Officer Brinna Caruso wants perfection--perfect justice and a perfect world. She wants to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter the cost.Orphaned and struggling to get by, Ivana and her sister left Bulgaria for America with dreams of a better life. But since they arrived in Long Beach, everything they were promised has turned out to be a lie.After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O'Reilly asks for Brinna's help. Unaware of the depths of evil that will be uncovered, Brinna finds herself flung into a dangerous frontier--an organized human trafficking ring.
A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her first series of novels is the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards in books Accused, Abducted and Avenged. Janice also authored the Brinna’s Heart series, which includes Critical Pursuit and Visible Threat. Another three book series is the Line of Duty series, featuring Crisis Shot, Lethal Target and Cold Aim. Additionally she has also penned five stand alone novels, Breach of Honor, Code of Courage, One Final Target, Every Deadly Suspicion and Edge of Truth. www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
This is a great suspense read with just a touch of romance. I enjoyed the setting having been born in Long Beach and recognized some of the street names Cantore used.
Brinna Caruso is struggling with her job as a police officer, her burgeoning faith, and the possible loss of her K-9 partner, Hero. Known as the "kid crusader" for her interest in kidnappings due to her past experience, she often forges ahead instead of waiting and has gotten into trouble with her superiors. She now finds herself involved in a human trafficking case that goes far beyond anything she dreamed possible happening in her neighborhood.
This is an excellent follow up to the first book in the series. Lots of action as things progress through the case. I appreciated how Brinna grew both in her function within her job, her faith in God and her relationship with her mother and Jack. Jack was such a wonderful supportive partner and took their romance nice and slow. The turnaround in Magda was also a nice touch.
Intense suspense and with a timely plot that definitely kept my attention. If you like action-packed suspense, this one is great.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Bad things happen to everyone. No one by their behavior can store up any immunity from disaster or tragedy. All any of us can control is how we respond when tough times come. This does not diminish God or his sovereignty...."
"All I can tell you is what the Bible says. No one is good. Everyone is considered a sinner in the eyes of God, and everyone is equal in his sight."
Heart-in-throat suspense takes readers on a roller coaster ride of a read. The author's 22 year police service is evident in the police procedures, dialogue between officers and all the little details in between. It really makes for an edgier read.
This is the second book in the series, and though it reads really well as a standalone, Brinna and Jack's relationship has slowly been building since book one. And slow is the operative word as the full development of their relationship won't be achieved until the final installment. In Critical Pursuit, they were just getting to know each other. Both come with personal baggage and they are struggling to find balance in their lives. The attraction amps up in Visible Threat -- along with the wariness and insecurities that come with a fledgling romance.
And then there's the grisly crimes and desperate search for missing women. Fascinating plot line that exposes the ugly reality of human trafficking. But as grim as things get, Cantore expertly weaves a solid inspirational thread that brings hope and redemption.
A great combination of suspense, romance and faith.
Like the first book in this series, this book was a page turner. I enjoyed catching up with Brinna and Jack as they work together to solve the mystery of the dead girl. I found this book better than the first because they also explore their feelings for each other. Nice romantic angle in the midst of the suspense. (Full review at my website)
Janice Cantore is a Christian writer who shares stories that involve her experiences in the police force in Long Beach, California. She continues to write to this day. The story that I am interested in sharing is from her novel Visible Threat. This story is told from multiple points of view.
About the Novel:
“Officer Brinna Caruso wants perfection―perfect justice and a perfect world. She wants to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter the cost.
Orphaned and struggling to get by, Ivana and her sister left Bulgaria for America with dreams of a better life. But since they arrived in Long Beach, everything they were promised has turned out to be a lie.
After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O’Reilly asks for Brinna’s help. Unaware of the depths of evil that will be uncovered, Brinna finds herself flung into a dangerous frontier―an organized human trafficking ring.”
My Thoughts:
The many points of view drove this story. The story also covers the tough topic of human trafficking. It was interesting to read a story about the police and see the case from their point of view. The genre for this book is inspirational fiction. I enjoyed the book. I struggled with the pacing a little. Overall, a great read.
Visible Threat is the law enforcement sequel to Critical Pursuit with non-stop action and a lot of mystery. Officer Brinna Caruso and Detective Jack O’Reilly make great leading characters with the character development leading to romance. 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. Fantastic 5 star book! Quote: "I don’t like seeing innocent people hurt by bad people. I admit I sometimes still get angry with God; he should stop the bad.” “But that works both ways. If he is a good God, why would he stop something in your life that will make you stronger, make you a better person?”
This is a great book. In fact both books in the series is very, very good. Janice Cantore has a way of making her characters so much like real people. I enjoyed the way she goes light on the romance. You know that Jack and Brinna are falling for one another but there is no physical stuff going on. I also liked the way she teaches how to come to know God and learn to trust him through everything. As Brinna’s mother said: Bad things happen to everyone. No one by their behavior can store up any immunity from disaster or tragedy. All any of us can control is how we respond when tough times come. That does not diminish God or His sovereignty. This is one I can heartily recommend.
Officer Brinna Caruso wants perfection--perfect justice and a perfect world. She wants to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter the cost.Orphaned and struggling to get by, Ivana and her sister left Bulgaria for America with dreams of a better life. But since they arrived in Long Beach, everything they were promised has turned out to be a lie.After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O'Reilly asks for Brinna's help. Unaware of the depths of evil that will be uncovered, Brinna finds herself flung into a dangerous frontier--an organized human trafficking ring.
I have loved every one of Janice's books. They all are accurately written because of her background as a LBPD officer. I can't put them down once I have started reading. I live a mile from Long Beach and love that I can recognize the locations in each book. This series is about human trafficking and is an exciting police/action book.
Cantore has crafted a fast-paced suspense that will keep you engaged until the end. Strong spiritual truths radiate from the pages. It's heart wrenching drama, yet filled with hope. I read this novel in one sitting.
I read a great deal and sometimes the books seem all too much alike. Just different character names and locations. I found this book to be a bit of fresh air. I enjoyed the plot and the characters.
This book had a whole lot of suspense, and action in it, and I loved it! I also loved to see the heroine grow in her Faith, and to see a romance bloom as well. I really hope there is another book in this series!
Human trafficking is a horrific condition in our country. Police, ICE and border patrol work tirelessly to end this suffering. May the Lord give them success in stopping it.
A Great Read with Love, Death and Christian Attitudes
Kept me up all night as this book has Christian insights, fast paced police activity and information on human trafficking that is becoming more and more prevalent in America.
Janice Cantore has done it again. Mixing detective stories and mixing them with strong messages of faith. Great characters. Highly recommend this author.
Very good plot twists and fast paced action. Good romance even though they never officially got together!!! Well written with some short chapters. 4 stars
VISIBLE THREAT and CRITICAL PURSUIT are fast-paced novels that do a good job of balancing crime with camaraderie in the ranks of the Long Beach Police Department
VISIBLE THREAT-Officer Brinna Caruso is a K-9 handler known as the go-to cop when a child goes missing. Unfortunately, her gung-ho behavior has gotten her into hot water when she avoids direct orders because of the greater good. She doesn’t see herself as a rogue officer, she just has a hard time backing down when she knows a child is involved. Brinna’s behavior is a direct result of her own childhood. Abducted and molested at the age of six, Brinna champions children and does it with her canine companion, Hero. When she is knocked back to patrol duty due to disciplinary actions, Brinna is partnered with Jack O’Reilly, a former homicide detective who voluntarily stepped down from his duties due to the death of his wife. Not only is Brinna frustrated that she’s being disciplined due to actions that saved a little girl’s life, but she has strong concerns about Jack O’Reilly’s competency. Jack O’Reilly continues to struggle with the death of his wife. He knows he has to get on with his life, but he’s not sure he can handle homicide. He asks to be put back on patrol duty, but isn’t thrilled his partner is Brinna Caruso. She has a reputation for not following the rules, and since he wants a smooth re-entry back into police work, he’s concerned she will only cause trouble. While Brinna and Jack navigate their partnership, they slowly come to realize they both want the same thing. Justice. When a case presents itself with the same MO of the man who abducted Brinna, she and Jack must work together as a team, and finally put the man behind bars that stole Brinna’s childhood.
CRITICAL PURSUIT–Brinna is in pursuit of a man she knows has abducted a young girl. Even though she’s been ordered not to pursue because of dangerous conditions, she puts her job on the line to save the girl. Once again, Brinna is in the hot seat. But more devastating than that is the fact that her K-9 duties might be coming to an end. With the possibility of funding being pulled, Brinna must deal with the prospect of having to go back to patrol. Last time she was partnered with Jack O’Reilly they actually ended up forging a deep friendship, but Jack has gone back to homicide, leaving her to wonder who she’ll be partnered with. Jack is getting back in the swing of things in homicide. Though when his mind wanders, it no longer goes to the death of his wife. His friendship with Brinna is constantly on his mind, and he thinks he’s ready to move on but wonders if she is. When he and his partner investigate a possible human trafficking ring, Brinna and her mother get involved. Jack is thrilled to be working with Brinna again, but when Brinna’s mom is kidnapped, things escalated to critical proportions.
Both VISIBLE THREAT and CRITICAL PURSUIT are intelligently written by a former police officer. Not only are the crimes relevant but the insight to the camaraderie between officers is portrayed well, making the books not only interesting from the suspenseful side, but also from the personal side. I loved watching the slow progression of the relationship between Brinna and Jack. Usually, I don’t like when the hero and heroine are kept at arm’s length, but knowing Jack was recovering from the loss of his wife, made the timeline believable. I’m definitely a fan of Ms. Cantore’s work, and hope there are more installments in the Brinna Caruso series.
Nothing says “Woo-Hoo! I’m going out of town and will have time on my hands!” then to pick up a copy of the newest book in the “Heart of Justice” series by Janice Cantore.
After leaving Brinna with her K9 dog, Hero in “Critical Pursuit”, she is back and still working to save lost children. After a floater is found down by the river, Brinna is called in with Hero to see if they can track down where she came from. With no new leads, Brinna goes back to the daily routines of police work and being notified that her days with Hero may be numbered due to a cut in the Federal Grant that was paying for the program. As the weather turns violent with torrential rains, a call comes in of another body in the same river, but this time she’s still alive. Putting her life and another officer’s on the line, they go in the water to get the young girl before she’s swept away. But their heroics come at a price as both Brinna and the other officer are pulled under themselves. Are they able to snag the girl? Will they survive the attempt? Who is she and what is her connection to the other body they found? Hang onto the edge of your seat and GO BUY THE BOOK!
In reality, I don’t have many close friends. In my head, though, I get to have dozens of friends as I read some great books all of the time. A sign of a great writer, to me, is one that creates characters that you enjoy reading about and miss them when you close the book. Brinna and her friend Jack are two such characters that have been created by Janice Cantore. Brinna has such a drive and determination to be the best at her job and to make sure that no other children are abducted like she was as a child. Jack has lost his wife and still struggles with the day-to-day living of going on without her, but is finally on the road to allowing others to get close to him again. Both of these characters are ones that I will miss when this series comes to an end. This book did not disappoint as it continues with the smooth plotlines and character developments that I have seen in all of her earlier books.
Is this a "guy's book"? This book has chase scenes, daring rescues and complete police procedures. I can’t imagine any guy not looking forward to picking up this book and the first book in the series as well.
Janice Cantore in her new book, “Visible Threat” Book Two in the Brinna Caruso series published by Tyndale House Publishers gives us another adventure with Officer Brinna Caruso.
From the Back Cover: Officer Brinna Caruso wants perfection—perfect justice and a perfect world. She wants to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter the cost.
Orphaned and struggling to get by, Ivana and her sister left Bulgaria for America with dreams of a better life. But since they arrived in Long Beach, everything they were promised has turned out to be a lie.
After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O’Reilly asks for Brinna’s help. Unaware of the depths of evil that will be uncovered, Brinna finds herself flung into a dangerous frontier—an organized human trafficking ring.
I think the worst thing in the world that you can do to someone is to take away their freedom completely and buy and sell them on the underground market. These people have been stripped of their identities and they have no hope. It is into this world that Jack O’Reilly asks for Brinna’s help. Now Jack, Brinna and her K-9 search and rescue dog, Hero are involved in an investigation that will test the limits of how far they can go to rescue these people. “Visible Threat” is how you define exciting! Ms. Cantore is a retired Long Beach California police officer of 22 years. If anyone can write these kind of stories with authenticity and sheer excitement she most certainly can. “Visible Threat” is a thriller with all kinds of excitement and danger. Janice Cantore knows how to weave a captivating story with wonderful characters that breathe. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next book in this exciting series from Ms. Cantore.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Visible Threat is a high-speed chase thriller. Janice Cantore does a great job delivering a good story with great characters. This is the first book I have read by Janice Cantore but I guarantee it will not be the last.
Officer Brinna Caruso is on a mission. She is set on trying to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter what it cost. She and her partner, Hero, a K-9 police dog, track down offenders and help bring them to justice.
Ivana and her sister, Villie, have come to America from Bulgaria with the promise that they will work for a rich family and have more than they could have ever dreamed of. Before they reach the shores of America, they have their passports taken away and are beaten by the man who has promised them so many lies.
After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O’Reilly asks for Brinna’s help. She of course accepts and finds herself flung into the middle of the most awful kind of evil, a human trafficking ring. Together, they all have to work together to save more lives and innocents.
Janice Cantores’ experience in law enforcement definitely helped shape the writing of this novel to make the characters and the experiences they go through believable. The writing was quick and easy making the story flow smoothly. The interwoven stories of Ivana and Brinna were easy to follow. Of all things, I enjoyed the relationship between Brinna and Hero, that really brought me into the story. The love she had for Hero brought her closer to others around her and made her a better officer and a better person.
I liked the fact that up until the very end you didn’t know if they were going to get the villain or how things were going to turn out. It wasn’t one of those books that made every twist and turn seem obvious, which was nice. This was different than a lot of police procedurals out there and brought a fresh look to what was happening and what I was reading. This was a book that I didn’t want to put down and was sad when it was over.
This is probably not a book I would typically pick up as I don’t read a lot of suspense/police fiction, but when I saw it dealt with the subject of human-trafficking, I was interested because that is a matter that has caught my attention and pulled at my heart. I was pleasantly engrossed into “Visible Threat” immediately. I very much appreciate that the author is a former police officer therefore giving authenticity to her writing. It was very real, and well-written. The characters were very life-like, and I liked Brinna a lot and could identify with her on many levels. Some of the romance involved, though plenty clean and innocent, I felt like it was kinda over-done, but I think that is mainly because I am tiring of reading romance books that are all relatively the same. That was really the only thing that I wasn’t “sold” on. But I will say that the amount of romance in this book was minimal and well done through out the entire book. I wouldn’t say it was badly done in any way. And it was only in the beginning that I noticed it being ‘over played’ if that makes sense. :) That aside, this book was amazing, and gripping. I really enjoyed it! I don’t even know how to touch on the whole human-trafficking thing in this review, but trust me when I say it was written with care and strength. The whole matter is close to my heart, one I want to get involved with to help end. Elohim (God) is bigger than even this, and will perform His perfect justice in His perfect timing. I very much like that Brinna was searching for her own faith throughout the book, and dealt with the hard questions of why bad things happen, where is the justice, etc. This whole book was eloquently written, and I was not disappointed in the least. I would like to read the first in the series soon, too. :)
Note: I received this book free for review from Tyndale House publishers. I was not paid to review this book, and all thoughts are my own and unbiased.