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Women of Justice #1
Too Close to Home
Samantha Cash is the FBI's secret weapon. Her methods are invisible, and she never stops until the case is closed. When missing teens begin turning up dead in a small Southern town, Samantha is assigned to help local chief Connor Wolfe find the killer. And he has two problems with that. There's her faith--in God and herself. And then there's the fact that she looks exactly like his late wife. As they get close to an answer, the case becomes personal. The killer seems to be taking an interest in Connor's 16-year-old daughter, who thinks her dad is getting way too protective. Can't a girl just have some fun? Too Close to Home ratchets up the suspense with each page, and will have readers cheering for the characters they love as justice is served and love grows even in the face of danger. Read this one with the lights on!
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
991 people are currently reading
5429 people want to read
About the author
Lynette Eason
181 books3,761 followersLynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."
Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice
Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 664 reviews
August 3, 2011
I am so far unimpressed and I'm very close to the end. That makes me sad to say about Christian writers but often I feel like the writing is mediocre at best but since it says good stuff about God it's left alone.
Within 50 pages I was rolling my eyes. The story seems very redone, conversations are stilted and unnatural and the love at first sight thing is ridiculous.
I did not buy the reactions to the similarities between the wife that died and Sam. Even if they looked a lot alike, a sixteen-year-old would not whisper "mama" at the sight of her.
There are so many cliches! And if a simile/metephor can be used it is even if it's forced.
Close to the end there is a section that really stands out in need of editing.
"She'd been right. [The door] was open. Conner banged on it with his fist and it swung open with a crash. A SWAT member kicked the door in,..." Really? It's open. Why kick it?
The characters are flat to me and I'm generally disinterested. A part that should have illicited an emotional response just left me shrugging.
I want to like Christian writers better but I need both them and their editors to do better.
Within 50 pages I was rolling my eyes. The story seems very redone, conversations are stilted and unnatural and the love at first sight thing is ridiculous.
I did not buy the reactions to the similarities between the wife that died and Sam. Even if they looked a lot alike, a sixteen-year-old would not whisper "mama" at the sight of her.
There are so many cliches! And if a simile/metephor can be used it is even if it's forced.
Close to the end there is a section that really stands out in need of editing.
"She'd been right. [The door] was open. Conner banged on it with his fist and it swung open with a crash. A SWAT member kicked the door in,..." Really? It's open. Why kick it?
The characters are flat to me and I'm generally disinterested. A part that should have illicited an emotional response just left me shrugging.
I want to like Christian writers better but I need both them and their editors to do better.
October 11, 2015
Excellent romantic suspense. The romance is mostly a side subject, with the suspense building as the killer sets his sights on the team hunting him down. The first half was a bit slow for me, and took me a while to care about the characters, especially when one I liked falls in the line of duty.
In the end, the main characters had a nice ending, though it was rushed but two things seemed to not be concluded: was A. "The Boss" or not? And did they ever find Sydney's body? Was it unanswered or simply carried to the next book?
I'm looking forward to Jamie's story.
In the end, the main characters had a nice ending, though it was rushed but two things seemed to not be concluded: was A. "The Boss" or not? And did they ever find Sydney's body? Was it unanswered or simply carried to the next book?
I'm looking forward to Jamie's story.
July 27, 2012
This book was incredible. An absolute I can't put it down or turn the pages fast enough to find out what will happen next and how it will end. Full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises, this book would be a great movie. I liked the characters and thought they were all very credible. Another winner by Lynette Eason.
January 17, 2021
Pretty decent and had lots of action! I'm mad about who the villain turned out to be though, lol!
June 3, 2010
Ok, when the publisher says "read this one with the lights on" um.... you better read it with the lights on - or at least don't do what I did and read it while house/dog sitting.
Let's just say, I didn't sleep much that night, because just as I got to an "intense" part, the dog I was watching proceeded to "bark" at something in the yard. (Yes, the rational part of my mind knew it was a skunk, rabbit or some other creature, but well, the subconscious mind was a bit freaked out).
I liked the characters introduced by Eason. I've read some of her other, shorter novels, and I appreciated how in this one, she was able to delve into the back story of the main characters. I think this added depth to the story.
I also liked the twists and turns found in the novel. Without giving it away, Eason managed to stump me - which was a pleasant surprise!
The only "down side" is that I figured out the "main" story theme - but not the ultimate villain - because well, I watch way too much CSI and Criminal Minds (I'm pretty sure this was in a Criminal Minds episode this season....which means it was a case of great minds thinking alike since both were probably written simultaneously,)
I'm really looking forward to the next novel, to see where Eason takes this series. Keep reading - spoiler alert - information about book two in the series can be found below.
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, this book is definitely a 4. You'll probably want to keep this book around to read more than once - because if you are like me, you'll read it fast, the first time, to find out just what happens to Cash and the other characters. On the second time through, you can appreciate the different references and items Eason sprinkles throughout her manuscript.
January 15, 2018
Dislikes -
The format of the book was a little bit difficult to read as it wasn't very clear when the POV switched. Once I got halfway through the book, it seemed to be a little better as I got used to it.
I did notice a mistake where the author wrote that a door was open, but then S.W.A.T had to break it down, that was just a little bit confusing.
Likes-
Sam and Conner's relationship - It was very sweet and gentle romance. And the fact that the romance was a sideline thing was nice, as I prefer more action than mush.
Jenna - At times I was yelling at Jenna (in my head) for doing things that I knew was going to end badly, but she redeemed herself in the end when she used amazing courage to overcome the mess she was in.
I liked the aspects of faith and salvation woven into this story. It really was nice and didn't come off as a preachy type of salvation story.
I really love Mrs. Eason's works and I look forward to reading the rest of the series and any other books of hers in the future!
The format of the book was a little bit difficult to read as it wasn't very clear when the POV switched. Once I got halfway through the book, it seemed to be a little better as I got used to it.
I did notice a mistake where the author wrote that a door was open, but then S.W.A.T had to break it down, that was just a little bit confusing.
Likes-
Sam and Conner's relationship - It was very sweet and gentle romance. And the fact that the romance was a sideline thing was nice, as I prefer more action than mush.
Jenna - At times I was yelling at Jenna (in my head) for doing things that I knew was going to end badly, but she redeemed herself in the end when she used amazing courage to overcome the mess she was in.
I liked the aspects of faith and salvation woven into this story. It really was nice and didn't come off as a preachy type of salvation story.
I really love Mrs. Eason's works and I look forward to reading the rest of the series and any other books of hers in the future!
January 23, 2016
TOO CLOSE TO HOME by Lynette Eason was a riveting, fast-paced novel that kept my interest throughout.
Special Agent Samantha Cash is called in to assist the SLED - South Carolina Law enforcement division- in the unexplained disappearance and deaths of local teen girls. With her expertise in computer forensics, she hopes she is able to dig deep enough to find what the other task forces have missed in solving this case.
Homicide detective Connor Wolfe is being pulled in two directions. He knows he needs to spend time mending his strained relationship with Jenna, his defiant teenage daughter, but with a killer on the loose, he devotes his time and energy to the case at hand, causing Jenna to rebel even further.
There is immediate chemistry between Samantha and Connor, but for the sake of the case and their race against time, they put personal feelings aside and concentrate on the killer that continues to slip from their grasp. When the killer decides to make his game personal, both Samantha and Connor realize how much they stand to lose as time continues to tick away.
I'm hooked! A long time Dee Henderson fan, I've now found another author that compels me to turn page after page. Sure, maybe all of the protocols and procedures weren't exactly on point as other reviewers stated, but Eason's writing technique and ability to captivate an audience far out-shined those minor flaws. I am all for realism, but for me, escapism is the name of the game and while reading this novel, I definitely felt as if I was running alongside Samantha and Connor in their race against time.
My only negative regarding TOO CLOSE TO HOME is the fact that I didn't really get to see Connor and Samantha explore their feelings for each other until the end of the book. I am not a fan of keeping the hero and heroine at arm's length until the last few pages. But overall, a great suspenseful read.
Special Agent Samantha Cash is called in to assist the SLED - South Carolina Law enforcement division- in the unexplained disappearance and deaths of local teen girls. With her expertise in computer forensics, she hopes she is able to dig deep enough to find what the other task forces have missed in solving this case.
Homicide detective Connor Wolfe is being pulled in two directions. He knows he needs to spend time mending his strained relationship with Jenna, his defiant teenage daughter, but with a killer on the loose, he devotes his time and energy to the case at hand, causing Jenna to rebel even further.
There is immediate chemistry between Samantha and Connor, but for the sake of the case and their race against time, they put personal feelings aside and concentrate on the killer that continues to slip from their grasp. When the killer decides to make his game personal, both Samantha and Connor realize how much they stand to lose as time continues to tick away.
I'm hooked! A long time Dee Henderson fan, I've now found another author that compels me to turn page after page. Sure, maybe all of the protocols and procedures weren't exactly on point as other reviewers stated, but Eason's writing technique and ability to captivate an audience far out-shined those minor flaws. I am all for realism, but for me, escapism is the name of the game and while reading this novel, I definitely felt as if I was running alongside Samantha and Connor in their race against time.
My only negative regarding TOO CLOSE TO HOME is the fact that I didn't really get to see Connor and Samantha explore their feelings for each other until the end of the book. I am not a fan of keeping the hero and heroine at arm's length until the last few pages. But overall, a great suspenseful read.
May 25, 2011
I rarely rip apart a book. But this? I can't even figure out where to start?
OK, OK. COMPLETELY UNBELIEVABLE. There. That's a place to start. It was horribly written. I felt like the setting was never completely developed. I had this sense at one point that its big city, then it feels small town. I was totally lost.
Then, the sequence of horrifying events - they just weren't realistic. I don't know why I read stories like this. I feel like Eason didn't do her research. Things like when the detective makes an announcement at the school. It would NEVER EVER HAPPEN LIKE THAT. I work in a school. I know. Especially now in today's society (in which this book was set). I just had to laugh.
The romantic story didn't make sense. It happened to fast, and in a sort of unbelievable way. There's always a twist too - but it just made the story worse to read.
The worst part? I read the whole book. I wasted precious sleeping time over this story. I wouldn't read the next in the series. I wouldn't recommend this book. Just don't waste your time.
OK, OK. COMPLETELY UNBELIEVABLE. There. That's a place to start. It was horribly written. I felt like the setting was never completely developed. I had this sense at one point that its big city, then it feels small town. I was totally lost.
Then, the sequence of horrifying events - they just weren't realistic. I don't know why I read stories like this. I feel like Eason didn't do her research. Things like when the detective makes an announcement at the school. It would NEVER EVER HAPPEN LIKE THAT. I work in a school. I know. Especially now in today's society (in which this book was set). I just had to laugh.
The romantic story didn't make sense. It happened to fast, and in a sort of unbelievable way. There's always a twist too - but it just made the story worse to read.
The worst part? I read the whole book. I wasted precious sleeping time over this story. I wouldn't read the next in the series. I wouldn't recommend this book. Just don't waste your time.
June 24, 2021
Warning: this is one great page turning suspense and be sure to start it only if you sufficient reading time to finish it, especially the last 20% of the book.
I have read A Killer Among Us about 2 years ago and then bought the first 2 books in the Women of Justice series, and cannot believe I waited till now to read it. Lynette Eason is one gifted suspense writer and after this book she moved up the ranks of favourite suspense writers.
The characters. I loved the characters. They were real dealing with real issues. I loved how Lynette showed the reader the inner conflicts the characters are dealing with. This made them feel like someone you know, not a fictitious character.
The romance. The romance was not over the top at all. The suspense and the murder stories got more of the limelight of the book, the romance was secondary and not in your face. I loved this.
The suspense: Wow, the plot felt like it could be one episode of criminal minds. The suspect was twisted. The writer wrote some scenes from the culprit's view point and you can't believe how twisted this subject was. The suspense was fast and building and there was so many twists that kept me guessing. About 80% in the book I thought I knew who it was, but the way the rest was written , bouncing from the cops to the culprit's view point, confused me up to almost 90% when it was revealed. That for me is great suspense - keeping me guessing right up till the end.
Oh and the epilogue - I was planning to read another book first, but the epilogue made me open the second book in the series right away!
Highly recommended to all suspense fans!
I have read A Killer Among Us about 2 years ago and then bought the first 2 books in the Women of Justice series, and cannot believe I waited till now to read it. Lynette Eason is one gifted suspense writer and after this book she moved up the ranks of favourite suspense writers.
The characters. I loved the characters. They were real dealing with real issues. I loved how Lynette showed the reader the inner conflicts the characters are dealing with. This made them feel like someone you know, not a fictitious character.
The romance. The romance was not over the top at all. The suspense and the murder stories got more of the limelight of the book, the romance was secondary and not in your face. I loved this.
The suspense: Wow, the plot felt like it could be one episode of criminal minds. The suspect was twisted. The writer wrote some scenes from the culprit's view point and you can't believe how twisted this subject was. The suspense was fast and building and there was so many twists that kept me guessing. About 80% in the book I thought I knew who it was, but the way the rest was written , bouncing from the cops to the culprit's view point, confused me up to almost 90% when it was revealed. That for me is great suspense - keeping me guessing right up till the end.
Oh and the epilogue - I was planning to read another book first, but the epilogue made me open the second book in the series right away!
Highly recommended to all suspense fans!
August 11, 2024
Delving into Lynette Eason's backlist, I started with Too Close to Home (Women of Justice, Book 1), and I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced story. It’s a dynamic blend of suspense and faith woven into an action-packed plot with gospel underpinnings. Eason tackles hard topics like an active shooter at a church, online predators targeting teens, and abortion. Grief is a major theme throughout, particularly the grief Connor experiences over his wife's death and the crumbling relationship with his daughter. The tension only intensifies as the case spirals and the body count rises.
Eason's characters are well-developed, and the balance between their personal struggles and the high-stakes investigation kept me engaged throughout. For fans of romantic suspense, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it and give it five stars.
First line: “Wake up, partner,” the voice rumbled in his ear as Connor Wolfe’s sleep-drugged mind struggled to keep up. “We’ve found another body. In a dumpster behind the BI-LO off East Main.”
Favorite Quotes:
Jenna’s not a little girl anymore, and she’s going to follow in your spiritual footsteps. It’s your job as her dad to guide her—”
Sam grimaced as she watched Connor leave. She didn’t want to admit it, but he was cute, if a bit awkward. At the ripe old age of thirty-eight, she’d given up on finding “the one” meant for her and wasn’t quite sure she’d know what to do with him if she did find him. The attractive gray streaks in Connor’s hair didn’t make him look old, but rather distinguished. He’d recently shaved, but hadn’t done a great job. He’d been in a hurry. Probably needed to slow down; realize he couldn’t do it all alone. Sounded like he needed someone to—Sam put the brakes on. Immediately. She’d ignore any attraction she might feel. She didn’t date cops. Period.
"Just because I love the Lord doesn’t mean he puts a bulletproof wall around me. Or around those I love. Bad stuff still happens.”
Somehow he had to come up with a plan that would allow him to be both the dad he needed to be and the cop he was born to be.
Eason's characters are well-developed, and the balance between their personal struggles and the high-stakes investigation kept me engaged throughout. For fans of romantic suspense, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it and give it five stars.
First line: “Wake up, partner,” the voice rumbled in his ear as Connor Wolfe’s sleep-drugged mind struggled to keep up. “We’ve found another body. In a dumpster behind the BI-LO off East Main.”
Favorite Quotes:
Jenna’s not a little girl anymore, and she’s going to follow in your spiritual footsteps. It’s your job as her dad to guide her—”
Sam grimaced as she watched Connor leave. She didn’t want to admit it, but he was cute, if a bit awkward. At the ripe old age of thirty-eight, she’d given up on finding “the one” meant for her and wasn’t quite sure she’d know what to do with him if she did find him. The attractive gray streaks in Connor’s hair didn’t make him look old, but rather distinguished. He’d recently shaved, but hadn’t done a great job. He’d been in a hurry. Probably needed to slow down; realize he couldn’t do it all alone. Sounded like he needed someone to—Sam put the brakes on. Immediately. She’d ignore any attraction she might feel. She didn’t date cops. Period.
"Just because I love the Lord doesn’t mean he puts a bulletproof wall around me. Or around those I love. Bad stuff still happens.”
Somehow he had to come up with a plan that would allow him to be both the dad he needed to be and the cop he was born to be.
March 11, 2013
This review is from: Too Close to Home (Women of Justice Series #1) (Kindle Edition)
I have been struggling to figure out how to review this book. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. I finished it but rather than the average three days it takes for me to devour a book, it took over a week.
I loved the characters, their own personal strengths and weaknesses. I love how Connor struggled to be a devoted father and cop, wanting both but not able to figure out how. The story was good, but not gripping, the ending was, however, intense and exciting...just took a while to reach the point of exciting.
I think its always hard to find a suspense/Christian story where the characters faith doesn't come in at the worst possible times. I mean to say faith should be paramount during times of struggle, but not like..."hey, I know we are in a gun fight, but you know Jesus loves you right" it was hard to stay engaged when the story started to get intense and then it would switch to the characters struggle with faith and the intensity would drop off.
I gave it 3.5 as it was a good action and suspense story, the characters faith was encouraging the romance not overbearing and out of place, but just didn't feel the suspense and faith storyline was executed right. But I'm not an author, I'm not an expert, I'm not an authority on how it should be done.
There are other books in this series, but I'm not sure if I feel inspired enough by this one to buy them and see how the other characters develop, although, Dakota sounds dreamy and he may be worth it...
I have been struggling to figure out how to review this book. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. I finished it but rather than the average three days it takes for me to devour a book, it took over a week.
I loved the characters, their own personal strengths and weaknesses. I love how Connor struggled to be a devoted father and cop, wanting both but not able to figure out how. The story was good, but not gripping, the ending was, however, intense and exciting...just took a while to reach the point of exciting.
I think its always hard to find a suspense/Christian story where the characters faith doesn't come in at the worst possible times. I mean to say faith should be paramount during times of struggle, but not like..."hey, I know we are in a gun fight, but you know Jesus loves you right" it was hard to stay engaged when the story started to get intense and then it would switch to the characters struggle with faith and the intensity would drop off.
I gave it 3.5 as it was a good action and suspense story, the characters faith was encouraging the romance not overbearing and out of place, but just didn't feel the suspense and faith storyline was executed right. But I'm not an author, I'm not an expert, I'm not an authority on how it should be done.
There are other books in this series, but I'm not sure if I feel inspired enough by this one to buy them and see how the other characters develop, although, Dakota sounds dreamy and he may be worth it...
March 21, 2012
This one started rather well, but it quickly fizzled out. There was too much of the annoying teenager hating and loving her father (hating without a just reason, but that’s the teenage way, I suppose—apparently she blamed him for her mother’s death, because they fought before her mother crashed her car; honey, unless he cut her break lines, I don’t think he was *directly* responsible), there was definitely too much God-talk (for someone not religious so much faith and God ‘banter’ grows tedious, or maybe that’s just me), and the middle crimes of the villain seemed quite disproportionate to the initial one (Okay, so they were getting too close, does that mean you have to shoot them with both a gun and a crossbow and even attempt to blow them up?! Aren’t you exaggerating just a tad, my boy?).
A lot of initial fanfare for such a measly parade. And the more that I read the less interested I became as to who the villain actually was and what was really going on. I just wanted it to end.
What intrigued me was the prologue, but judging from this book, I ain’t going there. Sorry.
A lot of initial fanfare for such a measly parade. And the more that I read the less interested I became as to who the villain actually was and what was really going on. I just wanted it to end.
What intrigued me was the prologue, but judging from this book, I ain’t going there. Sorry.
August 8, 2018
Wow. This book was so good. The suspense was amazing, and I was actually surprised to find out who the killer was. Also, one of my favorite characters died and guys, it was so sad 😭😭😭 Great suspense book! I’m looking forward to the next one.
June 29, 2024
Just pausing my reread
October 28, 2025
3.5 Stars
This came across as pretty sad to me...the characters had a lot of loss and heartache. But the main problem for me is that it didn't seem like Sam's problems with her sister were ever fully resolved. the next book is about Jamie, so maybe they will be resolved then...*shrugs*
Characters:
Connor was a pretty good character... a man struggling with his teem daughter and his faith. He wasn't the most relatable for me, though.
Samantha...first I didn't like the she looks like his dead wife trope, nor the I won't date a cop which wasn't super well fleshed out in this one. Sam was nice and sweet, but since her thouuhghhtts about her sister were never really resolved, she fell kind of flat.
Andrew was my favorite....*queue unimpressed face*
Romance:
Some attraction and kisses at the end.
Language:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Teen girls are being murdered in various ways. Two men are shot and killed one by a shot to the head, which is described as "having his brains blown out" a bit crude, in my opinion.
Overall:
This is an interesting read with a lot of twists and turns, and then you're mentally screaming at characters to connect the dots you already connected, and yeah... it's pretty fun.
Recommend age 16+
This came across as pretty sad to me...the characters had a lot of loss and heartache. But the main problem for me is that it didn't seem like Sam's problems with her sister were ever fully resolved. the next book is about Jamie, so maybe they will be resolved then...*shrugs*
Characters:
Connor was a pretty good character... a man struggling with his teem daughter and his faith. He wasn't the most relatable for me, though.
Samantha...first I didn't like the she looks like his dead wife trope, nor the I won't date a cop which wasn't super well fleshed out in this one. Sam was nice and sweet, but since her thouuhghhtts about her sister were never really resolved, she fell kind of flat.
Andrew was my favorite....*queue unimpressed face*
Romance:
Some attraction and kisses at the end.
Language:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Teen girls are being murdered in various ways. Two men are shot and killed one by a shot to the head, which is described as "having his brains blown out" a bit crude, in my opinion.
Overall:
This is an interesting read with a lot of twists and turns, and then you're mentally screaming at characters to connect the dots you already connected, and yeah... it's pretty fun.
Recommend age 16+
August 4, 2020
This, my second reading of this book, was just as enjoyable as the first, many years ago. The human trafficking angle is perhaps even more perfectly timed now as then, since there is, in 2020, more awareness of this billion-dollar atrocity. I pray for the victims of this heinous organized crime to be released or rescued and find healing in Jesus Christ.
The relationship between single parent Connor and his rebellious teenaged daughter was spot-on and genuine. I liked seeing the progression, both good and bad, and it was easy to relate to, even if I didn’t go through anything like it in my own teen years.
There was, on each page and in every chapter, such a deep heart for healing broken people through the salvation of Jesus Christ. This struck a chord with me, and it is my hope that other readers will find peace and will be inspired to search out the truth of salvation because of this book’s Christian messages.
It was really fun having a computer specialist as a lead. This made for some interesting analogies as well as highlighting electronic clues along the journey of solving the cases. Such details created a prime example of how to expertly use the lead’s career to immerse the readers into her POV.
Another thing I enjoyed was a certain character’s unwillingness to compromise her standards in order to get married. It was important to this character to marry a fellow Christian, to be equally yoked, so to speak. The fact that this was included in a seamless way that felt organic to the character added a richness to the faith thread that I don’t think would have been included without this stand for the character’s beliefs.
The relationship between single parent Connor and his rebellious teenaged daughter was spot-on and genuine. I liked seeing the progression, both good and bad, and it was easy to relate to, even if I didn’t go through anything like it in my own teen years.
There was, on each page and in every chapter, such a deep heart for healing broken people through the salvation of Jesus Christ. This struck a chord with me, and it is my hope that other readers will find peace and will be inspired to search out the truth of salvation because of this book’s Christian messages.
It was really fun having a computer specialist as a lead. This made for some interesting analogies as well as highlighting electronic clues along the journey of solving the cases. Such details created a prime example of how to expertly use the lead’s career to immerse the readers into her POV.
Another thing I enjoyed was a certain character’s unwillingness to compromise her standards in order to get married. It was important to this character to marry a fellow Christian, to be equally yoked, so to speak. The fact that this was included in a seamless way that felt organic to the character added a richness to the faith thread that I don’t think would have been included without this stand for the character’s beliefs.
March 16, 2011
I'm trying to decide whether or not 3 stars is too generous.
The plot line was decent, at best. I figured out who the killer was by chaper four. The auther didn't really draw in many new details or suspects, and the characters seemed to circle endlessly around the same basic facts for most of the story.
Also, what city cops drive mustangs and corvettes? Seriously.
The part that annoyed me the most about his book, however, was the poor writing. The author's sentence structure was terrible. She also used way too much "fluffing" material, and rarely made good use of adjectives.
The lady cop was WAY too emotional to actually be a cop. And then the whole "love at first sight" factor was ridiculous.
I rarely read Christian fiction. I've found very little in that genre to actually be quality writing. So, maybe I'm being harder than most people would be.
Final word on "Too Close To Home?" A decent read if you have time to waste.
The plot line was decent, at best. I figured out who the killer was by chaper four. The auther didn't really draw in many new details or suspects, and the characters seemed to circle endlessly around the same basic facts for most of the story.
Also, what city cops drive mustangs and corvettes? Seriously.
The part that annoyed me the most about his book, however, was the poor writing. The author's sentence structure was terrible. She also used way too much "fluffing" material, and rarely made good use of adjectives.
The lady cop was WAY too emotional to actually be a cop. And then the whole "love at first sight" factor was ridiculous.
I rarely read Christian fiction. I've found very little in that genre to actually be quality writing. So, maybe I'm being harder than most people would be.
Final word on "Too Close To Home?" A decent read if you have time to waste.
January 31, 2013
Wow! What an amazing thrill ride! I now have a new favorite suspense author!!! :D
April 10, 2022
Ready. Set. Go. from Page 1! A page turner that I couldn't put down. I'm so glad I discovered this author and all her series. Mystery. Psycothriller. Romance. This book has it all without being overly gory, nasty, or smutty.
May 18, 2019
A roller coaster of a ride!
Fast paced and action packed. The characters were well drawn and the plot full of twists and turns. Well done!
Fast paced and action packed. The characters were well drawn and the plot full of twists and turns. Well done!
March 18, 2020
Too Close to Home is book one in the Women of Justice series by Lynette Eason. When a young girl turned up dead Detective Connor Wolfe could not see the connection to the four missing girls he contacts the FBI to find some who can analysis the girl's computers to find answers. The FBI sends Samantha Cash to help Detective Connor Wolfe. However, they did not realise the problem this caused. The readers of Too Close to Home will continue to follow the investigation into the missing girls by FBI Agent Samantha Cash and Detective Conner Wolfe to find out who is the murder.
Too Close to Home is the first book I have read of Lynette Eason, and I did not know what to expect. However, I was not disappointed, and I enjoyed reading this book. I like Lynette Eason portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Too Close to Home is well written and researched by Lynette Eason.
The readers of Too Close to Home will learn about the problems single can have with teenage children. Also, the readers of Too Close to Home will learn about consequences of car bombs to everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
Too Close to Home is the first book I have read of Lynette Eason, and I did not know what to expect. However, I was not disappointed, and I enjoyed reading this book. I like Lynette Eason portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Too Close to Home is well written and researched by Lynette Eason.
The readers of Too Close to Home will learn about the problems single can have with teenage children. Also, the readers of Too Close to Home will learn about consequences of car bombs to everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
June 3, 2011
I really like Dee Henderson's writing, and have had trouble finding a worthy sucessor since she seems to have stopped writing. Lynette Eason is the first writer who has come close - not totally suprising, as she says in her author note that Dee Henderson has been her mentor for many years.
The story is about a widowed detective working on a case of missing teenage girls that have started to turn up dead. At the same time, he is dealing with problems at home, with a rebellious teenage daughter who blames him for her mother's death. As the case progresses, he meets Samantha, an FBI IT expert, and feels an instant attraction, not least because she initially reminds him of his dead wife. She also feels the attraction, but, as a Christian, does not want to pursue a relationship with a non-believer, least of all a cop.
This was a free Kindle/Kobo download, the first in a Christian romantic suspense series. Yes, I liked it, and I will be buying the next in the series - hopefully it is as good. My only complaint is that the Jenna sub-plot was a bit predictable, and I worked out who-dun-it about 2/3 of the way through the book, suggesting it was a bit obvious (I don't usually get it that quickly, which might just say more about me than the author...) Anyway, that is why not 5 stars.
The story is about a widowed detective working on a case of missing teenage girls that have started to turn up dead. At the same time, he is dealing with problems at home, with a rebellious teenage daughter who blames him for her mother's death. As the case progresses, he meets Samantha, an FBI IT expert, and feels an instant attraction, not least because she initially reminds him of his dead wife. She also feels the attraction, but, as a Christian, does not want to pursue a relationship with a non-believer, least of all a cop.
This was a free Kindle/Kobo download, the first in a Christian romantic suspense series. Yes, I liked it, and I will be buying the next in the series - hopefully it is as good. My only complaint is that the Jenna sub-plot was a bit predictable, and I worked out who-dun-it about 2/3 of the way through the book, suggesting it was a bit obvious (I don't usually get it that quickly, which might just say more about me than the author...) Anyway, that is why not 5 stars.
January 12, 2012
I read this book because, like some of you, it was a free friday nook book. I will try to be positive. I actually liked the story. I liked where the story was going. My problem with this book is 1. there is no spacing between the end of one scene and the beginning of another. 2. The bad guy was known as "The Agent". If FBI Agents are a part of your story, don't name the bad guy "Agent", Especially if there is no spacing between the actual FBI agents talking and the "Agent" talking. Are you confused yet? I was. 3. I found a lot of grammar mistakes. 4. There is a lot of religion in this book, that almost came off as everyone peer pressuring this guy to go to church. I'm not apposed to religion in books, but it just was too much and not woven into the story very well. Again, that being said, I did like the actual story line of the book, and I liked the characters, but all the issues in the end made me skim large parts of the book.
August 7, 2017
My heart rate was through the roof when reading this novel- definitely full of action and suspense! I was shocked when I found out who the Agent was and creeped out for sure. So the author did a good job bringing the story and the suspense factor to life.
I also think that this is a really good book to teach people about Internet safety...just saying.
I also think that this is a really good book to teach people about Internet safety...just saying.
October 17, 2010
I LOVED IT!
July 5, 2021
I believe it’s approximately the 10th anniversary of the debut of this series but as per usual I can’t find the email about it. One day I will be an admin Goddess. Anyway while the blurb is all about Samantha the majority of the story concerns Connor Wolf, his relationship with his daughter and him tracking down a serial killer. For a romantic suspense there’s not a lot of romance in it. I didn’t mind though. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that people have time to build a romantic relationship in the middle of being framed for or solving murder. Here, it makes sense and I found the build up of that side of things to be very grown up and sensible. There are plenty of other books if you want to suspend your belief.
As a crime thriller I really enjoyed it. The reasoning behind the kidnaps and murders when it’s revealed is interesting and I do like the dynamics between all the police. Connor, despite his faults makes for a good hero and Samantha is quite a strong woman even if she does get way too involved than her job role suggests she should be doing. Not going to fault her for that, I know far too many people who do it in real life. I was intrigued by the story of her sister and she has her own book next. I have a bit of a crush on Dakota so he better have a starring role in book 2!
What I didn’t realise is that Eason is a Christian writer. Normally I don’t gel with Christian books at all. I find them a little preachy & it’s not my thing at all. So far in this book it weaves in among the story and makes sense and wasn’t preachy. I need to put my prejudices aside as I was sent 3 books by Macmillan to review. (Not an issue with the author there but it doesn’t say anything about that in the blurbs or descriptions in the email I received).
It moved quite quickly, there’s plenty of twists. I was most of the way through before I twigged who the Agent was so that’s good as for me then I still had plenty to be surprised at. It’s multiple POV. I like that; it always makes a book go faster for me and I like seeing how different people interpret situations. Overall really enjoyed it. I read the whole thing in one lazy Sunday and would happily recommend it.
As a crime thriller I really enjoyed it. The reasoning behind the kidnaps and murders when it’s revealed is interesting and I do like the dynamics between all the police. Connor, despite his faults makes for a good hero and Samantha is quite a strong woman even if she does get way too involved than her job role suggests she should be doing. Not going to fault her for that, I know far too many people who do it in real life. I was intrigued by the story of her sister and she has her own book next. I have a bit of a crush on Dakota so he better have a starring role in book 2!
What I didn’t realise is that Eason is a Christian writer. Normally I don’t gel with Christian books at all. I find them a little preachy & it’s not my thing at all. So far in this book it weaves in among the story and makes sense and wasn’t preachy. I need to put my prejudices aside as I was sent 3 books by Macmillan to review. (Not an issue with the author there but it doesn’t say anything about that in the blurbs or descriptions in the email I received).
It moved quite quickly, there’s plenty of twists. I was most of the way through before I twigged who the Agent was so that’s good as for me then I still had plenty to be surprised at. It’s multiple POV. I like that; it always makes a book go faster for me and I like seeing how different people interpret situations. Overall really enjoyed it. I read the whole thing in one lazy Sunday and would happily recommend it.
January 23, 2018
This is my second novel by Lynette Eason and I must admit that I am hooked on her work! For someone to be able to write mystery novels that keep you on the edge of your seat, but to also write them in a way that glorifies our heavenly Father.. Remarkable!
"Too Close To Home" was action packed from beginning to end with amazing characters to keep you hooked from the first page until the very last. From FBI Agents, SLED Detectives to Regular Law Enforcement, there was never a shortage of individuals willing to lay down there lives for someone else. There were a few scenes that I wish I could erase, just due to the victims lives that were lost, but I know that as in real life- the story wouldn't be the way it was without it.
The only issue that I found with this novel was the way it changed from one person's view to another without warning. There was a few different times that I have to stop, reread, and begin again because I couldn't figure out who was supposed to be talking. However, even with all of these different issues, this story still deserved a five! I couldn't put it down!
"Too Close To Home" was action packed from beginning to end with amazing characters to keep you hooked from the first page until the very last. From FBI Agents, SLED Detectives to Regular Law Enforcement, there was never a shortage of individuals willing to lay down there lives for someone else. There were a few scenes that I wish I could erase, just due to the victims lives that were lost, but I know that as in real life- the story wouldn't be the way it was without it.
The only issue that I found with this novel was the way it changed from one person's view to another without warning. There was a few different times that I have to stop, reread, and begin again because I couldn't figure out who was supposed to be talking. However, even with all of these different issues, this story still deserved a five! I couldn't put it down!
June 26, 2022
Let's just say that if this book, from the early part of Eason's career, had been my first I would have never finished it and never picked up the 2022 one I read and liked. I realize some of my reading friends loved this book, but of course many people like this.
They story is solid and the two main characters fairly solid. but the writing is very good, IMO, and the voice of the serial killer is inane and the one for the teen, Jenna, not that much better. Plus the killer's habit of calling who he works for Boss (not "the boss") was annoying, to put it mildly. If not for the fact that the pacing is good this would have barely made 1 star. However, the voices for the seria
Just one little example-- while using this once could be done in a way that is okay, why on earth did Samantha Cash keep thinking "bad guys" for perps? Even if I use that term in just my kids are on me for being too juvenile.
I should have marked the spots where the writing jarred me from the story, but yes, I read this all in one night because I am low on good books here--I was all set to dnf this but realized I needed something so I could save a better book I have her for today.
They story is solid and the two main characters fairly solid. but the writing is very good, IMO, and the voice of the serial killer is inane and the one for the teen, Jenna, not that much better. Plus the killer's habit of calling who he works for Boss (not "the boss") was annoying, to put it mildly. If not for the fact that the pacing is good this would have barely made 1 star. However, the voices for the seria
Just one little example-- while using this once could be done in a way that is okay, why on earth did Samantha Cash keep thinking "bad guys" for perps? Even if I use that term in just my kids are on me for being too juvenile.
I should have marked the spots where the writing jarred me from the story, but yes, I read this all in one night because I am low on good books here--I was all set to dnf this but realized I needed something so I could save a better book I have her for today.
did-not-finish
April 27, 2024I'm finding I can't handle violence like I used to. This had an intriguing start and wasn't overly graphic, I just felt no interest in continuing to read about a serial killer. I especially don't like it when they show some from the killer's perspective.
July 31, 2024
Totally hooked me from the first page. I felt like I was reading a Criminal Minds episode from a Christian perspective. 😄
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