Lethal Intent, (Paperback)

Cara Putnam has given us another exciting installment of her Hidden Justice series. A reader new to this series will enjoy this stand-alone novel; others will recognize the secondary characters from previous books. Caroline is thrilled with her new job, and takes it seriously as she tries to learn the science she is to defend and propel through the approval process. She also must learn whom to trust in this new environment. And among her friend group and boyfriend, she must also learn to be vulnerable. While she is dealing with the nuts and bolts of treatment therapies, her new boyfriend/longtime friend Brandon is working to keep his foster home for children viable and compliant with ever-changing regulations. Putnam gives the reader a good understanding of both worlds, while keeping the story moving and the intensity building. Readers who enjoy legal and medical dramas will enjoy this book, and those with a heart for children will be touched by it as well. I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

I love how the author slowly builds her story until it reaches an unnerving peak. The story is so good I was driven to read until I finished it. I love medical suspense and this one tops them all. It isnt far fetched, yet borders on ethics. How far would you go to save a child who is dying? The medical details are riveting and are easy to understand. I began to wonder if this CAR -T cell therapy was something that a company would push in order to gain recognition. Oh the old, love of money is the root of all evil, rears its ugly head in this story. Caroline is very efficient in her job as an attorney but is she over her head at her new job? She isnt one to look the other way when the law isnt followed. I love the way Brandon fits into the story. He has a big heart for foster kids due to his childhood. He wants to make a difference in childrens lives and running his group home is helping his dream come true. I like the relationship between him and Caroline. It seems natural and not rushed. The story brings these two together more when the company Caroline works for could help save one of the children from Brandons group home. There are times I wanted to cry during the story as I read about trials, medical tests and discouraging news that at any moment could deliver devastating consequences . Brandon is desperate to keep his group home up and running and turns to God to give him direction . The action is fierce and the danger never stops in this suspenseful story where someone is willing to risk it all for money and power. I loved how the author keeps you guessing as Caroline is given data that could legally take down a corporation. Who is behind the sinister plot to destroy evidence that could cost Caroline her life? I really enjoyed learning more about foster care and the red tape that is involved with keeping kids safe until adopted. Im sure the number of children in foster care is staggering. This story shines a light on the work that needs to be done to give happy endings to the children who want a forever home. Brandon had a special place in my heart because of his compassion for children who needed to feel wanted. This is a story that has all the essentials to be made into a movie. The story is very well researched and is something that people go through when they decide to try everything they can to beat the disease that is trying to kill them. The author is one of my favorites when it comes to intrigue and this book is by far her best. Fears lose their weight when brought to the light. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.