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Dr. Schwartzman #3
Expose
Examining the dead will help her solve present crimes and uncover past secrets in this page-turner thriller for fans of Patricia Cornwell and Rizzoli and Isles.
With her vindictive ex-husband out of prison, San Francisco medical examiner Annabelle Schwartzman is trying harder than ever to move on with her life—by focusing on her job to speak for the victims who can’t. Summoned to a homicide in Golden Gate Park, she realizes that she’d seen the victim just hours before, alive and well in a parked Jeep with a small boy. Now, the woman has been stabbed to death and stripped of her burka, and the child is nowhere to be found.
When an African American student is found dead, bearing knife wounds identical to those of the woman in the park, the press jumps on them as hate crimes. If only they were so easy to explain. There is a connection—but Schwartzman believes it’s something even worse. Her fears are confirmed with the discovery of the next victim.
Now, to stop a vicious killer whose work has only just begun, Schwartzman and Detective Hal Harris must untangle the twisted thread that links it all to the missing boy and a crime buried in the past.
With her vindictive ex-husband out of prison, San Francisco medical examiner Annabelle Schwartzman is trying harder than ever to move on with her life—by focusing on her job to speak for the victims who can’t. Summoned to a homicide in Golden Gate Park, she realizes that she’d seen the victim just hours before, alive and well in a parked Jeep with a small boy. Now, the woman has been stabbed to death and stripped of her burka, and the child is nowhere to be found.
When an African American student is found dead, bearing knife wounds identical to those of the woman in the park, the press jumps on them as hate crimes. If only they were so easy to explain. There is a connection—but Schwartzman believes it’s something even worse. Her fears are confirmed with the discovery of the next victim.
Now, to stop a vicious killer whose work has only just begun, Schwartzman and Detective Hal Harris must untangle the twisted thread that links it all to the missing boy and a crime buried in the past.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2018
2167 people are currently reading
1624 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Girard
23 books1,081 followersDanielle Girard is the USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author of sixteen novels, including the Annabelle Schwartzman Series, Chasing Darkness, and The Rookie Club series.
Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Her next thriller, Pinky Swear, will be out from the Emily Bestler Imprint of Atria books February 24, 2026.
Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today’s best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.
Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Her next thriller, Pinky Swear, will be out from the Emily Bestler Imprint of Atria books February 24, 2026.
Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today’s best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
January 6, 2019
Another great story in this series.... talk aboit a cliffhanger ending! Book 4 needed now!
July 31, 2018
I would give this book infinity stars out of infinity stars if I could!
What.was.that.ending?!?! Holy crapola, batman!
Danielle does it again! The best Dr. Schwartzman book yet! I am actually floored, while I I figured out around 75% Spencer was going to do what he did, I didn't think all of that other stuff was going to happen!
I loved the turns and twists, the overall story was really good. I seriously loved this entire book.
The development of not only Anna's and Hal's characters but their relationship throughout this book felt right, it was very well thought out. I definitely cried at Hal's revelation at the very end.
The worst thing about this book is the wait for book four! It is going to killllll me! I can't wait for the conclusion!
What.was.that.ending?!?! Holy crapola, batman!
Danielle does it again! The best Dr. Schwartzman book yet! I am actually floored, while I I figured out around 75% Spencer was going to do what he did, I didn't think all of that other stuff was going to happen!
I loved the turns and twists, the overall story was really good. I seriously loved this entire book.
The development of not only Anna's and Hal's characters but their relationship throughout this book felt right, it was very well thought out. I definitely cried at Hal's revelation at the very end.
The worst thing about this book is the wait for book four! It is going to killllll me! I can't wait for the conclusion!
October 11, 2018
Anna Schwartzman and Hal make a great team. She's a M.E. & he's a police inspector but together they solve cases. Lurking in the background is her psychopathic ex husband Spencer.
While this book didnt flow as fast as the last one the end picked up and delivered. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
While this book didnt flow as fast as the last one the end picked up and delivered. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
June 24, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of Expose, the third novel to feature San Francisco based medical examiner Anna(belle) Schwartzman.
A naked female body, stabbed to death is found in Golden Gate Park. Anna is called to the scene and recognises the woman as someone she saw the night before wearing a burkha and accompanied by a young boy. The boy, the burkha and the woman's car are all missing. Having been in on the investigation from the start Anna takes a keen interest and helps Detective Hal Harris in any way she can.
I have not read the previous novels in the series so I didn't know what to expect but I found it slow to catch my attention for a variety of reasons. The novel is told from several points of view, mostly Anna's but also from a woman called Tabitha, "Bitty" Wilson, Detective Hal Harris and Anna's psychopathic ex-husband, Spencer. The plot doesn't go very far in the first half, being mostly taken up with scene setting, Bitty's mysterious mission and her connection to the dead woman, Spencer's evil plans and Hal's going nowhere investigation, and Anna's forensic examinations which, while detailed, lack the incisiveness of a Cornwell or Reichs and seem a bit woolly. The initial coincidence of Anna not only seeing the dead woman just before her death but recognising her from just her eyes seems a bit farfetched. The mystery surrounding Bitty's mission is, I assume, supposed to generate suspense but as she is operating in a state of constant hysteria it's hard to get worked up about it. I gather from the novel that Spencer's actions and desires are a theme which runs through the series, but really, the lengths he goes to seem barely credible and he isn't developed as a character much past evil schemer who wants what he wants and will go to any lengths to get it, including becoming totally fluent in French and German in less than a year (a feat I never achieved in 20 years).
Fortunately the novel picks up in the second half as all the scattered pieces start to come together into a more cohesive read. The pace and tension pick up as the solution gets closer. Unfortunately the novel ends in a cliffhanger with the Spencer situation unresolved and an added twist. Yawn.
Expose is an easy way to pass a few hours.
A naked female body, stabbed to death is found in Golden Gate Park. Anna is called to the scene and recognises the woman as someone she saw the night before wearing a burkha and accompanied by a young boy. The boy, the burkha and the woman's car are all missing. Having been in on the investigation from the start Anna takes a keen interest and helps Detective Hal Harris in any way she can.
I have not read the previous novels in the series so I didn't know what to expect but I found it slow to catch my attention for a variety of reasons. The novel is told from several points of view, mostly Anna's but also from a woman called Tabitha, "Bitty" Wilson, Detective Hal Harris and Anna's psychopathic ex-husband, Spencer. The plot doesn't go very far in the first half, being mostly taken up with scene setting, Bitty's mysterious mission and her connection to the dead woman, Spencer's evil plans and Hal's going nowhere investigation, and Anna's forensic examinations which, while detailed, lack the incisiveness of a Cornwell or Reichs and seem a bit woolly. The initial coincidence of Anna not only seeing the dead woman just before her death but recognising her from just her eyes seems a bit farfetched. The mystery surrounding Bitty's mission is, I assume, supposed to generate suspense but as she is operating in a state of constant hysteria it's hard to get worked up about it. I gather from the novel that Spencer's actions and desires are a theme which runs through the series, but really, the lengths he goes to seem barely credible and he isn't developed as a character much past evil schemer who wants what he wants and will go to any lengths to get it, including becoming totally fluent in French and German in less than a year (a feat I never achieved in 20 years).
Fortunately the novel picks up in the second half as all the scattered pieces start to come together into a more cohesive read. The pace and tension pick up as the solution gets closer. Unfortunately the novel ends in a cliffhanger with the Spencer situation unresolved and an added twist. Yawn.
Expose is an easy way to pass a few hours.
February 24, 2019
I'll admit, I've waited to long to write my review for this one. There are some NetGalley reads that slipped by me for whatever reason that I failed to review upon completion, and this is one of them.
I am looking over my notes however and will do my best to try and make sense of them.
The truth, the story of Annabelle and Spencer is what has kept me involved with this series up to this point. However, with each novel I've read, there always seems to be some disconnect. I find my mind wandering and I'm often wondering when we're going to get to the "good stuff".
In the case of Expose, I was very confused by Bitty's character and the way she was introduced. I couldn't tell if the narrative was meant to be past or present at times. I also could not connect to her character, and this in the end made it difficult for me to connect to the storyline and overall novel. The storyline felt very clunky and incomplete. I found that people just kept being murdered, but there are no chapters leading up to the murders which did not create any form of suspense for the reader. At 50%, it was barely holding my interest. The only thing keeping me in for the long haul was the promise of Spencer's return. Which sad to say I hit the 65% point, and still there was very little in the way of interaction from Spencer.
The more I read, the more I found the plot to be poorly pieced together and mediocre at best. The narrative was more "telling" rather than showing. I often find this as another source of disconnect for me.
So finally, we get to the end of the novel, and here comes Spencer. So now, after having read through a poorly pieced together storyline, I have to wait for the next installment to finally get my dose of Spencer. Needless to say, Danielle Girard has me on the hook, I certainly hope she delivers with her next installment.
I want to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Danielle Girard for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
I am looking over my notes however and will do my best to try and make sense of them.
The truth, the story of Annabelle and Spencer is what has kept me involved with this series up to this point. However, with each novel I've read, there always seems to be some disconnect. I find my mind wandering and I'm often wondering when we're going to get to the "good stuff".
In the case of Expose, I was very confused by Bitty's character and the way she was introduced. I couldn't tell if the narrative was meant to be past or present at times. I also could not connect to her character, and this in the end made it difficult for me to connect to the storyline and overall novel. The storyline felt very clunky and incomplete. I found that people just kept being murdered, but there are no chapters leading up to the murders which did not create any form of suspense for the reader. At 50%, it was barely holding my interest. The only thing keeping me in for the long haul was the promise of Spencer's return. Which sad to say I hit the 65% point, and still there was very little in the way of interaction from Spencer.
The more I read, the more I found the plot to be poorly pieced together and mediocre at best. The narrative was more "telling" rather than showing. I often find this as another source of disconnect for me.
So finally, we get to the end of the novel, and here comes Spencer. So now, after having read through a poorly pieced together storyline, I have to wait for the next installment to finally get my dose of Spencer. Needless to say, Danielle Girard has me on the hook, I certainly hope she delivers with her next installment.
I want to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Danielle Girard for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
July 28, 2018
Special thanks to #Netgalley and Thomas&Mercer ARC
Annabelle Schwartzman, a San Francisco based medical examiner, has endured a lot over the past few years of her life. She’s lost her Aunt, fought cancer, and escaped her abusive ex-husbands attempt on her life. While Schwartzman is adjusting to the aftermath and attempting to enjoy the comforts of her new life, she’s called to a scene in Golden Gate Park where a Muslim woman is found stripped of her religious garments and lay dead. As Schwartzman and close friend, Inspector Hal Harrison begin to work the case together, they come to realize that their friendship may just be something more. This terrifies Schwartzman and impedes her from moving forward with Hal as the last man she was close to was critically injured by her ex-husband. In the meantime, the case that she and Hal are working unravels. The perceived possibility of it being a hate crime unfolds into something much more sinister. More bodies begin to show up while a woman goes missing and it is a race against the clock for Schwartzman and Hal to find a suspect. Meanwhile, back in her home State of South Carolina, Schwartzman’s ex-husband, Spencer, has been out of prison for the past year and has been relatively quiet. To the outside world, Spencer has moved on, let go of his infatuation with his ex-wife, “Bella”. However, that is far from the truth. Spencer has plans for Bella. Long term plans.
While I am typically a fan of Danielle Gerard and this series, this particular installment has fallen short. The book feel like a underdeveloped setup just to get us to the next book in the series. The plot is slow to unfold and has minimal character development. Unless you have read the previous books, you would have no true understanding of the true depth of the characters. While one can appreciate the forensic pathology background of the main character, this book spends an over abundant amount of time with the minutia of the case forensics and scene setup that adds nothing to the story line in the end. I can appreciate the attempt Girard has made at creating a multilayered plot but it just doesn't work here. It is not until the end of the book, that it picks up pace and then we are left with a cliff hanger. I was disappointed, as the other books in the series were excellent reads. I’m looking forward to the next installment with high hopes.
Annabelle Schwartzman, a San Francisco based medical examiner, has endured a lot over the past few years of her life. She’s lost her Aunt, fought cancer, and escaped her abusive ex-husbands attempt on her life. While Schwartzman is adjusting to the aftermath and attempting to enjoy the comforts of her new life, she’s called to a scene in Golden Gate Park where a Muslim woman is found stripped of her religious garments and lay dead. As Schwartzman and close friend, Inspector Hal Harrison begin to work the case together, they come to realize that their friendship may just be something more. This terrifies Schwartzman and impedes her from moving forward with Hal as the last man she was close to was critically injured by her ex-husband. In the meantime, the case that she and Hal are working unravels. The perceived possibility of it being a hate crime unfolds into something much more sinister. More bodies begin to show up while a woman goes missing and it is a race against the clock for Schwartzman and Hal to find a suspect. Meanwhile, back in her home State of South Carolina, Schwartzman’s ex-husband, Spencer, has been out of prison for the past year and has been relatively quiet. To the outside world, Spencer has moved on, let go of his infatuation with his ex-wife, “Bella”. However, that is far from the truth. Spencer has plans for Bella. Long term plans.
While I am typically a fan of Danielle Gerard and this series, this particular installment has fallen short. The book feel like a underdeveloped setup just to get us to the next book in the series. The plot is slow to unfold and has minimal character development. Unless you have read the previous books, you would have no true understanding of the true depth of the characters. While one can appreciate the forensic pathology background of the main character, this book spends an over abundant amount of time with the minutia of the case forensics and scene setup that adds nothing to the story line in the end. I can appreciate the attempt Girard has made at creating a multilayered plot but it just doesn't work here. It is not until the end of the book, that it picks up pace and then we are left with a cliff hanger. I was disappointed, as the other books in the series were excellent reads. I’m looking forward to the next installment with high hopes.
July 11, 2018
Why?!?!?!?
Everything was going great until..., well, you’ll find out!
Okay, I’m ready for the next one!! Danielle Girard knows how to make you hang on to a story. Dr. Anna Schwartzman and Inspector Hal Harris are two of my favorite people, as well as Roger and Naomi in the lab.
Is it wrong I wish I could dive into this book and kill Spencer MacDonald myself? You know those characters you love to hate? Well, I don’t love to hate him, I despise the very fact he’s fictionally breathing. I have never detested a fictional character so much. I actually think I loathe him even more than any living, breathing human on the planet.
My hatred for him doesn’t take away from the pleasure of seeing Schwartzman and Hal working cases together. Their chemistry is starting to really sizzle and maybe a possible romance is in the cards.
Don’t forget to start with Exhume!!
Everything was going great until..., well, you’ll find out!
Okay, I’m ready for the next one!! Danielle Girard knows how to make you hang on to a story. Dr. Anna Schwartzman and Inspector Hal Harris are two of my favorite people, as well as Roger and Naomi in the lab.
Is it wrong I wish I could dive into this book and kill Spencer MacDonald myself? You know those characters you love to hate? Well, I don’t love to hate him, I despise the very fact he’s fictionally breathing. I have never detested a fictional character so much. I actually think I loathe him even more than any living, breathing human on the planet.
My hatred for him doesn’t take away from the pleasure of seeing Schwartzman and Hal working cases together. Their chemistry is starting to really sizzle and maybe a possible romance is in the cards.
Don’t forget to start with Exhume!!
October 10, 2019
WOW... a story that span 14 years... a revenge waiting to happen..... what do you do when you can't move on unless the person of your nightmares is dead.... can you move on?? will you move on??
The new case screamed hate crime... but underneath it an ugly truth starts to rise ... what would Anne and Hall do.. they have to race against time to solve before more bodies show up.
Also what would Anne do when spencer is out of jail... when will she ever stop looking over her shoulder cause of him and will he ever leave her alone.
the high paced story will take you on a roller coaster as spencer gets near and near, while they are trying to solve the case.
One more book to go for the curtains to fall announcing the end of this series
The new case screamed hate crime... but underneath it an ugly truth starts to rise ... what would Anne and Hall do.. they have to race against time to solve before more bodies show up.
Also what would Anne do when spencer is out of jail... when will she ever stop looking over her shoulder cause of him and will he ever leave her alone.
the high paced story will take you on a roller coaster as spencer gets near and near, while they are trying to solve the case.
One more book to go for the curtains to fall announcing the end of this series
July 6, 2018
No, No, No..... Why did that have to happen? Ugh, why is it so difficult to stop this Spencer? Is he really that smart? I hope that he get caught and doesn’t survive long enough to go to prison. Such a psychopath. I was so happy for Anna and Hal and so caught up in the case, that I forget about Spencer. He’s not mentioned after the first halv of the book and I wasn’t aware that he was ready to take the next step in his plan so soon. And the timing could not be more off then now. Hopefully this whole situation gets resolved before he can do more harm to Anna, or the ones dearest to her. Of course, there also was a case. And this one was a hard one to crack. Nothing added up and with no connections to the past or the victims time was running out for Hal to close the case before damaging his career. Really amazing addition to this series and one I highly recommend. Can’t wait for the next book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer!
July 31, 2018
Fast, engaging, and difficult to put down, I just think I've found myself a series to follow. Girard brings to the table another multilayered and absorbing story to accompany the crimes to solve and the continuing personal stories of her main characters, Dr. Schwartzman and Inspector Hal Harris, along with Spencer McDonald and the minds of those in the center of the current case.
Expanding the developing stories for her characters while maintaining a balance with the murder case presented in this installment, Girard's has created a series here that I could see continuing for a long while.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This affected neither my opinion of the book, nor the content of my review.
Expanding the developing stories for her characters while maintaining a balance with the murder case presented in this installment, Girard's has created a series here that I could see continuing for a long while.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This affected neither my opinion of the book, nor the content of my review.
December 1, 2021
I just finished Expose by Danielle Girard, and she pulled a U-turn on me this trip! She got into an entirely different story about a horrific crime that occurred 14 years ago! Not at all what I expected, and a pile of new characters.The ending leaves one aghast at what is coming next, so I am hurrying on to Book 4 of this fabulous series! I just can't wait to see how she ties all of this into a neat little bow.
Honestly, folks, if you haven't yet read these books, and love thrillers, please don't miss this series! All of them are so well dont! Another wonderful job, Danielle Girard! Thanks so much entertains me for several hours!
Honestly, folks, if you haven't yet read these books, and love thrillers, please don't miss this series! All of them are so well dont! Another wonderful job, Danielle Girard! Thanks so much entertains me for several hours!
February 14, 2019
Fast-paced and tension filled, Expose had me from the very beginning. I read late into the night until my tablet literally fell from my hands, slept a couple of hours, and then finished it. I loved the two story lines - Anna's professional life and her personal life. They did not intersect, but there were many parallels. I eagerly await the next book!
I did not read the first two books in this series. I will go back and read them, but not reading them did not diminish my enjoyment of Expose. Thus is the first book I've read by Danielle Girard, but it definitely won't be the last. I love finding a new author!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the ARC I received through NetGalley.
I did not read the first two books in this series. I will go back and read them, but not reading them did not diminish my enjoyment of Expose. Thus is the first book I've read by Danielle Girard, but it definitely won't be the last. I love finding a new author!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the ARC I received through NetGalley.
July 15, 2019
It took me a little bit to get into this one, however, it's been quite awhile since I read Book #1 and #2 of the series! But once I finally did get into it...WOW! It definitely kept me hooked! AND THAT ENDING! OMG THAT ENDING! Now I can't wait to read #4!
July 11, 2018
Copy courtesy of NetGalley
I'm sorry, but pedantic, wanna-be Kay Scarpetta just bored me - I actually fell asleep while reading this book, several times. Boring as can be, and by 30% there were no new developments.
I'm sorry, but pedantic, wanna-be Kay Scarpetta just bored me - I actually fell asleep while reading this book, several times. Boring as can be, and by 30% there were no new developments.
July 30, 2018
A good read
While the proof reading is better than most the errors are still jarring. A little more care would make for a much better read.
While the proof reading is better than most the errors are still jarring. A little more care would make for a much better read.
August 18, 2018
Gripping!
The latest installment of Dr Schwartzman 's story kept enthralled throughout. Girard makes you relate to her characters. I can't believe I have to wait another year to see what happens next! 😮
The latest installment of Dr Schwartzman 's story kept enthralled throughout. Girard makes you relate to her characters. I can't believe I have to wait another year to see what happens next! 😮
August 5, 2018
This is the third in a series about Anna Schwartzman, a San Francisco medical examiner. I enjoyed reading this book because I cared about the characters and the threats against them were believable.
On the way to a crime scene late at night, Schwartzman sees a Jeep parked on the roadside in Golden Gate Park. She notices the Jeep because a young boy in the passenger seat is excited by Anna’s dog, Buster. She also sees a woman in the driver’s seat who is found murdered and naked in the park following morning. There is no trace of the young boy or the Jeep. The author shows the fear Anna has for the child, and her writing is good enough to strike fear in the reader for the safety of the child.
Like any good suspense novel, secrets are exposed. The reader is given information that the detective and Anna don’t have, but I was turning every page to see what happened next. While some of the story is predictable, there are enough plot twists to surprise the reader as secrets are revealed. And more bodies are found, and more characters go missing.
Unlike most authors, Ms. Girard writes about the religion of Anna Schwartzman, her protagonist, and more about the faith of the first murder victim. The author writes about Islam without becoming preachy, or at least not too preachy about discrimination against Muslims in this country.
A subplot in this novel deals with Anna’s psychopathic ex-husband who remains across the country. This character is the only one in the book that seems over the top to me. Otherwise, the rest of the book is an excellent stand-alone novel.
Warning: as the third in a series, there are references to what happened in the previous books, and a hook to the next novel that is scheduled for publication in mid-2019. I am not fond of cliff-hanger book endings, but they do allow for character arcs over a series rather than in a single novel.
Overall, Expose is well-written and a good read.
On the way to a crime scene late at night, Schwartzman sees a Jeep parked on the roadside in Golden Gate Park. She notices the Jeep because a young boy in the passenger seat is excited by Anna’s dog, Buster. She also sees a woman in the driver’s seat who is found murdered and naked in the park following morning. There is no trace of the young boy or the Jeep. The author shows the fear Anna has for the child, and her writing is good enough to strike fear in the reader for the safety of the child.
Like any good suspense novel, secrets are exposed. The reader is given information that the detective and Anna don’t have, but I was turning every page to see what happened next. While some of the story is predictable, there are enough plot twists to surprise the reader as secrets are revealed. And more bodies are found, and more characters go missing.
Unlike most authors, Ms. Girard writes about the religion of Anna Schwartzman, her protagonist, and more about the faith of the first murder victim. The author writes about Islam without becoming preachy, or at least not too preachy about discrimination against Muslims in this country.
A subplot in this novel deals with Anna’s psychopathic ex-husband who remains across the country. This character is the only one in the book that seems over the top to me. Otherwise, the rest of the book is an excellent stand-alone novel.
Warning: as the third in a series, there are references to what happened in the previous books, and a hook to the next novel that is scheduled for publication in mid-2019. I am not fond of cliff-hanger book endings, but they do allow for character arcs over a series rather than in a single novel.
Overall, Expose is well-written and a good read.
August 23, 2021
I tried but couldn’t
It is rare that I actually am favoring the antagonist of the story - but I was from halfway through the first book. Unfortunately I am so irritated and disgusted with the character development of the primary character, the somewhat cookie-cutter thriller story line and breaks in the flow to remind the reader of past occurrences- I won’t read the rest of the series. It may get better but I won’t know. I kept reading after the first book because I was interested in understanding the perspective of death/crime scenes from the experience of a medical examiner. This content was written well. I learned ‘things’. My low rating is based mostly on my dislike of weak and whiny female characters - especially when they are the primary and plot lines that are too predictable.
It is rare that I actually am favoring the antagonist of the story - but I was from halfway through the first book. Unfortunately I am so irritated and disgusted with the character development of the primary character, the somewhat cookie-cutter thriller story line and breaks in the flow to remind the reader of past occurrences- I won’t read the rest of the series. It may get better but I won’t know. I kept reading after the first book because I was interested in understanding the perspective of death/crime scenes from the experience of a medical examiner. This content was written well. I learned ‘things’. My low rating is based mostly on my dislike of weak and whiny female characters - especially when they are the primary and plot lines that are too predictable.
September 28, 2018
Sort of Entertaining
This is the third book I've read in this series. Her estranged killer husband reappears miraculously in each. It's become very tiresome and predictable. It's set up for a forth iteration, which I will not be reading.
This is the third book I've read in this series. Her estranged killer husband reappears miraculously in each. It's become very tiresome and predictable. It's set up for a forth iteration, which I will not be reading.
August 3, 2018
The personality trait that is most common in any good thriller is the all endearing psychopath. In Danielle Girard’s latest thriller, Expose, we get to see the shenanigans of not just one psychopath but two. Expose, as well as the rest of series, follows the life of medical examiner, Annabelle Schwartzman, who, unlike most medical examiners, happens to have been married to a psychopath. So, in other words, she has first-hand experience with psychopaths which has both its upside and downside in her occupation, well maybe more downside. In Expose, Schwartzman gets a case where a women is stabbed to death in a park only a short distance from where Schwartzman was investigating another death. Schwartzman alongside Detective Hal Harris work together on uncovering a complicated layer of clues that eventually lead us to the illustrious psychopath.
Girard does one thing that is different than what other authors do when writing about psychopaths; she looks into what makes them psychopaths in the first place. An article in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin defines psychopaths as being, ‘a cluster of interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, and antisocial traits and behaviors. These involve deception; manipulation; irresponsibility; impulsivity; stimulation seeking; poor behavioral controls; shallow affect; lack of empathy, guilt, or remorse; sexual promiscuity; callous disregard for the rights of others; and unethical and antisocial behaviors.’ Most psychopaths are men and it is estimated that approximately 1% of the male population is a psychopath which means that you probably have run into one at some time. The brains of psychopaths are different than the brains of most people which indicates that there is most likely a genetic component which means that psychopaths are born that way. But not all psychopaths are homicidal maniacs as depicted in many thrillers. The psychopathic killer is mostly likely molded into being a sadistic killer as there is evidence that a traumatic event in their childhood, such as sexual or physical abuse or possibly witnessing a violent death, predisposes them toward being a ruthless murderer. Girard gives us a glimpse into how Schwartzman’s abusive husband and the man she is investigating become evil psychopathic killers and how they can so easily get by with their behaviors without being discovered.
Expose could be read as a standalone, but the running theme of Schwartzman’s psychopathic husband has been continuous throughout the series. Additionally, Girard ends Expose with a cliff-hanger which means that you will need to read the next in the series. Overall, I think this in a fun and entertaining thriller especially for those that can’t get enough of psychopaths. The next book in the series is Expire which should be released mid-summer of 2019.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my Advance Reader Copy of Expose.
If you are interested in learning more about the Dr. Schwartzman Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
Girard does one thing that is different than what other authors do when writing about psychopaths; she looks into what makes them psychopaths in the first place. An article in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin defines psychopaths as being, ‘a cluster of interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, and antisocial traits and behaviors. These involve deception; manipulation; irresponsibility; impulsivity; stimulation seeking; poor behavioral controls; shallow affect; lack of empathy, guilt, or remorse; sexual promiscuity; callous disregard for the rights of others; and unethical and antisocial behaviors.’ Most psychopaths are men and it is estimated that approximately 1% of the male population is a psychopath which means that you probably have run into one at some time. The brains of psychopaths are different than the brains of most people which indicates that there is most likely a genetic component which means that psychopaths are born that way. But not all psychopaths are homicidal maniacs as depicted in many thrillers. The psychopathic killer is mostly likely molded into being a sadistic killer as there is evidence that a traumatic event in their childhood, such as sexual or physical abuse or possibly witnessing a violent death, predisposes them toward being a ruthless murderer. Girard gives us a glimpse into how Schwartzman’s abusive husband and the man she is investigating become evil psychopathic killers and how they can so easily get by with their behaviors without being discovered.
Expose could be read as a standalone, but the running theme of Schwartzman’s psychopathic husband has been continuous throughout the series. Additionally, Girard ends Expose with a cliff-hanger which means that you will need to read the next in the series. Overall, I think this in a fun and entertaining thriller especially for those that can’t get enough of psychopaths. The next book in the series is Expire which should be released mid-summer of 2019.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my Advance Reader Copy of Expose.
If you are interested in learning more about the Dr. Schwartzman Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
October 6, 2018
I enjoyed this so much more than the previous two in the series. It follows Schwartzman in her career as Medical Examiner and I enjoy seeing her in this role and working with the same team. Now we are on the third instalment I feel like I know this team, I like them, and through them I'm warming to Schwartzman too. So far, I've struggled to take to her, didn't feel like I knew her or liked her very much but in this book she is becoming more human and interesting in her own right.
Spencer the psycho remains in the background and we finish on a cliffhanger... I still have to suspend all belief about him. I think it is ridiculous one man could be so clever, calculating and awful while being completely obsessed.... but we don't have to bother with him too much in this book - which is probably why I liked it!
For me, Hal Harris is the real star in this book - as he has been in all the others. He is such a nice guy and I am really desperate now for him to gave a happy ending as he really deserves it! The main story follows him and his team in a whole host of murders which do not seem to be connected, but at the same time they do.
Don't read this book if you haven't read the others in the series... you really do need to start at the beginning. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
Spencer the psycho remains in the background and we finish on a cliffhanger... I still have to suspend all belief about him. I think it is ridiculous one man could be so clever, calculating and awful while being completely obsessed.... but we don't have to bother with him too much in this book - which is probably why I liked it!
For me, Hal Harris is the real star in this book - as he has been in all the others. He is such a nice guy and I am really desperate now for him to gave a happy ending as he really deserves it! The main story follows him and his team in a whole host of murders which do not seem to be connected, but at the same time they do.
Don't read this book if you haven't read the others in the series... you really do need to start at the beginning. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
July 19, 2019
With her vindictive ex-husband out of prison, San Francisco medical examiner Annabelle Schwartzman is trying harder than ever to move on with her life—by focusing on her job to speak for the victims who can’t. Summoned to a homicide in Golden Gate Park, she realizes that she’d seen the victim just hours before, alive and well in a parked Jeep with a small boy. Now, the woman has been stabbed to death and stripped of her burka, and the child is nowhere to be found.
When an African American student is found dead, bearing knife wounds identical to those of the woman in the park, the press jumps on them as hate crimes. If only they were so easy to explain. There is a connection—but Schwartzman believes it’s something even worse. Her fears are confirmed with the discovery of the next victim.
Now, to stop a vicious killer whose work has only just begun, Schwartzman and Detective Hal Harris must untangle the twisted thread that links it all to the missing boy and a crime buried in the past.
Picking this book up, it felt like I was being reunited with an old friend, and I enjoyed reading the changes she’s making in moving forward with her life, while still trying to keep away from her evil ex husband.
Seeing that the next book is due to be released soon has made me one happy bunny!
When an African American student is found dead, bearing knife wounds identical to those of the woman in the park, the press jumps on them as hate crimes. If only they were so easy to explain. There is a connection—but Schwartzman believes it’s something even worse. Her fears are confirmed with the discovery of the next victim.
Now, to stop a vicious killer whose work has only just begun, Schwartzman and Detective Hal Harris must untangle the twisted thread that links it all to the missing boy and a crime buried in the past.
Picking this book up, it felt like I was being reunited with an old friend, and I enjoyed reading the changes she’s making in moving forward with her life, while still trying to keep away from her evil ex husband.
Seeing that the next book is due to be released soon has made me one happy bunny!
September 9, 2018
Lent with Kindle Unlimited.
Trigger Warning: Torture, short but detailed, rape mentioned a few times but happening mostly of-page.
Read back2back with the one before it ( Excise ), which imho was better.
This one has too many threads which take a long time to come together.
Also while there where some unexpected turns, in the end an explanation sequence like Agatha Christie was needed to bring the main case to reasonable conclusion.
Way too complicated, could have been better written.
A lot of personal life happening, but romance and off-the-page-sex-scenes are ok in this amount and felt real, even with the taking-it-slow-approach.
What kept me from liking the book more was the main victim (Bitty), I could not really relate to her suffering and her actions.
Also the ending of the book was something I expected since nearly the end of book #02, so no surprise there.
Still recommended, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 as I cannot really wait for the next book, to see how the cliffhanger will continue. Also, not sure, but it felt longer then the last one, and till 50 or maybe 60% percent I had to push myself sometimes to read it. Not such a good fast page-turner until it comes together.
Trigger Warning: Torture, short but detailed, rape mentioned a few times but happening mostly of-page.
Read back2back with the one before it ( Excise ), which imho was better.
This one has too many threads which take a long time to come together.
Also while there where some unexpected turns, in the end an explanation sequence like Agatha Christie was needed to bring the main case to reasonable conclusion.
Way too complicated, could have been better written.
A lot of personal life happening, but romance and off-the-page-sex-scenes are ok in this amount and felt real, even with the taking-it-slow-approach.
What kept me from liking the book more was the main victim (Bitty), I could not really relate to her suffering and her actions.
Also the ending of the book was something I expected since nearly the end of book #02, so no surprise there.
Still recommended, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 as I cannot really wait for the next book, to see how the cliffhanger will continue. Also, not sure, but it felt longer then the last one, and till 50 or maybe 60% percent I had to push myself sometimes to read it. Not such a good fast page-turner until it comes together.
April 22, 2022
This series just keeps getting better and better. Book three has multiple plot twists and never slows down. Annabelle Schwartzman now lives in a house with her dog, Buster, and enjoys working as a Medical Examiner and spending time with her best friend and colleague, Inspector Hal Harris of the SFPD. Her creepy ex-husband, Spencer, recently released from prison, seems to be keeping to himself. Maybe life has turned over a new leaf for Anna. Then, a woman's body is found in Golden Gate Park, and during her autopsy, Anna discovers a live dragonfly trapped in her mouth. What kind of ominous clue is this?
As Anna and Hal follow a shifting trail of clues and find more bodies, their relationship grows closer after spending the Thanksgiving holiday together. After confronting a cold-blooded killer and wrapping up the case, Anna and Hal struggle with their feelings for this new relationship. Then, just as you start to imagine Anna happy and in love—instead of quaking with fear every time she hears a noise—the author plunges the reader into terrifying suspense and ends with another cliff-hanger. Bravo! Even though I expected Spencer to rear his ugly head sooner or later, I did not see this horrific plot twist coming.
As Anna and Hal follow a shifting trail of clues and find more bodies, their relationship grows closer after spending the Thanksgiving holiday together. After confronting a cold-blooded killer and wrapping up the case, Anna and Hal struggle with their feelings for this new relationship. Then, just as you start to imagine Anna happy and in love—instead of quaking with fear every time she hears a noise—the author plunges the reader into terrifying suspense and ends with another cliff-hanger. Bravo! Even though I expected Spencer to rear his ugly head sooner or later, I did not see this horrific plot twist coming.
July 5, 2022
omg thank god the next installment is already written
This book was an incredibly crazy ride, from the beginning scenes where I’m trying to follow which case ties in with what, which details will matter later, etc. I love trying to process a book written like this. Too exciting to put down, trying not to rush through chapters too fast, letting some of the painful scenes sink in, and this book has pain and horror in spades. This author excels in getting the reader deeply vested in her characters, main or otherwise. Not to mention the underlying Spencer arc, just finished the last chapter and my heart is still pounding but before I grab the next in the series I wanted to try and jot down a semi coherent review while the scenes are so fresh in my mind. I admit the beginning of this one went a bit slow for me, two of the early characters weren’t really speaking to me until their pain was screaming off the page and I couldn’t ignore them. Wow what a terrible, shocking storyline where you can’t help but feel empathy for all of them, even the “bad guys” and boy were they awful. The author treated all of the aspects with careful dignity and humanity, engaging me deeply through the end.
This book was an incredibly crazy ride, from the beginning scenes where I’m trying to follow which case ties in with what, which details will matter later, etc. I love trying to process a book written like this. Too exciting to put down, trying not to rush through chapters too fast, letting some of the painful scenes sink in, and this book has pain and horror in spades. This author excels in getting the reader deeply vested in her characters, main or otherwise. Not to mention the underlying Spencer arc, just finished the last chapter and my heart is still pounding but before I grab the next in the series I wanted to try and jot down a semi coherent review while the scenes are so fresh in my mind. I admit the beginning of this one went a bit slow for me, two of the early characters weren’t really speaking to me until their pain was screaming off the page and I couldn’t ignore them. Wow what a terrible, shocking storyline where you can’t help but feel empathy for all of them, even the “bad guys” and boy were they awful. The author treated all of the aspects with careful dignity and humanity, engaging me deeply through the end.
August 6, 2018
On My Goodness!
I really enjoy the Dr Schwartzman series. I had a bit of a hard time getting started with Expose though. Part of it was because I was a unsure of what was going on with Bitty, Aleena, the boy, the weapon... Bitty was a panicked mess and I couldn't quite wrap my mind around what was going on with her and then Aleena. On the other hand, I was having anxiety every time Spencer came up. He is so insane, but he always seems to get his way. So, it was several days of reading a few chapters here and there. I knew if I stuck with it the story would finally engage me, and it did.
The story, the history, and the present life of Aleena and Bitty starts to unfold. The picture becomes more clear and intriguing.
Hal and Anna work together to solve a confusing murder, while keeping tabs on Spencer round the clock, by way of a private detective that updates her daily. But we all know how deceitful and creepy Spencer is.
I knew the book would pick up. Danielle Girard hasn't disappointed me yet. And now I am on pins and needles knowing I have to wait for the next book!
I really enjoy the Dr Schwartzman series. I had a bit of a hard time getting started with Expose though. Part of it was because I was a unsure of what was going on with Bitty, Aleena, the boy, the weapon... Bitty was a panicked mess and I couldn't quite wrap my mind around what was going on with her and then Aleena. On the other hand, I was having anxiety every time Spencer came up. He is so insane, but he always seems to get his way. So, it was several days of reading a few chapters here and there. I knew if I stuck with it the story would finally engage me, and it did.
The story, the history, and the present life of Aleena and Bitty starts to unfold. The picture becomes more clear and intriguing.
Hal and Anna work together to solve a confusing murder, while keeping tabs on Spencer round the clock, by way of a private detective that updates her daily. But we all know how deceitful and creepy Spencer is.
I knew the book would pick up. Danielle Girard hasn't disappointed me yet. And now I am on pins and needles knowing I have to wait for the next book!
September 9, 2021
Four stars to the third book in the series, which means that you should read this book. Actually, you should read the series.
On my review of Excise, the second book in the series, I made a prediction. Well, I was right. Don't read the review if you don't want the spoilers, but I believe that if you were reading the series, you would've made the same prediction.
I like the Hal and Schwartzman partnership. I think they are good characters that make the books really good by way of their interactions.
Like with most thrillers, you know early in the game who the bad guys are, and the thrill is the ride to find them and catch them. This book has a few surprises that make the story more interesting along the way.
On top of that, there's the side story of Schwartzman and her now ex-husband, who is still obsessed with her. You know that something is going to happen, you're awaiting it, but...
This is a dirty trick by the author, but you'll figure it out. I'm just going to say that I don't like those cheap tricks, and I'm just glad that all the books in the series are out.
This is a very recommendable book for thriller enthusiasts that will make this series one of your favorites. Now, onto book 4.
On my review of Excise, the second book in the series, I made a prediction. Well, I was right. Don't read the review if you don't want the spoilers, but I believe that if you were reading the series, you would've made the same prediction.
I like the Hal and Schwartzman partnership. I think they are good characters that make the books really good by way of their interactions.
Like with most thrillers, you know early in the game who the bad guys are, and the thrill is the ride to find them and catch them. This book has a few surprises that make the story more interesting along the way.
On top of that, there's the side story of Schwartzman and her now ex-husband, who is still obsessed with her. You know that something is going to happen, you're awaiting it, but...
This is a dirty trick by the author, but you'll figure it out. I'm just going to say that I don't like those cheap tricks, and I'm just glad that all the books in the series are out.
This is a very recommendable book for thriller enthusiasts that will make this series one of your favorites. Now, onto book 4.
November 25, 2021
I really liked the storyline for this third book in the Anna Schwartzman series. I wasn't as thrilled about the second book and was hoping for an improvement and I certainly got it. The main crime was a solid mystery that kept the reader guessing over a wide array of suspects and motivations. There was just enough personal drama to make the characters slightly more realistic (sans the ex-husband craziness). I like the pairing of Hal and Anna as a team. Its a good combination I think. The only two points that bothered me are there was a bit of confusion for me reading about the dates toward the end. Because the story jumps around between a few different characters I was seriously confused as to when one of the crimes took place. I actually went back in the book to check myself and I was still a bit confused. Also I do not know how the author managed to drag out the ex-husband drama across 4 books but she did....Warning the book ends in a cliff hanger that makes reading the 4th one right away necessary!!!! I do hope the ex-husband drama is laid to rest (literally) in the 4th book. I do not know how much more of him I can stand.
March 16, 2022
It Must Be the Storyline
Book three of the Dr. Schwartzman series, and I'm still struggling with the main character. I just can't seem to really engage with her and buy into her view of things. For a medical examiner, she sure does spend a lot of time running around helping the police detective. Are there not enough dead people in their town to keep her busy?
Yet, as I struggle with Anna, I have to admit that the plot of this particular story was the literary equivalent of a watchmaker's master work. This storyline took the reader all over the map while keeping us grounded in the issue of Anna's ex-husband stalking her. I guess that's why I keep coming back for more. It's certainly not for Annabelle Schwartzman herself, who proclaim she's a strong woman, but is still caught up in her victimhood. A woman who struggles with protecting herself, but then throws herself into constant danger as though she is the detective, not the one being stalked, harassed, and threatened by a madman.
No, she's got too much duality in her psyche for me. But the author writes a good story. BTW, if you can't stand cliffhangers, be warned. This one ends on a big one.
Book three of the Dr. Schwartzman series, and I'm still struggling with the main character. I just can't seem to really engage with her and buy into her view of things. For a medical examiner, she sure does spend a lot of time running around helping the police detective. Are there not enough dead people in their town to keep her busy?
Yet, as I struggle with Anna, I have to admit that the plot of this particular story was the literary equivalent of a watchmaker's master work. This storyline took the reader all over the map while keeping us grounded in the issue of Anna's ex-husband stalking her. I guess that's why I keep coming back for more. It's certainly not for Annabelle Schwartzman herself, who proclaim she's a strong woman, but is still caught up in her victimhood. A woman who struggles with protecting herself, but then throws herself into constant danger as though she is the detective, not the one being stalked, harassed, and threatened by a madman.
No, she's got too much duality in her psyche for me. But the author writes a good story. BTW, if you can't stand cliffhangers, be warned. This one ends on a big one.
February 7, 2025
This is book 3 in the series, and I enjoyed it much more than book 2. Again I will say that I like the character of Schwartzman. Spencer, the ex husband, was a main character in book 1 and a side character in books 2-3, and spoiler alert—this book ended on a major cliffhanger, so Spencer will be the main player again in books 4, the final book in the series. (Which sadly I don’t have and the library doesn’t own—whyyyy—so I have to wait until Sunday for Amazon to bring it). I liked the case in this one, and the pacing was much better for me. The author has a way of making the villain seem to be terrible in the beginning, but sympathetic by the end, which is interesting (except for Spencer who is literally The Worst). I’m anxious to see how things wrap up in the final book! If you are interested in books told from the medical examiner’s perspective, strong female characters and a likeable cop, with a smidge of romance thrown in, I recommend this series (but they really should be read in order to understand what’s going on with Spencer).
4.25⭐️
4.25⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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