Too Close to Home

3.5 stars (rating shown may vary depending on whether site has half star ratings).

The series is "Women of Justice" yet I felt the book focused more on Connor Wolfe than on Samantha Cash.

The story felt dated, and I don't know why. The subject matter (black market babies and internet scammers) is still pertinent today, and the advice given still rings true.

There was a point (about Chapter 21) that I said "Oh, crap, (character name) is "The Agent""--and I was right. I mention this only because I normally don't guess correctly or I will waver between several characters thinking first one, then another is the perpetrator.

I am glad Connor and his daughter, Jenna, found their way back to church (and presumably God as well). I'm glad Bradley show more (Jenna's crush) is also active in the church.

The epilogue was a bit odd and takes us back into Jamie's history a bit--I'm guessing it was meant as a teaser for book 2 of the series. show less

I was pleasantly surprised by this law enforcement chase for a serial killer who found his young, female victims through the internet. No matter how many times teenagers are warned about not meeting strangers over the internet, they still get tricked by offers that are too good to be true. The other unexpected thread in the story was the power of religion in several of the officers' lives. I don't want to spoil the ending by leaking what happens to some of the people, so I'll just leave you with my recommendation of reading Too Close to Home the next time you want to enjoy a good mystery.

My Synopsis:

Too Close To Home (Women of Justice series - Book 1) by Lynette Eason

(For review from Revell)

Homicide detective Connor Wolfe's latest case has everyone baffled. There are several missing teen girls and now they are starting to turn up dead. Connor and his team are looking for leads that will help them find this serial killer in their small southern town.

FBI agent, Samantha Cash is a computer expert that is called in to help Connor figure out a link that may exist between all the girls. But, she doesn't expect the attraction she begins to feel for her fellow officer. Connor has to worry not only about this case but his troubled relationship with his own teen daughter, Jenna and Samantha has demons of her own involving her show more sister, Jamie.

Can the two of them put aside their circumstances and find love in the midst of tragedy? Will Connor blame God for all the loses in his life or will he find the peace he has been looking for? Who is "the agent" and what is his motive for kidnapping these girls? Is Jenna safe?

My Thoughts:

This is the first romantic suspense novel I have read from a Christian perspective. I found it very interesting. Not only do the main characters have a mystery to solve, but they have issues in their own lives that need to be sorted out. From Connor's troubled relationship with is daughter, to Samantha's guilt over Jamie's suffering. It's interesting to see how these circumstances bring each of the characters to an understanding that perhaps the peace they need comes from God.

This novel put me in mind a little bit of an episode of SVU or Criminal Intent. It was fun to try to think ahead and solve the mystery and see if you were right or if you were on the right track. It was definitely a page turner. I liked how the author used "police knowledge". The actions of the officers and the FBI characters all seemed natural and I'm sure was researched to make it seem all the more accurate.

The characters were well developed. Connor was the strong dad, who had no idea how to repair his relationship with his daughter. Jenna, was head strong and hurt by Connor's previous actions. Samantha was the determined agent who had a soft heart. I liked Jamie's character a lot and could really identify with her. I loved how she was able to find the courage to move on with her life and look forward to the next book see what happens to her and the other characters from this novel.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag. show less

Couldn't put this book down it kept me on the edge, very well written and stays interesting through the whole book, not a lot of unnecessary gibberish. Would highly recommend this book to anyone that really like to read mysteries.

I liked the characters alright, but it was a bit dark for my tastes. The plot twist at the end was a sucker punch.

What a great story. Connor lost his wife a while ago and he is dealing with his Teenage daughter and his Job with the FBI, tracking down a guy who is taking teenage girls and then they are showing up months later after giving birth. During Conners work he meets and works with Samantha. Sparks are flying a little there but Connors faith is waivering and Samantha is concerned about that she wants a wonderful Christian guy with good faith. She also wants to catch this horrible killer. Jenna Connor's daughter is missing her dad, mad at her dad and overal being a teen and just may get her self into trouble with this Killer if she doesn't pay attention. A must read great murder mystery, a little romance, great christian values and faith.

I finished it. The plot had holes and the relationships didn't feel natural in evolution. Some of it was a bit cheesy on top of that.