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Malice
The perfect life becomes the perfect nightmare in a twisting novel of psychological suspense from #1 USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Jaynes…
Dr. Daniel Winters is living a fairy-tale life. He has a beachfront home in Malibu, a career as a respected pediatrician at a thriving Los Angeles practice, and a gorgeous new wife, Mia. For a man whose past was rife with mental illness, addiction, and thoughts of suicide, it seems too good to be true.
Then Daniel learns that a fellow pediatrician and his family were found slaughtered in their home. It’s just the first chip in the facade of Daniel’s perfect life. Little by little, everything starts to fall away. At work, his career becomes at risk when he’s asked to remain silent about a dangerous new drug. At home, Mia has gone from an affectionate newlywed to a mysterious woman carefully hiding secrets—and possibly a lover.
Then, another doctor is found dead, and as Mia’s behavior becomes increasingly suspicious, Daniel begins to Is paranoia getting the best of him…or has his fairy-tale life become a nightmare worse than he could have ever imagined?
Dr. Daniel Winters is living a fairy-tale life. He has a beachfront home in Malibu, a career as a respected pediatrician at a thriving Los Angeles practice, and a gorgeous new wife, Mia. For a man whose past was rife with mental illness, addiction, and thoughts of suicide, it seems too good to be true.
Then Daniel learns that a fellow pediatrician and his family were found slaughtered in their home. It’s just the first chip in the facade of Daniel’s perfect life. Little by little, everything starts to fall away. At work, his career becomes at risk when he’s asked to remain silent about a dangerous new drug. At home, Mia has gone from an affectionate newlywed to a mysterious woman carefully hiding secrets—and possibly a lover.
Then, another doctor is found dead, and as Mia’s behavior becomes increasingly suspicious, Daniel begins to Is paranoia getting the best of him…or has his fairy-tale life become a nightmare worse than he could have ever imagined?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2018
3425 people are currently reading
3556 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Jaynes
10 books1,088 followersJennifer Jaynes was an accomplished author having published 7 books and was both a USA Today Best Seller and Amazon #1 best seller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 582 reviews
November 24, 2021
Edit: After a couple days of mulling over the messages of this novel, it's becoming clearer to me that this is alarmist anti-vaxxer propaganda masquerading as a fiction novel. No wonder the character development and story were so embarrassingly flimsy.
I "did my research" and went to a few anti-vaxxer conspiracy sites to see why this novel bothered me so much. That's when I discovered that Malice uses all the buzz and trigger words of the anti-vaxxer community. I'm changing my rating from three grudging stars to one angry star, because Malice is a steaming pile of manipulative anti-vaxxer insanity.
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Original review:
I have very mixed feelings about Malice, but how much can I really complain if I got it free through Kindle Unlimited? If I'd paid cold hard cash for it, I'd be unhappy, but instead, I'll simply say it was not the most entertaining choice I wanted for a week's worth of commuting to and from work.
Malice is very repetitive and alarmist, grinding out the same messages over and over again:
> pretty women are evil liars who'll make you want to kill yourself
> alcoholism is like having another person inside your head making you do awful things
> all the fat cat doctors, pharma CEOs and Federal Regulators are intent on making a massive profit off *gasp* killer vaccines
Big pharma bad, vaccines bad, doctor profits bad, alcohol bad, beautiful women bad -- enough already! We get it. WE. GET. IT. But can we get an actual story here? All signs point to NOPE.
The distrustfulness theme wasn't enjoyable, and the vast majority of the characters weren't even vaguely likable. No one was honest with anyone else, no one communicated effectively, and most of the people were helpless in doing anything but watching their lives circle the drain.
The only character I really seemed to enjoy was Bruce, the three-legged dog. He was genuine and sweet. I'd read a book about him.
In my opinion, using terminology like "vaccine injury" was a poor choice, as it plays into the conspiracy theories favored by anti-vaxxers. I don't know how most readers responded, but as a scientist I was totally turned off. The last thing we need, with deadly viruses currently running rampant, is to give the anti-vaxxer movement ANY REASON AT ALL to feel legit. Yes, this is fiction, but it's clear the author was using this book simply to spread anti-vaxx propaganda under the guise of a "medical thriller". (For the record, it was a drama at best. Not a thriller, not suspenseful.)
I read Malice on my Kindle and also listened to the Audible version. I found the audio narration to be just okay. It wasn't great, and it also wasn't bad, with the one huge exception of mispronunciation of a central term in the book. Jane Oppenheimer continually mispronounced "immunoceuticals" as "immuno-sookie-elles". Seriously, she couldn't have simply asked someone?
I "did my research" and went to a few anti-vaxxer conspiracy sites to see why this novel bothered me so much. That's when I discovered that Malice uses all the buzz and trigger words of the anti-vaxxer community. I'm changing my rating from three grudging stars to one angry star, because Malice is a steaming pile of manipulative anti-vaxxer insanity.
----------------------------------
Original review:
I have very mixed feelings about Malice, but how much can I really complain if I got it free through Kindle Unlimited? If I'd paid cold hard cash for it, I'd be unhappy, but instead, I'll simply say it was not the most entertaining choice I wanted for a week's worth of commuting to and from work.
Malice is very repetitive and alarmist, grinding out the same messages over and over again:
> pretty women are evil liars who'll make you want to kill yourself
> alcoholism is like having another person inside your head making you do awful things
> all the fat cat doctors, pharma CEOs and Federal Regulators are intent on making a massive profit off *gasp* killer vaccines
Big pharma bad, vaccines bad, doctor profits bad, alcohol bad, beautiful women bad -- enough already! We get it. WE. GET. IT. But can we get an actual story here? All signs point to NOPE.
The distrustfulness theme wasn't enjoyable, and the vast majority of the characters weren't even vaguely likable. No one was honest with anyone else, no one communicated effectively, and most of the people were helpless in doing anything but watching their lives circle the drain.
The only character I really seemed to enjoy was Bruce, the three-legged dog. He was genuine and sweet. I'd read a book about him.
In my opinion, using terminology like "vaccine injury" was a poor choice, as it plays into the conspiracy theories favored by anti-vaxxers. I don't know how most readers responded, but as a scientist I was totally turned off. The last thing we need, with deadly viruses currently running rampant, is to give the anti-vaxxer movement ANY REASON AT ALL to feel legit. Yes, this is fiction, but it's clear the author was using this book simply to spread anti-vaxx propaganda under the guise of a "medical thriller". (For the record, it was a drama at best. Not a thriller, not suspenseful.)
I read Malice on my Kindle and also listened to the Audible version. I found the audio narration to be just okay. It wasn't great, and it also wasn't bad, with the one huge exception of mispronunciation of a central term in the book. Jane Oppenheimer continually mispronounced "immunoceuticals" as "immuno-sookie-elles". Seriously, she couldn't have simply asked someone?
September 25, 2018
Unputdownable—this book shows how quickly a perfect life can unravel. You will start the book thinking you know where it is heading, and then you will find yourself at the end with a completely unexpected twist in the plot. I tore through this book in a day and half, putting aside every commitment I could so I could race to that shocking ending!
About the Book
Dr. Daniel Winters is out one evening after a work meeting when he meets the perfect woman. Mia is drop-dead gorgeous—a type Daniel would normally be skeptical of—and she has intelligence, poise, and kindness. After a childhood filled with his father being manipulated by beautiful women, Daniel has always shied away from them. But there is something different about Mia.
10 months later
Daniel and Mia are newlyweds and live in his gorgeous Malibu home. Daniel is a successful pediatrician at one of California’s most sought after clinics. When he arrives back from his honeymoon, he discovers his clinic is pushing a new vaccine called Respira that pedals itself as the cure for the common cold.
The Morning Of
Across town, a pediatrician and his family are brutally murdered in their home. The pediatrician was outspoken against Respira, saying he had found evidence it was strongly linked to seizures, migraines, and even death in some children. A few days later, a pediatric resident who was looking into Respira is found dead as well. Is it a coincidence, or is something more sinister going on?
Things Unravel
As Daniel struggles with uncovering the truth behind Respira, things begin to unravel. He starts drinking more—something he tightly controlled his whole life. His wife Mia starts to act secretive. The voice in his head becomes louder, telling him that his greatest fear may be true—Mia may not be the woman he thought he married. And Daniel must discover the truth before his perfect life becomes a perfect nightmare!
Reflection
What a ride this book took me on! This is a fast-paced thriller that will have you questioning everything and everyone, even Daniel! It flew by and I was completely engrossed in the story. The multiple narrators was extremely effective, because it added to the questions and theories I had.
I want to address something that may have readers wondering—this book does walk the line of commentary on vaccines, which can be a hot-button issue. I will say that this book by no means comments on whether they are for or against vaccines, but it brings up a lot of thought-provoking discussion on the pressure of big pharma in the medical industry. Nothing was shocking to me, but I found it to be an interesting plot device used to push the novel forward. If this is a sensitive issue with you, I want to assure you that it isn’t political in the way Jaynes handled it.
Onto the fun parts! Mia is a really great and unique character. She is completely mysterious, and I found myself unsure whether to trust her. As the novel goes on, you’ll get more snippets from her, and they will round out her character. I won’t comment at all on what type of character she is though—that’s something you’ll have to discover for yourself!
Daniel is also a fascinating character. On one side, he is so rootable. He is a decent person and a hard worker, and he doesn’t take his many blessings for granted. But he is also self-destructive and as he loses control, I found myself questioning if he is a reliable narrator. That is what is so fun about him though! You’ll follow him, Mia, and a few other characters (Teddy, Rachel) and learn more about each of them. And suddenly what seemed clear at first becomes muddy. Who should we support? Who is telling the truth? What will happen to these characters?
There is some darkness lurking in this book as well. The ending is fantastic, but don’t expect everything to be happy and coming up roses for everyone. Jaynes is fearless and honest in the way she explores the trajectory of these characters. I finished the book and found myself backtracking to the beginning, trying to find out if any of the outcomes were deserved, and if any were avoidable. And the punches will keep coming until the last, satisfying scene! I hope readers have a fun time with this book—I know I did!
Many thanks to the team at Amazon Publishing and Thomas Mercer for my copy of this book.
About the Book
Dr. Daniel Winters is out one evening after a work meeting when he meets the perfect woman. Mia is drop-dead gorgeous—a type Daniel would normally be skeptical of—and she has intelligence, poise, and kindness. After a childhood filled with his father being manipulated by beautiful women, Daniel has always shied away from them. But there is something different about Mia.
10 months later
Daniel and Mia are newlyweds and live in his gorgeous Malibu home. Daniel is a successful pediatrician at one of California’s most sought after clinics. When he arrives back from his honeymoon, he discovers his clinic is pushing a new vaccine called Respira that pedals itself as the cure for the common cold.
The Morning Of
Across town, a pediatrician and his family are brutally murdered in their home. The pediatrician was outspoken against Respira, saying he had found evidence it was strongly linked to seizures, migraines, and even death in some children. A few days later, a pediatric resident who was looking into Respira is found dead as well. Is it a coincidence, or is something more sinister going on?
Things Unravel
As Daniel struggles with uncovering the truth behind Respira, things begin to unravel. He starts drinking more—something he tightly controlled his whole life. His wife Mia starts to act secretive. The voice in his head becomes louder, telling him that his greatest fear may be true—Mia may not be the woman he thought he married. And Daniel must discover the truth before his perfect life becomes a perfect nightmare!
Reflection
What a ride this book took me on! This is a fast-paced thriller that will have you questioning everything and everyone, even Daniel! It flew by and I was completely engrossed in the story. The multiple narrators was extremely effective, because it added to the questions and theories I had.
I want to address something that may have readers wondering—this book does walk the line of commentary on vaccines, which can be a hot-button issue. I will say that this book by no means comments on whether they are for or against vaccines, but it brings up a lot of thought-provoking discussion on the pressure of big pharma in the medical industry. Nothing was shocking to me, but I found it to be an interesting plot device used to push the novel forward. If this is a sensitive issue with you, I want to assure you that it isn’t political in the way Jaynes handled it.
Onto the fun parts! Mia is a really great and unique character. She is completely mysterious, and I found myself unsure whether to trust her. As the novel goes on, you’ll get more snippets from her, and they will round out her character. I won’t comment at all on what type of character she is though—that’s something you’ll have to discover for yourself!
Daniel is also a fascinating character. On one side, he is so rootable. He is a decent person and a hard worker, and he doesn’t take his many blessings for granted. But he is also self-destructive and as he loses control, I found myself questioning if he is a reliable narrator. That is what is so fun about him though! You’ll follow him, Mia, and a few other characters (Teddy, Rachel) and learn more about each of them. And suddenly what seemed clear at first becomes muddy. Who should we support? Who is telling the truth? What will happen to these characters?
There is some darkness lurking in this book as well. The ending is fantastic, but don’t expect everything to be happy and coming up roses for everyone. Jaynes is fearless and honest in the way she explores the trajectory of these characters. I finished the book and found myself backtracking to the beginning, trying to find out if any of the outcomes were deserved, and if any were avoidable. And the punches will keep coming until the last, satisfying scene! I hope readers have a fun time with this book—I know I did!
Many thanks to the team at Amazon Publishing and Thomas Mercer for my copy of this book.
December 1, 2019
Malice concerns the massive push of the drug Respira, for young children, despite it having horrible side effects. The side effects are hidden from the public and downplayed to doctors, so that the drug can be put on a special list, requiring kids to have been injected with this drug, to get into public schools and daycare. Suspicious deaths surround a doctor and his family and another younger doctor, when they raised concerns about the harmfulness of the drug.
Enter Dr Daniel Winters, a new doctor, who was able to get past mental illness issues, thoughts of suicide, and addiction to become a pediatrician. Life is perfect for him at the moment, with a job he loves, dark issues behind him, and having just come back from his honeymoon. He'd met Mia nine months earlier, and fell in love with her and married her, despite his distrust of beautiful women. Little did he know, everything was going to come crashing down.
Daniel had dealt with his alcoholism by severely restricting how much and when he would drink. But it was lurking in the background along with a nagging, critical voice, letting him know that he shouldn't take any drink and that he shouldn't be so trusting. At work, his boss is demanding that he administer Respira and ignore any talk of side effects. At home, Mia is acting suspiciously, not showing up for work, and not returning calls.
This book had a lot going on in it. The problems surrounding Respira would cause enough trouble for Daniel and Mia but even without the Respira angle, this is a couple who really doesn't know anything about each other. Both of them had hidden important information about their pasts and they don't know how to communicate with each other. They seemed doomed for trouble even without outside influences even though I do think they are good people behind all the trouble of their pasts, trouble caused by bad decisions.
This book was written with a sequel in mind because the ending is not much of an ending. Several major plot points are left hanging and the book ended abruptly. Even when a book is part of a series, I like for the book to feel finished and this book didn't have a finished feel to it. I rate it 3.5, rounded to 4. I'm willing to read the next book so I can find answers to my remaining questions.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.
Enter Dr Daniel Winters, a new doctor, who was able to get past mental illness issues, thoughts of suicide, and addiction to become a pediatrician. Life is perfect for him at the moment, with a job he loves, dark issues behind him, and having just come back from his honeymoon. He'd met Mia nine months earlier, and fell in love with her and married her, despite his distrust of beautiful women. Little did he know, everything was going to come crashing down.
Daniel had dealt with his alcoholism by severely restricting how much and when he would drink. But it was lurking in the background along with a nagging, critical voice, letting him know that he shouldn't take any drink and that he shouldn't be so trusting. At work, his boss is demanding that he administer Respira and ignore any talk of side effects. At home, Mia is acting suspiciously, not showing up for work, and not returning calls.
This book had a lot going on in it. The problems surrounding Respira would cause enough trouble for Daniel and Mia but even without the Respira angle, this is a couple who really doesn't know anything about each other. Both of them had hidden important information about their pasts and they don't know how to communicate with each other. They seemed doomed for trouble even without outside influences even though I do think they are good people behind all the trouble of their pasts, trouble caused by bad decisions.
This book was written with a sequel in mind because the ending is not much of an ending. Several major plot points are left hanging and the book ended abruptly. Even when a book is part of a series, I like for the book to feel finished and this book didn't have a finished feel to it. I rate it 3.5, rounded to 4. I'm willing to read the next book so I can find answers to my remaining questions.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.
September 29, 2018
I seem to be on a roll of good luck with books lately, but then....this is the author Jennifer Jaynes I’m talking about whose previous books left me in awe of her plots.
This time it’s based around a drug company and the ethics plus the unethical ways that medicine can been exploited, no, patients. In fact this takes on pre school children.
It’s a drug that Daniel Winters a pediatrician is well aware of the reported side effects, serious side effects.
But is Daniel right? After all didn’t he have some sort of mental illness years ago? And we certainly see him struggling with voices in his head within the pages of his story.
The chapters break up for Danny, for Mia his wife and Rebecca.
Danny doesn’t trust his wife either, so that packs another punch to this twisty read.
I’ve given 5* to this because this author continues to grip me in each book she writes. I started this last night and read on and off today between “real life” until I finished this tonight.
I seem to have raced through the pages taking it all in. So many thoughts buzzing through my head. Loved it. And I’m so happy to have got my hands on a copy.
So if you like thrillers, medical thrillers, interwoven plots, fast paced and flowing well reads, I’d recommend you take a closer look at this.
September 18, 2018
You want to know the one thing that I absolutely love about Jaynes? She is FANTASTIC at grabbing her readers in the first page and taking them on one heck of a ride!
Ok... phew where do I start with this one? The first chapter leaves you wanting more and let me tell you why! "He was also blissfully unaware that his life was about to change in every way imaginable - and within a year's time one of them would be dead and the other would be on the run."
I was so anxious to get rolling with this one after that last statement. After a pretty rough childhood, David Winters is living a successful life as a pediatrician. He also has an amazing trophy wife by his side Mia. Things couldn't get any better for David.
Soon, a new drug comes out at David's practice that he has to start administering to his patients. This mysterious drug is supposed to help infants and children beat the odds of getting sick. Unfortunately, David starts noticing some devastating and weird things occurring to his patients.
On the other hand, at his home life.... Mia starts to behave strangely and David is starting to feel like Mia isn't who she says she is.
Jaynes does a beautiful job interweaving the characters and the events that come crashing together like a freight train. Literally... one minute your scratching your head trying to figure out how the stories fit together and BAM!
I devoured this story in a day and a half! Super heart pumping with moments of terror! I even had to pick my jaw up at one point in the end.
I do have to say... I was left a tad sad what happened with the story! And... it's honestly pretty scary to think that the plot could happen in real life!
4 strong stars!!
Huge thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Published to GR: 9/17/18
Publication date: 9/25/18
Ok... phew where do I start with this one? The first chapter leaves you wanting more and let me tell you why! "He was also blissfully unaware that his life was about to change in every way imaginable - and within a year's time one of them would be dead and the other would be on the run."
I was so anxious to get rolling with this one after that last statement. After a pretty rough childhood, David Winters is living a successful life as a pediatrician. He also has an amazing trophy wife by his side Mia. Things couldn't get any better for David.
Soon, a new drug comes out at David's practice that he has to start administering to his patients. This mysterious drug is supposed to help infants and children beat the odds of getting sick. Unfortunately, David starts noticing some devastating and weird things occurring to his patients.
On the other hand, at his home life.... Mia starts to behave strangely and David is starting to feel like Mia isn't who she says she is.
Jaynes does a beautiful job interweaving the characters and the events that come crashing together like a freight train. Literally... one minute your scratching your head trying to figure out how the stories fit together and BAM!
I devoured this story in a day and a half! Super heart pumping with moments of terror! I even had to pick my jaw up at one point in the end.
I do have to say... I was left a tad sad what happened with the story! And... it's honestly pretty scary to think that the plot could happen in real life!
4 strong stars!!
Huge thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Published to GR: 9/17/18
Publication date: 9/25/18
September 24, 2018
Confession time. I’ve read a couple of Jennifer Jaynes previous books and absolutely loved them so seeing her name on this one I didn’t even bother reading the blurb and just grabbed it. I don’t know if not having a clue what I would begin reading was a good thing but obviously by my rating I made the right choice.
So anyway… about the book in case no one else is as daring as I am and doesn’t just jump in blind. Daniel Winters is a successful pediatrician who has just returned from his honeymoon with his beautiful new bride. It doesn’t however take long for the perfect feeling Daniel had been enjoying to disappear.
Upon returning to his practice Daniel finds the other doctors have began prescribing a new drug to their patients and pushing it aggressively. However, as Daniel begins to realize the drug is not what it seems and more research has him really concerned. And if work wasn’t stressful enough Daniel also begins to question his new bride who seems to be keeping things from him.
Now the first thing I noticed was the exact reason I jumped at reading this book, it took all of a few paragraphs to become intrigued and the farther I got the more intense and engaging the book becomes. The author does a wonderful job in the thriller genre making a reader question everything and everyone while hanging onto every word. And to top it all off I could honestly see this happening in real life which makes it all the more intense. So yes, when it’s said and done just grab a copy and try this one for yourself.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
So anyway… about the book in case no one else is as daring as I am and doesn’t just jump in blind. Daniel Winters is a successful pediatrician who has just returned from his honeymoon with his beautiful new bride. It doesn’t however take long for the perfect feeling Daniel had been enjoying to disappear.
Upon returning to his practice Daniel finds the other doctors have began prescribing a new drug to their patients and pushing it aggressively. However, as Daniel begins to realize the drug is not what it seems and more research has him really concerned. And if work wasn’t stressful enough Daniel also begins to question his new bride who seems to be keeping things from him.
Now the first thing I noticed was the exact reason I jumped at reading this book, it took all of a few paragraphs to become intrigued and the farther I got the more intense and engaging the book becomes. The author does a wonderful job in the thriller genre making a reader question everything and everyone while hanging onto every word. And to top it all off I could honestly see this happening in real life which makes it all the more intense. So yes, when it’s said and done just grab a copy and try this one for yourself.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 19, 2018
How can I describe a Jennifer Jaynes novel to you?
Well, it's kind of like biting into a slice of good NY style pizza. The thin charred crust, spicy marninara, and ooey gooey cheese that stretches perfectly from lip to slice. You tell yourself I'm only having one slice and then you realize you've devoured it all and you don't feel a damn bit guilty about it. You just sit back and smile in satisfaction. That's what reading a Jennifer Jaynes novel is like.
I'm also starving but that's besides the point.
Her books are pure indulgent entertainment plain and simple. This is my third by her and I've yet to be disappointed. Her books read so fast which I appreciate. She doesn't drag out the story line. She doesn't use tons of filler and fluff to get her point across. Just good old fashioned storytelling.
Dan Winters is a successful pediatrician that has a lovely beach side home in Malibu and has recently married the beautiful but secretive Mia. Since they both have troubling pasts he doesn't pry to much into her history but when her behavior becomes more and more questionable he begins to wonder just exactly who this woman is that he married.
Work hasn't been going so well for him either. A new vaccine that they are pushing on the parents of children could come with dire consequences that no one is prepared for. When he tries to express his concerns to the other resident doctors in his practice he is met cold derision and a promise that if he goes public with his claims he will never practice medicine again or perhaps even worse.
And guess what guys? Dan Winters is a legitimate nice guy. I haven't read a book with a nice guy in it in quite awhile so this was a pleasant surprise.
I felt the ending was a little disappointing but only because I wanted a different outcome. *Hums to myself* .... You can't always get what you want.... 3.5 rounding up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Well, it's kind of like biting into a slice of good NY style pizza. The thin charred crust, spicy marninara, and ooey gooey cheese that stretches perfectly from lip to slice. You tell yourself I'm only having one slice and then you realize you've devoured it all and you don't feel a damn bit guilty about it. You just sit back and smile in satisfaction. That's what reading a Jennifer Jaynes novel is like.
I'm also starving but that's besides the point.
Her books are pure indulgent entertainment plain and simple. This is my third by her and I've yet to be disappointed. Her books read so fast which I appreciate. She doesn't drag out the story line. She doesn't use tons of filler and fluff to get her point across. Just good old fashioned storytelling.
Dan Winters is a successful pediatrician that has a lovely beach side home in Malibu and has recently married the beautiful but secretive Mia. Since they both have troubling pasts he doesn't pry to much into her history but when her behavior becomes more and more questionable he begins to wonder just exactly who this woman is that he married.
Work hasn't been going so well for him either. A new vaccine that they are pushing on the parents of children could come with dire consequences that no one is prepared for. When he tries to express his concerns to the other resident doctors in his practice he is met cold derision and a promise that if he goes public with his claims he will never practice medicine again or perhaps even worse.
And guess what guys? Dan Winters is a legitimate nice guy. I haven't read a book with a nice guy in it in quite awhile so this was a pleasant surprise.
I felt the ending was a little disappointing but only because I wanted a different outcome. *Hums to myself* .... You can't always get what you want.... 3.5 rounding up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2018
After a troubled childhood, conquering an alcohol addiction and years of hard work, Dr David Winters is living his best life. His career as a pediatrician is soaring and he's recently married the woman of his dreams, Mia.
"He was also blissfully unaware that his life was about to change in every way imaginable - and within a year's time one of them would be dead and the other would be on the run."
This is a short fast read that I flew through in one day. The story kept my attention from beginning to end with it's multiple storylines that at first seem unrelated but ultimately come crashing together leaving a trail of regret and devastation in it's wake.
Author Jennifer Jaynes seamlessly weaves this story featuring multiple POV's as well as several peripheral characters. My only complaint would be with David's inner dialogue, which is prevailent throughout the book. I found it monotonous and distracting and by halfway through the book I had stopped reading them altogether.
The plot was engrossing with palpable tension and peppered with moments of complete horror.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
"He was also blissfully unaware that his life was about to change in every way imaginable - and within a year's time one of them would be dead and the other would be on the run."
This is a short fast read that I flew through in one day. The story kept my attention from beginning to end with it's multiple storylines that at first seem unrelated but ultimately come crashing together leaving a trail of regret and devastation in it's wake.
Author Jennifer Jaynes seamlessly weaves this story featuring multiple POV's as well as several peripheral characters. My only complaint would be with David's inner dialogue, which is prevailent throughout the book. I found it monotonous and distracting and by halfway through the book I had stopped reading them altogether.
The plot was engrossing with palpable tension and peppered with moments of complete horror.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2018
3 Stars
I had to pay more attention when I read He was also blissfully unaware that his life was about to change in every way imaginable – and within a year’s time, one of them would be dead and the other would be on the run. in the prologue. I thought maybe the story wouldn’t end like that and somehow in the middle or at the end, it will be changed! But it didn’t happen and it was a problem for me. It makes me so anxious/frustrated when I think about the kids with their shots... I think the ending was open somehow! But I should say with these issues the writing was really good, in such a way that makes it hard to put it down. Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. All in all, the ending was a disappointment for me and hope you like it!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
I had to pay more attention when I read He was also blissfully unaware that his life was about to change in every way imaginable – and within a year’s time, one of them would be dead and the other would be on the run. in the prologue. I thought maybe the story wouldn’t end like that and somehow in the middle or at the end, it will be changed! But it didn’t happen and it was a problem for me. It makes me so anxious/frustrated when I think about the kids with their shots... I think the ending was open somehow! But I should say with these issues the writing was really good, in such a way that makes it hard to put it down. Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. All in all, the ending was a disappointment for me and hope you like it!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 21, 20184 STRONG stars!
Holy wow! This was my first Jennifer Jaynes novel and it definitely won’t be my last. Can you really trust your pediatrician? Any doctor who has you or your family’s life in their hands?
When a book grabs my attention from the first page, I know it’s gonna be a heck of a ride! This book did that. In fact, it held my attention the whole time. Not once did it lag. I think one of the scariest aspects of this book was the fact that this could really happen in real life - to anyone. It’s horrifying to think that you could unknowingly be putting your children at risk by simply following doctors orders of getting them a vaccine that prevents the common cold. As things start to unravel in this story, I was anxiously turning the pages because I had to see how it all turned out in the end. I would’ve never figured out that ending in a million years.
I’m not going to get into the synopsis - actually, that isn’t how I do my reviews most of the time anyway. Just know that if you enjoy reading a book that has a ton of psychological suspense with a few twists along the way then you really need to dig into Malice. The title is perfect and truly fits what’s inside the pages!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy to review.
Holy wow! This was my first Jennifer Jaynes novel and it definitely won’t be my last. Can you really trust your pediatrician? Any doctor who has you or your family’s life in their hands?
When a book grabs my attention from the first page, I know it’s gonna be a heck of a ride! This book did that. In fact, it held my attention the whole time. Not once did it lag. I think one of the scariest aspects of this book was the fact that this could really happen in real life - to anyone. It’s horrifying to think that you could unknowingly be putting your children at risk by simply following doctors orders of getting them a vaccine that prevents the common cold. As things start to unravel in this story, I was anxiously turning the pages because I had to see how it all turned out in the end. I would’ve never figured out that ending in a million years.
I’m not going to get into the synopsis - actually, that isn’t how I do my reviews most of the time anyway. Just know that if you enjoy reading a book that has a ton of psychological suspense with a few twists along the way then you really need to dig into Malice. The title is perfect and truly fits what’s inside the pages!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy to review.
October 21, 2018
This was a wonderful, suspenseful, medical thriller with a touch of romance and I was sorry to see the story end.
The storyline revolves around a handsome pediatrician and a gorgeous woman (possible femme fatale?) who meet and begin a whirlwind relationship without knowing much-needed information about their past. Daniel works out of a prestigious pediatric office in the Malibu area catering to well known and well off individuals raising children. The story involves a new drug just approved by the FDA as an immunization to protect against the common cold virus.
The story takes off from there with so many twists and turns that my head was spinning. This was an excellent book that was well-written and researched about the pharmaceutical companies and their interaction with the promotion of new drugs and the power behind the scenes which most people don't think twice about when trusting their doctors to make informed and safe decisions. I would not want to raise a child today and be forced to have them receive so many vaccinations and other immunizations just so the child would be allowed to go to school or attend daycare. So many more drugs than I was required to have when I was growing up. I am not against immunizations but after reading this informative (fictitious) book, it certainly gave me a lot of food for thought.
This book started out with a terrific prologue that I cannot imagine anyone would want to discontinue reading because the suspense is so chilling before reading the first chapter.
This is my first Jennifer Jaynes book and I am now a fan. I just loved how this author wrote this story. I really could not put this book down and I so wish all my books were this well-written. The characters were very unique where I would feel anger at them and then feel empathy for them. I loved the complex situations and frustrating way that the characters would handle their individual problems. This book had a few shockers that I never saw coming and I found myself holding my breath through the last final chapters!
I highly recommend this book to all suspenseful thriller and mystery lovers.
I want to thank the publisher Thomas & Mercer and Netgally for this ARC and also this review is my own and unbiased opinion, which I am more than happy to give.
The storyline revolves around a handsome pediatrician and a gorgeous woman (possible femme fatale?) who meet and begin a whirlwind relationship without knowing much-needed information about their past. Daniel works out of a prestigious pediatric office in the Malibu area catering to well known and well off individuals raising children. The story involves a new drug just approved by the FDA as an immunization to protect against the common cold virus.
The story takes off from there with so many twists and turns that my head was spinning. This was an excellent book that was well-written and researched about the pharmaceutical companies and their interaction with the promotion of new drugs and the power behind the scenes which most people don't think twice about when trusting their doctors to make informed and safe decisions. I would not want to raise a child today and be forced to have them receive so many vaccinations and other immunizations just so the child would be allowed to go to school or attend daycare. So many more drugs than I was required to have when I was growing up. I am not against immunizations but after reading this informative (fictitious) book, it certainly gave me a lot of food for thought.
This book started out with a terrific prologue that I cannot imagine anyone would want to discontinue reading because the suspense is so chilling before reading the first chapter.
This is my first Jennifer Jaynes book and I am now a fan. I just loved how this author wrote this story. I really could not put this book down and I so wish all my books were this well-written. The characters were very unique where I would feel anger at them and then feel empathy for them. I loved the complex situations and frustrating way that the characters would handle their individual problems. This book had a few shockers that I never saw coming and I found myself holding my breath through the last final chapters!
I highly recommend this book to all suspenseful thriller and mystery lovers.
I want to thank the publisher Thomas & Mercer and Netgally for this ARC and also this review is my own and unbiased opinion, which I am more than happy to give.
September 18, 2018
Dr. Daniel Winters is living a fairy-tale life. He has a beach front home in Malibu, a career as a respected paediatrician at a thriving Los Angeles practice, and a beautiful new wife, Mia. For a man whose past was rife with mental illness, addiction and thoughts of suicide, it seemed too good to be true.
Daniel's perfect life seems to be spiralling out of control. He comes back from his honeymoon to discover that the medical practice where he works, is giving out a new type of inoculation. Daniel objects to this and decides to do a little investigation of his own into the drug and he does not what he discovers. One of his patients, baby Suzie, who had been administered the drug, had reacted badly after getting her first injection. This just makes Daniel more determined to stop administering the drug, but his boss, Teddy, is just as determined to keep giving it.
This is how the perfect life quickly becomes the perfect nightmare. The book is written from three different perspectives, Dr. Daniel Winters, his wife Mia and the mother of baby Suzie, Rachel. A tale of lies, deception greed, secrets and mental health issues. I warmed to the main characters quite quickly and my heart went out to baby Suzies mother, Rachel on several occasions. I was gripped from the beginning to the end of this roller coaster ride that full of twists and turns. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Jennifer Jaynes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Daniel's perfect life seems to be spiralling out of control. He comes back from his honeymoon to discover that the medical practice where he works, is giving out a new type of inoculation. Daniel objects to this and decides to do a little investigation of his own into the drug and he does not what he discovers. One of his patients, baby Suzie, who had been administered the drug, had reacted badly after getting her first injection. This just makes Daniel more determined to stop administering the drug, but his boss, Teddy, is just as determined to keep giving it.
This is how the perfect life quickly becomes the perfect nightmare. The book is written from three different perspectives, Dr. Daniel Winters, his wife Mia and the mother of baby Suzie, Rachel. A tale of lies, deception greed, secrets and mental health issues. I warmed to the main characters quite quickly and my heart went out to baby Suzies mother, Rachel on several occasions. I was gripped from the beginning to the end of this roller coaster ride that full of twists and turns. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Jennifer Jaynes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2018
Buckle up and prepare to be taken on a roller coaster ride that leaves you feeling like your heart leaped out of your chest when it is done. This story had a chilling plot twist that had you guessing until the end.
Daniel has returned from his honeymoon and is reveling over how great his life is. He is a successful pediatrician, has a beautiful wife and living in a beautiful home. He is living the dream until he starts to see fissures in his daily life beginning with a new patient who he he administers a new drug that is supposed to improve their health, but the patient experiences adverse effects that causes concern. Daniel shares his concerns but is met with pushback and is told to continue pushing the drug as it will bring huge benefits to their practice. This only heightens his concerns which adds to the paranoid feelings he's having when he begins to distrust his new, beautiful wife. He begins to drink heavily which the author adds a voice to his conscious through his struggle to cope. This is important because Daniel wants to be on the side of right but his paranoia keeps clouding his judgement. Mia, Daniel's wife, has her secrets, too. She manages to draw Daniel's concerns from him and worries he can be in danger. She worries that his current circumstance will collide with her own and she has to change the course of a potential disaster.
This story was out of the gate immediately, with the short chapters, it was impossible to put down, you wanted more and you felt your heart beating rapidly. This as a suspenseful, adrenaline surging story that was well worth the ride.
Daniel has returned from his honeymoon and is reveling over how great his life is. He is a successful pediatrician, has a beautiful wife and living in a beautiful home. He is living the dream until he starts to see fissures in his daily life beginning with a new patient who he he administers a new drug that is supposed to improve their health, but the patient experiences adverse effects that causes concern. Daniel shares his concerns but is met with pushback and is told to continue pushing the drug as it will bring huge benefits to their practice. This only heightens his concerns which adds to the paranoid feelings he's having when he begins to distrust his new, beautiful wife. He begins to drink heavily which the author adds a voice to his conscious through his struggle to cope. This is important because Daniel wants to be on the side of right but his paranoia keeps clouding his judgement. Mia, Daniel's wife, has her secrets, too. She manages to draw Daniel's concerns from him and worries he can be in danger. She worries that his current circumstance will collide with her own and she has to change the course of a potential disaster.
This story was out of the gate immediately, with the short chapters, it was impossible to put down, you wanted more and you felt your heart beating rapidly. This as a suspenseful, adrenaline surging story that was well worth the ride.
March 18, 2019
PARENTS ARE BOUND TO MAKE MISTAKES. BUT PLEASE . . . DON’T MAKE ONE WITH HIS HEALTH. ASK YOUR PEDIATRICIAN ABOUT RESPIRA TODAY.
She heard a creaking sound.
It was the loose step— the sixth one from the bottom. It had been creaking since she was a little girl. She always tried to avoid it, especially if she was doing something she wasn’t supposed to be doing.
Suddenly, she heard a loud crash as though something— or someone—was tumbling down the stairs. White-hot terror rose inside her and she clapped a hand over her mouth.
Justin?!
Oh, my God! What just happened?
Panic fluttered like a trapped moth in her chest as she contemplated opening the door to find out what was going on. To help her brother.
Step number six squeaked again. Someone was heading upstairs. Toward her.
Her heart thundering in her chest, she sprinted to the other side of her room and crawled beneath her bed.
Call 911! Someone is in my house, she texted.
The phone dinged: Stop messing around.
I’m serious! I’m under the bed! she typed. Call 911 NOW!
The phone dinged again: Stop, M. Ur starting to freak me out.
She tried to reply, to tell Ryan that she wasn’t messing around, that she was really in danger, horrible danger, but her hand was shaking so badly, she kept tapping the wrong buttons.
She heard footsteps in the hallway, drawing closer. A moment later, she heard the knob to her bedroom door turn. But the door didn’t open.
She’d locked it.
The house went silent again. Then something slammed into the door, and she heard wood splinter. Another slam, and the door swung open on its hinges.
Her breath turned to ice inside her chest as the phone clattered to the carpet. She clamped a hand over her mouth again, barely stifling a scream.
A ding! pierced the silence as another text came through, but she didn’t dare breathe, much less move to pick up the phone. Sweat carving a jagged path along her spine, she listened to the intruder’s heavy breathing and tried to stay quiet. She lay still as a statue and watched a pair of large black boots step into the room. Then the person who belonged to them moved slowly past her bed and out of view.
She heard her closet door opening, the squeak of her hangers moving as her clothes were being moved around. Then silence slowly settled over the room. A moment later, the boots reappeared. They were heading away from the bed, away from her. She shuddered with relief as she watched the intruder step from her room, into the hallway. Ding!
Bile slid up her throat. No, Ryan, no!
The boots froze, then turned and faced the bed.
********
I flew through the pages of Malice by Jennifer Jaynes! The feeling of foreboding and fear begins from page one, increasing more and more as the story unfolds.
With genuine characters, a conceivable and distinctly different storyline full of terrifying twists and turns, I was unable to put it down until the very end. I was completely unprepared for the conclusion, leaving me with questions abound — in a good way! As a pediatric nurse, I know that the bases of this story isn't necessarily far from the real world and issues that are commonplace surrounding the medical field and pharmaceutical companies of the past to the present, making it even more terrifying!
I was thinking of rating this a 4★ novel only as it left some pretty hefty questions open in the wake of the conclusion, as I said, but I decided on the full 5★'s because it's so unusual and has given me a lot things to mull over. Even now, my mind keeps flipping through the many possible scenarios of what could or would happen if this wasn't a work of fiction! What would or could happen, indeed?
This story will stick with me for a very long time and, for me, that's the hallmark of a distinctive and talented author.
This is my first taste of the writings of Jennifer Jaynes but it won't be the last as it left me excited to delve into more of her novels!
**Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Jennifer Jaynes for my digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
She heard a creaking sound.
It was the loose step— the sixth one from the bottom. It had been creaking since she was a little girl. She always tried to avoid it, especially if she was doing something she wasn’t supposed to be doing.
Suddenly, she heard a loud crash as though something— or someone—was tumbling down the stairs. White-hot terror rose inside her and she clapped a hand over her mouth.
Justin?!
Oh, my God! What just happened?
Panic fluttered like a trapped moth in her chest as she contemplated opening the door to find out what was going on. To help her brother.
Step number six squeaked again. Someone was heading upstairs. Toward her.
Her heart thundering in her chest, she sprinted to the other side of her room and crawled beneath her bed.
Call 911! Someone is in my house, she texted.
The phone dinged: Stop messing around.
I’m serious! I’m under the bed! she typed. Call 911 NOW!
The phone dinged again: Stop, M. Ur starting to freak me out.
She tried to reply, to tell Ryan that she wasn’t messing around, that she was really in danger, horrible danger, but her hand was shaking so badly, she kept tapping the wrong buttons.
She heard footsteps in the hallway, drawing closer. A moment later, she heard the knob to her bedroom door turn. But the door didn’t open.
She’d locked it.
The house went silent again. Then something slammed into the door, and she heard wood splinter. Another slam, and the door swung open on its hinges.
Her breath turned to ice inside her chest as the phone clattered to the carpet. She clamped a hand over her mouth again, barely stifling a scream.
A ding! pierced the silence as another text came through, but she didn’t dare breathe, much less move to pick up the phone. Sweat carving a jagged path along her spine, she listened to the intruder’s heavy breathing and tried to stay quiet. She lay still as a statue and watched a pair of large black boots step into the room. Then the person who belonged to them moved slowly past her bed and out of view.
She heard her closet door opening, the squeak of her hangers moving as her clothes were being moved around. Then silence slowly settled over the room. A moment later, the boots reappeared. They were heading away from the bed, away from her. She shuddered with relief as she watched the intruder step from her room, into the hallway. Ding!
Bile slid up her throat. No, Ryan, no!
The boots froze, then turned and faced the bed.
********
I flew through the pages of Malice by Jennifer Jaynes! The feeling of foreboding and fear begins from page one, increasing more and more as the story unfolds.
With genuine characters, a conceivable and distinctly different storyline full of terrifying twists and turns, I was unable to put it down until the very end. I was completely unprepared for the conclusion, leaving me with questions abound — in a good way! As a pediatric nurse, I know that the bases of this story isn't necessarily far from the real world and issues that are commonplace surrounding the medical field and pharmaceutical companies of the past to the present, making it even more terrifying!
I was thinking of rating this a 4★ novel only as it left some pretty hefty questions open in the wake of the conclusion, as I said, but I decided on the full 5★'s because it's so unusual and has given me a lot things to mull over. Even now, my mind keeps flipping through the many possible scenarios of what could or would happen if this wasn't a work of fiction! What would or could happen, indeed?
This story will stick with me for a very long time and, for me, that's the hallmark of a distinctive and talented author.
This is my first taste of the writings of Jennifer Jaynes but it won't be the last as it left me excited to delve into more of her novels!
**Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Jennifer Jaynes for my digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2018
Pediatrician Dr Daniel Winters had always vowed to never marry – but in the short time he’d known Mia he’d fallen in love with her intelligence and humour. After only ten months, they married – the beautiful Mia was his wife, and Daniel was extraordinarily happy. But gradually things began to fall apart. The practice that he was expecting to be made a partner at was his second home. It was when the doctors began vaccinating their child patients with a new drug that the problems started.
Being told the drug was safe didn’t cut it with Daniel. When a good friend – another pediatrician – committed suicide after the murder/suicide of a fellow pediatrician and his family, Daniel had no idea what to think. And what was up with Mia? Was he right in his suspicions of her, or was he just stressed and paranoid? The alcohol didn’t help either – even he knew that…
What would be the outcome for Daniel and Mia?
Malice by Jennifer Jaynes is an intense medical thriller which I devoured. Fast-paced, the twists and turns kept me on my toes; the evil of the “bad guys” stunned me! An excellent psychological thriller which fans of the genre are sure to enjoy. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
Being told the drug was safe didn’t cut it with Daniel. When a good friend – another pediatrician – committed suicide after the murder/suicide of a fellow pediatrician and his family, Daniel had no idea what to think. And what was up with Mia? Was he right in his suspicions of her, or was he just stressed and paranoid? The alcohol didn’t help either – even he knew that…
What would be the outcome for Daniel and Mia?
Malice by Jennifer Jaynes is an intense medical thriller which I devoured. Fast-paced, the twists and turns kept me on my toes; the evil of the “bad guys” stunned me! An excellent psychological thriller which fans of the genre are sure to enjoy. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2018
You can trust your pediatrician right? He is always going to do the ethical thing for your child and what is in their best interest, correct? He would never be guilty of malice and doing things for his own personal financial gain, or would he?
Dr. Daniel Winters has it all. He has a career as a pediatrician and an exclusive office, Healing Hands which has a one year wait for new patients. He has a beautiful beach front home in Malibu and a wife named Mia that looks like a model and is smart as hell. Life is good...until it is not.
A new vaccine is out for children and it is called respira. For some reason Healing Hands is pushing this vaccine, even though it is used to prevent the common cold. They don't even want their doctors to use the word vaccine for it, they prefer the term "immune system booster." It is totally safe, or is it? Dr. Winters is struggling with that question himself. Meanwhile doctors that have spoken out against respira are found murdered. He may lose his job, his home, his wife and his career if he follows his gut on this.
Mia meanwhile is sneaking around, getting mysterious texts and has many holes in her story as to where she is. Daniel Winters is wondering if there may be more to his wife than he knows about. She doesn't like to talk about her past, what is she hiding?
This book had me from the very first chapter. It pulled me right in and would not let me go. I flew through this book. I have never read a Jennifer Jaynes book and I can assure you I will be reading more from her. It was a gripping thriller that really had alot of depth to it. It made you question to what degree that things like this occur in our medical field. What lengths people go to for money, even if it meant they are harming others. Even if they have taken the oath to heal others and do no malice. Loved it!
Much thanks to Jennifer Jaynes, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley!
Dr. Daniel Winters has it all. He has a career as a pediatrician and an exclusive office, Healing Hands which has a one year wait for new patients. He has a beautiful beach front home in Malibu and a wife named Mia that looks like a model and is smart as hell. Life is good...until it is not.
A new vaccine is out for children and it is called respira. For some reason Healing Hands is pushing this vaccine, even though it is used to prevent the common cold. They don't even want their doctors to use the word vaccine for it, they prefer the term "immune system booster." It is totally safe, or is it? Dr. Winters is struggling with that question himself. Meanwhile doctors that have spoken out against respira are found murdered. He may lose his job, his home, his wife and his career if he follows his gut on this.
Mia meanwhile is sneaking around, getting mysterious texts and has many holes in her story as to where she is. Daniel Winters is wondering if there may be more to his wife than he knows about. She doesn't like to talk about her past, what is she hiding?
This book had me from the very first chapter. It pulled me right in and would not let me go. I flew through this book. I have never read a Jennifer Jaynes book and I can assure you I will be reading more from her. It was a gripping thriller that really had alot of depth to it. It made you question to what degree that things like this occur in our medical field. What lengths people go to for money, even if it meant they are harming others. Even if they have taken the oath to heal others and do no malice. Loved it!
Much thanks to Jennifer Jaynes, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley!
April 22, 2019
Daniel Winters is a successful pediatrician in Los Angeles. When a new vaccine comes on the market, his colleagues encourage their patients to get it. When one of Daniel's patients has a severe reaction to the vaccine, he starts to question the safety of the new drug. Meanwhile, Daniel's home life with his new wife is under stress. She seems to be hiding something, and Daniel's at a loss as what to do. Add in Daniel's history with addiction, and Daniel's perfect life starts to crumble.
A fast-paced read that is part medical thriller and part domestic thriller. The medical part deals with a new drug that is being heavily pushed on pediatric clinics and their patients. The safety of the drug is in question, and the lengths at which the pharmaceutical companies go to is scary. The domestic part concerns Daniel and his new wife. She is hiding something, but Daniel has no idea what, and he starts to suspect the worst. Suspenseful, exciting, and emotional.
A fast-paced read that is part medical thriller and part domestic thriller. The medical part deals with a new drug that is being heavily pushed on pediatric clinics and their patients. The safety of the drug is in question, and the lengths at which the pharmaceutical companies go to is scary. The domestic part concerns Daniel and his new wife. She is hiding something, but Daniel has no idea what, and he starts to suspect the worst. Suspenseful, exciting, and emotional.
September 26, 2018
Q&A Elevator Ride with the Author
The #1 USA Today and internationally bestselling author, Jennifer Jaynes returns following The Stranger Inside (#4 Stranger Series) with her latest emotionally charged standalone thriller —MALICE, Coming Sept. 25, 2018. You are going to devour! Top Books of 2018 List.
The perfect life becomes the perfect nightmare in a twisting novel of twisty psychological suspense. Truth and deception. Trust and betrayal. The people closest to us may be the (strangers) we need to fear the most. How far will they go to protect their secrets?
MALICE is such a timely and electrifying novel ripped from today’s headlines. Jaynes brilliantly creates a terrifying scenario both complex and all too real.
"Psychological domestic suspense meets heart-pounding medical thriller." Think, Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies), Karin Slaughter, and Lisa Gardner meets Michael and Daniel Palmer.
As I have said previously in my reviews and reiterated here with MALICE: The author continues to deliver gripping, edge-of-your-seat crime thrillers solidifying her place alongside the best of female crime writers out today!
The setting of MALICE is in beautiful Malibu, California. Daniel has it all. The beautiful beachfront home in Malibu. The perfect career, the ideal wife, the perfect life. He loved just about everything about his job: practicing medicine, the patients, his colleagues. Even his mess of a boss, Teddy. Life was great. Until . . .
Daniel also has a darker, paranoid, and cynical side. He has an inner voice, which speaks to him throughout the book, as a warning (highly entertaining).
MALICE is written from different perspectives. The three main characters: Dr. Daniel Winters (pediatrician), his new wife, Mia, and Rachel (mother of Suzie-patient) and a few secondary characters. I enjoy this style, allowing the reader to experience the character’s emotions (and inner voices) first-hand.
Dr. Daniel Winters is living a fairy-tale life. He has a beachfront home in Malibu, a career as a respected pediatrician at a thriving Los Angeles practice, and a gorgeous new wife, Mia.
For a man whose past was rife with mental illness, addiction, and thoughts of suicide, it seems too good to be true. Soon the facade of Daniel’s perfect life turns deadly (both personally and professionally).
Daniel is a pediatric physician and runs a practice with Teddy. He has always respected Teddy. (a good ole boy type). Daniel has not always had this glamorous life. He has worked hard to push his past aside; however, his ongoing battle with his inner voice continues.
He does not trust women. He and his twin sister battled demons from their past with their father and appears all the woman in his life were beautiful. "Beautiful meant bad."
When he meets the mysterious Mia, he remains concerned with her beauty and a little paranoid. Always wondering what she is thinking or doing.
Soon after their honeymoon from the islands, he returns to his practice and discovers the medical practice is openly advertising a new immunoceutical vaccine, Respira and the pharmaceutical start-up, Immunext. This is puzzling to Daniel and he decides to do some research on his own. This is the first he has heard of this new drug.
In the meantime, a physician family is murdered. There are warnings. Could Respira be related to the murders? Now Andy, his friend is concerned plus he has a patient that is having serious complications after taking the vaccine. On top of all this stress, his inner voice is speaking to him.
Plus his new wife who insisted she wanted to keep to a waitressing job (even though she does not need to work), is keeping secrets and acting very mysterious. Is he paranoid about everything, or are his instincts correct?
Are they in danger due to the new drug? Is his wife cheating on him and if so, he must find out what she is up to. Talk about stress (both professionally and personally).
Heart-pounding adrenaline keeps the suspense high to the explosive conclusion! (would love to see a follow-up story with Mia and Teddy). With action-packed twists and turns and a cast of solid primary and secondary characters. (Teddy was one evil guy). A finely crafted plot, high tension, and moral complexity are just a few mentions in this riveting suspense thriller.
Risks of a new vaccination keep the pulse-pounding as well as Daniel and Mia's secrets. Jennifer most definitely raises the bar with MALICE—she is at the "top of her game!" She does this so well, I am hoping we see more of the medical storyline. (one of my favorites).
MALICE is a little different than the author’s previous novels. In the past, she has written crime suspense psychological thrillers centered around dysfunctional families, serial killers, and mental illness. Here there still is the psychological aspect, dysfunction families; however, with MALICE she adds social newsworthy highly-charged and controversial medical topics— real families are facing in today's world.
Wrenchingly scary. A terrifying tale of greed, tragedy, and murder— where either knowing too little or trusting too much can be deadly. Making readers think twice about a routine vaccination.
Jennifer explores many powerful themes in MALICE— such as love, marriage, family, motherhood, childcare, trust, deceit, mental health, betrayal, secrets, greed, power, politics, moral dilemmas, corruption, whistleblowing, murder, pediatrics, medical and pharmaceutical negligence, conspiracy, and malpractice.
Well-researched, I am sure with Jaynes’s integrative health background, and a mother of young children she is keenly aware preventive care is the cornerstone of pediatrics, and vaccination represents one of the most critical strategies in the prevention of disease in children.
However, public concern, both real and anecdotal, regarding the adverse effects of vaccines has been front and center since the time of the first smallpox inoculation in 1796. From too many vaccines leading to weakening of a children's immune system, the pincushion effect, to other serious side effects and health concerns such as autism and even death.
Controversy and public outcry have surrounded vaccines, particularly as certain states attempt to mandate them.
On one hand, such as the fictional book MALICE portrays— the damaging immunoceutical vaccine, Respira and the pharmaceutical start-up, Immunext, and the greedy physicians— however, the same real tragedy is occurring in our world today, harming our children, causing parents to doubt the doctors dictated by the giant pharmacy companies and their greed for money and power.
From malpractice, negligence, murder, and conspiracy. Some we may not even be aware of the damage until years later. Often this leads parents who want to protect their children to run in the opposite direction —refusing to have their children take any vaccines. Which is worse, the vaccine or the potential disease?
Jennifer dedicates MALICE to Colton Berrett— another vibrant young teen sacrificed by the HPV Vaccine. Heartbreaking, heart-shattering, devastating, horrific—and most importantly, unnecessary. Another tragic death of a child damaged by and caused by vaccines, and in this case, it was the Gardasil/Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPV) that took his life. Colton is one of the thousands of severe vaccine injured children who ultimately lost his life and succumbed to the toxic travesty of vaccine injury and damage.
Readers if you have followed this story, it is tragic. Read More Q&A with Author
It is difficult for parents and grandparents to follow the advice of physicians and the medical industry when they do not always have their best interest at heart. It takes more education on the part of the guardians and parents of these innocent children to control their child’s health and make wise medical decisions regarding their health, as well as our own. We hold their lives in our hands.
MALICE is for fans of Daniel and Michael Palmer, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner and throw in a mix of Lisa Unger, Chevy Stevens, and Jennifer Hillier to the ones mentioned above.
For me, Jaynes has always been a "rock star" and in my opinion a very undervalued psychological thriller author similar, to Hillier— until this past year when she received the movie deal. Here ’s hoping everyone discovers Jennifer Jaynes and her unwavering talent. Her books are ideal for prime-time TV or the big screen. She is a fantastic storyteller!
Looking forward to a prequel of The Stranger series. (now this would be a fabulous series for Amazon video).
With more twists and turns than California's Pacific Highway, MALICE is a chilling, terrifying, and riveting action-packed suspense thriller which takes Jaynes favorite brand of suspense to new heights as she continues to raise the bar.
A special thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and #NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of #Malice.
#JDCMustReadBooks
My Reviews:
The Stranger Inside
Don’t Say A Word
Disturbed
Ugly Young Thing
Never Smile at Strangers
The #1 USA Today and internationally bestselling author, Jennifer Jaynes returns following The Stranger Inside (#4 Stranger Series) with her latest emotionally charged standalone thriller —MALICE, Coming Sept. 25, 2018. You are going to devour! Top Books of 2018 List.
The perfect life becomes the perfect nightmare in a twisting novel of twisty psychological suspense. Truth and deception. Trust and betrayal. The people closest to us may be the (strangers) we need to fear the most. How far will they go to protect their secrets?
MALICE is such a timely and electrifying novel ripped from today’s headlines. Jaynes brilliantly creates a terrifying scenario both complex and all too real.
"Psychological domestic suspense meets heart-pounding medical thriller." Think, Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies), Karin Slaughter, and Lisa Gardner meets Michael and Daniel Palmer.
As I have said previously in my reviews and reiterated here with MALICE: The author continues to deliver gripping, edge-of-your-seat crime thrillers solidifying her place alongside the best of female crime writers out today!
The setting of MALICE is in beautiful Malibu, California. Daniel has it all. The beautiful beachfront home in Malibu. The perfect career, the ideal wife, the perfect life. He loved just about everything about his job: practicing medicine, the patients, his colleagues. Even his mess of a boss, Teddy. Life was great. Until . . .
Daniel also has a darker, paranoid, and cynical side. He has an inner voice, which speaks to him throughout the book, as a warning (highly entertaining).
MALICE is written from different perspectives. The three main characters: Dr. Daniel Winters (pediatrician), his new wife, Mia, and Rachel (mother of Suzie-patient) and a few secondary characters. I enjoy this style, allowing the reader to experience the character’s emotions (and inner voices) first-hand.
Dr. Daniel Winters is living a fairy-tale life. He has a beachfront home in Malibu, a career as a respected pediatrician at a thriving Los Angeles practice, and a gorgeous new wife, Mia.
For a man whose past was rife with mental illness, addiction, and thoughts of suicide, it seems too good to be true. Soon the facade of Daniel’s perfect life turns deadly (both personally and professionally).
Daniel is a pediatric physician and runs a practice with Teddy. He has always respected Teddy. (a good ole boy type). Daniel has not always had this glamorous life. He has worked hard to push his past aside; however, his ongoing battle with his inner voice continues.
He does not trust women. He and his twin sister battled demons from their past with their father and appears all the woman in his life were beautiful. "Beautiful meant bad."
When he meets the mysterious Mia, he remains concerned with her beauty and a little paranoid. Always wondering what she is thinking or doing.
Soon after their honeymoon from the islands, he returns to his practice and discovers the medical practice is openly advertising a new immunoceutical vaccine, Respira and the pharmaceutical start-up, Immunext. This is puzzling to Daniel and he decides to do some research on his own. This is the first he has heard of this new drug.
In the meantime, a physician family is murdered. There are warnings. Could Respira be related to the murders? Now Andy, his friend is concerned plus he has a patient that is having serious complications after taking the vaccine. On top of all this stress, his inner voice is speaking to him.
Plus his new wife who insisted she wanted to keep to a waitressing job (even though she does not need to work), is keeping secrets and acting very mysterious. Is he paranoid about everything, or are his instincts correct?
Are they in danger due to the new drug? Is his wife cheating on him and if so, he must find out what she is up to. Talk about stress (both professionally and personally).
Heart-pounding adrenaline keeps the suspense high to the explosive conclusion! (would love to see a follow-up story with Mia and Teddy). With action-packed twists and turns and a cast of solid primary and secondary characters. (Teddy was one evil guy). A finely crafted plot, high tension, and moral complexity are just a few mentions in this riveting suspense thriller.
Risks of a new vaccination keep the pulse-pounding as well as Daniel and Mia's secrets. Jennifer most definitely raises the bar with MALICE—she is at the "top of her game!" She does this so well, I am hoping we see more of the medical storyline. (one of my favorites).
MALICE is a little different than the author’s previous novels. In the past, she has written crime suspense psychological thrillers centered around dysfunctional families, serial killers, and mental illness. Here there still is the psychological aspect, dysfunction families; however, with MALICE she adds social newsworthy highly-charged and controversial medical topics— real families are facing in today's world.
Wrenchingly scary. A terrifying tale of greed, tragedy, and murder— where either knowing too little or trusting too much can be deadly. Making readers think twice about a routine vaccination.
Jennifer explores many powerful themes in MALICE— such as love, marriage, family, motherhood, childcare, trust, deceit, mental health, betrayal, secrets, greed, power, politics, moral dilemmas, corruption, whistleblowing, murder, pediatrics, medical and pharmaceutical negligence, conspiracy, and malpractice.
Well-researched, I am sure with Jaynes’s integrative health background, and a mother of young children she is keenly aware preventive care is the cornerstone of pediatrics, and vaccination represents one of the most critical strategies in the prevention of disease in children.
However, public concern, both real and anecdotal, regarding the adverse effects of vaccines has been front and center since the time of the first smallpox inoculation in 1796. From too many vaccines leading to weakening of a children's immune system, the pincushion effect, to other serious side effects and health concerns such as autism and even death.
Controversy and public outcry have surrounded vaccines, particularly as certain states attempt to mandate them.
On one hand, such as the fictional book MALICE portrays— the damaging immunoceutical vaccine, Respira and the pharmaceutical start-up, Immunext, and the greedy physicians— however, the same real tragedy is occurring in our world today, harming our children, causing parents to doubt the doctors dictated by the giant pharmacy companies and their greed for money and power.
From malpractice, negligence, murder, and conspiracy. Some we may not even be aware of the damage until years later. Often this leads parents who want to protect their children to run in the opposite direction —refusing to have their children take any vaccines. Which is worse, the vaccine or the potential disease?
Jennifer dedicates MALICE to Colton Berrett— another vibrant young teen sacrificed by the HPV Vaccine. Heartbreaking, heart-shattering, devastating, horrific—and most importantly, unnecessary. Another tragic death of a child damaged by and caused by vaccines, and in this case, it was the Gardasil/Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPV) that took his life. Colton is one of the thousands of severe vaccine injured children who ultimately lost his life and succumbed to the toxic travesty of vaccine injury and damage.
Readers if you have followed this story, it is tragic. Read More Q&A with Author
It is difficult for parents and grandparents to follow the advice of physicians and the medical industry when they do not always have their best interest at heart. It takes more education on the part of the guardians and parents of these innocent children to control their child’s health and make wise medical decisions regarding their health, as well as our own. We hold their lives in our hands.
MALICE is for fans of Daniel and Michael Palmer, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner and throw in a mix of Lisa Unger, Chevy Stevens, and Jennifer Hillier to the ones mentioned above.
For me, Jaynes has always been a "rock star" and in my opinion a very undervalued psychological thriller author similar, to Hillier— until this past year when she received the movie deal. Here ’s hoping everyone discovers Jennifer Jaynes and her unwavering talent. Her books are ideal for prime-time TV or the big screen. She is a fantastic storyteller!
Looking forward to a prequel of The Stranger series. (now this would be a fabulous series for Amazon video).
With more twists and turns than California's Pacific Highway, MALICE is a chilling, terrifying, and riveting action-packed suspense thriller which takes Jaynes favorite brand of suspense to new heights as she continues to raise the bar.
A special thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and #NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of #Malice.
#JDCMustReadBooks
My Reviews:
The Stranger Inside
Don’t Say A Word
Disturbed
Ugly Young Thing
Never Smile at Strangers
December 10, 2019
A thought provoking psychological thriller.
Daniel has turned his life around, he is now a qualified paediatrician, married to the beautiful Mia and has a beach front house in Malibu. Everything is perfect as he returns from his honeymoon.
With the launch of a new childhood vaccination called Respirta, Daniel starts to notice side effects in some children and alerts the managers in his practice. Are they interested? Does profit matter more to them than the well being of their patients ?
It was interesting to hear a bit of how American medical system.
As the book plays out Daniel life starts to crumble, his career is out of control and is his wife Mia, really who she says she is ?
The main part of the book sets the scene well and I loved the exciting finale.
Definitely recommend.
Daniel has turned his life around, he is now a qualified paediatrician, married to the beautiful Mia and has a beach front house in Malibu. Everything is perfect as he returns from his honeymoon.
With the launch of a new childhood vaccination called Respirta, Daniel starts to notice side effects in some children and alerts the managers in his practice. Are they interested? Does profit matter more to them than the well being of their patients ?
It was interesting to hear a bit of how American medical system.
As the book plays out Daniel life starts to crumble, his career is out of control and is his wife Mia, really who she says she is ?
The main part of the book sets the scene well and I loved the exciting finale.
Definitely recommend.
April 14, 2020
“The voice began protesting again, but he forced it to the back of his mind. He was exactly where he wanted to be. He was also blissfully unaware that his life was about to change in every way imaginable—and within a year’s time, one of them would be dead and the other would be on the run.”
― Jennifer Jaynes, Malice
Before I really get into the meat of my review, let ,me just say this: I believe in Vaccines. If I had children I would vaccinate them.
OK..That is out of the way! This book is a medical thriller revolving around..guess what? A deadly Vaccination. And I have read the reviews and have seen that some think this is anti vaccine propaganda. I get that. But I did not take this book as making any kind of statement. Rather, I just enjoyed it for what it was for me. A thriller that was damn near impossible to put down.
The story is seriously good. Daniel is the hapless Doctor. He is recently married to Gemma whom he met at a hotel bar. The two had a crazy conversation about whether they each thought that they, as a person, were built for happiness or not. As you will see, if you choose to read this, it's an important question to the unfolding story.
Respira is a new vaccine that Doctors are hawkling like crazy. But it seems to have some (deadly?) side effects and Dan is getting more and more uncomfortable with prescribing it. He is also uncomfortable because his beautiful and mysterious wife is texting someone and lying about it. Dan who is a sort of dry Alcoholic starts drinking again because he cannot take the pressures of his life slowly unraveling while all the people he loves and trusts show they may not be exactly whom he thought they were.
This book is like driving a car with the top down and whipping down the highway. It has a lightning fast pace, is exhilarating (and also painful) and one's brain is in constant motion trying to figure out all the dynamics and where the story is going. It is an electric read and I just loved it..read it in one sitting.
SPOILERS:
Ending was a bit to tragic..though, for one person at least..maybe two..there are a bit of a question mark. I found this to be an unpredictable but awfully dark read that I just could not give a five to because it gets a bit to dark for me. I loved it though and if one is looking for a thriller simmering with mystery and suspense, you've found it here. A very enjoyable read.
― Jennifer Jaynes, Malice
Before I really get into the meat of my review, let ,me just say this: I believe in Vaccines. If I had children I would vaccinate them.
OK..That is out of the way! This book is a medical thriller revolving around..guess what? A deadly Vaccination. And I have read the reviews and have seen that some think this is anti vaccine propaganda. I get that. But I did not take this book as making any kind of statement. Rather, I just enjoyed it for what it was for me. A thriller that was damn near impossible to put down.
The story is seriously good. Daniel is the hapless Doctor. He is recently married to Gemma whom he met at a hotel bar. The two had a crazy conversation about whether they each thought that they, as a person, were built for happiness or not. As you will see, if you choose to read this, it's an important question to the unfolding story.
Respira is a new vaccine that Doctors are hawkling like crazy. But it seems to have some (deadly?) side effects and Dan is getting more and more uncomfortable with prescribing it. He is also uncomfortable because his beautiful and mysterious wife is texting someone and lying about it. Dan who is a sort of dry Alcoholic starts drinking again because he cannot take the pressures of his life slowly unraveling while all the people he loves and trusts show they may not be exactly whom he thought they were.
This book is like driving a car with the top down and whipping down the highway. It has a lightning fast pace, is exhilarating (and also painful) and one's brain is in constant motion trying to figure out all the dynamics and where the story is going. It is an electric read and I just loved it..read it in one sitting.
SPOILERS:
Ending was a bit to tragic..though, for one person at least..maybe two..there are a bit of a question mark. I found this to be an unpredictable but awfully dark read that I just could not give a five to because it gets a bit to dark for me. I loved it though and if one is looking for a thriller simmering with mystery and suspense, you've found it here. A very enjoyable read.
December 14, 2018
This is a good story with most of it revolving around an immunoceutical; a vaccine or preventative type drug for children. I can see this happening. This was a sad story and it feels like it should and might be a series? I guess I will have to keep watch. I’m going to do research and check. This does not make me trust doctors and pediatricians. Oh well, I double check things myself anyway. Doctors are human too. I don’t even agree with some of my pets’ vaccinations.
This book really makes you think: how much DO the doctors know and which ones care; and how much of it are they told to leave out? How much of these new meds are a bonus payday ? Shudder. Very informative and thought provoking. It also shows how alcoholism can destroy a bright future.
This book really makes you think: how much DO the doctors know and which ones care; and how much of it are they told to leave out? How much of these new meds are a bonus payday ? Shudder. Very informative and thought provoking. It also shows how alcoholism can destroy a bright future.
August 11, 2018
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is on a whole new level of suspense. You have corruption, cover ups, and murder. Add a very suspicious wife and you have one incredible story. I admire the amount of research Jennifer Jaynes must have done for this book. It is very well written and a true page turner. Unputdownable!
August 25, 2018
Malice is about a pediatric doctor named Daniel and his wife Mia. It has twists and turns to this story It’s very suspenseful and great. Daniel comes from a dark past as does Mia. As Daniel’s life send to be spiraling down the book gets better and better. .
Read
September 29, 2018"This industry (big Pharma) was a machine...and a very powerful one at that."
Dr. Daniel Winters is a pediatrician and newlywed. Married to Mia and living on a beachfront property in Malibu, he's finally achieving all his dreams in the new practice at Healing Hands in Los Angeles, California. Trouble starts soon after the honeymoon when Daniel returns to work and is told about a new immunoceutical -- Respira -- that the doctors are expected to push on their young patients to prevent the common cold. It seems that there are undocumented adverse effects from this new vaccine and the powers that be do NOT want their patients to know. Things go from bad to worse for Daniel quite quickly and, not only does he suspect his new wife is lying to him, there's major trouble at work when one of his patients experiences a severe reaction to the drug. His new boss threatens him, other doctors who've gone public about Respira are killed, and Mia is sending private texts and sneaking off when she's supposed to be at work. NO SPOILERS but Daniel's life is about to spiral completely out of control.
This was a great thriller, very fast-paced and a bit unpredictable with the twists and turns. I read it over a matter of hours as I simply couldn't put it down. I love reading about anything "medical" and the whole topic of vaccinations was quite interesting from that standpoint. I've always been pro-immunization and can't always relate to or understand the hordes of anti-vaxers when I read stuff on social media, etc. because I do believe they are safe, effective and necessary. The new, FICTIONAL, vaccine in this book doesn't exist but I can understand the fears of parents who are told and nearly forced to get a new, untested vaccine for their child. All I can say is what I always say, do your research, consult with professionals and make an informed decision. I won't judge you for trying to do the best possible thing for your child as long as you are fully aware of all the consequences for whatever action you take.
Anyway, great read and I've never read anything else written by this author but I intend to rectify that in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read and review. I had a lovely couple of hours completely absorbed in the characters and the story.
Dr. Daniel Winters is a pediatrician and newlywed. Married to Mia and living on a beachfront property in Malibu, he's finally achieving all his dreams in the new practice at Healing Hands in Los Angeles, California. Trouble starts soon after the honeymoon when Daniel returns to work and is told about a new immunoceutical -- Respira -- that the doctors are expected to push on their young patients to prevent the common cold. It seems that there are undocumented adverse effects from this new vaccine and the powers that be do NOT want their patients to know. Things go from bad to worse for Daniel quite quickly and, not only does he suspect his new wife is lying to him, there's major trouble at work when one of his patients experiences a severe reaction to the drug. His new boss threatens him, other doctors who've gone public about Respira are killed, and Mia is sending private texts and sneaking off when she's supposed to be at work. NO SPOILERS but Daniel's life is about to spiral completely out of control.
This was a great thriller, very fast-paced and a bit unpredictable with the twists and turns. I read it over a matter of hours as I simply couldn't put it down. I love reading about anything "medical" and the whole topic of vaccinations was quite interesting from that standpoint. I've always been pro-immunization and can't always relate to or understand the hordes of anti-vaxers when I read stuff on social media, etc. because I do believe they are safe, effective and necessary. The new, FICTIONAL, vaccine in this book doesn't exist but I can understand the fears of parents who are told and nearly forced to get a new, untested vaccine for their child. All I can say is what I always say, do your research, consult with professionals and make an informed decision. I won't judge you for trying to do the best possible thing for your child as long as you are fully aware of all the consequences for whatever action you take.
Anyway, great read and I've never read anything else written by this author but I intend to rectify that in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read and review. I had a lovely couple of hours completely absorbed in the characters and the story.
September 21, 2018
Note to self - If you are ever trying to hide from someone, remember to turn the ringer off on your phone!
You know those books where you have to tell yourself that you are only going to read one more chapter and then you are absolutely going to bed...but then 3 chapters later you're still awake? Well, to me, this is one of those books! I was totally caught up in the book from the prologue, which is where you will find the useful lesson of turning your ringer off on your phone.
Basic plot: A recently married pediatrician (Daniel) comes back from his honeymoon and finds out that the practice he works for is administering a drug that he does not agree with. He expresses his concerns that the drug might be harmful, but no one is listening. Added to what's going on at work, is the fact that his new wife (Mia) is starting to show some suspicious behavior. Daniel has had some issues with alcohol and his slim grip on sobriety is starting to fail as things spin further and further out of control.
The writing was really good and the author did a great job of building suspense and mystery. Most of the characters were developed nicely, namely Daniel and Rachel (the mother of one of Daniel's patients). I really felt for Daniel and Rachel and I was really drawn into their stories. I absolutely enjoyed this book, but some parents of small children might find certain parts of the book difficult....just keep telling yourself "it's just a story, it's just a story..." I could easily see a book club discussion around some of the themes in this book.
The only criticism I have for this book is that I would have liked a few of the loose ends to have been tied up. If the book was another 50 - 100 pages that tied up some of the loose ends I think this would be a 5-star book. Or, is this the set up for a book 2? I will absolutely be reading another book by this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy.
You know those books where you have to tell yourself that you are only going to read one more chapter and then you are absolutely going to bed...but then 3 chapters later you're still awake? Well, to me, this is one of those books! I was totally caught up in the book from the prologue, which is where you will find the useful lesson of turning your ringer off on your phone.
Basic plot: A recently married pediatrician (Daniel) comes back from his honeymoon and finds out that the practice he works for is administering a drug that he does not agree with. He expresses his concerns that the drug might be harmful, but no one is listening. Added to what's going on at work, is the fact that his new wife (Mia) is starting to show some suspicious behavior. Daniel has had some issues with alcohol and his slim grip on sobriety is starting to fail as things spin further and further out of control.
The writing was really good and the author did a great job of building suspense and mystery. Most of the characters were developed nicely, namely Daniel and Rachel (the mother of one of Daniel's patients). I really felt for Daniel and Rachel and I was really drawn into their stories. I absolutely enjoyed this book, but some parents of small children might find certain parts of the book difficult....just keep telling yourself "it's just a story, it's just a story..." I could easily see a book club discussion around some of the themes in this book.
The only criticism I have for this book is that I would have liked a few of the loose ends to have been tied up. If the book was another 50 - 100 pages that tied up some of the loose ends I think this would be a 5-star book. Or, is this the set up for a book 2? I will absolutely be reading another book by this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy.
February 22, 2019
Ugh. Malice: low-key fear-mongering, anti-vaccination nonsense. I’m sad to say that this book was a tremendous letdown that started out with an enticing premise and ended in disappointment. It’s very misleading that Malice has been marketed as “The perfect life becomes the perfect nightmare in a twisting novel of psychological suspense from #1 USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Jaynes…”. This novel has as many twists as a piece of cardboard; it attempts to hold your interest by telling two stories that intertwine, but loses you once you realize the characters aren't interesting, the plot is a confused mess, and its preachy “vaccines are bad and doctors are too” theme hard to swallow and impossible to enjoy. I wasn't thrilled to bits over this book- and I was wholeheartedly ready to experience what I was promised. Had Malice focused on Daniel and Mia’s relationship instead of including the excess- the “vaccines bad” allegory- I'd have given it a solid 4 / 5. Less is more. More interesting yet: Daniel’s apparent schizophrenia. I believe “The Voice” in his head was intended to be a narrative device, but it becomes very clear quickly that “The Voice” is not simply Daniel’s conscience.
December 8, 2018
DNF. NOT a psychological thriller. An anti-vaccine conspiracy theory tome, with very little understanding of the medical field or knowledge / motives of physicians. The characters are all either one-dimensional or not relatable.
September 22, 2018
This book is a hell of a ride. It grabs you from page 1 and it is almost impossible to stop reading.
There is a lot going on in this book. Daniel is living a dream life. He is a successful pediatrician and lives in a beach house in Malibu. In a hotel bar he meets the woman of his dreams. Everything is perfect. But there is a little voice nagging in his head telling him that everything is too good to be true. And indeed suddenly everything is falling apart. At work he is forced to describe a drug to his little patient witch he thinks could be not as harmless as everyone tells him. At home he noticed his wife is sometimes lying to him.
Things are escalating quickly in this book. Jennifer Jaynes masters to tell this complex story with speed and avoids making too many words about things. The book is fast paced and full of new tragic developments. It is a quick and easy read but also very dark. It’s a story of murder, betrayal, greed and trust. It keeps you at the edge of your seat and wishing that things like that will not happen in reality. Sadly, they do.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There is a lot going on in this book. Daniel is living a dream life. He is a successful pediatrician and lives in a beach house in Malibu. In a hotel bar he meets the woman of his dreams. Everything is perfect. But there is a little voice nagging in his head telling him that everything is too good to be true. And indeed suddenly everything is falling apart. At work he is forced to describe a drug to his little patient witch he thinks could be not as harmless as everyone tells him. At home he noticed his wife is sometimes lying to him.
Things are escalating quickly in this book. Jennifer Jaynes masters to tell this complex story with speed and avoids making too many words about things. The book is fast paced and full of new tragic developments. It is a quick and easy read but also very dark. It’s a story of murder, betrayal, greed and trust. It keeps you at the edge of your seat and wishing that things like that will not happen in reality. Sadly, they do.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2018
This was my first time reading a Jennifer Jaynes novel and I was pleasantly surprised. She is gifted at sucking you in, chewing on you a bit, before spitting you out. That’s my kind of author, my friends! Sometimes, when reading you need to feel used and abused as you read pondering the ending. Jaynes nailed it.
Malice was a superb read; the kind of read that leaves you feeling full and satisfied. I give 5 stars for this read and look forward to reading more from the talented Jaynes.❤️
Malice was a superb read; the kind of read that leaves you feeling full and satisfied. I give 5 stars for this read and look forward to reading more from the talented Jaynes.❤️
December 15, 2018
Antivaxxer. Unlikeable characters. Bad ending. Nuff said.
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