🚓🚒 “Double Take” (Lake City Heroes #1) (2024) 🚒🚓 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Lake City Heroes (Book #1)
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 9, 2024)
Language: English
ISBN: 0800741196
ISBN-13: 978-0800741198
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.
Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.
Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads program. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
I got introduced to Lynette Eason’s work with the novella Protecting Tanner Hallow over four (4) years ago. And, I am STILL waiting for fuller versions of the stories in that novella.
However, I was immediately drawn to her work and looked for her novels.
It wasn’t until I won the second book in her Danger Never Sleeps series that I knew she was a “must-read” author (like so many). As a result, I bought the first book in that series, but still have it on my TBR list. I did read the other two novels (Active Defense and Hostile Intent). I then ended up with a copy of Life Flight from her Extreme Measures series. To add a bit of fun – I read the first book, which I got from a review group; then I ended up with book two – Crossfire – from a Bookstagram campaign. I was then on the launch team for the third and fourth books – Critical Threat and Countdown. So, I absolutely enjoy her work.
That’s why when she started a new series – Lake City Heroes – I was completely on board.
Naturally, the first book in a series is going to be a mixed bag with some readers. And, as a budding writer myself – I find it the hardest ONE to write. After all, the author has to introduce the characters that will appear in the following two-three (2-3) or more books, introduce the story-specific characters, set-up a recurring storyline, and weave an independent story together that wraps up at the end.
That is no easy feat to accomplish.
Yet, authors like Eason do it with such ease – or so it seems. Sometimes, the author’s note at the end is just as entertaining as the story. And, definitely provides a glimpse into the team it takes to and the complexities of making the story come to life.
Eason introduces readers to (potential recurring characters):
🚓 Detective James Cross
🚓 Detective Cole Garrison (also part of the SWAT team)
🩺 Dr. Lainie Jackson
⚖️ Dixon Cross
👨🏻 Keegan Cross
👩🏻 Stephanie Cross
🚓 Kenzie King (SWAT Medic)
🚓 Buzz Crenshaw (SWAT team sniper)
🩺 Dr. Allison Lambe
🚒 Jesslyn McCormick (Fire Marshal)
✈️ Kristine Duncan (Air Marshal)
As well as the story specific characters:
⚖️ Adam Williams
👨🏻 Nick Williams (Adam’s brother)
👨🏻🦳 Myles Williams (Adam’s father)
🩺 Dr. Bridgette McPherson
As with any suspense, even romantic suspense, there are going to be some topics that are bothersome, if not downright triggering for some readers. This has a faked death, stalking, PTSD, police shooting issues, anti-police sentiment (James’ father), mentions of domestic violence (two incidents), as well as infidelity.
Right off, the prologue drops readers into a terrifying moment of domestic violence that usually ends the way most do – with the death of one partner. In this case, it isn’t Lainie.
Eighteen (18) months later, she is on her way to Señor G’s to not only get some food, but to check on Julian Gonzales as a patient. Upon leaving, she is having issues with her car, but someone intentionally runs her off the road. She is lucky enough to not end up in a ditch, but the man she sees – the man she shot 18 months earlier.
Two weeks later, after her accident, she is reunited with the brother of a childhood friend. James comes in after being shot in a stand-off that ended with a man’s death, a man who was on the edge and planning to kill his family. However, James doesn’t want medication or to stay. And, Lainie learns why. In a PTSD moment, James thinks he’s still a soldier and has an incident. Knowing what is going on, Lainie is able to diffuse the situation.
Lainie has her own incident when she discovers a simple note in her pocket – “Cheers, Love”. The phrase Adam liked to use. And, she also ends up getting multiple texts that others have spotted him as well. She ends up telling James, and he decides to use his “recovery time” to help her. Especially when he starts seeing proof that Adam is alive.
There is also the matter of someone switching the front tires of Lainie’s vehicle. It definitely negates the accident theory.
James is also hiding a secret from Lainie – his family doesn’t know he’s home. And, it has more to do with his father (talk about a fitting name for a while – Mr. Cross). James’ uncle was killed by the cops, however it was his uncle’s fault. Still, James’ father stopped speaking to him when he went into the military.
Despite that – James is still on good terms with his mother, brothers Dixon and Keegan, and sister Stephanie. He even takes Lainie to the lake house to keep her safe, seeing his father for the first time in 10 years. Lainie tries to reach out to James’ father.
As the attacks or rather “stalking” escalates, James is wondering if Adam is alive. Lainie refuses to believe it. Though, James is certain – the motive is revenge, especially given the fact that Adam’s family hinted at him being alive. There’s also certain “items” cropping up.
After an incident at her home, a note is found. Someone is going to great lengths to make it look like Adam isn’t dead. Especially when there is nothing to say he is. Talk about twisted and evil.
And, here I always thought “dead men tell no tales” … perhaps that was wrong?
Despite what is going on – it is clear that James no longer sees Lainie like a kid sister; and Lainie always hoped he’d see her differently. Given their baggage, and dysfunctional families they still have a mutual affection for each other. That leads to the two to wonder what a romance would be like. Yet, they keep trying to avoid it.
But, they have to find out what is going on and who is behind it before they can go forward – are they chasing a ghost or are they chasing a dead man who’s still walking?
And, how many people does it take to prove one man is still alive? Or make sure he’s really dead?
From the beginning, Eason drew me right in and held my interest. This was one of those books that was creepy, intense, suspenseful, twisted, and entertaining. It was like a train wreck that held someone’s interest because they simply cannot look away, they’re that mesmerized. The cover is definitely a few of those – creepy and intense to be certain. It, however, cannot even accurately represent this wild, horror ride. And, what a ride it is! Especially when she includes a mystery man third POV.
I was honestly on Lainie’s side with this one – this man couldn’t be alive. I mean – wishful thinking. In real life? No way. I’m sorry, I just couldn’t do it. No matter what kept popping up. And, a heads up – there’s a lot of evidence.
Speaking of relating to Lainie, I definitely related to Lainie about her mother’s mental illness and hoarding issue. My mother has depression and anxiety. She also didn’t have much growing up, as a result, she began collecting things. Then, it was keeping stuff in case we might use it. This did, for a time, affect me. I have to admit – the home definitely needs an overhaul. So, this is a very real situation. And, like Lainie, I’ve been labeled an enabler as well.
There is a moment at a storage facility when she finds her lock is gone. Real story – happened to my mother and I. Long story short – had a unit at a “cheapo” place (no longer there), visited to find lock changed, was told ours was no on it, found our stuff rifled through – some missing. This happened twice, on top of a flood. We moved our stuff shortly after. So, anyone wondering why she wasn’t told – it can easily happen.
Between Lainie’s mother and the storage unit, I almost wondered if the author knew some parts of my life. To say I could relate to some of this – an understatement.
I also shed a few tears when Lainie has, what I’d call a “come to Jesus” moment with James’ dad. She reminds him of his faith, and dedicating James to the church and prayed he’d become a man of God. She states that perhaps God is using him in this profession – “He’s saving lives, Mr. Cross. And in the end, because of what he does, he may very well end up saving mine.” It is a stirring and vivid moment of family dynamics when one does something for a greater good despite a parent being against it, taking it as a sign of disrespect.
Despite the seriousness, there are some elements of humor. Not as in roaring comedy, but light chuckles here or there to diffuse the tension. I felt so bad laughing at one point when Lainie said the next step was to dig Adam up. I just – I know it was inappropriate – yet it seemed like laughing was the best response. Because, if I were her – I’d definitely want to know. I loved two of the names of the characters – Cole and Grant. My reason? I absolutely adored Julian McMahon as an actor. In a T.V show – PROFILER – his character was John Grant. In CHARMED, Cole Turner.
One “critical” moment, for me, was the tires. As someone with two “bad” tires on her vehicle, and even when my set of tires was new, was always looking at them – I did find it interesting that Lainie didn’t seem to notice the difference in the tires. For me, given the weather North Carolina has (more rain than Nevada) – I would’ve thought she’d have seen it. Let this be a lesson – always check your tires.
That said, this was one of my favorite books by the author. It does to tend more on the suspense side than romance. The romance is hinted at about 80-90% in.
In her author’s note, as well as the excerpt from the back – Eason clues readers in as to what to next in book two (2). That will be Cole and Kenzie’s story. And, I’m definitely eager to see what is going to happen there.
Since Revell is a primarily Christian publisher, there will be elements of the Christian faith present – prayers, seeing God’s work in certain instances, as well as themes of second chances, and forgiveness. These are not overwhelming at all. This is also a clean read which means affection is limited to kissing and hugging with no intimate acts demonstrated on page or off. No offensive language is used.
And, by the way … while you’re waiting for Eason’s next book … do what Lainie did – read the newest one by Lynn H. Blackburn 😉🤣 She’s another one of my favorite authors too!
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES:
Series: Lake City Heroes (Book #1) Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Revell (August 20, 2024)Language: English ISBN: 080074120XISBN-13: 978-0800741204Click Photo for Purchase Information ⬆️
“Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn't get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.
Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own--if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.
It's all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper's bullet?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Extreme Measures, Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband. They have two adult children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
You can follow her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynetteeason/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lynetteeason
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