Accused by Janice Cantore

Accused by Janice Cantore
Pacific Coast Justice Series, Book 1
Contemporary Christian Fiction, Suspense
416 pages
Available February 1, 2012
Tyndale House Publishers

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Not sure how I've missed out on Janice Cantore's previous novels, but Accused is one of the best suspense novels I've read in a while! The book read very much like an episode of a TV police drama . . . well, maybe two or three episodes! (Think Law & Order but cleaner and better!)

I loved both Carly and Nick and found myself rooting for them . . . even before I really had the entire back story.

Janice's background as a police officer made the book so realistic. It's obvious she knows what she's writing about! Janice did a great job staying one step ahead of me, so that it wasn't until the very end that I knew for sure "whodunit." (I love trying to guess who the culprit is but hate figuring it out halfway through the book!)

Due to the nature of a police drama, there were quite a few characters and sometimes I had trouble remembering who was who. However, knowing this is the first in a series, I'm sure I'll get to know the main characters better in future books.

The ending was beautifully done . . . not too rush, not trite, but realistic and a good pace. And … Janice did an amazing job at tying up the loose ends of Accused while obviously setting the stage for the next book in the series. I can't wait to read the next installment of Carly and Nick's story!

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest review.

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About the Book
Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile—where the brass put her after an officer-involved shooting—and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth, Londy Atkins, is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she's eager for some action. Carly presses Londy for a confession but he swears his innocence, and despite her better judgment, Carly is inclined to believe him. Yet homicide is convinced of his guilt and is determined to convict him.

Carly's ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side. He's determined to show Carly that he's a changed man and win her back, but she isn't convinced he won't betray her again.

As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.

About the Author
A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She's always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today's Christian Woman before tackling novels. A few years ago, she retired to a house in the mountains of Southern California, where she lives with two Labrador retrievers, Jake and Maggie.

Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Accused is the first book in the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards. Janice also authored the Brinna's Heart series, which includes The Kevlar Heart and The Heart of Justice.

Connect with Janice through her website, blog, Facebook, and Twitter.