After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she’d left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.
Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff’s Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer — one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.
Lynn H. Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Her first book, Covert Justice, won the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery/Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. Her second book, Hidden Legacy, released June 2017. She begins a new series, Dive Team Investigations with Beneath The Surface in March of 2018.
My Impressions:
Lynn H. Blackburn is a new author for me. But with the fast-paced twists and turns I found in Beneath The Surface, she has moved to the top of my must-read list for romantic suspense. The great characters, an interesting plot foundation, and a keep-you-guessing story line make this book a recommended read.
The novel starts out strong with a dive team based in a town in North Carolina. The team made up of people across law enforcement finds a body in a routine training exercise. The investigation is hindered by the circumstances and condition of the body, but this team is professional and determined to get their man or woman. Swept up in the investigation is nurse practitioner Leigh Weston. As the danger increases to Leigh, so does the attraction between her and childhood friend Ryan Parker. They need to get the case solved fast — so they can get back to normal life and pursue a relationship!
Blackburn builds an ensemble cast in this first book in the Dive Team Investigations series. While the story revolves around the investigation of the body found in the lake and the romance between Leigh and Ryan, the other members of the team are integral parts of the action and great supporting characters that will get their own stories in coming books. Leigh and Ryan are relatable characters with doubts and struggles common to all. Their belief in God is strengthened as they face the dangers and a case that creates more questions than answers. And the case is a tricky one — the threats come fast and furious! A real puzzler, it combines the day to day grind of police work with the addition of high tech help. Because of Leigh’s work in the ER, Beneath The Surface also has a medical drama vibe that adds to the action and suspense.
My book club is reading Beneath The Surface later this year. I cannot wait to introduce my group to a this book that promises more great reading to come!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
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(Thanks to the author and Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Yes, story communicates, and it sounds as if this author is doing a good job sending out the right messages about relationships.
Yes! Looking forward to more stories from this author.