The Janes

The scourge of human trafficking is the focus of this story of two missing unidentified girls : The Janes. No-nonsense and tenacious bounty hunter Alice Vega is recruited by law enforcement to crack the case. She, in turn, brings in her own guy, former cop Max Caplan. It is a reunion of sorts. The two of them had worked together on a missing persons case.

The blurb drew me in. Then her writing style, with its alternating perspectives, fleshed-out characters, and vivid detail kept my eyes glued to the page. All the action, together with the twists and turns, made for an unpredictable ride. Although there was a fair amount of profanity and graphic violence, it was warranted.

Overall, I liked the book. It was fast-paced and the ending was show more not one I could have anticipated. Despite not having read Two Girls Down(Alice Vega Book 1), I didn't feel lost. But, I'm sure I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the series in sequence. show less

At the request of the police and the FBI, private investigators Alice Vega and Max Caplan join the investigation into the deaths of two young women whose bodies, found on the outskirts of San Diego, remain unidentified. Suspecting a human trafficking ring could be active in the area, they want to find the person or persons responsible for the deaths of the two young Jane Does . . . and find the other missing girls.

Often gritty and, therefore, sometimes difficult to read, this human trafficking story unfolds with several unexpected plot twists and surprising turns that ratchet up the suspense and keep the tension building. The unfolding tale is as compelling as it is heartbreaking.

But, ultimately, Alice comes across as stereotypical, show more more of a caricature than a well-developed character. Certainly, Alice is passionate, determined, stoic, and fearless. She is single-minded in her approach to the case, but her actions often feel too improbable, even with the reader’s suspension of disbelief. Nevertheless, the topic is timely and there is much here for readers to appreciate. show less

Alice Vega is the bomb! What a fantastic character. Vega is the main character in The Janes, written by Louisa Luna, which is the second book in the Alice Vega series. I did not read the first book, Two Girls Down, but I don't feel that it detracted from enjoying The Janes. Ms. Luna does an excellent job of reintroducing her recurring characters. Saying that I do plan on reading Two Girls Down for the simple reason, I LOVE ALICE VEGA!

Vega and Cap have a history together, having previously worked together on a high-profile case. When Vega's name was found on a crumpled piece of paper, in the fist of a dead girl, the San Diego PD, FBI, and DEA contacted and hired Vega and Cap to help them find the killer of the two dead girls, The Janes. show more I love the way Ms. Luna cleverly uses the term "Jane Doe" in her title. However, the plot is not as simple as two dead girls; it delves deep into the many horrific aspects of human trafficking, drug cartels, and much more.

From the first line, "Meet our girl…", this book had me hooked, but we never really know who our girl is, until the end... Even though this book hooked me from the start, the book is a slow burn. Luna was very careful to dole out the action just enough to keep the reader interested, and then, bam, she delivers her slam dunk. I enjoyed her writing style, and her attention to detail is spot on. Not only are Luna's main characters well thought out and engaging, but her supporting characters add an undeniable spark to the story, some good and some terrifying. My two favorites being McTiernan and "the Bastard." McTiernan is an honest cop just trying to do the right thing. "The Bastard" is a totally unknown element, and I really didn't know what to make of them, but no worries, we find out a bit about them in the end.

Ms. Luna was a bit stingy in giving us the inner workings of Vega's mind; I just wanted more Vega. However, this does work because now my wish is to read more of this series so I can get my Vega fix. Alice Vega is intelligent, tenacious, tough as nails no-nonsense girl who is not afraid to use her gun or swing a bolt cutter. Cap was the perfect balance for Vega. He is a retired cop with a delightful teenage daughter and an estranged wife. He is not only an intelligent, seasoned cop, but he also has a sadistic hilarious side to him. One of my favorite parts is when Cap is tantalizingly eating different kinds of chips, M&M's peanut butter cups. I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. I don't want to say more and ruin all the fun.

Overall, The Janes is a top-notch piece of crime fiction, with action, twists and turns, and a massive surprise at the end. But what I loved most about this book was Vega and Cap. They kept this book real and relatable without being over the top.

I am looking forward to reading backward to the first book in this series and reading the third book in the future. I could defiantly see this series becoming one of my favorites. I recommend this book to anyone who loves crime fiction that features a strong female who has a fantastic sidekick that may just become more.

*** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. *** show less

I love the re-invention of the "strong female character" and this author does it well. The story pulls you in, the action keeps you interested and the characters are complex and real. The cruelty of life depicted is disheartening but realistic. I will keep reading this series.

The Janes is gritty crime fiction at its best.

I'll tell you what I loved about this book: everything!

I have no complaints. Not even a minor grumble. This book gave me everything I wanted and then some.

Louisa Luna knows how to weave a masterful story. She gives us a complex plot that we unravel as the investigation moves along. The topic is current, insightful, and relevant, and it's delivered with a razor's edge.

Alice Vega is a badass rebel. She gets things done her way, rules and laws be damned.

Max Caplan is the perfect partner, balancing her demons with just a touch of quiet restraint.

This story has depth, emotion, danger, darkness, and intrigue. I connected with the characters and felt it all happening.

I'm gushing, I know. So, okay, show more I'll own my fan-girl reaction here. I'm now biting my nails, waiting for the next Alice Vega novel.

*This is book two in the series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend starting with book 1, Two Girls Down, for two reasons. First, it'll give you a better sense of the main characters' backstories. And, second, because it's too damn good to miss.*

**I did a happy dance when I was able to get an ARC from the publisher, via Amazon Vine.** show less

This is the second Alice Vega novel by Louisa Luna. I didn’t know there was a book one, Two Girls Down but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this new book. And, I now have the first book in my immediate line-up of books to read! Alice Vega and her partner Max Caplan are private investigators who have a reputation for finding the missing. When the bodies of two young girls are found in the outskirts of San Diego, fearing the likelihood of a human trafficking ring, the police and FBI enlist the help of Alice Vega to help identify the Janes and locate the others before it’s too late. When, very unexpectedly, after they immediately uncover some serious clues, they are told to cease their investigation. Too late, they are now more show more determined to see it through.

This is one wild ride through Mexican cartels, human trafficking and dirty police. Vega is a tough woman who gets things done her way, with little regard for rules and regulations. Her partner, Max, a retired policeman is perfect as the voice of reason but willing to go wherever necessary to save the innocent or Alice herself. Make sure you have time when you sit down to read this book because you won’t be stopping anytime soon! My first 5 star read of the new year. show less

The Police and FBI approach Alica Vega, a private investigator who has the reputation to find the missing when they discover the bodies of two teenage girls in the outskirts of San Diego. These found bodies have no names, no known IDs, and nobody looking for them. there is a possibility of a human trafficking ring.
This was my first Louisa Luna book. I am impressed by her style of writing. This was an amazing, captivating and engaging book. The characters are well established and the author has given proper attention to details. This is a kind of book you can not put down and you will want to read it in one go.
The protagonist Alice Vega is a very powerful character. She is smart, intelligent and magnificent. The plot is unique and it show more is a treat to read a book about such a strong female character. show less