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Lucy Kincaid #9
Best Laid Plans
Newly minted FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid is settling into her job in San Antonio, Texas, when the corpse of Harper Worthington, the husband of a sitting congresswoman, is found naked in a motel on the wrong side of town. It’s up to Lucy to locate the last person to see him alive: a teenage prostitute who seems to have vanished into thin air.
When forensics determines that Harper was poisoned, Lucy and her new by-the-book partner dig deep into his life to find out who might want him dead. Why did Harper lie to his wife and his staff? Was he involved in an illicit affair? Embezzling money? Laundering money for a drug cartel? Or was he simply a pawn in someone else’s dangerous game?
Lucy’s boyfriend, Sean Rogan, is hired by Harper’s company to run a security audit, causing friction between Lucy and the FBI. But when Sean finds a high-tech bug in Harper’s office, an entirely new threat emerges—a far-reaching conspiracy run by a ruthless killer who will do anything to get what he wants, and kill anyone who gets in his way. And the person between him and victory is Lucy Kincaid.
When forensics determines that Harper was poisoned, Lucy and her new by-the-book partner dig deep into his life to find out who might want him dead. Why did Harper lie to his wife and his staff? Was he involved in an illicit affair? Embezzling money? Laundering money for a drug cartel? Or was he simply a pawn in someone else’s dangerous game?
Lucy’s boyfriend, Sean Rogan, is hired by Harper’s company to run a security audit, causing friction between Lucy and the FBI. But when Sean finds a high-tech bug in Harper’s office, an entirely new threat emerges—a far-reaching conspiracy run by a ruthless killer who will do anything to get what he wants, and kill anyone who gets in his way. And the person between him and victory is Lucy Kincaid.
560 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
573 people are currently reading
2200 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
111 books5,334 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
August 19, 2015
3.5 stars
I can’t believe that this is the 9th book in the Lucy Kincaid Series!! It has become one of my favorite!!!
Best Laid Plans was a bit ….so so…it’s not that I didn’t enjoy the book but there were a couple of things that dragged a bit of me….the plot of Lucy, who has been given a new partner, after her Mexico “disaster” in the previous book, is working on the murder of a well-know local politician’s husband.
Not only having to deal with all that is going on in her life, she is thrown into the middle of politics and an undercover drug investigation, which has links to what happened in Mexico. That subplot was that threw me a bit….having to go from one investigation to another and back…..when all I wanted to know more about was the actual murder case!!!!! It was a case of confusion a lot of the time that I turned the pages.
Dirty politicians, corrupt cops, conspiracies, lies, manipulators ….good guys, bad guys……to and fro!!!! Total rollercoaster!! Twists and turns…..unexpected surprises!!!!
However, the best part of this series is Lucy and Sean Rogan. I have loved seeing the development of their relationship, how they deal with all that s@##$$$$ that is thrown at you and how incredible it is to see the way Sean helps Lucy …..What he does for her….how much she matters to him. I’ve said it before and I will say it again…he’s one of my favorite alpha-males with the biggest heart ever!!!!
So, continuing turning page after page….hoping that there is still going to be more going on….and WHAM!!!
Thrown the most unlikely and unexpected CLIFFHANGER!!!! I was like…..WHAT!!!!!
I am really looking forward to the next book which is due sometime later this year…I need to know – WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT!!!!
And please……can we get Kane’s story sometime soon!!!!!
I can’t believe that this is the 9th book in the Lucy Kincaid Series!! It has become one of my favorite!!!
Best Laid Plans was a bit ….so so…it’s not that I didn’t enjoy the book but there were a couple of things that dragged a bit of me….the plot of Lucy, who has been given a new partner, after her Mexico “disaster” in the previous book, is working on the murder of a well-know local politician’s husband.
Not only having to deal with all that is going on in her life, she is thrown into the middle of politics and an undercover drug investigation, which has links to what happened in Mexico. That subplot was that threw me a bit….having to go from one investigation to another and back…..when all I wanted to know more about was the actual murder case!!!!! It was a case of confusion a lot of the time that I turned the pages.
Dirty politicians, corrupt cops, conspiracies, lies, manipulators ….good guys, bad guys……to and fro!!!! Total rollercoaster!! Twists and turns…..unexpected surprises!!!!
However, the best part of this series is Lucy and Sean Rogan. I have loved seeing the development of their relationship, how they deal with all that s@##$$$$ that is thrown at you and how incredible it is to see the way Sean helps Lucy …..What he does for her….how much she matters to him. I’ve said it before and I will say it again…he’s one of my favorite alpha-males with the biggest heart ever!!!!
So, continuing turning page after page….hoping that there is still going to be more going on….and WHAM!!!
Thrown the most unlikely and unexpected CLIFFHANGER!!!! I was like…..WHAT!!!!!
I am really looking forward to the next book which is due sometime later this year…I need to know – WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT!!!!
And please……can we get Kane’s story sometime soon!!!!!
March 18, 2021
FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid is dealing with the repercussions of her last assignment, trying to rebuild relationships with her partner Ryan Quiroz and her supervisor Juan Casilla. In the meantime, she’s partnered with a veteran, by-the book agent Barry Crawford to investigate the death of Harper Worthington, a San Antonio businessman who is married to a sitting congresswoman. It’s where and how he was found that's creating suspicions about whether his was a natural death or something more sinister...naked in a seedy motel and evidence that a prostitute had been with him. Obviously, the politics are a minefield.
One of the things I liked about this story was the focus on procedurals. There were a LOT of angles, crossing multiple agencies and connected cases. I really had to pay attention to keep up but they were woven together pretty well as they followed where the clues led them, even the red herrings. There were also hints of ties to earlier investigations, which added so much intrigue. Lucy having to deal with relationships requiring repair was realistic because the fallout from her role in Operation Heatwave did damage to her reputation. The dynamics with Barry were predictable but it required both of them to face the issues directly and I was pleased that they did, even though it caused some elevated tensions at times.
Lucy’s boyfriend, Sean Rogan, plays a role here, too, quite by coincidence rather than a deliberate maneuver, though I think he would have inserted himself anyway. Their relationship is tested but it’s Sean who doggedly sticks in there and makes things work. There are lots of surprises and it was tough navigating through who was corrupt or not. It’s gnarly and complex, which made this a very interesting case. The narrator changed back to Ann Marie Lee and that was seamless. Her performance was also outstanding (her storytelling skills are stellar) and I continue to love listening to this series. The epilogue was chilling so I’m excited about digging into the next book.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
One of the things I liked about this story was the focus on procedurals. There were a LOT of angles, crossing multiple agencies and connected cases. I really had to pay attention to keep up but they were woven together pretty well as they followed where the clues led them, even the red herrings. There were also hints of ties to earlier investigations, which added so much intrigue. Lucy having to deal with relationships requiring repair was realistic because the fallout from her role in Operation Heatwave did damage to her reputation. The dynamics with Barry were predictable but it required both of them to face the issues directly and I was pleased that they did, even though it caused some elevated tensions at times.
Lucy’s boyfriend, Sean Rogan, plays a role here, too, quite by coincidence rather than a deliberate maneuver, though I think he would have inserted himself anyway. Their relationship is tested but it’s Sean who doggedly sticks in there and makes things work. There are lots of surprises and it was tough navigating through who was corrupt or not. It’s gnarly and complex, which made this a very interesting case. The narrator changed back to Ann Marie Lee and that was seamless. Her performance was also outstanding (her storytelling skills are stellar) and I continue to love listening to this series. The epilogue was chilling so I’m excited about digging into the next book.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
October 9, 2015
sigh... This book. Oy. Let's start with the good.
Good:
1: Kane Rogan. He's mysterious and to the point. He picks the battles he can win and is, by far, the most realistic character in the book.
2: Juan. He's a good boss to Lucy. A patient boss. Frankly, more patient and understanding than she deserves.
3: Barry. He's a good counter-balance to Lucy's reckless behavior.
4: The mystery was fairly complex.
Bad:
1: The mystery was far too complex. How can that be good and bad? Easily. Mysteries that keep you guessing and you can't figure out are wonderful. They keep you reading. Bog that down with too many twists and you lose focus of the main mystery and no longer care.
2: Lucy. Sweet Jesus, girl, get some more therapy. After NINE books, her wrestling with her personal demons is becoming tiresome. You can't escape your past, you know it, you've said it. So deal with it again. You can't work it away. You certainly can't erase it by trying to save the world-- and in doing so, recklessly. Which Lucy has a penchant for doing.
3: Sean. Ah, Sean, I love you. You're smart and funny and sarcastic and you truly love Lucy. But you love her to the point of obsession. Her life and safety can't be your entire life, guy. It takes you from that multi-faceted reformed bad boy to...a doormat. A willing doormat is still a doormat.
4: Sean and Lucy's relationship. Say it with me: dys-func-tional. They love each other, completely. Yup. That's wonderful. They also lie to each other. Obsess over each other. Nor do they actually trust each other. Lucy thinks keeping her pain away from Sean keeps him and his love for her untainted. Sean wants to be Lucy's knight in shining armor and seeks illegal and oft-times dangerous ways to protect her that even he knows she'd have an issue with if she found out. That's not healthy. No part of that is a healthy, trusting relationship. Especially an adult relationship. Neither of them allows the other to grow up. They both know Lucy has issues. Dark ones. Big, glaring, dark ones. Neither of them has suggested she get more therapy. Lucy, who knows she's walking a dark path. Sean, who watches. Yet neither of them even considered a therapist? I mean, really? That's not realistic. Listen, kids, love isn't a cure-all. It's not a band-aid that will magically keep all the darkness of the past at bay if you love harder. That's not how it works. You'd think by now, after 18 months of being together (NINE BOOKS, PEOPLE! NINE!) that these two brilliant individuals would know their limitations. They should know there are some things you just can't fix on your own. And no amount of working or loving is going to make those issues go away.
5. No Noah. Yes, I know, all new characters when Lucy moved to Texas. So, what? Noah was awesome and a great counter-balance to Sean's reckless behavior. Plus, who doesn't like a hot FBI agent. ;)
Good:
1: Kane Rogan. He's mysterious and to the point. He picks the battles he can win and is, by far, the most realistic character in the book.
2: Juan. He's a good boss to Lucy. A patient boss. Frankly, more patient and understanding than she deserves.
3: Barry. He's a good counter-balance to Lucy's reckless behavior.
4: The mystery was fairly complex.
Bad:
1: The mystery was far too complex. How can that be good and bad? Easily. Mysteries that keep you guessing and you can't figure out are wonderful. They keep you reading. Bog that down with too many twists and you lose focus of the main mystery and no longer care.
2: Lucy. Sweet Jesus, girl, get some more therapy. After NINE books, her wrestling with her personal demons is becoming tiresome. You can't escape your past, you know it, you've said it. So deal with it again. You can't work it away. You certainly can't erase it by trying to save the world-- and in doing so, recklessly. Which Lucy has a penchant for doing.
3: Sean. Ah, Sean, I love you. You're smart and funny and sarcastic and you truly love Lucy. But you love her to the point of obsession. Her life and safety can't be your entire life, guy. It takes you from that multi-faceted reformed bad boy to...a doormat. A willing doormat is still a doormat.
4: Sean and Lucy's relationship. Say it with me: dys-func-tional. They love each other, completely. Yup. That's wonderful. They also lie to each other. Obsess over each other. Nor do they actually trust each other. Lucy thinks keeping her pain away from Sean keeps him and his love for her untainted. Sean wants to be Lucy's knight in shining armor and seeks illegal and oft-times dangerous ways to protect her that even he knows she'd have an issue with if she found out. That's not healthy. No part of that is a healthy, trusting relationship. Especially an adult relationship. Neither of them allows the other to grow up. They both know Lucy has issues. Dark ones. Big, glaring, dark ones. Neither of them has suggested she get more therapy. Lucy, who knows she's walking a dark path. Sean, who watches. Yet neither of them even considered a therapist? I mean, really? That's not realistic. Listen, kids, love isn't a cure-all. It's not a band-aid that will magically keep all the darkness of the past at bay if you love harder. That's not how it works. You'd think by now, after 18 months of being together (NINE BOOKS, PEOPLE! NINE!) that these two brilliant individuals would know their limitations. They should know there are some things you just can't fix on your own. And no amount of working or loving is going to make those issues go away.
5. No Noah. Yes, I know, all new characters when Lucy moved to Texas. So, what? Noah was awesome and a great counter-balance to Sean's reckless behavior. Plus, who doesn't like a hot FBI agent. ;)
October 8, 2017
Well this was definitely one of my least favorites in the series so far. The plot was just too busy and intricate, but not in a good way -- more the find my attention wandering way because I found it a little boring in parts.
I do like the arc that is carried through from the last book with the baddie still on the loose and already set up to continue in the next book. I'm looking forward to finding out who he is and what's coming next.
As always, I love that Sean and Lucy are still finding their way through their relationship. Even with the bumps in the road -- sometimes, frustratingly of their own making -- their love for each other is always apparent.
So while this wasn't as good as some of the others in the series, I'm looking forward to the events to come in book 10!
I do like the arc that is carried through from the last book with the baddie still on the loose and already set up to continue in the next book. I'm looking forward to finding out who he is and what's coming next.
As always, I love that Sean and Lucy are still finding their way through their relationship. Even with the bumps in the road -- sometimes, frustratingly of their own making -- their love for each other is always apparent.
So while this wasn't as good as some of the others in the series, I'm looking forward to the events to come in book 10!
March 21, 2021
The FBI is call in to investigate the death of Harper Worthington, the husband of Congresswoman Adeline Reyes-Worthington. He was found naked in a seedy motel. A witness saw a teenage prostitute leaving the motel room. What first looks like a heart attack is proven to be murder. Now FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid and her new partner Barry Crawford must find out why Worthington was meeting someone at a motel and where is the prostitute that was with him.
The ninth book in the Lucy Kincaid is a complex mystery that crossed over to multiple agencies. While Lucy and Barry are following clues in the Worthington case, DEA Agent Brad Donnelly is given a tip that Tobias, a drug dealer and gun runner connected to their last case, is gunning for both him and Lucy. Lucy's boyfriend, Security Specialist Sean Rogan, is hired by HWI, Harper Worthington's accounting company, to do a forensic audit of their security system. Of course, when Sean comes up with some interesting information for the FBI, Lucy's new partner is not happy to have Sean inserted into the investigation.
Overall, this was a nice police procedural that had a bit of a "to be continued" feel to it. There were still a lot of loose ends when the book ended. I'm hoping they get tied up in the next book. My rating: 4 Stars.
The ninth book in the Lucy Kincaid is a complex mystery that crossed over to multiple agencies. While Lucy and Barry are following clues in the Worthington case, DEA Agent Brad Donnelly is given a tip that Tobias, a drug dealer and gun runner connected to their last case, is gunning for both him and Lucy. Lucy's boyfriend, Security Specialist Sean Rogan, is hired by HWI, Harper Worthington's accounting company, to do a forensic audit of their security system. Of course, when Sean comes up with some interesting information for the FBI, Lucy's new partner is not happy to have Sean inserted into the investigation.
Overall, this was a nice police procedural that had a bit of a "to be continued" feel to it. There were still a lot of loose ends when the book ended. I'm hoping they get tied up in the next book. My rating: 4 Stars.
June 12, 2025
Audiobook. All these books are a little repetitive, but I’m still interested on reading the next one.
October 5, 2015
Lots going on in this Brennan thriller. I gave up trying to speculate on who was killing who and why and sat back and watched the show. Lucy and Sean make a great team and it was nice to watch them both battle the clues and the resistance of others. I may have rolled my eyes
I would be happy to see Lucy and her new partner Barry Crawford head off to battle new and different crimes but it appears the series will continue with the DEA angle and the usual collection of crooked politicians.
Too bad they are in such abundance, in fiction and otherwise. ;)
I would be happy to see Lucy and her new partner Barry Crawford head off to battle new and different crimes but it appears the series will continue with the DEA angle and the usual collection of crooked politicians.
Too bad they are in such abundance, in fiction and otherwise. ;)
March 30, 2021
Lucy has a new case to investigate, the death of a congresswoman’s husband, and a very by-the-book new partner, Barry Crawford. Harper Worthington was poisoned and Lucy suspects his wife Congresswoman Adeline Worthington is involved. A teenage prostitute was seen leaving his hotel room and disappeared. We find out fairly early that Adeline is a dirty politician, but it takes a bit to follow the clues and see what is really going on. I liked how this book was a continuation of the last. Some of the same characters are involved and part of Worthington’s murder.
Sean gets hired by HWI, Harper’s company, to run a security audit and finds a bug on Worthington’s phone that is linked to the FBI. This creates an issue with another FBI task force and now the 2 must try to work together. Sean always seems to get involved in Lucy’s cases and I’m hoping it doesn’t continue to create problems for her. He really needs to let her do her thing and he needs to find something do to himself. He even turns down a job in this book so that he can stay with Lucy because she’s having nightmares again. He is way too clingy for my taste.
This book has a good storyline and some twists. Just when you think it’s one person, something changes and it’s someone else on your radar. Lucy is still having nightmares about her kidnapping and rape. The cases she is currently working seem to bring it all back. In my opinion, it’s getting rather annoying. The repetition takes up space and, I don’t think, is needed. The video from her kidnapping resurfaces again in this book and I wonder how many times this will happen. I understand that the event is what made Lucy who she is, but I don’t feel that the author has to go into detail all the time. I am enjoying the series though. It’s interesting, informative, and fun.
Sean gets hired by HWI, Harper’s company, to run a security audit and finds a bug on Worthington’s phone that is linked to the FBI. This creates an issue with another FBI task force and now the 2 must try to work together. Sean always seems to get involved in Lucy’s cases and I’m hoping it doesn’t continue to create problems for her. He really needs to let her do her thing and he needs to find something do to himself. He even turns down a job in this book so that he can stay with Lucy because she’s having nightmares again. He is way too clingy for my taste.
This book has a good storyline and some twists. Just when you think it’s one person, something changes and it’s someone else on your radar. Lucy is still having nightmares about her kidnapping and rape. The cases she is currently working seem to bring it all back. In my opinion, it’s getting rather annoying. The repetition takes up space and, I don’t think, is needed. The video from her kidnapping resurfaces again in this book and I wonder how many times this will happen. I understand that the event is what made Lucy who she is, but I don’t feel that the author has to go into detail all the time. I am enjoying the series though. It’s interesting, informative, and fun.
March 27, 2021
As Lucy Kincaid settles into her job as an FBI Agent, she has some not unexpected problems, given her history. She is finding that her coworkers are not quick to trust her judgment and aren't out to be bosom buddies with her. She is aware of the tension she causes, but clueless on how to change it. She has a new partner and a new case and he is Mr. By The Book. Special Agent Barry Crawford has been asked by their boss, Agent Juan Casilla in the San Antonio, TX office, to keep an eye on Lucy. He is more than a little leery of her and her reputation, so he keeps her on a short leash, or tries to anyway.
Their case starts out as the death of the husband of a Congresswoman. The scene is typical of a man who has been with a prostitute, but first impressions are deceiving. A witness confirmed he saw a teen prostitute exit the room, but she can't be located. When the forensics report comes back there are a few surprises.
The Congresswoman is also acting very unwidow like and she has secrets, big secrets of her own, that are about to blow up with the investigation into her husband's death. When faced with the possibility that her husband was involved with an underage prostitute and murdered, she circles to wagons and isn't very cooperative with the FBI.
Sean Rogan, Lucy's boyfriend, is hired by Harper Worthington, Inc., our dead guy's company, to run a security audit. This causes friction between Lucy and her partner, but Sean, as always, shines a light on areas the FBI often miss and basically solves their case.
This book is tightly tied to the previous book Dead Heatand should end with a "To be continued". Because this plot left some really large dangling loose threads hanging. Since I'm reading these books one a month keeping up with the continuing plot arc isn't a problem, but this book left a very incomplete feeling at the end.
Their case starts out as the death of the husband of a Congresswoman. The scene is typical of a man who has been with a prostitute, but first impressions are deceiving. A witness confirmed he saw a teen prostitute exit the room, but she can't be located. When the forensics report comes back there are a few surprises.
The Congresswoman is also acting very unwidow like and she has secrets, big secrets of her own, that are about to blow up with the investigation into her husband's death. When faced with the possibility that her husband was involved with an underage prostitute and murdered, she circles to wagons and isn't very cooperative with the FBI.
Sean Rogan, Lucy's boyfriend, is hired by Harper Worthington, Inc., our dead guy's company, to run a security audit. This causes friction between Lucy and her partner, but Sean, as always, shines a light on areas the FBI often miss and basically solves their case.
This book is tightly tied to the previous book Dead Heatand should end with a "To be continued". Because this plot left some really large dangling loose threads hanging. Since I'm reading these books one a month keeping up with the continuing plot arc isn't a problem, but this book left a very incomplete feeling at the end.
September 2, 2016
Usually these books complete a story arc with each one but this one is a continuation of Dead Heat and it takes up right where that one left off. I liked returning to these characters and the plot itself which was complicated and kept the characters guessing. I'm not much on politics but this was handled in such a way as to be entertaining (to a degree) and interesting enough to keep me turning pages. I liked the way it ended and look forward to reading the conclusion to this "interior series" trilogy.
March 8, 2016
Oooohhh, I sooooo did love the ending (before the Epilogue—which is pretty much setting up the next story). This was a complicated read for me because I sometimes have trouble remembering who is doing what (and there are a lot of characters in this story—oh heck, there are lots of characters in all her stories!). Even though it was a challenge, I loved it. Every bit of it. Can’t wait for the next one.
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January 18, 2020Audiobook review
It's been a few days since I listened to this, which I hate when happens, and I don't remember specifics of the story anymore. I enjoyed the narration, the story is basically the same as all the others, just different victims. I don't know how many more books in the series I will continue as I am tiring of it, even with just one a month.
Although, Lucy has agreed to marry Sean, so that's good. She is getting her life in order and Sean, who is an intense guy, is also starting to get his life under control.
It's been a few days since I listened to this, which I hate when happens, and I don't remember specifics of the story anymore. I enjoyed the narration, the story is basically the same as all the others, just different victims. I don't know how many more books in the series I will continue as I am tiring of it, even with just one a month.
Although, Lucy has agreed to marry Sean, so that's good. She is getting her life in order and Sean, who is an intense guy, is also starting to get his life under control.
April 19, 2019
4 stars.
This is a very complicated story with so many players, from both sides. I would have thought psychopaths wouldn't play well with each other but it looks like they do. There are links back to the previous case and it's not fully solved at the end of this book.... so on to the next.....
This is a very complicated story with so many players, from both sides. I would have thought psychopaths wouldn't play well with each other but it looks like they do. There are links back to the previous case and it's not fully solved at the end of this book.... so on to the next.....
March 18, 2024
As a rookie FBI Agent, Lucy Kincaid helped take down a drug cartel that was using boys as mules and helped save lives. Now months later a seemingly random murder of the husband a prominent congresswoman turns up, questions beget more questions. With her new by the books partner by her side, Lucy must figure out all the pieces of the puzzle in order to solve the case. But Lucy doesn’t know that there is more going on than the murder of Harper Worthington. When her boyfriend Sean is drawn into the high stakes that is becoming this investigation, it will take all that Lucy, Sean and the FBI to figure out what is going on, who the players are and try to stay alive in the process.
I have got to admit Ms. Brennan is one talented writer. She knows how to hook the reader in and not let go. The latest in her successful Lucy Kincaid series, BEST LAID PLANS, delivers more twists than ever with some new players that we are introduced to as well as a few familiar faces as well. This time the stakes are higher than ever because for Lucy and for Sean. This time a killer is determined to take out the people who stand in his/her way. The characters are what make this series so enjoyable. The characters continue to grow and evolve with each of the books in the series and you can’t help but fall in love with them while you read them. The mysteries/Suspense portion of the books just keeps your attention till the very end. Who I thought was the bad guy wasn’t it and I was totally surprised by the hints of who this methodical person was. The writing is very well done, with a few twists and turns to keep your attention. The pace of the story started slow and steady until mid-way when the book started to race towards the end. Then it got quite riveting to say the least.
BEST LAID PLANS is a top-notch edge of the seat thrill ride that will leave you breathless from start to finish. If you haven’t picked up the book or any of the series books before this one, you won’t be too lost as the author does a great job in letting the reader know what Lucy went through in order to be a FBI agent. I do recommend you start from the beginning of the series as it gives the motivations of Lucy, her family, etc in her quest to become a FBI agent. Plus they are just that good of a read. I can not wait to see where the next book, No Good Deed, goes for Lucy, Sean and the San Antonio FBI office goes especially as we see hints towards the end of this book on what might happen. Ms. Brennan is truly a gifted storyteller who knows how to tell a story and captivate her audience. I look forward to seeing where this author goes in the future.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement.
I have got to admit Ms. Brennan is one talented writer. She knows how to hook the reader in and not let go. The latest in her successful Lucy Kincaid series, BEST LAID PLANS, delivers more twists than ever with some new players that we are introduced to as well as a few familiar faces as well. This time the stakes are higher than ever because for Lucy and for Sean. This time a killer is determined to take out the people who stand in his/her way. The characters are what make this series so enjoyable. The characters continue to grow and evolve with each of the books in the series and you can’t help but fall in love with them while you read them. The mysteries/Suspense portion of the books just keeps your attention till the very end. Who I thought was the bad guy wasn’t it and I was totally surprised by the hints of who this methodical person was. The writing is very well done, with a few twists and turns to keep your attention. The pace of the story started slow and steady until mid-way when the book started to race towards the end. Then it got quite riveting to say the least.
BEST LAID PLANS is a top-notch edge of the seat thrill ride that will leave you breathless from start to finish. If you haven’t picked up the book or any of the series books before this one, you won’t be too lost as the author does a great job in letting the reader know what Lucy went through in order to be a FBI agent. I do recommend you start from the beginning of the series as it gives the motivations of Lucy, her family, etc in her quest to become a FBI agent. Plus they are just that good of a read. I can not wait to see where the next book, No Good Deed, goes for Lucy, Sean and the San Antonio FBI office goes especially as we see hints towards the end of this book on what might happen. Ms. Brennan is truly a gifted storyteller who knows how to tell a story and captivate her audience. I look forward to seeing where this author goes in the future.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement.
April 3, 2016
I can't believe I am giving a Lucy Kincaid book only 2 stars. I love this series, and I love Lucy & Sean together. At least I did. In this one I found the story both boring and convoluted. It is part of some multiple book complex story arc starting ( I think) with the the last book although I can't be sure cause it was awhile ago that I read it and they kept referring to so many different past bad guys and crimes and crime syndicates etc that I couldn't remember so it could have come from further back. And to make it worse it is obviously continuing on cause nothing was resolved in this one. Plus the crime itself for this book was boring and there was no actual mystery to be solved because we got a step by step through the book of what happened to Harper and who the bad guys were, then we had to discover it again with Lucy. BORING. And while I have previously loved Lucy & Sean's relationship and how devoted Sean is to her and how much that love has helped Lucy grow in this one we had Lucy back to where she was near the beginning of there relationship and Sean's devotion seemed less admirable and more unhealthy obsession. I mean in the past he loved her and was all about Lucy but he had a life , a job and thoughts outside that. In this one his every thought (and I do mean every thought) and action where solely about Lucy. It felt unbalanced and unhealthy. Such a disappointment.
November 9, 2015
I've been a fan of Allison Brennan's Lucy Kincaid series almost from the start. After the slam-bam events in DEAD HEAT (book 8), I was really excited for the release of BEST LAID PLANS. The fall-out--professionally and personally--from DEAT HEAT continue to affect Lucy in BLP. I spent half the book pissed at Lucy. Spent 3/4's the book trying to figure out who the bad guys were. Spent the whole book falling more in love with Sean Rogan, Lucy's boyfriend. While Kane Rogan and Jack Kincaid (older brothers to Sean and Lucy) are still in my list of top Book Boyfriends, Sean might have made it onto the list. OMG when he confronted the madam?!?!? No spoilers. If you love romantic suspense, glom onto this series. I'm starting Brennan's NO GOOD DEED (Lucy Kincaid #10). I've been promised bigger cameos from Kane (plus a hint at his upcoming heroine) and Jack, who already had his story but I still lust for him from afar.BEST LAID PLANS was an uncomfortable book to read but it was an emotional roller-coaster that had me alternately wanting to slam my Kindle against the nearest wall and hugging it while I sniffled into a tissue. There's a reason why Allison Brennan is a NYT Best-selling author. Have to go with 4.5 stars because it was almost perfect but not quite.
September 7, 2015
Allison Brennan is always one of my go to authors for a good read. I have read this series from the beginning and this one didn't disappoint. Lucy has been through the imaginable and she is a character who just keeps fighting. She also always fights hard for other victims out there and so we are kindred spirits. Sean is her boyfriend and he lends his computer skills again to help her find the person who killed the Congresswoman's husband. It is wound in gang war fight, espionage, prostitution and embezzlement so something for everyone. I am looking forward to the next book in this series which will be out in November.
July 19, 2016
Interesting story. Lots of twists and turns.....and then it ended .... quickly! On to No Good Deed to continue!!!!
April 15, 2019
After being put on a two-week unpaid suspension for disobeying direct orders (in the eighth installment of the series), Lucy has been back at the San Antonio FBI office for a couple of months, still attempting to get into the good graces with her coworkers in order to make up for the loss of trust that had resulted from doing what she believed to be right. After specifically losing the trust of her partner during Operation Heatwave, Lucy is now placed with Special Agent Barry Crawford — a man who works his job by the book, and cuts out at 5pm every day. While originally put off by this, Barry teaches Lucy the importance of shutting of the job when at home, allowing her and boyfriend Sean Rogan, to break through even more of her barriers and walls that she had implemented after her attack eight years ago. But Barry is secretly scouting out Kincaid for their boss, SSA Juan Casilla, to make sure that she is capable of continuing the job — and in the process, he risks losing her trust despite the fact that he actually respects her instincts and unique skill set.
Special Agents Kincaid and Crawford begin investigating a highly regarded businessman and husband to a congresswoman, Harper Worthington’s murder. Throughout their investigation they are led through various paths to track down the truth. Crossing paths with Mona Hill, a woman in charge of over one-third of the sex trade in southern Texas; Adeline Reyes-Worthington, the wife of the deceased and a sitting congresswoman; Elise Hansen, a prostitute that no one seems to know; and Tobias, the mysterious man responsible for the drug cartel case that Lucy had illegally helped stop in Mexico in the eighth installment two months earlier. At first, many different cases seem to be looming over the heads of the FBI agents, with no common strings — but everything feels either too fabricated or too random to Lucy, and her instincts are rarely wrong. Through further investigation, and finally standing up for herself amongst her colleagues, Kincaid and Crawford get to the bottom of it with help from Brad Donnelly of the DEA and Tia Mancini who specializes in cases involving the sex trade. This is one of the first novels of the series where the main characters of the book are constantly being manipulated and thrown in the wrong direction without catching it immediately, further showing their humanity and the potential reality to the situation being constructed by Brennan.
Special Agents Kincaid and Crawford begin investigating a highly regarded businessman and husband to a congresswoman, Harper Worthington’s murder. Throughout their investigation they are led through various paths to track down the truth. Crossing paths with Mona Hill, a woman in charge of over one-third of the sex trade in southern Texas; Adeline Reyes-Worthington, the wife of the deceased and a sitting congresswoman; Elise Hansen, a prostitute that no one seems to know; and Tobias, the mysterious man responsible for the drug cartel case that Lucy had illegally helped stop in Mexico in the eighth installment two months earlier. At first, many different cases seem to be looming over the heads of the FBI agents, with no common strings — but everything feels either too fabricated or too random to Lucy, and her instincts are rarely wrong. Through further investigation, and finally standing up for herself amongst her colleagues, Kincaid and Crawford get to the bottom of it with help from Brad Donnelly of the DEA and Tia Mancini who specializes in cases involving the sex trade. This is one of the first novels of the series where the main characters of the book are constantly being manipulated and thrown in the wrong direction without catching it immediately, further showing their humanity and the potential reality to the situation being constructed by Brennan.
January 12, 2026
3.25 Stars
I was so excited to dive into this novel after finishing the last one and giving it 5 Stars. However, I was a lot disappointed. The book starts of crazy and I was excited to see what was going to happen just for it to be too much corporate crime and Kincaid being relegated to being the annoying annoyed new partner whose in trouble with the boss. The case was just really not my thing once they got into it. That being said, the ending was exciting and the epilogue left me intrigued. I would describe this novel as important for the setup of future books in the series more than anything. At least that is my guess at this point.
Decent read.
I was so excited to dive into this novel after finishing the last one and giving it 5 Stars. However, I was a lot disappointed. The book starts of crazy and I was excited to see what was going to happen just for it to be too much corporate crime and Kincaid being relegated to being the annoying annoyed new partner whose in trouble with the boss. The case was just really not my thing once they got into it. That being said, the ending was exciting and the epilogue left me intrigued. I would describe this novel as important for the setup of future books in the series more than anything. At least that is my guess at this point.
Decent read.
September 5, 2024
I found this book overly complex, switching between two different investigations that were interlinked. I also found it a little slow to start, and hard to get into.
Eventually, as the two separate investigations were coming together and the overlaps were becoming more noticeable I found it a more interesting read.
Eventually, as the two separate investigations were coming together and the overlaps were becoming more noticeable I found it a more interesting read.
March 15, 2021
This was a very involved and complex story of suspense. Sean & Lucy are a great couple. It is fantastic to watch them work together on every level in their lives. The delicate balance of home and work is very interesting.
This story continues a previous work encounter and builds on it. The team of adversity that Lucy is up against is diabolical.
This story continues a previous work encounter and builds on it. The team of adversity that Lucy is up against is diabolical.
November 13, 2020
Clearly 5 STARS***** So many twist and turns in the 9th Series of Lucy Kincaid, so good that I am going to Book 10 of the Series!!!!
March 3, 2019
Boy howdy! This became a slog for me.
Before launching into my full review, I should add the disclaimer that I have NOT read any of the previous Lucy Kincaid novels in the series, so I'm not sure if some of the issues I had with this novel might have been diminished if I'd been following this character from previous novels.
The good: Brennan definitely knows - or has done her research - about law enforcement procedures, computer and cyber security, political twists and turns, and drug and gun cartels. The detail on all these things rings authentically. There's also an attempt to bring new readers up to date on events that have happened in previous novels they might not have read. I did appreciate understanding a bit about Kincaid's previous work and personal history to understand how those events had an effect on what she was currently working on.
The not so good (and downright annoying at times): The detail that were part of the "good" above all too often got so overwhelming and confusing, I found myself either skimming over yet another moment-by-moment description of activities or having to go back to reread to keep characters and activities straight.
I also got tired of yet another Kincaid or Rogan relative or close friend popping up in the story or conversation who was "the expert" at some skill that was infinitely preferable to the trained FBI, DEA, or police they were working with. It just became too much, and, frankly, a bit unrealistic to have so many members of the same family be SO GOOD.
Finally, I also got tired of Sean Rogan's obsessive "I'll protect her" attitude throughout the novel. There was a weird vibe for me about his relationship with Lucy - she is highly trained in SO many areas of law enforcement and behavioral analysis (as it was endlessly revealed to us in the novel) - and, yet, Sean constantly treats her like some fragile child who will fall apart if he's not by her side to protect her from the boogey men.
Granted, there were enough descriptions of the kind of traumas she had gone through in the past, but I had trouble reconciling ALL her varied training with the idea that she was psychologically so fragile that she needed this kind of personal (and possessive) bodyguard - or, as Sean's brother Kane says to him at one point: "wanting to be a caveman."
The mentions of her previous cases and personal trauma in this book, frankly, have made me unwilling to go back and read earlier novels. I also found Brennan's writing style distracting.
Before launching into my full review, I should add the disclaimer that I have NOT read any of the previous Lucy Kincaid novels in the series, so I'm not sure if some of the issues I had with this novel might have been diminished if I'd been following this character from previous novels.
The good: Brennan definitely knows - or has done her research - about law enforcement procedures, computer and cyber security, political twists and turns, and drug and gun cartels. The detail on all these things rings authentically. There's also an attempt to bring new readers up to date on events that have happened in previous novels they might not have read. I did appreciate understanding a bit about Kincaid's previous work and personal history to understand how those events had an effect on what she was currently working on.
The not so good (and downright annoying at times): The detail that were part of the "good" above all too often got so overwhelming and confusing, I found myself either skimming over yet another moment-by-moment description of activities or having to go back to reread to keep characters and activities straight.
I also got tired of yet another Kincaid or Rogan relative or close friend popping up in the story or conversation who was "the expert" at some skill that was infinitely preferable to the trained FBI, DEA, or police they were working with. It just became too much, and, frankly, a bit unrealistic to have so many members of the same family be SO GOOD.
Finally, I also got tired of Sean Rogan's obsessive "I'll protect her" attitude throughout the novel. There was a weird vibe for me about his relationship with Lucy - she is highly trained in SO many areas of law enforcement and behavioral analysis (as it was endlessly revealed to us in the novel) - and, yet, Sean constantly treats her like some fragile child who will fall apart if he's not by her side to protect her from the boogey men.
Granted, there were enough descriptions of the kind of traumas she had gone through in the past, but I had trouble reconciling ALL her varied training with the idea that she was psychologically so fragile that she needed this kind of personal (and possessive) bodyguard - or, as Sean's brother Kane says to him at one point: "wanting to be a caveman."
The mentions of her previous cases and personal trauma in this book, frankly, have made me unwilling to go back and read earlier novels. I also found Brennan's writing style distracting.
September 17, 2015
Best yet!
Lucy and Sean have to be one of my favorite book couples ever. More than any couple I remember reading, they are two halves of a broken whole. I honestly don't know how either would survive without the other. I am so invested in this couple that I have trouble putting the books down. I'm sure part of the reason I'm so invested is because I've read all the books related to this series, the ones about Sean and Lucy's siblings that portray all that Lucy goes through and all which makes her who she becomes-a walking shell of her former self. Sean breathes life into Lucy's world and brings her out of her darkness. They are completely perfect together despite their mutual feelings of unworthiness.
This story finds Lucy with a new partner working on a case which may be tied to fall out from the events in the previous novel. Sean ends up getting hired to consult on the case but from a civilian rather than law enforcement angle. As always, Sean and Lucy work best by bouncing ideas of each other, but each ends up keeping a few secrets of their own. As they get deeper and deeper into the case, secrets from Lucy's past threaten her hard won stability and may send Sean over the edge.
I thought this was the best of the series yet. Though some resolution was achieved, many threads of the plot remain unraveled. Fortunately, I didn't care because the ending was fantastic!
Lucy and Sean have to be one of my favorite book couples ever. More than any couple I remember reading, they are two halves of a broken whole. I honestly don't know how either would survive without the other. I am so invested in this couple that I have trouble putting the books down. I'm sure part of the reason I'm so invested is because I've read all the books related to this series, the ones about Sean and Lucy's siblings that portray all that Lucy goes through and all which makes her who she becomes-a walking shell of her former self. Sean breathes life into Lucy's world and brings her out of her darkness. They are completely perfect together despite their mutual feelings of unworthiness.
This story finds Lucy with a new partner working on a case which may be tied to fall out from the events in the previous novel. Sean ends up getting hired to consult on the case but from a civilian rather than law enforcement angle. As always, Sean and Lucy work best by bouncing ideas of each other, but each ends up keeping a few secrets of their own. As they get deeper and deeper into the case, secrets from Lucy's past threaten her hard won stability and may send Sean over the edge.
I thought this was the best of the series yet. Though some resolution was achieved, many threads of the plot remain unraveled. Fortunately, I didn't care because the ending was fantastic!
August 10, 2015
This one seems pretty straight forward from the start. Corrupt politician, gets rid of those in the way, FBI comes in to save the day. Where this one gets really interesting is in some of the deviousness with the characters. There are a couple that are playing a long game, they've had things in place before some of the players even knew there was a game. Even as this book ended the FBI still doesn't have a clue what really went on, how the bad guys are manipulating them, which will make for some great books ahead. I only hope that Lucy and Sean are up to the task of going head to head with them.
August 10, 2015
Great read, love the Lucy Kincaid series. So who is/are the corrupt cop(s)? How much can you believe from all of the suspects and/or all the cops involved? What exactly are they all hiding? From the first chapter, the pace is relatively fast and head scratching. Allison Brennan is another go-to author for me. Ms. Brennan weaves a very good tale and keeps you thinking throughout. The downfall of this novel is that it is a cliff hanger - ARRRRGGGGGHHHHH.
2 thumbs up and 4.5 solid stars!
2 thumbs up and 4.5 solid stars!
October 25, 2015
No more Lucy
I had reached the point where I was tired of Lucy but the last book was good. This book was convoluted and boring. I found myself skipping pages. I have the next Lucy book preordered but if it is bad, I'm removing Alison Brennan from my auto buy list.
I had reached the point where I was tired of Lucy but the last book was good. This book was convoluted and boring. I found myself skipping pages. I have the next Lucy book preordered but if it is bad, I'm removing Alison Brennan from my auto buy list.
September 20, 2015
Ahhhhhhh! To be continued...love and hate that. The waiting for the next book kills!
August 16, 2015
Loved it! Did not want to put it down and did not want it to end!!
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