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Lucy Guardino FBI Thriller #3.5
After Shock
As head of the FBI’s Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Squad, Agent Lucy Guardino has made a name for herself bringing the lowest of lowlifes to justice. Rapists, serial killers, pedophiles—she’s faced them all down with her signature grit and determination.
But today is different. Because the man who has taken her prisoner has promised Lucy three things: that before this day is over, she will be dead; that someone in her family will also die; and that he always wins.
Trapped inside her worst nightmare, Lucy faces a ruthless killer as he plays Russian roulette with the lives of those she loves. Wounded and unarmed, how can Lucy defeat a psychopath who doesn’t play by any rules?
After Shock is a heart-pounding, lightning-paced thrill ride that will leave readers breathless as they root for the ultimate superheroine next door.
But today is different. Because the man who has taken her prisoner has promised Lucy three things: that before this day is over, she will be dead; that someone in her family will also die; and that he always wins.
Trapped inside her worst nightmare, Lucy faces a ruthless killer as he plays Russian roulette with the lives of those she loves. Wounded and unarmed, how can Lucy defeat a psychopath who doesn’t play by any rules?
After Shock is a heart-pounding, lightning-paced thrill ride that will leave readers breathless as they root for the ultimate superheroine next door.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
273 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Lyons
80 books893 followersNew 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 28, 2020
Not exactly a happy ending. Very intense. Well written and kept me listening. I think at this point Lucy needs a full detail around both herself and her entire family. She has made a lot of enemies! Looking forward to the next installment.
January 10, 2014
Before I began reading AFTER SHOCK by C.J. Lyons, I knew it would not be a full Lucy Guardino novel. More is packed these 111 pages of Lucy's adventures than anyone will find in many other suspense stories. Lyons uses the flashback concept to walk the reader through the two time lines filled with suspense, unexpected twists and changes to Lucy’s mindset.
At any given time, the readers know Lucy’s point of view on the case she is working and how the time constraints will affect Lucy’s family. We see Lucy’s family at the center of every moment as Lucy shares what she is thinking. Lyons take the reader down the path with Lyons helping readers see Lucy’s focus on her family and her commitment to her job. These two commitments are the foundation of the story line. AFTER SHOCK involves us from the first sentence on the first page to the last word in the epilogue.
Lyons brings her readers up to speed on the case closed by Lucy in the KILLING ZONE 15 months ago. The result of bringing down the drug cartel helped establish Lucy as head of the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Squad. She established a reputation of facing down the lowlifes bringing them to justice. Lucy’s determination and perseverance helped with her career growth and helped her find more time to spend with her family
It may have been the job visibility that brought her family life to the attention of some unsavory people. The plot builds suspense and mystery around her family and cases she has wrapped up. Lyons helps readers see Lucy’s family activity as an important part of her day. We see Lucy flashback, as she deals with finding a solution to her problem she visualizes her family gaining strength and determination to keep moving. Lyons gives readers via flashback an understanding of what Lucy has been through and how she deals with the problem.
Not wanting to provide any spoilers with regards to what Lucy is going through, I am certain any reader of Lyons’ AFTER SHOCK, will find suspense, thrills, mystery, and chills running up and down their spine as they read the novel. Fans will find all sorts of excitement as they follow the story to the surprising conclusion.
As I have mentioned, I enjoyed how Lyons tells her story from a fresh point of view made possible by use of the flashback time line. Lucy Guardino is truly challenged on each page. Lyons reminds her fans our Lucy is strong and has a will to win. It isn't a coincidence for Lyons to have psyched her fans into looking for and needing action and answers. We turn the last page and find we have lots of questions. Lyons makes it a point to tell us to put her next Lucy Guardino adventure THE HARD FALL on our wish list.
As a longtime Guardino fan, I hope we won’t have to wait long for the release of THE HARD FALL. Some fans will want to hold their breath to see how long they have to wait to find out how Lucy and Nick resolve all the challenges they face. Lucy is fortunate she has a great family, and that is the main reason she will overcome the problems at hand. AFTER SHOCK is Lyons at her best.
Like all Lyons’ Lucy Guardino books, the opening page hooks you and you keep turning until you get to the last page. Now we want to know what comes next. As a fan of Lucy's strong character, perseverance and creative thinking, I look to see Lucy and her FBI team prove they are smarter and can be one step ahead those villains and beat them at their own game.
It will be worth the wait.
At any given time, the readers know Lucy’s point of view on the case she is working and how the time constraints will affect Lucy’s family. We see Lucy’s family at the center of every moment as Lucy shares what she is thinking. Lyons take the reader down the path with Lyons helping readers see Lucy’s focus on her family and her commitment to her job. These two commitments are the foundation of the story line. AFTER SHOCK involves us from the first sentence on the first page to the last word in the epilogue.
Lyons brings her readers up to speed on the case closed by Lucy in the KILLING ZONE 15 months ago. The result of bringing down the drug cartel helped establish Lucy as head of the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Squad. She established a reputation of facing down the lowlifes bringing them to justice. Lucy’s determination and perseverance helped with her career growth and helped her find more time to spend with her family
It may have been the job visibility that brought her family life to the attention of some unsavory people. The plot builds suspense and mystery around her family and cases she has wrapped up. Lyons helps readers see Lucy’s family activity as an important part of her day. We see Lucy flashback, as she deals with finding a solution to her problem she visualizes her family gaining strength and determination to keep moving. Lyons gives readers via flashback an understanding of what Lucy has been through and how she deals with the problem.
Not wanting to provide any spoilers with regards to what Lucy is going through, I am certain any reader of Lyons’ AFTER SHOCK, will find suspense, thrills, mystery, and chills running up and down their spine as they read the novel. Fans will find all sorts of excitement as they follow the story to the surprising conclusion.
As I have mentioned, I enjoyed how Lyons tells her story from a fresh point of view made possible by use of the flashback time line. Lucy Guardino is truly challenged on each page. Lyons reminds her fans our Lucy is strong and has a will to win. It isn't a coincidence for Lyons to have psyched her fans into looking for and needing action and answers. We turn the last page and find we have lots of questions. Lyons makes it a point to tell us to put her next Lucy Guardino adventure THE HARD FALL on our wish list.
As a longtime Guardino fan, I hope we won’t have to wait long for the release of THE HARD FALL. Some fans will want to hold their breath to see how long they have to wait to find out how Lucy and Nick resolve all the challenges they face. Lucy is fortunate she has a great family, and that is the main reason she will overcome the problems at hand. AFTER SHOCK is Lyons at her best.
Like all Lyons’ Lucy Guardino books, the opening page hooks you and you keep turning until you get to the last page. Now we want to know what comes next. As a fan of Lucy's strong character, perseverance and creative thinking, I look to see Lucy and her FBI team prove they are smarter and can be one step ahead those villains and beat them at their own game.
It will be worth the wait.
January 7, 2014
From the very first page your heart is in your throat as you join with Lucy in a severe test of her will. The twists and turns keep on coming. This may be a novella, but it has more packed in it than a typical 300 pager. While Lucy and her family are familiar to readers, the new menace is dramatically different. I guarantee you will not be able to stop reading as Lucy careens from one peril to the next in a desperate effort to protect her family. Lyons' fertile imagination keeps delivering new and different adventures. As in all her books, the reader is captured, captivated and emotionally drained as the action continues. It is well worth your time to read.
July 13, 2016
This novella is PACKED. Don't miss it if you're a Cj - Lucy Guardino series fan like I almost did! It wasn't offered by my usual Barnes and Noble (on my nook), but when I checked the authors website, I was happy to find a link to the Kindle store! Whew! ;)
August 28, 2016
Aftershock, a novella, is the 4th book in the Lucy Guardino series, but the first one that I've read. Fortunately, as a newbie, I had no problem catching up with the characters as the action progresses – and I mean “action”, as the author jumps right into the middle of the short timeframe in which this book is set. (There were a few things that might serve as spoilers for previous books when I get to them, but that is to be expected when you read a series out of order.)
Ms. Lyons jumps back and forth between “then” and “now” as she describes the capture and attempted escape of Ms. Guardino. I found this to be somewhat distracting at the start of the book, but became comfortable with it once I'd set up both the “captured” and “trying to escape” scenes in my mind. (Still, my mind functions better with straight linear plotlines – as such, rather than “ding” ms. Lyons, I give the author credit for not losing me during these time flips!)
It's tough to tell a complete story in 111 pages. Ms. Lyons almost manages to squeeze a novel into this timeframe. Almost. Subplots – subtleties of all types, for that matter – get short shrift. Characterization, surprisingly, may be abbreviated but is not ignored. Unfortunately, some mystery still remains at the end of the book – I found this frustrating as heck. (I'd describe, but there is no way to do that without putting some major spoilers into this review.)
RATING: 4 stars.
Ms. Lyons jumps back and forth between “then” and “now” as she describes the capture and attempted escape of Ms. Guardino. I found this to be somewhat distracting at the start of the book, but became comfortable with it once I'd set up both the “captured” and “trying to escape” scenes in my mind. (Still, my mind functions better with straight linear plotlines – as such, rather than “ding” ms. Lyons, I give the author credit for not losing me during these time flips!)
It's tough to tell a complete story in 111 pages. Ms. Lyons almost manages to squeeze a novel into this timeframe. Almost. Subplots – subtleties of all types, for that matter – get short shrift. Characterization, surprisingly, may be abbreviated but is not ignored. Unfortunately, some mystery still remains at the end of the book – I found this frustrating as heck. (I'd describe, but there is no way to do that without putting some major spoilers into this review.)
RATING: 4 stars.
January 7, 2014
I love the Lucy Guardino series. Lucy is tough on the bad guys but loves and protects those around her. Will she be able to save/protect one of the people she loves?
Lucy’s morning starts out like every morning but before she can even get into her car, everything changes and life as Lucy knows it will never be the same. She is kidnapped by a psychopath who wants to hurt and punish her. Will Lucy be able to free herself from her captor before the time-frame he gave her and save one of her loved ones? He told Lucy that someone she loves will die first and then he’d return for Lucy and make sure she suffers before she dies and he always wins.
This story will keep you riveted to see if Lucy can even escape from the crazy man or people who have her. It’s a riveting story full of suspense and excitement; you won’t be able to put the book down. I highly recommend you read this book as well as the other C.J. Lyons books. She is a very talented author!
Lucy’s morning starts out like every morning but before she can even get into her car, everything changes and life as Lucy knows it will never be the same. She is kidnapped by a psychopath who wants to hurt and punish her. Will Lucy be able to free herself from her captor before the time-frame he gave her and save one of her loved ones? He told Lucy that someone she loves will die first and then he’d return for Lucy and make sure she suffers before she dies and he always wins.
This story will keep you riveted to see if Lucy can even escape from the crazy man or people who have her. It’s a riveting story full of suspense and excitement; you won’t be able to put the book down. I highly recommend you read this book as well as the other C.J. Lyons books. She is a very talented author!
January 16, 2014
I love the character Lucy and all the troubles she finds herself in. The book starts fast paced and doesn't let up. I'm writing this review assuming readers are familiar with the Lucy Guardino series, which you should be before you read this novella. I am sure other readers will concur that we can't get enough and this was a Lucy teaser. Another great CJ Lyons read.
October 5, 2014
I'm typically not a fan of novellas and this one was no exception. I only read it because it seemed to give quite a bit of info to set up the next book. Yeah, it only took me about an hour to read it, but I still wish novellas weren't a thing.
February 9, 2020
WOW!!!
Ok, normally I skip novellas. Typically they are too short to tell a good story. This 'story's wasn't a good story, it was a hair raising, out of breath and heart racing heck of a GREAT story! This Novella had my stomach in knots, like I was riding an out of control rollercoaster!! The twists left me holding my breath and the turns had me yelping all the while begging for more!!
Lucy is one bad a$S soccer mom, wife and NTM FBI Agent!! I hope CJ keeps this family slaying the bad guys long after FBI SSA Lucy Guardino retires..Meghan is DEFINITELY her mother's daughter (wink, wink)...Meghan vs Morgan, then the 2 coming to an understanding, something like Jenna. Meghan leaves for Quantico for training to enter the FBI. While Morgan secretly vowing to have Meghan's back to take on the villains of Pittsburgh???????? Oh the endless possibilities The Great CJ Lyons could masterfully create to keep her readers up ALL night, calling in sick from work, staying home from their own child's soccer game just to finish 'this book'..until it's time to start the next one. I LOVE IT!!!! You keep them coming CJ and I'll keep reading!
To CJ: Much respect, health, happiness and time to write!
From a recently new lifelong fan and reader
Ok, normally I skip novellas. Typically they are too short to tell a good story. This 'story's wasn't a good story, it was a hair raising, out of breath and heart racing heck of a GREAT story! This Novella had my stomach in knots, like I was riding an out of control rollercoaster!! The twists left me holding my breath and the turns had me yelping all the while begging for more!!
Lucy is one bad a$S soccer mom, wife and NTM FBI Agent!! I hope CJ keeps this family slaying the bad guys long after FBI SSA Lucy Guardino retires..Meghan is DEFINITELY her mother's daughter (wink, wink)...Meghan vs Morgan, then the 2 coming to an understanding, something like Jenna. Meghan leaves for Quantico for training to enter the FBI. While Morgan secretly vowing to have Meghan's back to take on the villains of Pittsburgh???????? Oh the endless possibilities The Great CJ Lyons could masterfully create to keep her readers up ALL night, calling in sick from work, staying home from their own child's soccer game just to finish 'this book'..until it's time to start the next one. I LOVE IT!!!! You keep them coming CJ and I'll keep reading!
To CJ: Much respect, health, happiness and time to write!
From a recently new lifelong fan and reader
July 17, 2024
Redundant idea, unresolved mystery
From an amazing thriller to this one, the story here is incomplete, although the writing is good in what was provided. Maybe an idea that never got fleshed out? Better left in the drawer, in this reviewer's opinion, until it was. Big gaps in the story, and the idea behind it made me want to gag as it's so over used by other thriller writers... someone wanting to protect their family. Please. Next you'll be looking for the kidnapped daughter of a Senator. Most of us don't really care about that. We also don't want the same story told by every writer. So, my advice is to skip this one -I think the author even calls it a novella - and read the next, which I hear got an award... and the last one was definitely an award winning book. Just wish they hadn't had the pressure to publish this one. There is one plot twist in here that might be relevant later, but there's not much meat in this book about that, so you're safe to come back to it later if you think you want to.
From an amazing thriller to this one, the story here is incomplete, although the writing is good in what was provided. Maybe an idea that never got fleshed out? Better left in the drawer, in this reviewer's opinion, until it was. Big gaps in the story, and the idea behind it made me want to gag as it's so over used by other thriller writers... someone wanting to protect their family. Please. Next you'll be looking for the kidnapped daughter of a Senator. Most of us don't really care about that. We also don't want the same story told by every writer. So, my advice is to skip this one -I think the author even calls it a novella - and read the next, which I hear got an award... and the last one was definitely an award winning book. Just wish they hadn't had the pressure to publish this one. There is one plot twist in here that might be relevant later, but there's not much meat in this book about that, so you're safe to come back to it later if you think you want to.
August 28, 2017
Lucy is a soccer mom with a glock. She is a bad-ass FBI agent. Lucy’s morning starts out like every morning but before she can even get into her car, everything changes as she is kidnapped by a psychopath. Lucy struggles to free herself from her captor to save one of her loved ones. The psycho told Lucy that someone she loves will die first and then he’d return for Lucy and make sure she suffers before she dies and he always wins. This story will keep you riveted to see if Lucy can even escape from the crazy man or people who have her. It’s not your typical Lucy Guardino novel, but the story is still full of suspense and excitement;
May 5, 2020
Wow and double WOW
I love the cannot put it down action and suspense. When my wife would say, dinner is ready, I would reply I’ll be right there as soon as I get to a stopping place! You made it hard to find a place to stop . I have lived through dark place’s fighting for our country and looking back I too was looking for a stopping place. It has come for me, peace and quiet while I read and help “LUCY” push through each day of her life. You have a marvelous writing talent & writing style! ... I will read on and live on unless I have a heart attack trying to help LUCY push through another adventure while I look for a stopping place. 😎😀👍
I love the cannot put it down action and suspense. When my wife would say, dinner is ready, I would reply I’ll be right there as soon as I get to a stopping place! You made it hard to find a place to stop . I have lived through dark place’s fighting for our country and looking back I too was looking for a stopping place. It has come for me, peace and quiet while I read and help “LUCY” push through each day of her life. You have a marvelous writing talent & writing style! ... I will read on and live on unless I have a heart attack trying to help LUCY push through another adventure while I look for a stopping place. 😎😀👍
November 15, 2017
Novellas never read them
Never thought novellas were worth reading to few pages. Well how wrong was I read three chapters fell asleep awoke at 4.55 book on my mind. Finished at 6.30 am absolutely brilliant the way the story was written and unfolded kept me expecting more and wasn't disappointed. One story not to be missed.
A novella turn coat.
Never thought novellas were worth reading to few pages. Well how wrong was I read three chapters fell asleep awoke at 4.55 book on my mind. Finished at 6.30 am absolutely brilliant the way the story was written and unfolded kept me expecting more and wasn't disappointed. One story not to be missed.
A novella turn coat.
January 6, 2018
It was a quick short book. I liked the main character. The one thing I didn’t really liked was jumping back and forth. I plan on reading more in the series.
Another book i ready from my library mystery and thriller tablet. I read books I never likely picked up.
Another book i ready from my library mystery and thriller tablet. I read books I never likely picked up.
September 21, 2020
My View
Really like good mysteries and this writer never fails to hold your attention. Her characters become real , the story line grabs and the mystery grabs the reader within first couple of chapters.
Really like good mysteries and this writer never fails to hold your attention. Her characters become real , the story line grabs and the mystery grabs the reader within first couple of chapters.
February 3, 2021
Disappointing after the first three novels - found it 2 dimensional.
I found the style of this novella a little stilted and it didn't draw me in as the first three novels had. Not sure why the author chose to write this one.
I found the style of this novella a little stilted and it didn't draw me in as the first three novels had. Not sure why the author chose to write this one.
May 24, 2022
Great book
I know there must be more to come story time line was interesting carrying you through a world wind day. Not exactly a happy ending. Hope to see how Lucy navigate s life from here.
I know there must be more to come story time line was interesting carrying you through a world wind day. Not exactly a happy ending. Hope to see how Lucy navigate s life from here.
July 1, 2024
After Shock Review & Question
Loved the book with its suspense and growing knowledge of the characters.
I want to know what the connection was between the farmer that Lucy killed on the combine header and Lucy’s abductor.
Loved the book with its suspense and growing knowledge of the characters.
I want to know what the connection was between the farmer that Lucy killed on the combine header and Lucy’s abductor.
May 31, 2017
After Shock is the fourth book in the Lucy Guardino F. B. I. Thriller series written by author C. J. Lyons.
June 1, 2017
Fast paced thriller. Intriguing storyline. Dynamic characters.
February 28, 2018
Thriller!
This adventure of Lucy Guardino really keeps you on your toes. The switching from present to past tense makes for an especially tense read. I really enjoyed it.
This adventure of Lucy Guardino really keeps you on your toes. The switching from present to past tense makes for an especially tense read. I really enjoyed it.
April 21, 2018
Great short story
I really love Lucy Guardino, a strong tough woman, this story shows her weaknesses, and how she over comes them.
I really love Lucy Guardino, a strong tough woman, this story shows her weaknesses, and how she over comes them.
July 21, 2018
Great
Very good. Could not put this down until the very last word. You'll love it as much as I did.
Very good. Could not put this down until the very last word. You'll love it as much as I did.
October 28, 2018
Wow!
Never disappointed with CJ or Lucy! I Can't wait for the next one! This FBI series is one of my favorites!
Never disappointed with CJ or Lucy! I Can't wait for the next one! This FBI series is one of my favorites!
January 7, 2019
My second CJ Lyons book just today!
I cannot get enough of these amazing books! So entertaining and I love how the author’s medical background sort of weaves into her books!
I cannot get enough of these amazing books! So entertaining and I love how the author’s medical background sort of weaves into her books!
February 5, 2019
Very good
Not my favorite of her books but very well written. Very suspenseful. And I love that it goes back and forth in time.
Not my favorite of her books but very well written. Very suspenseful. And I love that it goes back and forth in time.
October 9, 2019
Didn't like format
Started to skip the before sections after the third or fourth times. The now sections were really good. Looking forward to The next I the series.
Started to skip the before sections after the third or fourth times. The now sections were really good. Looking forward to The next I the series.
February 9, 2020
Fight
Lucy is a fighter she doesn't give up no matter the circumstance. She had an experience that had changed her life,but she will survive
Lucy is a fighter she doesn't give up no matter the circumstance. She had an experience that had changed her life,but she will survive
March 12, 2020
Short but excellent and heartbreaking!!
April 30, 2020
Quick read! Very good
I enjoy this series a lot. Good writing. Fast paced story but adds to series. Looking forward to next book.
I enjoy this series a lot. Good writing. Fast paced story but adds to series. Looking forward to next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews