What Harms You

Locard Institute Thriller #2

by Lisa Black

This suspense-driven page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Black continues her gripping Locard Institute thriller series with a story that poses a chilling question: What happens when a serial killer goes to CSI school?

The Locard Institute is a state-of-the-art forensic research center where experts from around the world come together to confront and solve the world’s most challenging and perplexing crimes. When Dr. Ellie Carr arrives for her first day as an instructor at the prestigious facility, the buildings glimmer amid the brilliant fall foliage on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. But within hours a colleague, Dr. Barbara Wright, is found dead on the floor of a supply closet. Her death appears to be an accident—but Ellie and her new supervisor, Dr. Rachael Davies, suspect a more sinister explanation.

A young woman attending a professional training program then disappears, only to be found in a gruesome tableau. Other than their link to the Institute, there seems to be no connection between the student and Dr. Wright. Although forensic traces are elusive, Ellie and Rachael are determined to find the bizarre link between the violent and diverse deaths.

As reporters shatter the privacy of Ellie’s new workplace, she searches old files and finds evidence of a crime that feels much too personal. But who, among those dedicated to justice, could be the threat? No matter how skilled she and Rachael may be in uncovering the truth, they may not be able to prevent a well-schooled killer from striking again.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Murder Mystery, Audiobook

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2023

About the author

Lisa Black spent the happiest five years of her life in a morgue. Strange, perhaps, but true. After ten years as a secretary, she went back to school to get a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Cleveland State University. In her job as a forensic scientist at the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office, she analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes.
She had her life sorted out just the way she liked it until her husband got fed up with Cleveland snow and moved them to Florida, 1400 miles away from her family and her career. Not that she’s bitter or anything. Now she works as a Certified Latent Print Examiner and Certified Crime Scene Analyst for the city of Cape Coral, Florida, police department.
Lisa has lectured at writer’s conventions and appeared on panels. In her life as a writer she’s a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. In her life as a forensic specialist she’s a member of the American Academy of Forensic Scientists, the International Association for Identification, and the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts. She has had over 1050 hours of instruction in forensic topics and has testified in over 60 trials.
Her book Perish was shortlisted for the inaugural Sue Grafton Memorial Award by Putnam and Mystery Writers of America. Her That Darkness is a #1 Amazon bestseller and Evidence of Murder is a NYT bestseller. Lisa was a Guest of Honor at 2021 Killer Nashville.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s unusual in What Harms You by Lisa Black is the setting for the novel. Then, the author adds in great characterization, an atmosphere of suspense, and multiple mysteries to entice readers to keep turning the pages to see what is going to happen next.

This is the second book in the Locard Institute thriller series and is largely set at the institute, which is a state-of-the-art forensic research center located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Experts work to solve challenging and perplexing crimes for professional and private clients. Additionally, they provide classes on various aspects of forensics to professionals in law enforcement or forensics departments.

Dr. Ellie Carr arrives for her first day at work at the Locard. Within hours a colleague is dead and it appears to be an accident. However, Ellie and her new supervisor, Dr. Rachael Davies aren’t sure that’s the case. This is soon followed by the disappearance of a student. Is there a link between the two or is it a coincidence? There are several plausible possibilities, but what is the ultimate answer?
Ellie is a complex character. She recently left her job with the FBI’s Evidence Response Team after divorcing a co-worker. She’s friendly, outgoing, and analytical, but also purchased a house that needs some work with only a brief look at it. Rachael is welcoming to Ellie, but worried about the future of the Locard after the incidents. The students, law enforcement officers, and other staff at the Locard have varying degrees of complexity, but it felt adequate for their roles. They brimmed with personality. I am looking forward to the returning characters’ continued development in the next book in the series.

Readers interested in all aspects of forensics ranging from fingerprinting to genealogical tracing and much more will find something of interest in this book. I found it fascinating, but a little too detailed at times. The world-building was great, whether it is the Locard or Ellie’s house, I felt like I was walking through the halls and rooms with Ellie. The tension level is high throughout the story with multiple mysteries and a thrilling storyline. The scientific analysis of the incidents is woven with the classroom instruction.

Overall, this riveting story arc immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. While I haven’t yet read book one, I did not have any problems connecting with Ellie. I can’t wait to read it as well as the next book in the series. Those who enjoy the analytical and scientific side of mysteries will likely enjoy this novel.

Kensington Books and Lisa Black provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 25 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

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My 3.98 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[CYIReadBooks (Claire) · Rating 2 out of 5]

What Harms You is the second novel in the Locard Institute series, but it’s possible to read it as a standalone novel.

While I do enjoy forensic science novels (Rizzoli & Isles, Bones,) What Harms You was just too over the top with acronyms and forensic terminology. But I admit that a lot of research must have been conducted to make everything real. Most of the novel consisted of classroom instruction on DNA tracing, and evidence retrieval. The murders just seemed to take a backseat, which made for a slow read.

I didn’t particularly like the main characters. They were not as fleshed out to distinguish one from the other. Maybe it had something to do with both of them being in the same profession.

The narrative didn’t flow as smoothly as I expected or liked. The story seemed to jump around from classroom instruction, to lab work, to field work and in between three murders took place. And then, a stray pup is added into the mix, which just made for another distraction. So in the end, the story just fell flat for me. Two okay stars.

I received a DRC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

WHAT HARMS YOU (Locard Institute Thriller Book #2) by Lisa Black is a gripping forensic crime thriller and the second book in the Locard Institute Thriller series featuring two dynamic female forensic experts. Even though this is the second book in this series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Dr. Ellie Carr has arrived for her first day teaching at the prestigious Locard Institute on the Chesapeake Bay and within hours the teacher she is replacing is found dead. What appears to be a terrible accident leaves Ellie and her new supervisor, Dr. Rachel Davies, unsettled. As they investigate their colleague’s death, a female Suadi national attending the professional training program goes missing and is soon discovered dead.

Ellie and Rachel must now work to discover if there is a link between the two diverse deaths among the professional law enforcement agents attending this training program and discover who is responsible before he or she strikes again.

I love when I get to read a new Lisa Black thriller and learn more about forensic techniques besides watching her main characters put them to use in solving crimes. This story introduces the reader to the halls of the Locard Institute, right along with Ellie and where the crimes take place. I enjoyed the interactions between Ellie and Rachel who, while at different phases of their careers, still work well as colleagues and recognize each other’s strengths. The murders and mysterious killer keep the tension high and the reader on the edge of their seat. The scientific analysis Ellie and Rachel use for solving crimes as well as teaching their program attendees is woven throughout the plotline without slowing the pace and I always find highly interesting.

I highly recommend this exciting crime thriller in this series and all the forensic thrillers by this author.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Locard Institute series but I read it as a standalone and enjoyed it. I loved the setting, who wouldn’t be fascinated by a school that teaches CSI tips and tricks to all types of law enforcement. Definitely I would be interested in more from this series. Ellie has left the FBI and joined the Locard institute but she realizes she didn’t know what she got into when a series of murders in her first week at the institute occur and seem almost baffling. The characters were interesting and the mysteries were also pretty intriguing. They were all wrapped up in the last 10 pages or so, but I really found this one to be a pretty entertaining book that definitely kept my interest the whole time. I did guess who the killer was, but I found the science and the slow pace to work for the story.

[Margaret Mizushima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved WHAT HARMS YOU (A Locard Institute Thriller, Book 2) by Lisa Black. When Dr. Ellie Carr arrives for her first day as an instructor at the prestigious Locard Institute, a facility where experts from around the world come to solve challenging crimes, she's stunned when her predecessor, Dr. Barbara Wright, is found dead in a supply closet. It looks like an accident, but Ellie and her supervisor, Dr. Rachel Davies, suspect the manner of death might be homicide. Soon a student disappears and is found dead in a grisly gravesite. This time there is no doubt that this woman has been murdered. The only connection between the two deaths appears to be that they both take place at the institute, and Ellie and Rachel combine their skills to determine how and why the two women were killed.

I enjoyed learning more about forensic investigation through Black's approachable and compelling prose. Once started, I had trouble putting this book down. I highly recommend it!

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 stars! This is the second book in the "Locard Institute Thriller" series by author Lisa Black. This was my first book by this author and I felt like it worked well as a standalone as well. The premise was intriguing and I was excited to get an answer to the main question of 'what happens when a serial killer goes to CSI school.' This book was designed for forensics nerds and might annoy casual readers. But for a true crime junkie like myself, this book was perfection. I loved getting all the scientific and psychological factors involved in the thriller. Will definitely be waiting for book 3 in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the setting for What Harms You as it takes place inside a forensic research center. This time around Rachael and Ellie have a situation that hits a lot closer to home than they would like. It made for an interesting read.

While overall I enjoyed the story I will say that there were times I had to push through all of the technical explanations. I also knew the killer early on so towards the end I felt myself skimming a bit.

Despite that, I would still recommend this one to police procedural and crime fiction fans. The writing is good and I absolutely love Rachael and Ellie. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. I sincerely appreciate Kensington Publishing for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

What harms You by Lisa Black is the second n the Locard Institute thriller series.


Series Background: (May contain spoilers from previous books)
Dr. Rachel Davies (a former forensic pathologist) is the assistant director of The Locard Institute which conducts research in forensic topics, from ballistics to DNA analysis, and trains scientists and technicians and law enforcement personnel from around the world.  They have state-of-the-art technology available, and are often in demand.   Dr. Ellie Carr, a forensic scientist for the FBI in DC, is joining the staff at Locard. Ellie is divorced from Adam, a fellow FBI agent.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
It's Ellie's first day at Locard, and she's a little nervous.  She will be teaching a class on Collecting Evidential DNA.  A few hours later, the woman she was replacing is found dead on the floor of a supply closet.  Dr. Barbara Wright won't be heading to her new more prestigious job, nor to her new business (as she secretly planned).  Although her death looks accidental, Ellie and her boss suspect foul play.

Then a young woman who was attending one of Locard's programs disappears, only to be found buried in the body farm area of the Institute.  There doesn't seem to be much of a link between the two women,  but Ellie and Rachel are sure their deaths are connected.

These deaths are looking bad for The Locard Institute.  Ellie and Rachel better catch someone soon, before there are more deaths.  But in a school full of students who are very familiar with CSI techniques, how do they catch a killer?

Meanwhile, Ellie is trying to settle into her new home.


My Opinions: 
Well I was pleasantly surprised that this book did not have a political theme.  I was worried that it would be a repeat o the first.  It is not.

This book centered around what the Locard Institute actually does, with murders thrown in on the side.  There were a LOT of details on the forensics.  Explanations of DNA profiling, collecting evidence, and general forensics were a little extreme, and non-stop.  You can tell the author knows what she's talking about, but..... It was interesting, and I learned a lot, but that information seemed to take center stage, whereas I would have liked the murders to do that.  However, the plot was still very good.

I continue to like both Rachel and Ellie, and their characters are starting to gain depth.  I hope that continues in the next book..

So overall, while parts were a little lengthy (boring),  I id enjoy the book, and am looking forward to the third book (which I already have, because I am behind....again.)


For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and contact details, as well as a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

Dr. Ellie Carr has just been poached from the FBI by the Locard. The Institute is a state-of-the-art facility that specializes in forensic research and technology, and Ellie has been hired by Dr. Rachel Davies as an instructor - Ellie's first class is teaching crime scene techs, detectives, and other law enforcement types how to collect evidential DNA. Her first day on the job, a coworker winds up dead in a freak accident... then, a student is discovered murdered. At first glance, these deaths don't appear to be connected, but Rachel and Ellie begin piecing together the clues of a much more sinister plot - one that puts them both in extreme danger.

Thrillers are a tough genre to write effectively, especially when the theme is related to forensics. Audiences are smart and want enough accurate detail to feel invested in the plot, but no so much that you're reading a white paper instead of a novel.

Lisa Black strikes the perfect balance with her latest, in the Locard Institute series, What Harms You. Black has spent a number of years hands-on in forensics, and it shows - her attention to detail, whether crime scene collection or the nuances of HIPAA, are accurate and concise. The reader gets enough information for plot lines to make sense without becoming mired in unnecessary minutiae.

I've been a constant reader of this author since her Theresa MacLean series (I love when books are set in Cleveland; the city is a character unto itself). I attended her book tour and saw her speak on her research related to the Cleveland Torso Murders and how it impacted her 2010 novel Trail of Blood. I'm also a recent follower of Rogue Women Writers and have discovered a number of new authors as a result of this group.

Highly recommended. A five-star review from me is pretty much unheard of, but this book deserves the accolades.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting makes this book because it is just as creepy and realistic as the events that are happening there. The Locard Institute is one that prepares professionals to interpret crime scenes and solve crimes. It’s a school for CSIs and not without problems since Ellie discovers a dead body her first day there. The events are bizarre and gruesome, but not necessarily realistic. However, the fact that the killer is probably a student of crime scenes makes the story work. The plot is fast paced and mesmerizing; honestly, this book was hard to put down. There is a lot of detail given about the crimes and they seem to be painstakingly researched. The characters are well-developed with some realistic flaws. I enjoyed the fast pace and the multiple layers as well as the numerous suspects. This is a book not to be missed by those who like their thrillers to be intense, captivating and addictive.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the Locard Institute series. Ellie left her long career with the FBI to join the Locard Institute, a state of the art forensic research facility. On her first day there she finds the teacher she would be replacing, dead.
This is a very well written book, quite a bit of information on DNA and Fingerprint research, which I have to admit was a bit hard to understand. But the story definitely kept my attention. One of the best additions to the characters was a puppy, bring a dog into a book for me and you’ve definitely got me hooked.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, but the first book was definitely stronger. I enjoyed parts of the story, but I found myself drifting off at times and not as fully pulled in as I’d hoped. Still worth a read if you’re following the series, but it didn’t hit quite the same for me.

[LaShana · Rating 2 out of 5]

More about forensic science than an actual mystery. 3 deaths occurred, but they were a blip on the radar screen. The deaths were solved in the last 10 pages

[Cynthia Meyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I barely made it through this book as every time I started reading it, I would fall asleep. So boring. I really like forensic novels as long as they have a good story line. This one was like reading a textbook. It had a story behind it but not much of one.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intense thriller, filled with too many suspects.

There's a killer loose in the Locard Institute, a forensic research center which teaches CSI to forensic techs and law enforcement personnel.

Lisa Black starts the second installment of her thriller series with a mysterious death and a murder, set both at the Locard Institute and during a two-week seminar. Since the crimes were committed at the institute, the trained staff are sidelined as suspects and the FBI must take over. Of course, curious minds continue to work on supposedly extraneous clues.

Black fills this tale with lots of scientific and chemical terms as the Locard staff teach about DNA, tests, and chemicals. Sometimes the technical bits overwhelm the mystery. There are bits and clues that are seeded then forgotten, then picked up again leaving this reviewer wondering if the copy editor was snoozing At one point, the name for a piece of equipment mysteriously changes. (I'm reading an ARC so I can't really comment on specifics).

Black wraps the mystery up, but leaves plenty of room for a sequel. I love her mysteries set in Cleveland, so I'll stick with her forensic thrillers for now.

Black was living in Ohio, so she's considered an Ohio author even if she lives in Florida now.

Thanks to the Ohioana Library Association for an ARC to read and review. Look for another review in their Quarterly http://www.ohioana.org

[Mónica Medeiros Saraiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid mystery, fun and well done!

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t read the first in this series and it wasn’t an issue. It was easy to learn about Ellie’s work and personal life. Ellie is starting a new job in the DC area, moved and bought a house. Her background and education in the forensic science field makes her a perfect fit for her new position teaching at the famous Locard Institute. Their reputation is renowned, they deliver results, innovation and education in the field. CSI investigative techniques and methods are fascinating to me. I could never stomach the actual evidence collection, but I geek out at the science of it. It’s black and white, no gray matter.
Skip the initiation and get aquatinted period, go straight to a dead teacher in the supply closet. Ellie hardly had a chance to begin her first session before the woman she’s replacing is dead. At first examination it appears to be an accident. Class is cancelled for the diverse mix of students from different states and varying career titles. One of them has drawn attention due to her heritage and bodyguards. Before the Locard staff and students can comprehend the Doctor’s horrible accident, an even more horrific body is discovered. Is the killer one of them, an outsider? Why? Is this racial and are the two deaths even connected?
Soon they’re on lockdown as the FBI assembles and takes control. Ellie has both personal and professional links to the FBI, which won’t deter her from doing hew own investigating. If she’s not careful a killer may target her next. The case is intense and complicated with a host of viable suspects and clues. It held my attention throughout with surprising conclusions along the way. I would enjoy following Ellie as she tackles new cases and it’s a series I wouldn’t hesitate to read more of.
A digital advance reader copy of “What Harms You” Locard Institute #2, by Lisa Black, Kensington Publishing was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious about reading a Lisa Black novel as I'd read about her books on Facebook when I stumbled across this title on NetGalley and decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to delve into the workings of the Locard Institute. It is a forensic learning facility that is on the cutting edge of research for the FBI. It runs certificate training courses for those in a forensic or evidence collecting position in law enforcement from around the country. I didn't realize that this was the second in the series, following the Locard Institute series #1-- Red Flags-- but I was still able to understand and enjoy this one just fine.

Dr. Ellie Carr is a new instructor at the facility, taking over for Dr. Barbara Wright, who is leaving to head up a program for furthering research concerned with solving crimes by matching DNA with medications taken by victims and murderers. Her first day is thrown into chaos when Dr. Wright is found dead in a supply closet. Is it an accident or foul play? The Institute is a contained campus so only doctors, researchers, and the CSI students could be responsible as another person goes missing.

This was a fun read because it mentions details about crime scene work and forensic science that I didn't know about and I couldn't figure out who was committing the crimes, and also, why. The unusual setting of a CSI training campus was something different for me, as a dedicated crime fiction lover, and it presented itself as a claustrophobic "locked-room murder mystery". There are no graphic scenes of any nature in this story so no trigger warnings. Recommended for mystery and suspense crime fiction fans. 4.5/5 rounded up for originality!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my digital arc.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put on your CSI cap and get ready to solve deaths at the Locard Institute. In a twist to the norm, suddenly forensic and evidence specialists in law enforcement find themselves not the investigators but the suspects. Like many professions, those responsible for solving crimes need to training, and in turn, ceritificates to prove they are up-to-date on their knowledge. Locard Institute does just that. From the earlier book in the series, Red Flags, the characters Dr. Ellie Carr and Dr. Rachel Davies can't stop being CSI specialists in the second book in the series that can be read as a stand alone but very likely one where you'll consider going back to the first book to find out more about the fascinating characters that lead the charge. As things start out, it's Ellie's first day as a new instructor, and she is the one that discovers the first body, that of the individual she is taking over for. Until things really blow up, training is ongoing, and you'll find yourself getting quite a bit of instruction in DNA and its place in the forensic field. The FBI, the police and the suspects themselves all are involved in figuring out what in the heck happened and who was responsible. CSI lovers and those who like mystery, suspense, and crime novels will enjoy this read. Thank you, Kensington and NetGalley for this Arc.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is part of the Locard Institute series, it can be read as a standalone.

I've always enjoyed shows and books with a forensic science angle. However, this book is very detailed with acronyms and terminology, and it could be a bit much for some readers. It's clear that a lot of research went into this book. I enjoyed the topic, but the extensive details on DNA did get to be a bit too much, and I had a hard time staying actively engaged, particularly since it seemed to overshadow the murders. As a result, the pace was too slow for the genre. Parts of the storyline felt a bit jumpy (going back and forth from lab work to classroom instruction to field work).

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie Carr has just started working at the Locard Institute and her day has just worse when one of her co worker’s dies. Dr Rachael Davies has a lot going on at the moment and with a missing student and a dead colleague can things get any worse? Will they be able to figure out what is happening at the Institute before anyone else dies?Ellie is starting to doubt everyone around her as she knows that someone that she has been spending time with could be the killer but who & why?
A great suspenseful read. Keeps you guessing as there were too many suspects to choose from.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

[Roxanne Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Locard Institute series (though the first that actually takes place at the Institute) but it can be read as a stand-alone. Ellie Carr has resigned from the FBI and is ready to begin her new position at the renowned forensics institute when she discovers the dead body of the woman she's replacing. As a crime scene specialist herself, Lisa Black writes a realistic crime story. If you forensic driven mysteries, you'll enjoy this.

Thanks to Kensington Books for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.

[Mierfie Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book of Locard Institute series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Many incidents happend in Locard Institute, i worry about that place. I enjoy the prosses of crime scene and the practical theory of it. Until the end of the book i cant guess who did all of this.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#WhatHarmsYou #LocardInstitute #KensingtonBooks #NetGalley #ARC

[Patricia Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the mystery involved interesting, The characters were like able.
This one was a little too technical for me. I do enjoy forensics and stuff and learned quite a lot. But I thought that too much information took away from the storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read and review this one.

[Dsbook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters and the mystery but I felt like there was too much technical information that I didn’t understand or really care to know about. If you are interested in DNA and all that goes with it you will love this book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Harms You by Lisa Black is essentially a police thriller but it primarily involves investigator from the Locard, a training facility for forensics investigators, a well known one. Ellie Carr was here for her first day, recently from the FBI, only to discover that the woman she was replacing, Dr. Barbara Wright, was on campus for two more days, so Ellie didn’t even have an office. Wright was off to pursue her discovery that DNA could provide more information to the authorities, such as what medications a criminal was taking. If there was a consistency, she could then develop a list of the persons in the area who suffered from whatever disease was treated by the medication. Successful only if it was not a common medication like insulin, and if the police could access protected databases. Any interesting idea, until Wright was found dead on a store room floor, a broken jar of hydrochloric acid under and around her. The post mortem pointed toward a heart attack, although what might have caused it remained unknown. This would not have been curious if a student, Farida, from Saudi Arabia had not gone missing soon after and her body discovered by accident on Locard’s body farm, buried under a goat. Two deaths seemed more than coincidental. Ellie and Rachel, Ellie’s boss started to investigate informally. They had been instructed to let the authorities handle it, but it was all too odd.

Barbara Wright had been unpleasant. No one had much good to sat about her, in fact, Hector, who had the office across the hall, openly accused her of stealing his research as a data base for her own. Farida, on the other hand, was quiet and inoffensive. Ellie was worried that these deaths would prove fatal to the Locard and the resignation from the FBI and her new mortgage would prove to be a colossal mistake. Rachel was the adopted mother to her niece and loved the Locard with her whole heart. Excellent characters all. The investigation hit dead ends, until it didn’t, in a very drastic way. I enjoyed this book. I love police procedurals and this put a different spin on it. It was an interesting mystery and solution. I didn’t see it coming. I recommend this book to those of you who haven’t already discovered Lisa Black’s novels.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of What Harms You by Kensington, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Kensington #LisaBlack #WhatHarmsYou

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Harms You by Lisa Black
Locard Institute #2

Who would murder someone at an institute that is focused on forensic science and why would they be motivated to kill not once but multiple times in a few days? Everyone working, researching, bodyguarding, and taking continuing education courses at the institute will be a suspect…but how will the killer be found and who will figure out who the killer is?

What I liked:
* Dr. Ellie Carr: resigned from FBI as a crime scene analyst to take a job at the Locard Institute, first day on the job a murder occurs, purchased a new house with hopes for the future and perhaps neighbors that will play parts in future books, has a difficult backstory, divorced, takes in a rescue a dog I want to see again, potentially a good friend of Rachael’s
* Dr. Rachael Davies: assistant director of Locard Institute, single parent to deceased sister’s toddler, counts on her mother for childcare, left job as medical examiner to work at Locard Institute, divorced
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Returning to the series and finding out how Ellie and Rachael are doing
* The puzzle to be solved in order to find the serial killer
* The twists and turns and how it all came together
* Thinking about DNA and the part it now plays in so many things
* The forensic information I learned and how it tied into this case
* FBI agents Michael Tyler and Luis Alvarez who might show up in future books – would like to know more about them
* Getting to meet more people working at the institute and thinking about the parts they might play
* That I was drawn in and felt part of the story – did have a suspicion about who the killer might at first appearance…and finding out I was right was rather nice

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the impact of murder on all the people that know the person who dies
* Having to wait for the next book in the series

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Ellie Carr, is excited about starting her new job as an instructor at the Locard Institute. Situated in a beautiful location overlooking Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, the Locard is also a world renowned forensic research centre where the most perplexing crimes are solved. Ellie previously worked in the FBI’s Evidence Response Team, where she met the Locard’s Deputy Director Dr Rachael Davies and later took up her offer of a job where she’ll be teaching courses in advanced forensics to law enforcement personnel.

With her divorce behind her and a new house nearby Ellie’s looking forward to a fresh start. However, her first day on the job doesn’t go to plan when Dr Barbara Wright, the colleague she is replacing, is found dead in the chemical storage cupboard of a lab. When a student disappears the following day, it seems too much of a coincidence not to be connected but hard to see what the link could be.

This is the second book in the series featuring Dr Ellie Carr and Dr Rachael Davies, but does work well as a stand alone novel since the focus in now on the Locard and not the FBI, where Ellie previously worked. The mystery is a good one with no obvious connection between the two deaths and a later event that threatens to harm the Locard. Could someone be planning to damage the Locard’s reputation or does one of the staff or students have a personal reason for their actions?

The setting of a forensic science institute makes this a fascinating case with plenty of description about fingerprinting, DNA technology and the use of algorithms in large data sets to find serial for those interested in forensics. With a possible killer hiding in plain sight, everyone is on edge and the level of suspense ramps up to a dramatic climax. Ellie and Raechel are both interesting characters I’d like to see more of and I hope there will be further novels involving the Locard and its forensic experts. 4.5★

With thanks to Kensington Books via Netgalley for a copy to read

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Harms You by Lisa Black is a very highly recommended mystery/thriller and the second book in the Locard Institute series.

The first thing that happens when Dr. Ellie Carr arrives for her first day as an instructor at the Locard Institute, a forensic research center which holds classes for law enforcement experts, is that her key card didn't work. The second event was that Dr. Barbara Wright, the instructor she is replacing, is found dead on the floor of a supply closet. The death appears to be an accident, but Ellie and her supervisor Dr. Rachael Davies are suspicious. When another death occurs, the two team up to try and find the connection between the two murders. Two different classes are being held and it seems the guilty party must be one of the attendees.

With What Harms You Lisa Black has written another excellent forensic mystery/thriller. The real-life scientific details she provides as an crime scene analyst and investigator add depth and realism. Completing the exceptional narrative is the carefully crafted intricate plot. Add in the complex, fully-realized characters and the result is a compelling mystery that will hold your complete attention to the tense, exciting denouement.

Even though this is part of a series, beginning with Red Flags, What Harms You works well as a stand alone. Anyone who appreciates novels with details about the forensics and scientific details involved in an investigation along with strong, competent female characters will enjoy What Harms You immensely. I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Kensington Books via NetGalley.
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[Sheila Sobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After leaving the FBI, Dr. Ellie Carr is excited to start a new job as an instructor at the Locard Institute, a prestigious forensic research center on the shores of Chesapeake Bay. Her new position is a fabulous opportunity and even better, she bought a new house where she can finally put down roots. Life is good for Dr. Ellie Carr. At least it is until Dr. Barbara Wright, the instructor she’s replacing, is found dead in a supply room.

Soon after her colleague’s death, a young woman attending the forensic program goes missing. Before long, her body is discovered buried on top of a decomposing goat in the facility’s “body recovery practice site.” With the Locard Institute now an active crime scene, local law enforcement calls on the FBI to take the lead in the investigation. However, Ellie and her supervisor, Dr. Rachael Davies, want to conduct their own discreet, in-house investigation. But how can they do that when all the program participants are in law enforcement, and all are suspects? Who better to circumvent a homicide investigation than a group of professional investigators?

With her livelihood and possibly her own life on the line, Ellie needs to solve the crimes before someone else dies and the Locard Institute’s reputation is damaged beyond repair.

Lisa Black’s “What Harms You (A Locard Institute Thriller Book 2)” is a smartly crafted mystery with authentic, richly developed female characters. Looking forward to Book 3 in the Dr. Ellie Carr series when it becomes available! Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington, and Lisa Black for giving me an advance reader’s copy to read and give my honest opinion.