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Callahan & McLane #2
Bridged
After a congressman’s tortured body is found dangling from a Portland bridge, the FBI joins the Oregon State Police to investigate the case—and FBI Special Agent Ava McLane, still recovering from a bullet wound, hunts the twisted killer alongside the man who captured her heart, police detective Mason Callahan.
But once a third body appears and all evidence points to a serial killer, the public furiously clamors for answers—and the couple’s relationship grows fractured under the pressure. Ava and Mason search in the past for clues that predict the future. And when Ava’s mentally ill twin spins out of control, the FBI agent who battles monsters every day wonders if she shares her sister’s self-destructive streak…
In the latest thrilling romantic suspense novel from award-winning author Kendra Elliot, the past and the present violently collide…and the fallout can be deadly.
But once a third body appears and all evidence points to a serial killer, the public furiously clamors for answers—and the couple’s relationship grows fractured under the pressure. Ava and Mason search in the past for clues that predict the future. And when Ava’s mentally ill twin spins out of control, the FBI agent who battles monsters every day wonders if she shares her sister’s self-destructive streak…
In the latest thrilling romantic suspense novel from award-winning author Kendra Elliot, the past and the present violently collide…and the fallout can be deadly.
295 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2015
5435 people are currently reading
3785 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Elliot
40 books6,437 followersAn Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 14 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller more than a dozen times.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 791 reviews
February 12, 2016
Another engaging read. Liked both main characters, Ava and Mason.
It must be Outlander
I will definitely read more of this series.
Ava didn't wear much jewellery. Mainly conservative earrings ... but she often wore a silver ring with scrolling thistle design ... She'd told him it was a copy of a ring from a favourite novel. Something Scottish.
It must be Outlander
She'd exposed the most damaged part of her heart to him ... did she remember?
I will definitely read more of this series.
April 26, 2016
I'm really not sure what is wrong with me these days but I am lacking in writing reviews upon finishing my books.
I'm disappointed in myself because this series is rather good and deserves a proper review.
I enjoyed Mason and Ava even more in Bridged than I did in Vanished which is book #1 in the series.
Mason is such a lovable guy. He is sweet and endearing yet he has a bit of a badassery going on too. In a mild kind of way. :) And Ava is a great heroine who is easy to enjoy. There is a slow burn to their relationship which I always love in a book. You won't find any "hot sex" in this series (at least not so far) but there is something about Mason and Ava's relationship that it doesn't matter.
If you are looking for a new author within the Romantic Suspense Genre please give this author a try. I think you'll really enjoy her!!
August 3, 2018
4.5 stars
Bridged is book 2 in the Callahan &McLane series by Kendra Elliot, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Told in dual POV, the narrators (Nick Podehi & Amy McFadden) did a really good job. Even with several side characters, I had no problem figuring out who was talking, which I find sometimes hard to do.
The story has a solid mystery as well as the growing relationship between Detective Mason Callahan and FBI Special Agent Ava McLane. They are working together on a task force to find a deranged killer, and of course, Ava’s sister has to cause some problems too.
Even though this is classified as a romance, don’t expect a lot of sex because there isn’t any, maybe one scene that does not go into detail. Instead there are a lot of stolen glances, each of them wondering if they are good enough, things like that. To me, it is very realistic and I rather enjoyed not having to skim so many repetitive sex scenes. All in all, really engaging mystery, maybe even a little creepy at times
Bridged is book 2 in the Callahan &McLane series by Kendra Elliot, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Told in dual POV, the narrators (Nick Podehi & Amy McFadden) did a really good job. Even with several side characters, I had no problem figuring out who was talking, which I find sometimes hard to do.
The story has a solid mystery as well as the growing relationship between Detective Mason Callahan and FBI Special Agent Ava McLane. They are working together on a task force to find a deranged killer, and of course, Ava’s sister has to cause some problems too.
Even though this is classified as a romance, don’t expect a lot of sex because there isn’t any, maybe one scene that does not go into detail. Instead there are a lot of stolen glances, each of them wondering if they are good enough, things like that. To me, it is very realistic and I rather enjoyed not having to skim so many repetitive sex scenes. All in all, really engaging mystery, maybe even a little creepy at times
January 5, 2018
Bridged
2 Stars
Detective Mason Callahan and FBI Agent Eva McLane team up again to investigate a series of murders in which the victims are tortured and hung from bridges across Washington state.
Something is missing from this spin-off. Perhaps it is the fact that Mason and Ava's relationship developed so quickly in the first book that there is no longer any real tension or chemistry…
Perhaps it is their angsty and repetitive internal musings….
Maybe it's Ava's annoying obsession with her twin …
Or Elliot's tendency toward making her villains too sympathetic. Regardless, the series simply isn't grabbing me in the same way as Bone Secrets did.
In terms of the plot, the romance is overshadowed by the mystery, which isn't very well written. The motive is obvious early on and it takes the police far too long to figure it out. The climax is contrived and convenient, and the resolution is unnecessarily drawn out.
In addition, the writing is plagued with grammatical errors, especially the consistent misuse of the Past Perfect tense. As an ESL teacher, it could be that I'm overly sensitive to this, but it detracts from the overall reading experience. The book is in dire need of an editor!
In sum, this is the weakest of Elliot's books, and to be honest, I need to take a break before I lose interest completely.
2 Stars
Detective Mason Callahan and FBI Agent Eva McLane team up again to investigate a series of murders in which the victims are tortured and hung from bridges across Washington state.
Something is missing from this spin-off. Perhaps it is the fact that Mason and Ava's relationship developed so quickly in the first book that there is no longer any real tension or chemistry…
Perhaps it is their angsty and repetitive internal musings….
Maybe it's Ava's annoying obsession with her twin …
Or Elliot's tendency toward making her villains too sympathetic. Regardless, the series simply isn't grabbing me in the same way as Bone Secrets did.
In terms of the plot, the romance is overshadowed by the mystery, which isn't very well written. The motive is obvious early on and it takes the police far too long to figure it out. The climax is contrived and convenient, and the resolution is unnecessarily drawn out.
In addition, the writing is plagued with grammatical errors, especially the consistent misuse of the Past Perfect tense. As an ESL teacher, it could be that I'm overly sensitive to this, but it detracts from the overall reading experience. The book is in dire need of an editor!
In sum, this is the weakest of Elliot's books, and to be honest, I need to take a break before I lose interest completely.
January 26, 2016
I really like this series. It's good. The mystery is solid. The characters believable and lovable. I like the pair and can't wait for their next adventure.
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March 19, 2020
#1 Vanished: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
*
Bridged had a pretty interesting mystery and the plot was very well developed in that sense. Big content warning for rape, though, so be careful when reading! The slow reveal of who the killer was and how all the murders were related was engaging and well done; I definitely didn't see it coming and I liked how it connected different characters. The story was fast-paced and a pretty quick read once the investigation started happening.
My issues were with 1) the relationship progression again: I thought everything developed really fast, which I guess was still an aspect of the bit of instalove Ava and Mason have going on, but it was still fun reading them about working together and solving this mystery; and 2) Jayne: I really. didn't care about her or that plot line at all. It took up a big chunk of the novel and didn't change anything. There was so development or closure. Just drama.
Not sure if I will continue with the series. Might give the next novel a try and see how I feel about those two things.
*
Bridged had a pretty interesting mystery and the plot was very well developed in that sense. Big content warning for rape, though, so be careful when reading! The slow reveal of who the killer was and how all the murders were related was engaging and well done; I definitely didn't see it coming and I liked how it connected different characters. The story was fast-paced and a pretty quick read once the investigation started happening.
My issues were with 1) the relationship progression again: I thought everything developed really fast, which I guess was still an aspect of the bit of instalove Ava and Mason have going on, but it was still fun reading them about working together and solving this mystery; and 2) Jayne: I really. didn't care about her or that plot line at all. It took up a big chunk of the novel and didn't change anything. There was so development or closure. Just drama.
Not sure if I will continue with the series. Might give the next novel a try and see how I feel about those two things.
April 7, 2020
I was so excited to be back solving crimes with Ava and Mason.
This is the second book in the Callahan & McLane series by Kendra Elliot. While it can be read as a standalone, I totally recommend starting from the first book - Vanished. You will get to see how Mason and Ava met and fall in love. To my knowledge, each book will revolve around a different case/crime. Their relationship, however, will continue to develop over the series. So if you are a romance-junkie like me, you'll definitely want to start with the first book.
[Related: #BookReview: Vanished by Kendra Elliot]
This book picks up where Vanished ended. Ava is out of the hospital, but still recovering from her injury that occurred in the previous book. Her relationship with Mason is continuing to rapidly grow. She has been staying at his apartment while she has been off work and she's not sure if she wants to give up her apartment just yet. It is putting some pressure on their relationship as they aren't sure just "how serious" they are. By society's standards, they are going waaay too fast. And that is messing with Ava's head. Also, she is going stir crazy with not being able to work and finds herself trying to help Mason with his latest case. But she also is dealing with her twin sister's antics. She has disappeared - leaving Ava is do her own private investigating.
Mason is working on a murder where a politician was killed and hung naked - post mortem - from the bridge for all to see. A few days later, another guy is hung from another bridge in a different town. It becomes apparent that they have a serial killer on the loose. Mason is determined to crack this case and catch the killer.
This installment was just as exciting and thrilling as the first. There was a few bumps for me that kept it from being a 5 star read. The main one is Ava's character. Don't get me wrong, I adore Ava and how strong she is. I am all about strong heroines. However, she ends up in a lot of sticky situations because, you guessed it, she's a female. Like, when is Mason going to need Ava to save him. Now, that's a story I can stand behind.
Who is your go-to romantic suspense author? Give me your recommendations below!
Overall, I really enjoyed this mystery novel. It is always nice to throw in a sub-genre of romance that I don't get to read very often to refresh the palate - so to speak. If you are looking for a good suspenseful novel, Kendra Elliot should be your go-to.
This review was originally posted on Sincerely, Whitney
April 4, 2021
I worked my way through the previous series to get to this one with one intention: Mason Callahan & Ava McLane! Bridged does not disappoint. Fantastic character & relationship development, torrid pace and stimulating case. Intriguing, action-packed & heart-stopping moments. The narration of this audiobook brought it to life. My favorite of the series thus far. Highly recommended!
June 4, 2015
Bridged by Kendra Elliot is a 2015 Montlake publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Callahan and McLane series.
I was thrilled that Ava and Mason's relationship is deepening because they really do compliment each other. But, they are still dedicated to their jobs and so when men are being murdered and tossed off the Portland Bridge stark naked, Ava has her hands full trying to determine who “The Bridge Killer” is. But, that's not all she has going on in her life.
In the first book in this series, I was a little puzzled by the storyline that involved Ava's sister, Jayne. Now, I understand that the author was laying the groundwork for a bigger story line and we will most likely deal with Jayne's character again in the future. In this second book, Jayne has really outdone herself by stealing from her own sister and it appears she has a very dangerous new boyfriend, prompting Ava to try to locate her, despite the fact she has given up on Jayne ever getting better or changing and can't afford to have her bogging down her own life.
I liked this second book in the series better than the first one, actually. The characters are familiar to me now and I understand them a little better. I was given a little more insight into Ava and Jayne's childhood and it's so thought provoking. Ava is such a stand up person, but suffered as much abuse and neglect, if not more, as Jayne did, but Jayne turned into a wild child. Interesting psychology there and maybe the series will delve into that in more detail later on.
I thought the plot was imaginative and it was interesting to have men as the victims and not women or children, which is so often the case in romantic suspense novels. I thought this made the motives more complex because with three murders in rapid succession, it becomes clear a serial killer is out there, but the victims are so diverse it's hard to find a commonality between them. There were a few heart stopping moments and the suspense builds to an action packed climax that had me glued to the pages.
Overall, this is a solid thriller, the type I really like reading most of all. I'm still warming up to this series, but I think it might become a fast favorite. 4 stars
This is the second book in the Callahan and McLane series.
I was thrilled that Ava and Mason's relationship is deepening because they really do compliment each other. But, they are still dedicated to their jobs and so when men are being murdered and tossed off the Portland Bridge stark naked, Ava has her hands full trying to determine who “The Bridge Killer” is. But, that's not all she has going on in her life.
In the first book in this series, I was a little puzzled by the storyline that involved Ava's sister, Jayne. Now, I understand that the author was laying the groundwork for a bigger story line and we will most likely deal with Jayne's character again in the future. In this second book, Jayne has really outdone herself by stealing from her own sister and it appears she has a very dangerous new boyfriend, prompting Ava to try to locate her, despite the fact she has given up on Jayne ever getting better or changing and can't afford to have her bogging down her own life.
I liked this second book in the series better than the first one, actually. The characters are familiar to me now and I understand them a little better. I was given a little more insight into Ava and Jayne's childhood and it's so thought provoking. Ava is such a stand up person, but suffered as much abuse and neglect, if not more, as Jayne did, but Jayne turned into a wild child. Interesting psychology there and maybe the series will delve into that in more detail later on.
I thought the plot was imaginative and it was interesting to have men as the victims and not women or children, which is so often the case in romantic suspense novels. I thought this made the motives more complex because with three murders in rapid succession, it becomes clear a serial killer is out there, but the victims are so diverse it's hard to find a commonality between them. There were a few heart stopping moments and the suspense builds to an action packed climax that had me glued to the pages.
Overall, this is a solid thriller, the type I really like reading most of all. I'm still warming up to this series, but I think it might become a fast favorite. 4 stars
December 14, 2020
3 stars
Better than book 1 but I still think Ava, h FBI agent, does not sound as serious as the character is made out to be - when we hear her thoughts, she sounds like a teen.
Better than book 1 but I still think Ava, h FBI agent, does not sound as serious as the character is made out to be - when we hear her thoughts, she sounds like a teen.
June 8, 2018
You can find this review in English below.
4.5 stars.
Me encanta esta autora. Me encantan sus suspenses. Puedo confiar en que van a ser especiales, originales y muy interesantes. Casi nunca me decepciona y en este caso no ha sido diferente.
A pesar de no ser muy fan de las series en general, estos protagonistas hicieron mella en mí y tenía ganas de ver cómo les iba, pero tengo que advertir algo: aquí el romance es casi inexistente. Un par de líneas aquí y allá que nos dejan ver qué es de esa relación pero poco más. Lo importante es el suspense. Y como ya he dicho antes, es buenísimo.
Estas es una de esas historias en las que a pesar de que el lector tiene todos los datos y los puntos de vista, eso no le resta incertidumbre ni interés a la historia. Durante todo el suspense acompañamos a los protagonistas y al malo en su viaje y todo, absolutamente todo, es realista, interesante e intrigante.
Ava y Mason tienen una relación simple pero complicada. Y el estrés que conlleva su trabajo se refleja en su vida diaria. A veces es asfixiante ver como luchan por sobrevivir todas las situaciones tan extremas que su trabajo les ocasiona. Pero todo tiene un tinte muy realista que hace que la historia fluya.
Si tuviese que ponerle alguna pega es que creo que a esta autora se le va un poco la mano con el melodrama familiar. En este caso el trasfondo familiar ha sido demasiado enrevesado y poco creíble. A ver, ojalá todas las relaciones familiares complicadas fuesen tan maduras, aunque a mí, que soy un poco cínica, me han sonado irrealistas. Pero esto no me ha hecho disfrutar menos de la historia.
***
4.5 stars.
I love this author. I love her suspense. I can trust that they will be special, original and so interesting. She almost never disappoints me and in this case, it has not been different.
Although I´m not very fond of series, these protagonists made a dent in me and I wanted to see how they were doing, but I have to warn you: here the romance is hardly present. A couple of lines here and there that let us see how that relationship is going on but little else. The important thing is the suspense. And as I said before, it's great.
This is one of those stories in which, despite the fact that the reader has all the facts and points of view, that does not diminish its level of uncertainty or interest. During all the suspense we accompany the protagonists and the bad guy in their trip and everything, absolutely everything is realistic, interesting and intriguing.
Ava and Mason have a simple but complicated relationship. And the stress that comes with their line of work is reflected in their daily life. Sometimes it is suffocating to see how they struggle to survive all the extreme situations their work put them throughout. But everything has a very realistic tint that makes the story flows.
If I had to find a fault, I think that would be that this author gets out of hand with the relationships melodrama. In this case, the family background has been too convoluted and unreliable. I wish all complicated family relationships were so mature, although the cynic in me keeps struggling to believe it. But this has not made me enjoy the story less.
4.5 stars.
Me encanta esta autora. Me encantan sus suspenses. Puedo confiar en que van a ser especiales, originales y muy interesantes. Casi nunca me decepciona y en este caso no ha sido diferente.
A pesar de no ser muy fan de las series en general, estos protagonistas hicieron mella en mí y tenía ganas de ver cómo les iba, pero tengo que advertir algo: aquí el romance es casi inexistente. Un par de líneas aquí y allá que nos dejan ver qué es de esa relación pero poco más. Lo importante es el suspense. Y como ya he dicho antes, es buenísimo.
Estas es una de esas historias en las que a pesar de que el lector tiene todos los datos y los puntos de vista, eso no le resta incertidumbre ni interés a la historia. Durante todo el suspense acompañamos a los protagonistas y al malo en su viaje y todo, absolutamente todo, es realista, interesante e intrigante.
Ava y Mason tienen una relación simple pero complicada. Y el estrés que conlleva su trabajo se refleja en su vida diaria. A veces es asfixiante ver como luchan por sobrevivir todas las situaciones tan extremas que su trabajo les ocasiona. Pero todo tiene un tinte muy realista que hace que la historia fluya.
Si tuviese que ponerle alguna pega es que creo que a esta autora se le va un poco la mano con el melodrama familiar. En este caso el trasfondo familiar ha sido demasiado enrevesado y poco creíble. A ver, ojalá todas las relaciones familiares complicadas fuesen tan maduras, aunque a mí, que soy un poco cínica, me han sonado irrealistas. Pero esto no me ha hecho disfrutar menos de la historia.
***
4.5 stars.
I love this author. I love her suspense. I can trust that they will be special, original and so interesting. She almost never disappoints me and in this case, it has not been different.
Although I´m not very fond of series, these protagonists made a dent in me and I wanted to see how they were doing, but I have to warn you: here the romance is hardly present. A couple of lines here and there that let us see how that relationship is going on but little else. The important thing is the suspense. And as I said before, it's great.
This is one of those stories in which, despite the fact that the reader has all the facts and points of view, that does not diminish its level of uncertainty or interest. During all the suspense we accompany the protagonists and the bad guy in their trip and everything, absolutely everything is realistic, interesting and intriguing.
Ava and Mason have a simple but complicated relationship. And the stress that comes with their line of work is reflected in their daily life. Sometimes it is suffocating to see how they struggle to survive all the extreme situations their work put them throughout. But everything has a very realistic tint that makes the story flows.
If I had to find a fault, I think that would be that this author gets out of hand with the relationships melodrama. In this case, the family background has been too convoluted and unreliable. I wish all complicated family relationships were so mature, although the cynic in me keeps struggling to believe it. But this has not made me enjoy the story less.
February 16, 2015
ARC provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The Mason Callahan series started with Vanished. Bridged is the second book in the series. I always try to read a series in order and advise my friends to do the same. Bridged is a taunt romantic suspense plot, with it's emphasis on the suspense, not the romance. It is a well constructed plot that keeps you turning the pages. At times you have no idea where it is headed and that just adds to the tension. My only real problem is that I didn't like the ending. I wish things could have turned out differently, but it will make for a great topic in the discussion groups.
Bridged starts some months after Vanished ends. We find Ava and Mason have moved in together and are very much in love. Ava has returned to the FBI, but on limited duty due to her injuries. A Congressman has been discovered hanging from a prominent bridge in Portland, OR. Mason, as an OSP officer, is called to the scene. The body is nude and staged for maximum shock value. Due to the high profile nature of the case the FBI, Ava, is called in. A task force team is assembled but not much progress is made when a 2nd body is dropped, then a 3rd. With increasing violence to each body, the task force team is scrambling to find the link between the victims. During all this Ava's unstable twin, Jayne, makes contact and Ava's focus is distracted from the case at just the wrong time which sends Mason and the team on a desperate search for her.
The Mason Callahan series started with Vanished. Bridged is the second book in the series. I always try to read a series in order and advise my friends to do the same. Bridged is a taunt romantic suspense plot, with it's emphasis on the suspense, not the romance. It is a well constructed plot that keeps you turning the pages. At times you have no idea where it is headed and that just adds to the tension. My only real problem is that I didn't like the ending. I wish things could have turned out differently, but it will make for a great topic in the discussion groups.
Bridged starts some months after Vanished ends. We find Ava and Mason have moved in together and are very much in love. Ava has returned to the FBI, but on limited duty due to her injuries. A Congressman has been discovered hanging from a prominent bridge in Portland, OR. Mason, as an OSP officer, is called to the scene. The body is nude and staged for maximum shock value. Due to the high profile nature of the case the FBI, Ava, is called in. A task force team is assembled but not much progress is made when a 2nd body is dropped, then a 3rd. With increasing violence to each body, the task force team is scrambling to find the link between the victims. During all this Ava's unstable twin, Jayne, makes contact and Ava's focus is distracted from the case at just the wrong time which sends Mason and the team on a desperate search for her.
May 29, 2022
Third Read: Three stars this time, though I will not change the overall rating. Too much Jane and rape. I will not read this again.
Second Read: The horror that is Jane dragged it down for me upon second reading but it still held my
attention.
Another Page-Turner! Mason Callahan is a rock steady version Justified's Raylan Givens, a tough smart cop you champion. Elliot's villains and their crimes are outlandish enough to keep you guessing, without too much gore to make you cringe, and just enough romance to make you sigh. The story continues the Ava/Jane drama that was more frightening than the murderers. Mason and Ava are written pitch perfect for each other and I look forward to reading Spiraled this summer.
- Enjoyed the reread!
April 9, 2021
A nude body has been found hanging from a bridge. Detective Mason Callahan and his partner, Ray Lusco, are the lead investigators in the murder; but FBI Agents Ava McLane and Zander Wells join the investigation when it is revealed that the victim is U.S. Representative Carson Scott. Just as the task force begins investigating, a second body is found hanging from another bridge. As they look into the background of the victims, they cannot find a connection between them. Could it be a serial killer picking random victims?
The second book in the Callahan & McLane series is another winner. As the bodies start piling up, Mason and Ava are at a loss as to who is behind the murders. To make matters worse, Ava is also dealing with her twin sister, Jayne, who has hooked up with a known drug dealer. I loved the story and and looking forward to the next book in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
The second book in the Callahan & McLane series is another winner. As the bodies start piling up, Mason and Ava are at a loss as to who is behind the murders. To make matters worse, Ava is also dealing with her twin sister, Jayne, who has hooked up with a known drug dealer. I loved the story and and looking forward to the next book in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
July 8, 2024
3.5 Stars!!
When a dead body is found hanging from a Portland bridge, detective Mason Callahan is called in to investigate. When it's found out the body is that of a US representative the case becomes more intense and FBI Special Agent Ava McLane joins the investigation.
I found this one a lot slower than the first book and got a little bored at times. I did enjoy seeing the relationship between Mason and Ava grow and will continue the series to see where it goes.
When a dead body is found hanging from a Portland bridge, detective Mason Callahan is called in to investigate. When it's found out the body is that of a US representative the case becomes more intense and FBI Special Agent Ava McLane joins the investigation.
I found this one a lot slower than the first book and got a little bored at times. I did enjoy seeing the relationship between Mason and Ava grow and will continue the series to see where it goes.
December 14, 2017
3.5 stars
February 18, 2015
In my world of reading and authors, there are very few that I hold on a pedestal for their writing prowess and ingenuity. In my book, if an author/writer can progress on her prowess from one to the next, a winner for me. Especially in a series where the stories revolve around the protagonists, it’s very important to evolve their relationship, create layers of depth to their characters, only to be peeled to expose their strengths and weaknesses, and the connection that they have with the readers, as they bridge their own insecurities and fears for a future.
It’s not easy. It’s hard work and requires immense passion to be able to get into these characters to make them as believable as the next human being. The second book in the Callahan/McLane Series, “Bridged” by Kendra Elliot, is a brilliant narration of a past that haunts one person into killing, and a present that is burdened with guilt and the vulnerability of family and relationships.
FBI Agent Ava McLean and OSO Agent Mason Callahan are knee deep into investigating the murders that seem to be caught hanging at various bridges in the City Of Portland; Murders that leave no clues, or evidence. As Mason, Ava and their team of experts and agents, try to connect the pieces of the puzzle, Ava is drawn into a nightmare of a twin who is the power to bring Ava down single-handedly and test her sanity.
As the team goes into the past to dig through secrets, the present gets more and more ominous taking Ava closer to danger and death. What I most treasured about this book and my utter adoration to the writer is her technique of developing the story, piece by piece, detail by detail and character by character, be it the primary or the secondary. She delves into the pain and guilt haunting the killer as much she infuses strength and trust into the relationship between Ava and Mason. Ava’s twin Jayne is just another catalyst that tear opens Ava to the core, with Mason being her voice of love and reason.
Dripping with emotions of love and trust, tied up with frustration and fear, reeling in pangs of guilt and hatred, drowning in depths of despair and darkness, Bridged takes us over and under to the people who have made a choice to follow a path of evil and those who have chosen to protect until their last breath.
Received an ARC from Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.
It’s not easy. It’s hard work and requires immense passion to be able to get into these characters to make them as believable as the next human being. The second book in the Callahan/McLane Series, “Bridged” by Kendra Elliot, is a brilliant narration of a past that haunts one person into killing, and a present that is burdened with guilt and the vulnerability of family and relationships.
FBI Agent Ava McLean and OSO Agent Mason Callahan are knee deep into investigating the murders that seem to be caught hanging at various bridges in the City Of Portland; Murders that leave no clues, or evidence. As Mason, Ava and their team of experts and agents, try to connect the pieces of the puzzle, Ava is drawn into a nightmare of a twin who is the power to bring Ava down single-handedly and test her sanity.
As the team goes into the past to dig through secrets, the present gets more and more ominous taking Ava closer to danger and death. What I most treasured about this book and my utter adoration to the writer is her technique of developing the story, piece by piece, detail by detail and character by character, be it the primary or the secondary. She delves into the pain and guilt haunting the killer as much she infuses strength and trust into the relationship between Ava and Mason. Ava’s twin Jayne is just another catalyst that tear opens Ava to the core, with Mason being her voice of love and reason.
Dripping with emotions of love and trust, tied up with frustration and fear, reeling in pangs of guilt and hatred, drowning in depths of despair and darkness, Bridged takes us over and under to the people who have made a choice to follow a path of evil and those who have chosen to protect until their last breath.
Received an ARC from Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.
January 31, 2015
In this second book in a series, FBI Agent Ava McLane and Oregon State Police detective Mason Callahan are living together, more or less. Ava hasn't sold her home but she's leaning that way. Both of them fit together like they were made for each other. Mason is a little concerned about their age difference and Ava is still plagued by her irresponsible drug addict of a sister. But both are happier than they can ever remember being.
This time they both get called in on the death of a congressman. He was found hanging from a bridge. Ava and Mason are busy investigating when two more men are found hanging from bridges. With thoughts of a serial killer, the press is clamoring for details. Ava, Mason and the Task Force are trying to find something that connects these seemingly very different men. And, somehow, Ava's sister Jayne is caught up in the case since her current, shady boyfriend seems to be on the killer's radar.
The story is very suspenseful. I also liked the relationship that Ava and Mason are building. Sections from the killer's point of view add an extra creepiness to the story too. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this story.
This time they both get called in on the death of a congressman. He was found hanging from a bridge. Ava and Mason are busy investigating when two more men are found hanging from bridges. With thoughts of a serial killer, the press is clamoring for details. Ava, Mason and the Task Force are trying to find something that connects these seemingly very different men. And, somehow, Ava's sister Jayne is caught up in the case since her current, shady boyfriend seems to be on the killer's radar.
The story is very suspenseful. I also liked the relationship that Ava and Mason are building. Sections from the killer's point of view add an extra creepiness to the story too. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this story.
August 17, 2018
2.5 stars
Interesting mystery, but sad. And I’m not sure where the author’s going with the whole twin thing, but I’m a firm believer in loving someone from afar if that person is destructive and will drag you down with them. I know I’m not a twin, but Ava needs to stop reaching out to Jayne. It’s like reaching into a viper pit and knowing you’ll get bitten but not caring. That can’t be a healthy behaviour. Trigger warning .
On a side note, Zander is lovely and I want to see his story!
Interesting mystery, but sad. And I’m not sure where the author’s going with the whole twin thing, but I’m a firm believer in loving someone from afar if that person is destructive and will drag you down with them. I know I’m not a twin, but Ava needs to stop reaching out to Jayne. It’s like reaching into a viper pit and knowing you’ll get bitten but not caring. That can’t be a healthy behaviour. Trigger warning .
On a side note, Zander is lovely and I want to see his story!
October 30, 2020
Great, exciting, very fast paced! Second in this great series!
November 30, 2024
4.5 stars
Another fabulous book, starring Eva and Mason, an interesting duo as she's an FBI agent and he's from an Oregon police department. They are working another dangerous case together. Her identical twin, Jayne - of course had to cause her further stress, frustration and worry.
This was definitely suspenseful, I was never sure who might be killed next.
I am interested in seeing where Kendra puts them next!
Another fabulous book, starring Eva and Mason, an interesting duo as she's an FBI agent and he's from an Oregon police department. They are working another dangerous case together. Her identical twin, Jayne - of course had to cause her further stress, frustration and worry.
This was definitely suspenseful, I was never sure who might be killed next.
I am interested in seeing where Kendra puts them next!
November 27, 2023
Bridged as an excellent addition to the Callahan & McLane series with a fast-paced and intriguing mystery.
After a body found dangling from a Portland Bridge is identified as a United States congressman, the FBI joins the Oregon State Police investigation pairing up detective Mason Callahan with his newfound love FBI Special Agent Ava McLane. When more bodies begin appearing at nearby bridges, all evidence points to a serial killer. While Ava and Mason search for the killer, Ava's mentally ill twin sister begins spiraling out of control pulling Ava's focus away from her work. With pressure mounting to solve the case, will Mason and Ava's relationship stand up to the demands of the job?
The premise of Bridged intrigued me and I found myself wondering why the killer was choosing to leave his victims hanging from bridges. We don't actually get the answer to that until a decent way into the book but I was hooked and wanted to know more. Before the discovery of additional bodies, the investigation initially focuses on why someone would want a congressman dead which meant the team had to look into if the killing was politically motivated, more personal, or entirely random. Once more bodies show up, the investigation shifts and the focus becomes finding a connection between the victims. With little time between each body being found, the tension is high and there's a lot of pressure to find the killer before more people are killed. I was surprised by the connection between the victims and the killer and didn't expect the direction the author took things. The ending was fast-paced with the perfect amount of suspense to keep you wondering how everything would turn out.
Mason and Ava's relationship is a bit more developed than it was at the end of Vanished which I liked. The two are practically living together at Mason's and their relationship has progressed quickly. I really enjoyed the connection between these two and how Ava's presence in Mason's life has personalized him in a way he wasn't in the Bone Secrets series. The situation with Ava's sister does cause some issues between Ava and Mason although not in the way I expected. Ava is used to dealing with her sister on her own and Mason is hurt when she shuts him out. I liked that over the course of the book she begins accepting his help more and learns she doesn't have to do everything alone. The plot with her sister went in a direction I wasn't expecting but I liked how the author tied it in.
Overall Bridged was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.
After a body found dangling from a Portland Bridge is identified as a United States congressman, the FBI joins the Oregon State Police investigation pairing up detective Mason Callahan with his newfound love FBI Special Agent Ava McLane. When more bodies begin appearing at nearby bridges, all evidence points to a serial killer. While Ava and Mason search for the killer, Ava's mentally ill twin sister begins spiraling out of control pulling Ava's focus away from her work. With pressure mounting to solve the case, will Mason and Ava's relationship stand up to the demands of the job?
The premise of Bridged intrigued me and I found myself wondering why the killer was choosing to leave his victims hanging from bridges. We don't actually get the answer to that until a decent way into the book but I was hooked and wanted to know more. Before the discovery of additional bodies, the investigation initially focuses on why someone would want a congressman dead which meant the team had to look into if the killing was politically motivated, more personal, or entirely random. Once more bodies show up, the investigation shifts and the focus becomes finding a connection between the victims. With little time between each body being found, the tension is high and there's a lot of pressure to find the killer before more people are killed. I was surprised by the connection between the victims and the killer and didn't expect the direction the author took things. The ending was fast-paced with the perfect amount of suspense to keep you wondering how everything would turn out.
Mason and Ava's relationship is a bit more developed than it was at the end of Vanished which I liked. The two are practically living together at Mason's and their relationship has progressed quickly. I really enjoyed the connection between these two and how Ava's presence in Mason's life has personalized him in a way he wasn't in the Bone Secrets series. The situation with Ava's sister does cause some issues between Ava and Mason although not in the way I expected. Ava is used to dealing with her sister on her own and Mason is hurt when she shuts him out. I liked that over the course of the book she begins accepting his help more and learns she doesn't have to do everything alone. The plot with her sister went in a direction I wasn't expecting but I liked how the author tied it in.
Overall Bridged was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.
August 23, 2018
3.5 stars
CW (because I forgot for the first one): drug addiction of a side character (family member of an MC)
So as with the first book, this is dual narration, which is still not my favorite. But also as with the first one, each narrator does a great job with their individual parts. It's a catch-22 any time this situation comes up. *shrugs*
The author is also continuing with the villain POV, though I thought it was better integrated here and the reveals as to why he was doing what he was doing and how he was connected to the victims was handled better. Still don't really care for villain POV in mysteries like this, but she does it better than most.
There was one thought that kept niggling at the back of my mind while listening to this: how much time exactly had passed since the previous book. If they mentioned it, I didn't catch it, but it didn't seem like a whole heck of a lot of time had passed. Yet already Mason and Ava are practically living together and act like they've been a couple for years instead of still getting to know each other. I'm not sure I really buy that level of synchronicity so soon into a relationship.
Also, Ava was shot in the shoulder at the end of the previous book and she's still going to physical therapy for the injury - but she's already cleared for field duty? Um...if you say so. She should either still be on desk duty (and did she even do a psyche eval?) or there should have been a lot more time between books. There was really no need for this book to pick up so soon after the previous one.
The mystery itself was interesting up to a point. Still, it was better paced than the previous book, as I mentioned before, and it was odd enough to keep my attention even after I figured out what was going on. The lead up to the climax looked like we were headed toward Silly Town but the author was mostly able avoid it. And I like how Mason and Ava were able to remain professional (fancy that!) and keep their cool under pressure.
I'm starting to get annoyed with Jane. Ava reminds me of those parents who constantly bail their kids out of trouble so they don't have to face the consequences of their actions and then are amazed when said kids have no moral compass or impulse control. Ava, you're doing sisterhood wrong.
CW (because I forgot for the first one): drug addiction of a side character (family member of an MC)
So as with the first book, this is dual narration, which is still not my favorite. But also as with the first one, each narrator does a great job with their individual parts. It's a catch-22 any time this situation comes up. *shrugs*
The author is also continuing with the villain POV, though I thought it was better integrated here and the reveals as to why he was doing what he was doing and how he was connected to the victims was handled better. Still don't really care for villain POV in mysteries like this, but she does it better than most.
There was one thought that kept niggling at the back of my mind while listening to this: how much time exactly had passed since the previous book. If they mentioned it, I didn't catch it, but it didn't seem like a whole heck of a lot of time had passed. Yet already Mason and Ava are practically living together and act like they've been a couple for years instead of still getting to know each other. I'm not sure I really buy that level of synchronicity so soon into a relationship.
Also, Ava was shot in the shoulder at the end of the previous book and she's still going to physical therapy for the injury - but she's already cleared for field duty? Um...if you say so. She should either still be on desk duty (and did she even do a psyche eval?) or there should have been a lot more time between books. There was really no need for this book to pick up so soon after the previous one.
The mystery itself was interesting up to a point. Still, it was better paced than the previous book, as I mentioned before, and it was odd enough to keep my attention even after I figured out what was going on. The lead up to the climax looked like we were headed toward Silly Town but the author was mostly able avoid it. And I like how Mason and Ava were able to remain professional (fancy that!) and keep their cool under pressure.
I'm starting to get annoyed with Jane. Ava reminds me of those parents who constantly bail their kids out of trouble so they don't have to face the consequences of their actions and then are amazed when said kids have no moral compass or impulse control. Ava, you're doing sisterhood wrong.
June 30, 2024
In the second book in the Callahan & McLane series, Detective Mason Callahan and FBI Agent Eva McLane team up again to investigate a series of murders in which the victims are tortured and hung from bridges across Washington state. The second storyline deals with Ava's twin sister Jane. Jane is an addict that is dealing with mental health, but she is part of Ava, and there is always part of her worrying about Jane.
I would describe this more as a crime thriller, than romantic suspense. Yes, there is some chemistry between Ava and Mason as they are now together, but the romance is limited. I will say that Kendra Elliot's writing has really improved over the years as the plot in this one was relatively easy to figure out. I like the way they work together as well as their colleagues. I have to say that Ava, who is recovering from being shot in the last book, once again finds herself in a dangerous situation. Overall an easy book to listen to. The narration by Nick Podehl & Amy McFadden was okay, but all the female voices sounded the same except maybe with a bit different inflection.
I would describe this more as a crime thriller, than romantic suspense. Yes, there is some chemistry between Ava and Mason as they are now together, but the romance is limited. I will say that Kendra Elliot's writing has really improved over the years as the plot in this one was relatively easy to figure out. I like the way they work together as well as their colleagues. I have to say that Ava, who is recovering from being shot in the last book, once again finds herself in a dangerous situation. Overall an easy book to listen to. The narration by Nick Podehl & Amy McFadden was okay, but all the female voices sounded the same except maybe with a bit different inflection.
November 19, 2020
Whenever I am on holiday or have a break, I try and make it a mission to clear some of my older reads off my devices and my TBR piles. Needing a mystery to mix up my reading tastes lately, I scrolled through to a Kendra Elliot read - she is one of my favorite female mystery writers. In Bridged, it starts with a male throwing a guy over the bridge and making it look like a hanging. The guy was a congressman and so of course the FBI is called to the scene. The next few deaths cause us to realize that the killer has a list and is trying to clean up messes and getting revenge on those that harmed a female in the past as our killer doesn't have long to live as he is dying himself. Over the next course of the novel we will read as the FBI tries to help solve the case and of course, those who have read the other books in this series will recall that Ava has a twin sister Jayne who is always in trouble, and now, of course, has herself tied up with one of the guys on our killer's list and if that isn't enough for Ava to handle, Jayne and her partner also robbed Mason's house and Jayne stole their mother's ring from Ava. In Bridged we see the early beginnings of Mason and Ava's relationship forming and how they are trying to work around that inter-agency relationship policy as Ava is FBI and Mason is PD. Bridged was another great and gruesome murder mystery from Kendra Elliot and if you haven't yet discovered her work, then come out from that rock you have been hiding under and check out her list of titles and different series as each is as awesome as the other.
September 15, 2022
This is the second book in Kendra Elliot’s Callahan & McLane. Once again Mason and Ava are working together to solve a crime. This time the FBI is called in when a congressman turns up hanging from a bridge.
The crime was interesting, but I got a little bored in the middle. I was happy that we got to spend more time with Mason and Ava in a personal setting instead of just at crime scenes. We even got a taste of some sexy time between the two. I really wish the scene wasn’t cut short and fade to black. Seeing as this is romantic suspense, I want a little more romance. Reading about Mason truly letting go with Ava would be a treat. 😍
The crime was interesting, but I got a little bored in the middle. I was happy that we got to spend more time with Mason and Ava in a personal setting instead of just at crime scenes. We even got a taste of some sexy time between the two. I really wish the scene wasn’t cut short and fade to black. Seeing as this is romantic suspense, I want a little more romance. Reading about Mason truly letting go with Ava would be a treat. 😍
November 24, 2018
Brilliant!
Straight on to the third in the series...
Straight on to the third in the series...
December 26, 2018
This series contains a solid group of books. They don't have that wow factor that makes you rave over them, however, they have solid writing, good characters and an interesting plot. I enjoyed reading it and started the next in the series.
December 20, 2021
Excellent second installment in Elliot's Callahan & McLane series. Very suspenseful and terrific characters.
February 14, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
You ever go wandering through a bookstore, library, Amazon and see a book that looks ok. You think, I don't have anything to read so I'll just get that one. Then you begin it and realize that you have found a pot of gold?
That's how I felt about Kendra Elliot's Bridged. I don't think I have ever read a Kendra Elliot book before and boy have I missed out. Bridged is book two of her Callahan and McLane Series and you bet I am going back to read book 1.
Callhan and McLane are the Hero and Heroine of this series and yes, all three books focus around these two and while it is a series each book has it's own story and can stand alone. Bridged was an excellent Romantic Suspense book and I can be very picky..
FBI Special Agent Ava McLane is just recovering from injuries received on her last case. A case where she met the amazing detective Mason Callahan. Things are moving smoothly in the relationship department and ok at work. But when a US Congressman is found hanging from a local bridge. Once again work and romance run smack dab into each other.
Detective Mason Callahan is just wonderful. He's something of a throwback in law enforcement. Solid, town sheriff kind of guy. Only he works in Portland and is part of the State's special cases unit. After years of being alone, Mason has a woman in his life who gets him. He just can't figure out why.. And now once again they have to work together. Should be interesting.
It's bad enough that some sicko murdered a congressman and literally hung him out to dry but now he's done it again. To someone totally different.. and then he does it again. Does he have a reason? A plan? Or does he just like bridges?
Callahan and McLane have both been assigned to the task force that has been created and have to once again figure out a way to work together but now they are not just meeting and connecting, now they have an existing relationship, can they figure out a way to make it all work?
This is a slow build.. yes the murders happen fairly soon into the book (like really soon) and the relationship between Ava and Mason already exists but Ms. Elliot does puts the story on simmer and lets the flavors meld together until suddenly it's tense and powerful.. Oooo this was good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and yes people you can start here.. I did..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Bridged, provided by netgalley.
You ever go wandering through a bookstore, library, Amazon and see a book that looks ok. You think, I don't have anything to read so I'll just get that one. Then you begin it and realize that you have found a pot of gold?
That's how I felt about Kendra Elliot's Bridged. I don't think I have ever read a Kendra Elliot book before and boy have I missed out. Bridged is book two of her Callahan and McLane Series and you bet I am going back to read book 1.
Callhan and McLane are the Hero and Heroine of this series and yes, all three books focus around these two and while it is a series each book has it's own story and can stand alone. Bridged was an excellent Romantic Suspense book and I can be very picky..
FBI Special Agent Ava McLane is just recovering from injuries received on her last case. A case where she met the amazing detective Mason Callahan. Things are moving smoothly in the relationship department and ok at work. But when a US Congressman is found hanging from a local bridge. Once again work and romance run smack dab into each other.
Detective Mason Callahan is just wonderful. He's something of a throwback in law enforcement. Solid, town sheriff kind of guy. Only he works in Portland and is part of the State's special cases unit. After years of being alone, Mason has a woman in his life who gets him. He just can't figure out why.. And now once again they have to work together. Should be interesting.
It's bad enough that some sicko murdered a congressman and literally hung him out to dry but now he's done it again. To someone totally different.. and then he does it again. Does he have a reason? A plan? Or does he just like bridges?
Callahan and McLane have both been assigned to the task force that has been created and have to once again figure out a way to work together but now they are not just meeting and connecting, now they have an existing relationship, can they figure out a way to make it all work?
This is a slow build.. yes the murders happen fairly soon into the book (like really soon) and the relationship between Ava and Mason already exists but Ms. Elliot does puts the story on simmer and lets the flavors meld together until suddenly it's tense and powerful.. Oooo this was good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and yes people you can start here.. I did..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Bridged, provided by netgalley.
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