What do you think?
Rate this book
Renegade Justice #1
Fight Dirty
Listening Length: 9 hours and 12 minutes
Raised to kill by her father, a convicted serial killer, Morgan’s problems aren’t those of the average teen. She wants only one thing: to protect her freedom and not get locked away. So, despite ongoing temptation and a bloody past, Morgan swears off murder.
Seeking to tame her sociopathic instincts, Morgan cons her way into working with security consultants Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone. For their first case, Morgan goes undercover to infiltrate ReNew, a treatment center for troubled teens, to investigate the suicide of a fourteen-year-old girl sent there by her wealthy parents.
While Jenna and Andre search for evidence from the outside, Morgan endures her own worst nightmare posing as an inmate. It isn’t long before she discovers that ReNew’s unstable patients are the ones who are really in charge—and that some of their psychopathic tendencies rival her own.
Even if Morgan can discover the truth behind the girl’s death and escape ReNew alive, what—or who—might be waiting for her on the outside?
Raised to kill by her father, a convicted serial killer, Morgan’s problems aren’t those of the average teen. She wants only one thing: to protect her freedom and not get locked away. So, despite ongoing temptation and a bloody past, Morgan swears off murder.
Seeking to tame her sociopathic instincts, Morgan cons her way into working with security consultants Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone. For their first case, Morgan goes undercover to infiltrate ReNew, a treatment center for troubled teens, to investigate the suicide of a fourteen-year-old girl sent there by her wealthy parents.
While Jenna and Andre search for evidence from the outside, Morgan endures her own worst nightmare posing as an inmate. It isn’t long before she discovers that ReNew’s unstable patients are the ones who are really in charge—and that some of their psychopathic tendencies rival her own.
Even if Morgan can discover the truth behind the girl’s death and escape ReNew alive, what—or who—might be waiting for her on the outside?
Audible Audio
First published October 7, 2014
440 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Lyons
80 books895 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels, former pediatric ER doctor CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge Thrillers with Heart.
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 17, 2014
What a frigging mess.
I think there are more books out featuring some of these characters. Maybe this one would make more sense if I had read them. It is marketed as a stand alone book though so that is not gonna happen now anyways.It seems like I'm being called a troll quite a bit since I didn't read the previous books. See here https://www.goodreads.com/questions/1....
The story sounds like it could be a good one but then I started reading. Jenna and Andre have left other jobs and are opening up their own PI business. Jenna left the FBI...that amazes me because this woman is dumb as a bag of sticks. She has a 15 year old girl that has somehow made herself part of their team. This 15 year old Morgan is a serial killers daughter..she helped with some of his kills.
Ummm what kind of ex FBI agent is going to put up with a teenage girl with this girls history just attaching themselves to her?? I kept looking at my kindle and saying WTF? But then Jenna the agent doesn't care. So what if this child gets killed or whatever..doesn't bother her at all. As long as she makes money with her rich clients.
And those clients..motherfuckers. They shipped their daughter off to the snooty ReNew center because --well because nothing. She basically was in their selfish ways and so pop her in the clinic for awhile. After getting out of the clinic the daughter supposedly commits suicide. The parents want to know why or who killed her.
This book sucked big ones. Nothing made sense. The writing was chopped and if anything was explained it didn't make sense. I need some brain bleach to get this crap out of my head. These were some of the most self centered characters ever. I've read book where I didn't like any of the characters before and it's worked for the story. This one can suck it.
Why the hell I finished it is way beyond me.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
ETA: One starring a book I did not like is allowed in GR terms of service.
I think there are more books out featuring some of these characters. Maybe this one would make more sense if I had read them. It is marketed as a stand alone book though so that is not gonna happen now anyways.It seems like I'm being called a troll quite a bit since I didn't read the previous books. See here https://www.goodreads.com/questions/1....
The story sounds like it could be a good one but then I started reading. Jenna and Andre have left other jobs and are opening up their own PI business. Jenna left the FBI...that amazes me because this woman is dumb as a bag of sticks. She has a 15 year old girl that has somehow made herself part of their team. This 15 year old Morgan is a serial killers daughter..she helped with some of his kills.
Ummm what kind of ex FBI agent is going to put up with a teenage girl with this girls history just attaching themselves to her?? I kept looking at my kindle and saying WTF? But then Jenna the agent doesn't care. So what if this child gets killed or whatever..doesn't bother her at all. As long as she makes money with her rich clients.
And those clients..motherfuckers. They shipped their daughter off to the snooty ReNew center because --well because nothing. She basically was in their selfish ways and so pop her in the clinic for awhile. After getting out of the clinic the daughter supposedly commits suicide. The parents want to know why or who killed her.
This book sucked big ones. Nothing made sense. The writing was chopped and if anything was explained it didn't make sense. I need some brain bleach to get this crap out of my head. These were some of the most self centered characters ever. I've read book where I didn't like any of the characters before and it's worked for the story. This one can suck it.
Why the hell I finished it is way beyond me.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
ETA: One starring a book I did not like is allowed in GR terms of service.
September 9, 2014
CJ Lyons writes the most compelling thrillers I have read. This is another great book. I knew enough to start reading it early in the morning, because once you start reading her books it is impossible to stop until you have finished the story, and then you still want more. CJ writes with clear and elegant words that support but never get in front of the story. Her characters are deep, real and all have their own private dragons. You don't have to read the Lucy Guardino series to appreciate this book, because the characters are well-developed in this one, but I found knowing the background helped me to appreciate the subtle changes taking place in both Jenna and Morgan. I can't wait for more.
October 7, 2014
“Fight Dirty” is an intense mystery thriller focusing on the events surrounding the death of 14 year old BreeAnna Greene on the day she was released from a private treatment facility for troubled teens.
C.J. Lyons brings two strong protagonists from earlier books, Nick Callahan, a therapist and Morgan Ames, a 15 year old who is the daughter of convicted serial killer. Lyons’ fans know Nick Callahan is FBI Supervisory Special Agent Lucy Guardino’s husband. Morgan is one of Nick’s clients. She is working hard to turn her life around and has promised Nick she won’t kill again as she is still dealing with issues having a father who is a serial killer. Nick’s therapy is helping Morgan but she still is a great manipulator and Nick knows Morgan is far from an angel. As Morgan’s therapist, Nick is the only person who is aware of what makes Morgan tick and things she fears.
In “Fight Dirty” readers meet Lyons’ two support protagonists Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone who were introduced in an earlier Guardino story. Jenna and Andre have recently started the Galloway and Stone Security Consultants firm. Lyons provides readers each character’s backstory. Lyons’ storyline introduces Nick, Morgan, Jenna, and her boyfriend Andre. As Jenna and Andre are asked by Mr. and Mrs. Greene to investigate the why and how of their 14 year old daughter BreeAnna’s death.
In Morgan’s efforts to move forward with her life, she tends to manipulate people to achieve her goals. She works her way into being part of Jenna and Andre’s firm. As they are dealing with the trust issues, it turns out their investigation has hit a roadblock and they need Morgan to go undercover and infiltrate ReNew, a treatment center for troubled teens. Morgan agrees to go undercover at the treatment center because she feels BreeAnna deserves justice.
It is amazing how fast events develop while Nick, Jenna, and Andre go to the Greene’s home, Mr. Greene talks Morgan into being admitted to ReNew without Jenna, Andre, or Nick’s knowledge. Only Nick knows Morgan’s biggest fear and going undercover might be very dangerous for her.
Lyons describes the dangers for children and in particular for Morgan. Readers see through Morgan’s eyes what the children were forced to undergo. Morgan found the real evils at ReNew. From the time Morgan was admitted to ReNew, we met one antagonist after another.
This thrilling mystery and suspense story starts with Morgan’s quest to find justice for BreeAnna. Morgan was determined everyone know what happened to the children, regardless of what she - found the truth was important.
Lyons story helps readers see how friendship, trust, betrayal, and manipulation are all part of the solution of “Fight Dirty.” The pace this well-developed and well researched story never slows down. Morgan’s actions help many truths come to the surface. BreeAnna’s death was the catalyst forcing the investigation of circumstances. As if the readers were in the room with Morgan, “Fight Dirty,” delivers answers and solutions and a surprise ending for the readers. Lyons earns my 5 star ranking and I am looking forward to her next book in this new series featuring Nick Callahan and Morgan Ames.
C.J. Lyons brings two strong protagonists from earlier books, Nick Callahan, a therapist and Morgan Ames, a 15 year old who is the daughter of convicted serial killer. Lyons’ fans know Nick Callahan is FBI Supervisory Special Agent Lucy Guardino’s husband. Morgan is one of Nick’s clients. She is working hard to turn her life around and has promised Nick she won’t kill again as she is still dealing with issues having a father who is a serial killer. Nick’s therapy is helping Morgan but she still is a great manipulator and Nick knows Morgan is far from an angel. As Morgan’s therapist, Nick is the only person who is aware of what makes Morgan tick and things she fears.
In “Fight Dirty” readers meet Lyons’ two support protagonists Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone who were introduced in an earlier Guardino story. Jenna and Andre have recently started the Galloway and Stone Security Consultants firm. Lyons provides readers each character’s backstory. Lyons’ storyline introduces Nick, Morgan, Jenna, and her boyfriend Andre. As Jenna and Andre are asked by Mr. and Mrs. Greene to investigate the why and how of their 14 year old daughter BreeAnna’s death.
In Morgan’s efforts to move forward with her life, she tends to manipulate people to achieve her goals. She works her way into being part of Jenna and Andre’s firm. As they are dealing with the trust issues, it turns out their investigation has hit a roadblock and they need Morgan to go undercover and infiltrate ReNew, a treatment center for troubled teens. Morgan agrees to go undercover at the treatment center because she feels BreeAnna deserves justice.
It is amazing how fast events develop while Nick, Jenna, and Andre go to the Greene’s home, Mr. Greene talks Morgan into being admitted to ReNew without Jenna, Andre, or Nick’s knowledge. Only Nick knows Morgan’s biggest fear and going undercover might be very dangerous for her.
Lyons describes the dangers for children and in particular for Morgan. Readers see through Morgan’s eyes what the children were forced to undergo. Morgan found the real evils at ReNew. From the time Morgan was admitted to ReNew, we met one antagonist after another.
This thrilling mystery and suspense story starts with Morgan’s quest to find justice for BreeAnna. Morgan was determined everyone know what happened to the children, regardless of what she - found the truth was important.
Lyons story helps readers see how friendship, trust, betrayal, and manipulation are all part of the solution of “Fight Dirty.” The pace this well-developed and well researched story never slows down. Morgan’s actions help many truths come to the surface. BreeAnna’s death was the catalyst forcing the investigation of circumstances. As if the readers were in the room with Morgan, “Fight Dirty,” delivers answers and solutions and a surprise ending for the readers. Lyons earns my 5 star ranking and I am looking forward to her next book in this new series featuring Nick Callahan and Morgan Ames.
September 16, 2014
Fight Dirty by C.J. Lyons is the second series I've read recently featuring the child of a serial killer, in this case, a fifteen-year-old girl.
Morgan is certainly not the typical teenager, but despite the fact that the horrifying life she led with her father has left her with a manipulative nature and, uh, unnatural skills, Morgan is determined to find a way to exist in the society of "normals" and stay out of prison. She is quite happy to have her father locked up, however.
As in Barry Lyga's I Hunt Killers and Game, I still find it difficult to see how any child could be an accomplice to such horrific crimes and not be committed to some kind of psychiatric care, but I was able to suspend my disbelief a little better in Morgan's case. Interesting that Morgan never questions her own psyche, she accepts it and plans to avoid succumbing to it. Jazz (I Hunt Killers) kept wondering if he was or if he wasn't a psychopath capable of murder. Morgan knows she is capable of murder, but also believes she can control her urge to kill the people who annoy her.
There are some strong adult figures in Andre and Nick that attempt to be supportive, even if they don't fully trust Morgan. (Note that I'm not including Jenna, who may have more problems than Morgan. Not an admirable role model, Jenna.)
It is quickly apparent that Morgan is willing to do to whatever is necessary to become a member of the society that her father preyed upon-- in order to avoid prison. She is aware that if she does what she has been trained to do (and has few qualms about), she will be locked up eventually. It isn't always easy, but Morgan is an extremely intelligent and mature fifteen-year-old and is able to anticipate what behavior might get her what she wants from different people.
This is a fast-paced novel that left me wanting more Morgan. The novel has a definite conclusion the plot, but also leaves the reader a clue about what will be involved in the sequel.
Morgan was a secondary character in a previous novel by Lyons. I haven't read any of the Lucy Guardino FBI Thrillers series, but evidently Jenna Galloway was a character in at least one of the books.
About C.J. Lyons "During her seventeen years as a pediatrician, CJ assisted police and prosecutors with cases involving child abuse, rape, homicide, and Munchausen by Proxy. She has worked in numerous trauma centers, on the Navajo reservation, and as a crisis counselor, victim advocate, and flight physician for Life Flight and Stat Medevac."
NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer
Crime/Mystery. Oct. 7, 2014. Print Length: 326 pages.
September 18, 2014
Coming into the story already in progress, I feel like I missed a little background information. Not enough to make this an unenjoyable read though.
There are some great characters in here. Most all are seeking redemption, even the ones that don't realize it yet. The interactivity of the characters and how their backgrounds and similarities merge together is very well done.
The mystery aspect of this story is a bit loose but that really takes a back seat to character development. Having the main character evolve and start to thaw some to other people makes for good drama.
And like all good suspense series should be, this ones ends with a hell of a cliffhanger. Can't wait for more.
There are some great characters in here. Most all are seeking redemption, even the ones that don't realize it yet. The interactivity of the characters and how their backgrounds and similarities merge together is very well done.
The mystery aspect of this story is a bit loose but that really takes a back seat to character development. Having the main character evolve and start to thaw some to other people makes for good drama.
And like all good suspense series should be, this ones ends with a hell of a cliffhanger. Can't wait for more.
November 7, 2014
Have to admit I wasn't really sure how C.J. Lyons was going to make Morgan, who spent her childhood assisting her serial killer father, an asset to a security firm. However, surprisingly, both Lyons and Morgan pulled it off. Fight Dirty is the first in a new series and features characters from two of Lyons other popular series. It remains to be seen just how long Morgan can handle doing the right thing, but until then, I'm looking forward to reading more about Morgan and her partners Caitlyn and Andre. With a security firm with that many secrets among the owners, the stories are bound to be great.
October 6, 2014
I had not read any of the previous books in this series, so was introduced to Morgan, the daughter of a nasty serial killer who is now serving time in prison for his heinous acts. A man who trained his daughter to help him "fish" (hunt) for victims with him and be involved in the torture and killing of them too. Can't imagine what that does to your soul and psyche. Scary biscuits huh?
Raised to kill by her father, a convicted serial killer, Morgan’s problems aren’t those of the average teen. She wants only one thing: to protect her freedom and not get locked away. So, despite ongoing temptation and a bloody past, Morgan swears off murder.
Seeking to tame her sociopathic instincts, Morgan cons her way into working with security consultants Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone. For their first case, Morgan goes undercover to infiltrate ReNew, a treatment center for troubled teens, to investigate the suicide of a fourteen-year-old girl sent there by her wealthy parents.
Morgan is fighting the feelings and the urges to kill all the time, she wants to be "normal', she knows it's not an easy path considering her past history but she is a very strong minded and tough girl. You would have to be after all she has seen and done. Most would be in a psychiatric hospital no doubt. She is a psychopath/sociopath (it mentions both in the book), but controls her urges (how believable was that? Hmm...the jury is still out).
After a teen girl commits suicide after being released from a church run "treatment centre" for wayward teens, Morgan gets involved and goes under cover posing as an out of control teen. What she learns in there is horrific. This is not a nice place to be ladies and gentlemen, the methods of "treatment" used are not very nice to say the least.
I fluctuated with this book, it didn't stand out to me as totally mind blowing spectacular (hence the 3 stars) but is still a very good read. I found some of the scenes within the treatment centre really good, the plot really began to pick up pace at that point and I was trying to work out how the dead teenager fitted into it all.
I didn't feel that Morgan was dark enough as a character, a true psychopath, I felt she could "change" too easily from the life of killing she was involved in. Maybe I am just too cynical. The premise of her character and the story surrounding her I found fascinating, I just did not feel in the writing that she was represented as best as could be. Some more flawed and dark edges might have added an extra kick to the book. Perhaps the previous books with the back story might have her represented in a more damaged state.
There are some pretty evil, twisted characters that Morgan comes across in her under cover investigation into what happened when the dead teen girl was in the treatment centre. Some of it is quite horrible, yet my mind wondered again how believable it was that NOBODY had brought attention to the facilities and what goes on.
The end reveal was good, had plenty of dramatics and pace to keep you page turning. I did like this book, I just did not love it or feel to rave on about it.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Raised to kill by her father, a convicted serial killer, Morgan’s problems aren’t those of the average teen. She wants only one thing: to protect her freedom and not get locked away. So, despite ongoing temptation and a bloody past, Morgan swears off murder.
Seeking to tame her sociopathic instincts, Morgan cons her way into working with security consultants Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone. For their first case, Morgan goes undercover to infiltrate ReNew, a treatment center for troubled teens, to investigate the suicide of a fourteen-year-old girl sent there by her wealthy parents.
Morgan is fighting the feelings and the urges to kill all the time, she wants to be "normal', she knows it's not an easy path considering her past history but she is a very strong minded and tough girl. You would have to be after all she has seen and done. Most would be in a psychiatric hospital no doubt. She is a psychopath/sociopath (it mentions both in the book), but controls her urges (how believable was that? Hmm...the jury is still out).
After a teen girl commits suicide after being released from a church run "treatment centre" for wayward teens, Morgan gets involved and goes under cover posing as an out of control teen. What she learns in there is horrific. This is not a nice place to be ladies and gentlemen, the methods of "treatment" used are not very nice to say the least.
I fluctuated with this book, it didn't stand out to me as totally mind blowing spectacular (hence the 3 stars) but is still a very good read. I found some of the scenes within the treatment centre really good, the plot really began to pick up pace at that point and I was trying to work out how the dead teenager fitted into it all.
I didn't feel that Morgan was dark enough as a character, a true psychopath, I felt she could "change" too easily from the life of killing she was involved in. Maybe I am just too cynical. The premise of her character and the story surrounding her I found fascinating, I just did not feel in the writing that she was represented as best as could be. Some more flawed and dark edges might have added an extra kick to the book. Perhaps the previous books with the back story might have her represented in a more damaged state.
There are some pretty evil, twisted characters that Morgan comes across in her under cover investigation into what happened when the dead teen girl was in the treatment centre. Some of it is quite horrible, yet my mind wondered again how believable it was that NOBODY had brought attention to the facilities and what goes on.
The end reveal was good, had plenty of dramatics and pace to keep you page turning. I did like this book, I just did not love it or feel to rave on about it.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2014
I received an ARC of Fight Dirty written by CJ Lyons from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is part of the series: A Renegade Justice Novel. I have read and loved each of them and look forward to the next one. This book was great, I got hooked from the beginning and could not put it down. This book deals with the conflicts, lies, mistrust in families and how they deal with them in this instance by putting a troubled teen girl into a facility called ReNew.
Morgan was raised to kill by her father, who is a convicted serial killer. She is not an average teenager and her issues are extremely complex. She desires only one thing: to guard her freedom and not get she locked up. She has sworn off murder even though she is tempted.
In search of a way to tame her sociopathic instincts, Morgan cons her way into working with security consultants Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone. She has a past with Jenna; Morgan saved Jenna’s life. Their first case is to investigate the suicide of a fourteen-year-old girl sent to ReNew there by her wealthy parents who are searching for the answers to young girl’s death shortly after she leaves ReNew. Morgan goes undercover to infiltrate ReNew, a treatment center for troubled teens.
Jenna and Andre are searching for evidence from the outside while Morgan is enduring her worst nightmare as she poses as an inmate. She discovers that ReNew’s unstable patients are the ones who are in charge and some of their psychopathic tendencies rival her own past.
If Morgan can find out the truth behind the girl’s death and get out of ReNew alive, she doesn’t know what or who is waiting for her on the outside?
I loved the suspense and tension of this book with Morgan inside and trying to do a job and also escape at the same time. The author has done an excellent job with the storyline of the ReNew facility and how things happen in such a place. The main characters are great; all of them have flaws and she uses that to bring a bit of it to the story which enhances it. I highly recommend this book to everyone who has ever read CJ Lyons books!!! I can’t not wait to read the next book in this series.
Morgan was raised to kill by her father, who is a convicted serial killer. She is not an average teenager and her issues are extremely complex. She desires only one thing: to guard her freedom and not get she locked up. She has sworn off murder even though she is tempted.
In search of a way to tame her sociopathic instincts, Morgan cons her way into working with security consultants Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone. She has a past with Jenna; Morgan saved Jenna’s life. Their first case is to investigate the suicide of a fourteen-year-old girl sent to ReNew there by her wealthy parents who are searching for the answers to young girl’s death shortly after she leaves ReNew. Morgan goes undercover to infiltrate ReNew, a treatment center for troubled teens.
Jenna and Andre are searching for evidence from the outside while Morgan is enduring her worst nightmare as she poses as an inmate. She discovers that ReNew’s unstable patients are the ones who are in charge and some of their psychopathic tendencies rival her own past.
If Morgan can find out the truth behind the girl’s death and get out of ReNew alive, she doesn’t know what or who is waiting for her on the outside?
I loved the suspense and tension of this book with Morgan inside and trying to do a job and also escape at the same time. The author has done an excellent job with the storyline of the ReNew facility and how things happen in such a place. The main characters are great; all of them have flaws and she uses that to bring a bit of it to the story which enhances it. I highly recommend this book to everyone who has ever read CJ Lyons books!!! I can’t not wait to read the next book in this series.
February 27, 2015
We meet these characters in C.J. Lyons The Lucy Guardino series. Jenna is a selfish, self serving ex postal inspector with dark secrets. Morgan is a sociopath teen that was raised by a serial killer father and once tried to kill Jenna . Morgan's goal is to stay out of prison which means caging her blood-lust and learning to fit into society.
Jenna has left the postal service and along with Andre Stone has opened a detective agency. Morgan, who has attached herself to Jenna for reasons only she understands, has insinuated herself into their fledgling business and is brought into the investigation.
If Morgan is a sociopath then I believe Jenna has the antisocial personality disorder -"a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others. This behavior is often criminal." To me They sound disturbingly similar.
Fight Dirty is an intense mystery focused around the death of a fourteen year old girl. Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone are hired to look into the cause of this girl's apparent suicide but as the story unfolds Morgan is sent undercover and the truth is exposed, the girl's death is determined to be a murder. Dark and compelling, you will either love or detest these characters but you will feel something for them! One thing about C.J. Lyons, she is not afraid to do is take on hard subjects!
Great Job!
Jenna has left the postal service and along with Andre Stone has opened a detective agency. Morgan, who has attached herself to Jenna for reasons only she understands, has insinuated herself into their fledgling business and is brought into the investigation.
If Morgan is a sociopath then I believe Jenna has the antisocial personality disorder -"a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others. This behavior is often criminal." To me They sound disturbingly similar.
Fight Dirty is an intense mystery focused around the death of a fourteen year old girl. Jenna Galloway and Andre Stone are hired to look into the cause of this girl's apparent suicide but as the story unfolds Morgan is sent undercover and the truth is exposed, the girl's death is determined to be a murder. Dark and compelling, you will either love or detest these characters but you will feel something for them! One thing about C.J. Lyons, she is not afraid to do is take on hard subjects!
Great Job!
May 6, 2016
Fight Dirty, A Renegade Justice Novel by CJ Lyons Fight Dirty, A Renegade Justice Novel by CJ Lyons is a fast paced suspense filled thriller. I gave it five stars from start to finish.
Morgan had been raised by her sociopathic murdering father. She realized she didn't want to end life imprisoned so decided to stop killing. Working with Jenna Galloway & Andre Stone as security consultants, she went undercover to investigate the killing of a fourteen year old girl who had been sent to ReNew. It was torture for her voluntarily to be imprisoned there.
Can she find out who had killed Breeanna? Can she make that discovery before she is killed?
I received a complimentary kindle copy from the publisher, Thomas & Mercer and from NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1477...
Morgan had been raised by her sociopathic murdering father. She realized she didn't want to end life imprisoned so decided to stop killing. Working with Jenna Galloway & Andre Stone as security consultants, she went undercover to investigate the killing of a fourteen year old girl who had been sent to ReNew. It was torture for her voluntarily to be imprisoned there.
Can she find out who had killed Breeanna? Can she make that discovery before she is killed?
I received a complimentary kindle copy from the publisher, Thomas & Mercer and from NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1477...
October 7, 2014
REVIEW: FIGHT DIRTY by C. J. LYONS
Oh I love this book! Down-and-dirty, gritty, noirish---every single character is a hotbed of secrets--and author C. J. LYONS delineates each like a trained and intuitive psychologist. I really enjoy these psychologically twisted characters--and that includes the protagonists! (With the exception of Nick, a stable and gifted therapist--must be somebody "normal" for contrast.) Ms. Lyons is especially gifted with her sociopathic population: Morgan; her father Clinton Caine; and others I shan't name so as not to spoil the unfolding. I'm off to read all of C. J. Lyons' oeuvre.
Oh I love this book! Down-and-dirty, gritty, noirish---every single character is a hotbed of secrets--and author C. J. LYONS delineates each like a trained and intuitive psychologist. I really enjoy these psychologically twisted characters--and that includes the protagonists! (With the exception of Nick, a stable and gifted therapist--must be somebody "normal" for contrast.) Ms. Lyons is especially gifted with her sociopathic population: Morgan; her father Clinton Caine; and others I shan't name so as not to spoil the unfolding. I'm off to read all of C. J. Lyons' oeuvre.
September 19, 2014
Loved this! I'm thrilled to see Morgan's return! A serial killer teen who is working hard to live a straight and narrow life? Is it possible? Will she succeed? CJ has given Morgan challenges in this story that will keep you turning the pages to see her progress. All the while keeping the fast pace thrilling story telling with her usual flair. Fight Dirty will keep you glues to the pages until the end. I always begin CJ's books with the intention of taking it slow and savoring the story, yet once engaged in the tale I find it so intriguing that I can't put it down!
September 15, 2014
Morgan hasn't had the life of a typical teenager. She was raised by her serial killer father and forced to participate in his crimes or become a victim herself. She has conned her way into working with a security consulting agency. The owners of the agency don't quite trust her. Can she overcome her upbringing? This is a very compelling thriller that I could hardly put down. Can't wait for the next book. I
November 7, 2017
A great spin-off from the Lucy Guardino FBI Thrillers. Morgan, never well-defined previously, is now starting to be developed as a 3-dimensional character. Nice inner conflict, with messy personal relationships and anquished life-and-work pressures.
January 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this book and nice setup at the end for the next book. Fun, easy read.
January 27, 2015
Fight Dirty was definitely an action-packed read! I’ve never read the author before, but I would certainly pick up more from her. I thought the author did a good job making a bloodthirsty teenager someone readers could root for as she infiltrates a corrupt treatment center for troubled teens.
The action starts early and the book is full of suspense. Although the book has been advertised as a standalone, I probably would recommend reading the other books in the series first. I think I missed a lot of character development that would’ve helped me better understand Morgan, Jenna and Andre.
Despite feeling a little lost from time to time, I did like the overall plot of the novel. I wanted to find out what was going on at the treatment facility. Some of the stuff going on a ReNew was really sick. Fight Dirty is extremely violent and some of the scenes made me queasy.
I’m intrigued by the series and I’ll probably pick up another book by the author. However, I did like that the book had a solid conclusion. Morgan is only fifteen, but her maturity and intelligence makes the book have crossover appeal to both adult suspense readers and young adults.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!
The action starts early and the book is full of suspense. Although the book has been advertised as a standalone, I probably would recommend reading the other books in the series first. I think I missed a lot of character development that would’ve helped me better understand Morgan, Jenna and Andre.
Despite feeling a little lost from time to time, I did like the overall plot of the novel. I wanted to find out what was going on at the treatment facility. Some of the stuff going on a ReNew was really sick. Fight Dirty is extremely violent and some of the scenes made me queasy.
I’m intrigued by the series and I’ll probably pick up another book by the author. However, I did like that the book had a solid conclusion. Morgan is only fifteen, but her maturity and intelligence makes the book have crossover appeal to both adult suspense readers and young adults.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!
November 26, 2014
A fantastic series, must read.
Good suspense and action thriller. Starts slow to develop every character, very troubled back grounds. Psycho teenager growing up to be her killer father's helper, now in prison. ReNew detention center, so called religious. Money, abuse and brain washing.
Good suspense and action thriller. Starts slow to develop every character, very troubled back grounds. Psycho teenager growing up to be her killer father's helper, now in prison. ReNew detention center, so called religious. Money, abuse and brain washing.
October 13, 2014
Morgan's character continues to grow and we want her to be able to live among the norms. the question is...can she? I looked this story with Jenna, Andre and Nick in the mix, and now Micah too. great characters. then the ending..holy cow sure didn't expect that.
December 10, 2014
This book sucked! I couldn't finish it. Blaaaaaaaaaaaahch
February 14, 2020
LOVE the intertwining of the 2 book series...BRILLIANT!!!
This book portrays a teenage psychopathic killer in "remission. " Morgan Ames is no longer under the control and brainwashing of her UBER-psychotic, narcissistically deranged, tourturer, rapist and bloodthirsty killer father, Clinton Ames. Unfortunately for Jenna Galloway, Morgan is still meddling in her life. Morgan's new goal is to turn her once devious life around all while keeping her promise to Nick (now her therapist) not to kill and most importantly to avoid being captured and put in prison.
Jenna and Andre open a PI Business together, which Morgan inserts herself into. The 1st case for the new firm is from business tycoon, Robert Greene and his self absorbed wife Caren...Caren with a " C". They hired the new firm to uncover the mystery of their daughter, Brianna's death - ruled and thought to from suicide and to close down ReNew
Morgan accepts a challenge which results in making her biggest fear a reality, confinement!
I will not spill anything else and will let you draw your own conclusions. This rollercoaster ride is FANOMINAL!! With every twist, turn and loop I will not be wanting off this ride any time soon!!!!
This book portrays a teenage psychopathic killer in "remission. " Morgan Ames is no longer under the control and brainwashing of her UBER-psychotic, narcissistically deranged, tourturer, rapist and bloodthirsty killer father, Clinton Ames. Unfortunately for Jenna Galloway, Morgan is still meddling in her life. Morgan's new goal is to turn her once devious life around all while keeping her promise to Nick (now her therapist) not to kill and most importantly to avoid being captured and put in prison.
Jenna and Andre open a PI Business together, which Morgan inserts herself into. The 1st case for the new firm is from business tycoon, Robert Greene and his self absorbed wife Caren...Caren with a " C". They hired the new firm to uncover the mystery of their daughter, Brianna's death - ruled and thought to from suicide and to close down ReNew
Morgan accepts a challenge which results in making her biggest fear a reality, confinement!
I will not spill anything else and will let you draw your own conclusions. This rollercoaster ride is FANOMINAL!! With every twist, turn and loop I will not be wanting off this ride any time soon!!!!
May 3, 2024
“Fight Dirty” is the first book in the 'Renegade Justice' series but relies heavily on characters and events from “Blood Stained” (second in the 'Lucy Guardino' novels.
And, as this is the first C.J. Lyons book I have read I was scratching my head about why a very interesting story (i.e. the backstory of Morgan Ames) was only briefly mentioned.
The decision to write it is explained in an Afterward, but a quick note at the front would have been more helpful.
Morgan, 15, is a stone cold teenage killer who is trying give up her old ways having seen her serial killer 'father' caught and sentenced to life.
She's got evidence that Lucy Guardino, who has recently left the F.B.I. and become a P.I., is guilty of serious crime and uses that evidence to inveigle herself into becoming part of the team.
A teenager, just brought home from a cult rehab centre, is found hanged just a few hours later.
Her father is an arrogant entrepreneur, her mother is a complete narcissist.
Within a very short time Morgan finds herself experiencing ReNew at first hand and it is not a pleasant experience.
What follows is harrowing, largely because it is based on real life events.
It's an unusual and interesting read - Morgan has the potential to be a great character.
4 Stars.
And, as this is the first C.J. Lyons book I have read I was scratching my head about why a very interesting story (i.e. the backstory of Morgan Ames) was only briefly mentioned.
The decision to write it is explained in an Afterward, but a quick note at the front would have been more helpful.
Morgan, 15, is a stone cold teenage killer who is trying give up her old ways having seen her serial killer 'father' caught and sentenced to life.
She's got evidence that Lucy Guardino, who has recently left the F.B.I. and become a P.I., is guilty of serious crime and uses that evidence to inveigle herself into becoming part of the team.
A teenager, just brought home from a cult rehab centre, is found hanged just a few hours later.
Her father is an arrogant entrepreneur, her mother is a complete narcissist.
Within a very short time Morgan finds herself experiencing ReNew at first hand and it is not a pleasant experience.
What follows is harrowing, largely because it is based on real life events.
It's an unusual and interesting read - Morgan has the potential to be a great character.
4 Stars.
November 22, 2018
Well written and a good plot, but you do have to suspend belief at all the things this fifteen year old can do. I couldn't think of her as that age and it spoilt it a bit when they kept saying how young she was. But at times, there she was posing as women in their twenties, driving a car, not having a home and living independently. And she has so much knowledge on technology , hacking, spying etc
Maybe it's an American thing, but kids in the UK don't tend to do that
Maybe it's an American thing, but kids in the UK don't tend to do that
April 18, 2020
Fight Dirty
A very good book. I can't say I liked all of the characters, but in a book of this nature, the point is to make the bad characters bad and the good characters good. Then interspersed are the marginal characters that can go either way or stay marginal, never progressing to either good or bad. They're the ones that have further development in future book. I look forward to seeing if Morgan can be redeemed, not become a fish, and be a productive citizen.
A very good book. I can't say I liked all of the characters, but in a book of this nature, the point is to make the bad characters bad and the good characters good. Then interspersed are the marginal characters that can go either way or stay marginal, never progressing to either good or bad. They're the ones that have further development in future book. I look forward to seeing if Morgan can be redeemed, not become a fish, and be a productive citizen.
April 26, 2020
A twisted, twisty-turny thriller!
A unique and different entry into the thriller genre. At times C.J.s books aren't for the feint-hearted but that's a good thing.
Planning to binge more of C.J.s books during this COVID-19 down time.📚📚
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
A unique and different entry into the thriller genre. At times C.J.s books aren't for the feint-hearted but that's a good thing.
Planning to binge more of C.J.s books during this COVID-19 down time.📚📚
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
October 30, 2016
Incredible Novel
CJ Lyons took me through another great page turning time while holding my breath. Monroe is a girl beyond belief who takes hold of an impossible situation and makes it possible. A delightful character and mind bending story.
CJ Lyons took me through another great page turning time while holding my breath. Monroe is a girl beyond belief who takes hold of an impossible situation and makes it possible. A delightful character and mind bending story.
March 25, 2018
Lost Interest
I just couldn’t get into this book. I’m not sure if I needed to read previous books in order to understand the characters, but I couldn’t relate to any of them.
The storyline seemed implausible and I decided not to spend anymore time on this book.
I just couldn’t get into this book. I’m not sure if I needed to read previous books in order to understand the characters, but I couldn’t relate to any of them.
The storyline seemed implausible and I decided not to spend anymore time on this book.
November 16, 2018
Fight Dirty
Wow! This book was so far out of my sifi genre. That said, I liked it. The main character was so broken by her serial killer father. solidly written. It was not so much a mystery as It was a thriller fantasy.
Wow! This book was so far out of my sifi genre. That said, I liked it. The main character was so broken by her serial killer father. solidly written. It was not so much a mystery as It was a thriller fantasy.
June 27, 2019
GREAT book. Recommend. Great story line. Love the characters . Read all of CJ's books.
A great thriller with good twists and turns. What terrible parents. Love the characters ☺ Great book. Tread !pat of VJ's books.
A great thriller with good twists and turns. What terrible parents. Love the characters ☺ Great book. Tread !pat of VJ's books.
January 31, 2021
Another great read !
CJ Lyons is one of my favorite authors. I find myself
checking to see how many pages are left until the end. In other words
how much longer do I have to endure the suspense. I am never disappointed.
CJ Lyons is one of my favorite authors. I find myself
checking to see how many pages are left until the end. In other words
how much longer do I have to endure the suspense. I am never disappointed.
June 5, 2017
Interesting read. Intriguing storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews