Mystery

This book follows a human interest story that Ali broadcast back when she was a TV reporter in L.A. A distraught mother comes to her to seek a kidney donor for her dying son, who was artificially inseminated, but the fertility doctor won't help her find the semen donor. Turns out for good reason as he (Dr. Edward Gilchrist) donated sperm regularly as did his nurse, then wife Dawn, who donated eggs. Anyway, Ali's story turned up a half-brother who was ecstatic to find a soulmate and donated. When others came forward, the files were destroyed, but the sociopathic Gilchrist hires someone to silence Dawn, who eventually turns state's evidence, landing Gilchrist in jail for life. Gilchrist's only supporter, his spinster mother, agrees to fund his getting even plan in cahoots with a fellow lifer. As those responsible start dying, High Noon Enterprises' AI Frigg figures out that Ali is in danger, and comes to the rescue. 3.5 stars. ( )

Ali Reynolds had a successful broadcasting career. But she had good reason to retire ten years ago. Life has been good to Ali. Not only does she have a new husband, but they have a growing cybersecurity business. Saddened by the news of the death of an old friend brings Ali's old career front and center. Not only is Ali traumatized due to the death of her friend, Ali herself may be in danger.

The story that started it all was due to an Dr. Edward Gilchrist, an uncouth fertility expert who was using his own semen in his practice. The book of donors he and his second wife provided to prospective mothers was fabricated from yearbooks of various years. It was when a desperate mother whose son needed a kidney transplant pursued Ali while she was in broadcasting to strive and discover the paternity of her son in order to find a donor. Upon investigation, and the successful location of a donor, it was shockingly discovered that Gilchrist was actually the father.

After the successful transplant, Ali and some parents in common formed something called the Progeny Project to try and find anyone else inseminated by Gilchrist. Meanwhile, it was proven that he murdered his ex-wife and was sentenced to a life in prison. Gilchrist devised a heinous revenge plan, and set up the (A)nnihilation List. Anyone connected to his sentencing he wanted to have killed. Ali was on that list.

What a story! Superb on every level. Sadly, the story was based on real-life cases when doctors actually supplied their own sperm during these procedures. So, fact and fiction make for a marvelous blend in this compelling story by J.A. Jance. Told in both the past and present in tragic detail, this story excels in pacing and storytelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Many thanks to Gallery Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

Ali Reynolds now runs a security firm with her husband but before this, she had been a broadcast news reporter. Her last report before she was pushed out due to her age concerned a woman whose son had kidney disease. He had been conceived by in vitro fertilization and his mother was trying to find a possible sibling who would be willing to help. She did find the help she needed but in the process, she uncovered some terrible secrets of the doctor who owned the clinic eventually leading to murder and a prison sentence. Now, years later, people who were linked to the original story are dying and Ali may be a target.

You can always count on a cracking good, not to mention smart, thriller from J.A. Jance and The A List, the fourteenth installment in the Ali Reynolds series, is no exception; it is as compelling and as satisfying as the rest. The story is well-written and well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader glued to the page. The story jumps back and forth between the past and present and there are times when this gives it a somewhat disjointed feeling but it never completely loses the thread and it wasn't enough to lower my enjoyment.The characters, whether old or new, are interesting but I have to admit my favourite is Frigg, the slightly morally-challenged AI, who first appeared in Man Overboard. If you are a fan of intelligent thrillers, you can never go wrong with J.A. Jance and I recommend it highly.

Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review ( )

This was my first book that I read by J. A. Jance. I will definitely be reading more of her stories.
I loved this one. It kept me engaged from page 1 to the end. I love the short chapters.
I could not stand the character of Eddie. He deserved what he got. A life sentence in jail. His mother, there was just something about her, she had all my emotions involved. Loved the twist at the end.
My best character was Ali. I would love to read more of this series.
Lots of background info, which for me was good because I had not read any of the previous books. For those who have read previous books, it could be a bit repetitious.
Looking forward to starting this series from the beginning,
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it ( )