Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Red Flags by Lisa Black

 

First Line: Few things mobilize people more quickly than a missing child.

D.C. crime analyst, Dr. Ellie Carr, has a shock when she's called to investigate the case of a missing baby and learns that the child's mother is her own cousin. Although close during their childhoods, Ellie and Rebecca drifted apart, and now Rebecca is half of a Washington, DC power couple with her wealthy lobbyist husband. 

Rebecca and her husband want to leave no stone unturned in the search for their infant son, so they call in Dr. Rachael Davies from the prestigious Locard Institute. At first, Ellie is uncomfortable working with Rachael, but as their investigation leads them through a web of greed and ambition, the partnership becomes more natural.

Everything boils down to a Senate hearing on the billion-dollar gaming empire. Ellie and Rachael have to put all the pieces together before that hearing, or it won't just be the life of an infant that is at stake.

~

Red Flags is a solid series launch with all the forensic details CSI fans have come to love. A big part of the plot hinges on child safety on the internet, which everyone would agree is extremely important. But no matter how many restrictions are placed on computer games aimed at children, no matter how many things parents try to drill into their children's heads, kids will be kids-- seemingly compelled to do stupid stuff all the while insisting that they'd never be dumb enough to do it. Yes, there is more than one child at risk in this book, and one of the best things about Red Flags is watching those children working out how to save themselves. (Speaking of red flags, if one is waving madly above your head at the thought of child endangerment, I'd like to put your mind at rest without saying any more that might possibly give away the plot.)

If you're a reader who likes plot over characterization, Red Flags should be your cup of tea. There's plenty of misdirection, twists, turns, deceit... you name it.  In fact, there's so much going on that a bit of trimming might have helped tighten up a lagging denouement. When all is said and done, Red Flags is a competent thriller with a strong story. However, none of the characters made me want to read more.
 
Red Flags by Lisa Black
eISBN: 9781496736925
Kensington Books © 2022
eBook, 342 pages

Thriller, #1 Locard Institute
Rating: C+
Source: Net Galley

14 comments:

  1. Whew, one I don't have to read or even list.

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  2. Hmm....This isn't a premise that interests me at all, Cathy, if I'm being honest. And although I do like good twists and turns in plots, I'm a person who likes solid characters, too. Hmm..... Well, your review is, as always, excellent, but I'm thinking this one isn't for me.

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  3. I do generally steer away from novels that have the (supposed) endangerment of a child central to their plot, so, no, I don't think I'll be adding this one to my TBR list.

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    1. It's nice not to add a book to your wish list once in a while, isn't it?

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  4. A lot of thrillers do tend to put plot over character development, which I don't mind when the story is fun and full of action, but in a series I really need to connect with the characters in order to want to keep on reading.

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    1. We're on the same page in the thriller genre, Lark. :-)

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  5. I get what you're saying about this book. Have had it on my list for a bit. Since it is the first book in a series I'd likely try another if I liked it enough. I do think that sometimes the start of series is a bit problematic for various reasons. However, I think I will see how it goes in my timing to get to this one. I've got so many right now that I want to read immediately. LOL

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  6. Sometimes I get in the mood to just read, without caring as much about details as long as the plot is moving. Your review has me making a mental note to keep this book in mind for the next time that mood strikes.

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  7. I am making a note of this one. Thank you for the review.,

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