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J.A. Schneider
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CROSSHAIRS (EMBRYO: A Raney & Levine Thriller, Book 2) Kindle Edition

by J.A. Schneider (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 768 ratings
A killer stalks women & an unborn baby

"One of the most intense books I've read in a long time." The Indie Bookshelf
"Readers will absolutely love it!" Literati Literature Lovers

The heart-stopping ending of Embryo has created a new crisis...

They thought the nightmare was over. Intern Jill Raney and the man she loves, obstetrical resident David Levine, barely escaped death at the hands of a madman on the steep roof of an old part of the hospital. The awful scene, captured by overhead news choppers, became a media obsession, run horrifyingly over and over. Jill and David are now reluctant "celebrities" - and the targets of every wacko who wants to share in the attention.

Including a killer. Someone who begins venting his fury at their "fame" by his hideous assaults on women - assaults which Jill and David discover are also death threats to them, and to a 6-month-old baby who has yet to be born.

Their predator is clever. Haughty. Leaves cryptic "clues" to taunt them and the police, who are at a loss. He knows how to leave no physical evidence behind. No prints, no fibers, no eyewitnesses.

Jill and David must still return to their exhausting hospital duties, knowing that any psycho can just walk into a hospital. Friends beg David, who is a crack shot, to carry a gun, but he doesn't. "What's the use?" he asks. "A doctor's back is always turned."

Instead, Jill and David join forces to become detectives on their own, helping the police in ways that even forensics experts never imagined; working frantically to uncover an unspeakable secret that dooms their fate and that of a sweet-faced, unborn child...unless they can put an end to an obsessed killer's twisted quest.
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  1. Book 2 of 6
    EMBRYO - A Raney & Levine Thriller
  2. Print length
    228 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 29, 2013
  6. File size
    956 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review


"Incredible thriller that will leave you breathless!! - The Kindle Book Review
"Holy hell, what a read!" - The Reading Café:
"Immediately reels you into a whirlwind!" - Readers Favorite

From the Author

About the Author
J.A. (Joyce Anne) Schneider is a former writer at Newsweek. Once a Liberal Arts major (French Lit), she has become increasingly fascinated with medicine and forensic science. Decades of being married to a physician who loves explaining medical concepts and reliving his experiences means there'll be medical concepts even in "regular" thrillers that she writes. She lives with her family in Connecticut, USA, and loves to hear from her readers. Email her at joyce@jaschneiderauthor.net or come say hi at facebook.com/joyce.schneider.142?fref=ts 

Series order:
  • Embryo ..... Is a malignant genius tinkering with women's bodies?
  • Embryo 2: Crosshairs ... A killer stalks women & an unborn baby.
  • Embryo 3: Raney & Levine...A murderous religious zealot threatens women ("sinners!") and a newborn.
  • Embryo 4: Catch Me ... A serial killer just targets couples.
  • Embryo 5: Silver Girl ... A beautiful young TV star dies mysteriously...
  • EMBRYO 6: RAZOR SHARP: A Jack the Ripper type killer is murdering male prostitutes, with the exception of one vulnerable young woman. Why? Police ask Jill and David to help investigate...

What created the idea for Embryo 2: Crosshairs?

The idea for the first Embryo came like a lightening bolt when hearing a conversation between J.A.'s husband (who did OB before switching to Cardiology), and anOb/Gyn friend who was excited about IVF and its advances in curingdiseases in utero. As an author who had already published fiction andnon-fiction, J.A. thought about all human discoveries - from fire toatomic energy - and the fact that they can be either good or very bad if they fall into the wrong hands. It was a thought that wouldn't let go.

Because in the first Embryo, new IVF discoveries fell into the wrong hands, brilliant and evil. Jill Raney, intern, stumbled onto the truth and wouldn't let go, despite seeing her career and her life thrown into desperate danger.

Then the heart-stopping ending of Embryo created a new crisis...

In Crosshairs, author J.A. realized that that new crisis was "fame." Embryo's final scene has turned Jill and David intoreluctant "celebrities" - and the targets of every nut job who wants toshare in the attention - including a killer. Awful, especially since any psycho can just walk into a hospital...

Once you've become an obsessive topic of the media, are you ever again really safe? Can you ever again walk the streets without feeling eyes on you, without peering nervously over your shoulder? Do stalkers ever give up? These are the questions that kept the story of Jill, David, and an unborn baby preying on the author's mind.

Don't miss EMBRYO 3: RANEY & LEVINE: A murderous religious zealot is after both Jesse - whom he calls "devil spawn" - and Jill & David's hospital which he calls "the devil's workshop which must be destroyed!" This time, the whole hospital is threatened... Jill & David joinforces with the police in a terrifying race to track down a killer, andto prevent an unthinkable catastrophe.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00C44YV3C
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ R.G. Schneider, M.D.
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 29, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 956 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 228 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 6 ‏ : ‎ EMBRYO - A Raney & Levine Thriller
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 768 ratings

About the author

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J.A. Schneider

J.A. Schneider

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Joyce Schneider is a former writer at Newsweek and the author of multiple murder mysteries and psychological thrillers. She has studied at the Sorbonne and been an exchange student in the Soviet Union. Now her idea of more than enough excitement is writing thrillers and gardening (chasing off deer and using a crowbar to get out stubborn rocks). She lives with her family and two funny dachshunds in Connecticut. To write Joyce or find more of her thrillers, check out jaschneiderauthor dot net. Thanks for reading!

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
768 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot intriguing and suspenseful, with one review noting its good twists that keep readers guessing. Moreover, the writing is exceptionally well-crafted, with one customer highlighting how it's never interrupted by bad grammar or misspelled words. Additionally, they appreciate how it serves as a nice continuation of the first book, with one review describing it as a brilliant continuation of the original story. Customers love the characters and find the book very hard to put down, while also appreciating the ethical themes and scientific explanations throughout the narrative.

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PlotReadabilityWriting qualitySeries contentCharacter developmentDifficulty to put downEthicsGrip
117 customers mention "Plot"113 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, finding it both interesting and suspenseful, with one customer noting the good twists that keep readers guessing.

"...The story is fast-paced, interesting and imaginative. I particularly liked the motive behind Psycho's hatred and desire to kill them...." Read more

"...hold himself together too after the melee at the hospital.. Great amount of suspense.. Storyline wasn't too crazy although I must say Jill was very..." Read more

"...I loved how the story picked right up from where the first one left off and we continued to follow these characters and this world as it continued..." Read more

"...the fish tank, surrounded by so much hate and so much love, became very intense and certainly kept me reading. Now, on to EMBRYO 3" Read more

108 customers mention "Readability"102 positive6 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, keeping them engaged from beginning to end and serving as a good follow-up to the first book in the series.

"...This was an excellent read and of course you don't know until it's revealed just who the mad man is.. You have an idea but still not truly sure....." Read more

"...Fantastic job on the continual development of Jill and David's relationship...." Read more

"...by so much hate and so much love, became very intense and certainly kept me reading. Now, on to EMBRYO 3" Read more

"The sage of Jill and David continues and is just fabulous. This book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat...." Read more

48 customers mention "Writing quality"36 positive12 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it exceptionally well written and easy to read, with details that are well thought out.

"...The story is fast-paced, interesting and imaginative. I particularly liked the motive behind Psycho's hatred and desire to kill them...." Read more

"...The suspense is unbelievable and the author has such a wonderful way with words...." Read more

"Choppy writing, dialogue that didn't make sense, and inaccurate medical details in this book were so distracting that it was difficult to follow the..." Read more

"..."Embryo 2: Crosshairs" by J. A. The story is very interesting, written well, fast moving, and contains realistic medical terms, along with much..." Read more

33 customers mention "Series content"33 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book as a continuation of the first book in the series, with one customer noting it's a brilliant follow-up to EMBRYO.

"...This book addresses the aftermath of embryo.. The fetus that was left behind...." Read more

"...This series is phenomenal. It is very detailed and provides all of the medical explanations...." Read more

"I have read and enjoyed the first book"Embryo ". I just finished reading Embryo 2! This book also kept me reading till all hours of the night...." Read more

"...I love medical mysteries and thrillers. This series is better than some, but still on the lighter side...." Read more

25 customers mention "Character development"25 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the unique twist in the antagonist portrayal.

"...and enjoyable reading with interesting plots and a unique possibility re the character, Jesse...." Read more

"...These two strongly-written characters are making a place for themselves among the list of teams in the suspense genre, holding their own against the..." Read more

"...Other than that I enjoyed the story, the creepy dude and the violence that made your face squinch while reading...." Read more

"...Good action, pacing, characters, and plot line converge to create another very enjoyable read from Schneider...." Read more

6 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very hard to put down.

"...I find them difficult to put down and have enjoyed reading and thinking about the situations described...." Read more

"...I found it an easy read, easy pick up and lay down and not lose track of the storyline...." Read more

"...(It was very easy to follow, but that's exactly what I wanted to read.)" Read more

"This book has a great story line. It is easy reading and hard to put down. Can't wait to read the third book!" Read more

6 customers mention "Ethics"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the ethical considerations in the book, with one customer highlighting the fascinating research aspects and another noting the thorough medical explanations provided.

"...This series is phenomenal. It is very detailed and provides all of the medical explanations...." Read more

"...difficult to put down and have enjoyed reading and thinking about the situations described...." Read more

"...Even infant talk is made more understandable. Many research aspects are fascinating as well as comments on newer antibiotic and resistance to older..." Read more

"I am liking the Embryo series. The science, characters and intrigue are very exacting!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Grip"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book gripping, with one mentioning it kept them glued to their Kindle.

"You'll have to read this sequel - it's equally gripping! The plot line continues, the cast of characters grow, the suspense thickens...." Read more

"...This one kept me glued to my Kindle until it was completed...." Read more

"Not as great as the first book, but still gripping at points. Some good twists to keep the reader wondering." Read more

"This book will grab you and not let go. It is a must read for anyone who likes to be pulled in." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Hillel Kaminsky
    5.0 out of 5 stars Every bit as compelling as the first book
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Jill and David are now celebrities with all that entails including lack of privacy and attracting all sorts of cranks and kooks. Some want to marry them, or have their babies. Others want to kill them. One guy is particularly frightening and receives the moniker of “Psycho” from Jill and David. He is filled with hate and need for revenge upon them and the fetus in the artificial womb, (whom Jill named Jesse). He feels that the media attention focused on them should be focused on him.

    Psycho's actions are truly horrific

    In the interim, the hospital wants to use Jill and David for publicity to help restore their reputation tarnished by the unethical behavior of Arnett. The couple is not happy about it, particularly, when one of the PR guys turns out to be a creep.
    And on the subject of creeps, Psycho is aptly named.

    Jill remains as tenacious as ever, and David also pursues the investigation into the identity of Psycho. David is much more involved than he was in the first book.

    Jill and David's relationship progresses nicely, and some of the more ancillary characters from the first book are fleshed out a bit.
    The story is fast-paced, interesting and imaginative. I particularly liked the motive behind Psycho's hatred and desire to kill them. Bear in mind that Psycho is quite obviously insane, (probably with Dissociative Identity Disorder, or Schizophrenia), so his motive has to be understood in this context.

    MILD SPOILER - 3 months later, Jesse is born. (Or should I say “delivered” or “decanted”?) I suspect that Jill wants to adopt him and David does not want to, thinking that the world would know if they adopted him and he would have no chance for a normal life. Both opinions are readily understandable and I can’t wait until tonight when I start the 3rd book and find out what happens.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Obsessed with romance
    4.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a Mad house!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Boy oh boy! I just published my review for embryo this morning and here I am publishing embryo 2 now.. Less than a day later.. Which should tell you how much I couldn't put it down! This book addresses the aftermath of embryo.. The fetus that was left behind. The drama behind Arnett and his lab... And someone who actually still has a grudge over the whole fiasco....Jill is scared at first because of her experience but she learns a valuable lesson from a patient and she refuses to be a victim.. David seems to be okay but still trying to hold himself together too after the melee at the hospital.. Great amount of suspense.. Storyline wasn't too crazy although I must say Jill was very BOLD at the end. This was an excellent read and of course you don't know until it's revealed just who the mad man is.. You have an idea but still not truly sure.. Good job J.A. Schneider! Great book!
    One person found this helpful
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  • TMBorgwardt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Medical Thriller to Keep you Guessing!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    After being hooked on the first 'Embryo' I had to read the second. I wanted to see where David and Jill's relationship went and what new adventures they may find themselves in.

    Needless to say, J.A. Schneider did not let us down!

    After the terrible excitement ends (in the first Embryo) we find the loving couple taking a few days off before returning back to work. The two are now famous and even their co-workers are acting weird. Patients are coming in just to see them and as if fame isn't bad enough, rape victims begin showing up with cryptic messages on them.

    Together, once again, David and Jill know they have to do their own investigating if they are to get to the bottom of this. Work isn't even a safe haven anymore as they have to watch their backs inside the hospital and outside of it.

    The worst part of all, is that Jill and David aren't just the only targets this psycho is after, but the test tube baby who hasn't even been 'born' yet.

    Fantastic job on the continual development of Jill and David's relationship. This was another action packed thriller that left me guessing and trying to solve the puzzle along with the characters. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story took a twist and I was wrong!

    Really looking forward to book 3! I can't say that the first or the second in this series is better than the other because i think they are both fantastic. I loved how the story picked right up from where the first one left off and we continued to follow these characters and this world as it continued to flourish!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Janet Chymyck
    3.0 out of 5 stars Thrills and Suspence
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Jill and David continue to put themselves in dangerous places which keeps the suspense level on high. The unfolding story of the baby in the fish tank, surrounded by so much hate and so much love, became very intense and certainly kept me reading.
    Now, on to EMBRYO 3
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  • Louann
    5.0 out of 5 stars Suspenseful, Edge of your Seat Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The sage of Jill and David continues and is just fabulous. This book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Every time you think you have it figured out there is something new. The suspense is unbelievable and the author has such a wonderful way with words. I hope this series continues, Jill and David are the Nick and Nora Charles of modern times with a touch of Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence of Partners in Crime. You could not ask for a better way to spend a small of amount of money to get such a wonderful reward. J. A. Schneider did it again and if I could have given this book a 10 plus rating I would have. To all who have not read this, please do, you will not be disappointed, so do something good for yourself and read this book.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Sue
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a great read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Really enjoying the Embryo series.
    Well written, and I just don't want to put them down.
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  • Christine Allen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
    Reviewed in Australia on April 12, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I don't usually by books that are recommend by Amazon, but have read the first two by this author, can't wait to read the third.
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  • rose crochet
    5.0 out of 5 stars Part two even better then the original
    Reviewed in Canada on April 14, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Embryo was very enjoyable Embryo 2 is an even better book. You feel for these people, love the twists and turns. Even a little reference to crochet..... In the little pink baby hat. Loved it. Very fast paced easy to read but hard to put down. This book is not only worth your $ but also well worth your time. J. A. Schneider one of my favourite authors, thank you for writing this story.
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  • Elizabeth McNish
    4.0 out of 5 stars Embryo2 crosshair ..
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Really enjoyed this story kept me enthralled from the be

    Really enjoyed this book I suppose babies from test tubes right through to birth with no womb is probably not that far away!! What a though '

    very entertaining story glad I had read the first embryo before ,just by luck as I did not know it was series I look forward to reading emb Serie
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  • dopeydorothy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of thrills and suspense
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 17, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Another excellent read being the second one in the series which follows the lives of Jill and her boss David being doctors in a busy maternity department, their colleagues, police and a little baby boy created outside a womb and nurtured towards birth. The two doctors, who have fallen in love with each other in the first book, seem to have the knack of attracting criminals and danger, with their own safety being at risk. This is shaping up to be a first class series and I am working my way through all of the books. It is every bit as good as the first one where we were getting to know the characters and is full of intrigue, danger and mystery. Not the usual type of book I read, but so far am very pleased with it.
    One person found this helpful
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