The Escape

Lisa Harris is an author whose name I’m familiar with, but whose work I had not yet read until now. This seemed like an opportune time, with the release of her new US Marshals series, and as far as I’m concerned, there is never a bad time to read a romantic suspense novel. Although it took me a week to read because of the holidays, “The Escape” is a very fast-paced novel, with no breaks in the action from start to finish. Several times I thought that the plot was about to be resolved, only to have another twist thrown in, and while this technique might become wearying in certain cases, Harris capably pulls it off without resorting to implausible scenarios. This story definitely engenders respect for the US Marshals Service and show more the extent of the work that they perform!

As one would expect, this story revolves around two US Marshals, Jonas Quinn and Madison James, and their pursuit of a fugitive who goes on the lam after their prisoner-transport plane crashes in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Damon Barrick, a felon convicted of murder, wastes no time in making his getaway and initiating a treacherous cat-and-mouse game across the West, somehow managing to stay one step ahead of the law. Although this story is fictional, it does make me wonder how often circumstances like these do play out behind the scenes, while we as ordinary citizens remain unaware or only see the end result, such as the trial or conviction. Jonas’s thoughts early on in the narrative indicate this: “Truth was, there was never anything routine when dealing with felons. He of all people knew that.” Consequently, as with other law enforcement and also military careers, trauma is part and parcel of the job. Jonas and Madison have different trauma backgrounds, and I think that this is part of what makes them a good team. The question is whether their shared experience during this case will be beneficial or detrimental to them as partners moving forward, which is something that readers must wait to find out because “The Escape” ends with a lead-in to the second book in the series.

Ordinarily, I am not a fan of open-ended conclusions, but I am willing to accept it with “The Escape” because the main plot is resolved (as far as I know!) and due to references within the narrative, this lingering part of the storyline will be ongoing and will eventually also be resolved. This does mean, however, that this series is clearly intended to be read chronologically and not as standalones. With a constant surge of adrenaline fueling the storyline, this is a very cinematic book, and honestly my only complaint is that I personally felt that the plot resolution scene itself was rather brief and anticlimactic. I do, however, wholeheartedly recommend “The Escape” to readers who enjoy thriller-dominant romantic suspense that will keep you engrossed from the first page to the last and have you clamoring for the sequel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own. show less

Lisa Harris is one of my go-to authors for suspense fiction. Her latest novel, The Escape, takes it up a notch with non-stop action and twists and turns galore. The main characters are also very relatable, even as I would definitely not want their jobs! 😉 A great beginning to a new series — I can’t wait to read more.

US Marshalls Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with the transport of some dangerous prisoners. All would probably have gone by the numbers if it hadn’t been for a storm and a plane crash. Oh, yes, The Escape provides some adrenaline-charged action As they track the bad guy, all of their training is put to the test. Fascinating details about the Marshall service are included naturally within the narrative show more making this novel feel very real. The two main characters are well-developed with back stories that impact their outlook on life, as well as how they handle their jobs. I loved their very, very real struggles. I became very engaged with them, as well as the engrossing plot. I never knew what was coming next! There is a hint of future romance for the upcoming books, but in The Escape, the job comes first. This just increased the book’s credibility.

For those who like page-turners, then The Escape is a great choice. It was unputdownable!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

The Escape by Lisa Harris is book one in the U.S. Marshalls series and is a thrilling ride from start to finish. From the moment we meet U.S. Marshalls Jonas Quinn and Madison James the story is electrified with action, suspense, and a bit of romance. The page-turning chase of escaped convict, Damon Barrick, is unpredictable, twisted, and heart-pounding fun.
I always enjoy a strong, smart, female protagonist, and Madison definitely fits the description. I loved watching her skill as she worked through one problem after another, and I appreciated Jonas’s ability to see her strengths and to let her use them. In fact, I think those moments where they are talking through another twist in the case we may favorite. I loved getting in the show more head of not only one but two U.S. Marshalls. It was so interesting to see their reasoning and strategy.
Truthfully, the only part of the story I didn’t like, was that I reached the end! I will be anxiously waiting on book two in this series, so I can see how the story progresses. I can’t wait to follow Madison and Jonas on their next adventure.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own. show less

The Escape is the first book in Lisa Harris' new US Marshalls series. The two main characters, US Marshalls Madison James and James Quinn are on their first assignment together when everything goes wrong. They're doing a "routine" prison transfer when their plane crashes in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, and they are forced to hunt down their prisoner who manages to escape.

The book opens with a compelling paragraph on justice vs revenge that sets you up to understand the driving forces behind Madison's career. Madison and Jonas had met 4 years earlier, shortly after her husband was murdered, on a training seminar where Jonas was the trainer. They have not seen each other since. Both characters have some pretty heavy baggage show more they are working through that draws the reader into their lives and motivates their actions - and fears.

In typical Lisa Harris fashion, the plot is tight, the drama intense and the stakes high. Fast-paced, filled with action, it was a delight to read. A one-day, can't-put-it-down read that left me completely satisfied. The twist at the end, which sets up Book Two, was a surprise that left me eager to get to the next book. Well done, Ms. Harris! show less

The Escape by Lisa Harris is the first book in her US Marshals series. On a routine prisoner transport across the country from Seattle to Colorado the plane crashes in the Salmon-Challis National Forest leaving both pilots and one prisoner dead. Now US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn must track the surviving prison through the backcountry before he escapes for good. This story had so many twists and turns you never knew what was coming next. I love stories with a strong female character, and Madison was definitely a strong woman. With all she was dealing with in her personal life she was still able to focus and get the job done. I can’t wait for the series to continue!

I received this book from LibraryThing for my honest review.

This book explodes with intrigue and adventure which made this reader very content. You may think it is the typical person on the loose, chase scenes , detours and romance. Oh you would be correct except it’s not your typical easy to catch person on the run. The author gives a real story behind why this person is so desperate to stay hidden. I like that we get a look into the fugitive’s back story and his need to never be seen again.

The story is riveting as a plane crashes with fugitives, pilots and two U. S. Marshall’s on board. Madison and Jonas have a cat and mouse game ahead of them when one fugitive survives the crash.

My adrenaline was pumping throughout the story with close calls, danger and near death attacks. Madison is show more very well equipped for the job and I thought her teaming up with Jonas was a perfect match. I’m glad the focus was more on the escape and not so much on trying to develop a romance between the two. Maybe the author does have more in store for these two in another story but we will have to wait and see. As readers we already know that they get their man, but the brilliance of the story is how hard they have to work to achieve this. The fugitive is smart, cunning and always a step ahead. Get ready for a fast pace read as you are witness to a chase through a forest where hiding places abound.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. The review is my own opinion. show less

I found the book, "The Escape", by Lisa Harris, to be s hard one to put down. From the very beginning she sucks you in by giving you the backstory of Madison (one of the main characters). When Madison is introduced to her co-worker Jonas it is then that the story takes off and the adventure begins. Through an act of what should have been just an ordinary task both of their lives become entangled in a survival between life and death as they fight to recover their prisoner. Great attention to detail and a wonderfully written page-turner