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Pacific Coast Justice #3
Avenged
When Officer Carly Edwards finds three young gangbangers shot execution style, she and her husband, Sergeant Nick Anderson, head of the gang unit, fear Las Playas may be on the verge of a gang war. The Las Playas PD is put on high alert as tensions escalate between rival gangs, especially after Carly confiscates weapons from a gang leader and learns they were stolen from a military base along with explosive devices.But something isn't adding up, and Carly suspects there might be more going on. As she prepares to testify at a major trial, Carly's reputation is shredded by a reporter apparently trying to discredit her professionally. Facing pressure on all fronts, Carly must rely on faith and trust God in a deeper way during one of the biggest struggles of her career.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
104 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Janice Cantore
21 books821 followersA former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her first series of novels is the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards in books Accused, Abducted and Avenged. Janice also authored the Brinna’s Heart series, which includes Critical Pursuit and Visible Threat. Another three book series is the Line of Duty series, featuring Crisis Shot, Lethal Target and Cold Aim. Additionally she has also penned five stand alone novels, Breach of Honor, Code of Courage, One Final Target, Every Deadly Suspicion and Edge of Truth.
www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 18, 2022
"Avenged" is a Christian detective suspense/mystery novel. This is the third book in an ongoing series about Carly, so it's probably best to read them in order to avoid "spoiling" parts of the previous storylines.
The details about the job and setting were vivid enough to immerse me in the story but didn't slow the fast pacing. The suspense was created by the dangers of being a cop and because several characters were targeted by the bad guys. Carly was an engaging character who reacted realistically to events. She only recently became a Christian and was learning to trust God with her husband's safety and with bringing out the truth. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.
The details about the job and setting were vivid enough to immerse me in the story but didn't slow the fast pacing. The suspense was created by the dangers of being a cop and because several characters were targeted by the bad guys. Carly was an engaging character who reacted realistically to events. She only recently became a Christian and was learning to trust God with her husband's safety and with bringing out the truth. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.
May 26, 2025
Nice finish to this trilogy. The plot circles back to the first book.
Patrol officer Carly (graveyard shift) and her husband Nick, police sergeant over gang unit, fight crime in Las Payas, CA.
It is very interesting to see the role of the press on police work too.
I read this trilogy in order .. within two weeks .. thanks to retirement and Libby (courtesy of my local library).
Patrol officer Carly (graveyard shift) and her husband Nick, police sergeant over gang unit, fight crime in Las Payas, CA.
It is very interesting to see the role of the press on police work too.
I read this trilogy in order .. within two weeks .. thanks to retirement and Libby (courtesy of my local library).
July 28, 2025
A great conclusion to this series! Gangs, crooked cops, and all sorts of goings on make Las Playas a town that was torn apart. Can Carly and Nick. along with their fellow police officers stop the crime and make the town a place to live once again?
November 4, 2024
This series could’ve been much better than it was. I liked the storyline for her and her husband but I needed more.
November 3, 2025
Oopsy. Missed review here ..did I not hit Post ?
March 7, 2021
I thought that this was an excellent conclusion to the Pacific Coast Justice series. I really enjoyed reading this book. I have really enjoyed reading all of the books in this series. I like how in every book there is so much happening. There are multiple different crimes with parts that sometimes connect and sometimes don't. I just really enjoy how each book isn't just a simple mystery with an obvious perpetrator, there are many moving parts. It was interesting that the author explored how Carly was feeling about her career, I thought that was interesting and added a different dynamic. I also like how this is a different type of romance than you usually see. Most of the time in these sorts of novels, it's two people that are meeting and falling in love, whereas this book centers around a husband and wife. They may have been separated in the beginning, but they still had a history that I haven't read a lot of in this genre. One thing that tends to be a trend in books like this is that the God aspect can feel a bit forced. I'm not hating on the God portion because I knew what I was getting myself into and I do like reading about God in everyday life. However, the characters in these books always feel so perfect in their faith. Even the mistakes they make are little mistakes that are nitpicky and still make the character seem perfect in their faith. This is a Christian book so there isn't any cursing and there is no sexual content. There is violence, but nothing that I think could be considered gory. Having said that, I do recommend that anybody younger than a teenager read these books. That's just because the plot can be a bit complicated and twisty. There is a lot to keep track of and I think that a younger reader may get confused. However, there is nothing that is inappropriate for a middle-grade reader. I highly recommend this series. It is engaging, not too heavy (in my opinion), and I always enjoy reading them. I do recommend that you read the books in order. I think that you could read the second book by itself, but in order to read this book, you need to read the first one because the plot and crimes from that book carry into this one. There are also characters that carry on throughout the first books into this one. I am sad that I am done with this series, but it was a great conclusion and I enjoyed each book in this series.
April 2, 2013
After requesting this book from Tyndale for review, I discovered Book 2 (Abducted) for free on Kindle. Since it had been on my to-read list for quite some time, I snatched it up and eagerly read it. While it wasn’t my new favorite suspense book, I did enjoy it – and am really glad that I got to read it before this one! They go together wonderfully, and I haven’t a doubt that the first pulls them all completely together. I enjoyed this one more than the second one. Incidentally, I happened to notice on the back cover that it’s categorized as a Christian romance – that’s definitely not what I’d call it. The couple who stars in the series was married by the first book, and part of what the series chronicles is their marriage’s survival/life. However, there isn’t overly much detail and it’s certainly not a super-romantic book.
Now, on to the other things about “Avenged.” The book had an accurate feel to it, and the action was good. However, both with this one and “Abducted,” I found myself disappointed with the suspense as I was hoping for an author to rank with Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Dani Pettrey. I think that Janice is a good author, and has great promise – but she’s not a new favorite suspense author for me. Good books, yes. Favorite suspense, no. However, like I said, it was completely clean, good, and interesting! I have absolutely no problem recommending it to other readers. One thing I really liked about it was that it’s the same couple through the entire three book series. Of course, it helped that Carly and Nick were characters that I really enjoyed. Overall? This book and series is good, but not a top favorite for me.
**Tyndale sent me a copy of this book in return for my honest review. I received no other compensation. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I was not required to post a positive review.**
Now, on to the other things about “Avenged.” The book had an accurate feel to it, and the action was good. However, both with this one and “Abducted,” I found myself disappointed with the suspense as I was hoping for an author to rank with Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Dani Pettrey. I think that Janice is a good author, and has great promise – but she’s not a new favorite suspense author for me. Good books, yes. Favorite suspense, no. However, like I said, it was completely clean, good, and interesting! I have absolutely no problem recommending it to other readers. One thing I really liked about it was that it’s the same couple through the entire three book series. Of course, it helped that Carly and Nick were characters that I really enjoyed. Overall? This book and series is good, but not a top favorite for me.
**Tyndale sent me a copy of this book in return for my honest review. I received no other compensation. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I was not required to post a positive review.**
April 1, 2013
Carly and her partner Joe are the first on the scene of 3 gang members shot execution style. One is still alive but barely holding on. With all of the unrest by the Ocean’s First group protesting the renovation of the wharf area the town of Las Playas does not need a gang war to start, but that is exactly what it looks like is going to happen.
Carly is constantly in a state of worry for her husband Nick’s safety. With Nick and his team trying to find out what is going on with the two major gangs in the city he is in danger on a daily basis. Carly knows she needs to trust in the Lord for both of their safety, but knowing that and practicing trust are very difficult.
When Carly meets an ex-con looking for trouble she makes an enemy in him and his journalist girlfriend. The girlfriend is determined to smear Carly’s name and portray her as a crooked cop. Things don’t look good for Carly when her partner Joe is hurt on the job and several confrontations with the ex-con make it look like she is harassing him.
When it looks like so many things are being orchestrated by unknown people Carly, Nick and their fellow co-workers know that they need to find the perpetrators behind all of the happenings before it is too late. Who is out for revenge and what is the reason?
One of the things about Janice Cantore’s stories that I like is the attention to detail as far as police procedure goes. I like reading all of the technical stuff or “inside” stuff. Add in a bit of suspense and it all makes for a well-written adventure that I have enjoyed in each story. While I like Carly and Nick’s characters very well I find that Carly’s partner Joe could almost be a non-character. In each book he has had something happen that causes him to not be able to be a part of whatever investigation is going on at the time. The poor guy really needs a break! Avenged was an exciting read and I look forward to other books by Janice Cantore.
Carly is constantly in a state of worry for her husband Nick’s safety. With Nick and his team trying to find out what is going on with the two major gangs in the city he is in danger on a daily basis. Carly knows she needs to trust in the Lord for both of their safety, but knowing that and practicing trust are very difficult.
When Carly meets an ex-con looking for trouble she makes an enemy in him and his journalist girlfriend. The girlfriend is determined to smear Carly’s name and portray her as a crooked cop. Things don’t look good for Carly when her partner Joe is hurt on the job and several confrontations with the ex-con make it look like she is harassing him.
When it looks like so many things are being orchestrated by unknown people Carly, Nick and their fellow co-workers know that they need to find the perpetrators behind all of the happenings before it is too late. Who is out for revenge and what is the reason?
One of the things about Janice Cantore’s stories that I like is the attention to detail as far as police procedure goes. I like reading all of the technical stuff or “inside” stuff. Add in a bit of suspense and it all makes for a well-written adventure that I have enjoyed in each story. While I like Carly and Nick’s characters very well I find that Carly’s partner Joe could almost be a non-character. In each book he has had something happen that causes him to not be able to be a part of whatever investigation is going on at the time. The poor guy really needs a break! Avenged was an exciting read and I look forward to other books by Janice Cantore.
April 1, 2013
Being a big supporter of all things emergency services, I was very excited to get my hands on this series by former police officer Janice Cantore. But whereas there was a lot to like about this third installment of the Pacific Coast Justice series, I was disappointed to also find a lot lacking.
Pros: Janice Cantore obviously knows her stuff when it comes to the inner workings of the police system, herself being a retired officer. There's a lot of cop lingo to be picked up through reading Avenged, as well as gaining a better understanding of police protocol, both on the field and in office.
Cons: this book reads very stiffly. There's a fine balance between just stating fact and weaving a story that can easily unfold in one's imagination, and it seems that Cantore's writing style reads too much like a stiff retelling of facts - “So and so did this” or “and then this happened.” I found this very distracting from the actual points of the story, so much so that I could have easily put this book down and never regretted not knowing how the story ended.
Along with stiff writing, there are so many different characters in Avenged that it was almost impossible to keep up with the who's who of the enfolding story. I found this also distracting, as I was constantly having to stop and try and figured out who a character was, how they came into the story and how they fit into the story.
All in all, Avenged seemed strained throughout it's 378 pages. The absolute die-hard for police fiction of any kind might be able to love this book, but sadly, it doesn't rank anywhere near the top of my list of favorites.
This book was provided to me by Tyndale House publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Pros: Janice Cantore obviously knows her stuff when it comes to the inner workings of the police system, herself being a retired officer. There's a lot of cop lingo to be picked up through reading Avenged, as well as gaining a better understanding of police protocol, both on the field and in office.
Cons: this book reads very stiffly. There's a fine balance between just stating fact and weaving a story that can easily unfold in one's imagination, and it seems that Cantore's writing style reads too much like a stiff retelling of facts - “So and so did this” or “and then this happened.” I found this very distracting from the actual points of the story, so much so that I could have easily put this book down and never regretted not knowing how the story ended.
Along with stiff writing, there are so many different characters in Avenged that it was almost impossible to keep up with the who's who of the enfolding story. I found this also distracting, as I was constantly having to stop and try and figured out who a character was, how they came into the story and how they fit into the story.
All in all, Avenged seemed strained throughout it's 378 pages. The absolute die-hard for police fiction of any kind might be able to love this book, but sadly, it doesn't rank anywhere near the top of my list of favorites.
This book was provided to me by Tyndale House publishers in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2015
A great finale to the series! I love the gritty police action (coming from a former cop, I know it's accurate), and these characters wrestle with faith just like us. Only quibble... Carly & Nick's married relationship seemed to be a little too perfect at times, like they're still in the honeymoon phase. Made them seem not quite as realistic in that aspect.
January 2, 2018
When one reads this, and how Carly, is being prosecuted on all sides. It takes a lot of faith and dedication to be an officer. The emotions of Carly and Nick, and what they face day by day. The closeness to the fellow officers, all pull together to make this a must read story. The gang war, being shot at, the unrelentless press, all play apart in this conclusion to this series.
April 26, 2017
Cantore keeps getting better and better with each book she writes! Can't wait to read her other series.
Just a side note...It was interesting to see how the storyline changed from the sneak peak at the end of Abducted and the actual book that was published. I wonder why the edits?
Just a side note...It was interesting to see how the storyline changed from the sneak peak at the end of Abducted and the actual book that was published. I wonder why the edits?
January 30, 2025
In the last book of the series Carly Edwards and her husband Nick Anderson see what looks like the beginnings of Gang warfare on the streets. When Carly and her partner Joe get a call about suspicious activity they find 3 young gang members shot execution style....Carly notices one of the young men still breathing so she preforms first aid until the para medics arrive...More bad news comes as Carly gets into a slight confrontation with an ex con in her friend's coffee shop...until she learns the man is the owners brother...she still doesn't like him but she has no reason to arrest him...when an F.B.I. agent asks her to come on a multi agency task force Carly thinks she might just take it as she feels she needs a break from small town policing...with her partner off on an injury she is restless...After a chase and a fall of her own that results in a concussion Carly is being called up on a shooting the night she fell...The man is dead the same man she wanted to send back to prison that day in the coffee shop...Carly knows she didn't like him but she can't remember firing her gun and definitely not killing him....Join Janice Cantore for the conclusion of Pacific Coast Justice: AVENGED.
February 7, 2020
Carly and Nick have remarried in this third installation of the Pacific Coast Justice series. It's a great conclusion to the series!
In this book we've got Nick in the gang department and Carly still working the beat with her partner Joe, until Joe gets laid up after getting hurt and Carly is adrift wondering what to do next. The FBI wants her on a team, but she's also thinking being a detective might be nice. And she wants to be able to spend more time with Nick.
Before she never had a problem with him being a cop like her but now she's overcome with worry. She thought becoming a Christian was supposed to make this easier!
The new talk in the town is a gang war. But is it really a gang war or someone masterminding all of this with a particular target in mind?
When a reporter seems out to get Carly and things start happening to her friends she's determined to find out who is behind this all before it's too late!
Great read and a great end to the series!
Great read. Highly recommend this book, the whole series, and anything by Janice Cantore.
In this book we've got Nick in the gang department and Carly still working the beat with her partner Joe, until Joe gets laid up after getting hurt and Carly is adrift wondering what to do next. The FBI wants her on a team, but she's also thinking being a detective might be nice. And she wants to be able to spend more time with Nick.
Before she never had a problem with him being a cop like her but now she's overcome with worry. She thought becoming a Christian was supposed to make this easier!
The new talk in the town is a gang war. But is it really a gang war or someone masterminding all of this with a particular target in mind?
When a reporter seems out to get Carly and things start happening to her friends she's determined to find out who is behind this all before it's too late!
Great read and a great end to the series!
Great read. Highly recommend this book, the whole series, and anything by Janice Cantore.
March 29, 2022
Overall Amanda rating: A
So this book was a great way to end the series. I think that the entire series was a great read. Such a great story of redemption, hope, and love within the world of being a Police Officer. The characters and the plot in this book were just as amazing as the books prior. I loved seeing the restoration between friends and seeing the couples ending up in the way that they were meant to. I loved seeing the character growth of Carly and Andi. I truly loved this book, as well as the series. I think that the author does an amazing job of creating a storyline that includes great biblical principles without diminishing the action and climax of the story. Every piece of the story was very well written and nothing was overwhelming in any of the other pieces of the book.
If you are looking for a great Christian Suspense Fiction series, I think that this series is a great one!
So this book was a great way to end the series. I think that the entire series was a great read. Such a great story of redemption, hope, and love within the world of being a Police Officer. The characters and the plot in this book were just as amazing as the books prior. I loved seeing the restoration between friends and seeing the couples ending up in the way that they were meant to. I loved seeing the character growth of Carly and Andi. I truly loved this book, as well as the series. I think that the author does an amazing job of creating a storyline that includes great biblical principles without diminishing the action and climax of the story. Every piece of the story was very well written and nothing was overwhelming in any of the other pieces of the book.
If you are looking for a great Christian Suspense Fiction series, I think that this series is a great one!
January 11, 2021
The storyline was a great choice to end the trilogy. The only thing I didn’t like was the Dick Wolf ending. Similar to all Law & Order episodes the ending came abruptly. Thus in this case, leaving the reader to infer what happened to all the offshoot storylines instead of wrapping it all up in a nice little bow giving the reader a sense of closure at the end of a trilogy.
Still very well written and the overarching trilogy storyline compelling to keep me coming back. I will be looking to read the other trilogies written by this author throughout 2021!
Still very well written and the overarching trilogy storyline compelling to keep me coming back. I will be looking to read the other trilogies written by this author throughout 2021!
February 25, 2024
Avenged is the third romantic law enforcement story in the Pacific Coast Justice series. Officer Carly Edwards and Sergeant Nick Anderson makes great leading characters for a non-stop action story with a lot of mystery. Cantore’s history as a police officer of 22 years has given her an inside understanding that has transferred to her writing an exciting and complex plotline. At the same time she has embraced personal character development along with family and romantic relationships and their relationships with God. Avenged is a fantastic conclusion to the Pacific Coast Justice series.
May 8, 2017
I was really looking forward to reading this, as I had read all the others. The story is good but it's only told
from Carly's point of view. None of the other characters. The author didn't do that with her Cold Case Justice series (at least not that I recall) so I'm not sure why she did with this one. Would have added more to hear the story being told from Nick's point of view as well.
from Carly's point of view. None of the other characters. The author didn't do that with her Cold Case Justice series (at least not that I recall) so I'm not sure why she did with this one. Would have added more to hear the story being told from Nick's point of view as well.
September 17, 2019
This is the final volume in Ms. Cantore's Pacific Coast Justice trilogy. Each has been better than the one before, and all have been excellent. Janice writes from her own experience as a police officer, and it shows. She also infuses Christian truths into the storylines without being overwhelming.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next series, featuring Brinna Caruso.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next series, featuring Brinna Caruso.
August 11, 2020
Listened to this with Larry and he really enjoyed the book also. Great mystery that kept you on your toes all the way through. Carly possibly going to go work for the task force - I guessed she would not want to leave Nick and so she would turn it down. That was one reason but also because she loved her job in Las Playas being a cop and getting the bad guys off the street. Great series.
July 19, 2019
Fast Paced Christian Book With Unexpected Twists and Turns
As usual, I didn't get much else done once I start reading a book by Janice Cantore! I love a good, fast paced book with lots of unexpected twists and turns!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL of Janice Cantore's books.
As usual, I didn't get much else done once I start reading a book by Janice Cantore! I love a good, fast paced book with lots of unexpected twists and turns!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL of Janice Cantore's books.
August 3, 2020
AWESOME!!!!!!!
Oh, man, I didn't think this series would be as good as the first one, but in some ways, it was better. I'm not sure if I've taken a really good breath since I started this series, but I have taken a good deep breath since I have finished it.
Oh, man, I didn't think this series would be as good as the first one, but in some ways, it was better. I'm not sure if I've taken a really good breath since I started this series, but I have taken a good deep breath since I have finished it.
January 23, 2026
I think this is my favorite series by Janice Cantore. I really liked the characters and the mystery. I especially liked Nick, Carly and Alex. I enjoyed having a married couple as the main characters. The faith message of letting go and let God take control was really good.
March 10, 2018
Good book.
July 16, 2018
Good read
well thought outplot. Good mystery. Enjoyed this series. would recommend. Like this author. Cant wait to read more from her
well thought outplot. Good mystery. Enjoyed this series. would recommend. Like this author. Cant wait to read more from her
April 9, 2019
very good book
July 12, 2019
Excellent final book in this series! I love the evolution of Nick and Carly throughout the series!
November 29, 2020
A great ending to the series! I love how everything tied together!
February 9, 2021
I love a good ending to a trilogy, way to go Janice Cantore, a new fan!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews