Expectant by Vanda Symon

The shocking murder of a heavily pregnant woman throws the New Zealand city of Dunedin into a tailspin, and the devastating crime feels uncomfortably close to home for Detective Sam Shephard as she counts down the days to her own maternity leave.

Confined to a desk job in the department, Sam must find the missing link between this brutal crime and a string of cases involving mothers and children in the past. As the pieces start to come together and the realisation dawns that the killer’s actions are escalating, drastic measures must be taken to prevent more tragedy.

For Sam, the case becomes personal, when it becomes increasingly clear that she is no longer safe, and the clock is ticking...

About the author

Vanda Symon lives in Dunedin, New Zealand. As well as being a crime writer, she has a PhD in science communication and is a researcher at the Centre for Pacific Health at the University of Otago. Overkill was shortlisted for the 2019 CWA John Creasey Debut Dagger Award and she is a four-time finalist for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel for her critically acclaimed Sam Shephard series. The fourth in the series, Bound, was shortlisted for a Barry Award. Vanda produces and hosts Write On, a monthly radio show focusing on the world of books at Otago Access Radio. When she isn’t working or writing, Vanda can be found in the garden, or on the business end of a fencing foil.

Review

‘Expectant’ is a triumphant return for the New Zealand Queen of Crime! This book is gripping to the extreme - I read it in one sitting and didn't move from the sofa until I read the final page! It is very emotive, honest, thought-provoking and full of heart and love. ‘Expectant’ raises the question of what a mother would do to protect their children and makes you measure where on your moral stance this issue would find the reader themselves. Obviously, we know taking a life takes it one step too far but it conjures an emotional response of reflection and consideration.

Sixteen-year-old Timi is out tagging with friends when he hears what he thinks is an animal in pain but what he finds is much worse. A woman lies in a back alley with her innards spilling out onto the cobbles, he calls for help but unfortunately she dies. The victim Aleisha has been ripped open and her baby has been taken. Sam Shepherd is being sidelined on the case as she is on ‘light duties’ due to her being about to take her maternity leave. However, due to her pregnancy, she finds herself drawn to the case and wants to help the family. Whilst looking at other examples of baby snatching she stumbles upon the link for this case and unwittingly put herself and her babies life at danger!

Expectant is how I am waiting for a new Sam Shepherd to be born into the world every year! Vanda is one of my go-to authors and one of the few times that I will contemplate rereading a book. I love this series as it is full of heart. Vanda has created a character in Sam Shepherd that I will always have lodged in my mind alongside oldies like Marple, Poirot, Logan, Laidlaw and Rebus. Plus, you get a food tour of Dunedin at the same time as a cracking crime book!

I had a visceral reaction to this book, it still makes me feel uncomfortable to think about even a few weeks after reading it. And yes it is probably because I am a woman and it contains the most horrific crime you could think about happening to someone who is bringing a life into the world. I can currently feel my womb clenching at the thought of it. Such a powerful and emotive subject has been handled with grace, control and empathy. Bravo!

Let me know if you pick this one up!