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Dr. Schwartzman #4
Expire
Alone, held captive, and left in the dark, a woman’s worst fears come true in this gripping thriller by the award-winning author of Expose.
San Francisco medical examiner Annabelle Schwartzman has spent eight years looking over her shoulder. Stalked by her vengeful ex-husband, Spencer, she’s always known they’d meet again. Has her nightmare come true? Abducted, blindfolded, yoked, and tethered, she’s being held prisoner in an isolated cabin in Idaho. But it’s the unknown that terrifies Annabelle now. Because the man’s voice in the dark, though eerily familiar, is not Spencer’s.
Annabelle’s partner and lover, Inspector Hal Harris, knows in his gut that Annabelle’s disappearance is tied to the past. Except Spencer is fifteen hundred miles away. To save Annabelle, Hal is tracking every move Spencer makes. But is it drawing him closer to finding Annabelle? Or is it luring him farther from her desperate cries for help?
As a cruel game of retribution begins, Annabelle must rely on her wits, her will to survive, and a plan of escape. But time is running out. And her captor’s three chilling words make her fear that the worst is yet to sweet dreams, Bella.
San Francisco medical examiner Annabelle Schwartzman has spent eight years looking over her shoulder. Stalked by her vengeful ex-husband, Spencer, she’s always known they’d meet again. Has her nightmare come true? Abducted, blindfolded, yoked, and tethered, she’s being held prisoner in an isolated cabin in Idaho. But it’s the unknown that terrifies Annabelle now. Because the man’s voice in the dark, though eerily familiar, is not Spencer’s.
Annabelle’s partner and lover, Inspector Hal Harris, knows in his gut that Annabelle’s disappearance is tied to the past. Except Spencer is fifteen hundred miles away. To save Annabelle, Hal is tracking every move Spencer makes. But is it drawing him closer to finding Annabelle? Or is it luring him farther from her desperate cries for help?
As a cruel game of retribution begins, Annabelle must rely on her wits, her will to survive, and a plan of escape. But time is running out. And her captor’s three chilling words make her fear that the worst is yet to sweet dreams, Bella.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2019
1772 people are currently reading
1737 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Girard
23 books1,078 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 286 reviews
August 4, 2019
I'm really hoping that there is going to be fifth book!!!!
June 23, 2019
I loved the first three books in this series, but this one fell flat.
Anna Schwartzman is a medical examiner in San Francisco, and the crimes she helped solve in the three earlier books were compelling and kept me interested. The additional storyline of her abusive ex-husband pursuing her allowed for great character development for Anna and her friend-turned-lover Hal Harris, a detective with SFPD. I loved all three books, and, when the third one ended on a cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to get my hands on book 4.
But this one doesn't live up to the first three. First of all, there is only one storyline here: Anna has been kidnapped and Hal is trying to find her. I missed the crime-solving aspect of the first three books. I liked watching Anna and Hal work together, and that element is completely missing from this book.
Second, there are a bunch of threads to this story that make no sense whatsoever. Who is Caleb? What insider trading scheme? Why is Anna's mom suddenly a completely different person than the character we've met before? Either leave that stuff out of the story or explain its connection to Anna and Hal better. As it is, it's just a distraction. I even flipped back through the book to try to find what I missed -- that's how little sense it made. As it turned out, I hadn't missed a thing -- the story is just poorly written.
There's also the kidnapper's brother and mom, who are apparently living (at least some of the time) in the house where Anna is being held. Mom knows Anna is there, knows she's tethered by the neck to a track in the ceiling, and seems perfectly okay with this. Say what? I'm supposed to believe that this woman's son brought home a hog-tied woman and trussed her up in the bedroom, and she just shrugged? The brother doesn't make sense either -- unless he's going to add something to the story, why introduce him at all?
Then there's the drugged water. Anna finds that her kidnapper is drugging the tap water -- she can see the little tank outside that holds the drug, and finds where it feeds into the water line. Then she finds that somehow the shower water and bathroom sink water are also drugged. Huh? Are there three tanks holding drugs? And what kidnapper is going to drug the freaking shower? It's so ridiculous it took me right out of the story.
But the worst part is that this book turns Hal into a sniveling crybaby, and I hate that. I love his character, and I loved watching him and Anna fall in love. Hal is NOT a crybaby -- he's a detective, for crying out loud, and he gets stuff done. But he spends this whole book whining about all the help he's not getting and how helpless he feels. I get that, but it's so out of character.
Hal is also forced to spend some time solving another crime for his actual job, rather than looking for Anna. At first I thought this was going to be the author's way of introducing a compelling crime narrative alongside the Anna storyline. But that didn't happen at all -- we scarcely knew there WAS a crime. It was exactly what Hal said it was -- something he had to do that took time away from the search for Anna. So why introduce it (and the substitute medical examiner) at all? Just another weird stub of story that didn't even need to be there.
Overall, I really disliked this book, and that made me sad, since I had loved the first three so much. If you've read the first three, you're going to want to read this one, if for no other reason than the cliffhanger from book 3. Otherwise? Don't waste your time.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a Kindle ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Anna Schwartzman is a medical examiner in San Francisco, and the crimes she helped solve in the three earlier books were compelling and kept me interested. The additional storyline of her abusive ex-husband pursuing her allowed for great character development for Anna and her friend-turned-lover Hal Harris, a detective with SFPD. I loved all three books, and, when the third one ended on a cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to get my hands on book 4.
But this one doesn't live up to the first three. First of all, there is only one storyline here: Anna has been kidnapped and Hal is trying to find her. I missed the crime-solving aspect of the first three books. I liked watching Anna and Hal work together, and that element is completely missing from this book.
Second, there are a bunch of threads to this story that make no sense whatsoever. Who is Caleb? What insider trading scheme? Why is Anna's mom suddenly a completely different person than the character we've met before? Either leave that stuff out of the story or explain its connection to Anna and Hal better. As it is, it's just a distraction. I even flipped back through the book to try to find what I missed -- that's how little sense it made. As it turned out, I hadn't missed a thing -- the story is just poorly written.
There's also the kidnapper's brother and mom, who are apparently living (at least some of the time) in the house where Anna is being held. Mom knows Anna is there, knows she's tethered by the neck to a track in the ceiling, and seems perfectly okay with this. Say what? I'm supposed to believe that this woman's son brought home a hog-tied woman and trussed her up in the bedroom, and she just shrugged? The brother doesn't make sense either -- unless he's going to add something to the story, why introduce him at all?
Then there's the drugged water. Anna finds that her kidnapper is drugging the tap water -- she can see the little tank outside that holds the drug, and finds where it feeds into the water line. Then she finds that somehow the shower water and bathroom sink water are also drugged. Huh? Are there three tanks holding drugs? And what kidnapper is going to drug the freaking shower? It's so ridiculous it took me right out of the story.
But the worst part is that this book turns Hal into a sniveling crybaby, and I hate that. I love his character, and I loved watching him and Anna fall in love. Hal is NOT a crybaby -- he's a detective, for crying out loud, and he gets stuff done. But he spends this whole book whining about all the help he's not getting and how helpless he feels. I get that, but it's so out of character.
Hal is also forced to spend some time solving another crime for his actual job, rather than looking for Anna. At first I thought this was going to be the author's way of introducing a compelling crime narrative alongside the Anna storyline. But that didn't happen at all -- we scarcely knew there WAS a crime. It was exactly what Hal said it was -- something he had to do that took time away from the search for Anna. So why introduce it (and the substitute medical examiner) at all? Just another weird stub of story that didn't even need to be there.
Overall, I really disliked this book, and that made me sad, since I had loved the first three so much. If you've read the first three, you're going to want to read this one, if for no other reason than the cliffhanger from book 3. Otherwise? Don't waste your time.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a Kindle ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 13, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It's kind of ridiculous that I got this audio for review because I'm behind with moving and now I'm at Book Bonanza. Not only that but it's the 4th book in the series! I never do these out of order. Now I can't decide if I go back for the first three or just go forward. But I couldn't seem to help myself. I'm on a mystery / suspense/ thriller binge right now. Expire is available in KU. It looks like the first 3 are read and listen in KU. So I will get them.
As you can tell from the blurb, Anna has been kidnapped which is never a good thing for a woman. As a medical examiner, she has seen this situation with its brutal and fatal results. I admire Anna's courage and determination to stay alive and survive.
Poor Hal. He just wants to find her and has to fight everyone to get the information or give him the resources to save her. He's a bit unhinged over it but doing better than I would.
It is a little weird coming into this because they are already in a relationship, which I will go back to get the foundation in the 3 previous books. For almost the entire book, Hal and Anna are separated so while the think of the other, the are not interacting. I enjoyed this a lot, even though I jumped into the series at then end.
Narration:
I have enjoyed this narrator in the past. I felt the voices were well performed, both male and female. There were some regional accents for some characters. This was a great listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:://soundcloud.com/brilliance-audio/expir...
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It's kind of ridiculous that I got this audio for review because I'm behind with moving and now I'm at Book Bonanza. Not only that but it's the 4th book in the series! I never do these out of order. Now I can't decide if I go back for the first three or just go forward. But I couldn't seem to help myself. I'm on a mystery / suspense/ thriller binge right now. Expire is available in KU. It looks like the first 3 are read and listen in KU. So I will get them.
As you can tell from the blurb, Anna has been kidnapped which is never a good thing for a woman. As a medical examiner, she has seen this situation with its brutal and fatal results. I admire Anna's courage and determination to stay alive and survive.
Poor Hal. He just wants to find her and has to fight everyone to get the information or give him the resources to save her. He's a bit unhinged over it but doing better than I would.
It is a little weird coming into this because they are already in a relationship, which I will go back to get the foundation in the 3 previous books. For almost the entire book, Hal and Anna are separated so while the think of the other, the are not interacting. I enjoyed this a lot, even though I jumped into the series at then end.
Narration:
I have enjoyed this narrator in the past. I felt the voices were well performed, both male and female. There were some regional accents for some characters. This was a great listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:://soundcloud.com/brilliance-audio/expir...
July 2, 2019
This is the fourth book in the Dr. Schwartzman series. Since it is obvious from the beginning that the previous book in this series ended on a cliffhanger, it would probably be best if this series was read in order. I found it hard to get into and was doing quite a bit of skimming to see if I could figure out what was going on. I really needed that three book backstory for this to make any sort of sense for me.
The book starts off with Annabelle Schwartzman, San Francisco’s medical examiner has been kidnapped by someone whom she thinks initially is her ex-husband then believes to be her morgue assistant Roy. Inspector Hal Harris gets involved from the beginning. He found some pregnancy tests in her bathroom showing a positive result. So he is even more focused on finding her alive. He wants her and her unborn baby to be safe.
Annabelle is being held in some sort of cabin and it must be winter since it was snowing and she was saving snow to melt for drinking water since every kind of food or water was being drugged. How much would a set up like that cost to maintain, jeez. Just the drugs alone would have been costly. Even the shower was laced with the drugs. Hard to believe.
Based on reading other reviews it seemed to them like this book might have been written by another writer’s perspective of this universe. The mother of Annabella behaved differently than in previous books and Hal had been reduced to a crybaby. I think I should read the previous books just to get a better idea of characterization. There are also people introduced in this book for no reason at all. Storyline threads are left dangling with these unused people. Maybe they will be fodder for future books, I don’t know.
I really couldn’t get into this book. I wanted it to be thrilling but it fell flat for me I am sorry to say. I think I will definitely pick up the previous three books just to lay the groundwork for any future books I may pick up. I encourage you to read books 1-3 in this series before diving into this one. It will save you some mental pain in the future.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
The book starts off with Annabelle Schwartzman, San Francisco’s medical examiner has been kidnapped by someone whom she thinks initially is her ex-husband then believes to be her morgue assistant Roy. Inspector Hal Harris gets involved from the beginning. He found some pregnancy tests in her bathroom showing a positive result. So he is even more focused on finding her alive. He wants her and her unborn baby to be safe.
Annabelle is being held in some sort of cabin and it must be winter since it was snowing and she was saving snow to melt for drinking water since every kind of food or water was being drugged. How much would a set up like that cost to maintain, jeez. Just the drugs alone would have been costly. Even the shower was laced with the drugs. Hard to believe.
Based on reading other reviews it seemed to them like this book might have been written by another writer’s perspective of this universe. The mother of Annabella behaved differently than in previous books and Hal had been reduced to a crybaby. I think I should read the previous books just to get a better idea of characterization. There are also people introduced in this book for no reason at all. Storyline threads are left dangling with these unused people. Maybe they will be fodder for future books, I don’t know.
I really couldn’t get into this book. I wanted it to be thrilling but it fell flat for me I am sorry to say. I think I will definitely pick up the previous three books just to lay the groundwork for any future books I may pick up. I encourage you to read books 1-3 in this series before diving into this one. It will save you some mental pain in the future.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
December 7, 2021
What a fabulous finish this book was to a four book series! Danielle Girard has me on the edge of my seat in her final book of this group, Expire! I was pulling for Annabelle and Hal with every suspense filled page! I don't often read series books, but I don't want any of my friends to miss these! They kept me up far too late, and I enjoyed every minute of it! Keep up the great work Danielle Girard, and I will continue to read your brilliantly written works! I'm not kidding when I say that you can escape from the real world, and that I didn't want them be end! Thanks for the thrill ride that I am so often seeking!
June 7, 2019
From the first page, Ms. Girard had me engaged & on the edge of my seat. I wasn’t able to put this story down until I was finished. Hal & Annabelle’s torment engaged my sympathies from the beginning. The characters were well defined & realistic. The plot was fast paced & believable.
This is the first in this series I’ve read & I didn’t feel lost or confused in the slightest. There is enough background given via flashbacks or memories to fill the reader in on past events. I’m intrigued enough to go back & read the first three in the series.
This is the first in this series I’ve read & I didn’t feel lost or confused in the slightest. There is enough background given via flashbacks or memories to fill the reader in on past events. I’m intrigued enough to go back & read the first three in the series.
August 18, 2019
An average read
The book held my interest. Was easy to follow even though I missed a book in this series. I got the gist of the whole picture and what had happened or was about to happen. The ending was pretty predictable.
The book held my interest. Was easy to follow even though I missed a book in this series. I got the gist of the whole picture and what had happened or was about to happen. The ending was pretty predictable.
July 10, 2019
4.5 stars because I’m predisposed to liking this author’s work I can’t give this book anything less but I do see why some people called it flat, there was a lot of time spent describing Anna’s captivity and Hal’s other case which didn’t add tons of value, I would have liked the 3 main characters to spend more time together during the book, nevertheless I devoured this in 1 sitting
November 19, 2019
Sophisticated, edge-of-your seat thriller that will keep you guessing (and up all night) until the final scenes, with a very satisfying ending. I love Girard and have enjoyed this series.
July 23, 2019
I loved all 4 books in this series!! This one did a great job of keeping me captivated and hanging on every word until it was wrapped up in a perfect bow at the end!
May 24, 2019
Oh my god!!! What a book 4!!!!!
I got this early in return for my honest opinion.
I decided to reread the first 3 books prior to reading this 4th book, so the storyline would be completely fresh in my mind... I’m so glad I did, as my bond with all the characters in the books was able to grow and be stronger than ever for this one.
The author gives us complete closure and ties all the loose ends up in a nice big bow! We as readers have a lot of moments that we are on the edge of our seats asking if things could really be going this way.. knowing it was inevitable, but still praying for the best possible outcome. And let me just say, you won’t be disappointed!!!
I absolutely loved this book and this series! 💖
I got this early in return for my honest opinion.
I decided to reread the first 3 books prior to reading this 4th book, so the storyline would be completely fresh in my mind... I’m so glad I did, as my bond with all the characters in the books was able to grow and be stronger than ever for this one.
The author gives us complete closure and ties all the loose ends up in a nice big bow! We as readers have a lot of moments that we are on the edge of our seats asking if things could really be going this way.. knowing it was inevitable, but still praying for the best possible outcome. And let me just say, you won’t be disappointed!!!
I absolutely loved this book and this series! 💖
June 24, 2021
Nail-biting and gripping.
The stories of Dr. Anna Schwartzman and Inspector Hal Harris reached a crescendo in this novel. I won't share spoilers in my review, but I literally could not stop reading when I reached the halfway mark in this book. Read the first three books before you reach this one. What a stunning way to end the series and I never expected the plot twists.
The stories of Dr. Anna Schwartzman and Inspector Hal Harris reached a crescendo in this novel. I won't share spoilers in my review, but I literally could not stop reading when I reached the halfway mark in this book. Read the first three books before you reach this one. What a stunning way to end the series and I never expected the plot twists.
January 5, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I was cheering for Georgia and was glad she came around. I'm also glad Girard implemented racism and whatnot into this. It made it more realistic because unfortunately we are not as progressed as one one would hope even in this day and age. I almost wanted Georgia to be the rescuer and in a way she was. However, I loved the fight Anna gave in the end. Though I was disappointed in Anna not wanting to marry. I understand why but I felt that was allowing Spencer to maintain some small power over her. I also would have preferred him go to jail than die. I felt that was too easy of an out.... especially considering how afraid and weak he was in prison. Overall, I have really enjoyed this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2019
Dr Schwartzman books are a must read!
I really hope you read these books. I was recommended book one about a year ago and I was hooked. They are all excellent. Hal is definitely my favorite character but I adore Annabelle Schwartman and I think she is a worthy MC. Add this book to your tbr pile today.
I really hope you read these books. I was recommended book one about a year ago and I was hooked. They are all excellent. Hal is definitely my favorite character but I adore Annabelle Schwartman and I think she is a worthy MC. Add this book to your tbr pile today.
June 18, 2019
A Fast Paced Thriller That Immediately Captured My Attention And Delivered
Expire opened with Spencer MacDonald doing what he likes best, killing someone. Spencer is Annabelle Schwartzman’s ex-husband and has stalked her and attempted to kill her through the first three novels. Then, this novel takes off where the previous novel, Expose, left off. Anna finds herself a captive in a snowbound cabin, with a tight collar secured to a cable, and all liquids appear to be drugged. She suspects that she is pregnant and fears for the life of the child she may be carrying. She fights not to be drugged and find a way to escape.
The other main storyline thread is led by Hal Harris, an Inspector in the San Francisco Police who works regularly with Anna. He saw the results the home pregnancy tests that Anna took but did not see the results before her abduction. Hal was fairly sure that Anna was carrying his child. From this point, he has only one mission in life — rescuing Anna. He seems frustrated at every turn. He takes vacation time to travel to San Antonio where currently Spencer was meeting with an investor. He works with an FBI Special Agent that looked like he is a 12 year old whose ways are more methodical and too slow for Hal. Anna’s mother, who still is close with Spencer, believes that he can do no wrong.
These two threads are fast-paced and captured my attention immediately. I followed Anna’s exploration of her prison and Hal’s every effort to find her with the efforts of the FBI, an unenthusiastic Greenville Police, and Anna’s police friend from South Carolina. This is a thriller that does not use twists, turns and misdirections as the target is well known. This novel uses some progress, no progress, delays and dead ends all the while the clock is ticking.
The B-storyline is very rich in this novel. The author provides more insight into Anna through her moments of self-reflection and, at times, despair during her captivity. The depth of Hal’s feelings for Anna is shown in his actions to find Anna and through the actions of and sympathy from his coworkers. The reader will learn more about Anna’s mother relationship to Spencer. The author weaves these B-storyline threads seamlessly into the cloth of the main storyline threads into a very captivating novel.
There are not any graphic sex scenes. There are only a few instances of foul language. While the murder in the first chapter is what I call, first person, in that the violence is described as it happens. All of the terror inflicted on Anna in her captivity also is described in the first person. This adds edginess to the narrative. Other violence is described in the third person as it is described by reports or person relaying the information, and, therefore, not as intense.
This novel continues the storyline from the end of the third book. I do believe that you can read this book without reading any of the previous three novels. Adequate background to explain relationships is provided. If you have read the previous novels, this novel does explain and tie up quite a few aspects in the previous novels so it is richer for those who did read them. For information, I have read only two of the previous three novels. I purchased and currently am reading the novel I missed when it was published.
I liked the edginess of Anna’s and Hal’s characters that peaked my interest and kept me reading more when I should have been doing other things. The only aspect of this novel that left me wanting was that one of Spencer’s murders that didn’t seem to fit in with the rest of his murders.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel that captured and maintained my interest throughout the entire novel. With the minimum of issues, I rate Expire with five stars. I believe that you would enjoy reading this novel also.
I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this novel early.
Expire opened with Spencer MacDonald doing what he likes best, killing someone. Spencer is Annabelle Schwartzman’s ex-husband and has stalked her and attempted to kill her through the first three novels. Then, this novel takes off where the previous novel, Expose, left off. Anna finds herself a captive in a snowbound cabin, with a tight collar secured to a cable, and all liquids appear to be drugged. She suspects that she is pregnant and fears for the life of the child she may be carrying. She fights not to be drugged and find a way to escape.
The other main storyline thread is led by Hal Harris, an Inspector in the San Francisco Police who works regularly with Anna. He saw the results the home pregnancy tests that Anna took but did not see the results before her abduction. Hal was fairly sure that Anna was carrying his child. From this point, he has only one mission in life — rescuing Anna. He seems frustrated at every turn. He takes vacation time to travel to San Antonio where currently Spencer was meeting with an investor. He works with an FBI Special Agent that looked like he is a 12 year old whose ways are more methodical and too slow for Hal. Anna’s mother, who still is close with Spencer, believes that he can do no wrong.
These two threads are fast-paced and captured my attention immediately. I followed Anna’s exploration of her prison and Hal’s every effort to find her with the efforts of the FBI, an unenthusiastic Greenville Police, and Anna’s police friend from South Carolina. This is a thriller that does not use twists, turns and misdirections as the target is well known. This novel uses some progress, no progress, delays and dead ends all the while the clock is ticking.
The B-storyline is very rich in this novel. The author provides more insight into Anna through her moments of self-reflection and, at times, despair during her captivity. The depth of Hal’s feelings for Anna is shown in his actions to find Anna and through the actions of and sympathy from his coworkers. The reader will learn more about Anna’s mother relationship to Spencer. The author weaves these B-storyline threads seamlessly into the cloth of the main storyline threads into a very captivating novel.
There are not any graphic sex scenes. There are only a few instances of foul language. While the murder in the first chapter is what I call, first person, in that the violence is described as it happens. All of the terror inflicted on Anna in her captivity also is described in the first person. This adds edginess to the narrative. Other violence is described in the third person as it is described by reports or person relaying the information, and, therefore, not as intense.
This novel continues the storyline from the end of the third book. I do believe that you can read this book without reading any of the previous three novels. Adequate background to explain relationships is provided. If you have read the previous novels, this novel does explain and tie up quite a few aspects in the previous novels so it is richer for those who did read them. For information, I have read only two of the previous three novels. I purchased and currently am reading the novel I missed when it was published.
I liked the edginess of Anna’s and Hal’s characters that peaked my interest and kept me reading more when I should have been doing other things. The only aspect of this novel that left me wanting was that one of Spencer’s murders that didn’t seem to fit in with the rest of his murders.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel that captured and maintained my interest throughout the entire novel. With the minimum of issues, I rate Expire with five stars. I believe that you would enjoy reading this novel also.
I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this novel early.
September 13, 2021
Four stars for the final book in the series. Let me explain. I only give 5 stars to books that, regardless of your taste, you should read. This one is for thriller aficionados.
This is, no doubt about it, the best book in the series. So much so, that it seems that the other books are just building to this one. It feels like this is the book the author wanted to write.
There are many things that set this book apart. First of all, it is completely different than any of the other books in the series. This one doesn't have some kind of murder that needs to be solve. There is no mystery to follow. If you've read the previous books, you know what's going on, and you probably know how it's going to end. But, the ride...
How do you write a book that is totally predictable where most of your readers will guess, no doubt, what is going to happen? Well, you make them feel what the characters feel from the beginning, and you take them through a path of thrills and frustrations.
Do you feel for Dr. Schwartzman? You probably do; otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this series. But, can you feel her desperation while she's trapped in a cabin in Idaho? Only if you read this book. The fact that you will be screaming at her to do the things that she will ultimately do is just a way to frustrate you, so you feel her frustration. Brilliant!
Do you like Hal? You probably do. He's the guy that really cares for Anna. There are other friends, even some past flirts. But the only one who's always there is Hal, so you got to like the guy. You'll want him to take some action, to take the lead, and when he can't you'll feel his frustration.
Do you hate Spencer? You betcha! This book is going to make you hate him more, and this is very important for the story, but I won't spoil it for you here. Just go and read it.
What about Anna's mom? Any feelings there? What a piece of work. And you'll get to hate her before you love her.
All these feelings are not random. They have been building since the first book in the series. They are accentuated in this book to improve the story and strengthen the plot. They are the brilliance of Danielle Girard's narrative in this book, and what makes this novel a masterpiece.
There are so many books narrated through the point of view of multiple characters. Most of them, you don't feel any difference when the chapter is narrated by the main character or the gardener. In this book, there is no mistake who's telling the story. The way the characters express and describe what's happening puts you right there with them. Again, brilliant!
This is the book to read in the series, but I recommend that you start at the beginning of the series just so you enjoy this book even more.
This is, no doubt about it, the best book in the series. So much so, that it seems that the other books are just building to this one. It feels like this is the book the author wanted to write.
There are many things that set this book apart. First of all, it is completely different than any of the other books in the series. This one doesn't have some kind of murder that needs to be solve. There is no mystery to follow. If you've read the previous books, you know what's going on, and you probably know how it's going to end. But, the ride...
How do you write a book that is totally predictable where most of your readers will guess, no doubt, what is going to happen? Well, you make them feel what the characters feel from the beginning, and you take them through a path of thrills and frustrations.
Do you feel for Dr. Schwartzman? You probably do; otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this series. But, can you feel her desperation while she's trapped in a cabin in Idaho? Only if you read this book. The fact that you will be screaming at her to do the things that she will ultimately do is just a way to frustrate you, so you feel her frustration. Brilliant!
Do you like Hal? You probably do. He's the guy that really cares for Anna. There are other friends, even some past flirts. But the only one who's always there is Hal, so you got to like the guy. You'll want him to take some action, to take the lead, and when he can't you'll feel his frustration.
Do you hate Spencer? You betcha! This book is going to make you hate him more, and this is very important for the story, but I won't spoil it for you here. Just go and read it.
What about Anna's mom? Any feelings there? What a piece of work. And you'll get to hate her before you love her.
All these feelings are not random. They have been building since the first book in the series. They are accentuated in this book to improve the story and strengthen the plot. They are the brilliance of Danielle Girard's narrative in this book, and what makes this novel a masterpiece.
There are so many books narrated through the point of view of multiple characters. Most of them, you don't feel any difference when the chapter is narrated by the main character or the gardener. In this book, there is no mistake who's telling the story. The way the characters express and describe what's happening puts you right there with them. Again, brilliant!
This is the book to read in the series, but I recommend that you start at the beginning of the series just so you enjoy this book even more.
June 28, 2019
Danielle Girard’s previous book in the Dr. Schwartzman series, Expose, ended in an explosive cliff-hanger. So if you haven’t read Expose, stop right here and read it, because it is significant in getting a better appreciation of Expire. With that being said, the ending of Expose left us with the knowledge that medical examiner Annabelle Schwartzman has been kidnapped with the assumption that her psychopathic ex-husband, Spencer MacDonald, is the kidnapper. Schwartzman’s love interest, detective Hal Harris, assumes that as well, and is hell-bent on getting MacDonald to lead him to where he is hiding her. But MacDonald is a master of deceit and puts up roadblocks for every step that Harris takes.
The theme throughout the series has revolved around Schwartzman’s dysfunctional relationship with her abusive ex-husband, Spencer, and trying to convince everyone around her that Spencer is psychopathic and dangerous. It has been difficult for her, as Spencer is wealthy, outwardly charming, and has an outstanding reputation among those that know him. Even Schwartzman’s mother sees Spencer in a positive light and believes that her daughter is making mountains out of mole hills when it comes to dealing with her ex-husband. The one person that does believe her is homicide detective Hal Harris whose relationship with Schwartzman has been developing throughout the series and finally comes to fruition at the ending of Expose. Harris, who is very aware of Spencer’s dark side, knows that it was him that kidnapped Schwartzman. Or was it?
For the most part, I felt that Expire was predictable and moved rather slowly. Harris is desperately doing everything to find Schwartzman whereas Schwartzman is having to deal with her captivity. One of Schwartzman’s hurdles during her imprisonment is getting enough fresh water that is not drugged. The first couple of chapters that dealt with this predicament was interesting but by the third and fourth chapter with her trying come up with new methods to get fresh water got really old. Worrying about Schwartzman getting dehydrated didn’t quite have that ‘on the edge of your seat’ thrill to it. Even though Expire did move at glacial speeds it did have an exciting ending which makes it a worthwhile read especially for those that have been following the series.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my Advance Reader Copy of Expire.
If you are interested in learning more about the Dr. Schwartzman Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
The theme throughout the series has revolved around Schwartzman’s dysfunctional relationship with her abusive ex-husband, Spencer, and trying to convince everyone around her that Spencer is psychopathic and dangerous. It has been difficult for her, as Spencer is wealthy, outwardly charming, and has an outstanding reputation among those that know him. Even Schwartzman’s mother sees Spencer in a positive light and believes that her daughter is making mountains out of mole hills when it comes to dealing with her ex-husband. The one person that does believe her is homicide detective Hal Harris whose relationship with Schwartzman has been developing throughout the series and finally comes to fruition at the ending of Expose. Harris, who is very aware of Spencer’s dark side, knows that it was him that kidnapped Schwartzman. Or was it?
For the most part, I felt that Expire was predictable and moved rather slowly. Harris is desperately doing everything to find Schwartzman whereas Schwartzman is having to deal with her captivity. One of Schwartzman’s hurdles during her imprisonment is getting enough fresh water that is not drugged. The first couple of chapters that dealt with this predicament was interesting but by the third and fourth chapter with her trying come up with new methods to get fresh water got really old. Worrying about Schwartzman getting dehydrated didn’t quite have that ‘on the edge of your seat’ thrill to it. Even though Expire did move at glacial speeds it did have an exciting ending which makes it a worthwhile read especially for those that have been following the series.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my Advance Reader Copy of Expire.
If you are interested in learning more about the Dr. Schwartzman Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
June 26, 2020
Spencer MacDonald has been terrorizing Dr. Annabelle Shwartzman (Anna to everyone else, but Bella to him) for four books now. He is fiendish, thorough, and knows exactly what to do to make Dr. Schwartzman's life miserable. And he does.
This time, he has outdone himself. With the aid of a confederate, he has kidnapped Dr. Schwartzman and confined her to a cabin, in a location she does not recognize. She is restrained by a collar suspended from a cord attached to a track that runs through the cabin, so while she can move a little bit, her movements are greatly restricted. The cabin features everything she needs to survive, but the water supply is drugged, and the drugs knock her out, so she refrains from drinking the water, which could be disastrous because...she is pregnant with San Francisco detective Hal Harris' child. The ever resourceful Doctor figures out a way to extract water from the snowfall outside, but since she is confined to the cabin, it is a strenuous effort with minimal results. The chapters with Dr. Schwatrzman are disquieting and atmospheric; her terror feels palpable. She may struggle against despair, but it's much harder for the reader.
The chapters with Hal Harris evoke different feelings, because MacDonald has so expertly covered his tracks that leads are elusive and barely significant. Every time Harris gets close, it turns out that he isn't much closer. MacDonald always manages to keep one step ahead of him, so his frustration too becomes nearly tangible.
Beyond this, the story faithfully follows formula. The entire book is a search for Dr. Schwartzman. It took me eight days to read because I was interrupted by the surprise gift of a Groucho Marx biography. It is a tense but uncomplicated read. Toward the end, both MacDonald and Harris are racing to get to her before the other does, right down to what amounts to a footrace. Will Harris get there in time? Will Dr. Schwartzman's wits enable her to outsmart MacDonald? Will they all be rendered non compos mentis? The ending is tense, but I think the book would've been stronger had it ended sooner. A syrupy postlude follows the resolution; it is overlong, sappy, and incongruous. But getting there is most of the fun.
This time, he has outdone himself. With the aid of a confederate, he has kidnapped Dr. Schwartzman and confined her to a cabin, in a location she does not recognize. She is restrained by a collar suspended from a cord attached to a track that runs through the cabin, so while she can move a little bit, her movements are greatly restricted. The cabin features everything she needs to survive, but the water supply is drugged, and the drugs knock her out, so she refrains from drinking the water, which could be disastrous because...she is pregnant with San Francisco detective Hal Harris' child. The ever resourceful Doctor figures out a way to extract water from the snowfall outside, but since she is confined to the cabin, it is a strenuous effort with minimal results. The chapters with Dr. Schwatrzman are disquieting and atmospheric; her terror feels palpable. She may struggle against despair, but it's much harder for the reader.
The chapters with Hal Harris evoke different feelings, because MacDonald has so expertly covered his tracks that leads are elusive and barely significant. Every time Harris gets close, it turns out that he isn't much closer. MacDonald always manages to keep one step ahead of him, so his frustration too becomes nearly tangible.
Beyond this, the story faithfully follows formula. The entire book is a search for Dr. Schwartzman. It took me eight days to read because I was interrupted by the surprise gift of a Groucho Marx biography. It is a tense but uncomplicated read. Toward the end, both MacDonald and Harris are racing to get to her before the other does, right down to what amounts to a footrace. Will Harris get there in time? Will Dr. Schwartzman's wits enable her to outsmart MacDonald? Will they all be rendered non compos mentis? The ending is tense, but I think the book would've been stronger had it ended sooner. A syrupy postlude follows the resolution; it is overlong, sappy, and incongruous. But getting there is most of the fun.
June 6, 2019
I was fortunate to receive this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an objective review.
At the close of the last book of the series, San Francisco Medical Examiner, Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman was drugged and tossed into the back of a non-descript white van, while rendering aid to her neighbor.
Now, she’s awake and has found herself tethered by a plastic collar and chain in a home that appears to be in a remote location. Although she has long escaped an abusive marriage and gone forward with her life, she has always known that she would encounter her ex-husband again, and presumes he is the one who has taken her.
Hal Harris, San Francisco homicide cop and Anna’s lover meanwhile, is searching frantically. He too believes that Spencer is responsible for Anna’s kidnapping – but how can he be, when he’s hundreds of miles away, and meeting with his clients daily?
As Anna explores her prison, hoping to find some way out of her predicament, Spencer is plotting. His ultimate plan is so smuggle Anna out of the country, to a remote land where she’ll be forced to live as his wife…and prisoner.
The story progresses from each character’s viewpoints, as we watch Anna explore her situation, and we watch Hal as he attempts to hide his frustration at the roadblocks in his way. We watch Anna’s mother, as she slowly comes to realize that Spencer isn’t the ‘wonderful’ son-in-law she has always thought him to be, and we see her become an unlikely hero in the search for her daughter. And we see Anna, fierce in her desire to protect a secret, and to find her way back to Hal.
Even though we know, logically, that Anna should persevere, as she is at the center of this series, it's hard not to lose hope, as the clock ticks and the past moves ever closer...
I found this novel quite suspenseful and found myself on the edge of my seat numerous times as I cheered with and feared for Anna & Hal. While certainly enjoyable as a standalone (and maybe the outcome is less certain to those who don’t know the characters) I highly recommend reading in the series order! Outstanding!!
At the close of the last book of the series, San Francisco Medical Examiner, Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman was drugged and tossed into the back of a non-descript white van, while rendering aid to her neighbor.
Now, she’s awake and has found herself tethered by a plastic collar and chain in a home that appears to be in a remote location. Although she has long escaped an abusive marriage and gone forward with her life, she has always known that she would encounter her ex-husband again, and presumes he is the one who has taken her.
Hal Harris, San Francisco homicide cop and Anna’s lover meanwhile, is searching frantically. He too believes that Spencer is responsible for Anna’s kidnapping – but how can he be, when he’s hundreds of miles away, and meeting with his clients daily?
As Anna explores her prison, hoping to find some way out of her predicament, Spencer is plotting. His ultimate plan is so smuggle Anna out of the country, to a remote land where she’ll be forced to live as his wife…and prisoner.
The story progresses from each character’s viewpoints, as we watch Anna explore her situation, and we watch Hal as he attempts to hide his frustration at the roadblocks in his way. We watch Anna’s mother, as she slowly comes to realize that Spencer isn’t the ‘wonderful’ son-in-law she has always thought him to be, and we see her become an unlikely hero in the search for her daughter. And we see Anna, fierce in her desire to protect a secret, and to find her way back to Hal.
Even though we know, logically, that Anna should persevere, as she is at the center of this series, it's hard not to lose hope, as the clock ticks and the past moves ever closer...
I found this novel quite suspenseful and found myself on the edge of my seat numerous times as I cheered with and feared for Anna & Hal. While certainly enjoyable as a standalone (and maybe the outcome is less certain to those who don’t know the characters) I highly recommend reading in the series order! Outstanding!!
July 14, 2019
What a great read. This book picks up where book 3 ended which is when Dr. Anna Schwartzman was drugged and kidnapped in a white panel truck. No one saw anything. But, Hal is convinced that it was orchestrated by Spencer MacDonald, her ex-husband, who has been threatening her from before they were married. In this one, she is in a cabin somewhere cold and she is locked in a rubber collar which is tethered to a ceiling track by a retractable cord which is long enough to allow her to get to the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Just not quite long enough to read the front door. She remembers the eyes of the man who took her but she can’t quite place him. The story builds intensity when Hal finds the pregnancy tests showing she is pregnant..with his baby. His love for her is exhibited in his efforts to find her. He is called back to San Francisco to investigate a double shooting. He and his partner, Hailey, solve the case and he departs once again to find Anna. The FBI in Dallas is involved, Spencer was tracked there meeting with a wealthy client. He is picked up and questioned by the agent and by Hal. Spencer all but spits in their faces. He lures Hal to attack him so he can make a video. He even sets up a police takedown of Hal in Greenville, SC, when Hal flies there to see if Spencer is still at home. He enlists the aid of a local cop and they attempt to find Anna. Her mother is almost out of touch but not quite. She manages to give them a real lead which leads them to a remote cabin. But are they too late? This book has the reader wondering if Anna can survive. Then she remembers the eyes and it is her former morgue assistant but why? This set of 4 books is one of the best I’ve read and I have read many thrillers. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. Start with the first book so you can understand the connections. You won’t be sorry. I listened to this book in audible format. The narrator, Shannon McManus, was excellent as she has been in all of the books.
May 16, 2020
I couldn’t wait to read the last book of the series as book 3 ended with a cliffhanger. This last book was suspenseful and the author did a good job painting the picture of where Anna was and what she was going through. However, some parts left something to be desired.
Some things at that house where Anna was kept didn’t make sense. Why drug everything if she can’t go anywhere? Why are they ok leaving her there alone so much? Were they watching her or not? How/why did they project 1 video on the wall then never again? Why was the water drugged but not the peanut butter, etc?
There were some other disjointed parts of the story. The double homicide Hal had to leave his search for Anna to solve. Not much info and I realize it was a vehicle to increase suspense in pulling Hal away, but it happens then they solve it easily, so did they really need him? It didn’t connect with Anna or really help the story along.
A few things wrapped up nicely. Anna’s mother finally realizes the error of her ways and helps solve the crime (sort of saw it coming but it’s satisfying nonetheless). Hal and Anna end up together and her pregnancy is ok. Spencer is dead so he can’t bother her anymore.
A few things didn’t. Hal and Anna end up ok and her pregnancy is fine, but it doesn’t end with an epilogue about what happens after she gives birth etc. And Hal wants to get married but she doesn’t want to be a wife again. Um...ok. Poor Hal. He’s nothing like Spencer, nor could this marriage be compared at all with her first, so that was an odd place for her to take a stand. Seems like Spencer wins that one - the worst thing he could imagine is her being someone else’s loving wife and mother of their child, so he spares him that. The best revenge would have been a loving marriage with Hal. Makes no sense. The investigation into Spencer’s past - how did he do it all and who is Caleb?
This was my least favorite of the series. Still enjoyed it but wish it would have been as strong as the others. I would recommend the series, I did enjoy all the books.
Some things at that house where Anna was kept didn’t make sense. Why drug everything if she can’t go anywhere? Why are they ok leaving her there alone so much? Were they watching her or not? How/why did they project 1 video on the wall then never again? Why was the water drugged but not the peanut butter, etc?
There were some other disjointed parts of the story. The double homicide Hal had to leave his search for Anna to solve. Not much info and I realize it was a vehicle to increase suspense in pulling Hal away, but it happens then they solve it easily, so did they really need him? It didn’t connect with Anna or really help the story along.
A few things wrapped up nicely. Anna’s mother finally realizes the error of her ways and helps solve the crime (sort of saw it coming but it’s satisfying nonetheless). Hal and Anna end up together and her pregnancy is ok. Spencer is dead so he can’t bother her anymore.
A few things didn’t. Hal and Anna end up ok and her pregnancy is fine, but it doesn’t end with an epilogue about what happens after she gives birth etc. And Hal wants to get married but she doesn’t want to be a wife again. Um...ok. Poor Hal. He’s nothing like Spencer, nor could this marriage be compared at all with her first, so that was an odd place for her to take a stand. Seems like Spencer wins that one - the worst thing he could imagine is her being someone else’s loving wife and mother of their child, so he spares him that. The best revenge would have been a loving marriage with Hal. Makes no sense. The investigation into Spencer’s past - how did he do it all and who is Caleb?
This was my least favorite of the series. Still enjoyed it but wish it would have been as strong as the others. I would recommend the series, I did enjoy all the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2019
This is the fourth (and I think final) book in the Doctor Schwartzman books. If you haven't read the previous three in the series you'll need to as this is not a stand alone story and probably won't make much sense without knowledge of the others.
I suppose from this book I was expecting an ending - everything coming together and all those who should get their comeuppance to get it. We do get those things but this book is quite slow and I don't know whether it would have been better having the previous book a bit longer rather than have this separate final instalment.
The majority of this book is what happens to Anna after she was kidnapped (which happened at the end of the last book). We spend about a week with her while she is kept against her will and with Hal who is desperately trying to find her. I think after the third book I liked Schwartzman a bit more than I did previously. Hal is still my favourite!! Spencer is just vile and I have thoroughly enjoyed disliking him but still wonder whether someone who is so consumed by his need to be with Bella would really be able to achieve all that he did and consistently get away with it.
Overall, I've enjoyed the series - the third book was my favourite but things to get concluded nicely here. I listened to the first two books on Audible (where narration was free with Kindle Unlimited) and have to say the narration was fantastic - it is the same narrator for all 4 books so would definitely recommend those. This is a good series that has a satisfying ending.
I suppose from this book I was expecting an ending - everything coming together and all those who should get their comeuppance to get it. We do get those things but this book is quite slow and I don't know whether it would have been better having the previous book a bit longer rather than have this separate final instalment.
The majority of this book is what happens to Anna after she was kidnapped (which happened at the end of the last book). We spend about a week with her while she is kept against her will and with Hal who is desperately trying to find her. I think after the third book I liked Schwartzman a bit more than I did previously. Hal is still my favourite!! Spencer is just vile and I have thoroughly enjoyed disliking him but still wonder whether someone who is so consumed by his need to be with Bella would really be able to achieve all that he did and consistently get away with it.
Overall, I've enjoyed the series - the third book was my favourite but things to get concluded nicely here. I listened to the first two books on Audible (where narration was free with Kindle Unlimited) and have to say the narration was fantastic - it is the same narrator for all 4 books so would definitely recommend those. This is a good series that has a satisfying ending.
September 3, 2020
What a great ending to this series! I've been a fan since the first book and it's been such a great journey. You will not be disappointed. This story is told through multiple viewpoints - Anna's, Hal's, Spencer's and Georgia's (Anna's mother). I was surprised that some of the most interesting parts to me involved Georgia. We get to see her evolve in ways I didn't think possible.
The parts with Hal involve most of the action, searching for Anna and trying to convince the police and the FBI to allocate as many resources as possible. He's taken to various locations across the country, following Spencer as closely as possible. He works with a young FBI agent in Dallas and Harper (who we've met previously) in South Carolina. Anna spends her time in captivity trying to determine how to safely survive being chained up in a cabin with little food, no safe water and no weapons.
The only thing that I would have changed would have been trimming a bit from Anna & Hal's narratives, as it began to feel repetitive. We know Anna is resourceful and that Hal is desperate to rescue her but there could have been less pages devoted to these aspects. I liked when Anna reflected on past autopsies and their curious findings. The medical angle tended to drop off the more the series progressed.
I hope this author creates a new series, as she's great at developing characters that feel incredibly real and that you are invested in every step of the way. .
The parts with Hal involve most of the action, searching for Anna and trying to convince the police and the FBI to allocate as many resources as possible. He's taken to various locations across the country, following Spencer as closely as possible. He works with a young FBI agent in Dallas and Harper (who we've met previously) in South Carolina. Anna spends her time in captivity trying to determine how to safely survive being chained up in a cabin with little food, no safe water and no weapons.
The only thing that I would have changed would have been trimming a bit from Anna & Hal's narratives, as it began to feel repetitive. We know Anna is resourceful and that Hal is desperate to rescue her but there could have been less pages devoted to these aspects. I liked when Anna reflected on past autopsies and their curious findings. The medical angle tended to drop off the more the series progressed.
I hope this author creates a new series, as she's great at developing characters that feel incredibly real and that you are invested in every step of the way. .
July 2, 2019
I had the great fortune to read this as an Advanced Reader Copy for NetGalley in exchange for this objective review.
This is the first book in the series I had read, thus I was not aware of the characters. Luckily, the author wrote this book so it could be a standalone book. At the beginning, I was a little confused when the same character was referred by two names (Anna and Bella) but soon realized she was known by 2 names - one by her ex-husband and family. When she starts her life away from the South, she is known as Anna. Also, each chapter was devoted to a different character but I adapted to it quickly.
The story is about a medical examiner who is in a steady relationship with a detective. She has just taken pregnancy tests (but was waiting for Hal to see the results). She is abducted - by whom? The author wrote as if she had researched cases of women being abducted. Sprinkled in there are cases Anna draws from to determine her best chances of survival.
I found it a very fun book to read, only to find out how she survives (if), if she was pregnant, did the fetus survive. How does her relationship with her mother and Hal fare after undergoing such a traumatic event.
This is a series (and the book alone) I would highly recommend - it has a great tempo and pace. You may lose a couple of hours of sleep, especially toward the end.
#Expire#NetGalley
This is the first book in the series I had read, thus I was not aware of the characters. Luckily, the author wrote this book so it could be a standalone book. At the beginning, I was a little confused when the same character was referred by two names (Anna and Bella) but soon realized she was known by 2 names - one by her ex-husband and family. When she starts her life away from the South, she is known as Anna. Also, each chapter was devoted to a different character but I adapted to it quickly.
The story is about a medical examiner who is in a steady relationship with a detective. She has just taken pregnancy tests (but was waiting for Hal to see the results). She is abducted - by whom? The author wrote as if she had researched cases of women being abducted. Sprinkled in there are cases Anna draws from to determine her best chances of survival.
I found it a very fun book to read, only to find out how she survives (if), if she was pregnant, did the fetus survive. How does her relationship with her mother and Hal fare after undergoing such a traumatic event.
This is a series (and the book alone) I would highly recommend - it has a great tempo and pace. You may lose a couple of hours of sleep, especially toward the end.
#Expire#NetGalley
July 10, 2019
This is book 4 in the series and picks up exactly where Expose finishes. I would definitely recommend reading these in order otherwise you might miss out on how horrendous Spencer is. I liked how this one tied everything up but I preferred the other 3. I think it was because this one lacked the crime-solving element. They added in a secondary crime to distract Hal but we didn’t get much information on it and it was all tied up pretty quick.
It was a bit slow in places as well, especially with how much detail and time was spent on Anna finding non drugged water. It got a bit repetitive and dull.
That being said it was a good finale. I absolutely adore Anna and Hal and they are such an adorable couple. The suspense of wondering if and how Anna was going to escape and if Hal was going to be able to find her in time made it an exciting read. The ending was the explosive and dramatic ending I needed.
I would love to get to see Anna fighting crime without the threat of Spencer. If you love crime books featuring a medical examiner then I highly recommend this series. They are written so well and have some loveable characters.
I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
It was a bit slow in places as well, especially with how much detail and time was spent on Anna finding non drugged water. It got a bit repetitive and dull.
That being said it was a good finale. I absolutely adore Anna and Hal and they are such an adorable couple. The suspense of wondering if and how Anna was going to escape and if Hal was going to be able to find her in time made it an exciting read. The ending was the explosive and dramatic ending I needed.
I would love to get to see Anna fighting crime without the threat of Spencer. If you love crime books featuring a medical examiner then I highly recommend this series. They are written so well and have some loveable characters.
I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 18, 2019
As the book before #3 ended with a cliffhanger, I was really looking forward to reading this book and started it soon after it was delivered to my Kindle.
Currently looking good, 4 or 5 stars, I guess. Also looks like a fast read, page-turner, which suits me currently. On the third day of reading I am a third into the book.
My only fears are that it may be too short and again ending with a cliffhanger and then the waiting time for the next book?!
Starting with a twist.
OK, so maybe 5 stars is a bit much. But I liked how the multiple POV and short chapters came together. Ending was bit too sweet, but ok. No vigilante killing, so that was a plus and the problems with investigating something alone while trying to do your normal police job was VERY well balanced. Also no "going places alone, stumble into an obvious trap and no-one knows where you are (or even misses you)". So that's a plus. The scene in the WASP/Aryan-Nation country played out well, with Hal (being black) doing everything right, even though it irked him.
Everything played out logically and while at times it was a bit repetitive, it was a good page-turner, helped by the changing POV and again the short chapters.
Not for all, others might think this is a 3 star book, and might question my 5 stars. These are more 4.5 rounded up and together with the last book - which ended in a cliffhanger.
Recommended, like the whole series so far.
Currently looking good, 4 or 5 stars, I guess. Also looks like a fast read, page-turner, which suits me currently. On the third day of reading I am a third into the book.
My only fears are that it may be too short and again ending with a cliffhanger and then the waiting time for the next book?!
Starting with a twist.
OK, so maybe 5 stars is a bit much. But I liked how the multiple POV and short chapters came together. Ending was bit too sweet, but ok. No vigilante killing, so that was a plus and the problems with investigating something alone while trying to do your normal police job was VERY well balanced. Also no "going places alone, stumble into an obvious trap and no-one knows where you are (or even misses you)". So that's a plus. The scene in the WASP/Aryan-Nation country played out well, with Hal (being black) doing everything right, even though it irked him.
Everything played out logically and while at times it was a bit repetitive, it was a good page-turner, helped by the changing POV and again the short chapters.
Not for all, others might think this is a 3 star book, and might question my 5 stars. These are more 4.5 rounded up and together with the last book - which ended in a cliffhanger.
Recommended, like the whole series so far.
June 12, 2022
A fantastic story
This has been an intriguing, suspenseful, as well as complex series, and all of the stories have been building up for this final confrontation between Dr. Schwartzman and her ex-husband Spencer. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss.
I would highly recommend that you read this series from the beginning in order to get the best reading experience. Each book is about a certain case, which is solved by the end of that story, but there is a secondary plot regarding Dr. Schwartzman and her ex-husband that continues throughout the series. Most of the situations from the previous stories are briefly described in the following books, but to understand the emotions, fears, previous traumas, etc..., I believe that it's necessary to read all of the stories from the start. They're all fantastic stories, and you certainly won't be disappointed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
I found another book that is a part of this series, but for some reason is not listed with the original series. It's called The Ex, and should be listed with the "More by Danielle Girard" at the bottom of the Rate and Review page.
This has been an intriguing, suspenseful, as well as complex series, and all of the stories have been building up for this final confrontation between Dr. Schwartzman and her ex-husband Spencer. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss.
I would highly recommend that you read this series from the beginning in order to get the best reading experience. Each book is about a certain case, which is solved by the end of that story, but there is a secondary plot regarding Dr. Schwartzman and her ex-husband that continues throughout the series. Most of the situations from the previous stories are briefly described in the following books, but to understand the emotions, fears, previous traumas, etc..., I believe that it's necessary to read all of the stories from the start. They're all fantastic stories, and you certainly won't be disappointed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
I found another book that is a part of this series, but for some reason is not listed with the original series. It's called The Ex, and should be listed with the "More by Danielle Girard" at the bottom of the Rate and Review page.
February 12, 2025
Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman has spent the last year looking over her shoulder ever since her psychopathic ex-husband Spencer was released from prison. In this final installment in the series, she’s about to find out what Spencer has in store for her…
This is book 4 in the series, and I think it’s my favorite of them all. It starts *immediately* where book 3 left off, which was a bit odd but thankfully I remember book 3. Let me just say it was a great way to finish Schwartzman’s character arc, and I loved how the final resolution tied everything together. I really appreciated how she rescued herself! Even though Hal was minutes away from finding her (which of course she didn't know). I think this book really showed the strength of Schwartzman's character more than the other books. And I loved Hal’s motivations also. I am wavering between 4.5 and 5 stars for this and I’m not really sure why I’m hesitating to give 5 stars…I guess if I’m being picky, some of the first half was slower in spots. But the second half was all action, and had my heart pounding while reading it. Overall, I definitely recommend this series. I guess if you wanted to, you could just read book 1, the last few chapters of book 3, and this one.
4.5⭐️
This is book 4 in the series, and I think it’s my favorite of them all. It starts *immediately* where book 3 left off, which was a bit odd but thankfully I remember book 3. Let me just say it was a great way to finish Schwartzman’s character arc, and I loved how the final resolution tied everything together. I really appreciated how she rescued herself! Even though Hal was minutes away from finding her (which of course she didn't know). I think this book really showed the strength of Schwartzman's character more than the other books. And I loved Hal’s motivations also. I am wavering between 4.5 and 5 stars for this and I’m not really sure why I’m hesitating to give 5 stars…I guess if I’m being picky, some of the first half was slower in spots. But the second half was all action, and had my heart pounding while reading it. Overall, I definitely recommend this series. I guess if you wanted to, you could just read book 1, the last few chapters of book 3, and this one.
4.5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2019
Annabelle Schwartzman is abducted, tied up and transported via truck/van to an unknown place. There is snow on the ground but no other details can be made as to where she is. She saw her captor's eyes and knew that this was not Spencer. (Anna's ex) Scared as Anna was, she pictured the two pregnancy tests that she had taken but hadn't yet seen the results of.
Hal, Anna's live-in love, has two pregnancy test sticks in his pocket. He knew about Spencer and did not underestimate how horrible a man he was. Having been released from prison, Spencer was most likely behind the abduction one way or another.
Anna awakens from a drug-induced haze to the reality that she is a prisoner. Although not the man who had
driven Anna here, Anna was sure that Spencer had something to do with this situation. Why? Why now?
I have not yet read the first three books in this series - however, I was able to follow through the story with no problem. I do intend to read the first three books ! A very descriptive style of writing and great character development are evident in this gem of a read.
Be sure not to miss this one!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a superb story.
Hal, Anna's live-in love, has two pregnancy test sticks in his pocket. He knew about Spencer and did not underestimate how horrible a man he was. Having been released from prison, Spencer was most likely behind the abduction one way or another.
Anna awakens from a drug-induced haze to the reality that she is a prisoner. Although not the man who had
driven Anna here, Anna was sure that Spencer had something to do with this situation. Why? Why now?
I have not yet read the first three books in this series - however, I was able to follow through the story with no problem. I do intend to read the first three books ! A very descriptive style of writing and great character development are evident in this gem of a read.
Be sure not to miss this one!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a superb story.
November 3, 2019
I was totally hooked on this series from book 1 (you really need to read the whole series in order to understand whats going on here), but somehow this finale did not live up to the potential of the first 3 books. Don't mis-understand me, I enjoyed this book and loved that we finally see how Anna and Hal's story ends, but it lacked the mystery and thrilling element that I had become used to. Instead, Anna has been kidnapped (which is where book 3 ended) and is being held, collared and drugged by someone she knows must be linked to her ex-husband and abuser Spencer. Hal is desperate to find her, yet seemingly getting little help from the authorities. The books follows and switches between the three main POVs, Anna, Hal and Spencer. Despite Anna being the ME, the police and FBI really don't come across as being interested in finding her. You do get a couple of clashes between Hal and Spencer, which strike me as somewhat strange how Spencer always seem to win the day, despite police and FBI involvement.
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