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Brody Law #1
The Bridge
His past is coming back to haunt him, and only one woman can bring this detective the redemption he needs in Carol Ericson's new miniseries, Brody Law.
Under the Golden Gate, Elise Duran refused to be a serial killer's next victim. She was the first of the abducted to survive. And Detective Sean Brody was there to make sure a second chance wouldn't be necessary.
As the elusive murderer sends them messages, both personal and gruesome, the point becomes clear: no one can escape death. But Sean's presence can't be any stronger as he shadows Elise while on the job—and off it—proving she couldn't have asked for a better protector. Though beneath his cool exterior Sean hides a troublesome secret. One that's absolutely to die for...
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2014
47 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ericson
340 books128 followersBest-selling, award-winning romance author, Carol Ericson, has written more than 65 books, mostly romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Also indie pubbed, Carol is working on a spicy popstar romcom series about five members of a boyband. A California girl and graduate of UCLA, Carol lives near the beach with her husband and their giant dog. For more information about Carol’s books, please visit her website at www.authorcarolericson.com and follow her on Instagram @author.carol.ericson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 22, 2019
More like 3.5-3.75 stars. I really like how this is a semi thriller / also romance novel. But I feel like it could have been just a tad longer. I don’t really like how things ended with Sean and Elise, I feel like they coulda done more with that. I’m hoping maybe they’re apart of the other books so we’ll hear more about them. Overall it was enjoyable and I think the name of the book is perfect which I normally don’t even notice. I would recommend to those who like not so scary thrillers but also romance novels.
March 21, 2014
I'm from California originally and I loved day trips down to San Francisco, so I was delighted to see that this book was set in the City by the Bay. Ms. Ericson didn't disappoint with a thrilling ride from beginning to end.
Elise - she just can't catch a break, I swear. She narrowly saves herself (and kudos for having a heroine who might've gotten kidnapped, but who when push came to shove got herself out of it). The killer of course keeps her firmly in his sights, taunting her non-stop, showing he can get to her, even as he goes on to kill other not-so-fortunate women who don't manage to save themselves.
Sean - I had to feel bad for the man. He's determined to live down the image of his father, who's believed to have been a killer (and a cop to boot), having made it into SFPD, the homicide division. And then the killer in this book targets him, taunting him with little messages, his method of killing eerily similar to the methods used by the killer believed to have been Sean's father (who was subsequently killed many years earlier).
Sean understandably is very sensitive on the subject of his father and tries to keep the truth of the similarity between the current killings and the old ones quiet, but of course that gets out, as does his relationship to that earlier killer. That gives Elise some pause, but not for long. The flames flew high and fast between these two and even though they were in pursuit of a killer, I didn't feel the romance was forced at all, which can be tricky in a category-length romance novel.
I suspect that the Brody Law miniseries will focus on eventually clearing Sean's father's name, but I could be wrong on that. Sean of course doesn't believe his father was capable of the deeds attributed to him, and there's a lot of evidence which comes to light in the current book to indicate that. However, he's not cleared, so that's a lingering plotline that I can't wait to see more of!
Anyway, check out this book. It's great for environment - I really felt the San Francisco setting (who can beat the bridges in that city?), and the villain of the book I didn't see coming. I really enjoy any author that can do that to me!
5 stars!
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Elise - she just can't catch a break, I swear. She narrowly saves herself (and kudos for having a heroine who might've gotten kidnapped, but who when push came to shove got herself out of it). The killer of course keeps her firmly in his sights, taunting her non-stop, showing he can get to her, even as he goes on to kill other not-so-fortunate women who don't manage to save themselves.
Sean - I had to feel bad for the man. He's determined to live down the image of his father, who's believed to have been a killer (and a cop to boot), having made it into SFPD, the homicide division. And then the killer in this book targets him, taunting him with little messages, his method of killing eerily similar to the methods used by the killer believed to have been Sean's father (who was subsequently killed many years earlier).
Sean understandably is very sensitive on the subject of his father and tries to keep the truth of the similarity between the current killings and the old ones quiet, but of course that gets out, as does his relationship to that earlier killer. That gives Elise some pause, but not for long. The flames flew high and fast between these two and even though they were in pursuit of a killer, I didn't feel the romance was forced at all, which can be tricky in a category-length romance novel.
I suspect that the Brody Law miniseries will focus on eventually clearing Sean's father's name, but I could be wrong on that. Sean of course doesn't believe his father was capable of the deeds attributed to him, and there's a lot of evidence which comes to light in the current book to indicate that. However, he's not cleared, so that's a lingering plotline that I can't wait to see more of!
Anyway, check out this book. It's great for environment - I really felt the San Francisco setting (who can beat the bridges in that city?), and the villain of the book I didn't see coming. I really enjoy any author that can do that to me!
5 stars!
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2014
In The Bridge by Carol Ericson, Elise is the woman who escaped a serial killer. Sean is the detective who 'catches' her case. Sean's past shadows the present, but he will do all he can to keep Elise safe and catch a killer.
But the killer doesn't want to be stopped, he has a grudge and won't let go. He won't let the one who got away go too if he can help it. As the killer gets closer, so do Sean and Elise. The chemistry between them is just as hot as the plot is captivating! Will Sean catch a killer like he's caught Elise's heart? Or is it too late?
The Bridge is a quick paced, suspenseful romance novel with great action and plot twists that will keep you guessing and surprise you! The characters are interesting and make you want to know them better! Sean is a protector, doing what is right, but inside always feeling like he has to prove himself. Elise is a sweet, but naive school teacher who falls hard and fast for Sean! The only odd thing I found off with the whole story was the way she tended to insert herself into the investigation at times, taking away some of the realism.
Carol's descriptions and setting for the Bridge were fantastic. I could feel the fog when she was describing it!
I'd recommend The Bridge to any reader who craves some romantic suspense.
But the killer doesn't want to be stopped, he has a grudge and won't let go. He won't let the one who got away go too if he can help it. As the killer gets closer, so do Sean and Elise. The chemistry between them is just as hot as the plot is captivating! Will Sean catch a killer like he's caught Elise's heart? Or is it too late?
The Bridge is a quick paced, suspenseful romance novel with great action and plot twists that will keep you guessing and surprise you! The characters are interesting and make you want to know them better! Sean is a protector, doing what is right, but inside always feeling like he has to prove himself. Elise is a sweet, but naive school teacher who falls hard and fast for Sean! The only odd thing I found off with the whole story was the way she tended to insert herself into the investigation at times, taking away some of the realism.
Carol's descriptions and setting for the Bridge were fantastic. I could feel the fog when she was describing it!
I'd recommend The Bridge to any reader who craves some romantic suspense.
April 13, 2014
The Bridge (Brody Law #1) has Carol Ericson’s newest Intrigue mini-series, Brody Law, off to an intriguing start. Elise Duran is abducted outside a private club, the Speakeasy, but manages to narrowly escape her captor. While receiving treatment, for mild-hypothermia, at the local ER she is questioned by homicide detective Sean Brody. Every one of Sean’s instincts TBtells him this killer is not finished with her, so he offers to take Elise home after she is released. A routine check of Elisa’s apartment reveals that Sean’s instincts are correct – the killer is fascinated with her (and him apparently).
I was captivated by the very mysterious detective Brody. The author alludes to a past riddled with secrets. However, his character is given a bit of extra depth that makes him special; it sets him apart from your typical ‘damaged hero’. Every aspect of his struggle is realistic. He wants to protect Elise but his past (and secrets) make that seem impossible.
Elise Duran – - the only surviving victim of a potential serial killer. She is my favorite type of heroine – strong yet vulnerable. Her character is strengthened by the events that take place. While she is a victim; the author does an incredible job of not letting that fact overshadow the other factices of her character.
I highly recommended this for fans of mystery and intrigue. Up Next in the Brody Law series is The District.
This review also appears on Harlequin Junkie.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
I was captivated by the very mysterious detective Brody. The author alludes to a past riddled with secrets. However, his character is given a bit of extra depth that makes him special; it sets him apart from your typical ‘damaged hero’. Every aspect of his struggle is realistic. He wants to protect Elise but his past (and secrets) make that seem impossible.
Elise Duran – - the only surviving victim of a potential serial killer. She is my favorite type of heroine – strong yet vulnerable. Her character is strengthened by the events that take place. While she is a victim; the author does an incredible job of not letting that fact overshadow the other factices of her character.
I highly recommended this for fans of mystery and intrigue. Up Next in the Brody Law series is The District.
This review also appears on Harlequin Junkie.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
May 1, 2015
This is the first book in a series of Brody Law. There are four brothers all involved in some kind of law enforcement.
This book is about a young woman, Elise, who is kidnapped from a night club by a serial killer. The first part of the book is how she escaped. Elise character is one spunky lady. She is independent, but yet shows a vulnerable side. She is a teacher who has only lived in San Francisco. She has a past with an ex-fiancé (who shows up in the story) and all brothers in police work in Montana. She meets a sexy detective named Sean Brody. He works as a homicide detective and helps Elise throughout the book. He also has a past-his father was a police officer who killed himself after almost being framed for being a serial killer. I enjoyed reading The Bridge. It is full of suspense, tension, action and romance. A couple of sex scenes that I skimmed over. Of course these two main characters get together.
I liked both main characters. I enjoyed reading this book. It had suspense, tension and a little romance. Both main characters were believable and likeable. I wanted to read more about the Brodys.
This book is about a young woman, Elise, who is kidnapped from a night club by a serial killer. The first part of the book is how she escaped. Elise character is one spunky lady. She is independent, but yet shows a vulnerable side. She is a teacher who has only lived in San Francisco. She has a past with an ex-fiancé (who shows up in the story) and all brothers in police work in Montana. She meets a sexy detective named Sean Brody. He works as a homicide detective and helps Elise throughout the book. He also has a past-his father was a police officer who killed himself after almost being framed for being a serial killer. I enjoyed reading The Bridge. It is full of suspense, tension, action and romance. A couple of sex scenes that I skimmed over. Of course these two main characters get together.
I liked both main characters. I enjoyed reading this book. It had suspense, tension and a little romance. Both main characters were believable and likeable. I wanted to read more about the Brodys.
August 9, 2016
If you love an intense, protector hero who meets his match in a strong, intelligent heroine, then you will greatly enjoy "The Bridge", from author Carol Ericson. Kicking off her thrilling new "Brody Law" series, the author sets her story line in atmospheric San Francisco, California. Elise Duran survives the horror of a serial killer's attack, and homicide detective Sean Brody makes it his personal mission to protect the brave, beautiful crime victim and witness. However, the heinous "Alphabet Killer" is relentless, and Sean becomes an unshakeable presence in Elise's life. As protection leads to passion and more, Brody's past threatens his new love and hopes for a happy future, but Elise is not about to let go without a fight. Together, can they bring down a killer and build a new life, one of unexpected joy and adventure? An awesome kick-off to a great new romantic suspense series from author Carol Ericson!
Review Copy Gratis Author
Review Copy Gratis Author
March 24, 2014
A serial killer is on the loose and Homicide Detective Sean Brody doesn't like that the killer is leaving him messages regarding his long-dead father. How does the killer know about that? One woman escapes the serial killer so, of course, he is going to pull out all the stops to try to kill her again! Elise turns to Sean to keep her alive! As Sean and Elise try to stay one step ahead of the killer, hidden secrets in Sean's life come to light. I really am loving this new series by Carol Ericson. I read all of her series so it's no wonder I would love this one! She creates fantastic characters and non-stop action! I enjoy the secondary characters too. I like visiting San Francisco this time and the Golden Gate Bridge is the backdrop for the crime spree! You will enjoy being taken for a ride as you try to discover who the serial killer is! Can't wait for the next book!
March 25, 2014
I enjoyed this book, the first in the Brody Law Series. Set in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is an integral part of the story. Elise and Sean have differing opinions of that bridge and both the light and dark side are show cased in the book.
I loved the beginning with Elise in the clutches of a serial killer, but then I thought (in spite of the continued action) that the story lagged just a bit. I wanted more of Sean Brody's story and motivation to come out long before it did. I thought their feelings for one another were appropriate given the circumstances.
There was plenty of suspense, intrigue and romance in The Bridge. Carol Ericson weaves a great story and I eagerly look forward to the next installment of the Brody Law Series.
I would recommend this book.
I loved the beginning with Elise in the clutches of a serial killer, but then I thought (in spite of the continued action) that the story lagged just a bit. I wanted more of Sean Brody's story and motivation to come out long before it did. I thought their feelings for one another were appropriate given the circumstances.
There was plenty of suspense, intrigue and romance in The Bridge. Carol Ericson weaves a great story and I eagerly look forward to the next installment of the Brody Law Series.
I would recommend this book.
April 22, 2014
In Ericson’s romantic intrigue novel, Elise Duran refuses to become a serial killer’s next victim. After being abducted from a nightclub parking lot, Elise fights her way to consciousness and frees herself from the confines of a trunk only to run into the water under the Golden Gate Bridge in hopes of eluding her assailant. Rescued by two city workers who hear her cries, she encounters Detective Sean Brody at the hospital. Brody is a man with a past and Elise’s story skims close to the surface of his own. Determined to protect this courageous woman, Brody risks life and limb to protect her as he seeks a killer who just may hold the answers to his past while finding his future in Elise.
Fast-paced, hard to put down addition to the Brody Law series.
Fast-paced, hard to put down addition to the Brody Law series.
May 9, 2015
I would have liked this book a lot more had it not ended without resolving Brodie's 'back story' - it was a cliff-hanger of an ending in some respects and I think there was too much plot squeezed into too short a novel. Elise came over as selfish and self-centred.
A disappointing read and I will not be following the further adventures of Brodie ( though he was a decent guy ;) )
A disappointing read and I will not be following the further adventures of Brodie ( though he was a decent guy ;) )
April 11, 2014
This was well-written, but I hated when the best friend was killed and the hero and heroine barely acknowledged it before dancing off to their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 3, 2025I liked the characters. The bad guy was a surprise. Too much sex for me. I prefer closed door sexual experiences when ones' imagination can be used. I was sorry to see one of my favorite characters be killed.
January 22, 2020
Read these awhile ago. Comments and review to follow.
You can find me over on Facebook at My Open Book at the Dragonfly. Come over and say hello.
You can find me over on Facebook at My Open Book at the Dragonfly. Come over and say hello.
April 21, 2020
This was the first time reading this author. I read that she was similar to Linda Howard. I read this book quickly and it definitely kept me turning the pages. I just didn’t feel the same connections with the main characters as I do with the likes of Linda Howard and Karen Robards stories.
March 13, 2016
Good mix of romance and suspense. Coming out of a nightclub, Elise is kidnapped by a serial killer, but manages to escape. Sean Brody is the detective assigned to her case, and is determined that the killer won't have a second chance. But it's more than protection that results, as the spunky kindergarten teacher brings some light to the darkness that haunts him.
I liked Elise. She may be a small town Montana girl, but she is smart and she is determined. She knows she is in trouble and she is more than happy to have the oh-so-attractive Sean protecting her. One of the things I really liked about her was the way that she supported Sean when the killer was making things look bad for him.
I also liked Sean. He has worked hard to make a place for himself with the police department, overcoming the disability of what had happened with his father. However, he will never be convinced that his father was guilty of the things he was accused of. He is disturbed when this new serial killer's MO closely matches that of the one twenty years earlier. There's something about Elise that sends his protective instincts into overdrive.
I enjoyed the growth of their relationship. Sean tries hard to maintain an emotional distance, but Elise quickly gets under his skin. As they get closer, he worries about what her reaction will be if she finds out about his possible link to the killer, so he tries to keep it a secret. Though surprised and a little upset when she finds out, I loved her support of him. The flames of their attraction continued to grow. When it was all over, it was obvious that they had come to know each other quite well, very quickly. The epilogue was pretty sweet.
The suspense of the story was fast paced and kept my attention throughout. Elise's escape started it out with a bang, and the tension quickly ramped up with the creepy message left for Sean at her house. The taunting messages for both of them added to the similarities to the previous case and left them both wondering if there was a connection. Elise and Sean scramble to piece together the messages the killer leaves for them, but the killer strikes once again and very close to home. When the final confrontation came, I was surprised by the identity as I didn't suspect that person at all. I loved Elise's calm and control and how she contributed to her own rescue.
Running through the story was Sean's belief in his father's innocence and desire to clear his name. Nothing was solved, but a couple more questions were raised that contributed to that belief. I will be interested to see how it turns out.
I liked Elise. She may be a small town Montana girl, but she is smart and she is determined. She knows she is in trouble and she is more than happy to have the oh-so-attractive Sean protecting her. One of the things I really liked about her was the way that she supported Sean when the killer was making things look bad for him.
I also liked Sean. He has worked hard to make a place for himself with the police department, overcoming the disability of what had happened with his father. However, he will never be convinced that his father was guilty of the things he was accused of. He is disturbed when this new serial killer's MO closely matches that of the one twenty years earlier. There's something about Elise that sends his protective instincts into overdrive.
I enjoyed the growth of their relationship. Sean tries hard to maintain an emotional distance, but Elise quickly gets under his skin. As they get closer, he worries about what her reaction will be if she finds out about his possible link to the killer, so he tries to keep it a secret. Though surprised and a little upset when she finds out, I loved her support of him. The flames of their attraction continued to grow. When it was all over, it was obvious that they had come to know each other quite well, very quickly. The epilogue was pretty sweet.
The suspense of the story was fast paced and kept my attention throughout. Elise's escape started it out with a bang, and the tension quickly ramped up with the creepy message left for Sean at her house. The taunting messages for both of them added to the similarities to the previous case and left them both wondering if there was a connection. Elise and Sean scramble to piece together the messages the killer leaves for them, but the killer strikes once again and very close to home. When the final confrontation came, I was surprised by the identity as I didn't suspect that person at all. I loved Elise's calm and control and how she contributed to her own rescue.
Running through the story was Sean's belief in his father's innocence and desire to clear his name. Nothing was solved, but a couple more questions were raised that contributed to that belief. I will be interested to see how it turns out.
May 9, 2014
4 STARS
I enjoyed reading The Bridge. It is full of suspense, tension, action and romance. A couple of sex scenes that I skimmed over.
The plot someone kidnapped Elise Duran but she fought and got away from him. Sean Brody is the detective and the suspect is leaving him clues. Sean has a lot of issues that the suspect is bringing up for him to deal with.
Sean is a murder detective. He is the oldest of four boys all in police field of work. His past is catching up to him. I like him.
Elise Duran is a teacher and fights for her life. She is spunky. She has lived in San Francisco Bay area for a year.
She loves the Golden State Bridge.
Most of the book happens really fast. Even Sean and Elise sleeping together happens fast.
I want to read the next book in the series to see if they find more answers about their father.
I was given this ebook to read for purpose of giving a honest review by Netgalley and Harlequin.
03/18/2014 PUB Harlequin Imprint Harlequin Intrigue 224 page ISBN 9780373697540
April 4, 2014
The Bridge starts with a bang. Think Criminal Minds meets a romance and you've got this novel.
Elise is a smart heroine and she escapes a serial killer by using her brain and because she's fearless.
Brody, the sexy homicide detective, is her perfect counterpoint.
Together they make for a satisfying read.
The short word count kept me from loving everything about the book. The investigation, the secondary characters, the danger...all of it was awesome, but I wish Ericson had had time to give us more than glimpses of those elements. By the time she threw in a hot romance, there just weren't enough words available.
I always enjoy Ericson's novels, and The Bridge is no exception. If you like edge of your seat danger and romance, you'll enjoy The Bridge.
I'm glad this is a series because I think some of those secondary characters will develop over time, and maybe we'll get to see Elise and Sean again, too.
*I was provided a complimentary copy of The Bridge in exchange for an honest review of the work
Elise is a smart heroine and she escapes a serial killer by using her brain and because she's fearless.
Brody, the sexy homicide detective, is her perfect counterpoint.
Together they make for a satisfying read.
The short word count kept me from loving everything about the book. The investigation, the secondary characters, the danger...all of it was awesome, but I wish Ericson had had time to give us more than glimpses of those elements. By the time she threw in a hot romance, there just weren't enough words available.
I always enjoy Ericson's novels, and The Bridge is no exception. If you like edge of your seat danger and romance, you'll enjoy The Bridge.
I'm glad this is a series because I think some of those secondary characters will develop over time, and maybe we'll get to see Elise and Sean again, too.
*I was provided a complimentary copy of The Bridge in exchange for an honest review of the work
January 11, 2014
*I received a free ARC of The Bridge from Harlequin Intrigue via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
Fantastic thriller / romance! Excellent pace and awesome characters. Full review closer to release date.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Fantastic thriller / romance! Excellent pace and awesome characters. Full review closer to release date.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
August 10, 2016
The Bridge by Carol Ericson is book one in the Brody Law series. I loved it. Sean Brody is tall , dark and hot. Elise Duran is smart and brave. This one starts out with a bang and kept me on the edge of my seat. I liked the romance too and believed Sean and Elise's connection. I am really looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. I love Carol's books.
February 9, 2016
Elise survived being kidnapped at the San Francisco bridge by a serial killer but Sean Brody, a homicide detective, came to her rescue. His past came back to haunt him. Unbeknown to Elise, a GPS detector was attached to her car so the killer knew her every movement. They became lovers but who could they put the blame on for the brutal murders?
Good and quick read.
Good and quick read.
November 8, 2014
I thought Ms Ericson hit a grand slam with this one right to the GG Bridge. I thought I knew who did it but I was wrong and that is what is good about the book. She did a great job and no matter where you are in SF the GG Bridge is a landmark you never forget it is just beautiful.
April 4, 2015
Enjoyable, but the red herrings weren't enough to keep me from working out the killer quite easily. Also don't like the unresolved father suicide element, which I assume is added to make you buy more books.
November 21, 2015
Carol Ericson was done it again with a brand new series Brody Law. The first book was all some: you where on the edge of you're seat to find out what was going to happen next. It will make you think about moving some place new.
February 17, 2014
The first book in the new series BRODY'S LAW kept my attention. Could not put it down til I finished. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
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January 12, 2016"Ericson crafts a creepy, first-class mystery. Plenty of red herrings will keep readers guessing (RT Book Reviews)". 4 stars
Miniseries: Brody Law
Miniseries: Brody Law
April 18, 2014
Romantic. Thrilling. Exciting.
June 14, 2014
For the Harlequin Intrigue Series it was a well written story. There was a lot packed into a short book and it was interesting. The right mixture of mystery and romance.
June 13, 2014
I really enjoyed the mystery of this book. Great setting choice. Plus Elise and Sean are just a great team. I would like to see these two in a series of their own.
July 7, 2019
My first Harlequin read. Overall, I thought it was pretty good.
February 2, 2015
read in 2 days good story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews