When Gina Ford, the daughter of a prominent Tennessee politician, goes missing from the University of Memphis a week after another girl was murdered on the same campus, police call in the FBI. Nick Hagar, married to his job as Special Agent in Charge, is assigned to the case, and when Gina’s body is found, her father demands justice.
Maddie Baxter is the forensic expert running DNA tests from the crime scene. When they come back without a match, Nick asks her to do a familial DNA run that yields a shocking result: the prime suspect is Adam Alexander, the very same guy who broke Maddie’s heart when she was in college.
But do scientific advancements tell the whole story? Strand of Deception offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system.
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I've never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.
Best-selling author of more than twenty-seven novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of twenty-eight-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home.
Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW.
Strand of Deception was a great read. I enjoyed the twists and how everything fit together in the end to make sense.
The characters were great and I liked how the romance was not too fast. I was able to read this book slowly and yet still remember what was going on. It was a good read, even if some things bugged me.
All in all, I'm glad I finally read this book and think fans of romantic suspense would enjoy it.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Excellent mystery/thriller with just the right amount of detail to keep the reader interested, but not so much to bog the book down. Great choice on KU
Talk about a high-concept, well-written romantic suspense. Heavier on the suspense then the romance, the novel is quick paced, energy charged and consistently kept me up past my bedtime to find out who did it.
I’m not the most intelligent suspense reader. I don’t often “get” everything and get easily lost in all the twists and tails. What I loved about this novel, in addition to being well written, there is the high concept of genetic research and catching the killer, but it meets readers like me half way while leaving plenty of room for the intelligent reader.
I had an idea of who the killer was, thought I was wrong, and then the book looped back around to prove I was right with plenty of twists to get back. The spiritual element was gracefully woven through the story becoming an intricate part of the telling. The romance is definitely the subplot, but I thought it was done in such a way that did not leave it feeling rushed or the reader cheated. It’s just there and was nice.
Plenty of different turns. The genetic research angle was fascinating and the characters were strong and captivating on the page. It has that ability to get and keep you hooked right away. Recommended reading!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
Strand of Deception offers the trademark suspense and romance Robin Caroll’s fans have come to expect in her novels. The third installment in the Justice Seekers series follows the final Baxter sibling on her quest for love and truth. While the second book, To Write a Wrong, is still my favorite, I enjoyed watching Nick and Maddie’s relationship blossom as they worked to solve the mystery.
That being said, Maddie did disappoint me. When the story starts out, the protagonist is adamant that she will only marry a Christian man. However, due to circumstances in life, Nick doesn’t care for God. Instead of stepping back from any kind of romantic involvement, Maddie moves forward. At one point, when she considers breaking it off, another character encourages her not to, saying the FBI agent can change someday. While this may be cute and end up happily-ever-after in a book, in real life it almost inevitably leads to problems. Believing they have the ability to change their partner is how people end up jumping into relationships they shouldn’t.
Caroll created an engaging cast. Some characters were fun and spunky, others tugged at my heartstrings, and yet others made my blood boil. I especially liked Eva (Maddie’s best friend) and though she’s not a Baxter, I’d enjoy seeing her in her own book. Some surprising twists kept me in the dark until the end. While the identity of the killer did not shock me, the events that led to Gina’s murder did take me off guard. I wanted to kick myself for not seeing them beforehand because they made perfect sense and went right along with the sleazy killer’s personality.
Though it is part of a series, Strand of Deception can stand alone. Rafe Baxter makes a brief appearance as the loving, yet overprotective brother, but those who haven’t read the first two installments won’t miss any important information. I recommend this novel to romantic suspense fans.
Review copy received from publisher via NetGalley. Thanks!
Robin Caroll's latest offering, Strand of Deception, throws readers into a page-turning world of murder, suspense, and ethical dilemmas arising from the use of cutting-edge forensic technology in the justice system. Maddie Baxter is a wonderful character who stands firmly rooted in her faith in God, but who isn't afraid to admit she's human and doesn't always have the answers. I enjoyed her love for all things Elvis, her courage to face evil, and her tenancity to hunt down the truth. The scenes are taut and the plot is full of twists and turns designed to keep the reader guessing about who the murderer actually is. Although I guessed early on who the perpetrator was, it was certainly a fun ride to unravel the evidence along with Maddie and Special Agent in Charge Nick Hagar, and see how things were resolved in the end. Maddie and Nick's relationship develops naturally and is fun to watch, although some of Maddie's thoughts about Nick were a little too sappy for my male mind. That certainly didn't attract from my enjoyment of the story, however, and I am positive that male and female readers alike will find much to applaud in this story. I really enjoyed the subplot about Maddie's involvement in a court case where the forensic evidence results in the release of a criminal. Even though Maddie struggles with that person's release, she stands by the truth, and suffers as a result.
If you are a reader who likes a good suspense novel that is not only well-written, but will leaving you thinking as well, then this is the book for you! I strongly recommend this novel and award it 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Laurel Teague with publisher B&H Books, along with FIRST Wildcard blog tours, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Maddie Baxter is a forensic scientist working for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. She believes that “Science never lies.” When a local politician’s daughter is found murdered, Maddie and the rest of the forensic team are called out to gather the evidence.
Special Agent in Charge Nick Hagar is heading up the investigation. When he meets Maddie he is instantly attracted to her. One problem, Nick used to be her brothers boss. As they both work to find the killer Nick and Maddie’s relationship grows. Nick is bitter against God though and that may hinder any type of relationship that the two could have.
As the case takes twists and turns Nick has to deal with personal emotions and misconceptions that he has believed since his brother’s death. Beliefs that have separated him from his faith for years now have to be faced since he met Maddie.
Maddie has to deal with the guilt she feels over being the means of setting a criminal free. Confronted by the victim and believing once again that “Science never lies” Maddie sets out to find the real criminal.
Maddie is the last of the Baxter siblings to find love. Her brother Rafe and sister Riley found romance in the first two novels of the Justice Seeker series:
To Write a Wrong Injustice for All
While I enjoyed STRAND OF DECEPTION, I think that it was lacking in the suspense that the other two novels had. I found all of the scientific and investigative techniques interesting and that was enough to keep me turning the pages along with the mystery of “who done it?” I also enjoyed catching up with Rafe and Remington and Riley and Hayden. It was fun to see Rafe go all “big brother” on Nick!
Strand of Deception by Robin Caroll Justice Seekers Series Book 3 Maddie Baxter is a forensic expert. She believes strongly that, science does not lie. Even if that means finding a creepy looking, dead eyed guy innocent and allowing him to go free. It’s part of her job. She wants justice and fights hard in her lab to find it through the DNA she tests. Now she needs to find out who killed a young woman, maybe two. And who is threatening her. On top of that, the handsome FBI agent she dated only once, is thrown into her path. She has two negative strikes with relationships, does she dare go for the third?
Special Agent in Charge Nick Hagar has his work cut out for him. A woman has been killed and her father is high profileand the man is also running his mouth off to the public. Along with calling the mayor and governor enough to put all kinds of pressure on Nick and his agents. Along with the agency testing for DNA matches. Every suspect they get is making it hard to find the truth, but the truth will prevail.
Robin Caroll has the reader going from one suspect to the next in this book. They look guilty at first until you meet the next one who looks a bit guiltier. Never giving away who really murdered the two young women until the end. And it comes with a surprise to the reader, at least this reader. This is a great series that you can see the author has put a lot of time into researching and describing different areas that are brought up in the book. Like the DNA testing process. Book 1: Injustice For All, Book 2: To Write a Wrong. **Received through NetGalley for review http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
I was captivated by this book from page one! Strand of Deception had me intrigued and confused until the very end! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another twist would spin me into a completely different direction. It’s been a while since I read such a great suspenseful mystery. I love when I can’t figure out the ending to a book. It keeps me reading and wanting more.
While reading this book I felt like I was watching an episode of CSI, only better. I’ve always loved the forensic aspect of solving crimes and Caroll is clearly well educated on the subject making the book even more real and believable.
Maddie Baxter works in forensics and a high profile case finds her working side by side with Nick Hagar, a handsome FBI agent. They work together to follow the strands of DNA to find a killer. The DNA leads to a surprising prime suspect. Every time I thought I knew who the killer was, the evidence would point somewhere else. I love a mystery that truly remains a mystery until the very end.
Romance and suspense are the perfect combination for a great book. The suspense brings a depth and reality to the romance that usually isn’t present in most love stories. Caroll smartly balances the two genres to perfection.
Strand of Deception is a thriller that will keep you reading faster and faster to find out who done it!
Maddie Baxter—Riley’s sister from book two of the Justice Seekers Series—is the main character in this novel, together with Nick Hagar—Rafe’s boss in book one in this series. It was really nice to see these two people meet in this latest work by Robin Caroll.
The senator’s daughter is murdered and Nick is working the case. Maddie, as a forensic scientist, is collecting the evidence. This is how the two meet again. They already knew each other because Nick used to be Rafe’s boss and they went out on a date once. They feel attracted to each other, but Maddie is afraid to get hurt in a relationship again, so she tried to avoid him after their first date. But since they are working on the same murder case she can’t avoid him any longer. Will Nick be able to win Maddie’s trust and love?
It was quite interesting to read about familial DNA testing. I had not heard about it before. There are many twists and turns in this story. It was not easy to figure out who the killer was. At first I thought I knew who did it, but while reading I changed my opinion several times. If you are looking for a good mystery with a flavor of romance, then you should pick up one of Robin Caroll’s books. She’s a master in spinning a suspenseful tale!
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*
Maddie Baxter is a Tennessee Bureau Investigator, she has a gun and a badge. She is a forensic scientist, and helps put the bad guys away, and occasionally helps get the innocent out of jail. Science doesn't lie. We have met Maddie's sister Riley, and her brother Rafe before. We catch up with them in this book, but this is more focused on Maddie. When a Senator's daughter is murdered, the FBI is called in. So Maddie and her brother's former boss Nick Hagar are put together. Maddie has collected samples and is working diligently with Nick, and they begin to date. This story has several cases in it, and many twists and turns. You guess, and guess again. Things keep changing. Through it all, Maddie and Nick keep working to bring justice, but can their relationship go any further if Nick is not a Christian. Things have happened in Nick's life that have made him doubt his faith, also will Maddie be able to trust Nick? She has had her heart broken a couple of times. If you enjoy mysteries, and there are a few here, this is the book for you!
I received this book through First Wild Card Book Tours, and Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.
Love, love, love this book! I have read most of Robin Carroll's books, but somehow missed the first two in this series. That didn't cause any problems in reading this one, but I have to say those two books are now on my must read list.
Strands of Deception is one of the most intriguing suspenseful romance stories I've read in a long time. It incorporates all my favorite CSI and NCIS elements in a murder mystery that has more twists and turns than a roller coaster. Just when you think you have the perpetrator nailed, another twist comes at you. I never would have guessed the end! Only thing that disappointed me about this book was that it ended....I was ready for lots more fun with these characters. I hope this isn't the last book in the series. I'd love to read a book about Eva (hint, hint).
This book kept me on the edge of my airplane seat for three subsequent flights! I didn't even realize there was enough turbulence to terrify my seat partner because of all the turbulence in this book. Another winner by Robin Caroll.
I previously reviewed the first book in this series, Injustice For All, and I was very disappointed in it, but this book was great. Robin Caroll is back to great suspense writing here! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Maddie is a forensics expert and works with the FBI to solve the murders. This is similar to a CSI episode or NCIS but with more detail. The author has obviously done her homework and crafted a believable tale.
The one thing I found irritating throughout the book was Maddie's obsession with Elvis. She's constantly singing Elvis songs in her head and the lines are thrown in there along with whatever else is going on. It's distracting, but not the end of the world. I don't think it adds to the story at all.
All in all, if you like a good mystery I'd definitely recommend this book!
I received this book from Netgalley and B&H Publishing for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you B&H Publishing.
Third in the Justice Seekers series this book featured Maddie, the third of the Baxter siblings. The other two were featured in previous books. Maddie is a forensic scientist who believes that science. When the senator's daughter is murdered she must work closely with Nick Hagar using her forensic skills as the list of suspect grow to uncover the truth.
Readers who enjoy such programs as CSI, NCIS, and Body of Proof will enjoy this Christian suspense novel. It is not overly preachy and the romance is light enough that I feel a male reader might enjoy this book. One thing that I did not like about the novel was Maddie was obsessed with Elvis songs and every once in a while an Elvis lyric would pop up in her head. I felt that the Elvis lyrics were a distraction. Other than that I think it was a good novel.
I just finished reading this book for our book club pick and it’s my favorite of the many Robin Caroll books I’ve read so far. (I like them all!)
The suspense and action is fast-paced and edge-of-your-seat. The romance is perfectly crafted. I thought about the book even after the last page. Also, I wasn’t 100% sure who the murderer was or how it was all going to connect which immediately puts it high on my favorite list.
Living near Memphis, it was fun to see the streets, restaurants, and other places the hero/heroine visited.
If you’re looking for a well-thought out plot, sizzling romance, and a satisfying ending, I strongly recommend Strand of Deception.
While this is the last in a series, it can certainly be read alone. There are several subplots in this novel, such as why God lets bad things happen. the Christianity is well presented but non-Christians may find the book a bit preachy. I like to learn about something when I read a romance or mystery and in this case it is about familial DNA testing, something that is new and not being done everywhere yet. This is another great novel from this author. See my full review at http://bit.ly/15OZuZU.
Strand of Deception is probably one of THE most enjoyable books I have! The heroine, Maddie is one of my all-time favorite characters mostly because of her love of Elvis which I just happen to share with her. Throughout the book she sings Elvis songs to calm herself. For an Elvis fan this is a must read! You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Strand of Deception was a very good suspense novel. I especially enjoyed reading it since it was set in Memphis and the University of Memphis which my daughter will be attending this Fall. Not only was it a very good crime drama, it also had just the right amount of romance.
I've enjoyed this entire series. Robin Caroll does a great job building suspense and sweetening it with romance. My only complaint with this particular book was that the main character's habit of continually running Elvis Presley lyrics through her head was unrealistic and rather distracting. I "got" what the author was trying to do, but it didn't work in my opinion.
Romance, suspense and Elvis?!? What more could a reader want!!! Luved Strand of Deception...possibly one of my favorite reads of 2013!!! Watch my complete VIDEO review here... http://jojosutiscorner.wordpress.com/...
I absolutely loved this book! It is definitely my favorite in the Justice Seekers series. I was so engulfed by Maggie and Nick 's story that I felt like I was right there as everything was happening and definitely didn't want to put it down. Purely awesome from beginning to end.
Quite frankly, I think this was my favorite book in Robin Carroll's latest series! Full of suspense and intrigue, not to mention a great romance! My favorite combination!
I loved this book! I'm a little behind posting here and have already forgotten what it was about, but I read it in two days. It was exceptional. Great suspense and romance.
Great story. The third book in the series. I read at least one of the others but it was quite a while ago. I liked getting reacquainted with some of the former characters. The book kept me guessing and reading. It is book that includes a Christian message but it is not intrusive into the mystery. I prefer books with a Christian element, but if you don't, I think you will still enjoy this book don't let this stop you from reading it.
I liked the science and procedural parts of this book better than the romance and relationship parts - just a little too sweet for me. I didn't realize it was part of a series, but I'm not sure I'd go back and read the others.
I am on a Robin Caroll binge and loving it. The storyline is intriguing with all the suspense ,learning about familial DNA and following the steps of the characters. This book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic suspense.