The killer held a knife to her throat—the ultimate decision locked within a dark and deviant gaze.Determined and dedicated, forensic pathologist Remie Tallin validates her talent by detailing a victim’s last moments of life. Returning to Portland signified her new beginning where a psychopathic stalker designates her a pawn in a seductive game of intrigue.The lines between predator and prey blur … predator and prey blur in hunting a medical genius bent on resetting the laws of nature. Evidence has never failed to point Remie in the right direction, yet conflicting discoveries mock the legal system and defy the scientific arena for clarification.
Detective McAllister’s return from leave includes a new assignment along with a partner well versed in subtle sarcasm and innuendos. Discovering the new medical examiner unconscious at the scene of a grisly murder forces him to unite with his brothers against a world of chaos where reality shifts according to a psychopath’s desire.
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Meeting two young friends who have a secret, out in the middle of nowhere at night is not the best idea. Forensic pathologist Dr Remie Tallin will come to regret that the decision leads to such tragic consequences.
A very clever scientist, straight out of a horror film has evil on his mind. Scary experiments that sound far too realistic are being carried out on unsuspecting victims.
Detective Billy McAllister is just back to work after his own brush with a crazy scientist. The last thing he needs from his first case with homicide are the strange discoveries he makes.
This is a very exciting and all too possible scenario. That’s what makes it so scary.
This is part of a series that revolves around brothers, but it can easily be read on it’s own.
Great fun.
An excellent plot that catches the reader from page one. The characters are unique and believable. It is a great romantic thriller. I received an advance copy and I am voluntarily giving this review.
Carbon Replacements will suck you in from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very end. You will definitely be on the edge of your seat.
Dr. Remie Tallin is a dedicated pathologist. When meeting up with her friends, she ends up witnessing their murder. Now she is being stalked. What is the killer’s motive by not murdering her along with her friends?
Billy McAllister has just returned to the force. He has a new partner, Royden, who is a little sarcastic and dishes out innuendos about Billy’s sister. Their first case is the murders of Remie’s friends. Billy is also assigned as Remie’s bodyguard.
As the story unfolds there is a physco scientst involved in the bioprinting and the building of human parts. The author explains with great detail about the process so the readers will understand. Her experience and knowledge in the medical field and as a private investigator proves that.
The McAllisters are a close knit family. They, along with their mates, also help one another solve the swords edge of crimes. The humour between the brothers and their sister along with their mates at the family meetings is hilarious. The author always includes an adorable furry companion.
Reily Garrett knows how to build a suspenseful plot that will keep you intrigued throughout the entire story. Unexpected twists and turns that will have you second guessing yourself as to who the killer is as he manipulates everything and everyone.
I love the McAllister Justice Series. Each book is about one of the brothers and how the relationship developed with their mate. Each book is a standalone.
If you enjoy reading action packed, nail biting thrillers with a sprinkle of love, then this series is for you.
This is the 4th book in this series, and is Remie and Billy’s turn. Remie is a forensic pathologist, and Billy is a detective, who comes to her aid when she is attacked. These two works together in order to trace a stalker who is targeting young woman. This is a well written story, with an in depth plot, which is filled with suspense, family and romance. I was intrigued and hooked throughout, and look forward to reading more of this talented authors’ work. The only down side in my opinion, is that there is such a number of details and facts flung at the readers from the start, that I found myself getting a tad confused.
I don’t often start a series on the fourth book, but when the opportunity to read Reily Garrett’s Carbon Replacements as an ARC presented itself, I grabbed it. That move proved overwhelming at first. With rapid-fire action and a profusion of descriptive scenes, I felt inundated by names and confusing details. Not knowing who was who from previous books was part of it. Slowly, but surely, those particulars started to fall into place enough that I could make sense of things and enjoy this book.
From what I now know, each book features a different McAllister family member. This time around, it’s Detective Billy McAllister, who starts out “un-hitched”. Since this is a romantic suspense novel, we can surmise how this may change. Billy has recently returned to work from a medical leave to find that he has a new partner, Royden Patterson. The two don’t exactly hit it off at first, for reasons I won’t go into. It makes for some amusing – and realistic – reading. The McAllisters are a tightly knit family, something that is quite evident to anyone getting a look from the outside.
One of those outsiders is Dr. Remington “Remie” Tallin, a pathologist who has recently moved back to Portland. Billy becomes her bodyguard, basically, after a violent attack in which a college student is killed.; another college student has gone missing. Remie was injured and dumped. For some reason, the killer left her alive. But there is something amiss.
What follows is a pretty darn good yarn. If you like suspense, I can tell you that there are moments where I was holding my breath. If you like humor, you will laugh out loud at the brothers and even more at their sister Abby and the brothers’ significant others when they get jawing during their family meetings. If you like things a little more sultry, Reily Garrett writes those scenes well too. Sci fi? Well, it turns out that what Billy and Reily are in up to their muddy necks against might seem like science fiction, but it’s actually real research and development that’s happening now. Exciting and scary! All of that adds up to a very good story.
The characters are likable. I like the loyalty of the family members. Coming from a large family myself, their interactions feel genuine – sarcasm, concern, annoyance – the author gets it right. She adds in the sweetness of new love in Billy’s budding romance and the awkwardness between the Katt and Matt as they verbally spar with each other. I loved that!
Even if you think that this isn’t your genre, give it a chance. There might be something for everyone in Carbon Replacements.
4.5 stars
P.S. A special thanks to the author for her portrayal of Holly, a very special kitty cat.
This is the fourth book in the McAllister Justice series and I am in love. I don’t know where or how I found Reily Garrett, but she can keep writing stories like this and I will consume them in one sitting. This feeds my inner science lover and makes me think. This story is no different than any in the series, where they always leave me breathless and wanting so much more. She keeps me on my toes and constantly has me working to figure out who did it and in what fashion. She is one of the few mystery/suspense authors that has stumped me, EACH AND EVERY TIME! I LOVE IT!! I love that I never know where the kicker is coming from but boy does it hurt.
As a total aside, I think I enjoyed this one the most because Remi, the leading lady, is a medical examiner. In a long-ago former life, I studied for my MCAT’s, passed, and wanted to become an ME. What stopped me you might ask, working on living sick people. Yup, I’m the weirdo who loves the dead and finding out what stories and secrets they’ve left behind for us to discover. Now that you know that weird fact. On to my review.
Remi moved to Portland and is set up as one of the new medical examiners in town. As I read the story, she came off as a bit quiet, determined, and brilliant. She finds herself thrown into a hellish nightmare that will leave her reeling. Not knowing who to trust, Remi will be thrust into the McAllister clan, and Billy will capture her thoughts. I found it enjoyable and fascinating to read Remi. She is a character that is kind, humble, smart, curious, and strong. Reily wrote her in a way that ensnared me and brought me into this psychotic world that Remi was trying to escape from. Remi was a very well rounded character and written so well. She reminded me of some of my favorite female medical examiners from books and shows.
Billy McAllister is getting back to normal. After his previous encounter with technology, medicine, and the deranged, he is leery to trust anyone new. That includes his new partner Roy. When Roy and Billy stumble upon a horrific event, he finds Remi caught in the crosshairs of a sadistic mind. Billy will call in the family for this, as things only escalate to a point that could break him. Reily wrote Billy’s journey in a way that was full of heart, and stubbornness. HA. Billy was not one who would easily admit to anything. I found it very realistic how she wrote his healing from the trauma he endured. Also how he stood up and by Remi. Through it all.
The ENTIRE McAllister clan is back and makes this suspenseful story even tenser. I don’t have siblings, but the bond this family has bled through the pages. It is strong, genuine, and true. I could read about this world all day long and not grow bored. Each character is unique and has a different area of smarts. It’s captivating to read how all of these individuals fit together to make pieces of a whole family complete.
I do not want to spoil, but the suspense, drama, murders, mystery, and case is a page-turner. I didn’t want to stop or turn off my kindle on this one. There were so many red herrings. I kept thinking it would go one way, then BAM Reily would throw a right hook and I was knocked out. I could not have pegged who was behind the sinister masterminded plan of evil. I loved that I couldn’t It made the whole story to keep me guessing until the end. The plot was full and complete. You didn’t feel like anything was missing. I found the subplots got me excited, along with the foreshadowing for future books. I know at some point this series will end, but I honestly have to say I don’t want it to stop. Reily made this captivating mystery/thriller/suspense that I could read and have it play like a movie in my mind. I am giving this 5 leaping pointe shoes and definitely recommend the entire McAllister series.
I absolutely love Reily Garrett. She is definitely one of my favorite authors.
I was first introduced to her with Tender Echoes, a prequel to the entire McAllisster series; and I think each book gets better and better as she continues to raise the stakes to terrifying new levels and to flesh out characters that readers have come to love.
Following her foray into the dark side of nanotechnology, in Carbon Replacements, Mrs. Garrett immerses the reader once again into the all too frightening dark side of science.
Following the footsteps of a killer connected to unsanctioned stem cell and bioprinting experiments, the McAllister family closes ranks as brother Billy McAllister tries to protect survivor, forensic pathologist, and love interest, Remie from becoming both a human experiment and a body on her own slab!Carbon Replacements
Romantic thrillers are a favorite of mine to read. So when Reily approached me to read Carbon Replacements, I jumped on it. Not only because it is a romantic thriller but also because it is the next book in the McAllister Justice series.
Carbon Replacements takes place sometime after the ending of Inconclusive Evidence. Remi Tallin is a forensic pathologist that had moved back to Seattle after the death of her mother. When her next door neighbor comes to her after being attacked by a John, Remi is drawn into a game where her every move is watched and reported. Billy McAllister is back from leave. He comes into Remi’s world when he is the one to find her after she was attacked by the same John who murdered her neighbor. But not everything is what it seems. Billy and Remi are drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a psychopath called The Sandman. The secret that he is hiding could change the world. Can Billy and Remi outthink him or will they become his victims?
I loved the storyline. From the beginning, when Remi was sitting in the car with Gena, I was drawn in. The author did a fantastic job of keeping me interested in the story. The side storylines of Royden/Abby and Katt/Matt were a welcome distraction when Billy/Remi’s storyline got too much. The author did a wonderful of tying them all to the main storyline at the end of the book.
The thriller angle of the book was very well written. This book did a great job of taking sudden twists and turns. Just when I thought I had the bad guy figured out, the author threw a wrench in it. I also liked the idea that was behind everything. I have never heard of bioprinting organs before and I was unaware of the controversy surrounding it. The role that it played in this book was frightening. I had no issue imagining someone wanting to do what The Sandman wanted to do with a bioprinter.
I loved how the relationship between Remi and Billy evolved. It went from a typical police/victim relationship to one where they had feelings for each other but refused to act. So no Instalove. The chemistry between them was amazing. With every glance they shared, the chemistry became more charged. There was a point in the book where I was like “Just DO IT, already“.
Speaking of sex, there wasn’t a lot in this book. Which was refreshing because I could focus on the storyline without wondering when they were going to have sex. The sex that Billy and Remi had was amazing because of the chemistry.
The end of the book was amazing. Who The Sandman was a surprise. A surprise because of why The Sandman did what he did. Talk about frightening and twisted. I also liked how the author lined up the next romance. I wasn’t surprised at who it was because you could see it going there the entire book.
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
4.5 stars rounded to 4 stars
The McAllister Justice series is another of my secret little gems that I so enjoy. The McAllisters are five brothers (3 detectives, 2 PIs) and one sister (attorney). Each book focuses on one sibling while the entire family works together to solve cutting edge crimes. With each installment at least one family member finds true love. The genre is romantic thriller, which I don’t read too often, but I love this series as the plots are substantial, the family dynamics are highly entertaining, and the romantic angle is done just right.
This story focuses on Billy, a police detective. The plot involves the stalking of a young woman forensic pathologist (Remie) in the setting of high-powered scientific research focusing on bioprinting and the construction of human parts. Chilling stuff, as the science is true and brings into play very touchy ethical issues that we as human beings are going to be faced with in the not too distant future. Before your eyes glaze over, know that you do not have to be a sciencey-type to enjoy this. Ms. Garrett makes sure her readers understand this aspect of the story.
There’s much to like here. The plot is original, well written, and engaging. The prose is lovely, especially for this genre. I was a little confused early on when the author throws a lot at us, but this all comes together as the story progresses. It is definitely a refreshing change from all the serial killer books that are out there these days. The pacing and building of suspense was spot on. There are several scenes of high suspense that had me shredding my nails (Reily, you owe me a manicure). I did not guess the end.
The characters are so easy to root for and we get to know Billy and Remie well. The McAllister family and their significant others get together often, not only because they are personally close, but because they all get involved in whatever crime is being fought. They always have each other’s backs. Their camaraderie is fabulous with dialogue ranging from biting to humorous to poignant. There is some spicy language, so beware if you don’t care for that.
I liked how the author handles the romantic arc. The progression is perfect, the sex is tender, and this part of the story is an adjunct to rather than the focus of the story. Just the way I like it.
I’ve read all of the books so far (novella plus 4 novels) and can see the growth in Ms. Garrett’s writing. Her extensive work background, which includes gigs as an ICU nurse and a private investigator amongst other interesting professions allows her to write what she knows, always a plus.
Finally, the author always includes dogs, and this time a dog and a cat, in her stories and makes it clear they are part of the family too.
I highly recommend The McAllister Justice series to all fans of romantic suspense and cutting edge plots. It will also please readers who like books that focus on strong family relationships.
Many thanks to Ms. Garrett for affording me an advanced copy and allowing me the privilege of beta-reading Carbon Replacements. Also, thank you, Reily, for the honor of including our cat Holly in your story.
Opinions stated are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
This is the 4th book in the series and it may be easier if you have read the other books in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. The story is fast-paced with loads of twists and turns. I was hooked from beginning to end. Billy and Remie are working together to catch a killer. The story really grabs you from beginning to end with plenty of drama, humor and suspense. The chemistry is steamy and the story entertaining.
@ddeegott Carbon Replacements – McAllister Justice Series Bk 4 – Written by Reily Garrett – Reviewed 8/27/18 Read 8/15-24/18
The killer held a knife to her throat—the ultimate decision locked within a dark and deviant gaze.
Determined and dedicated, forensic pathologist Remie Tallin validates her talent by detailing a victim’s last moments of life. Returning to Portland signified her new beginning where a psychopathic stalker designates her a pawn in a seductive game of intrigue. The lines between predator and prey blur in hunting a medical genius bent on resetting the laws of nature. Evidence has never failed to point Remie in the right direction, yet conflicting discoveries mock the legal system and defy the scientific arena for clarification. Detective McAllister’s return from leave includes a new assignment along with a partner well versed in subtle sarcasm and innuendos. Discovering the new medical examiner unconscious at the scene of a grisly murder forces him to unite with his brothers against a world of chaos where reality shifts according to a psychopath’s desire.
What did I like? Oh, come on, who doesn’t love those McAllister Brothers and their girls???? They are my favorite brothers and finally, Billy has found someone that he can give all his love to! The messes that these boys seem to find sometimes defile luck. It seems like they just got out one mess and wow, here we are again. I am just kidding, I love these boys and the more trouble they get into the more reading I get to do… and drool! LOL
What will you like? Besides the hot brothers, suspense, humor, love, astounding action, breathtaking storyline, remarkable characters, and astounding reading! That’s just for starters. These boys will have you on the edge of your seats and guessing what will happen next. The girls are more active in this book and they really kick butt with lots of action and humor. I for one can’t wait for the next book. Looks like Matt needs someone to love him too! I received this from the author as a member of the ARC team for an honest review with no other compensation.
I really liked this book. I have read all the books in the McAlister Justice series, and I have enjoyed every one of them. I hope the author continues with this series.
Such a great collection! I really enjoyed it and I could not put it down. I would definitely recommend this author!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot grabs your attention and pulls you in before you even realize it. Intense suspense fills the pages and keeps you turning them to find out what happens. It’s well written, flows smoothly and keeps you wondering what will happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carbon Replacements is the fourth book in The McAllister Justice Series. This engaging crime thriller has well-developed characters, a psychopathic stalker, danger, suspense, and intrigue. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our hero and heroine both share a passion for separating fact from fiction, but when a killer makes that almost impossible, they are going to have to unit to survive.
This is book four of the series, but it does just fine as a standalone. There are some references to characters from the previous book, but nothing essential to this plot.
This is a romantic suspense story with a heavy accent on the suspense and thriller aspects. The romance sort of occurs naturally as a byproduct, which works perfectly for me. The story is well written, but not always easy to read as there is a lot going on. The plot also takes several turns that keeps the reader guessing and certainly kept me turning pages. Along the way, we get to know our hero and heroine very well and they turn out to have excellent chemistry. I really enjoyed how this entire thing developed and I definitely am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
Another page turning thriller that had me glued to the pages right from the start. The author once again brings strong characters , mixes in the paranormal and humor,throws in the suspense and delivers a dark,twisted and erotic thriller. She moves the story fluidly with her vividly painted scenes and brings a surprise ending! Loved and recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
The McAllister siblings and their significant others are always entertaining. If they are not in peril themselves they are helping someone else. I always skip the intimate details and my eyes tend to gloss over some of the technological information, but the story keeps me turning the pages. Thanks to the author for providing a copy via Booksprout for my voluntary review. Great series!
Part of a series and they’re all on my all time favorite books! Highly recommend this book and entire series. Best if read in order even though they are all written as stand alone books. One of the best writers I’ve had the privilege to read!
Great storyline! I could not figure out who the bad guy was, I loved the suspense all the way to the end. I really liked that it was sort of a continuation of the last book 🙂 I also hope for another book! I received this ARC for an honest review.