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A Dr. Jessie Teska Mystery #2
Aftershock
When an earthquake strikes San Francisco, forensics expert Jessie Teska faces her biggest threat yet in this explosive new mystery. There's a body crushed under a load of pipes on a San Francisco construction site and medical examiner Dr. Jessie Teska is on call. So it's her job to figure out who it is - and her headache when the autopsy reveals that the death is a homicide staged as an accident. Jessie is hot on the murderer's trail, then an earthquake send her and her whole city reeling. When the dusk clears, her case has fallen apart and an innocent man is being framed. Jessie knows she's the only one who can prove it, and she races to piece together the truth - before it gets buried and brings her down in the rubble
Audiobook
First published January 19, 2021
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About the author
Judy Melinek
6 books383 followersJudy Melinek, M.D. is a graduate of Harvard University. She trained at UCLA in medicine and pathology, graduating in 1996. Her training at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York is the subject of her memoir, Working Stiff, which she co-wrote with her husband, T.J. Mitchell. Currently, Dr. Melinek is CEO of PathologyExpert Inc., & works as a forensic pathologist in Oakland, California. She also travels nationally and internationally to lecture she has been consulted as a forensic expert in many high-profile legal cases.
First Cut will be the debut novel in a medical examiner detective-fiction series.
First Cut will be the debut novel in a medical examiner detective-fiction series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 28, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
A steel band cover of “Don’t Fear the Reaper” makes for a lousy way to lurch awake. Couple of months back, some clown of a coworker got a hold of my cell phone while I was busy in the autopsy suite, and reprogrammed the ringtone for incoming calls from the Medical Examiner Operations and Investigation Dispatch Communications Center. I keep forgetting to fix it.
Oskar had nervous eyes under bushy brows, small nostrils in a mousy nose, and bluish stubble against a complexion like an altar candle. He impressed me as a man who climbed out of bed every morning wound up three turns too tight.
My Review:
This was an active, nonstop, wryly written, and superbly crafted tale that was shrewdly paced, cunningly plotted, and cast with a wide variety of curiously compelling characters. I had great difficulty putting my Kindle down for those senseless interruptions that dared to interfere with my perusal such as thirst, hunger, dying batteries, and need for sleep.
The busy storylines were written from the first-person POV of the brilliant and hard-working medical examiner Jessie Teska, M.D., and were taut with intrigue and pernicious conflicts with arrogant and egregious detectives and lawyers who didn’t have the good sense to listen to her sagacious theories and perceptive observations. I wanted to kick them in the shins for her. Lashing of amusing and clever wit cropped up to balance the emotional tone, which I always appreciate. This is my second time reading this dynamic duo’s exceptional wordcraft and I am so enamored with their mad skills that I have added them to my list of favorites and will be eagerly awaiting Dr. Teska’s next case.
A steel band cover of “Don’t Fear the Reaper” makes for a lousy way to lurch awake. Couple of months back, some clown of a coworker got a hold of my cell phone while I was busy in the autopsy suite, and reprogrammed the ringtone for incoming calls from the Medical Examiner Operations and Investigation Dispatch Communications Center. I keep forgetting to fix it.
Oskar had nervous eyes under bushy brows, small nostrils in a mousy nose, and bluish stubble against a complexion like an altar candle. He impressed me as a man who climbed out of bed every morning wound up three turns too tight.
My Review:
This was an active, nonstop, wryly written, and superbly crafted tale that was shrewdly paced, cunningly plotted, and cast with a wide variety of curiously compelling characters. I had great difficulty putting my Kindle down for those senseless interruptions that dared to interfere with my perusal such as thirst, hunger, dying batteries, and need for sleep.
The busy storylines were written from the first-person POV of the brilliant and hard-working medical examiner Jessie Teska, M.D., and were taut with intrigue and pernicious conflicts with arrogant and egregious detectives and lawyers who didn’t have the good sense to listen to her sagacious theories and perceptive observations. I wanted to kick them in the shins for her. Lashing of amusing and clever wit cropped up to balance the emotional tone, which I always appreciate. This is my second time reading this dynamic duo’s exceptional wordcraft and I am so enamored with their mad skills that I have added them to my list of favorites and will be eagerly awaiting Dr. Teska’s next case.
January 13, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
AFTERSHOCK (Dr. Jessie Teska Mystery Book #2) by Judy Melinek & T.J. Mitchell is a thrilling second book in this mystery series. I love that the intelligent and persistent Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jessie Teska can never stop questioning with just the autopsy. Even though this is the second book in the series it can easily be read as a standalone.
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jessie Teska gets an early morning call for a dead body that appears to be the result of a terrible construction accident. The deceased is a famous architect who appears daily on the construction site and causes problems with the workers. On further inspection at the construction site and at autopsy, Dr. Jessie Teska discovers the accident is a cover-up for a murder.
As Jessie investigates, an earthquake rocks San Francisco and derails her investigation. When she is able to look into the murder once again, an innocent man is being framed. Will Jessie be able to unearth the truth before she becomes another construction site casualty?
I love this series and protagonist! The authors bring you into medical examiners autopsy rooms and lives with writing that brings them to life on the page. Jessie is an intelligent, determined and dogged seeker of truth with a messy personal life that I love to follow and cheer on. The plot of this book throws plenty of twists and red herrings at the reader which keeps the pages turning. While I suspected the guilty individual, it was the “How” that kept me guessing. This is an excellent addition to this mystery series and I am looking forward to many more.
I highly recommend this mystery, protagonist and authors!
AFTERSHOCK (Dr. Jessie Teska Mystery Book #2) by Judy Melinek & T.J. Mitchell is a thrilling second book in this mystery series. I love that the intelligent and persistent Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jessie Teska can never stop questioning with just the autopsy. Even though this is the second book in the series it can easily be read as a standalone.
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jessie Teska gets an early morning call for a dead body that appears to be the result of a terrible construction accident. The deceased is a famous architect who appears daily on the construction site and causes problems with the workers. On further inspection at the construction site and at autopsy, Dr. Jessie Teska discovers the accident is a cover-up for a murder.
As Jessie investigates, an earthquake rocks San Francisco and derails her investigation. When she is able to look into the murder once again, an innocent man is being framed. Will Jessie be able to unearth the truth before she becomes another construction site casualty?
I love this series and protagonist! The authors bring you into medical examiners autopsy rooms and lives with writing that brings them to life on the page. Jessie is an intelligent, determined and dogged seeker of truth with a messy personal life that I love to follow and cheer on. The plot of this book throws plenty of twists and red herrings at the reader which keeps the pages turning. While I suspected the guilty individual, it was the “How” that kept me guessing. This is an excellent addition to this mystery series and I am looking forward to many more.
I highly recommend this mystery, protagonist and authors!
September 24, 2024
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Jessie Teska has another puzzling mystery to solve when renowned architect, Leopold Haring, is found in what is at first thought to be a job-site accident. The scene doesn’t add up to Jessie and she quickly determines the man’s death to be a homicide. There’s no shortage of suspects as Mr. Haring wasn’t a very likeable character, especially on his job sites. To complicate matters there’s an earthquake which throws the city into chaos and inundates the Medical Examiner’s Office with cases.
Jessie is truly dedicated to her job, sometimes at the expense of her personal life. I did think she was a little reckless after the quake and I could understand Anup’s (her boyfriend) frustration with her to a certain extent, especially when it came to putting physical health at risk. But I also admired Jessie’s commitment to finding the truth for her victims. At one point, I was totally disappointed with Anup and could understand Jessie’s reactions. A surprise at the end has me wondering how it will all work out.
Jessie’s search for the truth is sprinkled in with investigative details that give the story a real-life feel, and I’m sure that’s because of the Ms. Melinek’s actual experience as a Medical Examiner, making the story captivating as well as believable. Aftershock was cleverly plotted and kept me guessing until Jessie started connecting all the dots and the culprit was revealed.
While Aftershock is the second book in the series, I don’t think you necessarily have to read the First Cut to enjoy it. You’d miss out on getting to know Jessie a little, though. Dr. Jessie Teska mysteries are perfect for crime-procedural fans, but Jessie’s personal life keeps me turning the pages, as well. She’s flawed, but I really like her, and I’m eager for the next book!
A copy was kindly provided by Hanover Square Press in exchange for an honest review.
Jessie is truly dedicated to her job, sometimes at the expense of her personal life. I did think she was a little reckless after the quake and I could understand Anup’s (her boyfriend) frustration with her to a certain extent, especially when it came to putting physical health at risk. But I also admired Jessie’s commitment to finding the truth for her victims. At one point, I was totally disappointed with Anup and could understand Jessie’s reactions. A surprise at the end has me wondering how it will all work out.
Jessie’s search for the truth is sprinkled in with investigative details that give the story a real-life feel, and I’m sure that’s because of the Ms. Melinek’s actual experience as a Medical Examiner, making the story captivating as well as believable. Aftershock was cleverly plotted and kept me guessing until Jessie started connecting all the dots and the culprit was revealed.
While Aftershock is the second book in the series, I don’t think you necessarily have to read the First Cut to enjoy it. You’d miss out on getting to know Jessie a little, though. Dr. Jessie Teska mysteries are perfect for crime-procedural fans, but Jessie’s personal life keeps me turning the pages, as well. She’s flawed, but I really like her, and I’m eager for the next book!
A copy was kindly provided by Hanover Square Press in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Aftershock was my introduction to the writing duo of Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell. I accepted this book for two reasons:
It was a mystery
It featured a medical examiner.
This is the second book in Dr. Jesse Teska series. I did not read the first book, however I had zero issues with following this installment. The story began with the discovery of a body of a famous architect on a construction site. On the surface it appears it appears to be an accident, however the evidence tells a different and very complex story. In the middle of the investigation an earthquake struck, delaying the investigation. The story featured many suspects, and I spent most of the story trying to figure out the identity of the murderer and the motive for the murder. The As the story progressed, I had a feeling as to the villain’s identity, but what I wasn’t sure was why and how. I went into the story expecting a fast-paced read, instead I received a slow burn mystery. Despite this, I had a good time with the story. It had me eagerly turning the pages.
The narrative provided an inside look into the complex, and intricate procedures involved in undertaking an autopsy. The reader also had the chance to see how the contamination evidence can lead to an outcome that has the potential to destroy lives.
The story provided an inside look into Jesse’s personal life. Strong, determined and smart, her job played a major role in her life. She would risk life and limb for it to the dismay of her significant other. I was not a big fan of his. He made it seem as if his job was more important. His actions near the end wreaked of cowardliness and it revealed his dishonesty. Jesse was no saint, though. She too made her share of mistakes in the relationship.
Overall, an interesting story which fans of medical mysteries/thriller would enjoy.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
It was a mystery
It featured a medical examiner.
This is the second book in Dr. Jesse Teska series. I did not read the first book, however I had zero issues with following this installment. The story began with the discovery of a body of a famous architect on a construction site. On the surface it appears it appears to be an accident, however the evidence tells a different and very complex story. In the middle of the investigation an earthquake struck, delaying the investigation. The story featured many suspects, and I spent most of the story trying to figure out the identity of the murderer and the motive for the murder. The As the story progressed, I had a feeling as to the villain’s identity, but what I wasn’t sure was why and how. I went into the story expecting a fast-paced read, instead I received a slow burn mystery. Despite this, I had a good time with the story. It had me eagerly turning the pages.
The narrative provided an inside look into the complex, and intricate procedures involved in undertaking an autopsy. The reader also had the chance to see how the contamination evidence can lead to an outcome that has the potential to destroy lives.
The story provided an inside look into Jesse’s personal life. Strong, determined and smart, her job played a major role in her life. She would risk life and limb for it to the dismay of her significant other. I was not a big fan of his. He made it seem as if his job was more important. His actions near the end wreaked of cowardliness and it revealed his dishonesty. Jesse was no saint, though. She too made her share of mistakes in the relationship.
Overall, an interesting story which fans of medical mysteries/thriller would enjoy.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
December 24, 2020
Unique and twisty!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This writing duo has managed to tie up medical mystery and crime in a big fat bow. Because we are given a front-row look at the life of a medical examiner, we get to witness the digging and diving this examiner goes to in order to get her man.
Diving into the mystery of how and why someone died takes a big turn when Jessie is on the case. Instead of working side by side with the detectives, she works on her own, which can cause issues for many especially if she is looking for you.
The authors give us a unique look at the life of a medical examiner with clarity, intrigue, and all of the grit and gore you can think of. They keep nothing back and we are subject to vivid detail of patients that land on Jessie’s table.
The story is a twisty tale that takes us through San Francisco and into construction zones, earthquakes, hospital settings, and even into the personal life of Jessie as she tracks the killer. Jessie is a strong personality and we witness her downfalls and disappointments but celebrate her wins too.
This book offers plenty of ups and downs with just the right amount of suspense and edge of your seat action, especially at the end as we reach the climax.
Entertaining, captivating, and intense choice for those that love medical mystery. Just be aware the realism of the job is on display.
* Copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/aftershock-b...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This writing duo has managed to tie up medical mystery and crime in a big fat bow. Because we are given a front-row look at the life of a medical examiner, we get to witness the digging and diving this examiner goes to in order to get her man.
Diving into the mystery of how and why someone died takes a big turn when Jessie is on the case. Instead of working side by side with the detectives, she works on her own, which can cause issues for many especially if she is looking for you.
The authors give us a unique look at the life of a medical examiner with clarity, intrigue, and all of the grit and gore you can think of. They keep nothing back and we are subject to vivid detail of patients that land on Jessie’s table.
The story is a twisty tale that takes us through San Francisco and into construction zones, earthquakes, hospital settings, and even into the personal life of Jessie as she tracks the killer. Jessie is a strong personality and we witness her downfalls and disappointments but celebrate her wins too.
This book offers plenty of ups and downs with just the right amount of suspense and edge of your seat action, especially at the end as we reach the climax.
Entertaining, captivating, and intense choice for those that love medical mystery. Just be aware the realism of the job is on display.
* Copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/aftershock-b...
July 11, 2021
While it's automatic to compare and recommend this series to Patricia Cornwell's (both feature a medical examiner as protagonist) there are interesting differences:
*the setting: west coast instead of east coast
*Melinek is a working medical examiner
*edges further into political issues.
The book has a pre-Covid feel (San Francisco as the most expensive real estate--but not now if all the tech companies depart). Nonetheless, it has a tight group of characters (to say more gives away the plot--and many will easily guess the villain early anyway).
It is more realistic about how an ME's office operates in some way--both more clinical and more medically-professional--which gives it credibility. What I also appreciate, and all too rare in most books--is it gives a good picture of the conflicting tensions in big projects--here, building a skyscraper. The perennial safety challenge is actual cash for staying on schedule vs. the delays from all the things that can go wrong. This tension is at the heart of many industrial accidents: the Macondo offshore well tragedy is a notable real-life example. So particular kudos to Melinek & Mitchell for effectively dramatizing this conflict and at the same time telling a very good story.
*the setting: west coast instead of east coast
*Melinek is a working medical examiner
*edges further into political issues.
The book has a pre-Covid feel (San Francisco as the most expensive real estate--but not now if all the tech companies depart). Nonetheless, it has a tight group of characters (to say more gives away the plot--and many will easily guess the villain early anyway).
It is more realistic about how an ME's office operates in some way--both more clinical and more medically-professional--which gives it credibility. What I also appreciate, and all too rare in most books--is it gives a good picture of the conflicting tensions in big projects--here, building a skyscraper. The perennial safety challenge is actual cash for staying on schedule vs. the delays from all the things that can go wrong. This tension is at the heart of many industrial accidents: the Macondo offshore well tragedy is a notable real-life example. So particular kudos to Melinek & Mitchell for effectively dramatizing this conflict and at the same time telling a very good story.
May 18, 2021
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
I guess no one will be surprised when I say I love books with a medical examiner as the main character. In fact, the Scarpetta series and the Temperance Brennan series are in part to blame for me being a medical examiner myself. A couple of years back I read the author’s non-fiction book Working Stiff, about her work as a medical examiner and I absolutely loved it, so I was ecstatic when I found out she was gonna write a fiction series along her husband.
Aftershock is the second installment in the Dr. Jessie Teska series. Although a follow up it can be read as a stand alone as enough details about Jessie’s backstory are provided for you to easily catch up. The discovery of a body on a construction site marks the start of a story that, imo, suffered from trying to go in too many directions.
When soon afterwards there’s an earthquake I thought that it would play a more pivotal role in the main plot, but instead it felt like just an excuse to try and fit one specific clue of the investigation. Clue that I catch up on the moment it was first mentioned and could not understand how it took Jessie so long to realize.
Jessie is a headstrong and outspoken woman, she doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but sometimes she comes out as a bit brash, making it a bit hard to warm up to her. Also, she makes a really stupid decision that she later tries to justify (even through another character’s actions) and that is one of my pet peeves (no spoilers!)
My favorite parts were, of course, the morgue scenes. The murder mystery came to a not so shocking conclusion. The shocking bit was the social issue that was presented at the end and that I found absolutely abhorrent.
The personal life plot line was closed too quickly but I’m guessing we’ll see more of that in future installments.
Will I be back for book 3? Yes, cause even though this one didn’t grab me as much as I would have liked, both the series and Jessie herself have a lot of room to grow.
I guess no one will be surprised when I say I love books with a medical examiner as the main character. In fact, the Scarpetta series and the Temperance Brennan series are in part to blame for me being a medical examiner myself. A couple of years back I read the author’s non-fiction book Working Stiff, about her work as a medical examiner and I absolutely loved it, so I was ecstatic when I found out she was gonna write a fiction series along her husband.
Aftershock is the second installment in the Dr. Jessie Teska series. Although a follow up it can be read as a stand alone as enough details about Jessie’s backstory are provided for you to easily catch up. The discovery of a body on a construction site marks the start of a story that, imo, suffered from trying to go in too many directions.
When soon afterwards there’s an earthquake I thought that it would play a more pivotal role in the main plot, but instead it felt like just an excuse to try and fit one specific clue of the investigation. Clue that I catch up on the moment it was first mentioned and could not understand how it took Jessie so long to realize.
Jessie is a headstrong and outspoken woman, she doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but sometimes she comes out as a bit brash, making it a bit hard to warm up to her. Also, she makes a really stupid decision that she later tries to justify (even through another character’s actions) and that is one of my pet peeves (no spoilers!)
My favorite parts were, of course, the morgue scenes. The murder mystery came to a not so shocking conclusion. The shocking bit was the social issue that was presented at the end and that I found absolutely abhorrent.
The personal life plot line was closed too quickly but I’m guessing we’ll see more of that in future installments.
Will I be back for book 3? Yes, cause even though this one didn’t grab me as much as I would have liked, both the series and Jessie herself have a lot of room to grow.
July 11, 2022
A very good murder mystery. Very graphic in its telling. Need a strong stomach.
January 1, 2021
I’m always looking for a new procedural series to start and I love the idea of the MC being a forensic pathologist.
I really liked Jessie. She’s smart and headstrong and devoted to finding the story for each body. I will say that at times, her inner monologue was really dry, but I chalked that up to her line of work. There are several other characters here, but this is firmly Jessie’s narrative.
Plot wise it was good. The build up was slow and tangled and I enjoyed reading it unravel, even though I figured it out right away. The tension wasn’t quite what I wanted it to be and the main conflict scene was started and resolved in a couple of pages; however I did want to know how it ended.
Overall, it was an interesting story that kept me entertained and I’ll definitely be looking for other books in this series.
**Huge thanks to Hanover for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Jessie. She’s smart and headstrong and devoted to finding the story for each body. I will say that at times, her inner monologue was really dry, but I chalked that up to her line of work. There are several other characters here, but this is firmly Jessie’s narrative.
Plot wise it was good. The build up was slow and tangled and I enjoyed reading it unravel, even though I figured it out right away. The tension wasn’t quite what I wanted it to be and the main conflict scene was started and resolved in a couple of pages; however I did want to know how it ended.
Overall, it was an interesting story that kept me entertained and I’ll definitely be looking for other books in this series.
**Huge thanks to Hanover for providing the arc free of charge**
January 26, 2021
You don’t need to have read First Cut, the first in this series about medical examiner Dr. Jessie Teska, to enjoy Aftershock. It’s set several months after First Cut, when Jessie has settled into her life in San Francisco and her relationship with lawyer boyfriend Anup. Called to an apparent construction site accident where a prominent architect has been killed, Jessie soon realises things don’t quite add up about the scene, and that she’s looking at a murder, not an accident.
One of the authors is a medical examiner and it really shines through; there are no same-day DNA results (I’m looking at you, Hawaii 5-0) more like, chasing down microscope slides two weeks later. A serious earthquake in the city leaves Jessie with the morgue’s cool room stacked high with body bags and far too much work to follow up every thread on the case, and the chronically understaffed morgue with regular equipment failures also felt very realistic.
What did feel unreal to me was the building contractor who apparently had the job of doing maintenance on the HVAC on the morgue and was concrete pour supervisor at a multimillion dollar skyscraper project. These are two very different skillsets and vastly disparate budgets - one of them is a 3-4 figure job and the other a 5-6 figure job, so to me it didn’t really add up that it would be the same person within a short window of time. Unfortunately the author hung a major plot point on it, which had me wincing; it felt clunky, contrived and fake, which was a real shame because the rest of the book is so good and I like Jessie a lot - she feels so very real.
I’ll give this four stars, and I’d definitely like to keep reading in the series (hoping Anup sees the light sooner rather than later, too!) but I hope the villain in the next one is less clunkily telegraphed.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
One of the authors is a medical examiner and it really shines through; there are no same-day DNA results (I’m looking at you, Hawaii 5-0) more like, chasing down microscope slides two weeks later. A serious earthquake in the city leaves Jessie with the morgue’s cool room stacked high with body bags and far too much work to follow up every thread on the case, and the chronically understaffed morgue with regular equipment failures also felt very realistic.
What did feel unreal to me was the building contractor who apparently had the job of doing maintenance on the HVAC on the morgue and was concrete pour supervisor at a multimillion dollar skyscraper project. These are two very different skillsets and vastly disparate budgets - one of them is a 3-4 figure job and the other a 5-6 figure job, so to me it didn’t really add up that it would be the same person within a short window of time. Unfortunately the author hung a major plot point on it, which had me wincing; it felt clunky, contrived and fake, which was a real shame because the rest of the book is so good and I like Jessie a lot - she feels so very real.
I’ll give this four stars, and I’d definitely like to keep reading in the series (hoping Anup sees the light sooner rather than later, too!) but I hope the villain in the next one is less clunkily telegraphed.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
February 17, 2021
Aftershock is the second in the Jessie Teska series revolving around Teska, an abrasive, hard core forensic pathologist in San Fransicso. I absolutely loved (!) First Cut, the first in the series by this writing duo and anxiously awaited the arrival of this Aftershock. I was quite disappointed with myself, actually, because I simply could not connect with the story line or even with Teska, herself, in this follow up. There is another questionable cause of death, this one at a construction site, but then there is a major earthquake which Teska must survive. Simply put, there was too much going on. Pick one - forensic thriller or earthquake thriller but I didn't need both on top of Teska's already bit over the top personality. I'm just not sure I'll bother with another book, if there is one, in this series despite my love of the first.
January 8, 2021
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
When I was given an option to review an arc of Aftershock by Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell I read the synopsis and was quite excited for it. I think in the future I need to pay more attention because if I knew this was a procedural mystery I might have passed.
Unfortunately there was more about this book that I disliked than I enjoyed. While it was well written and the story read smoothly, the most interesting parts to me where the times spent in the actual morgue. That's all I have for you in the positive column.
I don't know if it's because I didn't read the first book, therefore I had no former attachment to Dr. Jessie Teska but she was a very disappointing lead. She was completely work focused and when it came to her personal life I found her selfish and unlikable. Something happens around the 60% mark that made me want to smack her. She handles her romantic relationship immaturely and makes excuses for her own behavior. Whether or not her personal relationship partner was a good match or not didn't excuse her actions.
Onto the main plot line of the story, the mystery aspect. I guess I never fully understood why, as the medical examiner, she was so involved in the investigation process. Besides that I found the mystery of 'who dunnit' underwhelming. When Jessie figures it all out, my reaction was an eye roll.
In the end, Aftershock was just not the book for me.
When I was given an option to review an arc of Aftershock by Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell I read the synopsis and was quite excited for it. I think in the future I need to pay more attention because if I knew this was a procedural mystery I might have passed.
Unfortunately there was more about this book that I disliked than I enjoyed. While it was well written and the story read smoothly, the most interesting parts to me where the times spent in the actual morgue. That's all I have for you in the positive column.
I don't know if it's because I didn't read the first book, therefore I had no former attachment to Dr. Jessie Teska but she was a very disappointing lead. She was completely work focused and when it came to her personal life I found her selfish and unlikable. Something happens around the 60% mark that made me want to smack her. She handles her romantic relationship immaturely and makes excuses for her own behavior. Whether or not her personal relationship partner was a good match or not didn't excuse her actions.
Onto the main plot line of the story, the mystery aspect. I guess I never fully understood why, as the medical examiner, she was so involved in the investigation process. Besides that I found the mystery of 'who dunnit' underwhelming. When Jessie figures it all out, my reaction was an eye roll.
In the end, Aftershock was just not the book for me.
January 23, 2021
Aftershock by Judy Melinek & T.J. Mitchell
Jessie Teska #2
Jessie is woken early to come into assess a dead body as happens when one is a medical examiner. Upon arrival there is a messy scene with a very dead man beneath a pile of pipes. Everyone seems eager to write it off as an accident…except Jessie and someone she works with. Police arrive, crime scene techs come do their thing and for some reason Jessie becomes a sleuth along with being a medical examiner a bit like Quincy or perhaps Crossing Jordan on TV. I have trouble wrapping my head around that idea but putting that aside and thinking of it the context of one of these shows I can see the story working better.
Soon after the first dead body is found there is a big earthquake while Jessie is out with her boyfriend of eight months and this is the first hint in the story that though they have been together awhile there may be future problems. Why? Well, Jessie feels she needs to go out and work after the earthquake as there will be dead bodies and her main squeeze, Anup the lawyer, thinks she should go home and stay safe.
There are scenes with Jessie doing autopsies, talking to the homicide detectives, interacting with Anup, spending time with her PI friend Sparkle, on the job with coworkers, talking to her mother, talking to suspects, meeting Anup’s family, dealing with relationship issues, with potential love interests other than Anup and…a few other things. It was a busy story with a lot going on with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings, positive and negative people and eventually the sussing out of who murdered the first dead body.
I did not read book one in the series and wonder if I would know Jessie better if I had. I had trouble warming up to her as I read and wondered if she would grow on me or not. She is brash, outspoken, aggressive, says what she thinks, backs down for no one, and tends to rub people wrong. So, perhaps I will give the next book in this series a chance to see if Jessie and I can hit it off or if perhaps she and her series will not be for me. I have a feeling the author(s) will grow as they write more in the series and would like to see how they and this character develop over time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Hanover Square Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Jessie Teska #2
Jessie is woken early to come into assess a dead body as happens when one is a medical examiner. Upon arrival there is a messy scene with a very dead man beneath a pile of pipes. Everyone seems eager to write it off as an accident…except Jessie and someone she works with. Police arrive, crime scene techs come do their thing and for some reason Jessie becomes a sleuth along with being a medical examiner a bit like Quincy or perhaps Crossing Jordan on TV. I have trouble wrapping my head around that idea but putting that aside and thinking of it the context of one of these shows I can see the story working better.
Soon after the first dead body is found there is a big earthquake while Jessie is out with her boyfriend of eight months and this is the first hint in the story that though they have been together awhile there may be future problems. Why? Well, Jessie feels she needs to go out and work after the earthquake as there will be dead bodies and her main squeeze, Anup the lawyer, thinks she should go home and stay safe.
There are scenes with Jessie doing autopsies, talking to the homicide detectives, interacting with Anup, spending time with her PI friend Sparkle, on the job with coworkers, talking to her mother, talking to suspects, meeting Anup’s family, dealing with relationship issues, with potential love interests other than Anup and…a few other things. It was a busy story with a lot going on with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings, positive and negative people and eventually the sussing out of who murdered the first dead body.
I did not read book one in the series and wonder if I would know Jessie better if I had. I had trouble warming up to her as I read and wondered if she would grow on me or not. She is brash, outspoken, aggressive, says what she thinks, backs down for no one, and tends to rub people wrong. So, perhaps I will give the next book in this series a chance to see if Jessie and I can hit it off or if perhaps she and her series will not be for me. I have a feeling the author(s) will grow as they write more in the series and would like to see how they and this character develop over time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Hanover Square Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
October 29, 2021
Not as good as book 1, but that cliffhanger is very intriguing 👀👀
January 19, 2021
The story of Medical Examiner Jessie Teska was highly entertaining as well as somewhat educational as far as autopsies go. Jessie is not your run-of-the-mill ME since she gets very involved with following clues and trying to discover the truth about homicide cases on her own. I was thoroughly entertained and hooked when I read the scene about the medical examiners working in sweltering heat with all of their PPE on. I almost cheered aloud when the HVAC guy named Denis actually got the air conditioning working again. That’s how invested I was in the story. The characters were realistic and the plot was believable and just twisted enough that I was not able to guess who the bad guy was. Lots of red herrings in this story who were built into the natural progression of the story very well. Although I did not read the first book in this series, I was able to follow along with the action and characterization well, especially enjoying cultural issues like Jessie celebrating Diwali with Anup’s family. With plenty of action, a plethora of clues and twists and realistic details with humor built in, this book was totally enjoyable. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy books about forensic science, police procedurals and good old-fashioned suspense and mystery. I will definitely look for the next book in the series!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
January 16, 2021
This was the second book in this series but the first one I have ever read by this author. I am looking forward to reading many more books by this author. I do not believe that you have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one but if it is as good as this one I think you will want to read it. I love Jessie and the people she works with. This story had some thrills and I enjoy medical novels also. I received a copy of this book from Harlequin for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Read
January 30, 2022I really love this series! Can’t wait for the next one.
February 3, 2021
Overall a decent read. The random use of Polish seems to serve no purpose other than ... showing that the author knows Polish? It doesn't add to the story - and detracts, really. Otherwise, fun read.
January 17, 2021
Jessie Teska is a medical examiner called to the scene of what appears to be a construction accident. Besides being very good at her job, she tends to go above and beyond in finding out whodunnit and why. The police are ready to move on from this 'accident', but Jessie's autopsy proves it was murder.
As she is conducting the autopsy, the gruesome reality of this job takes center stage, but somehow, some dark humor comes through too. This particular incident occurs early in Aftershock, and this is when the story first really grabbed my attention. The air conditioning isn't working and the HVAC technician who arrives( in the middle of the autopsy) to fix it, let me know that this was going to be both a dark and a light read( if that makes sense).
This isn't going to be an open and shut case, however, as a natural disaster, an injury to Jessie, quite a few potential suspects, and more than one red herring got in the way. Jessie is a great character and even though I didn't think I could find humor in a medical examiner's job, I managed to laugh more than a few times.
I didn't realize Aftershock was the second book in the series, but I had no problem reading this as a stand-alone. If you like police procedurals with a twist, a smart and tenacious main character, and an engaging mystery, this might be a book you would enjoy.
As she is conducting the autopsy, the gruesome reality of this job takes center stage, but somehow, some dark humor comes through too. This particular incident occurs early in Aftershock, and this is when the story first really grabbed my attention. The air conditioning isn't working and the HVAC technician who arrives( in the middle of the autopsy) to fix it, let me know that this was going to be both a dark and a light read( if that makes sense).
This isn't going to be an open and shut case, however, as a natural disaster, an injury to Jessie, quite a few potential suspects, and more than one red herring got in the way. Jessie is a great character and even though I didn't think I could find humor in a medical examiner's job, I managed to laugh more than a few times.
I didn't realize Aftershock was the second book in the series, but I had no problem reading this as a stand-alone. If you like police procedurals with a twist, a smart and tenacious main character, and an engaging mystery, this might be a book you would enjoy.
February 1, 2021
Aftershock (Dr. Jessie Teska Mystery #2) by
4 stars
M/F Mystery
Triggers: Cheating
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
When a well to do business man is found crushed, it’s up to Jessie to figure out whether it’s a terrible accident or murder.
Jessie and Anup have a somewhat stunted relationship. Anup is not available emotionally beyond what he gives to Jessie and Jessie is almost desperate in her attempts to fit in with Anup’s family. It’s an interesting dynamic to watch unfold. However, I felt almost zero chemistry between Anup and Jessie the entire story.
Jessie has her hands full with people coming at her from all different directions in this case. The wife and business partner are looking like they need money, the son seems less than credible and then you have all of the workers on the job... the suspect list might be never ending.
I like how fast this story was. You have a few characters who really carry the storyline and as you watch everything unfold, you’ll seemed surprised until you aren’t.
I think the only real issue I had with the book was calling the EMT/morgue people by a number throughout the story. It was a little distracting.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
4 stars
M/F Mystery
Triggers: Cheating
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
When a well to do business man is found crushed, it’s up to Jessie to figure out whether it’s a terrible accident or murder.
Jessie and Anup have a somewhat stunted relationship. Anup is not available emotionally beyond what he gives to Jessie and Jessie is almost desperate in her attempts to fit in with Anup’s family. It’s an interesting dynamic to watch unfold. However, I felt almost zero chemistry between Anup and Jessie the entire story.
Jessie has her hands full with people coming at her from all different directions in this case. The wife and business partner are looking like they need money, the son seems less than credible and then you have all of the workers on the job... the suspect list might be never ending.
I like how fast this story was. You have a few characters who really carry the storyline and as you watch everything unfold, you’ll seemed surprised until you aren’t.
I think the only real issue I had with the book was calling the EMT/morgue people by a number throughout the story. It was a little distracting.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
January 22, 2021
I continue to enjoy this San Francisco-set mystery series. The author, like her protagonist, is a pathologist in real life, adding verisimilitude to the stories--although I'm hoping Dr. Melinik's career has been far less dangerous! In this latest (the second, I think), the relationship conflict also had the messy feel of real life. I like this interesting, obsessive, flawed character, and I look forward to her further misadventures.
April 12, 2021
This is the 2nd book in the series. I really enjoy following Dr.Jessie Tesla a medical examiner in the San Francisco area as she tries to solve a high profile murder. I learned a lot about being a medical examiner, a little gruesome but it does give you the perspective of what a medical examiner does. Some things that were mentioned seemed like the book was written today. A prominent architect is murdered and a man is held that Jessie does not feel did it.
February 4, 2021
I read this in a sitting when I didn't feel like reading other options. It was packed with action. Jessie did make some questionable decisions. Some bordered on TSTL and were quite dangerous to herself. I don't know how realistic it is science-wise but it is a fun read.
February 18, 2021
True to life
I am a pathologist with forensic training. It is a pleasure to read
a novel with detailed procedures and facts and use them to tell
an interesting story with a convoluted plot.
I am a pathologist with forensic training. It is a pleasure to read
a novel with detailed procedures and facts and use them to tell
an interesting story with a convoluted plot.
December 25, 2025
I wish I could combine several tenets of several crime/forensic pathology/etc. books and I believe I might possibly be able to come up with a perfect series of books. I loved Simon Beckett and I spent a long time with Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta. And there’s all the UK stars: Ellie Griffith, Joy Ellis to name but two. And now here’s Judy Melenik and spouse in the mix. I like her! I like her on TikTok and in fact, it is her my brain is imaging as I read of autopsies, heated conversations and harrowing scrapes from death. I’m pretending there’s a third one due out any day, just because it makes me happy to think so, not that I have any information that one is even in the works. Dr. Jessie Teska lacks the “pizazz” of Scarpetta. She’s more down to earth They both have an admirable moral compass. Teska may lack that luxury factor Scarpetta is famous for and even if it weren’t totally okay, (which it is!) she has no annoying, aggravating, please-kill-him-off Pete Marino. Her brother, Tommy, is exceptional at computering, though not to the degree of Lucy, Scarpetta’s insufferable hack-a-mole niece. They are close as siblings, and there is not a wisp of obsession between them. It is 💯 refreshing. Aunt Kay is so obsessed with Lucy. It’s an unhealthy connection, beyond love and runs a close second to the Annoyance Factor of Marino.
The next sentence MAY BE A SPOILER, though I’m not 100% sure. I THOUGHT I read Pete Mari-nauseating marries Scarpetta’s also insufferable sister, Dorothy. If this is true, I will fantasize of TP’ing Cornwell’s home and sending a train of pizzas to her. That may be the end of my relationship with Patricia/Kay. It’s too late for her to tear a page out of Melinek’s playbook. Melinek demonstrates there can be conflict between characters, both personal and professional, without causing the reader to drop the book and look for a pair of scissors to gouge their eyes out. This sounds like more of a Scarpetta review, but it is in my criticism I point out the strength of Melinek’s writing.
The ending of Aftershock is contemporary and cutting. Without launching into a political diatribe, it could be plucked from today’s headlines. ICE makes an appearance, leaving me enraged. And overwhelmingly sad. Hurray to the author for putting it in there to cast a spotlight on how unchecked and unfair the bullshit can be.
No fifth star, as there wasn’t ever quite enough at stake in the plot. It wasn’t enough to be a trip to Snoozeville, but the pacing and depth could be amped up. Maybe next time, as I assume there will be a next one, and without a doubt, I’ll be reading it, and I hope you will too. 😊
The next sentence MAY BE A SPOILER, though I’m not 100% sure. I THOUGHT I read Pete Mari-nauseating marries Scarpetta’s also insufferable sister, Dorothy. If this is true, I will fantasize of TP’ing Cornwell’s home and sending a train of pizzas to her. That may be the end of my relationship with Patricia/Kay. It’s too late for her to tear a page out of Melinek’s playbook. Melinek demonstrates there can be conflict between characters, both personal and professional, without causing the reader to drop the book and look for a pair of scissors to gouge their eyes out. This sounds like more of a Scarpetta review, but it is in my criticism I point out the strength of Melinek’s writing.
The ending of Aftershock is contemporary and cutting. Without launching into a political diatribe, it could be plucked from today’s headlines. ICE makes an appearance, leaving me enraged. And overwhelmingly sad. Hurray to the author for putting it in there to cast a spotlight on how unchecked and unfair the bullshit can be.
No fifth star, as there wasn’t ever quite enough at stake in the plot. It wasn’t enough to be a trip to Snoozeville, but the pacing and depth could be amped up. Maybe next time, as I assume there will be a next one, and without a doubt, I’ll be reading it, and I hope you will too. 😊
January 18, 2021
Aftershock by Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell is the 2nd book in their Jessie Teska series. I did not read the first book in this series, but it did read well as a standalone. Aftershock begins with Medical Examiner Jessie Teska, our heroine, called in the middle of the night to investigate a dead body at a construction site. The body lies under pipes that had dropped from a collapsed beam. Everyone assumes it was an accident, but Jessie notices signs of the body having been dragged, no blood on site, and other small things which dictated that this was staged. The police give her a hard time, as they prefer this being an accident, but Jessie is determined to prove this was murder.
There is also a romantic element to the story, as Jessie is in a relationship with someone, who resents all the time she spends trying to solve every case. I really didn’t care too much for her boyfriend, especially since he refused her to meet his family. This is part of the overall story, but in the background to the true storyline.
When an earthquake, hits Jessie suffers a head injury, but she pushes to get released, as she needs to examine the victim, as well as the other normal deaths that come in during the earthquake. Jessie is a workaholic and when the detectives arrest one of men at the construction site, Jessie keeps investigating, as she feels this person is being framed. Along the way, she does alienate some people, as per her discoveries that causes the police to be negative, as well as her boyfriend walking out. But Jessie proves herself to be a great medical examiner, as well as her own detective work.
What follows is an exciting story, though I will note that I thought Jessie’s continual determination to prove who was the real culprit put her life in danger a few times, especially with her injuries. It did not feel realistic. The ending was a wild climax, holding my breath if Jessie would survive. It was sort of a surprise as to who, how and why?
Aftershock was a good mystery, and Jessie Teska was very good as the heroine, though I thought some things she continued to do border lined on believability. The story had covered a lot of areas, earthquake, murder, dysfunctional family, police/DA issues and intense situations. Overall, Aftershock was well written by Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
There is also a romantic element to the story, as Jessie is in a relationship with someone, who resents all the time she spends trying to solve every case. I really didn’t care too much for her boyfriend, especially since he refused her to meet his family. This is part of the overall story, but in the background to the true storyline.
When an earthquake, hits Jessie suffers a head injury, but she pushes to get released, as she needs to examine the victim, as well as the other normal deaths that come in during the earthquake. Jessie is a workaholic and when the detectives arrest one of men at the construction site, Jessie keeps investigating, as she feels this person is being framed. Along the way, she does alienate some people, as per her discoveries that causes the police to be negative, as well as her boyfriend walking out. But Jessie proves herself to be a great medical examiner, as well as her own detective work.
What follows is an exciting story, though I will note that I thought Jessie’s continual determination to prove who was the real culprit put her life in danger a few times, especially with her injuries. It did not feel realistic. The ending was a wild climax, holding my breath if Jessie would survive. It was sort of a surprise as to who, how and why?
Aftershock was a good mystery, and Jessie Teska was very good as the heroine, though I thought some things she continued to do border lined on believability. The story had covered a lot of areas, earthquake, murder, dysfunctional family, police/DA issues and intense situations. Overall, Aftershock was well written by Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
January 19, 2021
I’ve previously read and reviewed Melinek and Mitchell’s first Jessie Teska mystery, First Cut. When I was offered the opportunity to participate in the Aftershock blog tour, I jumped on it. I do love a good forensic mystery. I devour books by Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, Tess Gerritsen, Jefferson Bass. Were I going back to school, I might go into forensic science. That’s how fascinating I find the whole field.
The book opens when Jessie, recently promoted to deputy chief, is called to the scene of what appears to be a construction accident – a man crushed by a load of falling pipe. But what she’s seeing doesn’t match up with what allegedly happened, and she isn’t going to let it lie. The deceased turns out to be a big-name architect who made himself a nuisance on the site, and there are a lot of people who could have wanted him dead. As she’s trying to find evidence to support her theory that this was a homicide, San Francisco is hit by a big earthquake, and the medical examiner’s office is up to its eyeballs in corpses.
Jessie isn’t one who goes along to get along. She has a history with the investigating officer, and she doesn’t trust that he’s going to do his job and follow up on what she’s telling him. So she does her own sleuthing, putting herself in harm’s way as someone doesn’t want the truth to come out.
I like Jessie. She is a take-no-crap woman doing a tough job and doing it well. Sometimes she makes impulsive decisions that don’t always work out, and I can relate to that. I’ve said that “it seemed like a good idea at the time” will be my epitaph.
Melinek and Mitchell have once again done a bang-up job of writing an excellent procedural that just sucks you in. I love the details of the activity in the morgue. (I took a Law and Medicine class in law school – we got to observe autopsies. It was cool! I’m weird like that.) I used to be a prosecutor, so the details of the court hearings remind me of those days. And there were enough changes of direction to keep me guessing as to who the killer was almost up until the big reveal.
Another thorougly enjoyable read, and I look forward to more Jessie Teska.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the advance reader copy. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
The book opens when Jessie, recently promoted to deputy chief, is called to the scene of what appears to be a construction accident – a man crushed by a load of falling pipe. But what she’s seeing doesn’t match up with what allegedly happened, and she isn’t going to let it lie. The deceased turns out to be a big-name architect who made himself a nuisance on the site, and there are a lot of people who could have wanted him dead. As she’s trying to find evidence to support her theory that this was a homicide, San Francisco is hit by a big earthquake, and the medical examiner’s office is up to its eyeballs in corpses.
Jessie isn’t one who goes along to get along. She has a history with the investigating officer, and she doesn’t trust that he’s going to do his job and follow up on what she’s telling him. So she does her own sleuthing, putting herself in harm’s way as someone doesn’t want the truth to come out.
I like Jessie. She is a take-no-crap woman doing a tough job and doing it well. Sometimes she makes impulsive decisions that don’t always work out, and I can relate to that. I’ve said that “it seemed like a good idea at the time” will be my epitaph.
Melinek and Mitchell have once again done a bang-up job of writing an excellent procedural that just sucks you in. I love the details of the activity in the morgue. (I took a Law and Medicine class in law school – we got to observe autopsies. It was cool! I’m weird like that.) I used to be a prosecutor, so the details of the court hearings remind me of those days. And there were enough changes of direction to keep me guessing as to who the killer was almost up until the big reveal.
Another thorougly enjoyable read, and I look forward to more Jessie Teska.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the advance reader copy. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
January 18, 2021
ORIGINAL POST: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I had never heard of Judy Melinek or T.J. Mitchell before, but the cover of Aftershock was what first caught my eye. Then it was the description. Solving a murder, but through the eyes of the medical examiner? Sign me up! I’ve read what seems like a million mystery/thrillers in my time, and this was a new concept for me. Something new and intriguing. I had to read it.
Melinek and Mitchell do not disappoint. From chapter one you are greeted with interesting and intense characters. Dr. Jessie Teska is sassy, yet professional and has the smarts to put any man or woman to shame. She doesn’t take any crap from anyone and I might have a slight girl crush on her. She is fierce. We also meet many side characters including her friend Sparkle, her cousin Baby Mike (who can clear a mexican food truck in a way that makes me so proud), Teska’s boyfriend Anup, and so many more. I always say while the main characters make the story, the supporting characters make it interesting. Melinek and Mitchell have some of my favorite supporting characters I have ever read.
This story will not leave you bored at any point. No matter if Teska is digging in dirt for blood or taking her dog for a walk, it all seems very important, very intense, and like at any moment the other shoe will drop. I loved how enthralled I was the entire time. Not a single down moment. It’s hard to find books that hook you and hold you with not a single dip in momentum. The writing is smooth and even shocking at times. The details prove these authors did their research in all fields related to this story. Best of all, you will NOT see the end coming. I’ve gotten pretty good at guessing what is going to happen and my mouth literally dropped open when the final clue clicked into place.
Aftershock is witty, shocking, exciting, and will keep your blood pumping from page one to the end. You will love this novel whether you love mystery/thriller novels or not. It’s that good. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go pick up any other novel Melinek and Mitchell have ever written.
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I had never heard of Judy Melinek or T.J. Mitchell before, but the cover of Aftershock was what first caught my eye. Then it was the description. Solving a murder, but through the eyes of the medical examiner? Sign me up! I’ve read what seems like a million mystery/thrillers in my time, and this was a new concept for me. Something new and intriguing. I had to read it.
Melinek and Mitchell do not disappoint. From chapter one you are greeted with interesting and intense characters. Dr. Jessie Teska is sassy, yet professional and has the smarts to put any man or woman to shame. She doesn’t take any crap from anyone and I might have a slight girl crush on her. She is fierce. We also meet many side characters including her friend Sparkle, her cousin Baby Mike (who can clear a mexican food truck in a way that makes me so proud), Teska’s boyfriend Anup, and so many more. I always say while the main characters make the story, the supporting characters make it interesting. Melinek and Mitchell have some of my favorite supporting characters I have ever read.
This story will not leave you bored at any point. No matter if Teska is digging in dirt for blood or taking her dog for a walk, it all seems very important, very intense, and like at any moment the other shoe will drop. I loved how enthralled I was the entire time. Not a single down moment. It’s hard to find books that hook you and hold you with not a single dip in momentum. The writing is smooth and even shocking at times. The details prove these authors did their research in all fields related to this story. Best of all, you will NOT see the end coming. I’ve gotten pretty good at guessing what is going to happen and my mouth literally dropped open when the final clue clicked into place.
Aftershock is witty, shocking, exciting, and will keep your blood pumping from page one to the end. You will love this novel whether you love mystery/thriller novels or not. It’s that good. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go pick up any other novel Melinek and Mitchell have ever written.
January 11, 2021
I received a copy of Aftershock in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell are back for the second novel in the Dr. Jessi Teska Mystery series – Aftershock.
Dr. Jessi Teska is no stranger to mysteries. It's all part of the job for her. But when an earthquake hits part of San Francisco, even she isn't fully prepared for what she will see. Or the mysteries that will rise up with the event.
Unsurprisingly, a body has been discovered. At a glance, this would appear to have been an accident. After all, construction sites plus earthquakes usually don't spell out good things. Yet any professional could quickly see how very wrong this initial assessment is.
“Where's all the blood from that crush injury? There's drag marks and damage to the clothing to match.”
Aftershock was a tense and thrilling read – exactly what the description promised it would be! Jessi's investigation is the sort that immediately pulls the reader into the mystery, and doesn't leave them disappointed by the conclusion.
Confession time: I actually didn't read First Cut before diving into this read. Still, I had no trouble following along, proving that this is a highly approachable sequel in this series. Personally, I love it when mystery series do that. Now new fans can be found at any point along the way.
Dr. Jessi Teska is a forensic pathologist – which I actually adore. She makes for a great and fairly unique perspective on the whole procedural crime circuit. Honestly, I almost want to say that we need more like this!
Anyway, moving on. Jessi makes for a perfect protagonist. She's smart (obviously), driven, determined, and no afraid to chase after what she considers to be important. Such as solving a series of murders.
If you like slow-burning mysteries with strong crime procedural elements, then this is the book for you. Aftershock has all of that, and more.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell are back for the second novel in the Dr. Jessi Teska Mystery series – Aftershock.
Dr. Jessi Teska is no stranger to mysteries. It's all part of the job for her. But when an earthquake hits part of San Francisco, even she isn't fully prepared for what she will see. Or the mysteries that will rise up with the event.
Unsurprisingly, a body has been discovered. At a glance, this would appear to have been an accident. After all, construction sites plus earthquakes usually don't spell out good things. Yet any professional could quickly see how very wrong this initial assessment is.
“Where's all the blood from that crush injury? There's drag marks and damage to the clothing to match.”
Aftershock was a tense and thrilling read – exactly what the description promised it would be! Jessi's investigation is the sort that immediately pulls the reader into the mystery, and doesn't leave them disappointed by the conclusion.
Confession time: I actually didn't read First Cut before diving into this read. Still, I had no trouble following along, proving that this is a highly approachable sequel in this series. Personally, I love it when mystery series do that. Now new fans can be found at any point along the way.
Dr. Jessi Teska is a forensic pathologist – which I actually adore. She makes for a great and fairly unique perspective on the whole procedural crime circuit. Honestly, I almost want to say that we need more like this!
Anyway, moving on. Jessi makes for a perfect protagonist. She's smart (obviously), driven, determined, and no afraid to chase after what she considers to be important. Such as solving a series of murders.
If you like slow-burning mysteries with strong crime procedural elements, then this is the book for you. Aftershock has all of that, and more.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
January 18, 2021
Dr. Jessie Teska is the medical examiner on call when a body is found at a construction site. She discovers it's a homicide staged as an accident, and she has to track down the killer. An earthquake rattles the city, leaving an innocent man framed for the murder. Now Jessie has to race to find the truth before it gets buried.
I found Aftershock fascinating from the start, not knowing much about how medical examiners work. She's a doctor and takes her duties seriously both as a medical examiner and as a first responder doctor when someone is in an accident or when the earthquake hit San Francisco. She's determined to find the truth, no matter who it is; she campaigns just as hard for the famous architect as she does for the homeless man. I admire that about her, as well as the strong ties to her family and close friends. I'm as upset on her behalf that her boyfriend can't introduce her to her family and finds her Polish roots and brash demeanor too much of a barrier to bridge. She's more than willing to reach out and be part of his culture, as superficial as her attempts are, and that's a trait that's often hard to find.
I'm sure that Jessie's attempts to dive deep into the murder investigation aren't part of the usual duties of a medical examiner, but it's fascinating to see the frustrations and day to day routines that she has. It's because she isn't directly interviewing suspects the way the police detectives do that she is able to tease out new tidbits to give them. Politics, money, and race do play a part in some of the investigation and some of the outcome, something I'm sure happens in Real Life more often than any of us would like. For this novel, I was drawn into it from the start and lost track of time to finish the book. I look forward to seeing more novels starring Dr. Teska and her friends.
I found Aftershock fascinating from the start, not knowing much about how medical examiners work. She's a doctor and takes her duties seriously both as a medical examiner and as a first responder doctor when someone is in an accident or when the earthquake hit San Francisco. She's determined to find the truth, no matter who it is; she campaigns just as hard for the famous architect as she does for the homeless man. I admire that about her, as well as the strong ties to her family and close friends. I'm as upset on her behalf that her boyfriend can't introduce her to her family and finds her Polish roots and brash demeanor too much of a barrier to bridge. She's more than willing to reach out and be part of his culture, as superficial as her attempts are, and that's a trait that's often hard to find.
I'm sure that Jessie's attempts to dive deep into the murder investigation aren't part of the usual duties of a medical examiner, but it's fascinating to see the frustrations and day to day routines that she has. It's because she isn't directly interviewing suspects the way the police detectives do that she is able to tease out new tidbits to give them. Politics, money, and race do play a part in some of the investigation and some of the outcome, something I'm sure happens in Real Life more often than any of us would like. For this novel, I was drawn into it from the start and lost track of time to finish the book. I look forward to seeing more novels starring Dr. Teska and her friends.
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