Deep Blue Trouble

Lori Anderson #2

by Steph Broadribb

With her lover, JT, behind bars and heading for death row, single-mother Florida bounty-hunter Lori Anderson takes on an off-the-books job that could threaten everything… 'A real cracker' Mark Billingham 'My kind of book' Lee Child 'Like Midnight Run , but much darker … really, really good' Ian Rankin A web of lies. A killer on the run. An impossible choice… Single-mother Florida bounty hunter Lori Anderson's got an ocean of trouble on her hands. Her daughter Dakota is safe, but the little girl's cancer is threatening a comeback, and Lori needs JT – Dakota's daddy and the man who taught Lori everything – alive and kicking. Problem is, he's behind bars, and heading for death row. Desperate to save him, Lori does a deal, taking on off-the-books job from shady FBI agent Alex Monroe. Bring back on-the-run felon, Gibson 'The Fish' Fletcher, and JT walks free. This is one job she's got to get right, or she'll lose everything… Breathlessly paced, and bursting with high-voltage action and edge-of-your-seat jeopardy, Deep Blue Trouble is the unmissable next instalment of the Lori Anderson series, featuring one of the most memorable and fearless female characters in crime fiction.

Genres: Crime, Suspense, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2017

About the author

Steph Broadribb was born in Birmingham and grew up in Buckinghamshire. A prolific reader, she adored crime fiction from the moment she first read Sherlock Holmes as a child. She’s worked in the UK and the US, has an MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) and trained as a bounty hunter in California.

Her latest novel is DEATH IN THE SUNSHINE - the first book in her new Retired Detectives Club series featuring four recent retirees living in a luxury 55+ resort community in Florida, USA.

Her other novels include the Lori Anderson bounty-hunter series and the Starke/Bell psychological police-procedural books (writing as Stephanie Marland). Her books have been shortlisted for the eDunnit eBook of the Year Award, the ITW Best First Novel Award, the Dead Good Reader Awards for Fearless Female Character and Most Exceptional Debut, and longlisted for the Guardian Not The Booker Prize.

She provides coaching for new crime writers via www.crimefictioncoach.com.

You can find out more about Steph at www.stephbroadribb.com, and get in touch via Facebook (@CrimeThrillerGirl) and Twitter (@crimethrillgirl).

Reviews

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Deep Blue Trouble" Is the second in the Florida bounty hunter Lori Anderson series written by author Steph Broadribb and picks up exactly where her blistering debut "Deep Down Dead" left off. Although it is an immediate follow on, it can be read as a standalone as there's plenty of information to bring you up to speed or even just to refresh your memory, though I do highly recommend you read the first purely for the high octane rush it delivers.
I was anticipating another fast paced, action thriller and I wasn't disappointed, having totally fallen in love with Lori's character and her former mentor JT (though he features less in this book) they combine to form the perfect romantic element in a professionally written thriller that keeps you turning the pages until the nail biting end.
We resume the story with JT in prison and heading for death row. Desperate to save him, Lori agrees to do a deal with shady FBI agent Alex Monroe to bring back Gibson 'The Fish' Fletcher who is currently on the run. In return JT goes free. She has to find Fletcher or she risks losing everything......
The author Steph Broadribb is a fabulous writer and as I've said before she could easily be compared to any of the big name American thriller writers. The fact that she actually trained as a bounty hunter in California just makes her stories all the more authentic and I for one am a huge fan of her writing and look forward now to reading "Deep Dirty Truth" the next in the series due to be published very soon.
Brilliantly entertaining, wholesome, pacy and genuinely authentic, combined with a kick-ass, no nonsense female bounty hunter and a race against time, you're guaranteed a thrilling ride that's full of drama and high tension!

4.5 stars

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVED the first book in the Lori Anderson series – Deep Down Dead – you can read my full review here, so when I was asked if I wanted to read an ARC of Deep Blue Trouble…there was absolutely NO hestiation on my part. It was an easy you bet your sweet ass, I do!!

The setting of this novel flits between Florida, California and Mexico and the reader faces regret, change, relationships, survival, righting wrongs, revenge, trust, manipulation, betrayal, choices, consequences, guilt, corruption and the ever important need for justice!

Steph Broadribb knows EXACTLY how to capture her readers interest from page one – the #killerhook had me well and truly committed to reading this book cover to cover. No excuses. Nothing was going to stop me.

The story is delivered from Lori’s point of view in the main – though we do get a bit of the delicious JT’s POV too! I absolutely loved the narrative and dialect used to bring an authenticity to Lori and the rest of the characters in this novel. I could almost hear the accents and voices of each character I came across! This was a fast-paced read that once again had a bit of an emotive pull amongst the edgy, gritty and compelling plot. Already, I am aching for the next book!

So Lori Anderson is back, and trouble is not far behind her! Kicking-ass – though this time she is flying solo while JT is in prison and Dakota is safe at camp! I love Lori’s sassy, tenacious attitude (with a dash of vulnerability) as she uses her wits, courage, determination and strength to ensure that JT is around to be there for his daughter.

JT – oh my gawd…so yummy! He is not having an easy time in prison but remains stoic, loyal and protective of Lori and Dakota. This guy does not take kindly to threats against those he loves and although I would have liked to see more of him, I was thrilled with what we did find out.

Monroe is a crafty son-of-a-bitch, and I was livid at what we learn – don’t worry, we know he’s shady from the blurb, so no spoilers here! I also need to mention Red and McGregor as I thought both these characters were so well written and the parts they played really added another dimension to moving the story along.

This series has fast become a firm favourite of mine. I love the raw realism, action-packed storylines and total in-your-face brass that only Lori Anderson can pull off! Do I recommend this read? Are you serious? Don’t make me open a can of whoop-ass on you – it’s a firm HELL YEAH from me! Grab a copy of the first book too, you won’t regret it !

[Sam (Clues and Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year, I read the action thriller Deep Down Dead by Steph Broadribb, and was instantly drawn in.   A kick- ass female protagonist, a sizzling love story, and an intricate, fast-paced plot had my eyes glued to the pages. This one lived up to the hype. So, when I found out that the second novel in the series, Deep Blue Trouble, was coming out, I was thrilled but also a little worried. A sophomore novel is a tough one to write, especially when the first would be such a tough act to follow. Well, have no fear, not only did Deep Blue Trouble keep me up late into the night but I think I may have loved this novel EVEN MORE than the first!

Lori Anderson, a single mother, and a bounty hunter managed to save her daughter, Dakota, but isn’t out of the woods yet. With Dakota’s cancer looming and JT, Dakota’s father and former mentor, behind bars on death row, Lori makes a shady deal with an FBI agent to bring in an on-the-run felon. Teaming up with another bounty hunter, Dez, tensions rise and the pressure is on.

Deep Blue Trouble opens pretty much immediately where Deep Down Dead ends off; smack dab in the middle of the action. Broadribb wastes no time hooking her reader.   I would absolutely recommend reading the first in the series before diving into book two; I think it could be a little hard to follow without having the background knowledge from the first book since they are so closely linked. I won’t say much more specifically about the plot, as to not ruin it, but it is completely filled with on the edge of your seat moments and fast paced thrillers. The chapters leave you feeling breathless and Broadribb does not give her readers a break!

This one gets roaring 5/5 stars from me; any thriller lovers will love this novel. And clear your schedule, you are not going to want to put this one down.  I cannot wait for book three! 

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early last year I read the first book in this series, Deep Down Dead and was totally blown away, it was a gritty, action packed read and I’ve been dying to read this book ever since. I am so excited to share that DBT surpassed any of my expectations and I loved this one just as much as the first.

Broadribb weaves a story that is relentlessly paced right from the very first page. If I were asked to describe this book briefly I would say it’s that rare read that truly gets your heart pounding with the type of intensity that makes you anxious, a real nail biter. Add in the most kick ass female lead I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about and you’re in for an epic adventure alongside a fast talking, sharp and wily mother with a heart of gold.

You would think a story full of action would be lacking in character development but then maybe you’ve never read a Broadribb book, because somehow she still manages to craft characters that are totally well rounded and intriguing to boot. We get a deeper look into J. T. and Lori’s relationship this time around and a peek at their history which just made me so eager to dive even deeper in the future, I’m really rooting for these two!

I honestly could ramble about this one for a whole lot longer than I already have, but I’ll finish by saying that if you’re a thriller fan and you haven’t read this series you seriously HAVE to. They’re not your run of the mill police procedurals, you have a bounty hunter, mama bear who takes no prisoners with an extremely messy past AND the type of action that leaves you breathless. Honestly, what more could you want? If you’re me, a movie version of this book, this is seriously begging to be brought to life.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
Deep Blue Trouble is the second full length novel to feature Lori Anderson. I recommend reading them in order, the books are closely connected and the events here occur immediately after those in Deep Down Dead.
All of the characters I loved there have reappeared but there is a difference. Lori is on her own more, JT is in prison and she has left Dakota out of harms way in a holiday camp. She hates leaving her there but she needs to know that she is safe whilst trying to clear JT’s name. She gets off to a bad start with Dez McGregor who until more is revealed about him isn’t likeable or one that I would trust. But it is also easy to see why he does react the way he does. In her panic she doesn’t show her better side.
I liked her dedication, her friendship and trust that she had with Red felt special. Some of my favourite scenes featured him. He is a character who could get stronger throughout the series, I would love a book to be based around him needing Lori’s assistance.
In this novel we get to know more about Lori and how much she is prepared to do to save the ones she cares about. She has a sympathetic streak, and is aware that there is a fine line between doing the right thing and doing the wrong. That some who kill do so out of desperation whereas some are just bad people.
I had a feeling of anxiety throughout. I was dreading something happening that would cause Lori heartache but fortunately I was wrong. There needs to be another book soon, my chin hit the floor at the last page and I need to know what happens next.
If you fancy a series that is like the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich you will love this. Fast paced whilst heart warming. Brilliant.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like a cross between an action thriller and a Lifetime movie, all over dramatic and over done.

The first book featuring Lori Anderson Deep Down Dead seemed super popular and I was excited to give the follow up a go. Reviews talk about her as gutsy and feisty, but in this she seems more like a danger to herself and others. Dedicated and enthusiastic, sure, but I saw little evidence of her being a well trained bounty hunter; instead she blundered repeatedly, leading to other people getting seriously hurt or more seriously dead. Not only that, some of the more significant issues of the book could have been solved by a few people having a conversation and the tense relationships with other characters due to her selfishness and general attitude problem were actually painful at times.

I've found that, for me, when it comes to books like this, the enjoyment factor is not based on the plot but on whether you like the main character(s). If you do, anything goes, silly decisions like going repeatedly ON YOUR OWN to places where you're outnumbered and might get hurt are shelved under 'independent' or 'don't take no shit', whereas if you don't, it's more like 'this woman is bloody stupid and honestly if she gets killed it's her own damn fault'. So no prizes for guessing whether I liked Lori or not...

Saying that, it's entertaining enough that I wouldn't say don't read it, just know what you're getting into when you pick it up.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Blue Trouble is the second book in the Lori Anderson series. I would personally recommend reading Deep Down Dead, the first book in the series, before reading this one.

I loved Deep Down Dead as it was a great read as I loved the concept of a female bounty hunter. Having enjoyed it so much I couldn’t wait to catch up with Lori again and see where she would take us next. I certainly wasn’t disappointed!

You know whatever case Lori finds herself working on is going to be dangerous. My heart was in my mouth at times wondering if Lori was going to make it out alive or not. You have to love her determination though. Being a mom she takes a lot bigger risks than most in the interests of her daughter. At the end of the day that’s what any decent parent would do isn’t it? Desperate times call for desperate measures!

Deep Blue Trouble is an absolute page turner of a read that sent my heart racing. This is one crime thriller series that I literally cannot get enough of. You really care about the characters and constantly want them to come out on top. Will definitely be counting down the days until the next book is out.

My thanks to Anne cater and Orenda Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Blue Trouble is the second book in the Lori Anderson series. I have a confession to make. I haven’t yet read the first, Deep Down Dead. I know. I’m possibly the only book blogger who hasn’t and I had all good intentions of reading it before this one (in fact I did start it but to had to put it to one side – other blog tour review commitments and life getting in the way). But, I’m happy to say that I didn’t feel at all left behind by jumping in with book 2, and in my opinion, Deep Blue Trouble can quite easily be read and enjoyed on its own as sufficient backstory is given. The downside is that book 2 obviously contains spoilers so if you really do want to read the first book, don’t do as I’ve done! I shall go back and continue with Deep Down Dead at some time as the books are just so good.

On to the story. Bounty hunter Lori Anderson is given a job by an FBI agent (Alex Monroe) to go and fetch Gibson Fletcher; an absconder from a state hospital whilst under guard. Its not quite clear what Monroe’s interest in the case is seeing that Fletcher was already behind bars for murder but due to all sorts of complications with her ex mentor and lover JT, and her 9 year old daughter Dakota, Lori feels she has no choice but to take the job and to complete it successfully.

I loved Lori Anderson and I can quite understand the affection for this character from other reviewers. Despite her tough exterior it’s clear how much love she has for her daughter and that she really will go to the ends of the earth for her daughter and others that she cares about. She is someone you would definitely want on your side and whilst she’s not perfect – she made some bad decisions on this job which put her and others in danger, but given the personal pressure she was under to get the job done, I think she can be forgiven for that.

Deep Blue Trouble is a superbly paced action thriller and whilst I normally do prefer a psychological thriller to an ‘action’ read’ I loved this and was utterly gripped by the unfolding story. Steph Broadribb does such an excellent job of bringing her characters to life – the antagonism between Lori and Dez – the terse and grumpy bounty hunter that Lori has to team up with in order to get Fletcher back from the Mexican border was an inspired pairing and whilst I sometimes find that the ‘Americanism’ in books can be overdone and irritating, here the dialogue and turn of phrase felt realistic and totally in keeping with the story.

I may have been late to the party on this occasion but I do hope there will be more to come in this series; if there is I will certainly be all over the next one.

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 stars**
The first Lori Anderson thriller was fast and furious, Deep Blue Trouble is even faster and furious (er?) which you know, makes me expect Vin Diesel along at any moment…

The absolute beauty of the writing comes in the sheer depth the author brings to what is basically a thrill ride of the highest order. In Lori Anderson, Steph Broadribb has created a genuinely authentic, kick ass, realistically flawed heroine who I will now follow anywhere – a breath of fresh air on a hot summer’s day blowing right through the thriller genre and turning it on its head.

She gets herself both into and out of trouble, she is feisty and real, anchoring the wider story being told in brilliant ways. The wider cast are intriguing and in this instalment the pressure is on to save JT and help her daughter but to do so she has to face down some extremely hair raising challenges.

It is both riveting and occasionally edge of the seat insane, but always with one eye on character development and layers of storytelling. Addictive, fun, bang on the money from first page to last.

Not a lot else to say really!

Highly Recommended!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Blue Trouble is the second book in the Lori Anderson series written by one of my favourite authors, Steph Broadribb.  The first book in the series, Deep Down Dead made a BIG impression on me last year and you can read my review by clicking HERE.  Deep Down Dead also featured highly on my top ten books of 2017 post.  It's true, I flipping love Lori Anderson.  This is one of those reviews where you hope everything you say does the book justice.  Fingers crossed...

Of all the books to be published in 2018, Deep Blue Trouble was the one I was really excited about.  Deep Down Dead (Lori Anderson book #1) left such a lasting impression on me that I could not wait to be reacquainted with Lori, her daughter Dakota and brooding, 'slightly' gorgeous mentor/lover, JT.  For those new to this series, Lori Anderson is a kick-ass bounty hunter based in Florida.  She's tough, she had to be.  Life has thrown a lot sh!t Lori's way (excuse the expletive but there's no other way of putting it!).  Her young daughter is in remission, but there's always a chance the cancer could return  And to top off her run of bad luck, JT has been arrested following their last action-packed adventure together.  Lori is under an extreme amount of pressure and boy, does she know it!  When FBI agent Alex Monroe offers Lori a way to free JT from prison (and certain death, one way or another) she begrudgingly takes it.  Having put her daughter in imminent danger previously, Lori leaves Dakota at camp and heads to California in search of Gibson 'The Fish' Fletcher.  What she doesn't expect is a myriad of dead ends, confusing leads and false sightings in 'bounty hunter hostile' Mexico.  Can Lori discover where Fletcher is hiding, what he is hiding and with the help of whom before it's too late...?

Fabulous!  As crime fiction goes this is another wonderfully engaging, thrilling, action-packed read from the pen of Steph Broadribb.  I was hooked from page one and unable to put this book down.  I love everything about Lori, she's kick-ass through and through. She has a relatable, softer side when it comes to all matters concerning her young daughter, and she carries a flipping TASER!  What more could you want?  What I thoroughly enjoyed this time around was the chemistry and the friction brought about by the inclusion of Californian bounty hunter, Dex McGregor.  Lori has to work with Dex on the instruction of Alex Monroe.  But Dex works very differently to Lori - Dex is a team player but Lori is her own, one woman team.  The tension was palpable, the suspicion high.  Brilliantly constructed by Broadribb.

One of my very favourite things about this series is how deliciously American the narrative is.  I am such a big fan of American crime fiction but Broadribb manages to make me believe more than many other home-grown American writers (Broadribb is British by the way, but has worked in the US).

Would I recommend this book?  Absolutely.  And whilst you're there make sure you pick up a copy of Deep Down Dead too.  Deep Blue Trouble will work as a standalone but why not read the first book in the series whilst you're at it.  I promise you won't regret.  I said this time last year that, "For me, this is the book that every other book has to beat this year to become my favourite read of 2017.  It’s early days but Deep Down Dead is a long way in the lead at the moment (and we’re not even done with January yet!)".  Well, the same applies this year.  As things stand at present, Deep Blue Trouble is the book every other book has to beat to be my 'book of 2018'.  As crime writers go, you can't get better than Steph Broadribb.  Perfect!

Five out of five stars.

I chose to read and review an ARC of Deep Blue Trouble.  The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Down Dead was in my top 20 books of 2017 so I was desperate to catch up with my favourite girl crush Lori Anderson in her second thriller Deep Blue Trouble. And what a sequel this is!!! It hits the ground running and keeps up the fast paced, action packed narrative that I came to love so much last time. I do recommend you read Deep Down Dead first so you can get all the pertinent information you need so as to understand Lori and why she does what she does! And maybe if you haven’t read Deep Down Dead yet then you may want to leave reading this review till you have incase I unintentionally let slip something that happened in that book!

After the dream team of Lori and JT in book one, they start Deep Blue Trouble apart. Lori needs JT alive and well as she still hasn’t told him about Dakota and the fact she may need his help to save her life if her cancer returns. Only problem is, JT is in jail plus now there’s a price on his head. So Lori agrees to bring in escaped criminal Gibson Fletcher. She had brought him in before, so she should know what she’s up against, and in return she will gain JTs release. But can FBI agent Alex Monroe really be trusted as Lori seems to hit trouble as soon as she starts her quest and someone somewhere is not telling her the whole truth. And can she save JT in the process? Well if anyone can, it’s Lori Anderson! This achingly cool single mom is once again fighting to save someone she loves with her determined mindset and nose for hunting out clues.

I loved this book just as much as I did the last one. The storyline raced along at a cracking pace as Lori continued to kick ass, leaving no stone unturned as she searched for her target. Along the way she meets a variety of quirky characters all involved in the bounty hunter business that I find so absolutely fascinating! As she crosses back and forth across the USA and down to Mexico, the story develops into a high octane chase as Lori crosses every line she can to bring in her prey.

If I could swap places with any fictional character around at the moment it would be Lori Anderson. She’s a feisty, smart and fiercely protective mama bear who always gets her man….or does she? Her relationship with JT is a complicated one and I loved the use of flashbacks here which gave a deeper understanding of their connection. And although this is exhilarating, non stop thrillfest Steph Broadribb still manages to fully develop her characters so that you come to really care what happens to them. And Lori and JT are one couple who could do with having a little more luck on their side!

Deep Blue Trouble is a full on, heart pounding action thriller and it’s shaping up to be one of my most favourite series EVER! Lori Anderson is my kind of gal and I hope it’s not too long till her next adventure!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Around this time last year, I read Deep Down Dead, the first Lori Anderson book. I remember it left me absolutely exhausted from the relentless action but also thrilled to know there would be more from Lori and that time has finally come. So, yes, once again I had insanely high expectations and I was not disappointed because this one is even better!

Deep Blue Trouble picks up one week after events from the previous book. With JT in jail, Lori cuts a deal with Special Agent Alex Monroe. He needs her to bring back an escaped convict, Gibson Fletcher. If Lori is successful, JT will be set free. But things are a lot murkier than they seem.

Lori has little choice though. JT is hardly safe in jail, especially with The Old Man still intent on revenge for the murder of Lori’s husband, Tommy. Lori needs to deal with the distraction and the worry while doing her job. Things don’t go so well for her when she’s forced to work with a team. As JT always tells her, don’t trust anyone. But when things get dangerous, will anyone have Lori’s back?

It’s so refreshing to have such an amazing protagonist as Lori. Mom and bounty hunter, kicking ass and taking numbers and fiercely standing her ground in a predominantly male environment, never giving up even when the odds aren’t in her favour. And all the while making sure her daughter is safe. She’s the kind of woman every little girl should look up to, a far better role model than some I won’t name. Sure, she makes mistakes but that just makes her more realistic and very little warms my heart as much as her relationship with Dakota.

Steph Broadribb has delivered another cracking story. Deep Blue Trouble is an incredibly hard-hitting and action-packed adventure that had me on the edge of my seat. The suspenseful plot had me hooked from start to finish, trying to unravel the threads and fearing for the lives of those involved. These books would make such great movies! They’re exciting, an adrenaline rush and yes, totally exhausting but in the most satisfying way. The ending is set up perfectly for a follow-up and I for one can’t wait!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Blue Trouble – A Kick Ass Thriller

Steph Broadribb follows up her kick as debut, Deep Down Dead, with an even better kick ass follow-up, Deep Blue Trouble. This thriller picks up a few days after the ending of her previous book, and once again Floridan Lori Anderson is taking names and trying to protect those whom she loves.

Her bounty hunting skills are required by Special Agent Alex Monroe for an off the books hunt for an escaped convict, Gibson ‘The Fish’ Fletcher. While at the same time she wants to keep her daughter, Dakota, safe, especially after recent events, and she really is a special kid, having survived cancer once. At the same time, she wants to get her friend, mentor, lover and Dakota’s father, JT, not only out of jail but off death row.

It does not help that the person she is hunting is alleged of killing a mafia connected man, while at the same time she is being followed by members of the Miami mafia. When she has to head over to California to follow-up a lead, does she start to break a few of her own rules. She ends up with a team of bounty hunters who do not trust her, and she does not trust them. Little does she realise that sometimes it is best to work as a team.

There are more twists in this thriller than your average game of adult twister, and she likes to keep the reader guessing, like a champion poker player. The pace throughout this book is fast and breathless that is brilliant entertainment, and a great way to spend your night when there is nothing on television.

This really is a must for thriller lovers, with suspense and a flash of romance, this really is a fresh and fun character well worth engaging with.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading: January 14th 2018

"All of us have the potential to kill. We just don't know if we'll do it until we find ourselves in that situation."

I was sold as soon as I first saw that gorgeous cover, and found myself having no other option than diving straight into Deep Blue Trouble to see just how deep the trouble is the main character finds herself in. And WOW. What a firecracker of a thriller! Between the writing style, premise and characters this book had me under its spell shortly after starting it and I had a blast reading this action-packed and fast-paced thriller. I loved the fact that the main character Lori Anderson is a bounty hunter and the fact that bounty hunting plays such a big role in the plot. Refreshing, original and it definitely adds a little something special. Lori has to go through a lot during Deep Blue Trouble, and it has been interesting to see her react to the different situations and her never weavering or giving up. The characters in general are well developed and all add something to the plot as well as creating a few plot twists of their own. The hunt for Fletcher is without doubt intense! And Deep Blue Trouble definitely will have some surprises in store for you. Highly recommended for fans of the genre!



Bounty hunter Lori Anderson doesn't have an easy life... Not only is she a single-mother, but she also has to worry about her daughter Dakota's cancer threatening to come back and Dakota's dad JT being in prison with a price on his head. Desperate situations call for desperate moves, and when shady FBI agent Alex Monroe offers her an off-the-books job in exchange for JT's freedom, she takes the job even though she isn't sure about Monroe's real motive. Her job is to catch Gibson 'The Fish' Fletcher once again and bring him back to Monroe before the authorities get him. If she does that, JT walks free... But can Lori trust Monroe? And will she be able to catch Fletcher in time?



If you like refreshing, fast-paced, suspenseful and action-packed thrillers with a strong female lead, you are in for a real treat with Deep Blue Trouble. Bounty hunter Lori Anderson seriously kicks ass and isn't afraid to step on a few toes to get the results she is after. The writing is strong, filled with plot twists and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page... Trust me, you will want to know what happens to Lori and you will enjoy every single step along the way. Thriller fans will love this one!

P.S. Find more of my reviews here.

[Tina Woodbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all of my review: www.readingbetweenthepagesblog.wordpr...

This is book two in the Lori Anderson series and it is just as entertaining as the first! If you haven’t read book one (Deep Down Dead) I highly recommend you do so first. This book reads well as a standalone, but knowing the backstory makes it even more enjoyable.

This book picks up just days after book one ends. Lori Anderson is trying desperately to convince Special Agent Alex Monroe to let JT out of jail, where she feels he is being held unjustly. However, Monroe has other plans and wants to make a deal – if she brings in Gibson “the Fish” Fletcher then he will exonerate JT.

Lori is searching for Fletcher with very little information to go on. Monroe is very tight-lipped and Lori is convinced that he is hiding pertinent information. She is becoming increasingly frustrated being in the dark and wants answers.

I love Lori’s persistence. She’s smart and resourceful and continues to reflect back on her training with JT. She is no-nonsense, tough-as-nails, and prefers to work alone. Then there is the softer side to Lori who will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe and healthy, that makes her a really well-rounded character that you want to see succeed and come out on top safe and sound.

I will be eagerly anticipating Lori’s next adventure!

*Thank you NetGalley, Orenda Books, and Steph Broadribb for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion.

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Down Dead was my favourite book of 2016 and I couldn't wait to read Deep Blue Trouble, saving it for my first read of 2018 and what a way to kick off another year of reading. Steph Broadribb has created a fantastic character in Lori Anderson and I absolutely love her. The character development here is brilliant, and following along with Lori I truly shared in her fear at what might happen to her daughter Dakota and JT. But, that fear at times turned into fierce determination and proved that Lori is not to be messed with and can get the job done, but at the same time she's human and makes numerous, believable mistakes that further endeared me to her character and made me believe in her more.

For me, the storyline was a little slower paced than in Deep Down Dead, but that slower pace did allow for some great character development and this time around we got to see inside the mind of JT more. This isn't one of those sickly sweet romances where everything will turn out rosy, nor is Lori one of those distressed females who relies on her (although he isn't officially) boyfriend to come along and save the day. Although a man kind of did save her life near the end. I honestly had no idea what would happen regarding the relationship between these two characters, Steph keeps the reader guessing all the way through the book and then leaves us dying for more with a brilliant conclusion. There's no huge, dramatic action scenes but those high intensity scenes that are present are all the more impactful because of that. There's none of the usual cliches that you get in these largely written for a straight male audience action thrillers, and that's partly why I enjoy this series so much. It's a fresh addition to a saturated and at times repetitive genre.

There's one character in this story that I disliked and that was Monroe. The man who gives Lori the job of hunting down Gibson Fletcher. Monroe was a hateful character who in the beginning played Lori almost like a puppet. Feeding her information that he wanted her to know, and keeping other stuff back from her. I did work out a few of the plot developments regarding Monroe, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I did enjoy the arc with one of Lori's few friends, Red and also the addition of another crew of bounty hunters. Seeing how Lori handled everything that was thrown at her whilst worrying herself sick over her daughter's safety only made me love her even more. If we could see her on the small or big screen that would be great, as with any good thriller this reads with the potential to be a gripping drama with some fantastic cinematography and music to further increase the intensity of those scenes mentioned earlier.

As the book neared its conclusion I felt a mixture of excitement at finishing my first read of 2018 but disappointment at finishing what was a truly fantastic read because I didn't want it to be over. Steph Broadribb knows how to write a gripping thriller, having written two of my most favourite ones in recent years. The cliffhanger at the end of this story only left me desperate for more, and I am already wishing my life away to continue with Lori's story. If you are yet to read this series and call yourself a thriller fan, then you really need to check them out right away.

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting. Dangerous. Electric. Those are just some of the words that spring to mind when I think about this book. Deep Blue Trouble is a stellar read; the plot moves at rapid speed and you won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough! You absorb this novel, the danger and excitement of it all will thrill you to no end. I highly recommend you read this series in order, starting with Deep Down Dead, because the plot is continuous – Deep Blue Trouble starts right where Deep Down Dead finished so to get maximum enjoyment from this book, and series, start at the beginning.

Now we’ve established Deep Blue Trouble is an adrenaline-rush of a read, let’s look at bit closer at what makes it so good. Firstly, the characters, Lori is a brilliant character, indeed fearless, but also full of heart, because the driving force behind everything she does is her love for her daughter, Dakota. So not only is Lori totally bad-ass but her character has purpose and that’s what makes her so relatable – that, as a mother, she’d go to the ends of the earth for her child. Dakota doesn’t feature as much in this instalment, and I did miss her because she’s such a loveable child, and I hope to see more of her as this series continues.

One of the characters that really stood out for me in the novel, was Lori’s friend, Red. He’s a Private Investigator so he’s able to help Lori out at times, but it was his relationship with Lori, acting almost as a father figure that really endeared me to him. Deep Blue Trouble isn’t without it’s villains either, and they bring the danger! And this danger is further elevated as the clock is ticking against Lori.

As with the previous novel, there are dramatic scenes of violence (never uncomfortably graphic), and these heighten the entertainment factor of this novel. If you strip this novel down to the plot itself, you’ll see it makes so much sense, how everything is connected, so not only are you enjoying the wild ride this novel takes you on, but you are invested in what you are reading because you see the end game, you see what it’s all for.

I cannot recommend this novel, and series, enough, especially it you enjoy action-packed crime thrillers that do not let up for one moment. I’m so excited to continue this series and see what’s next for Lori, JT and Dakota.

*My thanks to Orenda Books for providing me with a copy of this book*

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a high stakes, high action and high tension read to kick off your New Year reading challenges then look no further. Lori Anderson is back and every bit as determined and fierce as she was when we first met her in Deep Down Dead. The case she is tasked with working is every bit as personal as her last but this time, instead of fighting to save her daughter, Dakota, Lori is fighting to protect Dakota's future and that of her father and Lori's former mentor and lover, James 'JT' Tate.

From the ending of Deep Down Dead you just knew that Lori was getting herself mixed up in something that was bigger than she could understand. The question was just how big and was the potential pay off worth it. Well, with JT facing a potential death penalty charge and his life in great danger in a prison full of people he helped capture, then I would say fans of Lori's kick ass and red hot mentor would say absol-bloomin-lutely. Which, thankfully for them, is exactly what Lori says too.

I don't need to say too much about the plot. Lori is a Bounty Hunter and she has been out on the trail of an escaped murder suspect who killed three police officers during his escape. Pretty high stakes stuff. Lori has caught him once before, but this time he has far more to lose and she knows it. And from the minute she says yes, this is where the action starts and the adrenaline begins pumping. You just know, thankfully, that nothing is going to be easy for poor Lori - where would be the fun in that - and that what will ensue is the kind of high action, high octane thrill ride that typified the first book in the series. The backdrop may have changed, this time visiting Southern California and Mexico, but the action is just as hard and Lori just as tough.

I really love the character of Lori. Steph Broadribb has created a formidable heroine, as smart as she is tough, with a whole bunch of skills and a kind of instinct which could as easily get her killed as catch her man. She is loyal to a fault, feels all the pain suffered by her friends as if it were her own, and is motivated by only one thing - protecting her family. How can you not respect that? As for JT? Well he's in real trouble and fans of his, of which I am sure there are many, will be on the edge of their seats hoping and praying he survives the rum treatment Ms Broadribb serves upon him in this book. If you thought he was treated badly in the first one, you 'aint seen nothin' yet.

There are a whole bunch of new, complicated and complex characters introduced throughout this book, some sympathetic, some less so. I really liked Red, the kind of no nonsense character that Lori needed on her side with JT indisposed. While we might not see as much of him as I'd have liked, I think if I were to have an older guy book crush, it might be him. I'm kind of picking up a Sam Elliott/Roadhouse kind of vibe from him. Hope we meet him again some day. I get the feeling that Lori's going to need some help.

Aside from the great characters, I think the overriding success of this series comes down to one thing - its authenticity. From the language used, the colloquialisms and attitude of Lori for one thing, through to the way in which the hunt is described, even to the passive (and not so passive) aggression and tension which exists between Lori and fellow hunter McGregor, it all just feels right. You know that the experience, the research and immersion in the act of learning how to be a bounty hunter has really paid off in creating an exhilarating and excitingly original series of books. She makes you care about Lori and JT, creates a state where you appreciate the dangers that Bounty Hunters face in order to do their jobs. then makes it exciting, nerve wracking and so fast paced you won't have time to even stop and breathe.

This is a one sitting kind of a read so think carefully about when you are going to pick it up. Once you start, just like Lori facing down her target, you won't want to back away until you turn the very last page. A totally cracking book. Can't wait for book three...

[Tripfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense thriller set in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Deep Blue Trouble is the second book in Steph’s Broadribb’s Lori Anderson series. It is every bit as good as the first, Deep Down Dead.



Lori Anderson is a bounty hunter. They are a peculiarly American phenomenon. Bondsmen (for a fee) offer to post bail for a suspected criminal. The bail, though, is forfeited if the suspect does not turn up for a court appearance. If they attempt to vanish (as a fair number do…) before the appearance, then the bondsman employs a bounty hunter to track them down and bring them in. The bounty hunter earns between 10% and 15% of the bond as his or her fee – it can be very lucrative. It is, though, a dangerous and a violent occupation – and only just about on the right side of the law.

In Deep Down Dead, Lori took on the job of bringing back her erstwhile business and personal partner, James Robert Tate (JT), who had skipped bail to Florida from West Virginia to face charges. JT himself was a former bounty hunter and Lori’s mentor. She needed the money to pay her daughter, 9 year old Dakota’s, medical bills (she has leukaemia, but it is in remission…). Despite the somewhat bizarre situation, and her misgivings, she took the job. It did not go smoothly, with much violent action and JT eventually saving the lives of both Lori and Dakota – before learning he was Dakota’s father. It is a pulsating book and an excellent read.

Deep Blue Trouble picks up where Deep Down Dead leaves off. JT (in order to protect Lori) confesses to killings he did not commit. She needs him free and out of jail to try and pick up where they had left their lives 10 years’ previously – and to be a father to Dakota. She is recruited by Alex Monroe, a somewhat dubious FBI officer, to capture Gibson ‘The Fish’ Fletcher who has just broken out of jail and is on the run. But why does Monroe not use the forces of law and order? Why does he use a freelancer? Why does he need time with Fletcher before he is sent back to jail? Lori doesn’t, though, ask too many questions – as Monroe has promised her JT’s release if she brings in Fletcher. A prize she is desperate to claim.

The trail leads her to San Diego in Southern California. Family, Friends, Freedom – JT had taught her these were the things most important to a fugitive, and the key to tracking him down. She got nowhere with Family – a brother who didn’t want to know Fletcher, and who seemed genuine enough. She had more luck with Friends. Mia, unhappily married, had an affair with Fletcher lasting many years. Lori senses he would attempt to contact her and heads for San Diego where she has relocated with her violent husband. Close to the Mexican border which is where Freedom comes in. She works (unwillingly, but on Monroe’s orders) with a local bounty hunting firm – with connections to Mexico should Fletcher have already crossed the border. They track down Fletcher, and the finale is both dramatic and blood soaked.

In the course of the book Lori works out Monroe’s motivation for seeking her help, and she is also followed and threatened by members of the Miami mob – who believe she has killed some of theirs (the crime to which JT has falsely confessed…). She is set up to work again with Monroe on a sting involving the Chicago mob – don’t think it takes a genius to work out this will be the next Lori Anderson adventure!

Steph Broadribb is, perhaps oddly given the nature of what she writes about, a Brit. She absolutely has the ability to construct a great American-style page turning thriller, bursting with action. Her books are hard to put down until you have finished them.

[Craig Sisterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've quickly become a fan of Steph Broadribb's Lori Anderson series, for a number of reasons. It can seem at times like the mystery genre is lately drowning in a tsunami of middle-class heroines getting themselves into all sorts of domestic noir scrapes (thanks Gone Girl) - some great tales but plenty of mediocre ones too - but here's a female-centric series that provides something quite different.

Lori is hard-working, blue-collar single Mom kicking ass in an action-packed series set in the sultry American south. Holding her own against the mean and maniacal, the brutal and the bigoted, ala Jack Reacher, Charlie Fox, or Camaro Espinoza, without having any of their military backgrounds.

There's a real energy to Broadribb's storytelling, a strong narrative voice that draws you in to Lori's world, and the challenges she faces. From the early chapters of Deep Down Dead, her debut appearance, I was fully alongside her, enjoying the ride as the helter-skelter story unfolded. I also enjoyed the short story, The Last Resort, that was released between novels - even if only a short tale it had that same vivid storytelling and gave us a little more insight into Lori's bounty hunter journey.

Deep Blue Trouble deals with the aftermath of Deep Down Dead, where Lori had reconnected with her old bounty hunting mentor JT, who was wanted for various crimes, and the pair had got into all sorts of trouble while uncovering some nasty crimes and trying to bring very bad guys to justice.

JT has taken the fall for some of what went on in the previous novel, a decision that could lead to the death chamber and a lethal injection. For lots of reasons, Lori is not willing to let JT languish in jail, and sets out to earn his freedom via a deal with a shady federal agent. As you can imagine, things do not go to plan, and Lori's efforts open a Pandora's Box of trouble for a lot of people, herself included.

This is another really solid action-thriller from Broadribb, which cements the Lori Anderson series as much more than just a great first tale. Lori is not an infallible superhero character - she makes mistakes, bad choices, and gets herself and others hurt with occasionally head-scratching decisions. But you always feel like her heart is in the right place, and even her bad choices come from an organic, authentic place and fit her character (rather than being 'author hand' to create drama).

I tore through this book in a couple of sittings. Broadribb has a great authorial voice and is an incredibly assured writer for one who is just starting out in what (I hope) could be a long crime writing career. There are occasional moments where it didn't seem quite as tight as the debut (being super-picky), and I think readers may get more out of this book if they've read Deep Down Dead and got a sense of Lori already (so this deepens their understanding), rather than starting with this one. But overall Deep Blue Trouble is a very good read that shows Broadribb is a new star here to stay.

[Ronnie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the events in Deep Down Dead, Lori Anderson is once again in an impossible situation. With JT in prison, the death penalty looming over his head, Lori is forced to strike a deal with FBI agent Alex Munroe: track down Gibson ‘The Fish’ Fletcher and bring him back. With no other way to save JT and have him released from prison, she leaves behind beloved daughter Dakota and sets off for San Diego, utilising every modicum of her knowledge and past experience in capturing him again. But this time is different. Now he is no longer a thief, he is a murderer, leaving a trail of dead in his wake, on the run and determined to remain so. With thoughts of a family she hopes she can build with Dakota and her old mentor, Lori is faced with heartbreak when JT is attacked in prison. Danger stalks her every move but what is worse, it trails the lives of the ones she adores.



Lori is simply incomparable as a character. She’s strong, loyal, fearless, determined and she has a huge resolve and a boundless ferocity when it comes to protecting her family. In Deep Blue Trouble she is faced with new problems (as well as a few old which really are coming back to haunt her; it makes for gripping reading!). As well as wanting JT out of prison because he is innocent, she needs him free for the welfare of her daughter. He is the only one who can provide a bone marrow transplant should Dakota’s cancer come back and her daughter is the most important person in the world. You can really feel Lori’s determination and love pour from the pages of this book!



The blog tour for Deep Down Dead was my very first as a book blogger, so a year later, to be reading the second book in Steph Broadribb’s wonderful series is such an honour! I love the writing. I love the breathless pace and bubbling energy. And I love the characters to pieces! This is one of the most fabulous series!! I especially enjoyed the tension between Lori and Dez McGregor and seeing how their relationship played out in Deep Blue Trouble! This is one of those series that is just going to get better and better!



Deep Blue Trouble thrums with inexhaustible energy and eye-popping action! Heart-pounding, show-stopping thrills combined with a kick-ass lead character! What more could you ask for from a book?! Utterly brilliant! Can’t wait to read book 3!

Fast-paced. Tense. Wonderful.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Anderson is back! I loved loved loved ‘Deep Down Dead'. ‘Deep Blue Trouble’ is set just a few days after events in ‘Deep Down Dead’ and instead of enjoying time with her daughter, Lori is thrown right back into work. This time to save JT, father of her daughter and love of her life.

Lori is real tough. Real bold and a real force of nature. She is a breath of fresh air to crime fiction. And I definitely have a girl crush! Fearless and resourceful, she will stop at nothing to get the job done. Yet she is a mother and seeing those softer, tender moments makes her vulnerable, genuine and believable.

I love the relationship she has with JT – her mentor and her lover. Lori knows how to survive on her own, she always has done. She does not need a man. Despite all that, she will do anything for JT. Lori knows how to protect her heart and those walls are pretty strong, but he has that heart. I’m looking forward to seeing where their relationship goes.

I also loved the introduction of Red, Lori’s informant and gatherer of information. The relationship between Lori and Red reminded me of a father/daughter relationship. He was a great addition to the book and I really hope we see more of him.

Steph Broadribb certainly knows how to write a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat and how she manages to do it is beyond me, I felt breathless and my heart was pounding as I tore through the pages. To write with that level of intensity is a skill! Lori’s exploits are a pressure cooker of tense, nail biting, exhilarating moments. Every chapter ends on a cliff hanger, enticing you to keep reading and stick with Lori way past your bedtime. This series is fresh, fast-paced, bursting with action and with a female lead unlike any other. I have become a huge fan of Lori and of Steph Broadribb, I cannot recommend these books enough – fresh, enthralling, exciting and wonderfully kick-ass. Bring on book three!

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!  This was as nail-bitingly frantic as the first book!

Again I really wish I could tell everyone to STOP whatever they are doing right now and read these books!  Why has this story not been turned into a movie yet??!?!!

Deep Blue Trouble picks up where Deep Down Dead ended. I guess you don't have to read Deep Down Dead first as the author gives a good catch-up however why would you not want to - and you really would miss out on the fantastic beginning to this blockbuster.

This book is high-stakes action-packed. Having read the first book only yesterday  I still felt very raw with the pain and trouble that Lori had come through in bringing her daughter, Dakota and JT, her mentor and former lover to safety.  You are immediately thrown in to more risk with Lori putting her life on the line after making a deal with Monroe, the FBI agent who was aware of the trouble they had all just been through.  I can understand Lori's reasoning as Monroe was her only chance at getting JT out of prison and she was going to give it all she had.

Want more.... check out www.momobookdiary.com

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
I really could just say, "You know that book that I (and just about everyone else) was so excited about a few months back? Well, the sequel is out now, and it's just as good, if not better. Everything I wrote before still applies." That'd be cheating, and not 100% accurate, but close enough I could do it with a clear conscience.

But let's see if we can give it a bit more justice...

When we left Lori, she was agreeing to work with an FBI Agent to bring someone in, in exchange for this, he'll help exonerate JT from the crimes he's been accused of. Lori has brought this particular escaped con in before -- Gibson "The Fish" Fletcher, a thief and convicted murderer -- and Agent Monroe assumes that should give her a leg up. This hunt takes her from coast to coast (and coast to coast), and even across the border. I'd like to think that her career before these last two cases was a whole lot more benign, because what she goes through in the couple of weeks recorded in these two novels is probably more than most people go through in their lives.

Lori brings a PI she worked with before to track Fletcher in to help with some background, and Monroe hooks her up with a group of bounty hunters that he has experience with. Lori and her PI get along well, and work together even better. The bounty hunters, on the other hand, just don't seem to want to work with Lori. The contrast between the people she's allied with in this hunt is striking and helps the reader get a real grasp of Lori's character. Every other character in this book deserves some discussion -- well, most of them do -- but I can't do that without ruining the book. Let me just say that I'd be glad to see everyone that survives this book intact in the future -- and maybe even some of those that don't.

This case is primarily Lori using her brain (and her PI's) to get her man -- yeah, there's some fisticuffs, some gunplay -- but this is about Lori being smarter than anyone else in the case. Similarly, in Deep Down, Lori takes some real physical punishment, but this time the punishment is more mental and psychological -- she doesn't escape without some serious bruising (at least...), but primarily it's the emotional stress and punishment she's given while on the hunt for Fletcher that will take its toll.

In Deep Down the threat to Dakota was obvious and immanent -- this time out, it's more abstract, theoretical. Lori's used a little money she just made to send her to camp. But if Lori can't keep JT out of prison (or worse), getting him as a donor to help treat Dakota's leukaemia is going to be near impossible. This is a nice change -- you can't have Dakota in constant peril, nor can you have Lori constantly distracted by her. Don't get me wrong, I don't want her to disappear, or be conveniently occupied all the time, but the reader needs it occasionally.

As for JT? Well, being in prison in a state where one of the major crime lords has a hit out on you isn't exactly easy. We don't get the flashbacks to his training Lori as much, but Lori is constantly returning to his lessons for guidance -- so his presence is felt throughout the book, even if he's locked up the whole time. That training is what ultimately helps her -- even if she has to ignore a good chunk of it, naturally, watching her decide when to ignore his training is painful, because she picks bad times and ways to do so. Lori is keeping something from JT -- which is going to come back to bite her. I get why she's doing it, and can sympathize -- but I know she's a fictional character and I know what usually happens to fictional characters who do this kind of thing. Am truly hoping that Broadribb is going ti zag here when we all expect her to zig -- but even if she zigs, I expect the execution of it to be better than my imagination.

It may seem like a little thing, or at least a strange thing to comment on in a post like this -- but I really appreciated the way that Broadribb worked in a recap of Deep Down Dead to the opening pages here. It's a lost art anymore, and I just wanted to take a second and say way to go.

One minor criticism: it was much easier to tell that this was a book written by a Brit writing an American.

This was a fast thriller, with a story that propels you to keep reading -- you'll read more than you should per sitting, because you just can't put it down. Broadribb writes like a seasoned pro, with panache and skill. Lori remains one of my favorite new characters for this year, and the rest of the cast of characters are just about as good. I can't wait to see what Broadribb puts poor Lori, JT and Dakota through next.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I knew it’d take a damn sight longer for the horrors of the previous week to pale, but she was alive; we all were. If James Robert – JT – hadn’t been with us, none of us might have survived to tell any kind of version of the truth’

I squeaked, I eeeeked and I jumped for joy when I heard Steph Broadribb had written the follow up book to Deep Down Dead. Steph Broadribb is a blogger and a now amazeballs author with the fab Orenda Books, who writes with an exciting style that just leaves me and many, many others wanting more.

If I were to have a #girlcrush on anyone it would most definitely be Lori Anderson. In Deep Blue Trouble, Lori is back with her ‘don’t mess with me’ attitude and toting her tazer gun at anyone she suspects to be trouble.

Deep Blue Trouble picks up exactly where Deep Down Dead left off. Lori is now reunited with her daughter Dakota, but her mentor and Dakota’s father, JT, is behind bars. With a multiple murder charge hanging over him and a path to death row in his sights, Lori finds herself accepting a rather dubious deal from FBI agent Alex Monroe. Her payout…..JT’s freedom.

For those of you new to this series, Lori Anderson is a bounty hunter. She is good at what she does, but she is a bit of a lone wolf, so she can be quite a challenge for others.

Now this is the bit I love about these books. Unbelievably Steph Broadribb, herself, went off and trained to be a bounty hunter so that the accuracy of certain scenes in the book would be just that…accurate!! And boy does this shine through, as you blitz your way through this book.

The job that Lori has to accept is to bring in a lawbreaker named Gibson ‘The Fish’ Fletcher. Initially for Lori it seems a relatively straight-forward mission and with the release of JT as her pay-off, this is one job she cannot turn down. With great hesitancy she leaves her daughter in a summer camp for a few weeks and heads off on her quest.

Lori is soon aware that she is being followed. But by whom? Mindful of the fact that she is already in danger from the Miami mob, due to circumstances that arose in Deep Down Dead, Lori now suspects that there may be others…but why?

She engages the help of an old friend ‘Red’ in doing a little research for her and it’s not long before Lori grasps the full scale of the case she is after taking on. With JT’s life in danger every second longer he spends in prison, Lori has to face up to a few possibilities about their future and how vital it is for her to close off this case with speed.

The plot-line in Deep Blue Trouble is complex with many different characters involved, but Steph Broadribb manages to bring it all together with expert hands. Lori Anderson is up against it with the clock ticking and, as she soon discovers, things are about to get a hell of a lot more complicated.

Can Lori bring back ‘The Fish’ and claim her bounty? Who really is Alex Monroe? Can JT survive his prison time? So many questions…..

Deep Blue Trouble is a thrilling, exhilarating, pump-action no-hold-bars kick-ass read. In my review of Deep Down Dead I refer to the fact that the author is English, which is an astounding fact, as her understanding of the whole lifestyle, the dialect, the intricacies of the law is just exceptional. The research shines through and I think this is why this series appeals. There is an originality to the plot-line with a female protagonist that shows no fear and is basically bloody brilliant.

Lori Anderson is described as ‘the most fearless and memorable female character in crime fiction‘ and I think I would have to agree!! Her disregard for own safety and her drive to do anything for her daughter and JT, makes her such an intriguing character to follow.

Engrossing, riveting and, did I mention…. an adrenaline-fueled, heart-pumping, action-packed adventure.

Highly recommend!!

[Christen Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

2017 was the year I discovered I love action thrillers, a genre I did not think I would like. Clearly I was wrong. Lori Anderson is one of the reasons I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. Deep Blue Trouble is a thrilling action packed story of a woman driven to extremes by one of the most basic human instincts, protecting her family.

Bounty hunter Lori Anderson has two problems. Her daughter Dakota is in remission from cancer, which could rear its ugly head at any moment. The only possible way to save Dakota’s life should the cancer reemerge would be a bone marrow transfer from her father JT. JT is in prison and could be facing the death penalty in Florida. In order to save JT and her daughter, Lori makes an unofficial deal with a person she does not fully trust. Lori must find Gibson “The Fish” Fletcher. Lori is familiar with Fletcher, but leads on his location are limited. We join Lori as she tries to hunt down Fletcher in unfamiliar territory and with limited resources.

Deep Blue Trouble is the follow up story to book one in the series, Deep Down Dead. In Deep Down Dead we read exclusively from Lori’s point of view. In Deep Blue Trouble we get to know JT. In the first book, JT was very elusive. I was not sure I could trust him or if I even liked him. In many ways Lori showed she was unsure of JT as well. Reading from JT’s perspective allowed me to get to know him and finally find out his true motives.

Lori is not the same person we met in book one. In Deep Down Dead she is focused and calculated. In Deep Blue Trouble, her desperation is showing; she is reckless and scared. While she has every right to be scared and desperate, these feelings are causing her to lose focus. She realizes this is happening but she is unable to regain her focus. Lori tries to reflect on lessons and learned practices (trust no one, work alone) from her mentor JT. These earlier lessons further complicate her situation. When JT was training Lori to become a bounty hunter, the teachings were based on neither of them having anything to lose. To me JT’s earlier lessons did not apply; Lori and JT both have everything to lose. Trying to apply her methods with these new circumstances was the biggest hurdle Lori had to overcome.

Broadribb introduces some new characters in book two. I really enjoyed reading how Lori interacted with other people and how other people reacted to her. In book one, most of the people Lori meets are criminals. In book two she meets people who are not criminals and could become allies. I found it very interesting that her attitude towards both criminals and potential allies were pretty much the same.

All though this is an action thriller, it is loaded with feelings of love and sacrifice. The author perfectly blends a story full of high anxiety with just the right amount of emotion. When you remove all the action and suspense from the story you will find a very basic premise - a woman who loves her family and will to do anything to protect them. I cannot think of anyone who would be unable to relate to Lori. Deep Blue trouble is action packed, exhilarating, fast paced, and full of heart. Fans of James Patterson’s Alex Cross and Women’s Murder Club series, as well as Dean Koontz’s Jane Hawk series will certainly love Lori Anderson.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

DBT is another rip roaring, hum-dinger of a book by Steph. Following on immediately from the events of DDD, our protagonist and all round kick-ass heroine, Lori Anderson, is presented with yet another dodgy as shit-but-has-to-take-it job, this time bringing in Gibson “The Fish” Fletcher for wobbly FBI guy, Alex Monroe. Now, before we go on, Gibson “The Fish” Fletcher isn’t some Guillermo Del Toro amphibious creature type played by Doug Jones who has escaped from some secret government facility and is on the run stealing bottles of Evian to throw over himself and squatting in people’s hot-tubs and swimming pools, no, as cool as that would be *takes breath*. He is a thief, specialising in robbing from boats moored up around the marinas of Florida, approaching them unseen from the waterside of the boat. Anyhoo, one sunny day his simple, everyday robbing turns to…….moider! I mean……murder, apparently slaughtering a rich couple in their boat, leaving their two young children to witness the extremely bloody aftermath. Now I saw apparently because, this being a Steph Broadribb novel, of course things aren’t as simple as that. PAH, Steph laughs at your idea of simple. She mocks you and your preconceived ideas of what a simple storyline is. Without giving too much away, Lori is forced into taking the job to find Fletcher, apprehend him and bring him back to Monroe (the aforementioned wobbly FBI dude), in order to save her one-time mentor JT’s arse.

To say any more about the plot would obviously spoil the huge fun to be had inside this book (and to also ruin DDD a bit). Steph knows how to construct a tightly plotted, breathlessly paced, action packed, character driven novel that reads like the best blockbuster action movies you’ll see at the moving picture houses. There’s twists and turns and set pieces aplenty. Lori herself is a great character; rounded, assertive, fallible, likeable and compassionate, and she is ably assisted by a great supporting cast of varied characters; some of them likeable, or grow-to-likeable, and others utterly unlikeable; those whom you can’t wait to see get their just desserts.

While both DDD and DBT are connected, they can be read as standalone books in their own right, as long as you don’t mind spoilers for the previous one, and the way is left wide open at the end of DBT for the inevitable third book – and hopefully 4th, 5th, etc books.

Deep Blue Trouble is an enormously fun read that you’ll finish in no time at all. Roll on the third installment.

[Victoria Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Steph Broadribb has done it again. Yes, the kick-ass Florida bounty hunter Lori Anderson is back in Deep Blue Trouble - which is even better than the first book in this series, Deep Down Dead.

I read this book early - really early - thanks to an error at Amazon UK, which delivered the e-book to my Kindle nearly three weeks before it was actually published. Well, I couldn't NOT read it straight away, could I?!

I devoured Deep Blue Trouble in just a few hours (three short sittings overall), reluctantly having to put it down to go to sleep and then leave the house but diving straight back in as soon as I could do so.

Lori is doing an off-the-books job for FBI agent Alex Monroe, searching for an escaped felon. But is Agent Monroe being as straight with her as he claims to be? Or is he putting her life in danger? When Lori teams up with a local bounty hunter, McGregor, there's tension from the outset. She is being threatened too, and has everything to lose if this job goes pear-shaped. So no pressure then...

Yet again, Steph Broadribb has written a fast-paced action thriller. Lori is fearless but also has plenty of heart, as well as determination and skills and maybe some luck too. This time, she leaves her nine-year-old daughter Dakota behind while she does her job, but that doesn't mean motherhood is out of her mind. In fact, everything Lori does is for Dakota's benefit, even trying to get JT (Dakota's father) out of jail and away from death row. She's constantly in fear that Dakota's cancer will come back, and will do anything to keep her daughter safe.

In Deep Blue Trouble, Lori isn't working alone, as there are several others helping her behind the scenes. JT is back too, and this time he has a voice, so you can really get inside his head.

I'm loving this series - it's fresh, fun and a rollercoaster read each time. There's a short story (The Last Resort) you can download too, which provides even more background to Lori and JT's relationship. I can't wait for the next book (though I know it will be a long wait) - I'm (not-so-)secretly hoping there will be even more of JT in there!

[Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a corker of a book to end 2017's reading on!!

Around this time last year I was shouting about the fabulous Deep Down Dead which introduced us to Lori Anderson, the bad-ass, but completely loveable, bounty hunter. I was absolutely amazed that Deep Down Dead was Steph Broadribb's debut as it was a superbly written complex plot. As such, I had high hopes for this second book and boy does it deliver!

** Potential spoilers for Deep Down Dead :) **

Deep Blue Trouble picks up shortly after the events of Deep Down Dead from which Lori is still reeling. JT is in prison with the potential outlook of death row and Lori is desperate to clear his name. Her daughter Dakota is safe however Lori is paranoid that her cancer is going to return so wants JT back in their lives more than ever.

Lori takes an off-the-books job from FBI Agent, Alex Monroe to find a fugitive who she has previously caught. Whilst there is a lot that Monroe is keeping away from her (need to know basis and all that!), she still takes the job against her better judgement and advises from an old friend.
What I thoroughly enjoyed about this book was the combination of the high octane narrative combined with the personal side of Lori; we get to know her a bit more and how she feels about JT. We also get to hear from JT in this second book so we get to know him a bit better - although the man is a very closed book!

Deep Blue Trouble is a fabulous escape from the English winter, post Christmas blues as it takes the reader to sunny Florida and Broadribb writes in such a way that you feel as though you are standing shoulder to shoulder with Lori with that sun beaming down!

I absolutely loved this book, it is full of twists and turns getting the reader on the edge of their seat - easily devoured in one sitting if real-life responsibilities don't get in the way. This is one of those books that I couldn't stop thinking about and just wanted to get back to reading. This series is definitely a must-read series and I hope that there are many more outings from Lori and JT to come.

This is one series you do not want to miss!! All the stars!!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another whip-cracking, bounty-hunting ordeal with as much bite and venom as book one, Deep Down Dead.

This follow up begins immediately after the previous lethal venture for Lori Anderson, JT (Tate) and little Dakota. Once again there are many knots for them to unravel on a fraying piece of string, and unless they moved quickly it wouldn’t take long before their lives were hanging by a thread.

Despite their current and very different circumstances, which I won’t divulge here as it could possibly spoil book one for those who have yet to read it (please do, it’s a wicked read), their personal situations remain grave and both Lori and JT try to ensure the survival of the other in their own individual ways – although the consequences may not be good for their health.

Deep Blue Trouble is a cocktail of high stakes, uncertain strategies, and deadly resolutions. The heat of its fiery plot kept my interest ablaze throughout – once I started reading it was virtually impossible to stop!