If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman.
Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids … desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home.
When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda?
Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her?
This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.
“I loved Cara Putman’s Lethal Intent and rooted for her heroine Caroline Bragg through every twist and turn. This legal thriller perfectly captures what it’s like to grow from law clerk to lawyer, and when Caroline finds herself faced with a heartbreaking ethical dilemma that leads to the corporate battle of her life, she confronts the challenge with strength and resources she never knew she had. Putman seamlessly blends the story with a wonderfully inspiring romance, too. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Lethal Intent!” –Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestelling author of 30 novels, including her upcoming, After Anna.
“Intriguing characters. Romantic tension. Edge-of-your-seat suspense. And a fast-paced ending that will leave you exhausted (in a good way!).” —Robert Whitlow, award-winning author of Promised Land
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Have you ever had a moment where right versus wrong lost its black-and-white contrast? – Caroline
What an incredible story! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I certainly would! The author takes the lawyer into the field of biomedical research and puts you, the reader, on the edge of your seat wondering what on earth could happen next…
Praecursoria is a research company that offers terrible hope to those who have none, that proverbial Hail Mary, for those that have no other choice medically speaking. Caroline is the lawyer tasked with keeping everything legal, working with the FDA, filing patents, etc. But when people start dying, files are missing, and threats are made she begins to wonder if she is helping at all. What is the impetus behind all this – helping people or making money??
Brandon is a former football star whose sole aim is to keep sibling groups together when they enter the foster system, hoping to find them a forever home together. Will Almost Home survive the endless changes the government is making or will these children lose contact with their siblings just like so many have?
An ARC of this legal thriller was received through Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
This is a remarkable, spell bounding medical thriller, I could not put down, with characters to root for and a situation that feels like it was ripped out of today’s headlines.
The author shares in an interview why it is important to make her books compelling. She states, “As a reader I find it critical that a story have some type of ticking time element to keep me engaged…. Readers want an experience that is outside their day-to-day. We want to feel and see things that are different and unique. This is even more so when we’re reading a mystery or suspense. So, keeping that sense of pacing and series of readers expectations at the forefront is critical to creating a mystery they can’t put down.”
I whole heartily agree! This author does a brilliant job of keeping the reader engaged, as the drama unfolds through characters you instantly care about. The topic is a very timely one as the medical world has been scrambling to create a vaccine to fight a virus that has impacted our planet. Main character attorney Caroline Bragg’s is a new hire medical counsel for Praecursoria, a company that is on the cutting-edge of genetic therapies to fight leukemia.
Brandon Lancaster is a famous athlete who is passionate about helping kids find a forever home. He has started a group home called Almost Home, to help siblings stay together until they can be adopted. Brandon has invested a large sum of money in the Praecursouria company hoping for a big pay out to help his group home.
When Caroline goes to work for this company, she must be extremely careful not to say anything to Brandon about her job because she did not want him to be accused of insider trading. This puts a strain on their relationship.
As the new kid on the block Caroline goes about trying to understand what this the company does. Caroline told Quentin, “…If she did not comprehend the depth of what happened in the lab, she could miss something important for the various trials and patent applications…There was something amazing about being part of a team that was pushing the envelope of what was possible. She’d gotten chills a few times as she’d met with different researchers.”
The author takes a subject that could put you to sleep but explains things in a manner that has you fully alert as Caroline digs into the process of her new company. Strange things are happening, and she must get to the bottom of it if they were to have things in order to be approved by the FDA. They were in a hurry to help sick kids get better.
I enjoyed this mysterious, medical suspense thriller, alongside characters I could root for as I watched their sweet romance bloom and grow. I highly recommend this novel for a fun read and one that would work well for your next book club pick.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are 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”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog http://www.bookfun.org
Wow, this book has it all. Legal suspense, some romance and a medical theme. Caroline’s new job as legal counsel for a research lab brings out realistic themes as you see the behind the scenes events that occur as a new treatment for leukemia is being developed and tested. It’s a fast paced book full of action.
You will find yourself quickly involved in the characters and all their emotions! So much happening in this book that it will keep you reading. You won’t want to miss any of the action! It’s a book that makes you think and does not disappoint. With all the Covid-19 going on, it is a very timely book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
This book will grab you and not let go until the final page is turned, and then it will linger long after.
We are given a lot of suspense, a little sweet romance, and a feeling of hope for the survival of children, and yet people are dying.
Our young lawyer, Carolyn Bragg, seems excited to be entering a new job after the death of the judge she had been working for, now she is working at a research lab, one that is offering hope where there seems to be none.
She is now in a relationship with retired football star, Brandon Lancaster, who heart is filled with helping foster children. He is devoting his life to helping them with the hope of finding them new homes, but he has a thing for Carolyn.
When one of the deaths hit close to home with Brandon, you begin to feel that they are both in danger, and in the end you wonder whom will survive, and will the culprit be found? Why? You will quickly be turning the pages for answers!
Another great read, you don’t want to miss!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
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.
Ethical dilemmas abound in the latest novel by Cara Putman! This is only the second book I’ve read by this author but I’m already hooked! Her characters are so realistic and she puts them in situations that are sometimes so difficult to navigate but yet, realistic so you can’t help but root for them to get out of their trouble! Caroline is a lawyer who loses her job when the judge she works for dies, but finds a new one working for a new medical research company on the cutting edge for leukemia. However, is everything on the up and up? People at the company keep dying in mysterious circumstances and she’s discovering conflicting information! Then, there’s her boyfriend, Brandon, who is having difficulties of his own as his foster home is possibly going to be shutdown and he’s scrambling to come up with solutions. I loved Caroline and Brandon together. They had both had tragic childhood but had risen above them. However, parts of that were still with them and they were trying to overcome them. There was a lot of action and you had to figure out who the “bad guy” was! I also loved the foster kids! It tugged at the heartstrings – you wanted to help them all! I definitely loved this book!
Another outstanding offering from master romantic-legal-thriller storyteller Cara Putman. Having read the first three books in the Hidden Justice series, I was looking forward to reading this book with high expectations. I have to say it exceeded my expectations! This narrative is an unputdownable blend of suspense, romance, and faith. The engaging characters are likable and realistic. The twists and turns of the plot keep you guessing. The medical aspect of the story is fascinating and reflects extensive research. The foster care strand of the story is emotional, heartwarming, and a bit heart-wrenching. The faith element affirms the spiritual truths of hope and reliance on God in the midst of hard and trying circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is book 4 in Cara Putman’s Hidden Justice series. This could be a stand alone read, but I think getting to know the characters in the other books first makes it more enjoyable. (The main characters in previous titles are minor characters in this title.) I also want to note that Brandon and Caroline’s relationship seems to start in Book 1, Beyond Justice.
This title is a romantic suspense legal medical thriller. Yep – it has all of those aspects.
The Romance: Rather than having the couple meet in this story, near the beginning of the book, Brandon and Caroline move their relationship from friends to dating. I actually really liked this approach as it made it unique. There was not the initial flirting that led to a connection. But what was demonstrated is how hard it can be to make time for an honest relationship in the midst of busy lives. Brandon and Caroline learn how to support each other. This is a part of the story. While there is a bit of passion, it is completely appropriate and does not dominate the plot at all.
Suspense: There are many unexpected parts. While this is not a title that makes you need to sleep with the lights on for a few days, there are plenty of heart pounding moments.
Legal: This series has revolved around lawyer friends who are using law to make a positive difference. Each one of the women had a different focus, so I learned more about what all is involved in legal careers. Caroline works behind the scenes to inspect legal responsibilities of a company that is working toward medical miracles. I really did not know anything about this type of law as it generally tries to not involve the courtroom. While there were maybe some parts that I was unfamiliar with, the author explained the ethical responsibilities of medical research in a way that I was able to follow it. This book also talks about why insider trading and conflicts of interest can be challenging to address. My main takeaway is the importance of legal and medical teams working together to protect the rights of patients and their families.
Medical: As for this portion of the book, the focus is on CAR T-cell therapies. (“We genetically modify the patient’s own T cells to recognize and fight cancer cells- turn them into those superhero ninjas – then reintroduce them to the body.”) I included this quote to show the fact that while the author is delving into areas that may be unfamiliar to many readers, I think she does a fantastic job of simplifying the research goal into understandable terms. Because the basis of the book is talking about the responsibilities of drug research facilities to be responsible with their treatment trials, using some medical terms is important. But I do not feel like this bogs down the book with unnecessary terminology. This is only a small portion of the text.
Thriller: I do think it moves on beyond to suspense due to repeated danger. Death does play a part of the book. But the descriptions are kept to a minimum and are not gory or glorified in any way.
Another theme in this book is the importance of having a strong foster care system. Brandon’s goal is to figure out how to support those who help those who are unable to live with their families. I liked how the importance of community was emphasized.
I have really enjoyed this Justice series. The books opened my eyes to how I should be connected to stories taking place in the news. I did feel like this book provided a satisfying ending to all of the stories. While I maybe would have enjoyed having a “character reunion” from the other series titles, not knowing all the details does allow the reader to go back and read the other books later. A few spoilers were mentioned as far as which characters were connected together, but there were not enough details given to take away from the other books.
I do highly recommend “Lethal Intent” as well as the rest of the Hidden Justice books. I do highly recommend “Lethal Intent” as well as the rest of the Hidden Justice books. Thank you to NetGalley and to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read an early copy of this book. This review is my idea. All opinions are my own.
A few too many unneeded deaths. Good up-to-date story line.
Caroline was a wonderful hero in this adventure. I will definitely read more of her books.
Characters: Ah, Brandon and Caroline. I spent a lot of this book screaming at them not to do certain things. But they kept doing them anyway. 🙂 For the sake of the plot, Caroline especially had to do a bunch of not-so-smart things. If I found even a fraction of the sketchy things that happened at her workplace going on in a place where I worked, I’d quit so fast … 🙂 I also wish the author had included a little more backstory on Caroline before the end of the book.
Language: Clean.
Moral: Although the characters prayed and talked about God several times during this book, I don’t remember a strong moral. That could be me because I sometimes overlook things. 🙂
Plot: I was impressed by how much research the author did to make the medical details realistic and understandable. Even though I don’t know much about the medical field, I could follow along with the plot. The first half of the book was a little slow for me, but the second half picked up nicely.
Romance: Clean. A few kisses. I did get a little frustrated at how Caroline and Brandon handled their romance. I know it’s realistic that couples fight, but I don’t understand why they made such a big deal about her not being able to talk about her job. I did appreciate that she wanted to do the right thing and not take the chance on giving him insider info.
Writing: This was a well-written book! The author’s style complemented the story.
Overall: I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction, legal thrillers, and romantic suspense.
“So this was what Praecursoria did. Offered terrible hope to those who had none.”
As interested as I am in forensics, legal thrillers have never been on my list of genres to read. It’s not that I have no interest at all in reading fiction from a legal perspective, but more of a time issue and concern over finding an author who would not ruin my first experience and turn me off of the genre before I’d even begun. However, the name Cara Putnam kept coming up in my Christian book groups, and finally I decided to take the plunge and see for myself what the buzz was about. And I am so glad that I did, proving to myself that I should not wait so long to step out of my comfort zone in the future!
One of the main points that initially drew me to “Lethal Intent” is the medical aspect. That familiarity made it easier for me to transition to a genre different than what I usually read, but I would like to emphasize that regardless of the reader’s knowledge of medicine or law (or lack thereof), Cara Putnam writes in a way that is easy to comprehend. Any foreknowledge might make for a slightly quicker reading experience, but everything is explained within the text. Furthermore, Putnam accomplishes this without making the reader feel alienated or as if they’re reading a textbook. Due to the fact that this part of the plot deals with revolutionary genetic therapy research and trials, the story, albeit fictional, raises valid and pertinent concerns that are already and will continue to be a major factor in our society. Through the circumstances addressed in “Lethal Intent”, Putnam flags the ethical and legal ramifications concomitant with genetic engineering.
Alongside the legal and scientific features of the plot is a friendship that is turning into romance between two individuals who have each experienced the trauma of difficult pasts and rejection. Lawyer Caroline Bragg takes a job with Praecursoria, a company whose research is on the cutting edge of genetic therapy, unaware that her close friend Brandon Lancaster is an investor. To avoid insider trading, she is unable to discuss her work with him, even when it involves one of the kids from his foster home group for siblings, Almost Home. Something doesn’t seem quite right, but Caroline can’t figure out what the problem might be, and her colleagues don’t seem very forthcoming. Perhaps for good reason.
Complete with discussion questions, “Lethal Intent” provides a thought-provoking, compelling, and at times heartbreaking glimpse into the rapidly developing field of genetic therapies. There is a light but unmistakable Christian element that provides the moral framework for the main characters and a thread of hope throughout challenging and life-changing situations. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys legal thrillers, suspense, medical thrillers, or mysteries, as well as to anyone interested in genetic engineering and the enormous impact it has on everyone involved.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
In Lethal Intent, Caroline Bragg has just landed a job with Praecursoria, a medical research and development upstart, as their attorney. She isn’t on the job long when suspicious things start happening and people start having fatal “accidents”. Her boyfriend, Brandon Lancaster, is heavily invested in the company, so she can’t talk to him about her concerns, even if one of the foster kids in his care is involved in one of the company’s drug trials. But when she’s the one in danger, will she be able turn to him, or will she have to face it alone?
I enjoyed reading Lethal Intent. The plot is exciting and full of mystery and suspense. Caroline and Brandon are both likable characters, full of emotion and true-to-life inner conflict. It’s a book that kept me engaged and always wanting to know what would happen next.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This story is set in the world of genetics and the search for a cure of childhood cancer and the different components that surround this search.
Caroline Bragg is an attorney who works for Praecursoria a cancer research laboratory. The company is making great strides in genetics that will help in the battle against childhood cancer.
Brandon Lancaster is a former pro-footballer who opened up a foster home for siblings so that they would not have to be separated while waiting for new homes with couples that can handle siblings.
Caroline & Brandon have been friends for years but now they want to take their relationship to a romance as well. They have realized that they can’t imagine being without one another. One of the little girls in the home is battling cancer and is receiving help from Praecursoria, Caroline’s employer. Which could be a conflict of interest but they will do all they can to not let that get in the way of their relationship. Nor their relationship get in the way of their jobs.
Thank you, Ms. Putman for allowing me to be an early reader. I appologize that this review is a little late in posting.
“Sometimes you know something is wrong and have to chase it until you find the why.”
“So this was what Praecursoria did. Offered terrible hope to those who had none.”
“Just being the hands and feet of Jesus in a small way.”
You never know what to expect when you read an author that is new to you. But I have heard good things about Cara Putman for awhile so I finally took the plunge…and oh wow, I am glad I did! This book was so unique; it was medical thriller, it was legal thriller without the courtroom, and it was a suspenseful mystery all rolled into one. It had some romance in there but it did not induce gagging or eye rolling by yours truly so it must have been just the right amount . The storyline was complex in that it dealt with medical jargon but I was only intrigued and never bored or bogged down by it all. It also dealt with aspects of the law (again, not boring), foster homes, and there were dead bodies at unexpected turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I had trouble narrowing down the suspects to just one person.
Characters and setting often make a book and Cara Putnam does a great job here. Her main characters as well as secondary characters all had distinct, fleshed out personalities. You will find yourself rooting for Caroline and Brandon (who I definitely connected to). I love a book that takes place in Virginia since that’s where I live.
Lastly, I loved the Christian elements in this book. The characters weren’t perfect but had a heart for God, serving, and striving to do what was right. Brandon’s heart for the foster children and Caroline’s empathy for others were clear in their actions and we all know that actions often speak louder than words.
As I mentioned before, this was my first Cara Putman book. But it most certainly will not be my last!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
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Lethal Intent is a hard-to-put-down legal/medical thriller by a favorite author of mine, Cara Putman. I’ve enjoyed a number of her other books was so looking forward to reading this one. I was not disappointed. Twists to the plot, vibrant, passionate characters with challenging hurdles to overcome, an intriguing insight into medical research and clinical trials, a sweet romance that helps to keep an emotional component to the tension-filled suspense–Lethal Intent has it all. I enjoyed reading about the foster care ministry and the need for wrap-around help for foster parents. That need is valid, as I’ve seen it in real life as a faith-based organization in my community does this for foster parents. The author has expertly crafted a suspense story that readers who love intrigue, mixed with a bit of romance, will not want to miss. I can’t wait to read more from Cara Putman. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
Wow! Where do I start! I knew with a Cara Putman book I was in for a treat. And boy was I! When Caroline Bragg takes on a new position as legal counsel for the research lab, Praecursoria she had no idea how her life was about to change. And then there is Brandon, they finally decided after all these years to start dating, making their relationship real. But how can she boggle both her job and Brandon around and come out for the good?
I loved this story. Though the topic is a bit scary and exciting, wondering if this could really happen. The characters here are a bit completed, each having their own thoughts and reasoning. Some I had trouble liking, others grew on me and some, like Caroline and Brandon, I loved from the start. Both having their own struggles adds much more to the story. I found myself almost praying that Brandon would get the break he needed with his foster home, and I was really scared for Caroline with her job. Was she really safe trying to do the right thing? So many questions with no answers, but when you read Lethal Intent, you will eventually find all of these answers and so much more. So much is happening in this one book. You need to read this one for yourself because there is no way to touch on it all. Just believe me when I say it is an amazing read. One you will be happy you read.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I love Cara Putman’s skillful combination of the law, suspense, romance, and faith. I actually prefer her succinct explanations of the legal process which tells me just enough for me to understand without making me feel as though I’ve been through a university class on law. Vivid description, excellent dialogue, natural friendships, and true-to-life frailties combined with realistic action and danger made Lethal Intent a true page turner.
Caroline Bragg’s longtime close friendship with Brandon Lancaster has just begun to look as though it might develop into more when she accepts a new job as the lawyer for a pharmaceutical research firm. On her very first day on the job she discovers one indirect connection of Brandon to her firm through a child from his foster care facility who is a candidate for experimental treatment. Later she also discovers that Brandon has invested in the firm and she fears their relationship may create a conflict of interest. Aside from that more than one death connected to the firm and several things that do not add up puzzles Caroline and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Lethal Intent is another fully absorbing novel from Putman that keeps this author on my must read list. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it and all her previous novels to readers who enjoy legal suspense novels.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
As I began reading this book, I quickly found myself caught up in the story and the lives of the characters. The suspense kept me interested.
I loved how Caroline works as a lawyer, and Brandon serves foster children. Combing the law with medical research and trials kept the story interesting. I found the interactions of the characters to be believable.
So if you enjoy Christian books centered around the law and medicine, check out this book for yourself.
Caroline feels like her life is coming together with a new relationship and a new job. Right when things seem to be going well, some red flags start coming up as she tries to navigate her new job. At the same time, Brandon is trying to find the best way to deal with changes that might affect his group home for kids in the foster system. It is even more complicated when he must watch one of the kids struggle in the hospital with a life-threatening disease.
The story continues deeper when problems begin to arise with the clinical trials. The book explores questions of ethics with insider trading as well as medical trials. It also explores some of the weight of those who foster and how we can all come along to help give some support to those who foster. Both characters have to learn how to release some of their past burdens and learn to trust someone else before they can have a lasting relationship.
Cara Putman takes the reader along Caroline and Brandon’s journey as if we are right in the room. She explains all the medical jargon by making it easy to read and understand. Once again, she writes a novel with intrigue and mystery. It was a quick read since it was fast paced and never a dull moment. I enjoy her books and her newest book was no different!
I would really recommend reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.