Lethal Intent
Page 31
I have so enjoyed writing these books about a band of women attorneys in the Washington, DC, area. Thank you for reading these books. I’m grateful for you. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Cara Putman
Discussion Questions
How far would you be willing to go to find help for your desperately sick child? Do you think the Robbinses were right to try anything they could to save Patrick, or would you have drawn the line in a different place?
Quentin says, “‘Every law has a gray area. Find it or this’—he gestured between them—‘may not be a good fit.’” Do you agree? If you had been in Caroline’s shoes, what would you have told him?
Brandon has a hard time sharing his full story with Caroline even when he knows it’s necessary for their relationship to deepen. Do you find it hard to share the painful part of your past? Why do you think that is?
Caroline has to stand toe-to-toe with her boss when they disagree about what the law is. Have you ever had to take a stand against someone in authority over you? How did you do it? What advice would you give Caroline and others in her situation?
Caroline is challenged by Hayden to articulate all her fears and expose them to the light. Have you ever suggested that to someone, and did it help?
Brandon says it takes “a special heart to lavish a parent’s care and concern on children who weren’t biologically yours and were entrusted to you only for a season.” What do you think would be necessary to love foster children well?
Brandon considers selling something precious to him so that he can help his kids. Have you done something similar? Sell an item you love in order to have more flexibility to serve others?
Caroline witnesses a terrible accident and is rocked by the realization she could have been in the car but for a small choice to drive separately. Are you aware of a time when a small decision changed your life’s course?
Reid reminds Brandon that we aren’t meant to do life alone. What does that mean to you, and how has that played out in your friendships?
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to Casey Apodaca for reading this book when I wasn’t sure it was ever going to come together. You gave me hope that these characters were likable.
Erin Healy, you were a joy to work with again. Thank you for catching the vision for this story and these characters. For telling me when to go deeper with the science and when I’d already told the reader more than enough. I’m so happy with Caroline’s story—and Brandon’s interactions with the kids make me smile.
To the HarperCollins Christian Publishing team, it’s been a privilege to work with you. Thank you for helping me tell these stories and share them with the broader world. I so appreciate our partnership.
Karen Solem, thank you for believing in me and always pushing me deeper. You’ve been the agent that I needed.
And to Pepper Basham, Ashley Clark, and Beth Vogt, thank you for seeing the real me beneath the writer. Y’all have blessed me in so many ways. Colleen Coble, thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me. Who knew what a journey you would help launch at the book signing in 2005. Grateful for you.
My family are truly my biggest cheerleaders. Thanks for putting up with one more round of deadline haze and neurosis. I always wonder if I can write one more book, but you never do. Thank you!
And to my readers, thank you for being part of this journey.
About the Author
EAH Creative
Cara Putman is the author of more than thirty legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year, the HOLT Medallion, and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at sixteen and college at twenty, completed her law degree at twenty-seven, and earned her MBA in 2015. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and lives with her husband and children in Indiana.
Visit her website at CaraPutman.com
Facebook: @Cara.Putman
Twitter: @Cara_Putman
Acclaim for Cara Putman
Lethal Intent
“I loved Cara Putman’s Lethal Intent and rooted for her heroine Caroline Bragg through every twist and turn. This legal thriller perfectly captures what it’s like to grow from law clerk to lawyer, and when Caroline finds herself faced with a heartbreaking ethical dilemma that leads to the corporate battle of her life, she confronts the challenge with strength and resources she never knew she had. Putman seamlessly blends the story with a wonderfully inspiring romance, too. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Lethal Intent!”
—Lisa Scottoline, #1 bestselling author of Eternal
“Cara Putman knows how to craft a great novel. Lethal Intent is the total package. Intriguing characters. Romantic tension. Edge-of-your-seat suspense. And a fast-paced ending that will leave you exhausted (in a good way!).”
—Robert Whitlow, award-winning author of Promised Land
“A fascinating page-turner that isn’t afraid to ask hard questions—the kind that keep you thinking long after you’ve read the last page. You’ll root for Caroline and Brandon as they wrestle with hard decisions that test them and their relationship to the breaking point.”
—Rick Acker, bestselling suspense author
“Lethal Intent kept me on the edge of my seat. With a riveting plot involving the legal and ethical struggle to bring innovative stem cell research through FDA trials and, ultimately, to save lives, the stakes couldn’t be higher! I immediately connected with Caroline, her search for truth, and her unwavering stance to remain within the guidelines of the law. Brandon’s quest to provide a safe home for foster children and keep siblings together pulled at my heartstrings. Putman shines in her gift for weaving tangled threads together for a thrilling emotional read!”
—Elizabeth Goddard, award-winning author of the Uncommon Justice series
“It takes a writer of Cara Putman’s pedigree to pull off Lethal Intent’s intricate story of the cutthroat world of oncology research with its ethical and moral pitfalls while addressing the legal implications. Add to that the difficult and often heartbreaking world of foster care and Putman gives readers two stellar but still human characters for whom they can care deeply. She breaks my heart more than once, but then offers me a glimpse of hope. Even then she doesn’t tie up loose ends in a neat little bow. Because, I suspect, she knows life isn’t like that. Highly recommended for lovers of legal romantic suspense.”
—Kelly Irvin, bestselling author of Her Every Move
“Lethal Intent is an emotional roller coaster that had me holding on to the edge of my seat with every deadly twist and turn. This chilling legal thriller tackles the world of modern medicine and how dangerously far they’re willing to go for a cure . . . no matter the body count. High risks, fatal consequences. Cara Putman delivers an intense story that won’t let you leave a page unturned.”
—Natalie Walters, author of Deadly Deceit and Silent Shadows
“Lethal Intent is an intriguing, gripping ride from beginning to end! Putman blends the perfect mix of romance and moral dilemma into a page-turning concoction that you won’t want to put down . . . and won’t soon forget.”
—Betsy St. Amant, author of The Key to Love
Flight Risk
“Cara Putman’s new novel, Flight Risk, is more than an unputdownable legal thriller. This rich, multilayered story features real characters finding their way through a morass of problems that add to the depth of this compelling story. Flight Risk is Putman at the top of her game. Highly recommended!”
—Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Lavender Tide series and Strands of Truth
“Cara Putman skillfully weaves a current-day story of intrigue and suspense in Flight Risk—sure to be a hit with her tribe of followers.”
—Creston Mapes, bestselling author
“Only Cara Putman can create a legal thriller that kee
ps me up all night. Flight Risk is her best yet!”
—DiAnn Mills, bestselling author of Fatal Strike
“Putman does it again! Flight Risk is a gripping page-turner with three-dimensional characters and real drama.”
—Rick Acker, bestselling author of Guilty Blood and When the Devil Whistles
“Cara Putman does it again. A plane crash, murders, a traumatized teen, and a crack lawyer who will do whatever it takes to protect her family and her clients. Throw in a little romance and Flight Risk is a brilliantly woven story that takes the reader on a breath-stealing ride. I highly recommend this book.”
—Lynette Eason, award-winning, bestselling author of the Blue Justice series
“I thought I’d sit down and get a feel for Cara Putman’s newest novel, Flight Risk. Oh. My. Word! The story snatched me up on the first page and raced me breathlessly though the pages. This is a don’t-start-before-you-go-to-bed suspense story. Cara has penned her best novel yet.”
—Carrie Stuart Parks, award-winning author of Formula of Deception and Portrait of Vengeance
“In her legal thriller Flight Risk, Putman weaves a story that proves what you read in the news isn’t always what it appears to be. Separating truth from what is perceived to be true takes her characters on a journey with twists and turns that will keep the reader turning the pages, anxious to see how it all fits together.”
—Martha Rogers, bestselling author of Becoming Lucy and Christmas at Holly Hill in the Winds Across the Prairie series
Delayed Justice
“Putman skillfully illustrates the individual pain and heartache behind stories of abuse in this captivating third Hidden Justice novel . . . [and] threads a believable layer of faith into the characters’ development and offers spiritual asides that enhance rather than crowd the narrative. This character-driven inspirational thriller is an honest look into the hard work of addressing past harms.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Delayed Justice will hold you to the end . . . A very timely story!”
—Susan Page Davis, author of the Maine Justice series
“Delayed Justice is a timely and compelling legal thriller that will have you turning the pages in search for justice. Putman packs an emotional punch and tackles tough issues head-on while demonstrating God’s redeeming love.”
—Rachel Dylan, bestselling author of Deadly Proof
Imperfect Justice
“This is the way legal thrillers are meant to be—compelling, intelligent, and deeply satisfying.”
—Randy Singer, author of Rule of Law
“. . . a frightening yet compulsive reading experience.”
—Library Journal STARRED review
“The second book in Putman’s Hidden Justice series is intricately plotted and thoroughly engrossing . . . This page-turner is smart, thoughtful, and appealing to readers who enjoy legal thrillers and solid mysteries.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
“The hopeful ending will satisfy fans of romantic suspense.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Imperfect Justice is solidly written with great tension and a feminine-yet-tough heroine.”
—CBA Market
“A legal thriller that takes on a burning social issue and the role of faith and strength in meeting that challenge. Like all good storytellers, Cara Putman makes you care. She is at the top of her game with Imperfect Justice.”
—James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Romeo’s Rules
“Imperfect Justice tackles a gritty subject, and Cara Putman writes with finesse and delicate sensitivity. This legal thriller had me turning pages long after even lawyers have retired for the night, and the fine threads of romance and faith brought hope where often there is none. With a superior story of law and crime, the verdict is in: Imperfect Justice will stick with you long after you’ve devoured the last gripping page.”
—Jaime Jo Wright, author of The House on Foster Hill
Beyond Justice
“With its menacing mood, crisp dialog, and quick pace, Putman’s action-packed legal thriller highlights a complex political scene. Starring a determined female attorney who will stop at nothing to resolve her case, this title will please fans of Joel C. Rosenberg and John Grisham.”
—Library Journal
“Putman’s new legal thriller is exciting from start to finish. The author builds suspense throughout, and, just like real life, it’s not easy to distinguish the good people from the bad. This story is well thought‐out and incredibly detailed. The author’s expertise shines through and adds a tremendous amount of credibility to the story. Danger, adventure, and intrigue pour from every chapter.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
“. . . a relatable and fascinating story . . . Remarkably akin to today’s news headlines . . . a legal thriller that is intricately written to keep readers on edge.”
—Christian Market
“Cara Putman’s legal background has definitely been put to good use in this nail-biter of a romantic suspense/legal thriller. The tension is gripping and the suspense rarely lets up. The story should come with a warning label: Expect high blood pressure and no sleep if you start this book. You won’t be able to put this one down until the very end.”
—Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Elite Guardians series
“Cara Putman’s expert legal mind shines in Beyond Justice as she weaves a gripping, suspenseful tale of intrigue that takes on one of the hardest issues of our time. Hayden McCarthy is one feisty heroine who doesn’t let anything get between her and the truth—no matter the cost—even if it’s her own life. John Grisham should watch his back!”
—Jordyn Redwood, author of the Bloodline Trilogy and Fractured Memory
“Beyond Justice is a page-turning mix of action, mystery, and romance that wrestles with real-life issues. Cara Putman packs twists and turns into every chapter. I dare you to put this book down before you reach the end.”
—Rick Acker, bestselling author of Death in the Mind’s Eye
“Beyond Justice is a riveting read. I immediately connected with the heroine and devoured the pages of this legal thriller with many twists and turns, staying up way too late to finish the story. Putman is at the top of her game with this one—I recommend you don’t miss this one!”
—Robin Caroll, bestselling author of the acclaimed Evil series
Other Books by Cara Putman
Flight Risk
The Hidden Justice Series
Beyond Justice
Imperfect Justice
Delayed Justice
Copyright
Lethal Intent
© 2021 Cara Putman
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.
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Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Putman, Cara C., author.
Title: Lethal intent / Cara Putman.
Description: Nashville, Tennessee : Thomas Nelson, [2021] | Summary: "When Caroline takes a job with a promising medical start-up, she believes she's on the side of angels . . . until she's asked to go too far"-- Provided by publisher.
Identifiers: LCCN 2020029633 (pri
nt) | LCCN 2020029634 (ebook) | ISBN 9780785233312 (trade paper) | ISBN 9780785233244 (ebook) | ISBN 9780785233176 (downloadable audio)
Subjects: GSAFD: Suspense fiction.
Classification: LCC PS3616.U85 L48 2021 (print) | LCC PS3616.U85 (ebook) | DDC 813/.6--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020029633
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020029634
Printed in the United States of America
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