It's been a long time since Gardner has written a Quincy and Rainey novel, and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed them! This is a fast paced, intriguing novel. I really liked the "did he or didn't he do it" aspect because it wasn't clear throughout and kept me guessing. Gardner never disappoints and this is no exception.

Sharlah May Nash has not had an easy life. She was barely five years old when her brother killed her parents. Her brother, Telly, was the only good thing in her young life. He read books to her, he made sure that she had food to eat and tried to keep her life as normal as possible. The death of their parents was labeled self-defense but the siblings were separated and sent into the foster care system. Now it is eight years later and Sharlah is thirteen years old and on the verge of being adopted by former FBI agents Pierce Quincy and Rainie Connor. Sharlah is a quiet and withdrawn teenager, but she feels safe with her new family. Telly has been taken in by the Duvall family - Sandra is a stay-at-home mom and Frank is a teacher. Telly has never felt so wanted in a home. The tenuous security for both siblings ends the day that two people are murdered in a local convenience store and all evidence points to Telly being the suspect. The evidence also leads the police to believe that Telly murdered his foster parents before heading to the convenience store. Soon the siblings who thought they would never see each other again are tied together in a yet another dark and dangerous way. Some secrets are not meant to be kept, but the secrets of their past may be enough to destroy both Telly and Sharlah.



From page one I was drawn into the fast-paced thriller of Right Behind You. The book opens in the past on the night that Telly's and Sharlah's parents are killed. The early pages are being told from Telly's perspective, but it is told in such a tender way you don't know who is telling the story - a boy or a girl. I enjoyed the dynamics between both Sharlah and her new parents and Telly's with his new parents. Both sets of parents accepted the children for who they were. They didn't push them for more than they could give. There are some twists and turns, but not far-fetched or unbelievable. -CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS I was pleased with the end, but it felt that the book was short because I finished it so quickly.

Bottom line - Right Behind You is a fast-paced mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes, but not so many that it doesn't seem plausible. A great quality to have in a mystery.

DETAILS:

I really liked the pacing and the plot of this novel.

What a great book! Original storyline, strong characters and a highly suspenseful story! I only discovered Lisa Gardner books last year, and what a treat I found; I now actively look for her latest offering. I wasn't disappointed.
Telly Ray Nash and his little sister, Sharlah May Nash are victims of their alcoholic and abusive parents. One night, Telly Ray is pushed to his limit and in the process of protecting Sharlah, he kills his father with a baseball bat. The children's mother is also found dead at the scene and the children are taken into care, fostered out to separate families with the advice that it would be in their best interests not to have contact with each other.
Fast forward several years; both children, now in their teens, are settled with their final foster homes. Sharlah is about to be adopted by hers; Quincy and Rainie, retired law enforcement employees. Telly Ray's foster parents are working on his life skills in preparation for his imminent independence as a young adult. Neither children at this point are even aware of where the other is.
Suddenly however, four people are found murdered, two at a local fuel station, quickly followed by the discovery of Telly Ray's foster parents, shot dead in their bedroom.
All evidence points to Telly, and with his background of violence and abuse, all psychological triggers to such behaviour are present. As the manhunt for Telly gathers pace it becomes clear that Sharlah is a target, and the race begins to find Telly before he finds her!
This book is apparently number 7 in a series of books on Quincy and Rainie and although there were a few references to their earlier lives in previous stories, this in no way detracted from this one.
I give this five stars. I particularly liked the way Lisa Gardiner handled a difficult subject knowledgeably and with empathy and sensitivity.

Lisa Gardner has been one of my favorite authors for awhile now. I always look forward to her new release each year and like previous years, I wasn't disappointed.

Right Behind You will mess with your head. I usually have an idea of where the story is heading towards the end, but I never would have predicted the turn that this one took. The author did a tremendous job of keeping the reader's attention diverted to everywhere but where it needed to be.

I also loved seeing Quincy and Rainie back in action. I've missed those two quite a bit, especially Quincy. He was the first character that I was introduced to when I started reading the author's work.

You will not be disappointed with the story that Ms. Gardner has woven. It is suspenseful, thought provoking and mind boggling. One of my all time favorites by this author.

Everything by Lisa Gardner is in the "must read" category in my opinion!

The following review has been submitted to The Free Lance Star for publication:

If you’re looking for a compulsive, page turning read that keeps you guessing then Lisa Gardner’s latest release Right Behind You is just the book you’re looking for.

Lisa Gardner is amazing at writing those all important first chapters of a novel. She’s not the kind to slowly build a narrative that piques your interest little by little. No, Lisa Gardner tends to throw you, head first, into the deep end of the pool. It won’t take more than Chapter 1 of Right Behind You to get you completely engrossed and reading as fast as you can.

Tully and his baby sister Sharla have it pretty rough. Living with their abusive, addict parents in a squalid trailer the kids are raising themselves. It’s nothing new for Tully to have to defend himself and Sharla from their violent father. But one fateful night the violence gets out of hand and their parents end up dead and Tully and Sharla are separated and placed into the foster care system.

Sharla fares pretty well in foster care, eventually ending up with retired FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his partner, Rainie Conner. If you’re a fan of Gardner's books you’ll recognize Quincy and Rainey as lead characters in a series of her novels. If you don’t, however, follow Lisa Gardner then this novel is still an excellent stand alone.

Tully is dealing with loads of anger has a reputation for being trouble. He bounces around from place to place and is on the verge of ageing out of the foster system all together. His luck seems to have changed when he is taken in by an older couple looking to help the misguided teen. But when his foster parents wind up dead - Tully is the first person the police suspect.

Right Behind You is a plot driven novel full of clever twists and suspicious characters. The narration rotates between characters as well as shifts back and forth in time. This constantly changing point of view is an interesting style and helps drive the story line. Once you pick it up, you’ll be hard pressed to put this one down.

To start, this is the 7th in a series and I started this series with this book, so I don't know the history of Quincy and Rainie, but as far as I know, this was a fine way to start. I was clueless about their history throughout the read, but I did know I was jumping into this series midway and as most detective thriller series you can jump in and out because the who dun it is self contained, but the reader could miss some backstory of the detectives that won't affect the who dun it but affects the story.

Ok, after saying all that. Specifically about this book. I loved it. This may sound weird and creepy but I love a detective mystery thriller when you get to see through the eyes of the killer from the beginning and hear his side of the story, not to sympathize just to learn the view point.

I thought this story seemed unique. With siblings separated and both in the foster care system and how a tragedy can affect siblings completely differently and one may go one way and the other could go another way.

I definitely fell in love with Quincy and Rainie and may be spoiled with starting at book 7, but I am still intrigued to start at book one and recap their stories and see how they twist and turn. Has anyone read a previous book from this series do you like Quincy and Rainie?

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publisher in connection with NetGalley in return for my review. Copyright © 2017 Laura Hartman

Lisa Gardner’s beloved characters, Rainie and Quincy are back in action. This time it is personal. Of all the unlikely couples in the world to adopt a troubled girl, it is them. They fostered her after she bounced from home to home. She didn’t seem to fit anywhere, most likely due to her past. Now she could be targeted by a killer.

Sharlah has had a rough start in life. Daughter of alcoholic/drug addict parents, she was raised by her brother. He was only a few years older than she was when he had to take charge of her wellbeing. He fed her; made sure she got to school on time and protected her. Even when he had to use deadly force, he did what he had to do to keep her safe.

It has been years since they have seen each other. Sharlah doesn’t let anyone get close to her since the night her parents died which was the last day she saw her beloved brother. The only breathing thing she has let herself get close to is Luka. A year after arriving at Rainie and Quincy’s as a foster child, he brought the retired police dog home to Sharlah. She and Luka are inseparable and the love they have for each other is evident. Sharlah loves her foster (soon to be adoptive parents) but has a much harder time showing them the affection that comes easy for her with Luka.

Then the fragile world they have created begins to cave in. Sharlah’s brother Telly Ray Nash could be in trouble. Serious trouble. Trouble so serious that the local authorities have called in Quincy to help find Telly even though he is a retired FBI profiler.

Rainie and Quincy are both concerned for the safety of the community and even more concerned for Sharlah. They can only hope he isn’t coming for Sharlah next.

Right Behind You is action packed with twists and turns that surprised me until the very end. Just when I thought I had this fast-paced novel figured out, a new wrinkle in the plot would take me down a different path. It was a fabulous read for any suspense lover.

Her characters are so real I expect to see some of them on the street. The setting was familiar due to my travels in the Northwest, I especially loved the reference to the cheese factory as I’ve been there several times just like the tourists in the story.

Lisa Gardner never fails to deliver, and this book is no exception. It is obvious to see that she has earned the crown as the #1 best-selling New York Times author of suspense. This is the eighth novel in her FBI Profiler Series. I have read a few of them, as well as several of her other books. Her books intrigue and entertain, if you haven’t read her novels, Right Behind You will make you an instant fan.

We have a tendency to think we know best. And to feel more comfortable going at things alone. But arrogance, comfort, that's not what a family is about. Trusting each other, leaning on each other, that's what we're here for.

Quincy & Rainie are profilers and are in the middle of a life change. They are adopting a troubled 13 year old girl Sharlah. Sharlah and her brother Telly were in abusive home until Telly in self-defensive, killed his father while his father was beating on their mother. Years later both are in the foster care system with different families and their paths cross in a crime spree thriller.

Telly is on the run and Sharlah's foster parents are in the chase. Telly becomes the number #1 suspect because of his troubled past and Sharlah is reconciling the brother that she knew to what her parents have shared with her. Quincy and Rainie are worried about the daughter that they have chosen to love and protect, will they be able to unravel the pieces of Telly's new life with his foster parents the Duvall's and what could have set Telly off into a murderous crime spree.

I had several problems-How much Sharlah was provided to the crime. She was treated as an adult and not as a 13 year old girl. Many times her narration was very mature as she gave mature insight to the case. The crime scene at the Duvall's should have been protected by the police but it continued to be a crime scene without any police presence. They whole book was one day and in one day the crime was solved. Not sure if believe but enjoyable.

The narration was done in several perspectives which kept the reader in the loop at the right time. It was a great page turner, edge of your seat, cheering for the rights of foster kids, and wanting justice served.

A Special Thank You to Penguin Group Dutton and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Thank you to Penguin Random House for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I originally was denied an advance copy from NetGalley but somehow ended up on the publisher's mailing list and when I told them I was denied a copy, they sent me a widget anyhow so bonus points for second chances!

In my initial request, I somehow missed that this was in the middle of a series so I was a bit apprehensive that I needed to read at least the first in the series to be brought up to speed. And while I think it may be helpful and enjoyable to start at the beginning of this pair's story journey, I am happy to report this book can be read (and enjoyed) as a stand alone. This was a perfectly pleasurable little thrill of a read. From the first page, the author clearly displays a great talent for evoking a specific character - the authentic dialogue jumped off the page and I was able to clearly visualize the characters. The storyline pulled me in right away - I felt in my heart that Telly didn't commit the murders but how? and why? when all signs pointed to his guilt. There were many clever twists and turns here to keep the reader engaged all while maintaining an air of both plausibility and possibility.

I read this book in one day, Gardner never disappoints. Keep it up!

This was another great installment in the Quincy and Rainie series. If you've been reading this series over the years then you know that they are both ex FBI agents and they now have their own consulting business. They are settled down and are in the process of adopting a tween girl named Sharlah. Things are going really well until Sharlah's older brother becomes the suspect in a murder case. The clock ticks down as all of their lives are uprooted and Quincy and Rainie struggle to protect their new family.

I've been reading this series for years now so each time a new book comes out it's like visiting old friends. I was very excited to see this new chapter in their lives. The mystery was interesting and fast paced and I couldn't put this down.

While this is the seventh book in the series this works fine as a stand alone. The characters are all well developed and you are immediately drawn into the emotional aspect of the case. The worry for the new family is almost as much a part of the story as the murder investigation.

If you are a fan of murder suspense novels then you should give this a try. If you haven't read any of this series before I encourage you to go back and read it because it's one of the better ones in the genre in my opinion.

Thank god, I've waited forever for more Rainie and Quincey books. They are my favorite of Lisa Gardner's main characters! I loved the progression of their story and the new additions to their family. Please give me more.

Its been a long time since I've read a Quincy and Rainie novel, and last year I started reading Lisa Gardner again. I've always enjoyed her books since she began writing. Right Behind You is at the top of her game. This story began with murder and the subsequent investigation. This was well-written, emotional, but still had that suspense. Very captivating!! Highly recommend for fans of thrillers and if your already a Lisa Gardner fan--you won't be disappointed!

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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There's a fine line between "interesting plot twist" and "way, way too convoluted" and this book crossed that line.

Review copy provided by publisher.

I love Lisa Garner books and particularly the Pierce Quincy/Rainie Conner FBI Profilers series. This one has less of them & more of the new characters , but it works well.
They now have a foster child Sharla , 13, they are about to adopt. Sharla & her brother Telly Ray had a horrific childhood .and both parents are dead. Sharla & TellyRay haven't seen each other since "that night" and they
unknowingly are both being fostered near each other .
When some murders happen Telly Ray is the suspect. .
This one is gut wrenching at times and and pretty brutal. It also raises awareness of the horrible lives some people are faced with & the effects it leaves in thier lives.
Thank you To The author, the publisher & Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I usually love Lisa Gardner's books, especially the D.D. Warren series. While I did finish 'Right Behind You', to me, it dragged on something crazy. A bit 'vanilla' in places, the cozy factor softened the writing and overall story significantly. I think that fans of Quincy and Rainie will most likely enjoy this latest release but if you're looking for something a bit stronger, darker and more thrilling, you may be disappointed. Thank you for NetGalley for a pre-publication digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

Wow, I felt like maybe I had been living under a rock when this book caught my attention. The title got me right away, Right Behind You...can you say creepy? Prior to this moment I had never even picked up a book by Lisa Gardner. After doing a little research, I found out that this book was actually her 8th with these particular characters and she had written over twenty books total. I was now reeling. How had I never heard of her? I worried that I would be too far behind the 8-ball so to speak, and that I wouldn't be able to understand the characters fully given their vast story history. However, I felt like this was one of the best parts of this book. I didn't feel like I missed a thing by having only read this book. With that being said, Lisa Gardner has a new fan member and I will for sure not miss another book of hers. I will be going back (over time) to read all the others in this series, plus her other series as well!

Right Behind You started out with particularly heinous murder scene in which both of Telly Ray and Sharlah Nash’s parents end up stabbed and brutally beaten to death. While in an alcohol fueled rage, their neglectful and often abusive father snapped. He attacked and stabbed his wife first and then chased Telly wielding a knife all over their home. Telly protected his sister first, then tried to stay alive by dodging his father’s advances. Just as the situation was looking grim, Sharlah appeared in the door with a baseball bat...Telly did what he had to do…

Sharlah and Telly were placed immediately into the foster care system and they were not allowed to have any contact with each other. The circumstances of the evening of their parent’s deaths were mostly unknown, only Telly and Sharlah who was only 5 at the time knew what actually transpired. The bottom line was both of their parents were dead and Sharlah’s arm was shattered.

The story then fast forwarded 8 years. Both children were in good homes with responsible and loving people. Sharlah was in the midst of adoption proceedings. Her new family consisted of Pierce Quincy, Rainey Conner, and Sharlah’s retired police dog Luka. Both Pierce and Rainey are retired FBI agents with a passion for criminal profiling. Telly was taken in by Frank and Sandra Duvall, in the attempt to prepare him for his upcoming life as an adult. But then another murder occurred at a local gas station...Telly was videotaped as being the last person on the scene and he went on the run. Shortly afterward the bodies of Frank and Sandra Duvall were found shot in their home. Local law enforcement asked for Pierce and Rainey’s assistance with the case. They then realized this case hit a lot closer to home then they had imagined. Was Telly Nash a cold blooded murderer? A spree killer? And more importantly was their soon to be adopted daughter Sharlah next on his hit list?

I can now see why Lisa Gardner has the following of fans that she does. This book was a real page-turner from start to finish. I loved the way she developed the characters and gave insight through their experiences and their personal backstories. I was so emotionally invested in Telly and Sharlah. I found myself happy, frustrated, angry, and emotional multiple times while reading this book. Being a veterinary technician, I particularly loved Luka and what he brought to the story. His undying devotion to Sharlah was something that made my heart sing. All in all, this was a great story, great characters, and an unexpected ending. I thought I had it all figured out, but nope…tricky Lisa Gardner!

Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Gardner, and Penguin Group Dutton Publishers for allowing me to read this awesome book for my honest opinion!

Another fantastic read by Lisa Gardner! I don't think you can go wrong with one of her books, I am a long time fan! I really enjoyed reading Quincy and Rainie's story, especially now with the addition of Sharlah, their adopted daughter. I would like to read more with their character's so I hope there is more to come! Always well written, engaging and suspenseful.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for a copy of this book!