What do you think?
Agent Maggie Allen #1
Side Effects
WARNING: Side effects may include the ability to catch a killer...
FBI Agent Maggie Allen had a gift for catching serial killers.
Now, following the death of her husband and son, she can barely get out of bed.
Desperate, Maggie agrees to take part in a drug trial--a last-ditch effort to find something that might help her cope.
The drug helps.
However, it also carries several unpleasant side effects, not the least of them being an exceptional heightening of all her senses...just the kind of thing her old partner could use to help the FBI track down a prolific serial killer who is proving impossible to catch.
FBI Agent Maggie Allen had a gift for catching serial killers.
Now, following the death of her husband and son, she can barely get out of bed.
Desperate, Maggie agrees to take part in a drug trial--a last-ditch effort to find something that might help her cope.
The drug helps.
However, it also carries several unpleasant side effects, not the least of them being an exceptional heightening of all her senses...just the kind of thing her old partner could use to help the FBI track down a prolific serial killer who is proving impossible to catch.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2016
About the author
Jeff Menapace
44 books753 followersA native of the Philadelphia area, Jeff has published multiple works in both fiction and non-fiction. In 2011 he was the recipient of the Red Adept Reviews Indie Award for Horror.
In March of 2014, his novel BAD GAMES was a #1 Kindle bestseller and is now being optioned as a feature film.
Free time for Jeff is spent watching horror movies, The Three Stooges, and mixed martial arts. He loves steak and more steak, thinks the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the greatest movie ever, wants to pet a lion some day, and hates spiders.
In March of 2014, his novel BAD GAMES was a #1 Kindle bestseller and is now being optioned as a feature film.
Free time for Jeff is spent watching horror movies, The Three Stooges, and mixed martial arts. He loves steak and more steak, thinks the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the greatest movie ever, wants to pet a lion some day, and hates spiders.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 10, 2016
Almost as good as his others.....almost
Jeff's books are one of the few that I look forward to and buy on day 1. His stories are always complete and have a great ending. This book had a great concept....FBI agent takes a drug with side effects to help do her job of catching bad guys. That was great until about a third way into the book when that concept fell away and became non existent to the storyline. The other criticism that I have is while the characters are likable they were kind of forgettable. Yes I felt sorry for them for the things they went through but there wasn't enough backstory or at least not enough engagement in their everyday lives around the main story to make me feel like I had an invested interest in them. I feel like there were some great bones of the story and it could've gone to so many great places unfortunately it just fell short. I feel like this book could've done really great as a first draft, and with a bit more development could have been amazing. I do hope that Jeff decides to carry the storyline on to other books in the series as I would really like to get to know the characters a little bit more and know about their lives and everyday sense and about their history.
I know I sound critical of this book, but I did thoroughly enjoy it. It was a great read, but on the other hand I do expect more amazing things from Jeff than what he demonstrated in this book. That's why I gave 4 stars.
Jeff's books are one of the few that I look forward to and buy on day 1. His stories are always complete and have a great ending. This book had a great concept....FBI agent takes a drug with side effects to help do her job of catching bad guys. That was great until about a third way into the book when that concept fell away and became non existent to the storyline. The other criticism that I have is while the characters are likable they were kind of forgettable. Yes I felt sorry for them for the things they went through but there wasn't enough backstory or at least not enough engagement in their everyday lives around the main story to make me feel like I had an invested interest in them. I feel like there were some great bones of the story and it could've gone to so many great places unfortunately it just fell short. I feel like this book could've done really great as a first draft, and with a bit more development could have been amazing. I do hope that Jeff decides to carry the storyline on to other books in the series as I would really like to get to know the characters a little bit more and know about their lives and everyday sense and about their history.
I know I sound critical of this book, but I did thoroughly enjoy it. It was a great read, but on the other hand I do expect more amazing things from Jeff than what he demonstrated in this book. That's why I gave 4 stars.
February 6, 2019
It is an interesting book - I enjoyed it. It is not one of the books I want to save and read again though. An FBI agent on leave has suffered a loss of a child and then her husband and is on leave. She takes a medication that somehhow heightens her senses and she is able to "sense" clues about a case. Her partner calls he in to work on a serial murder case. A man is killing men
The characters are well developed - the story is entertaining
The characters are well developed - the story is entertaining
Read
November 8, 2022 Side Effects is a pretty good detective novel displaying a serial killer with a very very toxic masculinity and twisted point of view. I liked the relationship between Maggie and Morris and would have liked to have seen some of their history as partners. I also liked the setup in the beginning for Maggie's tragedy and her struggle with depression and how it was affecting her. However, i just wanted more and i felt like coming from Jeff Menapace i was going to get something more exciting. I felt that the introduction of Maggie's senses being heightened while on the drug was very interesting (and i liked the nightmare sequence) but not enough was done with and it should have been used at least one more time towards the end. While the hunt for the killer went fine, maybe just one little exciting event during the hunt for him on Maggie and Morris' end could have made it more interesting. Also, i liked the ending but i wish .
I went into this thinking it was a standalone because that's how it was presented but it was stated at the end that there would be a sequel but as of now this is the only book. I would actually like to see more and see how Maggie's senses on the drug develops.
I went into this thinking it was a standalone because that's how it was presented but it was stated at the end that there would be a sequel but as of now this is the only book. I would actually like to see more and see how Maggie's senses on the drug develops.
May 5, 2019
Menapace rocks... but Mags and Tim were a little lacking
I love Menapace. I read absolutely everything he writes. However, I felt a bit underwhelmed with this story. I think it was a mixture of the kills being too similar and vague. What I mean by that, is that Menapace did not take you back in time to really explore each of the kills. For that reason, you were not as invested in Jody, nor his victims. I also did not understand the whole thing with the drug giving Mags enhanced psychic abilities. It was a great idea... but I didn’t feel that it translated well in the story. This story is really a three as it is readable, but because Menapace wrote it, I upped it to a four.
I love Menapace. I read absolutely everything he writes. However, I felt a bit underwhelmed with this story. I think it was a mixture of the kills being too similar and vague. What I mean by that, is that Menapace did not take you back in time to really explore each of the kills. For that reason, you were not as invested in Jody, nor his victims. I also did not understand the whole thing with the drug giving Mags enhanced psychic abilities. It was a great idea... but I didn’t feel that it translated well in the story. This story is really a three as it is readable, but because Menapace wrote it, I upped it to a four.
September 8, 2018
Couldn't stop reading it!
I am quickly becoming addicted to everything Jeff Menapace writes.I read this book during a 7 hour drive home from vacation.I literally could not stop reading this. Such a good story line. Kept my interest from the start.Loved the two main FBI characters and the relationship they had and how they interacted with each other.Read this and every other book by this author,he does not disappoint!
I am quickly becoming addicted to everything Jeff Menapace writes.I read this book during a 7 hour drive home from vacation.I literally could not stop reading this. Such a good story line. Kept my interest from the start.Loved the two main FBI characters and the relationship they had and how they interacted with each other.Read this and every other book by this author,he does not disappoint!
January 9, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much. I liked how she can take her meds and be able to solve the case. This was the first book I have read from this aurther and would like to read another o e but don't know which book to read
I would recommend this book to anyone that love to read. I would like to hear more from this arthor but don't know who I one to read. Anyone ??????
I would recommend this book to anyone that love to read. I would like to hear more from this arthor but don't know who I one to read. Anyone ??????
February 1, 2018
Monstrously Good.
Hello Jeff.
Welcome to my Monstrously good book list
You handled a smart woman’s grief very well.
Characters rich with humanity.
I would recommend this book to all “Killer readers”
Hello Jeff.
Welcome to my Monstrously good book list
You handled a smart woman’s grief very well.
Characters rich with humanity.
I would recommend this book to all “Killer readers”
February 6, 2018
Hauntingly Real
This is a book that will stay with me. The chase after the serial killer and Maggie's struggle to deal with the losses in her life all while taking an experimental drug often make you question her sanity at the same time you admire her courage. Good book.
This is a book that will stay with me. The chase after the serial killer and Maggie's struggle to deal with the losses in her life all while taking an experimental drug often make you question her sanity at the same time you admire her courage. Good book.
September 18, 2018
Brilliant
Another brilliant read by Jeff Menapace, couldn't put it down, well written and good explantion into the insight of another serial killer, the 2 DIV agents working the case were well match, a good read to anyone who likes these sorts of books.
Another brilliant read by Jeff Menapace, couldn't put it down, well written and good explantion into the insight of another serial killer, the 2 DIV agents working the case were well match, a good read to anyone who likes these sorts of books.
January 31, 2019
The book started out with such promise. A police officer on leave taking a medication that gives her side effects to help her figure out who did it. There were some interesting moments throughout the book but it felted forced. Some of the conversation were unnecessary and tiring. Good ending.
April 1, 2019
Kept me reading late into the night. Hoping the next in the series are just as entertaining.
Kept me reading late into the night. Was very well written and very entertaining. Hoping the next books in the series are just as good.
Kept me reading late into the night. Was very well written and very entertaining. Hoping the next books in the series are just as good.
June 16, 2019
Another great (hopefully) series
Fingers crossed for more Maggie and Morris, please. This crime fighting duo provides great fun and entertainment and I will be back for round two if Jeff is so inclined.
Fingers crossed for more Maggie and Morris, please. This crime fighting duo provides great fun and entertainment and I will be back for round two if Jeff is so inclined.
October 16, 2020
A good start
The premise is good on a drug helping to heighten senses, but it really did not explain why she started to take the drug. By ignoring that the book had a good pace to it and a well written ending.
The premise is good on a drug helping to heighten senses, but it really did not explain why she started to take the drug. By ignoring that the book had a good pace to it and a well written ending.
June 26, 2021
Yes indeed!
This is my idea of a perfect book.
The story is well developed. The characters are believable and have depth.
It is well edited. And, finally, it takes less than a day to read!
This is my idea of a perfect book.
The story is well developed. The characters are believable and have depth.
It is well edited. And, finally, it takes less than a day to read!
April 13, 2023
A new series!
I really enjoyed this novel . It is not as gory as some of his other stories, but I can forgive him because it was easy to get caught up in the hunt. I will definitely be reading the entire series.
I really enjoyed this novel . It is not as gory as some of his other stories, but I can forgive him because it was easy to get caught up in the hunt. I will definitely be reading the entire series.
February 21, 2024
I think this is a good first book in a series. It's a goodvstory but it's definitely not developed. We don't know enough backstory on the main characters, but it is enough to have me wanting to know more. It wbe interesting to see how this develops.
June 18, 2017
A poor read.
I didn't like this book. It was long on dialogue and short on story line. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who had a third grade education.
I didn't like this book. It was long on dialogue and short on story line. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who had a third grade education.
February 6, 2018
Too graphic for me.
May 9, 2018
this one started out as a promise of a good psycho thriller. It has moments of the same throughout, but wasnt quite the intriguing book i had hoped. More of the FBI point of view that the psychopath.
June 21, 2018
Good story
Good read. Kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
Good read. Kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
December 5, 2018
Great read!
I have just recently discovered Jeff Menapace's books. He has a great way of writing that keeps you in suspense.
I have just recently discovered Jeff Menapace's books. He has a great way of writing that keeps you in suspense.
December 19, 2018
Interesting read
I liked it. Not as much as some of the others but it was a nice read. Would recommend to friends.
I liked it. Not as much as some of the others but it was a nice read. Would recommend to friends.
March 10, 2019
One of my favs
Another great read! Keep up the great stories!!! Can't wait to read the next book. Jeff is an amazing writer and all his books are great!
Another great read! Keep up the great stories!!! Can't wait to read the next book. Jeff is an amazing writer and all his books are great!
June 30, 2019
Very good book. I will definitely be reading this author's other books.
November 29, 2019
Loved this book
Fast paced, intriguing and never lets go! One of the best horror/mystery books I have read in a long time. Looking forward to more Morris/Maggie mysteries
Fast paced, intriguing and never lets go! One of the best horror/mystery books I have read in a long time. Looking forward to more Morris/Maggie mysteries
March 9, 2020
Get ready to be up all night with this thriller. Jeff Menapace does not disappoint.
October 9, 2020
Fantastic series
Great characters in a gripping story:looking for a thriller with a big heart this one's it .Maggie is a strong tough yet gentle heroine can't wait for book 2
Great characters in a gripping story:looking for a thriller with a big heart this one's it .Maggie is a strong tough yet gentle heroine can't wait for book 2
February 24, 2021
Good story
Well written, happy none of the main characters died. Sadly true for some many families experience domestic violence mostly at the hands of their father or stepfather.
Well written, happy none of the main characters died. Sadly true for some many families experience domestic violence mostly at the hands of their father or stepfather.
October 7, 2022
Amazing!
December 27, 2022
DNF. I guess it's OK if you having nothing else to read, but it's just very bland and problems getting me hooked up into the whole story, was very hard to care about anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews