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
more
It didn’t take long for me to be pulled into this novel! I immediately felt a connection to the leads because of their dedication to their work and to others. With everything that is going on in our world with Covid, this was a timely, relatable read that left my skin tingling and hair standing on end from start to finish.
I loved the building of Brandon and Caroline’s relationship, as well as their Christian values that were displayed through their actions/choices. Understandably, they both have their fears and reasons for holding back in giving their full hearts to one another. The relationship felt real and I had all the feels with both of them!
As I progressed through the book, I stopped taking breaks to read and found myself anxiously awaiting the next page turn. I couldn’t read fast enough! The research is thorough and explained in such a way that I didn’t feel completely lost. Fantastic read!
I received a complimentary copy to review. All opinions are my own.
This book is an eye opening legal medical suspense thriller. Intense and educational, Cara Putman reveals the world of cutting-edge medical treatments and corporate ethics. Complex subject matter is explained through understandable conversations between characters. The ability to take a complex matter, find a way to present that information in an entertaining manner is a gift only a few talented authors possess! Foster care for siblings and the world of professional athletes is a secondary plotline with inspiration and romance, that adds greatly to the story. I highly recommend this book for readers that wish to experience a fantastic journey in the world of corporate ethics and the medical world. Personally, I stumbled over the company name and wished for a pronunciation Suspense, mystery, romance and inspirational fans will enjoy this book.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit, the publisher and author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
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.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Lethal Intent is a great legal suspense! This is the second of Cara Putman’s legal suspense novels that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it! Caroline was a great main character, I admired her heart for others, and her dedication and loyalty to the law and to doing what’s right no matter what! I loved Brandon, he was such a fabulous hero! I loved that he was a former football player who had started a group home for sibling groups of foster kids. Caroline describes Brandon as being a big teddy bear and I couldn’t agree more, it was such a joy to watch him play and interact with the kids in his care. I kept thinking “he’ll make such a great dad someday.” I also loved Bethany, what a sweet, sweet girl, she is one of the few fictional characters that I’ve found myself wanting to pray for! I found the science aspects of the story fascinating. I was a little afraid at first that some of the scientific details and terminology might be a bit over my head, but the author did an excellent job of presenting the scientific aspects of the story in a way that anyone can understand, I guarantee you’ll learn something new from reading this book, I sure did! The suspense was really good, and I must admit the identity of the villian took me totally by surprise! Lethal Intent is a great read and I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
What do you do when seemingly good science crosses the ethical line? In Lethal Intent we have two people who truly care about others, but also know that following rules of the law are very important.
Caroline and Brandon were a couple of characters that were very mature and were ready to move on to the next step in their lives. They had been good friends for awhile and Brandon is now ready to become more serious with Caroline and she is ready too. On the cusp of their new relationship status, Caroline has just gotten a new job as a legal counselor at an up and coming research lab.
Brandon a former football player is working to keep siblings in the foster care together with his group home, Almost Home, with the help of foster parents. Both have jobs that can help make a world of difference, but both are surrounded with laws.
On top of all that, one of Brandon’s kids is a little girl who is very sick and qualifies for the experimental research that Caroline’s company is trying to get fast tracked. It was very interesting how all the pieces came together. Caroline is trying very hard to keep her company on the straight and narrow and not risking legal problems.
I learned some things while reading this story, especially about the He-La cells. I found that part so interesting that I looked it up for more research. Very intriguing indeed and not without ethical problems. This was a good medical/ legal thriller with two mature people trying to make a go of their lives while helping others along the way.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
A bit disappointing:
Whilst interesting, I though this book lacked finesse or polish. It felt a bit stilted and choppy which meant I wasn’t able to just relax into the story. The point of view also switched quite frequently without delineation so it took me a bit to figure out what was going on at times.
Caroline was conflicted yet tenacious although I found myself getting frustrated with her at times. I liked how committed Brandon was to his foster organization and how he fought to make it work. It took me a bit to connect with the story and the characters. I would have liked to have developed a closer emotional connection to them and see Caroline and Brandon talk about their emotions and feelings more.
This was a heartfelt medical thriller with a small side of sweet romance. I thought the intrigue regarding the medical research was interesting yet not fully captivating. Also some things didn’t quite line up with reality such as being able to talk whilst on a ventilator and her friends being recognized by the building manager when they’d never been there before. The ending felt abrupt and not fully resolved and the book could have benefited from an epilogue. This book was listed as a standalone but fits into the “Hidden Justice” series world. I don’t know if the author expects you to read upcoming books to find out how things ultimately work out?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
So plausible and authentic.
What I loved most about Lethal Intent was the depth of scientific information. Without it, seriously, this would have been nothing more than a “what if” tale. While some readers may find this wealth of information mere detail, it is power-packed with today’s life issues. Stem cell research has been an issue of great debate for years, but in this story, Putnam tackles using a patient’s own stem cells to cure their cancer. Based on true stories, and in-depth research, readers can’t help but want to read to the end. Bravo!
Such an intense topic requires a lawyer, a good lawyer. One who can keep the company on the right side of legal. Main character, Caroline, takes us on twists and turns, even risks her life after prominent company researchers died in pursuit of the medical cure.
I also appreciated learning about foster group homes for keeping orphaned siblings together. Another golden nugget in these pages!
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher.
I recommend this book.
This clean romantic suspense story combined with legal and medical drama was filled with great characters and easy to follow story line that was very intense at times.
I really enjoyed Caroline’s work ethic and her legal expertise as she navigated her new job and new romance with Brandon. I liked her passion for the kids, doing what’s right, and protecting her boyfriend.
Brandon worked hard for his foster kids and trying to navigate his new romance and what was important in his life. He was a great character and worked well with Caroline.
I found this story easy to follow even with all the legal and medical terminology and story line. I have enjoyed others book by author Cara Putman and this one was no exception! Highly recommend reading!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
What historical fiction does to illustrate history, Ms. Putman has done with medical and legalese. The author’s level of research is intense, providing authenticity in the story.
What courage Caroline possessed! To stand for what’s right in the face of such opposition speaks of character and integrity. Personable and compassionate.
Brandon has a heart as big and generous as his former NFL stature. Ms. Putman’s knowledge of the foster care system is as thorough as her knowledge of corporate law and medical research. He approached the legal challenges his foster care group home with persistence and aplomb, even grace. His devotion and attention to Bethany.
Ms. Putman tells a chilling story, medical researchers [SPOILER.] A page turner, I read with anticipation, trying to discover who was behind the hidden—and malevolent agenda.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Lethal Intent, Cara Putman, Celebrate Lit Publicity
This is a fictional story about two topics that are discussed almost daily, and it’s evident that author Cara Putman devoted a lot of time into researching both cancer treatment and foster care. Lawyer Caroline Bragg thinks she’s arrived after being hired as a lawyer for a research lab involved in clinical trials for treatment of cancer and her personal life is looking up also. Brandon Lancaster is an ex-football player determined to provide a group home that allows siblings to stay together while in foster care and he finds himself equally attracted to Caroline. Sounds perfect until Caroline learns about some questionable activities at the research lab, there are unexplained accidents involving people tied to the lab, and Brandon’s investment in this company is made known. Will Caroline be willing to keep a job that goes against all that she believes in? Can Brandon successfully maintain the group home that means so much to the foster kids he is trying to help? Is this Car-t Cell Therapy the answer to saving one of Brandon’s critically ill foster kids?
Lethal Intent is a fascinating look at greed and big business in relation to medical testing. Are the patients always the first consideration, or do profit and power determine the actions taken? Putman’s use of legal and medical terminology adds to the realism and she seamlessly connects intrigue and drama to the romance between Caroline and Brandon. I recommend Lethal Intent to all who enjoy Christian romantic suspense.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own opinions.
Lethal Intent takes a look into the inner workings of a lawyer who works for a pharmaceutical company. Cara Putnam, who is a lawyer, also writes from firsthand experience. I do enjoy how she crafts a plot that takes a little bit closer looker at all the details that go into working as a lawyer. It was nice to see Caroline’s story. I enjoyed seeing her interact with previous characters and seeing her deal with her day job and handling a growing romance. Lucky for me, the story did not completely center around the romance, which is the way I enjoy stories. I do not mind the romance as long it is not the complete focus. The plot had a lot in common with the hunt for the vaccine for Covid-19. I imagined this is what is really going on behind the pages that the public does not see, but the lawyers are scratching their heads wondering how the vaccine can go through the channels so quickly. Putnam does a wonderful job at keeping my attention. I have enjoyed all her novels and can’t wait to see what she crafts next.
I received a complimentary copy of Lethal Intent by Cara Putnam from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Celebrate Lit Tours, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Woah Woah Woah. Talk about fast reading and wanting to find out what comes next. This is one of those books that I literally could not put down. I found myself trying to read and walk and that’s never a good combination.
Caroline lost her job but found a better one. At least she thinks it’s better. But then she finds out that her boyfriend is invested in the company she’s now working for and that maybe they’ve got some shady dealings.
This book has lots of different plots and twists that are going to keep you guessing and reading. And most of the characters are intertwined somehow. For instance, the doctor on the latest test product trial with the company Caroline is working for is the cousin to her boyfriend and the doctor of his foster child who is sick with aggressive leukaemia after a relapse. Talk about all the different angles!
The book includes foster care and more importantly foster care within sibling groups and how to keep them together. Brandon is involved in this. You see his brother was placed somewhere else and he still hasn’t been able to find him. And so he gives homes to siblings groups with his not for profit. But when laws change can he stay open? Will he lose all his house parents?
Something is going wrong within the company Caroline works for. People are showing up dead. She’s being threatened. Her life is in danger and she has to solve the mystery before it’s too late and she and others around her all end up dead.
This book is so good. I want a sequel though because I need to see Brandon find his brother. Here’s hoping for more!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Lethal Intent is a legal thriller that takes the reader on a roller coaster ride into the world of science and medicine. Cara Putman’s research and knowledge was evident as she delves into the ins and outs of starting a medical tech company and the difficulty of balancing patients lives and well-being with staying within the confines of the law. The science part of this story is well balanced with the suspense of “whys” and “who dunnits” along with the sweet romance between the two main characters, Carolyn and Brandon. I also really enjoyed that Brandon is a retired football player. His background added a fun aspect to the story. If you’re a fan of legal thrillers then
definitely give this one a try!
I received a complimentary copy of this story through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Suspense at its finest. The characters seemed so real that I found myself wanting to pray for them. I definitely want to read more from this author.
Cara Putman writes books that come alive and this is no exception. The well developed characters are passionate in what they believe in and it clearly comes though this beautiful, intriguing , amazing story.
Caroline Bragg, a lawyer who worked her way through law school has a date with Brandon Lancaster, a well-know retired football player for the Colts. He and Caroline met when he was a rookie. He now runs a group foster home he founded to enable foster siblings to stay together until they are adopted into a permanent family. Caroline has just accepted a new position as the attorney on staff for Praecursoria, a company involved in clinical trials for CAR T-cell therapies. The treatment could potentially save the lives of many young cancer patients. Caroline was hired to keep the legal aspects of the trials inline with the FDA guidelines. The staff at Praecursoria is eager to move ahead quickly, not only to save the lives of many kids, but for the personal financial gain this would afford them. It becomes apparent to Caroline that cutting corners doesn’t seem to be a problem. Some strange situations occur, as well as the death of a staff member just before Caroline came onboard. While trying to figure this all out, she puts herself in some dangerous situations.
As Caroline and Brandon seemed to be growing closer and her job becomes more of a challenge it also creates a rift between them. Caroline feels she shouldn’t share any of what is going on at work since Brandon is one of the investors and she is honoring the inside trader laws. Between the sometimes frightening and puzzling situations going on with work and the strain on their relationship Caroline and Brandon begin feeling much of what they are dealing with is insurmountable.
This is a difficult book to put down and even after turning the last page I gave much thought to the enormous amount of research that went into this very compelling story.
Lethal Intent
By Cara Putman
This book features several of the characters from The Hidden Justice series, so I’m assuming it is, if not part of the numbered series, a companion book that continues following the lives of lawyers who call the D.C. area home.
In this book, we get to know Caroline Bragg, who has just started a new job as legal counsel for Praecursoria, where she is tasked with keeping the company on the right side of the law as they develop new genetic therapies. But the drive to save kids who are succumbing to cancer can be a powerful temptation to cross the line.
Brandon Lancaster has been Caroline’s best friend for years and she admires his dedication to providing a home to foster children who otherwise would lose contact with their siblings. When one of his foster kids starts to lose her battle to the cancer wracking her body, Brandon will do all in his power to help her fight it. And Praecursoria’s newest trail offers hope that Brandon has been looking for.
When Praecursoria has a rash of tragic events occur within a short period of time, Caroline has some suspicions but no way to prove them. Is someone out to damage Praecuroria or is it just a coincidence what has been happening? Can she protect the company and Brandon while keeping the confidence the law requires?
Lethal Intent is a legal romantic suspense that will keep you guessing as to who is doing what. We are shown glimpses of the person working against Preacursoria but not enough to discern their identity. Who is the killer’s next target? Caroline needs to walk carefully if she hopes to outwit an opponent who seems to be waiting for her next move. Another good read that is not to be missed.
I found some of the background information that all the science that was going into the treatments being developed/ Some of it is a bit beyond what I remember from High School science but it all has a plausible feel to it. I found this to be an easy read that is the perfect choice for a long weekend. You won’t regret reading this one.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed 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 isn’t 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 it’s 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 isn’t one to look the other way when the law isn’t 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 children’s 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 Brandon’s 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. I’m 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.
Thank you PICT for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lethal Intent
Hidden Justice Series #4
By: Cara C. Putnam
REVIEW
The Hidden Justice Series is new to me, and I enjoyed reading Lethal Intent by Cara C. Putnam.
I have always found legal/medical thrillers intriguing, and this one has a bit of romance, too. I did get confused at times with all the science, but I made it through okay. This story is a solid mix of ethically questionable practices, medical research, the machinations of the foster care system and legal ramifications. If you think this is a lot to process, well, it is. Because of the complexity and layers of issues, the plot is compelling, alarming, heartbreaking but also inspirational and insightful.
I am glad that the book is a good clean romance because that type of story is hard to find. Caroline and Brandon are well developed characters with real life qualities that draw the reader into the situation and lend authenticity to everything. Unfortunately, parts of the story seem too much like the horrors of the evening news and are a sad reminder of how cruel the world can be. Overall, I would recommend Lethal Intent to anyone looking for a thought provoking legal/medical thriller.
3.5 stars
“Every law has a gray area. Find it or this – – may not be a good fit.”
Things had seemed so much simpler in law school, interpreting and applying the law appeared very black and white, not gray and grayer. Caroline Bragg has quickly concluded that navigating patent laws as they apply to pharmaceutical research trials are a maze at best and a mine field at worst. Her new position as legal counsel to Praecursoria, a promising research lab reaching trial phases with breakthrough forms of genetic therapeutics, has not only put her at odds with some of her co-workers, but the man she has grown to love is heavily invested in the company . . . . . a detail that Caroline wishes she had known before she accepted the position.
Brandon Lancaster knew how to win games in the National Football League, but sadly one of the children whom his group foster home houses is not winning her fight against cancer. Accepted into a risky clinical trial hosted by Praecursoria, little Bethany supposedly has a new chance at life . . . except something is desperately wrong; she’s not responding as expected and when the one person who is asking the most questions is removed from the picture, Caroline is drawn into what could be a fight for her own life.
Even though the scientific details of this story seem a little heavy at times, the “who, what, when, where and why” stay adeptly cloaked behind a confusing trail of puzzling information. From beginning to end, Brandon and Caroline are beset by tremendous stressors, stretching the awareness of their new relationship beyond what most couples could bear. When Brandon realizes once and for all, who and what matters the most, it frees Caroline up to do what she does best; rise to the challenge, “sometimes you know something is wrong, and have to chase it until you find the why”.
*Allow this quick side note. The discussion questions at the end of this book are some of the best that I have read in awhile, navigating quickly and efficiently to the core of the book, and thus adding greatly to its overall value. Don’t miss them.
Putman has written another fantastic legal thriller and a medical thriller combined. This combo made for a great read. Then add a bit of romance along with the mystery and you have an interesting novel to keep you turning the pages wondering how it will end and who the monster is and how all will be exposed. I loved the characters and how all were intertwined. Although it is a legal thriller, the medical field was brought in as in the developing of a new drug with genetic therapies for leukemia treatments in children. But something sinister is going on in this development. People ending up dead and children are even sicker. Putman has another winner in this thriller from Thomas Nelson……Thankful to receive a complimentary NetGalley copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.