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A.J. Palladino #2
Hot Water
No stranger to balancing an intensely demanding work schedule with the stresses of keeping her family together, AJ Palladino now faces another challenge: she is leaving her young son home with her ailing parents so that she can travel to the site of a new case involving a nuclear power plant in peril. And it will take all her skills to keep her cool while the action and tension build to a fever pitch.Colleton River, a new, one-of-a-kind nuclear facility designed to create medical isotopes with the potential to save millions of lives, has recently been plagued by a series of unexplained mishaps. The accidents have caused the locals to protest the plant, drawing the attention of an anti-nuclear protest group as well as several home-grown terrorists who sense an opportunity to sow fear and chaos. The plant’s owner, Owen Grandel, has traveled from South Carolina to West Virginia to personally ask AJ for help. AJ knows she’s going to have her hands full investigating the accidents and calming the situation at the plant. What she doesn’t foresee is her simple business trip turning into disaster, with her family coming apart at the seams in her absence—and her young son disappearing. While AJ tries to find her missing child, she also discovers what caused the “accidents.” Soon the plant begins hurtling towards nuclear catastrophe, with AJ stranded at ground zero. But can she save her son, herself, and the community—and prevent a nuclear meltdown before it’s too late?
286 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2011
9 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Erin Brockovich
15 books73 followersErin Brockovich is an American legal clerk, consumer advocate, and environmental activist, who, despite her lack of education in the law, was instrumental in building a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) of California in 1993. Her successful lawsuit was the subject of a 2000 film, "Erin Brockovich," which stars Julia Roberts. Since then, Brockovich has become a media personality, hosting the TV series "Challenge America with Erin Brockovich" and "Final Justice on Zone Reality." She is the president of Brockovich Research & Consulting. She also works as a consultant for Girardi & Keese and the New York law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg, which has a focus on personal injury claims for asbestos exposure, and for Shine Lawyers in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 16, 2016
I have to tell you I loved the dedication in this book. Too often it is dedicated to the authors families or mentors, even friends, but this book was dedicated to a cause, an emotion, and that I rather respected highly.
I enjoyed this book a little more than the first one I read. It had more action in it, and I liked that the grandfather got his just desserts in the end.
This would make a great movie. I wonder if Julia Roberts is busy?
I enjoyed this book a little more than the first one I read. It had more action in it, and I liked that the grandfather got his just desserts in the end.
This would make a great movie. I wonder if Julia Roberts is busy?
July 31, 2013
I think I would have enjoyed this more if the authors stayed in either first person narrative or third person narrative rather than flipping between the two which made it sometimes confusing and hard to follow.
September 7, 2018
The main character, AJ, experiences more catastrophic, life-threatening events in 48 hours than the ordinary initial experiences in a lifetime. And, to me, all of those experiences are "over-the-top." Attacked by a radioactive alligator... really? Just too much.
The story line and character development are weak and many times I was left wondering, "Where did that come from?"
Not a very satisfactory read.
The story line and character development are weak and many times I was left wondering, "Where did that come from?"
Not a very satisfactory read.
December 4, 2017
I thought this book was suspenseful . A good read
February 7, 2018
This book was clearly better that the other one by Brockovich. Enough so to make me consider reading any future sequels
August 29, 2019
not very engaging.
August 28, 2023
Couldn’t put down
12/22/2014
12/22/2014
November 7, 2011
Description:
Rock Bottom's AJ Palladino returns in Erin Brockovich's Hot Water!
Colleton River is a new-age nuclear power plant with the potential to make medical isotopes that could save lives. So when the plant and its employees begin suffering unexplained accidents, including radiation leaks and malfunctioning equipment, Owen Grandel, the plant owner, has no choice but to call on environmental activist and consumer advocate AJ Palladino. Unfortunately, AJ is unsure about taking the case. She's a single mom, has a son with cerebral palsy who is currently in a wheelchair, her mother is an agoraphobic hoarder, her grandma is blind and diabetic needing a full-time caretaker, her father-in-law hates her, and she is just getting the pieces of her life back together after almost losing everything. What changes her mind? A check with lots of zeros.
Assuring her son that she will be home for his birthday, she heads to South Carolina to check the plant out and deal with the anti-nuclear protest groups, but her investigation takes a turn for the worst. The plant mishaps accelerate, her family is attacked, her son goes missing, a gater gets up close and personal, and a hurricane decides to stand between her and the people she cares about. Can AJ find a way to save the plant, the community, her son, and herself before a total meltdown?
Review:
After reading Rock Bottom, I knew I had to delve deeper into the world of AJ Palladino. Not only are Brockovich's characters well-developed, but also fully dimensional and genuine. I feel a connection to all of her characters- AJ, Elizabeth, and David in particular; each of them well thought out and spun artfully into the overall plot. The story-line is anything but disappointing, consistently fast-paced, and full of suspenseful twists and turns. I didn't expect some of the outcomes, however, the ending was perfect, tying up most of the loose ends but allowing room for future books in the series. Honestly, there is a lot going on in this book plot and detail-wise, but if you are in the mood for a riveting action-packed environmental thriller, then this is the book for you.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Rock Bottom's AJ Palladino returns in Erin Brockovich's Hot Water!
Colleton River is a new-age nuclear power plant with the potential to make medical isotopes that could save lives. So when the plant and its employees begin suffering unexplained accidents, including radiation leaks and malfunctioning equipment, Owen Grandel, the plant owner, has no choice but to call on environmental activist and consumer advocate AJ Palladino. Unfortunately, AJ is unsure about taking the case. She's a single mom, has a son with cerebral palsy who is currently in a wheelchair, her mother is an agoraphobic hoarder, her grandma is blind and diabetic needing a full-time caretaker, her father-in-law hates her, and she is just getting the pieces of her life back together after almost losing everything. What changes her mind? A check with lots of zeros.
Assuring her son that she will be home for his birthday, she heads to South Carolina to check the plant out and deal with the anti-nuclear protest groups, but her investigation takes a turn for the worst. The plant mishaps accelerate, her family is attacked, her son goes missing, a gater gets up close and personal, and a hurricane decides to stand between her and the people she cares about. Can AJ find a way to save the plant, the community, her son, and herself before a total meltdown?
Review:
After reading Rock Bottom, I knew I had to delve deeper into the world of AJ Palladino. Not only are Brockovich's characters well-developed, but also fully dimensional and genuine. I feel a connection to all of her characters- AJ, Elizabeth, and David in particular; each of them well thought out and spun artfully into the overall plot. The story-line is anything but disappointing, consistently fast-paced, and full of suspenseful twists and turns. I didn't expect some of the outcomes, however, the ending was perfect, tying up most of the loose ends but allowing room for future books in the series. Honestly, there is a lot going on in this book plot and detail-wise, but if you are in the mood for a riveting action-packed environmental thriller, then this is the book for you.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
August 27, 2012
I received a copy of Hot Water by Erin Brockovich and CJ Lyons in exchange for an honest review. This book is a follow up from Rock Bottom, which I reviewed last year. The synopsis reads:
No stranger to balancing an intensely demanding work schedule with the stresses of keeping her family together, AJ Palladino now faces another challenge: she is leaving her young son home with her ailing parents so that she can travel to the site of a new case involving a nuclear power plant in peril. And it will take all her skills to keep her cool while the action and tension build to a fever pitch.
Colleton River, a new, one-of-a-kind nuclear facility designed to create medical isotopes with the potential to save millions of lives, has recently been plagued by a series of unexplained mishaps. The accidents have caused the locals to protest the plant, drawing the attention of an anti-nuclear protest group as well as several home-grown terrorists who sense an opportunity to sow fear and chaos. The plant’s owner, Owen Grandel, has traveled from South Carolina to West Virginia to personally ask AJ for help. AJ knows she’s going to have her hands full investigating the accidents and calming the situation at the plant. What she doesn’t foresee is her simple business trip turning into disaster, with her family coming apart at the seams in her absence—and her young son disappearing. While AJ tries to find her missing child, she also discovers what caused the “accidents.” Soon the plant begins hurtling towards nuclear catastrophe, with AJ stranded at ground zero. But can she save her son, herself, and the community—and prevent a nuclear meltdown before it’s too late?
I actually liked Hot Water a touch more than Rock Bottom. Possibly because with the first I felt like I kept tripping over the environmental jargon, but with the second I felt more at ease and had a good grasp on AJ’s work. I thought it also had a lot more action, especially due to the disappearance of AJ’s young son. And then of course there is the race against time to prevent a nuclear meltdown from occurring! The pace was fast throughout and I highly enjoyed this thriller. I would recommend both Rock Bottom and Hot Water- in that order!
No stranger to balancing an intensely demanding work schedule with the stresses of keeping her family together, AJ Palladino now faces another challenge: she is leaving her young son home with her ailing parents so that she can travel to the site of a new case involving a nuclear power plant in peril. And it will take all her skills to keep her cool while the action and tension build to a fever pitch.
Colleton River, a new, one-of-a-kind nuclear facility designed to create medical isotopes with the potential to save millions of lives, has recently been plagued by a series of unexplained mishaps. The accidents have caused the locals to protest the plant, drawing the attention of an anti-nuclear protest group as well as several home-grown terrorists who sense an opportunity to sow fear and chaos. The plant’s owner, Owen Grandel, has traveled from South Carolina to West Virginia to personally ask AJ for help. AJ knows she’s going to have her hands full investigating the accidents and calming the situation at the plant. What she doesn’t foresee is her simple business trip turning into disaster, with her family coming apart at the seams in her absence—and her young son disappearing. While AJ tries to find her missing child, she also discovers what caused the “accidents.” Soon the plant begins hurtling towards nuclear catastrophe, with AJ stranded at ground zero. But can she save her son, herself, and the community—and prevent a nuclear meltdown before it’s too late?
I actually liked Hot Water a touch more than Rock Bottom. Possibly because with the first I felt like I kept tripping over the environmental jargon, but with the second I felt more at ease and had a good grasp on AJ’s work. I thought it also had a lot more action, especially due to the disappearance of AJ’s young son. And then of course there is the race against time to prevent a nuclear meltdown from occurring! The pace was fast throughout and I highly enjoyed this thriller. I would recommend both Rock Bottom and Hot Water- in that order!
October 9, 2011
Environmental activist A.J. Palladino is taking a walk on the wild side in this exciting sequel to “Rock Bottom.” A.J. prides herself in being the watchdog for citizens, keeping them safe from the evil corporations that break the rules. In “Hot Water,” things are turned upside down and A.J. finds herself lending a helping hand to a nuclear power plant owner. There is drama on the home front and chaos at the plant, with A.J. smack dab in the middle of it all. Can she work her magic one more time or has her lucky streak run out?
After reading “Rock Bottom,” I knew that I would enjoy another ride with A.J Palladino. This is one heroine that you can’t help but love. She’s a devoted mother, hardcore environmentalist, and a woman who will stand her ground, no matter what is in her way. Brockovich and Lyons have definitely created a character that readers can enjoy for years to come.
The plot is well developed, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, begging for more with the turn of each page. The chaos at the nuclear power plant and A.J. switching sides was a refreshing twist. Keeping Masterson in the mix added the perfect amount of drama to an already intense situation. Masterson definitely has my vote for most hated character of the year. He is the definition of villain.
Overall, I found “Hot Water” to be a lively addition to the A.J. Palladino series. Brockovich and Lyons have created a thrilling plot with a real-life feel. “Hot Water” is a fast-paced enjoyable read that I highly recommend to everyone.
After reading “Rock Bottom,” I knew that I would enjoy another ride with A.J Palladino. This is one heroine that you can’t help but love. She’s a devoted mother, hardcore environmentalist, and a woman who will stand her ground, no matter what is in her way. Brockovich and Lyons have definitely created a character that readers can enjoy for years to come.
The plot is well developed, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, begging for more with the turn of each page. The chaos at the nuclear power plant and A.J. switching sides was a refreshing twist. Keeping Masterson in the mix added the perfect amount of drama to an already intense situation. Masterson definitely has my vote for most hated character of the year. He is the definition of villain.
Overall, I found “Hot Water” to be a lively addition to the A.J. Palladino series. Brockovich and Lyons have created a thrilling plot with a real-life feel. “Hot Water” is a fast-paced enjoyable read that I highly recommend to everyone.
January 31, 2012
Last year Erin Brockovich introduced readers to AJ Palladino in Rock Bottom as AJ returned home with her genius son David to Scotia, West Virginia where they were quickly involved in a disruption that ended in the death of David's dad Cole.
After struggling to make ends meet for so long, it looks like AJ's luck is finally going to change when the owner of a nuclear power plant, Grandel, gives her an offer that sounds too good to be true - a huge sum of money just to convince protestors that his plant is safe. Designed using brand new technology and methods to ensure safety and security, even the government has declared it a model plant. And the plant was safe until AJ got involved.
Hot Water is a thrilling journey of two parallel stories that twist and turn until they are combined into one. AJ is fighting the battle to restore order to the nuclear plant in the midst of religious fanatics and radioactive alligators while her family and friends are fighting a battle against David's grandfather to maintain custody of David. Add a great hit man, some fascinating supporting characters, and twists and turns I didn't see coming and yes, you have yourself a great read.
While this is a stand alone book, I would recommend that you read Rock Bottom before Hot Water just to understand the back story and how AJ and David's lives became as complicated as they are. I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller, especially ones led by a feisty female heroine.
After struggling to make ends meet for so long, it looks like AJ's luck is finally going to change when the owner of a nuclear power plant, Grandel, gives her an offer that sounds too good to be true - a huge sum of money just to convince protestors that his plant is safe. Designed using brand new technology and methods to ensure safety and security, even the government has declared it a model plant. And the plant was safe until AJ got involved.
Hot Water is a thrilling journey of two parallel stories that twist and turn until they are combined into one. AJ is fighting the battle to restore order to the nuclear plant in the midst of religious fanatics and radioactive alligators while her family and friends are fighting a battle against David's grandfather to maintain custody of David. Add a great hit man, some fascinating supporting characters, and twists and turns I didn't see coming and yes, you have yourself a great read.
While this is a stand alone book, I would recommend that you read Rock Bottom before Hot Water just to understand the back story and how AJ and David's lives became as complicated as they are. I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller, especially ones led by a feisty female heroine.
October 15, 2012
While I didn't think this book quite held the drama of the first book in the series, 'Hot Water' was an enjoyable quick read. One of the flaws in this book was that I don't think the authors reiterated the job title of lead character AJ Palladino, and while it seemed at times she was in a lawyer role, she is actually an environmental activist who has to put her personal feelings aside when the chief of a nuclear power plant requests her public relations skills to help convince the plant's small town to accept its existence. She leaves her disabled son in rural West Virginia with family in order to help the nuke guy, despite being in the middle of a custody battle, and the father's side uses her absence as ammunition against her. Unrelated issues plague both fights, and Palladino fears either losing custody of her son, losing the payout from the nuke guy if she doesn't accomplish her goal, or both.
While I read the first book in the series and knew what was going on, I feel like the authors revealed both too much and too little about that first book. The ending of the first book is spoiled early on in this one, but Palladino's history and why she's in a partnership with a lawyer in rural West Virginia are alluded to but not fleshed out enough to let the book stand on its own. Therefore, readers should choose this book only after reading 'Rock Bottom'. Otherwise, it's good, but I thought the storylines in 'Rock Bottom' were more compelling.
While I read the first book in the series and knew what was going on, I feel like the authors revealed both too much and too little about that first book. The ending of the first book is spoiled early on in this one, but Palladino's history and why she's in a partnership with a lawyer in rural West Virginia are alluded to but not fleshed out enough to let the book stand on its own. Therefore, readers should choose this book only after reading 'Rock Bottom'. Otherwise, it's good, but I thought the storylines in 'Rock Bottom' were more compelling.
November 21, 2011
Accidents at a nuclear facility cause great concern in those living around it, and Owen Grandel needs to get some good publicity out about the work that the facility can do. He hires AJ Palladion and Elizabeth Hardy to help him. The money will certainly help AJ with her son David's medical bills, but she has to override her mistrust of Owen to take on the job. While AJ is in South Carolina, Elizabeth stays in West Virginia to watch over things there. What will happen when David's grandfather tries to get full custody while AJ is away? Will the weather cause any problems with the nuclear facility? Will the maniac be stopped in time? These and so many other questions are answered in this fast-paced, electric page-turner by Erin Brockovich!
Wow! This is not only an interesting book to read, but also one that is appropriate for today. The characters are life-like and the story is well-written. This book is great for many types of readers, but groups will especially enjoy discussing topics like: cerebal palsy, nuclear power, death, and child custody. It will certainly make you think as you follow AJ through the problems. I received my free review copy from FSB Associates, and thank them very much!
Wow! This is not only an interesting book to read, but also one that is appropriate for today. The characters are life-like and the story is well-written. This book is great for many types of readers, but groups will especially enjoy discussing topics like: cerebal palsy, nuclear power, death, and child custody. It will certainly make you think as you follow AJ through the problems. I received my free review copy from FSB Associates, and thank them very much!
January 14, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed Erin Brockovich's and CJ Lyons' first novel, Rock Bottom; I thought they wouldn't be able to top it but I was wrong.
Hot Water keeps you enthralled from the first page. The authors' ability to interweave the scientific detail regarding the workings of a nuclear plant with the characters' story amazed me.
AJ Paladino is off to a South Carolina nuclear facility to witness the plant's operational and construction details, learn about its safety precautions and then convince Colleton River's opponents their concerns are unfounded.
Back home, Elizabeth Hardy, the legal half of AJ's environmental advocacy firm is trying to keep AJ's family from unraveling.
Hot Water is incredibly intense, suspenseful and wonderfully full of twists and turns. Be sure to set aside several uninterrupted reading hours before opening the cover.
Hot Water keeps you enthralled from the first page. The authors' ability to interweave the scientific detail regarding the workings of a nuclear plant with the characters' story amazed me.
AJ Paladino is off to a South Carolina nuclear facility to witness the plant's operational and construction details, learn about its safety precautions and then convince Colleton River's opponents their concerns are unfounded.
Back home, Elizabeth Hardy, the legal half of AJ's environmental advocacy firm is trying to keep AJ's family from unraveling.
Hot Water is incredibly intense, suspenseful and wonderfully full of twists and turns. Be sure to set aside several uninterrupted reading hours before opening the cover.
March 20, 2012
HOT WATER by Erin Brockovick with C.J.Lyons is another great environmental thriller. What an exciting story."Hot Water" is the sequel to "Rock Bottom". Written with depth,descriptions and a cast of characters that will have you looking over your shoulder,while some will capture your heart. "Hot Water" is an intense,emotional,action packed thriller from the first page to the last page.AJ Palladino, is an tough,fiesty,heroine,who is also an Environmental activist. This is an engaging story with chaos,environmental issues,which is fast paced and full of action. A must read! Received for an honest review from the author. Details can be found at Vanguard Press.the author's website,and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING:4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More
RATING:4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More
March 9, 2014
Page 221. That's the page when this story of 275 pages finally became interesting enough that I wanted to keep reading. Perhaps my disconnect was because this was the second AJ Palladino book, and I did not read the first. Certainly it was assumed that the reader knew the back story to the characters, because little was provided I think it would have helped me to vest in the characters more deeply. AJ is obviously drawn from Brockovich herself, an environmental crusader focusing on nuclear issues. The characters - her son David, her partner Elizabeth, the old friend Ty, the extended family - seemed interesting but we were not given much to go on
August 18, 2021
I’ve read this twice. I’m a big fan of Erin Brockovich and what’s she’s accomplished for the good. This story is set in the lowcountry dealing with isotopes and mini radiation centers.
Along time ago we hosted with a few other churches, children of Belarus who lived in the outside areas of Chernobyl and still affected by the 1986 disaster. Six weeks in America with nourishing food, medical check ups and care and dental service improves their health. So, I understand the decades of effects with radiation.
Like Radium girls, if your interested on this topic you will enjoy this read.
Along time ago we hosted with a few other churches, children of Belarus who lived in the outside areas of Chernobyl and still affected by the 1986 disaster. Six weeks in America with nourishing food, medical check ups and care and dental service improves their health. So, I understand the decades of effects with radiation.
Like Radium girls, if your interested on this topic you will enjoy this read.
March 10, 2016
I almost gave this a five, but there was one typo that bothered me. I really like this series, but I have finished the only two books in it. AJ Palladino, who is a Brockovich-like character, is a consumer advocate who is trying to help a nuclear plant get some good press. At home, an ugly custody battle for her son David is underway, while a hitman is out to bring down AJ and her family for good. Thrilling, captivating and smart. Good read.
November 27, 2012
I was a bit skeptical, Erin Brockovich writing with a partner, as I was concerned it would be a celebrity-vehicle piece. It turned out to be a good story, obviously with many nods to Brockovich with the main character. Interesting factoids about nuclear power and the use of medical isotopes within treatments and research.
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November 23, 2011I haven't read it yet but it is is on my list. All I can say is that SHE IT AT IT AGAIN. If you do not remember she won the largest court settlement in history and I believe that record still stands today. I saw an interview with her on one of the MSNBC shows and that was it! I must read it
December 9, 2011
"Hot Water" reminds me of an adult-level Nancy Drew book. Entertaining, somewhat suspenseful and fast-paced. I really enjoyed this book as a "light" read. Both of the Brockovich/Lyons titles would make great movies. In fact, I suspect that this might be what the authors had in mind.
May 28, 2012
I loved this book. When I got it I had a had time putting it down and once I had finished it I let my mom and sisters borrow it and they all felt the same way! As a scientist I loved reading something that captured my interest in a new way.
December 27, 2014
Like many readers, I was intrigued because Erin Brockovich co-wrote this. While the plot was somewhat farfetched and the elements regarding the family dynamic were somewhat distracting, it was well worth the read. It's also worth keeping on my book shelf, but not worth a re-read anytime soon.
March 30, 2015
Really enjoyed this book.
Lots of intrigue, interesting concept, the medical isotope angle is different from nuclear power as energy production. I hope to see a third book someday, I would like to see how these characters evolve and the story finishes itself up!
Lots of intrigue, interesting concept, the medical isotope angle is different from nuclear power as energy production. I hope to see a third book someday, I would like to see how these characters evolve and the story finishes itself up!
December 8, 2011
I liked the 2nd book in this series better than the 1st. I hope there are more to come.
November 12, 2011
See my review on bookreporter.com this week.
December 28, 2011
I thought that this one was better than the first - definitely enjoyed it!
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September 13, 2016Very Good, interesting and a little light
February 24, 2012
Not bad. Good pacing and some suspense that keeps you guessing. BUT...predictible in some elements of storytelling. Otherwise, it would've been a 4-star read.
May 15, 2012
I quite enjoyed reading this story. The suspense was incredible, but at times I just wanted to yell, GET IT OVER WITH.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews