to say, "I don't want to say his name." That is not going to happen. I literally cried "Bullshit" on that.
-The author kept making a note of Fletch's feelings for Sam, which I never really got (aside from the author cramming it down my throat) because he was so busy ogling anyone with breasts.
-The repetition. It bogged the story down so much. Fletch had to pass on information to Sam who had to relay to Xander who told his dad. And they all had to talk out all the possibilities.
-The side stories about the murders in Indiana and the abuse of the prostitutes were not necessary. I think a terrorist attack using a new bio weapon was enough. There was no need to toss that in and the rush to tie it up.
Overall this one was not for me. I struggled the entire way through just to finish.
-Where the hell are the ugly/plain people? Everyone in this cast was gorgeous. All the men were ripped, all the women had nice legs and "racks."
-Bullshit on someone being brought in for questioning, about a possible suspect in a terrorist attack, and being allowed to say, "I don't want to say his name." That is not going to happen. I literally cried "Bullshit" on that.
-The author kept making a note of Fletch's feelings for Sam, which I never really got (aside from the author cramming it down my throat) because he was so busy ogling anyone with breasts.
-The repetition. It bogged the story down so much. Fletch had to pass on information to Sam who had to relay to Xander who told his dad. And they all had to talk out all the possibilities.
-The side stories about the murders in Indiana and the abuse of the prostitutes were not necessary. I think a terrorist attack using a new bio weapon was enough. There was no need to toss that in and the rush to tie it up.
Overall this one was not for me. I struggled the entire way through just to finish.
November 7, 2012
Dr. Samantha Owens is settling into her new life in DC. She still mourns her losses but she’s made new friends, has a new career path and has a new love. And now she also has another disaster on her capable hands. What looks like a terrorist attack on the DC subway is taking a new and devious turn. It seems an unknown substance has been released, one that has killed not hundreds not thousands but three, with no apparent relationship to each other. Her friend detective Darren Fletcher needs a favor, needs her to don her medical examiner persona and find answers to some disturbing questions. The authorities are headed in one direction, but is it the right direction. Will there be more attacks, will more die or is this heinous crime something very different than what it looks like at face value. Sam will use her extensive knowledge as a forensic pathologist to search for answers. It will put she and her lover, former Army Ranger, Xander Whitfield in imminent danger from not only a most allusive and deadly villain but from detective Fletcher and the authorities too.
JT Ellison just keeps getting better and better. She turned a co-star from her bestselling Taylor Jackson series, Samantha Owens, into a superstar in her own right. This time she takes us deep into a terrifying ordeal that’s not too far removed from what we all fear today. She gives us a storyline not only realistic, but feasible. Her impeccable research is evident as she takes us through this non-stop action packed terror filled tale using her customary no nonsense narrative in which she deposits some well placed prose which gives more dimension to the novel and to her characters. Her stars we’ve met before but she’s giving us more in depth information about them now, more secrets revealed, more dreams uncovered, making them more approachable and she introduces us to many more characters some good, some bad and some we wonder which side of the fence they’re on. If you love the thrillers of Lisa Gardner or Lisa Jackson, Nelson DeMille or John Sandford you’ll love this new explosive thriller by JT Ellison.
JT you never cease to amaze me as you delve into topics that make me shiver and I can’t wait until the next chill.
JT Ellison just keeps getting better and better. She turned a co-star from her bestselling Taylor Jackson series, Samantha Owens, into a superstar in her own right. This time she takes us deep into a terrifying ordeal that’s not too far removed from what we all fear today. She gives us a storyline not only realistic, but feasible. Her impeccable research is evident as she takes us through this non-stop action packed terror filled tale using her customary no nonsense narrative in which she deposits some well placed prose which gives more dimension to the novel and to her characters. Her stars we’ve met before but she’s giving us more in depth information about them now, more secrets revealed, more dreams uncovered, making them more approachable and she introduces us to many more characters some good, some bad and some we wonder which side of the fence they’re on. If you love the thrillers of Lisa Gardner or Lisa Jackson, Nelson DeMille or John Sandford you’ll love this new explosive thriller by JT Ellison.
JT you never cease to amaze me as you delve into topics that make me shiver and I can’t wait until the next chill.
November 19, 2012
J.T. Ellison's Edge of Black delivers with a wonderful mix of suspense and intrigue. Her characters are crisp and well defined and the plot is laid out to precisely lead you to come to conclusions as the characters do.
On a personal note, this book was extremely fun for me to read. Want to know why? If you know me, pick up a copy and find out for yourself!
On a personal note, this book was extremely fun for me to read. Want to know why? If you know me, pick up a copy and find out for yourself!
January 15, 2013
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to blurb this book. I loved the main character and was quickly sucked into the story. Ellison writes with authority and authenticity.
October 16, 2020
From head medical examiner in Tennessee to teacher at Georgetown University, Dr Samantha Owens is much happier now -- new city, new house, new job, new man Xander - yep, he's a hunk.
Someone released an airborne toxin in the D.C. Metro. A congressman and two others are dead. Sam is asked to do the post and she becomes a part of the investigation.
This book is the second in the series and I liked it much better than the first book. I think part of this liking is due to Sam not being so morose due to losing her husband and twins. I liked Xander getting into the investigation too. The book is written in the style I like - - strong characters, good mystery, climactic ending. I see book #3 in my near future.
Someone released an airborne toxin in the D.C. Metro. A congressman and two others are dead. Sam is asked to do the post and she becomes a part of the investigation.
This book is the second in the series and I liked it much better than the first book. I think part of this liking is due to Sam not being so morose due to losing her husband and twins. I liked Xander getting into the investigation too. The book is written in the style I like - - strong characters, good mystery, climactic ending. I see book #3 in my near future.
January 5, 2019
A great plot with realistic characters. I really like Ellison's writing style.
December 13, 2015
After the first book, this one ended up being a bit of a disappointment in comparison because this jumped into the mostly ridiculous arena with regards to the characters and their jobs.
Sam has gone from being an ME to a teacher after book one, which works and isn’t the issue. Within a chapter, she is already neck deep in doing not only ME things again, but police investigation, probably even on a level of what should be homeland security or some other alphabet soup kind of a job. She isn’t any of those things, except the ME. Outside of a page or two of teaching, she didn’t do any other teaching in this book even though that is what she is supposed to be doing because she couldn’t handle the stress and emotional weight of being an ME any longer.
Then we have Xander, who of course jumps in and goes all lone wolf, not once but twice with his manly man, commando self. Just because you are ex military, even special forces, does not suddenly make you the only man on the planet that knows what is going on and how to catch the bad guy. He becomes the cliched one man army, then later drags not only his pacifist dad into an incredibly dangerous situation, but his completely untrained and unqualified girlfriend, too.
Yes, this is a really entertaining and intense read and for the most part, I actually did enjoy the story, but I am just a little tired of characters that are not cops or law enforcement being the only characters in any kind of crime drama book that seem smart enough or capable enough to solve the crimes. Why even bother having the police if they are that incompetent? I will accept a certain level of bleed in or cross over in job duties, but the level that it happens in this book is way out there, especially when these characters go and do all this stuff without authorization and there is absolutely no fall out for going against the rules.
Book one did a much better job of keeping the characters within the lines drawn for them than what we see in this book or at least made the reasons for crossing those lines seem more legitimate to where they actually worked. Not sure if the next book will follow in the path of this book or the first one, but I’m hoping for the first.
Sam has gone from being an ME to a teacher after book one, which works and isn’t the issue. Within a chapter, she is already neck deep in doing not only ME things again, but police investigation, probably even on a level of what should be homeland security or some other alphabet soup kind of a job. She isn’t any of those things, except the ME. Outside of a page or two of teaching, she didn’t do any other teaching in this book even though that is what she is supposed to be doing because she couldn’t handle the stress and emotional weight of being an ME any longer.
Then we have Xander, who of course jumps in and goes all lone wolf, not once but twice with his manly man, commando self. Just because you are ex military, even special forces, does not suddenly make you the only man on the planet that knows what is going on and how to catch the bad guy. He becomes the cliched one man army, then later drags not only his pacifist dad into an incredibly dangerous situation, but his completely untrained and unqualified girlfriend, too.
Yes, this is a really entertaining and intense read and for the most part, I actually did enjoy the story, but I am just a little tired of characters that are not cops or law enforcement being the only characters in any kind of crime drama book that seem smart enough or capable enough to solve the crimes. Why even bother having the police if they are that incompetent? I will accept a certain level of bleed in or cross over in job duties, but the level that it happens in this book is way out there, especially when these characters go and do all this stuff without authorization and there is absolutely no fall out for going against the rules.
Book one did a much better job of keeping the characters within the lines drawn for them than what we see in this book or at least made the reasons for crossing those lines seem more legitimate to where they actually worked. Not sure if the next book will follow in the path of this book or the first one, but I’m hoping for the first.
November 14, 2012
Edge of black by J.T. Ellison
4 STARS
I like Dr. Samantha Owens she is such a strong character and has gone through so much.
Now she has moved to Washington D.C. and starting a new job teaching at Georgetown University’s forensic pathology department. Has left her home and job as head of forensic after the losses of her family. She has new friends that she is starting here in D.C.
While she is being a guest lecture one of her students is very ill. She decides it will be faster to just take her to hospital than get ambulance thier. So with two other students she goes to emergency room and it is very busy.
There has been a chemical attack in the subway. She tries to go down to help and Sam ends up back at hospital to be decontamened.
Sam finds her lover Xander Whitfield back in town from fishing. Xander was in the army, but he was raised by hippies who lived off the land in Colorado. He was on some websites the night before the attack and saw something about a attack might take place.
A detective Fletch that Sam had come into contact with a former boyfriends murder that she helped him solve asks her to come help on a victim that was top secret.
Thier is a lot of drama trying to figure out who did the attack and what was the poison that was used and how come only 3 people died when everyone else just got sick.
I don't want to give away the plot anymore but it got intense with everyone not sure what was going on. Did not trust certain people or groups.
Thier are a lot of smart powerful women characters in this book from different jobs and life choices. Both Fletch and Xander care about Sam. We also get to see more of Xander life back in Colorado.
The story line is believable you can tell thier was a lot of research into the different aspects of the novel. I did not want to put the book down till I had finshed. I have enjoyed reading J.T. Ellison books and look forward to reading more of them in the future.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review by Netgalley.
11/27/2012 PUB Harlequin Imprint HarlequinMIRA
4 STARS
I like Dr. Samantha Owens she is such a strong character and has gone through so much.
Now she has moved to Washington D.C. and starting a new job teaching at Georgetown University’s forensic pathology department. Has left her home and job as head of forensic after the losses of her family. She has new friends that she is starting here in D.C.
While she is being a guest lecture one of her students is very ill. She decides it will be faster to just take her to hospital than get ambulance thier. So with two other students she goes to emergency room and it is very busy.
There has been a chemical attack in the subway. She tries to go down to help and Sam ends up back at hospital to be decontamened.
Sam finds her lover Xander Whitfield back in town from fishing. Xander was in the army, but he was raised by hippies who lived off the land in Colorado. He was on some websites the night before the attack and saw something about a attack might take place.
A detective Fletch that Sam had come into contact with a former boyfriends murder that she helped him solve asks her to come help on a victim that was top secret.
Thier is a lot of drama trying to figure out who did the attack and what was the poison that was used and how come only 3 people died when everyone else just got sick.
I don't want to give away the plot anymore but it got intense with everyone not sure what was going on. Did not trust certain people or groups.
Thier are a lot of smart powerful women characters in this book from different jobs and life choices. Both Fletch and Xander care about Sam. We also get to see more of Xander life back in Colorado.
The story line is believable you can tell thier was a lot of research into the different aspects of the novel. I did not want to put the book down till I had finshed. I have enjoyed reading J.T. Ellison books and look forward to reading more of them in the future.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review by Netgalley.
11/27/2012 PUB Harlequin Imprint HarlequinMIRA
October 8, 2013
Edge of Black The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides...Dr. Samantha Owens is starting over: new city, new job, new man, new life. She's trying to put some distance between herself and the devastating loss of her husband and children-but old hurts leave scars.Before she's even unpacked her office at Georgetown University's forensic pathology department, she's called to consult on a case that's rocked the capital and the country. An unknown pathogen released into the Washington Metro has caused nationwide panic. Three people died-just three.A miracle and a puzzle...Amid the media frenzy and Homeland Security alarm bells, Sam painstakingly dissects the lives of those three victims and makes an unsettling conclusion. This is no textbook terrorist causing mayhem with broad strokes, but an artist wielding a much finer, more pointed instrument of destruction. An assassin, whose motive is deeply personal and far from understandable.Xander Whitfield, a former Army Ranger and Sam's new boyfriend, knows about seeing the world in shades of gray. About feeling compelled to do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Only his disturbing kinship with a killer can lead Sam to the truth...and once more into the line of fire.What I thought...The description says it all...This is my second book by J. T. Ellison and I must say she doesn't disappoint! I found this book very easy to read and get wrapped up in, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are well developed and realistic. The plot and twists are perfectly timed to keep you turning the pages, all 368 of them. I would definitely read more works by this author and highly recommend Edge of Black. You won't want to miss this one...
December 30, 2012
I have read all of J.T. Ellison's books, and while I have enjoyed them all, this is my favorite to date. Edge of Black is the 2nd book in the Samantha Owens Series, and it was a great mystery/suspense. I love the character of Samantha Owen, and feel for all she has suffered. I think Xander Whitfield is a great match for her, and enjoy the dynamics between the two of them. This book had a storyline that kept me interested, and I couldn't put it down.
Samantha Owens is starting her new job at Georgetown University when an unknown susbstance causes the death of three people who were on the Washington Metro. Samantha is called in to offer assistance in determining what the pathogen might be, and soon Xander Whitfield realizes that he has information that connects to the incident. Xander takes off to try to contain the situation, and Samantha soon figures out where he is and joins him. As they face danger, they begin to realize how deep their feelings for one another run.
I loved this book, and really enjoyed having Samantha and Xander in a relationship and working together. I thought that the plot of this one was very intriguing, and it kept me captivated. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. My only fear is that Samantha will turn out to be a little too much like Taylor Jackson and refuse to commit to Xander regardless of their strong feelings. I'm crossing my fingers that Samantha will be courageous and take a chance on Xander regardless of her horrific past. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley.
Samantha Owens is starting her new job at Georgetown University when an unknown susbstance causes the death of three people who were on the Washington Metro. Samantha is called in to offer assistance in determining what the pathogen might be, and soon Xander Whitfield realizes that he has information that connects to the incident. Xander takes off to try to contain the situation, and Samantha soon figures out where he is and joins him. As they face danger, they begin to realize how deep their feelings for one another run.
I loved this book, and really enjoyed having Samantha and Xander in a relationship and working together. I thought that the plot of this one was very intriguing, and it kept me captivated. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. My only fear is that Samantha will turn out to be a little too much like Taylor Jackson and refuse to commit to Xander regardless of their strong feelings. I'm crossing my fingers that Samantha will be courageous and take a chance on Xander regardless of her horrific past. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley.
November 24, 2012
"Edge Of Black" is the second book in the Dr. Samantha Owens series by J.T. Ellison.
Suffering the loss of her family Dr. Owens moves to Washington DC to start over. With a new job, new home, new friends and a new man in her life things are falling into place for her until disaster strikes. An unknown pathogen was released into the Washington Metro killing 3 people and injuring others. A Nationwide panic ensues and Dr. Owens is called in to help solve the case alongside her friend Detective Darren Fletcher. Xander (Samantha's boyfriend) becomes involved and we learn more about him as their relationship develops.
The storyline is action-packed and thrilling and contains lots of pieces to the puzzle that in the end fit together perfectly. This series is quickly growing on me and I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one.
Suffering the loss of her family Dr. Owens moves to Washington DC to start over. With a new job, new home, new friends and a new man in her life things are falling into place for her until disaster strikes. An unknown pathogen was released into the Washington Metro killing 3 people and injuring others. A Nationwide panic ensues and Dr. Owens is called in to help solve the case alongside her friend Detective Darren Fletcher. Xander (Samantha's boyfriend) becomes involved and we learn more about him as their relationship develops.
The storyline is action-packed and thrilling and contains lots of pieces to the puzzle that in the end fit together perfectly. This series is quickly growing on me and I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one.
April 20, 2021
Great read - love the story line. Really like this series.
Love the "new Samantha" and the path she is taking in her life - adds so many potential story lines that could develop.
Twists and turns and with a danger that is real and one that has and could happen. Two thumbs up for "Edge of Black"
Love the "new Samantha" and the path she is taking in her life - adds so many potential story lines that could develop.
Twists and turns and with a danger that is real and one that has and could happen. Two thumbs up for "Edge of Black"
November 5, 2018
I am really loving the Samantha Owens series it is fast paced, well written, suspenseful and thrilling, I also love the added grit from being set in Washington D.C and the added political drama to each story, I also love how the author has melded Sam into such a new role than when she was the medical examiner in Tennesse Sam has really come into her own after such tragedy she has forged a new life and even though it can be scary at times she really is thriving.
November 29, 2020
I typically love Ellison’s books, especially the Taylor Jackson and Sam Owens series, but this one was a bit rough for me. There were times where I couldn’t put it down and then suddenly it would bore me to death and I couldn’t stand the thought of picking it back up. The story line was a bit convoluted and hard to follow at times. I still really like this author, but I’m hoping the next in the series will be a bit better.
October 13, 2022
As usual JT Ellison delivers, awesome read!
August 2, 2021
2.5 STARS- started out strong, then heroine’s actions quickly became unbelievable. Started to skim then DNF. I’ve enjoyed Ellison’s other books. This didn’t work for me.
March 5, 2013
Having just read the first book in J.T. Ellison's Samantha Owens series, I was really glad that I had the ARC of the second book, Edge of Black to read next. In this book we find that Sam has sold her house and left her ME job in Nashville to move to DC and take a job as the head of the pathology department at George Washington University. As she begins her first teaching assignment during summer school, fate again intervenes. One of her students becomes ill and when Sam takes her to the hospital for treatment, she becomes involved in the investigation of an act of domestic terrorism.
The first Samantha Owens book that I read was the first book I had ever read by Ellison, and I found it fascinating. I had heard that the second book of the series was even better. Given how much I liked the first book, I found myself doubting that. They were right, though, this book is marginally better than A Deeper Darkness. The plot of this book was more to my liking. I love big, global conspiracies and a home grown domestic terrorism plot caught my attention immediately. The plot of this book seemed to flow just a bit better for me. As often happens in a series while the stories and characters progress, there is more focus on the plot and less time spent defining the main characters, their backgrounds, and the relationships between them.
I was ecstatic here to see that Ellison not only brought back Sam, but Xander was still a major player, as was DC Detective Fletcher. They were by far my three favorite characters from the first book. Once again, Xander is at the heart of this book's mystery. I would imagine that the author can't keep this up for more than a few books, but I am interested to see how she develops Xander's participation in the mystery solving collaboration of Detective Fletcher and Sam.
Along with these three, Ellison again populated this story with an interesting cast of supporting characters. My favorites in this story were Xander's hippie parents and the other inhabitants of the small town in Colorado where he grew up. Like his town nickname, Xander Moon, the people in the town are a wonderful mix of hippy and small town America. I really hope some of them continue to play a role in future books, especially his parents, and the Sheriff and his wife, who are high school friends of Xander's.
The next installment in this series can't appear quick enough for me.
The first Samantha Owens book that I read was the first book I had ever read by Ellison, and I found it fascinating. I had heard that the second book of the series was even better. Given how much I liked the first book, I found myself doubting that. They were right, though, this book is marginally better than A Deeper Darkness. The plot of this book was more to my liking. I love big, global conspiracies and a home grown domestic terrorism plot caught my attention immediately. The plot of this book seemed to flow just a bit better for me. As often happens in a series while the stories and characters progress, there is more focus on the plot and less time spent defining the main characters, their backgrounds, and the relationships between them.
I was ecstatic here to see that Ellison not only brought back Sam, but Xander was still a major player, as was DC Detective Fletcher. They were by far my three favorite characters from the first book. Once again, Xander is at the heart of this book's mystery. I would imagine that the author can't keep this up for more than a few books, but I am interested to see how she develops Xander's participation in the mystery solving collaboration of Detective Fletcher and Sam.
Along with these three, Ellison again populated this story with an interesting cast of supporting characters. My favorites in this story were Xander's hippie parents and the other inhabitants of the small town in Colorado where he grew up. Like his town nickname, Xander Moon, the people in the town are a wonderful mix of hippy and small town America. I really hope some of them continue to play a role in future books, especially his parents, and the Sheriff and his wife, who are high school friends of Xander's.
The next installment in this series can't appear quick enough for me.
November 19, 2012
Samantha Owens is back. Officially moved to Washington D.C. and starting a new job as teaching forensic pathology at Georgetown. She's stronger than the last book but still suffering from the trauma of losing her family. A pathogen released in a metro station that may have been targeting a high ranking political figure has Sam helping out to solve the case.
Although I miss Taylor Jackson, Sam's best friend and Ellison's other series of books, I am growing to love Sam as her own main character. I found A Deeper Darkness, the first book in the Samantha Owens series good but kind of depressing. This second book locked me in with more action and twists and I found it harder to put down. I like the stronger Sam and the sort-of triangle between boyfriend ex-army Ranger Xander and Detective Darren Fletcher 9who would like a relationship with Sam. Author Ellison will keep me reading whether it be Taylor or Sam.
Although I miss Taylor Jackson, Sam's best friend and Ellison's other series of books, I am growing to love Sam as her own main character. I found A Deeper Darkness, the first book in the Samantha Owens series good but kind of depressing. This second book locked me in with more action and twists and I found it harder to put down. I like the stronger Sam and the sort-of triangle between boyfriend ex-army Ranger Xander and Detective Darren Fletcher 9who would like a relationship with Sam. Author Ellison will keep me reading whether it be Taylor or Sam.
May 28, 2013
This second book in Ellison’s spin-off series is a much stronger novel than the first. It moves along at a fast pace and has a much more intricate plot. Still, elements of the storyline are bit predictable (namely the vehicles for the murders). But that does not detract from the fun of reading them. There are a couple of points to the overall timeline that may give pause, but overall, it’s a fast and entertaining thriller.
This more politically driven series is loosely linked to Ellison’s Taylor Jackson series. I prefer the Nashville-set, serial killer thrillers that comprise that series to this more maudlin Washington D.C. series. And though Sam is Taylor’s best friend, there is little that actually carries over into these books, and very few references made to the previous series or even Taylor’s current life. I am not terribly anxious for more books in this series and hopes that Ellison’s break from the Taylor Jackson books does not last too much longer!
This more politically driven series is loosely linked to Ellison’s Taylor Jackson series. I prefer the Nashville-set, serial killer thrillers that comprise that series to this more maudlin Washington D.C. series. And though Sam is Taylor’s best friend, there is little that actually carries over into these books, and very few references made to the previous series or even Taylor’s current life. I am not terribly anxious for more books in this series and hopes that Ellison’s break from the Taylor Jackson books does not last too much longer!
December 9, 2013
In the second installment of the Dr. Sam Owens series, J.T. Ellison packs a punch with this enthralling novel. After losing her family in the flood at Nashville, Sam moves to Washington D.C. to start her new life over. She has a new man in her life and is taken to a new and dangerous adventure. When there's an attack at the Metro train station, it rocks her world. We follow Sam on her darkest case ever, when there's a shade of black. We see how connected she is to Xander, and what he goes through to help her out and to define their blossoming relationship She learns about a deadly poison that's homegrown to kill in their backyard. From D.C. to Colorado, there's many twists and turns to this thriller with a pummeling backstory as well that will blow you away. They're on the hunt for a bomber. There's so many surprises you didn't see coming. This would leave you at the edge of your seat, breathless.
November 14, 2012
Samantha Owens was a supporting character in previous novels, but now has her own series. This starts out as what appears to be a act of terrorism in a subway in DC, but soon turns out to be so much more. This was a good suspenseful read with multiple story-lines, almost wish there had been a few less. They were all pulled together in a somewhat satisfactory way, but the coincidences seem just a little too much to accept. Did enjoy the look into the survivalist mentality and so like the character of Finn. Think this will be a very good series, as the characters are in themselves very interesting. Just need to keep things a little bit tighter, at least for this reader.
February 22, 2013
Edge of Black has been on my to-be-read pile for way too long! I very much enjoyed the book. I found the interactions of the characters enjoyable and the story move along quickly. I had the pleasure of meeting J.T. Ellison last year in Anaheim and asked her (as I hadn't read her yet) if her books would be considered HEA- I didn't realize at the time why that was a difficult question to answer- but her answer was satisfying enough. Her books don't always sit firmly on the HEA shelf- but do lean in that direction enough that I will continue to look forward to her books and am happy to add her to my "must read" authors.
October 14, 2012
I totally loved this! Sam is really growing on me.
This was a really good story. Some things I picked up on, some I didn't, but I think I worked out more than I missed. I like that in a book. Makes me feel more a part of it, I think, since I can see where it's going.
I enjoyed learning about Xander's family, and his upbringing, and love that he's so different to them, but still so alike at the same time.
A really enjoyable read! And of course, now I *really* can't wait for the next one!
February 6, 2014
A good solid read. Great second half with lots of chess pieces on the board.
I enjoyed the scenes with Xander's free-ager parents. That and the almost Glory in Death (almost) ending were fun to read. I even enjoyed the tiny Taylor self defence tip included in the dramatic ending. Good stuff.
I still think the author likes to name drop designer labels to the point where it detracts from the story, but she is not the first author to play this Hermes game.
Looking forward to the third Dr. Sam Owens book.
I enjoyed the scenes with Xander's free-ager parents. That and the almost Glory in Death (almost) ending were fun to read. I even enjoyed the tiny Taylor self defence tip included in the dramatic ending. Good stuff.
I still think the author likes to name drop designer labels to the point where it detracts from the story, but she is not the first author to play this Hermes game.
Looking forward to the third Dr. Sam Owens book.
March 22, 2014
*4.25 Stars~ I love Xander:) A second great installment of Dr. Samantha Owens. Exciting stuff starting with a biological attack in the subway near where Sam is teaching. Things really get interesting for Sam, Xander, and Fletcher as they pull different strings following multiple leads. I enjoy Ellison's writing style and the way the plot unfolds, evolves, and wraps up. The lifestyle that Xander grew up with, and the one his parent's still lead, was fascinating to me. I love Xander...did I mention that?;) Anyway, on to the next...
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October 3, 2020
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
**
Dr. Samantha Owens is settling into her new life in DC. She still mourns her losses but she’s made new friends, has a new career path and has a new love. And now she also has another disaster on her capable hands.
What looks like a terrorist attack on the DC subway is taking a new and devious turn. It seems an unknown substance has been released, one that has killed not hundreds not thousands but three, with no apparent relationship to each other.
Her friend detective Darren Fletcher needs a favor, needs her to don her medical examiner persona and find answers to some disturbing questions. The authorities are headed in one direction, but is it the right direction.
Will there be more attacks, will more die or is this heinous crime something very different than what it looks like at face value. Sam will use her extensive knowledge as a forensic pathologist to search for answers.
It will put she and her lover, former Army Ranger, Xander Whitfield in imminent danger from not only a most allusive and deadly villain but from detective Fletcher and the authorities too.
JT Ellison just keeps getting better and better. She turned a co-star from her bestselling Taylor Jackson series, Samantha Owens, into a superstar in her own right.
This time she takes us deep into a terrifying ordeal that’s not too far removed from what we all fear today. She gives us a storyline not only realistic, but feasible.
Her impeccable research is evident as she takes us through this non-stop action packed terror filled tale using her customary no nonsense narrative in which she deposits some well placed prose which gives more dimension to the novel and to her characters. Her stars we’ve met before but she’s giving us more in depth information about them now, more secrets revealed, more dreams uncovered, making them more approachable and she introduces us to many more characters some good, some bad and some we wonder which side of the fence they’re on.
**
Dr. Samantha Owens she is such a strong character and has gone through so much.
Now she has moved to Washington D.C. and starting a new job teaching at Georgetown University’s forensic pathology department.
Has left her home and job as head of forensic after the losses of her family. She has new friends that she is starting here in D.C.
While she is being a guest lecture one of her students is very ill. She decides it will be faster to just take her to hospital than get ambulance. So with two other students she goes to emergency room and it is very busy.
There has been a chemical attack in the subway. She tries to go down to help and Sam ends up back at hospital to be decontaminated.
Sam finds her lover Xander Whitfield back in town from fishing. Xander was in the army, but he was raised by hippies who lived off the land in Colorado. He was on some websites the night before the attack and saw something about a attack might take place.
A detective Fletch that Sam had come into contact with a former boyfriends murder that she helped him solve asks her to come help on a victim that was top secret.
Thier is a lot of drama trying to figure out who did the attack and what was the poison that was used and how come only 3 people died when everyone else just got sick.
I don't want to give away the plot anymore but it got intense with everyone not sure what was going on. Did not trust certain people or groups.
Thier are a lot of smart powerful women characters in this book from different jobs and life choices. Both Fletch and Xander care about Sam. We also get to see more of Xander life back in Colorado.
The story line is believable you can tell there was a lot of research into the different aspects of the novel.
**
**
Dr. Samantha Owens is settling into her new life in DC. She still mourns her losses but she’s made new friends, has a new career path and has a new love. And now she also has another disaster on her capable hands.
What looks like a terrorist attack on the DC subway is taking a new and devious turn. It seems an unknown substance has been released, one that has killed not hundreds not thousands but three, with no apparent relationship to each other.
Her friend detective Darren Fletcher needs a favor, needs her to don her medical examiner persona and find answers to some disturbing questions. The authorities are headed in one direction, but is it the right direction.
Will there be more attacks, will more die or is this heinous crime something very different than what it looks like at face value. Sam will use her extensive knowledge as a forensic pathologist to search for answers.
It will put she and her lover, former Army Ranger, Xander Whitfield in imminent danger from not only a most allusive and deadly villain but from detective Fletcher and the authorities too.
JT Ellison just keeps getting better and better. She turned a co-star from her bestselling Taylor Jackson series, Samantha Owens, into a superstar in her own right.
This time she takes us deep into a terrifying ordeal that’s not too far removed from what we all fear today. She gives us a storyline not only realistic, but feasible.
Her impeccable research is evident as she takes us through this non-stop action packed terror filled tale using her customary no nonsense narrative in which she deposits some well placed prose which gives more dimension to the novel and to her characters. Her stars we’ve met before but she’s giving us more in depth information about them now, more secrets revealed, more dreams uncovered, making them more approachable and she introduces us to many more characters some good, some bad and some we wonder which side of the fence they’re on.
**
Dr. Samantha Owens she is such a strong character and has gone through so much.
Now she has moved to Washington D.C. and starting a new job teaching at Georgetown University’s forensic pathology department.
Has left her home and job as head of forensic after the losses of her family. She has new friends that she is starting here in D.C.
While she is being a guest lecture one of her students is very ill. She decides it will be faster to just take her to hospital than get ambulance. So with two other students she goes to emergency room and it is very busy.
There has been a chemical attack in the subway. She tries to go down to help and Sam ends up back at hospital to be decontaminated.
Sam finds her lover Xander Whitfield back in town from fishing. Xander was in the army, but he was raised by hippies who lived off the land in Colorado. He was on some websites the night before the attack and saw something about a attack might take place.
A detective Fletch that Sam had come into contact with a former boyfriends murder that she helped him solve asks her to come help on a victim that was top secret.
Thier is a lot of drama trying to figure out who did the attack and what was the poison that was used and how come only 3 people died when everyone else just got sick.
I don't want to give away the plot anymore but it got intense with everyone not sure what was going on. Did not trust certain people or groups.
Thier are a lot of smart powerful women characters in this book from different jobs and life choices. Both Fletch and Xander care about Sam. We also get to see more of Xander life back in Colorado.
The story line is believable you can tell there was a lot of research into the different aspects of the novel.
**
November 13, 2012
4.5 stars. Edge of Black, J.T. Ellison’s latest release starring Dr. Sam Owens, is a deeply compelling mystery that is action-packed and terrifyingly realistic. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE.
November 26, 2012
this was a great book, it is the second one in the series about Dr Owens --a friend of Taylor Jackson - another series by this author.
I really loved the story -- it was complex. at first it seemed easy to figure out the murder -- but the twists and turns really made it worth the read
I really loved the story -- it was complex. at first it seemed easy to figure out the murder -- but the twists and turns really made it worth the read
December 6, 2012
Excellent!!!!! I love this series. Can't wait for the next book.
December 4, 2012
Great book.
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