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Undercurrents #3

The Deep End

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"Matt's hands balled in frustration ... He couldn't even acknowledge that he knew the dark-haired beauty down the street - much less that he was married to her. . . . He had walked into this marriage knowing full well that he would be married to a woman in the Witness Protection Program, and that they would have to spend the first year of marriage pretending they didn't even know each other." But little do CJ and Matt know the extent of the danger and loneliness that will haunt their lives. A world-class swimmer with Olympic aspirations, CJ faces overwhelming odds that threaten to drown all her hopes and dreams. Will the deep end prove to be a dead end for CJ and Matt? In a story where reality is as tentative as the waters of competition, and happiness is as elusive as the forces of evil that conspire to end all their dreams, CJ and Matt's race for safety becomes a marathon of fear.

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2007

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About the author

Traci Hunter Abramson

65 books1,920 followers
Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson


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5 stars
1,233 (45%)
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934 (34%)
3 stars
444 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
Profile Image for Mara.
1,442 reviews107 followers
February 19, 2024
This is the thrilling conclusion to Kylie is on her third identity in the witness protection program and is now known as C.J. If you thought the previous books Undercurrents and Ripple Effect were suspenseful, hang on to your seat!

This picks up right where Ripple Effect left off. C.J. is still training to swim in the Olympics and Matt is now playing baseball professionally. They're married but can't be seen together. C.J. is hoping her days of having to testify will soon be over so that she and Matt can live like a normal married couple and they can openly support each other's dreams.

The suspense in this one had me reading late into the night and I finished it in less than a day. I loved the ending but I also loved seeing our favorite FBI guy, Doug and C.J.'s friend Jill find their happy ending too. Can I say again how much I love the Whitmore family?

I loved this series and the opportunity I had to read it again!! I loved watching the characters grow and become stronger; how they exercised their faith and always did the right thing even if it was hard. If you're a fan of romantic suspense I highly recommend this series.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
6,113 reviews78 followers
April 23, 2020
LDS thriller about a championship swimmer who is in the Witness Protection Program, and has to stay separated from her husband for a year. The mob finds out who they are.

Really not very exciting.
Profile Image for Stan Crowe.
Author 9 books13 followers
July 15, 2012
I've been told that it's better to show than to tell, when it comes to writing a story. Assume that your readers are intelligent, and that they can indeed glean unsaid details from your well-written descriptions, and you'll do better than just flat out telling them.

I think that this was definitely one of Abramson's strengths in "The Deep End."

I gave this book a two-star rating because while it was what I considered "well-written" all in all, I guess I just don't fit the profile of the probable target audience. I admit that I read the dust jacket, figured it was probably a clean read (actually, I got the audiobook), and I went ahead.

I will say this: if you want to read this book, get the book itself, or at least an unabridged version of the audiobook. I didn't realise that I'd gotten an abridged copy until I pretty much took the dust jacket out of the plastic on the CD case; all the library stickers were covering up the word "abridged." Anyway, the abridgment hurt the story, in my estimation, because there were some large story holes where you were in one scene one moment, and suddenly somewhere very different the next. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I had heard the entire thing.

I did question the plausibility of some of the things that went on, however. For instance the FBI seemed a little less informed than I would have expected (but then, that's just *my* expectation--it's not reality), and the fact that CJ got to do all the things she got to do just seemed like one big, unnecessary security risk after another. While I'll admit that I don't know much about how the Witness Protection Program *actually* works, all the same, I questioned just how liberal the FBI seemed to be, even though those risks were acknowledged (and, supposedly, dealt with) in each instance.

Anyway, Abramson has definite skills as an author. I do wish that things hadn't worked out *quite* so neatly for CJ in the end, but that's just a personal bias; I mean, CJ *did* have it rough and all.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,510 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2016
I really liked this book. There was plenty of action and just enough suspense to keep you on your toes without being over-the-top disasters. I like that the characters are able to deal with most of the situations without too much tragedy.

It was a good final episode in this story.
Profile Image for Lydia Peterson.
122 reviews
May 8, 2020
I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!!! This is my favorite series ever! I loved how it started with her last name Whitmore *Sigh* I thought she would hide that. And Matt is honestly the best guy ever...if only all guys could be like him. LOVED IT
Profile Image for Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy.
547 reviews21 followers
January 7, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

What a heartwarming and heart stopping ending to the Undercurrent series. In this book CJ really has to push herself to focus on her dreams of going to the Olympics. I felt like some of the book dragged a bit, simply because the story needed a bit of time to mature. But besides that it was a fantastic ending to the series. I loved seeing CJ and Matt's dreams come to fruition in this book.

If you have read the Saint Squad, then you NEED to read these books. Even if you haven't read Traci's other books, I still highly recommend this series. I'm so glad I finally got to go back and read them.

Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. A positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,186 reviews94 followers
February 12, 2024
The book was the perfect culmination of books 1 and 2. If I thought I was on the edge of my seat before, those books had nothing on this one! It was a riveting, nail-biting intensity I lost sleep over—and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
CJ has grown so much and become a pillar of strength. She keeps pushing through every difficulty and by this book, has really become an incredible character. Every setback had me grinding my teeth, because I just wanted her to catch a break!
This book provides the perfect ending I had been waiting for since book one. I was so happy with how everything worked.
This series is a must read for all fans of romantic suspense!
I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire series.
The villain is someone you love to hate (and the plot thickens every book). The heroine grows so much over the three books, and you’ll want her to be your best friend. The male lead is swoony, but imperfect, and goes through a lot of his own growth.
These books absolutely DO need to be read in order, but each one is a quick read.
I couldn’t get enough and honestly want to start the series over again right now. These are on my reread list for sure.
I absolutely loved it!
Slam dunk, Traci!


CW/TW: murder and attempted murder; minor details about wounds or injuries; being followed by someone who wants another dead; heavy religious themes, particularly represented is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
959 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2018
This was a captivating book and I really liked the characters. After finishing the book I realized it was the third in a series so I wish I would have read the others first but it was good as a stand-alone story.
Profile Image for Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club).
588 reviews
January 11, 2024
Book 3! Can you handle this romantic suspense? It's oh, so good!

'After spending more than two of his seven years with the FBI working on CJ's case, Doug had learned to not only expect the unexpected, but to expect trouble every time CJ was around.'

I have been loving following these characters through everything in books 1 and 2 and couldn't wait to see what would happen in book 3 and how this would end. It was worth the journey and worth every second of reading!

Again, if you're a fan of romantic suspense mixed in with a little sports romance, you can't go wrong with this book or series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content: Mild suspense and violence, witness protection program, sports, romance-kisses only.
Profile Image for Sara Cardon.
Author 5 books63 followers
March 12, 2018
The opening scene is really something, and the way deep water is used is perfect for showing the danger she's in.

Shaye has yet another new identity, CJ, and is hoping to qualify for the Olympics. Tension is high throughout the book because of challenges in keeping her identity safe, obstacles to coaching, getting to qualifying swim meets, and outlasting desperate assassins set on taking out the key witness before the court date.

I enjoyed the subplot with the FBI agent Doug. He's great. CJ is dying to have something familiar and wondering if all the trouble is worth it. I like the other FBI agents to come in during the Olympic trials. And steady Matt. A few great surprises in twists and turns, and a good payoff in the ending.
Profile Image for Cherie.
721 reviews
May 31, 2011
Even though I generally enjoy Abramson's novels, I was happy to be finished with this one, the 3rd in the series of a young swimmer in the Witness Protection Program. I guess I just got tired of the story after
after reading 3 books. Still, this writer is a step above other Mormon fiction authors.
Profile Image for Sadie Snow.
7 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2019
This book is a wonderful ending to the series Undercurrents. I am still a little sad that this is the end because it was so good! It constantly keeps you entertained. If you like a cute romance action novel that is 100% clean. This is a great book for you!!! I LOVED IT!
Profile Image for Krystle.
314 reviews6 followers
January 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot. There weren’t a whole lot of calm moments as it seemed something was always happening. I wasn’t quite ready for it to end but end it did.
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,483 reviews172 followers
January 19, 2024
Wow! What a thrilling conclusion to a fabulous series! Not only does it have a gorgeous new cover, but there’s also updated content. The Deep End picks up right where Ripple Effect leaves off. Kylie is now CJ and despite being in the witness protection program she’s going after her dream of qualifying for the Olympic swim team. She’s hoping her continual need to testify against her friend’s killers is finally coming to an end.

CJ’s relationship with Matt Whitmore has blossomed and solidified. He’s become a professional baseball player and because of his high profile career, they’re forced to hide their relationship. They definitely have to find creative ways to be together. Danger is never far behind though and every time CJ competes she puts herself at risk. Just when they think things may finally be resolved, the suspense ratchets up again leading to an exciting, heart-stopping conclusion.

I loved the ending to this story! After two nail-biting previous books, I didn’t think things could get even more complicated or suspenseful, but they did. This rollercoaster of a book grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go until I finished the last page. I loved CJ’s & Matt’s relationship. It was fun seeing them sneak in those stolen moments while still trying to keep things under wraps. I also loved seeing more of Doug & Jill and watching their relationship progress. The action was nonstop & the thrilling conclusion was definitely a movie worthy finish. After this, it’s time to pick up the Saint Squad series.

Highly recommend this book & the entire series! It’s a faith-filled, romantic, edge of your seat read romantic suspense fans will truly enjoy. I recommend reading the previous two books before this one as it’s not really meant to be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
Profile Image for Angeline.
722 reviews23 followers
December 19, 2023
Ahhh! We have finally reached the end of this amazing trilogy. Oh my goodness, all of these books had me hooked. The Deep End is the third and final book in the Undercurrents series written by Traci Hunter Abramson.
CJ and Matt are finally together but there are still many things standing in their way at finally being at peace. I was not sure how CJ and Matt were going to finally end up together. Although they were married, there were so many things that were standing in their way
The suspense was so thrilling and I didn’t know how CJ and Matt would work everything out. The bad guys were still out and it seemed like everything kept on going wrong for CJ. It was sweet to read about CJ and Matt finally able to have some time together. They really fought for each other. I love that CJ was a swimmer and Matt played baseball. These were fun little tidbits about the characters that made them feel more real.
This book had me hooked just as the first two. I would definitely recommend it! The Deep End is a must read. It kept me engaged from the beginning and it was fun to finally reach the end of the story. The Deep End is a clean romantic suspense that has the theme of Latter-Day Saints.


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,427 reviews220 followers
January 6, 2024
Fantastic end to a breathtaking trilogy!!!

CJ and Matt's lives are not their own. Still in hiding from those who are determined to see CJ dead, they can't even be seen together in public in case Matt's high profile as a MLB player and the son of a senator draw extra attention to CJ. She is already skirting danger as she tries to qualify for the Olympic trials in swimming.

But as the date draws closer for CJ to testify in court, powerful men grow desperate and are willing to stop at nothing to silence her forever.

What to love:
Romantic suspense
Dual POV
Witness Protection program
Forbidden romance
Baseball player/swimmer
The competitions
Heart pounding suspense
Sweet romance with happy sighs
The perfect ending!!!

I love how Traci wove the different storylines together in such a seamless way! Matt's baseball, CJ's swimming, the romance, the suspense and mystery - it all kept me engaged from first page to last. The trilogy ending was perfection!

If you are a Saint Squad fan, you need to read these books as your first intro to the Whitmores.

This series is a must-read for any fan of romantic suspense! All the hearts and stars!!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
627 reviews7 followers
June 3, 2021
This one starts where we left off in Ripple Effect... Undercover, still finding ways to be with Matt, trying to live life and not in fear. There are elements related to the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There are ties into the Saint Squad books. It is the third part of a trilogy and I guess if you consider Saint Squad and other tie ins and series, the third of a long line of truly amazing books that I hope you enjoy.

Now with a another new name and new identity, CJ is trying to live life without fear. She's still swimming, still hopeful for the Olympics, still trying to bring the bad guys behind bars or keep them there. Somehow she and Matt keep finding a way to be together, with the help of handlers. Will we finally get to see her go to the Olympics or even qualify? Will she get to spend more time with Matt? Does she have to stay undercover much longer?
Clean romantic suspense, fun interactions and some humor even in the seriousness of the things happening in this book. Enjoy, I did!
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,914 reviews68 followers
January 30, 2024
This book is the exciting conclusion to the Undercurrents series. But don't worry, there are tons of books you can read that are set in a very similar world by this author.

One thing I remembered as I read this series again was just how much I love the Whitmore family. It's fun to look back and see the small glimpses from these book, knowing what I know about them from the rest of this author's books.

I loved CJ and Matt in this book. Their lives together are far from what would be considered normal. They have to hide that they are even together as a couple. But they make it work. And they are happy to be together.

This book and the whole series really take so many twists and turns. The reader is never quite sure that things will work out as they are meant to. But I love this series. It's one of the first series that got me hooked on romantic suspense. I'm so glad I got to reread it.

I was sent a copy of The Deep End from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Valerie.
1,211 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2024
In the final installation of the series, it picks up where we ended in Ripple Effects. Poor Matt. He can’t even acknowledge his wife. He can’t show her how much he loves her. He just wants to make a life with her. But danger is still lurking around each corner and for her protection and his, they must live separate lives until the vile man is brought to justice!

I loved this final story in now known as CJ and Matt fight their way to have a life together. I really enjoyed this. It wasn’t this cut and dry happy ending. There were ends that couldn’t be tied up in nice little bows. And Traci Hunter Abramson did a phenomenal job of helping you feel satisfied and happy nonetheless.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,215 reviews102 followers
February 4, 2024
I was so excited these books were getting new covers and some current updates. I remembered I hadn’t read this series of Traci’s, even though I’d read dozens of her books.

THE DEEP END is the stunning conclusion of this heart pounding series. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how CJ and Matt’s story would end. And what their fate would be, mixed in with all the Rush and Malloy madness. Doug and Jill also are pivotal to the story. And the ending is perfect, as it gives CJ the vindication and life she deserves.

I received a copy from the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
316 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2024
Will CJ be able to make it to the Olympic trials?
CJ gets moved around again due to continual threats on her life. A witness, who should have known better than believing he received free tickets for a family vacation in Aruba, dies in a supposedly accidental scuba diving trip. Matt and CJ have an interesting marriage as they pray and wait for a resolution to Chris Rush’s trial. Someone else of importance has an interest in CJ’s demise and makes an attempt on her life. Will CJ ever be able to realize her Olympic dreams and have a regular marriage and family? Exciting conclusion to this series.
Profile Image for Katrina.
452 reviews
March 14, 2018
A good series but I got the feeling that the author didn’t quite have a long enough story for three books so she added a lot of “filler”. Then made the font bigger. I think this could actually have been one book and been good. I didn’t really need to read about swim practice quite so much. I would have rather had more detail of her swim events. But that’s just me. 🤷‍♀️

I didn’t really connect to the characters as much as I’d have liked to. I felt like I was being told a story rather than being in the story.
Profile Image for M.
775 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2018
This was a phenomenal end to the trilogy. The suspense was present at every turn, subtle and not overwhelming but steady, especially at the swim meets. There was a lot more about swimming in this book as opposed to the other two. That was enjoyable to me because my son was part of a swim team a few years ago and I understood some of the lingo and the setting. I loved the characters and grew quite attached to them over three books. I'm sad I won't be able to read more about CJ, Matt, Tara, Doug, and Jill. Excellent book from a person who has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
776 reviews20 followers
January 2, 2021
Traci Hunter Abramson has a talent for writing romantic suspense! Even though this is one of her first books, she still kept the tension at a level I've come to expect from her (later books). This was a fitting end to a series I've enjoyed and sets up characters that are seen in later books. This book includes slight elements of the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but they add to the plot and are not overwhelming. The Deep End was a sweet and clean romantic suspense, I would rate PG for kissing and thematic violence.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,318 reviews17 followers
January 30, 2024
I enjoyed this suspense series. I read it all in one weekend because I needed to know what happened. I loved how in this third book everything final resolves and Matt and CJ can finally be together. I liked how through all three books the author kept that suspense high and had us engaged the whole time. This is a series that I would read again.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Wendy.
508 reviews
April 24, 2025
3.5 stars

I enjoyed this series, but felt a little let down at the end. I know this series was focused on Matt and CJ, however, I didn't get the closure I wanted with Doug and Jill's story. After everything was resolved and CJ was finally free, it would have been nice to have a second to last chapter that focused on Doug and Jill's wedding and maybe a reflection of Doug's feelings now that the case with CJ was finally closed and the life changing choices that brought him to marrying Jill in the temple.
Profile Image for Kim  Dennis.
1,144 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2018
I didn't like this book quite as well as the last one. I can't quite put my finger on it... Some of it may have been the narrator I was listening to, but it was the same narrator in the last two books and I was able to get past her to really enjoy those books. Having said that, I LOVE Traci Hunter Abramson's books. She is a great author. She is able to bring characters and situations to life and make them realistic. I'm excited to get to the next few books with the Whitmore family.
4 reviews
October 16, 2018
This book was pretty good. I loved the characters like: Mat, CJ, and Doug. I did however feel it dragged on a little bit. It felt like it was not very moving. other than that it was a great book. I would recommend reading it especially if you are a teen girl that is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ because it talks quite a bit about religion. This book is similar to "The Blind Side" in the sense that a girl is being hunted and shot at by scary men.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews

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