What do you think?
Rate this book
Tough Justice #2.2
Countdown: Part 2 of 8
Witness to a Murder?
The Crisis Management Unit has a confession—and a dead suspect. Could this mean the end of the bombing spree that’s terrorized New York? Special Agent Lara Grant’s instincts tell her that the danger has only just begun. And sure enough, the carnage continues as the bomber eludes them at every turn. Lara is just beginning to investigate a man taking selfies at each of the bomb sites when, suddenly, another CMU agent becomes a target...
Part 2 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.
The Crisis Management Unit has a confession—and a dead suspect. Could this mean the end of the bombing spree that’s terrorized New York? Special Agent Lara Grant’s instincts tell her that the danger has only just begun. And sure enough, the carnage continues as the bomber eludes them at every turn. Lara is just beginning to investigate a man taking selfies at each of the bomb sites when, suddenly, another CMU agent becomes a target...
Part 2 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.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
53 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 10, 2017
I have read several of Carla Cassidy's books, mainly her MYSTERY/SUSPENSE and ROMANTIC SUSPENSE. In this series of 8 parts, featuring FBI Agent Lara Grant, Carla shares the writing experience with Carol Erickson, Gail Barrett, and Tyler Anne Snell. Each of them have written 2 books in this series.
COUNTDOWN begins after EXPOSED, the short story who introduces readers to FBI Agents Lara Grant and her partner, Nick Delano https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
Lara is still recovering her undercover case that almost killed her. She's also deciding on what to do with Nick. They had a short fling ... she called it off, he wants more. Lara has a secret - her mother was murdered some years ago. Her father, now deceased, was suspected of the crime, but never charged. Lara believes the killer is still out there. And Nick is harboring his own secrets.
Meanwhile, someone is bombing New York. People are dying and no one is taking credit. Is this a terrorist attack? Someone with a personal vendetta? Psychopath living in his own head?
They do have witnesses ... at each bombing site, a man approached them, told them there was a free musical event going on outside. As soon as they left, the buildings blew. If this someone is so intent on killing people, why were these particular people spared?
Just another unanswered question as Lara and her team work tirelessly trying to connect the dots and stop another bombing before more people die.
I really enjoy these characters .. they are well defined and believable. The suspense is palpable and the premise of this story could have been ripped from headline news. This is an 8-part series, so there is most definitely a cliff hanger.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I wish to thank the author / Harlequin / Netgalley who provided a digital copy of COUNTDOWN. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
COUNTDOWN begins after EXPOSED, the short story who introduces readers to FBI Agents Lara Grant and her partner, Nick Delano https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
Lara is still recovering her undercover case that almost killed her. She's also deciding on what to do with Nick. They had a short fling ... she called it off, he wants more. Lara has a secret - her mother was murdered some years ago. Her father, now deceased, was suspected of the crime, but never charged. Lara believes the killer is still out there. And Nick is harboring his own secrets.
Meanwhile, someone is bombing New York. People are dying and no one is taking credit. Is this a terrorist attack? Someone with a personal vendetta? Psychopath living in his own head?
They do have witnesses ... at each bombing site, a man approached them, told them there was a free musical event going on outside. As soon as they left, the buildings blew. If this someone is so intent on killing people, why were these particular people spared?
Just another unanswered question as Lara and her team work tirelessly trying to connect the dots and stop another bombing before more people die.
I really enjoy these characters .. they are well defined and believable. The suspense is palpable and the premise of this story could have been ripped from headline news. This is an 8-part series, so there is most definitely a cliff hanger.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I wish to thank the author / Harlequin / Netgalley who provided a digital copy of COUNTDOWN. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 4, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
So. . . I'm kinda liking this installment book format. It takes a slower pace and packs a lot more backstory for the characters than you normally get from a Harlequin Suspense or Intrigue book. Even without reading the first series, I don't feel adrift like I fully expected to feel. Still, reading the first series would give a lot more background instead of just being "told" in this one. Anyway, so far, so good. I'm fully into the mystery.
Someone is blowing things and people up in New York. A smoothie shop, a police precinct and now a hospital. We know the bomber wants public repentance from an individual and when they don't get it, innocent people are blown to bits. One individual, William, commits suicide after the bomber blows up the police precinct. William is the brother of James, an FBI agent on this case. The FBI have no clue what is happening or why. Terrorism or just a plain old nut case.
Distracting Lara from the case is her obsession with the 20 year old cold case murder of her mother. She has a new lead that opens up more questions than it resolves. She feels she must keep her investigation into this a secret. I think she could use another set of eyes on it, maybe Nick would help her our, if she would let him.
So. . . I'm kinda liking this installment book format. It takes a slower pace and packs a lot more backstory for the characters than you normally get from a Harlequin Suspense or Intrigue book. Even without reading the first series, I don't feel adrift like I fully expected to feel. Still, reading the first series would give a lot more background instead of just being "told" in this one. Anyway, so far, so good. I'm fully into the mystery.
Someone is blowing things and people up in New York. A smoothie shop, a police precinct and now a hospital. We know the bomber wants public repentance from an individual and when they don't get it, innocent people are blown to bits. One individual, William, commits suicide after the bomber blows up the police precinct. William is the brother of James, an FBI agent on this case. The FBI have no clue what is happening or why. Terrorism or just a plain old nut case.
Distracting Lara from the case is her obsession with the 20 year old cold case murder of her mother. She has a new lead that opens up more questions than it resolves. She feels she must keep her investigation into this a secret. I think she could use another set of eyes on it, maybe Nick would help her our, if she would let him.
February 14, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
Medical Examiner Dr. Ruben Sanders, affectionately known as the Sandman, entered the room. He had a head full of gray hair, a round, wrinkled face and drooping brown eyes that made him look like a Basset hound.
Even covered in dust, he was a good-looking kid… He also had the body language and a spark in his eyes that might indicate he was a bit of smartass.
My mom says I’m eleven going on twenty-five… I took a sick day… I woke up this morning and was sick of school.
My Review:
Part 2 brings more tragedy, more excitement, and a few promising leads that only result in more questions than answers. Lara’s double investigations are draining her reserves and distracting her focus. Memories, family secrets, and bodies are piling up. My favorite bits of this tale seem to be the colorful details and vivid descriptions used when introducing each new character.
Medical Examiner Dr. Ruben Sanders, affectionately known as the Sandman, entered the room. He had a head full of gray hair, a round, wrinkled face and drooping brown eyes that made him look like a Basset hound.
Even covered in dust, he was a good-looking kid… He also had the body language and a spark in his eyes that might indicate he was a bit of smartass.
My mom says I’m eleven going on twenty-five… I took a sick day… I woke up this morning and was sick of school.
My Review:
Part 2 brings more tragedy, more excitement, and a few promising leads that only result in more questions than answers. Lara’s double investigations are draining her reserves and distracting her focus. Memories, family secrets, and bodies are piling up. My favorite bits of this tale seem to be the colorful details and vivid descriptions used when introducing each new character.
February 6, 2017
Reading, or at least reviewing, a serial novel with one part at the time is much harder than I thought. Yet after reading the part two to the novel, I admit, it's official, I'm hooked. I got so immersed in the story I might have yelled 'NO' when I realized the part two was over. Yes, I have the next part downloaded, but that is beyond the point.
The FBI Crisis Management Unit has finally found some clues to the recent bombings that might give leads to the terrorist. Unfortunately, those clues come to their own doorsteps, as a family member of the team is oddly claiming responsibility. Nothing seems to be fitting, and the frustration of the situation is palpable.
The events at the crime scene bring Agent Lara Grant's own previous personal nightmares into her mind, and her mother's over twenty-year-old murder case gets a new lead, that has Lara on the edge, and losing more sleep.
In this installment, the members of the team seem easier to approach, not soft by any means, but the compassion and understandable fear and worry in the air gave them a new, more humane side.
The intensity is still as fierce, the danger and horrific possibilities of new bombings a constant thought in the minds of the agents. Can James' brother be behind the bombing? And what is the midnight emergency meeting all about? The cliffhanger at the end of the part two is riveting and unexpected, puts a completely new spin on the story and to the evidence so far collected, getting me hooked in an intoxicating way. Carla Cassidy did an amazing job with the parts one and two, can't wait to read the next part that is written by Tyler Anne Snell
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The FBI Crisis Management Unit has finally found some clues to the recent bombings that might give leads to the terrorist. Unfortunately, those clues come to their own doorsteps, as a family member of the team is oddly claiming responsibility. Nothing seems to be fitting, and the frustration of the situation is palpable.
The events at the crime scene bring Agent Lara Grant's own previous personal nightmares into her mind, and her mother's over twenty-year-old murder case gets a new lead, that has Lara on the edge, and losing more sleep.
In this installment, the members of the team seem easier to approach, not soft by any means, but the compassion and understandable fear and worry in the air gave them a new, more humane side.
The intensity is still as fierce, the danger and horrific possibilities of new bombings a constant thought in the minds of the agents. Can James' brother be behind the bombing? And what is the midnight emergency meeting all about? The cliffhanger at the end of the part two is riveting and unexpected, puts a completely new spin on the story and to the evidence so far collected, getting me hooked in an intoxicating way. Carla Cassidy did an amazing job with the parts one and two, can't wait to read the next part that is written by Tyler Anne Snell
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
January 3, 2017
WOW!!! JUST WOW!!! Another fantastic story from Carla Cassidy. I couldn't put the book down. I read this book in one day I was so engrossed in the story. It is action packed and has you wondering what is going to happen next and has you guessing who is behind the bombings. Special Agent Lara Grant doesn't put up with nothing or anyone for that matter. The characters are fantastic. I highly recommend reading this book. It is a must read. Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin.
August 26, 2017
Dang it anyway
What a cliff hanger. Now I'm going to have to read more. The other authors in this series have a hard act to follow. Cassidy always has me on the edge of my seat.
What a cliff hanger. Now I'm going to have to read more. The other authors in this series have a hard act to follow. Cassidy always has me on the edge of my seat.
February 7, 2017
The last book left off at a major cliff hanger and one that really surprised me. This installment picks right up where that one left off and didn’t include any prologue this time.
The CMU is still investigating the bombings that have occurred in the first part and with new evidence they are trying to make heads or tails of what they’ve discovered. They know the clock might be ticking for another bombing to occur, but they also aren’t sure since their suspect may already be dead.
On top of everything that’s happening with this investigation, Lara has a personal investigation she’s been exploring since part 1. I’m not going to give details since I don’t want to spoil this, but something turns up in this investigation as well and I’m fully committed to “standing by her side” as she continues pushing forward no matter how hard it may seem.
This was another installment that I did NOT want to put down…I was reading it every chance I got! As layer continue to get pulled back you feel like they are getting closer and closer, but there is one major clue that we know about since prologue part 1 that the CMU team has not found yet….and it is a bit distracting. You want to shake the team and tell them what you know. LOL.
Part 2 did just the same as part 1, a huge build up at the end where you know something is going to happen but you just aren’t sure what….and when it happens you are shocked! (Well at least I was!!) I really like the turn it took and am looking forward to reading onto Part 3.
Overall:
I’d highly suggest this series to anyone who enjoys a good mystery in modern crime. It’s a quick read since it is a novella, but it’s well written where you don’t feel like you’re losing out by it not being a full length novel. I’m VERY excited to start Part 3!!
The CMU is still investigating the bombings that have occurred in the first part and with new evidence they are trying to make heads or tails of what they’ve discovered. They know the clock might be ticking for another bombing to occur, but they also aren’t sure since their suspect may already be dead.
On top of everything that’s happening with this investigation, Lara has a personal investigation she’s been exploring since part 1. I’m not going to give details since I don’t want to spoil this, but something turns up in this investigation as well and I’m fully committed to “standing by her side” as she continues pushing forward no matter how hard it may seem.
This was another installment that I did NOT want to put down…I was reading it every chance I got! As layer continue to get pulled back you feel like they are getting closer and closer, but there is one major clue that we know about since prologue part 1 that the CMU team has not found yet….and it is a bit distracting. You want to shake the team and tell them what you know. LOL.
Part 2 did just the same as part 1, a huge build up at the end where you know something is going to happen but you just aren’t sure what….and when it happens you are shocked! (Well at least I was!!) I really like the turn it took and am looking forward to reading onto Part 3.
Overall:
I’d highly suggest this series to anyone who enjoys a good mystery in modern crime. It’s a quick read since it is a novella, but it’s well written where you don’t feel like you’re losing out by it not being a full length novel. I’m VERY excited to start Part 3!!
February 10, 2017
WOW! This installment starts right where part 1 left off and keeps running and twisting and turning. We are not only hunting a bomber but Lara is hunting her mother's killer and trying to keep that under the radar. The bomber now seems to have the CMU team targeted and this one ends in a super cliffhanger!
This is what keeps me moving on to the next one!!!!
**Received an ARC copy for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
This is what keeps me moving on to the next one!!!!
**Received an ARC copy for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
March 5, 2017
I am really enjoying this episode! Now mind you that I did just say episode. These novellas have been written to be read in order or they won't make a lot of sense similar to a mini-series on television. Once you take that into account, they are quite enjoyable especially as they are so character driven.
I can't really say a lot without giving away spoilers but I will say that it's well written with great dialogue and much tension. I think that my readers who enjoy thrillers will enjoy this series.
*** 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 can't really say a lot without giving away spoilers but I will say that it's well written with great dialogue and much tension. I think that my readers who enjoy thrillers will enjoy this series.
*** 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 15, 2017
Another solid part of the story, the scene is getting set and the characters are re-building their current relationships, really enjoying this one already. Looking forward to part three.
February 6, 2017
review to follow
February 4, 2017
This book is better than the series starter. The characters are still not ones I like, but I find myself interested in finding out who is bombing and why. 6 more books to go.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews