Member Reviews
Lisa Harris presents the first book of a series focusing on two US Marshals stationed in Seattle WA. The two US Marshals, Madison James and Jonas Quinn, are charged with transporting two fugitives from Seattle to Denver; but mid-way, the small plane they are on runs into a storm that brings the plane crashing down into the tree tops of the Rocky Mountains somewhere in rural Idaho. The two pilots and one of the fugitives dies; James and Quinn will spend the next week tracking the remaining fugitive, Damon Barrick, across much of the western US.
Their search will take them to Salt Lake City UT and to Houston TX, among other stops along the way. Their search will also allow the two US Marshals to become familiar with each other’s skills and gifts. A romance is possible - but not in this book. That is one of the hints that suggest another book or two is in the offing. The other hint is the unexplained death of Madison James’ first husband and subsequent threats against her life.
The story itself is a mixed bag of exciting and patient reading (i.e. sometimes slow). Lisa Harris has done a great job of describing the rural Rocky Mountain environment offering an inviting description of the area - leaving this reader wishing that he had the time and energy to explore a part of the country to which he has not been. As she weaves a bit of faith into the story, the reader begins to understand how God can meet people wherever they are or in whatever circumstances they find themselves.
I could easily see the story serving as the foundation for a TV series (CBS, are you listening). But it could just as easily belong in the church library or on the reading list of anyone who enjoys law enforcement thrillers. Though the book is faith-based, the reader does not feel that he has been drenched in unneeded spirituality, proving amble reason for also making room for it in the public library.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I found this book very hard to get into. When I put it down, and then picked it back up again, I had a hard time remembering what was happening. I'm not sure why, but I think it's because the main characters felt one dimensional. We don't get a deep look at their inner thoughts. They rehash events that have happened in their pasts (replaying events in their own minds) but they never share their deepest thoughts concerning those circumstances. We just get the facts, like a police report.
So many of the circumstances in the book were also too unbelievable. When Barrick jumps off the bridge, they lose him, again, and in no time flat he's seen at a local farmer's market. When they catch up to who they think is him, he still has on his hat, and he's not soaking wet, or injured. The man just jumped off a bridge with a hostage; how could they think he'd be dry already? How does this happen? Also, how is he keeping all the cash dry that Mary gave him? Keeping it where? I just got tired of the cat and mouse chase, and all the unbelievable things that happened in the course of the chase.
The side story of Madison's husband being killed, and her sister being threatened wasn't really that compelling to me. Also, the slight romance between Madison and Jordan didn't interest me either. I just didn't really feel much while reading this book, except that it felt too long. I normally love suspense, and police books, but this one fell flat for me.
I have read Lisa Harris's books before, and I would read a future book, but perhaps not in this series.
Clearly, I like suspense. I love novels that bring non-stop action and twisted plots with lots of drama. I can’t think of a single thing The Escape was missing when it comes to that crazy, intense, life-or-death suspense on every page.
The story centers around two US Marshals, Madison James and Jonas Quinn. They are paired up for a prison transfer. Their plane crashes and one of the prisoners escapes. The Marshals must capture the fugitive before he kills again. The entire story is one epic man hunt through the mountains of the pacific northwest. Madison and Jonas have to rely on each other to get out of the woods, stay alive, and find the criminal before he manages to reach civilization and disappear.
The action and near-death situations give this novel a fast-pace feel, but the characters are likable and aren’t just running for their lives (although there is plenty of that). Madison is struggling with grief from the loss of her husband, and Jonas has a similar issue with a relationship that didn’t work out. They have a compatibility and camaraderie that makes them a great pair, whether it be on the job or more of a personal relationship.
Just a warning that this ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but the story is so intriguing that I couldn’t put it down. I kept saying I would read until the end of the chapter, but then just kept on reading. I literally lost sleep over this book! This is going to be one of my favorite series, I can already feel it. But sadly, I must wait for book two.
Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley and Revell. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I hate to be the one reviewer who didn't like this book, but unfortunately, it just didn't keep my interest. I DNF'd about two-thirds of the way through. While the story is amazing, I just couldn't relate to the main characters or root for them. Jonas just felt...flat. And while I enjoyed Madison's character, she just seems unbelievable. When asked how she's feeling, she'll say how she's worried about her sister. But we don't get to see inside her mind, we don't experience the anxiety she claims to feel about her family's wellbeing. I think that's what made it hard to read, how unrelatable Madison and Jonas are. The inciting incident, the plane crash, is quickly brushed over and neither Madison nor Jonas experience any fears relating to air travel or crashing again afterwards, even though they have to fly several more times throughout the course of the book. If I'd just barely escaped a plane crash, you can bet I'd be sticking close to home and not be found near a plane for weeks after!
The romance is barely there, which will suit readers who like the suspense without the fluff. As it centres around a fugitive on the run, there's a lot of action that will keep you up at night. Again, there's a lot to like about this story, but it just doesn't suit my tastes right now.
Also, I would have to say, this is more of a clean read than christian fiction. Other than a few times where the character prays over an issue, there's little faith evident in their lives. But again, it's clean romance so it will still appeal to christian readers.
My thanks to the publisher Revell and the author for allowing me the chance to read and review this e-copy arc via Netgalley.
Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrown together to transfer two dangerous criminals on a plane to Denver. The plane crashes, and one of the prisoners escapes, leading to a week-long chase across states for our two US Marshals.
Full of riveting suspense and close calls, near misses, dangerous situations for our two highly capable Marshals, this is classic Harris suspense. Over the course of the action we also get to discover more of the backstory of our duo where we learn both are still hurting and recovering from sudden unexpected losses in their love lives. The romance simmers between the two but is always in the background to the suspense.
I especially like Madison. She's gusty, vulnerable and passionate about family, her job and God. Jonas is kind, considerate and thoughtful. I'm excited to see how their partnership (in whatever form) develops in the next story.
I wondered if this would work better as a shorter story. I found there was repetition in the near misses and the "we'll get him this time!". I also wondered if this is quite often the case in real life, it just seemed the bad guy slipped away too easily sometimes or they lost his tail too easily.
The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger that makes me want to read the next story, now!
I received an early ebook copy of The Escape from Revell via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
The Escape was my first read of a Lisa Harris book. Yes I know, what
exactly was I waiting for?
Madison and Jonas are US Marshals . They've been assigned to transport two convicts but the plane crashes in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. One convict dies upon impact the other escapes.
The marshals must not only survive the elements but track their man who always manages to stay one step ahead of them through disguise sand help from those he knows.
Your adrenaline will be pumping as your read about elaborate schemes,kidnapping,terror and danger.
Who can you really trust to tell you the truth when you question others? Are they just pacifying you with the answers you want to hear while actually reporting back to the hunted one?
I literally could not put this down and read it in one day, just one more chapter turned into a night of reading. Adrenaline junkies you'll find your fix here!
I liked the slow burn in the romance as well between the marshals too,
nothing rushed.
She is still mourning the death of her husband and he's still getting over a breakup. They are letting God direct their actions and healing slowly and naturally but you can feel a spark will ignite in a future book in the series.
The Escape was an exciting book and I look forward to continuing this series.
Pub Date: 03 Nov 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own
"There is a razor -thin edge between justice and revenge, where the two easily blur if left unchecked."
This is the first book in a new U.S. Marshals series and, based on this book, I'm already looking forward to book two.
U.S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with guarding two high-risk felons from Seattle to Denver. When their plane crashes somewhere in an Idaho national forest during a storm, they end up trying to track down a dangerous murderer who keeps adding to his killed list.
They go on a multi-state chase against this charismatic, crafty, violent murderer, wanting to find him and bring him in for justice.
I liked the two protagonists and their backstories. James' husband was murdered five years ago and the murderer has never been found. Hopefully we will read more about this in future books.
This is a good, solid thriller and I enjoyed it.
I received this book from Revell Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
"Their worse-case scenario—one they tried to avoid at all costs—had just become a reality.”
Two U.S. marshals. Two convicts. One downed plane. The chase is on...and where it will go will keep you on the tip of your toes. There are so many unexpected twists and turns that I was engaged from beginning until end. Then at the end, I couldn’t wait for the next book in the series. There is an underlying threat that had me hooked to know more of Madison’s story. This is the first book in the U.S. Marshalls series and it’s going to be a hit.
“There is a razor-thin edge between justice and revenge, where the two easily blur if left unchecked.”
Madison and Jonas made a great team professionally, as well as both overcoming past struggles with grief and loss. I’m excited to see where this series goes. I thought they worked well together and look forward to seeing their relationship develop. I loved how they worked out some of the issues around being a female U.S. Marshall. It seemed very realistic to the job. I really enjoyed the adventure, danger, and light thread of romance that played a minor role to their relationship. When the prison transfer went wrong, I was intrigued by the hunt and thought it gave a great picture of what it would be like as a Marshall.
Lisa Harris delivers nonstop entertainment in her latest series “The Escape.” This is a promising start to a new series. If you love movies like “The Fugitive” and “U.S. Marshals,” I think you will really enjoy this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Wow! Talk about a ride--- this book grabs you from the very start...and keeps you right through to the very end waiting for the next book! Lisa Harris is an author that for me has quickly become one I must read... and The Escape only solidifies that status! Truly, I could not put it down!
In The Escape, we meet Madison and Jonas, two US Marshalls who have been assigned the task of transporting two criminals via plane to Colorado. When the plane crashes, one of the prisoners escapes and what follows is an epic chase that had me at the very edge of my seat! It was absolutely fantastic and a great high paced read. Not only was this a great introduction to the characters and a fantastic story in and of itself, it was also a great setup for the rest of the series. While the primary story may have wrapped up in this book, an ongoing story was also set up that had me ready for the next book as soon as this one ended. Needless to say, this is one series I will be devouring as they come out!
Overall, a truly fantastic read that fans of Christian suspense are sure to want to check out! I loved it!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
This book has all the makings of a great story. Suspense, police procedures, and maybe even a little romance with the two characters that were thrown together in a fast and furious chase across many states.
But the romance was not to be. At least not yet. The author drew the interest between these two out further and further, much to the frustration of this reader.
But Harris caught my attention with the chase. There were so many great areas of suspense. From one locale to another, she keeps you on your toes. Crime sprees and mayhem created a frantic rush to find the escapee with plenty of plot twists to keep the reader engrossed. I finished this one in one sitting!
Plus with the added plotline surrounding the death of Madison’s husband, and strange occurrences happening to her, the story was captivating and gets your heart rate up there a bit.
While I was looking for more between these two characters, we are left hanging with a small cliffy that leaves you wondering. The romantic interest is growing between them, but this is just the beginning of this series. I am seriously hoping more will be developed as the next books come out.
They are a fabulous team and you just know the sparks will be flying. Madison and Jonas are just ripe for some hot combustion!
For some great action, suspense, and the love of cop fiction, The Escape is a terrific read!
The Escape by Lisa Harris is a hard hitting, heart pounding Christian adventure. Two US Marshalls tracking a desperate murderer on the run. Madison James and Jonas Quinn are determined to recapture this escaped criminal while surviving themselves in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Well-written with believable police procedures, local, state and federal involvement. Complex character development for the two main characters with enough for supporting ones so that you want to know more about each one of them. Even a hint of romance that may come to be which is intriguing in how the novel begins with Madison.
Fans of Susan May Warren and Irene Hannon suspenseful romance books probably already are fans of Lisa Harris. But if not, they really owe it to themselves to add this author’s book, The Escape to their shelf. A great start to a new series that I will be following.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
Lisa Harris' new series, US Marshals, is top notch. The first book, The Escape, follows two Marshals on a manhunt for an escaped murderer who manages to stay one step ahead of them. The Marshals must continually stay on the move, adjusting their plans to his unexpected tactics, putting themselves at risk in their attempts to successfully complete their mission. Sometimes, however, danger lurks where least expected.
Harris' writing is fast-paced and intense. This is a difficult book to walk away from. Readers will likely finish it in record time because they will continually say, “just one more chapter,” late into the night. The theme of trying to move on from one's circumstances resonates with each character, some by manipulating situations, others by trying to accept the past and to make a better future relying on God and loved ones. I am grateful to have received an advanced copy of The Escape as part of the author's launch team and an e-copy from NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
There is no escape when you start reading The Escape!! Non-stop action from beginning to end! Lisa Harris has the ability to capture your attention and keep you spell-bound untill the very last word! This book has it all: action, suspense, drama, tears, fears and romance! Deffinitely a not-to-be-missed-must-read story. The end . . . All I am going to say is: Lisa I really hope you are nearly finished with the next book as I can't wait to see what is going to happen!
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Madison James who is a US Marshall is picking up to criminals. During the flight they crashed. One of the criminals died on impact and the second fugitive escaped. Madison and her partner Jonas have to find the fugitive before he kills again. This book kept me interested from the start
A not so unique story line...tow US Marshals transporting convicts by plane must chase an escapee when the plane crashes and he gets away....has been given a whole new life by Lisa Harris. Book #1 in the US Marshals series has launched!!!!
When the transport plane crashes, both pilots and one convict are killed. The marshals are unconscious for a short period, giving the escaped convict a head start. US Marshal Madison James and Jonas Quinn will take their manhunt through several states as their team works to catch this fugitive. But he doesn't have to play by the rules, so manages several times to elude capture. The action and adventure along the way make for a great main story. Side stories include personal challenges and mysteries from both of our marshals that will weave into the following volumes. Many characters on the tracking team show potential also. So, not only do we readers get an excellent story of a race to capture a fugitive through some pretty treacherous territory, we already have the settings in place for the next exciting volume. I'm certainly glad I got to start at the beginning of what promises to be a permanent resident on my TBR pile.
A new series by Lisa Harris, this book will have you on the edge of your seat as the characters chase down an escaped felon.
Madison and Jonas are US Marshals. Their assignment is to transport two prisoners, but when their plane goes down they must fight to survive the elements and to find their escaped prisoner. But he always seems to be one step ahead of them and they will have to fight for their lives if they can try and outwit him.
The Escape is the first book in a new series. Judging from the ending, the next book in the series will continue the investigation into Madison's husband's murder. We readers are given just a few clues right at the start of the book and the end of the book, but otherwise the story remains focused on the escaped prisoner and trying to recapture him.
There is just a touch, a smidge of romance in The Escape. Really it is all just a starting point for something that I am guessing will continue in the next book. I liked that the romance wasn't something that happened quickly or to fit the timeline of the book. Madison is still grieving the death of her husband. Jonas is still getting over a bad break-up. Neither is looking for love. There is just a small spark, a collaboration between them as they working together. I am hoping they can find a way to be more open with each other in the next book and I look forward to how their relationship develops.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Wow!! I love this book and I just love Madison!! The characters are so well written and the story just grabs you into an action packed suspenseful read!! You will go past your bedtime for this book!!
What a great start to the US Marshals series! This book follows US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn as a routine prisoner transport ends in a plane crash that allows one of those prisoners to escape. No matter what they do, he seems to stay one step ahead of them. While the main story line doesn't have a mystery per se (you know who the villain is, just not how they're going to catch up to him), there is an underlying mystery in the background in Madison's personal life. The main story line though, is full of action and suspense as they keep finding themselves one step behind the esaped prisoner.
The character development in this book was excellent. Both Madison and Jonas were relatable characters who grew throughout the book. They were likable and both had faith. Though the faith thread was a bit more subtle in this book than in some others by this author, it was definitely still present. I also enjoyed the twists and turns, waiting to see how they were finally going to catch him. There was a fair amount of edge-of-your seat action as well. All in all, an enjoyable story line. The ending, while satisfactory for this story, has opened up doors to the rest of the series and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Special thanks to the author and Revell for an advance copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
** “Sometimes the illusion of strength could be used as a veneer to hide the chinks in one’s armor.” **
** “And we do what we do because this world is full of sin and evil that needs to be stopped. Because we want to see good thrive and justice reign.” **
Lisa Harris draws us into the world of the US Marshals with “The Escape,” an action-packed romantic thriller featuring a game of cat and mouse.
When Madison James and Jonas Quinn, who briefly trained together several years ago, are placed together as partners in a prisoner air transport, their lives spiral into chaos and danger. While transporting two prisoners, their plane crashes. One prisoner survives and Madison and Jonas are forced to search for him in the forests of the Northwest.
What follows is an intense story, filled with harrowing and deadly experiences. And as both Madison and Jonas must deal with overcoming losses of loved ones, they find themselves more and more attracted to each other.
“The Escape” is filled with the attempt to locate missing prisoner Damon Barrick before he can kill again, but it also contains a background mystery as Madison attempts to discover who killed her husband five years earlier — and who keeps leaving her black roses on the anniversary of his death.
Harris does an incredible job of building a frantic plot, all while creating intriguing characters. She also fills “The Escape” with some great themes, like overcoming loss and dealing with grief; the want for a fresh start; relying on our faith in God; how to we stop unfair things from happening; and defending justice while not skewing toward revenge (“There is a razor-thin edge between justice and revenge, where the two easily blur if left unchecked.”)
Fans of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, Terri Blackstock, Sandra Orchard or Janice Cantore will love this novel.
“The Escape” does end on a bit of a cliff hanger, the story not fully resolved, so I’m looking forward to the second book in the series.
Five stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
This story is the first of the US Marshall series, an adventure suspense novel with a lot of action. It features US Marshall Madison James and Jonas Quinn. They are transporting dangerous criminals by plane from Seattle to Colorado.
Tragic strikes and the plane crashes in an Idaho hillside; both pilots are killed as well as one of the criminals. However, the other criminal has gone missing.
I love novels with twists and turns and this one certainly did THAT!
Aww I am looking forward to "The Chase" #2 in this series. I love these characters and want to read more!!!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Revell this early release granted in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 3, 2020.
4+ Stars