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Without Her Consent
A young woman in a coma gives birth to a baby boy. The child’s arrival triggers an investigation into serious sexual assault and the international media descends upon the small beach town of Oceanside, Florida.
Detectives McQuillan and Blalock are handed the case, while the internal hospital team collects data to help with the investigation.
When Dr. Angela Crawford, who delivered the baby, learns the child will be put in foster care, she and her husband agree to take the little boy in.
Meanwhile, a young nurse, Jenny O’Hearn, helps compile data on the hospital rapist and discovers several strange things. When Jenny is attacked, it forces the detectives to look at the case from a different perspective.
Could a staff doctor, male nurse or the chaplain be the rapist?
Sometimes the truth isn’t always obvious.
Detectives McQuillan and Blalock are handed the case, while the internal hospital team collects data to help with the investigation.
When Dr. Angela Crawford, who delivered the baby, learns the child will be put in foster care, she and her husband agree to take the little boy in.
Meanwhile, a young nurse, Jenny O’Hearn, helps compile data on the hospital rapist and discovers several strange things. When Jenny is attacked, it forces the detectives to look at the case from a different perspective.
Could a staff doctor, male nurse or the chaplain be the rapist?
Sometimes the truth isn’t always obvious.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
1551 people are currently reading
2059 people want to read
About the author
McGarvey Black
15 books327 followersSuspense/Thrillers
THE SECOND HONEYMOON - August 2025
He's planned the perfect cruise - and the perfect murder. His new girlfriend (my replacement) is waiting in the wings.
Our luxury cruise ship departs from Florida. Its destination - paradise. A surprise gift from Andre. Our first proper vacation in five years. A second honeymoon.
He's bought me the perfect outfit. The champagne is flowing. Everything's going to plan. Andre's plan.
He thinks he'll get away with it. But he doesn't know what I'm capable of. Not yet.
Also,
—THE BABY I STOLE
—MY SISTER'S KILLER
—THE FIRST HUSBAND
—WITHOUT HER CONSENT
—THE WOMAN UPSTAIRS
—TRUST ONLY ME
—TWICE ON CHRISTMAS
—THE GIRL WHO KILLED HER MOM
Romantic Comedy;
— LOVE ON THE LINE (original title— THE FUSSY VIRGIN).
Morality Tale
—A FAMILIAR STRANGER "It's a Wonderful Life" meets "Wall Street". This novel is a parable of our times.
All my stories are character driven. I try to throw in lots of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and guessing. Most of my writing is inspired by real people or events that trigger my imagination.
I am married with two children and currently live in Connecticut where many of my stories take place. I'm happy to FaceTime or Zoom into your book club if our schedules permit. Reach out and I'll do my best to make it happen.
——McGarvey
You can find me on Facebook or Twitter, too. Thanks for reading my books and if you like them, please leave a review, it helps so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
October 24, 2020
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/re...
Always one who enjoys a mystery, this particular medical thriller caught my attention. McGarvey Black writes about a horrible crime perpetrated against a defenceless woman in a coma. Who could have done it and how long will it take to discover the perpetrator? A quick read, perfect for those who love the genre, as well as the reader who’s keen on piecing it all together.
Oceanside Manor is home to a number of patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, including Eliza Stern. Eliza’s been a patient for many years, having been the sole survivor of a horrific car accident that claimed the life of her family. When a nurse discovers that she’s in labour, it’s all hands on deck.
Dr. Angela Crawford may not be actively practicing as an obstetrician, but has done well as the acting head of Oceanside Manor. The news of Eliza’s pregnancy and birth of a baby boy creates more headaches than she could imagine. Rushing to put out any fires she can locate, Angela tries to handle the situation on her own, though the Chair of the Board is sure to remind her how incompetent she can be.
When Angela reaches out to the police, it becomes a full investigation into the rape of Eliza Stern. It will take a massive effort to create a list of all possible men who have found themselves within the facility in the last ten months, but Angela will cut no corners to locate the rapist. She works in concert with the police, keeping the Board at bay throughout the process.
As the investigation progresses, the police work their magic, though not without news leaking. Headlines begin to appear around the world, making Oceanside Manor the talk as far away as New Zealand. A mysterious overdose by one of the staff leaves everyone wondering if the killer is back, trying to cover their tracks. Angela makes a decision that will benefit herself, though she justifies it as being a help to the investigation.
Eliza Stern may never wake up from her comatose state, but she deserves a voice. Angela promises to offer her that and bring the rapist to justice. It would take an especially heinous person to subject an unconscious woman to this fate, something that sits on Angela’s mind as the investigation reaches its climax.
This was my first novel by McGarvey Black, though I hope it is not the last. The writing was quite easy to digest and the story kept me interested throughout. There are medical, ethical, and criminal questions with which the the reader can wrestle, alongside a plot that is full of decent twists.
Angela Crawford proves to be an interesting protagonist in the story. This criminal act has fallen into her lap and she is forced to juggle everything on the fly. Her own backstory is a mix of happy times and some personal struggles, though she seeks to find the best it all of it. While she cannot be said to have complete control of the situation, Angela does her best to steer things in the right direction.
Black provides the reader with a slew of great secondary characters, offering different perspectives of the crime and investigation. From the medical professionals to the police and even the reporters covering the story, Black injects many personalities to keep the reader intrigued from every angle. With crisp dialogue and some small bouts of character development throughout, the reader can connect with many of those who fill the pages of this book.
The central plot of the book is one well worth the reader’s attention. A simple act of rape turns into an issue that will take the reader throughout many perspectives of the event. Told through the eyes of many—the police, the hospital administrators, journalists, and the Board of Directors—the story gains depth with each passing chapter. Black uses short chapters to hook the reader and keep them forging ahead, which is a great way to keep the momentum of this piece. The reader is sure to be entertained throughout, while left to consider where they stand about the various revelations found within this story. The final fifty pages alone make the book, as things come to a climactic reveal, something many will not have seen coming!
Kudos, Madam Black, for a great piece of writing. I will be looking into some of your other work, with hopes that it is just as intriguing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/re...
Always one who enjoys a mystery, this particular medical thriller caught my attention. McGarvey Black writes about a horrible crime perpetrated against a defenceless woman in a coma. Who could have done it and how long will it take to discover the perpetrator? A quick read, perfect for those who love the genre, as well as the reader who’s keen on piecing it all together.
Oceanside Manor is home to a number of patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, including Eliza Stern. Eliza’s been a patient for many years, having been the sole survivor of a horrific car accident that claimed the life of her family. When a nurse discovers that she’s in labour, it’s all hands on deck.
Dr. Angela Crawford may not be actively practicing as an obstetrician, but has done well as the acting head of Oceanside Manor. The news of Eliza’s pregnancy and birth of a baby boy creates more headaches than she could imagine. Rushing to put out any fires she can locate, Angela tries to handle the situation on her own, though the Chair of the Board is sure to remind her how incompetent she can be.
When Angela reaches out to the police, it becomes a full investigation into the rape of Eliza Stern. It will take a massive effort to create a list of all possible men who have found themselves within the facility in the last ten months, but Angela will cut no corners to locate the rapist. She works in concert with the police, keeping the Board at bay throughout the process.
As the investigation progresses, the police work their magic, though not without news leaking. Headlines begin to appear around the world, making Oceanside Manor the talk as far away as New Zealand. A mysterious overdose by one of the staff leaves everyone wondering if the killer is back, trying to cover their tracks. Angela makes a decision that will benefit herself, though she justifies it as being a help to the investigation.
Eliza Stern may never wake up from her comatose state, but she deserves a voice. Angela promises to offer her that and bring the rapist to justice. It would take an especially heinous person to subject an unconscious woman to this fate, something that sits on Angela’s mind as the investigation reaches its climax.
This was my first novel by McGarvey Black, though I hope it is not the last. The writing was quite easy to digest and the story kept me interested throughout. There are medical, ethical, and criminal questions with which the the reader can wrestle, alongside a plot that is full of decent twists.
Angela Crawford proves to be an interesting protagonist in the story. This criminal act has fallen into her lap and she is forced to juggle everything on the fly. Her own backstory is a mix of happy times and some personal struggles, though she seeks to find the best it all of it. While she cannot be said to have complete control of the situation, Angela does her best to steer things in the right direction.
Black provides the reader with a slew of great secondary characters, offering different perspectives of the crime and investigation. From the medical professionals to the police and even the reporters covering the story, Black injects many personalities to keep the reader intrigued from every angle. With crisp dialogue and some small bouts of character development throughout, the reader can connect with many of those who fill the pages of this book.
The central plot of the book is one well worth the reader’s attention. A simple act of rape turns into an issue that will take the reader throughout many perspectives of the event. Told through the eyes of many—the police, the hospital administrators, journalists, and the Board of Directors—the story gains depth with each passing chapter. Black uses short chapters to hook the reader and keep them forging ahead, which is a great way to keep the momentum of this piece. The reader is sure to be entertained throughout, while left to consider where they stand about the various revelations found within this story. The final fifty pages alone make the book, as things come to a climactic reveal, something many will not have seen coming!
Kudos, Madam Black, for a great piece of writing. I will be looking into some of your other work, with hopes that it is just as intriguing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
August 25, 2020
It's a boy! The twenty-one year old mom should be celebrating... right? This mom has been in a coma for the past twelve years following a horrific auto accident that killed her parents and twin sister. So how did this happen?
This was a surprise start to a riveting / compelling story with deftly drawn characters amid a swirling mass of mystery and suspense. A mixture of crime fiction .... inspired by a true story ... and a medical thriller kept me glued to the pages from start to an unexpected conclusion. Suspects are many... and varied. Some closer to the case than others. And when one investigator gets too close to the truth, she winds up dead.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this most interesting novel. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 18, 2020
Without Her Consent is an absorbing medical thriller about a young woman who delivers a baby despite being in a coma for twelve years, inspired by a real case. It features Detective McQuillan from Black’s first novel, I Never Left/I Am Quinn, but is a completely separate story and you could read these in either order, although this one does occur some time after.
I received a free review copy directly from the author through her Facebook group.
Dr Angela Crawford is working late one night in her role as manager of a long term care facility when she is called to an emergency - Eliza, one of the coma patients, has gone into labour - when nobody knew she was even pregnant! Arriving just in time to deliver the baby, she then has to deal with the inevitable scandal - how could they have allowed a defenceless girl to be raped, and why did no one notice the pregnancy? Under pressure from the board, with the news story going round the world, and stressed by her crumbling marriage, Angela needs help to find the perpetrator, and the police hope that DNA will provide the answer - but nothing can prepare them for the truth...
This was a short and highly readable novel that I finished within a day. The characters are well drawn, from the junk food-loving McQuillan to the comically awful journalist intent on using Eliza’s story to boost his career. The medical aspects were plausible even if the premise seems initially unbelievable - under-resourced private facilities probably don’t have the staffing levels to monitor every room, and if the nursing care of completely dependent patients is left to under-trained aides then I can believe they might do the minimum and miss a baby bump.
I did guess the identity of the perpetrator earlier than I should’ve - slightly too much is given away at a key point in the plot - although the misdirection is generally well done.
This would be a great read for a Book Club - there are even suggested questions for discussion at the end. 4.5 rounded up for the perfect ending and the bonus New Zealand reference that made me laugh. My thanks to McGarvey Black and Bloodhound Books for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Without Her Consent is published on August 25th.
I received a free review copy directly from the author through her Facebook group.
Dr Angela Crawford is working late one night in her role as manager of a long term care facility when she is called to an emergency - Eliza, one of the coma patients, has gone into labour - when nobody knew she was even pregnant! Arriving just in time to deliver the baby, she then has to deal with the inevitable scandal - how could they have allowed a defenceless girl to be raped, and why did no one notice the pregnancy? Under pressure from the board, with the news story going round the world, and stressed by her crumbling marriage, Angela needs help to find the perpetrator, and the police hope that DNA will provide the answer - but nothing can prepare them for the truth...
This was a short and highly readable novel that I finished within a day. The characters are well drawn, from the junk food-loving McQuillan to the comically awful journalist intent on using Eliza’s story to boost his career. The medical aspects were plausible even if the premise seems initially unbelievable - under-resourced private facilities probably don’t have the staffing levels to monitor every room, and if the nursing care of completely dependent patients is left to under-trained aides then I can believe they might do the minimum and miss a baby bump.
I did guess the identity of the perpetrator earlier than I should’ve - slightly too much is given away at a key point in the plot - although the misdirection is generally well done.
This would be a great read for a Book Club - there are even suggested questions for discussion at the end. 4.5 rounded up for the perfect ending and the bonus New Zealand reference that made me laugh. My thanks to McGarvey Black and Bloodhound Books for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Without Her Consent is published on August 25th.
September 15, 2020
A rape whodunit where the perpetrator is actually - dun dun dun - the mild mannered female hospital administrator, who used a comatose patient to gestate the embryos she couldn't carry due to recurrent miscarriage.
The mystery was not very mysterious, the dialogue was clunky in the extreme and the characterisation was just not there.
The premise is ridiculous - 20% of children born today are the result of fertility treatment, but the author couldn't be bothered to check whether people actually call IVF "going through in vitro" (they do not) or whether at some point in the process, you are just handed a cannister of iced embryos (you are not), and honestly speaks more to the way we as a culture view infertile women as monstrous than to any particular innovation or creation in the authors part.
The mystery was not very mysterious, the dialogue was clunky in the extreme and the characterisation was just not there.
The premise is ridiculous - 20% of children born today are the result of fertility treatment, but the author couldn't be bothered to check whether people actually call IVF "going through in vitro" (they do not) or whether at some point in the process, you are just handed a cannister of iced embryos (you are not), and honestly speaks more to the way we as a culture view infertile women as monstrous than to any particular innovation or creation in the authors part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
Got it for free from audible and the premise was interesting enough.....
It's a medical thriller, written in a short, crisp manner that kept me engaged the whole time. The end reveal wasn't anything mind-blowing but still, a fairly good read I'd say....
It's a medical thriller, written in a short, crisp manner that kept me engaged the whole time. The end reveal wasn't anything mind-blowing but still, a fairly good read I'd say....
August 23, 2020
Firstly the title and cover of the book is captivating. I needed to read it there and then. It certainly did not disappoint. 4.5*
January 12, 2021
This "Heart-Stopping Psychological Suspense Thriller" was a 5-star read for me.
A 21-year old comatose woman in a Florida hospital gives birth to a baby boy. The woman has been in a coma for ten years. How could that have happened? The medical team in charge of the woman's care did not even know that she was pregnant.
From beginning to end...this book was fast-paced with many twists and turns. Just when you thought you knew exactly what was going to happen....you didn't. Character development was strong and the book was impossible to put down.
I had remembered reading two true-life stories about comatose patients being raped. The author has put an ingenious new spin on these true-life stories....and to avoid spoilers, I will stop here.
I listened to the audio version and the narrator was good but not great.
I did feel that one small portion of the book's ending was slightly contrived....but, overall, this book delivered.
I highly recommend "Without Her Consent" and look forward to reading future books from this author.
A 21-year old comatose woman in a Florida hospital gives birth to a baby boy. The woman has been in a coma for ten years. How could that have happened? The medical team in charge of the woman's care did not even know that she was pregnant.
From beginning to end...this book was fast-paced with many twists and turns. Just when you thought you knew exactly what was going to happen....you didn't. Character development was strong and the book was impossible to put down.
I had remembered reading two true-life stories about comatose patients being raped. The author has put an ingenious new spin on these true-life stories....and to avoid spoilers, I will stop here.
I listened to the audio version and the narrator was good but not great.
I did feel that one small portion of the book's ending was slightly contrived....but, overall, this book delivered.
I highly recommend "Without Her Consent" and look forward to reading future books from this author.
August 21, 2020
I am not the best reviewer in the world but I must say that this book came across as freaky and creepy in a extremely captivating way. It was completely believable and intriguing which had me hooked throughout. It definitely had the WOW factor. As soon as I get into a book I start guessing 'who dunnit', did I get it right? Of course I did....NOT.
A great storyline. You will have empathy for the wrong people and hate the good guys. I was completely shocked as I delved deeper into this twisty tale. The end is chilling and still gives me goosebumps!
McGarvey Black is a very talented and creative author. Read the blurb, buy the book and prepare yourself for a darn good read. A well deserved 5*.
A great storyline. You will have empathy for the wrong people and hate the good guys. I was completely shocked as I delved deeper into this twisty tale. The end is chilling and still gives me goosebumps!
McGarvey Black is a very talented and creative author. Read the blurb, buy the book and prepare yourself for a darn good read. A well deserved 5*.
August 18, 2020
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this ARC from the author/publisher.
A woman who has been in a coma for 12 years suddenly goes into labour! This causes major stress for the staff at the hospital.
I kind of guessed the first twist but not the second. I still can't decide if it was karma or a cruel twist of fate!
Definitely worth picking this book up!
A woman who has been in a coma for 12 years suddenly goes into labour! This causes major stress for the staff at the hospital.
I kind of guessed the first twist but not the second. I still can't decide if it was karma or a cruel twist of fate!
Definitely worth picking this book up!
April 28, 2023
1.5 stars rounded up. Predictable, I worked out out less than a quarter of a way through. I thought it was poorly written. Awful dialogue. Awful characters. I have other points too but I don't want to reveal spoilers. It wasn't so awful that I couldn't finish though, which is why I have rounded it up to 2 stars.
August 31, 2020
Without Her Consent by McGarvey Black
The blurb for this book drew me in taking me back to nursing cases from my first few years working as an RN after graduating. My first job was working nights on a neurosurgical intensive care unit with some patients like Eliza – brain dead and at the mercy of others. The next job I had was in a skilled nursing facility similar to the one Eliza ended up. In facility there was a young woman that inexplicably wound up pregnant. Thankfully the young woman was not in a coma and able to tell us how it happened thus clearing up the mystery; even so it ended up being a nightmare similar to that faced by administrators of the facility in this story.
Life can be messy and sad and difficult. The choices we make impact just how messy life can become. A simple family vacation saw all of Eliza’s family killed and left her brain dead and alone. Angela and David started out their married life happy and doing well but after years of making choices that did not see them meeting all their goals their relationship began to lose its shine.
The nursing and medical staff caring for Eliza were less than the best, in my opinion, because a pregnancy would have been seen by even the least skilled nurse’s aid as bed baths were given and her periods stopped occurring. There were a few other issues with medical and nursing care that didn’t quite fit with my knowledge and experiences but in spite of that this was an entertaining read.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
The blurb for this book drew me in taking me back to nursing cases from my first few years working as an RN after graduating. My first job was working nights on a neurosurgical intensive care unit with some patients like Eliza – brain dead and at the mercy of others. The next job I had was in a skilled nursing facility similar to the one Eliza ended up. In facility there was a young woman that inexplicably wound up pregnant. Thankfully the young woman was not in a coma and able to tell us how it happened thus clearing up the mystery; even so it ended up being a nightmare similar to that faced by administrators of the facility in this story.
Life can be messy and sad and difficult. The choices we make impact just how messy life can become. A simple family vacation saw all of Eliza’s family killed and left her brain dead and alone. Angela and David started out their married life happy and doing well but after years of making choices that did not see them meeting all their goals their relationship began to lose its shine.
The nursing and medical staff caring for Eliza were less than the best, in my opinion, because a pregnancy would have been seen by even the least skilled nurse’s aid as bed baths were given and her periods stopped occurring. There were a few other issues with medical and nursing care that didn’t quite fit with my knowledge and experiences but in spite of that this was an entertaining read.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
October 7, 2020
316 pages
4 stars
Eliza Stern was only ten years old when a horrible car accident took the lives of her parents and her twin sister. She has been in a deep coma ever since. Now twenty-one, she has just given birth to a baby boy.
Dr. Angela Crawford is the acting director of the care unit while the director is in South America on a teaching program. She is charged with finding out who did the deed and assisting the police in their investigation. She is a former obstetrician. She asks young nurse Jenny O'Hearn to assist her in identifying potential suspects. They come up with a list of over two hundred men to share with the police.
“McQ” McQuillan and his partner Anita “Blade” Blalock are the detectives assigned to the case. It is a frustrating and lengthy case.
Then there is the slimy local reporter Devlin who will do anything to make the national news. He dreams of working for CNN in New York or Washington, DC.
The case drags on for months. The hospital administration is in an uproar, the story makes international news and the cops and the care facility employees are sadly overworked.
This is a good book. It held my interest and there were a few surprises along the way. There was an element of predictability in it, however, that sort of disappointed me. I will look into Ms. Black's other novels.
4 stars
Eliza Stern was only ten years old when a horrible car accident took the lives of her parents and her twin sister. She has been in a deep coma ever since. Now twenty-one, she has just given birth to a baby boy.
Dr. Angela Crawford is the acting director of the care unit while the director is in South America on a teaching program. She is charged with finding out who did the deed and assisting the police in their investigation. She is a former obstetrician. She asks young nurse Jenny O'Hearn to assist her in identifying potential suspects. They come up with a list of over two hundred men to share with the police.
“McQ” McQuillan and his partner Anita “Blade” Blalock are the detectives assigned to the case. It is a frustrating and lengthy case.
Then there is the slimy local reporter Devlin who will do anything to make the national news. He dreams of working for CNN in New York or Washington, DC.
The case drags on for months. The hospital administration is in an uproar, the story makes international news and the cops and the care facility employees are sadly overworked.
This is a good book. It held my interest and there were a few surprises along the way. There was an element of predictability in it, however, that sort of disappointed me. I will look into Ms. Black's other novels.
September 22, 2022
The premise of this book is good - maybe even great. I was very intrigued by the synopsis.
Unfortunately, the author is not good, and her writing is similar to a high-school English assignment. The characters' conversations were so artificial and cringy. There were lots of repetitive 'filler' talk like between the cops, 'aren't you glad you moved here' multiple times.
Then there was Jenny, a nurse who was put into a position of pulling a list together of names, but then kept on being Nancy Drew on her own after the police were on the case.
There were so many things in this book that seemed completely unrealistic, but since the rating was so high, I kept at it hoping there would be some redeeming factor. NOPE
Lastly - I read via audiobook and Lauren Ezzo was the absolute worst narrator I've heard. Her men voices were all ridiculously terrible and sounded exactly the same. She didn't put the inflection on conversations correctly and only used the female detective's southern accent for her when it stated it in the text. She made bad writing worse. Dreadful combination.
Unfortunately, the author is not good, and her writing is similar to a high-school English assignment. The characters' conversations were so artificial and cringy. There were lots of repetitive 'filler' talk like between the cops, 'aren't you glad you moved here' multiple times.
Then there was Jenny, a nurse who was put into a position of pulling a list together of names, but then kept on being Nancy Drew on her own after the police were on the case.
There were so many things in this book that seemed completely unrealistic, but since the rating was so high, I kept at it hoping there would be some redeeming factor. NOPE
Lastly - I read via audiobook and Lauren Ezzo was the absolute worst narrator I've heard. Her men voices were all ridiculously terrible and sounded exactly the same. She didn't put the inflection on conversations correctly and only used the female detective's southern accent for her when it stated it in the text. She made bad writing worse. Dreadful combination.
December 13, 2021
Thoroughly captivating
Don't start reading this book unless your life is in order for the next day or so, you're not going to want to put this book down. After reading the author's debut novel, I Never Left, the bar was set very high and I was expecting an equally engrossing read. I certainly wasn't disappointed and the intrigue began immediately. As I progressed, without realising, I formed opinions on who the guilty party was and felt pretty sure I was right. Was I right? ....Of course I wasn't. It was simply the author's talented and subtle way of writing that encourages you to conclude 2+2=5. Although partly a medical thriller it's not heavy reading, quite the reverse. It's a light and airy read throughout with some touches of humour. As with McGarvey's previous book, I expect this instalment to remain with me for a long time.
Don't start reading this book unless your life is in order for the next day or so, you're not going to want to put this book down. After reading the author's debut novel, I Never Left, the bar was set very high and I was expecting an equally engrossing read. I certainly wasn't disappointed and the intrigue began immediately. As I progressed, without realising, I formed opinions on who the guilty party was and felt pretty sure I was right. Was I right? ....Of course I wasn't. It was simply the author's talented and subtle way of writing that encourages you to conclude 2+2=5. Although partly a medical thriller it's not heavy reading, quite the reverse. It's a light and airy read throughout with some touches of humour. As with McGarvey's previous book, I expect this instalment to remain with me for a long time.
September 21, 2022
Sturdy 2 stars. Very fast read.
This is a good story even though it is fairly predictable.
...but it was written awfully with way to many cliches
...and the orators voice was grating and not beneficial to the story.
McGarvey is off my list and if I notice the orator on any novel I just may pass.
This is a good story even though it is fairly predictable.
...but it was written awfully with way to many cliches
...and the orators voice was grating and not beneficial to the story.
McGarvey is off my list and if I notice the orator on any novel I just may pass.
April 17, 2021
Awful narration made this an awful story
August 18, 2020
Actual rating 4.5 stars
It is a dramatic opening to Without Her Consent that briefly details a tragic car accident. Fast forward to the present day and the reader is transported to Oceanside Manor, a long term care facility in south Florida, home to patients with brain injuries. Eliza Stern has been a resident since the age of 10 when her family vacation ended in tragedy and it’s at this point where her story really begins.
Angela Crawford is acting hospital administrator whilst director Frank Farwell is on a sabbatical in Ecuador. By coincidence she happens to be in her office when she receives an urgent request to attend Eliza Stern’s room where the young patient is inexplicably and bizarrely in labour. Once a practicing obstetrician she is the ideal candidate for such an emergency. This almost incomprehensible, disturbing turn of events is an automatic hook for the reader, drawing you into the narrative, intrigued to discover who is responsible for impregnating Eliza. The fact the author grabbed my attention within the first few pages meant I knew I would be racing through the pages and indeed I devoured this book in one sitting.
My immediate thoughts centred around the staff caring for Eliza and how they had supposedly been unaware of her condition. I kept thinking how was this possible?? You can make up your mind as to the plausibility of the explanations given regarding this oversight but the question never really disappeared from my thoughts. Naturally the assumption is that Eliza’s pregnancy has to be the result of a very depraved, sick individual with terms such as paraphilia and somnaphilia bandied around (terms I’d never even heard of). However with the facility allowing access not only to staff but tradesmen and visitors my initial thoughts were that discovering the culprit would be an impossible task. Apart from the fact Eliza has given birth to a healthy baby I wondered who was going to care for this baby and what his future would hold. Keeping such astounding news away from the press was another concern that preoccupied my thoughts and I could totally understand Angela’s desire to manage the inevitable fallout away from the glare of publicity which would no doubt reflect badly on the facility.
It is Angela Crawford who takes centre stage, caught in a no win situation between continuing her duties as hospital administrator whilst overseeing an internal investigation (which turns into a police one) and placating the president of the board Bob Beckmann. Juggling all these roles seems like an unenviable ask , prompting my sympathy but I had every faith in her abilities to manage the situation with her calm efficiency especially as she is ably assisted by the loyal and trustworthy Nurse Jenny O’Hearn. Jenny is tasked with much of the back breaking paperwork, sifting through lists of possible culprits prior to police involvement and I thought together they made a good team. Meanwhile Angela’s professional demeanour is at odds with her personal one, married to struggling author David whose penchant for the casinos is causing extreme financial difficulties. I couldn’t understand this conflict between her work and home life since she fulfils her role as replacement to Professor Farwell with apparent ease and aplomb. I really liked her no nonsense attitude but why she remains in her marriage was a mystery to me. All said, Angela is a richly drawn character and I liked her immensely.
The police duo in this investigation compliment each other well. John McQuillan and Anita Blalock (McQ and Blade as they are affectionately known) are opposites but both are determined to solve this perplexing mystery. He loves fast food with Blade fighting an uphill battle to get him healthier and fitter and I enjoyed their banter. Even when avenues they explore turn out to be dead ends I admired their doggedness. The turning point when they realise maybe they are approaching this investigation from the wrong direction reflects the assumptions we all make in our everyday lives, in terms of only looking for the obvious. Issues around privacy and collection of personal data are integral to this addictive storyline and a starting point for group discussion.
The news reporting of this event is an interesting element of a storyline that kept my mind in a state of overdrive. Certainly this strand adds a touch of humour to an otherwise fairly disturbing narrative, with local reporter Tommy Devlin milking this news story for all it is worth. I loved following his particular journey, wondering how it would end for him. Let’s just say I thought his role in this local scandal comes to a fitting conclusion. Obviously Eliza’s pregnancy was always going to attract media interest not only on a local and national scale but on a global one too. The way news is disseminated, with stories uncorroborated and individuals vilified in the press, found guilty before being proven innocent are themes touched upon and reflected in the narrative. I think the storyline raises lots of questions surrounding press intrusion in general and the part they play in high profile stories which provides another great angle for book group discussions also.
I loved the premise of this novel which is both thought provoking and disturbing and the fact there are enough individuals with possible motives for the ‘crime’ meant my thoughts were careering off at different tangents for quite a while before the penny dropped. Is Nurse Jenny O’Hearn as saintly as she’d like her colleagues to believe or is ladies man Dr Steve Horowitz a more likely suspect? Even the absent Frank Farwell can’t escape scrutiny in an investigation that potentially involves many visitors to the hospital, any one of whom could be culpable. I couldn’t help thinking the police search for the offender was akin to looking for a needle in a haystack! The author cleverly misdirects the reader at every opportunity, with plenty of twists and turns adding to the mystery and intrigue.
My reason for my 4.5 star rating rather than a 5 is simply due to the fact one statement led me to discovering the truth earlier than I expected, although I’m happy to report that I didn’t guess the finer details. The ending was just superb and so I read the final page with immense satisfaction. In my humble opinion this novel started and ended with a bang!!
My thanks go to Mcgarvey Black and her publishers for an ARC. Without Her Consent is a book I will happily be recommending to fellow book lovers and friends. If you’ve yet to discover this author then don’t hesitate to pick up a copy as it won’t disappoint.
It is a dramatic opening to Without Her Consent that briefly details a tragic car accident. Fast forward to the present day and the reader is transported to Oceanside Manor, a long term care facility in south Florida, home to patients with brain injuries. Eliza Stern has been a resident since the age of 10 when her family vacation ended in tragedy and it’s at this point where her story really begins.
Angela Crawford is acting hospital administrator whilst director Frank Farwell is on a sabbatical in Ecuador. By coincidence she happens to be in her office when she receives an urgent request to attend Eliza Stern’s room where the young patient is inexplicably and bizarrely in labour. Once a practicing obstetrician she is the ideal candidate for such an emergency. This almost incomprehensible, disturbing turn of events is an automatic hook for the reader, drawing you into the narrative, intrigued to discover who is responsible for impregnating Eliza. The fact the author grabbed my attention within the first few pages meant I knew I would be racing through the pages and indeed I devoured this book in one sitting.
My immediate thoughts centred around the staff caring for Eliza and how they had supposedly been unaware of her condition. I kept thinking how was this possible?? You can make up your mind as to the plausibility of the explanations given regarding this oversight but the question never really disappeared from my thoughts. Naturally the assumption is that Eliza’s pregnancy has to be the result of a very depraved, sick individual with terms such as paraphilia and somnaphilia bandied around (terms I’d never even heard of). However with the facility allowing access not only to staff but tradesmen and visitors my initial thoughts were that discovering the culprit would be an impossible task. Apart from the fact Eliza has given birth to a healthy baby I wondered who was going to care for this baby and what his future would hold. Keeping such astounding news away from the press was another concern that preoccupied my thoughts and I could totally understand Angela’s desire to manage the inevitable fallout away from the glare of publicity which would no doubt reflect badly on the facility.
It is Angela Crawford who takes centre stage, caught in a no win situation between continuing her duties as hospital administrator whilst overseeing an internal investigation (which turns into a police one) and placating the president of the board Bob Beckmann. Juggling all these roles seems like an unenviable ask , prompting my sympathy but I had every faith in her abilities to manage the situation with her calm efficiency especially as she is ably assisted by the loyal and trustworthy Nurse Jenny O’Hearn. Jenny is tasked with much of the back breaking paperwork, sifting through lists of possible culprits prior to police involvement and I thought together they made a good team. Meanwhile Angela’s professional demeanour is at odds with her personal one, married to struggling author David whose penchant for the casinos is causing extreme financial difficulties. I couldn’t understand this conflict between her work and home life since she fulfils her role as replacement to Professor Farwell with apparent ease and aplomb. I really liked her no nonsense attitude but why she remains in her marriage was a mystery to me. All said, Angela is a richly drawn character and I liked her immensely.
The police duo in this investigation compliment each other well. John McQuillan and Anita Blalock (McQ and Blade as they are affectionately known) are opposites but both are determined to solve this perplexing mystery. He loves fast food with Blade fighting an uphill battle to get him healthier and fitter and I enjoyed their banter. Even when avenues they explore turn out to be dead ends I admired their doggedness. The turning point when they realise maybe they are approaching this investigation from the wrong direction reflects the assumptions we all make in our everyday lives, in terms of only looking for the obvious. Issues around privacy and collection of personal data are integral to this addictive storyline and a starting point for group discussion.
The news reporting of this event is an interesting element of a storyline that kept my mind in a state of overdrive. Certainly this strand adds a touch of humour to an otherwise fairly disturbing narrative, with local reporter Tommy Devlin milking this news story for all it is worth. I loved following his particular journey, wondering how it would end for him. Let’s just say I thought his role in this local scandal comes to a fitting conclusion. Obviously Eliza’s pregnancy was always going to attract media interest not only on a local and national scale but on a global one too. The way news is disseminated, with stories uncorroborated and individuals vilified in the press, found guilty before being proven innocent are themes touched upon and reflected in the narrative. I think the storyline raises lots of questions surrounding press intrusion in general and the part they play in high profile stories which provides another great angle for book group discussions also.
I loved the premise of this novel which is both thought provoking and disturbing and the fact there are enough individuals with possible motives for the ‘crime’ meant my thoughts were careering off at different tangents for quite a while before the penny dropped. Is Nurse Jenny O’Hearn as saintly as she’d like her colleagues to believe or is ladies man Dr Steve Horowitz a more likely suspect? Even the absent Frank Farwell can’t escape scrutiny in an investigation that potentially involves many visitors to the hospital, any one of whom could be culpable. I couldn’t help thinking the police search for the offender was akin to looking for a needle in a haystack! The author cleverly misdirects the reader at every opportunity, with plenty of twists and turns adding to the mystery and intrigue.
My reason for my 4.5 star rating rather than a 5 is simply due to the fact one statement led me to discovering the truth earlier than I expected, although I’m happy to report that I didn’t guess the finer details. The ending was just superb and so I read the final page with immense satisfaction. In my humble opinion this novel started and ended with a bang!!
My thanks go to Mcgarvey Black and her publishers for an ARC. Without Her Consent is a book I will happily be recommending to fellow book lovers and friends. If you’ve yet to discover this author then don’t hesitate to pick up a copy as it won’t disappoint.
September 25, 2020
Author.: McGarvey Black
Without Her Consent
316 pages
Publisher: Bloodhound Books - crime, thriller and mystery (August 25, 2020)
5 out of 5 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠
Description:
She's been in a coma for years. How can she be pregnant?
When a coma patient starts to have contractions and gives birth to a baby boy, the child’s arrival triggers an investigation into serious sexual assault.Detectives McQuillan and Blalock are handed the case, while the internal hospital team collects data to help with the investigationWhen Dr. Angela Crawford, who helped deliver the baby, learns that the child will be put in foster care, she and her husband agree to take the little boy in.Meanwhile, a young nurse, Jenny O’Hearn, helps compile data on the rapist and discovers several strange things. When Jenny is attacked, it forces the detectives to look at the case from a different perspective.Could a staff doctor, male nurse or the chaplain be the rapist?Sometimes the truth isn’t always obvious.
⭐MY REVIEW⭐
Wow Wow Wow, what a compelling and attention grabbing story!!!!! It had me completely drawn in from the start of the book to the final pages.This psychological thriller has a very different but engaging plot and the characters are all unforgettable. I just loved the author’s writing style. The story is well written and easy to follow. I was able to easily picture the events as they happened. I found the story gripping, even as it took one unexpected turn after another. There was likeable and unlikable characters as all good thrillers should have.It is full of twists and turns and had me asking myself just how well do we really know those closest to us . This is one of those books that you just can't put down. If you like a story with a shocking turn you will definitely need to read this one! It really is the perfect book to lose yourself in. I absolutely Loved this book, the author kept my interest all the way through. If i could give it more than 5 stars i would. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. I want to read every single one of her books now. I Highly recommend this book !!!
I would recommend this book to all mystery and thriller lovers. Thank you McGarvey Black for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Without Her Consent which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.If you would like to read this story you can read it for free on Kindle unlimited.Or you can buy the e version for just .99 cents. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
#McGarveyBlack
#WithoutHerConsent
#thriller
Without Her Consent
316 pages
Publisher: Bloodhound Books - crime, thriller and mystery (August 25, 2020)
5 out of 5 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠
Description:
She's been in a coma for years. How can she be pregnant?
When a coma patient starts to have contractions and gives birth to a baby boy, the child’s arrival triggers an investigation into serious sexual assault.Detectives McQuillan and Blalock are handed the case, while the internal hospital team collects data to help with the investigationWhen Dr. Angela Crawford, who helped deliver the baby, learns that the child will be put in foster care, she and her husband agree to take the little boy in.Meanwhile, a young nurse, Jenny O’Hearn, helps compile data on the rapist and discovers several strange things. When Jenny is attacked, it forces the detectives to look at the case from a different perspective.Could a staff doctor, male nurse or the chaplain be the rapist?Sometimes the truth isn’t always obvious.
⭐MY REVIEW⭐
Wow Wow Wow, what a compelling and attention grabbing story!!!!! It had me completely drawn in from the start of the book to the final pages.This psychological thriller has a very different but engaging plot and the characters are all unforgettable. I just loved the author’s writing style. The story is well written and easy to follow. I was able to easily picture the events as they happened. I found the story gripping, even as it took one unexpected turn after another. There was likeable and unlikable characters as all good thrillers should have.It is full of twists and turns and had me asking myself just how well do we really know those closest to us . This is one of those books that you just can't put down. If you like a story with a shocking turn you will definitely need to read this one! It really is the perfect book to lose yourself in. I absolutely Loved this book, the author kept my interest all the way through. If i could give it more than 5 stars i would. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. I want to read every single one of her books now. I Highly recommend this book !!!
I would recommend this book to all mystery and thriller lovers. Thank you McGarvey Black for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Without Her Consent which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.If you would like to read this story you can read it for free on Kindle unlimited.Or you can buy the e version for just .99 cents. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
#McGarveyBlack
#WithoutHerConsent
#thriller
August 25, 2020
A new author to me - and definitely one to watch!
Oceanside Manor is a nursing facility offering long term care. When the man in charge takes a year's sabbatical, he leaves Angela Crawford in charge and she has not only to deal with the uproar following a long time coma patient giving birth, but actually delivers the baby. With the police on the threshold of her office more often than not, the world's press camped out in the car park and the board breathing down her neck on top of her ordinary daily workload, Angela still finds the adorable infant worming his way into her heart. Everyone in the whole world want to know how such an act could be carried out on an unconscious young woman and, of course, the question of the day is - Who is the Father?
What a book! This is a carefully plotted novel, full of hints and possibilities but managing to keep the truth until the final few pages. Everyone is a suspect and the police officers have their work cut out trying to shorten their list. This kept me focused on the story all the way through - in fact, I could not set it aside in bed last evening and read far more than I should have, and couldn't wait to get on with the rest of it first thing today. With everyone's lives woven together beautifully, there is so very much to think about and enjoy. I can't begin to tell you how often I was absolutely certain I knew who the culprit was only to be thwarted as I turned the page (well, touched the screen, lol). A stunning read which has put McGarvey Black firmly on my radar; I certainly hope to read more from this excellent author. I can't find any faults with this novel and, as such, it earns all five sparkling stars and my highest recommendation to all those who love to be bamboozled by a gripping whodunnit!
Oceanside Manor is a nursing facility offering long term care. When the man in charge takes a year's sabbatical, he leaves Angela Crawford in charge and she has not only to deal with the uproar following a long time coma patient giving birth, but actually delivers the baby. With the police on the threshold of her office more often than not, the world's press camped out in the car park and the board breathing down her neck on top of her ordinary daily workload, Angela still finds the adorable infant worming his way into her heart. Everyone in the whole world want to know how such an act could be carried out on an unconscious young woman and, of course, the question of the day is - Who is the Father?
What a book! This is a carefully plotted novel, full of hints and possibilities but managing to keep the truth until the final few pages. Everyone is a suspect and the police officers have their work cut out trying to shorten their list. This kept me focused on the story all the way through - in fact, I could not set it aside in bed last evening and read far more than I should have, and couldn't wait to get on with the rest of it first thing today. With everyone's lives woven together beautifully, there is so very much to think about and enjoy. I can't begin to tell you how often I was absolutely certain I knew who the culprit was only to be thwarted as I turned the page (well, touched the screen, lol). A stunning read which has put McGarvey Black firmly on my radar; I certainly hope to read more from this excellent author. I can't find any faults with this novel and, as such, it earns all five sparkling stars and my highest recommendation to all those who love to be bamboozled by a gripping whodunnit!
August 18, 2020
Whilst Angela starts investigating a rape in the care home she manages, after a comatose resident gives birth, her home life is falling apart. Her husband David’s career is on the skids after giving up a teaching post in Uni to write, only to fail as an author and then catch the gambling bug. Angela is trying to keep her home life together but with no news after 24 hours she has to inform the police and the investigation skyrockets. The babies mother has no family to take care of him so Angela and David offer to become foster parents. After 3 months the police have nothing except dead ends until a diary is found of a dead nurse who was helping Angela with the initial investigation. Suddenly all eyes are on one person.
Fabulous writing that takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride. I changed my mind three times about the guilty party but never saw the ending in a million years! Well done McGarvey Black.
Fabulous writing that takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride. I changed my mind three times about the guilty party but never saw the ending in a million years! Well done McGarvey Black.
August 18, 2020
When Dr. Angela Crawford receives an emergency call to deliver a baby for a patient, it turns out to be anything but routine. Her patient, Eliza Stern, has been in a coma for 12 years. As Acting Hospital Administrator, Angela is now tasked with not only notifying the hospital board but she must try and manage staff gossip as well as all the negative press that will surely put both her sanity and her career in jeopardy.
In a world where confidentiality is paramount Detectives McQuillan and Blalock must finagle their way through the antiquated hospital system records to try and uncover several well-hidden secrets. Who would commit such a heinous crime and could it be a member of the hospital team?
I love the way Black tells a story. The build-up of the plot is so eloquently told and she makes sure that the main players get their backstory. You truly feel invested. Great read!
In a world where confidentiality is paramount Detectives McQuillan and Blalock must finagle their way through the antiquated hospital system records to try and uncover several well-hidden secrets. Who would commit such a heinous crime and could it be a member of the hospital team?
I love the way Black tells a story. The build-up of the plot is so eloquently told and she makes sure that the main players get their backstory. You truly feel invested. Great read!
August 18, 2020
“It’s the way I tell ‘em!” A catchphrase of an old Irish comedian that should be adopted by this author.
Mc Garvey Black has a way of grabbing the reader by the throat within the first few pages.
A complex and shocking tale that once started: increases pace; then lulls you into a place where you believe you know who’s done it; then causes you to think again only to eventually take you on a rollercoaster to the end.
Ms Black has a real talent for engaging character development (even for those with bit parts) and the ability to tell a stonking good story!
If you’ve not read her first two stand alones, get them. You will not be disappointed.
Mc Garvey Black has a way of grabbing the reader by the throat within the first few pages.
A complex and shocking tale that once started: increases pace; then lulls you into a place where you believe you know who’s done it; then causes you to think again only to eventually take you on a rollercoaster to the end.
Ms Black has a real talent for engaging character development (even for those with bit parts) and the ability to tell a stonking good story!
If you’ve not read her first two stand alones, get them. You will not be disappointed.
February 7, 2022
A really good story line, poorly executed.
I had really high hopes for this book, and in all honesty the story line would have been really captivating and the conclusion would have been a really incredible twist, had it not been glaringly obvious roughly 5 chapters in how the story was going to end. The writing wasn't for me either. It felt very stilted, the narrative between the characters didn't flow and the overall feel of the story was just dull. There was nothing interesting or exciting that happened throughout, no shocks or twists and turns. This one wasn't for me but would be a good read for anyone who likes easy psychological thrillers.
I had really high hopes for this book, and in all honesty the story line would have been really captivating and the conclusion would have been a really incredible twist, had it not been glaringly obvious roughly 5 chapters in how the story was going to end. The writing wasn't for me either. It felt very stilted, the narrative between the characters didn't flow and the overall feel of the story was just dull. There was nothing interesting or exciting that happened throughout, no shocks or twists and turns. This one wasn't for me but would be a good read for anyone who likes easy psychological thrillers.
February 19, 2025
This is such a good mystery/thriller with an amazing plot twist in the end (imo), it's definitely a must read for mystery fans!!
Character Reviews:
Angela - I get why she did what she did to get a baby for herself and her husband, but did she really have to use a coma patient.....? ngl, she deserved what she got in the end of the book.
Jenny - why, just why would you kill her, Angela... she was such a good nurse and she helped you throughout the entire book 😢
Eliza - I feel bad for her, she got used by Angela, and she obviously couldn't do anything to stop Angela.
Character Reviews:
Angela - I get why she did what she did to get a baby for herself and her husband, but did she really have to use a coma patient.....? ngl, she deserved what she got in the end of the book.
Jenny - why, just why would you kill her, Angela... she was such a good nurse and she helped you throughout the entire book 😢
Eliza - I feel bad for her, she got used by Angela, and she obviously couldn't do anything to stop Angela.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2020
Wow. A brilliantly written, fast paced story with a completely unpredictable ending.
One of those you just have to finish in one sitting.
One of those you just have to finish in one sitting.
August 18, 2020
I was lucky enough to recieve a ACR of this book, I really enjoyed the fast paced storyline and surprised myself when i had managed to think through the twists and get it right.
An enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read.
January 5, 2021
Medical thriller loosely based on a true story a woman in a coma gives birth and now the hospital and police are on the hunt for who would do this! Lots of twist!
September 6, 2023
A Riveting Psychological Thriller - 5/5 Stars!
“Without Her Consent" by McGarvey Black is a tour de force in the realm of psychological thrillers, & I couldn't recommend it more highly to fellow enthusiasts of the genre. From my perspective, this novel is a masterclass in psychological suspense drama.
The story unfolds with a gripping premise: a long-term care patient who has languished in a coma for an astonishing ten years suddenly gives birth to a baby boy. Dr. Angela Crawford, who finds herself thrust into the role of interim authority, is the linchpin around which the enigma revolves.
Black's storytelling is nothing short of exceptional. With every page, I was led deeper into a labyrinth of intrigue, filled with twists & turns that left me utterly spellbound. Just when you think you have unraveled the mystery and identified the perpetrator, Black skillfully yanks the rug out from under you, leaving you questioning your own deductions once more.
The "who-dun-it" moments are both exhilarating and confounding, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout.
The characters themselves are beautifully nuanced, each harboring their own secrets and motivations. These intricacies add depth to the story, making it all the more enthralling. As you navigate through their tangled relationships and obscured truths, you'll find yourself absorbed in a rollercoaster of emotions.
"Without Her Consent" is a literary journey like no other, one that will challenge your beliefs and test your wits at every twist and turn. McGarvey Black has masterfully crafted a suspenseful tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. If you're seeking a psychological thriller that truly delivers, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be captivated, deceived, and utterly enthralled.
“Without Her Consent" by McGarvey Black is a tour de force in the realm of psychological thrillers, & I couldn't recommend it more highly to fellow enthusiasts of the genre. From my perspective, this novel is a masterclass in psychological suspense drama.
The story unfolds with a gripping premise: a long-term care patient who has languished in a coma for an astonishing ten years suddenly gives birth to a baby boy. Dr. Angela Crawford, who finds herself thrust into the role of interim authority, is the linchpin around which the enigma revolves.
Black's storytelling is nothing short of exceptional. With every page, I was led deeper into a labyrinth of intrigue, filled with twists & turns that left me utterly spellbound. Just when you think you have unraveled the mystery and identified the perpetrator, Black skillfully yanks the rug out from under you, leaving you questioning your own deductions once more.
The "who-dun-it" moments are both exhilarating and confounding, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout.
The characters themselves are beautifully nuanced, each harboring their own secrets and motivations. These intricacies add depth to the story, making it all the more enthralling. As you navigate through their tangled relationships and obscured truths, you'll find yourself absorbed in a rollercoaster of emotions.
"Without Her Consent" is a literary journey like no other, one that will challenge your beliefs and test your wits at every twist and turn. McGarvey Black has masterfully crafted a suspenseful tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. If you're seeking a psychological thriller that truly delivers, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be captivated, deceived, and utterly enthralled.
August 24, 2020
Without Her Consent tells the story of a baby who was born at Oceanside Manor, Florida, in 2015. This wouldn't be unusual except for the fact that Oceanside is an extended-care facility for patients with traumatic brain injuries who won't ever recover. The mother of the baby boy, 21-year-old Eliza Stern, has been in a coma for 12 years, since a tragic car accident on the Florida Turnpike involving a drunk driver that left her parents and twin sister, Emily, dead. How can she possibly have conceived and given birth?
Dr Angela Crawford, 44, acting administrator at Oceanside while chief administrator, Frank Farwell, is on a sabbatical in Ecuador, delivered the baby after a nurse frantically phoned her and asked her to help. Another nurse heard Eliza's moans and discovered she was having contractions. Angela used to be a trained ob-gyn and had her own obstetrics practice so she knew exactly what to do.
Everyone is in shock and wondering how on earth this has happened and who could be responsible for impregnating poor Eliza. After contacting Farwell for his advice, Angela briefs the hospital board president, Bob Beckmann, and other board members, who are horrified by the disturbing news and concerned about the legal and PR nightmare that is going to erupt.
Angela is seriously under pressure and her husband, David, doesn't help matters. After a successful debut novel and a disappointing second one, he's a failing writer who struggles to put pen to paper and has resorted to gambling to cope and loses copious amounts of money at local casinos.
Angela enlists nurse Jenny O'Hearn to help pull records together and she discovers that hundreds of people accessed the building in the relevant period when Eliza must have been raped. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially as any CCTV footage has long since been erased and visitors aren't always recorded properly in the books.
As the facility and police struggle to keep the story under wraps while they carry out their investigations, interview numerous people and take DNA samples, the local journalists, including the rather persistent reporter Tommy Devlin, are circling, desperate to sniff out what's going on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this fast-paced and gripping book with a shocking storyline! It was an intriguing and absorbing read as the investigation gathered pace but hit lots of dead ends. There were some good twists and turns and misdirection and I was suspecting most of the men in the story at some point or other! There were several shady characters and people who had the means if not the motive. I was frantically turning the pages to see how it was all going to be resolved and I wasn't disappointed! An entertaining novel with an unusual premise!
Dr Angela Crawford, 44, acting administrator at Oceanside while chief administrator, Frank Farwell, is on a sabbatical in Ecuador, delivered the baby after a nurse frantically phoned her and asked her to help. Another nurse heard Eliza's moans and discovered she was having contractions. Angela used to be a trained ob-gyn and had her own obstetrics practice so she knew exactly what to do.
Everyone is in shock and wondering how on earth this has happened and who could be responsible for impregnating poor Eliza. After contacting Farwell for his advice, Angela briefs the hospital board president, Bob Beckmann, and other board members, who are horrified by the disturbing news and concerned about the legal and PR nightmare that is going to erupt.
Angela is seriously under pressure and her husband, David, doesn't help matters. After a successful debut novel and a disappointing second one, he's a failing writer who struggles to put pen to paper and has resorted to gambling to cope and loses copious amounts of money at local casinos.
Angela enlists nurse Jenny O'Hearn to help pull records together and she discovers that hundreds of people accessed the building in the relevant period when Eliza must have been raped. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially as any CCTV footage has long since been erased and visitors aren't always recorded properly in the books.
As the facility and police struggle to keep the story under wraps while they carry out their investigations, interview numerous people and take DNA samples, the local journalists, including the rather persistent reporter Tommy Devlin, are circling, desperate to sniff out what's going on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this fast-paced and gripping book with a shocking storyline! It was an intriguing and absorbing read as the investigation gathered pace but hit lots of dead ends. There were some good twists and turns and misdirection and I was suspecting most of the men in the story at some point or other! There were several shady characters and people who had the means if not the motive. I was frantically turning the pages to see how it was all going to be resolved and I wasn't disappointed! An entertaining novel with an unusual premise!
December 24, 2023
The story is ok but the writing style was not good for me … but the biggest issue is I knew who it was after I read a blurb on it.. it just came to me. I really read it to see if my guess was right. I didn’t come to care for the characters which is what makes it hard to really care about the storylines.
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