Hollow Bones

Caitlyn Tierney FBI Thriller #3

by C.J. Lyons

Hollow Bones, CJ Lyons

From the ancient mysteries of a Mayan temple to the sinister secrets of modern medicine, FBI agent Caitlyn Tierney uncovers crimes that have been buried far too long and far too deep...

It’s the kind of case that chills Caitlyn to the bone. Missing person. College student. Beloved daughter of a world leader in biotechnology. She was last seen on a spring break cruise. No witnesses. No motives. Just one possible lead—reports of a stranger who may have lured the young archeology major off the ship and into the jungles of Guatemala.  When Caitlyn follows her hunch into the jungle—with the FBI’s Jake Carver by her side—the trail takes a surprising turn into the very heart of darkness.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Adult

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2013

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels, former pediatric ER doctor CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge Thrillers with Heart.

Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).

Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net

Reviews

[Patrice Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hollow Bones is the latest in The FBI Supervisory Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney series by C.J. Lyons. I'm not exactly certain where this lands in the series count but I'm assuming somewhere around #2 or #3. Hollow Bones is my first encounter with C.J. Lyons, and I have to say, it was pretty good.

Hollow Bones opens to an explosive standoff between Caitlyn Tierney and an unexpected adversary. From page one it's gripping and action packed. The next chapter doesn't lose steam as the character Maria Alvarado is introduced. Almost immediately things seem wrong, but the strong will of a 19-year old anxious to spend time from under a parents watchful eye, is plunged into a nightmare. Maria deboards a cruise ship and less than an hour later is running from some very scary people with guns in the Guatelmalan jungles. Oh My!

After being missing for not very long, Caitlyn Tierney is called in to find the missing girl. Maria's father being a leader in biotechnology has pulled enough strings to get such a swift response to his daughter's disappearance. Slowly Tierney unravels the truth that there is a lot more going on than what she could have ever imagined.

The perks of this novel is that there are simply no dull moments. C.J. Lyons manages to keep the tensity and action going for the better half of the novel and for that I am grateful. There's nothing more boring than a boring novel. Lyons also brings her knowledge of medicine and the horrors of said profession into the forefront without slowing down the novel. There's info that's given in a funeral home that made me cringe... whoa!

The gripes I have with this novel should be pretty evident with it being a part of a series. Those gripes are the thinness of the characters. There's a lot eluded to about Tierney's past but not enough information was given for me to see how it affected her one way or another. The most well developed character is Maria but even she's simply a caricature. A naive teenage girl who suddenly finds the strength to survive no matter what. We all love those type of stories but readers aren't as dense as that. We want to really experience her development and see it blossom.

Overall, my introduction to C.J. Lyons has been enjoyable. I look forward to reading more novels she has written. Hollow Bones is definitely for her fans as well as fans of Tess Gerritsen or Tami Hoag. I recommend this novel to all interested in a quick paced read that allows no time to breath.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first introduction to Caitlyn. I have not read the prior two books. Yet, this book can be read as a stand alone novel. In fact, the only thing that readers would miss by not having read the prior novels are Caitlyn and Jake's relationship. Which was not overpowering in this book. Still, I felt their connection and easily was convinced of their love for each other. Additionally, they were perfectly matched.

Right from the beginning this story took off with action. It stayed and therefore the pacing was good. I was able to keep reading with no down time. I liked the location for this story as well. This book had some of the medical background that I have gotten to know from this author with her Angels of Mercy series. Plus, I was happy to see a little battle between the bad guys, Caitlyn, and Jake. After having an enjoyable time reading this book, I plan to go back and check out the prior novels.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book in a series, I didn't read the other two but it didn't seem like I really missed anything other than a bit of relationship development. This is a book filled with non-stop action and adventure and thrills. If you like a good thriller, definitely check this series out.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being shot, rehabbing and with some doubtful of her ability to handle stress, Caitlyn Tierney is the new Local Law Enforcement Liason. Better than being locked in a room somewhere, no? Her sorta fella, Jake Carver has just returned form over a year of playing undercover with a biker gang and is grounded until he is called to testify. So he moves in with Caitlyn.

Who quickly moves out as she is sent to Florida to meet with parents whose 19-yr old daughter is missing. She went on a cruise to Guatemala, among other places and they cannot contact her. Just another case of over-protective, very rich parents? Not quite. They are hiding something and you won’t believe what it is. In fact, this books moves so fast, you’d best hang on to your armchair while reading it. Everyone is after everyone in this tale, some with good intentions; mostly with bad.

I missed the first book of Caitlyn Tierney, Jake Carver and the FBI, (Black Sheep) but believe me, it’s on hold now at the local library! What a ride this one is!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hollow Bones" by C. J. Lyons is the third novel in her "Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney Thriller" series. I read it as a stand alone and thoroughly enjoyed it.
A thrilling action-packed story that follows Caitlyn into the jungles of Guatemala in search of a college student who has disappeared off of a cruise ship. Maria 19, with a passion for archeology, was lured into the jungle with the promise of working at an archeological dig at a hidden Mayan ruin.
Jake Carver, FBI Special Agent and Caitlyn's love interest, has just returned from an undercover assignment with a biker gang and is awaiting trial, when he joins Caitlyn in this dangerous pursuit.
It is quickly discovered that this is more than a missing persons case when they come across an old eerie hospital where the harvesting and use of human tissue is being performed.
A thrilling page turner mixed with science and mystery.

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good jungle book!! This one satisfies--it's even a bit scary, given the nature of the human tissue trade. It's a great romantic suspense that takes place in the U.S. And the jungles of Guatemala. The cast of characters are interesting, and the ending is satisfying ;-)

[StarMan]

VERDICT: No stars punched (Did Not Finish the book), but a bit under 2 stars for the parts I read.

Some TSTL and over-the-top characters, unrealistic expository dialogue, and other issues.

But as a straight TV-movie quality "thriller," it may be worth 3+ stars to you -- if you don't mind some fanciful stuff, and/or enjoy some medical shenanigans.

[Starr Gardinier · Rating 3 out of 5]

HOLLOW BONES
By CJ Lyons
Maria Alvarado is excited. At just eighteen years old, she’s on her way to an archaeological dig and a major discovery of a Mayan temple in Guatemala. But she has to lie to her parents to get there. But the temple isn’t a discovery and the dig never happens. What does, will blow your mind.
Maria is caught up in a web of murder, treachery, lies, and fatal danger in the jungles of Guatemala. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney is brought into the case when Hector, Maria’s father, contacts the FBI regarding his missing daughter. When he finds out who has his daughter, he attempts to leave Caitlyn in the dust and handle the matter himself. But she isn’t shaken off so easy and is quickly on his tail.
FBI forensic accountant and Special Agent Jake Carver is Caitlyn’s on-again, off-again lover. Both of them profess to love the lonely life, but can’t seem to stay away from each other. He too is brought into the case and goes to Guatemala in search of answers that may bring down BioRegen, a company partially owned by Hector, for allegedly causing the deaths of others.
Caitlyn and Jake work together to save Maria and to put a halt to Hector and Carrera’s—Hector’s business partner in Guatemala—reign of terror. Carrera wants to use Maria’s heart to save his son Michael because she’s a match to Michael, which leads to other questions. Hector is trying to cover up the mass of dead bodies hidden in the jungle to save his own skin. And truths come out about Maria’s parents and their alleged business with BioRegen that leave her speechless. Could Hector be responsible for the murder of thousands of people? Will he ultimately be the cause of her death?
A great story that will have you turning the pages as quick as you can. It’s hard to put down and I recommend this one.
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off better than it ended. I liked where it was going, but at about halfway it veered into a direction that brought down its rating for me. I didn't feel like the characters were very well developed.. and by that I mean that we never hear of Maria's friends again, the other characters have a very shallow past (non-intricate). It annoyed me that the author felt the need to constantly say FBI special agent Caitlyn... even after page 250 when we already know this. I thought some of the visual pictures the author tried to paint us was confusing and didn't add much to the story. Also, I picked up this book because I thought I'd read a characters adventure through the jungle, but there was no adventure... just some boring driving narratives. The ending was so non-climactic and quick that I felt that it wasn't over - there needed to be more... It was only OK (2 stars) - I probably won't pick up another book from this author any time soon. I wasn't impressed by the authors writing.

I wish I could've like this book more.. oh well. It wasn't a terrible book if your looking for a quick read.. but I wouldn't recommend it to other people. It was only mildly entertaining. Hope I didn't give any spoilers to people interested.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good mystery. Well written with likable characters. Lyons is a pediatric ER doctor/author. My first time reading and was impressed. This was a book from the Caitlyn Tierney series. Tierney,works for the FBI. She is sent to help find a missing girl on a cruise ship. The story takes place in the jungles of Guatemala. A hidden Mayan temple and the secrets it holds. Tierney uncovers crimes that have been buried for 20 years and the people who perpetrated the crimes..

[Ceelee · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLLOW BONES was my first encounter with Caitlyn Tierney and the FBI Thriller series by C J Lyons. I used it for a task in the Seasonal Reading Challenge Winter series as an author with only abbreviated letters for first/middle name. I always like discovering "new" authors and I liked the idea of the story centering around an archaeological site. The story oped with a riveting scene of Tierney dealing with an intense situation which as far as I can tell had no real bearing on the rest of the novel except present a good example of the kind of agent Ms Tierney is on duty. She is very intelligent, can quickly size up a situation and looks for a peaceful outcome if possible. She definitely knows what she is doing, shows great patience and and has compassion even while she faces the possibility of death for herself, her partner or others involved.

After the opening prologue ended we find ourselves on a cruise ship with a group of college girls headed for a siring break trip to Mexico. Maria is meeting a guy she met online who was going to lead her to a Mayan temple archaeological site in Guatemala being explored by a famous professor. I thought "oh great, this is going to be a aromatic suspense story about Maria and Prescott who find romance among the ruins." Soon I discovered that was not the case although I toyed with the idea myself that Prescott might not be the man she thinks he is. A gripping scene led to an unexpected quest to find answers for Maria both about Prescott and her father who also turned out to be someone she had no clue about. Maria was a contrast of idealistic young student, romantic girl and tough female warrior. The book turned out better than I expected. I liked Caitlyn because I think female FBI agents are cool especially when they take the lead in an investigation but her relationship with her partner Jack Carver strayed into silly romance movie dialogue and took away some of the story's substance. The writing was otherwise fairly good and there were plenty of unexpected twists and even a bit of medical stuff I had never heard about that made me cringe because I had four blood transfusions last year the information freaked me out! (Must investigate this!) The scene in the Mayan temple was terrific and makes me want to read more about the Mayan culture and their history. It was hard for me to believe Maria's father Hector was the kind of person he was and Maria had no idea about his "other" life. Her mother was as dull as dishwater and a stock plastic rich wife character and of little real consequence. Her friends were pretty much brainless ninnys and disappeared from the story when it started getting more intense. I didn't miss them.

I enjoyed the book more than I expected but it didn't make me want to rush out and get more in the series although I might try another one someday. I wasn't completely hooked on the series because there are too many of the same type of books out there For someone looking for a good summer read with a little romance and a decent mystery I would recommend the book.

[Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maria Alvarado can’t wait to leave the cruise ship at Guatemala. She’s been communicating online with a retired professor who offers her a place on his latest dig—the discovery of an ancient Mayan temple. She used satellite and other technologies to find the temple, so the professor rewarded her efforts by offering her a chance to explore it. So, let’s see: Do we stay on a cruise ship so drunk frat boys can hit on us? Or do we surreptitiously disembark from the ship, meet the academic contact in Guatemala, and spend two glorious weeks exploring whatever treasure may be inside that old temple? Naturally, Maria slips her cruse ship ID card to a friend and disappears into the Guatemalan jungle. Within minutes of her entrance into the heart of the jungle someone stops the vehicle in which she’s riding and kills her guide. She flees deeper into the jungle where she hides from her would-be abductors.

This is the final book in a trilogy, and you can read this without reading the prior two books.

Concerned when their daughter doesn’t report in from the ship, Maria’s parents, friends of the assistant director of the FBI, pull strings to start an international investigation into the girl’s whereabouts. Supervising Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney and her squeeze wind up in Guatemala tracking the missing girl.

The pace remains solid throughout. You won’t find that hundred pages of boredom in the middle like you can in the hands of lesser authors. Lyon knows how to pace the book and draw you in from one riveting event to another. The author’s knowledge of modern medicine lets her design a plot that is indeed horrifying and engrossing.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollow Bones by CJ Lyons is an addictive romantic suspense read. It immediately brings readers a dark, action-packed yet deadly scenario. From there, the main characters, FBI Agent Caitlyn and Carver are on another case. While that is happening, a deadly scenario is playing out that will connect to the case that Caitlyn and Carver are handling. A young woman, daughter of an archeologist, sets out without her father's knowledge to gain what she thinks is an upper first-hand on a discovery of a lifetime. Oh, it's a discovery of a lifetime just not the one she was expecting. She is taken deep into the jungle, where bad men are waiting. The bad guy that lured her is shot and she runs for her life. The book switches back and forth from the woman running for her life to the agents working on a case. CJ Lyons is a talented writer. Her book is thrilling, keeping me on the edge while keeping me hooked on the next crime. If you love mystery, thrilling suspense with romance, this is the crime fiction read highly recommended.

I bought this book from my library's used book sale.

[L8blmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heroine in this series is growing on me now that I've read her third adventure. Yes, she still is a loose cannon but she has a new reason to think before she acts and I like seeing her softer, more vulnerable side. I'm hoping that is a permanent change. The story was more than a little far-fetched but entertaining and easy to read. I think I will stick with this writer for a while to see if there is more growth evident in her writing. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars, for hope.

[Dick Ulmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Agent Caitlyn Tierney is sent to Guatemala to find a missing 19 year old daughter of a wealthy biotech father in Florida. The story gets complex and dangerous as her partner Jack Carver uncovers information that the father, Hector, has an investment in a research facility there in Guatemala.

A fast paced thriller.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. There was a lot of build up to near the end with everything going on and then it all concluded in like two chapters...I would have loved more details about everything. It concluded too quick for me and there was a lot of questions I still had about what happened and other characters.

[Kerrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

CJ LYONS mystery- I love you. A mystery where everything is actually relevant to the plot, SUCH A UNIQUE STORYLINE and elements that are so different yet intriguing, parts that are actuallyyyy surprising🤌🤌

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good pacy storyline with plenty of twists.

[Pietro L. Cozzi Tinin · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are from a developed country or have an education.... don't read this American crap.

[Proclick]

Dnf

[Dawn Leitheuser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense and very fast paced! Great criminals, completely corrupt!

[Bookmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maria, a nineteen year-old wannabe archeologist, uses the excuse of vacationing on a cruise ship with her friends to depart in Guatemala for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a dig at a temple that she found from home using various technologies. A renowned archeologist is so excited over her find that he's come out of retirement to lead it. Her friends cover for her so her parents don't find out about it until her week is up, and she's last seen getting into a jeep with a guy who is part of the expedition that Maria has been Skyping with for weeks, to take her to the site.

Supervisory Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney is called in to investigate when the parents become concerned when their daughter, who they speak with via phone every night, can no longer be reached and the cruise ship isn't helping.

I've never read a book by this author before, but before writing this review I just had to see what else this author has written and is available at my library. I found not just an investigative story with twists, tension and never being sure from one minute to the next just who is on your side, but one with a very chilling topic. And the creepy part is I could see it happening. I'm talking about the harvesting and use of human tissue.

The story is told from 3 points of view. We've got Maria's adventure and the danger she finds herself in. Caitlyn's as her number one mission is to find Maria. And Special Agent Jack Carver, Caitlyn's lover who uncovers information about Maria's father that has him fearing for Caitlyn's life.

I found the story to be fast paced and difficult to set aside for things like sleeping, and going into work. It was obvious when reading this that it's part of a series and while it has me wanting to get those earlier books to get a more rounded picture on what was mentioned as happening in the recent past, it was easy to get through this book without the earlier stories.

The tale can get somewhat heavy on medical jargon in a few places, but I didn't feel bogged down in it. I like how the relationship between Caitlyn and Jack is handled. And now I can't wait to read the prior books, Blind Faith and Black Sheep.

Read for review via Library Thing.

[Ahi Keleher · Rating 3 out of 5]

When an archaeology student jumps ship and lies to her parents in order to join a dig at a Mayan temple that she helped discover, it sets into motion more than just her over-protective and disapproving father's wrath. Her father uses his political clout to drag the FBI into the search, only to just as quickly turn agent Caitlyn Tierney away. He summons comrades from his war days and his band of mercenaries goes in search of his daughter...and something more.

In the meantime Maria (the archaeology student) has joined up with another student who works closely with the professor leading the dig. Disaster strikes and she finds herself stranded in the jungle pursued by killers. She stumbles upon a medical clinic and hopes she has finally found some allies. Little does she know the clinic harbors dark secrets both past and present. Maria may just end up being the next victim...

I picked this book up as the Mayan connection intrigued me. I would have liked to have this influence the plot more. I felt that the plot moved at a good pace (indeed, at times it fairly galloped) and almost every chapter ended with a cliffhanger, which made it a breeze to read. The plot had sufficient twists and turns, some unexpected and some I had an inkling of ahead of the big reveal.

Because the book clips along so quickly the author doesn't spend as much time on character development or descriptions as I would like. When I was reading I had a hard time envisioning the characters, as I had been given little to go with. Likewise the scenes were sometimes too vague.

Overall I would recommend this to fans of the mystery/thriller genre. This novel is packed with fast-paced action. I felt it was somewhat lacking in descriptions of the scenery and characters, along with character development. However, if you like a fast, engaging read this fits the bill nicely.

***1/2

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caitlyn Tierney finds herself on a missing person case. A young woman, who is the daughter of an influential person, has gone missing from a cruise. They young girl has been lured away and into the jungles of Guatemala with the idea of working on an archeological dig at Mayan ruins. Caitlyn’s friend and fellow FBI agent, Jake Carver, joins her in Guatemala in the search for this young woman. They encounter unsavory characters and lots of action in the search for this missing woman.

This is the first CJ Lyons book I have read. I feel that I would have understood the characters more if I had read previous books by this author. That left me a little frustrated at time but I was able to work through it. I felt that the author developed a great character in Jack but I felt like I was missing something that a previous book may have explained to me. So I’m not sure this is a good series to start in the middle and that I need to go back and read previous books to get more out of this one.

I struggled with some of the transitions in the book and the story line got a little too complicated at times but overall it had a good plot. The story opened up with an intense action scene and there were many more throughout the book. The descriptions were accurate and realistic, even down to acknowledging that the character would be sweaty and smelly after time in the jungle. I really enjoyed the resolution chapters at the end of the book. The author provides a little humor at times and really opens the reader’s eyes to things like tissue donations. It was a moving story and I’m sure it will introduce many people to the dangers of traveling alone in foreign countries and the possible dangers of these tissue donation farms.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:

-I once again started reading a book without properly researching if it was part of a series. This is the second book that focuses on Caitlyn Tierney. So even though I didn’t read the first book, I still enjoyed this one. I felt like the beginning chapters could have done a little better job of establishing Caitlyn’s past and her relationship with Jake Carver, but as the book went on I feel like I got a decent enough overview to understand what went down in book one. I actually think the first book, Black Sheep, sounds pretty good and I’m adding it to my To-Read list.

-Maria is the college student that went missing. She mostly drove me crazy. She’s a young girl that goes to a foreign country to meet people she doesn’t know and has no way to stay in contact with anyone back home. Oh and it’s to prove to her overbearing parents that she’s an adult. But despite the fact that she starts out very naïve and stupid, I think she redeemed herself as the story went on.

-The story juggled a few different storylines – from the shady dealings of tissue procurement of BioRegen, the disappearance of Maria, the relationship between Caitlyn and Carver, and the political unrest in Guatemala. Where the story really started to interest me was when they all converged, in the jungle of Guatemala.

-Overall, I enjoyed Hollow Bones. Despite some of the scientific language, it was easy to follow. Most of the characters were likable. I would recommend this book to those who like a little science with their mystery.

To see my whole review and others like it, visit my site: www.stephaniesbookreviews.wordpress.com

[Tad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollow Bones by CJ Lyons is the third book featuring FBI Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney, but it reads fine as a stand-alone. It is an exciting and entertaining read with a fresh plot and well-drawn, engaging characters.

Hollow Bones stretches from the United States to the jungles of Guatemala. It involves luring an American college student into the Guatemalan jungle under the pretext of working on the discovery of a buried Mayan temple. What is really unearthed is a conspiracy built on past war crimes that continue into the present in the form of a shadowy American biotechnology business with ties in both countries.

This is not a pulse-pounding thriller with gun fights and chase scenes every few pages, but it is an intense book with plenty of excitement and chilling scenarios. One of the best things going for this story is the strong characters. Maria is an intelligent student and while she might be a little naive, she doesn’t behave stupidly. Likewise, FBI agents Tierney and Carver are not superhuman, but they are clever, resourceful and pursue their leads with hard work and research rather than have fortuitous information just drop into their laps. The villains are multi-faceted and their actions, while evil and immoral, are realistically self-interested.

The plot is well-researched and more than plausible enough. It is all the more frightening because of this plausibility. Hollow Bones is an intelligent mystery/thriller with engaging characters, a fascinating plot and vivid locales. Recommended read.

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 out of 5 stars - Nonstop action and adventure; a romantic thriller with a medical focus.

This is the second book in a series featuring Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney and her love interest FBI Agent and forensic accountant Jake Carver. It is not necessary to have read the previous novel in order to fully appreciate this one.

Maria, age 17, the daughter of a hugely successful billionaire leader in biotechnology (supplies tissues, bone and some organs to needy patients)is lured off a cruise ship in a diabolical scheme by someone promising to allow her to assist with an important archeological discovery deep in the jungles of Guatemala. Caitlyn is called in when Maria's parents find out that Maria is missing and she trails Maria to a deserted ancient Mayan city with Jake on the case as well. The discoveries that all of them make involve Maria's father and his own terrible history in his former homeland. Defying death and capture at every turn, Maria and two other young men she meets while held prisoner, must not only save themselves but also the Mayan natives who still live in the underground shadows of a great temple. Will Caitlyn and Jake arrive just in time to engineer the rescue and help to save the day?

Recommended for anyone who likes a fast paced medical thriller with interesting biotechnological details but with the main focus on adventure and action.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC to review.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maria, a student,  jumps ship to join  an archaeological dig in Guatemala, flouting her parents who think she’s on a Caribbean cruise.
But this dig is an elaborate scam by kidnappers to lure Alvaredo, Maria’s father, back to his native country from which he fled when the regime changed and he was charged with genocide. Now he is a naturalized American, heading his own company supplying human tissue to a growing market, a business that is highly profitable and totally unregulated.

A ransom is demanded and Alvaredo rises to the bait, flying to the rescue, but this is a man who has recruited death squads and he brings powerful reinforcements.  Maria, now captive in a remote jungle clinic, risks being caught in the crossfire. The danger is augmented when the FBI is alerted, an agent, Caitlyn, detailed to find father and daughter and effect a rescue. She is followed by Carver, her lover and fellow agent. No mean support, he has just emerged unscathed after working undercover with a vicious biker gang.

The narrative switches between characters, from FBI to villains to unknown quantities. A youth, a patient at the clinic, carries an artificial heart with batteries in a pack as he waits for a transplant - he can only be a spanner in the works.

A crescendo of cat and mouse action, and an enjoyable read.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLLOW BONES by C.J. Lyons is a heart pounding, action paced Romantic Suspense/Thriller. #3 in the "Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney Thriller" series, but can be read as a stand alone. See, "Blind Faith", and "Black Sheep". Action packed thrill ride from beginning to end. Follow Agent Caitlyn Tierney and FBI Agent Jake Caraver into the jungles of Guatemala and beyond. With non-stop action,secrets, danger on every corner, deception,lies,and romance you do not want to miss this thriller. How can you not love a C.J. Lyons story, by not reading one, of course? Love this series and love her stories. She is a constant storyteller who keeps her readers on the edge of their seats with her fast paced, adventure filled stories and her realistic, live stomping characters. The characters are engaging as well as humans with flaws and challenges just like the rest of us but with a few more challenges and dangers. Loved it!! A must read thrill seekers everywhere as well as Romantic Suspense readers. Received for an honest review from the author and/or publisher.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollow Bones reunites Caitlyn Tierney and Jake Carver in another thriller. When 17 yr old Maria disappears on a spring break cruise, Caitlyn is asked by her parents to help find her in the dense Guatemalan jungle.
Maria, lured away by a professor in hopes of helping with an archeological dig has no idea what she has gotten herself into. From the murder of the first person she is in contact with to the very end Maria is on a ride of her life.
Along with Jake's help we follow Caitlyn trough the jungle of Guatemala in search of what happened to Maria. This is a truly gripping book that will keep you hopping from the moment you read the first page. Will Caitlyn and Jake be able to save Maria from the horrors of the jungle?
This story is very fast paced and will have you turning pages to see what happens next. If you like a little mystery with romance thrown in you will love Hollow Bones.