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Line of Duty #2
Lethal Target
Police Chief Tess O'Rourke thought she'd taken care of her small town's drug problem last year. But now Rogue's Hollow residents are up in arms over a contentious vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana within city limits. And when an eighteen-year-old is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess wonders if the local pot farms might be involved and begins to fear that a new, deadlier drug supply chain has cropped up. As tempers flare and emotions boil over, Tess faces the possibility of losing the town's support.
With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson's quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father's death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.
Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.
With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson's quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father's death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.
Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.
386 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2018
175 people are currently reading
1722 people want to read
About the author
Janice Cantore
21 books797 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 118 reviews
November 18, 2021
Now settled in small town Oregon, Police Chief Tess O'Rourke continues to battle drugs in the community. This time it's a teenager and his parents don't believe he was using drugs. While I didn't like this one quite as much as book one, it was still very good. Look forward to reading the conclusion to the series.
November 13, 2018
Disclosure: I have not read book one in this series.
Overall, while this is a very technically sound and interesting story with a great plot, I felt like it lacked a bit of "heart." The main characters seemed a bit one-dimensional to me, which, considering this is the second book in the series, I would have expected more depth. Tess just seemed to me like your typical cop character, and Oliver was just your typical pastor character. I never really truly "liked" the characters because they just seemed so flat to me. As I've said before, characters make or break a story for me, and I'm afraid that's why this was only a mediocre book for me personally. The storyline kept me intrigued and I was constantly guessing as to who our villain was. It was definitely very suspense-y and I was quite literally on the edge of my seat during the final climax. Having not read the first book in the series, I was still able to follow along very well, despite missing pieces of the story from book one. The faith element was well done, and I almost teared up a bit in one scene.
All in all, while not my favorite, this was an interesting suspense read and I will be checking out book one.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Overall, while this is a very technically sound and interesting story with a great plot, I felt like it lacked a bit of "heart." The main characters seemed a bit one-dimensional to me, which, considering this is the second book in the series, I would have expected more depth. Tess just seemed to me like your typical cop character, and Oliver was just your typical pastor character. I never really truly "liked" the characters because they just seemed so flat to me. As I've said before, characters make or break a story for me, and I'm afraid that's why this was only a mediocre book for me personally. The storyline kept me intrigued and I was constantly guessing as to who our villain was. It was definitely very suspense-y and I was quite literally on the edge of my seat during the final climax. Having not read the first book in the series, I was still able to follow along very well, despite missing pieces of the story from book one. The faith element was well done, and I almost teared up a bit in one scene.
All in all, while not my favorite, this was an interesting suspense read and I will be checking out book one.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 9, 2018
I adore Janice Cantore's raw ability to tell a story that captures the honesty and hard working police officers. Being a retired police officer, Cantore brings the emotional side to the job, but also shows the hard work and the grim reality of the police force. With the newest addition to her Line of Duty series, Lethal Target, Cantore held my attention and forced me to deal with the drug overdose and corruption of the pot farmers.
One of my favorite aspect of a Cantore book is her ability to bring in the realistic world of the police force without boring me with too much textbook information. She brings the world to life for me as an innocent bystander who doesn't know much about the inside workings of the police world, but she allows me to experience it through Tess as she works through the case. Cantore's writing is clean and crisp, allowing me to experience the emotions of Tessa as she travels through the ups and downs in her story.
The plot kept me engrossed in the plot. There were some moments where the plot dragged, and I couldn't wait to move passed those spots, but for the most part, the story moves a fast clip, begging me to stay focused, so I don't miss who killed the boy in the opening chapter. Right from the beginning, Cantore begs me to enter the chase for the killer of a young boy. I really enjoyed the chase.
The spiritual element was not preachy at all. Cantore does a fabulous job at allowing Oliver to explain and draw Tess back to God in her own terms. Cantore doesn't force the gospel down the reader's throat. She slowly dribbles it, allowing the reader to empathize with Tess as she tries to find her own way back to the God who her father loved dearly. I really loved the scene with Tess and her father's Bible near the end. Very touching.
Overall, Lethal Target by Janice Cantore shows the inner workings of a police chief and her struggle to work in the ever changing world we live in. The plot moved quickly and held a tiny aspect of a romance. Just the way I liked my romantic suspense. I believe if you are a fan of Lynette Eason and DiAnn Mills, then this novel might be right up your alley. I really enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of Lethal Target by Janice Cantore from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
One of my favorite aspect of a Cantore book is her ability to bring in the realistic world of the police force without boring me with too much textbook information. She brings the world to life for me as an innocent bystander who doesn't know much about the inside workings of the police world, but she allows me to experience it through Tess as she works through the case. Cantore's writing is clean and crisp, allowing me to experience the emotions of Tessa as she travels through the ups and downs in her story.
The plot kept me engrossed in the plot. There were some moments where the plot dragged, and I couldn't wait to move passed those spots, but for the most part, the story moves a fast clip, begging me to stay focused, so I don't miss who killed the boy in the opening chapter. Right from the beginning, Cantore begs me to enter the chase for the killer of a young boy. I really enjoyed the chase.
The spiritual element was not preachy at all. Cantore does a fabulous job at allowing Oliver to explain and draw Tess back to God in her own terms. Cantore doesn't force the gospel down the reader's throat. She slowly dribbles it, allowing the reader to empathize with Tess as she tries to find her own way back to the God who her father loved dearly. I really loved the scene with Tess and her father's Bible near the end. Very touching.
Overall, Lethal Target by Janice Cantore shows the inner workings of a police chief and her struggle to work in the ever changing world we live in. The plot moved quickly and held a tiny aspect of a romance. Just the way I liked my romantic suspense. I believe if you are a fan of Lynette Eason and DiAnn Mills, then this novel might be right up your alley. I really enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of Lethal Target by Janice Cantore from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
June 8, 2020
What gripping police procedural kind of suspense! It's been a while since I read the first book in Cantore's Line of Duty series but I had no problem picking up with all the Rogue Hollow drama in this one. Having said that, Lethal Target can definitely be read as a standalone novel, so no worries if you aren't familiar with this series.
Book two takes up about six months after Tess's gritty introduction to small town policing. She's established herself as police chief and is just as zealous at protecting her community from the growing drug problem as ever. As a retired Long Beach police officer (22 years service), Cantore brings an authenticity to the policing scenes that add an extra measure of 'umph' to the story.
And what a story this is! Page-turning (or in my case rabid-listening) fiction that held me spellbound. Small town politics clash with Tess's meticulous investigative work and that makes for lots of charged scenes filled with tension and angst. The suspense is incredibly well thought out with so many suspects and potential motives I felt like maybe I should start my own white board breakdown. :-) There's also the subtle hint of romance playing in the background which made my romantical heart so happy.
And huge kudos to the author for incorporating significant faith threads throughout this story. Love, love, love Pastor Oliver and his steady resolve to be the hands and feet of Christ and Tess's faith journey is especially moving.
Plenty of twists and turns and sucker punch 'aha' moments added to the frenetic pace of my read (listen.) Simply outstanding! Heading over to audible to download the final Line of Duty book -- Cold Aim -- right now!
Book two takes up about six months after Tess's gritty introduction to small town policing. She's established herself as police chief and is just as zealous at protecting her community from the growing drug problem as ever. As a retired Long Beach police officer (22 years service), Cantore brings an authenticity to the policing scenes that add an extra measure of 'umph' to the story.
And what a story this is! Page-turning (or in my case rabid-listening) fiction that held me spellbound. Small town politics clash with Tess's meticulous investigative work and that makes for lots of charged scenes filled with tension and angst. The suspense is incredibly well thought out with so many suspects and potential motives I felt like maybe I should start my own white board breakdown. :-) There's also the subtle hint of romance playing in the background which made my romantical heart so happy.
And huge kudos to the author for incorporating significant faith threads throughout this story. Love, love, love Pastor Oliver and his steady resolve to be the hands and feet of Christ and Tess's faith journey is especially moving.
Plenty of twists and turns and sucker punch 'aha' moments added to the frenetic pace of my read (listen.) Simply outstanding! Heading over to audible to download the final Line of Duty book -- Cold Aim -- right now!
September 27, 2018
Janice Cantore has done it again with Lethal Target. Admittedly I was a little concerned when I read the back cover about Tess having feelings for Oliver. Janice made it flow beautifully and reasonably.
The book opens with Tess’s birthday. A day she does not celebrate as her dad was killed in the line of duty on her 16th birthday. She has been angry at God ever since and questioning his existence.
Oliver is the local pastor who lost his wife in the first book. He plays a major role in the book and in the town. I truly enjoyed his conversations with Don Cherry. This was a great addition to the story.
The blogger who hates Tess has come to her town to continue to harass her. This time someone is paying him to cause her trouble and distract her.
Janice’s books are so realistic and not just the police drama part of it. In Lethal Target we have local politics and the legalization of marijuana and the effects it has on the town.
I was thrilled to see Tilley in the book and the progress she is making. Janice adds these little details that thrill readers and makes the characters real to us.
sex - none
violence - a teen is murdered, people are shot at, some killed, some people kidnapped,
drugs/alcohol - recovering drug addict, legalized marijuana,
The book opens with Tess’s birthday. A day she does not celebrate as her dad was killed in the line of duty on her 16th birthday. She has been angry at God ever since and questioning his existence.
Oliver is the local pastor who lost his wife in the first book. He plays a major role in the book and in the town. I truly enjoyed his conversations with Don Cherry. This was a great addition to the story.
The blogger who hates Tess has come to her town to continue to harass her. This time someone is paying him to cause her trouble and distract her.
Janice’s books are so realistic and not just the police drama part of it. In Lethal Target we have local politics and the legalization of marijuana and the effects it has on the town.
I was thrilled to see Tilley in the book and the progress she is making. Janice adds these little details that thrill readers and makes the characters real to us.
sex - none
violence - a teen is murdered, people are shot at, some killed, some people kidnapped,
drugs/alcohol - recovering drug addict, legalized marijuana,
December 6, 2018
'Her dad and Oliver both believed an all-powerful God ran the show, Tess couldn't.'
This was my first Janice Cantore novel and it will not be my last. I only wish I had time to go back and read all her previous books. This was a top-notch police drama in novel form. No slack time, crisp, clear and deftly written. Tess O'Rourke is a fine police chief and her character is one full of integrity and honor, but flawed. The pastor in the tale is a great character as well. I enjoyed every minute.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
This was my first Janice Cantore novel and it will not be my last. I only wish I had time to go back and read all her previous books. This was a top-notch police drama in novel form. No slack time, crisp, clear and deftly written. Tess O'Rourke is a fine police chief and her character is one full of integrity and honor, but flawed. The pastor in the tale is a great character as well. I enjoyed every minute.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2019
3.5 stars
" . . barring natural causes, what were the options? Intentional overdose, accidental overdose, or murder."
The curious death of an eighteen year old teen in Rogue Hollow, Oregon has its citizens breathing down the neck of their fairly new police chief, Tess O'Rourke. The crime appears to be drug related, yet the young man's friends vehemently deny that he was a user. After questioning everyone involved, no leads rise to the surface and complaints against the police department continue, only now Tess's nemesis from her previous career in Long Beach, California has arrived in the area determined to stir up all kinds of rumors and innuendos about her capabilities. One of the few people who can center Tess's thinking and fuel her self-confidence is Pastor Oliver Macpherson. But not even the clear headed member of the clergy can protect Tess from becoming a target; the only question remaining is . . . . will it be lethal?
A nicely paced suspense with plenty of room for quality conversations alongside confusing trails of evidence, which serves to keep those conversations flowing. Nicely inserted is the reminder that it's God who promises to gift us with strength and courage, for He remains with us wherever we go.
" . . barring natural causes, what were the options? Intentional overdose, accidental overdose, or murder."
The curious death of an eighteen year old teen in Rogue Hollow, Oregon has its citizens breathing down the neck of their fairly new police chief, Tess O'Rourke. The crime appears to be drug related, yet the young man's friends vehemently deny that he was a user. After questioning everyone involved, no leads rise to the surface and complaints against the police department continue, only now Tess's nemesis from her previous career in Long Beach, California has arrived in the area determined to stir up all kinds of rumors and innuendos about her capabilities. One of the few people who can center Tess's thinking and fuel her self-confidence is Pastor Oliver Macpherson. But not even the clear headed member of the clergy can protect Tess from becoming a target; the only question remaining is . . . . will it be lethal?
A nicely paced suspense with plenty of room for quality conversations alongside confusing trails of evidence, which serves to keep those conversations flowing. Nicely inserted is the reminder that it's God who promises to gift us with strength and courage, for He remains with us wherever we go.
May 24, 2019
This book is even better than the first one, and the love interest, in my opinion, is dreamy. 4.5 rounded up to 5.
January 11, 2020
Police chief Tess O'Rourke is not only getting used to the small town of Rogue's Hollow, Oregon after the faster pace of Southern California, but now she is well liked and feels a part of her community. She’s good at what she does and is highly committed.
However, just as she's found her niche, the very person who made her life a nightmare in Long Beach has made his way to her town to start his shenanigans all over again. On the heels of a murder investigation, the last thing she needs is an obnoxious squeaky wheel undermining her, once again trying to forced out of a job.
But far more is going on in this sleepy town than anyone seems to know. Legal pot grows in Oregon are a major issue, and the insidious effect of drugs, foul play and missing people are making Tess's work more than challenging.
In this second book of the Line of Duty series, the attraction between Tess and Oliver heats up...okay, very slow boil, but still, it’s apparent. Oliver, being a pastor, is mostly concerned for her relationship with God as Tess is harboring a grudge against Him since her father's murder years ago. Oliver is patient and caring and is exactly what Tess needs to see her way back to the God of her youth.
Tense yet heartwarming, this book delivers quite a story. Something is always happening, and boring is not a word that can be used to describe Lethal Target.
Addendum...This was an audiobook, and although I enjoyed the story, and rated the book by that, I don’t recommend the audio version. The narrator read very haltingly all the way through. It sounded as if she'd read half a sentence, paused to read the rest of the sentence in her head, then read it aloud. I had to work hard to ignore that irritation because no one, with the exception of Captain Kirk, would normally talk that way.
However, just as she's found her niche, the very person who made her life a nightmare in Long Beach has made his way to her town to start his shenanigans all over again. On the heels of a murder investigation, the last thing she needs is an obnoxious squeaky wheel undermining her, once again trying to forced out of a job.
But far more is going on in this sleepy town than anyone seems to know. Legal pot grows in Oregon are a major issue, and the insidious effect of drugs, foul play and missing people are making Tess's work more than challenging.
In this second book of the Line of Duty series, the attraction between Tess and Oliver heats up...okay, very slow boil, but still, it’s apparent. Oliver, being a pastor, is mostly concerned for her relationship with God as Tess is harboring a grudge against Him since her father's murder years ago. Oliver is patient and caring and is exactly what Tess needs to see her way back to the God of her youth.
Tense yet heartwarming, this book delivers quite a story. Something is always happening, and boring is not a word that can be used to describe Lethal Target.
Addendum...This was an audiobook, and although I enjoyed the story, and rated the book by that, I don’t recommend the audio version. The narrator read very haltingly all the way through. It sounded as if she'd read half a sentence, paused to read the rest of the sentence in her head, then read it aloud. I had to work hard to ignore that irritation because no one, with the exception of Captain Kirk, would normally talk that way.
September 28, 2018
Lethal Target, by Janice Cantore, is book two in the Line of Duty series. This story takes over where book one, “Crisis Shot”, ends. It is not necessary to read the first book to read this book, but I highly recommend it. They both are great stories with the main character being Police Chief Tess O'Rourke. In this story an eighteen year old boy is found dead of a drug overdose. Tess has suspicions of the real cause of his death. Growing marijuana is legal in Oregon, and Tess suspects his death may be tied to the pot farm. Before she is able to track down his killer, a person from her past shows up dead on her porch. She is told to take vacation time until his murder is solved. When it seems like so many people are against Tess, she finds herself drawn to Pastor Macpherson. His wife was a friend of Tess's and was killed less than a year earlier.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It is fast paced and full of action and suspense. The story is so well written it was hard for me to put down. I like Tess's honesty of her faith in God since her father's death and her feelings about her father laying his life down for another person. I though the reference to Tess's rules were neat. While the story felt so real, I would hope that when a Chief Police is told to take vacation until a crime is solved, that person would not continue working the case. I also felt something was missing during the investigation of the young man's crime scene. I feel anyone who enjoys crime stories will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Fiction. This is my honest review.
Series: Line of Duty (book 2)
380 pages
ISBN: 9781496423740
My rating: 4.7 stars
I really enjoyed reading this story. It is fast paced and full of action and suspense. The story is so well written it was hard for me to put down. I like Tess's honesty of her faith in God since her father's death and her feelings about her father laying his life down for another person. I though the reference to Tess's rules were neat. While the story felt so real, I would hope that when a Chief Police is told to take vacation until a crime is solved, that person would not continue working the case. I also felt something was missing during the investigation of the young man's crime scene. I feel anyone who enjoys crime stories will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Fiction. This is my honest review.
Series: Line of Duty (book 2)
380 pages
ISBN: 9781496423740
My rating: 4.7 stars
October 18, 2018
"Lethal Target" is a Christian suspense novel. It's the second book in a series and is a continuation of that story, though you can understand what's going on if you read it as a stand alone. I'd strongly recommend reading them in order, though, especially as the events in the previous novel are "spoiled" in this one.
Poor Tess has to deal with a lot in this novel. She's called to the scene of a teenager's death. It looks like a drug overdose, but some things aren't quite right. The teenager's father is angry at her for even considering that his son might have done drugs and for not instantly solving the crime. Someone from her past who hates her comes along to stir up the town against her, and a drug boss wants everyone dead who was involved in killing a family member (which includes Tess). Tess just wants to solve the crimes and stop the bad guys, but it seems like everyone's making this as difficult as possible.
The characters acted realistically, and I cared about what happened to them. I liked Tess's tenacity, sense of duty, and compassion. Pastor Oliver's willingness to reach out to anyone and show God's love helped several people find emotional and spiritual peace. Tess dealt with her anger with God over letting her father die in the line of duty when she was young. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this engaging, suspenseful story.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
Poor Tess has to deal with a lot in this novel. She's called to the scene of a teenager's death. It looks like a drug overdose, but some things aren't quite right. The teenager's father is angry at her for even considering that his son might have done drugs and for not instantly solving the crime. Someone from her past who hates her comes along to stir up the town against her, and a drug boss wants everyone dead who was involved in killing a family member (which includes Tess). Tess just wants to solve the crimes and stop the bad guys, but it seems like everyone's making this as difficult as possible.
The characters acted realistically, and I cared about what happened to them. I liked Tess's tenacity, sense of duty, and compassion. Pastor Oliver's willingness to reach out to anyone and show God's love helped several people find emotional and spiritual peace. Tess dealt with her anger with God over letting her father die in the line of duty when she was young. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this engaging, suspenseful story.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
January 9, 2019
Police Chief Tess O'Rourke has a problem brewing in her small town community, Drugs! With the legalization of marijuana she has pot growers moving into the area and they are not settling in well with the rest of the community. As a matter of fact they are rude, pushy, and demanding. They want people to see things their way. They are not tolerant of those who see things differently.
On top of that Tess has a teenager's death to deal with. Was it drug related, medically related or maybe something more sinister?
Add on to this her own personal issues to deal with and her anger at God and you have a very compelling an interesting story. Tess will have to grapple with her feelings about the young widowed Pastor who lives in her community and deals with loss and tragedy much differently than she does.
While she harbors bitterness and anger over her loss, Pastor Oliver moves on with life through his trust in Christ and belief that God is good. How will these two attitudes clash? How will they drag two people together?
Add on to that more criminal elements moving into her community and you have an excellent story line and a good book to add to your book club because you definitely will have issues to talk through. This is a great study in human interaction, peoples reactions to loss and how they reconcile their loss with their view of God.
Enjoy!
On top of that Tess has a teenager's death to deal with. Was it drug related, medically related or maybe something more sinister?
Add on to this her own personal issues to deal with and her anger at God and you have a very compelling an interesting story. Tess will have to grapple with her feelings about the young widowed Pastor who lives in her community and deals with loss and tragedy much differently than she does.
While she harbors bitterness and anger over her loss, Pastor Oliver moves on with life through his trust in Christ and belief that God is good. How will these two attitudes clash? How will they drag two people together?
Add on to that more criminal elements moving into her community and you have an excellent story line and a good book to add to your book club because you definitely will have issues to talk through. This is a great study in human interaction, peoples reactions to loss and how they reconcile their loss with their view of God.
Enjoy!
October 21, 2018
3.5 Stars
In Lethal Target, Janice Cantore drops readers right into the turmoil and suspense in Rogue Hollow, OR. As police chief Tess O’Rourke deals with contention and high emotions among the citizens as the vote for whether to legalize marijuana sales in the city, the death of a young man only stirs the dissention.
If she doesn’t have enough on her plate, a man from her past who is determined to exploit her arrives, making her job even more difficult.
As a former police officer, Cantore brings knowledge, experience, and authenticity to her books. With several threads and suspects, Lethal Target was a little hard to follow at first, but I did settle into the story and the suspense until all was revealed. And the growing friendship between Oliver and Tess was a highlight. And while this story has no romance in it (maybe just hints at things to come but that’s pure conjecture on my part), the suspense makes up for t.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In Lethal Target, Janice Cantore drops readers right into the turmoil and suspense in Rogue Hollow, OR. As police chief Tess O’Rourke deals with contention and high emotions among the citizens as the vote for whether to legalize marijuana sales in the city, the death of a young man only stirs the dissention.
If she doesn’t have enough on her plate, a man from her past who is determined to exploit her arrives, making her job even more difficult.
As a former police officer, Cantore brings knowledge, experience, and authenticity to her books. With several threads and suspects, Lethal Target was a little hard to follow at first, but I did settle into the story and the suspense until all was revealed. And the growing friendship between Oliver and Tess was a highlight. And while this story has no romance in it (maybe just hints at things to come but that’s pure conjecture on my part), the suspense makes up for t.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 3, 2020
Good Book
Another good read. This book continues the story of Chief Tess and the Rogue River Police Department. Again there are lots of twists and turns and keeps you guessing on how this book will turn out. There is a little more spiritual content in this book, but not preachy. The spiritual struggles of the Chief and one criminal were complex but realistic.
Another good read. This book continues the story of Chief Tess and the Rogue River Police Department. Again there are lots of twists and turns and keeps you guessing on how this book will turn out. There is a little more spiritual content in this book, but not preachy. The spiritual struggles of the Chief and one criminal were complex but realistic.
January 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this suspense novel. Cantore’s experience as a police officer shines through making this book feel current, relevant, and authentic. It deals with several modern day issues like the legalization of marijuana and the affects of that, animosity towards police, and sensational/irresponsible journalism. Everything that happened felt believable and I was caught up in the story.
Police Chief Tess O’Rourke is a strong woman whose faith has all but disappeared because of the events in her past. She can’t understand how Pastor Oliver can keep holding on to his belief in a good God who cares for His people. When events again get dangerous and even lethal, Tess has to decide who and what she’ll lean on. There’s a lot of great action and a sense of urgency. It’s a great read.
Thank you to Tyndale House for providing me with a complimentary e-copy through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The Line of Duty series:
Book 1: Crisis Shot
Book 2: Lethal Target
Book 3: Cold Aim (coming out July 2019)
Police Chief Tess O’Rourke is a strong woman whose faith has all but disappeared because of the events in her past. She can’t understand how Pastor Oliver can keep holding on to his belief in a good God who cares for His people. When events again get dangerous and even lethal, Tess has to decide who and what she’ll lean on. There’s a lot of great action and a sense of urgency. It’s a great read.
Thank you to Tyndale House for providing me with a complimentary e-copy through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The Line of Duty series:
Book 1: Crisis Shot
Book 2: Lethal Target
Book 3: Cold Aim (coming out July 2019)
November 22, 2018
I normally shy away from reading book sequels (especially if I liked how the first book ended), and yet I found myself picking up Lethal Target because Janice Cantore is a fabulous author. The writing is excellent and the tension and suspense is palpable throughout the entire novel, so be prepared. Tess continues to be a strong character and Oliver plays a much larger roll than in the first book and he was easy to like. BUT, being a sequel that picks up 6 months after Crisis Shot, you must read that first, because so much of this book is just a continuation of Crisis Shot.
October 5, 2018
Review to come soon....
December 11, 2018
Lethal Target by Janice Cantore
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes
Janice Cantore offers her readers a great addition to the Line of Duty series that will have you completely involved in discovering all the who’s and whys and hoping that Tess will find her real enemy before time runs out.
Much knowledge, talent and research has to go into writing a story about law enforcement personnel, and Janice Cantore has all three, there is no question. Her skill with relating a story that includes enough of the case details without getting bogged down with too many is made clear with each successive book she writes. I’ve loved getting to know her latest main character, Tess O’Rourke through the many adventures and struggles she has had since moving to Rogue’s Hollow, Oregon. Tess is the Chief of Police in Rogue’s Hollow and she is working to keep her community safe and content. Although she hasn’t had the job for a long time, the citizens of the Hollow are coming to really trust and depend on her and her officers to maintain order. But the peace that Tess and the community have been enjoying is about to be shattered, first with the divide over the state legalization of Marijuana and then with the death of one of Rogue’s Hollow’s graduating Seniors, Tim Harper. The state vote gave legal status to the sale of recreational pot, but Rogue’s Hollow has yet to vote whether to allow its sale within city limits. Proponents for both side have been engaging in heated arguments all over town and Tess has all she can do to keep everyone from losing control. She personally would rather the sale of pot stay outside of town at the pot farm but she will have to uphold whatever the citizens decide. Add to this the call of a possible opioid overdose of a well respected student, and Tess’s life is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Diplomatically navigating a case that is sure to be watched closely by everyone in town and the county Sheriff, Tess strives to do the best job while not letting her personal feelings get in the way. Her growing friendship with Pastor Oliver “Mac” Macpherson helps Tess keep her head on straight while also challenging her to accept the past. She is still hurting deeply over the murder of her father when she was sixteen and cannot wrap her mind around the fact that God cares about people. After all, her dad had been a faithful follower and look what God let happen to him. Letting God back in will mean accepting that God did not abandon her and Tess is not sure if she believes that anymore. As she is struggling to balance everything and get the answers they all want, an unwelcome past enemy arrives in town. Hector Connor-Ruiz lives to make cops lives miserable and his favorite target is Tess. Deep hatred and resentment will have him agreeing to work with another enemy to ensure that Tess’s life is a living nightmare. As Tess faces all these opposers to her job and person, she will have to dig deep to find the needed strength to stand without crumbling. With every hit, she is sure it will be the last straw, but God is not finished with Tess. Determined to discover the real culprit in the case, even if it means working alone, Tess find herself in the middle of a much bigger situation than she originally thought. To keep everyone safe will require Tess to use all her legal know-how and strategic skill. And she may even find a new romance on the horizon after everything comes to a close. I really enjoyed reading every page of this book. While most authors can make their main characters shine bright within the pages of their story, Ms. Cantore also makes her supporting characters very vivid too. There were some town residents that you wanted to hug for their kindness and others you wanted to punch for their real ugliness. And Hector is a character created precisely for everyone to hate (and perhaps even pity), and honestly, I cheered when he was removed from the story through his own faults. The conclusion of the story brought closure to many things and was very well written. I love the big steps forward Tess is finally taking in both her spiritual and personal life. I know there will be another book to the series and I can’t wait to see where Ms. Cantore takes Tess from here. Please release the next book soon, Ms. Cantore!!
I received this book free of charge from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
___________________________________________________________
Story Notes
Janice Cantore offers her readers a great addition to the Line of Duty series that will have you completely involved in discovering all the who’s and whys and hoping that Tess will find her real enemy before time runs out.
Much knowledge, talent and research has to go into writing a story about law enforcement personnel, and Janice Cantore has all three, there is no question. Her skill with relating a story that includes enough of the case details without getting bogged down with too many is made clear with each successive book she writes. I’ve loved getting to know her latest main character, Tess O’Rourke through the many adventures and struggles she has had since moving to Rogue’s Hollow, Oregon. Tess is the Chief of Police in Rogue’s Hollow and she is working to keep her community safe and content. Although she hasn’t had the job for a long time, the citizens of the Hollow are coming to really trust and depend on her and her officers to maintain order. But the peace that Tess and the community have been enjoying is about to be shattered, first with the divide over the state legalization of Marijuana and then with the death of one of Rogue’s Hollow’s graduating Seniors, Tim Harper. The state vote gave legal status to the sale of recreational pot, but Rogue’s Hollow has yet to vote whether to allow its sale within city limits. Proponents for both side have been engaging in heated arguments all over town and Tess has all she can do to keep everyone from losing control. She personally would rather the sale of pot stay outside of town at the pot farm but she will have to uphold whatever the citizens decide. Add to this the call of a possible opioid overdose of a well respected student, and Tess’s life is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Diplomatically navigating a case that is sure to be watched closely by everyone in town and the county Sheriff, Tess strives to do the best job while not letting her personal feelings get in the way. Her growing friendship with Pastor Oliver “Mac” Macpherson helps Tess keep her head on straight while also challenging her to accept the past. She is still hurting deeply over the murder of her father when she was sixteen and cannot wrap her mind around the fact that God cares about people. After all, her dad had been a faithful follower and look what God let happen to him. Letting God back in will mean accepting that God did not abandon her and Tess is not sure if she believes that anymore. As she is struggling to balance everything and get the answers they all want, an unwelcome past enemy arrives in town. Hector Connor-Ruiz lives to make cops lives miserable and his favorite target is Tess. Deep hatred and resentment will have him agreeing to work with another enemy to ensure that Tess’s life is a living nightmare. As Tess faces all these opposers to her job and person, she will have to dig deep to find the needed strength to stand without crumbling. With every hit, she is sure it will be the last straw, but God is not finished with Tess. Determined to discover the real culprit in the case, even if it means working alone, Tess find herself in the middle of a much bigger situation than she originally thought. To keep everyone safe will require Tess to use all her legal know-how and strategic skill. And she may even find a new romance on the horizon after everything comes to a close. I really enjoyed reading every page of this book. While most authors can make their main characters shine bright within the pages of their story, Ms. Cantore also makes her supporting characters very vivid too. There were some town residents that you wanted to hug for their kindness and others you wanted to punch for their real ugliness. And Hector is a character created precisely for everyone to hate (and perhaps even pity), and honestly, I cheered when he was removed from the story through his own faults. The conclusion of the story brought closure to many things and was very well written. I love the big steps forward Tess is finally taking in both her spiritual and personal life. I know there will be another book to the series and I can’t wait to see where Ms. Cantore takes Tess from here. Please release the next book soon, Ms. Cantore!!
I received this book free of charge from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
October 10, 2018
** “God has a greater knowledge of everything than I will ever have. I can’t question his will or resent circumstances over which I have no control. All I can do is live my life the way I’m called to live it.” **
** “Faith in God would never insulate a person from the pain of living, but without faith there was no hope that the pain would count for something, that it wasn’t all for nothing.” **
Janice Cantore brings her real-world law enforcement experience to the written page once again with her latest novel, “Lethal Target.”
After relocating from Long Beach, Calif., Tess O’Rourke is settling nicely into her new job as the Rogue’s Hollow, Oregon, chief of police. All that comes to a screeching halt, though, when 17-year-old Tim Harper is found dead in his bed … and Tess believes it could be drug related.
With the local (and legal) pot farm Hang Ten, and the seedy characters it employs, getting more and more aggressive, Tess must dive into what happened to Tim and determine if he was indeed murdered and if drugs were involved.
With help from Pastor Oliver Macpherson, who lost his wife and cousin to a drug dealer and murderer in Book 1, Tess must not only solve Tim’s mysterious death, but figure out what happened to several other men who go missing. And she must also decide whether she can stop being angry at God for taking her father on her 16th birthday and come to trust in Him again.
As always, Cantore fills her novels with tons of amazing and complex characters. Tess and Oliver are both very strong characters, but also both very flawed and relatable, trying to overcome their weaknesses as they start to develop feelings for each other. Characters like Don “The Hulk” Cherry and handyman Bryce Evergreen, both who work at Hang Ten, are riveting — are they good or are they bad?; Hector Connor-Ruiz, a pest from Tess’ past, drips with malice and is truly vexing; and most of the town’s police officers and officials are endearing and supportive of Tess.
But besides being an incredible police thriller with just a smidgen of romance, “Lethal Target” provides so many incredible lessons. With murders, frame-ups, kidnappings, drug use and a growing opioid epidemic, Cantore repeatedly reminds us the world is broken. But, she is quick to remind us that there is a hope of heaven and restoration, even in the deepest of losses.
Faith and trust are woven throughout the entire novel as major themes — reminding us that God is both in the good and the bad, even when we lose that faith. Cantore reminds us again and again that we can and need to have faith that God is in control of all outcomes.
Once again, Cantore’s own experience as a Long Beach police officer shines through with another excellently written novel. And event though this is the second novel in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. She does an excellent job catching the reader up with Book 1’s plot (I myself unfortunately missed Book 1 and had no problem understanding what was going on in “Lethal Target”).
I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series, unfortunately not due out until Summer 2019!
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale House Publishers provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
** “Faith in God would never insulate a person from the pain of living, but without faith there was no hope that the pain would count for something, that it wasn’t all for nothing.” **
Janice Cantore brings her real-world law enforcement experience to the written page once again with her latest novel, “Lethal Target.”
After relocating from Long Beach, Calif., Tess O’Rourke is settling nicely into her new job as the Rogue’s Hollow, Oregon, chief of police. All that comes to a screeching halt, though, when 17-year-old Tim Harper is found dead in his bed … and Tess believes it could be drug related.
With the local (and legal) pot farm Hang Ten, and the seedy characters it employs, getting more and more aggressive, Tess must dive into what happened to Tim and determine if he was indeed murdered and if drugs were involved.
With help from Pastor Oliver Macpherson, who lost his wife and cousin to a drug dealer and murderer in Book 1, Tess must not only solve Tim’s mysterious death, but figure out what happened to several other men who go missing. And she must also decide whether she can stop being angry at God for taking her father on her 16th birthday and come to trust in Him again.
As always, Cantore fills her novels with tons of amazing and complex characters. Tess and Oliver are both very strong characters, but also both very flawed and relatable, trying to overcome their weaknesses as they start to develop feelings for each other. Characters like Don “The Hulk” Cherry and handyman Bryce Evergreen, both who work at Hang Ten, are riveting — are they good or are they bad?; Hector Connor-Ruiz, a pest from Tess’ past, drips with malice and is truly vexing; and most of the town’s police officers and officials are endearing and supportive of Tess.
But besides being an incredible police thriller with just a smidgen of romance, “Lethal Target” provides so many incredible lessons. With murders, frame-ups, kidnappings, drug use and a growing opioid epidemic, Cantore repeatedly reminds us the world is broken. But, she is quick to remind us that there is a hope of heaven and restoration, even in the deepest of losses.
Faith and trust are woven throughout the entire novel as major themes — reminding us that God is both in the good and the bad, even when we lose that faith. Cantore reminds us again and again that we can and need to have faith that God is in control of all outcomes.
Once again, Cantore’s own experience as a Long Beach police officer shines through with another excellently written novel. And event though this is the second novel in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. She does an excellent job catching the reader up with Book 1’s plot (I myself unfortunately missed Book 1 and had no problem understanding what was going on in “Lethal Target”).
I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series, unfortunately not due out until Summer 2019!
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale House Publishers provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
October 9, 2018
***an exciting story that could be pulled from today's headlines penned by a retired police officer***
In “Lethal Target,” book two of Janice Cantore’s “Line of Duty” series, the focus is again on drugs with the added contentious issues of legalized pot farms and a vote to legalize marijuana within the city limits of Rogue’s Hollow. However, it’s also a complex tale of murder, deceit and faith challenges complete with multifaceted characterizations, authentic details and action scenes, even a subtle hint of romance.
However, romance was the furthest thing from Police Chief Tess O’Rourke’s thoughts right now. When she arrested California drug smuggler Roger Marshall last year she believed the drug problem would end. Yet, opiate addiction, “drug overdose,” and drug related deaths continued to plague the town.
With the most recent an eighteen-year-old reported DOA by the graveyard patrol officer. Even though the grieving mother and the boy’s best friend said he never used drugs. However, when Tess arrived on scene she inspected the boy’s room and saw a needle and white powder residue in the evidence bags. She also noted an open screenless window, a ten-foot drop to the ground below and smashed bushes.
During the interview Tess learned a group of kids had gathered the night before to celebrate leaving for college. They had met at their favorite party spot and some older guys from the Hang Ten pot farm had joined them.
Tess knew the Hang Ten was the largest of three legally licensed pot farms and they were difficult and obnoxious to deal with. She also knew the farm owner believed the town discriminated against his operation and he had “taken on ‘hired muscle’” because of it. The more Tess learned the more she questioned whether she was dealing with overdose, suicide or maybe murder.
Yet, how and why would the pot farm involved? “Had a new and deadlier drug supply chain cropped up” and were they part of it? However, why would a college bound honor student who never used drugs commit suicide? And what about the open window and smashed bushes below? Tess couldn’t yet know those questions would unleash a dangerous investigation that would not only threaten the town, but also the lives of those she cared about as well as ruin her law enforcement career.
Thus, begins an intriguing story penned by a retired Long Beach police officer that could be pulled from today’s headlines because of the topic, authentic scenes and dialogue. The light touch of romance and questions of faith are well integrated into an otherwise suspenseful storyline that keeps pages turning until the end.
‘Lethal Target (The Line of Duty,’ # 2), by Janice Cantore, Tyndale House Publishers, Oct 9, 2018, 416 pages, 978-1496423740, $14.99
“Gail’s Bookshelf” Midwest Book Reviews: "September 2018"
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In “Lethal Target,” book two of Janice Cantore’s “Line of Duty” series, the focus is again on drugs with the added contentious issues of legalized pot farms and a vote to legalize marijuana within the city limits of Rogue’s Hollow. However, it’s also a complex tale of murder, deceit and faith challenges complete with multifaceted characterizations, authentic details and action scenes, even a subtle hint of romance.
However, romance was the furthest thing from Police Chief Tess O’Rourke’s thoughts right now. When she arrested California drug smuggler Roger Marshall last year she believed the drug problem would end. Yet, opiate addiction, “drug overdose,” and drug related deaths continued to plague the town.
With the most recent an eighteen-year-old reported DOA by the graveyard patrol officer. Even though the grieving mother and the boy’s best friend said he never used drugs. However, when Tess arrived on scene she inspected the boy’s room and saw a needle and white powder residue in the evidence bags. She also noted an open screenless window, a ten-foot drop to the ground below and smashed bushes.
During the interview Tess learned a group of kids had gathered the night before to celebrate leaving for college. They had met at their favorite party spot and some older guys from the Hang Ten pot farm had joined them.
Tess knew the Hang Ten was the largest of three legally licensed pot farms and they were difficult and obnoxious to deal with. She also knew the farm owner believed the town discriminated against his operation and he had “taken on ‘hired muscle’” because of it. The more Tess learned the more she questioned whether she was dealing with overdose, suicide or maybe murder.
Yet, how and why would the pot farm involved? “Had a new and deadlier drug supply chain cropped up” and were they part of it? However, why would a college bound honor student who never used drugs commit suicide? And what about the open window and smashed bushes below? Tess couldn’t yet know those questions would unleash a dangerous investigation that would not only threaten the town, but also the lives of those she cared about as well as ruin her law enforcement career.
Thus, begins an intriguing story penned by a retired Long Beach police officer that could be pulled from today’s headlines because of the topic, authentic scenes and dialogue. The light touch of romance and questions of faith are well integrated into an otherwise suspenseful storyline that keeps pages turning until the end.
‘Lethal Target (The Line of Duty,’ # 2), by Janice Cantore, Tyndale House Publishers, Oct 9, 2018, 416 pages, 978-1496423740, $14.99
“Gail’s Bookshelf” Midwest Book Reviews: "September 2018"
Google+GailWelborn
Pinterest: GailWelborn
Twitter: @GailWelborn
FaceBook: Gail Welborn
FaceBook Reviews: Gail Welborn
October 30, 2018
With tighter action, better characters and an overall excellent story, Lethal Target is by far the best I have read from Janice Cantore.
Tess O’Rourke has grown to love her new home of Rogue’s Hollow and being the Chief of Police is just the right fit for her. When the town becomes divided over the vote to legalize the sale of marijuana and a young high school graduate is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess has to put her knowledge to the test to crack the case. As emotions come to a boiling point, Tess starts to lose the support of those she has sworn to protect. To make matters worse, a familiar face from her past resurfaces causing even more problems. Needing a friend and an ear to help her keep things in perspective, she turns to pastor Oliver Macpherson. As things heat up with the case, so do her feelings for the pastor and his for hers, but her father’s death when she was just a teenager has her questioning faith and even Oliver himself. When the cases collide and the danger becomes lethal, Tess has to use everything she has to save herself and those in her town.
Lethal Target is by far the best Cantore novel I have read yet, and I have read them all. The characters are sharp, the tension is tight and the story is really on point. I felt a stronger connection with the characters and what they were going through than in the previous in the series. Tess was going through some really hard times but I never felt sorry for her in a way that would make the character annoying, something that happens all too often. The romance aspect played out in the right way, nothing was too strong that had me rolling my eyes, instead I smiled as the characters drew strength from one another and used that to solve the problems they encountered. This is the second in the series but readers new to Cantore will have no problem starting with this book having not read the first. There is just enough back story on the characters, mainly Tess, to keep new readers up to speed on what is happening. As always, the fact that Janice Cantore has a back ground in law enforcement provides so much to the story and the plot making the details be just what is needed to make everything realistic. I highly recommend this to fans of Cantore and those that love a good police procedural, mystery with just a sprinkle of romance. With no language or over the top violence this is even appropriate for any age group.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Tess O’Rourke has grown to love her new home of Rogue’s Hollow and being the Chief of Police is just the right fit for her. When the town becomes divided over the vote to legalize the sale of marijuana and a young high school graduate is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess has to put her knowledge to the test to crack the case. As emotions come to a boiling point, Tess starts to lose the support of those she has sworn to protect. To make matters worse, a familiar face from her past resurfaces causing even more problems. Needing a friend and an ear to help her keep things in perspective, she turns to pastor Oliver Macpherson. As things heat up with the case, so do her feelings for the pastor and his for hers, but her father’s death when she was just a teenager has her questioning faith and even Oliver himself. When the cases collide and the danger becomes lethal, Tess has to use everything she has to save herself and those in her town.
Lethal Target is by far the best Cantore novel I have read yet, and I have read them all. The characters are sharp, the tension is tight and the story is really on point. I felt a stronger connection with the characters and what they were going through than in the previous in the series. Tess was going through some really hard times but I never felt sorry for her in a way that would make the character annoying, something that happens all too often. The romance aspect played out in the right way, nothing was too strong that had me rolling my eyes, instead I smiled as the characters drew strength from one another and used that to solve the problems they encountered. This is the second in the series but readers new to Cantore will have no problem starting with this book having not read the first. There is just enough back story on the characters, mainly Tess, to keep new readers up to speed on what is happening. As always, the fact that Janice Cantore has a back ground in law enforcement provides so much to the story and the plot making the details be just what is needed to make everything realistic. I highly recommend this to fans of Cantore and those that love a good police procedural, mystery with just a sprinkle of romance. With no language or over the top violence this is even appropriate for any age group.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
January 6, 2019
Lethal Target
Line of Duty #2
By Janice Cantore
Tess O'Rourke thought the past of Long Beach was behind her now that she has become a part of the community of Rogue's Hollow. The police department is facing a new crisis with the death of an 18-year-old young man that appears to have been due to a drug overdose. But when the evidence doesn't prove conclusive Tess is left with more questions than answers. Is it related to the new pot farms setting up around the area or is it something more sinister? Especially when the bane of her existence in Long Beach shows up ready to start a new smear campaign against her in Rogue's Hollow.
Tess has definitely crossed someone and once again her career is on the line but she's not about to back down and fade into the shadows when she has a job to do. And she does have a job to do when an unexplained death and potential missing persons on her watch. What Tess doesn't know is just how large a target she has on her back and whether she'll survive the threats that seem to be surrounding her.
Through it all, those who know and believe in her stand firm in their support. But with a contention ballot measure and the mayor's race just days away, Rogue's Hollow may soon erupt under the building tension. And Tess is under her own personal turmoil as the anniversary of her father's death comes around yet again - can she let go of the anger and allow her heart to heal? Or will her anger end her friendship with Pastor Oliver Macpherson, who seemingly overcame his own personal loss? Only time will tell and it is quickly running down.
This is the second book in the Line of Duty series and it takes place a few months after the events of Crisis Shot with Tess well-situated in her new home. Her relationship with Sergeant Steve Logan has come and gone in the time between, her choice. Tess's determination and drive make her a compelling character. And then there is Oliver who through his interactions is a caring person who tries to help others see that all sin is sin and all are guilty but redemption is possible and it is never too late to change. Rogue's Hollow is like many smaller communities with issues that seem larger than they truly need to be just because everyone knows everyone and it becomes more personal. Altogether a well-written and engaging book that is perfect for a long chilly weekend.
Line of Duty #2
By Janice Cantore
Tess O'Rourke thought the past of Long Beach was behind her now that she has become a part of the community of Rogue's Hollow. The police department is facing a new crisis with the death of an 18-year-old young man that appears to have been due to a drug overdose. But when the evidence doesn't prove conclusive Tess is left with more questions than answers. Is it related to the new pot farms setting up around the area or is it something more sinister? Especially when the bane of her existence in Long Beach shows up ready to start a new smear campaign against her in Rogue's Hollow.
Tess has definitely crossed someone and once again her career is on the line but she's not about to back down and fade into the shadows when she has a job to do. And she does have a job to do when an unexplained death and potential missing persons on her watch. What Tess doesn't know is just how large a target she has on her back and whether she'll survive the threats that seem to be surrounding her.
Through it all, those who know and believe in her stand firm in their support. But with a contention ballot measure and the mayor's race just days away, Rogue's Hollow may soon erupt under the building tension. And Tess is under her own personal turmoil as the anniversary of her father's death comes around yet again - can she let go of the anger and allow her heart to heal? Or will her anger end her friendship with Pastor Oliver Macpherson, who seemingly overcame his own personal loss? Only time will tell and it is quickly running down.
This is the second book in the Line of Duty series and it takes place a few months after the events of Crisis Shot with Tess well-situated in her new home. Her relationship with Sergeant Steve Logan has come and gone in the time between, her choice. Tess's determination and drive make her a compelling character. And then there is Oliver who through his interactions is a caring person who tries to help others see that all sin is sin and all are guilty but redemption is possible and it is never too late to change. Rogue's Hollow is like many smaller communities with issues that seem larger than they truly need to be just because everyone knows everyone and it becomes more personal. Altogether a well-written and engaging book that is perfect for a long chilly weekend.
December 28, 2018
This was an enjoyable suspense with a dash of romance! The story follows Police Chief Tess O'Rourke as she deals with the suspicious death of a teenager in her small town. Pot farms have sprung up near town and there's an upcoming vote to decide whether it will be legal to sell it in town, also. She's worried more serious drugs might be soon to follow. She suspects someone involved in a pot farm might have had a hand in the teenager's death. The father, especially, is not taking it well and is blaming Tess for not solving the case fast enough. Meanwhile, a man from her past shows up in town, spreading lies and making the townspeople doubt her abilities as chief.
Her good friend, Pastor Oliver Macpherson, gives her a lot of support and a listening ear just when her relationship with Sergeant Steve Logan seems to hit the rocks. While she values the pastor's opinions, she just can't trust in a God who would take her father from her as a teenager. She also can't understand how he can still have faith after his wife was murdered.
I really enjoyed this story as Tess investigates the death and follows the clues. It was like a police procedural but with small town politics and pot farms thrown in! I was really frustrated with this guy who showed up to make her life a nightmare. I just have a hard time understanding people who want to make life difficult for others. There were some good spiritual elements, as the pastor talks with different people about suffering and he thinks about what he went through with the loss of his wife. He knew he would see her one day in Heaven and that God was in control and had a purpose for the pain and he wanted to help Tess see that. There was a hint or romance and some good suspense and action as she tracks down a killer. We got different viewpoints, which always makes a book more interesting. I haven't read book one yet but it was easy to read as a stand-alone, though I did feel that there were characters I probably would have met in book one and maybe had more backstory on. I would recommend this one if you like suspense!
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
Her good friend, Pastor Oliver Macpherson, gives her a lot of support and a listening ear just when her relationship with Sergeant Steve Logan seems to hit the rocks. While she values the pastor's opinions, she just can't trust in a God who would take her father from her as a teenager. She also can't understand how he can still have faith after his wife was murdered.
I really enjoyed this story as Tess investigates the death and follows the clues. It was like a police procedural but with small town politics and pot farms thrown in! I was really frustrated with this guy who showed up to make her life a nightmare. I just have a hard time understanding people who want to make life difficult for others. There were some good spiritual elements, as the pastor talks with different people about suffering and he thinks about what he went through with the loss of his wife. He knew he would see her one day in Heaven and that God was in control and had a purpose for the pain and he wanted to help Tess see that. There was a hint or romance and some good suspense and action as she tracks down a killer. We got different viewpoints, which always makes a book more interesting. I haven't read book one yet but it was easy to read as a stand-alone, though I did feel that there were characters I probably would have met in book one and maybe had more backstory on. I would recommend this one if you like suspense!
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2020
The book opens with Tess walking up from a vivid dream, a nightmare really and once she has her feet on the ground, although her head in her hands, she reflects on the dream, the date, and the significance of the day. It is her birthday, a day she doesn’t joy over, but ache’s over as she recounts the anniversary of her dad’s death, shot and killed on her sixteenth birthday. Then, before she is through her first cup of coffee, her phone rings. Becky Jonkey, a relatively new patrol officer calls in with a situation, and book two is off and running.
An eighteen-year-old, graduating high school senior is found dead in his home on his birthday from what appears to be a drug overdose. Before all the facts can be gathered from the teen death, other situations intervene to keep the drama and tension going, such as local politics, the legalization of marijuana, a farm that is growing it, questionable characters that are hired to work at it, and participating with a DEA takedown team working a drug operation. Tess also must deal with a divided Rogue Hollow, a divided city government who wants her badge, mysteries that keep happening, and answers that keep being illusive. Her philosophy is trust yourself, because you can trust no one else. In contrast to her trusting only in herself, Pastor Mac walks and talks his faith. Tess see his strong testimony of God’s grace in his life. She sees that even in his grief over the loss of his wife Anna, Oliver never abandons his faith. She sees how his faith sustains him. As tension and danger swirl around Tess, Oliver prayers for this “warrior for justice,” this “dragon slayer.” He prays that he can help Tess reconnect with her Savior, her faith, the faith that she saw in her Dad, but rejected when he died to save others.
This book was suspenseful; countless times it seems that evil would triumph. Under the wrong hands, this book could have been depressingly evil or salacious and smut-filled, but the tone and tenor of the book was on point. The end of the book was incredibly satisfying and beyond that, it was a blessing to read of people such as Pastor Mac, who shined as light in a dark world to all; the high and mighty and those in lowly positions. Great book. I’m off to read book three.
An eighteen-year-old, graduating high school senior is found dead in his home on his birthday from what appears to be a drug overdose. Before all the facts can be gathered from the teen death, other situations intervene to keep the drama and tension going, such as local politics, the legalization of marijuana, a farm that is growing it, questionable characters that are hired to work at it, and participating with a DEA takedown team working a drug operation. Tess also must deal with a divided Rogue Hollow, a divided city government who wants her badge, mysteries that keep happening, and answers that keep being illusive. Her philosophy is trust yourself, because you can trust no one else. In contrast to her trusting only in herself, Pastor Mac walks and talks his faith. Tess see his strong testimony of God’s grace in his life. She sees that even in his grief over the loss of his wife Anna, Oliver never abandons his faith. She sees how his faith sustains him. As tension and danger swirl around Tess, Oliver prayers for this “warrior for justice,” this “dragon slayer.” He prays that he can help Tess reconnect with her Savior, her faith, the faith that she saw in her Dad, but rejected when he died to save others.
This book was suspenseful; countless times it seems that evil would triumph. Under the wrong hands, this book could have been depressingly evil or salacious and smut-filled, but the tone and tenor of the book was on point. The end of the book was incredibly satisfying and beyond that, it was a blessing to read of people such as Pastor Mac, who shined as light in a dark world to all; the high and mighty and those in lowly positions. Great book. I’m off to read book three.
October 18, 2018
Police Chief Tess O’Rourke thought she’d taken care of her small town’s drug problem last year. But now Rogue’s Hollow residents are up in arms over a contentious vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana within city limits. And when an eighteen-year-old is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess wonders if the local pot farms might be involved and begins to fear that a new, deadlier drug supply chain has cropped up. As tempers flare and emotions boil over, Tess faces the possibility of losing the town’s support.
With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson’s quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father’s death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.
Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.
This is the second in the Line of Duty Series. This can be a stand alone book. But I recommend reading the first book so you can understand the references made about Tess's life in Long Beach.
Tess thought she had the drug problem in her small town under control. But with the death of a teenage boy due to a drug overdose, things heat up again. Her past is brought up by those who want her out of office and they are stirring up trouble to get her removed a Chief of Police. Oliver, one of the Pastor's in town, keeps showing up to help her. As things heat up with a murdered man found on her doorstep, his presence seems to calm her fraying nerves. Tess is struggling with why a loving God would allow her father to be gunned down.
This is a fast paced mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend this to anyone who like a good mystery.
I was given this book by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
http://www.janicecantore.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Janice-Cantore...
Lethal Target (The Line of Duty Book 2)
With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson’s quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father’s death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.
Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.
This is the second in the Line of Duty Series. This can be a stand alone book. But I recommend reading the first book so you can understand the references made about Tess's life in Long Beach.
Tess thought she had the drug problem in her small town under control. But with the death of a teenage boy due to a drug overdose, things heat up again. Her past is brought up by those who want her out of office and they are stirring up trouble to get her removed a Chief of Police. Oliver, one of the Pastor's in town, keeps showing up to help her. As things heat up with a murdered man found on her doorstep, his presence seems to calm her fraying nerves. Tess is struggling with why a loving God would allow her father to be gunned down.
This is a fast paced mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend this to anyone who like a good mystery.
I was given this book by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
http://www.janicecantore.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Janice-Cantore...
Lethal Target (The Line of Duty Book 2)
February 27, 2020
Readers return to the small Oregon town of Rogue’s Hollow in Lethal Target, the second book in Janice Cantore’s Line of Duty series. This time Tess O’Rourke investigates the murder of a favorite high school student with no enemies. The crime is especially puzzling and the family is vocal about Tess’s lack of skills in bringing the perpetrator to justice. Add extra layers of drug raids, legal pot farms, and a journalist’s vendetta, and you have a suspense-filled drama that keeps the pages turning. This novel gets a recommended rating from me.
Rogue’s Hollow is a fictional town, but Cantore’s description of setting and citizens truly bring it to life. The author brings back characters from book 1, Crisis Shot, including this reader’s favorite, Oliver Macpherson, the local pastor whose wife was murdered in the previous novel. Tess is faced with a number of problems and obstacles in her investigation, as well as danger and threats, both physical and emotional. For such a small town, Tess finds herself in a pressure cooker that could undo her. I liked that Cantore explores the emotional side of her characters as they struggle with choices and doubts. Spiritual issues are at the heart of this book as well. Short chapters keep the novel fast-paced, and I really enjoyed the clues shared with the reader before Tess discovers them. That certainly amped up anticipation. I also found the community debate over legal pot farms interesting. Lethal Target is my book club’s selection this month, and I anticipate a lively discussion of how people deal with the legalization that many find immoral or a danger to society as a whole. Marijuana is not legal in my state, but it certainly could be in the future.
If you like the suspense genre, then Lethal Target is an excellent choice. Great characters, wonderful setting, relevant issues, and spiritual truths make this an outstanding novel.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Rogue’s Hollow is a fictional town, but Cantore’s description of setting and citizens truly bring it to life. The author brings back characters from book 1, Crisis Shot, including this reader’s favorite, Oliver Macpherson, the local pastor whose wife was murdered in the previous novel. Tess is faced with a number of problems and obstacles in her investigation, as well as danger and threats, both physical and emotional. For such a small town, Tess finds herself in a pressure cooker that could undo her. I liked that Cantore explores the emotional side of her characters as they struggle with choices and doubts. Spiritual issues are at the heart of this book as well. Short chapters keep the novel fast-paced, and I really enjoyed the clues shared with the reader before Tess discovers them. That certainly amped up anticipation. I also found the community debate over legal pot farms interesting. Lethal Target is my book club’s selection this month, and I anticipate a lively discussion of how people deal with the legalization that many find immoral or a danger to society as a whole. Marijuana is not legal in my state, but it certainly could be in the future.
If you like the suspense genre, then Lethal Target is an excellent choice. Great characters, wonderful setting, relevant issues, and spiritual truths make this an outstanding novel.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
July 9, 2020
Tess O’Rourke was an excellent police chief but not everyone in Rogue’s Hollow could see that. Some of them allowed their own pride, ego, and misery blind them to the truth. Tess was not to be deterred in her efforts to find the bad guys and make the town a safe place to live. Driven by her desire to make her father proud even though he had been dead for a number of years, she was always on the job. She was constantly struggling with the question of why her father was killed in the line of duty if there really was a loving God. Her father had been an outstanding police officer who lived a life above reproach. She often asked herself what her father would do in a given situation. The story certainly provides a number of opportunities to ask that question since people are dying or disappearing with some degree of regularity. To really make matters worse, an old nemesis from Long Beach shows up in town and starts stirring up trouble for her among the local citizenry. Packed with action and suspense, the reader needs to be prepared to settle in for a while for the story to unfold, because there are not many places to take a short break. Before one situation is resolved, something else is popping loose. I enjoyed the story in particular because the romance takes a back seat to the suspense. The faith current weaves its way subtly through the pages. I especially like the role played by the pastor of the local community church. He is always available to help anyone who comes to his door. Although he does not think about Tess’s rule to Listen, Think, Speak, he certainly does a great job of practicing it.
September 25, 2018
Janice Cantore has written a powerful sequel to her earlier book, Crisis Shot. Tess O’ourke has now been the Chief of Police of Rogue’s Hollow, OR, for just about a year. The community has accepted her and she feels a part of the community she has made her home. At least until the body is literally found at the doorstep of her home. Oregon’s new legal pot trade has made itself at home in her community – but, surprisingly, there has been an up tick in the number of opioid overdoses during that same time. Suspicions run high that there is a connection between the pot farms and the increasing drug crisis – but Tess, the County Sheriff, nor the Federal DEA can find a connection between the two.
The book has enough suspense to keep this reader’s nose in the book for the four or five nights it took to read. Written by a former police officer, the book has a the sound of truth from the first page to the last. Though probably classified as a romantic suspense, the romance is relative light and does not overwhelm the plot as is sometimes happens in books of this genre. The role of faith is also present – a bit more than romance – but not overwhelmingly so. The book could easily find a home in the public library, the church library, or in the home of anybody looking for a well-written suspense novel.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.
The book has enough suspense to keep this reader’s nose in the book for the four or five nights it took to read. Written by a former police officer, the book has a the sound of truth from the first page to the last. Though probably classified as a romantic suspense, the romance is relative light and does not overwhelm the plot as is sometimes happens in books of this genre. The role of faith is also present – a bit more than romance – but not overwhelmingly so. The book could easily find a home in the public library, the church library, or in the home of anybody looking for a well-written suspense novel.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.
October 31, 2018
I always expect a riveting, suspense filled story when I pick up a book by Janice Cantore and Lethal Target did not disappoint. I particularly found the setting of interest because my daughter and her husband moved across the country to Oregon as traveling physical therapy assistants and their first assignment was in Grants Pass, right on the Rogue river. All I can say is that I’m thankful that the books in Cantore’s Line of Duty series are fiction!
With vivid descriptions, genuine characters, plenty of action and suspense, and a touch of romance, Lethal Target held my interest until the very end. I appreciated the fact that due to her father’s death Tess had major issues with accepting the Lord but loved that the author showed her journey toward faith in small steps that gave me hope for her eventual salvation.
There is a lot going on in Lethal Target with multiple twists, turns, and surprises in store. Of course there is at least one more book in this series so I will have to be content to wait along with other readers to find out how everything works out, especially which man Tess will choose. If you have not read any of this author’s books and are a fan of suspense novels featuring law enforcement, be sure to give Lethal Target a chance; however you might want to begin with Crisis Shot, book one of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
With vivid descriptions, genuine characters, plenty of action and suspense, and a touch of romance, Lethal Target held my interest until the very end. I appreciated the fact that due to her father’s death Tess had major issues with accepting the Lord but loved that the author showed her journey toward faith in small steps that gave me hope for her eventual salvation.
There is a lot going on in Lethal Target with multiple twists, turns, and surprises in store. Of course there is at least one more book in this series so I will have to be content to wait along with other readers to find out how everything works out, especially which man Tess will choose. If you have not read any of this author’s books and are a fan of suspense novels featuring law enforcement, be sure to give Lethal Target a chance; however you might want to begin with Crisis Shot, book one of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
January 12, 2019
This is the second book in a series called Line Of Duty. It follows a police chief, Tess O'Rourke in the small town of Rogue's Hollow. She sees more action that a small town chief should see with an increasing drug problem and now pot farms. Someone has a price on her head and what exactly will happen?
You know what happens, it's that kind of book, but it does keep you guessing by adding in more and more characters and a few unexpected things throughout.
The best part of this book in terms of what can I get out of it, is Tess' relationship with God. She has been angry with God, she thinks, for years, ever since her dad took a bullet on her 16th birthday and died. She wants nothing to do with faith or God since. But she's good friends with a pastor, a pastor whose wife was killed in the first book of this series, so she is constantly confronted with God and faith and she values the pastor's insight and friendship.
This comes to a head because the pastor makes a comment that angers Tess and she leaves to go home, but it continues to haunt her until she realizes the truth in the words that were spoken. And then healing is able to begin as she recognizes that her dad had a choice to give his life for another.
I don't know why I read these books, I wouldn't classify myself as a suspense reader at all, but there are a few authors and Janice Cantore is one, whose books I enjoy reading.
I received this book from Tyndale House and was not required to write a positive review.
You know what happens, it's that kind of book, but it does keep you guessing by adding in more and more characters and a few unexpected things throughout.
The best part of this book in terms of what can I get out of it, is Tess' relationship with God. She has been angry with God, she thinks, for years, ever since her dad took a bullet on her 16th birthday and died. She wants nothing to do with faith or God since. But she's good friends with a pastor, a pastor whose wife was killed in the first book of this series, so she is constantly confronted with God and faith and she values the pastor's insight and friendship.
This comes to a head because the pastor makes a comment that angers Tess and she leaves to go home, but it continues to haunt her until she realizes the truth in the words that were spoken. And then healing is able to begin as she recognizes that her dad had a choice to give his life for another.
I don't know why I read these books, I wouldn't classify myself as a suspense reader at all, but there are a few authors and Janice Cantore is one, whose books I enjoy reading.
I received this book from Tyndale House and was not required to write a positive review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews