Abducted

Pacific Coast Justice #2

by Janice Cantore

After solving the mayor’s murder and exposing corruption among the top brass in Las Playas, Carly Edwards is happy to be back on patrol with her partner, Joe, putting bad guys behind bars. For once, everything in life seems to be going right.

But then everything starts going wrong. Slow to recover from an injury, her ex-husband, Nick, begins pulling away just as they were starting to get close again. Meanwhile, when Joe’s wife lands in the hospital with a mysterious illness, their baby is kidnapped. As Carly chases down every lead in a desperate search to find the baby, her newfound faith is pushed to its limits.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Mystery Thriller

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2012

About the author

A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her first series of novels is the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards in books Accused, Abducted and Avenged. Janice also authored the Brinna’s Heart series, which includes Critical Pursuit and Visible Threat. Another three book series is the Line of Duty series, featuring Crisis Shot, Lethal Target and Cold Aim. Additionally she has also penned five stand alone novels, Breach of Honor, Code of Courage, One Final Target, Every Deadly Suspicion and Edge of Truth.
www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.

Reviews

[Abigail Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Christian fiction series!!!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots going on .. relationships to heal .. LOTS of crime.
Good mystery surrounding the baby snatch.
Not a quick read for me.
This second book is better than the first imho.

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another compelling novel from Cantore. I love how she intersperses police details without overwhelming. And since she was a cop herself, you know they're accurate. Here's an inside glimpse into the life of a female cop, both professional and personal. With more than a dash of romance, this one's sure to police romantic suspense fans. (Though for those who aren't as into the romance, it's not heavy handed.)

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a mom of 2, I have few opportunities to read a book from cover to cover in 24 hours or less...but I found such an opportunity with this suspenseful novel!

Abducted is every mom's worst nightmare - your baby, kidnapped - and that's just what happened in the first few chapters. What begins as a frantic search to find this baby turns into an interconnected story of petty thieves, wannabe crime lords, and a foster girl that's caught up in a race to save her life. I love how Janice wove all these character's stories together, and I could not stop reading until the very end.

It's been years since I read the first book in the series, and I'm glad I went back and reread my review of it. I was anxious to see if any of the things that turned me off would be present in the second installment, and thankfully, they were not. The only thing that bugged me (and just barely, at that) was Andi's character. For about two-thirds of the book, I could not understand why she was even a supporting character. She constantly rags on Carly for her newfound faith in Christ, and she does not trust Nick. At all. Only as the story is starting to reach the climax does her character start to become more relevant, and I was glad that she and Carly were able to lean on each other for support.

All in all, this was a fantastic, quick read that kept me on my toes throughout. I'm anxious to read the final installment soon!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cantore’s sophomore novel showcases some impressive writing skills. With detailed crime scene scenarios and a faith message to warrant a few tissues, I was taken aback by the depth of emotion both on the page and off. Her obvious experience as a veteran police officer is evident on all accounts. Abducted played out in my mind like a movie—a terrifying one. The detail and precision of each character’s thoughts and movements throughout the story kept me riveted to the page.

Carly and Nick have trust issues with each other and with God, but when they finally confront them, the handcuffs on their hearts unlock, allowing restoration to begin. My personal response to the spiritual element of Abducted threw me for a loop. If any trust issues exist between you and God, get out the tissues. Abducted is a tool that the Lord used to show hard truths about my spiritual condition. It made me realize that I do not trust Him like I should in a certain area of my life right now.

A fast-paced suspense and a satisfying romance, Abducted is also a beautiful tale of forgiveness. I highly recommend this book to any fan of contemporary fiction.

Disclaimer: Original copy of book was requested through the Tyndale blogger program in exchange for my honest review. Before I could get the book read, my adult handicapped daughter was hospitalized with complications from Pneumonia. After a lengthy stay in the hospital, I couldn’t find the book. I assumed I must have left it there. Eight months later my daughter passed away. Book was out of sight, out of mind, until I logged into my Tyndale account a few weeks ago and Abducted showed up as needing to be reviewed. Long story short, I was chatting with an author friend and told her about it and she gifted me a copy of the book. With a profoundly grateful heart, I want to thank a benevolent author for sending me a replacement copy of Abducted for review purposes. No compensation has been received.

[Jerome Thangluai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Policing is a challenging job that can test your endurance and patience to the limits. It is a continual battle between law-enforcers and law-breakers. Professional duties apart, myriad personal problems too need to be attended to.

Janice Cantore's Abducted, the second in the Pacific Coast Justice series, published by Tyndale, deals with the personal and professional duties of the Las Playas police officer Carly Edwards, who must always strive to be one step ahead.

Carly Edwards is also in a complicated relationship with her ex-husband, Nick. But her new found faith enabled her to try mending things with him. When it appears that the relationship was slowly improving, Nick started to drift apart again, hurting Carly.

Carly's partner in the police force is Joe King who adores his four-month-old baby. Joe's wife Christy suffers from a mysterious illness and is admitted into the hospital where their baby goes missing. Carly has to act, and act fast. Will she be able to save the baby? As she pursued every possible lead, her strength and faith is pushed to the limits.

Abducted is offers lots of twists, turns and surprises to delight and satisfy action and intrigue fans. It keeps one guessing. Who kidnapped the baby? Why? It is a well-written book with an intriguing and swift-flowing plot and engaging characters.

Though the book tends to be preachy at times, it is understandable as the enthusiasm and joy of Carly in her new-found faith flows all throughout the book. Author Janice Cantore masterfully takes us on a ride that lovers of Christian fiction will truly cherish.

[Nike Chillemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a cop, things can change really quickly. The day may star off calm and uneventful...just the way they like it, but then in the very next moment it spins out of control. This is exactly what happens to Police Officer Carly Edwards and her partner Joe. They're out on patrol enjoying the uneventful aspects of their shift when they get a call to go to the hospital. Joe's wife is mysteriously in a coma and his infant son has been taken to pediatrics as a precaution. Things go from back to worse when the boy is kidnapped.

I especially enjoyed the realistic portrayal of two cops in a relationship...this one actually is two divorced cops trying to reconcile. The emotional ups and down were very realistic.

The author is a wonderful writer and former cop. The story moves along in a compelling manor. I like a good antagonist and I enjoyed the friction between Carly and the police captain who barely survived a scandal in the previous novel in the series (which I didn't read). That said, the only thing that bothered me a bit was bringing in a bit too much backstory from the previous novel. I don't think the explanations of what happened in the first novel were necessary in many instances. This novel would have stood on it's own without them.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author did a great job with this mystery/romance. Having AJ kidnapped was intense, especially looking for him as Mary Ellen ran from the thugs while Stanley was in jail and then when he got killed. But to have her just drop him off at Carly's place was sure a surprise twist to the story. Wondered what the rest of the book was going to be, but then it follows Mary Ellen's story until Carly and Nick can find her. Actually, it was Garrison and Carly who end up finding her. I thought Garrison was going to be a dirty cop, but I was wrong. All the bad guys got caught and Mary Ellen got reunited with Jonah. Happy ending for Nick and Carly as Nick proposes to Carly and she says yes :)

[Sharon Huether · Rating 4 out of 5]

abducted By Janice Cantore While trying to reconnect with her ex-husband cop; Carly a cop herself is tested in her new Christian faith. Bewildered at her ex's coolness towards her, her best friend moves out of their shared appartment. Carly is trying to solve a kidnapping case, which leads to other crimes. A changed attitude leads her ex-husband back to a realationship and remarriage.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good police story, but the other parts of the book were just to perfect... Everything fell into place unlike real life... The police drama had some good twists though... (maybe 3.5 stars)

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, it's very realistic, plus you get a touch of romance.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting mystery written by a former law officer: Child abduction, foster care system, murder, theft and Christian-based - Worth the read.

[Rissi · Rating 2 out of 5]

RATING: 2.5 - 3 out of 5

Review: To be perfectly honest, book one, Accused didn’t sit well with me. However, Cantore comes back with her follow-up and surprises me, pleasantly so. The structure of the first series book struggles to find footing, and it doesn’t read well as a result. The plot stays with detective, Carly Edwards. This time around, she must work a kidnapping case, and continue attempts to reconcile with her estranged husband Nick. Now both are Christians, Carly’s assumes they will easily work through their problems. But in her fight to save a child, she soon realizes that their problems won't so easily be fixed.

Personal issues and relationships in this story are important to its every faucet. It's like it runs interference in the background and is something Cantore sees through the end quite nicely. It's a hard balance to strike but Cantore does it with ease. That said, I will admit, the character of Nick is not my favorite. His conversion is not impossible but leaves me wondering so many things. Should I root for reconciliation between he and Carly? Or should I hope she puts her trust elsewhere? Instead of being able to decide for myself, as the reader, I'm instead asked to put my trust in the heroine.

The pacing here, and its plot is a great improvement over Accused, the first book. The writing is sharper and there is more incentive to solve the mystery, and this kind of thing helps to compel the reader to keep reading. In the chasm between Carly and Nick’s problems and the search for baby A.J., there is a lot of truth and “good” within these pages, it just doesn't always “feel” right. Although it's sometimes mistake prone, Abducted isn’t a “bad” story by any means. It just didn’t have a “spark” to capture my undivided attention.

Conclusion: Decent characters seeking to do good structure this story though the overwhelming amount of police brass and administrators makes the prose more confusing than good writing.

With thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for reviewing purposes; my apologies to the author and publisher for the delay in getting this novel read and a review posted in a prompt manner.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly is still relatively new in her Christian walk and is learning as she goes. The side glances she's getting from everyone for making the decision to forgive her ex husband and try to work things out again aren't easy to take either. When out on patrol with her partner Joe and gets a call saying Joe's wife is in the hospital with their son, they rush their to find AJ alright but Christy in a coma from a probable allergic reaction. When Joe goes to take 4 month old AJ home the next day, they discover he's missing, taken from the hospital nursery. They go into full Amber alert mode, all hands on deck looking for him which also throws Carly and her ex back working together. When he seems to distance himself from her, she get frustrated, not wanting to go back to where they just came from. Good looking reporter Alex has made it clear he's willing to step in and be her shoulder to cry on, but first she needs to find her partners little boy. When a recent arrest leads her to a tip about someone wanting to buy a baby, she goes into full blown investigative mode, learning about a human smuggling ring going on almost under their noses. Can she find AJ before it's too late?
This book I downloaded on my kobo a while ago, but then forgot about because for some reason it showed up as read. I accidently clicked on it and learned I hadn't read it yet, and am glad I did. The plot kept going along without a hitch, and you found yourself cheering for Carly and her ex to figure it out. I also learned that this was the second book in the series after I started, but I didn't feel like it mattered. They describe what happened in the first book enough you got the basic idea, but not so much that if you had already read it you would be bored. I do want to go back and read it now though, along with the third book

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first book, Carly survives finding out who the real killer of the mayor was. But now she's back to working the beat with her partner Joe. She's glad to be off juvie that's for sure!

But then things start going south. She's still trying to figure out what her relationship with her ex-husband Nick is. He wanted to reconcile but now he's pulling away from her. She still loves him and it's hurting her that he's pulling away.

And then Joe's wife gets sick. His baby gets kidnapped. Her best friend was in charge of the nursery floor when the kidnapping happened and they're not getting along so well right now.

Can Carly find out who kidnapped her partners baby and get him back alive? What if something bigger than just kidnapping a baby is going on?

I loved this book. It read really fast and is definitely fast-paced. Carly has come back to her faith and that is reflected but so are her questions and doubts.

Great read. Highly recommend this book, the whole series, and anything by Janice Cantore.

[Holly Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carly Edwards is back along with her partner Joe King and her new found Christianity she faces some questions about her relationship with her ex husband Nick is he what God wants for her just because it's what she wants...in the midst of this her friend Alex tells her he has feelings for her as well and Carly is really not sure what to do...Then Joe's Wife ends up in the hospital with a mysterious near deadly infection and A.J. their 4 month old baby son is kidnapped from the hospital so now Carly and Nick team up to find their friend's child....is there more corruption in the police force or in the town than Carly knows who could want the baby and for what purpose and when they find him will he still even be alive or will the little boy be collateral damage of the worse kind...Carly is determined to find him and get him back in his Mommy and Daddy's loving arms no matter what or who she has to face down to do it. Very good book

[Amanda Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Amanda rating: A+

This series is such a good read. I wish that I would have found this author sooner. I think that she does a great job telling good, edge of the seat, traumatic, and yet Christian books. This book was just as eventful as the first. I am thankful that I was able to see some resolution from things that happened in the first book. I think that the only thing that had me questioning the author was the love triangle, as well as the results. I am thankful that she was able to bring about such grace and forgiveness, but as a Christian myself, I do not think that I would be as forgiving. In fact, I can almost place a bet on it. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, I thought that the storyline was amazing. I was terrified at all the right moments, I was excited, and then I was relieved. This book was a fantastic read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Abducted" is a Christian detective suspense/mystery novel. The details about the job and setting were vivid enough to immerse me in the story but didn't slow the fast pacing. The suspense was created by the danger to the abducted baby and the dangers of being a cop. Carly was an engaging character who reacted realistically to events.

The book also focused on her relationship with her ex-husband, Nick. Changes in his life when he became a Christian inspired her in her own, new Christian walk. Her faith that Nick really had changed was challenged when he started treating her badly when his progress in physical therapy wasn't as fast as he'd hoped.

There was a minor amount of "he cursed" style of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.

[Denise Boldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abducted is the second romantic law enforcement story in the Pacific Coast Justice series. Detective Carly Edwards makes a great leading character for a non-stop action story with a lot of mystery. Cantore’s history as a police officer of 22 years has given her an inside understanding that has transferred to her writing an exciting and complex plotline. At the same time she has embraced character development with family and romantic relationships and their relationships with God.

Quote: "God doesn’t ask for perfect people. He doesn’t even demand perfect faith. We can’t be good enough or perfect enough. We have to trust Christ to be good enough for us.”

[Sonya Aydell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

I have really enjoyed reading Nick and Carly's stories in these two books in the Pacific Coast Justice Series. The writing and character development are both excellent. There is enough action and mystery to keep you interested. One of my favorite things about the way Ms. Cantore writes is the way she presents Christians in her books. She doesn't sugar coat the Christian walk, and she allows her characters to struggle with trust and faith. So glad I found these books!

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pacific Coast Justice #2 continues the story of married police officers Carly and Nick Edwards and those she works with in southern Calfornia. She is still partnered with her best friend Joe King. Las Playas police officers are still trying to get the 2 major gangs under control who are causing problems in Las Playas. Can the police officers get this under control or will it only grow and get worse?

Another "can't put it down" books that keep you turning pages to find out what will happen next in this small town.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, there will be no spoilers. I struggled finishing the second book. I started and finished other books. You know how the books ends probably towards the last third of it. The highlights of the book were how God and prayer were interspersed through the chase and action scenes. To me, asking for his protection to helping in situations is what most Christians would do. Even though this is inspirational, I feel it could hold its own with other suspense books.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Abducted" is the second of Ms. Cantore's Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Las Playas police officer Carly Edwards.

This story center around the abduction of a 4-month-old baby, in broad daylight, from a local hospital. But not just any baby: Carly's PARTNER's baby. In addition, there are also stolen gems, illegal immigrants, an amorous reporter, and a possible reconciliation with Carly's ex-husband ...

[Bobirley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, well-written, heart racing book loaded with surprises!!!

Well written mystery, romance, Christian book that has a plot so twisted that several times I reread entire chapters to make sure that I didn't miss some thing important to the plot. This is NOT the first book by Janice Cantore so I can easily recommend reading everything that she writes!!!!!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The next installment of Carly's story, after the traumatic events of the last book. It's great to see her growing in faith and trying to give her ex another chance. I also enjoyed seeing so many of the same side characters again though one of them was not in a good place. I'm definitely eager to get to the third book when I have the chance.

[Winnie Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abducted

This writer makes the characters come to life as they go through their routine of jobs family church lives. I though that Carley was going to give up Nick but in the end God's love won .

[Brenda C. McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!

This book did not disappoint!!!!! This series is gripping. The reader is holed by the end of the first page and there is no way the reader can lay the book down until the last page!!!!!!

[Michael crage · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good story. Had lots of things happening. I just did not feel the writer was as good as the top of the line writers.

[Lottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book