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Brinna Caruso #1
Critical Pursuit
Officer Brinna Caruso has built a reputation at the precinct as the cop to call when a child goes missing. For Brinna, it’s personal because she was once one of them. Brinna and her K-9 search and rescue dog, Hero, will stop at nothing to find a missing child, no matter the stakes.Detective Jack O’Reilly isn’t ready to return to his homicide duties, after losing his wife to a drunk driver. He’s on the downside of his career, and bent on revenge, when he’s assigned as Brinna’s partner. While on patrol, Jack struggles between his quest for personal justice and his responsibility to those around him, especially his partner.Skeptical of Jack’s motives, Brinna isn’t sure she can rely on her new partner, whose reckless abandon endangers the safety of those around him. But when a man surfaces with an MO similar to the criminal who abducted Brinna twenty years earlier, Brinna and Jack must cast aside previous judgments and combine efforts to catch the kidnapper, and finally allow Brinna the peace stolen from her as a child.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2007
100 people are currently reading
1140 people want to read
About the author
Janice Cantore
21 books807 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 154 reviews
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: fficer Brinna Caruso has built a reputation at the precinct as the cop to call when a child goes missing. For Brinna, it's personal because she was once one of them. Brinna and her K-9 search and rescue dog, Hero, will stop at nothing to find a missing child, no matter the stakes.Detective Jack O'Reilly isn't ready to return to his homicide duties, after losing his wife to a drunk driver. He's on the downside of his career, and bent on revenge, when he's assigned as Brinna's partner. While on patrol, Jack struggles between his quest for personal justice and his responsibility to those around him, especially his partner.Skeptical of Jack's motives, Brinna isn't sure she can rely on her new partner, whose reckless abandon endangers the safety of those around him. But when a man surfaces with an MO similar to the criminal who abducted Brinna twenty years earlier, Brinna and Jack must cast aside previous judgments and combine efforts to catch the kidnapper, and finally allow Brinna the peace stolen from her as a child
REVIEW: This is my first read by Janice Cantore and I will definitely be reading her others. Jack and Brinna, the main characters, are both filled with flaws and struggling with past experiences that have turned them against God. This is more of a suspense read rather than a mystery as it is clear from the beginning who is responsible for the deaths. But in trying to catch the kidnapper and deal with their own life problems, both Jack and Brinna grow as people and in their faith. This book also presents a very realistic view of the lives of police officers reflecting the author's own background. Complex story line that will definitely keep your interest.
REVIEW: This is my first read by Janice Cantore and I will definitely be reading her others. Jack and Brinna, the main characters, are both filled with flaws and struggling with past experiences that have turned them against God. This is more of a suspense read rather than a mystery as it is clear from the beginning who is responsible for the deaths. But in trying to catch the kidnapper and deal with their own life problems, both Jack and Brinna grow as people and in their faith. This book also presents a very realistic view of the lives of police officers reflecting the author's own background. Complex story line that will definitely keep your interest.
December 1, 2023
4.5⭐️ A well-written, Christian suspense novel with a strong faith element and NO romance. Can I tell you how refreshing it is to read a suspense book that doesn’t feature an insta-love romance?! I’m really looking forward to trying another book by this author.
January 27, 2015
This book was actually written before Cantore's Pacific Coast series (and titled The Kevlar Heart), so I wasn't sure if the quality would be the same, but I found this book just as good (if not better) than Cantore's latest books. Loved all the interesting police details. A solid book from an emerging author!
July 7, 2021
"Critical Pursuit" is a Christian suspense novel. Brinna was kidnapped as a child and left alone to die or be rescued. When she's rescued, she's determined to save other kidnapped children because obviously God doesn't care enough to stop it. Now she's a police officer with a K-9 search and rescue dog. After she rescues a child and the news reports it and her past, her kidnapper (who's still at large) decides to kidnap children and leave them for her to find.
The suspense came from trying to find and save the children in time and hopefully catch the bad guy, too. The main characters were engaging (though flawed) and reacted realistically to events. Several people tried to help Brianna release her "it's all up to me" complex and get her to trust God again. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this engaging, suspenseful story.
The suspense came from trying to find and save the children in time and hopefully catch the bad guy, too. The main characters were engaging (though flawed) and reacted realistically to events. Several people tried to help Brianna release her "it's all up to me" complex and get her to trust God again. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this engaging, suspenseful story.
May 8, 2024
Great book, plot, and writing, with no romance! You’ll find yourself cheering for the characters all the way.
October 12, 2016
This book was a page turner. Lots of questions and suspense. Will Brinna find the missing child? Will Jack come to terms with his wife’s death? Is there a God who really cares? I was riveted while watching them struggle with their pasts and coming to terms with a God who would allow evil. (Full review at my website)
August 12, 2013
Two things exist in K-9 Officer Brinna Caruso's world: her scent-trained dog Hero and her hunt for child predators. Photos she's dubbed the Wall of Slime cover one section of her office, the faces of those child predators reminding her to be ever vigilant. Why? Because Brinna Caruso was once a six-year-old child, handcuffed to a post at an abandoned shack in the desert by a child molester, left to die. Except she was rescued, and even though Brinna's faith in God died that day, His compassion and use for her continues on in her calling as a police officer.
When a lawsuit crops up against her involving the death of a minor, Brinna is temporarily busted down to patrol. And her partner is none other than Jack O'Reilly, local basket-case who ended up "five fries short of a happy meal" when his pregnant wife died in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. She must leave Hero at home and work with a man she would really rather not, especially when her first good look at him reveals not just dead eyes, but empty, creepy eyes. Jack O'Reilly is a train wreck, made worse through his loss of faith in a God he once loved. Can these unwilling partners help one another not only heal, but also stop the sudden influx of missing little girls with a suspiciously similar MO as the way Brinna was abducted and restrained?
I judge my Christian thrillers according to two separate authors. If a writer falls somewhere in between Dee Henderson (pretty good) and Brandilyn Collins (the best there is), then they've succeeded. Janice Cantore's Critical Pursuit hits the mark to perfection, falling somewhere right in the middle. It's always hard reading a book where the main character not only struggles with God, but is outright bitter about Him. But I get it. I get sometimes why there is a struggle because it is very human to feel that He lets us down when something doesn't go our way. Brinna's bitterness doesn't make her unlikeable, just as Jack's raging against the Almighty rather makes me feel compassion than frustration. Non-Christians ask the question, "If God is so loving, how could He allow so much evil in the world?" It's a normal question that they ask, especially now in this era of doubt. And I feel that Janice Cantore covered that question very well, and even though not every emotion is wrapped up in a neat little package by the end of Critical Pursuit, I feel it will be by the end of the series.
One of the things I like most is how Ms. Cantore doesn't delve into the nasty details. I'm sure she saw her fair share of ugliness in her years as a cop, but her readers don't need all of that detail, and so she doesn't give it to us. It's hard and angering to read about pedophiles, but Ms. Cantore spares us too much informatino. And I for one, appreciate it! I don't really read much in the way of suspense anymore, but I couldn't put Critical Pursuit down, well, except to go to church. But my entire thought process for two days was finding time to finish her book because it is so fascinating with such realistic and relatable characters. I admit that I guessed what would happen next so the climax wasn't much of a surprise, but it still interested me because I was emotionally invested in the characters. I'm excited to see where she takes the series and the characters, and I hope I get to see more of Jack's old homicide partner, Ben Carney, who never stopped caring about Jack even when Jack stopped believing. The next book can't come soon enough for me!
Please note, I did receive a free advance copy of Critical Pursuit from Tyndale House Publishers in return for an honest and open review, which I have given. I also hope that the occasional misspellings of words/names and the repeating of the same conversation between Brinna and Tony in my Kindle edition is fixed before actual publication.
When a lawsuit crops up against her involving the death of a minor, Brinna is temporarily busted down to patrol. And her partner is none other than Jack O'Reilly, local basket-case who ended up "five fries short of a happy meal" when his pregnant wife died in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. She must leave Hero at home and work with a man she would really rather not, especially when her first good look at him reveals not just dead eyes, but empty, creepy eyes. Jack O'Reilly is a train wreck, made worse through his loss of faith in a God he once loved. Can these unwilling partners help one another not only heal, but also stop the sudden influx of missing little girls with a suspiciously similar MO as the way Brinna was abducted and restrained?
I judge my Christian thrillers according to two separate authors. If a writer falls somewhere in between Dee Henderson (pretty good) and Brandilyn Collins (the best there is), then they've succeeded. Janice Cantore's Critical Pursuit hits the mark to perfection, falling somewhere right in the middle. It's always hard reading a book where the main character not only struggles with God, but is outright bitter about Him. But I get it. I get sometimes why there is a struggle because it is very human to feel that He lets us down when something doesn't go our way. Brinna's bitterness doesn't make her unlikeable, just as Jack's raging against the Almighty rather makes me feel compassion than frustration. Non-Christians ask the question, "If God is so loving, how could He allow so much evil in the world?" It's a normal question that they ask, especially now in this era of doubt. And I feel that Janice Cantore covered that question very well, and even though not every emotion is wrapped up in a neat little package by the end of Critical Pursuit, I feel it will be by the end of the series.
One of the things I like most is how Ms. Cantore doesn't delve into the nasty details. I'm sure she saw her fair share of ugliness in her years as a cop, but her readers don't need all of that detail, and so she doesn't give it to us. It's hard and angering to read about pedophiles, but Ms. Cantore spares us too much informatino. And I for one, appreciate it! I don't really read much in the way of suspense anymore, but I couldn't put Critical Pursuit down, well, except to go to church. But my entire thought process for two days was finding time to finish her book because it is so fascinating with such realistic and relatable characters. I admit that I guessed what would happen next so the climax wasn't much of a surprise, but it still interested me because I was emotionally invested in the characters. I'm excited to see where she takes the series and the characters, and I hope I get to see more of Jack's old homicide partner, Ben Carney, who never stopped caring about Jack even when Jack stopped believing. The next book can't come soon enough for me!
Please note, I did receive a free advance copy of Critical Pursuit from Tyndale House Publishers in return for an honest and open review, which I have given. I also hope that the occasional misspellings of words/names and the repeating of the same conversation between Brinna and Tony in my Kindle edition is fixed before actual publication.
December 3, 2013
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1ZP4YVT...
Review on my blog: http://www.christianbookshelfreviews....
Critical Pursuit is the first book I've read by Janice Cantore and, when I first learned about it, I didn't know it was previously published by Oaktara in 2007 as The Kevlar Heart. I really liked this book and it reminded me a little bit of some of Lynette Eason's books. I thought the story was interesting throughout and, while it wasn't a secret to the reader who the villain was, there were still some suspenseful moments.
I liked the characters and seeing them grow as the story progressed. I'm definitely interested in reading the next book with Officer Brinna Caruso, Visible Threat, as Critical Pursuit ended with me wondering what was going to happen next in Brinna's and Jack's life.
Overall, Critical Pursuit was a really good suspense read. There wasn't a lot of romance, but there are hints of it developing. I recommend it to fans of this genre.
*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 on my blog. 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.*
Review on my blog: http://www.christianbookshelfreviews....
Critical Pursuit is the first book I've read by Janice Cantore and, when I first learned about it, I didn't know it was previously published by Oaktara in 2007 as The Kevlar Heart. I really liked this book and it reminded me a little bit of some of Lynette Eason's books. I thought the story was interesting throughout and, while it wasn't a secret to the reader who the villain was, there were still some suspenseful moments.
I liked the characters and seeing them grow as the story progressed. I'm definitely interested in reading the next book with Officer Brinna Caruso, Visible Threat, as Critical Pursuit ended with me wondering what was going to happen next in Brinna's and Jack's life.
Overall, Critical Pursuit was a really good suspense read. There wasn't a lot of romance, but there are hints of it developing. I recommend it to fans of this genre.
*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 on my blog. 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.*
August 22, 2013
This is the first book I’ve read written by Janice Cantore and it won‘t be the last. I love to read novels written by former police officers, doctors, lawyers etc… The information is so accurate and full of life and adventure.
In this book Jack and Brinna both are mad at God or don’t believe He exists. Twenty years ago Brinna was abducted and left to die. So she wonders why do bad things happen if there is a God. Jack had it all and then a drunk driver took it away. He can’t love a God who destroys the innocent.
They are thrown together as partners for a two week period and in that time many things happen and wake them both up. Brinna is a crusader for the helpless children who get abducted and Jack is just trying to forget everything.
I really liked this book and especially the ending. Usually in a book like this when people are thrown together and have been through great loss they always fall in love with each other right away. I find that very hard to believe. How can you really be torn up about your past and then fall in love with the first person who comes along. This ending is superb and I enjoyed this book very much. I recommend Critical Pursuit for very good suspense, edge of your seat ride and a fantastic ending. Police stories are fantastic.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. 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
In this book Jack and Brinna both are mad at God or don’t believe He exists. Twenty years ago Brinna was abducted and left to die. So she wonders why do bad things happen if there is a God. Jack had it all and then a drunk driver took it away. He can’t love a God who destroys the innocent.
They are thrown together as partners for a two week period and in that time many things happen and wake them both up. Brinna is a crusader for the helpless children who get abducted and Jack is just trying to forget everything.
I really liked this book and especially the ending. Usually in a book like this when people are thrown together and have been through great loss they always fall in love with each other right away. I find that very hard to believe. How can you really be torn up about your past and then fall in love with the first person who comes along. This ending is superb and I enjoyed this book very much. I recommend Critical Pursuit for very good suspense, edge of your seat ride and a fantastic ending. Police stories are fantastic.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. 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
December 15, 2013
Brinna's life mission is to rescue kidnapped girls just like she was rescued. Jack is just trying to survive until the sentencing of his wife's killer. When the two are thrown together on patrol for two weeks, they have to learn to work together in order to confront the past and its secrets.
I've read Cantore's other books, and while I liked them, I loved this book. Brinna and Jack are real---full of flaws and failures, which is why I liked them so much. I also liked the fact that their relationship was more about figuring out who they were than romance although I wouldn't be sad or surprised if something develops.
The action is fast. There were several serious events that happened in a short time. They could have been more meaningful if one or two were kept for a later book. However, the suspense kept me reading and left me waiting for book two!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for me review, and my thoughts are my own.
I've read Cantore's other books, and while I liked them, I loved this book. Brinna and Jack are real---full of flaws and failures, which is why I liked them so much. I also liked the fact that their relationship was more about figuring out who they were than romance although I wouldn't be sad or surprised if something develops.
The action is fast. There were several serious events that happened in a short time. They could have been more meaningful if one or two were kept for a later book. However, the suspense kept me reading and left me waiting for book two!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for me review, and my thoughts are my own.
September 7, 2013
4.5 stars
Critical Pursuit is a fantastic book! Of course, I'm a fan of suspense novels and have enjoyed Janice Cantore's previous books, but this one was my favorite so far! The book is a bit grittier than her previous books (but nothing over the top). I was totally caught up in the police drama, and all of the personal drama just added to my enjoyment of the book.
Note: This book was previously published as The Kevlar Heart.
Full review on i blog 4 books: http://iblog4books.blogspot.com/2013/...
Full review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1MC8IDG...
Critical Pursuit is a fantastic book! Of course, I'm a fan of suspense novels and have enjoyed Janice Cantore's previous books, but this one was my favorite so far! The book is a bit grittier than her previous books (but nothing over the top). I was totally caught up in the police drama, and all of the personal drama just added to my enjoyment of the book.
Note: This book was previously published as The Kevlar Heart.
Full review on i blog 4 books: http://iblog4books.blogspot.com/2013/...
Full review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1MC8IDG...
June 6, 2014
This book was great! I had never read any of Cantore's work until this book, but I will definitely be reading more. This book was suspenseful and kept me fully interested and entertained until the end. Written by a former police officer, the book offers a very realistic look into their lives and work. This book is very well written and has such a complex storyline that I often had trouble putting it down. I loved the characters and feel like they are very relatable. I also loved that God is woven throughout the book and faith is very real and integral part of the story.
June 7, 2014
Wow! Janice Cantore did it again! This was a wonderful read! I felt like I was part of Brinna's life in this book. Brinna is a cop who has an obsession with finding abducted children. This obsession came from her being abducted as a child. We go through her life with her as a cop and trying to understand how God has a part in her life. I would recommend this book to everyone especially who those who like inspirational suspense.
July 17, 2014
Great read! I read this book in one day! I could hardly put it down. I love books that are mystery type with a Christian theme. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery as well as Christian fiction. This is the best of both worlds!
April 6, 2024
Cantore's cop novels are always realistic and gritty, seeming to be ripped right from the headlines. Great story telling with characters you can root for. Critical Pursuit was another page-turning story.
Brinna Caruso's mission is to bring home missing/abducted children. Abducted at the age of six, Brinna knows the horror of being a victim, but instead of dwelling on that, she focuses all her extra time and energy on catching and putting away the evil men who prey on innocents.
Unable to reconcile a loving God with the evil she sees in the world around her, she chooses to trust in herself and her instincts rather than God. Regardless, her mother continues to share her faith with Brinna on a regular basis. And now she has a new temporary partner who is teetering on the brink after the death of his wife. His soul struggle with faith, hope, and peace is bringing Brinna face to face with thoughts and feelings her gut has no idea how to deal with.
Brinna Caruso's mission is to bring home missing/abducted children. Abducted at the age of six, Brinna knows the horror of being a victim, but instead of dwelling on that, she focuses all her extra time and energy on catching and putting away the evil men who prey on innocents.
Unable to reconcile a loving God with the evil she sees in the world around her, she chooses to trust in herself and her instincts rather than God. Regardless, her mother continues to share her faith with Brinna on a regular basis. And now she has a new temporary partner who is teetering on the brink after the death of his wife. His soul struggle with faith, hope, and peace is bringing Brinna face to face with thoughts and feelings her gut has no idea how to deal with.
March 3, 2024
Critical Pursuit is a law enforcement story with non-stop action and a lot of mystery. Officer Brinna Caruso and Detective Jack O’Reilly make great leading characters with their traumatic experiences which add complexity to the story. 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 complex character development and brings scenes to life with her descriptive writing. Fantastic 5 star book!
Quote: " He was caught in an impossible situation. He wanted to deny God because Vicki was taken from him so horribly. But to deny God denied heaven and meant Jack could never again gaze upon his wife.”
Quote: " He was caught in an impossible situation. He wanted to deny God because Vicki was taken from him so horribly. But to deny God denied heaven and meant Jack could never again gaze upon his wife.”
March 26, 2017
Why Does God Let Evil Things Happen?
This is the question that plagues Brinna Caruso, a K9 officer facing the 20th anniversary of the day she was abducted, molested, and left for dead. Her temporary patrol partner, Jack O'Reilly, is asking the same question as he waits for the sentencing of the drunk driver who killed his pregnant wife a year ago. Brinna's near obsession with finding pedophiles in Long Beach gives Jack a renewed purpose, and together they are able to solve the puzzle to finally give Brinna the closure she needs in order to move on. But they still grapple with the greater question. Can Jack return to a faith he lost, and can Brinna finally open her heart to the God her mother has been telling her about all these years?
This is the question that plagues Brinna Caruso, a K9 officer facing the 20th anniversary of the day she was abducted, molested, and left for dead. Her temporary patrol partner, Jack O'Reilly, is asking the same question as he waits for the sentencing of the drunk driver who killed his pregnant wife a year ago. Brinna's near obsession with finding pedophiles in Long Beach gives Jack a renewed purpose, and together they are able to solve the puzzle to finally give Brinna the closure she needs in order to move on. But they still grapple with the greater question. Can Jack return to a faith he lost, and can Brinna finally open her heart to the God her mother has been telling her about all these years?
September 25, 2025
Police officer Brinna Caruso is relentless in her pursuit of missing children, because of her own abduction when she was a child. Her new partner, Jack O’Reilly wants justice after his wife was killed by a drunk driver. Brinna and Jack are both hurting from past traumas, and yet they must work together to bring justice to other victims and their families.
I like everything I have read by this author. However, this book was a challenge for me to read to the end. It is a story of abduction/crimes against children. The material is sensitive, but fortunately not detailed. It was a hard book to read, as this happens every day in the real world.
I like everything I have read by this author. However, this book was a challenge for me to read to the end. It is a story of abduction/crimes against children. The material is sensitive, but fortunately not detailed. It was a hard book to read, as this happens every day in the real world.
January 30, 2020
Great read
Great read. Love books by this author. They read fast and furious and I can’t put them down. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Jack and Brinna are great characters full of twists and turns.
This book tackles some hard topics but the one I want to mention for the spoiler and trigger warning is child molestation. Be advised it’s in there and most of the book focuses around it.
Also drunk driving and wrestling with God on why bad things happen to good people can be found in here.
Highly recommend this book and all books by this author.
Great read. Love books by this author. They read fast and furious and I can’t put them down. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Jack and Brinna are great characters full of twists and turns.
This book tackles some hard topics but the one I want to mention for the spoiler and trigger warning is child molestation. Be advised it’s in there and most of the book focuses around it.
Also drunk driving and wrestling with God on why bad things happen to good people can be found in here.
Highly recommend this book and all books by this author.
January 5, 2021
I do so enjoy Janice Cantore’s books. This is an older book originally published under the title The Kevlar Heart. A former police officer The author writes authentic stories with lots of details of police actions. This story revolves around Brinna and Jack and their search for a child kidnapper as well as their search for God and the meaning of life. It is full of suspense and police action that will keep you turning pages to the end with a very satisfying ending. Now on to the next book in the series.
February 21, 2023
A Great Read
I appreciate the authenticity this author brings in relation to the work our officers do. It was hard to put this book down. I have read a ton of Christian thrillers and this one I would rate as one of the best. I liked that there wasn’t a lot of romance, but that there was a hint that there might be some in the sequel. The questions that the characters have in relation to God and heaven were very relevant. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, and more by this author.
I appreciate the authenticity this author brings in relation to the work our officers do. It was hard to put this book down. I have read a ton of Christian thrillers and this one I would rate as one of the best. I liked that there wasn’t a lot of romance, but that there was a hint that there might be some in the sequel. The questions that the characters have in relation to God and heaven were very relevant. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, and more by this author.
March 10, 2023
I liked it, it wasn't a 5-star status because I wouldn't recommend it to anyone and I didn't absolutely loveeee it myself, but it was still an interesting read. Interesting enough to finish in a day. However, the pov chapters from the creeps' point of view made me very uneasy and made it difficult to read. Most people read books to escape reality, so this book may not be for you, it is a dose of hard realities that can and have happened. Which makes it all the more difficult to read.
True Rating: 3.5/5
True Rating: 3.5/5
February 28, 2014
Blog: http://nastassjaloots.blogspot.com/20...
Officer Brinna Caruso used to believe in God… before she was abducted, molested and left for dead at the tender age of six. It wasn’t God who finally found and rescued her, it was a cop from the K9 unit. At that very moment Brinna knew what she would do with her life, and with her rescuer as her mentor, Brinna succeeds in becoming a K9 cop early in life. Her penchant for finding missing children soon sees Brinna dubbed the Kid Crusader, but those who love her fear that Brinna has an unhealthy obsession with bringing sex offenders to justice.
Detective Jack O’Reiley used to believe in God… until a drunk driver killed his pregnant wife, Vicky. As Jack sees it God abandoned him, and he is returning the favour. Jack stopped living the day his wife did; he is only existing until the day of the driver’s sentencing. After that, Jack has no desire to live – whether or not he kills Gil Bridges too depends on whether or not the Court delivers maximum sentencing. The detective with a solid reputation is long gone, replaced by a washed out deadbeat other officers think should leave the force and be done with it. Jack thought he didn’t care about life anymore, but he finds these opinions of others sting more than he would have expected.
External matters outside of their control force Brinna and Jack to become temporary partners, whether they like it or not – and neither of them like it. Their new partnership is off to a rocky start, each distrustful of the other. The only thing they have in common is that neither believes in God; as Brinna puts it, there are no fairy-tales in their squad car. Jack and Brinna’s uncomfortable partnership eventually turns into a tentative friendship, and their collective musings also lead to both of them questioning their stance on God. Maybe, just maybe, Jack and Brinna can help each other find the way…
While on patrol, Jack struggles between his quest for personal justice and his responsibility to those around him, especially his partner - Could his death wish get her killed instead? It is only once a copy-cat paedophile starts taunting Brinna that Jack starts focusing on something other than his own bitterness. His new partner’s drive and determination slowly brings Jack back to life and makes him want to be the cop he once was; the kind of man Vicky would be proud of.
Brinna has never denied that she is obsessed with tracking and catching paedophiles, she just never figured her obsession is unhealthy. It is only once Brinna’s personal and professional life starts crumbling around her that Brinna is forced to re-evaluate her life. Could her new partner be the key to finally finding a healthy balance?
Critical pursuit by Janice Cantore follows Brinna Caruso and Jack O’Reiley as they join forces to hunt down a paedophile. While dealing with the reality of missing girls and a paedophile on the loose, Jack and Brinna are also each faced with personal problems that threaten to crush them both. Their current circumstances force them to finally start answering the questions each of them harbours about God. Cantore touches on relevant topics as the questions Jack and Brinna struggle with are legitimate questions many people, believers and non-believers alike, struggle with: Why do bad things happen to good people? If God is Almighty, why does he allow innocents to suffer? Cantore subtly encourages the reader to contemplate these questions as well.
Cantore’s villain is everything you would expect this kind of villain to be. I found it very hard reading the short chapters from his POV. It made me so uncomfortable to be exposed to his train of thought. Whenever a book makes you uncomfortable, it presents you with an opportunity to learn more – about certain subjects, about certain viewpoints and about yourself. It is so disturbing to think that men like him truly exist; but it is a fact of life, and Cantore incorporated this truth skilfully to add to the intensity of the story.
I found it very refreshing that there is no hint of romance in this book. I half-expected Brinna and Jack to fall in love, but that did not happen – to my delight. Jack is still very much grieving his wife’s passing, and a relationship between them would not have worked. Instead of a budding romance, we find a budding partnership and friendship – which was even better.
Visible Threat, sequel to Critical Pursuit, is set to be released in April 2014. I am glad we’ll get to spend more time with Brinna and Jack as by the end of the novel, while there is definite growth, neither of them are where they have the potential to be. While I like that there is no hint of a relationship between them during this book, I also like the idea that a relationship between Jack and Brinna might be possible in the future. While neither of them are ready for a romantic relationship just yet, I think they are a good fit for each other and I look forward to exploring where their relationship could go.
Tyndale House Publishers has graciously provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review, I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review, nor did this review lead to any personal gain other than the joy of being part of the Tyndale Blog Network. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Officer Brinna Caruso used to believe in God… before she was abducted, molested and left for dead at the tender age of six. It wasn’t God who finally found and rescued her, it was a cop from the K9 unit. At that very moment Brinna knew what she would do with her life, and with her rescuer as her mentor, Brinna succeeds in becoming a K9 cop early in life. Her penchant for finding missing children soon sees Brinna dubbed the Kid Crusader, but those who love her fear that Brinna has an unhealthy obsession with bringing sex offenders to justice.
Detective Jack O’Reiley used to believe in God… until a drunk driver killed his pregnant wife, Vicky. As Jack sees it God abandoned him, and he is returning the favour. Jack stopped living the day his wife did; he is only existing until the day of the driver’s sentencing. After that, Jack has no desire to live – whether or not he kills Gil Bridges too depends on whether or not the Court delivers maximum sentencing. The detective with a solid reputation is long gone, replaced by a washed out deadbeat other officers think should leave the force and be done with it. Jack thought he didn’t care about life anymore, but he finds these opinions of others sting more than he would have expected.
External matters outside of their control force Brinna and Jack to become temporary partners, whether they like it or not – and neither of them like it. Their new partnership is off to a rocky start, each distrustful of the other. The only thing they have in common is that neither believes in God; as Brinna puts it, there are no fairy-tales in their squad car. Jack and Brinna’s uncomfortable partnership eventually turns into a tentative friendship, and their collective musings also lead to both of them questioning their stance on God. Maybe, just maybe, Jack and Brinna can help each other find the way…
While on patrol, Jack struggles between his quest for personal justice and his responsibility to those around him, especially his partner - Could his death wish get her killed instead? It is only once a copy-cat paedophile starts taunting Brinna that Jack starts focusing on something other than his own bitterness. His new partner’s drive and determination slowly brings Jack back to life and makes him want to be the cop he once was; the kind of man Vicky would be proud of.
Brinna has never denied that she is obsessed with tracking and catching paedophiles, she just never figured her obsession is unhealthy. It is only once Brinna’s personal and professional life starts crumbling around her that Brinna is forced to re-evaluate her life. Could her new partner be the key to finally finding a healthy balance?
Critical pursuit by Janice Cantore follows Brinna Caruso and Jack O’Reiley as they join forces to hunt down a paedophile. While dealing with the reality of missing girls and a paedophile on the loose, Jack and Brinna are also each faced with personal problems that threaten to crush them both. Their current circumstances force them to finally start answering the questions each of them harbours about God. Cantore touches on relevant topics as the questions Jack and Brinna struggle with are legitimate questions many people, believers and non-believers alike, struggle with: Why do bad things happen to good people? If God is Almighty, why does he allow innocents to suffer? Cantore subtly encourages the reader to contemplate these questions as well.
Cantore’s villain is everything you would expect this kind of villain to be. I found it very hard reading the short chapters from his POV. It made me so uncomfortable to be exposed to his train of thought. Whenever a book makes you uncomfortable, it presents you with an opportunity to learn more – about certain subjects, about certain viewpoints and about yourself. It is so disturbing to think that men like him truly exist; but it is a fact of life, and Cantore incorporated this truth skilfully to add to the intensity of the story.
I found it very refreshing that there is no hint of romance in this book. I half-expected Brinna and Jack to fall in love, but that did not happen – to my delight. Jack is still very much grieving his wife’s passing, and a relationship between them would not have worked. Instead of a budding romance, we find a budding partnership and friendship – which was even better.
Visible Threat, sequel to Critical Pursuit, is set to be released in April 2014. I am glad we’ll get to spend more time with Brinna and Jack as by the end of the novel, while there is definite growth, neither of them are where they have the potential to be. While I like that there is no hint of a relationship between them during this book, I also like the idea that a relationship between Jack and Brinna might be possible in the future. While neither of them are ready for a romantic relationship just yet, I think they are a good fit for each other and I look forward to exploring where their relationship could go.
Tyndale House Publishers has graciously provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review, I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review, nor did this review lead to any personal gain other than the joy of being part of the Tyndale Blog Network. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 15, 2019
Well written, fast paced Christian mystery
This is the 3rd book that I have read by Janice Cantore and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EACH! This Christian mystery has some unexpected twists and turns. Definitely hard to put this book down for even a short time! I am thankful I had the time available to read in one day. I plan on reading more of her books because they are well written in every day language and the talking parts are almost as if you were listening to people talk!
This is the 3rd book that I have read by Janice Cantore and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EACH! This Christian mystery has some unexpected twists and turns. Definitely hard to put this book down for even a short time! I am thankful I had the time available to read in one day. I plan on reading more of her books because they are well written in every day language and the talking parts are almost as if you were listening to people talk!
March 21, 2020
K-9 officer Brinna Caruso was kidnapped twenty years ago, as a child. Fortunately, she was rescued and restored to her family. Now it is her mission to save other children, especially little girls, from similar ordeals. What Brinna doesn't know is that her own kidnapper, presumed dead for the last ten years, is planning to "celebrate" the 20th anniversary of her rescue with his most audacious scheme yet ...
June 28, 2018
Inspirational police procedural
This story was good, interesting and thought provoking. A troubled homicide detective and a dedicated an single minded female office are placed together for a two week street duty. The story is enhanced by the questions of heaven and the existence of god in a troubled world. I believe that anyone reading this book will enjoy.
This story was good, interesting and thought provoking. A troubled homicide detective and a dedicated an single minded female office are placed together for a two week street duty. The story is enhanced by the questions of heaven and the existence of god in a troubled world. I believe that anyone reading this book will enjoy.
October 12, 2022
Cantore has crafted a riveting drama. I was immediately immersed into the story. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. Spiritual truths whisper through the pages without being preachy. This novel is hard to put down.
Recommend to reader who enjoy mystery/suspense.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I've expressed my honest view.
Recommend to reader who enjoy mystery/suspense.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I've expressed my honest view.
September 11, 2022
Great crime story
Another amazing book by Janice Cantore. Full of faith and crime. Like the characters who are developing and look forward to reading the second book in this series.
Another amazing book by Janice Cantore. Full of faith and crime. Like the characters who are developing and look forward to reading the second book in this series.
April 25, 2024
Suspenseful and very well written. The subject is quite disturbing but handled well and is something we should all be aware of - always doing our very best to make sure children stay safe. Hero, Brinna's dog is the best!!!
November 21, 2024
Interesting story of an abducted child who was rescued and grows up to become a police officer like her rescuer. A lot of religious references that I wasn't expecting - becomes the main theme of the story.
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