I was provided this book from the publisher via Netgalley. If you're looking for a suspense novel with a medical twist then this is your book. The first couple of pages you are drawn in by the suspicious murders rocking this California medical community. Are they random crimes or is there something more sinister? Definitely recommend this book for people interested in medical thrillers!

A big thank you for my advanced copy of 'Malice' from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a different kind of read for me. I don't normally read "medical mysteries", but that's how I, personally, would categorize this. It seems all of a sudden there are both professional and personal trials in Daniel's life. When it rains it pours. This is often how it happens in real life, so it's relatable. I kept trying to predict how everything tied together. I was repeatedly wrong, much to my delight.

I could not put this one down. I gobbled this book up in 2 sittings and it kept me on my toes the entire time. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and seeing how all of the different shocks & turns came together. I was actually stunned and gasped out loud at points near the end of this book, and also near tears at other times along the way. What a wonderful journey this set the reader on.

The only reason I gave this 4 stars is because of the ending. I have no knowledge of whether or not this is meant to be a first in a series, but it felt like it needs to be. The ending just felt unfinished, as too many of the threads didn't get full resolution. If this is a first in a series, I'll be first in line for book 2!

Psychological thriller at it's best! Doctors, pharmaceutical companies, sketchy pasts and a three legged dog. What's missing? A love story, which this is definitely not. As a mom the business of vaccines and medicine hits close, Rachel is not alone. The doctors are a scary, yet probably true, portrayal of what goes on behind the practice. So much going on here and it magically weaves together for a gripping and terrifying realistic tale. My first Jaynes read I received from Netgalley, review left honestly and voluntarily.

This one pulls you in from the start and doesn't let go. Full of twists, even with the warning in the beginning, this one has an ending that shocks. The pharmaceutical plot line is both engrossing and terrifying. I was glued to the pages and read it in one sitting. This book is different from the authors others and it was a great departure. Full of suspense and highly satisfying.

This started out as a medical thriller with an unknown drug Respiron being promoted as a vaccine against the common cold till children started getting seriously sick and dying. This was one of the plots, involving paediatrician Dr. Daniel Winters as his patient too got sick. The book also had a second plot going in the background regarding the good doctor’s wife whom he suddenly started doubting of infidelity.

This was my first book by author Jennifer Jaynes, I picked it up after reading the various reviews. Few points I agreed with, it was a medical thriller done well with twists and the author was very authentic in keeping the plot true to the real life happenings in the pharmaceutical industry. The domestic thriller plot is also enthralling. But the 2 plots did not link and had only Dr. Daniels as the common point.
He was earnest and tried to do the right thing as a doctor, but he was shown as a weak character. I kept waiting for him to take charge, but other than a couple of meek attempts, he did nothing at all. He was more worried about his marital life.
If I took this book as a creative fiction, which was meant to thrill me, then I agreed. The medical thriller did work for me. And for readers like me, who have grown up on such thrillers, the ending was no surprise.
Overall, a good read. I enjoyed most parts of it.

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 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.

Oh my gosh!! Such a great read!! Storyline was very good and easy to relate to. The characters were both easily likable and questionable. My heart just broke for the despair each person suffered. So well done. And literally I had to close the book and put my hands over my face to grasp what just happened!! Very few books catch me like this one did! Great twists and turns! Absolutely loved it. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. And congrats to Jennifer Jaynes on a job well done.

Dr. Daniel Winters, age 37, is a pediatrician and married to Mia. He met her in a bar one night and, going against his better judgment, ending up drinking scotch. Knowing he cannot handle alcohol, he was so enjoying talking to Mia that he drank too much and ended up spending the night with her. Mia had worked as a cocktail waitress but they are now very much in love. But Daniel can’t help wondering about her background. She seems to be too good to be true.

Dr. Sean Hemsworth is married to Maddie. He is a hard-working pediatrician who often stays up late tending to patient charts, labs, and emails. He has recently received a death threat because he spoke out against a new drug being given to kids at his clinic. Refusing to take back his comments, things have gotten tense. He went to the police and FBI about the threat, but neither took him seriously. Their own teenagers, Justin and Maddie have been told to stay inside. But an intruder breaks in and all four family members are dead.

Returning to his pediatric practice, Healing Hands Pediatrics, after his honeymoon with Mia, Daniel is surprised to see a sign promoting a new immunoceutical drug called Respira. Since their office doesn’t promote drugs, Daniel is puzzled. His boss, Dr. Teddy Reynolds. comes in and tells Daniel that the new drug is tops and he will learn more later when the drug representatives come in. Immunext manufactures Respira which is aimed at eradicating the common cold. It is given in 3 dose injections at 2-day intervals. After listening to the drug representatives, Daniel is skeptical about the drug until he learns more about it. However, his boss, Teddy, tells him that he will promote it or he will not become a partner in the practice.

Rachael is a single mother to her 18-month-old daughter, Suzie. Rachael is close to getting her computer science degree which will mean she can make more money than she is currently making at a law firm. Tomorrow she has an appointment to take Suzie in to see Dr Winters to get the new Respira vaccine and she’s hoping it will have keep Suzie well. When Suzie becomes ill after taking the vaccine, Daniel is not convinced about the drug and things get very tense with his boss. What can he do? Does he go with his gut feeling or allow his boss to make him set aside the Hippocratic oath he took to cause no harm?

This is a terrific story that could be taken out of the headlines. It really makes the reader think about drugs that are being produced and just how safe they truly are. There is so much more to this story that will make you want to get up and check to make sure that your doors are locked tight.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

MALICE by Jennifer Jaynes is a great suspense novel that keeps you guessing until the end. I had never read any of Jaynes's novels before but I will be on the hunt to read more from this great author.

I literally blew through this read in a day--could NOT put it down! It's a fast, easy read but grips like few others. A plot-driven narrative, this one begins a race to a conclusion that leaves the reader totally stunned into shocked silence. How in the world did this all go SO sideways? Absolutely blind-sided!

Dr. Daniel Winters is a pediatrician in a high profile, successful LA practice. He is a newlywed with drop-dead gorgeous wife Mia. Back at his practice, he sees the Respira posters and receives the hype for a new drug the practice is widely promoting for their little patients. Dr. Dan attended the rep's presentation is somewhat hesitant but assured that it is a safe drug, part of a new class called "immunoceuticals." They began administering the 3-step inoculation during his absence and adamant they want this provided. (Here's where it starts getting sticky.) Dr. Dan begins to inoculate his little patients, including 18-month-old Suzie. It doesn't go well and he begins to get glimmers there may be a problem.

The well-plotted multi-level story begins to twist into a dark medical quandary, wild but believable, scary but a little too plausible. Plus, it's obvious Dr. Dan's beautiful wife has a whole boatload of baggage she hasn't divulged to fragile ego hubby and he begins second-guessing her activities. Though on the other hand, he hasn't completely been open and honest in revealing his suitcases either. Communication with his bride is not a strong suit.

The story has no lag, no filler, no behind the scenes activity--just non-stop spine-tingling action. Dr. Winters is rebuffed when he tries to present the negatives he found with his research to the practice associates and events turn ugly. Chapter POV's are divvied up between major characters, Dr. Daniel Winters, Mia, and Rachel, Suzie's mother.

A standalone and my first experience with this author, I'll be on the lookout for more of her novels. I was given this download by the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read (and soon as my heart rate slows back down maybe I can finish the review). Recommended for any who love to sink their teeth into a psychological thriller they are helpless to let go.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Is anything ever really perfect? That's what Daniel is about to find out. This is for fans of medical thrillers and while I'm not thrilled that it involved a vaccine for children (which is a hot button issue) it's a darn good read. You'll find yourself questioning what's real. Daniel is a pediatrician newly married to Mia, who has some secrets. Rachel is the mother of Suzie, who has a bad reaction to a vaccine. And then there's Teddy, Daniel's partner, who is pushing the vaccine. All in all, it's a good fast read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I received this book "Malice" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. This book is a quick mover and page turner with lots of twists and turns. The story is about Dr Daniels Winters and his wife Mia. The new wonder drug Respira does take the stage in most of the book. It's this new drug Respira that really ruins everyone's life. I want to say that the ending was a disappointment and I feel we were left hanging.

'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 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 [author:Jennifer Jaynes|5337983] for my digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was book was not what I expected, in that it is written in a very straight-forward, almost 'made for TV' movie style, and it started as a fairly decent page-turner, but took some dark turns as it progressed. It actually became quite an emotional read and was more touching than many books of the same genre.

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 and you 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. (

Poor Dr. Daniel Winter! He had a hard life during his childhood. His mom died when he was six, his brother a few years later, leaving him with his twin sister and an alcoholic dad. On one casual night, during family time together, his dad went to the bathroom and shot himself.

Now, just as he thought he had it all, his life and career are starting to fall apart. Daniel believes that the new vaccine for children is dangerous. However, most of his colleagues, motivated by greed for money, turn a blind eye. Those who do question the safety of this new drug, turn up dead. Meanwhile, Daniel's gorgeous wife, Mia, seems to be hiding something from him. He suspects Mia is having an affair. In dealing with these difficulties, Daniel turns to alcohol, which he'd tried so hard to avoid ever since his dad's death. After that, things get even worse for him.

MALICE is a quick moving and very entertaining read. The plot captures my attention right away, from the first chapter to the end. The controversial issue about vaccines, conspiracy and malpractice are actually made me rethink the medical stuff that I know nothing about. It is terrifying but I'm glad that I was made aware of the issue because of this book.

The characters are very believable. I warm up right away to Daniel, Mia, and Rachel. Although I don't always agree with the decision they made, I can relate to what they feel. Daniel, with a bad childhood, makes him think the worst of beautiful women. Mia, with her troubled past, transforms her into this cautious and mysterious being. And Rachel, a single mom who think of sweet little Suzie, her baby, as her whole world.

I'd like to give this book 5 stars, but the ending is a little disappointing to me. There are matters that still unresolved, hence the ending feels unfinished. Will there be a series of this story? I truly hope that Jennifer Jaynes, the author, will write the continuance of MALICE. I'd like to read more about the survivor of this story. I mean, how cool would it be if this person were able to take down this pharmaceutical company? After all, grievance could be a strong motive, to begin with.

** Thank you to Thomas & Mercer Publisher and #NetGalley for providing me this digital ARC of #Malice **