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The Operation #1
Operation Stop Hate
Special Agent Cailin McKenna and her National Protection and Investigation Unit partners are drawn into a case that started with a pair of school shootings in Minneapolis. They soon learn that a hate group is recruiting teenagers on school grounds, handing out metal music rife with violent messages, and plotting a terrorist offensive on a major Twin Cities venue.
The case gets personal when the stabbing of Cailin's brother is linked. To complicate matters, Cailin's fiery new relationship is threatened by the return of a psycho stalker ex-girlfriend hell-bent on getting Cailin back.
Cailin soon finds herself in a fight for her life. And the clock is ticking--can she prevail in time to stop the worst terror attack that Minnesota has ever seen?
The case gets personal when the stabbing of Cailin's brother is linked. To complicate matters, Cailin's fiery new relationship is threatened by the return of a psycho stalker ex-girlfriend hell-bent on getting Cailin back.
Cailin soon finds herself in a fight for her life. And the clock is ticking--can she prevail in time to stop the worst terror attack that Minnesota has ever seen?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2015
3 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Chandler
20 books100 followers Jessie Chandler is the award-winning author of the Shay O'Hanlon Caper series, the Operation Series, and the Art Thief Series.
Chandler lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her wife and two mutts, Fozzy Bear and Ollie. In the fall and winter, Jessie writes, and spends her summers selling T-shirts and other assorted trinkets to unsuspecting conference and festival goers. You can visit her at www.jessiechandler.com
Chandler lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her wife and two mutts, Fozzy Bear and Ollie. In the fall and winter, Jessie writes, and spends her summers selling T-shirts and other assorted trinkets to unsuspecting conference and festival goers. You can visit her at www.jessiechandler.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 18, 2016
I’ll be honest: My initial reaction was that the title of this book, Operation Stop Hate, sounded a bit odd. I don’t know why, but that’s how it struck me. What drew me to the book, actually, was the writer’s background and the setting of the novel. Because I live in Minnesota, grew up here, and spent many years in the Minneapolis area, it was great fun reading about familiar landmarks, the women’s DrumHeart group, and references to other towns around the state. I also read glowing endorsements from Ms. Chandler’s mentors, Lori Lake and Ellen Hart. Both women are established writers, and it was my privilege to participate for a while in a mystery book group headed by them at the independent women’s co-op bookstore formerly known as Amazon Bookstore in South Minneapolis.
Now, about the book. Despite my misgivings about the title, I really enjoyed this book. The author confesses that she wrote it ten years ago, and then with prodding and coaching from her author gurus, she dusted off the manuscript and honed it into a briskly moving tale that could happen anywhere in the US today. It starts with a school shooting, but it evolves into an operation to infiltrate a hate group called Soldiers of Christ, SOC. That explains the title, which wasn’t so crazy after all. Meeting the fanatical members makes Cailin think that their motto should perhaps be ‘Pray for Hate’.
Right off the bat, we learn that Special Agent Cailin McKenna is being stalked by her former girlfriend. If you have a problem with gays, this may not be the book for you. But maybe should be, because her fellow law enforcement officers have no problem with her. Cailin is just someone who wants to live her life and do her job. She has overcome her difficult childhood to make something of herself, and she is a dedicated agent for the National Protection and Investigation Unit. But will she continue to follow orders no matter what? Even when someone close to her becomes a victim?
I loved the characters in this book! Cailin’s partner, Alex, is solid as a rock. Harry, an undercover fed she met in New Jersey, shows up to use some of his time off to help with this case. Rosie, another NPIU partner, is very believable, as are the Minneapolis cops who are in on the case. The dialogue is sarcastic, flirtatious, and real. I should point out that although Ms. Chandler has written previous novels, most in the cozy mystery genre, I believe, this is her first hard-core mystery. It is billed as “Operation #1”, which I hope means that we will see more of Cailin & company in the future.
Having accepted the title as legitimate (she writes with a chuckle), I am still bothered about the number of difficult situations McKenna gets herself into, personally and professionally. Cailin tends to rely on impulse and instinct rather than rational thought and prudence. It stretches the bounds of plausibility that a trained officer would not use more caution in these dangerous predicaments. The author said in an interview that she likes happy endings, and for the most part, so do I, so I mostly forgive her for letting Cailin wiggle out of her tight spots. After all, I would like there to be an Operation #2!
Ultimately, a novel with a title that includes the word hate is really about love. This story reveals different kinds of families, partner relationships, work relationships, and friendships. How about Operation Spread the Love?
I would like to thank NetGalley, Train Wreck XPress, and the author for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.
4 stars
Now, about the book. Despite my misgivings about the title, I really enjoyed this book. The author confesses that she wrote it ten years ago, and then with prodding and coaching from her author gurus, she dusted off the manuscript and honed it into a briskly moving tale that could happen anywhere in the US today. It starts with a school shooting, but it evolves into an operation to infiltrate a hate group called Soldiers of Christ, SOC. That explains the title, which wasn’t so crazy after all. Meeting the fanatical members makes Cailin think that their motto should perhaps be ‘Pray for Hate’.
Right off the bat, we learn that Special Agent Cailin McKenna is being stalked by her former girlfriend. If you have a problem with gays, this may not be the book for you. But maybe should be, because her fellow law enforcement officers have no problem with her. Cailin is just someone who wants to live her life and do her job. She has overcome her difficult childhood to make something of herself, and she is a dedicated agent for the National Protection and Investigation Unit. But will she continue to follow orders no matter what? Even when someone close to her becomes a victim?
I loved the characters in this book! Cailin’s partner, Alex, is solid as a rock. Harry, an undercover fed she met in New Jersey, shows up to use some of his time off to help with this case. Rosie, another NPIU partner, is very believable, as are the Minneapolis cops who are in on the case. The dialogue is sarcastic, flirtatious, and real. I should point out that although Ms. Chandler has written previous novels, most in the cozy mystery genre, I believe, this is her first hard-core mystery. It is billed as “Operation #1”, which I hope means that we will see more of Cailin & company in the future.
Having accepted the title as legitimate (she writes with a chuckle), I am still bothered about the number of difficult situations McKenna gets herself into, personally and professionally. Cailin tends to rely on impulse and instinct rather than rational thought and prudence. It stretches the bounds of plausibility that a trained officer would not use more caution in these dangerous predicaments. The author said in an interview that she likes happy endings, and for the most part, so do I, so I mostly forgive her for letting Cailin wiggle out of her tight spots. After all, I would like there to be an Operation #2!
Ultimately, a novel with a title that includes the word hate is really about love. This story reveals different kinds of families, partner relationships, work relationships, and friendships. How about Operation Spread the Love?
I would like to thank NetGalley, Train Wreck XPress, and the author for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.
4 stars
November 25, 2015
Operation Stop Hate is a fast paced police procedural which kicks off with a Columbine-esque school shooting. Evidence discovered points authorities to a hate group called the Soldiers of Christ. It is up to Cailin McKenna and her partners in the NPIU to hunt down and infiltrate this group and prevent them from wreaking havoc in Minnesota.
The use of first person POV works well in this first book of a new series. It allows the author to feed the reader information about Cailin and how she interacts with her coworkers, friends and lovers. The jabs and sarcastic banter she shares with her partner Harry lighten the serious nature of the plot. The relationship shared by Cailin and her girlfriend Alex is one of love and stability, just the thing for our intrepid crime fighter.
While the focus of the story revolves around the hunt for a hate group the underlying theme of bullying is well done. Not all bullies are found in the school yard. They come in the form of ex-girlfriends who will not take no for an answer. They come disguised as charismatic leaders in fanatical groups.
If I have a beef with the story it would be the Hollywood ending and While all the action adds to the thriller portion of a crime/thriller the situations our two Agents find themselves in stretches the credibility of the reader.
Overall an entertaining read. I look forward to more adventures in Minnesota with Cailin and Co.
3.5 stars
ARC received from Publisher via NetGalley
The use of first person POV works well in this first book of a new series. It allows the author to feed the reader information about Cailin and how she interacts with her coworkers, friends and lovers. The jabs and sarcastic banter she shares with her partner Harry lighten the serious nature of the plot. The relationship shared by Cailin and her girlfriend Alex is one of love and stability, just the thing for our intrepid crime fighter.
While the focus of the story revolves around the hunt for a hate group the underlying theme of bullying is well done. Not all bullies are found in the school yard. They come in the form of ex-girlfriends who will not take no for an answer. They come disguised as charismatic leaders in fanatical groups.
If I have a beef with the story it would be the Hollywood ending and While all the action adds to the thriller portion of a crime/thriller the situations our two Agents find themselves in stretches the credibility of the reader.
Overall an entertaining read. I look forward to more adventures in Minnesota with Cailin and Co.
3.5 stars
ARC received from Publisher via NetGalley
July 7, 2015
Oh Wow Jessie!!
Multi award winner Jessie Chandler is the author of my favourite easy read Murder Mystery series featuring Shay O'Hanlon and her rag tag group of friends. Of course I HAD to read something new from her. WOW!
Operation Stop Hate is the complex story of two school shootings, a hate group and violent music being passed around. Special Agent Cailin McKenna and her team need to find the connection before anyone else gets hurt, even if it means putting her own life on the line and disobeying direct orders.
This story is intense, suspenseful, amazing and really, really good! It is as if Ms Chandler has gained a new maturity with her writing and her characters reflect that. The love interest is more than just a passing thought. It is a deeper more in depth relationship and I enjoyed that aspect very much too. With such deep and heavy topics I liked that Cailin has someone she can turn to and depend on. Everything about this book is just more.... However, as with all of Ms Chandler's work, the characters are dynamic and ever so easy to care for and worry about. And in spite of the heaviness of this saga, There is the famous and unique Jessie Chandler sense of humor to this drama that lightened up the mood when things were just too intense but it totally fit. I can almost see the former police officer teasing and joking with her fellow comrades just this way in real life.
This is a wonderful, wonderful book and I can not wait for the next one. Thank you so much Ms Chandler!!!
Multi award winner Jessie Chandler is the author of my favourite easy read Murder Mystery series featuring Shay O'Hanlon and her rag tag group of friends. Of course I HAD to read something new from her. WOW!
Operation Stop Hate is the complex story of two school shootings, a hate group and violent music being passed around. Special Agent Cailin McKenna and her team need to find the connection before anyone else gets hurt, even if it means putting her own life on the line and disobeying direct orders.
This story is intense, suspenseful, amazing and really, really good! It is as if Ms Chandler has gained a new maturity with her writing and her characters reflect that. The love interest is more than just a passing thought. It is a deeper more in depth relationship and I enjoyed that aspect very much too. With such deep and heavy topics I liked that Cailin has someone she can turn to and depend on. Everything about this book is just more.... However, as with all of Ms Chandler's work, the characters are dynamic and ever so easy to care for and worry about. And in spite of the heaviness of this saga, There is the famous and unique Jessie Chandler sense of humor to this drama that lightened up the mood when things were just too intense but it totally fit. I can almost see the former police officer teasing and joking with her fellow comrades just this way in real life.
This is a wonderful, wonderful book and I can not wait for the next one. Thank you so much Ms Chandler!!!
April 6, 2015
What starts as a school shooting quickly becomes a hate group with terrorist intentions, and Cailin McKenna is perfect as the agent to stop them. I can't wait to read more in this series!
April 4, 2015
A change of pace for Ms Chandler and very well executed! This is a grim and complex thriller involving kids killing kids because of hate music, murder plots by white supremicists, undercover cops and finding love with honesty. There is a subplot of the lead character Cailin's previous girlfriend refusing to let go... Wow... Hard to take a breath and I did rush through to the end to make sure all was well... Now I will put this in my reread folder and go back over it slower. There is a lot going on and Cailin is an excellent and well drawn lead. I do want to read more of her and Alex and indeed the whole gang. Glad this is Book One in a series. I'm hoping the same characters are revisited though maybe Cailin could have an easier time? Recommended
November 11, 2015
This is the first book I've read from Jessie Chandler but I'm looking forward to reading many more.
Operation Stop Hate gripped me on the first page and had just enough threads to unravel that I kept tugging on one and expecting it as a resolution and it was just a false lead and I should have followed another thread! I love that in a mystery!
Cailin is a fantastic character with strengths and weaknesses that many people can relate to. Whether you are looking for an LGBT story or just a good mystery I highly recommend you pick up Operation Stop Hate
Operation Stop Hate gripped me on the first page and had just enough threads to unravel that I kept tugging on one and expecting it as a resolution and it was just a false lead and I should have followed another thread! I love that in a mystery!
Cailin is a fantastic character with strengths and weaknesses that many people can relate to. Whether you are looking for an LGBT story or just a good mystery I highly recommend you pick up Operation Stop Hate
March 15, 2015
Awesome
Great mystery. Definitely more serious than the Shay OHanlon series, but just as good if not better in terms of the mystery. I look forward to the next one.
Great mystery. Definitely more serious than the Shay OHanlon series, but just as good if not better in terms of the mystery. I look forward to the next one.
September 20, 2020
Great.
I really enjoyed Operation Stop Hate. Well, honestly I liked it as much as I could. The behind the scenes, insider look at hate groups is not pleasant. Law enforcement does what it can to put these groups out of business. But it seems like an uphill battle.
I really enjoyed Operation Stop Hate. Well, honestly I liked it as much as I could. The behind the scenes, insider look at hate groups is not pleasant. Law enforcement does what it can to put these groups out of business. But it seems like an uphill battle.
July 21, 2018
this was written by a friend of mine! So proud of her for making her dreams come true.
October 22, 2025
I liked Jessie's Shay O'Hanlon series, but sadly I couldn't get into this one.
November 28, 2021
5 stars
CW: hate groups & sexual assault
02/14/2016 - 1st time reading.
11/28/2021 - 2nd time through
I met Jessie Chandler in 2015 at a local MN bookstore. She signed a copy of Operation Stop Hate. It took me six months before I was able to read it. I remember loving this book when I originally read it. Five years later, I started compiling books I wanted to re-read and Operation Stop Hate was at the top of my list. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed this book just as much as I first read it five years ago.
Cailin McKenna is a special agent focused on domestic terror threats. She's called in to investigate two school shootings in the Minneapolis area. From her investigation, she realizes both shooters were listening to white power music which involves Cailin going undercover in a hate group. It's clear there's more at stake as the group is planning an attack on a liberal area in Minnesota. Can Cailin stop the event in time without blowing her cover?
I loved Cailin as a character. I liked her tomboyish nature and I adored her relationship with Alex. I liked reading about their life in Minneapolis. I think Chandler as an author did a great job at listing various parts of Minneapolis that anyone could follow along not just those who are from the area. The only thing I disliked about Cailin was how she wasn't confronting her ex, Eli. I thought how Cailin approached that situation was unfair to Alex. Other than that, I liked Cailin a lot.
I liked the focus on hate groups in this book. I think it added something interesting to the plot and allowed Cailin to go undercover. While Minnesota is a liberal place to live, there are several pockets within the state where I wouldn't be surprised if some of these groups are active today. It seems like Chandler did a lot of research on hate groups while writing this book and it showed.
As I read through this, there were a few scenes I completely forgot about. I felt I was reading a new book even though I already read this a few years ago.
I think the only minor critique is at times the writing could have been better. I believe the author used the word "bluetoothing" at one time when she was explaining how Cailin was connecting her phone to her car. I also found parts of the dialogue to feel a bit unnatural which took me away from the book at times. The only other thought I would add is I'm not a fan of the title of this book. While it summarizes the plot of the book, it's not an enticing title. I think if I were in a book store and I saw this book, I wouldn't pick it up to read which is a shame because this book was so good!
I'm excited to check out Chandler's other series which seems similar to this. As mentioned, I don't think there is a sequel to this which is a shame because I would read it in a heartbeat. This was so fun to re-read.
CW: hate groups & sexual assault
02/14/2016 - 1st time reading.
11/28/2021 - 2nd time through
I met Jessie Chandler in 2015 at a local MN bookstore. She signed a copy of Operation Stop Hate. It took me six months before I was able to read it. I remember loving this book when I originally read it. Five years later, I started compiling books I wanted to re-read and Operation Stop Hate was at the top of my list. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed this book just as much as I first read it five years ago.
Cailin McKenna is a special agent focused on domestic terror threats. She's called in to investigate two school shootings in the Minneapolis area. From her investigation, she realizes both shooters were listening to white power music which involves Cailin going undercover in a hate group. It's clear there's more at stake as the group is planning an attack on a liberal area in Minnesota. Can Cailin stop the event in time without blowing her cover?
I loved Cailin as a character. I liked her tomboyish nature and I adored her relationship with Alex. I liked reading about their life in Minneapolis. I think Chandler as an author did a great job at listing various parts of Minneapolis that anyone could follow along not just those who are from the area. The only thing I disliked about Cailin was how she wasn't confronting her ex, Eli. I thought how Cailin approached that situation was unfair to Alex. Other than that, I liked Cailin a lot.
I liked the focus on hate groups in this book. I think it added something interesting to the plot and allowed Cailin to go undercover. While Minnesota is a liberal place to live, there are several pockets within the state where I wouldn't be surprised if some of these groups are active today. It seems like Chandler did a lot of research on hate groups while writing this book and it showed.
As I read through this, there were a few scenes I completely forgot about. I felt I was reading a new book even though I already read this a few years ago.
I think the only minor critique is at times the writing could have been better. I believe the author used the word "bluetoothing" at one time when she was explaining how Cailin was connecting her phone to her car. I also found parts of the dialogue to feel a bit unnatural which took me away from the book at times. The only other thought I would add is I'm not a fan of the title of this book. While it summarizes the plot of the book, it's not an enticing title. I think if I were in a book store and I saw this book, I wouldn't pick it up to read which is a shame because this book was so good!
I'm excited to check out Chandler's other series which seems similar to this. As mentioned, I don't think there is a sequel to this which is a shame because I would read it in a heartbeat. This was so fun to re-read.
May 3, 2016
Operation Stop Hate is a title that reflects the nuances illustrated in this book. From the prologue to the final chapter, Ms. Chandler has written a book that holds together rather well.
Cailin McKenna is a federal agent for a division of Homeland Security tasked with, among other duties, investigating domestic terror threats. When a second school shooting occurs in Minneapolis within a week, Cailin and her team are tasked with discovering whether there is any connection to the two. The investigation leads to a hate group, one which appears to be plotting to unleash a terrorist attack on the city.
Ms. Chandler progresses the investigation at a steady pace and populates the cast with memorable characters. A reasonably attentive reader can link clues together to figure out certain plot points but these signs aren't so blatant as to ruin the story.
The 'B' plot involves Cailin's personal life. Again, Ms. Chandler has created a cast of characters that are more than wooden placeholders. Indeed, it feels very much as if we, the reader, have been dropped into Cailin's life in order to observe her. Cailin's ex girlfriend is causing trouble for her and her new girlfriend, Alex. Despite the stalkerish behavior, Cailin can't figure out how to get her ex to leave her alone. As she observes, she's a federal agent and should be able to handle her ex without involving others. There were definitely times when I asked myself why she wasn't more proactive, but after finishing it, I can understand why Ms. Chandler wrote Cailin as she did in this matter. Overall, the B plot didn't detract overly from the central plot, but there were definitely moments that felt drawn out. Perhaps most disappointing was the resolution to the B plot line.
That is however, my only real complaint. At its heart, Ms Chandler has written a suspense novel which has a message of tolerance. I'm looking forward to reading additional books by this author, especially if they deal with these same characters.
NB: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cailin McKenna is a federal agent for a division of Homeland Security tasked with, among other duties, investigating domestic terror threats. When a second school shooting occurs in Minneapolis within a week, Cailin and her team are tasked with discovering whether there is any connection to the two. The investigation leads to a hate group, one which appears to be plotting to unleash a terrorist attack on the city.
Ms. Chandler progresses the investigation at a steady pace and populates the cast with memorable characters. A reasonably attentive reader can link clues together to figure out certain plot points but these signs aren't so blatant as to ruin the story.
The 'B' plot involves Cailin's personal life. Again, Ms. Chandler has created a cast of characters that are more than wooden placeholders. Indeed, it feels very much as if we, the reader, have been dropped into Cailin's life in order to observe her. Cailin's ex girlfriend is causing trouble for her and her new girlfriend, Alex. Despite the stalkerish behavior, Cailin can't figure out how to get her ex to leave her alone. As she observes, she's a federal agent and should be able to handle her ex without involving others. There were definitely times when I asked myself why she wasn't more proactive, but after finishing it, I can understand why Ms. Chandler wrote Cailin as she did in this matter. Overall, the B plot didn't detract overly from the central plot, but there were definitely moments that felt drawn out. Perhaps most disappointing was the resolution to the B plot line.
That is however, my only real complaint. At its heart, Ms Chandler has written a suspense novel which has a message of tolerance. I'm looking forward to reading additional books by this author, especially if they deal with these same characters.
NB: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2015
Cailin works for part of Homeland Security and is called into the second school shooting in as many weeks. She knows the shooter as a kid she tried to help get off the streets. The case becomes more complicated and tension-filled as strange coincidences appear and things don't go the way we expect. I liked to story very much and found myself gripped and wanting to read on and on. There was great depth to it and more and more revelations that showed the writer's skills off to the max. The twists and turns kept me wanting more and I felt myself rushing to get it finished as I was so keen to find out what happened next.
The relationships Cailin had were deep and true and I loved how well she and Alex fitted together. I never doubted for a minute that they were suited for each other. Her extended family and work colleagues were not mere add-ons but really contributed fully to the story. One relationship I did not like and could not understand was that with Eli. I'm afraid that whole sub-story didn't do it for me at all. Without giving too much away, I felt the situation was so unrealistically dealt with and infuriated me. No law enforcement officer would put up with such a scenario!
The last part of the book was fast-paced and very exciting. The whole white power story and its conclusion was brilliantly told.
I really enjoyed reading this book and has the Eli story not been so annoying I would have given it an even higher score.
I was given this ARC by Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
The relationships Cailin had were deep and true and I loved how well she and Alex fitted together. I never doubted for a minute that they were suited for each other. Her extended family and work colleagues were not mere add-ons but really contributed fully to the story. One relationship I did not like and could not understand was that with Eli. I'm afraid that whole sub-story didn't do it for me at all. Without giving too much away, I felt the situation was so unrealistically dealt with and infuriated me. No law enforcement officer would put up with such a scenario!
The last part of the book was fast-paced and very exciting. The whole white power story and its conclusion was brilliantly told.
I really enjoyed reading this book and has the Eli story not been so annoying I would have given it an even higher score.
I was given this ARC by Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
May 8, 2016
I was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderfully entertaining and compelling book.
Although dark at times the author maintained your attention through authenticity and an obligation to keep the story line realistic. To augment the darkness was the love felt between the main character and her partner.
The character's the painted appeared genuine and believable obviously because of the skill of their author. Their conversations were at times both pragmatic and provocative as much as they were at times entertaining and humorous.
I found the way the author brought together all the different strands and complexities of the plot made the ending both as surprising and fulfilling as it was unpredictable.
An excellent novel, well written and totally absorbing, very contemporary and politically aware, dealing with a range of controversial subjects in a convincing and credible manner. A novel I would thoroughly recommend to anyone who is looking for an up to date and plausible mystery that's been written in such a scintillating and lucid style.
March 10, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good read with some unexpected plot twists that really surprised me. I'd say the only problem I had, was that I didn't get a ramp up of tension near the climax. Maybe it's just because the writing was fluid so it just seemed to flow along. But a lot of times I get so into the book that at those points I have to fight myself not to skip sentences because the tension is so great that I need to find out what happens RIGHT NOW. That type of tension seemed to me to be missing in this book. It didn't affect my enjoyment, however. I liked the characters, and I liked the plot. The story did keep me interested, although there was so much about what happened previously in New Jersey that now I want to go back and read that story. Oh wait. This is book 1. Okay, Jessie, you made the meeting of Alex and Cailin sound too good to miss. Go back and write that story too!
I enjoyed this book, and would definitely be interested in picking up book 2.
This was a good read with some unexpected plot twists that really surprised me. I'd say the only problem I had, was that I didn't get a ramp up of tension near the climax. Maybe it's just because the writing was fluid so it just seemed to flow along. But a lot of times I get so into the book that at those points I have to fight myself not to skip sentences because the tension is so great that I need to find out what happens RIGHT NOW. That type of tension seemed to me to be missing in this book. It didn't affect my enjoyment, however. I liked the characters, and I liked the plot. The story did keep me interested, although there was so much about what happened previously in New Jersey that now I want to go back and read that story. Oh wait. This is book 1. Okay, Jessie, you made the meeting of Alex and Cailin sound too good to miss. Go back and write that story too!
I enjoyed this book, and would definitely be interested in picking up book 2.
February 7, 2016
Cailin McKenna is a Special Agent for the NPIU and is quickly assigned to a case involving two separate school shootings where the students were listening to violent music. The NPIU soon finds out that behind this, a hate group is responsible for distributing the music. Besides working on the case, Cailin has to worry about her ex, Eli, who won't leave her or her current girlfriend, Alex, alone.
Operation Stop Hate had me intrigued at the start, however lost its luster around the middle but regained my attention by the end of the book. Jessie Chandler did a good job in creating likable characters and characters we love to hate. I thought that Cailin and Alex worked well together as a couple. I can't wait to get to know more about Special Agent McKenna, her extended family and co-workers.
If there was one negative about this book, it would be that the situation with Eli was resolved a little too neatly for my taste.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-3V
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Operation Stop Hate had me intrigued at the start, however lost its luster around the middle but regained my attention by the end of the book. Jessie Chandler did a good job in creating likable characters and characters we love to hate. I thought that Cailin and Alex worked well together as a couple. I can't wait to get to know more about Special Agent McKenna, her extended family and co-workers.
If there was one negative about this book, it would be that the situation with Eli was resolved a little too neatly for my taste.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-3V
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2016
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. Wow, this was a great read, the plot and investigation were intriguing, and the main character was enchanting. I couldn't get enough of her, and her relationship with Alex was great. I did get the feeling that I was missing the first part of this book, but looking this is the first of these characters. This is why it isn't five stars; I felt as if I missed all about Cailin's relationship with Eli, and how she and Alex met and fell in love. I'll look again if there is the first book if so I will read it and then re-evaluate the rating for this one. Overall fabulous read, you won't be disappointed.
July 15, 2016
This is an important book. It may be fiction but the subject is one we all need to face, it is so close to reality we must pay attention. Hate is running rampant in our society and what it does to those affected by it can have deep consequences for everyone. Jessie Chandler addresses these subjects with heart and writing style that will move you to want to look at those that are different from us and find a common ground.
March 18, 2016
Just finished reading Operation Stop Hate, what a great read! Loved they way the author wove various stories together and kept a nice pace. This book is a Goldie finalist and the nomination is well deserved!
December 15, 2015
Operation Stop Hate (Operation #1) by Jessie Chandler: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
January 26, 2016
Read my full review here - https://ishitasmemoir.wordpress.com/2...
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November 2, 2018Synopsis: Special Agent Cailin McKenna takes on a case of two school shootings in Minneapolis. She finds a hate group recruiting teenagers.
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