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Cold Case Justice #3
Catching Heat
Twenty-seven years after the deaths of Detective Abby Hart's parents, she's desperate to find the proof that will put the mastermind—the governor's wife—behind bars. When she joins a newly formed task force and teams up with PI Luke Murphy, Abby is sent to San Luis Obispo to work the cold case of a murdered college student. Realizing their investigation will bring them near the town where Alyssa Rollins grew up, Abby decides to do a little digging of her own into the Triple Seven fire.
Luke is eager to help Abby close the books on a case they both have personal stakes in. But as she uncovers long-held secrets, Abby stumbles into an explosive situation, and Luke fears that her obsession may prove deadly.
Luke is eager to help Abby close the books on a case they both have personal stakes in. But as she uncovers long-held secrets, Abby stumbles into an explosive situation, and Luke fears that her obsession may prove deadly.
316 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2016
144 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
Janice Cantore
21 books800 followersA former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her first series of novels is the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards in books Accused, Abducted and Avenged. Janice also authored the Brinna’s Heart series, which includes Critical Pursuit and Visable Threat. Her latest series is the Line of Duty series, featuring Crisis Shot, Lethal Target and the soon to be released Cold Aim www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 28, 2016
"Catching Heat" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the third book in a series, and it continues the story of the previous books. I'd recommend reading these books in order (starting with "Drawing Fire"). There was a lot of suspense in this novel due to physical danger threatening from several directions. It's more a suspense novel than detective work.
Luke's behavior baffled me in this book. Luke and Abby were attracted to each other due to their mutual loss and interest in finding justice regarding the Triple Seven fire despite everyone telling them to let it go. Abby uncovered a lead that wasn't clear-cut but shouldn't be dangerous to follow up on if she's wrong. In the past, Luke would have supported Abby, but now he's the one telling her to let go. Why? Because a victim in one of their cases is completely obsessed to the exclusion of all else. Abby asked other people to partner her because Luke wasn't supporting her, and Luke concluded this means she's obsessed and tells her so. I can accept him worrying about it, but so quickly changing sides to become one of her nay-sayers? So the characters didn't quite grab me in this book, but the suspense was plenty exciting.
The main characters found comfort in the thought that even if we don't have all the answers about what happened in the past, God knows. There was no sex. The author used "he cursed" to indicate bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting series.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
Luke's behavior baffled me in this book. Luke and Abby were attracted to each other due to their mutual loss and interest in finding justice regarding the Triple Seven fire despite everyone telling them to let it go. Abby uncovered a lead that wasn't clear-cut but shouldn't be dangerous to follow up on if she's wrong. In the past, Luke would have supported Abby, but now he's the one telling her to let go. Why? Because a victim in one of their cases is completely obsessed to the exclusion of all else. Abby asked other people to partner her because Luke wasn't supporting her, and Luke concluded this means she's obsessed and tells her so. I can accept him worrying about it, but so quickly changing sides to become one of her nay-sayers? So the characters didn't quite grab me in this book, but the suspense was plenty exciting.
The main characters found comfort in the thought that even if we don't have all the answers about what happened in the past, God knows. There was no sex. The author used "he cursed" to indicate bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting series.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
October 3, 2016
A satisfying conclusion to the Cold Case Justice series by Janice Cantore. (And can I just say - I really like the covers!) I have really enjoyed reading this series. The continuing thread throughout the three books of Abby and Luke and the Triple Seven fire cold case was intriguing and didn't get old. Each book is suspense filled and has other cases to create enough action to keep your attention. In order to fully appreciate the Triple Seven fire case, you'll want to read the three books in order: Drawing Fire, Burning Proof, and then Catching Heat.
Still more suspense filled than romance filled but Abby and Luke do finally get their chance at a relationship in this final book. Yay! :) However, it's not smooth sailing. When Abby gets a lead and Luke fears she may be obsessing, things get a little bumpy. Will they come to an understanding and finally get their chance at love? And will the Tiple Seven fire cold case EVER be solved?
Don't miss this series or this final book in the Cold Cast Justice series. Suspense filled with a few twists, nail-biting danger, some romance, and plenty of action.
*Thanks to Tyndale for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions are my own.*
Still more suspense filled than romance filled but Abby and Luke do finally get their chance at a relationship in this final book. Yay! :) However, it's not smooth sailing. When Abby gets a lead and Luke fears she may be obsessing, things get a little bumpy. Will they come to an understanding and finally get their chance at love? And will the Tiple Seven fire cold case EVER be solved?
Don't miss this series or this final book in the Cold Cast Justice series. Suspense filled with a few twists, nail-biting danger, some romance, and plenty of action.
*Thanks to Tyndale for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions are my own.*
August 29, 2016
Catching Heat is book three in the Cold Case Justice series. I had read book one, but somehow missed reading book two. So, as I began reading Catching Heat I actually had a bit of catching up to do. I definitely recommend reading the entire series because the cold case that Abby and Luke are working on runs throughout all of the stories. But, since I had read book one, I was able to figure out and enjoy what was going on even though I missed a book.
I think the author does such a great job of showing the reader how things are viewed from the police perspective. I really enjoyed that the story felt authentic. Another thing I really liked about Catching Heat was the great description of the various California towns that Luke and Abby were working in. Our family just visited some of these places this summer and as I read this book and the author’s description of the scenery and weather, I felt like I was there again. It was fun!
Reading about officers working on cold cases was very interesting and I appreciated seeing the challenges that the various cases they worked presented. I definitely enjoyed both books that I read from this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I think the author does such a great job of showing the reader how things are viewed from the police perspective. I really enjoyed that the story felt authentic. Another thing I really liked about Catching Heat was the great description of the various California towns that Luke and Abby were working in. Our family just visited some of these places this summer and as I read this book and the author’s description of the scenery and weather, I felt like I was there again. It was fun!
Reading about officers working on cold cases was very interesting and I appreciated seeing the challenges that the various cases they worked presented. I definitely enjoyed both books that I read from this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
August 5, 2019
A good ending to a good series! Lots of twists (some of which didn't make a lot of sense) and a good wrap up.
June 29, 2016
Catching Heat is the conclusion to the Cold Case Justice series that readers have been waiting for. Will Abby finally have her answers and find justice for her parents? Well, you'll just have to read it and find out.
Detective Abby Hart lost her parents in a fire when she was a child. In recent years she has drawn closer to discovering the truth about her parents' death and the people that caused them. As Abby joins a new cold case investigation team, along with PI Luke Murphy and detective Robert 'Woody' Woods, she hopes to have the chance to close her own personal cold case for good.
It is interesting reading a mystery suspense when you already have a good idea of who the bad guy is. There are times this is explicitly stated, times when you think it is confirmed and yet little edges of doubt creep in - could it really be that simple or is there more involved? Also, you don't know the whys or hows, nor is there any evidence, so it is a lot of fun joining Abby, Luke and their friends and colleagues as they try to find proof and close this case once and for all. As always with this series while the Triple Seven fire case is ongoing, there are plenty of other cases that Abby and Luke are working on, other mysteries to puzzle over as the whole thing crescendos to conclusion.
In the first and second book, either Abby or Luke had romantic entanglements elsewhere, so while their shared connection and fantastic chemistry drew them together, it was never romantically. But now, finally, they have the chance to get together. The first section of this book sees them struggling with the 'should I, will she/he like me as much as I like them' phase but it is awfully satisfying to see them take a chance on each other. But Abby's focus on finally solving the Triple Seven murders might jeopardise her relationship with Luke. Just when you think things will work out, they get more complicated.
It was fun to see the resolution of this series and crime case. There were a few twists and plenty of suspense, shootings and general tension-filled mayhem. I thought it an excellent conclusion.
This series of books really should be read in series order as the crime investigation begins in book one and concludes in Catching Heat and there are many details to pick up along the way, as well as enjoying the development of Abby and Luke's partnership.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
Detective Abby Hart lost her parents in a fire when she was a child. In recent years she has drawn closer to discovering the truth about her parents' death and the people that caused them. As Abby joins a new cold case investigation team, along with PI Luke Murphy and detective Robert 'Woody' Woods, she hopes to have the chance to close her own personal cold case for good.
It is interesting reading a mystery suspense when you already have a good idea of who the bad guy is. There are times this is explicitly stated, times when you think it is confirmed and yet little edges of doubt creep in - could it really be that simple or is there more involved? Also, you don't know the whys or hows, nor is there any evidence, so it is a lot of fun joining Abby, Luke and their friends and colleagues as they try to find proof and close this case once and for all. As always with this series while the Triple Seven fire case is ongoing, there are plenty of other cases that Abby and Luke are working on, other mysteries to puzzle over as the whole thing crescendos to conclusion.
In the first and second book, either Abby or Luke had romantic entanglements elsewhere, so while their shared connection and fantastic chemistry drew them together, it was never romantically. But now, finally, they have the chance to get together. The first section of this book sees them struggling with the 'should I, will she/he like me as much as I like them' phase but it is awfully satisfying to see them take a chance on each other. But Abby's focus on finally solving the Triple Seven murders might jeopardise her relationship with Luke. Just when you think things will work out, they get more complicated.
It was fun to see the resolution of this series and crime case. There were a few twists and plenty of suspense, shootings and general tension-filled mayhem. I thought it an excellent conclusion.
This series of books really should be read in series order as the crime investigation begins in book one and concludes in Catching Heat and there are many details to pick up along the way, as well as enjoying the development of Abby and Luke's partnership.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
November 21, 2017
Janice Cantore's Catching Heat is the perfect ending to an intense trilogy. In this installment, Abby Hart is more determined than ever to find evidence that will put the person who orchestrated her parents' murder in jail. Her friend and fellow investigator on the case, Luke Murphy, is afraid the case is consuming her. He wants justice, too, but not at the cost of Abby's safety and sound mind.
They have other concerns, though. While trying to solve one cold case, with the help of the rest of the cold case squad, their leader agrees to have them help, informally, with a second case in the same area.There are suspects and surprises everywhere, few people the team can trust.
Through her writing, Cantore reveals her experience in law enforcement and her knowledge of the state the book is set in. Her story is intriguing; her conclusion to all cases exactly right. I enjoyed the whole series and recommend it to you.
They have other concerns, though. While trying to solve one cold case, with the help of the rest of the cold case squad, their leader agrees to have them help, informally, with a second case in the same area.There are suspects and surprises everywhere, few people the team can trust.
Through her writing, Cantore reveals her experience in law enforcement and her knowledge of the state the book is set in. Her story is intriguing; her conclusion to all cases exactly right. I enjoyed the whole series and recommend it to you.
December 8, 2016
If you like crime drama, this is your author. Janice Cantore has penned a very well written crime drama, almost like an awesome episode of Law and Order, the older ones that were really, really good.
The characters are very nice and believable, the police procedure done well. Cantore was a police officer herself for many, many years. This is an excellent book, with more than one case going at the same time.
There are 2 other books in this series, which I haven't read, but I don't feel I suffered from not reading them. I didn't feel as if I were missing a lot, but reading those would help.
I repeat: very well written and satisfying.
*I won this book in a contest by the author.
The characters are very nice and believable, the police procedure done well. Cantore was a police officer herself for many, many years. This is an excellent book, with more than one case going at the same time.
There are 2 other books in this series, which I haven't read, but I don't feel I suffered from not reading them. I didn't feel as if I were missing a lot, but reading those would help.
I repeat: very well written and satisfying.
*I won this book in a contest by the author.
November 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this third book in the Cold Case Justice series. Will Abby find proof that the Governer's wife was responsible for the death of her parents. This story moves along well and has a few ups and down. I liked some of the sexual tension but hope it does not go on for too many more books. I am glad that many of the trials that started 27 years ago are beginning to end in this book. I look forward to seeing if Luke and Abby will get together or if they will break apart. I really like Gunther also. He is one of my favorite people in the book. I received this book from Tyndall blog for a fair and honest opinion.
July 27, 2016
Best book of the series!!! Full Review Coming Soon!
April 29, 2023
*3.5- This was a solid read. I feel like I haven't read a book in this genre for the longest time, so it was really nice to get back to this sort of vibe. Abby has always been a good main character, and that did not change in this novel. I liked how the author touched on how Abby became obsessed with what happened to her parents. I do wish that the author would have dived even deeper into this side of things, but I think she did a good job showing Abby's growth without getting far into certain aspects. Luke was also a good character. He was the more level-headed one of this duo, and this did make him feel a little one-note at times, but that didn't bother me too much. Honestly, both of the characters lacked a certain depth, but that didn't bother me too much because I didn't go into this novel expecting a ton of complexity. There were a few good side characters that enhanced the novel. The romance was somewhat cliche, and I would have liked a little bit more of it. I think that my main complaint with this novel was how much the author tried to do. There were just so many different storylines and crimes going on. This was good because I was always entertained, but it sometimes felt as if the author was trying to cram too much in. However, I liked how things progressed, and all of the crimes moved forward in a logical way. I never got too invested and was just kind of along for the ride. The ending was swift, but it was fitting and felt natural. There was little to no cursing in this novel, and there was no sexual content. There was violence because it's a crime novel, but there was not an overabundance of graphic violence. I would say that this book fits best in the adult category mainly because of the age of the characters, but there is nothing overly inappropriate for teen readers. I do recommend this novel if one is looking for a crime novel that isn't overly suspenseful. Personally, I was never on the edge of my seat, but that can sometimes be a good thing when a person just needs a break. I have enjoyed just about every Janice Cantore that I have read, so I will likely read from her again.
January 17, 2018
The last book in the Cold Case Justice series includes heart-stopping action, tangled webs of deceit, overwhelming intimidation, and boatloads of excitement with some surprises added in for good measure. The only reason I put the book down before finishing it was because I had to eat, sleep, and take care of daily responsibilities. Otherwise I would have read straight through. At least I did not have to worry about forgetting what I had already read when I had to lay it down for a period of time because it was simply too good to forget. The author has done an outstanding job of continuing to build on the tension, suspense, and anticipation from the beginning to the end of the series. This book picks up where the last one left off. I have enjoyed the interaction between Detective Abby Hart, PI Luke Murphy, and retired police officer Woody Woods. They make a super team of investigators. I appreciate that the author is not bashful about including characters who are willing to share their faith without being pushy about it. Those around them know where they stand and respect them for their beliefs. The romance is low-key, which works well for me. I admit that I like some romance in a Christian novel. With this author, I can count on it being clean and respectable. I feel comfortable recommending this series to anyone who appreciates Christian suspense.
December 23, 2016
This is book three in the Cold Case Justice series. This is a great series and even though you can read them as possible stand alone books, you will miss a lot and may be a little lost in this novel, if it is your first. Plus now that it is all wrapped up what a great series to grab all three and read. Start with Drawing Fire, Burning Proof then Catching Heat.
Janice Cantore does a great job at developing her characters and her descriptions. Her chapters are written from different characters throughout the novel and it takes a sentence or two to figure out who some chapters are about. There is a lot going on in this novel and I would not call it an 'easy' read, you do need to be paying attention.
Detective Abby Hart is a police detective on a special cold case squad. When a cold case takes her close to where she may be able to find information on her parents murder. Will it consume her, lead her into more trouble or finally be the answer to so many questions.
This novel is full of suspense, mystery, romance and much more. I enjoy reading books by Cantore and look forward to many more.
Janice Cantore does a great job at developing her characters and her descriptions. Her chapters are written from different characters throughout the novel and it takes a sentence or two to figure out who some chapters are about. There is a lot going on in this novel and I would not call it an 'easy' read, you do need to be paying attention.
Detective Abby Hart is a police detective on a special cold case squad. When a cold case takes her close to where she may be able to find information on her parents murder. Will it consume her, lead her into more trouble or finally be the answer to so many questions.
This novel is full of suspense, mystery, romance and much more. I enjoy reading books by Cantore and look forward to many more.
July 15, 2019
Book 3 of the series was the best!! Even Larry really liked it. Luke, Abby and Woody are asked to work on more cold cases. Abby still wants to follow a lead in her parents' death. Luke is skeptical. Kelsey Cox is broken out of jail and on the run. It is intense as Luke, Abby and Woody track down all the leads in the three cases and how their lives are put in jeopardy solving the cases. When Woody has the bomb placed around his neck and Abby is taken as a hostage, that was intense because Luke was not with them. He was on the train coming back from Long Beach. Everything works to the good - the bad guys are caught. Kelsey Cox ends up killing the governor but Abby and Luke stop her from killing Alyssa. Abby wanted Alyssa to go to jail rather than be killed. Alyssa was the one behind all the killings - she ordered the hits. It was a nail bitter clear to the end.
July 10, 2017
I loved the cold case they were worked. The characters were great, the suspense and action that happened, and Cox... oh Cox.
The one thing I didn't like was Luke and Abby's relationship. I thought after the first book it would get better. I mean, Abby was engaged. But zilch. Luke had to be an idiot on paper. Luke, please, she is engaged. I thought when Luke started dating Faye everything would get better. I mean, Abby, c'mon. Really? He's dating another woman. And Luke?!? Why would you date someone else if you have no desire to go anywhere with the relationship? Just call yourself a friend and keep things the way they should be! Finally, finaaaaaaaly, in this book they have a halfway decent relationship. Let's just hope it stays that way.
The one thing I didn't like was Luke and Abby's relationship. I thought after the first book it would get better. I mean, Abby was engaged. But zilch. Luke had to be an idiot on paper. Luke, please, she is engaged. I thought when Luke started dating Faye everything would get better. I mean, Abby, c'mon. Really? He's dating another woman. And Luke?!? Why would you date someone else if you have no desire to go anywhere with the relationship? Just call yourself a friend and keep things the way they should be! Finally, finaaaaaaaly, in this book they have a halfway decent relationship. Let's just hope it stays that way.
October 11, 2021
Good conclusion to the Cold Case Justice trilogy. These books have the same overarching plot line, unraveling the mystery of Abby Hart's parents tragic death twenty seven years prior at their restaurant, the Triple Seven. Luke Murphy, PI, is also involved as his uncle was the other person killed in the fire at the Triple Seven. Woody, retired Long Beach beat cop, has joined the Cold Case task force, and they are working other cases, while Abby and Luke continue to investigate their own personal cold case. All three books tied together strongly, so you must read them in order. They each have a side case, but the overall case is finally resolved in this final chapter. I very much enjoyed this series!
May 16, 2021
The final book in this series was full of suspense and twists and turns. There was the main cold case that began the series and then two more cold cases added in just to keep you on your toes. It was an exciting book and the romance heats up for those “romantic suspense” fans.
The characters were believable and there were some great lessons that was learned throughout their cases. One quote it liked was by Luke. “Faith is hard sometimes—I don’t deny that. But what keeps me sane is the knowledge that even though I might not have all the answers, God does.”
I enjoyed this series and will be reading more books by Janice Cantore in the future!
The characters were believable and there were some great lessons that was learned throughout their cases. One quote it liked was by Luke. “Faith is hard sometimes—I don’t deny that. But what keeps me sane is the knowledge that even though I might not have all the answers, God does.”
I enjoyed this series and will be reading more books by Janice Cantore in the future!
August 9, 2021
What an amazing last book! I’m so sad this series is over. Very action packed and great conversations through out this book.
I enjoyed see Abby continue her journey and how the author showed us she wasn’t perfect. Luke is a great partner and I was happy to see them officially start their relationship.
My favorite part about this series was how realistic and believable it was. Most suspense novel tie everything up with a ribbon at the end but that’s NOT realistic. So it’s refreshing to read this book and know that justice was served without it being overwhelming perfect. I will definitely be checking out more books by Janice Cantore!
I enjoyed see Abby continue her journey and how the author showed us she wasn’t perfect. Luke is a great partner and I was happy to see them officially start their relationship.
My favorite part about this series was how realistic and believable it was. Most suspense novel tie everything up with a ribbon at the end but that’s NOT realistic. So it’s refreshing to read this book and know that justice was served without it being overwhelming perfect. I will definitely be checking out more books by Janice Cantore!
March 2, 2024
Catching Heat is the third law enforcement story in the Cold Case Justice series with non-stop action and a lot of mystery. Homicide detective Abby Hart and PI Luke Murphy make great leading characters with their childhood history and different relationships which add complexity and contribute to a fantastic story. Cantore’s history as a police officer of 22 years has given her an inside understanding that has transferred to her writing an exciting and complex plotline. At the same time she has complex character development and brings scenes to life with her descriptive writing. Fantastic 5 star book!
February 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book but I felt lost somewhat since I haven’t read the previous books to this series. I love series books because the author can really develop the characters and story lines over the course of a couple of books. I would highly recommend reading all of them and in order.
“Catching Heat” had lots of drama, twists, suspense and romance. Clean, Christian reading but for mature audiences due to the crime content.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
“Catching Heat” had lots of drama, twists, suspense and romance. Clean, Christian reading but for mature audiences due to the crime content.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2017
Really enjoyed this entire series, culminating in the last book of the trilogy. The suspense plot and the romance plot were all tied up nicely. The author did a great job of stretching both of these out (with lots of twist, turns, and sub-plots sprinkled in) through three books.
Loved the characters and how they were developed and how the author weaved in her own professional experience in law enforcement to add realism and depth to the story and characters themselves.
Can't wait to read more from this author!
Loved the characters and how they were developed and how the author weaved in her own professional experience in law enforcement to add realism and depth to the story and characters themselves.
Can't wait to read more from this author!
June 9, 2017
It was great to see the closure to Abby Hart's struggles in this third book. I liked how all the pieces came together and all the threads got tied up in the series. There were some surprises, too, which is always great in a suspense/crime book. :) Altogether, another Janice Cantore book I'd recommend.
December 5, 2023
Wonderful book! This complex mystery does a great job of wrapping up the on-going mystery which has been woven through the trilogy. It also presents two cold cases for Abby, Luke, and Woody to investigate. There are plenty of twists and turns, tension, suspense, and a developing relationship between Abby and Luke. I recommend the whole trilogy, and really loved this third and final book!
April 19, 2019
First the good- Janice can definitely write a good mystery/suspense. It was great to conclude the series mystery, but it did feel dragged out and then resolved too quickly. The romance between Abby and Luke just didn't build well - too much inside their heads and then it suddenly existed.
August 24, 2021
Fabulous mystery series
These three books kept me riveted to my books There were multiple things going on all through the series. Even the romances were changing. Don't miss these three books and any other books by this author
These three books kept me riveted to my books There were multiple things going on all through the series. Even the romances were changing. Don't miss these three books and any other books by this author
March 14, 2022
Catching Heat was a good conclusion to this series. I really enjoyed how the main characters got together, and how they became a team. I wish there would be a little bit more about their relationship and what happens next, but I love how it ended.
May 16, 2025
I had a very difficult time with this book. I usually really enjoy Janice Cantore books but really struggled with this one. I felt that they were working too many cases. The character of Abby seemed different in this book. I probably skimmed the last half of the book.
June 6, 2017
3rd and final book of the series. It tied up all the lose ends
July 6, 2017
I liked the ending. I didn't expect it to be the person it turned out to be.
August 2, 2017
Review to come!
August 30, 2017
Liked this series because it was set in Long Beach, CA and it was fun to read about action in a setting I could easily recognize.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews