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Tough Justice #2.1
Countdown: Part 1 of 8
Tick. Tock. BOOM.
FBI Special Agent Lara Grant had thought that she’d put her past behind her—finally—with her last case. But now a serial bomber is targeting Manhattan’s elite power players, offering them a choice between saving hundreds of lives or seeing their darkest secrets exposed. Lara is working with the Crisis Management Unit to stop the bomber, but how will she react when she’s the one who has to choose between truth...or death?
Part 1 of 8: an explosive new installment in the thrilling FBI serial from New York Times bestselling author Carla Cassidy and Tyler Anne Snell, Emmy Curtis and Janie Crouch.
FBI Special Agent Lara Grant had thought that she’d put her past behind her—finally—with her last case. But now a serial bomber is targeting Manhattan’s elite power players, offering them a choice between saving hundreds of lives or seeing their darkest secrets exposed. Lara is working with the Crisis Management Unit to stop the bomber, but how will she react when she’s the one who has to choose between truth...or death?
Part 1 of 8: an explosive new installment in the thrilling FBI serial from New York Times bestselling author Carla Cassidy and Tyler Anne Snell, Emmy Curtis and Janie Crouch.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
72 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 6, 2017
This was part one of an eight-part serial featuring FBI special agent Lara Grant who was introduced last year in the first Tough Justice serial, Tough Justice Series Box Set: Parts 1-8. It's possible to follow this even if you haven't read the first serial, as a lot of the background information is provided. The instalments are written by different authors, including Carla Cassidy, Janie Crouch, Emmy Curtis, and Tyler Ann Snell.
The plot is exciting and the characters engaging. I enjoyed this and would like to read the rest of the story, but because I'm not a huge fan of these novella-type releases I am going to wait until the box-set is available.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
The plot is exciting and the characters engaging. I enjoyed this and would like to read the rest of the story, but because I'm not a huge fan of these novella-type releases I am going to wait until the box-set is available.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
January 29, 2017
Great short!
~~~~~~~~~~
If you love crime stories and police action thrillers, this short novella is great one to bite your teeth into. Part of a series, this drama is fast and hard hitting, with plenty of action to keep you intrigued.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I am curious at how the series will develop. The writing is engaging and fast-paced with plenty of twists and turns to keep the interest. With a cliffhanger at the end as we wait for the next installment, this is definitely one to grab and follow as this series grows!
~~~~~~~~~~
If you love crime stories and police action thrillers, this short novella is great one to bite your teeth into. Part of a series, this drama is fast and hard hitting, with plenty of action to keep you intrigued.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I am curious at how the series will develop. The writing is engaging and fast-paced with plenty of twists and turns to keep the interest. With a cliffhanger at the end as we wait for the next installment, this is definitely one to grab and follow as this series grows!
February 7, 2017
2.5 stars
Hmmm ... I wonder if it's because I'm not used to this format (reading 'serials') or if it's because I didn't read the first series, I wasn't heavily impressed. The latter was my fault, when I clicked that "Read Now" button on Netgalley, I didn't check out the release information. In any case, I felt like I kept missing background information that made me care for the main characters. She referred to an undercover case, or the fact that she gave away her baby for adoption ... and my only reaction was, "huh?"
Also I was expecting a turn-the-page quick action-suspense because the Prologoe sort of alluded that ... I thought there would be more threatening letters and bombs but the pace seemed to slow down (as Lara also pondered about the personal stuffs) and that bored me to tears.
Maybe this kind of storytelling format -- divide story into parts -- is simply not for me *shrugs*
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Hmmm ... I wonder if it's because I'm not used to this format (reading 'serials') or if it's because I didn't read the first series, I wasn't heavily impressed. The latter was my fault, when I clicked that "Read Now" button on Netgalley, I didn't check out the release information. In any case, I felt like I kept missing background information that made me care for the main characters. She referred to an undercover case, or the fact that she gave away her baby for adoption ... and my only reaction was, "huh?"
Also I was expecting a turn-the-page quick action-suspense because the Prologoe sort of alluded that ... I thought there would be more threatening letters and bombs but the pace seemed to slow down (as Lara also pondered about the personal stuffs) and that bored me to tears.
Maybe this kind of storytelling format -- divide story into parts -- is simply not for me *shrugs*
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
February 14, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
If Lara managed to get mascara and her boots on before she got out of her front door, she considered it a good day. Her favorite meal was junk food and she’d never met a vegetable she hadn’t declined.
If Maddy wanted me to wear a pink apron with cotton candy in the pockets, I’d do it… Wait until you have kids James, then you’ll understand.
My Review:
Tension, drama, secrets, fatigue, frustration and traces of lust define this open installment of an intriguing Criminal Minds type FBI/police procedural. I did not realize this was the second season of the series but a considerable amount of backstory was provided for the rather large cast of characters. The main protagonists were former lovers, which is where the lingering chemistry and lust factors in. The tension, fatigue, and frustration are centered on their current major case involving two separate yet similar bombings, which has gripped the city of New York and has several government agencies bumping into each other and competing for authority and credit. Which leaves us with the secrets, and Lara has more than her share, in addition to working long and draining days on the bombing case, she is haunted and consumed with the cold case of her mother’s murder, a case she has been told to drop by all authorities. But obsessions don’t usually care what bosses say… Between the cryptic beginning and the heinous cliffhanger – damn, I am hooked! Good thing I have all eight installments already on my kindle.
If Lara managed to get mascara and her boots on before she got out of her front door, she considered it a good day. Her favorite meal was junk food and she’d never met a vegetable she hadn’t declined.
If Maddy wanted me to wear a pink apron with cotton candy in the pockets, I’d do it… Wait until you have kids James, then you’ll understand.
My Review:
Tension, drama, secrets, fatigue, frustration and traces of lust define this open installment of an intriguing Criminal Minds type FBI/police procedural. I did not realize this was the second season of the series but a considerable amount of backstory was provided for the rather large cast of characters. The main protagonists were former lovers, which is where the lingering chemistry and lust factors in. The tension, fatigue, and frustration are centered on their current major case involving two separate yet similar bombings, which has gripped the city of New York and has several government agencies bumping into each other and competing for authority and credit. Which leaves us with the secrets, and Lara has more than her share, in addition to working long and draining days on the bombing case, she is haunted and consumed with the cold case of her mother’s murder, a case she has been told to drop by all authorities. But obsessions don’t usually care what bosses say… Between the cryptic beginning and the heinous cliffhanger – damn, I am hooked! Good thing I have all eight installments already on my kindle.
February 4, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I'm gonna say up front that installment books are not my favorite, but this series had two installments by one of my favorite authors, Janie Crouch, so I thought I'd give it a try. I am also dropping into Tough Justice in the second set of installments. This is going to be interesting to see if anything makes sense since I haven't read the first set of installments.
Lara Grant is a tough, wounded FBI agent who cares way to much about her job, to the point of exhibiting all the martyr characteristics. Martyr is a romance/romantic-suspense trope that is my least favorite. She has had a rough couple of years and is haunted by the unsolved murder of her mother when she was 10 years old, among a myriad of other events including hot, sizzling sex with her partner Nick Delano.
A bomb has exploded in a police precinct and innocent people are dead. The bomber gave someone a chance to save them by fessing up publically to his misdeeds. He didn't, people died. This is the second bomb in three weeks. Now the police, FBI and Homeland Security must solve this before another bomb goes off.
I'm gonna say up front that installment books are not my favorite, but this series had two installments by one of my favorite authors, Janie Crouch, so I thought I'd give it a try. I am also dropping into Tough Justice in the second set of installments. This is going to be interesting to see if anything makes sense since I haven't read the first set of installments.
Lara Grant is a tough, wounded FBI agent who cares way to much about her job, to the point of exhibiting all the martyr characteristics. Martyr is a romance/romantic-suspense trope that is my least favorite. She has had a rough couple of years and is haunted by the unsolved murder of her mother when she was 10 years old, among a myriad of other events including hot, sizzling sex with her partner Nick Delano.
A bomb has exploded in a police precinct and innocent people are dead. The bomber gave someone a chance to save them by fessing up publically to his misdeeds. He didn't, people died. This is the second bomb in three weeks. Now the police, FBI and Homeland Security must solve this before another bomb goes off.
January 27, 2017
This is part 1 of 8 that will make up a complete story, all written by different authors with Carla Cassidy being first up. What a great start too. Lara Grant is back for a second outing after the success for last years adventure. It all starts with a phone call, How many lives is someone reputation worth? Tell the truth or consequences will have to be faced and only seconds to make that choice. Twice in three weeks explosions have taken so many lives and it is for the FBI to find out why. This is such a fast paced section that is full of tension as the race is on to stop this maniac.
Lara Grant is still far from stable after giving her child up totally in order to protect her and chasing the ghosts of the past on a cold case which is too close to home and has become an unhealthy obsession. The story is left on a cliff hanger for the next author to take over. All I can say is if it is as riveting as this it will be a cracker.
Lara Grant is still far from stable after giving her child up totally in order to protect her and chasing the ghosts of the past on a cold case which is too close to home and has become an unhealthy obsession. The story is left on a cliff hanger for the next author to take over. All I can say is if it is as riveting as this it will be a cracker.
February 10, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
This is kind of a teaser of a book. An interesting teaser, but definitely a teaser.
What’s being teased? The entire Tough Justice series by Carla Cassidy, Tyler Anne Snell, Emmy Curtis and Janie Crouch.
Countdown is actually the second Tough Justice series. The first came out last year, also with 8 episodes by mostly the same cast of authors.
The story here is about a very tough FBI Agent, Lara Grant. In this new case, Lara and her Crisis Management Unit are on the hunt for a serial bomber. Whoever he is, he’s targeting Manhattan, and as the case begins in the first episode of Countdown, neither the FBI, the NYPD or Homeland Security have a clue as to either his motives or his identity.
As the first episode draws to a close, there’s a possibility that they’ve located the first link in the chain, but it is clear that there is more to be revealed as the case continues. It’s obviously going to be a long and bumpy ride for Lara and her team.
This is a story that opens with a literal bang, and keeps the reader gripped and absorbed until you’re wrung out at the end of the installment, eager to dive into the rest of the series, which makes this a great opening episode.
Because this is Lara’s second outing, a lot of stuff happened in the past (that first series) that looks like it is going to have a major impact on events in the second. But in spite of the brevity of this episode, readers new to the series, like me, still get all the background they need on Lara and her team to get immersed in the action without feeling left behind.
Lara might not reveal much of what she is feeling to her teammates, but she doesn’t hide from herself (or the reader) in her inner thoughts. We know who she is and what she wants and why she does what she does. She remembers what went down before, and how it led her to where she is now.
It’s enough to get the new reader into the action here, while still leaving enough details out to tempt that same reader into picking up the first series.
Escape Rating B: This installment does have an ending, but it’s obvious that the story isn’t complete. Nor should it be. As a reader, I have mixed feelings about episodic books, but this is a case where all the episodes came out together, so there’s no waiting to find out who done it or why. Or to find out what fresh hell Lara finds herself in.
Lara reminds me more than a bit of Eve Dallas from the In Death series. Like Eve, Lara lives for her job and doesn’t plan on letting emotion get in her way. She also comes from a scarred background and is still haunted by the traumas in her own past. Although the details of those scars and that trauma are different, the way that they have reacted has similarities. Enough similarities that I hope Lara eventually finds her balance. But not too soon, because the obsessions that drive her is what makes her such a kick-ass heroine.
This is kind of a teaser of a book. An interesting teaser, but definitely a teaser.
What’s being teased? The entire Tough Justice series by Carla Cassidy, Tyler Anne Snell, Emmy Curtis and Janie Crouch.
Countdown is actually the second Tough Justice series. The first came out last year, also with 8 episodes by mostly the same cast of authors.
The story here is about a very tough FBI Agent, Lara Grant. In this new case, Lara and her Crisis Management Unit are on the hunt for a serial bomber. Whoever he is, he’s targeting Manhattan, and as the case begins in the first episode of Countdown, neither the FBI, the NYPD or Homeland Security have a clue as to either his motives or his identity.
As the first episode draws to a close, there’s a possibility that they’ve located the first link in the chain, but it is clear that there is more to be revealed as the case continues. It’s obviously going to be a long and bumpy ride for Lara and her team.
This is a story that opens with a literal bang, and keeps the reader gripped and absorbed until you’re wrung out at the end of the installment, eager to dive into the rest of the series, which makes this a great opening episode.
Because this is Lara’s second outing, a lot of stuff happened in the past (that first series) that looks like it is going to have a major impact on events in the second. But in spite of the brevity of this episode, readers new to the series, like me, still get all the background they need on Lara and her team to get immersed in the action without feeling left behind.
Lara might not reveal much of what she is feeling to her teammates, but she doesn’t hide from herself (or the reader) in her inner thoughts. We know who she is and what she wants and why she does what she does. She remembers what went down before, and how it led her to where she is now.
It’s enough to get the new reader into the action here, while still leaving enough details out to tempt that same reader into picking up the first series.
Escape Rating B: This installment does have an ending, but it’s obvious that the story isn’t complete. Nor should it be. As a reader, I have mixed feelings about episodic books, but this is a case where all the episodes came out together, so there’s no waiting to find out who done it or why. Or to find out what fresh hell Lara finds herself in.
Lara reminds me more than a bit of Eve Dallas from the In Death series. Like Eve, Lara lives for her job and doesn’t plan on letting emotion get in her way. She also comes from a scarred background and is still haunted by the traumas in her own past. Although the details of those scars and that trauma are different, the way that they have reacted has similarities. Enough similarities that I hope Lara eventually finds her balance. But not too soon, because the obsessions that drive her is what makes her such a kick-ass heroine.
May 31, 2025
Very disappointed in this, but I'll start with the good parts. It was high action and well paced. Characters were good (not great) but showed depth and alluded to some back story that could be further developed over time.
The difficulties include:
It seems very Keystone-cops-ish. I was left feeling like, if this is the way the FBI works, I hope I never need them.
The writing is trite and unimaginative, and largely in a passive voice. The audience is told the story, not shown it. The writer employed overused idioms that pull the reader out of the story (ceiling is beige, xxx happened like she didn't know what...) and may not be understood by all listeners.
Used more words than necessary to describe a scene or action, such as the main character searching the memories "in her mind". Where else would they be?
The main character seems insecure and distracted with her own libido. It seemed like every reference to her partner or the antagonists is couched in how sexy they are.
I'm all for creative license, but unless you are writing fantasy, you must make connections with reality in order for your audience to a) stay in the story, and b) believe the story. For example:
-- why would a team of FBI agents who are backing up the ATF allow one of the team members to check an unknown doorway without backup? Why would that same agent not have her gun out when checking the unknown door during a raid (when the "bad guy" exited the door, the character "went for her gun")? How does her partner allow her to be taken hostage?
-- the characters are all gullible. Why would a couple give a baby in WITSEC to a person their never met? Even if they say they're a Marshal? This happens repeatedly. They never clue into the fact that a person they've never heard of may not be legit.
There are many inconsistencies, such as Lara pulling her gun, then later in the scene having to pull it.
The story left me feeling like the author didn't trust me to understand what they wanted to convey, so it had to be spelled out using tedious methods:
The litany of questions going a character's mind to tell us what to think are tiresome and should be left to the reader to understand through the story rather than being told by the narrator. This happens often.
The constant descriptions of prior scenes makes me feel like the writer isn't confident I can recall what happened before to bring me to this scene.
I won't be reading any more of from this author. it really could have been a very good story.
The difficulties include:
It seems very Keystone-cops-ish. I was left feeling like, if this is the way the FBI works, I hope I never need them.
The writing is trite and unimaginative, and largely in a passive voice. The audience is told the story, not shown it. The writer employed overused idioms that pull the reader out of the story (ceiling is beige, xxx happened like she didn't know what...) and may not be understood by all listeners.
Used more words than necessary to describe a scene or action, such as the main character searching the memories "in her mind". Where else would they be?
The main character seems insecure and distracted with her own libido. It seemed like every reference to her partner or the antagonists is couched in how sexy they are.
I'm all for creative license, but unless you are writing fantasy, you must make connections with reality in order for your audience to a) stay in the story, and b) believe the story. For example:
-- why would a team of FBI agents who are backing up the ATF allow one of the team members to check an unknown doorway without backup? Why would that same agent not have her gun out when checking the unknown door during a raid (when the "bad guy" exited the door, the character "went for her gun")? How does her partner allow her to be taken hostage?
-- the characters are all gullible. Why would a couple give a baby in WITSEC to a person their never met? Even if they say they're a Marshal? This happens repeatedly. They never clue into the fact that a person they've never heard of may not be legit.
There are many inconsistencies, such as Lara pulling her gun, then later in the scene having to pull it.
The story left me feeling like the author didn't trust me to understand what they wanted to convey, so it had to be spelled out using tedious methods:
The litany of questions going a character's mind to tell us what to think are tiresome and should be left to the reader to understand through the story rather than being told by the narrator. This happens often.
The constant descriptions of prior scenes makes me feel like the writer isn't confident I can recall what happened before to bring me to this scene.
I won't be reading any more of from this author. it really could have been a very good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2017
The Author did amazing job writing this book!. Characters well done and letting us hear their point of view during the story not only in the first person. And that the story telling about the case. Thank god for that because it ts on my nerves reading crime book that's tells more about love and sex every few chapters. You won't get it in this book yes they said something and there's some tension between the character. Hope all the other book's in this series like that.
The only thing I didn't like was this story continues to book 2 was hoping each book started new case. I do have book 2 and 3 haven't read any detail's about each book. I picked them up free and that I liked the book covers lol.
The only thing I didn't like was this story continues to book 2 was hoping each book started new case. I do have book 2 and 3 haven't read any detail's about each book. I picked them up free and that I liked the book covers lol.
October 19, 2017
Intriguing story
I got this book as a free daily special on one of the websites I subscribe to. It is not a stand alone book. It's part 1 of 8 by multiple authors. This is the first book I have read by Carla Cassidy. Took me a while to get into it. Not really sure how I feel about the characters. Although I am intrigued enough to continue the series because it ends with a cliff hanger.
I got this book as a free daily special on one of the websites I subscribe to. It is not a stand alone book. It's part 1 of 8 by multiple authors. This is the first book I have read by Carla Cassidy. Took me a while to get into it. Not really sure how I feel about the characters. Although I am intrigued enough to continue the series because it ends with a cliff hanger.
May 19, 2017
Nice short story
This was a nice short story but just as the hook is set you are finished. The FBI agents are believable and filled with their own worldly problems.
This was a nice short story but just as the hook is set you are finished. The FBI agents are believable and filled with their own worldly problems.
February 24, 2017
Not a fan of serialized. Novels
The story is we!l done. Carla Cassidy draws the reader in and keeps the suspense building. However, I am annoyed at the format. Do not want to go through 8 individually priced and packaged books to complete the story particular with no apparent link to the next chapter.
The story is we!l done. Carla Cassidy draws the reader in and keeps the suspense building. However, I am annoyed at the format. Do not want to go through 8 individually priced and packaged books to complete the story particular with no apparent link to the next chapter.
February 17, 2025
First I would like to thank Harlequin Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
FBI Special Agent Lara Grant thought that she’d put her past behind her—finally—with her last case. But now a serial bomber is targeting Manhattan’s elite power players, offering them a choice between saving hundreds of lives or seeing their darkest secrets exposed. Lara is working with the Crisis Management Unit to stop the bomber, but how will she react when she’s the one who has to choose between truth…or death?
As the clock ticks down, Lara braces for another confrontation with evil. And no matter what, she’ll make sure her enemy’s first mistake is also his last…
What I loved about this series:
- Audiobook quality, the narrator they chose for this series was amazing since they did an amazing job really leaning into the seriousness of the events while also adding the levity when it came around.
- Team, I am a huge fan of stories with teams cause it just adds more to the story since they all know something special about each one of them
- Crimes, this story is very intense with a lot of difference crimes happening at the same time and I just didn't want to stop listening cause I wanted the bad guy to get caught
- Unsub, the person committing the crimes gets their own POV throughout the stories and I was always waiting for those chapters to get in their head and try to figure out why and their end game
- Lara Grant, she is a strong woman who has had to make hard decisions in her life and because of that does not trust easily and pushes people away when she needs them most. I spent a lot of the book wanting to hug her and shake her to get out of her own head
- Open ended, I did like how the series ended on a bit of an open ended conclusion the big bad of this story was caught but another case was set up for the next
If you are looking for a great group of well developed short stories that are seamlessly intertwined with a lot of mystery and suspense with a tiny bit of romance then I would absolutely recommend this book. Any of my audiobook readers, I would absolutely encourage you to pickup this audiobook cause its soo good and addictive.
FBI Special Agent Lara Grant thought that she’d put her past behind her—finally—with her last case. But now a serial bomber is targeting Manhattan’s elite power players, offering them a choice between saving hundreds of lives or seeing their darkest secrets exposed. Lara is working with the Crisis Management Unit to stop the bomber, but how will she react when she’s the one who has to choose between truth…or death?
As the clock ticks down, Lara braces for another confrontation with evil. And no matter what, she’ll make sure her enemy’s first mistake is also his last…
What I loved about this series:
- Audiobook quality, the narrator they chose for this series was amazing since they did an amazing job really leaning into the seriousness of the events while also adding the levity when it came around.
- Team, I am a huge fan of stories with teams cause it just adds more to the story since they all know something special about each one of them
- Crimes, this story is very intense with a lot of difference crimes happening at the same time and I just didn't want to stop listening cause I wanted the bad guy to get caught
- Unsub, the person committing the crimes gets their own POV throughout the stories and I was always waiting for those chapters to get in their head and try to figure out why and their end game
- Lara Grant, she is a strong woman who has had to make hard decisions in her life and because of that does not trust easily and pushes people away when she needs them most. I spent a lot of the book wanting to hug her and shake her to get out of her own head
- Open ended, I did like how the series ended on a bit of an open ended conclusion the big bad of this story was caught but another case was set up for the next
If you are looking for a great group of well developed short stories that are seamlessly intertwined with a lot of mystery and suspense with a tiny bit of romance then I would absolutely recommend this book. Any of my audiobook readers, I would absolutely encourage you to pickup this audiobook cause its soo good and addictive.
February 7, 2017
Something I discovered after starting this book was that there was a 8 part mini-series that happened right before this one. It was based on the “put her past behind her” portion of the description above. I’m very intrigued to read about it since you get glimpses into her past throughout this book, but I did not feel that I was missing something or lost by not having read that past mini-series.
The sensitive topic of bombings in NYC is very present in this book, and I’m guessing the full series, since chapter one opens right after a bomb has been detonated. You find out shortly after that this is the 2nd bombing that has occurred in a 3 week time frame. The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) of the FBI is working diligently to discover how these bombings are connected and who is behind them.
I enjoyed meeting the various members of the CMU throughout this first installment and am curious to see how they all play into the case moving forward. I really enjoyed following Lara throughout this journey and while she’s not someone I would probably hangout with since she’s so closed off, she is still a character that you can stand behind.
This is a great mystery and if you enjoy true crime like I do, you’ll really appreciate the writing of the work and efforts that are in play throughout an investigation and how things don’t just easily fall into place like they are depicted in other books and movies.
The ending left you with a GREAT cliff hanger…but the good news is that the 2nd has already been released and you can start reading it immediately after.
The sensitive topic of bombings in NYC is very present in this book, and I’m guessing the full series, since chapter one opens right after a bomb has been detonated. You find out shortly after that this is the 2nd bombing that has occurred in a 3 week time frame. The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) of the FBI is working diligently to discover how these bombings are connected and who is behind them.
I enjoyed meeting the various members of the CMU throughout this first installment and am curious to see how they all play into the case moving forward. I really enjoyed following Lara throughout this journey and while she’s not someone I would probably hangout with since she’s so closed off, she is still a character that you can stand behind.
This is a great mystery and if you enjoy true crime like I do, you’ll really appreciate the writing of the work and efforts that are in play throughout an investigation and how things don’t just easily fall into place like they are depicted in other books and movies.
The ending left you with a GREAT cliff hanger…but the good news is that the 2nd has already been released and you can start reading it immediately after.
January 25, 2017
This series got off to a "bang" literally as a serial bomber strikes NYC! Tough Justice is at it again with another set of books, this time with a serial bomber as their target. This book set the stage as what is proving to be a great cat and mouse game in NYC. All the hard work that goes into finding a serial bomber in the largest city of America. I really enjoy seeing all this law enforcement stuff form the "inside" when you see how frustrating is can be. They want to catch the bad guys so much but it's incredibly hard and they have to work around the clock to chase down every single possible lead, no matter how small. I like the characters and look forward to the other books that will come along to continue the story! It mainly focuses on Lara Grant but the other members of the FBI team she is on are featured too.
January 29, 2017
How far would you go for justice? Lara & her team are investigating two bombings and the last one is personal as it involved law enforcement but they are no closer to catching the bomber. All their leads aren't helping, just when they think that the have the person it isn't them. Lara is dealing with a lot at the moment, she is still looking into her mother's murder even after she was told to back off. She misses her daughter even though she had to give her up and she needs her partner Nick but she is too scared to let him in fully. So where does this leave her?
Another death is going to send the team into a spin as it is close to home. Will they find the bomber before more people are killed? A great 1st part to the series. I was lucky enough to receive a copy in exchange for my honest thoughts via Netgalley & the publishing house.
Another death is going to send the team into a spin as it is close to home. Will they find the bomber before more people are killed? A great 1st part to the series. I was lucky enough to receive a copy in exchange for my honest thoughts via Netgalley & the publishing house.
March 2, 2017
This book is being released as a serial or a series of novellas. This first episode is one that reaches right out and grabs the reader. We get a chance to know Lara Grant rather well for the shortness of this episode and so far I can say that she is an interesting person. Driven by her need for justice and haunted by her last case.
I normally avoid serials because I hate to wait for the next episode to arrive. In this case however they all came out rather close together. I do recommend this novella to my readers who enjoy edge of your seat tension and kick ass heroines.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
I normally avoid serials because I hate to wait for the next episode to arrive. In this case however they all came out rather close together. I do recommend this novella to my readers who enjoy edge of your seat tension and kick ass heroines.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
February 28, 2017
In the prologue a mad bomber tries to blackmail a man into going public with his sins in order to keep the bomb from going off. We never hear about those two again, as the rest of the story has FBI agents looking for the bad guy, with little to go on except that at each bombing someone was told to leave before things go boom.
It’s difficult to give a grade to part of a story, though it helps to know going in that it wouldn’t finish here. The set-up was okay, and there’s good characterization of the lead, though I do wonder what’s causing this sudden—welcome—surge in fictional female FBI agents.
It’s difficult to give a grade to part of a story, though it helps to know going in that it wouldn’t finish here. The set-up was okay, and there’s good characterization of the lead, though I do wonder what’s causing this sudden—welcome—surge in fictional female FBI agents.
January 22, 2017
I couldn’t get into the book, but I have to take part of the blame for that . When I got the book from Netgalley, I did not realizing this book was part of of a serial. I avoid them as well as cliffhangers, so “my bad”.
I couldn’t get into the story, and it appears there is a book prior to this one that gives the reader background information.
I did not enjoy it . But because I do loe Ms Cassidy, I will I’ve it a 3 star rating.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I couldn’t get into the story, and it appears there is a book prior to this one that gives the reader background information.
I did not enjoy it . But because I do loe Ms Cassidy, I will I’ve it a 3 star rating.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 10, 2017
FBI agent Lara is back with the first installment out of eight in another series. The tension builds from the very first page and leaves the reader hanging at the end. There is nothing to do but wait for the next installment. Both the characters and the plot are well developed. I particularly like that Lara is looking into a cold case, trying to solve/understand/bring closure to her mother's death.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 15, 2017
After reading the first set of books in this series, I was really keen to get my hands on this first installment of the next set of books to see where the story is going and what will happen to the characters that I grew so fond of in the last books. This one (part one) set the scene for the other seven books in the series and I am really looking forward to reading them all. It was fast paced and had just the right amount of content, looking forward to book two!
January 31, 2017
This is the first installment in this serial and it starts off with a BOOM! Literally! Lara is back and on the trial of a serial bomber. This is a fast paced book and you have to be on your toes to keep up with all the twists and turns. It is not necessary to read last years' serial to know what is going on with this one. Beware, this does end with a cliffhanger, as expected, since this is part one of eight.
**Received an ARC copy for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
**Received an ARC copy for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
February 10, 2017
Lara Grant is a member of the FBI Crisis Management Unit in NYC and they are tasked with finding a serial bomber before their next strike. She is a complicated and hard working woman who has a tough time working with her partner.
This is only the first of the series and it will interesting to read more of them and discover how the case will be solved as there are very few clues in this one.
I received a copy from the publisher and from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
This is only the first of the series and it will interesting to read more of them and discover how the case will be solved as there are very few clues in this one.
I received a copy from the publisher and from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
March 26, 2017
I missed the first Tough Justice series and was able to read this with no problems. I will however go back and read the first set:) This short read starts off with action and continues at a face clip. Suspense, a little mystery, and bam hooked. If you dont have a lot of time, but still want a book to take you away,. read Tough Justice: Countdown by Carla Cassidy. I received this from Netgalley and vo;volunteered to review with my honest opinion.
January 16, 2017
Lara is back!
We are back!
This is a whole new story that is very topical and very intriguing. Bombs are going off, no clear indication of what or why. Could this be linked to some sinister plot?
Again a fast paced book and start of another series - awaiting the rest to move forwards - looking good for some more FBI action.
We are back!
This is a whole new story that is very topical and very intriguing. Bombs are going off, no clear indication of what or why. Could this be linked to some sinister plot?
Again a fast paced book and start of another series - awaiting the rest to move forwards - looking good for some more FBI action.
January 30, 2017
This book starts with lots of action- it grabs you, then... disappointment. For my time of reading I got two main characters that I didn't like and an ending I didn't like. I plodded through the story, but now I am faced with 7 more books in this series and I don't know that I want to even read them. Maybe it will get better.
January 31, 2017
Lovely short story for the beginning of a new suspense series!!!
I absolutely love Lara (did so in the first installment ) but i'm glad she's back and what a comeback. A great twist to truth of dare, how everything can chance with a single phone call. It all starts with a BANG, but how will it end...?
I absolutely love Lara (did so in the first installment ) but i'm glad she's back and what a comeback. A great twist to truth of dare, how everything can chance with a single phone call. It all starts with a BANG, but how will it end...?
October 8, 2024
I really liked this first of an eight part series that follows another eight part series. I'm enjoying the characters and really wondering what will happen next. This one has great characters, an interesting storyline, and plenty of action. The fast pace made the novella read even more quickly. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy in return for an honest review.
January 24, 2025
Another great start to a Lara Grant series. We met Lara Grant in Tough Justice Exposed (although you don't need to read the first series to understand and like the book). The fast-paced action and the interesting characters make this worth-while reading. I can't wait for the next installment.
January 15, 2017
Not a fan of the short novellas however, COUNTDOWN, featuring Special Agent Lara Grant, starts in what appears to be an explosive new series.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
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