What Lies Behind

Dr. Samantha Owens, Book 4

By: J. T. Ellison

Narrated by: Joyce Bean

Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

When Dr. Samantha Owens's homicide detective friend, Darren Fletcher, invites her to look over the evidence of a routine police investigation, she jumps at the chance and immediately realizes the crime scene has been staged. What seems to be a clear case of murder/suicide - a crime of passion - is anything but....

As Fletch and Sam try to understand what and who they are dealing with, they are summoned to a meeting at the State Department. High-level officials are interested in what they know and seem to be keeping secrets of their own. It's up to Sam and Fletch to uncover what lies behind the deception as the threat of bioterrorism is exposed, and her boyfriend, Xander Whitfield, may be in the line of fire.

©2015 J.T. Ellison (P)2015 Tantor

Complex and exciting

This was a page turner, can't wait til next one. Readers will be engaged chapter by chapter

What Lies Behind (Dr. Samantha Owens Book 4)

I do say that this book have thoroughly giving such enjoy all of the Samantha Owens books, this one is my favorite to date. I loved everything about this book. As usual, it was great to read about Sam and Xander, and they were given a great storyline. The story was fast-paced and had lots of action. I really liked the way the storylines with Sam and Xander connected and came together at the end. I enjoyed the direction that things went with Sam's career, and it was great to have her working with Baldwin and the FBI, as well as with Fletcher. I also enjoyed seeing the glimpse of Taylor Jackson in this one. When Sam Owen's sleep is disturbed due to sirens and police activity in her neighborhood, it isn't long before she is involved in the investigation. What first appears to be a murder/suicide attempt where the perpetrator survived becomes more complicated when it is found that the victim is a deep undercover FBI agent who also works with the CIA. As Sam investigates with Fletcher, who is sent in as the homicide detective by Washington, D.C., a tale of possible bioterrorism begins to emerge. This was a very exciting story, and it kept me engrossed. I loved the characters, both the main and secondary ones. I really like the direction the author is taking the series so far, and I really hope we don't have to wait long for the next book. I am very anxious to see where the author goes with the dangling threads from this book.

Great Story line

Would you consider the audio edition of What Lies Behind to be better than the print version?

Just enjoy listening instead of reading, because I can do other things at the same time.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters and on going plot, hopefully she keeps adding to this series.

Which scene was your favorite?

Of course the end when justice is obtained.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, if I had the time.

Best Of The Series

See Wayne’s review, as he is very qualified to give his opinion and never steers you wrong. I have books 1 and two and this book has the multiple stories going on like book 2. You have to concentrate a little bit on this one as there are two female character stories being told. I have become a fan of Narrator Joyce Bean. Do not miss Sandra Brown’s witness with Miss Bean narrating, it is wonderful. Also, Tami Hoag‘s still waters. Ms Bean does an outstanding job reading it.
Were my comments of help?

Another Strong Entry in the Samantha Owens Series

This series is good because of the strong cast of characters, including Dr. Owens herself.

The series is set sometimes in Tennessee and sometimes, like this one, in Washington DC.

The men are all really macho and Sam is both beautiful and brilliant, as you would expect in this series. But the plot is good and the violence isn't particularly graphic.

Brilliant but disappointing

Absolutely brilliants story but disappointing as there is a cliff hanger with no new book in sight?

Great to have Taylor making a quick appearance as well as Baldwin.

Joyce Bean is great for this series especially having done TJ series, very intouch with the characters.

Best book yet, followed closely by Edge of Black.

Suck a pity about the ending.

great read!

I love Sam and Zander...it kept me interested yo the last page! I didn't want to stop till I got to the end!

Last Book In A Wonderful Series

This series was referred to me by a friend. I had never heard of this author before, and I was pleasantly surprised. I generally like mysteries, and one of my favorite series is the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. So, when I was told this series was also from the viewpoint of a medical examiner, Samantha Owens, I was intrigued enough to buy them.

One of the positives is that, although her protagonist is a ME, she doesn't follow the same format as other authors in this genre. Sam Owens is her own person, with an entirely different viewpoint and story than her predecessors. In many ways Sam is flawed, but she is also brave and smart, even when she's pulled into situations out of her control.

The stories are original, sometimes with an unexpected twist, and the characters are well thought out and developed.

This is the 4th (and last) book in the Samantha Owens series. I definitely would recommend this series if you enjoy likable characters, good story-telling with interesting plots. There are four books in the Samantha Owens series. I also highly recommend the 2 follow-up books to this series.

One note - this is the first work I have read from this author. She also has a series that I believe she wrote earlier called the Taylor Jackson series. I have just started reading those books. I'm a little mystified since there are several books in this series, yet the date of publication from her first book to now is just a year. I'll leave a review as I finish the books in that series.

However, in general, her writing isn't as polished with the first book, which surprised me. Therefore, if you've read the Taylor Jackson series, and you weren't sure if you wanted to stay with this author, I recommend giving her another chance. She has definitely worked on her craft, and it's obvious that she is, indeed, talented.

With that said, I wish Ms. Ellison would revisit Samantha Owens, and give her readers another adventure in her life.

Joyce Bean was outstanding with the delivery of the story

Cliffhanger with no follow up?

I like the Dr. Samantha Owens series (except book number three was a little weird). But this one leaves us on a cliffhanger and so far there’s been no follow up book. Since it was written, seven or eight years ago I’m guessing there won’t be a follow up?

Literally on the edge of my seat awaiting the next book in the series!

J.T. Ellison has crafted not one, but two series of novels with two amazingly talented, brave, smart and mega-tough women who make things happen no matter the risks! Both the Taylor Jackson series, and now the Dr. Samantha Owens novels leave me on the edge of my seat waiting for what will happen next! Don't miss out on finding out more about both of these tough, beautiful and endlessly resourceful women as they do whatever is necessary to stop the evil and bring down the "bad guys!" JT Ellison is the real deal! Keep 'me coming girl!