Critical Condition

Undercover Cops #3

by Sandra Orchard

There's a murderer in the hospital, and nurse Tara Peterson is determined to prove it. With mysterious deaths in the cancer ward, anyone could be next. But no one wants to believe her…except undercover agent Zach Davis. The murderer wants Tara's suspicions silenced, permanently. To protect Tara, Zach lets her in on his secret, and unwittingly into his heart. Tara and her three-year-old daughter are like the family he lost years before. Zach will risk everything to keep them safe, no matter the cost.

Genres: Romance, Christian, Love Inspired Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Love Inspired, Christian Fiction

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Sandra leaps off the garden trails of her herbal-researcher-turned-amateur-sleuth (Port Aster Secrets) series, to the museum corridors of her plucky FBI art crime agent Serena Jones, in A Fool and His Monet.

When not plotting crimes, Sandra plays make-believe with her grandchildren or hikes with her hubby along the escarpment, near their home in Niagara, Canada.

Her novels have garnered numerous awards, including the National Readers' Choice Award, a Holt Medallion Award of Merit, an RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Daphne DuMaurier Award of Excellence and five national Canadian Awards.

Learn more about Sandra’s books and fun bonus features at www.sandraorchard.com

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“EVERYONE'S AT RISK There's a murderer in the hospital, and nurse Tara Peterson is determined to prove it. With mysterious deaths in the cancer ward, anyone could be next. But no one wants to believe her...except for undercover agent Zach Davis. The murderer wants Tara's suspicions silenced, permanently. To protect Tara, Zach lets her in on his secret, and unwittingly into his heart. Tara and her three-year-old daughter are like the family he lost years before. Zach will risk everything to keep them safe, no matter the cost.
Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts their lives-and hearts-on the line.”


Series: Book #3 in the “Undercover Cops” series. Reviews of Book #1 Here! and #2 Here!


Spiritual Content- Proverbs 4:18 at the beginning; A couple Scriptures are mentioned; Prayers; Talks about God, trusting Him, & prayers; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Tara gets mad at God & is a bit skeptic; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of Bible picture books & Bible reading; Mentions of faiths & believers; Mentions of Heaven; A few mentions of church going & Sunday School; A few mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of blessings; A couple mentions of a pastor;
*Note: A talk with some who believes you have to look out for yourself; A mention of the stone age.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘idiot’ and five ‘stupid’s; Many mentions of murders, suspicion deaths, the killer, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths, pain, & illnesses (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of screams, gunfire, a drive-by shooting, shooters, being shot, pain, injuries, & blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of drugs, drug addicts, drug dealers, drug rings, gangs, injections, & fighting (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of threats & blackmail; Mentions of poison, carbon-monoxide, symptoms, & throwing up; Mentions of Tara’s ex-husband who walked out on them & the divorce; Mentions of gossip; A few mentions of jail; A few mentions of robberies & break-ins; A few mentions of lies; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of a dying raccoon.


Sexual Content- a thumbs-to-lips touch, a head kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Remembering touches & kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, & Flutters (up to semi-detailed); Noticing, Nearness, & Smelling; a ‘hunky’; Mentions of longing & wanting more; Mentions of winks, blushes, flirting, & flutters; A few mentions of dates & dating; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of helping with a delivery & a stillborn baby; A mention of an infertile wife.

-Tara Peterson
-Zach Davis
P.O.V. switches between them
216 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Add ½ star for those interested in a law enforcement or medical career.}
This series hasn’t been my favorite by this talented author, I did enjoy these books. {I think I wasn’t a big fan compared to her Revell book because I just couldn’t connect to the main couples.} I found all the medical parts interesting, but it didn’t hold my attention like other Sandra Orchard books. ;)


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[John Hanscom · Rating 2 out of 5]

All genres are somewhat formulaic, but this one was written with a template. In addition, it was not well written - one example [among many]: toward the end of the book, the female protagonist is returning to wrk and is to put her daughter in the work-provided day care. She and the male protagonist show up at her work, but there is no child. A few pages later, it was as if the author realized the child was necessary for the plot, and inserted that the female protagonist had arranged for her sister to bring the child, though there was no real reason given for this. Sloppy writing, and are there no editors? With everything the male protagonist does, it is hard to believe anyone would take him seriously in his "undercover identity." Finally, the female protagonist, a highly educated person, is generally, though not always, portrayed as an ineffectual, weepy person who must be rescued by the big, strong man. I have read many, many books in this genre, and this is just not necessary.

[Lady Tea · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is OK, but the events are happening so fast I’m getting whiplash from them! like, please, develop at least a bit of something before you get into the action! Maybe the characters, or their backstories, or their physical descriptions, their surroundings, or really anything! Don’t just dash from one event to the next and expect for the readers to make up for that logical contingency—I guarantee that most readers won’t!

[Katy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Sandra Orchard’s third novel in her Undercover Cops series, and I when I saw the cover, a little bit of the peace that autumn offers descended upon me like the fluttering leaves themselves. But I will say peace was not the feeling I received while reading it—at least not at first.

Sandra packs every page with twists and turns, emotional highs…and more highs, and a story that equated to a medical thriller romance that felt like The Fugitive meets luuve. Best of both worlds, in my romantic opinion.

But I also can’t forget the inspirational arc Sandra wove into the story so beautifully, touching on the many battles cancer patients and their loved ones face daily…and how many turn away from God instead of to Him. We live in a world where we have so much hurt and pain to deal with, and blaming God will not bring us healing. And it will not bring the blessings that God has for us, either.

God loves blessing us. Jeremiah 29:11 proves this. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Now THAT’S a blessing I don’t want to miss. And thank you, Sandra Orchard, for allowing God to bless you in your writing, so that you can pass His blessing onto others who don’t want to miss it, either.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read! I’ve read several of Sandra’s works and thoroughly enjoyed the journey of each intricate and captivating story. The characters are so real and raw. This book, in particular, I fell in love with instantly. The heartbreak and loss depicted in the story mirrors some that I’ve seen in my own life. This has to be my favorite book of Sandra Orchard’s works. She is an incredibly gifted storyteller and creator!

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara, Zach and even Suzie were such inspirational characters. I was totally clueless as to who the bad guy was and I'm still wandering why Alice poisoned Tara's lunch. Great read and wonderful author.

[writer... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tension increases for MC as both home and work settings (Canadian) are compromised. Loyalties are confused as the stress mounts , creating ground for too many bad decisions. A bit too much for an enjoyable read for me, though this Canadian author's cozy mystery series is a definite fav.

[Diane Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

Really enjoy a story in a medical setting. The tension between staff members and recommended treatment options kept the story going. The romance was clean and integral to the suspense.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dumb

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read in one sitting. I enjoyed the story here. More charge f a love story I think than crime mystery

[Dorothy Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Good Christian suspense. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys medical thrillers with an underlying love story. Couldn't stop reading until the end.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and engaging story

[Julie Ridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author kept me in suspense of who the bad person was the entire book. Totally thought it was someone else.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christian romantic suspense. Tara, head nurse on an Oncology ward, believes that her patients are being killed and helps undercover cop, Zach, to track down the murderer.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1AGPVT9...
Review on my blog (to be posted 10/6): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

Critical Condition is the third book in Sandra Orchard's Undercover Cops series and a great addition. Having read the first two books prior to this one, I can say that I am loving this series and hope it doesn't end with this book. One thing I particularly like (besides the fact that the cops are undercover) is that some of the previous characters appear in this book. I love that!

The suspense in Critical Condition was great and I could not decide who I thought the killer/bad guy was because there were too many people it could have been. The story was really interesting and I liked the main characters a lot - it was easy to get attached to both Zach and Tara.

There was some romance in Critical Condition too, so that made the story all the more great to read. While I loved the first two books in this series, I think this one may be my favorite, but only slightly since they have all been great. I don't think you'd have to read the first two books to enjoy Critical Condition. I recommend this book if you enjoy suspenseful stories with some romance.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Lisa Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her book Critical Condition, Sandra Orchard captures the essence of a tender heart longing to love again. While trying to unravel the sinister schemes of two tragic hospital murders, undercover cop Zach and nurse Tara secretly find themselves caught between waves of romantic tension, fear and questions about who can be trusted. With a gift for pacing, Orchard kept me engaged and curious from front to back. The relationship between Zach and Tara’s toddler daughter was so endearing, I often forgot the story wasn’t real. Critical Condition is a story that proves God redeems broken hearts.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that presents the Christian beliefs as normal part of life.

To Det. Zach Davis being undercover is perfect after his wife and their unborn child died of cancer. When patients at a local cancer hospital have unusual symptoms before their deaths Zach is sent in to investigate. Head nurse Tara Peterson is a single mother to a 3 yr old and she is suspicious of two staff doctors, Dr. Whittaker and Dr. McCrae. Both doctors have different approaches and drug trials are underway. Zach and Tara are drawn together as her faith grows.

The story flows quickly and pleasantly.

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

#3 Undercover Cops

A great finish to the series.


#1 #2

[Dorel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Sandra Orchard book I read. The storyline was a great suspense romance. I loved Tara & Zach as a couple. I loved Tara's daughter she is so cute & adorable. That is so evil to kill off patients in the hospital, the killer got what they deserved. I would definitely read more book by Ms. Orchard great job.

[Misty Dietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't typically read faith-based books, so this was an interesting departure for me. I really enjoyed Zach because he was the typical protector I look for in a hero, but he also had a softness and vulnerability to his character that felt authentic. I also enjoyed the medical element of this book which was also a first for me.

[Judine Brey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tara and Suzie are a charming mother-daughter combination that would be capable of winning any man's heart. Zach's heartfelt love for his late wife is a key to this novel and the pair coming together. That said, there are certain issues, like parenting disagreements that should be more effectively resolved by the end of the novel.

[Jennifer Shirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this was one of the best Love Inspired Suspenses I've read in a long time. I couldn't stop turning the pages! I had to find out who the killer was and why. Great suspense, sweet romance, and a great Christian theme too.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful mix between suspense and romance! As clues were suitably vague, the author had me guessing who the villain was right up till the end. It certainly wasn't who I expected! Learning to live without lost loved ones, is difficult for us all, I am sure, and it is no different for the hero.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've waited for "Dak's" story. Turned out pretty well. Another great Sandra Orchard story. Hard to put down. Kept me captivated to the last page.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Her characters were authentic and the action kept you on the edge of your chair.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Undercover Cops
Category: Inspirational Romance

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Undercover Cops
Category: Inspirational Romance

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love inspired suspense Undercover Cops series Hospital nurse Tara Peterson. Zach/cop Suzie/daughter

[Mollie Borden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good read that had me guessing the true villain up to the reveal. Will definitely read other faith-based books by Sandra Orchard.

[Genevieve Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised to the end. Enjoyed this book very much.