Spiraled: Callahan & McLane, Book 3

Kendra Elliot is a very talented writer; she has a talent for getting the details right and creating an intricate plot line with strong psychological insights. Unfortunately much of what is positive in her books is negated by a few badly contrived aspects more reminiscent of lame modern network television detective shows.
First off is Ava's dreadful twin Jayne who has become a badly formed cliched train wreck who invariably slows the narration to a crawl. Then there is Ava's overreaction to her sister's actions; anyone who has reached the level in the bureau that she has would not react in the overwrought overly involved way that she does. Second is totally entertainment driven cliche of the out of control killer who turns his anger on the unsuspecting law officer. This is a turn of events that I've yet to read about in any type of material regarding law enforcement. A stalking or any type of concentrated attack on a police officer is usually predicated on a general anger against either police officers as a group or authority in general. In the all the works of the author that deal with law enforcement some criminal always has a strong personal grudge against a specific officer. In the case of Ava McClain however a criminal with a personal vendetta has now threatened and almost taken her life in all three books in this series. Number four is the female protagonist often reacts in ways that would shame any academy rookie. I'll try not to give too much of the story away but any law enforcement who is continually caught without their firearm; well it's just difficult to believe. It's a shame since there are so many facets of her books that I like, but I think that this is my last Kendra Elliot novel.

This book is the third and final novel in the Callahan and McLane series. Ava's twin sister Jane continues to cause problems as the police and the FBI investigate 3 mall shootings followed by suicides by collage age young men only to find out they are linked. The real stars continue to be the narrators.

Another good story, BUT the main woman character, Ava, got accidentally shot in the first book, Vanished. So, ok she's an FBI agent, comes with the territory. Then in the second book, Bridged, she gets taken by the bad guy and is in danger. It could happen. BUT now in this book she is in danger again, TWICE. She is in a random mall shooting at the beginning of the book and in danger, then the bad guy sets his sights on her and goes after her and she's in danger AGAIN. This book just crossed the line on reality for me. No one is that unlucky.

Yes.

Great performances!!!

No.

Don't get me wrong, I would recommend this series. And the plot in this book was very original and interesting.

This Elliot novel is another edge-of-your-seat thriller. It may dwell a little longer than necessary on Jane, Ava's sister. Still, the characters were interesting and the plot was novel. Again, the cost of this listen made it an excellent value. Keep up the good work Ms. Elliot.

I found this book fast-paced it kept my interest yet I found the main character to be frustrating in the fact that she had such poor personal boundaries. I found that the killer in this audio book very very demented so much so that I almost stopped listening to it a couple times. With that said we will see if I purchase another book in the series although I must say the author of this book writes very well I'm just not happy with all of the characters.

The good is that Elliot has created two characters that are easy to care about. And isn't that why we read series rather than choosing unique works whose characters are set aside forever when the book is done? If you haven't read the previous titles in the series I would suggest that you hold off on Spiraled and start with the first book in the series (Vanished.) That book gives an excellent background on the Callahan and McLane characters. Spiraled will be more enjoyable if you have that background.

The bad is that Spiraled doesn't really break much new ground for the characters. No new information about their pasts is revealed, McLane's relationship with her sister is still precarious, the plot is once again driven by one of the lead characters being placed in jeopardy. I hope that Elliot continues the series but reduces the reliance on this formula. I would really like to see a story where Callahan and McLane use their diverse talents to solve a crime in which neither they nor their families are directly involved. And I would like to see some of the secondary characters fleshed out a bit more. McLane's partner Zander is a fascinating character in his own right - though I do wonder how much he was based on Marshall Marshall from "In Plain Sight." He has played a significant role in all three novels. Let's learn more about him.

While I have written more about the weaknesses than the strengths of the novel, Sprialed is really very enjoyable and I encourage you to listen to it.

Nick Podehl , Amy McFadden were fabulous with the delivery of the story.

The book a bargain at $7.34

Loved this sequel and especially the ending. Great plot, researched and detailed. On to book 4.

I really enjoyed this book from Kendra Elliot ,she's an amazing
author! I can't wait to read the next book in the series

so far I have really enjoyed this series I am ready to read the next 1. I was kinda hoping that when the last book is written they would bring everyone back together at some kind of gathering ...like wedding an catch us up with lacy tori something like that. Oh well guess I will have to wait an see.

...But Ava came across as a weak-willed damsel in distress, needing "her man" to guide her, which is ironic given the story. I hope the next book will see a return of the confident, competent Special Agent.