Member Reviews

If you are looking for an author who can show you the city through the eyes of a policeman, you need to read any of Janice Cantore's books. She has taken Code of Courage straight from the headlines and onto the page - from the riots, to the people who are arrested and released without consequences - she puts her readers into the shoes of the officers who are vilified for "keeping the peace."

In Code of Courage, Detective Danni Grace has been pulled from her desk where she is investigating crimes to work riot duty. Out-of-state agitators have worked the people of La Rosa, her hometown, into a frenzy of hatred against the police and calls to disband the police come from as high up as city hall. As she works with her fellow officers to protect their precinct, she is seriously injured by a protestor-thrown chunk of concrete. Her resulting concussion puts her on medical leave for 6 weeks, which she spends in Hawaii with her mother. While there, she tries to decide if she wants to stay and help her mother sell real estate, or can she really go back to a job she has lost all passion for? Can she set aside 15 years on the force in a city she loves, or will she step back in to root out the evil?

Investigator for the city prosecutor, Gabriel Fox, quit his job as a police detective when he and Danni divorced. He didn't stop loving her, but he couldn't work with her either. Frustrated at the turn the law is taking in La Rosa, he pushes his boss too far and is basically sidelined to investigating cold cases. When one of the cold cases proves relevant to what is happening today, his investigation crosses paths with Danni's. Can they work together to bring down the powerful men (and women) behind the city's unrest?

This book was quite a ride but, having read many of Cantore's books, I expected nothing less! As I read, I remembered many of the headlines from just a few years ago about "Defund the Police" and "Protestors destroy …. but get no jail time." This is the world that Danni Grace and Gabriel Fox are trying to bring safety to through their police work. I liked the fact that Cantore focused more on what was happening in the city and that the developing romance between Danni and Gabe took a back seat. Yes, it was there, but it wasn't the main story here.

Readers who enjoy romantic suspense that is weighted more to the suspense should pick up any of Cantore's books, but Code of Courage will also bring back recent history. I enjoyed it so much that I also read Breach of Honor, right after I finished it! I highly recommend this author. She gets the police RIGHT every time!

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"Code of Courage" by Janice Cantore is a gripping dive into the world of law enforcement, blending action with deep, character-driven drama. As a longtime fan of Cantore’s work, I was eager to see how her latest installment in the Pacific Coast Series would unfold, and I was not disappointed.

The protagonist, retired police officer Abby Hart, is a powerhouse. Cantore does an incredible job of portraying Abby’s struggles and strengths, making her journey both relatable and inspiring. The way Abby’s past and present collide creates a narrative that’s not only thrilling but also rich with emotional depth. Her internal battles and the moral dilemmas she faces are portrayed with such nuance that you can’t help but root for her every step of the way.

The plot is well-paced, with twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. Cantore’s background in law enforcement shines through, lending authenticity and a palpable tension to the story. The balance between action scenes and quieter, introspective moments is perfect, allowing readers to catch their breath while still being thoroughly engaged.

What sets "Code of Courage" apart is Cantore’s ability to weave in themes of faith and redemption without it feeling forced. The spiritual undertones add a layer of depth to the narrative, making Abby’s journey not just about solving a case, but also about personal growth and faith. It’s refreshing to see a book that respects both the grit of police work and the hope found in faith.

While the book is strong overall, there were moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven, and a few subplots could have been explored further. However, these minor flaws didn’t detract significantly from my enjoyment. Cantore’s writing is engaging, and her characters are compelling, making "Code of Courage" a satisfying read that I’d highly recommend to fans of crime fiction and inspirational stories alike.

If you’re looking for a novel that blends action, faith, and a strong female lead, "Code of Courage" is definitely worth picking up. Cantore has once again delivered a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

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This author writes amazing fiction with a realistic background. I love reading whatever she writes because I know it will be authentic, entertaining and from a biblical perspective. Great storyline and wonderful characters that hooked me from page one through the last page.

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LaRosa is a hotbed of anti-police riots and violence. The mayor and prosecutor only call them protests and restrict the police from doing anything about them. And yet, people are dying and the police are being blamed and fired even when they obviously did not kill the victims. What is going on? That is what Danni Grace and her team need to figure out. Meanwhile Gabe Fox stumbles onto an old cold case that appears to have been intentionally tampered with. And how do the two relate? Well, you have to read the book to find out, but I will tell you this that Gabe and Danni were once married, but because of a rather fearful idea, they are now divorced.

The story is fast-paced and attention-holding. I enjoyed watching as headways were made on both cases and on Danni and Gabe's relationship with God and with each other.

"Don't try to understand my faith. Grow your own. You won't regret it."

I really enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed the others I have read by Janice Cantore.

I received this book from Tyndale House via NetGalley and am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This was the first book I ever read by Janice Cantore, and I will definitely read more.

I loved the faith content in this story as well as the love story between the main characters. They had a rocky road together, but they trusted God to help them through it. I loved the action in this story and the pace was really well done. It's kind of scary though, as I see these situations in real life happening (riots, hating police and criminals getting away with everything.) and I think the Lord wanted Janice to write this book to share an important story.

*thank you to #netgalley for a copy of this book to ready and honestly review.

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"Code of Courage" by Janice Cantore
I dreaded reading this book until the end, It felt like it was never ended and then the ending wasn't the best. The writing was alright, but the storyline was too long and quite boring if the book had been shorter then the storyline would have been good but as it is I didn't like it. The characters were bland, even though they had so much potential. I dislike this book, there was nothing pulling the plot together, the ending wasn't the best either.
Thanks netgalley for the arc.

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Code of Courage is a stand alone novel by Janice Cantore. When I first started the book, I was leery that this book would bring back memories of the civil unrest and the murders of many African Americans including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others. Cantore vividly depicts this atmosphere while showing the burnout and how the defund the police movement affected the police officers in the line of duty. She tackles these tough topics while still creating a suspenseful read

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Cantore's background brings realism to her latest release, which is a nice blend of mystery and romance. Characters are realistic and well-developed. The faith element is woven throughout and not preachy. The author didn't shy away from controversial topics, and it was done in a tactful manner. If you enjoy shows such as "Blue Bloods," this is a book you'll likely enjoy.

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After reading this book, I have more insight in to the world of the police and how peoples words affect them. To go through all the emotions that Danni goes through was a true rollercoaster.




Thank you @NetGalley, @Tyndalehouse , and @JaniceCantore for this advance read
#CodeofCourage #NetGalley#BookTwitter

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Too dreary for me:
I am afraid I found this a bit down and depressing as it dealt with the issues of police relations, racial/cultural tensions and rioting. Whilst I appreciated that it respectfully and accurately depicted what is currently happening in the USA, it was a bit too heavy for me. I guess I was not in the right frame of mind for it and was looking for a bit more escapism and something to bring hope and joy into my day. However I thought that this book did a good job of showing the good and the bad of policing and how complex the situation can be given the current political climate.
There was a sweet second chance romance and I enjoyed seeing divorced Danni and Gabe reconnect. The faith aspects of the story were also handled well.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

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In a thrilling adventure that feels torn from the frontpage. Detective Danni Grace is shaken after an anti-police riot, and now she must investigate a case involving known anti-police activist. Every step closer is thwarted by commands from farther up the ladder, as co-workers are suspended and framed. Can Danni and Gabe get to the bottom of the case before more people get hurt?

A engaging and compelling read, though it could be uncomfortable for readers who are looking for and escape from the real world. I found this book so hard to put down, and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I thought that this book did a good job of showing the good and the bad of policing, while balancing relationship building, suspense, and a mystery that kept me engaged and guessing.

Overall, this was a well written read with compelling characters. I liked the strong themes of faith, justice, and second chances, especially seeing Gabe and Danni reconnect. A heart pounding suspense, that I thoroughly enjoyed.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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After 15 years on the La Rosa, CA police force, Detective Danni Grace verges on the brink of quitting. The leaders of her city seem to have gone mad, calling for abolishing the local police department, refusing to prosecute violent protestors and rioters, and chastising officers for doing their duty.

When Danni takes a leave of absence after a protestor knocks her out with a chunk of concrete, a fellow police officer is accused of shooting a local community activist. When Danni unofficially examines the scene during an early morning jog, she quickly realizes something larger is at play. Something involving out-of-town thugs, security cameras, and someone wanting to bury the evidence.

Danni surprises herself by calling her ex-husband, Gabriel Fox, for the first time in two years to help her out of her scrape.

After two years, Gabriel Fox still doesn’t understand why Danni wanted a divorce. But he does understand she’ll always be the only woman for him. Initially, Gabe’s boss, the city prosecutor, asks him to investigate the alleged police involvement in the death of the community activist.

When he gets pulled off the case for doing his job, he starts to wonder who is trying to cover up what—and why. Will Gabe and Danni figure it out before more people die?

Why I Loved This Book

Written by a former police officer, Code of Courage accurately portrays what modern peace officers face in today’s political climate. Readers will relate to the strange ways grief acts out in our lives and understand why an authentic relationship with Jesus can help us as we journey back to wholeness.

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Code of Courage
By Janice Cantore

Detective Danni Grace has given fifteen years of her life to being the best police officer she can be. But everything changed in an instant when a misleading video goes viral - riots in LA County have spilled over into neighboring La Rosa, and Danni gets caught in the violence targetting the local police.

After sustaining an injury that could have been deadly, Danni is rethinking her life. Why should she continue to serve and protect the very people who are now attacking her physically, verbally, and emotionally? Could she just walk away from who she was and reinvent herself in a distant paradise?

But soon, Danni finds herself drawn into a murder case - is a young officer she trained responsible for the death of a community activist? Or is the La Rosa Police Department the victim of a well-planned setup? To get the answers that will determine not only her fate but that of every officer in the department, Danni will have to do the one thing she never thought she'd do. She'll have to reach out to her ex-husband and work with him to determine what is happening and discover who is ready to destroy her hometown.

Code of Courage could be ripped from the headlines with this storyline. How do you handle unrest that threatens the lives and possessions of everyday citizens, all in the name of allowing citizens to have a voice with no consequences? Will politics allow protestors to go unchecked as they riot, loot, and stir up general discontent, all while throwing any and all consequences out the window? When is enough, enough? This is an interesting read as one gets into the mind of a police officer dealing with the new fraught atmosphere that is the world we now find ourselves living in or at least observing through the eye of the media. I personally don't know how I'd react to such hate and vitriol being directed at me just for doing my job. I know from experience in my own job that angry people can be scary, and I have never faced a group of angry people. So yeah, good book but also an unsettling one. Where do you stand? is what you'll come away with after reading this newest offering from Janice Cantore.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

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This story could have been ripped from the headlines today. At times, it was an uncomfortable read because it did seemed to hit so close to home. Ms. Cantore has written a realistic police procedural. The way she addressed the searching and decision of faith from her ex-husband and Danni’s wrestling of her place in the world she knew will strike home for many readers.

Code of Courage joins the list of many well written and enjoyable reads by Ms. Cantore. Highly recommended for fans and those readers who like mysteries, police procedurals and realistic Christian fiction. This reader can not wait for her next offering!

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Code of Courage was about the police officers and it was written in the current time period, it could have been what was in the news.
It talks of honor and bravery. It helps make the police officers have respect with the issues they deal with and even though it's fiction, its a good read!

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I believe those who love clean Christian mysteries with a bit of romance will love this book.

Is an exciting romantic thriller with plenty of twists and surprises, that takes place in a town that has been taken over by rioters I mean "Protesters". Both the mayor and the city prosecutor have sided with the rioters against the police.

Danni and her ex-husband Gabe, who is an investigator for the police department, start working together on solving the crime problems in their city as well as resolving the problems of their past.

Code of courage is a powerful and inspiring Christian law enforcement mystery book. OVERALL, She brings out excellent points throughout the book while keeping them a natural part of the story taking on the current woke reactions to no police force in our community.

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This book feels very relevant to the culture we're in today. As rioters call for the end of the police, crime rises and seems out of control. Danni is disheartened when people won't even listen to the facts but instead believe what they want to believe is true. She's further frustrated when the higher ups at the PD won't let them do their jobs. This all feels so familiar as we saw it played out in Minneapolis, my city.

Cantore's experience as a police officer shines in this book. The details are so vivid. I felt I was there on a ride-along. There was a steady pace and progression to the cases they were working. There's a lot of action and intensity. There were even a few surprise twists to further complicate matters. It was a great suspense. I'd highly recommend it.

Thank you to Tyndale House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Code of courage is a powerful and inspiring Christian law enforcement mystery book revolving around the character Danni. The plotline portrays how the general public hate the police when they are quick to believe a false narrative. Danny went an extra mile for her victims. In fifteen years of her cop life, Danni never felt so vulnerable, fearful and disgusting. She felt she was powerless and so out of control. The city La Rosa, Danni's hometown was burning, three police cars had been destroyed. Danni was facing an angry and hateful mob. Danni loved her Job and was almost quitting her work as a cop because she was hit by a concrete on her forehead where she could have fractured her skull. This was a nightmare as it was terrifying for her to face angry mobs and chaos which she was never in control. For the first time in her fifteen year career she was injured on her duty. But the shooting of the Tribune's Thomas Johnston turns her decision to quit gets her back to investigate the case further with Matt.

Danni was divorced for two years from marriage to La Rosa's city prosecutor Gabriel Fox - Gabe. He wasn't in her life anymore. Frank Grace her father was a legend at La Rosa PD. Danni followed Frank her father's footsteps to become a cop. He was an example to Danni who did his Job effortlessly and effectively for twenty five years in uniform. She grew up in a Christian family. Why should she risk her life on the line for such an ungrateful public? An eye opening story on how police system must handle case loads with care. The book also shows how police can't work their cases without victimizing the victims of crime twice. It's ridiculous and insane that cops are being hurt and the perpetrators face no consequences. Very enjoyable read and full of suspense, a gripping page turner till the end.

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Danni Grace is a police detective who have been injured in the line of duty during a riot that calls for the disbanding of the police. While she is recuperating an activist is shot and killed. She's had enough and decides to quit. She changes her mind with the help of her ex husband, Gabe Fox.


This book could be taken right out of today's headlines. It was a very good book and kept me reading. It also saddened me because it was right out of the headlines. I would like to read more about Danni and Gabe. I hope there will be a follow up book or two.

I was given this book by Tyndale House Publishers via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

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Code of Courage is a modern day Christian fiction story by Janice Cantore. This story is so well written and realistic. It felt more like reading the newspaper than reading fiction. This story grabbed my attention right away and held it to the very end. I enjoyed how Gaber was so quick to get to the hospital when Danni was injured. Despite being divorced, it was easy to see, they still had feeling for each other. I really enjoyed this story. It contains suspense, mystery and romance.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

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