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Quinn & Costa #3
The Wrong Victim: A Novel
From New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan comes a gripping new thriller.
A lethal attack with no clear motive...and a killer dead-set on keeping the truth buried.
A bomb explodes on a sunset charter cruise out of Friday Harbor at the height of tourist season and kills everyone on board. Now this fishing and boating community is in shock and asking who would commit such a heinous crime--the largest act of mass murder in the history of the San Juan Islands.
Was the explosion an act of domestic terrorism, or was one of the dead the primary target? That is the first question Special Agent Matt Costa, Detective Kara Quinn and the rest of the FBI team need to answer, but they have few clues and no witnesses.
Accused of putting profits before people after leaking fuel endangered an environmentally sensitive preserve, the West End Charter company may itself have been the target. As Matt and his team get closer to answers, they find one of their own caught in the crosshairs of a determined killer.
A Quinn & Costa Thriller
Book 1: The Third to Die
Book 2: Tell No Lies
Book 3: The Wrong Victim
A lethal attack with no clear motive...and a killer dead-set on keeping the truth buried.
A bomb explodes on a sunset charter cruise out of Friday Harbor at the height of tourist season and kills everyone on board. Now this fishing and boating community is in shock and asking who would commit such a heinous crime--the largest act of mass murder in the history of the San Juan Islands.
Was the explosion an act of domestic terrorism, or was one of the dead the primary target? That is the first question Special Agent Matt Costa, Detective Kara Quinn and the rest of the FBI team need to answer, but they have few clues and no witnesses.
Accused of putting profits before people after leaking fuel endangered an environmentally sensitive preserve, the West End Charter company may itself have been the target. As Matt and his team get closer to answers, they find one of their own caught in the crosshairs of a determined killer.
A Quinn & Costa Thriller
Book 1: The Third to Die
Book 2: Tell No Lies
Book 3: The Wrong Victim
695 pages, Library Binding
First published April 26, 2022
699 people are currently reading
3177 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
112 books5,257 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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November 29, 2025
It was Saturday and I only had one book on my shelf, Ghosts, and I was coming to the end of it. I have since posted my review of Ghosts. But if you missed it, here it is: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I was chatting with my husband and said, “the public library will be closed until Tuesday. I need some books before they close, especially since I will be taking you in for your procedure on Tuesday and will be in the waiting room for hours.”
Well, it was obvious what we needed to do! So off to the local library we went. I had 45 minutes before closing to find some books.
I was thrilled to find two of Allison Brennan’s books. I hadn’t read one of hers since her book, “The Third to Die” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
I was excited to find this book.
And of course, finding this one with such an ominous title, made it even more appealing. Let alone the setting of Friday Harbor, Washington. I knew I was in for a special read.
Have you been to Friday Harbor, Washington ever? This was one of our favorite places to travel. Friday Harbor is located midway along the eastern shore of San Juan Island, on the northernmost stretch of Puget Sound and situated between Canada’s Vancouver Island and the Washington State mainland, closest to Seattle. It is a beautiful marina with day hiking and biking and easy walking. The town is about one mile wide and two miles long on an island of about 55 square miles.
Why mention this? Because this book is as scenic as its story. And it will be important to feel the location and size as much as it will be to get a sense of the characters and setting.
This is actually the 3rd in the series. The first in the series is the one I mentioned above. “Tell No Lies” is the 2nd in the series.
To be honest, it had been so long since I read the first book, when I began reading this one, I thought I was reading a stand-alone. I had completely forgotten about the first book, until I was half way through this one.
So, there is something to be said about how an author can bring us a long making us believe we know the characters so well, we are feeling comfortable with them.
*But, my note at the end will be important to the overall review. I’ll just save it for the end.
As I mentioned this is the 3rd in the series about LAPD detective Kara Quinn now working with the FBI, alongside, FBI agent Matt Costa, her boss. This will be a complicated relationship. Which may or may not frustrate readers.
There are protestors on the dock as several people are seen boarding a charter boat: Rich people. A retired FBI agent who happens to work this charter boat part-time. Employees on this boat. People employed by a company.
Some employees are not supposed to be on this cruise, and trade places – thus they may have been expected to work that shift but something came up. Or some persons may have been expected to be on the boat, but opted not to for whatever reason. So, when the boat blows up, and there are nine victims, there are several suspects as to who could have been responsible.
Thus, the case is complex with many layers. Could it be tied to the protestors who were just outside the dock prior to the explosion? Or the retired FBI agent that was on board? Or the rich young widow whose husband was killed in the explosion? Or the people who were part of the company? Or could this explosion have been tied to a cold case?
And then there are more bombings. Another murder. And a kidnapping.
What is going on and why?
The local police and the FBI are involved and there are many twists and turns that are taken to get to the truth. But just when you think you know who could have done it something else occurs that leads readers in a new direction.
The police procedurals and forensic evidence gathering made this an interesting read.
And if you enjoy thrillers, with flawed yet hard-working characters in a twisty plotted story that will make sense by the end, this may be considered a somewhat imperfect mystery.
*Still, as I have come to learn with any series, it is probably best to read all series in order.
As I said, it took me getting through half the book, to realize I was in the series, and had actually read book 1, but missed book 2. I have now ordered book 2, so I can see what I missed. It may be best not to read this one without reading 1 and 2 first. You will have a better understanding of the main characters history when you do.
I was chatting with my husband and said, “the public library will be closed until Tuesday. I need some books before they close, especially since I will be taking you in for your procedure on Tuesday and will be in the waiting room for hours.”
Well, it was obvious what we needed to do! So off to the local library we went. I had 45 minutes before closing to find some books.
I was thrilled to find two of Allison Brennan’s books. I hadn’t read one of hers since her book, “The Third to Die” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
I was excited to find this book.
And of course, finding this one with such an ominous title, made it even more appealing. Let alone the setting of Friday Harbor, Washington. I knew I was in for a special read.
Have you been to Friday Harbor, Washington ever? This was one of our favorite places to travel. Friday Harbor is located midway along the eastern shore of San Juan Island, on the northernmost stretch of Puget Sound and situated between Canada’s Vancouver Island and the Washington State mainland, closest to Seattle. It is a beautiful marina with day hiking and biking and easy walking. The town is about one mile wide and two miles long on an island of about 55 square miles.
Why mention this? Because this book is as scenic as its story. And it will be important to feel the location and size as much as it will be to get a sense of the characters and setting.
This is actually the 3rd in the series. The first in the series is the one I mentioned above. “Tell No Lies” is the 2nd in the series.
To be honest, it had been so long since I read the first book, when I began reading this one, I thought I was reading a stand-alone. I had completely forgotten about the first book, until I was half way through this one.
So, there is something to be said about how an author can bring us a long making us believe we know the characters so well, we are feeling comfortable with them.
*But, my note at the end will be important to the overall review. I’ll just save it for the end.
As I mentioned this is the 3rd in the series about LAPD detective Kara Quinn now working with the FBI, alongside, FBI agent Matt Costa, her boss. This will be a complicated relationship. Which may or may not frustrate readers.
There are protestors on the dock as several people are seen boarding a charter boat: Rich people. A retired FBI agent who happens to work this charter boat part-time. Employees on this boat. People employed by a company.
Some employees are not supposed to be on this cruise, and trade places – thus they may have been expected to work that shift but something came up. Or some persons may have been expected to be on the boat, but opted not to for whatever reason. So, when the boat blows up, and there are nine victims, there are several suspects as to who could have been responsible.
Thus, the case is complex with many layers. Could it be tied to the protestors who were just outside the dock prior to the explosion? Or the retired FBI agent that was on board? Or the rich young widow whose husband was killed in the explosion? Or the people who were part of the company? Or could this explosion have been tied to a cold case?
And then there are more bombings. Another murder. And a kidnapping.
What is going on and why?
The local police and the FBI are involved and there are many twists and turns that are taken to get to the truth. But just when you think you know who could have done it something else occurs that leads readers in a new direction.
The police procedurals and forensic evidence gathering made this an interesting read.
And if you enjoy thrillers, with flawed yet hard-working characters in a twisty plotted story that will make sense by the end, this may be considered a somewhat imperfect mystery.
*Still, as I have come to learn with any series, it is probably best to read all series in order.
As I said, it took me getting through half the book, to realize I was in the series, and had actually read book 1, but missed book 2. I have now ordered book 2, so I can see what I missed. It may be best not to read this one without reading 1 and 2 first. You will have a better understanding of the main characters history when you do.
April 27, 2022
It’s nearing sunset and the Water Lily, one of the yachts in the fleet owned and operated by West End Charter, is about to set sail out of Friday Harbor with the latest guests on board. Soon after it moves about 1/2 mile out, it explodes, killing everyone on board. FBI Supervisory Agent Matt Costa and his Mobile Response Team assemble in the San Juan Islands to investigate as a retired FBI agent was on board. They have to figure out if he or any one of the passengers on board was the target or was it the first of more to come directed at West End Charter.
I loved how the story started, giving us a brief look at those on board this fated vessel, making me feel something about these characters that quickly. This time Matt has every member of his team on site, including his profiler, Catherine Jones, and his forensic expert, Jim Esteban. Unfortunately, Catherine’s presence wasn’t necessarily a benefit this time as she decided to set aim on Kara Quinn, the highly skilled LAPD detective who is on the team for the time being. The well-oiled team machine we experienced in the last case was disrupted by Catherine, who isn’t ready for prime time yet, IMO, as she continues to deal with her own personal demons and is unable to be objective.
The case had so many dimensions that I found mind absorbing, again finishing the book in a day. The investigation took several tangents, producing a twisty end I had some suspicions about but still didn’t guess all of the details. Catherine added another layer of drama that actually sent Kara into a self reflection that was helpful. Matt and Kara’s personal relationship seemed to advance, though I’m unsure how it will all work out but that just has me salivating for the next story! I’m loving the narrator chosen for this series as she provides the right tone, pacing and storytelling skills that fits perfectly. I binge listened to all three books and that turned out to be a wonderful reading experience. However, I’m already impatient for the next book’s release.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I loved how the story started, giving us a brief look at those on board this fated vessel, making me feel something about these characters that quickly. This time Matt has every member of his team on site, including his profiler, Catherine Jones, and his forensic expert, Jim Esteban. Unfortunately, Catherine’s presence wasn’t necessarily a benefit this time as she decided to set aim on Kara Quinn, the highly skilled LAPD detective who is on the team for the time being. The well-oiled team machine we experienced in the last case was disrupted by Catherine, who isn’t ready for prime time yet, IMO, as she continues to deal with her own personal demons and is unable to be objective.
The case had so many dimensions that I found mind absorbing, again finishing the book in a day. The investigation took several tangents, producing a twisty end I had some suspicions about but still didn’t guess all of the details. Catherine added another layer of drama that actually sent Kara into a self reflection that was helpful. Matt and Kara’s personal relationship seemed to advance, though I’m unsure how it will all work out but that just has me salivating for the next story! I’m loving the narrator chosen for this series as she provides the right tone, pacing and storytelling skills that fits perfectly. I binge listened to all three books and that turned out to be a wonderful reading experience. However, I’m already impatient for the next book’s release.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
May 17, 2023
The Wrong Victim by Allison Brennan
Quinn & Costa series #3. Police procedural thriller with a bit of romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but don’t miss the first two books.
A bomb explodes on a sunset cruise out of Friday Harbor in the San Juan islands. Everyone on board is dead which brings the FBI mobile unit to the small island. Quinn, Costa and team investigate with the help of local authorities as more people die. There is a murderer using C4 and they need to find out who it is before the next victim is killed.
Propulsive thriller tracking down the clues of the killer by Matt, Kara and the rest of the FBI team as they find more suspects. And conflict now within the team as a psychologist joins the mobile unit. She has history with Matt and doesn’t like Kara.
The next book was just released so diving right in.
Quinn & Costa series #3. Police procedural thriller with a bit of romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but don’t miss the first two books.
A bomb explodes on a sunset cruise out of Friday Harbor in the San Juan islands. Everyone on board is dead which brings the FBI mobile unit to the small island. Quinn, Costa and team investigate with the help of local authorities as more people die. There is a murderer using C4 and they need to find out who it is before the next victim is killed.
Propulsive thriller tracking down the clues of the killer by Matt, Kara and the rest of the FBI team as they find more suspects. And conflict now within the team as a psychologist joins the mobile unit. She has history with Matt and doesn’t like Kara.
The next book was just released so diving right in.
April 25, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE WRONG VICTIM (A Quinn & Costa Thriller Book #3) by Allison Brennan is another great addition to this this series. The Mobile FBI Team is back together for a for an investigation on the San Juan Islands that kept me turning the pages to the exciting conclusion. This book can be read as a standalone, but I believe the series is best read in order to completely understand the team’s dynamics.
An explosion on a charter cruise ship kills nine people. When the Mobile FBI Unit gets to the island, they have a multitude of suspects. The part-time captain is retired FBI and investigating an old case that he believes is not an accident, but murder, the charter company has daily environmental protestors, and the widow of one of the men killed is set to inherit millions with his death.
As the team investigates each lead, they are also dealing with tension within their group. Kara and Catherine are both on site for this investigation and they are having problems working together. With Matt’s history with Catherine and his secret personal relationship with Kara, everyone is trying to decide how and if they can work together.
The interpersonal relationships between team members are fully fleshed out with real issues and flaws that lead to believable characters that could walk right off the page whether you like them or not. The secondary characters on the island are also realistically portrayed. The individual plot lines are intricate and masterfully woven together into a storyline that kept me turning the pages all the way to the conclusion.
I highly recommend this crime thriller and the entire series! I am looking forward to more.
THE WRONG VICTIM (A Quinn & Costa Thriller Book #3) by Allison Brennan is another great addition to this this series. The Mobile FBI Team is back together for a for an investigation on the San Juan Islands that kept me turning the pages to the exciting conclusion. This book can be read as a standalone, but I believe the series is best read in order to completely understand the team’s dynamics.
An explosion on a charter cruise ship kills nine people. When the Mobile FBI Unit gets to the island, they have a multitude of suspects. The part-time captain is retired FBI and investigating an old case that he believes is not an accident, but murder, the charter company has daily environmental protestors, and the widow of one of the men killed is set to inherit millions with his death.
As the team investigates each lead, they are also dealing with tension within their group. Kara and Catherine are both on site for this investigation and they are having problems working together. With Matt’s history with Catherine and his secret personal relationship with Kara, everyone is trying to decide how and if they can work together.
The interpersonal relationships between team members are fully fleshed out with real issues and flaws that lead to believable characters that could walk right off the page whether you like them or not. The secondary characters on the island are also realistically portrayed. The individual plot lines are intricate and masterfully woven together into a storyline that kept me turning the pages all the way to the conclusion.
I highly recommend this crime thriller and the entire series! I am looking forward to more.
May 1, 2022
4.5 Stars
Kara Quinn and Matt Costa are investigating a bombing on a boat that killed nine people in Friday Harbor, one of the San Juan Islands off the coast of Seattle. There is no shortage of suspects: the younger wife of a wealthy businessman, an environmental group unhappy with the boating group, and someone from the pilot, a retired FBI agent who was looking into a cold case.
I’m a big fan of Kara and her methods. Her ability to read people and her gut instincts are impressive and she didn’t take unnecessary risks. I’m rooting for her romance with the team leader, Matt Costa, but they have some hurdles to overcome for things to work out long term. This time around they have Catherine Jones, an FBI forensic psychiatrist joining them on the case. Right away Kara and Catherine clash, with Catherine judging her as reckless and full of herself and she questions Kara’s judgments and actions. I was not a fan of Catherine at all. She seemed to make it her mission to create doubt about Kara and so I was happy to see Kara proved right over and over. Since Catherine has a past with Matt being he dated her sister, Catherine also created a bit of friction between Kara and Matt. I’m happy Matt didn’t let it get out of hand.
The Wrong Victim was an engrossing mystery/crime procedural, one that hooked my attention right away, leading up to an exciting conclusion that had me zipping through the pages to find out how it all turned out! I loved the Pacific Northwest setting, it’s such a beautiful area!
This is the third in the Quinn and Costa series, but I think it would work as a standalone in a pinch. However, I’d recommend starting from the beginning to appreciate the developing relationships. That’s no hardship since every installment is excellent! It’s hard to go wrong with Allison Brennan.
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
Kara Quinn and Matt Costa are investigating a bombing on a boat that killed nine people in Friday Harbor, one of the San Juan Islands off the coast of Seattle. There is no shortage of suspects: the younger wife of a wealthy businessman, an environmental group unhappy with the boating group, and someone from the pilot, a retired FBI agent who was looking into a cold case.
I’m a big fan of Kara and her methods. Her ability to read people and her gut instincts are impressive and she didn’t take unnecessary risks. I’m rooting for her romance with the team leader, Matt Costa, but they have some hurdles to overcome for things to work out long term. This time around they have Catherine Jones, an FBI forensic psychiatrist joining them on the case. Right away Kara and Catherine clash, with Catherine judging her as reckless and full of herself and she questions Kara’s judgments and actions. I was not a fan of Catherine at all. She seemed to make it her mission to create doubt about Kara and so I was happy to see Kara proved right over and over. Since Catherine has a past with Matt being he dated her sister, Catherine also created a bit of friction between Kara and Matt. I’m happy Matt didn’t let it get out of hand.
The Wrong Victim was an engrossing mystery/crime procedural, one that hooked my attention right away, leading up to an exciting conclusion that had me zipping through the pages to find out how it all turned out! I loved the Pacific Northwest setting, it’s such a beautiful area!
This is the third in the Quinn and Costa series, but I think it would work as a standalone in a pinch. However, I’d recommend starting from the beginning to appreciate the developing relationships. That’s no hardship since every installment is excellent! It’s hard to go wrong with Allison Brennan.
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2022
Oh yeah. Really good crime/ murder mystery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love it when an author can twist you up right along with the story. This book has so many awesome pieces coming at you from multiple areas, that it was tough to put down. Once I got started, I just kept right on reading!
Quinn and Costa are right on target in this one and the other supporting characters are awesome as well. Additional layers of internal tensions and issues start messing with the team and one of the characters you love to hate! Ugh. But it also affects the simmering love affair going on beneath everyone’s noses between Quinn and Costa.
Brennan steps it up a notch with the amazing story that offers high levels of detail and multiple storylines crossing over. You are not sure what is relevant and was is not; what character to watch and which one to not.
Intensive and totally unique, I am obsessed with where this series is going and I definitely want to be along for the ride. This police procedural murder mystery has some surprises and is simply a dang good read!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-wrong-vi...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love it when an author can twist you up right along with the story. This book has so many awesome pieces coming at you from multiple areas, that it was tough to put down. Once I got started, I just kept right on reading!
Quinn and Costa are right on target in this one and the other supporting characters are awesome as well. Additional layers of internal tensions and issues start messing with the team and one of the characters you love to hate! Ugh. But it also affects the simmering love affair going on beneath everyone’s noses between Quinn and Costa.
Brennan steps it up a notch with the amazing story that offers high levels of detail and multiple storylines crossing over. You are not sure what is relevant and was is not; what character to watch and which one to not.
Intensive and totally unique, I am obsessed with where this series is going and I definitely want to be along for the ride. This police procedural murder mystery has some surprises and is simply a dang good read!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-wrong-vi...
July 5, 2022
UPDATE.
I finished the book. She’s one of my favorite authors so I had to see it through. FIRST & foremost it was obvious who the bomber was. In true Brennan style, the author packed in the action (three quarters of the way in) and strung all the pieces together. I knew she was in there, somewhere.
Second: The editing of this book is complete crap. Broken sentences. Run on sentences. REPETITION to drive you bat shit crazy. I ran a search on the word “BUT” and it appears over 1,300 times !! WTF !!??
The constant bitching, bickering & indecisiveness of a well trained detective and FBI team drove me to drink. Matt acted like “a boy with a beta side”. I couldn’t believe that line was in the book! Allison. Babe. We are the same age! We aren’t boomers, but we sure as hell sound like one when those words pour out of our mouths.
I am so sorry I don’t love this series. You spoiled us with the Kincaids & the Rogans. You also spoiled us with Max Revere. I miss those well crafted, action packed stories that made me voraciously devour the pages until I came to the breathless end.
_________
A huge disappointing DNF at 55% from me.
This book was written by a college kid. All of the main characters act like they’re in middle school & high school!
What about the VICTIMS? The crime? The procedure? There’s too many POVs, too many characters, a big lack of structure and unnecessary catfighting. All that, without mentioning the incessant repetition of lines, thoughts & pieces of character development.
We have gotten so far away from the storyline it has forgotten that TEN PEOPLE DIED.
This book lacks action, sympathy and professionalism. There’s no way FBI agents and police officers would be this unfocused.
I sound like a broken record, but there’s no way Brennan penned this whole book. There’s significant sections that do not reflect her writing. I’ve read every one of her books. She usually has me rooting for the main character and caring about all the other characters in her books.
Kara is an asshole. Matt is a flake (He’s a leader!?!?)
They have absolutely no chemistry. Their encounters are awkward. Catherine outing Matt for it is cringey.
Catherine is a bitch & this is where it highlights that Brennan didn’t flesh out her character. In her Lucy Kincaid series, Lucy’s brother Dillon is a forensic psychiatrist. We know that Brennan has done the research on a similar character and written it well.
Catherine’s pettiness and immature attitude are unnecessary to this scope of the plot and detract from her character.
As for the story line, more than half way in we have learned nothing. Zero. There’s plenty of plot drops and foreshadowing, but there’s not zero progression on the case.
Ms. Brennan where are you?
I’m heartbroken that my favorite authors no longer sound like themselves. Please say it’s not you, and it’s the editing or others whom are involved in the publishing process. Blame COVID. But come back to us.
Please.
(The word “but” appears over 1300 times in this novel. “But why?!”)
I finished the book. She’s one of my favorite authors so I had to see it through. FIRST & foremost it was obvious who the bomber was. In true Brennan style, the author packed in the action (three quarters of the way in) and strung all the pieces together. I knew she was in there, somewhere.
Second: The editing of this book is complete crap. Broken sentences. Run on sentences. REPETITION to drive you bat shit crazy. I ran a search on the word “BUT” and it appears over 1,300 times !! WTF !!??
The constant bitching, bickering & indecisiveness of a well trained detective and FBI team drove me to drink. Matt acted like “a boy with a beta side”. I couldn’t believe that line was in the book! Allison. Babe. We are the same age! We aren’t boomers, but we sure as hell sound like one when those words pour out of our mouths.
I am so sorry I don’t love this series. You spoiled us with the Kincaids & the Rogans. You also spoiled us with Max Revere. I miss those well crafted, action packed stories that made me voraciously devour the pages until I came to the breathless end.
_________
A huge disappointing DNF at 55% from me.
This book was written by a college kid. All of the main characters act like they’re in middle school & high school!
What about the VICTIMS? The crime? The procedure? There’s too many POVs, too many characters, a big lack of structure and unnecessary catfighting. All that, without mentioning the incessant repetition of lines, thoughts & pieces of character development.
We have gotten so far away from the storyline it has forgotten that TEN PEOPLE DIED.
This book lacks action, sympathy and professionalism. There’s no way FBI agents and police officers would be this unfocused.
I sound like a broken record, but there’s no way Brennan penned this whole book. There’s significant sections that do not reflect her writing. I’ve read every one of her books. She usually has me rooting for the main character and caring about all the other characters in her books.
Kara is an asshole. Matt is a flake (He’s a leader!?!?)
They have absolutely no chemistry. Their encounters are awkward. Catherine outing Matt for it is cringey.
Catherine is a bitch & this is where it highlights that Brennan didn’t flesh out her character. In her Lucy Kincaid series, Lucy’s brother Dillon is a forensic psychiatrist. We know that Brennan has done the research on a similar character and written it well.
Catherine’s pettiness and immature attitude are unnecessary to this scope of the plot and detract from her character.
As for the story line, more than half way in we have learned nothing. Zero. There’s plenty of plot drops and foreshadowing, but there’s not zero progression on the case.
Ms. Brennan where are you?
I’m heartbroken that my favorite authors no longer sound like themselves. Please say it’s not you, and it’s the editing or others whom are involved in the publishing process. Blame COVID. But come back to us.
Please.
(The word “but” appears over 1300 times in this novel. “But why?!”)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
I loved it. Twisty, turney, full of blind ends and what could have been a perfect crime. This series just gets better and better and I can't wait for the next one to be published. The very complicated relationship between Kara and Matt is just a wonder to behold and I just eat it up. Kara is a work in progress. She turned from the darkness - a life of crime, to the light - a life in law enforcement, at the age of 15. Kara doesn't do anything halfway, except maybe relationships, she is all in on the no strings attached kind. She was, at least until she met Matt. Now she is faced with having a job that satisfies her or a man who is so much more than she wants him to be. She thinks she can't have both. We'll see.
FBI Special Agent Matt Costa, LAPD Detective Kara Quinn and the FBI Rapid Response Team are deployed to the sleepy vacation town of Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands off Washington State when a cruise boat explodes killing 9 people, including the retired FBI Agent who was the captain. Everyone is shocked and demanding answers. The West End Charter service is thought to be the target, but Kara isn't so quick to lay this at the door of the environmentalists who have been protesting the company.
Doing a thorough investigation means looking at the lives of the victims and there are suspects to be gleamed from those who are left behind. Kara is a natural at reading people from her long experience as an undercover LAPD detective, but the team shrink isn't on board with her conclusions and wants her off the team because she just doesn't fit the FBI profile, among other more personal reasons. With a killer on the loose, Kara has chosen to take the high road and prove her worth by solving the murder.
FBI Special Agent Matt Costa, LAPD Detective Kara Quinn and the FBI Rapid Response Team are deployed to the sleepy vacation town of Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands off Washington State when a cruise boat explodes killing 9 people, including the retired FBI Agent who was the captain. Everyone is shocked and demanding answers. The West End Charter service is thought to be the target, but Kara isn't so quick to lay this at the door of the environmentalists who have been protesting the company.
Doing a thorough investigation means looking at the lives of the victims and there are suspects to be gleamed from those who are left behind. Kara is a natural at reading people from her long experience as an undercover LAPD detective, but the team shrink isn't on board with her conclusions and wants her off the team because she just doesn't fit the FBI profile, among other more personal reasons. With a killer on the loose, Kara has chosen to take the high road and prove her worth by solving the murder.
May 21, 2022
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, crime thriller. It has a strong, capable, and intelligent female protagonist, suspense, mystery intrigue, romance, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. This is an excellent addition to Ms. Brennan's outstanding Quinn & Costa series. It can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone, but it is even better when read in order, as there are references to prior events. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Suzanne T. Fortin, does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
January 17, 2025
“The Wrong Victim” (book #3 of Quinn & Costa series), by Allison Brennan
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my 4th book by this author within a month.
If I had to judge this work as a series I would say that I think each book was written by a different person because the characters’ personalities and the writing are not the same.
If I had to judge individually I would say that, although the writing is simple and repetitive, each book was quite entertaining and each was able to hold my attention. And I didn’t have to read them in order.
All characters have baggage that are not fully developed, so in every book we feel that we missed a previous chapter.
The storyline was good, although not that thrilling, and as I said, very entertaining, but there was nothing outstanding or memorable and there were plenty of cliches (think of fatal attraction fever). The conclusion was underwhelming.
But I do like all of the characters, even with their inconsistency, and I’m looking forward to reading book #5 of this series (book #6 was recently released).
e-book (Kobo): 400 pages, 41 chapters, 126k words (the word “but” is used over 1k times; the names Kara and Matt over 500 each and Chaterine about 420 times)
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my 4th book by this author within a month.
If I had to judge this work as a series I would say that I think each book was written by a different person because the characters’ personalities and the writing are not the same.
If I had to judge individually I would say that, although the writing is simple and repetitive, each book was quite entertaining and each was able to hold my attention. And I didn’t have to read them in order.
All characters have baggage that are not fully developed, so in every book we feel that we missed a previous chapter.
The storyline was good, although not that thrilling, and as I said, very entertaining, but there was nothing outstanding or memorable and there were plenty of cliches (think of fatal attraction fever). The conclusion was underwhelming.
But I do like all of the characters, even with their inconsistency, and I’m looking forward to reading book #5 of this series (book #6 was recently released).
e-book (Kobo): 400 pages, 41 chapters, 126k words (the word “but” is used over 1k times; the names Kara and Matt over 500 each and Chaterine about 420 times)
October 12, 2025
9.5/10: 4.75⭐️’s rounded up to 5⭐️’s (this was from 10/11/25, right after finishing the book again)
I decided to change this to the full 10/10: full 5⭐️’s on 10/12/25, also see additional thoughts added that don’t revolve around Catherine!!
Narration by Suzanne T. Fortin again wonderful.
I am too tired to even try and put my thoughts into slightly coherent sentences. But this thought is at the forefront of my mind and was through my entire shower: I do not like Catherine at all in this book. That stick up her butt went too far up for me to like her at all by the end of the book. Feel for her a tiny bit, yeah I do, because she went through some stuff. But she is so freaking full of herself and emotionally manipulative and just a giant waffletwat sometimes that honestly, if I met someone like her in real life (yes I found out recently from a ten year old that it can be abbreviated to irl, I am just not cool enough to do that though 🤪) I have absolutely no idea how I would handle that. I would probably have to get up and walk away or bad things would come out of my mouth that I would feel terrible about later because words matter and I wouldn’t be able to express my thoughts in a kind way. She is so not self aware. Like wow. I am overly self aware, which isn’t always a super thing to be. But she is just not. And there are some things she should be aware of.
Okay. I clearly have some feelings about Catherine!!😂😂😂. Yikes. I don’t even know if that made sense. I felt like I was venting in my journal about someone I know!
The book really is good though!! Might come back when I am less tired and less emotional, this book really hits me emotionally for a thriller/suspense book. I didn’t full on cry. But I have one of those headaches that can happen when you don’t cry and maybe should have? Or I just have a headache. But I really didn’t want to cry. Okay shut up self.
Original rating of 5⭐️’s: 10/1/23
Updated rating of 4.75⭐️’s rounded up to 5⭐️’s (2023 could have been a round up for all I know🤷♀️): 10/11/25
Whining about Catherine posted: 10/11/25
Other non-ranting about Catherine thoughts: 10/12/25
Last night I had some feelings to get out about a certain character. Since that is done with. I can move on!! She is not included in the following thoughts.
This is the book where I think the Mobile Response Team really comes together as a team. They are put into situations where they have to fully rely on and trust their partners to be there for them and to have their partners full trust in them back. And as a result, some really special bonds and friendships even? are formed. They may not always agree on things, but the respect for each other has grown. It’s really quite lovely to see. It made me emotional again. Ryder, Michael, Jim, Kara, and team leader Matt (Zach isn’t there and is maybe only mentioned. Catherine is well, yeah I won’t go there again😂) all bring something unique to the team. All have different essential skill sets.
They are all so different, but yet work so well together. Kara doesn’t think she fits in because she isn’t fbi. She is just on loan from the LAPD. But she is so crucial to this team. She has such a special relationship with all of the men. She is blunt and honest and maybe bends the rules a little and is used to working by herself, not as part of a team, which can make it difficult for all of them at times. But she is also so kind (though she doesn’t see herself that way) and cares so so so deeply about justice and putting those who have done wrong behind bars. And cares so much more about others than she thinks or realizes she does. Matt is the leader of the team, but I think Kara might be the soul of the team. And that really comes out in this book. Yes, she can play a role well, she is an undercover cop, but deep down she is goodness and grit and all sorts of things that Catherine refuses to see simply because she doesn’t want to see it.
This small Island community is lucky to have the MRT come and help them. I wish I had written my thoughts down the first time I listened to this book. This is the one I have listened to the most, I think. I wonder if I had the bomber figured out before the team did. I probably didn’t have the other reveal figured out.
Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still had the anxiousness about what would happen going on for the last 20%😂. I was even sitting on the side of my bed tense for a little bit, just waiting. I kind of laughed at myself when I realized what I was doing because again, not my first time with the book and I knew what was coming🤪.
There are some characters, outside of the team, that bring such real human emotion and response to trauma to life. 3 year old Hazel is amazing. And I totally understand her love of Paw Patrol! The emt, I want to say his name is Dave or David, but I could have made that up🤷♀️, is outstanding and does such a phenomenal job in his small but important role.
Anyways, I think it’s safe to say that despite my dislike of Catherine in this book, I LOVE this book.
Again I recommend reading or listening to the series in order, but if you choose just one book from the series, I would make it this one, I think.
Additional thoughts on characters and slightly on book posted: 10/12/25
Updated rating: changing my 4.75⭐️’s from last night to the full 5⭐️’s. 10/12/25
I decided to change this to the full 10/10: full 5⭐️’s on 10/12/25, also see additional thoughts added that don’t revolve around Catherine!!
Narration by Suzanne T. Fortin again wonderful.
I am too tired to even try and put my thoughts into slightly coherent sentences. But this thought is at the forefront of my mind and was through my entire shower: I do not like Catherine at all in this book. That stick up her butt went too far up for me to like her at all by the end of the book. Feel for her a tiny bit, yeah I do, because she went through some stuff. But she is so freaking full of herself and emotionally manipulative and just a giant waffletwat sometimes that honestly, if I met someone like her in real life (yes I found out recently from a ten year old that it can be abbreviated to irl, I am just not cool enough to do that though 🤪) I have absolutely no idea how I would handle that. I would probably have to get up and walk away or bad things would come out of my mouth that I would feel terrible about later because words matter and I wouldn’t be able to express my thoughts in a kind way. She is so not self aware. Like wow. I am overly self aware, which isn’t always a super thing to be. But she is just not. And there are some things she should be aware of.
Okay. I clearly have some feelings about Catherine!!😂😂😂. Yikes. I don’t even know if that made sense. I felt like I was venting in my journal about someone I know!
The book really is good though!! Might come back when I am less tired and less emotional, this book really hits me emotionally for a thriller/suspense book. I didn’t full on cry. But I have one of those headaches that can happen when you don’t cry and maybe should have? Or I just have a headache. But I really didn’t want to cry. Okay shut up self.
Original rating of 5⭐️’s: 10/1/23
Updated rating of 4.75⭐️’s rounded up to 5⭐️’s (2023 could have been a round up for all I know🤷♀️): 10/11/25
Whining about Catherine posted: 10/11/25
Other non-ranting about Catherine thoughts: 10/12/25
Last night I had some feelings to get out about a certain character. Since that is done with. I can move on!! She is not included in the following thoughts.
This is the book where I think the Mobile Response Team really comes together as a team. They are put into situations where they have to fully rely on and trust their partners to be there for them and to have their partners full trust in them back. And as a result, some really special bonds and friendships even? are formed. They may not always agree on things, but the respect for each other has grown. It’s really quite lovely to see. It made me emotional again. Ryder, Michael, Jim, Kara, and team leader Matt (Zach isn’t there and is maybe only mentioned. Catherine is well, yeah I won’t go there again😂) all bring something unique to the team. All have different essential skill sets.
They are all so different, but yet work so well together. Kara doesn’t think she fits in because she isn’t fbi. She is just on loan from the LAPD. But she is so crucial to this team. She has such a special relationship with all of the men. She is blunt and honest and maybe bends the rules a little and is used to working by herself, not as part of a team, which can make it difficult for all of them at times. But she is also so kind (though she doesn’t see herself that way) and cares so so so deeply about justice and putting those who have done wrong behind bars. And cares so much more about others than she thinks or realizes she does. Matt is the leader of the team, but I think Kara might be the soul of the team. And that really comes out in this book. Yes, she can play a role well, she is an undercover cop, but deep down she is goodness and grit and all sorts of things that Catherine refuses to see simply because she doesn’t want to see it.
This small Island community is lucky to have the MRT come and help them. I wish I had written my thoughts down the first time I listened to this book. This is the one I have listened to the most, I think. I wonder if I had the bomber figured out before the team did. I probably didn’t have the other reveal figured out.
Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still had the anxiousness about what would happen going on for the last 20%😂. I was even sitting on the side of my bed tense for a little bit, just waiting. I kind of laughed at myself when I realized what I was doing because again, not my first time with the book and I knew what was coming🤪.
There are some characters, outside of the team, that bring such real human emotion and response to trauma to life. 3 year old Hazel is amazing. And I totally understand her love of Paw Patrol! The emt, I want to say his name is Dave or David, but I could have made that up🤷♀️, is outstanding and does such a phenomenal job in his small but important role.
Anyways, I think it’s safe to say that despite my dislike of Catherine in this book, I LOVE this book.
Again I recommend reading or listening to the series in order, but if you choose just one book from the series, I would make it this one, I think.
Additional thoughts on characters and slightly on book posted: 10/12/25
Updated rating: changing my 4.75⭐️’s from last night to the full 5⭐️’s. 10/12/25
April 26, 2022
On the small San Juan Islands, a bomb explodes on an evening charter cruise, killing everyone on board. This includes Neil, the boat's pilot and a former FBI agent, and Vince Jefferies, the wealthy older husband of Madelyn Jefferies, who bows out of the cruise at the last minute when she realizes an old acquaintance is on board. The cruise is run by the West End Charter company, who is disliked by a group of activists and environmentalists who blame them for leaking fuel into the local waters and doing other things to threaten the islands. Was it one of these groups who bombed the cruise? A disgruntled convict Neil put away in his former life as an agent? Vince's children who resented his marriage to the younger Madelyn? Special agent Matt Costa and detective Kara Quinn and the rest of the Mobile Response Team have their work cut out for them determining the motive--before another bomb can explode on the small island.
This was an intriguing story, but wow, was it long with a lot of names and characters to keep track of! It seemed every chapter included more names and intricacies to follow. When I requested this book, I did not realize it was part of a series. The mystery stands alone, but there were definitely team dynamics between Matt, Kara, and the rest of the group that I felt I was missing. Because of these, the team fought a lot. This in-fighting also got old quickly, and I would have preferred more focus on the cases at hand.
The actual plot here--a bombing that seems to be tied to a series of cold case murders--kept my interest. It was somewhat easy to figure out a part of it fairly quickly, but there were parts that kept me guessing. I think VICTIM would have benefited from being shortened a bit (cut that fighting!). There is a lot of small town drama; some of it is appropriate, but some seems too much.
Overall, this is an interesting story filled with character dynamics and a bit of drama. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 here. I would be intrigued enough to read the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Smashbomb ~ Instagram
This was an intriguing story, but wow, was it long with a lot of names and characters to keep track of! It seemed every chapter included more names and intricacies to follow. When I requested this book, I did not realize it was part of a series. The mystery stands alone, but there were definitely team dynamics between Matt, Kara, and the rest of the group that I felt I was missing. Because of these, the team fought a lot. This in-fighting also got old quickly, and I would have preferred more focus on the cases at hand.
The actual plot here--a bombing that seems to be tied to a series of cold case murders--kept my interest. It was somewhat easy to figure out a part of it fairly quickly, but there were parts that kept me guessing. I think VICTIM would have benefited from being shortened a bit (cut that fighting!). There is a lot of small town drama; some of it is appropriate, but some seems too much.
Overall, this is an interesting story filled with character dynamics and a bit of drama. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 here. I would be intrigued enough to read the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Smashbomb ~ Instagram
February 24, 2024
I love how the characters are evolving and that they are coming together as a team. Kara Quinn is one tough cookie, but she has had to be. She's growing in so many ways and it is wonderful to watch. Awesome series!
May 27, 2022
Domestic terrorism or a very specific target? Kara Quinn and Matt Costa, along with his recently formed mobile FBI team, are definitely on the case when an explosion on a charter cruise ship claims nine lives. This happened at the San Juan Friday Harbor and has rocked the community.
Matt is the Special Agent in Charge and Kara is on loan from the LA police Department. Due to a previous case, Kara has a target on her back and if it weren’t for Matt and his team she would not even have the opportunity to work. Kara and Matt have much more than their current case, they are involved. Very involved. However, for now he is Kara’s boss so they do their beast to keep their relationship private.
What a thrilling third book in this remarkable series by Allison Brennan. The first two books are The Third to Die and Tell No Lies. Those books were both excellent five star reads and this one here, The Wrong Victim, is right on par. It is a thrilling and exciting story that shows the balance of mystery and romance. Considering the drama with at least one other member of the team, I can’t wait to see what will be next for Kara and Matt.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy the following YouTube video - https://youtu.be/-9KvgiLHNN8
Matt is the Special Agent in Charge and Kara is on loan from the LA police Department. Due to a previous case, Kara has a target on her back and if it weren’t for Matt and his team she would not even have the opportunity to work. Kara and Matt have much more than their current case, they are involved. Very involved. However, for now he is Kara’s boss so they do their beast to keep their relationship private.
What a thrilling third book in this remarkable series by Allison Brennan. The first two books are The Third to Die and Tell No Lies. Those books were both excellent five star reads and this one here, The Wrong Victim, is right on par. It is a thrilling and exciting story that shows the balance of mystery and romance. Considering the drama with at least one other member of the team, I can’t wait to see what will be next for Kara and Matt.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy the following YouTube video - https://youtu.be/-9KvgiLHNN8
August 23, 2022
THE WRONG VICTIM
Allison Brennan
I like it when we start at the crime, so BOOM! There was an explosion on a charter boat going out killing all nine people on board.
The Mobile Response Team headed by AGent Matt Costa is sent to assist local law enforcement. This is in the Pacific Northwest (Washington). This team has several FBI members and an assigned LAPD officer attached. The Detective is Kara Quinn and she is pretty tough. She gets into Conflict with the team shrink, Catherine who I think is jealous of her. These two are at each other all the time, but sometimes Kara fails to play well with others. AND of course other times she seems to PLAY more than well with her "boss". They should be careful with this fire, it sounds like a badge grabber.
This is pretty ramped-up action and then throw in local police, suspects, witnesses, and everyone else it takes to run an investigation and you have an involved plot. I liked the Greenpeace aspect of the plot and how the island's youth are interested in saving the ocean. There were enough suspects to go around and after we were really introduced to the ONE, it was quite clear to me who was setting the bombS.
I might have to go back and read the first two books in the series because I think I am missing so of the back history of these interesting characters.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Allison Brennan
I like it when we start at the crime, so BOOM! There was an explosion on a charter boat going out killing all nine people on board.
The Mobile Response Team headed by AGent Matt Costa is sent to assist local law enforcement. This is in the Pacific Northwest (Washington). This team has several FBI members and an assigned LAPD officer attached. The Detective is Kara Quinn and she is pretty tough. She gets into Conflict with the team shrink, Catherine who I think is jealous of her. These two are at each other all the time, but sometimes Kara fails to play well with others. AND of course other times she seems to PLAY more than well with her "boss". They should be careful with this fire, it sounds like a badge grabber.
This is pretty ramped-up action and then throw in local police, suspects, witnesses, and everyone else it takes to run an investigation and you have an involved plot. I liked the Greenpeace aspect of the plot and how the island's youth are interested in saving the ocean. There were enough suspects to go around and after we were really introduced to the ONE, it was quite clear to me who was setting the bombS.
I might have to go back and read the first two books in the series because I think I am missing so of the back history of these interesting characters.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
May 6, 2022
Well now, THAT WAS FANTABULOUS!!!!!!!! Keep ‘em comin’, fellow Boy Mama & amazing author Ms. Brennan. ASAP, puh-leeaze (“pity peas”) ☺️❤️
April 26, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Brennan has returned with the third book in the Quinn and Costa series, The Wrong Victim. This was an explosive and twisted read that will boggle the mind and keep readers guessing until the big reveal.
I have been following the series from the beginning and I could hardly wait to dive into The Wrong Victim. Curious about the new case that landed in the laps of the Mobile Response Team and that state of Kara and Matt’s relationship, I quickly slipped into the story. The story gripped me with its intense storyline, tightly woven plot, interesting but flawed characters, the many clues which kept me guessing with each page turn.
This is one of those mysteries/thrillers where the who is not easily surmised and the motive is crazier than a loon. Wow! Who can ever understand the mind and the actions of a psychopath? With its many suspects and the potential clues popping, the MRT had their work cut out for them. The fact it occurred in a small town added to their challenges.
Tension filled the pages of this thrilling story. Not only we have in relation to the case, there is also tension between two of the members of the MRT. The team’s psychologist feels Kara’s is not a good fit for the team and questions her judgement. She does everything to make Kara feel uncomfortable in her attempt to have her removed from the team. Discovering Kara and Matt’s secret romantic involvement provided her with added ammunition. I lift my hat to Kara. She held her own and proved that despite her lack of a degree; she possessed the instincts and the experience the MRT needed.
Brennan intricately wove several threads throughout the story, which culminated into one big finish. Initially, uncertainty existed regarding the connection of these threads, but throughout the progression of the story, the connection gained clarity. The last few pages of the story had me on the edge of my seat. I am a disappointed with the outcome. Thankfully, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.
The Wrong Victim, which works well as a stand-alone, was a great addition to the series. Fans of police procedurals would find this series entertaining.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
I have been following the series from the beginning and I could hardly wait to dive into The Wrong Victim. Curious about the new case that landed in the laps of the Mobile Response Team and that state of Kara and Matt’s relationship, I quickly slipped into the story. The story gripped me with its intense storyline, tightly woven plot, interesting but flawed characters, the many clues which kept me guessing with each page turn.
This is one of those mysteries/thrillers where the who is not easily surmised and the motive is crazier than a loon. Wow! Who can ever understand the mind and the actions of a psychopath? With its many suspects and the potential clues popping, the MRT had their work cut out for them. The fact it occurred in a small town added to their challenges.
Tension filled the pages of this thrilling story. Not only we have in relation to the case, there is also tension between two of the members of the MRT. The team’s psychologist feels Kara’s is not a good fit for the team and questions her judgement. She does everything to make Kara feel uncomfortable in her attempt to have her removed from the team. Discovering Kara and Matt’s secret romantic involvement provided her with added ammunition. I lift my hat to Kara. She held her own and proved that despite her lack of a degree; she possessed the instincts and the experience the MRT needed.
Brennan intricately wove several threads throughout the story, which culminated into one big finish. Initially, uncertainty existed regarding the connection of these threads, but throughout the progression of the story, the connection gained clarity. The last few pages of the story had me on the edge of my seat. I am a disappointed with the outcome. Thankfully, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.
The Wrong Victim, which works well as a stand-alone, was a great addition to the series. Fans of police procedurals would find this series entertaining.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
April 28, 2022
THE WRONG VICTIM is the third book in the Quinn & Costa crime thriller series by Allison Brennan. This is another great addition to the series that kept me glued to the story. The Mobile FBI Team is back together for an investigation on the San Juan Islands. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read the series in order to understand the team’s dynamics/development/relationships. The story opens with a charter cruise ship exploding killing all nine people aboard, including a retired FBI agent. The team is called in to find the bomber, but also to determine if it has anything to do with the cold case that Hunter was investigating. As the team investigates each lead, they are also dealing with tension from within. Kara and Catherine are both involved in this investigation and they are having problems working together. Catherine doesn't trust Kara and puts her down or undermines her at every opportunity. With Matt’s relationship with both women, they need to figure out if they can work together. When more bombs detonate and more people die, the team needs to solve this one ASAP.
I really enjoyed The Wrong Victim with all its lines of investigation. There were several suspects and angles to pursue that had me completely absorbed in the story. The characters are very well developed and we learn about their past and history throughout the books in the series. The secondary characters are not as fleshed out, but I felt I got to know them with their relationships and flaws. Catherine added drama to the story with her second guessing and questioning everything Kara did. It forced Kara to rethink her place on the team, and determine what she really wanted personally and professionally. Kara is usually always ready to listen to others, but she seemed to shut down where Catherine is concerned so mistrust did go both ways. There were times I got very frustrated with Catherine and wanted her to just leave, I thought she bogged down the investigation. I didn't completely figure out what was going on, but I had some ideas. The final twists were well done, fit the story, and tied up all the loose ends. I am not sure what is going to happen between Matt and Kara, as their personal relationship seems to have some road blocks. I am ready to see what is next for the mobile FBI team and what their next case will be. Although my intention was to do a read/listen, I ended up listening to all of this one. Suzanne T. Fortin does a wonderful job with this series. Her tone, pacing, expression and voices are perfect. If you enjoy audiobooks, I definitely recommend you listen to this book and series.
I really enjoyed The Wrong Victim with all its lines of investigation. There were several suspects and angles to pursue that had me completely absorbed in the story. The characters are very well developed and we learn about their past and history throughout the books in the series. The secondary characters are not as fleshed out, but I felt I got to know them with their relationships and flaws. Catherine added drama to the story with her second guessing and questioning everything Kara did. It forced Kara to rethink her place on the team, and determine what she really wanted personally and professionally. Kara is usually always ready to listen to others, but she seemed to shut down where Catherine is concerned so mistrust did go both ways. There were times I got very frustrated with Catherine and wanted her to just leave, I thought she bogged down the investigation. I didn't completely figure out what was going on, but I had some ideas. The final twists were well done, fit the story, and tied up all the loose ends. I am not sure what is going to happen between Matt and Kara, as their personal relationship seems to have some road blocks. I am ready to see what is next for the mobile FBI team and what their next case will be. Although my intention was to do a read/listen, I ended up listening to all of this one. Suzanne T. Fortin does a wonderful job with this series. Her tone, pacing, expression and voices are perfect. If you enjoy audiobooks, I definitely recommend you listen to this book and series.
May 16, 2022
Book 3 in the series and a solid addition! I found the case to be interesting and intricately pieced together. This was fast paced and adrenaline pumping! I enjoyed reuniting with the characters and seeing where they are today. The character development throughout this series has been awesome! I look forward to more books and seeing where this FBI team is taken next!
May 3, 2022
This is the third book in the Kara Quinn and Matt Costa series. I always suggest reading a series from the beginning, but if you just picked this one up, there is enough background information so you wouldn't be lost.
When the Water Lily explodes, all of the people on board are killed. It is a tragedy, but was it mechanical or deliberate? Matt and his FBI Mobile Response Team quickly arrive to investigate, and this was no accident. The problem is that there are several possible suspects, and the intended target may have been only one of the passengers
Was it the wealthy man with a much younger wife? Or the retired FBI agent? And who had the means and the motive to plan this heinous crime? Could it have been the environmental group with a bone to pick with the charter company? The list is extensive, and the team must figure out the who and why before more lives are lost.
There was an interesting dynamic between Matt and Kara once again, as neither of them want their professional relationship compromised by personal feelings. Also, the claws came out between Kare and Catherine. Kara is not FBI, as she is just on loan from her department for her protection, and Catherine does not respect her abilities. No spoilers, but things get very tense between these team members.
I pegged the villain early on, but it took quite a while for me to figure out the why. Another page-turner and I hope to see these characters again!
When the Water Lily explodes, all of the people on board are killed. It is a tragedy, but was it mechanical or deliberate? Matt and his FBI Mobile Response Team quickly arrive to investigate, and this was no accident. The problem is that there are several possible suspects, and the intended target may have been only one of the passengers
Was it the wealthy man with a much younger wife? Or the retired FBI agent? And who had the means and the motive to plan this heinous crime? Could it have been the environmental group with a bone to pick with the charter company? The list is extensive, and the team must figure out the who and why before more lives are lost.
There was an interesting dynamic between Matt and Kara once again, as neither of them want their professional relationship compromised by personal feelings. Also, the claws came out between Kare and Catherine. Kara is not FBI, as she is just on loan from her department for her protection, and Catherine does not respect her abilities. No spoilers, but things get very tense between these team members.
I pegged the villain early on, but it took quite a while for me to figure out the why. Another page-turner and I hope to see these characters again!
July 25, 2022
3.5 stars
The Wrong Victim by Allison Brennan is the third in the Detective Quinn and FBI Agent Costa Series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harlequin - MIRA and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Under Assistant Director Tony Greer, Special Agent Mathias Costa runs the new Mobile Response Team at the FBI. The goal is to travel to locations which have minimal law enforcement and offer their assistance. The team consists of Matt, analyst Ryder Kim, former Navy SEAL Michael Harris, forensic specialist Jim Esteban, and Zack Heller, a white-collar crimes expert. LA Police Detective Kara Quinn has been an undercover cop for 12 years, and since she is cannot return to LA at the moment, she is on loan to the FBI, and assigned to Matt's team. Kara and Matt have a "thing" going on. Forensic Psychiatrist Catherine Howard is back working with Matt after taking a leave to deal with her sister's death.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When a bomb kills 9 people on a sunset cruise in Friday Harbor, part of the San Juan Islands, the team is called to action.
The hardest part will be determining who the target was, and then find the murderer. Perhaps the environmentalists were targeting the cruise ship itself. It wouldn't be the first time one of their protests got a little out of hand. Of course the target could have been a passenger, as there was a very wealthy man on board. Then there was the captain...a retired FBI agent who has been digging around a cold case.
Whoever the target, it's going to be a major investigation, and already Kara and Catherine are butting heads, and Matt isn't handling it well.
My Opinions:
As with the others in this series, I found the book rather long. It was good, and since there was so much going on it moved fast. So I'm not sure why I felt it was too long.
Again, I didn't find that there were any major surprises or twists, but the plot kept the story alive and interesting
I still have a bit of a problem with Kara. I didn't enjoy the antagonism and bickering between her and Catherine, although most of that was Catherine's fault. As well, Matt didn't display much of a leadership role when it came to handling their differences, but I still like him. I whole-heartedly love the rest of the characters. Hopefully the next one will see a more cohesive team.
So, overall, I still recommend the series.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 26, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
I have loved the Quinn & Costa series from the start. Kara Quinn is our primary point of view. She is so smart and capable. She's in a tough spot with not being able to go back to LAPD because her cover was blown and now the bad guys want to kill her. They already killed her partner. Now she is working on the new mobile response team for the FBI but she is not an FBI agent.
Her personal relationship with Matt, the team leader is important to them both. But it is a problem with them on the same team. They actually handle it pretty well. Until Catherine decides she doesn't like or trust Kara. Yes I pretty much hate Catherine. Everything is about her, she's always the smartest and knows best. She has put her family through hell by shutting them out and making everything about her (earlier book). She is grieving for her sister who died but she also continues to be a snowflake and expect everyone to dance to her tune. I wish Matt didn't want her on the team.
The case is complex with many layers. There is a bombing, environmental protestors, more bombings, a murder and a kidnapping. Because of Kara, I had some hints about the culprits but not completely. She does an amazing investigation tapping into multiple things the rest of the team didn't catch. She fits in as needed and plays her roles well to connect with various locals. Her information is invaluable. The rest of the team does well with their roles and verifying information and data as well as forensic evidence.
The only thing I didn't like about The Wrong Victim is how tenuous Kara's career and relationship feel to her. Matt wants her on the team and in his life, but the risk is primarily for her and she could lose both. I really look forward to more in this series in both the investigations and the personal developments.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
I have loved the Quinn & Costa series from the start. Kara Quinn is our primary point of view. She is so smart and capable. She's in a tough spot with not being able to go back to LAPD because her cover was blown and now the bad guys want to kill her. They already killed her partner. Now she is working on the new mobile response team for the FBI but she is not an FBI agent.
Her personal relationship with Matt, the team leader is important to them both. But it is a problem with them on the same team. They actually handle it pretty well. Until Catherine decides she doesn't like or trust Kara. Yes I pretty much hate Catherine. Everything is about her, she's always the smartest and knows best. She has put her family through hell by shutting them out and making everything about her (earlier book). She is grieving for her sister who died but she also continues to be a snowflake and expect everyone to dance to her tune. I wish Matt didn't want her on the team.
The case is complex with many layers. There is a bombing, environmental protestors, more bombings, a murder and a kidnapping. Because of Kara, I had some hints about the culprits but not completely. She does an amazing investigation tapping into multiple things the rest of the team didn't catch. She fits in as needed and plays her roles well to connect with various locals. Her information is invaluable. The rest of the team does well with their roles and verifying information and data as well as forensic evidence.
The only thing I didn't like about The Wrong Victim is how tenuous Kara's career and relationship feel to her. Matt wants her on the team and in his life, but the risk is primarily for her and she could lose both. I really look forward to more in this series in both the investigations and the personal developments.
April 28, 2022
I liked this one, but maybe not for the reasons I was supposed to. Sure the crime was a bad one and I'm glad that the bad guy was caught, glad too that they caught another bad guy that was sort of under the radar, but I was more interested in how all the different team members dealt with each other. Most especially Kara and Catherine. I was team Kara all the way, thought Catherine was a bitch! Catherine's passive aggressive ways of talking to everyone but Kara about things drove me nuts and quite frankly Kara did a great job of not going in for the kill. I loved it when Kara called out Catherine, during the middle of a crazed drive, had her nailed down, surprising Catherine. I also think there is no way that Catherine will keep the little secret she knows secret. She will tell someone out of spite at Kara. I will say that other team members seem to be starting to see what Catherine is doing or at least see that what she is saying about Kara isn't right. I did love it when Kara called out Matt, as the boss, the boss who wasn't doing anything, the boss who needed to do something about the situation. I'm really not sure where the team will go, but Kara has the most to loose out of all of them.
May 27, 2022
This entry in the series is marginally better than the only other one I've read, the first book, The Third To Die, a novel I critiqued as "Although I liked the plot, that's the only positive thing I can say about this book. It is the most pedestrian, cliche-filled prose I've read in a long time." The author's lazy writing style continues to rely on cliches. The writing is flat, uninteresting, and never surprises. The plot is better in this book and the characters a bit more interesting and more developed. It doesn't take long for readers to discern that there might be two separate plots here with more than one protagonist. The author apparently is determined to prolong the relationship between Matt and Kara, two people of distinctly different personalities whose romance can only create chaos. That's pretty lazy, too. Not sure I want to prolong the agony.
April 25, 2022
Starting with an explosion on board a charter cruise ship, this book maintains its high-octane energy until the very end. When the Mobile Response Team headed by Matt Costa is called to a small town off the coast of Washington to investigate the explosion, the action ramps up between the townspeople, the MRT and among the members of the MRT. I have read the other books in the series, but I did not see the conflict coming between Catherine and Kara Quinn. Kara is having a not-so-secret relationship with Matt and Catherine warns her away in a totally unfriendly, butt-into-your-life kind of way. The tension within the team is palpable and very realistically portrayed. There is a lot of information about the backstories of some of the team members which was absorbing and helped me to understand why they were on the team and their contributions there. All of the characters were fleshed out and I particularly enjoyed the characters of Ryder, the computer geek, and Michael, the former SEAL who performs heroics like it’s a natural part of his life. In the town, there were the families of the victims, including a widow who was a sympathetic character to me from the beginning. The plot was tightly woven together with clues throughout about who the perpetrator was and the motive behind the killings. There is a sub-plot about unsolved cold cases that one of the victims was investigating and was a possible reason for the bombing. I enjoyed the determination and the dedication of the MRT and loved feeling as though I were enjoying an episode of CSI or Criminal Minds as I enjoyed the details of the investigation. This can be read as a standalone, but I do think readers will enjoy this one more if they start from the beginning and get the background of Matt’s championing the unit and then heading it up. Fans of suspense thrillers will enjoy this book that has plenty of chilling moments and a touch of romance.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
May 2, 2022
Reading mysteries and thrillers is addictive. In addition to solving puzzles, we love the opportunity to delve into the reasons for people's actions. Authors often share not just the motivations of the criminals or perpetrators of the crimes, but also the emotions and thought processes behind those who are trying to solve them. So it is with Allison Brennan’s Quinn & Costa novels.
In THE WRONG VICTIM, the third installment in the series, we continue to gain insight into LAPD detective Kara Quinn. While these books are named for both Quinn and FBI agent Matt Costa, who is now her boss, this latest entry is much more about Quinn. She's a fascinating character --- from her childhood being raised by con artists to her betrayal when she was an LAPD detective, resulting in murderous threats so dire that she can't return to her life in L.A.
As with the previous books in the series, which took place in the Tucson desert, the setting is an important part of THE WRONG VICTIM. The San Juan Islands are in the middle of a waterway that sits between Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington. The largest island is San Juan Island, and Friday Harbor, its biggest town, is where much of the action is set. Costa takes his Mobile Response Team, a new FBI endeavor, to the islands after a bomb kills nine people on a charter boat. Local law enforcement helps the team significantly, and the descriptions of the setting will make those who love water want to plan a trip to this idyllic location.
The FBI team works to figure out who is responsible for the bombing. The most important part of determining the culprit and motive is trying to ascertain who of the nine victims was the intended target and why. On the surface, a grieving widow might seem the obvious perpetrator because of the multiple millions she inherits, but Quinn's gut instincts tell her that this theory is not accurate.
The novel has multiple facets. On one level, we see the criminal investigation of the bombing, which leads us to another criminal investigation that retired FBI agent Neil Devereaux, who is also one of the victims of the bombing, had been working on for years. The deaths he was looking into seemed unrelated and had been determined to be accidental, but he was convinced that all five victims were murdered. Was he killed to stop that investigation? There is also the fact that a local environmental group, Island Protectors, believes that the West End Charter company was evil and a habitual environment polluter. Was the bombing an overzealous member trying to harm the company?
During the course of the eight days that are meticulously detailed here, we see how the FBI team works. Each member brings something to the table, and because of the omniscient third person narrative, we are privy to many of their personal quirks and emotions. The three characters who are the most flawed are also central to the story. Costa, the leader of the team, is involved with Kara. Their relationship is secret, for obvious reasons; they are aware that if it did become known, there would be repercussions that would impact Kara the most. Costa's good friend and teammate, Dr. Catherine Jones, one of the FBI's top forensic psychiatrists, has her own demons, which affect her relationship with Quinn and Costa.
Each team member ends up in danger at some point, and the action is virtually nonstop. A second bombing changes the order of who they think is guilty. But when there are leaks coming from inside the investigation, they must decide who is talking out of turn and whether or not it's intentional.
As is often the case with a series, readers will understand more of the interactions between the characters if they've read the previous books. The first installment, especially, is referenced in this one. That's not to say that THE WRONG VICTIM doesn't work as a stand-alone; it does. But if you enjoy thrillers, flawed yet admirable characters, and a twisty plot that makes sense at the end, you will want to read THE THIRD TO DIE and TELL NO LIES before sinking your teeth into this one.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
In THE WRONG VICTIM, the third installment in the series, we continue to gain insight into LAPD detective Kara Quinn. While these books are named for both Quinn and FBI agent Matt Costa, who is now her boss, this latest entry is much more about Quinn. She's a fascinating character --- from her childhood being raised by con artists to her betrayal when she was an LAPD detective, resulting in murderous threats so dire that she can't return to her life in L.A.
As with the previous books in the series, which took place in the Tucson desert, the setting is an important part of THE WRONG VICTIM. The San Juan Islands are in the middle of a waterway that sits between Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington. The largest island is San Juan Island, and Friday Harbor, its biggest town, is where much of the action is set. Costa takes his Mobile Response Team, a new FBI endeavor, to the islands after a bomb kills nine people on a charter boat. Local law enforcement helps the team significantly, and the descriptions of the setting will make those who love water want to plan a trip to this idyllic location.
The FBI team works to figure out who is responsible for the bombing. The most important part of determining the culprit and motive is trying to ascertain who of the nine victims was the intended target and why. On the surface, a grieving widow might seem the obvious perpetrator because of the multiple millions she inherits, but Quinn's gut instincts tell her that this theory is not accurate.
The novel has multiple facets. On one level, we see the criminal investigation of the bombing, which leads us to another criminal investigation that retired FBI agent Neil Devereaux, who is also one of the victims of the bombing, had been working on for years. The deaths he was looking into seemed unrelated and had been determined to be accidental, but he was convinced that all five victims were murdered. Was he killed to stop that investigation? There is also the fact that a local environmental group, Island Protectors, believes that the West End Charter company was evil and a habitual environment polluter. Was the bombing an overzealous member trying to harm the company?
During the course of the eight days that are meticulously detailed here, we see how the FBI team works. Each member brings something to the table, and because of the omniscient third person narrative, we are privy to many of their personal quirks and emotions. The three characters who are the most flawed are also central to the story. Costa, the leader of the team, is involved with Kara. Their relationship is secret, for obvious reasons; they are aware that if it did become known, there would be repercussions that would impact Kara the most. Costa's good friend and teammate, Dr. Catherine Jones, one of the FBI's top forensic psychiatrists, has her own demons, which affect her relationship with Quinn and Costa.
Each team member ends up in danger at some point, and the action is virtually nonstop. A second bombing changes the order of who they think is guilty. But when there are leaks coming from inside the investigation, they must decide who is talking out of turn and whether or not it's intentional.
As is often the case with a series, readers will understand more of the interactions between the characters if they've read the previous books. The first installment, especially, is referenced in this one. That's not to say that THE WRONG VICTIM doesn't work as a stand-alone; it does. But if you enjoy thrillers, flawed yet admirable characters, and a twisty plot that makes sense at the end, you will want to read THE THIRD TO DIE and TELL NO LIES before sinking your teeth into this one.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
April 27, 2022
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
THE WRONG VICTIM wastes no time getting to the action and the crime that brings Kara, Matt and the team to an island off the coast of Washington, occurs at the beginning of the book.
A bomb exploded on a charter board killing nine people but we don’t know who the intended victim was or the bomb set due to a vendeta again the charter company by the local enviornmental group. I loved following Kara and the team as they conducted interviews and follow up leads. There is a cast of potential killers as well as a cast of potential victims. I was hooked and eagly turned the pages as I tried to work out who not only set but the bomb but why and who they intended to kill.
To go along with the murder mystery we get little glimpses of Matt and Kara’s relationship which isn’t on solid grond and is put in jeopardy when a member of their team works out they are having an affair and threatens to tell the powers that be at the FBI. This also potentially puts Kara’s job in jeopardy. I have to say I was surprised by this turn of events. I didn’t expect a highly respected and intelligent member of their team to be so vindictive. It adds tension on a personal level to people already under pressure to solve the crime..
THE WRONG VICTIM is gripping from the first page to the last page. There is lots of action, danger and the crime story is clever. Also, the budding relationship between Matt and Kara in the background was just enough to keep the romance reader in me happy. THE WRONG VICTIM is the third book in the Quinn & Costa series and it is the best so far.
I can’t wait for more.
THE WRONG VICTIM wastes no time getting to the action and the crime that brings Kara, Matt and the team to an island off the coast of Washington, occurs at the beginning of the book.
A bomb exploded on a charter board killing nine people but we don’t know who the intended victim was or the bomb set due to a vendeta again the charter company by the local enviornmental group. I loved following Kara and the team as they conducted interviews and follow up leads. There is a cast of potential killers as well as a cast of potential victims. I was hooked and eagly turned the pages as I tried to work out who not only set but the bomb but why and who they intended to kill.
To go along with the murder mystery we get little glimpses of Matt and Kara’s relationship which isn’t on solid grond and is put in jeopardy when a member of their team works out they are having an affair and threatens to tell the powers that be at the FBI. This also potentially puts Kara’s job in jeopardy. I have to say I was surprised by this turn of events. I didn’t expect a highly respected and intelligent member of their team to be so vindictive. It adds tension on a personal level to people already under pressure to solve the crime..
THE WRONG VICTIM is gripping from the first page to the last page. There is lots of action, danger and the crime story is clever. Also, the budding relationship between Matt and Kara in the background was just enough to keep the romance reader in me happy. THE WRONG VICTIM is the third book in the Quinn & Costa series and it is the best so far.
I can’t wait for more.
April 27, 2022
This impressive 3rd instalment in Allison Brennan's series centring on the FBI's Mobile Response Team turned out to be a little gem! This part of the FBI consists of highly specialised agents who are top in their field, be it forensics, crime scene specialists or investigators. They are operational primarily in rural areas and in The Wrong Victim the team is on the small San Juan Islands as they investigate after a bomb explodes on a charter cruise. Run by the West End Charter company, the organisation has been blamed for leaking fuel into local waters by activists and environmentalists. FBI special agent Mathias (Matt) Costa has LAPD Detective Kara Quinn working with him on loan to the FBI as part of the new mobile team. Nine people died in the explosion and Neil Devereaux, the part-time pilot of the yacht, the 'Water Lily' is a retired FBI agent investigating a cold case.
Kara is such a fiercely independent, strong and unique protagonist with a strong sense of justice. There is great chemistry between her and Matt, and they also share a mutual respect for one another however, their connection is not the main focus of this book. Matt himself is shrewd, and level-headed and makes a marvellous leader.
The mystery element in The Wrong Victim is magnificent and totally engaging. The tight time frame keeps the plot rolling, with no opportunity to become mired in tediousness. The procedural aspects are solid and the rest of the team is also intriguing; they are a diverse bunch from a variety of backgrounds, offering differing specialities that are still able to make the team a success. The Wrong Victim is wonderfully written in a style I relish and I was in my element reading this dark and gritty tale. This is a great 3rd instalment in what has so far turned out to be a stellar series. I enjoyed The Wrong Victim so much that I'm greedily waiting for the next tale.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Kara is such a fiercely independent, strong and unique protagonist with a strong sense of justice. There is great chemistry between her and Matt, and they also share a mutual respect for one another however, their connection is not the main focus of this book. Matt himself is shrewd, and level-headed and makes a marvellous leader.
The mystery element in The Wrong Victim is magnificent and totally engaging. The tight time frame keeps the plot rolling, with no opportunity to become mired in tediousness. The procedural aspects are solid and the rest of the team is also intriguing; they are a diverse bunch from a variety of backgrounds, offering differing specialities that are still able to make the team a success. The Wrong Victim is wonderfully written in a style I relish and I was in my element reading this dark and gritty tale. This is a great 3rd instalment in what has so far turned out to be a stellar series. I enjoyed The Wrong Victim so much that I'm greedily waiting for the next tale.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 25, 2022
Solid Mystery Deep In Series. While this is only book 3 in the series, as heavily as the first two are referenced it actually feels much deeper in. So up front, my recommendation is actually to go back to the beginning of this series and start there, if you haven't already. But once you get here... this is a solid mystery with a lot going on both within the mystery and town it is placed in - this band of FBI cops travels the country, and this particular mystery is set in Washington's San Juan Islands, familiar to many from Discovery Channel's long running Island Life show (which I watched - for months, over meals - on Discovery+, for those that may have missed it and want to get a feel for the real islands here). Both the islanders and the FBI team prove interesting characters, but the series depth *really* shows through in the interactions between the FBI team. The choice to almost go Disaster Movie-esque and show the victims of the murder first was actually quite bold and refreshing, and overall this book simply worked so much better than Brennan's previous effort I reviewed, The Sorority Murder - which worked well enough for what it was and had some unique things going for it, this was simply a better executed story here to my own mind. Overall a great story, and perfect for any fans of long running police procedurals. Very much recommended.
May 27, 2022
4.5 stars
It's over! I'm so sad there are no more books! 💔💔💔
I just hate waiting. 😭
This book was so intense and good. I liked it a lot - almost as much as the previous one.
The one thing dragging this book down though: Catherine.
O.M.G. What. A. Bitch.
Überbitch.
Sieg Heil.
I'm not kidding, I pretty much hated her guts. I get that Kara isn't a perfect team-player, but she's skilled and street-smart and Catherine just embodied every bad stereotype any highly educated Überbitch has ever had while gate-keeping the entire team. And undermining Kara - and her own authority, because, yikes... Talk about making a fool out of oneself as a psychiatrist!
It was just shameful, the way Catherine acted.
She had some moments of insight, when speaking about the case, but she played a bigger part in sowing tension and irritation within the team - being the Classic Bitch that can't stand that another woman around her might actually be good at something.
Uuuuuugh, I hate it. Loathe it. I've met women like that in real life. They really are that bad.
I just wanted to plant a chair in Catherine's face and bury her somewhere so she could push daisies and shut the fuck up instead of being the only awful character in the team.
But, oh well... If I overlook Catherine's huge shadow over this book, then I really liked this case.
It was very well woven - however.... I could spot the murderer miles away.
The red flags where honestly too huge - but maybe because I knew about the phenomenon already - and Catherine didn't really provide a proper explanation for some of the murderer's quirks.
I would really have liked to know what kind of reasoning lies behind that kind of mimicking and copying, as I've seen it too in real life (and I ran like Hell the other way).
Anyhow, if there had been a 4th book I would have thrown myself at it yesterday.
So now... I wait. 💔
It's over! I'm so sad there are no more books! 💔💔💔
I just hate waiting. 😭
This book was so intense and good. I liked it a lot - almost as much as the previous one.
The one thing dragging this book down though: Catherine.
O.M.G. What. A. Bitch.
Überbitch.
Sieg Heil.
I'm not kidding, I pretty much hated her guts. I get that Kara isn't a perfect team-player, but she's skilled and street-smart and Catherine just embodied every bad stereotype any highly educated Überbitch has ever had while gate-keeping the entire team. And undermining Kara - and her own authority, because, yikes... Talk about making a fool out of oneself as a psychiatrist!
It was just shameful, the way Catherine acted.
She had some moments of insight, when speaking about the case, but she played a bigger part in sowing tension and irritation within the team - being the Classic Bitch that can't stand that another woman around her might actually be good at something.
Uuuuuugh, I hate it. Loathe it. I've met women like that in real life. They really are that bad.
I just wanted to plant a chair in Catherine's face and bury her somewhere so she could push daisies and shut the fuck up instead of being the only awful character in the team.
But, oh well... If I overlook Catherine's huge shadow over this book, then I really liked this case.
It was very well woven - however.... I could spot the murderer miles away.
The red flags where honestly too huge - but maybe because I knew about the phenomenon already - and Catherine didn't really provide a proper explanation for some of the murderer's quirks.
I would really have liked to know what kind of reasoning lies behind that kind of mimicking and copying, as I've seen it too in real life (and I ran like Hell the other way).
Anyhow, if there had been a 4th book I would have thrown myself at it yesterday.
So now... I wait. 💔
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