When a fellow agent is shot south of Baltimore, FBI Special Agents Jake Tucker and Cass McKenna lead a team to find the shooter. Soon the agents are targeting a low-level street gang. Jake keeps finding evidence linking the gang and drugs to a nearby casino, one Senator Chase Westfield helped get approved. Chase is the new husband of Jake's ex-wife, Tam. Tension builds between the two men as Jake discovers Chase is abusing Tam--and putting Jake's kids at risk. Soon they're on a collision course from which only one can emerge. "Battered Justice" is the sequel to "Bloody Point."
Linda writes "white-knuckle fiction"--FBI thrillers with a twist of faith--from her home in rural Virginia. She's had careers as a government worker, a stay-at-home mom, and a journalist. Her husband, Larry, worked at the FBI Academy for over 25 years. Together they have three grown children. These days, Linda stays entertained by two cats and a Sheltie who tries to herd them. When she's not writing, you can find her walking in the woods, at the beach or doing something (anything) with dogs.
Jake Tucker and Cassidy McKenna are special agents and partners in the FBI in the Baltimore, Maryland area. They are close friends as well. Jake was partner with Cassidy's late husband Mike, before he was killed in the line of duty. Jake is recently divorced and still recovering from the loss of his marriage. Jake and Cassidy are close and have supported each other in their personal life as well as professionally. Cassidy is fond of Jake's son and daughter and was friends with his ex wife.
During a sting operation to arrest a fugitive based on a tip, another agent , Special agent Danny Stewart was shot but lived. During the investigation into who Danny's attacker or attackers are leads take the investigation to a casino in the Annapolis area and with possible ties to a local gang with drugs involved. Tamara, Jake's ex wife, is married to Chase Westfield, a Maryland state senator and step father to Jake's children. Chase was a main proponents of legalized gambling in the legislature. During an undercover investigation at the casino, Jake and another agent, Moose, see Chase at the casino. Different clues cause them to think that maybe Chase is involved with everything going on with their investigation. Chase and Jake don't get along and Jake's son Justin is having trouble with Chase. There is lots of tension between Tam, Chase, Justin and Jake. When tragedy strikes, Jake gets blamed for something that he didn't do and with Chase's power, odds look like Jake will have to go to prison for a crime that he didn't commit. With no where else to turn, Chase has to put his faith in God and that He will work things out for the good of him and his children. The story has lots of twists, turns and tension. Cassidy is very close to Jake's children and his situation is especially upsetting for her as well. Her faith is shaken through the events that take place. Jake stays very strong until the end and is a positive role model for the other characters. I wasn't sure how it would all end and couldn't put the book down near the end as the tension mounts. I have enjoyed Ms. White's books and highly recommend them for a suspenseful read that never disappoints.
This book is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and trust me, you won't want to put it down! Not only will you be caught up in the lives of Jake and Cass, the FBI agents, but also the Senator, his wife (Jake's ex), Jake's kids and others on both the police and FBI forces. You will be rooting for them, wiping tears, getting mad, and celebrating.
Jake and Cass have been partners for years. Cass's husband passed away and she is now dating a police officer, who is a wonderful asset to the team. Jake's ex is having some trouble out of her Senator husband and Jake is at a loss as to how to help. Not only has he seen bruises on her, but his children are suffering too. But Jake is trying hard to keep his anger under control even as his own future is spiraling out of control.
Jake and Cass have a strong bond, not just because of their partnership, but also because of their faith in God. After her husband's death, Jake saved her life; After Jake's divorce, Cass helped him find the Lord. His faith is now going to be tested to its utmost limits. Will he be able to "humble himself before God", and trust God with the outcome when his whole future looks bleak? Jake and Cass' faith is one of the things that really appeals to me in this book. One thing Jake mentions is, that maybe, God is using even what he is facing to draw Him to himself. That is the most important thing - a relationship with God.
Linda knows her stuff. In this case we have drugs, gambling, illegals, dirty politicians, and even domestic violence. Linda certainly writes like an FBI agent and comes up with some amazing stuff. The book is very realistic. And even though it is a sequel to the first book Bloody Point, it is definitely a stand alone. I have read several of Linda's novels and she's an author worth reading.
Excellent story! I couldn't put it down. The story of FBI special agents Cassidy McKenna and her friend and partner Jake Tucker started in Bloody Point (the author's debut novel) and continues in Battered Justice. This brilliant storyline weaves together so many elements from their lives both professionally and personally as they attempt to unravel several threads at one time: custody disputes, domestic violence, assaults, drug crimes, street gangs, gambling, and ultimately murder. Characters who struggle with faith during tragedies, and people in their lives who quietly speak the truth to them make this captivating story even more meaningful.
Trusting God when you have no idea how something will turn out is the beautiful lesson in this against-all-odds story.
I highly recommend Battered Justice by Linda J. White if you are looking for a 5 star mystery with hints of romance, well developed characters, and the challenge of faith in their (and our) lives.
Battered Justice is an awesome book. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I love Ms. White's books! I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
An absolutely stunning suspense, with no weaknesses and many, many strengths!
FBI Special Agents Jake Tucker and Cass McKenna have a unique partnership; together they have lived through tremendous loss and have survived extreme circumstances; both professionally and personally. When assigned to solve a shooting incident involving a fellow federal agent, Jake and Cass uncover fragile threads of criminal activity which implicate a powerful state senator, who just happens to be married to Jake's ex-wife. Gambling, domestic violence, attempted assaults, custody disputes, drug infested street gangs, and ultimately murder dramatically converge; giving this story the five star rating that it so richly deserves.
Hints of romance offer "Battered Justice" a softer edge, but the lasting strength of this book lies in the author's ability to challenge the faith of her characters simultaneously with that of her readers. Is there a God? Does He love you? Does he know what is going on with you? Could He save you? Will he? These kind of questions require deep faith and a fathomless dose of humility; especially for a highly trained, physically strong FBI agent. Fortunately or unfortunately, Jake and Cass will need every ounce of God's strength, rather than their own, when the unthinkable happens and Jake's very life and liberty begin to disappear before their eyes.
Enjoy every minute of "Battered Justice" with its brilliant story line and wonderfully developed characters; it's a page turner until the very end!
This book really held my interest and enjoyed the drama and suspense. It was refreshing to read a story that emphasized the Christian Religion and what having faith in God can do to help people overcome unbelievable odds.
This is book #2 with Bloody Point being the first. I really like the first, but couldn’t put the second novel down! Excellent suspense and kept you guessing to almost the end. A new author for me but she is now on my fav list.
This book was a vast improvement over her first book. I very much enjoyed the intrigue and mystery. Characters were more convincing. There was less time spent in narrative, and more spent on dialogue and action. Pacing was pretty good. Loved the playful banter in the dialogue. Well done.
My biggest issue with this story is how it resolves. Chase's behavior in the court room is completely unconvincing for a man who is as highly networked and ruthless as he is. That he could lose his confidence and go crazy in the blink of an eye was a huge let down. I would have much rather seen him complete the legal process and get beat up in jail or something.
I do enjoy Cass and Jake's relationship. Initially I was concerned that two friends who's spouses died would be too cliche. But, Linda wrote this well. Their first kiss was rather contrived. Annoyingly so. There was zero reason for them to have to do that. What was the big deal for Chase to see Jake I the casino? There was zero reason for Cass to instigate that.
All in all a decent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Cass and Jake's story continues with danger and many twists and turns. An angry FBI agent with temper problems ends up fighting for his life after his ex-wife is murdered. He has to hit bottom before he can be lifted up. Without his and Cass' faith he will be doomed. I find it refreshing that an author can add the truth of faith in her story. Ok, for you that don't like Christian novels I have a suggestion for you. Read the reviews, start at the bottom stars, there is where you will find like minds. Then choose another author and book. I don't care to read blatant sex romance books so this is how I avoid them.
Widowed Cass resumes her role in the FBI, partnering with her old sidekick, as Jake’s ex-wife, now married to a high-powered politician, continues to give Jake grief about their children.
Within the investigation into the shootings of federal agents, links begin to emerge between street drugs and people in high places - with catastrophic consequences.
Too heavy on religion which takes away from the good story
I enjoy the stories in this writer’s books and while I appreciate the characters’ faith, they have gotten too heavy into that and less about the story. This will be the last one that I will read. The story has become secondary to the religious aspect of the books.
What a story...so many twists and turns. The murders, difficulties getting evidence...drug dealers...big money...a high ranking politician setting up a framing...anguish for Jake's kids. But all through it, the struggles to get closer to God...to believe and have faith. Powerful stuff. Sure hope to read more about Jake and Cassie.
Second book in this series is even better than the first one
I didnt get anything done today other than read the second book in this series. I have never before bonded with characters in a book, nor cried and laughed with them as I have with this wonderfully written inspirational book.
FBI Jake Tucker and Cass McKenna lead a team to find the shooter. Soon the agents are targeting a low-level street gang. Jake keeps finding evidence linking the gang and drugs to a nearby casino, one Senator Chase Westfield helped get approved. Chase is the new husband of Jake's ex-wife, Tam.
This sequel rocks,filled with lots of suspense,twists and turns. I loved the storyline and the characters. This book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic suspense
Great story,even though you know it is going to turn out ok, it is still a heart wrenching story. Guessed a few of the obvious slips and was anxious for them to get to the court room. Such agony to get it all settled. Great plot.
It's a good clean book with mystery, a touch of drama, sprinkled with romance. I love the Christian focus. It is not preachy but the Christian elements are there.
A page turner for sure! God is good, all the time! Great storyline and characters! The best part is that is was so real and so much like the world we live in today.
The time between Bambi and Bambi 2 was over 63 years; Cinderella and Cinderella 2 over 51 years and Peter Pan to Return to Neverland over 49 years. The time between “Bloody Point” and this book, its sequel, is only 10 years. I’m very happy that Linda didn’t make us wait almost 40 more years to put another great thriller in our hands!
The sting of a divorce with kids is only trumped by the death of a partner and spouse. Having two agents paired together like this, Cass with having lost her husband and Jake with being divorced, keeps the drama high throughout this book. Mix in some dark political characters and you have the makings of “Battered Justice”. When one of their own agents, close to retirement and participating in a basic surveillance operation is gunned down in the streets, Jake and Cass pick up the trail of some drug dealers making this appear to be a “wrong place at wrong time” shooting. As the investigation leads to bigger paths and bigger targets, the case becomes personal for Jake. Jake’s ex-wife is now married to a strong local politician with ties all over the city, with one big secret. Jake is sure that his ex-wife’s new husband, Chase, is abusing his wife and possibly his kids. As Jake tries to keep them safe, he’s roped into a murder allegation when his ex-wife is found murdered. With Jake on desk duty, Cass has to go it alone to make all of the puzzle pieces fit together. Would Jake be able to shake this allegation? Who is behind these drug shipments? Is Chase as clean as his image projects? Do Cass and Jake ever share their feelings about each other? Don’t wait for the sequel to show up at the theater near you, go BUY THIS BOOK!!!!
It’s my blog and I’ll provide my opinion if I want to. What makes a Christian fiction book? A great story that may or may not be based on happenings of today, made up of make believe people and places with some creative licensing thrown in to tie everything up in a neat bow at the end of the book. What make a GREAT Christian fiction book? When all of those other things happen and the characters have open and honest talks with God in their everyday life and those interactions are challenged and vetted and the reader gets to see a picture of the God we serve through the author’s eyes. Linda does a perfect job in her books letting us see characters that are flawed like us, but that continue to approach the Throne in their daily walk and decisions. This book does not disappoint in its action, wit or suspense. It’s great to find an author that can provide all of that in one book.
Is this a "guy's book"? FBI Agents, drug smuggling, political corruption, murder. This list could go on and on but I think you get the picture. Yep, all of these are in this book. Yep, this has the markings of a great “Guy’s book”.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, it was just too great of a book not to.
Ever wonder what happened to Cass and Jake from the novel, Bloody Point? Well, welcome to the long awaited sequel, Battered Justice. While I was a bit overwhelmed with all that was going on in this story (shootings, drug dealings, gambling, corruption, and even, murder) it is all eventually tied together by the interactions of our two main characters. And throw in an underlying current of romance and you have Linda White’s epitome of “white-knuckle fiction”. I have to say, though, my favorite character may have been fellow FBI agent, Robert “Moose” Carter. He adds a touch of both humor and grittiness to what seems like an increasingly impossible turn of events. Make sure you have some time set aside for reading, because you will not want to put this one down!
You know...I read book one and liked it but felt it was often too wordy and that sometimes the Christian conversation went on and on. Despite that, I had really liked the characters Cassie and Jake and I wanted to see where their story went so I bought this book. Consequently, I came at this with somewhat low expectations. The problems of book one were not evident here at all. This story was really great--lots of action, suspense and romance. Ah, romance. :). The writing and story just flowed so well. I can heartily recommend this book.
I enjoyed this sequel to Bloody Point. I enjoy mystery/suspense books, but what I like most about this author is she puts a Christian twist in the storyline. The previous books I've read the Christian theme has been a very minor part of the book but with this one, the theme was stronger which I liked. The book was very easy to read and I enjoyed the characters and storyline. I can see where Linda J. White will maybe keep these characters and write more books around them!!