Three stars. One word, Disappointing. I am a fan of Lisa Scottoline and her books, but this was not one of her better ones.

We are introduced to Maggie and Noah, a married couple who have a happy, loving marriage. Until Maggie's estranged daughter Anna comes into the picture. When Anna becomes part of the family, it begins to fall apart. She makes accusations about Noah that no one ever anticipated. After Anna, Maggie and Noah's world turns upside down.

So, first of all, I could not stand Anna. She was a manipulative little brat. Honestly, I didn't take a liking to anyone in this book. The characters were flat and the beginning was very slow. It wasn't until about 75% of the way through I felt as though we were finally getting somewhere in the plot.

The end was better than the beginning.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this book. I enjoyed this book, it was an easy read and enjoyed the twist at the end.

Scottoline is one of my favorite authors and her stand alone novels, like this one are the reason for this favoritism. She has the wonderful ability to take the reader in one direction of thinking and then makes a sharp turn to completely throw you off the path. AFTER ANNA was a delightful read and I would highly recommend it to any one who loves suspense.

Postpartum psychosis left Maggie Ippoliti without her precious baby daughter, Anna (her nefarious ex-husband Florian obtained custody and kept the girl away from Maggie for 17 years). Now that Maggie has found some semblance of happiness with her doctor-husband Noah and stepson Caleb, Anna appears out of nowhere, wanting, it appears, to make up for lost time. Needless to say, Maggie is overwhelmed, overjoyed and desperate to please the girl - and delighted that she gets a ton of support from Noah and Caleb.

Ah, but it wouldn't be a story if everything went smoothly from there on. No, things soon begin happening that mess with Maggie's already messed-up head; her obsession with keeping her long-lost daughter satisfied (and literally close to her broken mommy heart) renders her oblivious to anyone else's concerns. Then, the unthinkable happens; Anna is murdered - and the person charged with the crime is none other than Noah. Devastated, Maggie kicks Noah to the curb and continues to care for Caleb, with only her long-time friend Kathy and Anna to lean on.

A major focus is on Noah's subsequent trial and the outcome thereof; chapters switch from Maggie and Noah's life before and after Anna arrived on the scene, sprinkling clues as to what really happened. The trial part is for the most part interesting, but mostly because I'm a fan of courtroom proceedings. This one, though, just kept plodding along, going not much of anywhere, and I lost more than a modicum of interest throughout much of the middle portion of the book.

Once the jury rendered its verdict (you really didn't think I'd reveal that, did you?), the action begins to heat up - almost too fast (think of a big pot of beef stew coming to a boil so quickly that you never got to savor the aroma of simmering). The final section brings twists and revelations almost like slings and arrows. And the ending? Way too neatly tied up to be believable, especially given Maggie's thoughts and actions earlier in the book (but then I admit to being a cynic when it comes to seriously damaged relationships that suddenly transform into all's right with the world).

Don't get me wrong - it all makes for an enjoyable book that I recommend - but as a whole it fell short of a 5-star rating for me. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book started out as a real page turner. Somewhere/somehow it becomes derailed and then at the end everything is tied up so quickly that I almost can feel my head spinning.

With all that said, this was a good book and I did enjoy it.

My thanks to netgalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy.

Definitely a book I would recommend. I love when authors use multiple points of view, especially when they are as well developed and intriguing as this author did. I think that this may be my very first Scottline book, but definitely won't be my last. While not the typical suspense thriller I love, it did have a few surprises, especially in the end, that gave it that mystery feel. I do think this one would fall into many different categories as well.

Noah Alderman and Maggie are married. Everyone is happy, including Noah’s young son. Until Maggie’s lost but not forgotten daughter moves in with them. She is 17 and used to doing her own thing. Then she is murdered. Noah is on trial for the crime he swears he didn’t commit. What is the truth?
The more Lisa Scottoline I read, the less I like her books. Which is disappointing.
The only character I liked in the whole book was Noah, the man on trial for murdering his step-daughter. Maggie was annoying and whiney and entirely too accommodating to her daughter, who clearly respected no one and nothing.
The whole timeline of the story seemed off. The story itself was plodding in many points. Also, it was only a couple of weeks between Anna coming to live with the family and her murder. Yet no one can remember when they didn’t fight? After just 4 days they all need a weekend at the beach where their roles aren’t all set in stone?
And then there were the discrepancies. The trust manager who Anna knew so well even though her dad had just died. Why would a criminal attorney work for a group of allergist doctors? A malpractice attorney, sure. But a criminal one? If Kathy (Maggie’s best friend) is a teacher, how does she meet Maggie every morning for a walk? And, more importantly, how does she take all sorts of time off after the murder and during the trial to take care of and be with Noah’s son? How could Noah throw a punch when he’s handcuffed? It was snowing a lot, but Maggie could see the front of the farmhouse, but the next page there’s too much snow to see anything. Easter candy is a caffeinated treasure?
Also, there were so many plot points that just didn’t make sense to me. I hate to (and never have) written a spoiler in a review. But I have to this time around. So, if you are still wanting to read the book, stop reading this review now!



No law enforcement would let a mom ride along on an ambush of where her daughter might be being held. It just wouldn’t happen. Much less would the law enforcement let the mom get out of the vehicle and run to the scene of the ambush. How did Connie known PG had set up to meet Noah and been able to get there from out of state in time to kill her before Noah arrived? And more than that, why would he kill her before they had their hands on the large inheritance?
It just required too much suspension of disbelief for me in reading a realistic fiction suspense.
However, I do appreciate this book for helping me nail my overall issue with the last few Scottoline books I’ve read: there is too quick and unrealistic a resolution.

Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After Anna tells the story of Maggie Ippolltti who was declared unfit to raise her daughter, Anna, after being diagnosed with postpartum psychosis. She has no contact with her daughter until 17 years later when Anna calls after the death of her father and his young family. Anna wants to rekindle with her mother. Maggie is over the moon with joy at this second chance of being a mother to her daughter so along with her new husband Noah and his son, they welcome Anna into their home. This is where everything starts to fall apart in a very dramatic way.
This was a great read and although it wasn't my favourite Lisa Scottoline novel it had everything I love about her books. Great believable characters with a storyline you think you can tell what direction you're heading, until a fantastic new twist is introduced that has you reeling in shock. This is why she is always an author I recommend to friends looking for something new.

After Anna was not what I expected. In fact, I was ready to abandon the book about half way through because I really did not like Anna and decided I did not want to finish the book. Then, on a whim, I forwarded to the end of the book and read the last 10 pages. I was so surprised by the ending that I went back to the middle and finished the book. I needed to see just how Ms. Scottoline got to that surprise ending.

As is usual with a Lisa Scottoline book, you are drawn in from the very first page.

After Anna is told in alternating time frames and alternating points of view (Noah and Maggie) from before and after.

The story opens with Dr. Noah Alderman awaiting the decision of the jury after being charged with first-degree murder in the death of his stepdaughter, Anna, after she has reconnected with her mother, Noah’s wife Maggie. Maggie lost physical custody of Anna to her ex-husband Florian after experiencing postpartum psychosis. Nothing is as it seems and Maggie must decide who she believes. The reader learns from Maggie’s point of view everything that led up to the murder.

I really enjoyed this suspense filled mystery. There were several serious issues touched on in this book, but I feel like they were handled in such a way as to not make the reader feel squeamish.

“Maggie realized that life wouldn’t be as much fun if we knew where its treasures were hidden. Sometimes you had to search for them. Sometimes you had to fight for them. And sometimes, they were at your feet.”

I love Lisa Scottoline, especially her Rosato & Associates series. As far as her stand alone novels, they are hit or miss for me. "After Anna" was certainly a hit. I think this is her best stand-alone novel yet. I absolutely LOVE the way the story was told from two points of view and in a before/after narrative. I thought it might be confusing at first but loved how the story came together! Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the structure of After Anna. Told from two different perspectives, first of all we have Noah. Anna's step-father is accused of her murder and his account of the story counts moves back in time towards that awful night as he sits on trial and awaits his verdict. The narrative looks back and provides a commentary to the events that brought him here. Both through his own memories as well the evidence and witnesses brought to light in the courtroom. Then we have Maggie's account of events. Told from the perspective of 'before' which starts when Anna reaches out to her mother and follows the events which occur during the 18 days between her moving into the family home and ending in her murder.

The non-linear timeline gives tantalising glimpses into what is about to happen to Maggie, Noah and Caleb and of course Anna. Little hints that things were not as they seem. Things that you look out for in Maggie's narrative from the past.

Scottoline moves between the two timelines with ease and the difference between the voices of the narrators are so contrasting, that there is never any confusion over whether you are before or after in the timeline. This dual voice which moves both forwards toward the murder as well as counting backwards, acts as a powerful tool to build up anticipation in the reader. Making you wonder what exactly did happen that night and who killed Anna.

I will say that although I enjoyed the narrative style, it did mean that I didn't particularly connect with any of the characters. Their actions and dialogue came across as a tool to facilitate the story rather than a journey of discovery or a time of personal growth for them. This didn't detract from my enjoying After Anna though, as a protagonists rite of passage isn't necessarily something I want or look for when enjoying a crime novel. 

When the verdict finally comes, After Anna propels the narrative into a single timeline which takes the story into a whole different direction. The twists when they come are quick and a huge contrast to the rhythm and detail that has built up throughout the court case. I will say that in comparison to the time allocated to the first three quarters of the book centred around Noah and Maggie's account of events, the ending did feel rushed. I loved the twist though and didn't see it coming, which is a lovely surprise when it happens.

After Anna is for anyone who loves a courtroom drama and crime thriller all mixed into one. Readers who like their books to be well written, full of suspense with a few twists up their sleeves will love this latest release from Scottoline.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for granting me an eARC of this title. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

This book has made me late for work, late for dinner, kept my up past my bedtime. I am very grateful to NetGalley for allowing me access to this title before publication and I am excited to share it with the patrons at the library once it hits the shelves.

I was given this book early from netgalley for a review. I thought it was a great book with an unexpected ending.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Let me tell you about my day. I'm on vacation in Florida, but I spent the entire morning at an Urgent Care in order to deal with my sinus infection. In other words, there was a LOT of sitting around, waiting to be seen, treated, and, finally, getting prescriptions filled. The only thing that can get me through a day like this is a great mystery. In that context, After Anna was just what I needed.

Maggie, Noah, and Caleb have a great life - that is until Maggie's teenage daughter Anna comes to live with them. Maggie had suffered from postpartum psychosis so it was easy for her ex-husband to take custody of Anna. Throw in international laws and extreme wealth the separation of mother and daughter was inevitable. Years pass without contact; Maggie remarries Noah, a widower with a young son, but Anna is always on her mind. When Anna reaches out to her, it appears that all of Maggie's dreams have been answered.

Scottoline employs an unusual writing style here. Chapters are labeled as Before Anna or After Anna. Additionally, the book goes backward chronologically. We know what happens to Anna before we really know her as a character. In some author's hands, this time travel could be awkward or jarring; Scottoline manages to make it an interesting tool to expand her plot. It is always clear WHEN you are in the novel.

The ending is totally unexpected which is why I rated this book three stars. There really wasn't enough time to deal with the plot twist to make it viable. Despite this, I found After Anna a great read as I sat in uncomfortable chairs longing for codeine cough medicine.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.

After Anna, Lisa Scottoline’s latest standalone thriller is an excellent tension-filled thriller with interesting characters and lots of twists and turns. Maggie Ippoliti and Noah Alderman are happily married with Maggie helping to raise Noah’s son Caleb from his now dead first wife. Their life changes quickly though when Maggie hears from Anna, her daughter from her first marriage. Maggie lost custody to her husband after Maggie had some unsafe thoughts soon after Anna’s birth. Maggie’s father sent her to a private high school in Maine and Anna is now interested in meeting and living with Anna, unhappy with her private school life.

Noah and Caleb welcome Anna into their home but things quickly change with Anna making claims that Noah has made sexual advances. Noah is forced to leave his home and soon thereafter Anna is found dead at Noah’s new house with Noah accused of Anna’s murder.

This story is told in many different timelines, going back and forth much of it Noah’s murder trial. This constant time shifting would normally bother me, but Scottoline masterly tells the story this way building the backstory into the front along with building the suspense. You never really believe Noah is Anna’s murderer but you’re also not sure. You will also never be satisfied putting this book down, put you do have to sleep eventually. Lots of twists by the time you get to the satisfying end.

Several years ago, I became disappointed in a couple of books by Lisa Scottoline and stopped reading her books. I found them too silly with women taking unrealistic risks and doing dumb things. In the past year, I decided to start reading her again and I’m glad I did especially with this new book. I enjoy Scottoline’s humor especially in her series books, but that’s absent here and I did not miss it in this book. I found the constant tension and twists much more enjoyable that way. I’m really looking forward to reading more of her recent standalone book as well as her series books.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press. Lisa Scotttolline just never disappoints. This is a suspense, legal thriller, and gut wrencher all into one. Noah is in trial for the murder of his step daughter. However, Anna was not so innocent. This story played out so well and so compelling. I felt for both Maggie and Noah. This is a must read! Unputdownable!

If you like suspense, mystery, murder and mayhem, then you'll love this book. The title is indicative that Anna has possibly come and gone and that Anna, or "something" could be torn. Which, in every effort, hits the nail on the head.

Plot Summary:
Dr. Noah Alderman remarries Maggie Ippolitti and they live very happily with Dr. Alderman's son, Caleb. Maggie longs for her long lost daughter she hasn't seen since infancy. Maggie unexpectedly gets another chance to be that mother to her long-lost daughter , Anna, even knowing it will change her and her husband's lives. Little do they know that their life is fixing to become something absolutely horrific, Anna's murder, to which Dr. Alderman is accused of. First, losing her daughter from murder, to her husband being the one accused of it. Finding new information, Maggie is driven to search for the truth, not only about her daughter, but about the accusations against her husband. With a race against time, will Maggie beat the clock? Will Anna survive? Will Noah survive? With a new horror facing her, Maggie is now lead on a journey to something even more horrific than she ever thought.

I like the book, itself, it was a wonderful read, but because of the way it's written, I had a hard time getting into the book. I struggled, literally, until midway, when I reached a point that I didn't want to put the book down. It took me three days to get to that point. I'm not sure if it's how the author bounces back and forth between Noah's view and Maggie's view, but whatever it was, finally hooked me midway.

The one thing I absolutely loved was Caleb's involvement. I truly LOVED how Caleb's laughter was brought in at the end. It couldn't have made for a better ending. I'm giving this book four stars because I did have such a hard time getting into the plot of the book. It really was a great read, but I feel it could have been more with a different format. I did love the author and will be following her and reading more of her books.

I received this digital copy in return for my honest review.

This is 2.5-3 star for me. I thoroughly enjoy all of Lisa's books, but this one didn't grab me like I wanted it to. Over all, I thought the plot was good. It moved well and was written with a lot of detail, thought I felt the ending was rather rushed. What bothered me is the characters. I didn't like any of them and, quite frankly, didn't care what happened to them. I was irritated that Maggie instantly became a pushover and sacrificed her entire life with absolutely no proof. I didn't like Noah because he seemed arrogant. The dialogue between Kathy and Maggie during their talking/walking seemed very forced, and the conclusions they were each drawing from the other's thoughts didn't add up. It's like they knew something we weren't privy too.

This will not discourage me from reading Ms. Scottoline's books in the future because I think her writing is wonderful. I own all of her books and was very happy to receive this one via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This is just one of those books that you won’t soon forget! That being said—there’s just so much that I don’t know where to begin! Scottoline has been one of my favorite authors for years! I can’t say this is my favorite book of hers but I did read this pretty quickly in about three nights and it was definitely hard to put down! Is it worth staying up to read? Definitely! Will you be happy with everything? Probably not. Hence my 4 stars.
First let’s talk about the structure. The chapters alternate between the two main characters of Maggie and Noah. They also alternate between the happenings Before & After Anna came into their lives. Also, in the beginning Noah’s chapters are told as he’s standing trial for Anna’s murder and so these chapters actually go backwards until he gets to present time and catches up with Maggie’s chapters.
It sounds complicated and weird and I’m probably not doing it justice explaining the concept but it works great in this book!! Noah gets the chance to tell us his story through his thoughts as he’s going through trial. I liked the structure and was impressed by it. It stood out to me.
Basically the story is about a mother who hasn’t been a part of her 17 year old daughter’s life, through no fault of her own, suddenly gets the chance to be part of her life and of course she jumps at the chance! She brings her daughter home to live with her husband and stepson. Everything is picturesque in the first 24 hours but suddenly daughter and stepfather don’t seem to be getting along. Daughter accuses stepfather of sexual harassment. Two weeks later, daughter turns up dead. Stepfather stands trial.
Telling you more than that and I’ll be spoiling it so I won’t!! But let me just tell you that you will be flipping pages quickly because the suspense doesn’t end there. That’s actually just the beginning!!
I didn’t necessarily like how quickly the drama ensued with Anna moving in and actually how quickly she did move in. This piece of the story seemed forced and fake. It wasn’t quite believable for me. Also, Noah didn’t seem like a fully fleshed out character. I found myself unable to hate him or love him.
What I loved was the bombshell cliffhanger and the big reveal. I can’t tell you what it was but I absolutely love when I can say I didn’t see that coming! The suspense was spot on!
*A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for review. Release date is April 10, 2018 and it’s available for pre-orders now.

#AfterAnna #NetGalley #LisaScottoline