What do you think?
Rate this book
Denver FBI #1
Bait
FBI Special Agent Caisey Lyons is going undercover. To get abducted. But when the killer evades capture, an injured Caisey takes some much needed time off. In the small town of Buckshot, CO, she runs straight into a homicidal sheriff...and an old flame.
Gabe Carlen has been hiding from his uncle for seventeen years. Caisey might be the one woman he’s never forgotten, but she’s also brought his uncle right to his doorstep—and revenge is sure to follow.
While the Chloroform Killer’s obsession for Caisey grows, she must repair the rift in her family and figure out if a future with Gabe is possible.
Only by trusting God with their safety can she let go long enough to save herself.
Gabe Carlen has been hiding from his uncle for seventeen years. Caisey might be the one woman he’s never forgotten, but she’s also brought his uncle right to his doorstep—and revenge is sure to follow.
While the Chloroform Killer’s obsession for Caisey grows, she must repair the rift in her family and figure out if a future with Gabe is possible.
Only by trusting God with their safety can she let go long enough to save herself.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2014
149 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
167 books872 followersLisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 4, 2014
This was a major page turner with the best twists and turns that had me up late at night reading until the end. I just have to say I adored the heroine, Caisey. She's strong, sharp, funny, hardheaded, and totally real. In fact, all the characters, the story itself, and relationships were rich, complex, and very well written. One minute I'm scared, the next sighing with that sweet breath of love in bloom, then I'm crying, and then laughing, I love books that snatch me up and keep me guessing all the way through. This book did it all. Now I'm off to read the prequel!
July 5, 2015
I usually say that with these kinds of books, there's not enough connection with the characters and too much focus on the FBI/law enforcement to be really good. In the case of this book, Bait had a little TOO much personal insight and not enough FBI... However, this book definitely had me keeping those pages flipping! I really loved that I rarely knew where the next turn in the book would take me. That alone kept me on my toes! I also really enjoyed the family dynamics and the interactions between the adults and Jake. Jake was a really good kid who took a big bump in the road of life, but the reader just knows that he'll end up ok, even with his one huge mistake and what led him to make that mistake. On the other hand, Jake being such a good kid as a teenager is kind of an oxymoron, you know? Don't all teenagers go through rough spots and stages of rebellion and so forth? It made Jake seem like a kid out of a fairy tale rather than a "normal" teenager. And again, the weaknesses in this book that caused me to rate it only three was that there were hardly any clues at all to lead me into even trying to figure out who the killer was. The whole book was wrapped around the Chloroform Killer, yet didn't bring the reader close enough to him to even TRY guessing who it might be. That left me thinking that this book was simply a romance novel with next to zero thrill. Sure, there were a couple of "thrill spots," but barely enough to qualify. I like a writer who gives a reader clues to thinking "maybe it's him" or "what if it's not him, but this other person" kind of thing. That was missing in this book entirely. The other really big let-down was the "climactic" end - or rather, the lack thereof. There was nothing pointing to who the killer was, even after the reader finds out who it was. Yes, he showed up in one spot, but when the reader finds out he's was the guy all along, it doesn't even matter. And the FBI's reaction to the whole thing was a two word "sentence" just giving the name of the guy with one other sentence reminding the reader who he was. If the author had given enough clue along the way, then the ending to the book could have been really good. Instead, it was abrupt and absolutely non-climactic. Very disappointing ending. The ending also doesn't lead you to book two of this series. There's absolutely nothing to urge the reader to read book two. To sum it up, there was enough action to keep the pages turning, but the ending was a complete dud with no lead into book two.
April 11, 2014
I'm not normally a fan of serial killer novels -- not on any moral grounds, I just dislike the nightmares -- but this novel and its prequel, Target, worked for me. There were no gratuitous gory details, but plenty of conflict and danger to maintain the tension and keep me turning the pages. In Bait, Lisa Phillips smoothly weaves together many different threads, relationships, mysteries and romances, and brings them all together in a satisfying ending. I read the prequel, Target, before I read Bait, which I would recommend. Keep in mind, though, Target is definitely the hors d'oeuvre to Bait's main course. If you're a fan of inspirational romantic suspense, Lisa Phillips is your author.
April 23, 2014
Fun, quirky situations and a dynamic heroine. Unique premise for Caisey and Gabe's love story--I enjoyed all the intertwined threads and twists.
True romantic suspense with the deeper element of trusting God and navigating real danger. The author never goes too far. You can trust a Lisa Phillips book for strong leads and fast paced action.
True romantic suspense with the deeper element of trusting God and navigating real danger. The author never goes too far. You can trust a Lisa Phillips book for strong leads and fast paced action.
December 19, 2016
Excellent storyline. I enjoyed the characters and the story was action packed.
June 4, 2019
I liked this book but I am confused with series book numbers.. but that is my confusion I am sure. I saw in a review that you must read the novella before this book and I found that to be true as it is major in the plot. This book was a novel of lost love found and chasing a serial killer and bringing mobsters to justice. All three blended well and I did like the complexity of the characters! I will start reading Prey next!
March 17, 2018
I'm always in the mood for a good Christian thriller and this series fit the bill. First of all, read Target first to get a good background, then be prepared to be swept away. You'll encounter multiple enemies, great relationships with their ups and downs, suspense that rivets you and a good moral to wrap it up.
July 22, 2017
This book was a very fast and moving book. I try to read all books by this author her books have
Never let me down they are always interesting and you just don't want to put them down.
I also read the sequel to this one. I will be searching on amazon for more of her books.
Never let me down they are always interesting and you just don't want to put them down.
I also read the sequel to this one. I will be searching on amazon for more of her books.
October 5, 2017
The story was longer than I usually read. It had more characters to keep up with. But it was packed with adventure. The author is really talented. I look forward to reading the next book. ( I now know that I should've read Target first.)
February 15, 2018
Had me wanting more!
This story had a great mix of romance, mystery, suspense and Christian message. The characters’ faith deepens through their experiences and they discover who they are really meant to be in life!
This story had a great mix of romance, mystery, suspense and Christian message. The characters’ faith deepens through their experiences and they discover who they are really meant to be in life!
February 19, 2018
Fantastic Book
I love this latest Denver this Denver FBI book.,full of suspense and plenty of twists and turns.
The characters were exciting,the romance enjoyable and a fantastic storyline.
This book is a must read mystery.
I love this latest Denver this Denver FBI book.,full of suspense and plenty of twists and turns.
The characters were exciting,the romance enjoyable and a fantastic storyline.
This book is a must read mystery.
April 27, 2018
Great story!
I love the characters and the suspense in this book. The way the characters were developed and weaving God through the story was lovely and so refreshing. This is really an enjoyable book that has life lessons as well. Loved it!
I love the characters and the suspense in this book. The way the characters were developed and weaving God through the story was lovely and so refreshing. This is really an enjoyable book that has life lessons as well. Loved it!
July 21, 2020
The story was fine. Characters okay, although not terribly fleshed out. The writing was chunky. Sometimes I thought I had skipped a few pages and missed something, but I hadn't. I would like to read some more by this author and see if these things improve.
October 23, 2024
This book has potential which is the reason for 3 stars but honestly its rudimentary. There are constant plot holes, or mistakes in the story, characters have no depth, it feels rushed, and honestly just amateur.
January 26, 2018
Not great & a little hard to follow but still a light thriller. Somewhat predictable.
October 20, 2023
Good book! I enjoyed reading it.
December 2, 2023
Very good read!
April 13, 2024
F.B.I. and a serial killer combine for an edge of your seat story. Throw in some romance and you hsve a great story. On to the last book in this series. Definitely worth the read.
May 4, 2024
Okay story...
February 10, 2025
Great Book!
Lisa Phillips is an amazing writer! I have read so many of her books. I have never been disappointed. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Lisa Phillips is an amazing writer! I have read so many of her books. I have never been disappointed. Can’t wait to read the next one!
March 24, 2025
fun author
I recently found Lisa Phillips and am reading my way through her works. They have been very enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next read.
I recently found Lisa Phillips and am reading my way through her works. They have been very enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next read.
September 30, 2016
Good read
The plot was good and it was an enjoyable read, although it was hard at times to keep the family connections separated.
I enjoy her books.
The plot was good and it was an enjoyable read, although it was hard at times to keep the family connections separated.
I enjoy her books.
July 4, 2015
Good book
I usually say that with these kinds of books, there's not enough connection with the characters and too much focus on the FBI/law enforcement to be really good. In the case of this book, Bait had a little TOO much personal insight and not enough FBI... However, this book definitely had me keeping those pages flipping! I really loved that I rarely knew where the next turn in the book would take me. That alone kept me on my toes! I also really enjoyed the family dynamics and the interactions between the adults and Jake. Jake was a really good kid who took a big bump in the road of life, but the reader just knows that he'll end up ok, even with his one huge mistake and what led him to make that mistake. On the other hand, Jake being such a good kid as a teenager is kind of an oxymoron, you know? Don't all teenagers go through rough spots and stages of rebellion and so forth? It made Jake seem like a kid out of a fairy tale rather than a "normal" teenager. And again, the weaknesses in this book that caused me to rate it only three was that there were hardly any clues at all to lead me into even trying to figure out who the killer was. The whole book was wrapped around the Chloroform Killer, yet didn't bring the reader close enough to him to even TRY guessing who it might be. That left me thinking that this book was simply a romance novel with next to zero thrill. Sure, there were a couple of "thrill spots," but barely enough to qualify. I like a writer who gives a reader clues to thinking "maybe it's him" or "what if it's not him, but this other person" kind of thing. That was missing in this book entirely. The other really big let-down was the "climactic" end - or rather, the lack thereof. There was nothing pointing to who the killer was, even after the reader finds out who it was. Yes, he showed up in one spot, but when the reader finds out he's was the guy all along, it doesn't even matter. And the FBI's reaction to the whole thing was a two word "sentence" just giving the name of the guy with one other sentence reminding the reader who he was. If the author had given enough clue along the way, then the ending to the book could have been really good. Instead, it was abrupt and absolutely non-climactic. Very disappointing ending. The ending also doesn't lead you to book two of this series. There's absolutely nothing to urge the reader to read book two. To sum it up, there was enough action to keep the pages turning, but the ending was a complete dud with no lead into book two.
I usually say that with these kinds of books, there's not enough connection with the characters and too much focus on the FBI/law enforcement to be really good. In the case of this book, Bait had a little TOO much personal insight and not enough FBI... However, this book definitely had me keeping those pages flipping! I really loved that I rarely knew where the next turn in the book would take me. That alone kept me on my toes! I also really enjoyed the family dynamics and the interactions between the adults and Jake. Jake was a really good kid who took a big bump in the road of life, but the reader just knows that he'll end up ok, even with his one huge mistake and what led him to make that mistake. On the other hand, Jake being such a good kid as a teenager is kind of an oxymoron, you know? Don't all teenagers go through rough spots and stages of rebellion and so forth? It made Jake seem like a kid out of a fairy tale rather than a "normal" teenager. And again, the weaknesses in this book that caused me to rate it only three was that there were hardly any clues at all to lead me into even trying to figure out who the killer was. The whole book was wrapped around the Chloroform Killer, yet didn't bring the reader close enough to him to even TRY guessing who it might be. That left me thinking that this book was simply a romance novel with next to zero thrill. Sure, there were a couple of "thrill spots," but barely enough to qualify. I like a writer who gives a reader clues to thinking "maybe it's him" or "what if it's not him, but this other person" kind of thing. That was missing in this book entirely. The other really big let-down was the "climactic" end - or rather, the lack thereof. There was nothing pointing to who the killer was, even after the reader finds out who it was. Yes, he showed up in one spot, but when the reader finds out he's was the guy all along, it doesn't even matter. And the FBI's reaction to the whole thing was a two word "sentence" just giving the name of the guy with one other sentence reminding the reader who he was. If the author had given enough clue along the way, then the ending to the book could have been really good. Instead, it was abrupt and absolutely non-climactic. Very disappointing ending. The ending also doesn't lead you to book two of this series. There's absolutely nothing to urge the reader to read book two. To sum it up, there was enough action to keep the pages turning, but the ending was a complete dud with no lead into book two.
April 4, 2016
I was a little disappointed in this story. The prequel was so good, I expected it to be much better. The characters were great. I loved that Gabe was more the nerdy type and not the typical hero. I really enjoyed the multiple viewpoints. My main issues with the story were the way it ended rather abruptly and the way it seemed to get sidetracked. At the beginning, I thought it was all about catching the Chloroform killer, then a whole other plot is exposed. I would have liked to see a little better mix of the two plotlines and a little more explanation of the reasoning. I liked the authors writing style, and despite not loving this story, I plan to read some more of her books.
March 1, 2015
Two stories in one, neither worth the time
I have read a lot of mysteries, but this one is the worst. Finished only because I hoped it would get better. You have two stories going on, and they are not well blended. To much psycho babble happening in one story. The main mystery gets pushed to the back burner. You actually feel sorry for the main characters. I don't believe Ms. Phillips is a Christian because she uses it as a crutch in the story. I would not recommend this book to any one. Very poor storyline and the ending is a classic Disney.
I have read a lot of mysteries, but this one is the worst. Finished only because I hoped it would get better. You have two stories going on, and they are not well blended. To much psycho babble happening in one story. The main mystery gets pushed to the back burner. You actually feel sorry for the main characters. I don't believe Ms. Phillips is a Christian because she uses it as a crutch in the story. I would not recommend this book to any one. Very poor storyline and the ending is a classic Disney.
May 30, 2016
The storyline was good and the action kept things moving. However, I struggled with the grammatical errors. Sometimes I had to re-read in order to figure out what the author really meant. There were other times I had to go back and decipher who was talking. Finally, it took me a while to figure out who Eleanor was when her name hadn't been used before in the book. I doubt I'll read this one again, but it was ok for a once through.
July 19, 2014
Overall good storyline but a bit too mushy. Got weighed down in touchy feelly but liked how the author portrayed Caisey as a person who needs to fix everything. Catching the killer was a little quick and we are never told how the killer knew who Caisey was. The men are portrayed as a bit weak and ineffectual but the story is about Caisey.
May 12, 2014
Great book. Casiey an FBI agent investigating a serial killer when Gage her long time lost love appears in a small town. Gage uncle is trying to kill him for testifying against his dad all those years ago. Has she just lead his uncle to him. Lots of twists and turns. Great story.
June 17, 2014
Good clean read
This book really kept me on my toes. The plot had lots of twists and turns. I never knew what was going to happen next. Loved the romance and mystery. Great Read!
This book really kept me on my toes. The plot had lots of twists and turns. I never knew what was going to happen next. Loved the romance and mystery. Great Read!
January 27, 2015
Bait review
Bait is the first book in the Denver FBI series written by author Lisa Phillips. There is also a short prequel. It's a Christian based romantic suspense story.
Bait is the first book in the Denver FBI series written by author Lisa Phillips. There is also a short prequel. It's a Christian based romantic suspense story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews