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Dr. Schwartzman #0.5
The Ex
Seven years after making her escape from an abusive marriage, Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman is settling into her position as medical examiner in the city of San Francisco. Doing what she loves, she can almost put the trauma of her past behind her. Until she confronts the case of a young woman, sixteen weeks pregnant.
Everything about the case says the woman took her own life. As hard as Schwartzman tries to make peace with the evidence in her head, something about the case won’t leave her alone. She’s all too aware of how similar the circumstances are to her own past. After all, she, too, was once sixteen weeks pregnant…
Going beyond her role in the morgue, Schwartzman digs into the boyfriend’s past, determined to find the truth behind the woman’s death, a fate she knows could easily have been her own.
Everything about the case says the woman took her own life. As hard as Schwartzman tries to make peace with the evidence in her head, something about the case won’t leave her alone. She’s all too aware of how similar the circumstances are to her own past. After all, she, too, was once sixteen weeks pregnant…
Going beyond her role in the morgue, Schwartzman digs into the boyfriend’s past, determined to find the truth behind the woman’s death, a fate she knows could easily have been her own.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2022
468 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Girard
21 books1,129 followersDanielle Girard is the USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author of sixteen novels, including the Annabelle Schwartzman Series, Chasing Darkness, and The Rookie Club series.
Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Her next thriller, Pinky Swear, will be out from the Emily Bestler Imprint of Atria books February 24, 2026.
Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today’s best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.
Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Her next thriller, Pinky Swear, will be out from the Emily Bestler Imprint of Atria books February 24, 2026.
Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today’s best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 14, 2026
The Ex is an introduction to Danielle Girard’s Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman series. It’s not often you read about a medical examiner going beyond the autopsy work to help investigate a case.
Because of her own history in an abusive marriage, Annabelle feels the death of a pregnant woman isn’t what it looks like and she refuses to let it go. It’s a quick, gritty story that gives us her backstory and explains what happened with Spencer, the husband she ran away from.
The other case the detective team is investigating doesn't get resolved, which felt a bit unfinished. I’m looking forward to reading more of the series.
Because of her own history in an abusive marriage, Annabelle feels the death of a pregnant woman isn’t what it looks like and she refuses to let it go. It’s a quick, gritty story that gives us her backstory and explains what happened with Spencer, the husband she ran away from.
The other case the detective team is investigating doesn't get resolved, which felt a bit unfinished. I’m looking forward to reading more of the series.
August 15, 2023
The Ex is clever, suspenseful, and packs an emotional punch. Prepare to read this taut and fast-paced thriller in one sitting!
July 5, 2022
Good start to the series. We learn who the Doctor is and why she can't just close the case and walk away.
It hits to close to home and you feel the anguish she went through as well as the heartbreak.
It hits to close to home and you feel the anguish she went through as well as the heartbreak.
July 7, 2022
The Ex was an excellent prequel to the Dr. Schwartzman thriller series.
Seven years after escaping an abusive marriage, Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman is finding her footing as the medical examiner of San Francisco. She enjoys her work and has mostly put her past behind her until the case of a young woman who was sixteen weeks pregnant makes its' way to her table. All the evidence points to suicide but Annabelle can't let go of the feeling that there's something more to the woman's death. Digging into the boyfriend's past, Annabelle is determined to find the truth.
The Ex follows Annabelle as she works on a case that brings up a lot of memories for her as the victim was as far along into her pregnancy as Annabelle was when her life changed. We get to see Annabelle's past through a series of flashbacks as moments in the case remind Annabelle of what happened to her. I liked this method of explaining the connection to the case as it personalized Annabelle and fleshed out her character quite a bit in a short amount of time. The case itself was interesting and I liked that Annabelle trusted her gut even when all initial signs pointed to suicide. Annabelle begins doing what she can to dig into the case while trying not to push too far past the boundaries of her position. She's helped by a few side characters that I'm sure we'll see again in the rest of the series which I liked. My one complaint is that we don't get to see the final interview with the boyfriend but with her position as medical examiner, that made sense.
Overall The Ex was an enjoyable read and I definitely plan to pick up the first full-length book in the series, Exhume, soon.
Seven years after escaping an abusive marriage, Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman is finding her footing as the medical examiner of San Francisco. She enjoys her work and has mostly put her past behind her until the case of a young woman who was sixteen weeks pregnant makes its' way to her table. All the evidence points to suicide but Annabelle can't let go of the feeling that there's something more to the woman's death. Digging into the boyfriend's past, Annabelle is determined to find the truth.
The Ex follows Annabelle as she works on a case that brings up a lot of memories for her as the victim was as far along into her pregnancy as Annabelle was when her life changed. We get to see Annabelle's past through a series of flashbacks as moments in the case remind Annabelle of what happened to her. I liked this method of explaining the connection to the case as it personalized Annabelle and fleshed out her character quite a bit in a short amount of time. The case itself was interesting and I liked that Annabelle trusted her gut even when all initial signs pointed to suicide. Annabelle begins doing what she can to dig into the case while trying not to push too far past the boundaries of her position. She's helped by a few side characters that I'm sure we'll see again in the rest of the series which I liked. My one complaint is that we don't get to see the final interview with the boyfriend but with her position as medical examiner, that made sense.
Overall The Ex was an enjoyable read and I definitely plan to pick up the first full-length book in the series, Exhume, soon.
June 17, 2022
The Ex by Danielle Girard is a terrific read! Girard combines a fascinating forensic mystery with characters we root for (medical examiner Annabelle Schwartzman and Detective Hal Harris) and characters we loathe (Annabelle’s ex and whoever might have murdered the victim whose death kicks off the story). Schwartzman’s work to help solve the death of a young pregnant woman is skillfully woven in with scenes from her past to create a story I inhaled in two sittings. I love of all of Girard’s books, and she just gets better and better. The Ex is a treat for fans of her Annabelle Schwartzman series and new readers alike.
August 21, 2022
This riveting and emotional story is the perfect blend of crime fiction and domestic drama. Clever plotting and flawless pacing makes THE EX a novella that’s not to be missed.
July 9, 2022
Danielle Girard is just full of surprises. What surprised me the most about The Ex is that it is more of a novella than a full fledged book. It is a prequel to her series featuring Annabelle Schwartzman, the medical examiner for the San Francisco police.
The mystery in the story is absorbing enough, but at the heart of the matter is Schwartzman's dealings with her ex-husband Spencer. Schwartzman, known to her intimates as Bella, at first had enjoyed life with Spencer. With no real notice, Spencer began to change. The loving husband was gradually replaced with an abusive monster. Bella sought ways to escape Spencer, but then the worst possible thing in this situation happened: she learned that she was pregnant with Spencer's child. What would ordinarily sound like good news turned Spencer even further into evil incarnate. The abuse increased until Bella lost the baby, but she was too intimidated by Spencer to tell anyone the truth of what happened.
In the meantime, as the ME, she must deal with a death that seems an obvious suicide, but Bella suspects foul play. Further, while she is trying to investigate, the police department is putting pressure on her to turn her full attention to the passing of a local noteworthy politician. Even her close friend and colleague, Detective Hal Harris, is getting impatient with her to leave the suicide behind and get to the more prominent figure. But Dr. Schwartzman didn't get where she was without skill and ability. Her commitment to what her experience tells her lays strong groundwork for the three Schwartzman novels that preceded this entry.
The mystery in the story is absorbing enough, but at the heart of the matter is Schwartzman's dealings with her ex-husband Spencer. Schwartzman, known to her intimates as Bella, at first had enjoyed life with Spencer. With no real notice, Spencer began to change. The loving husband was gradually replaced with an abusive monster. Bella sought ways to escape Spencer, but then the worst possible thing in this situation happened: she learned that she was pregnant with Spencer's child. What would ordinarily sound like good news turned Spencer even further into evil incarnate. The abuse increased until Bella lost the baby, but she was too intimidated by Spencer to tell anyone the truth of what happened.
In the meantime, as the ME, she must deal with a death that seems an obvious suicide, but Bella suspects foul play. Further, while she is trying to investigate, the police department is putting pressure on her to turn her full attention to the passing of a local noteworthy politician. Even her close friend and colleague, Detective Hal Harris, is getting impatient with her to leave the suicide behind and get to the more prominent figure. But Dr. Schwartzman didn't get where she was without skill and ability. Her commitment to what her experience tells her lays strong groundwork for the three Schwartzman novels that preceded this entry.
June 13, 2022
A great read
This was a heartbreaking story about a case that presents as a suicide, which the evidence seems to support. However, Dr. Schwartzman feels like there's something not quite right about it. With a high profile case taking priority, Schwartzman is the only one who's looking into it, but is it possible that her own personal experience is making her see things that aren't really there? You'll have to read this to find out.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Although this book was recently published, well after the initial series, it almost reads like a prequel to the series. I honestly thought (and hoped) that this story would be a continuation of the last book in the series, but it's not. I don't know what the recommend reading order is from the author, but I would think that this may be best to read prior to the series. JMO!
This was a heartbreaking story about a case that presents as a suicide, which the evidence seems to support. However, Dr. Schwartzman feels like there's something not quite right about it. With a high profile case taking priority, Schwartzman is the only one who's looking into it, but is it possible that her own personal experience is making her see things that aren't really there? You'll have to read this to find out.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Although this book was recently published, well after the initial series, it almost reads like a prequel to the series. I honestly thought (and hoped) that this story would be a continuation of the last book in the series, but it's not. I don't know what the recommend reading order is from the author, but I would think that this may be best to read prior to the series. JMO!
June 8, 2024
I usually have quite a bit to write about, especially for a five star raring but I find I don’t have much to day other than I loved it. I first read Exhume years ago, not sure when because it was before I started tracking books on Goodreads, but I remember being so impressed by the story and the writing. Danielle Girard knows how to write a story that invokes emotion and gets my heart racing and even with a shorter story there was no exception. Since I enjoyed the series so much, it was nice to come back and revisit Annabelle’s story.
June 4, 2022
I'm a huge fan of Annabelle Schwartzman and this can be read before or after the series. Danielle Girard is truly a talented author and she goes above and beyond with this character. The research done is obvious and appreciated! The plots are always interesting and pull you in with just the right amount of detail without having to read things over and over several times throughout the book. This story was fabulous! I truly felt the pain with Anna and cried with her. Love this series!
November 2, 2022
The Ex is a short novella that gives the readers of this series some background regarding Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman's short-lived freedom from her abusive husband, Spencer MacDonald, and the heartbreak she suffered after her miscarriage. These events in Anna's life are revisited as flashbacks while the doctor investigates the death of a young pregnant woman, whom she suspects was murdered by her boyfriend.
June 4, 2022
The mark of a great storyteller is how they can take you through a rollercoaster of emotions and adventure without the comfort zone of 70,000 pages. Danielle delivers in this gripping Novella. It lights a blow torch on page one and leaves you exhausted, satisfied and wanting one more chapter at the end. Another hit from one of my favorite writers.
May 3, 2024
Fab Intro to the Dr Annabelle Series
Didn't realise this was the prequel, so was surprised it ended so quickly (then read that was the intention 🙈).
Great introduction into the series. I've completed Badlands to date, and love Danielle's writing style.
Looking forward to seeing what else the series offers!
Didn't realise this was the prequel, so was surprised it ended so quickly (then read that was the intention 🙈).
Great introduction into the series. I've completed Badlands to date, and love Danielle's writing style.
Looking forward to seeing what else the series offers!
July 27, 2022
This was the perfect nugget of backstory for my beloved Annabelle Schwartzman M.E. - I am heading back to re-read the series!
Danielle Girard is a master of crime thriller writing and I lose myself in her books every time I read one.
Danielle Girard is a master of crime thriller writing and I lose myself in her books every time I read one.
October 22, 2024
Suspense
Annabelle was in love and gullible, but she is tough.
She had to leave an abusive spouse and start a new life.
How long can she stay in hiding?
I am hooked to find out if the ex-husband finds Annabelle and ends up in jail.
Annabelle was in love and gullible, but she is tough.
She had to leave an abusive spouse and start a new life.
How long can she stay in hiding?
I am hooked to find out if the ex-husband finds Annabelle and ends up in jail.
April 1, 2026
A nice prequel to the series! It’s interesting to read after I completed it, because you see these moments of Anna and Spencer’s relationship and how she was affected by it in the beginning; leading up to the plot of what would be the series.
June 1, 2022
Danielle Girard writes the Annabelle Schwartzman books with such cleverness and intensity I continue in awe of her. "The Ex" is no exception. A mesmerizing read.
June 2, 2022
A prequel that left me wanting to read the series again! The story of Annabelle Schwartzman is one that is unforgettable. I'm hoping for a sixth book in this series.
June 6, 2022
She was right all along! I glad she stuck to her guns!!!!
June 26, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! After the last book I needed more Spencer content, I love how he was in this book!
June 26, 2022
This was fine. Nothing shocking, but it was a good short read.
July 16, 2022
This is great even if you have read all the other books. But for those of us that have read them all it was nice to get some back story. Can't wait for more of these characters.
August 5, 2022
This short story was packed with loads of loads. Wow. I can't wait to dive into this series 😀 Part of the Kindle Unlimited catalog.
August 5, 2022
Gripping
A definite page turner. Annabelle is such a great character. Great for anyone who loves suspense. Another wonderful read by Danielle Girard
A definite page turner. Annabelle is such a great character. Great for anyone who loves suspense. Another wonderful read by Danielle Girard
August 5, 2022
Super quick read
Wow, this was a quick one. It was more of a novella, but a good one. Smart and to the point. Very enjoyable.
Wow, this was a quick one. It was more of a novella, but a good one. Smart and to the point. Very enjoyable.
January 11, 2023
I did like a better look at what happened before the series. It was ok, but kind of slow.
February 2, 2023
Anna never disappoints. She is persistent in using her skills to solve murders.
February 28, 2023
This one explains some past history of Annabelle!
A great start in telling the past life and marriage of Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman. A sad beginning of her abusive marriage.
A great start in telling the past life and marriage of Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman. A sad beginning of her abusive marriage.
June 9, 2024
I enjoyed this quick investigative story. Just goes to show it doesn't take hundreds of pages to make a good page-turner.
October 11, 2024
Great short read
Alittle background story about how Annabelle’s past influences her present and how she is not ready to share it with those now working close to her.
Alittle background story about how Annabelle’s past influences her present and how she is not ready to share it with those now working close to her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews