Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Lucy Kincaid #16

Cut and Run

Rate this book
Three years ago, authorities assumed that the Albright family fled the country to avoid prosecution for embezzlement. But when their remains are discovered after a recent storm, the FBI is called in to investigate — and find the youngest child, whose body wasn't found with the others. If the child is dead, why wasn't his body found with his family? If he's alive, where has he been for the last three years? As FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid and her partner Nate investigate the cold case, they receive surprisingly little help from the original investigators. With minimal forensic evidence and no witnesses, Lucy and Nate don't know if they'll be able to find justice for these tragic murders, but with one small clue — the timeline of the victims' last day — they recreate what might have happened to the family.

While Lucy is deep in her investigation, investigative reporter Maxine Revere arrives in San Antonio because of another case. The confessed killer of a family friend has recanted his statement, and now the family simply wants her to find the truth about what happened to Victoria — Max's specialty. She hires Sean Rogan, a PI and Lucy's husband, to assist her. When Max learns that Victoria knew Lucy's victims, she connects a series of dots that lead to a deadly conspiracy. Lucy, Max, and Sean must work together again if they are to find justice for these two families — and finally uncover the truth about what happened. As they dig deep into the world of corporate embezzlement, high-stakes gambling, and multi-million-dollar land investments, they realize that more than one person has secrets dark enough to kill for ... and that one of them is the next target.

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 31, 2020

1055 people are currently reading
3992 people want to read

About the author

Allison Brennan

110 books5,275 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.

In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.

RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.

With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.

You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,089 (41%)
4 stars
1,025 (39%)
3 stars
437 (16%)
2 stars
58 (2%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,593 reviews1,325 followers
June 28, 2022
the setup…
After a turbulent storm unearths the human remains of four victims, the assistant director of the crime lab determines they were not only executed but identifies that as the missing Albright family who were believed to have fled to Mexico three years ago. FBI Agents Lucy Kincaid and Nate Dunning are assigned to investigate. But after some serious stonewalling by local law enforcement, they assume jurisdiction and begin to question some of the original assumptions about the family, especially since the body of their son wasn’t in the grave with them. Meanwhile, investigative reporter Maxine (Max) Revere is in town following up on a case at the behest of the victim’s family because the man who had confessed to the crime has suddenly recanted. Lucy’s husband Sean Kincaid was assisting her so the two are again reunited.

the heart of the story…
I was immediately pulled into Lucy and Nate’s investigation because of the open question regarding the young son, Ricky. Was he alive and, if so, where’s he been since he was 9-years old at the time? Max’s case was interesting but it was a white collar crime case that was so complicated I struggled to absorb the particulars and the relationships of all the players. I knew it was important and suspected that her case would somehow intersect with Lucy’s because it was the last thing either of them wanted (Lucy’s by the book and Max is very comfortable in gray areas). There were lots of angles involving multiple jurisdictions and law enforcement groups but that part was easy to follow because Lucy was the link. There were personal elements, too, as Lucy’s trying to host her family for Thanksgiving and it’s a challenge. Max is experiencing pulls at her heartstrings for the first time, wanting to be back home with her sister and committed partner more than continuing her research. I loved how these two women balanced it all while staying professional and doing the job.

the narration…
The narrator has become the voice of not only the series but Lucy after sixteen books so I couldn’t imagine these stories without her. She managed a really complex set of factors, keeping characters distinctive and moving the story along.

the bottom line…
Overall, I really liked the story, primarily because I was riveted by Lucy’s case and where the investigation eventually led. Maxine’s was interesting but I must admit I got lost. However, the end reveal had it all making sense and it was a compelling climax. I loved seeing Max again, too, especially now that she’s found the right partner and has created a true family. And, it’s always a good time in Lucy’s world and this was no different.

Posted on Blue Mood Café
Profile Image for Robin.
1,977 reviews98 followers
June 26, 2022
Four skeletons are unearthed during a flash flood. They are identified as Denise & Glen Albright and their two teenage daughters. The Albrights were last seen crossing into Mexico three years ago. Denise was wanted in connection to the embezzlement of funds from her workplace. FBI Agents Lucy Kincaid and Nate Dunning are assigned to the case. They wonder why the Albrights returned to Texas. They also wonder why the body of their young son Ricky wasn't buried with the rest of the family.

Investigative Journalist Maxine Revere is also in San Antonio. A family friend has asked her to look into the murder of his daughter. Victoria Mills was stabbed and drowned. It looked like an open and shut case when Victoria's business partner confessed to the murder. But suddenly he recanted, and Victoria's family wants to know the truth. Max hires Lucy's husband, Security Expert Sean Rogan, to help her with the case.

This is the 16th book in the Lucy Kincaid series. I was happy to see that it included a visit from Max Revere, and we got an update on her life. This book was not a favorite for me. While I found Lucy's investigation interesting, I had a hard time following some of the twists and turns in Max's inquiry. It was apparent that some of the characters were lying or just not telling what they knew. My interest waned. It may have been all of the time we spent on the ins and outs of white- collar crime. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
Profile Image for Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader.
1,678 reviews207 followers
March 21, 2020
I love a good who done it. And I love to be surprised by each chapter when I 'm reading a good thriller. This is number 16 in the Lucy Kincaid series. It can be read as a stand alone. You will not miss anything if you have not read the other 15 books in this series. I recommend this 4 star thriller. And I would love to hear your thoughts on it after you have read it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,646 reviews218 followers
June 30, 2022
This series is very consistent. It always gives me a great thought-provoking mystery to solve, and I love watching how Lucy strips away all the muck to get to the real motive behind the case. My only complaint about this book is that at the end of everyday Brennan always says how tired Lucy is. It got old. It was wonderful seeing Maxine again and the ending made me cry.

A grave is discovered containing the remains of the Albright family, who have been missing for three years. The case lands on Lucy's desk and she and Nate are assigned to find out what happened to the family. The mother has been under investigation for embezzlement, and it was thought at the time that they had fled the country. As Lucy and Nate investigate, they discover that the body of the youngest child, Ricky, is not among the bones discovered. When they contact the initial investigators, they receive a cold shoulder and an incomplete file. With little to go on they reconstruct the victim's last days to try and determine what happened to the family.

Maxine Revere arrives in San Antonio to assist old family friends. The supposed murderer of their daughter, Victoria, has recanted his confession and the family wants to know exactly what happened and why. Max hires Sean to assist her in this investigation. When they discover that Max's victim was a close friend of Lucy's victim and that strange things happened three years ago when the family disappeared Max and Lucy agree, uneasily, to work together. What they find is a very tangled web of gambling, embezzlement and land deal. Someone doesn't want these secrets uncovered or the missing boy found, and they are willing to kill to be sure that doesn't happen.
41 reviews
April 2, 2020
Think Max Revere and not Lucy Kincaid

This book is 80% Max 20% Lucy. White collar crime is not something I read about often. I love new story lines but this got boring. Sorry my opinion only. It just took to much of the book. The writing was terrific as always. I missed all the Rogan characters that we have grown to love. Please don't get me wrong. I still couldn't put it down, but something was missing. Max and Ryan are great. This is definitely a Lucy Kincaid novel, however a Max Revere book.
Profile Image for Tracey .
894 reviews57 followers
May 1, 2020
This is a well written, entertaining suspense novel with plenty of twists and turns, an interesting plot, and two of my favorite characters, Lucy Kincaid and Max Revere. It is perfect as a stand-alone and even better if the other books in both series have been read previously. Allison Brennan never disappoints her readers!
94 reviews
May 19, 2020
This is the first novel written by Allison Brennan that I have read. I should mention that I have read this during the COVID lockdown. I borrowed it from a neighbour.

I found this novel far too complex. Perhaps it is due to pandemic stress; maybe my brain is fried with all this screen time (work online, shop online, bank online). Maybe I would have enjoyed this novel in a simpler time.

There are two main female characters. Lucy is an FBI agent; she is also, incredibly, a psychiatrist and an assistant pathologist. Maxine is an investigative reporter.

These are the reasons I found the novel too complex/complicated.

a) There are two different crime stories here. Two different women investigating (I kept getting them mixed up); two different female victims (I kept getting them mixed up); two different embezzlements.
b) There are far too many characters. We are almost always given the full name of each character, even when it is not necessary. For example, if the character has nothing to do in the story, why not just tell us that she is so-and-so’s receptionist.
c) After the character has been referred to by his/her first name for quite awhile, all of a sudden, he/she is being called by a nickname. Max is Maxine. Luce is Lucy. Stan is Stanley. I was thinking, “who is that?” and it just threw me off.
d) We are given Lucy’s full family tree and told all the names and occupations of her siblings and their spouses, even though NONE of them are involved in the story.
e) We are told details of previous crimes (other novels, I suspect). Lucy will mention her brother Dillon (who is not involved in this story at all) and tell us about how he helped her solve a previous case.
f) Many of the characters are interconnected; very incestuous. I guess it is so that the author can use them in other novels. For example, Lucy has not one but two brothers who work with her husband.
g) We are given too many details of characters who are not in this story at all. For example, Maxine tells us that David Kane is her associate, an Army Ranger, her bodyguard, her research partner. Henry Kiefer tells us that his daughter, Paulina, is in the army and that she studied computer science and math. Why tell us that?
h) Reusing names to connect the two stories. Is it just a coincidence? Javier Olivera is the cousin of Albright’s neighbour but Oliver is Grant’s lawyer. Victoria is the murder victim but Javier lives in Ciudad Victoria


The main culprit is identified about ¾ of the way through the novel. The rest of the book deals with collecting evidence and testimony. On the first page, we find out a family has been murdered by execution. The two daughters are just teenagers. I have had the misfortune of reading 3 novels in a row in which girls or young women were raped and murdered. Thank goodness, there is no rape in this book; no terrible violence beside the execution of the family at the beginning.

In the last chapter, we see Lucy with her extended family for the Thanksgiving meal. The whole clan is there. “Family was the most important thing to Lucy”. We also see Maxine with her family and her boyfriend; very touching scene at the end. It was like a family movie, not a crime story.



Here is the character list:

Ash Dominguez: pathologist; assistant director
Melanie Lee: grad student, works with Ash
Lucy: FBI agent, psychiatrist, assistant pathologist
Nate Dunning: FBI, Lucy’s partner
Sean Rogan: PI, Lucy’s husband, works with Maxine
Patrick: Lucy’s brother and Sean’s partner (not in this novel)
Maxine (Max) Revere: investigative reporter
Ryan Maguire: FBI, Maxine’s boyfriend
Eve Truman: Maxine’s half-sister
Ben: Maxine’s producer (she hosts a TV show)
Dillion Kincaid: Lucy’s brother
Rachel Vaughn: Lucy’s boss
Victoria Mills: realtor; murder victim
Simon Mills: her brother
Stanley Grant (Stan): Victoria’s business partner; confessed to crime
Jennifer Reed: detective in the Victoria Mills case
Grover Mills: Victoria’s father; family friend of Maxine
Judith Mills: Victoria’s mother
Jordan Mills: Victoria’s brother, a doctor, living in Austin (not in this story)
Mitch Corta: Victoria’s ex-husband and business partner
Oliver Jones: Grant’s new attorney
Longfellow: Grant’s old attorney
Marie Richards: Grant’s sister, a teacher, mother of 2 kids, divorced
Billy: Marie’s ex-husband’s brother
Johnny: Marie’s ex-husband
David Kane: Max's associate, Army Ranger, Bodyguard, research partner (not in this story)
Carl Chavez and Garrett Douglas: detectives in the Albright case
Denise Albright: accountant for construction company
Laura Williams: Lucy’s boss; helps AUSA. (she is FBI?) What is AUSA? I don’t know.
Abigail: Rachel Vaughn’s boss (Lucy’s boss’ boss)
Adam O’Neal: Laura Williams’ boss (Lucy’s boss’ boss)
Leo Proctor: head of FBI SWAT
Zach Charles: Lucy’s squad analyst
Frank Pollero: manager of Denise Albright’s bank
Stephanie Robertson: head tell at Pollero’s bank
Mr. Shreve: Bank President
Kitty Fitzpatrick: flamboyant waitress
Edith Walker: Frank Pollero’s mother-in-law
Penny Lopez: Frank Pollero’s daughter
Dr Joshua Lopez: Penny Lopez’s husband
Daphne: white collar crimes unit (she is FBI?)
Henry Keifer: construction company owner who Denise worked for
Pauline Kiefer: Henry’s daughter; army; studied computer sci & math (not in this story)
Miranda King: a PI (?); Sean (Lucy’s husband) has worked with her before
Charlotte King: her daughter and receptionist
Betty Graham: Ricky’s grandmother and Denise Albright’s mother
Harrison Munroe: involved in Victoria’s land deals
Robert Clemson: lives next to house in which Victoria was murdered
Melissa Randolph: paralegal for Clemson’s lawyer
Diane Resnick: leased apartment from Melissa
Ricky Albright: Denise Albright’s son
Javier Olivera: cousin of Mrs Young
Mr and Mrs Young: neighbours of the Albrights; parents of Ricky’s friends


Here is Lucy’s family tree (p. 335); we can expect any of them to appear in her novels:

2 brothers work with Sean (her husband) as PI; one brother is Patrick
Sister is a detective
Brother is former cop married to an ADA
Oldest brother is a forensic psychiatrist
Sisters-in-law are agents (both SSAs)
Profile Image for Annika.
1,374 reviews94 followers
August 10, 2020
Audiobook review

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 3 stars

Old bones were discovered after a flood and the FBI, or in this case Lucy Kincaid and her partner Nate are called in to investigate. It becomes clear that the bones belonged to a local family assumed to have run away to Mexico after an embezzlement scandal. However, the boy in the family wasn’t found with his family, but the chance for him to be alive is very slim. The more Lucy and Nate investigates, the more they realise the case was missing vital information

There are dual investigations in this story. We have Lucy investigating the murdered family, but we also have Sean and Max investigating another murder, where the suspect confesses and recants in a short period of time. The case doesn’t add up, and the more they uncover the bigger and dangerous the case gets.

This is the 16th book in the series and while in theory this story definitely stands on its own, it also suffers a bit from information overload, especially in the character and family department. There are a cascade of characters briefly introduced with no real impact on the story and while it’s nice to catch up with them, it also got to be a bit much at times, and I can only imagine how confusing it must be to new readers or listeners to the series.

Mystery-wise this was a good story, I enjoyed making all the pieces fit. I also enjoyed having Max in this story, I like her and it’s interesting to see her and Lucy work together, both equally uncomfortable with the arrangement, but respecting each other and their respective talents. I also liked to see how far Lucy and Sean have come, both as individuals but also with their relationship.

The book was narrated by Ann Marie Lee and I think she falls into the acquired taste category. There’s no doubt that she’s very talented, but it takes a few minutes to get used to her high pitch and breathy narration. I don’t think she’s the best fit for this kind of story. Once you’ve gotten used to that the mystery enraptures you and especially Ricky’s fate, it broke my heart.

A copy of this audiobook was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
1,478 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2021
I just realized I read these last two books backwards. I read number 17 first and at first gave the review on this book. I have now switched them. I have really enjoyed the characters and some of the stories in this series. I am starting to see more and more where the author get a little too relaxed in her writing. Somethings she explains over and over again and there’s other times she connects parts of the book that made no sense or she does too much in explaining the outcome. If that makes any sense. For instance throughout the book she explains how Ricky seen the people come into her house and a couple he did not really recognize but sounded familiar. She kept explaining that point throughout the book, then there was a part towards the end I believe it was Simmons, he finally realizes and says that Rickey must be alive because that’s the only way they would know he’s a part of it, he then says he must’ve recognize my voice because I will come to their house a lot for meetings with his mom. How could he come to this conclusion? First of all how did he know it must’ve been Rickey and second of all how would he have known if Rickey seen him. That was a conclusion that should’ve not been concluded by the author. I also did not care for how the author started to make Lucy seem more panicky and extremely jealous. They show her with a jealous and kid like moments with Maxine and again weird is even more dissed tasteful jealous of her brother Patrick’s wife. It’s very unbecoming of her character.
Profile Image for Melissa.
530 reviews
June 18, 2022
When authorities find the remains of a family that went missing 3 years earlier, FBI agent Lucy Kincaid is part of the team that is called in to investigate. The family was believed to have fled the country so that the mom could avoid being prosecuted for embezzlement. During the investigation Lucy finds out that one family member is missing, the 8 year old son. Lucy and her partner Nate hit a wall with the local sheriff’s department and start to distrust them.
At the same time, Maxine Revere is investigating the death of a family friend. With the help of Lucy’s husband Sean, it is soon revealed that the 2 cases may coincide.

This was a riveting story with some pretty good twists. The way the two cases are connected is unique and unexpected. Lucy is a bit stricter with Max in this book compared to the others. She is determined to stay on the right side of the law and to keep Max there as well.
Lucy and her boss, Rachel, worked really well together in this book. It seems like Rachel is starting to trust Lucy more. I also liked seeing Lucy and Nate back together. They do a great good cop/bad cop routine.
The reader gets to see a different side of Max in this story. She misses her sister and boyfriend and actually thinks about going home before the case is solved. I was shocked, but pleased, at the change. She has finally found love.
Profile Image for Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea).
947 reviews68 followers
March 3, 2021
As a thriller lover, I look for books that will absolutely pull me into the heart of the story, take me on a rollercoaster ride, and throw me down in unexpected places. Books that will leave me turning the pages, long into the night, trying to piece the puzzle together. This one, however, didn't hold up to that.

Now, don't get me wrong, the characters are chiseled nicely, but there was something lacking with the plot line. It maybe because I came into the series at book 16, or it could be that I just didn't set well with this one, but it was definitely not my favorite.

With that said, I will tell you to give this a try. The writing style is good, and the characters are likable. What I find lacking, you may find absolutely captivating. And, despite this being a 2.5 star read for me now, I will go back later, after I've read all the books in the series, and give this another try.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Profile Image for Wendy Nelson.
131 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2020
it was ok. But very convoluted and way too many characters to keep straight.
Profile Image for Donna.
2,370 reviews
July 14, 2020
Near San Antonio, Texas, four skeletons are unearthed due to flash flooding. They've been dead for over 3 years. Turns out to be a family thought to be on the run but one son's remains are not found in the grave. FBI agent Lucy Kincaid and her partner Nate pull the case.

Investigative reporter Maxine Revere has a cable crime show. She's researching a case that involves a realtor who was stabbed and drowned. The victim's business partner confessed but has now retracted his confession. Max hires Lucy's husband Sean to assist her.

I enjoyed the mentions about the area around San Antonio, which is south of where I live. The author puts the characters in Bandera, Kerrville, Austin, Boerne, and Fredericksburg. Fellow Texans will recognize these names from the lower Hill Country. Parts of this story I found interesting but other parts seemed long winded and my interest waned. Maybe this happened because my last book was so good or maybe my stack of library books is so high. The book was ok and I'll be ready for the next Kincaid/Revere venture.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews542 followers
April 1, 2020
I think what I liked most about this one was how Lucy and Max butted heads. Both like and admire the other, but don't like how they go about and get things done. I think there is the potenial for them to be good friends, if they let themselves.

The biggest looser in this one was a boy, a boy who's whole life was ripped away in one night, but a one who was smart and even though he was a boy did what he had to to survive. I wish we got to see that he was thriving in the future, either way that is how I see his life. As to the rest of the people involved in the crimes...well a lot of them got what they deserved.
Profile Image for Owl._..
544 reviews19 followers
March 19, 2020
This latest installment in the Lucy Kincaid series started out kind of slow for me. Sad to say it took me a while to get into it. However, I kept going as this is one of my favorite lead characters/series. I'm happy to say I ended up really enjoying the story. Lucy did not disappoint!!

I look forward to the next one.

Thank you #netgalley and #stmartinspress for the eARC.
Profile Image for Jim.
1,108 reviews19 followers
May 24, 2020
An okay read. A bit too long and too many interchanging characters. Book 16 of series and this is first I've read.
235 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2020
I didn't love this book but also didn't hate or DNF it - hence the 3 stars. It was the first book that I've read in the series, but I didn't really connect with the characters. It did work as a stand alone, which was good, but I don't feel any compulsion to read earlier books in the series.

My main complaint about the book is that it was just too busy: too many characters, storylines, clutter. I love an intricate plot, but to me this book lacked the depth that separates intelligent from messy.

One caveat: I listened to the audiobook, so maybe I would have had a different reaction if I had read a physical book. That doesn't usually make a difference, but you never know.
487 reviews88 followers
September 12, 2025
Hard to judge an audiobook when the author is so overly dramatic
Profile Image for Kristin.
81 reviews
Want to read
April 6, 2020
Cut and Run is the 16th book in Allison Brennan’s Lucy Kincaid series. They always say they’re standalone books and you don’t have to read the other novels first but, to be perfectly honest, you miss out on A LOT of backstory and character development if you just jump into a series at book 16.

In this book we have Lucy Kincaid investigating the unearthed remains of a family executed and killed three years ago. But here’s the mystery, they’re a family of five but only four bodies are found. The question is, where is Ricky? Lucy’s investigation is convoluted; as I suspect a lot of white collar crime investigations are. The trail of affairs, embezzlement and family secrets lead us from the Texas corporate world to organized crime and then all the way down to Mexico.

This book also brings back Maxine Revere, from Allison Brennan’s Max Revere series. The two series have crossed paths before and it’s always interesting to bring two strong, independent, competent women together. Max is an investigative reporter and Lucy is an FBI agent, so at times they’re at odds over how far over the line Lucy is willing to go for a case. We have actually seen a lot of growth from Lucy over the course of the series because I feel like earlier in her career she was, and did, cross the line far more than she is willing too now. But ultimately it’s very fulfilling to see these two women join forces to solve these crimes.

There’s a lot happening in this book. Initially Max and Lucy are investigating their own cases until Max realizes their cases are connected. Lucy normally doesn’t investigate white collar crimes, so this was a new aspect for fans of the series. It was a little convoluted and boring, definitely not as interesting or thrilling as some of the other kinds of cases that Lucy (and Max) have investigated.

There was also some familial tension in this book as Lucy is trying to organize a Thanksgiving dinner that her family doesn’t seem to want to attend. I really felt her emotions on this one, I feel like there is still unresolved issues from the last case that Lucy and Max worked together which solved the murder of Lucy’s nephew. There’s also tension between Lucy and Elle and honestly I am completely on Lucy’s side of this. Patrick doesn’t want to do anything without Elle and honestly it’s freakingg grating. Lucy has a thought that if Elle had had a work emergency he would have even skipped her wedding. And based on the way they are being written, it’s a legit thought. After everything that Lucy has been through and experience she just wants her family together for Thanksgiving. I’d be pissed too if my family flaked the way Lucy’s family does. But it is realistic because from my experience and observations, the man’s family always gets the short end of the stick once a woman comes into the picture.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. The case was all over the place and had a little bit of everything, the personal issues were relatable and compelling, and we had Max and Lucy together again. It may not have been my most favourite case of the series but with 16 books they can’t all be your favourite. But it was still a very enjoyable read.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bea .
2,033 reviews135 followers
March 31, 2020
3.5 stars

I really need to read more in this series. This one, while good, didn't wow me, but I really enjoy Lucy, her husband Sean, and their son Jesse as well as Lucy's extended family. She's not a super cop but is a darn good FBI agent. She knows when to cut corners and when not to and is pretty good at working with others. The story itself was overly convoluted for my taste and there were times when I felt like I needed a cheat sheet to keep track of all the relationships, interconnections, and possible motivations. Despite that, I was caught up in the story and curious to see how everything played out.

This book brings together main characters from two different series, Maxine a journalist who digs into cold cases, and Lucy, the FBI agent. They have apparently interacted before though this was my introduction to Max, as she prefers to be called. The story works fine as a stand alone, even if you have read neither of the series before. Any confusion I had was from the story itself, lol. As you might guess, Max's case and Lucy's case, end up intersecting. It takes a while though so be patient; the stories do eventually dovetail.

My heart broke for the young boy Ricky whose family was killed. Brennan did a thoughtful job of portraying him, and doesn't milk him for an emotional response. He's an important part of the story and treated respectfully. Also respectfully handled were the challenges of holidays and family get togethers. It was realistic, not overly dramatized. Lucy's family and relationships helped ground the story, especially when events veered into over the top. And they did. I mean, I'm no white collar crimes specialist but it seemed excessive to me at times. That didn't stop the story from engaging me or prevent my from swiping my Kindle late into the night. Brennan had lots of twists and turns, keeping me guessing all the way through. "Cut and Run" was rarely predictable and definitely a page turner.
Profile Image for Nikki H. Rose.
878 reviews92 followers
April 10, 2020
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Allison Brennan knows how to deliver. Oddly enough, this is the quote on the cover of nearly every one of her mystery novels, quoted from the well-known mystery author, Lisa Gardner.

This long-awaited novel is the sixteenth book in the Lucy Kincaid series, but also happens to be the sixth book in the Maxine Revere/Maximum Exposure series, as it is a crossover of the two intelligent women’s stories.

Lucy Kincaid has a new case — or a new, old case it seems. Four bodies were discovered in a mass grave as mere skeletons. What’s worse? Two of them were kids. It turns out that an entire family has been killed executioner-style — well, an entire family except for the youngest, Ricky, who still seems to be missing.

Working alongside Agent Nate Dunning, Lucy does her best to keep it together while working against some of the most arrogant and wealthy individuals in the area. But even still, there’s more to it than this … unfortunately, Lucy isn’t aware of that, yet.

Not until Max Revere, an investigative reporter, shows up in hopes of helping pursue a current case that belongs to SAPD (San Antonio Police Department), but knows it won’t be easy. There’s a reason Revere typically sticks to cold cases: no one gets in her way because they figure it’s impossible to solve. But this case is current — and seems to be linked to Lucy’s case.

Working with Sean Rogan, Lucy’s husband, Max attempts to get Lucy on board with her theory, but it doesn’t work well for awhile. Lucy, unlike Sean and Max, prefers to follow the letter of the law as an FBI agent. But what both Sean and Max know, and Lucy will reluctantly admit to, is that she will break the rules when it’s the right thing to do.

Max, Sean, Lucy, and Nate work together to discover the truth about what happened to the family, where the youngest boy went — if he’s even okay, and what else has been transpiring in the town within the last three years. It seems to be a bigger conspiracy than any of them could have predicted.

I am a fan of Allison Brennan. Anyone who has read my reviews knows that I have read nearly every one of her books in the last year alone. I’m obsessed — and I’m proud of it. She’s a brilliant writer.

But there was one thing that bothered me about this book. Most sections and chapters ended with a clichéd statement. Something that was meant to drive the suspense, but felt too forced. I can’t include any of them without the context, or without giving anything away, but it was definitely something that I could have done without.

Even still, if this is my only complaint, I’d call it a win. This entire series is worth reading and comes highly recommended!
604 reviews15 followers
March 21, 2020
I never miss a book by Allison Brennan. This is the 16th book in the Lucy Kinkaid series and is full of the usual twists and turns. Ms Brennan does a superb job of describing the terror of a child who is afraid he’s going to be killed. Investigator Max Revere is also part of this story, and presents evidence to Lucy, an FBI agent, and Lucy agrees to let Max work with her. The ending of the book is an overall surprise. I would have given this book 5 stars, but there were so many characters I had a hard time following who was who, especially in the last part of the book. I received an ARC of this book from Goodreads and St Martin’s Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Terri  Wino.
798 reviews68 followers
May 14, 2020
3-1/2 stars rounded up to 4.

The plot of this book was definitely not one of my favorites of this series. Honestly, there were a few times I was downright bored with it. However, the characters made up for it. I especially enjoyed the appearance of Max Revere. I had hoped to get a sort of "closure" for her character after the events of the last book in her series and Cut and Run provided that while giving a plausible reason for her to interact with Lucy and Sean again.

Lucy and Sean continue to be some of my all time favorite characters. I say it after every book, but this series just continues to be a solid and engaging one, even if I have liked some of the books more than others
917 reviews30 followers
February 18, 2020
I have read all of Allison Brennan’s books and have really enjoyed her writing style and story lines. This is the newest book in the Lucy Kincaid series. I really liked the characters in this book and I liked how she showed the terror of a young child who had been placed in such a horrible situation. There were lots of twists and turns and I liked how she tied all the story lines up in a happy way
Profile Image for Julija.
311 reviews18 followers
May 17, 2020
When I picked this book 100% randomly, without even fully checking the summary, just because I ran out of Kay Hooper, I did not expect to find a gem. The plot, the characters, the murder mystery... It all was so, so good that I immediately went to get the first ten books in the series because I need to know these characters and their stories and I am ready to binge them all.
1,137 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2020
Brennan brings fast paced suspense to the table in this book. You have Maxine Revere a hard nosed reporter and Agent Lucy Kinkaid who will stop at nothing to get to the truth. Combine the 2 working on a cold case and recent homicides and nothing will stop them.

This book is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.