Cover Image: Critical Threat

Critical Threat

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Member Reviews

This is the third book in this series which has it all, great suspense and intrigue to keep the reader involved, as Grace and Sam race to prevent a serial killer from getting to his next victim. Very well written and will be greatly enjoyed by fans of Criminal Minds.

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Loved loved this!! Such a good novel!
With fast action from beginning to end. I never once put the book down because I didn't want to miss anything!
Eason is good at what she does. I'm always looking forward to her books because she never disappoints!
I liked Grace Billingsley from the start.
I love that she's a believer. That's my most favorite thing in a character. If they have hope and faith then the readers will have this also.
I wasn't sure about Sam. But I really enjoyed "watching" him grow into himself. I found myself rooting for him.
My favorite thing in this book was the many twists and turns that kept you guessing where this might go.
That was the "fun" part. They were what kept me turning the pages.
My second favorite thing is guessing in who really done it. Eason done a fine job with this.
I really enjoyed the whole thing.
5 stars for a job well done! Eason really knows her stuff.
I highly recommend
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Eason is one of my favorite authors and she's at her best, I think, when writing about serial killers. She does a fabulous job of letting you see the whole person of the villain while never making excuses for the killer. It's fascinating. Watching the agents race to find the killer is like watching an episode of "Criminal Minds." It's very vivid and intense.

I liked Sam and Grace a lot. Sam's past and present interactions with his father were interesting. Even though Grace experienced many things that could have left her quivering in her room, she persisted in trying to find the killer no matter the cost. She's a great, strong woman. I liked how their past was set up so that it wasn't unrealistic that they'd be attracted to each other right away.

This is a great, suspenseful read. I'd highly recommend it. It's book three in the Extreme Measures series but could easily be read as a standalone. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Outstanding conclusion to another explosive series! Eason is at the top of my must read list, and Critical Threat is proof that she deserves to be there

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This was a very interesting read. I love thrillers and this runs very close to a thrill but with a softer touch. I had ideas about who was behind what was going on but Lynette did a great job of keeping things a mystery.

The romance between Sam and Grace was realistic, although I was sort of surprised at there first kiss, but other then that it went along with the story well.

Lynette also did a great job of depicting how a serial killer can be manipulative and believable.

Overall a very good read.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The third installment in the Extreme Measures series is another romantic suspense that will give readers exactly what they have come to expect from this genre.

Grace Billingsley works as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to help track down serial killers. When a new killer shows up with the same MO as a serial killer that’s been behind bars for years, prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe is pulled in to help with the case. Sam is the son of famed serial killer Peter Ramanos and is the one that turned his father into the authorities when he found evidence of him being a killer. Sam and Grace end up working together and quickly make a connection. Sam doesn’t want to get involved with anyone because of his father and tries to keep his feelings for Grace from growing. The more they investigate the case, the harder it is to stay away from each other and the more danger they find themselves in.

Lynette Eason has continued to craft a great series in book three as Critical Threat. I have been a fan of her writing for a long time and know I’m going to get a great story. For me though I was slightly disappointed with this one; right when it seemed the action was getting good and tension was going to be at its highest things just fizzled out. I had so much hope for how it was going to go, and it just didn’t reach it for me. I had a harder time connecting with the characters as quickly as I normally do with her books, but I just felt a little let down with this one. That’s not going to turn me off her books though; I will still quickly grab up the next one that comes out looking for edge of my seat suspense and hope that this one was just a fluke that it didn’t hit the mark with me. I recommend to readers looking for a light romantic suspense that will be a quick read not requiring much thinking.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

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Critical Threat (Extreme Measures #3) by Lynette Eason is a nail-biting read. The parts where the reader can see into the villain’s mind were especially nerve shaking. FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley is strong, confident and skilled so she gives the reader confidence that the serial killer will be caught.

The plot has many elements that I enjoy in a mystery with Lynette Eason’s writing being top notched. It is a faith-based story with an emphasis on forgiveness, along with some unexpected twists taking place. The main characters are likable but also authentic. In fact, the story has a realism feel to it, like it could be what is happening somewhere in the US right this minute. While I am not particularly fond of seeing inside this killer’s mind, I did like trying to catch the murderer along with Grace as the clues were discovered.

For a page-turning, action packed thriller you can’t go wrong with Critical Threat. One awesome read, even if I did want to leave the light on when I finished reading it late at night.

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This book was so amazing, I could not put it down. It will put you on the edge of. your seat. I really like Grace she was a really a strong independent women and she was a fighter and would stop at nothing to catch this killer. Sam was so broken over who his is and it seems to cost him so much and also some just can't seem to let it go. I really liked Vanessa she was someone everyone needs in there life she was loyal and would call it like she saw it all why showing those she loved unconditional love and support, she hands down was my favorite. I think this is a powerful book and because of the subject matter may be rough for some. However is you like true crime and like a little edge of you seat then this book is just what you need. Overall this author kept this book a clean read and its worth it.

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A fast paced, action packed suspense novel that is a great additional to this series!

* Note can be read as a stand alone

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

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If you love romantic suspense with a different twist this is the book for you. Lynette takes you on the ride of your life, from one to sixty and keeps revving up the action.
Sam has spent eight years dealing with the fallout from his serial killer father. The author delves deeply into Sam’s emotions in a way that makes you feel every insecurity and doubt. Will he allow God to bring forgiveness and healing into his life? Now he’s called to observe a crime scene a little too similar for comfort.
Grace is working as a behavioral psychologist and is determined to catch the killer even if she becomes a target. With Sam working alongside her team will they be able to chase down the clues, keep everyone safe, and maybe find time for a relationship before it’s too late?
“Critical Threat” is well written with believable characters you can connect with, and a tightly written plot that moves along at the perfect pace.
Excellent book!
I was given a copy courtesy of Revell. This is my honest opinion.

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Critical Threat is the third of the Extreme Measures series and the story of FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley and Sam Monroe, both psychiatrists with the agency. They met at a conference and are brought together while working a case that might involve Sam's father. Grace is a strong, likable character. Sam is a good guy with children he is devoted to. Both Sam and Grace work hard and are good at their jobs. Lynn Eason is a go to author for me. I can always expect lots of suspense, danger, and a plot with twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. This one is edgy, and action packed with just the right amount of romance and a faith thread. Another winner for the author and great for those who enjoy suspense with romance and a faith thread. I received a complimentary copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.

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Critical Threat by Lynette Eason – Suspense and Intrigue, But Falls Short


Critical Threat is Lynette Eason’s third book in the Extreme Measures series. I enjoy suspense and intrigue novels and looked forward to reading this new release.

It appears that there may be a serial killer loose in Virginia. FBI Special Agent and behavioral analyst Grace Billingsley and prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe team up to help the Critical Incidence Response Group to find this murderer before he takes the life of another innocent person. Details of the case have been withheld from the public. But when a prisoner has information about the crimes, Sam and the team want to find out what he knows and if he is involved. Sam brings a unique perspective to the case because his father is a convicted serial killer and was recently transferred to the same facility where Sam works.

The serial killer aspect of this story makes the novel rather dark. It was interesting trying to understand how the team puts together a profile of the murderer. I liked the interaction between Grace and Sam. Grace was not put off by Sam’s family background. She was compassionate and caring towards him.

What I found off-putting about the story was Grace. She was a brave woman, but didn’t use a lot of wisdom or common sense. After the killer sees her at a crime scene, he repeatedly tries to get to Grace. Though she has been targeted and has some protection, she makes several poor decisions, making her vulnerable to attack. The folks that were providing protection did a poor job, because multiple times the killer was successful in getting to Grace.

When a character repeatedly puts themselves at risk and fails to use common sense, I stop caring about them because the story feels manipulating. I would rather someone be smart over being brave.

Both Grace and Sam had family issues going during the height of the case. To some degree it gave the reader a better understanding about the characters. It may have taken away from the main storyline.

There wasn’t a lot of the Christian faith included in the novel. Grace’s attempt to help Sam’s daughter understand about good and evil fell short. Her explanation about the devil and sin seemed more filled with human psychology, rather than sound theology about a sovereign and holy God and sin and repentance.

The storyline was interesting, had a lot of suspense and intrigue. It was also dark and disturbing. At times, the story seemed drawn out and repetitive. Grace putting herself at risk, over-and-over again, didn’t seem realistic. Nor did the FBI failing to protect a target.

I enjoy Lynette Eason’s suspense novels, yet Critical Threat wasn’t my favorite. Would I recommend it? If you like Lynette Eason’s writing, you may want to give it a try.

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Critical Threat by Lynette Eason. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

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My favorite in the series so far! This one felt like an episode of Criminal Minds and I loved watching them figure out who the serial killer was. It felt high stakes and kept me guessing.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

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This romantic suspense was more thriller and action, and less romance than I typically prefer. Not one of my favorite books by this author, but I still plan on reading her future books when they release.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

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I love this author and this book was one of the best. I love the action and the romance in this story. I love Grace and Sam. I love that the story shows how some people treat children of criminals. I could not put this book down. I am never disappointed with any book that this author writes. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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If you’re a fan of shows like Criminal Minds you’ll like this book. I’m not a fan of those types of shows, I prefer a little milder show like NCIS, but I will say this story kept me reading. Grace is a tough lady determined to find a serial killer. Sam, whose dad is a serial killer is right on her heals trying to protect her. Eason’s characters have depth and insight as they chase down the evil man who is taking lives. She also layers in how such horrific events affect so many. If you enjoy thriller suspense, you’ll want to read book three of the Extreme Measures series. I received a free copy of the book with no expectations. The opinions here are mine.

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Another thrill ride in the Extreme Measures series! Supervisory Special Agent Grace Billingsley is tasked with profiling a killer who has already murdered two women. When another body is found, killed in the same manner, they realize that they now have a serial killer. Grace receives help from Dr. Sam Monroe, a prison psychiatrist whom she had met previously at a conference. A patient of his, at the prison, has attacked a guard and they are called to intervene. As she works the murder case, her brother relapses and almost dies from a drug overdose. As she and Sam work together, he shares his concern that his father, a serial killer and inmate at the same prison, may know who the killer is. He has distanced himself from his father, but will he engage with him to find and possibly stop the killer? What will happen when the killer sets his sights on Grace? She is a strong and capable agent, who balances her career with her personal life and her faith. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

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As a profiler, Grace normally stays out of danger - but when a serial killer leaves a phone streaming the place where he dumped the body and she speaks to him inaudibly, he's desperate to know what she said - and he'll go to any lengths to find out. As the son of a serial killer (and the person who turned him in), Sam feels like he has a lot to prove. When a serial killer's tactics bear a certain resemblance to those of his father, he's brought into the case - and incidentally introduced to Grace. There's an instant attraction between them, but can Sam overcome his history to consider a relationship? And more to the point, can they catch the killer before anyone else gets hurt - particularly as it begins to get more personal?

Honestly, the idea of serial killers isn't on that appeals to me in itself, but I figured that if anyone could make it into a worthwhile story, it would be this author. And she didn't disappoint. I've loved each book in the series so far, so I had high expectations, and they were definitely met. There's a mystery to solve, but there are also relationships to grow and baggage to unpack in the main characters' lives. The resulting story kept me enthralled, on the edge of my seat without the action being so constant that it grew ridiculous (or stopped them having time to develop a real relationship). It's inspiring, intriguing and touching, and the content is clean - while horrible stuff clearly happens off stage (serial killer...), there's nothing graphic in the story, which I appreciated. All in all, a great read and I look forward to the author's next book in the series.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

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Lynette Eason is one of the best writers of suspense in today's market. Her books keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you reading long after bedtime. Her books are always on my instant read list. Critical Threat is the third book in her Extreme Measures series and I was delighted to learn that there will be a fourth! I loved the interaction between Grace and Sam. They seemed like real people and they had realistic conversations. I enjoyed having Grace's friends from the previous books visit but would have liked them to be a bit more prominent in this book. The suspense was superior as I have come to expect. All said this was a wonderful book to end 2022 with.
So grab your favorite beverage and a cozy place to read, you will certainly enjoy Critical Threat!

I was given a copy of Critical Threat by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

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Eason's final book in her Extreme Measures series finished with a bang. I am never disappointed with her amazing romantic suspense novels, and this has been an excellent series.

FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers. This case is a copycat version of another serial killer who is in prison and is the father of psychiatrist, Sam Monroe, whose dad is in prison as a serial killer. When information leads to Sam's father, Grace and Sam find they must work together to discover who the copycap serial killer is.

Fast paced, well written, with lots of twists and turns, this is definitely a book you hate to put down.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

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