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The Procedure
Unmarried and unwilling to wait for Mr. Perfect, Melanie Allen decides it’s time to have a child and enters the infertility program at the Upstate Family Clinic in Syracuse, New York; a decision that will cost her dearly.
Melanie’s horrifying journey starts, as do all roads to Hell, with good intentions. In this case, it’s an act of kindness, as she offers to lend a much needed hand at the clinic, which is owned and run by the famous infertility specialist, Dr. Reed Neumann.
Almost immediately, Melanie senses that the clinic has dark secrets, and before long is unearthing evidence of Neumann’s terrifying research and medical procedures. Before she is through, Melanie discovers the worst secret of all � that Neumann’s evil deeds reach all the way back to her own home and her own family.
Follow this 28-year-old single mother as she attempts to wrestle herself from the clutches of the doctor she once idolized and save herself and her family from the terrifying future he had planned for them. Be there as Melanie shockingly comes into contact with long-dead victims of the doctor and learn how they are able to reach across the divide between spiritual and physical worlds to help, as Melanie faces evil in its truest form.
Melanie’s horrifying journey starts, as do all roads to Hell, with good intentions. In this case, it’s an act of kindness, as she offers to lend a much needed hand at the clinic, which is owned and run by the famous infertility specialist, Dr. Reed Neumann.
Almost immediately, Melanie senses that the clinic has dark secrets, and before long is unearthing evidence of Neumann’s terrifying research and medical procedures. Before she is through, Melanie discovers the worst secret of all � that Neumann’s evil deeds reach all the way back to her own home and her own family.
Follow this 28-year-old single mother as she attempts to wrestle herself from the clutches of the doctor she once idolized and save herself and her family from the terrifying future he had planned for them. Be there as Melanie shockingly comes into contact with long-dead victims of the doctor and learn how they are able to reach across the divide between spiritual and physical worlds to help, as Melanie faces evil in its truest form.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2012
163 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 12, 2021
I didn't very far in this book but I couldn't keep reading because I just didn't see any convincing motivation for the main character’s actions. Why would she volunteer to leave her son for a few days for a job she didn't really need? Doesn't she need a (paid) job to support herself and her son? If the doctor had something to hide from her, why in God's name would he invite/allow her to be in a position to snoop?
Too many questions, and too many other more convincing and better planned stories to read.
Too many questions, and too many other more convincing and better planned stories to read.
November 6, 2012
The beginning of the book was very slow to get into, it took a good quarter of the book if not more to actually get into the storyline and that was very tedious for me as I put it down many times and couldn't foresee myself finishing it. However once I got past that stage I started to get into the storyline and really started to enjoy it and wanted to know what was going to happen next, there was many twists and turns at different stages in the book And there was many secrets hidden from the majority of the characters not just the main one. The only thing I can say about the plot in a negative aspect was that it was quite predictable, by half way to 2/3 in the book I knew what the ending was going to be or I would say I knew 75% of what the ending was going to be. There was one twist that I had not figured out until I was nearly a few pages away from it being confirmed otherwise it was quite predictable that's the only downside. Apart from the one or two negative points I would say the character selection was great the storyline could've been a very strong one and it was quite interesting to read and learn about new things that are not spoken about day to day. Overall I would recommend it as a quick read as there are things that happen in this book that I haven't come across in any other book as of yet,so yes it's definitely worth reading.
November 16, 2012
This was a surprising book, a blend of a love story, a thriller, a little Jurassic Park like plot and futuristic science. The main character agrees to assist a fertility doctor that she has known all her life for a brief time. She get nosey and there begins the story. The things she discovers are both startlingly and dangerous for her. Now mix in a prehistoric man and a channeling ability and you have the ingredients for unusual and good story. I gave this 3 stars only because the recklessness of the young woman was maddening. I enjoyed the book.
March 13, 2013
I'm ashamed to say I finished this book. It made no sense whatsoever for the protagonist to make the decisions she did. All I could think throughout the book is stupid girl, stupid, stupid girl. It was SO far fetched, not the plot, but the fact that this stupid girl would do these stupid things with no good reason.
August 19, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, all the facets I love in a thriller.
November 28, 2018
Reminiscent of Robin Cook
I've enjoyed reading good medical thrillers for years. My favorite author in the genre has always been Robin Cook. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this story. It's very well written, and the characters are well developed. It's got that certain something that makes it terrifying at times and at other times makes you want to yell RUN! to the female protagonist.
The character of Dr. Neumann was extremely well developed. When all was said and done, he was so complex, but also scary because he was so unpredictable.
This story makes you wonder what types of scientific and medical experimentation are going on that the public isn't aware of. Because these things could actually be going on, the story is relevant to the times we are living in, making it all the more believable. If you enjoy medical thrillers, I highly recommend this book!
I've enjoyed reading good medical thrillers for years. My favorite author in the genre has always been Robin Cook. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this story. It's very well written, and the characters are well developed. It's got that certain something that makes it terrifying at times and at other times makes you want to yell RUN! to the female protagonist.
The character of Dr. Neumann was extremely well developed. When all was said and done, he was so complex, but also scary because he was so unpredictable.
This story makes you wonder what types of scientific and medical experimentation are going on that the public isn't aware of. Because these things could actually be going on, the story is relevant to the times we are living in, making it all the more believable. If you enjoy medical thrillers, I highly recommend this book!
May 22, 2025
Did not finish. The characters feel one dimensional and the way they make decisions doesn’t make sense. The main character leaves her son who she has never been apart from, to go work a job she doesn’t need, and instantly starts trying to snoop and break into the computer and filing system to look for medical records of her family members for no apparent reason. Then she goes to have dinner with an ex-boyfriend and spends the entire time drooling over him at a clam shack while he does absolutely nothing impressive. Also the doctor (who is also ex-boyfriend’s dad) is apparently a closeted alcoholic and there’s a frozen caveman with a spear.
I’m already frustrated and annoyed by the sloppy, slip-shod writing and weak, boring characters. My TBR List is too long to waste any more time on this book.
I’m already frustrated and annoyed by the sloppy, slip-shod writing and weak, boring characters. My TBR List is too long to waste any more time on this book.
January 3, 2025
The title caught my attention and I am someone who no matter what I have to follow through to the end of a book because you may be surprised.
It started off really slow, did get better.
I am in the medical field so this genre generally keeps me interested, medical thrillers. This one wasn't so bad by the end.
I will say the most interesting thing to me was the very end when you learned actually what the book was based on. I live in St. Louis and know of Dr. Sherman Silber, so that was interesting.
However all of that said, I dont give up on a book, so I have started the next one in the series.....we will see if it gets better along the eay
It started off really slow, did get better.
I am in the medical field so this genre generally keeps me interested, medical thrillers. This one wasn't so bad by the end.
I will say the most interesting thing to me was the very end when you learned actually what the book was based on. I live in St. Louis and know of Dr. Sherman Silber, so that was interesting.
However all of that said, I dont give up on a book, so I have started the next one in the series.....we will see if it gets better along the eay
May 15, 2020
This started out really slow. All along the way I thought the writing was elementary in style with too little explanation of the main characters motivation. It seemed disjointed and filled with random useless facts. However, about mid point it dramatically improved and the random facts began to make sense. A good read.
September 29, 2021
Full of suspense
I chose this book because the title grabbed me. As someone who cares deeply about all life, I could really identify with the main female characters. The suspense only built the more I read and the ending did not disappoint. DC
Characters were relatable and well developed. Good read!
I chose this book because the title grabbed me. As someone who cares deeply about all life, I could really identify with the main female characters. The suspense only built the more I read and the ending did not disappoint. DC
Characters were relatable and well developed. Good read!
July 5, 2017
God read
The book was hard to put down because it keeps you interested and also because of the area involved I am from upstate New York so it made it that such more interesting also I lived through the ice storm in this book.
The book was hard to put down because it keeps you interested and also because of the area involved I am from upstate New York so it made it that such more interesting also I lived through the ice storm in this book.
October 12, 2018
A must read with a sequel.
This story was so very gripping. From page one to the end. I was so engrossed with the action not knowing which direction the story was going that I felt I was Meliane. What a great read.
This story was so very gripping. From page one to the end. I was so engrossed with the action not knowing which direction the story was going that I felt I was Meliane. What a great read.
September 27, 2021
Very interesting. I love the mystery and action and the sci-fy. Was excited to read the sequel, The Hunter's Wife. Which is a must read.
I really enjoy reading Margaret Belle's notes at the end of the book explaining why she wrote the book and it containing some true facts.
I really enjoy reading Margaret Belle's notes at the end of the book explaining why she wrote the book and it containing some true facts.
May 27, 2017
Some well-written moments, but lots of cliche and plot holes.
June 29, 2017
Procedures
This book was a very interesting read. Set in the future where children are impossible to have secrets are a big thing and danger seems to be everywhere
This book was a very interesting read. Set in the future where children are impossible to have secrets are a big thing and danger seems to be everywhere
December 12, 2018
Gripping!
Perverse tale of the depths to which a single man's madness and determination drive A woman as she strives to protect her family.
Perverse tale of the depths to which a single man's madness and determination drive A woman as she strives to protect her family.
June 23, 2021
Didn’t finish, don’t often abandon a book even if awful but really unenjoyable
December 29, 2012
MY REVIEW
I bought this book from Amazon.co.uk, the cover and blurb attracted me. Looking at the cover I obviously thought the book was about someone who was pregnant and I wanted to know what the "procedure" was.
Wow the "procedure" was sinister, strange, futuristic....words cannot describe!
I need to be careful as I really don't want to give any spoilers or even clues away. I want you to read the book and be shocked, surprised and on the edge of your seat in the way I was when reading this brilliant book. Margaret Belle writes this book so well, as things are revealed you think back to prior chapters and realise there were little clues pointing you in the right direction all the time. You make the mysterious and sinister discoveries along with the main character Melanie.
Melanie innocently offers to help out at a fertility treatment clinic when the Doctor there tells her they are short staffed. Due to the treatment at the clinic she has her wonderful son Eric, so she feels it only right that she volunteers to cover for the receptionist that will be away. Naturally Melanie is curious about such a renowned clinic. Melanie also feels a little uneasy about her last appointment, so she does exactly what the majority of us would do given the opportunity, she searches for her file to check it out for herself. When she can't find her file, she looks for her twin sister Maddy's file, which also seems to be missing. Melanie then searches for Eric's file, which is also missing.....with her interest piqued Melanie's search takes her deeper and deeper into files and computer data bases. Melanie finds her access is restricted, so she has to find ways around the system....and can hardly believe what she actually finds..... Then she has to decide who can truly be trusted with what she has found. Melanie realises her discovery has put her little family in serious danger. They have to go into hiding, but where and who can really help?
I really loved this book. For some reason I had it confused with another title and thought this book was a novella....nope it was a full length nail biting book full of suspense! You seriously don't want to put the book down, it is truly addictive!
So did I enjoy the book? I think you can gather from my review that I loved this book, totally engrossing. Would I recommend this book? Yes, and have already to my mum and my daughter so I think this book would appeal to a wide selection of people. I would say the book doesn't just slot into one genre. Would I read a Bk#2? Definitely, I hope that there is a Bk#2, there is plenty of potential for one. Would I read more by Margaret Belle? Yes I would certainly keep an eye out for more titles by Margaret.
I bought this book from Amazon.co.uk, the cover and blurb attracted me. Looking at the cover I obviously thought the book was about someone who was pregnant and I wanted to know what the "procedure" was.
Wow the "procedure" was sinister, strange, futuristic....words cannot describe!
I need to be careful as I really don't want to give any spoilers or even clues away. I want you to read the book and be shocked, surprised and on the edge of your seat in the way I was when reading this brilliant book. Margaret Belle writes this book so well, as things are revealed you think back to prior chapters and realise there were little clues pointing you in the right direction all the time. You make the mysterious and sinister discoveries along with the main character Melanie.
Melanie innocently offers to help out at a fertility treatment clinic when the Doctor there tells her they are short staffed. Due to the treatment at the clinic she has her wonderful son Eric, so she feels it only right that she volunteers to cover for the receptionist that will be away. Naturally Melanie is curious about such a renowned clinic. Melanie also feels a little uneasy about her last appointment, so she does exactly what the majority of us would do given the opportunity, she searches for her file to check it out for herself. When she can't find her file, she looks for her twin sister Maddy's file, which also seems to be missing. Melanie then searches for Eric's file, which is also missing.....with her interest piqued Melanie's search takes her deeper and deeper into files and computer data bases. Melanie finds her access is restricted, so she has to find ways around the system....and can hardly believe what she actually finds..... Then she has to decide who can truly be trusted with what she has found. Melanie realises her discovery has put her little family in serious danger. They have to go into hiding, but where and who can really help?
I really loved this book. For some reason I had it confused with another title and thought this book was a novella....nope it was a full length nail biting book full of suspense! You seriously don't want to put the book down, it is truly addictive!
So did I enjoy the book? I think you can gather from my review that I loved this book, totally engrossing. Would I recommend this book? Yes, and have already to my mum and my daughter so I think this book would appeal to a wide selection of people. I would say the book doesn't just slot into one genre. Would I read a Bk#2? Definitely, I hope that there is a Bk#2, there is plenty of potential for one. Would I read more by Margaret Belle? Yes I would certainly keep an eye out for more titles by Margaret.
November 8, 2012
I give this little book 3.5 stars. It is a decent engaging story and was a nice quick read. The author did a good job with character development and made them very likeable even if they seemed a bit dim witted at times. I enjoyed the science aspect of the book because you know it is technology that is not that far out there, the moral and ethical dilemmas are also a aspects that give you pause.
I will say that this author enjoys a short chapter. It seems like every other page was a new chapter and it did get rather tiresome. I don't know if the book is predictable, but I saw a lot of stuff coming, but then again I read a lot, and this is not anything new for me.
I do not feel that this book was wordy in any way, if anything, I felt like there was more that could have been added. The jumps in time from one chapter to another were not always a smooth transition in my opinion, and I felt that some things just ended rather abruptly.
All in all not a bad read, is it great, no, but is it a good way to pass an evening or two, sure. Would I read this author again, quite possible.
I will say that this author enjoys a short chapter. It seems like every other page was a new chapter and it did get rather tiresome. I don't know if the book is predictable, but I saw a lot of stuff coming, but then again I read a lot, and this is not anything new for me.
I do not feel that this book was wordy in any way, if anything, I felt like there was more that could have been added. The jumps in time from one chapter to another were not always a smooth transition in my opinion, and I felt that some things just ended rather abruptly.
All in all not a bad read, is it great, no, but is it a good way to pass an evening or two, sure. Would I read this author again, quite possible.
October 8, 2012
This mostly sci-fi was intriguing right from the beginning which has Melanie at a “routine� gyn exam with Dr. Neumann, a doctor she’s known since birth. He asks for a referral for temporary receptionist help. Not being quick enough to turn her offer to help, down, he was beside himself with more than a little concern.
Melanie’s first day on the job has her looking to see what the doctor might have found at her appointment that had him so distracted. She begins to get more curious when there is no record found of her or her twin sister.
What she discovers astounds her with realization dawning, ultimately horrifying her.
What I didn’t like about the story was (for lack of a better word) the apparitions of long dead folk, supposedly leading her to much of her discovery, making those parts unbelievable at best.
I got to tell ya though, the sci-fi part of it isn’t far-fetched. Could happen.
Melanie’s first day on the job has her looking to see what the doctor might have found at her appointment that had him so distracted. She begins to get more curious when there is no record found of her or her twin sister.
What she discovers astounds her with realization dawning, ultimately horrifying her.
What I didn’t like about the story was (for lack of a better word) the apparitions of long dead folk, supposedly leading her to much of her discovery, making those parts unbelievable at best.
I got to tell ya though, the sci-fi part of it isn’t far-fetched. Could happen.
November 18, 2012
An independent thinking woman decided to have a child with the help of an infertility clinic whose owner is a doctor she has known and trusted her entire life, after all, he is responsible for helping her mother get pregnant! By a fluke, Melanie Allen has the opportunity to work temporarily at the clinic where she discovers horrors beyond imagining! Now on the run for her life, she also is able to connect with some of the doctor's victims in his gruesome experiments. How does she stay alive, seek justice, expose and end the evil that lurks inside the laboratory?
This is a brilliant story, good, evil, the innocent, the deranged...all rolled up into one story! If not for the help of other characters, I don't think Melanie could have pulled this off on her own. There were choppy parts where I wanted 'more' info, but, all in all, this was an intriguing read for those who like a good medical thriller!
This is a brilliant story, good, evil, the innocent, the deranged...all rolled up into one story! If not for the help of other characters, I don't think Melanie could have pulled this off on her own. There were choppy parts where I wanted 'more' info, but, all in all, this was an intriguing read for those who like a good medical thriller!
January 5, 2023
Maybe because I'm not a fan of sci-fi but I just didn't like this book.
When I read the blurb I thought it sounded like a good one so when my pen pal picked this for me to read this month I was really looking forward to it...
By the second chapter I knew I wasn't going to like this. I don't want to offend anyone and I'm not saying that I could do better but the writing reminded me if stories I wrote in high school. Is this a young author??
I read the book in just a couple of days but it was more out of wanting to hurry up an d get it over and do e with than anything to do with enjoyment, fascination and wanting to know what happens next. And... It's so predictable.
Again, I don't want to offend and this is only my view but sadly I will not be recommending this book or author to anyone.
January 17, 2014
The Procedure by Margaret Belle
Melanie Allen wants a child, but not a relationship. She goes to a fertility clinic to fulfill her needs. Dr. Reed Neumann is her answer. But when she fills in for his assistant she soon discovers he is not the man she thinks he is. She is about to uncover an evil so unthinkable that her life is in danger.
A fantastic psychological thriller. Melanie is a courageous and likable character. The story line is original and there are a lot of twist, turns and nail biting moments. I loved it from the first page until the last. Thriller lovers will enjoy this read.
Melanie Allen wants a child, but not a relationship. She goes to a fertility clinic to fulfill her needs. Dr. Reed Neumann is her answer. But when she fills in for his assistant she soon discovers he is not the man she thinks he is. She is about to uncover an evil so unthinkable that her life is in danger.
A fantastic psychological thriller. Melanie is a courageous and likable character. The story line is original and there are a lot of twist, turns and nail biting moments. I loved it from the first page until the last. Thriller lovers will enjoy this read.
October 8, 2012
This book was an easy read! Its a cross between a thriller and science fiction, but well written. The book is about a woman named Melanie, that goes to work for her OBGYN and realizes things are not what she has always believed. The book has twist and turns but I figured out some of the plot before I read that portion of the book seemed some parts were very predictable. There were some surprises that I was shocked about but for the most part I found it a little predictable. Altogether it was a good book that I was able to finish in a day!
November 4, 2012
This book was a real page turner for me. I have read two or three other books on subject of human cloning but this is the only one that got it right. We can't clone a fully grown person but we can clone a human zygote and impregnate a woman (This is how the sheep was cloned a few years ago). I thought the idea of using a infertility clinic to do this type of research was a good idea for this story. The plot had some good twists that I had suspected ahead of time. It was a very fast paced book as I anxiously watched the group run from the doctor and his employees.
March 16, 2013
The "procedure" is a sinister, strange, and futuristic medical thriller.
The story centers around Melanie who innocently offers to help out at a fertility treatment clinic when the Doctor there tells her they are short staffed.
Naturally Melanie is curious about such a renowned clinic and as she is also feeling a little uneasy about her last appointment she decides to play detective and do some snooping. From there the story really takes off and becomes a very good read.
So, if you are a fan of medical thrillers then pick up a copy of this book.
The story centers around Melanie who innocently offers to help out at a fertility treatment clinic when the Doctor there tells her they are short staffed.
Naturally Melanie is curious about such a renowned clinic and as she is also feeling a little uneasy about her last appointment she decides to play detective and do some snooping. From there the story really takes off and becomes a very good read.
So, if you are a fan of medical thrillers then pick up a copy of this book.
June 30, 2013
So this book got quite a bit better. I still have issues with the character development - it really doesn't make sense for the character to have done a lot of the things she did. But ignoring how the character got to where she was, the rest of the story kept my attention when I got about halfway through the book. part of the ending left me wondering but I found an interview with the author saying there will be a sequel. if a sequel does get published I will plan to read it.
April 26, 2016
Wow
The story was pretty good. The pace was steady most of the time, but when it got intense ... Well it was a nail biter. Melanie the main character was a little out there at times, but I was able to get past her behavior. The plot kept you wanting to see what would happen next. Would have liked a little more information on the Doctor at the end of the story, but overall a good read.
The story was pretty good. The pace was steady most of the time, but when it got intense ... Well it was a nail biter. Melanie the main character was a little out there at times, but I was able to get past her behavior. The plot kept you wanting to see what would happen next. Would have liked a little more information on the Doctor at the end of the story, but overall a good read.
October 16, 2012
I'm giving this book three stars based on it being free. If I'd have paid for it, as entertaining as it was, I'd have probably been tempted to give it a two (solely because of certain characters and there being a lack of motive behind their actions). Overall though, a good book with an original plot and easy to plough through...
October 15, 2012
Sci-fi thriller, I picked up because it was free on the Kindle. Interesting and I finished it quickly. I had figured out several plot points earlier than I think I was expected to, and you have to let go of a few of the finer details every so often. I would give the author another read in the future.
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