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Another doctors-&-cops adrenalin-packed thriller: A murderous religious zealot threatens women ("sinners!"), a little baby, and a hospital. First, tension enters Jill Raney's and David Levine's relationship over what to do about newborn Jesse. They both love him, but David feels he'd be safer adopted anonymously. Their stress turns to horror when they discover that a killer with hideous attack methods is after certain women, and Jesse - whom he calls "devil spawn" - and Jill & David's hospital which he calls "the devil's workshop which must be destroyed!" Jill and David join forces with the police in a terrifying race to track down a monster, and to prevent an unthinkable catastrophe.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2014

101 people are currently reading
407 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Schneider

17 books572 followers
Wheaton College, Norton MA (French Lit Major, Minor in Spanish & squeezed in Russian.)
Sorbonne, Jr. Year in Paris
Exchange student in the Soviet Union, where I got arrested for spreading anti-Soviet propaganda - ugh. Caught with friends laughing at their pea-green-colored drinking water; that was the offense; four of us arrested. Let go after a day, guess they decided we weren't worth an international incident...

Now excited about my new upcoming thriller, THE GIRL THIEF! Release May 30!

Former writer at Newsweek Magazine. Author of the 6-book EMBRYO medical thriller series; the 4-book Detective Kerri Blasco Police/Psychological Thrillers FEAR DREAMS, HER LAST BREATH, WATCHING YOU, & SHOELESS CHILD.

Also 7 standalone thrillers: INTO THE DARK, GIRL WATCHING YOU, WHAT YOU'VE DONE, CRY TO ME, THE WIFE LIST & THE GIRL THIEF. Also the U.S. Civil War thriller, KATE WARNE'S SISTER IS MISSING. (She was America's first female detective and a Pinkerton. The story takes place in NYC - a pro-South hotbed - at the outbreak of the Civil War.)

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joyce.schnei...
Twitter https://twitter.com/JoyceSchneider1
Website: https://jaschneiderauthor.net

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5 stars
171 (44%)
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129 (33%)
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63 (16%)
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13 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
4,964 reviews2,970 followers
March 19, 2014
As Allie Dodd prepared herself for her second day of learning in the anatomy lab, she knew she had to do it – all the years of study and exhaustion would be out the window if she couldn’t handle dissecting cadavers – her queasiness from the day before was returning though, and she hadn’t even entered the lab yet! But even she wasn’t prepared for what her lab partner uncovered on opening the chest of their first subject! When intern Jill Raney and Doctor David Levine were informed about the events in the lab, they were horrified; then followed a vicious attack on a seven months pregnant young woman in the alley near the hospital – what was happening - were these events linked?

Jill and David had a tumultuous relationship which had formed after the time in recent months when they had both almost lost their lives – now baby Jesse was in the nursery and they both loved him. But the occasion of his “birth” was bringing the crazies out once again, with a religious fanatic declaring the child was the spawn of the devil, and the hospital should be destroyed as it was the devil’s workshop. They were beginning to worry once again – it seemed their peace was to be disrupted but in a much worse way – with the hospital threatened, there were many more lives at stake. The police, the dog squad, the FBI; all were involved in finding this maniac. Suddenly his horrific attacks accelerated – murder was on the agenda now…

Jill and David found themselves in danger again, but Jill had the same determination which saw her coming out on top the last time – she would NOT let this crazy person threaten her loved ones, her place of work, again. Joining forces with the police, the race against time was on. Would they ever have peace? Would this killer be found before it was much too late for everyone?

This is the third in the Embryo series and I have loved all three! The extremely gripping dialogue grabbed me from the very first page, and it didn’t let up until the very last page. The author has indepth medical knowledge and it shines through. The twists are brilliantly done, the pace is full on, and the thrills are intense. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this thriller but I also recommend for those who haven’t read any of them, to start at the beginning. Oh, and don’t read the last half of the book late at night!

With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review. (You knew I’d love it, didn’t you Joyce!)
Profile Image for Angel Gelique.
Author 20 books471 followers
April 26, 2015
Welcome, baby Jesse! And I have a feeling he's going to be

Smart baby photo: Smart baby reading a book babyreading.jpg

pretty extraordinary.

Ah, Raney and Levine...how trouble has a way of finding you two! Now there's a religious fanatic targeting surrogate mothers and threatening the hospital and innocent little Jesse, too. Naturally, Raney and Levine become embroiled in the danger--especially Raney. She's pretty brave, I must say. This time around, she even goes under cover in attempt to find the perpetrator, risking life and limb.

This is another great and engrossing story by J. A. Schneider. I have to admit that my guesses as to the guilty person(s) were completely wrong! I truly enjoy Schneider's writing style and her ability to craft such fascinating medical thrillers.

I'm definitely hooked on this series and must read on to find out what happens to baby Jesse. And I'm pretty sure there's more excitement in store for Raney and Levine, too!
Profile Image for Fiona (Titch) Hunt.
522 reviews89 followers
March 13, 2015
Another thrilling ride on the back of Raney & Levine novel.

OMG, where do I start. I will start by saying I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters from this series. Some of the book had me gasping that I didn't want it to go on any further as there was some slow parts (sorry J.A.), but it certainly had my heart pumping like anything when the action was going. I never saw who the culprit was in the end as I thought it was a certain someone and it WASN'T lol.

Another action packed book and can't wait to read book 4 soon.
Profile Image for Trista Borgwardt.
Author 5 books55 followers
April 13, 2014
After reading the first two books, I can say that the third was definitely just as interesting of a read!

Jill and David are happy to see the miracle lab baby "born" and thrive outside of his makeshift uterus. It isn't long though before the religious zealots come out and label the innocent child as a "Spawn of the Devil".

Are these people crazy enough to carry out their threats, their wishes or is it just a way to make a statement. When the weird occurrences begin, and women are attacked, Jill is thrown back into the trauma of what happened in the first two books. A little PTSD and although she is terrified for her life, and those around her, she pushes forward, wanting to help the police find this sicko.

Jill and David and their team at the hospital take risks, skirt around the law and do what they can to help the police narrow it down to find the killer.

These books really have quite a few amazing dynamics. First is Jill and David's relationship. We have been able to watch it grow and blossom into a deep and serious relationship. They have come along way from the teacher-student role, into the significant other role. Although he is still her teacher, I think David enjoys learning from Jill how to stand by your convictions and to help in any way possible, even if it means risking your own life.

One of the other dynamics that I love is the fact that Jill is so headstrong. At times she may come off as a whiny terrified girl, but underneath that terror is a strong and bull headed women who will, in the end, get it done. She doesn't hesitate to risk her life if it means catching the killer and saving others lives. She works well with the police, making inferences that they wouldn't make, at least not as quickly. Working as a doctor gives her certain insight, knowledge and leniency that the police don't have. We are therefore able to watch her grow not only as a woman and doctor, but also has an investigator.

The duo of David and Jill is amazing in their personal life, as well as the professional. The teamwork of the two of them with the local police is amazing and helps to catch the nasty bad guys in as swift of a manner as possible.

Great read!
19 reviews
September 8, 2015
The third installment of the Embryo series is, as one might expect, very similar to the first two books. Once again, we have one or more disturbed individuals who do not approve of how Jesse (the embryo) was conceived and nurtured. This time, the action was uneven and most of the book did not qualify as "an easy read". Several times, I had to force myself to read on, maybe because I am not terribly afraid of snakes, which were repeatedly used to frighten those characters who favor in-vitro-fertilization and surrogate mothering. Once we find out who the primary villain is and what he/she plans to do (about four-fifths through the book), the action picks up and it becomes a pulse-pounding thriller. The ending is delightfully thrilling and pleasing. I'd say it was worth enduring the slow parts to get to the good stuff. Recommended for disciplined, self-motivated thriller readers.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,464 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2016
Title: Embryo 3
Author: J.A. Schneider
Publisher: J.A.S.
Series: Embryo 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:


"Embryo 3" by J.A. Schneider was another on of this author wonderful 'adrenalin packed thriller' mystery reads that was the third in this series. Once you pick up any of the 'Embryo's reads you will not be able to put it down this fast read until the end and I found this one was off the chart....well written. We find from this read that there were problems between Jill and David due to what will happen to the baby Jesse. Was adoption in order? What is next for these two? Now we have someone who calls himself the 'devil spawn' who wants to destroy 'the devils' workshop' which was the hospital that Jill and David worked. We see once more that Jill and David will "join forces with the police in a terrifying race to track down a killer, and to prevent an unthinkable catastrophe." Will they be able to save this hospital and their precious Jesse? Now, you must be ready for a lots that will go on in this fast thriller mystery read and this is where I say you must pick up "Embryo 3" to see just how this author will bring it all out to you and in the end ? I really liked how this author was able to bring out all of the little details making this read so very intriguing. Be ready for a read that will have religious issues, medicine, bring on the psychos and all of this will give you one excellent read from the start to the finish. Would I recommend "Embryo 3?" Yes, along with the other two previous novels... 'Embryo and Embryo 2.' "Embryo 3" can be read as a stand alone read however, to really get the depth of it all I would suggest you read them in order.


Profile Image for R.P. Rochford.
Author 2 books29 followers
August 24, 2014
I have read and enjoyed all three books in this series and I think the story became more believable and more enjoyable as it progressed.

In Embryo 1 I appreciated the thriller part, although the medical discovery connected to the "Embryo" itself seemed to be a bit 'far-fetched' as something that exists only in sci-fi novels. However, as you carried on with the second and third books, it was obvious that the storyline of the first one nicely fits in with the rest and althogether it was believable, especially as bringing a new life to this world that way had only been done once and no-one knew if it could be done again or not.

The two main characters, Jill and David, were dedicated to their jobs as doctors, but they were just as good as detectives as well. What really frightened me was to see through these characters that hospital staff are always so overworked and overtired, and it's so easy to make mistakes when someone is exhausted.

For me the storyline was very thought-provoking due to the ethical questions the author touched on through the various characters who fought for or against IFV treatments, fertilizing an egg by sperm outside the body, surragote parenting etc. It was very interesting to see how religious beliefs as well as interpretations of the Bible can influence people to act in an overly emotional way and what lengths they are willing to go to achieve what they consider right.

Overall, Embryo 3 is as fast paced and attention grabbing as the previous two and if you like medical mysteries, the a Embryo series is an excellent read.

Profile Image for Michael McManus.
Author 4 books6 followers
April 15, 2014
Reviewed by Michael McManus for Reader's Favorite

Baby Jesse is a product of Science, conceived and gestated in the laboratory of a doctor who died and took the secret of Jesse’s creation and survival with him, leaving only incomplete and confusing notes about his work. All anyone knows is that the fetus developed in a mechanical womb and was born without physical defects. Unfortunately, when news of the birth is released to the press, it is met with a swarm of controversy, with the strongest disapproval coming from a group of religious zealots who label the infant “Spawn of the Devil”. As one might expect, the hospital, and most particularly the doctors working in maternity, become targets of potential acts of violence. A young intern who has a special attachment to the miracle baby feels most threatened when the hospital has to treat a pregnant woman, a surrogate mother who is brutally attacked. She takes it upon herself to work with police to help find out who the attacker is and how the assault relates to baby Jesse.

“EMBRYO 3: Raney & Levine” is the third book in this series by J.A. Schneider. It is a classic murder mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. The hospital setting, characters and premise are all fully developed, pulling you into the heart of a gripping story. Masterfully, the author takes you into the minds of the characters, exposing their inner fears, their religious interpretations and, in more than one case, their lunacy. I strongly recommend this book to the community of mystery lovers.
Profile Image for Gail Baugniet.
Author 11 books180 followers
February 25, 2014
This third Embryo thriller by author J.A. Schneider opens with a gripping scene that never fully releases the reader until it delivers a satisfying denouement.

Schneider’s fast paced narrative makes this reading experience feel more like a midnight roller coaster ride. Non-stop drama tugs the reader along, only slowing now and then to build new tension toward the next pinnacle before racing forward again.

Jill Raney, on the final leg of a year-long internship, and Dr. David Levine are keeping close watch over a baby “born” under unprecedented circumstances. Fanatics are crawling out of the woodwork to protest the birth as work of the devil. Then someone goes beyond vocal demonstration, deciding to take action against a child that was produced other than “the way God intended.”

Religious beliefs as well as interpretations of the Bible are questioned and tested over the child’s unorthodox in vitro fertilization, IVF, fertilizing an egg by sperm outside the body. The theme of this novel offers opportunity for open discussion about alternate choices to “giving birth”, along with IVF ethical ramifications such as “left-over eggs” and “savior siblings”.
Profile Image for Georgiana R.
65 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2014
Embryo 3 : Author Joyce Schneider Outclasses herself.

Ms Schneider does it again, and yet in my opinion she even outdid herself! I'm a huge fan of Joyce Schneider's works, so for me to say I think this book is her best is a massive compliment.
In previous books, Embryo 1 and Embryo 2, the author displayed a wealth of medical information interwoven with brilliant, fast paced story lines.

In Embryo 3, the book is as fast paced, thrilling and intriguing as it's predecessors with one added bonus for the reader and a huge kudos to the author, Joyce Schneider. Embryo 3 shows that the author's education level is superb and she brings multiple subjects into this version which display not only a brilliant story line, but an excellent wealth of study.

I'm biting my tongue not to say more, but in all honesty it would be a spoilers left right and center! You won't be able to put Embryo 3 down.

Brava once again Ms Schneider. You have outclassed yourself and I'm absolutely intrigued and in awe as to how you can better Embryo 3 in substance, but from what I have read thus far, nothing would surprise me.
Profile Image for Renee.
1,269 reviews27 followers
July 27, 2014
I really enjoyed the first two books in what I hope will be a long series. After reading the first two, having really enjoyed the fast paced plots I couldn't wait for three. In book two I thought the plot has a few issues with being believable, this was a better book. FOR medical thriller and ,mystery lovers this is for you. The Doctors are still going after bad guys, so choke on that one! I know people will think it is a little out there but I liked them. There is also a lot of terminology that I liked, but I know tat others will find it hard, so that is why I say if you like medical and science based mystery books then grab it now.

In this book the theme is pretty much the same as the others, yet it was a little more of the action and I liked it much more for that. It is a very interesting plot and series with a few reveals that were well placed and shocking too. Knowing there is a book four on the way makes me glad I read these close together so I can carry that over.
Profile Image for Sophie Bristow Harris.
376 reviews56 followers
March 12, 2015
Embryo 3: Raney & Levine ~ Joyce Schneider

Superb Third book in series.

I would like to thank the author for gifting me a copy of Embryo 3: Raney & Levine in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I
was thrilled to receive this third book in the series as I previously
loved the first two books. This one again was at breakneck speed, ever
so slightly more scary than the previous books ~ just what I love in a
great thriller!

I loved reading along with the characters and
seeing how their relationships progressed. The author has made all the
characters 3 dimensional and well formed, it really made me feel, as a
reader, that they came to life between the pages and like I was
experiencing their fortunes ( and misfortunes) with them.

A great series and I'm really hoping there are many more to follow.....

Thank You for a thrilling ride of a read Joyce Schneider :-)
Profile Image for Karen B..
457 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2015
The third in the series of the Embryo books and as delicious as the previous two. By now David and Jill have fallen in loved with baby Jessie, the baby conceived and carried outside the womb, gestating in an artificial womb created by a mad scientist researcher. Eventually they have to decide if they want to adopt him themselves, knowing he will be more in the limelight or allow an anonymous couple to adopt Jessie where Jessie would be just another little boy. This time there is a murderous zealot who wants to destroy the baby and the hospital where he was created, claiming he is 'the spawn of the devil' and the hospital is 'the devil's workshop'. It becomes apparent that there is more than just one bad guy out there and the twists and turns and constant suspense keeps the reader on his or her toes.
An exciting and intriguing read.
Profile Image for Melanie Adkins.
802 reviews21 followers
May 28, 2014
Strange things were happening at the hospital again. Jesse was now 8 pounds and doing very well. Still, he seemed to divide the public evenly. Those who felt he shouldn't be living and those who felt he had every right to be alive. Jill and David were very protective of him.
Women are being killed. Jill and David knew they were about to be embroiled in another mess.

Ms. Schneider does a wonderful job of spinning a web of intrigue, mystery and danger. All of these things are encompassed in one fantastic book. This series is a must read. Well defined and written expertly, you'll enjoy each one.

I found no issues.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a bestseller! ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
Profile Image for Monica.
307 reviews60 followers
March 18, 2014
Drs Raney and Levine are protecting their hospital again. This time it's even harder to tell where the threat is coming from.

A well developed, action filled, tense, and at times creepy narrative guides the characters and reader through the reader this multi-layered mystery.

Characters, old and new, continue to develop and grow both individually and as a team. While often struggling with emotional, professional, and other conflicts, characters display their makeup, merits, and problem solving (and sometimes getting into) skills.

Overall, a thrilling read.
Profile Image for Terri  Shortell.
10 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2014
This book was excellent. It draws you into the characters and their lives from the very beginning. They become real to you and you find yourself cheering or booing decision they make. If you enjoyed the first two, I feel you'll enjoy this one just as much if not more. There is more action packed into this one and will give your heart a workout. Highly recommend this to other readers. Get it and get ready for the ride.
Profile Image for Samantha.
25 reviews
March 23, 2015
outstanding

This is wonderfully written! I enjoyed ever second of it. I would say that I would recommend this book as a series that should start with the first to get to know the characters only because there is a lot of reference to what has happened that could possibly confuse new readers. I highly recommend this book to everyone!!! Great to see a mystery and thriller from other perspectives
Profile Image for Michelle.
535 reviews
March 2, 2014
This is the third book in the Embryo series, and I think the best so far. The author keeps your excitement from the very first page to the last. It's fun to follow what intern Jill Raney and Dr. David Levine go through, but be ready to hang on to your seat for the ride. I highly recommend reading this series, and preferably in order.
Profile Image for Gina.
71 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2014
I really loved this series of books. The story line of this book is extremely gripping. As with the first two books in the series, I found it incredibly hard to put down and wanted to continue reading to find out what happens next. The author develops the characters so well that you actually care what happens to them. I hope the series continue. Can't wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Carol.
165 reviews
March 23, 2014
Schneider has done it again-another fast-paced thriller with a twist. This was a quick read and although it is part of a series, it stands alone with its page-turning drama. The medical aspects are accurate and the connection between cops and docs is most plausible. Exciting and convincingly real. I could not put it down till I was done reading it. More!
Profile Image for Sherry.
105 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2014
The 3rd in the Embryo series is as engaging as the 1st. The characters are very likable, well most anyway. I love both Raney & Levine. The Medical Suspense plot sucks you in and you find yourself turning pages to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this book & author to anyone who enjoys reading mystery/suspense books.
Profile Image for E.E. Giorgi.
Author 18 books122 followers
April 7, 2014
I love medical thrillers and this one was no exception. J.A. Schneider is well informed on the medical world, her writing is fast-paced and thrillingly tense, and the bad guys are deliciously evil. A hard-to-put down, fun read.
Profile Image for Mary Mullane.
148 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2014
Another goodread in this series.

The only critism I have is that this book references true current events, yet the fictional NYC hospital is behind the times using paper patient charts. My Minnesota hospital has been using electronic patient charts for many years now.
Profile Image for Michele.
306 reviews
April 30, 2014
the third book in the series -not as much about the medical research field but more about the romance between the two characters. I highly recommend this series and hope there will be a fourth book in the series that has a follow-up on baby Jesse.
Profile Image for Pernette.
771 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2014
Embryo 3 is the Bomb. Embryo 3 was the best in the series. Fast read. Loved Jill and David. Religion, medicine and psychos collide. Boom!!!
Profile Image for Tanya Parish.
4 reviews
April 12, 2014
Embryo 3

This book is one that is hard to put down once you start reading it. The two previous books are just the same.
aww
1 review
May 17, 2014
".uk

".uk

good read. recommend to anyone that like suspense. the whole trilogy was good and kept your interest. hopefully can find something as.good.
288 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2014
This is the third book in the Embryo series. It is as fast paced and attention grabbing as the previous two.

If you like medical mysteries, the a Embryo series is an excellent read.
1,065 reviews9 followers
April 24, 2021
Excellent medical thriller

But to the author: nonway can you give blood into a tube woth glucose innit, even if it was mixed with saline. Blood requires only saline and will clot on the way into the body if there is any glucose in the tubing. Please correct it - at least companies that sell ebooks can update the ebooks.
The baby in the tube has been delivered. And there is another crazy on the loose, someoone who has a thing about surrogate mothers. The Roman Catholic church isn't even happy about IVF, let alone surrogacy, which usually involves the male impregnating the surrogate the usual way - but with him married, what he does is technically adultery. Some surrogacies involve an IVF implantation for that reason. The crazy, though, believes God is directing him.
The problem is, they have plenty of suspects, but the real perpetrator is someone they don't expect.
The tension never lets up as Jill and David help the cops and relax by looking at Jesse on their phones' baby monitor apps to remind themselves there is good in the world.
Of course, any nutcase who hates IVF & surrogacy is going to hate - SERIOUSLY hate - a baby born like Jesse. This means the OB floors themselves and Jesse are under threat.
The going is rough, with some surprises at the end, in the best tradition of Laney and Levine.
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