"Critical Threat" by Lynette Eason

Critical Threat (Jan. 3, 2023) by Lynette Eason.*

*This is the third novel in a series.*

A serial killer must be stopped. FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley, specializing in psychiatry and behavioral analysis, and prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe are both called in to consult. They’ve met before, and Grace thought they’d made a real connection, but Sam never called or texted. Because he was dreading having to tell her that he’s the son of the serial killer Peter Romanos. It comes to light early on, Grace handling the information with, well, grace, and Sam’s the one who turned Peter in. The killer they’re trying to track has an MO that shares similarities to Peter’s. Sam suspects Peter must somehow be involved, but he can’t pinpoint how. Sam may have to do the one thing he’s avoided all these years: speak with his father. It can’t come a moment too soon, because Grace has been targeted by the killer all because he wants to know what she said. There doesn’t appear to be a connection amongst the victims, but the killer’s too organized and methodical for them to be chosen randomly. What is the link?

            This story is a race on a gruesome path to the finish line that stops a serial killer. God guides Grace and Sam and faith strengthens them during their investigation and as trust builds and a deeper relationship grows. Eason deftly manages a swift-moving plot, harrowing suspense, determined protagonists and a nasty antagonist with the comforting undercurrent of faith all working to propel the story to its conclusion. It runs the gamut of emotions through the different character perspectives, from fear to anger, sadness to determination, desperate hate to fierce love. It’s high-octane from Chapter One and Eason’s stories continue be a Christian suspense favorite of mine!

            Lines that made me think: “I think God can do anything, but I also believe he gives us a choice. If the people your dad works with can acknowledge that what they did was wrong and they’re truly remorseful, then yes, I believe that God can ‘fix’ them. Or at least forgive them. So, with that hope, I think your dad’s work is really important. Because they all have souls, and if your dad can reach just one, then that’s a victory for the good guys.” “And a defeat for the enemy.” (p. 139)

            Lines that made me laugh: ”He’d flip, wouldn’t he?” “Faster than an Olympic gymnast.” (p. 181)

            Book 1 in the Extreme Measures series: Life Flight 

            Book 2 in the Extreme Measures series: Crossfire

 

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”