Blackburn has a way of engaging readers that is unlike any others. Beneath the Surface introduces readers to a new cast of characters that they will not be able to stop thinking about, and honestly feel like a big family by the time you reach the end. But the way she writes the suspense and mystery parts - truly amazing. Readers will not be able to put this story down until they reach the end, and at that point they'll be ready and willing to dive into the next book. I know I was!

classic Lynn H Blackburn...a mix of suspense and romance...fast paced...a real page turner. Loved it! You will, too!

Fabulous Christian mystery that has it all - the interesting plot and crimes, the hunky hero and the heroine who is both strong and vulnerable. And yes, the catchy humour - and a good joke or remark is a sign of intelligence in my books.

Is there another stalker in nurse practitioner Leigh Weston's life? As if the previous scary experience was not enough! Yet it seems there is one - after her brakes had been tampered.
And as if this had been not enough - also a body had been found in the vicinity of her home.
Luckily, the cases end up in the hands of homicide investigator Ryan Parker - and to be in his arms is all Leigh had been dreaming all her high school life - and later, too.
Can love be found while one being a target of a killer?

You bet.
And this is also a ride you want to catch. Authentic, smart, easy enough to distract you fro your daily troubles (and I am saying this as a copliment, as this really is not an easy task to do, when you have troubles!) and also deep enough to make you think about exactly that Silent God wo is not responding to your pleas (or at least not the way you prefer).

Very good read. 4.5 stars and my following on your works from now on, Ms Blackburn!

Beneath the Surface was a good romantic suspense novel. I liked the characters and found the way they interacted with each other to be authentic. I felt like they were real people.

The mystery was crazy. I wasn't sure who the villain would be until the reveal and I felt like you never knew what would happen next.

The ending was great and I liked how things wrapped up. All in all, Beneath the Surface was an enjoyable read and I recommend it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I was excited to get this book from a new romantic suspense author! I have long loved romantic suspense (especially from Revell) and was really excited to "get to know" a new author from this book.

I really enjoyed this story, especially the dive team aspect of it since that's something I don't know much about. I thought the pacing of the book was good as well as the character development. There were a few instances of plot elements that didn't seem to gel with me, but nothing that truly distracted from the story.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and hope to see Lynn go on to write many more!

If you enjoy books from Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey, you will likely enjoy this series!

I really enjoyed this book and the start to this brand new series! Very well written, suspenseful, full of action, some romance, steady plot pace. I liked getting to know all the dive team characters and can’t wait to read more in this series.

Leigh and Ryan are great, strong characters in this book. They worked well together and are very smart and successful in their careers.

I highly recommend this great christian suspense! My teenage son also enjoyed it too. He said the story line and characters were great. “In Too Deep” (Dive Team Investigations #2) will be released on November 6th.

I received a copy of this e-book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

A body is found in the lake next to Leigh Weston's house. Later that day she is involved in a car accident because her brakes failed. The police discover that it wasn't an accident, Ryan Parker, a childhood friend of Leigh's is the lead investigator. Ryan has to determine if the attacks on Leigh are from a stalker or if it's connected to the body in the lake. When more bodies start showing up and the attacks on Leigh escalate, Ryan and his team race against the clock to find out who is behind all of it.

Beneath the Surface by Lynn H. Blackburn is book 1 in the Dive Team Investigations series. This book starts out with intrigue and grabs your attention fast. Leigh Weston's home is suddenly the scene of a crime investigation. She has a history with the homicide investigator in charge. Her own life is soon in danger. The characters in this book are interesting and their stories are perfect for telling this story. The action is compelling and holds your attention well for the first half of the book. After that, I thought that the second half of the book was a lot slower and hard to stay interested in. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Well, it's not what I expected, but it was definitely interesting! I thought the diving part would play a larger role in the story, but it only is featured at the beginning. Leigh is drawn into the story when the dive team needs to use her lake access to remove a murder victim from the lake. But pretty soon the action ramps up when someone makes an attempt on Leigh's life, very nearly succeeding and landing her in the hospital.

So that was twist number one. This tale takes the cake for twists, which kept me guessing all day long while reading it! Though I was quite busy, I was able to finish reading it in two sittings simply because I had to know what happened next.

I have to say, I loved having an Asian lady as a main character! Leigh was adopted from China as a child and raised in North Carolina, and her brother was adopted from Brazil. I liked this a great deal! All too often, Christian fiction tends to feature characters that look like they came from Maine, the least racially diverse state! I'm not one of those that wants every book to force diversity where it doesn't fit, but this was a nice treat. However, I found myself wishing that Blackburn had described Leigh to us more carefully, because I kept catching myself thinking of her as Vietnamese in feature.

Predictability: Well, very little, other than in the romantic interest! The killer is a slippery one and hard to think ahead of.

Content: Okay, so this one got really near the edge for me. If you don't care for really creepy and determined serial killers, make sure to read this one in the daylight! It's quite intense and the killer does mutilate victims' bodies.

Christian content: a storyline of coming back to God after one's faith has been shaken.

Overall, a solid four star read and a series I will be continuing. Thanks to the publisher for a free review copy.

This one is a great start for a new series! I thought that the mystery was well done and interesting. I had a hard time putting it down!

On a routine diving drill, a decapitated and dismembered body is found in a quiet lake. Homicide investigator Ryan Parker, Gabe Chavez, and dive captain Anissa Bell are suddenly thrust into a murder investigation. Worse yet, Leigh Weston, whom Ryan is coming to care for, has become an object of several no-holds-barred murder attempts.

I loved getting in on the ground level of this new series. It was also fun to see other relationships, besides Leigh and Ryan’s, develop just enough that we can reasonably be assured they will get their own story. Also, Blackburn develops all her characters to the point I care about somewhere between 6-10 characters and would be proud to call any of them “friend.”

I just loved Mr. Cook. He may be old, but he’s God’s prayer warrior, and His people know it.
“If Mr. Cook decided to pray for you, you could be sure the Almighty was going to get involved.” My parents’ prayers are like that, and I pray that mine will become as effective... not for fame, but to help others realize the greatness of our God. That is the kind of character Mr. Cook is.

To be honest, Leigh struggles with juxtaposing God’s greatness and all-powerfulness with His allowing sin and atrocities to occur.
“If God had protected her, that was awesome. But why allow any of it?”
This is a great question that many of us have, and it is well-answered.

I read this on my kindle. At first, I thought I had smudges on the screen. I finally figured out there were light “fingerprints” between chapters. How perfect.

With plenty of suspense, some romance, and a few great twists, Lynn H. Blackburn is a romantic suspense author to add to your must-read pile.
I will definitely be back for book two with my wetsuit on.

I gratefully received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way influenced my opinions, freely given, for which I am solely responsible.

This is Book 1 in the Dive Team Investigations Series. The story follows Leigh Weston as she returned home to heal from an experience from a stalker patient. She is now working at the emergency department in Carrington, North Carolina. Her life becomes turned upside down again when Ryan Parker, an old friend of her brother's and currently a detective, knocks on her door to ask for use of her dock to help with an investigation of a body found in the lake. Since he knocked on her door, someone keeps trying to kill her and they are getting more and more desperate. Can Ryan keep her safe from her new stalker as he hunts down the killer? Can he also keep his feelings in check so he doesn't get too distracted?

This is a good first book in this series. I like all the characters and can't wait to read about their stories as the series continues. I am looking forward to the next book.

I am always on the lookout for new and exciting inspirational suspense novels, and Beneath the Surface did not disappoint. Lynn Blackburn delivers a novel that balances action with fantastic interpersonal interactions, careful criminal investigation with plenty of tension, and a light-hearted joy despite the depravity of the crimes. Beneath the Surface was a very enjoyable novel to read. Lynn H. Blackburn earns her way onto my list of favorite romantic suspense authors with this book.

Leigh Weston has returned to her hometown, eager to escape the memories of a patient who turned stalker. But what was supposed to bring peace and security only brings more chaos when the local dive team investigation unit discovers a dead body in the water just off Leigh’s lakeside home. Homicide Investigator Ryan Parker didn’t enjoy discovering a body on one of his team’s routine training sessions, but he is glad for the excuse to spend more time with his childhood crush (and his best-friend’s sister), Leigh. But the case becomes personal when Leigh finds herself targeted by a dangerous killer.

The thing I loved most about Beneath the Surface was the way it mixes intense suspense and investigation with lighthearted banter between friends and the growing relationship between Ryan and Leigh. While some romantic suspense novels seem to focus solely on the investigation details and other stretch believability for the sake of romance, Lynn Blackburn gets the balance just right. As the events unfolded, I felt like I really had time to get to know the characters. From Ryan’s teammates to Leigh’s colleagues at the hospital, all the characters were richly detailed and add multiple layers to this story. I particularly enjoyed hanging with the dive investigation team. Their camaraderie shines through the small squabbles, idea-sharing sessions, and the way in which they have each other’s backs. I look forward to continuing the series with this team, watching as other members fall in love and catch some bad guys.

This is a new author for me. I was instantly immersed in the story and wanting to know more about the characters. I always love the inclusion of future main characters, it gives me a glimpse into their story. This was a well thought out story and full of twists and a great ending!

I love finding new to me authors, especially when it’s one like this! Ms. Blackburn is a fantastic author! She has created a wonderful story, full of amazing characters and I was hooked from the first page. Each page, each new character, each new plot twist had me on the edge of my seat and staying up late to finish the intense, captivating ride.

I loved Ryan and Leigh so much! They were wonderfully chiseled and their feelings really jumped off the page and became my own. The way they interacted and the way their story just pulled together was fantabulous.

This is a 4 star worthy novel and each page is fantastically done. The intensity of the crimes, the grace and mercy that’s woven in, the sparks of romance between characters really pull the reader into the middle of the story and doesn’t let them go. This is one of those books that will stay with you long, long past the last page. I’m highly anticipating the release of book in this fantastic new series! Well done, Ms. Blackburn! You’ve got a forever fan in me!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

Likeable Characters and Interesting Scenario Make for A Good Read


I love mysteries and suspense novels and that’s what drew me to read Lynn H Blackburn’s newest book Beneath the Surface, the first book in the Dive Team Investigations series.

The story begins with homicide investigators, Ryan Parker and Gabe Chavez, training for underwater crime scene investigations when they discover a body. What started out an exercise has now developed into a murder investigation. To help with the logistics, Ryan reaches out to a neighbor and old friend, Leigh Weston, to see if the police can use her dock for a few days.

Soon, Leigh has some troubles of her own when she’s driving from home from work and her brakes give out. Was it mechanical failure or something more nefarious? Ryan and Gabe’s case load just got busier as they take a closer look in to Leigh’s accident.

What I liked best about this book are the very likable characters. They are people I would like to know, I cared about them and about what happened to them. It’s made all the more interesting as the mystery unfolds with new developments in both cases and unexpected twists. I found the underwater crime scene investigation fascinating and enjoyed trying to figure out “who done it.”

Something the character Ryan said in the first chapter, “No one deserves to die forgotten.”, drew me in and I knew I would like this story.

I appreciated how Lynn wove the Christian faith into the lives of some of the characters and I hope that aspect of the story continues to be developed in the next book in this series. Lynn’s knows how to tell a good story without resorting to filthy language or sexually explicit scenes.

There were times that the story seems to drag a bit as the story unfolded. But it didn’t bother me too much because I liked the characters and interesting storyline.

Lynn Blackburn is an author who is new to me and she’s going on my list of authors whose work I want to read. I look forward to reading her earlier and future novels, especially book two of this series.

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Lynn H Blackburn’s new novel Beneath the Surface in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Sizzling with tension that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up and the skin tingle beneath the surface.

Leigh Weston needed a fresh start. After dealing with a stalker, she moved back home to Carrington, North Carolina and started working in the hospital emergency department. She thought all her troubles were behind her, but when her brakes fail and she crashes, she fears her past is catching up with her present. Her friend from high school is now a homicide investigator and she turns to him for help.

Ryan Parker is good at what he does, especially working with the dive team. When the team finds a body at the bottom of the lake Ryan starts investigating and ends up at Leigh’s front door. Her security footage might have caught something and he needs her help to get to the bottom of what is going on with not only the body but also who is trying to hurt Leigh.

Lynn H. Blackburn has just been added to my list of new favorite authors. Beneath the Surface is more than I expected. Usually I enjoy seeing a character in distress but fighting back on their own with the help of someone else. Here though, I loved the way Leigh was put in situations and the way the tension was played out. I don’t want to say too much and give the good points away. But I will say that the tension was tightest at all the right moments bringing the story to new levels and keeping the pages flying. A few moments were a little slow but just when it would get slow Blackburn was able to bring it back in with no problem. I love the way the characters interacted with each other and even themselves. At times, the characters thoughts were played out on the page making them relatable and the story believable. This was the first book I have read by Lynn H. Blackburn but will not be my last.

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

This is an AWESOME read! Fast-paced, with great characters and a plot that will keep you guessing until the very last page! Don't miss this book! Received this book from Net Galley for our honest review

Beneath the Surface by Lynn H. Blackburn

My review is 4.5 Stars

Author Lynn H. Blackburn sprinkles intense suspense with tongue-in-cheek humor and makes it work without seeming contrived in Beneath the Surface.

“No one gets anywhere near your house without going through a police barricade, Leigh.”

“That’s not sustainable. I’m costing the taxpayers thousands of dollars.”

“Hardly. We’ve caught so many speeders, we’re making money on the deal. No one realizes what’s happening. They think it’s a speed trap. And a good one at that.”

Though there were clues about who the serial killer was, they were not overt, and there was some misdirection that had me second-guessing as I read. The investigation was very interesting to read about. I appreciated the fact that so many people and methods were employed. Though the MO of the killer was disgusting, the descriptions were not gory. Plus, I wisely read the story on a Saturday during the day, so I was able to read it when it was light out and finish it in the same day I started. Whew!

The investigators in the story were interesting and very well developed. The fact that they were all believers and had such a close comradery was a nice touch. Anissa’s prayer for the investigation and the meal was so beautiful. I can’t wait to read more of their stories in the next books.

Ryan was Leigh’s brother Kyle’s best friend, and unbeknownst to her, all Kyle’s friends had been warned to not even think about pursuing a relationship with her. While I really like this plot element, I really have to wonder how often this happens in real life, and what in the world those big brothers are thinking! I don’t have a brother, but always figured that falling in love with their friends is the whole reason God gave big brothers to girls in the first place. Isn’t it?

There is a strong Christian message in the story as Leigh struggles with trusting that God cares about her and is working things for her good. It was incorporated very naturally to the story and was very touching and insightful.

This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

For a special feature of the blog tour, be sure to read Phyllis' "The Power of Prayer" at AmongTheReads.net

I would like to thank Just Read Publicity Tours, and Netgalley for giving me this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

If you are a fan of Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, or Colleen Coble, you are going to love this new book by Lynn H. Blackburn!
I enjoyed this book. With intense scenes and sweet romance, you can solve the case along with the investigators without the foul language or indecent scenes of so many police television shows on the market today. This book was not gory in any way. A warning if medical vocabulary makes you squeamish, the main character is a nurse, and the writer did an excellent job at making sure she evaluated situations the way a nurse would.
The ending is both surprising and satisfying!!
The diving element of the story was only in the beginning.
The characters were all drop-dead gorgeous. It would have been nice to have more ordinary looking characters. The cast is a wide variety of ethnicity, the main character is adopted from China and her brother from Bolivia. They also have fun personalities and deep struggles.
I can’t wait for book two in the series.