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The search for a missing baby unmasks a sadistic killer...

Lucy Guardino has fought and defeated evil before... but nothing like the case Dr. Cassandra Hart brings to the Beacon Falls team: a missing infant, his mother dead.

Alina, was only nineteen, full of hope--despite being raped, left for dead, and finding herself pregnant with the rapist's child. Then Alina kills herself. The world thinks she also killed her newborn baby.

No one will investigate further, not without forensic evidence. No one believes there is a link between Alina's case and the brutal murders of other women.

No one except Dr. Cassandra Hart and former FBI Special Agent Lucy Guardino.

Two women, both fiercely passionate about justice for the victims they serve. And both just as determined to defeat the evil stalking the streets of Pittsburgh... even if it means risking everything.

But when justice fails them, where will they draw the line? Is there ever a time when taking the law into their own hands is the Lesser Evil?

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2020

290 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Lyons

80 books895 followers
New 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

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5 stars
241 (63%)
4 stars
103 (27%)
3 stars
29 (7%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
585 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2020
Lucy is back in action this time in a search for a missing baby. The case takes her right into the midst of danger and suspense. Just who is the mastermind behind this and how can Lucy solve this mystery.

This is an extremely well written, addictive and intriguing story which kept my attention from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to you.
48 reviews
September 12, 2020
The Lucy Guardino thriller series worthy of a 5-star rating

While searching my Kindle library for FUN thrillers, I came across an author I have not read. The author is C.J. Lyons and The thriller series is the Lucy Guardino thriller series. The are 12 novels in the series. What is unique in This series is, although each novel builds on the last the and the story line continues to evolve by adding new adventures and characters. In each of the 12 novels the characters are well defined, and the action is non stop.I am looking forward to the next installment in the series "Stand Alone" she out in 2021.
Profile Image for Diana L. Wells.
395 reviews
May 31, 2020
This Book Is Aptly Titled...

Lucy and her team are asked to find Alina’s missing baby. Alina, the baby’s mom, was found dead after jumping for Pittsburgh’s Hot Metal Bridge. Lucy and her team soon discover that Alina's suicide and the Grand Jury case being brought by Graham Hunt are connected. This is a tale of people who believe their immense wealth allows them to do as they please with no consequences. Lucy has other ideas and she and her team work to bring those responsible for the rape, torture and murder to justice.
Profile Image for Carolann Hiller.
312 reviews7 followers
May 23, 2020
Untouchable

Lucy and her team come in from the back door of debauchery at its worst. You'll know who the bad guy is but how do you catch him? The team is trying to locate the lost baby of a victim. And all roads lead to one person. Does he have an accomplice? Great read. Go get it!
Profile Image for Geneva.
676 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2020
CJ Lyons imparts such realism, it is hard not to become emotionally invested. Intense. Edgy. Believable. "As with all of her other books, CJ Lyons never disappoints. This book was a true page turner and I didn't want to put it down. She is a brilliant writer and storyteller both, which is not often found in an author. Highly recommend!" I am already looking forward to her next novel!"
494 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2020
Great Series Continues

As usual, Ms Lyons delivers an entertaining mystery thriller that is pure entertainment. Great characters and plenty of action along with an intriguing storyline make for an engrossing read. What more can a reader want?
Profile Image for Gloria.
56 reviews
February 26, 2022
Could not put it down until the end!!

From the beginning you're wrapped up having to know what's going to happen next. I had to take a break at one point because CJ is such an amazing author that I was just as furious as Lucy. Can't wait for the next book.
14 reviews
May 18, 2020
Is Lucy in over her head

Never as always this book is fast paced,nail bitting and page turning. You will enjoy reading it and I won't spoil it for you
21 reviews
May 24, 2020
Good book

I hope Morgan, Jenna and Andre come back SOON!!!!!! There are so many creative angles CJ could use - I would so enjoy a Morgan/Megan story! PLEASE CJ!!
62 reviews
June 25, 2020
Another great Guardino book

Moves at warp speed and very exciting. The Beacon Falls group keep you guessing and sets one up for their next adventure.
Profile Image for S A.
139 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2020
Love the characters but everything laid out WAY WAY too easy and it was obvious where the baby was.
55 reviews
July 9, 2020
Excellent plot with exciting twists and turns! Captivating from start to finish!
947 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2020
Lesser evil

Interesting reading chasing a baby of mother that comminted suicide to find why and find the murder interesting reading book
462 reviews
August 9, 2021
I like Lyons' books and have read several. Also, being from the Pittsburgh area, things seem familiar. Lucy is a tough character. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Rita Patterson.
4 reviews
December 11, 2023
Scary

Had to read it in a room with someone else breathing near me. Preferably in daylight. Scary start and throughout. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Profile Image for Laurie Dohmen.
60 reviews
October 24, 2025
Another great real life topic. This is the last in the series, but it ended in a cliffhanger. Also, the kindle version says stay tuned for the next one but there's no sign of it on her website.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,046 reviews23 followers
May 16, 2020
This crossover novel is dark and gritty. I’ve always loved the Lucy Guardino series add in Hart and Drake and it’s even better. Always fast paced and action packed buckle up for a crazy wild ride.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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