MY REVIEW:
The first book in a new series by Janice Cantore, “Crisis Shot” features Tess O’Rourke, a commander in the Long Beach, California police department. Although cleared by a grand jury after the death of an unarmed young man, Tess is harassed by a popular blogger who keeps the citizens stirred up against her. For the sake of the department, Tess is persuaded to accept a job as police chief in the small town of Rogue’s Hollow, Oregon. Used to life in the big city, Tess has difficulty settling into her new position, especially since the town’s residents are not very welcoming. Resigned to serving in a routine, somewhat boring job, Tess makes the best of things and eventually makes a few friends. Everything quickly changes when her new best friend disappears and the town has its first murder.
Although some reviewers have complained that “Crisis Shot” does not have as much action and suspense as some of Cantore’s previous novels, I found that it held my attention quite well. The plot moves along at a steady pace as the reader gets to know what drives Tess and becomes familiar with her background as well as learning a bit about Rogue’s Hollow. The action picks up when the murder is discovered and suspicions about the possible connection with the missing woman. Plenty of mystery and surprises are involved in solving the case.
This novel does not contain much in the way of romance but by its end, there are two possible love interests for Tess. I am eager to read the next installment in order to see where that trail takes her. I would also like to know which of the two men is the one on the book cover. I couldn’t decide.
I liked the fact that the characters and situations were natural and believable. Everything was not resolved with a happy-ever-after but life tends to be that way sometimes. I have always enjoyed books by this author and “Crisis Shot” did not disappoint.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by The Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tess O’Rourke dreams of becoming the first female chief of police in Long Beach, California. As commander of the East Division, she is well on her way . . . until the night she responds to an officer-needs-assistance call and fatally shoots an unarmed teenager. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury, Tess is so hounded by the public that she takes a job in Oregon to escape the bad press.
Winning over the residents of Rogue’s Hollow might be more difficult than adjusting to her new role as police chief in the small, backwater town. Especially when her closest friend, the pastor’s wife, goes missing and the woman’s cousin is found shot. Tess finds an ally in sheriff’s deputy Steve Logan, but as they track down Rogue’s Hollow’s first murderer, she worries that she’s breaking one of her rules and getting too close to him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories. She has penned six novels, the Pacific Coast Justice series, Visible Threat, and Critical Pursuit. Drawing Fire is the first book in the Cold Case Justice series.
Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
