Gripping story, filled with real life experiences. Reminded me of the need to trust God, call on him in prayer in all situations, even when you aren't sure.

Grab a seat as you meet Leigh Weston and journey with her through the fears and terrors of her past in Lynn H. Blackburn's new Dive Team Investigators series.

In Beneath the Surface Leigh moves to Carrington, North Carolina to leave behind her troubles and the obsessed patient she encountered. That is until she finds out that someone tampered with her breaks as she is flying down the road, unable to stop for oncoming traffic.

Leigh's former high school friend, Ryan Parker, is a homicide investigator and a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff's Office dive team. Leigh reaches out to Ryan for help.

Lake Porter is in Leigh's backyard, and it just happens to be the place where the body of a wealthy businessman is found. As the investigation progresses, the team learns of a possible serial killer who has a terrifying connection to Leigh.

I initially chose to read this book because of the dive team concept of the story. I expected to be in the water uncovering a mystery as I read, however, the story took an entirely different approach than I expected. For me, it was a disappointment as I was hoping for this unique dive team mystery, which there wasn't much of. That said, there was a lot of suspense as the primary focus was on the mystery with Leigh. As soon as Leigh seemed to get over one thing, something else would happen to add more suspense to the story.

I think this will be a book many romantic suspense lovers enjoy. It was a well written romantic suspense book with a good amount of action, but for me, it lacked the uniqueness I had hoped it would have.

This is definitely a character driven novel. There is much thinking by the characters and I have to admit, I skimmed through much of it. Much of the thinking is about a possible romance between the two main characters. It really took attention away from the plot, I felt.

The plot was complex and on shaky ground. The sheriff dive team finds a torso while on a training session in a lake. The head, hands and feet are missing. Ryan is the lead detective on the case. The sheriff department uses Leigh's dock for their water investigation. Soon there are attacks on Leigh's life. Is it connected to the murder or to Leigh's previous experience of stalking?

The plot just did not work for me. It is based on many “maybes” that seemed far fetched. I had difficulty identifying with the main characters as they did not seem very capable. I don't like it when potential romance interferes with efficient police procedure and that frequently happened here. I also felt the ending was unsatisfactory. The villain was as implausible as the plot. Also, while the decapitation of the underwater body provided a red herring along the way, I felt it was not sufficiently explained.

This is a novel for readers who like lots of thinking about romance and who don't mind it when lead characters are not strong and make unwise decisions. On the plus side, there is a good message of faith included.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I think Beneath the Surface is a classic mystery and very fun to read! The build in tension is like climbing a mountain. However, when you think you’ve reached the pinnacle, you soon realize it’s only a plateau, and you must continue to climb. When you do finally reach the top of the mountain, you’re thrust into the downhill, and there’s absolutely no stopping until you get to the bottom of everything. There are plenty of obstacles to navigate, and just when you think the course is set, it changes. As I said, this is a very fun read!

Why Beneath the Surface Works

For me, this story really works because of the team dynamics of the investigators. The team is fairly young, and each character has a unique backstory. To this, add some forbidden romance and main characters you love spending time with.

Blackburn did an amazing job of keeping the technical elements of the murder investigation in check. With today’s level of sophistication in crime solving, it’s easy to get bogged down in the technology. But this author kept it simple and believable, to her credit.

Technically Speaking

There were minor SPAG issues throughout the text, but I completely attribute that to not having the final copy of the text. I’m sure these will all be corrected prior to the general release.

The character arcs were good. Personally, I love when an author creates a relationship among characters that leaves a reader fulfilled, yet also leaves the possibility of further development in a sequel. Blackburn did that quite nicely here.

I look forward to the next time Lynn H. Blackburn brings these characters back together!

(I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.)

Lynn Blackburn now has a spot on my 'must read' list! Beneath the Surface is a thrill read from start to finish, so fair warning: this book may be hazardous to anyone needing a good night's sleep. You'll be playing the 'just one more chapter' game until you turn the final page. Eager to read her next novel!

Intense and nerve-racking. That`s how I can describe Lynn H. Blackburn
The characters` interaction was sweet, funny and honest. Sometimes I think the heroine was getting into too many predicaments for my own personal taste. Still, I was cheering and guessing and biting my nails.
I`m very interested in reading the next books though I hope there`s more about the diving team.

Beneath the Surface starts off with a bang when a body is discovered, get this, beneath the surface of a lake. But while this gruesome find is mysterious, the overall story is about one woman, who is targeted to be the next victim, and one man, who does everything in his power to make sure that doesn’t happen. The situation appears helpless, hopeless, and downright dangerous, and time is running out.

Leigh and Ryan are friends from childhood, but recent events have thrown them together as adults. As the threats against Leigh escalate, the romantic sparks begin to fly between these two, adding another exciting layer to the already tense situation.

The characters and plot are well developed, and the author has crafted a fast-paced story that hits the ground running and doesn’t let up until the last page.

The best part about Beneath the Surface is the overall message of how you really don’t know the people with whom you work or come in contact throughout your life. This aspect is the real horror of the story because people aren’t always what they seem. The truth of people’s personalities and motives is sometimes just beneath the surface.

Leigh doesn’t make enemies, so why is someone trying to kill her? Read Beneath the Surface to find out the thrilling details for yourself. I have to admit I thought the killer was someone else. I was convinced page after page, but oh how wrong I was. Well done, Lynn H. Blackburn!

I thoroughly loved this book! I started it the evening I got it thinking I would spread the time over the weekend reading it. Nope! I could NOT put it down. I even tried the "I'll just read to the end of the chapter" idea. Not a chance. The way the author got you so involved with what was happening with Leigh, you just had to keep going. She did a fantastic job of making you feel like you were in the story! A few chapters in, all while clues were beginning to give you a picture of who might have done the horrific things, I began to think I had it figured out. I was going towards another person in the story, not the one or ones that were sort of becoming a little obvious. So, of course, there was another reason I couldn't put the book down—I had to see if I was right! When I turned to the very last page at 1:00 am, I found I was close . . . but wrong. Lynn Blackburn did a wonderful job with this book and I can hardly wait for #2 in the Dive Team Investigations to come out. I highly recommend them book if you love a suspenseful romance. Oh yes, this book has romance, too!

Disclaimer: I have received this book with no expectations in return. The honest thoughts regarding this book are mine.

Wow! A great action-packed suspense story that was hard to put down. Lots of twists and turns as the hunt narrows to find a serial killer before another murder happens. Love the team working and praying together to protect Leigh. I'm glad to see that this is the first in the series and will be looking forward to the next book.

This is the first book by Lynn Blackburn I have read and it was awesome! I have romantic suspense and this book had me gripping the edge of my seat until the very end. If you enjoy contemporary romantic suspense (and love books by authors like Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon, Colleen Coble, and Terri Blackstock like I do), you will love this book!

The story is well-written and intense, the plot twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, the action is fast-paced and adrenaline-filled, the characters are so lovable, and the characters’ faith journey is relatable, believable and heart-wrenching.

The dialogue amongst the characters is funny, heart-warming, and down-to-earth. The main characters of Ryan and Leigh are fantastic. Ryan is a homicide investigator who is loyal, faithful, steadfast, protective, loving, and intelligent. Leigh is an ED nurse practitioner - a loving, tender-hearted, intelligent, but independent woman - who is being hunted by an unknown suspect. She’s already been through an ordeal, being stalked by a patient, and she moves back home to restart her life. Several seemingly unrelated homicides and threats to Leigh’s life bring the two together. The secondary characters, that include Ryan’s friends and colleagues, who are introduced in this book are also wonderful and I can’t wait to read more about them as the sequels of this series is released.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/NetGalley via Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Excellent start to a brand new series!

Author Lynn H. Blackburn is definitely one you will want to add to your 'must read' list. The suspense is great from start to finish, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end.

Leigh Weston believes she has left all of her problems behind when she moves back to her childhood home. Leigh starts her new job at the local hospital with no fear of having to face a stalker from the past. She is certain the stalker was one of her patients that died before she even moved back home. Leigh is very surprised when her brothers best friend from high school, Ryan Parker shows up at her front door. Ryan works in law enforcement, and volunteers with the local dive team. When Ryan discovers a body in the lake, he asks Leigh if his team can set up their investigation on her property since she has a dock with lake access. Soon after Ryan's team starts their investigation, Leigh's life is threatened. Could there possibly be a connection, or has the stalker from the past returned to haunt her. Ryan knows his team must solve the murder case quickly, especially when Leigh may be the next target on the list.

I really enjoyed the two main characters, and the interaction between them. I also liked getting to know the other members of the dive team. I am very much looking forward to reading more in this series.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

A great story full of intrigue, action and blossoming love of Leigh and Ryan. I loved the comraderie of all the characters and how you get a peak into each personality. You are pulled in from the beginning and kept guessing throughout the investigation. I really look forward to the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy and I am giving a review voluntarily.

Beneath the Surface is a spectacular romantic suspense. Great plot and characters. Waiting impatiently for the next book in th series. I recommend to readers who enjoy a good romantic suspense.

Beneath the Surface – Lynn Blackburn

This is the first book in the new series of Dive Team Investigations by Blackburn. This book follows a group of law enforcement officers that are certified divers that recover evidence from underwater scenes. This particular story focuses on Homicide detective Ryan Parker and Leigh Weston, who is a nurse with the local Emergency Department. When a body is found in the lake near Leigh’s property, and Leigh becomes the target in some attempts on her life, it seems that the killer thinks she knows something. As more bodies are found that seem to be tied, Ryan and his team hurry to find the serial killer before they kill Leigh.

This is the first book I’ve read of Blackburn and let me tell you, I am a huge fan now! This first book in the series was written so well. The characters are well thought out and the story line is very plausible and suspenseful. This book kept me guessing until the end of who was behind everything and it was definitely hard to put down. I can’t wait until the next book in the series is released. Blackburn has been added to my must read list of authors.

** I received a free copy of the book to read for an unbiased review from Netgalley**

Wow and wow. I rarely use the word “amazing” in a review. I’m using it in this one. It takes less than five minutes to get completely absorbed in this story of mystery and suspense. The plot is intriguing and every page holds a new twist that you did not see coming. I completely connected with these characters and cared very much about them. I did not want to put this book down until I had finished it.

It’s a pleasure to read such a well-crafted mystery story that has an element of faith carried throughout the whole story line. No bad language, no embarrassing scenes. I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Lynn H. Blackburn, you are now on my list of must-read mystery writers!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. I was not asked to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of the book.

Homicide investigator Ryan Parker discovers a body on a deep-water dive in Lake Porter. A body the killer had no intention of anyone ever discovering. When he asks Leigh Weston if the police department can borrow her dock for the investigation, he thinks it will provide an easy opportunity to fulfill his best friend’s request—keep an eye out on his little sister, Leigh, while his friend is out of the country.

Leigh has long since grown up. She recently returned home to Carrington, NC, to work as a physician’s assistant in the hospital’s emergency department. When she sees Ryan for the first time in years, she knows that she hasn’t outgrown her crush on him. Now that she’s older, she wonders if perhaps her big brother Kirk might have warned his friends away from her. Whatever the case, she appreciates the police presence around her house. She knows her stalker can longer bother her, but the affects of his actions have her on edge.

When things start happening at work, Leigh wonders whether she had two stalkers—and one has followed her to her new town. Ryan hopes that Kirk’s injunction on dating his kid sister has ended, because no matter how hard he tries, he can’t deny his feelings for her.

Blackburn keeps readers flipping pages late into the night with this thriller. The characters have depth and deal with problems that readers can relate to as well. The secondary characters have interesting lives and intrigues that Blackburn will feature in future books in this new series.

I cannot say enough good things about Beneath the Surface. It is a read that draws you in right away and keeps you guessing right up to the very exciting ending. It is fast paced but includes all the elements that make a great book. It has romance, action and suspense.

Leigh Weston is a nurse practitioner who has moved back home after coping with a stalker who died. Her community becomes the center of a death investigation. Ryan Parker is one of the officers investigating the death. Ryan is Leigh's brother's best friend. Leigh has had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. As the police department work to solve the death investigation another body if found. Leigh also begins to have her own life threatened. Ryan and Leigh begin to develop romantic feelings for one another and he works hard to keep Leigh safe. As the threats to Leigh become more intense, the police officers get closer and closer to solving the crime. Just when the police think they have apprehended the killer. Leigh's life becomes even more endangered.

When they finally close in on the killer, you as the reader are shocked at who it is. Through the entire book I came up with theory after theory of who the killer was. It was fun to see how it all turned out. The last chapter is so charming. The book is so well written it was hard to put down. I can hardly wait for book two in this exciting series.

From the moment I saw the cover of the first book in Lynn H. Blackburn’s Dive Team Investigations series, I was intrigued. Then I read the synopsis and have been waiting for its release since. Now it’s here and it was so worth the wait.
When full-time homicide inspector and part-time dive team investigator Ryan Parker comes across an unexpected discovery during a training dive, he professional plate fills.
Leigh Weston has returned to her family home after a harrowing experience at her previous job. Working in the Emergency Department of Carrington’s hospital is fulfilling yet residual fear remains. When multiple attempts are made on Leigh’s life, Ryan takes on the responsibility of protecting his best friend’s sister.
But is he balancing too much? Will dropping the ball cost Leigh’s life?
Beneath the Surface is the perfect introduction to the entire dive team, the town of Carrington, and more. With two cases, multiple intense and heart-rate-increasing situations, and a possible serial killer, this is a book you will not want to put down.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Beneath the Surface is a fast paced, edgy suspense that I found hard to put down. A headless, handless, and footless body is found in a lake in central North Carolina by sheriff investigators doing a practice dive. The location is near the dock and house of Nurse Practitioner Leigh Weston, friend of one of the investigators, Ryan Parker. Because of the location, he asks Leigh if they might use her dock as a point to meet and investigate from. The next morning after working in the emergency department at the hospital all night, Leigh is on the way home when her brakes fail. Someone has cut her brakes on purpose. She wounds up back in the hospital. Leigh's life is suddenly put in danger and as attempts on her life continue, Ryan and his team try to find answers and protect Leigh. Why would someone want to kill her? There are so many questions and no answers. How can they identify the body and is there a connection to what is happening to Leigh. Then another body shows up at a house on the lake. The plot to this book is intricate and complicated with layers that kept me interested in finding out the mystery of how it all tied together and it was not what/who I came close to guessing. The characters are real and likable with a camaraderie was intense, funny and endearing. There is a little romance brewing by the end of the book. This is a great Christian suspense that I highly recommend. I look forward to reading the next book and got a glimpse of it at the end of this book. Lynn H. Blackburn is a new to me author and I plan to look into her other books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for allowing me to read and review this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

BENEATH SURFACE by Lynn.H..Blackburn..Baker Publishers
Ryan and Gabe homicide detectives on a dive , volunteering to be on call, when needed. Finding weighs and chains to a body, wasn’t the norm to find on a dive. Using the dock at Leigh’s place, he was keeping eye on her anyway, brother had mentioned, she had a stalker. A good plot, trying to figure out the stalker, and assuming it is a man, and why did it envole her. An usual plot, that keeps you to the end, and the reaso behind it all. Given ARC by Net Galley for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.