Chilling thriller set in Dunedin, New Zealand

16th February 2023

Expectant by Vanda Symon, chilling thriller set in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Expectant is the fifth book in the Sam Shephard detective set in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is every bit as readable as the previous four.

A heavily pregnant woman is brutally murdered on the streets of Dunedin. Her baby is cut from her by a crudely executed Caesarean operation, the placenta is also taken. The whole city is thrown into shock. Sam is herself heavily pregnant so the crime strikes home in a way that some others may not have done. Because she has only a couple of weeks more work before her maternity leave kicks in, Sam is sidelined in the investigation – essentially doing desk research on baby abductions from the past to look for anything that could help the current case.

The baby is found safe and well. Was accessing the placenta, rather than the baby itself, the true motive of the crime? Sam investigates and begins to learn about stem cell research – stem cells (quite easily obtained from the umbilical cord) are essential in creating treatments for some inherited diseases. The cells have to be a precise match. Who would have the knowledge and ability to commit such a crime? And now would they convert the cells that had stolen into suitable medication? Sam and the team soon decide that stem cell access was the most likely scenario – and the race is on to find the perpetrator. But where to start?

There follows a major search in which Sam’s own life is placed in jeopardy as the net closes. She ends up a long way removed from her initial desk research role.

As ever with Vanda’s books, Dunedin comes through loud and clear. The series is recommended for anyone heading for the South Island of New Zealand.

Tony for the TripFiction team

Catch Vanda on Twitter @vandasymon

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