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Ali Reynolds #14
The A List
In the next “devilish page-turner” ( People ) from New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance, Ali Reynolds learns that no good deed goes unpunished.
More than ten years after the abrupt end of her high-profile broadcasting career, Ali Reynolds has made a good life for herself in her hometown of Sedona, Arizona. She has a new house, a new husband, and a flourishing cybersecurity company called High Noon Enterprises, where her team of veritable technological wizards hunts down criminals one case at a time.
But the death of an old friend brings Ali back to the last story she ever reported: a feel-good human interest piece about a young man in need of a kidney to save his life, which quickly spiraled into a medical mismanagement scandal that landed a prestigious local doctor in prison for murder.
Years may have passed, but Dr. Edward Gilchrist has not forgotten those responsible for his downfall—certainly not Ali Reynolds, who exposed his dirty deeds to the world. Life without parole won’t stop him from getting his revenge. Tattooed on his arm are the initials of those who put him behind bars, and he won’t stop until every person on that Annihilation List is dead.
In this gripping suspense novel from the New York Times bestselling author praised for her “inimitable, take-no-prisoners style” ( Kirkus Reviews ), Ali Reynolds and her team race against the clock to stop this ruthless killer—before her own name is crossed out for good.
More than ten years after the abrupt end of her high-profile broadcasting career, Ali Reynolds has made a good life for herself in her hometown of Sedona, Arizona. She has a new house, a new husband, and a flourishing cybersecurity company called High Noon Enterprises, where her team of veritable technological wizards hunts down criminals one case at a time.
But the death of an old friend brings Ali back to the last story she ever reported: a feel-good human interest piece about a young man in need of a kidney to save his life, which quickly spiraled into a medical mismanagement scandal that landed a prestigious local doctor in prison for murder.
Years may have passed, but Dr. Edward Gilchrist has not forgotten those responsible for his downfall—certainly not Ali Reynolds, who exposed his dirty deeds to the world. Life without parole won’t stop him from getting his revenge. Tattooed on his arm are the initials of those who put him behind bars, and he won’t stop until every person on that Annihilation List is dead.
In this gripping suspense novel from the New York Times bestselling author praised for her “inimitable, take-no-prisoners style” ( Kirkus Reviews ), Ali Reynolds and her team race against the clock to stop this ruthless killer—before her own name is crossed out for good.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2019
2363 people are currently reading
3598 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Jance
117 books4,161 followersJudith Ann Jance is the top 10 New York Times bestselling author of the Joanna Brady series; the J. P. Beaumont series; three interrelated thrillers featuring the Walker family; and Edge of Evil, the first in a series featuring Ali Reynolds. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona.
Series:
* J.P. Beaumont
* Joanna Brady
* Ali Reynolds
* Walker Family
Series:
* J.P. Beaumont
* Joanna Brady
* Ali Reynolds
* Walker Family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 576 reviews
July 1, 2019
The A- List by J.A. Jance is a 2019 Gallery Books publication.
A top -notch chapter in the Ali Reynolds series!!
Dr. Edward Gilchrist suffered a spectacular fall from grace when it came to light that he was the main sperm donor at his fertility clinic. Not only that, he may have passed down a genetic illness to his progeny.
Ali, in one of her last assignments as an L.A. News anchor, broke the story, which had a domino effect, resulting in the doctor serving a life sentence without parole.
Despite the passage of time, Edward is still bent on exacting revenge. He's drawn up a list of his enemies- An annihilation list he has dubbed ‘The A- List’.
He even went to the trouble of tattooing the first initial of each of his enemies on his skin. As each person who wronged him, in one way or another, is ‘taken care of’, he inks an X over the initial, marking them off the list.
Ali Reynolds may be the one most at fault, in his eyes, and he can’t wait to tattoo that X over her initial…
This story takes readers back down memory lane to a time when Ali was a star news anchor and married to Paul. After she broke the story about Edward Gilchrist, she kept in touch with the families involved. But, now in shockingly close succession several of those involved in the case have died in tragic accidents or homicides. Yet, Ali has no idea she’s even at risk. But then Stuart and Frigg 'stumble across' a few shocking discoveries, making it clear that Ali is in grave danger. Can they warn in Ali in time?
This is one of the best installments in the series we’ve had in a while and I am happy to see it rebound so strongly, especially after the previous installment, which left me pondering the future of this series.
The plot is very compelling and plausible in the sense that we’ve heard of actual cases where a doctor used his own sperm to father countless children. Many times, this type of situation was only discovered years later due to advances in DNA.
Jance did a terrific job of setting the stage, adding rich details to the diabolical revenge plot, while also adding emotional depth to a classic good versus evil scenario.
Jance kept the focus more on Ali, this time around, which I liked, and the bad guys were super creepy and scary. The story is very suspenseful, and well executed. Ms. Jance's veteran writing chops are on display here, reminding me of why her books are always a 'must buy' for me.
I still don’t know what to make of the developments with Stuart and Frigg. I had hoped they might get a series of their own instead of taking over this one. But it looks as though they are here to stay. I’m going to keep an open mind, though, and see how it goes. But, I must say my faith in this series has been greatly restored.
Fans of the series won't need to be persuaded to buy this one. However, if you haven’t tried this series out yet, this story gives you enough background to on, so that you could enjoy it as well.
4 stars
A top -notch chapter in the Ali Reynolds series!!
Dr. Edward Gilchrist suffered a spectacular fall from grace when it came to light that he was the main sperm donor at his fertility clinic. Not only that, he may have passed down a genetic illness to his progeny.
Ali, in one of her last assignments as an L.A. News anchor, broke the story, which had a domino effect, resulting in the doctor serving a life sentence without parole.
Despite the passage of time, Edward is still bent on exacting revenge. He's drawn up a list of his enemies- An annihilation list he has dubbed ‘The A- List’.
He even went to the trouble of tattooing the first initial of each of his enemies on his skin. As each person who wronged him, in one way or another, is ‘taken care of’, he inks an X over the initial, marking them off the list.
Ali Reynolds may be the one most at fault, in his eyes, and he can’t wait to tattoo that X over her initial…
This story takes readers back down memory lane to a time when Ali was a star news anchor and married to Paul. After she broke the story about Edward Gilchrist, she kept in touch with the families involved. But, now in shockingly close succession several of those involved in the case have died in tragic accidents or homicides. Yet, Ali has no idea she’s even at risk. But then Stuart and Frigg 'stumble across' a few shocking discoveries, making it clear that Ali is in grave danger. Can they warn in Ali in time?
This is one of the best installments in the series we’ve had in a while and I am happy to see it rebound so strongly, especially after the previous installment, which left me pondering the future of this series.
The plot is very compelling and plausible in the sense that we’ve heard of actual cases where a doctor used his own sperm to father countless children. Many times, this type of situation was only discovered years later due to advances in DNA.
Jance did a terrific job of setting the stage, adding rich details to the diabolical revenge plot, while also adding emotional depth to a classic good versus evil scenario.
Jance kept the focus more on Ali, this time around, which I liked, and the bad guys were super creepy and scary. The story is very suspenseful, and well executed. Ms. Jance's veteran writing chops are on display here, reminding me of why her books are always a 'must buy' for me.
I still don’t know what to make of the developments with Stuart and Frigg. I had hoped they might get a series of their own instead of taking over this one. But it looks as though they are here to stay. I’m going to keep an open mind, though, and see how it goes. But, I must say my faith in this series has been greatly restored.
Fans of the series won't need to be persuaded to buy this one. However, if you haven’t tried this series out yet, this story gives you enough background to on, so that you could enjoy it as well.
4 stars
November 15, 2019
It’s been a while since I’ve read a J. A. Jance book, although she’s been a long time favorite author of mine. Still I got a real sense of deja vu when I started this one. It took me a while to realize that Jance was just reiterating a lot of Ali Reynold’s backstory at the beginning of the book.
The story takes us back to 2003, when a group of women realize they’ve been bamboozled by a fertility doctor and that he is the father of their children, not the supposed sperm donors cataloged. He kills his ex-wife/former nurse to keep her from telling what she knows. After he’s found guilty and ends up in jail, he decides to extract revenge on those that put him in jail, including Ali.
I didn't care for the AI aspect to this story. I prefer my characters to do the thinking. In fact, I found this a particularly weak and unexciting story line. Hoping for better from Jance next time.
April 21, 2019
I started reading the Ali Reynolds’ series with book one. After the first two books I was not sure I wanted to continue, but I am glad I did as this has turned out to be an interesting series. I am a big fan of J. A. Jance’s other two series.
The book is well written and the plot twists and turns. The characters are interesting. There are a lot of flashbacks in this story. It is a story that Ali covered when she was a T.V. newsperson in Los Angeles and that has put her life in danger. Jance is such a great writer. The flashbacks are almost seamless. I am enjoying the antics of Frig, the AI, that Ali and her husband saved in a prior episode and are using in their business. Jance mixes routine life, humor and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and twenty-four minutes. Karen Ziemba does a great job narrating the series.
The book is well written and the plot twists and turns. The characters are interesting. There are a lot of flashbacks in this story. It is a story that Ali covered when she was a T.V. newsperson in Los Angeles and that has put her life in danger. Jance is such a great writer. The flashbacks are almost seamless. I am enjoying the antics of Frig, the AI, that Ali and her husband saved in a prior episode and are using in their business. Jance mixes routine life, humor and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and twenty-four minutes. Karen Ziemba does a great job narrating the series.
November 4, 2019
This is another excellent entry in my favorite of J.A. Jance's series. It was good to see Stuart's AI, Frigg, play a crucial role in solving another of Ali's mysteries.
April 27, 2019
Jance borrowed from current events to write her latest offering featuring former newswoman Ali Reynolds—e.g., the scandal regarding fertility doctors substituting their own sperm in place of sperm provided and screened by a donor bank.
Jance offers up an unscrupulous villain in the form of Dr. Edward Gilchrist. And he does his job well! However, in order to develop the plot, the author brings in multiple subplots regarding the ‘children’ of the doctor. These require multiple characters—which require multiple backstories. Indeed, the events hearkening back to 2003 and 2008 take up most of the narrative. But, at last, High Noon Enterprises with their A.I. computer take center stage for the last third of the book. And just when the reader is finally fully engaged, Jance offers a ‘tidy’ ending that is totally unbelievable. Not her best work.
Jance offers up an unscrupulous villain in the form of Dr. Edward Gilchrist. And he does his job well! However, in order to develop the plot, the author brings in multiple subplots regarding the ‘children’ of the doctor. These require multiple characters—which require multiple backstories. Indeed, the events hearkening back to 2003 and 2008 take up most of the narrative. But, at last, High Noon Enterprises with their A.I. computer take center stage for the last third of the book. And just when the reader is finally fully engaged, Jance offers a ‘tidy’ ending that is totally unbelievable. Not her best work.
May 3, 2019
Best-selling author J.A. Jance is something of a legend here in Seattle, and I came to her work as a huge fan of the J.P. Beaumont series. It took me awhile to bond to the Ali Reynolds series—which is set in Not-Seattle-- but I am all in it now. Big thanks go to Net Galley and Gallery Books for the review copy.
Our story commences inside a prison where a killer is spending what’s left of his life and plotting vengeance. On his arm are tattooed 5 initials which comprise his “A list” for the five people he wants dead. He understands he’ll have to hire out the “wet work,” but that’s okay. The voice Jance gives this character sends chills up and down my neck, and I don’t get that way easily. We learn that Ali, our protagonist, is on that list.
Once the reader’s attention is secure, we go through a complex but clear and necessary recap, which gets us through the essential information that’s developed during the first 13 books of the series, which is set in Arizona. So here, I have to tell you that I don’t recommend starting the series with this book. I have read all or most of the series, but I very much needed this recap to refresh my memory. Young readers with sterling memories might be able to keep up with it, but the readers that will love this story best are middle class Caucasian women over 40. It’s definitely worth it to start with an earlier book in the series and then read this one. While some authors lose the urgency in their prose when they get older, Jance just gets leaner and sharper, and this story is among the very best I’ve seen her write, which says a lot.
The premise is centered around The Progeny Project, a nonprofit organization that helps children born through artificial insemination find their biological relatives for the purpose of learning about their own medical background. It begins when one such young man, in desperate need of a new kidney, makes a public plea for information on Ali’s television news program. Results come in quickly and reveal that Dr. Eddie Gilchrist’s fertility clinic did not use the donors he advertised, instead inseminating his many female patients with his own sperm. Events unfold, and the doctor is convicted of murder, and is sent away for life in prison. From there, he seeks revenge.
The plot is among the most original I have seen in many years, and its execution requires tight organization, which Jance carries off brilliantly. She could have written this mystery successfully without lending a lot of attention to the characters, but she doesn’t do that. It’s the combination of an intricate but clear plot and resonant characters that makes this story exceptional.
In an earlier book we were introduced to Frigg, an AI entity created by an IT guy that works for an internet security company owned by B. Simpson, Ali’s husband. Frigg disregards what she considers to be unreasonable laws against hacking, and attempts to take Frigg down completely have been foiled by the AI herself. This scenario creates all sorts of vastly amusing problems when Ali herself needs personal security; Frigg learns she is on the A List, and her vigilance is both essential and illegal, at times.
The second and most fascinating character is Hannah Gilchrist, the elderly, very wealthy mother of Dr. Eddie. When she learns that her only son has decided to have everyone responsible for his ruin killed, she decides she’s going to help him. She has terminal cancer and no other children, and a sort of modern, rich Ma Barker personality emerges. Hannah is a dynamic character and I absolutely love the way Jance develops her, laying waste to a multitude of sexist stereotypes.
If I could change one thing, I would have Jance lose the word “gangbanger,” a stereotype in itself, and include some positive Latino characters in the Reynolds series.
Make no mistake, this mystery is brainy and complicated. You don’t want to read it after you have taken your sleeping pill. But the masterful way Jance braids the plot, the return of Frigg, and the development of Hannah all make it well worth the reader’s effort. But again—don’t let this be the first of the series for you. Climb aboard an earlier entry and work your way into it. In fact, newbie readers will likely have an advantage over long time readers, because you can read these mysteries in succession without having to wait a year to come back to the series.
With that caveat, this mystery is highly recommended.
Our story commences inside a prison where a killer is spending what’s left of his life and plotting vengeance. On his arm are tattooed 5 initials which comprise his “A list” for the five people he wants dead. He understands he’ll have to hire out the “wet work,” but that’s okay. The voice Jance gives this character sends chills up and down my neck, and I don’t get that way easily. We learn that Ali, our protagonist, is on that list.
Once the reader’s attention is secure, we go through a complex but clear and necessary recap, which gets us through the essential information that’s developed during the first 13 books of the series, which is set in Arizona. So here, I have to tell you that I don’t recommend starting the series with this book. I have read all or most of the series, but I very much needed this recap to refresh my memory. Young readers with sterling memories might be able to keep up with it, but the readers that will love this story best are middle class Caucasian women over 40. It’s definitely worth it to start with an earlier book in the series and then read this one. While some authors lose the urgency in their prose when they get older, Jance just gets leaner and sharper, and this story is among the very best I’ve seen her write, which says a lot.
The premise is centered around The Progeny Project, a nonprofit organization that helps children born through artificial insemination find their biological relatives for the purpose of learning about their own medical background. It begins when one such young man, in desperate need of a new kidney, makes a public plea for information on Ali’s television news program. Results come in quickly and reveal that Dr. Eddie Gilchrist’s fertility clinic did not use the donors he advertised, instead inseminating his many female patients with his own sperm. Events unfold, and the doctor is convicted of murder, and is sent away for life in prison. From there, he seeks revenge.
The plot is among the most original I have seen in many years, and its execution requires tight organization, which Jance carries off brilliantly. She could have written this mystery successfully without lending a lot of attention to the characters, but she doesn’t do that. It’s the combination of an intricate but clear plot and resonant characters that makes this story exceptional.
In an earlier book we were introduced to Frigg, an AI entity created by an IT guy that works for an internet security company owned by B. Simpson, Ali’s husband. Frigg disregards what she considers to be unreasonable laws against hacking, and attempts to take Frigg down completely have been foiled by the AI herself. This scenario creates all sorts of vastly amusing problems when Ali herself needs personal security; Frigg learns she is on the A List, and her vigilance is both essential and illegal, at times.
The second and most fascinating character is Hannah Gilchrist, the elderly, very wealthy mother of Dr. Eddie. When she learns that her only son has decided to have everyone responsible for his ruin killed, she decides she’s going to help him. She has terminal cancer and no other children, and a sort of modern, rich Ma Barker personality emerges. Hannah is a dynamic character and I absolutely love the way Jance develops her, laying waste to a multitude of sexist stereotypes.
If I could change one thing, I would have Jance lose the word “gangbanger,” a stereotype in itself, and include some positive Latino characters in the Reynolds series.
Make no mistake, this mystery is brainy and complicated. You don’t want to read it after you have taken your sleeping pill. But the masterful way Jance braids the plot, the return of Frigg, and the development of Hannah all make it well worth the reader’s effort. But again—don’t let this be the first of the series for you. Climb aboard an earlier entry and work your way into it. In fact, newbie readers will likely have an advantage over long time readers, because you can read these mysteries in succession without having to wait a year to come back to the series.
With that caveat, this mystery is highly recommended.
April 9, 2019
I know I am definitely in the minority here, but I did not care for this book. I found it to be convoluted and boring. In looking back to my prior reviews, this particular series has been rather hit and miss for me. I just could not get into this one for a long time. I didn't find the premise to be as engaging as some of her other books and not very interesting (except for the mother!). Maybe I will try her Beaumont series.
July 30, 2024
Review to come— didn’t realize it was a series but I didn’t enjoy the book. It kept going back in time and was so repetitive that it started to get frustrating. It would have been fine as a standalone if the author didn’t go back so far into the backstories. Wouldn’t attempt the series. Was not even a thriller or mystery. It was a long winded story.
April 25, 2019
This book follows a human interest story that Ali broadcast back when she was a TV reporter in L.A. A distraught mother comes to her to seek a kidney donor for her dying son, who was artificially inseminated, but the fertility doctor won't help her find the semen donor. Turns out for good reason as he (Dr. Edward Gilchrist) donated sperm regularly as did his nurse, then wife Dawn, who donated eggs. Anyway, Ali's story turned up a half-brother who was ecstatic to find a soulmate and donated. When others came forward, the files were destroyed, but the sociopathic Gilchrist hires someone to silence Dawn, who eventually turns state's evidence, landing Gilchrist in jail for life. Gilchrist's only supporter, his spinster mother, agrees to fund his getting even plan in cahoots with a fellow lifer. As those responsible start dying, High Noon Enterprises' AI Frigg figures out that Ali is in danger, and comes to the rescue. 3.5 stars.
April 6, 2019
The A List by J. A Jance is book fourteen in her Ali Reynolds series, featuring a former newscaster turned cybersecurity specialist. I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series but had no problem following the story. The story is told from a present-day perspective with past references to round out the details.
Dr. Edward Gilchrist is serving a life without parole prison sentence for murder. He has decided to take revenge on the individuals he feels had a hand in landing him in prison. He creates his A (Annihilation) list. High profile newscaster, Ali Reynolds is on that list. Ali has a target on her back because she reported the story that led to the doctor’s eventual downfall.
The A List is a fast-paced dramatic ride. The plot is exciting and full of twists. The characters are dynamic. This is a smart addition to a successful series. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
My thanks to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Dr. Edward Gilchrist is serving a life without parole prison sentence for murder. He has decided to take revenge on the individuals he feels had a hand in landing him in prison. He creates his A (Annihilation) list. High profile newscaster, Ali Reynolds is on that list. Ali has a target on her back because she reported the story that led to the doctor’s eventual downfall.
The A List is a fast-paced dramatic ride. The plot is exciting and full of twists. The characters are dynamic. This is a smart addition to a successful series. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
My thanks to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
March 19, 2019
I'm a longtime reader of J.A. Jance's books, but I've never really gotten into the Ali Reynolds series like I did the J.P. Beaumont books or, to a lesser extent, the Joanna Brady series. But her mysteries are usually enjoyable, so I picked this up, I didn't love it, unfortunately.
The central story is interesting. In the 1980s, a fertility doctor/sociopath uses his own sperm and his wife's eggs instead of legitimate donor material and is found out and imprisoned. So he creates a kill list and starts organizing the murders of everybody he holds responsible for his downfall. Unfortunately, Jance's stylistic choices annoyed me and took me out of it. There is too much prologue--about a quarter of the book--all told in past tense, total exposition dump. Then every time the storyline relies on the reader knowing what happened in the 1980s, there will be another past tense expo dump. I hated it. Show me, don't tell me. I'm giving this three stars for plot, but the execution was terrible.
Note: I received a free ebook ARC from Gallery Books via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
The central story is interesting. In the 1980s, a fertility doctor/sociopath uses his own sperm and his wife's eggs instead of legitimate donor material and is found out and imprisoned. So he creates a kill list and starts organizing the murders of everybody he holds responsible for his downfall. Unfortunately, Jance's stylistic choices annoyed me and took me out of it. There is too much prologue--about a quarter of the book--all told in past tense, total exposition dump. Then every time the storyline relies on the reader knowing what happened in the 1980s, there will be another past tense expo dump. I hated it. Show me, don't tell me. I'm giving this three stars for plot, but the execution was terrible.
Note: I received a free ebook ARC from Gallery Books via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
August 7, 2019
Another satisfying mystery from J.A. Jance, better than a few of her more recent ones in my opinion, a 4+.
I found the initial crime, a doctor using his own sperm on many inseminated eggs, an intriguing issue I hadn't considered much. Further crimes and criminals follow, which I won't divulge.
I found the initial crime, a doctor using his own sperm on many inseminated eggs, an intriguing issue I hadn't considered much. Further crimes and criminals follow, which I won't divulge.
August 13, 2022
Jance is back on her game with #14 in the Ali Reynolds series combining regular, every day life with humor, continued character depth and heightened suspense.
💉
Based on the last couple of books my enthusiasm for the series was fading but she brought the tension and action back throughout this installment.
I’m fascinated with her incorporation of Frigg, the artificial intelligence super computer that learns as it compiles research. Maybe unrealistic at times, maybe not. I’m not a techie. Whatever you call it it’s an original spin with unpredictable consequences 🧐
💉
Based on the last couple of books my enthusiasm for the series was fading but she brought the tension and action back throughout this installment.
I’m fascinated with her incorporation of Frigg, the artificial intelligence super computer that learns as it compiles research. Maybe unrealistic at times, maybe not. I’m not a techie. Whatever you call it it’s an original spin with unpredictable consequences 🧐
April 10, 2019
I just realized that I haven't read any books in this series. I thought I had read at least a couple books. Well after having a great time reading this book, I do plan to go back and check out the prior novels.
Ali is great. I like that she did not get scared easily, even when her life was being threatened. She related and connected to everyone she met. Thus the reason she had made a good reporter. When it came to Edward; I could hear his voice loud and clear in my head. In fact, I could hear all of the characters's voices. Edward's story is one that I could imagine being real. It is sad that trust is put in people that are supposed to help and they take advantage of this trust.
Between the mix of great characters and a equally good storyline, I was flying through this book. It was a one day read for me. Warning: Once you start this book, you will have a hard time putting it down until the last page!
Ali is great. I like that she did not get scared easily, even when her life was being threatened. She related and connected to everyone she met. Thus the reason she had made a good reporter. When it came to Edward; I could hear his voice loud and clear in my head. In fact, I could hear all of the characters's voices. Edward's story is one that I could imagine being real. It is sad that trust is put in people that are supposed to help and they take advantage of this trust.
Between the mix of great characters and a equally good storyline, I was flying through this book. It was a one day read for me. Warning: Once you start this book, you will have a hard time putting it down until the last page!
May 26, 2019
What a great story teller. Once again an Ali Reynolds adventure has you racing to find out exactly what is happening. A real treat as are most of J. A. Jance's books.
May 17, 2019
I received this as a Goodreads giveaway and I was thrilled to get it because I am an avid fan of J.A. Jance's work. I was not as familiar with her main character Ali Reynolds, Journalist as I was with the Beaumont character and her other character Sheriff Joanna Brady, but I dug into with anticipation and I was not disappointed.
This plot involves our heroine Ali Reynolds being approached by a woman, Alexandra Munsey, who is trying to enlist her aid in finding a kidney donor for her son. Her son was conceived by artificial insemination at a clinic years before and he has developed serious kidney disease. They were trying to get information about his donor's medical history, which was not disclosed to them at the the time. Ali uses her platform to get the word out to the community at large, and much to their delight a suitable donor is found for the kidney surgery, and he looks surprisingly like Alex's son. This leads to the discovery of 25 more people who have similar genetic compatiblity, and who all bear a resemblance to her son leading them to the conclusion that not only had the same donor been used multiple times, but that the donor was the doctor who owned the clinic. A highly unethical situation.
I found the book to be a compelling read with an interesting and relevant subject matter and it moved along with at a good pace. The time line does jump somewhat and it also includes the use of AI technology that is cutting edge in the solving of the crime. Which brings up questions of it's own. I enjoyed the book and didn't want to put it down once I had started it. The suspense builds and it has some shocking twist in it. I highly recommend this book to fans of J.A. Jance, old and new.
This plot involves our heroine Ali Reynolds being approached by a woman, Alexandra Munsey, who is trying to enlist her aid in finding a kidney donor for her son. Her son was conceived by artificial insemination at a clinic years before and he has developed serious kidney disease. They were trying to get information about his donor's medical history, which was not disclosed to them at the the time. Ali uses her platform to get the word out to the community at large, and much to their delight a suitable donor is found for the kidney surgery, and he looks surprisingly like Alex's son. This leads to the discovery of 25 more people who have similar genetic compatiblity, and who all bear a resemblance to her son leading them to the conclusion that not only had the same donor been used multiple times, but that the donor was the doctor who owned the clinic. A highly unethical situation.
I found the book to be a compelling read with an interesting and relevant subject matter and it moved along with at a good pace. The time line does jump somewhat and it also includes the use of AI technology that is cutting edge in the solving of the crime. Which brings up questions of it's own. I enjoyed the book and didn't want to put it down once I had started it. The suspense builds and it has some shocking twist in it. I highly recommend this book to fans of J.A. Jance, old and new.
August 11, 2025
The is the best Ali Reynolds yet and I love them all. Flashbacks and back story are handled very well.
I love the character development, of good guys and bad. Great ending as well. Easy to see Frig taking a major role -- she's growing on us all. DNA and AI, yea!
I listened to this again five years later. Boy do I have a bad memory It seemed all new to me and very exciting, scary, and compelling. I had one question: did Eddie put his mother's initials on his hit list tattoo?
I listened to this again. Ali Reynolds and FRI are two reliable charters to calm me down and let me forget I am going blind.
I love the character development, of good guys and bad. Great ending as well. Easy to see Frig taking a major role -- she's growing on us all. DNA and AI, yea!
I listened to this again five years later. Boy do I have a bad memory It seemed all new to me and very exciting, scary, and compelling. I had one question: did Eddie put his mother's initials on his hit list tattoo?
I listened to this again. Ali Reynolds and FRI are two reliable charters to calm me down and let me forget I am going blind.
April 14, 2019
3.5 stars.
This story is good overall, but it contains a huge amount of back story. Too much back story. It also has rather too much repetition and, in places, editing errors. Details were changed in some places but not in others.
Again, I liked the overall story but the best section was the final third of the book. It was tough going getting to it.
This story is good overall, but it contains a huge amount of back story. Too much back story. It also has rather too much repetition and, in places, editing errors. Details were changed in some places but not in others.
Again, I liked the overall story but the best section was the final third of the book. It was tough going getting to it.
March 4, 2019
Ali Reynolds had a successful broadcasting career. But she had good reason to retire ten years ago. Life has been good to Ali. Not only does she have a new husband, but they have a growing cybersecurity business. Saddened by the news of the death of an old friend brings Ali's old career front and center. Not only is Ali traumatized due to the death of her friend, Ali herself may be in danger.
The story that started it all was due to an Dr. Edward Gilchrist, an uncouth fertility expert who was using his own semen in his practice. The book of donors he and his second wife provided to prospective mothers was fabricated from yearbooks of various years. It was when a desperate mother whose son needed a kidney transplant pursued Ali while she was in broadcasting to strive and discover the paternity of her son in order to find a donor. Upon investigation, and the successful location of a donor, it was shockingly discovered that Gilchrist was actually the father.
After the successful transplant, Ali and some parents in common formed something called the Progeny Project to try and find anyone else inseminated by Gilchrist. Meanwhile, it was proven that he murdered his ex-wife and was sentenced to a life in prison. Gilchrist devised a heinous revenge plan, and set up the (A)nnihilation List. Anyone connected to his sentencing he wanted to have killed. Ali was on that list.
What a story! Superb on every level. Sadly, the story was based on real-life cases when doctors actually supplied their own sperm during these procedures. So, fact and fiction make for a marvelous blend in this compelling story by J.A. Jance. Told in both the past and present in tragic detail, this story excels in pacing and storytelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story that started it all was due to an Dr. Edward Gilchrist, an uncouth fertility expert who was using his own semen in his practice. The book of donors he and his second wife provided to prospective mothers was fabricated from yearbooks of various years. It was when a desperate mother whose son needed a kidney transplant pursued Ali while she was in broadcasting to strive and discover the paternity of her son in order to find a donor. Upon investigation, and the successful location of a donor, it was shockingly discovered that Gilchrist was actually the father.
After the successful transplant, Ali and some parents in common formed something called the Progeny Project to try and find anyone else inseminated by Gilchrist. Meanwhile, it was proven that he murdered his ex-wife and was sentenced to a life in prison. Gilchrist devised a heinous revenge plan, and set up the (A)nnihilation List. Anyone connected to his sentencing he wanted to have killed. Ali was on that list.
What a story! Superb on every level. Sadly, the story was based on real-life cases when doctors actually supplied their own sperm during these procedures. So, fact and fiction make for a marvelous blend in this compelling story by J.A. Jance. Told in both the past and present in tragic detail, this story excels in pacing and storytelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 5, 2019
J. A. Jance is able to start off the book with characters who bring a chill down the readers spin wondering what they are capable of doing while they are behind bars.
The story is well crafted from the characters who have passion to find the truth. The Villains are dark and ripped from the headlines of news.
J.A. Jance is able to blend fact ad fiction weaving between characters who become more and more real as the story progresses. The author the ability to bring the world she created in technicolor, riveting story telling and a book readers will not be able to put down.
This is the first book I have read by J.A. Jance and while it is book 14 the story keeps readers up to date and in the know without slowing down the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Gallery Books for the advance copy of J.A. Jance The A List.
The story is well crafted from the characters who have passion to find the truth. The Villains are dark and ripped from the headlines of news.
J.A. Jance is able to blend fact ad fiction weaving between characters who become more and more real as the story progresses. The author the ability to bring the world she created in technicolor, riveting story telling and a book readers will not be able to put down.
This is the first book I have read by J.A. Jance and while it is book 14 the story keeps readers up to date and in the know without slowing down the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Gallery Books for the advance copy of J.A. Jance The A List.
May 18, 2022
Like other books, J.A. Jance uses social issues for her theme in 'The A List' and it works beautifully. She provides the backstory by taking the reader from the beginning to the current time with ease. This is plausible in lieu of troubling news reports of IVF treatments later known to be administered and donated by the same physician rather than donors actually involved in the process. Thankfully, DNA has eliminated the creepy and greedy methods of such scams in the desire to have a healthy infant without going through the adoption process.
Dr. Edward Gilcrest fell from grace in the community and his lucrative fertility clinic was closed when he was arrested, found guilty and sent to prison for life without parole. But he carried deep anger and grudges. The 'A List' was inked on his arm as a list of those to be dealt with and X'd out when the job was completed.
Ali was a new anchor in LA and one of her last stories was of Edward Gilcrest when a mother arrived at her office requesting help for her son who needed a kidney transplant from a like-family donor. She had gone through Dr. Gilcrest's fertility treatments years before and tried to contact him, but he would not provide any information on potential half siblings. She asked Ali for a compassionate news story to save her son's life. Ali did the story and a half-sibling offered a healthy kidney . . . and the story took off!
This is a novel filled with despicable characters as well as far more wonderful, caring characters to help others' out in stressful times and when it is time to learn the truth.
Is it possible to change one's entire life and views by an elderly woman who has participated in multiple murders? What happens to the A List and those imprisoned for life without parole? Read this book!
Dr. Edward Gilcrest fell from grace in the community and his lucrative fertility clinic was closed when he was arrested, found guilty and sent to prison for life without parole. But he carried deep anger and grudges. The 'A List' was inked on his arm as a list of those to be dealt with and X'd out when the job was completed.
Ali was a new anchor in LA and one of her last stories was of Edward Gilcrest when a mother arrived at her office requesting help for her son who needed a kidney transplant from a like-family donor. She had gone through Dr. Gilcrest's fertility treatments years before and tried to contact him, but he would not provide any information on potential half siblings. She asked Ali for a compassionate news story to save her son's life. Ali did the story and a half-sibling offered a healthy kidney . . . and the story took off!
This is a novel filled with despicable characters as well as far more wonderful, caring characters to help others' out in stressful times and when it is time to learn the truth.
Is it possible to change one's entire life and views by an elderly woman who has participated in multiple murders? What happens to the A List and those imprisoned for life without parole? Read this book!
April 29, 2019
This was definitely one of her 'light' books. The back story took up more of the book than I found necessary. Since I really like Ali and her crew I was disappointed that they figured so little in the story. Also the backstory was told by repeatedly every time a new character was brought into the loop. Yada, yada, yada. The story was an interesting take on the fertility industry. I just wished it had not been so repetitive.
April 21, 2019
Disappointed
I have read all of J. A. Janice’s books and this one was very disappointing. The first part of the book dragged. I knew it was to set up the Progeny Project for the last part of the book but the book dragged, and I almost gave up but then the second part got “a little” bit better. Hopefully the next book will be better!
I have read all of J. A. Janice’s books and this one was very disappointing. The first part of the book dragged. I knew it was to set up the Progeny Project for the last part of the book but the book dragged, and I almost gave up but then the second part got “a little” bit better. Hopefully the next book will be better!
May 1, 2019
This is a book in a series, but if you pick this one up first, you will not feel like you are missing anything! Perfectly written, and will hold your attention from cover to cover!
February 21, 2019
Title:The A List
Author:J.A.Jance
Series:Ali Reynolds #14
Genre: General Fiction ( Adult)
Pages:352
Publishers:Gallery Books
Netgalley
book synopsis
More than ten years after the abrupt end of her high-profile broadcasting career, Ali Reynolds has made a good life for herself in her hometown of Sedona, Arizona. She has a new house, a new husband, and a flourishing cybersecurity company called High Noon Enterprises, where her team of veritable technological wizards hunts down criminals one case at a time.
But the death of an old friend brings Ali back to the last story she ever reported: a feel-good human interest piece about a young man in need of a kidney to save his life, which quickly spiraled into a medical mismanagement scandal that landed a prestigious local doctor in prison for murder.
Years may have passed, but Dr. Edward Gilchrist has not forgotten those responsible for his downfall—certainly not Ali Reynolds, who exposed his dirty deeds to the world. Life without parole won’t stop him from getting his revenge. Tattooed on his arm are the initials of those who put him behind bars, and he won’t stop until every person on that Annihilation List is dead
My thoughts
rating:
Would I recommend this series: yes
Would I read anything else by this author: Yes { In fact I have and own one of her books :Downfall ( Joanna Brady #17) and I loved it )
Would I read more of this series: yes
Even though is this the second time I've read anything by her I can say that this is one series I want to going with , its fast pace and even though this is book 17 I was able to understand what was going on, loved the characters ( will most of the characters) , loved how the story just pulled me into and before I knew it I was hooked, loved how you get the backstory of the characters and how will the story flows together. As for the characters themsleves I couldn't stand Dr.Edward Gilchrist , no take that back I won't say I couldn't stand him ,in fact that's to easy , I would say I despised him and the way he thought it was ok to do what he did those who came to him for help, and that part of the story made it more realistic because sadly there are doctors who does in fact do the same thing he did and probably still gets away with it to this day , all he cared about was the money , not about how he was hurting the families and how he might be casing harm to them.In fact I wouldn't call him a Man ( BECAUSE IF HE WAS ONE THEN HE WOULD HAVE ADMITTED TO HIS WRONGDOING ) HIS LESS THEN A MAN, HIS A MOUSE NO TAKE THAT BACK HIS LESS THEN A MOUSE, HIS A NO ACCOUNT RAT.To find out more you have to read The book ,with that said I want to thank Netgalley for Lee me read and review it exchange for my honest opinion ,and I can't wait to read more by this author.
Author:J.A.Jance
Series:Ali Reynolds #14
Genre: General Fiction ( Adult)
Pages:352
Publishers:Gallery Books
Netgalley
book synopsis
More than ten years after the abrupt end of her high-profile broadcasting career, Ali Reynolds has made a good life for herself in her hometown of Sedona, Arizona. She has a new house, a new husband, and a flourishing cybersecurity company called High Noon Enterprises, where her team of veritable technological wizards hunts down criminals one case at a time.
But the death of an old friend brings Ali back to the last story she ever reported: a feel-good human interest piece about a young man in need of a kidney to save his life, which quickly spiraled into a medical mismanagement scandal that landed a prestigious local doctor in prison for murder.
Years may have passed, but Dr. Edward Gilchrist has not forgotten those responsible for his downfall—certainly not Ali Reynolds, who exposed his dirty deeds to the world. Life without parole won’t stop him from getting his revenge. Tattooed on his arm are the initials of those who put him behind bars, and he won’t stop until every person on that Annihilation List is dead
My thoughts
rating:
Would I recommend this series: yes
Would I read anything else by this author: Yes { In fact I have and own one of her books :Downfall ( Joanna Brady #17) and I loved it )
Would I read more of this series: yes
Even though is this the second time I've read anything by her I can say that this is one series I want to going with , its fast pace and even though this is book 17 I was able to understand what was going on, loved the characters ( will most of the characters) , loved how the story just pulled me into and before I knew it I was hooked, loved how you get the backstory of the characters and how will the story flows together. As for the characters themsleves I couldn't stand Dr.Edward Gilchrist , no take that back I won't say I couldn't stand him ,in fact that's to easy , I would say I despised him and the way he thought it was ok to do what he did those who came to him for help, and that part of the story made it more realistic because sadly there are doctors who does in fact do the same thing he did and probably still gets away with it to this day , all he cared about was the money , not about how he was hurting the families and how he might be casing harm to them.In fact I wouldn't call him a Man ( BECAUSE IF HE WAS ONE THEN HE WOULD HAVE ADMITTED TO HIS WRONGDOING ) HIS LESS THEN A MAN, HIS A MOUSE NO TAKE THAT BACK HIS LESS THEN A MOUSE, HIS A NO ACCOUNT RAT.To find out more you have to read The book ,with that said I want to thank Netgalley for Lee me read and review it exchange for my honest opinion ,and I can't wait to read more by this author.
May 23, 2019
When parents begin looking for medical records from a fertility clinic, Dr Edward Gilchrist's world starts to fall apart. His wife Dawn takes off and files for divorce because she knows all about the bogus donors as she participated in the scheme. Edward goes to prison and makes a list of all those he wants to take revenge upon. He tattoos the initials on himself-- A list -- Annihilation List and makes a big X on each as they are killed. D -- Dawn the bimbo ex-wife. L -- Leo, the gangbanger who testified against Edward for paying him to kill Dawn. K -- ex-nurse and lover who accused him at trial. A -- Alex Munsey, the parent who gathered all the evidence against him and wrote a book. A -- Ali Reynolds, the catalyst newswoman who broadcast his crimes into a national news event.
Edward's mother Hannah is an heiress who is his only supporter through his trial and subsequent prison term. He is her only child and she finances his hit list. Ali Reynolds, the former newscaster from LA, is now living in Sedona, Arizona with husband B. Simpson and their cyber security business.
At least half of the book is a backstory and I needed it. I didn't read the first books in this series, only getting into the most recent 5 or 6. This book gives all the background you need from Ali's newscaster days and you won't have any problems following the story. After so many deaths tied to Gilchrist, I wondered when someone was going to figure out the connection. Artificial Intelligence Frigg is the true hero in the story. Going back and reading all the earlier novels in this series sounds like a great future project.....adding on to a long, long list.
Edward's mother Hannah is an heiress who is his only supporter through his trial and subsequent prison term. He is her only child and she finances his hit list. Ali Reynolds, the former newscaster from LA, is now living in Sedona, Arizona with husband B. Simpson and their cyber security business.
At least half of the book is a backstory and I needed it. I didn't read the first books in this series, only getting into the most recent 5 or 6. This book gives all the background you need from Ali's newscaster days and you won't have any problems following the story. After so many deaths tied to Gilchrist, I wondered when someone was going to figure out the connection. Artificial Intelligence Frigg is the true hero in the story. Going back and reading all the earlier novels in this series sounds like a great future project.....adding on to a long, long list.
May 20, 2019
Ali Reynolds now runs a security firm with her husband but before this, she had been a broadcast news reporter. Her last report before she was pushed out due to her age concerned a woman whose son had kidney disease. He had been conceived by in vitro fertilization and his mother was trying to find a possible sibling who would be willing to help. She did find the help she needed but in the process, she uncovered some terrible secrets of the doctor who owned the clinic eventually leading to murder and a prison sentence. Now, years later, people who were linked to the original story are dying and Ali may be a target.
You can always count on a cracking good, not to mention smart, thriller from J.A. Jance and The A List, the fourteenth installment in the Ali Reynolds series, is no exception; it is as compelling and as satisfying as the rest. The story is well-written and well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader glued to the page. The story jumps back and forth between the past and present and there are times when this gives it a somewhat disjointed feeling but it never completely loses the thread and it wasn't enough to lower my enjoyment.The characters, whether old or new, are interesting but I have to admit my favourite is Frigg, the slightly morally-challenged AI, who first appeared in Man Overboard. If you are a fan of intelligent thrillers, you can never go wrong with J.A. Jance and I recommend it highly.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
You can always count on a cracking good, not to mention smart, thriller from J.A. Jance and The A List, the fourteenth installment in the Ali Reynolds series, is no exception; it is as compelling and as satisfying as the rest. The story is well-written and well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader glued to the page. The story jumps back and forth between the past and present and there are times when this gives it a somewhat disjointed feeling but it never completely loses the thread and it wasn't enough to lower my enjoyment.The characters, whether old or new, are interesting but I have to admit my favourite is Frigg, the slightly morally-challenged AI, who first appeared in Man Overboard. If you are a fan of intelligent thrillers, you can never go wrong with J.A. Jance and I recommend it highly.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
July 11, 2020
A very satisfying book to read.
November 8, 2022
I thought the first part, that took up most of the story read like a tiresome documentary. The rest of the book just never got started for me.
This reader is excellent.
This reader is excellent.
July 13, 2019
2.5 stars
I almost didn't finish this. When a character literally screamed "Nooooo!" at the sky in distress, it got very difficult to take things seriously. And everything felt incredibly slow and directly presented. It seems recently whenever I read something labelled a "suspenseful thriller" it ends up feeling to me anything but that.
This book spends a lot of time on what felt to me like trivial details about characters' lives. I assume the point was to flesh them out and make them feel more like real people, but to me it just seemed pointless .
Don't get me wrong, I like to get to know characters in books I read. But by that I mean more their personalities, how they think, what is driving them, etc. Personally, I don't really feel the need to know in excruciating detail just how good a golf game a minor character we've barely met is having in the third to last chapter (including which holes he got birdies on) before he is called away on police work. I don't need to know exactly what groceries one minor character picked up for another minor character and the fact that since all the bread was gone they had to buy refrigerated rolls. That doesn't contribute much to my depth of understanding and relating to the story nor is it particularly interesting to me.
To be fair, some of the seemingly mundane information I imagine was regarding characters from previous books in the series. This is the first book in the series I have read, so I was not the intended audience for those bits. Still, I am fairly certain some of the characters for whom the book did this were not long-running in the series.
The book jacket summary makes things sound much more exciting than they are, saying "Ali Reynolds and her team race against the clock to stop this ruthless killer" when really Ali and friends don't become aware of anything amiss till page 230 out of 355
Based on the book jacket you basically know everything that is going to happen, and the details that get filled in by the novel itself really didn't add all that much for me. If you find the summary compelling and like knowing minute details about the people in stories you read, you may enjoy this. Clearly from the good ratings many people found this book enjoyable. It just wasn't my cup of tea I guess.
I almost didn't finish this. When a character literally screamed "Nooooo!" at the sky in distress, it got very difficult to take things seriously. And everything felt incredibly slow and directly presented. It seems recently whenever I read something labelled a "suspenseful thriller" it ends up feeling to me anything but that.
This book spends a lot of time on what felt to me like trivial details about characters' lives. I assume the point was to flesh them out and make them feel more like real people, but to me it just seemed pointless .
Don't get me wrong, I like to get to know characters in books I read. But by that I mean more their personalities, how they think, what is driving them, etc. Personally, I don't really feel the need to know in excruciating detail just how good a golf game a minor character we've barely met is having in the third to last chapter (including which holes he got birdies on) before he is called away on police work. I don't need to know exactly what groceries one minor character picked up for another minor character and the fact that since all the bread was gone they had to buy refrigerated rolls. That doesn't contribute much to my depth of understanding and relating to the story nor is it particularly interesting to me.
To be fair, some of the seemingly mundane information I imagine was regarding characters from previous books in the series. This is the first book in the series I have read, so I was not the intended audience for those bits. Still, I am fairly certain some of the characters for whom the book did this were not long-running in the series.
The book jacket summary makes things sound much more exciting than they are, saying "Ali Reynolds and her team race against the clock to stop this ruthless killer" when really Ali and friends don't become aware of anything amiss till page 230 out of 355
Based on the book jacket you basically know everything that is going to happen, and the details that get filled in by the novel itself really didn't add all that much for me. If you find the summary compelling and like knowing minute details about the people in stories you read, you may enjoy this. Clearly from the good ratings many people found this book enjoyable. It just wasn't my cup of tea I guess.
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