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lynguy1's review
4.0
What do you get when you mix a legal thriller with a medical thriller and add a bit of romance and subtle Christian overtones? You get a fantastic novel, LETHAL INTENT, by Cara C. Putman that is set in northern Virginia.
Caroline Bragg feels her life is moving forward as she and Brandon Lancaster transition from friendship to courtship. She has also just landed a new job as legal counsel for Praecursoria, a research lab that is on the cutting edge with genetic therapies for leukemia treatments for young children. Brandon operates a group foster home for sibling family groups waiting for adoption. One of those children has leukemia and is a candidate for an experimental trial with Praecursoria. Unfortunately, the laws governing group foster homes have recently changed and he may lose the group home he has worked so hard to build.
The characters came to life for me in this book. They were compelling, had great depth, and faced real-world situations that tugged at the heart strings. Caroline and Brandon’s backstories made them feel real and made their actions and dynamics believable. The stakes were high for so many in this novel that it was definitely a page turner. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster with the characters, experiencing highs and lows just as they did as events hurtled at them.
The writing style quickly pulled me into the novel and I connected with Caroline and Brandon as well as several other characters. The plot was suspenseful, but also heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and insightful at times. As the two story lines became entangled, it also showed the ethical dilemmas many face in the course of their lives. My only quibbles are that the antagonist was a little too easy to determine and I wish that there had been an epilogue that wrapped up a couple of items more cleanly.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading her Hidden Justice Series as well as her standalone novels. The author’s legal experience and her significant medical research into cutting edge scientific trials and FDA approval processes gave this book an authenticity and depth that many lack. It was also filled with lots of hope, warmth, love, friendship and romance against a backdrop of treachery, crimes, ethical dilemmas, arrogance, secrets and more. If you enjoy suspenseful legal and medical thrillers with a bit of romance, then I recommend that you check out this novel and see if you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson—FICTION and Cara C. Putman via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 12, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Caroline Bragg feels her life is moving forward as she and Brandon Lancaster transition from friendship to courtship. She has also just landed a new job as legal counsel for Praecursoria, a research lab that is on the cutting edge with genetic therapies for leukemia treatments for young children. Brandon operates a group foster home for sibling family groups waiting for adoption. One of those children has leukemia and is a candidate for an experimental trial with Praecursoria. Unfortunately, the laws governing group foster homes have recently changed and he may lose the group home he has worked so hard to build.
The characters came to life for me in this book. They were compelling, had great depth, and faced real-world situations that tugged at the heart strings. Caroline and Brandon’s backstories made them feel real and made their actions and dynamics believable. The stakes were high for so many in this novel that it was definitely a page turner. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster with the characters, experiencing highs and lows just as they did as events hurtled at them.
The writing style quickly pulled me into the novel and I connected with Caroline and Brandon as well as several other characters. The plot was suspenseful, but also heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and insightful at times. As the two story lines became entangled, it also showed the ethical dilemmas many face in the course of their lives. My only quibbles are that the antagonist was a little too easy to determine and I wish that there had been an epilogue that wrapped up a couple of items more cleanly.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading her Hidden Justice Series as well as her standalone novels. The author’s legal experience and her significant medical research into cutting edge scientific trials and FDA approval processes gave this book an authenticity and depth that many lack. It was also filled with lots of hope, warmth, love, friendship and romance against a backdrop of treachery, crimes, ethical dilemmas, arrogance, secrets and more. If you enjoy suspenseful legal and medical thrillers with a bit of romance, then I recommend that you check out this novel and see if you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson—FICTION and Cara C. Putman via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 12, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
tiggeruo's review
5.0
This author never seems to disappoint with her books, they always keep me on the edge of my seat wondering what is coming. That was the very case with this book, I get to thinking its one person who does it then she has another character acting shady and wondering if they did it. I really liked Caroline even though at one point I was yelling at her in this book. She has a heart of gold and will stop at nothing to help those she cares about or comes in contact with. Brandon was a huge heart for families who just need to be together. There is something that Brandon seeks and I really hope that the author intends to follow up with that situation in a future book because a girl has got to know. Overall this book is well worth the read, she keeps it clean and has you walking away wanting more. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
randikaye's review
4.0
Part medical drama, part legal thriller, part romance... Cara Putnam has all the bases covered in her new romantic legal thriller, and I couldn't get enough!
Lethal Intent is the fourth book in the Hidden Justice series, but can be read as a standalone. Though I have not read the books in this series myself, it is my understanding that the primary characters met in a previous books and there were some side characters who were introduced previously as well, but it didn't feel as though I was missing anything relevant to the story at hand.
In this story, we meet Caroline whose life seems to be going quite well. She just started a new job as legal counsel for a research lab and her relationship with Brandon was evolving into something more. But that all changes when things at work seem to be off and people are dying around her. Could it all be related...and how? She finds herself in a race against the clock to figure it all out before anyone else ends up killed.
The suspense in this story was fantastic and had me at the edge of my seat. I suspected the bad guy long before the reveal, but I was still left wondering how it would all play out and what would happen next. There were many twists that I didn't see coming. While I must admit some of the medical speak was over my head and perhaps slowed the pace down just a bit for me, it was needed in the story. I appreciated that Caroline likewise not familiar with the medical field and so as things were explained to her and she made sense of it all, I was likewise gaining understanding as I read too.
I will admit that the relationship between Caroline and Brandon confused me a bit at times. At points I was under the impression that they were boyfriend and girlfriend, whereas at others it felt like it hadn't quite been define yet. Perhaps they were in a courting stage? Either way, I enjoyed their story and chemistry and appreciated the slow buildup that we don't often see in romance novels.
There were a few loose ends that I wished had been tied up in the end, but that also leaves me hopeful that perhaps we will see more from these characters in the future. I certainly hope so anyway! Overall, it was a wonderful story that fans of legal thrillers are sure to appreciate.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
Lethal Intent is the fourth book in the Hidden Justice series, but can be read as a standalone. Though I have not read the books in this series myself, it is my understanding that the primary characters met in a previous books and there were some side characters who were introduced previously as well, but it didn't feel as though I was missing anything relevant to the story at hand.
In this story, we meet Caroline whose life seems to be going quite well. She just started a new job as legal counsel for a research lab and her relationship with Brandon was evolving into something more. But that all changes when things at work seem to be off and people are dying around her. Could it all be related...and how? She finds herself in a race against the clock to figure it all out before anyone else ends up killed.
The suspense in this story was fantastic and had me at the edge of my seat. I suspected the bad guy long before the reveal, but I was still left wondering how it would all play out and what would happen next. There were many twists that I didn't see coming. While I must admit some of the medical speak was over my head and perhaps slowed the pace down just a bit for me, it was needed in the story. I appreciated that Caroline likewise not familiar with the medical field and so as things were explained to her and she made sense of it all, I was likewise gaining understanding as I read too.
I will admit that the relationship between Caroline and Brandon confused me a bit at times. At points I was under the impression that they were boyfriend and girlfriend, whereas at others it felt like it hadn't quite been define yet. Perhaps they were in a courting stage? Either way, I enjoyed their story and chemistry and appreciated the slow buildup that we don't often see in romance novels.
There were a few loose ends that I wished had been tied up in the end, but that also leaves me hopeful that perhaps we will see more from these characters in the future. I certainly hope so anyway! Overall, it was a wonderful story that fans of legal thrillers are sure to appreciate.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
soletka's review
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This is the latest novel in the authoress Cara Putman´s series about young female lawyers and it covers Caroline Bragg´s romance with Brandon Lancaster as well as her works as a legal counsel for research lab Praecursoria. Praecursoria´s work in the field of genetic therapies is very inspirative and can bring much needed hope into the lives of the cancer patients and their families - but might there be some darkness lurking in these new scientific waters? Caroline Bragg seems to be the only one asking the questions...and she can not even talk about them with Brandon, who is one of the investors in Praecursoria, as this would be the breach of the professional ethics. Brandon has his own issues as the state regulations are afflicting his work as a founder of the group foster care home for children.
Ah...while I loved the previous installments, here I have mixed feelings. While I sure do not understand the medicine ethics and rules, I find the whole setup of figuring what goes on here really speculative. So the medical professionals have questions, they start to die and no one (other than a lawyer of all people) would bat an eyelash? How about the police investigating - I´d say that the deaths around one institution would make somebody start to ask questions...Also the perpetrator here is quite unconvincingly written, as I am missing believable psychology behind his behaviour.
As for the romantic line - it is very strong here. The story is quite sweet! Yet - the base of trust here is problematic. I believe that the issue between them is a small thing - but if it can cause such an emotional distress, how can they manage a life together when much more serious issues will emerge (and they will)?
Ah...while I loved the previous installments, here I have mixed feelings. While I sure do not understand the medicine ethics and rules, I find the whole setup of figuring what goes on here really speculative. So the medical professionals have questions, they start to die and no one (other than a lawyer of all people) would bat an eyelash? How about the police investigating - I´d say that the deaths around one institution would make somebody start to ask questions...Also the perpetrator here is quite unconvincingly written, as I am missing believable psychology behind his behaviour.
As for the romantic line - it is very strong here. The story is quite sweet! Yet - the base of trust here is problematic. I believe that the issue between them is a small thing - but if it can cause such an emotional distress, how can they manage a life together when much more serious issues will emerge (and they will)?
abigailkayharris's review
4.0
THOUGHTS
The first half of Lethal Intent had me nearly going crazy with wanting to throw the book out my window. Why?
Because this dear book was dull, boring, and very tortuous for the first 118 pages, there was way too much information, the details often went over my head because I haven’t researched or know anything about the cancers they discussed or the things they were doing to help the patients. Which for a thriller is not a good sign.
I won’t even start on the fact that one single mention of the Covid-19 pandemic being in the past nearly earned this book a one way ticket to the burn pit, nope, not going into that …
Now, after all that you may wonder that I gave 4 stars and that I finished the book since I was so against it … the reasons are many, really …
1. Cara Putman is a spectacular author whose romantic suspense novels are some of my favorite.
2. I read another of her books and didn’t like the beginning but loved the ending.
3. I wasn’t ready for a highly looked forward to book to not be what I wanted.
4. I don’t like giving up.
5. I loved the cover …
6. Foster kids.
I am a sucker for foster kids in stories, and man, oh, man! I loved seeing Brandon with his kids! I just loved the glimpses into that side of the story, I had to hold out to see what happened with his kids.
Am I glad I did? Yes!
Do I recommend Lethal Intent? Yes!
Am I missing something … ? Yes …
Past the 118th (or some page about there) I fell in love with the story, I can’t say I connected with Caroline as I found her very naive but I understood her more and didn’t dislike her.
The ending?! Well, I found it nearly made up for the bad beginning but not quite, so, this is a good book. Had the first half been anywhere near as good as the ending it would have been a wonderful book, alas it was not quite so.
If you are a fan of suspense pick yourself up a copy and you’ll find the ending to be spectacular and you’re likely to like the first half more than I did.
The first half of Lethal Intent had me nearly going crazy with wanting to throw the book out my window. Why?
Because this dear book was dull, boring, and very tortuous for the first 118 pages, there was way too much information, the details often went over my head because I haven’t researched or know anything about the cancers they discussed or the things they were doing to help the patients. Which for a thriller is not a good sign.
I won’t even start on the fact that one single mention of the Covid-19 pandemic being in the past nearly earned this book a one way ticket to the burn pit, nope, not going into that …
Now, after all that you may wonder that I gave 4 stars and that I finished the book since I was so against it … the reasons are many, really …
1. Cara Putman is a spectacular author whose romantic suspense novels are some of my favorite.
2. I read another of her books and didn’t like the beginning but loved the ending.
3. I wasn’t ready for a highly looked forward to book to not be what I wanted.
4. I don’t like giving up.
5. I loved the cover …
6. Foster kids.
I am a sucker for foster kids in stories, and man, oh, man! I loved seeing Brandon with his kids! I just loved the glimpses into that side of the story, I had to hold out to see what happened with his kids.
Am I glad I did? Yes!
Do I recommend Lethal Intent? Yes!
Am I missing something … ? Yes …
Past the 118th (or some page about there) I fell in love with the story, I can’t say I connected with Caroline as I found her very naive but I understood her more and didn’t dislike her.
The ending?! Well, I found it nearly made up for the bad beginning but not quite, so, this is a good book. Had the first half been anywhere near as good as the ending it would have been a wonderful book, alas it was not quite so.
If you are a fan of suspense pick yourself up a copy and you’ll find the ending to be spectacular and you’re likely to like the first half more than I did.
travelerswife4life's review
4.0
8 Awesome Lethally Good things about Cara Putman's new book!
• Cara Putman opens your eyes to just how far some people will go to find a cure
• From the first page, Cara Putman focuses on the details, explaining things (like medical terminology) through Caroline and her new job at a medical research company
• The legal and medical terminology added a great layer to this story and really made the whole thing totally realistic in its intensity
• Cara Putman wrote this story as if You were there with Caroline learning all this information for the first time and figuring out exactly what was going on, which I believe made it that much more compelling and it hooked me from the first page
• The characters are spot on, both Caroline and Brandon play off each other and show the intricacies of a couple learning how the other thinks and processes information
• I LOVED how Caroline was strong in her convictions or wrong and right; and how she was willing to stand up for what she believed in, no matter the personal costs
• Brandon... What a soft teddy bear with the heart of a lion for the kids in his care. I truly loved his patient nature and how he was so concerned with the kid’s welfare. Cara Putman did a great job drawing out his character and giving little mysterious hints about his background throughout the whole story
• The combination of suspense, mystery, thrill, and the medical end to this story was such a good combination that kept me up way past bedtime
Cara Putman weaved a wonderfully dramatic story set amid an up and coming cure being found! It was fun to learn from the characters the processes involved as well as learning what can hypothetically be done to medically treat people. I really enjoyed this experience with Cara Putman, and I am already looking forward to my next book from her. 4 out of 5 stars.
• Cara Putman opens your eyes to just how far some people will go to find a cure
• From the first page, Cara Putman focuses on the details, explaining things (like medical terminology) through Caroline and her new job at a medical research company
• The legal and medical terminology added a great layer to this story and really made the whole thing totally realistic in its intensity
• Cara Putman wrote this story as if You were there with Caroline learning all this information for the first time and figuring out exactly what was going on, which I believe made it that much more compelling and it hooked me from the first page
• The characters are spot on, both Caroline and Brandon play off each other and show the intricacies of a couple learning how the other thinks and processes information
• I LOVED how Caroline was strong in her convictions or wrong and right; and how she was willing to stand up for what she believed in, no matter the personal costs
• Brandon... What a soft teddy bear with the heart of a lion for the kids in his care. I truly loved his patient nature and how he was so concerned with the kid’s welfare. Cara Putman did a great job drawing out his character and giving little mysterious hints about his background throughout the whole story
• The combination of suspense, mystery, thrill, and the medical end to this story was such a good combination that kept me up way past bedtime
Cara Putman weaved a wonderfully dramatic story set amid an up and coming cure being found! It was fun to learn from the characters the processes involved as well as learning what can hypothetically be done to medically treat people. I really enjoyed this experience with Cara Putman, and I am already looking forward to my next book from her. 4 out of 5 stars.
juniveve's review
4.0
I have found a new author! This Christian fiction legal medical suspense novel really hit the mark! Caroline is starting a new job as legal council for Praecursoria. A company that runs experimental trials/develops cancer treatments. She has just leveled up her friendship with Brandon. He runs a group foster home that focuses on keeping sibling's together. One of his "kids" has leukemia.
Caroline's enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Brandon's ward in the experimental trials prematurely. Caroline objects. Her goal is to make sure things are done the right way for both the company and the people taking part in them. Someone else has another agenda. Things heat up between Brandon and Caroline, but the secrets she must keep may create a wedge between them. Can she find the link to the right treatment for Bethany or will Caroline be the next one who is removed for not being compatible?
Caroline's enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Brandon's ward in the experimental trials prematurely. Caroline objects. Her goal is to make sure things are done the right way for both the company and the people taking part in them. Someone else has another agenda. Things heat up between Brandon and Caroline, but the secrets she must keep may create a wedge between them. Can she find the link to the right treatment for Bethany or will Caroline be the next one who is removed for not being compatible?
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
I received a copy of Lethal Intent in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Cara C. Putman is back with a brand new thriller, Lethal Intent. One that mixes legal and medical thriller themes with romance and more.
For a moment there, Caroline Bragg thought she had it all. She had the perfect job, and her relationship with Brandon Lancaster was finally going somewhere. Better yet, the company she works for (Praecursoria) has just developed a new treatment for leukemia. One that could save the lives of the children she knows.
However, nothing is quite as it seems. Her company is too intent on trying this brand new drug on a child. One from Brandon's foster home, and it quickly becomes a conflict of interest for Caroline and Brandon both, as they have more in stake than it would appear at first glance.
“No, she wanted to build forever with this man she'd loved from a distance for years.
Now was their time.”
I can tell you with complete honestly that I have never read a thriller with such a unique blend of genres and elements. Lethal Intent is a romantic thriller, which isn't new to me, but the addition of medical and legal thriller elements made it stand out. As did the fairly subtle infusion of Christian fiction.
All put together, it made for a unique read as I've never seen before. That's always an impressive feat, as any avid reader will certainly know! So for that reason alone, I know that Lethal Intent will stick out in my mind for years to come.
I love how complicated the story became, the further it moved along. What seemed like a dream come true quickly became more complex, all thanks to the wonders of human behavior. Well, 'wonders' is certainly not the right word in this case, but you get what I'm saying.
I should warn you; if the world of medical research seems terrifying to you (even only at times), then this novel is going to chill you to your core. No exaggeration. It perfectly portrays some of the more...corrupt natures that seem to find their way into any sector that can provide money.
Long story short: Lethal Intent was every bit the thrilling novel I had hoped it would be, and then some. This is the first novel I've read by Cara C. Putnam, but I don't think it will be the last.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Cara C. Putman is back with a brand new thriller, Lethal Intent. One that mixes legal and medical thriller themes with romance and more.
For a moment there, Caroline Bragg thought she had it all. She had the perfect job, and her relationship with Brandon Lancaster was finally going somewhere. Better yet, the company she works for (Praecursoria) has just developed a new treatment for leukemia. One that could save the lives of the children she knows.
However, nothing is quite as it seems. Her company is too intent on trying this brand new drug on a child. One from Brandon's foster home, and it quickly becomes a conflict of interest for Caroline and Brandon both, as they have more in stake than it would appear at first glance.
“No, she wanted to build forever with this man she'd loved from a distance for years.
Now was their time.”
I can tell you with complete honestly that I have never read a thriller with such a unique blend of genres and elements. Lethal Intent is a romantic thriller, which isn't new to me, but the addition of medical and legal thriller elements made it stand out. As did the fairly subtle infusion of Christian fiction.
All put together, it made for a unique read as I've never seen before. That's always an impressive feat, as any avid reader will certainly know! So for that reason alone, I know that Lethal Intent will stick out in my mind for years to come.
I love how complicated the story became, the further it moved along. What seemed like a dream come true quickly became more complex, all thanks to the wonders of human behavior. Well, 'wonders' is certainly not the right word in this case, but you get what I'm saying.
I should warn you; if the world of medical research seems terrifying to you (even only at times), then this novel is going to chill you to your core. No exaggeration. It perfectly portrays some of the more...corrupt natures that seem to find their way into any sector that can provide money.
Long story short: Lethal Intent was every bit the thrilling novel I had hoped it would be, and then some. This is the first novel I've read by Cara C. Putnam, but I don't think it will be the last.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
bestinsuspense's review
4.0
Lethal Intent gives readers an intriguing story! Caroline Braggs is an attorney who takes a job with a research laboratory as their inside counsel. She dives into the world of experimental research for developing life-saving treatments and drugs. But she begins to discover that the data doesn’t add up, and several key employees have suddenly died. The more she digs, the more danger she finds herself in. She also finds her relationship with Brandon Lancaster in jeopardy because of her job.
I love the characters in this novel. Brandon has given up his life and career to help care for foster children. Caroline starts to realize what’s important to her after watching Brandon in action. The storyline is also fascinating. Cara Putman did a lot of research on genetic therapies and Car-T cell therapies. The book had lots of suspenseful moments, but not as much as some of the other books by this author. Much of the story focused on Brandon and Caroline’s relationship. Lots of characters from prior novels have cameos, which I always enjoy!
Definitely check out this thought-provoking and intense new novel from Cara Putman.
Overall Rating:
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
Suspense Rating:
4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love the characters in this novel. Brandon has given up his life and career to help care for foster children. Caroline starts to realize what’s important to her after watching Brandon in action. The storyline is also fascinating. Cara Putman did a lot of research on genetic therapies and Car-T cell therapies. The book had lots of suspenseful moments, but not as much as some of the other books by this author. Much of the story focused on Brandon and Caroline’s relationship. Lots of characters from prior novels have cameos, which I always enjoy!
Definitely check out this thought-provoking and intense new novel from Cara Putman.
Overall Rating:
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
Suspense Rating:
4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
esmeralda's review
4.0
Classic Putman: a deftly woven story based upon legal issues with a sprinkling of action. :)