All the Way Gone is the 4th book in the exciting Detective Annalisa Vega mystery/thriller series. I've read all in the series except for book 2 (though I do have it and definitely plan to read it!); each mystery stands alone, so there's no problem jumping right in. This series keeps getting better and better.

Detective Annalisa Vega has left the Chicago Police Department and is now a newly license private investigator; her first case is surely going to test her skills! Her first client, Dr. Mara Delaney, insists that some sociopaths are beneficial to society and she has written a book titled The Good Sociopath. The book is centered around Chicago neurosurgeon Craig Canning; he has saved hundreds of lives, but it shouldn’t matter that he doesn’t actually care about his patients...should it? Mara is beginning to wonder, however, if Dr. Canning isn't really the good sociopath she thought he was. A young woman in the same apartment building that Canning lives in fell to her death from her balcony, and Mara thinks Canning may be responsible. She wants Annalisa to find out before her book comes out, which doesn't give her much time. Annalisa finds out that more than one person may have wanted the young woman dead. Canning is very charming, though manipulative, and he swears he didn't do it; he's either innocent, or, like Mara said, a cold-hearted sociopath. Annalisa's husband Nick, a cop, thinks the death was an accident, but Annalisa is convinced the murder is one only a brilliant psychopath could pull off. As she and Canning have a battle of wits, she is so determined to prove he's the killer that she forgets Mara's most important warning: Sociopaths only care about winning...at all costs.

I don't know which I enjoyed more in this book, the captivating characters or the "good sociopath" storyline; both were riveting. When we left the previous book, Annalisa Vega and Nick Carelli, who had divorced due to his cheating ways, have decided to give their relationship another try. Not only that, but she decided to leave her job and become a private investigator. To top it all off, Nick discovered he had a teenage daughter from a relationship he had while he was married to Annalisa! That was an awful lot of changes to deal with. Now they are dealing with more - Nick's daughter, Cassidy Weaver, is struggling with the impending death of her mother from a debilitating illness, the possible death of her girlfriend Naomi who needs a kidney transplant, and also learning how to navigate with having a dad...plus a stepmother. Nick lost Annalisa as his partner when she quit the force to become a PI. And Annalisa? She's stuck in the middle of it all, plus taking on her first case! And what a doozy of a case it is. Mara believes Dr. Canning, the subject of her book "The Good Sociopath", has killed a young woman who lived in his apartment building, and she hires Annalisa to discover if he did in fact kill the woman. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game between the canny detective and the brilliant, charming and sociopath doctor. Dr. Canning is one of the most charismatic characters I've met in a long time. He's saved so many lives, but not because he cares about his patients, but rather likes the attention and accolades he receives, plus being smarter than most people in the room...heck, in the state! In addition to this case, Cassidy wants to work as Annalisa's office assistant, but Annalisa isn't thrilled with the idea. Cassidy also begins to investigate her own case: she wants to track down Naomi's worthless mother who abandoned her and get her to donate a kidney. Cassidy is about to lose her mother; she can't bear to lose her love, too. And the brave 16-year-old gets much more than she bargained for! I love the main characters in this series, though I don't always like them. Annalisa and Nick are still dealing with the past, trying to navigate life with a teenager, and Nick wants a baby, but Annalisa doesn't know how she feels about it. The whodunit here was absolutely chilling, and I was gobsmacked by what Annalisa discovers in the end. I did not see that coming! I sincerely hope that there will be many more books in this fascinating series.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Man, I love this series!!!

I just love Annalisa and her family, as well as the cases she works and the way she solves the crimes. What’s not to love?

In this installment, we see Annalisa in a new light - she is no longer a detective for the PD, and is now a private investigator who is able to pick and choose the cases she takes rather than being told what she has to do with her time.

I like this new career, but it also left a little something to be desired - she can’t submit evidence or arrest anyone now, which kind of makes it less exciting in a way. BUT the trick is that she can still do her job without the powers of the PD.

There are a couple cases Annalisa takes on immediately, and they are both really interesting. The first one begs the question: is there really such a thing as a good sociopath? And the second one: how could a mother not want to do everything for her child?

Our sociopath in question is SUPER CREEPY. I think my favorite thing about this book was the way he is able to read people and know things. 😬

Overall, this was a really fun read and I already can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Happy publishing... week! "All the Way Gone" was released 3 days ago on Aug 12th 2024. I saw the notification for release and as much as I wanted to rush through the book to add a 5-star rating for release day, I love this series so much that I wanted to read slow enough to enjoy the mystery and suspense.

Joanna Schaffhausen is such an intelligent woman and a wonderful writer. She is one of my top 5 authors ever- I don't think I have ever read a "bad" book by this author. In "All the Way Gone," Detective Annalisa, now a PI, is starting her new business. Her first client is a professor who has written a book about sociopaths, specifically determining whether a sociopath can use what makes them a sociopath for the good of society. Which leads to Annalisa's case-- the person she is investigating has accepted the label of "sociopath," but is he a murderer? I loved everything about this book. The pacing was excellent, and the end was amazing. I'm already looking forward to Annalisa's next adventure.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an e-arc of this book! I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys suspense and mystery novels.

Enjoyed this crime procedure book. I thought I had everything figured out, but was wrong. I have nor previously read any of the other books in this series, but this book was fine as a standalone. Would definitely read other books in this series.

I love this series. To be honest, when Joanna Schaffhausen's Ellery Hathaway series finished, I thought that whatever her next series was that I wouldn't like as much, but I have become just as attached to Annalisa Vega, Nick, and now Cassidy, The cases that Annalisa works on each book are interesting and compelling, but I'm equally interested in how the characters' lives are progressing, and, after reading the very last page of All the Way Gone, I already need the next book in the series. All the Way Gone could technically be read as a stand-alone, but I would strongly recommend reading the series in order.

Annalisa Vega is back investigating when an author comes to her, worried her subject is a murderer. Mara wrote a book about sociopaths, but about a doctor who was saving people despite being a sociopath. However, now she is worried he is responsible for the murder of a woman. Annalisa finds herself drawn into this web of lies, meanwhile trying to help her stepdaughter find her friend's mom.

I enjoyed this story! I thought there was a really good twist at the end. It even kind of has a double bluff where you are like oh I wasn't expecting that, but then another reveal happens that is even wilder. The other storyline (Cassidy) was ok. I found Cassidy annoying at times in the sense she was going into wildly dangerous situations knowing it was wildly dangerous??? At the end, it felt almost like a deus ex machina so that we could get Canning to actually kill someone within storyline (no spoilers as to whether he is the main killer or not!). Despite that, it was still an enjoyable mystery!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

I love the Analise Vega series, and this author's writing, and typically a entry will earn 5 stars from me, I am a voracious fan of the series, and I was excited to receive an early release for review.

Vega's on her own now as a PI, which is a departure and a careful dance to navigate (such a huge change to the main character's role). While I found the mystery and misdirection to be top-notch, frankly I do not enjoy her relationship with her ex-husband and ex-partner. He went from being a cheater and a philanderer to become the perfect husband? Yeah, that does NOT happen (only in fiction, but the implausibly of this relationship pulls you from the story). Equally as implausible, is that a courageous strong ex-cop would keep running to her cop husband telling him to "get a search warrant" for on numerous flimsy excuses. Analise is an ex TOP COP, she doesn't need her inefficient cop husband to instruct her on what search warrant requirements are, she is a better investigator than he ever was, and she still is. Ditch the loser.

I would prefer this story MUCH MORE if Anialse left her former cheating husband in the past, and the story was about her continuing as a cop in the force, leave romance to harlequin novels, it is merely distracting and annoying in this series. Why would a strong character with healthy self esteem EVER go back to a cheating spouse? Just not a character I can admire, which is a true pity - as Analise used to be a powerful positive example of a woman who doesn't need anyone to define her. No longer is this the case, she worries about her to approach her husband about issues, and other namby pamby stuff.

Also, when the wrong results are obtained, there is little more than a shoulder shrug of recognition - imagine how major it would be to have police publicly label you a criminal?

Too fallible, top dependent, we needed a freer non-romantic hero of an Analise. I don't know if is the publisher who pushes the authors to try and check as many boxes as possible (fiction, romance, chime, PI police procedural, general fiction) or if it the author's choice, while I will remain a fan of this series, I would LOVE to read a more independent, confident Analise.

I didn’t realize this was part of a series and I wish I would have known that prior. I DNF around the. 25%mark, couldn’t connect to the story or characters

All the Way Gone by Joanna Schaffhausen is the 4th installment of the Detective Annalisa Vega series. I suggest reading the previous three books so you understand how Annalisa got to where she is now, you won’t be disappointed. Annalisa Vega is starting her new profession, Private Investigator, and her first client is Mara Delaney. Mara is in the process of publishing a book based on renowned neurosurgeon Dr Craig Canning, however the book isn’t what you might think, it’s about sociopaths, and how some are actually good for society. When a young woman falls from her 14th floor balcony while hanging wind chimes, the police think it was just a tragic accident. Mara Delaney isn’t so sure. She thinks Dr Canning, also a resident of the same building, may have murdered the young socialite. She hires Annalisa to find out the truth. She wants to find out the truth before the book comes out, because if the ‘good sociopath’ is really a murderer, Mara’s book will be blacklisted before it’s even available.

The more Annalisa uncovers, the more secrets are revealed. Dr Canning insists he didn’t murder anyone, and his reputation at the hospital is on the line. He saves people, he doesn’t kill them. But Annalisa becomes more convinced the handsome Dr may have pulled the perfect crime. One thing she does realize, without the backing of her former employer, Chicago Police Department, and her husband, Nick, current detective with the CPD, she really is alone, and it’s a very difficult position to try to save yourself.

There is an underlying story about Annalisa’s stepdaughter, Cassidy. This sixteen year old is dealing with the terminal illness of her mother, she gets herself into trouble, all in the name of love, and is an interesting side plot. It really showcases Annalisa as the smart detective she is.

This is a fast paced, hard to put down thriller. There are many different plots, and most of them are tidied up nicely, but many of them felt a little rushed at the end. I would have preferred some of the issues to have been finished a little earlier in the book.But don’t let that deter you, I really enjoy this series. You can read this as a standalone, but I wouldn’t recommend it. There are many issues that come up from the previous books in the series. This was an emotional, suspenseful, novel that incorporates murder, terminal illness, a strong female character, and a twist I didn’t see coming.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Minotaur Books, and Joanna Schaffhausen for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

All the Way Gone is the latest in a series that just never stops serving up the perfect villains and twisting crimes, while giving us more of one of my all time favourite lead characters with Annalisa Vega.

I just CANNOT get enough of this series. I love a police procedural that is unique (and all the more in this installment as Annalisa has retired from the force formally to become a P.I.), and I love a plot that manages to weave in character/family drama without it totally taking over the thriller in the center of the plot. This series is one of my very favourite returning cast of characters and I am so entirely satisfied every single time I get another installment.

I also loved the roots of this plot, which are focused on Annalisa's first case, tracking down answers and clues to determine if a local brain surgeon, who is also a diagnosed sociopath, is also a murderer. Craig Canning is such an interesting (alleged) villain with his flat, cool, calm and collected demeanor as he plays a cat and mouse game with Annalisa and her investigation. Sprinkle in the drama with her re-wedded husband Nick and her stepdaughter Cassidy and you have the perfect combination of action and family tension that will keep you glued to the page and devouring this book from start to finish.

No spoilers - but this is a delicious rollercoaster of intensity and a whodunnit that is not easily answered, and is a must for your summer TBR.

Many thanks to the publisher for my copy.

ALL THE WAY GONE (Book 4 in the Annalisa Vega Series) by Joanna Schaffhausen was so action packed, I read well into the night.

Newly minted PI Annalisa Vega hasn’t even hung her license on the wall yet when her first client walks through the door. Author Mara Delaney has written a book called The Good Sociopath about Dr. Craig Canning. While he’s saved many lives, he does not care about his patience. Mara is afraid that Dr Canning is responsible for the death of Victoria Albright, a young woman in their apartment building who fell from her balcony. Or was she pushed? Annalisa is tasked with getting to the truth before publication of Mara’s book in one month. After all, if responsible, Dr. Canning wouldn’t be so ‘good’ anymore.

Meanwhile, Annalisa is also trying to settle into married life once again with her ex-husband, Nick who also brings newly found, 16-year-old daughter, Cassidy into the mix. Cassidy‘s mother is suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease and she hopes that Cassidy can form a relationship with her father before she passes away. Cassidy is also hoping to help her love interest, whom she met online, find her mother, as Naomi is in need of a kidney. Cassidy tries to insinuate herself into Annalisa’s world in hopes of getting a job, but more importantly, to open doors in how to find Naomi’s mother for a kidney transplant.

While Annalisa interviews neighbors, doorman, coworkers, Mara has one calamity after another in both her personal and professional life leading up to book publication.

When Cassidy goes missing, all bets are off. Does Dr. Canning have anything to do with her disappearance? Surely Cassidy would not disappear of her own volition while her mother is so close to the end. Nick and Annalisa are on a timetable of their own in finding her, safe and sound.

This one had me guessing from start to finish. I wasn’t sure where this one would lead me, but it did so in the most delightful of ways. I have enjoyed this writer’s style in the past and it always leads to a fun read. Although I haven’t read the other three books in THIS series, I plan to remedy that with my TBR pile.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

Another good book in the Annalisa Vega series.

Is there such a thing as a good sociopath? That and so much more is covered in this story.

This one kept me guessing all the way through. Many times I was sure I knew what was going to happen. One of my many theories was correct, but it really could have gone in any direction. I love when that is the case in a book.

I like reading about the personal lives of the characters as each new book is released. I think this adds to making the characters seem more realistic and like I know them. I am hoping to see more growth from a certain character in the next installment.

Patiently waiting for book five to come out.

Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin;s Press for the arc.

Thank you, Minotaur Books and NetGalley, for the advanced copy of All the Way Gone.

I devour all off Joanna Schaffhausen books, and this was no different. This was a one-sit read for me. I could not put it down. The twists and turns are amazing. The characters she writes are some of my absolute favorite. When Ellery Hart's series ended, I was so bummed. I just knew I wouldn't like any new detective as much as I loved her, but I was wrong. Annalisa Vega entered my life, and I don't want her story to end! I'm already biting my nails waiting for book 5.

All the Way Gone follows Analissa Vega as she tries to figure out if the falling death of a socialite is an actual accident or if someone had more devious plans. During her investigation, she may find more than she bargains for.

PI Annalisa Vega is hot on the trail of a mystifying case, one in which the clues are complex and the characters involved are deceptive and not quite reliable when describing themselves. Mara Delaney, her client, has written a book about “good” sociopaths, those who fit into society well, don’t commit crimes and do good for their fellow man. Her case study is Dr. Craig Canning, a neurosurgeon who saves lives, but who honestly admits he is a sociopath. When Mara begins to suspect that Dr. Canning is involved in the death of a young woman, Annalisa is hired to follow the clues and find out what happened and who is responsible for the death. The plot weaves around a lot, with false trails and red herrings and misinformation from the characters. An astute and observant reader will be fooled by some of the fake clues but not all of them, and the fact that they are so clever makes the book an entertaining and mesmerizing read. The characters are well-developed, especially Annalisa, and there are a lot of details about their interactions that play well into the story. The complex plot moves along at just the right pace so that I did not get lost in the details but rather enjoyed picturing the crime scene and the possible perpetrator in my imagination. This is a perfect book for those who enjoy a cerebral mystery with lots of suspense and plenty of danger facing Annalisa as she gets closer to the truth. I have read all of this series, and this is my favorite one yet! This book may be read and enjoyed as a standalone and is perfect for book clubs to discuss as the members reveal when they had figured out the hidden clues and the mystery.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Having left the police force, Annalise Vega opens a PI firm. Her first cases bring her face to face with a sociopath and looking for a missing person. All while she and Nick, her husband and former partner, are getting to know Cassidy, his newly discovered teenage daughter.

Much like the other installments in this series, All The Way Gone is fast paced, full of twists, and includes enough suspense and tension to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I enjoyed seeing Annalise finding her way now that she has a new career, is remarried to Nick, and has a new stepdaughter. I’m looking forward to whatever is for Annalise, Nick, and Cassidy.

This thriller will keeps you on edge by blending psychological intrigue with a chilling exploration of morality and manipulation. Annalisa’s relentless pursuit of the truth, coupled with the unnerving question of what makes a good sociopath, makes this a compelling read from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and author Joanna Schaffhausen for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series but I think this is my favourite and I finished it in one sitting . Annalisa has left the police force and opened up a new PI agency and her first case gives her (and us) whiplash ! I had so many theories throughout the book - I mean I was mostly kinda right 🤪

My rating 4.5 ⭐️

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and the author, Joanna Schaffhausen, for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of the latest installment of one of my favorite series feauturing Detective Annalisa Vega. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Is there such a thing as a good sociopath? Detective Annalisa Vega has quit the Chicago Police Department and become a private investigator. Her first client is a professor who is writing a book saying that exact thing, featuring local star neurosurgeon Dr Craig Canning as her subject. But before her book is published, Mara needs to ensure that Craig really is a good sociopath. Because a young woman in his apartment building, Vicki, mysteriously fell to her death and she fears he could have something to do with it. So begins Annalisa's investigation that may have dire consequences to her and her family.

I am a huge fan of this series and was so excited to dive into the latest chapter. It can easily work as a standalone, but it's too good not to start at the beginning! Annalisa is now remarried to Nick, whose daughter, Cassidy, has just come into their lives. There's a lot going on here, from Annalisa's investigation into Vicki's death, to trying to find the biological mother of one of Cassidy's friends and the cat belonging to Vicki's neighbor, Ruth. But in Schaffhausen's skilled hands, it all works perfectly. You'll be questioning what really happened, and I would never have guessed that ending. Plus, the discussion of sociopaths is fascinating. Full of intriguing characters (I loved Ruth!), this book left me anxious to read more in this series.

I didn’t realize this one was the fourth book in a detective series. I don’t like to read books out of order, so I’ll need to go back and read the series from the beginning.

Schaffhausen has become a favorite of mine. Her books are well-written, suspenseful, and solidly plotted, with great characters and an intriguing hook. In this one, the hook is whether there are "good" sociopaths who benefit society. The author's own PhD in psychology and years of studying neuroscience add depth and credibility to this question.

PI Annalisa Vega's personal life is taking some turns amid her cat-and-mouse game with a sociopath. Dr. Craig Canning is the subject of a book about "good" sociopaths, but he might be responsible for a neighbor's suspicious death. His character was very well done. He had layers. All of the characters are complex, flawed, and well-developed. Annalisa is tough and smart, with a strong moral compass. Now, she is opening her own PI business after leaving the Chicago PD. As usual, Annalisa is dealing with complicated family dynamics. This time, remarriage to her ex-husband Nick and getting to know his newly discovered teenage daughter, who was conceived when he cheated on Annalisa during their first marriage. Lines blur between personal and professional life, adding to the tension and stakes.

The case is fascinating. Canning is a brilliant neurosurgeon who has saved hundreds of lives. Did he also commit the perfect crime, one law enforcement determined was an accident? Annalisa's husband, Nick, was one of the investigating officers, and he is skeptical that Annalisa's investigation will prove otherwise. Seeing her match wits against a sociopath was fun. I did figure out the major twist, but this in no way lessened my enjoyment. Several smaller twists along the way genuinely surprised me. It will be interesting to see where all of the changes this book ushers in for Annalisa's personal life take the series. If you enjoy a good mystery/procedural, add this to your tbr!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the free book!