In Too Deep

This is one very intense book that kept me guessing throughout the story. The author delivers a story rich in a mystery that will put people in danger. I love how the author incorporates computer technology into the story with details that remind me of shows on television.

Adam and his team are

Show More

called upon to investigate a crime that leaves the team grappling for answers. Who is the mysterious woman found and what message will be discovered on her? Adam will have to call upon his friend Sabrina to help his team out. Sabrina is very intelligent and highly trained in computers. I couldn't get enough of her expertise and how accurate the author is in Sabrina's knowledge.

Sabrina is getting closer to the truth and someone out there needs to stop her. When her life is in danger, Trent steps up his protection of her. This book is one of the author's best at keeping the story interesting and action packed. Just when I thought I had figured out a part of the story, the author throws a curve that I never expected. I loved the part when Sabrina visits the victims home. I loved following her around the room as she took in every detail.

The story moves at a face pace and is filled with surprises and secrets from the past. Sabrina has not had the best relationship with her parents, especially her mother. As you delve further into the story it becomes clear that there is a much deeper secret to what the team and Sabrina is investigating. I was shocked at how sinister people can be and dysfunctional a family can become to gain power, control and cause destruction. Get ready for a powerful story that takes readers in to the depths of darkness.

I received a copy of this book from The Early Reviewers Program of Librarything. The review is my own opinion.

Show Less

This was an excellent romantic suspense thriller. The heroine, Sabrina, is a forensic computer specialist who is highly intelligent, but socially awkward. The hero, Adam, is a police detective who is both a member of the police dive team and a specialist in white collar crime. At the start of the

Show More

story, they have known each other through work for two years, and have an unacknowledged attraction to each other, that does not bloom until thrown together on this case, which deals with an accountant who died when her car (and her laptop) ended up in the river not long after she tried unsuccessfully to set up a meeting with Adam. There appear to be connections to a human trafficking ring, and the investigation leads back ultimately to both their families.

I really enjoyed this. The suspense was taut, and the budding relationship, though chaste, was believable. It was obviously the second book of a series, and I have not read the first book, but I did not feel lost. There is Christian content, which is deftly handled for the most part. Overall, a very engrossing story, and I will be seeking out book 1, and waiting for book 3.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Show Less

This book needs to be categorized as Christian fiction. Or, to be even more accurate, Christian romantic mystery. I read it thinking it was a regular mystery thriller, and it wasn't. Normally, this wouldn't really be a big deal, but in this case it was, and I'll explain why.

The book started out

Show More

with an interesting premise. A woman is found having driven off a bridge and killed. When Detective Adam Campbell and his dive team investigators are assigned to the case, they find suspicious circumstances -- it's possible the woman was actually killed before being placed in the car, and she was an accountant for a number of high-powered people. Adam's team calls in Dr. Sabrina Fleming, a cybersecurity and computer forensics expert.

Here's where things start to fall apart. First of all, Adam and Sabrina have a little history. They have been friends for a long time, but Adam has always had a thing for Sabrina and never let on, and Sabrina has always had a thing for Adam but never let on. This is all fine, no problem. But for over 100 pages, the book is basically just delving into this non-relationship relationship. I thought I was supposed to be reading a mystery thriller. The plot made almost no progress in the first 100 pages. But I was feeling generous. I realized I was actually reading a romantic mystery. Ok, I like romantic mysteries, I just had my expectations wrong. So no problem, let's keep going.

Now there are plot problems. Sabrina comes up with the wildest conclusions based on almost no evidence. She baffles those around her, and then she won't explain how she came up with her conclusions. I think the author intends for her to come across as some sort of eccentric genius (especially since she can't read people well), but it just comes across feeling preposterous. The plot feels as if it's written by someone who has zero experience in police work, computer forensics, or criminal investigation. It doesn't feel real or realistic.

Now to what I said at the beginning -- the fact that it bothers me that this is Christian fiction and not billed as such. Why did it bother me? Because the author just throws in random character thoughts about God and prayer, and it feels gratuitous, like she felt obligated to throw these things in in order to keep it Christian. Whereas other authors' books may include gratuitous sex, this book includes gratuitous "God-isms," and I find it off-putting and almost offensive. And I'm Christian. The religious references aren't preachy, but they simply don't fit, are superfluous, and should just be edited out. They disrupt the flow of the writing, so what's the point?

So with all the above problems, by the time I got to page 106 I started skimming really fast. I didn't want to read any more, but I was obligated to finish the book because I received an ARC. To be fair to the publisher and the author, I needed to read the whole thing before giving it a review. But it was difficult for me to finish; I really disliked the book, and it was all the more disappointing because it had so much potential.

Show Less

This is book two in the Dive Team Investigation series and is just as good as Beneath The Surface, the first book. They are both stand alone books although there is some references and interactions between characters that began in the first book. You won't be lost if you read one and not the other

Show More

or out of sequence. In my opinion, the interactions between the characters adds to the contents of the story. There are some mentions of God, prayer, etc., but it's done in a tasteful manner. I look forward to reading book 3 of the series.

Show Less

The story unfolds as a woman having driven off a bridge and the investigators find a note she had written on her on stomach stating she was killed and to ask Detective Adam Campbell. He has no idea why but as they investigate, they found she didn’t drown in said crash but earlier. They bring in

Show More

Dr. Sabrina Fleming who is a computer forensics expert to sift through her computer. The investigation leads to human trafficking and the possibility that some of the town’s wealthy are involved. Oh, and Sabrina and Adam each have a crush on one another, go figure.

I liked the premise, which I thought would make a good suspense story. There was romance and Christianity thrown in. I am not sure why the arbitrary prayers to God were there, but it didn’t add to the plot. The romance didn’t deter from the story as there was enough going on and subplots to keep it moving.

Show Less

I thought it was a good mystery. I wasn't crazy about the romance, but it didn't detract too much from the suspense. I enjoyed some of her other novels more.

This is the second book in a series, but each book can be read as a standalone story. I really enjoyed the suspense as they tried to solve the murder and I don't feel that the romance was overdone. It kept me turning pages wanting to know what happened next and unable to put it down.

Sorry, got half way through and felt like I was wasting time; it was more appropriate for someone in their late teens early 20’s as the focus was on dating/does he she like me stuff. I wouldn’t recommend if you are over 30.

This would have been a 5star book if the random religious stuff had been left out. Great character development and awesome strong female lead as well as well done mystery.

I liked the first book in this series and looked forward to reading the next. I was not disappointed. It was a great read with non-stop action and suspense. The characters are likable and true-to-life.

The plot centers around Sabrina Fleming, a brilliant professor of forensics and computers.

Show More

Someone is repeatedly trying to kill her, and investigator Adam Campbell has his hands full trying to keep her alive. The attacks seem connected to a murdered woman found in a car at the bottom of a lake. The two team up to solve the mystery and neither is prepared for the slave ring they uncover.

Even though In Too Deep is the second book in the series, it does fine as a stand alone novel. Readers who enjoy suspense, explosions, and light Christianity, will love this novel.

Show Less

When Aaron Campbell is called away from a family dinner to go to the scene of a car off a bridge the last thing he expected was to see his name written on the body of the deceased. An investigation begins that touches on aspects very close to home. With the help of his investigative team and

Show More

Sabrina, a electronic forensic genius whom he has had feelings for for two years, the team discovers that the web of secrets tied to the woman's death reaches much farther than any of them expected.

There are some Christian elements in the book; however, it is minimal and non-preachy. This should no way be a turn off to readers. I truly enjoyed this book and enjoyed the character and storyline development.

Show Less

My first book in a very promising series. A cast of very interesting characters,perhaps a little bit too proficient for a sheriff''s department, but the right skill set to solve this complex mystery. Forensic skills, both scientific and business, are the keys to many of the answers they seek but

Show More

why would someone wan to kill the computer nerd?
Resorting to prayers and prayer circle is somewhat disconcerting at first but does add an unusual. Support element to this investigative team and their work style.

Show Less

This book is an ARC, advanced reading copy taken from uncorrected proofs. I received this copy from the publisher and agreed to review it. Library Thing Early Reviewers

Sometimes, a book can take you by surprise. For me, this is one of those books. It is compassionate, family focused and based, and

Show More

at the same time some families are called upon to help others. So begins this book, but not all families are equal, except perhaps in their spiritual beliefs. Yet all things are of importance in one way or another. Although I've never been in a position or job that might require me to "leave the table" in response to work, serious though that is in this family grouping, I found myself relating in some ways from family Sunday dinners at my grandparents; (Grandpa rarely managing to get through his dinner at the crowded dining table in order and get to work, open his pharmacy, in the 1940s, and set up for customers until grandma managed to bring his evening dinner on a tray.) I know this is a distance from this book, but the book reminded me so much of those special Sundays it connected me.

All would be well, if Adam Campbell didn't work in several branches of crime investigation and other risky policing work. Adam has a good team he works with on drowning cases, and with other types of cases, his team is always ready. So many complications in this particular drowning. But who could guess what the very near future would bring besides very complicated familial problems; a brilliant woman ready to take on anything and very competently, too. Everyone seems to run into trouble at some point, but easily snap out of it and regain their concentration quickly.

One of the team's strengths comes from the power of their prayer, even with friends and acquaintances. I am impressed with the short prayers the groups focus on to strengthen their faith, their belief, and their protective system. Words, honest and true, ringing with the pace they've grown with. This book is action-packed, well coordinated, caring and strong. The story-line is good and keeps the attention. I was glued to the book, a steady read.

All these and more are focused on the prayer, believed, welcoming. Though in this book full prayers are not necessarily spoken. They are like the short springs of the season, snippets that need answering whatever the reason, I think I'm drawn more to their, love, honor, truth, especially those that suddenly jog your memory of what you were trying to convey. To me it could be welcoming, pure, and wakening me with the answer I seek. What power this family achieves, what distances they will go to be together in communication, work and connection.

Show Less

I remember being wowed by the first book in the series Beneath the Surface. This second book In Too Deep gets a double wow. Lynn H Blackburn spins an incredible and fast-paced romantic suspense complete with non-stop action, an intricately and tightly woven plot with gasp-worthy twists, a

Show More

thought-provoking look at modern-day slavery, and wonderfully memorable characters. If you enjoy contemporary inspirational romantic suspense, this book is a must read!

In this book, we get better acquainted with Sabrina, the brainy, dedicated, and somewhat socially awkward professor of tech and cyber security and Adam, our diver team homicide investigator who comes from money and privilege. If you read the first book, you would already know that there is definite attraction brewing between these two but their story can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Adam is incredibly sweet but so insecure and hesitant because he’s never been wanted for who he is, only for his family’s name and money. Sabrina and Adam are thrown together again as Sabrina’s life becomes threatened and a homicide investigation spins out of control. Such nail-biting suspense!!

I can’t wait for Gabe’s story next. Hopefully it will be Gabe and Anissa....?

I was given a copy of this book from the author and Baker Publishing Group and was under no obligation to to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Show Less

loved being back with this team, and saying hello again to old friends, but this can be read alone, but once you devour this one you will want to read the first book in this series.
It didn’t take long to become completely immersed in this mystery, and page-turning to find answers. I changed my

Show More

mind a few times as to what was going on. But loved the strong faith of the main characters, and with all that was happening and going on they lived their faith in God.
If you enjoy a really good, action packed story this is one you don’t want to miss, it also includes some really sweet romance, and love for fellow man.
I hope that there will be another book in this series!

I received this book through Revell Reads Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

Show Less

A great book that kept me trying to figure out what would happen next. I liked the characters and how they interacted with each other. A real page turner.

Normally, I dislike when characters think they're not good enough for the person they're in love with, but in this case the author makes it such a part of the characterization that it didn't feel like a plot point used just to increase the page count. The author also doesn't let it drag on and on

Show More

as some romance writers do.

This book started a bit slowly for me, and it took a little while to get into the meat of the story. I had to trust what I know of the author to know that all would make sense in time. It was nice to revisit the Dive Team characters and get to know them a bit better. I would say this book focuses a bit more on the personal histories of Sabrina Fleming and Adam Campbell.

Show Less

This is the second book in this series and they just keep getting better. I loved the characters and can’t wait for more of the team to have their own stories. This has a bit of romance and a lot of suspense with a lot of twists and turns. I did not want to put this book down. I was on the edge

Show More

of my seat through most of this book. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Show Less

In Too Deep takes the reader back to the town of Carrington and its dedicated law enforcement officers, especially those involved in the dive team investigations. This series just keeps getting better — the cases are puzzling, the danger imminent, and the romance sweet. The second book in Dive

Show More

Team Investigations focuses on geeky computer whiz Dr. Sabrina Fleming and handsome Adam Campbell, a white collar specialist. Together they make a good team, professionally and personally. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you need to check this one out. Recommended!

The Dive Team Investigations series features an ensemble cast of professionals who work together on tough cases. Sabrina and Adam’s story is told in In Too Deep, but the reader will love how they interact with characters found in book one. I loved the developing romance between the two main characters — it was realistically portrayed with missteps, misunderstandings, and doubts that were very believable. Both Sabrina and Adam have some baggage that could cause some rough patches, but I loved how they accepted each other based on their own attitudes and actions. They are also both Christians who rely on God in both good and bad circumstances. Trust in His goodness is a part of both of their lives. This was actually very refreshing, as many books I read have characters with more doubts than faith. I loved that they both were quick to go to God for all their problems. Human labor trafficking is the center of the police investigation, and Blackburn did a great job in making this reader aware of the insidious evil all around us. And because this book is suspense there is plenty of action with enough twists to keep the reader guessing.

Although it can be read as a standalone novel, In Too Deep is a great continuation of Blackburn’s series. I am eagerly anticipating more danger and romance to come! If you Santa put a gift card in your stocking, consider diving in to these great books!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Show Less

A forensic dive team in North Carolina is the focus of Lynn H Blackburn’s series, Dive Team Investigations. In book one, we met the team members and focused on Ryan and Leigh’s story. Book two, In Too Deep, tells the chilling tale of Adam and Sabrina. While I believe the book could stand on its

Show More

own, I started out feeling that the team members were already my friends, not people I had just met.

What’s to love about this book? Blackburn strikes a good balance between great romantic suspense and relationship-driven narrative. What I loved most is that Sabrina is intelligent beyond belief, yet that character trait is countered by an unusual lack of common social skills. In other words, a great, but lovable, flawed protagonist.

Heavy topics are handled within these pages. My antennae went up. We’re talking about sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Where is the author taking me? Guilt, awareness, action? For me, I choose awareness.

I loved that prayers are a part of everyday needs in the novel, and some are spoken aloud. They’re not preachy, but natural, clear, and honest.

Points to Blackburn for exhibiting a sense of humor at a few critical points. Some thoughts just made me laugh. Try “baby cops.” Another was a paragraph listing Sabrina’s many injuries, followed by the statement she had never looked more beautiful. That just tickled my funny bone.

Thought-provoking quotes:
“You love the victims and the victimizers. We don’t understand that, Lord.”(How true!)
and
“...it’s not about how big our faith is. What matters is how big our God is.”~Sabrina

I highly recommend this series, and can’t wait for Gabe and Anissa’s story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are solely my own, and no positive review was required.

Show Less

“In Too Deep,” is a faith-based romance novel masquerading as a police procedural. Eventually, “thriller” the elements mentioned in the marketing blurb all appear, but they are embedded in hundreds of pages of typical romantic novel developments.

Boy (Adam) and girl (Sabrina) are attracted

Show More

to each other, but initially they interpret the other as disinterested. Gradually they work through their self-doubts and the ambiguity and find true love. Along the way they frequently think about or invoke “our Father,” or just “Father.”

The focus on romance extends beyond the focal characters. Each of the six central characters is a gracious, thoughtful, wonderful, devout person who likes and respects each of the other central figures. There is no interpersonal tension among this tight-knit group. In one scene the principal characters engage in a group prayer with each taking a turn contributing to the prayer.

Unfortunately, the focus is on the emotional connections among the primary characters. Comments suggest that the previous novel in this series focused on Ryan (a detective) and Leigh (a critical care nurse) who are newly engaged, and my guess in that Gabe and Anissa, also detectives, will be fall in love in the next novel.

This book is definitely a disappointment. I enjoy a good romance novel, but I prefer to pick one because the plot description appeals to me, not because I have been misled. Tami Hoag does a superior job of integrating romance into the police procedural. Although not primarily a romance writer, Curtis Sittenfeld’s “Eligible,” is a thoroughly enjoyable contribution to the romance genre. Debbie Macomber is another romance writer I enjoy, and despite the flaws I have noted in Melody Carlson’s novels I continue to find her books worth reading. I am unlikely to read another offering by Blackburn.

Show Less

In Too Deep by Lynn H. Blackburn is the second book in her Dive Team Investigations series. The team is called in to investigate a submerged car. In the car was an encrypted laptop. They bring in Dr. Sabrina Fleming, a professor at the local university who has extraordinary computer forensics

Show More

skills, to help recover the files on the laptop. What they find is a whole lot of trouble! The evidence will convict a whole lot of powerful people who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. This was a very fast-paced story with lots of suspense, comradery, romance and danger. I enjoyed how the whole team worked and played together as a unit. Ms. Blackburn wasn’t afraid to tackle a very tough subject, and she did it quite well. The story-line and the characters worked great together. I can’t wait for the next installment.

I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review.

Show Less

One of the greatest book discoveries for me in 2020 was the Dive Team investigations series by Lynn Blackburn. I found them thanks to other book reviewers on Instagram and I am so glad I gave them a chance. How did I miss these when they released? They are the epitome of everything I love about the

Show More

genre of romantic suspense. All of them are full of swoonworthy heroes who repeatedly save the day, but not because the heroines are weak and need rescuing. It is quite the opposite actually. All of the women are smart and independent, but find themselves in some pretty precarious situations. I like that each of the three couples relationships develop throughout the book. Instant relationships would just not be believable given the characters backgrounds and nail-biting situations going on in each story. It's not surprising that my favorite part of the series by far was the page-turning suspense! Each book hooked me from the beginning and I found myself totally surprised at the end! I really don't think I could pick a favorite hero, heroine, or book in the series. I loved them all!
The blessing in disguise with finding this series late was I got to binge read the entire series so there was no waiting in between!

Note: The novella, Unseen Enemy, is available to the author's newsletter subscribers and is a connector between this series and the first book in her new series which releases this spring. Can't wait!

Show Less