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Callahan & McLane #3
Spiraled
FBI Special Agent Ava McLane solves crimes; she doesn’t witness them. When she’s trapped in a mall without her weapon as a shooter picks off victims, she hides with a wounded teen and prays for her survival.
But that’s only the beginning�
An epidemic of mass shootings has swept across Oregon. The young shooters terrify the public, committing random murders before taking their own lives. The task force assembled to solve the case—which includes Ava’s boyfriend, detective Mason Callahan—remains stumped. And on top of this chaos, Ava’s troubled twin sister reappears, throwing Ava’s already-tumultuous life into a tailspin.
An old-fashioned cop with a strong sense of duty, Mason struggles to find the cause of the shootings as workaholic Ava spins ever closer to breaking down. But can one detective save the lives of countless innocents—and prevent the woman he loves from going over the edge?
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
4,484 people are currently reading
3,035 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Elliot
40books5,943followersAn Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 13 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller more than a dozen times.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her family and two cats.
The MERCY KILPATRICK series: A MERCIFUL DEATH, A MERCIFUL TRUTH, A MERCIFUL SECRET, A MERCIFUL SILENCE, A MERCIFUL FATE, and A MERCIFUL PROMISE. IN THE PINES and AT THE RIVER are continuations of Mercy's and Truman's story.
THE COLUMBIA RIVER series. THE LAST SISTER. THE SILENCE, IN THE PINES, AT THE RIVER, THE FIRST DEATH, and THE NEXT GRAVE
The BONE SECRETS NOVELS: HIDDEN, CHILLED, BURIED, ALONE, KNOWN and VEILED (a novella)
The CALLAHAN & McLANE novels: VANISHED, BRIDGED, SPIRALED, and TARGETED. THE SILENCE continues Ava and Mason's story. THE LAST SISTER is Zander's story
She also writes the Widow's Island and Rogue River novellas with Melinda Leigh.
International Thriller Writers finalist, a three time Daphne Du Maurier winner, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice finalist.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her family and two cats.
The MERCY KILPATRICK series: A MERCIFUL DEATH, A MERCIFUL TRUTH, A MERCIFUL SECRET, A MERCIFUL SILENCE, A MERCIFUL FATE, and A MERCIFUL PROMISE. IN THE PINES and AT THE RIVER are continuations of Mercy's and Truman's story.
THE COLUMBIA RIVER series. THE LAST SISTER. THE SILENCE, IN THE PINES, AT THE RIVER, THE FIRST DEATH, and THE NEXT GRAVE
The BONE SECRETS NOVELS: HIDDEN, CHILLED, BURIED, ALONE, KNOWN and VEILED (a novella)
The CALLAHAN & McLANE novels: VANISHED, BRIDGED, SPIRALED, and TARGETED. THE SILENCE continues Ava and Mason's story. THE LAST SISTER is Zander's story
She also writes the Widow's Island and Rogue River novellas with Melinda Leigh.
International Thriller Writers finalist, a three time Daphne Du Maurier winner, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice finalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 747 reviews
February 24, 2016
This one seemed to drag for me when I started. Then again, I had just finished a fantastic series where every book was 5 stars that I knew my next read would be hard to get into. But I persevered and ended up really enjoying it.
Now, you know me. I love an OTT Asshole Alpha. Well, Mason is nothing like that. He is a genuinely nice guy and I really like him.
Good cast of secondary characters. Good twist to the plot. Will definitely read more from this author.
FBI Special Agent Ava McLane solves crimes; she doesn’t witness them. When she’s trapped in a mall without her weapon as a shooter picks off victims, she hides with a wounded teen and prays for her survival.
But that’s only the beginning�
Now, you know me. I love an OTT Asshole Alpha. Well, Mason is nothing like that. He is a genuinely nice guy and I really like him.
Ava McLane had radically changed his life since they'd met eight months ago. In that time he'd realised he was the luckiest bastard in the world.
Mason wasn't sure who stared at him out of Ava's eyes.
It didn't sound like her.
But it was her. She was slipping away and begging for help.
Right now, she was moving away, and he could feel her disconnecting from him.
Or am I moving away from her?
Good cast of secondary characters. Good twist to the plot. Will definitely read more from this author.
He traced the inside of her mouth with his tongue as he thrust into her over and over, losing himself in her wonderful tight slickness.
Ava begged him not to stop. He barely heard her. He'd let go of any compulsion to hold back and prolong.
July 18, 2015
I listened on Audible through KU. The narration was superb.
This 3rd book in the Callahan & McLane series had so many problems, I tripped and broke my ankle jumping over one plot-hole to the next.
After reading the initial mall scene, I had the book figured out. Almost exactly. I just hadn't figured out how. But hey, if it's an entertaining tale, I'm happy to go along for the ride. Unfortunately... The HOW comes to light very early when Callahan and his partner are interviewing the parents of the mall shooter. It's glaringly obvious to me, but the characters don't get it. A little frustrating, but ok, I'm sure it will come to them...
Forward to much further in this drawn out tale: Callahan is interviewing the girlfriend of another shooter (the first of the outbreak), and she mentions the HOW. At this point, I'm yelling at the book 'Aw, come on!!'
Author: if you're going to make it so obvious to the reader through the character's knowledge, then have the characters figure it out. Or, maybe, save the critical piece of information for later in a more probing interview or something.
Instead, I spent much of the book shaking my head at what idiots they all appeared to be.
Moving past the investigation is this deal the author has with torturing/harming the heroine, and always the heroine.
In book 1, Ava is shot during a hostage negotiation.
In book 2 she's kidnapped, attacked by the villain, and almost drowns.
In book 3, Ava finds herself in the middle of a public shooting, and then targeted and sought by the villain (with very poor justification), where she's chased down and fired at.
This all happens in less than a year. I think Ava needs to seriously rethink her path in life, because being an FBI agent seems to be a poor life decision if she wants to see 40.
Aside from the main murder mystery, there's an underlying, secondary story between Ava and her twin. It annoyed me from book 1, and I hate it by book 3. There's no resolution, it's depressing, and it makes the character look bad; Ava comes across as weak, codependent, and addicted to her sister's drama like a moth to flame.
In a series which started out so well, it ended on a sourly disappointing note.
This 3rd book in the Callahan & McLane series had so many problems, I tripped and broke my ankle jumping over one plot-hole to the next.
After reading the initial mall scene, I had the book figured out. Almost exactly. I just hadn't figured out how. But hey, if it's an entertaining tale, I'm happy to go along for the ride. Unfortunately... The HOW comes to light very early when Callahan and his partner are interviewing the parents of the mall shooter. It's glaringly obvious to me, but the characters don't get it. A little frustrating, but ok, I'm sure it will come to them...
Forward to much further in this drawn out tale: Callahan is interviewing the girlfriend of another shooter (the first of the outbreak), and she mentions the HOW. At this point, I'm yelling at the book 'Aw, come on!!'
Author: if you're going to make it so obvious to the reader through the character's knowledge, then have the characters figure it out. Or, maybe, save the critical piece of information for later in a more probing interview or something.
Instead, I spent much of the book shaking my head at what idiots they all appeared to be.
Moving past the investigation is this deal the author has with torturing/harming the heroine, and always the heroine.
In book 1, Ava is shot during a hostage negotiation.
In book 2 she's kidnapped, attacked by the villain, and almost drowns.
In book 3, Ava finds herself in the middle of a public shooting, and then targeted and sought by the villain (with very poor justification), where she's chased down and fired at.
This all happens in less than a year. I think Ava needs to seriously rethink her path in life, because being an FBI agent seems to be a poor life decision if she wants to see 40.
Aside from the main murder mystery, there's an underlying, secondary story between Ava and her twin. It annoyed me from book 1, and I hate it by book 3. There's no resolution, it's depressing, and it makes the character look bad; Ava comes across as weak, codependent, and addicted to her sister's drama like a moth to flame.
In a series which started out so well, it ended on a sourly disappointing note.
February 1, 2016
I've been so busy, I haven't been able to write my normal reviews. So here is another quick review. One hot sexy scene, but outside of that, the mystery keeps you on your toes.
I will say I figured out who the killer(s) was(were) immediately. However, the author did a good job making me second guess myself. That kept me wondering if I was right until it was revealed.
I do really enjoy this couple of law enforcement and one of them has gone through more than their fair share of crap. I look forward to the next installment in June.
Audio Review
The audio was great. I love the direction narration is going. Although, the male and female narrators switched depending on the POV. The guy did all the guy parts and dialogue no matter what POV the chapter was in. Conversely, the female lead did the same. It was great. I hope more books move in that direction.
I will say I figured out who the killer(s) was(were) immediately. However, the author did a good job making me second guess myself. That kept me wondering if I was right until it was revealed.
I do really enjoy this couple of law enforcement and one of them has gone through more than their fair share of crap. I look forward to the next installment in June.
Audio Review
The audio was great. I love the direction narration is going. Although, the male and female narrators switched depending on the POV. The guy did all the guy parts and dialogue no matter what POV the chapter was in. Conversely, the female lead did the same. It was great. I hope more books move in that direction.
September 4, 2016
Spiraled by Kendra Elliot is a 2015 Montlake publication.
I really like the Callahan and McLane series by Kendra Elliot, and each installment seems to get stronger and more cohesive.
This chapter in the series is incredibly fast paced, and packs several emotional wallops along the way too.
Ava is at the mall, when a mass shooter opens fire. She’s a hero, but the aftermath of the event leaves her shaken and more fragile than I’ve ever seen her. To put the cherry on the cake, her twin sister, Jayne, will once more twist Ava’s heart and toy with her emotional well being, leaving Mason at a loss on how to help her.
In the meantime, another inexplicable shooting takes place, with Mason and the FBI working overtime to prevent more killings.
I had only intended to read a couple of chapters in this book�. But, you know the drill. I ended up reading it in one sitting. This is my kind of romantic suspense novel, and now that we are delving deeper into the series, the characters are becoming more real and developed for me. This story was a little bit depressing at times, but the ending was worth the emotional turmoil.
Overall, the is yet another solid addition to this series, and I already have the next one queued up. Should be awesome.
4 stars
I really like the Callahan and McLane series by Kendra Elliot, and each installment seems to get stronger and more cohesive.
This chapter in the series is incredibly fast paced, and packs several emotional wallops along the way too.
Ava is at the mall, when a mass shooter opens fire. She’s a hero, but the aftermath of the event leaves her shaken and more fragile than I’ve ever seen her. To put the cherry on the cake, her twin sister, Jayne, will once more twist Ava’s heart and toy with her emotional well being, leaving Mason at a loss on how to help her.
In the meantime, another inexplicable shooting takes place, with Mason and the FBI working overtime to prevent more killings.
I had only intended to read a couple of chapters in this book�. But, you know the drill. I ended up reading it in one sitting. This is my kind of romantic suspense novel, and now that we are delving deeper into the series, the characters are becoming more real and developed for me. This story was a little bit depressing at times, but the ending was worth the emotional turmoil.
Overall, the is yet another solid addition to this series, and I already have the next one queued up. Should be awesome.
4 stars
Want to read
July 29, 2015Elliot is baaaack!
May 2, 2021
A heartbreaking addition to this fantastic series! Ava is leaving yoga class at a strip mall when shots ring out and the young woman walking beside her falls to the ground. Ava manages to drag her over behind a kiosk for cover. When the smoke clears, four people are dead including the twenty year old shooter. As Mason & Ray begin investigating the case, it becomes clear that it's similar to another earlier mass shooting from near by. And when yet another mass shooting occurs - ending with the young man shooting himself - it becomes clear that something very strange is going on.
Even though Ava is still on vacation time, she joins in trying to help decipher the eerie facts and make some sense of what's happening unknowingly putting herself in a killer's bullseye. As the story unfolds, bits and pieces fall into place and they begin to close in on the truth. Meantime, Ava's sister Jayne reenters the picture once again throwing Ava off-kilter - this time in a way that may leave her broken completely. Mason fears this time he may not be able to pull Ava back. The ending left me with tears flowing down my cheeks. The twisted case and character relationship development along with the trials and tribulations of a strained sibling relationship make for an intriguing story that I couldn't put down. I can't wait to move into the final book of the series! Highly recommended!
Even though Ava is still on vacation time, she joins in trying to help decipher the eerie facts and make some sense of what's happening unknowingly putting herself in a killer's bullseye. As the story unfolds, bits and pieces fall into place and they begin to close in on the truth. Meantime, Ava's sister Jayne reenters the picture once again throwing Ava off-kilter - this time in a way that may leave her broken completely. Mason fears this time he may not be able to pull Ava back. The ending left me with tears flowing down my cheeks. The twisted case and character relationship development along with the trials and tribulations of a strained sibling relationship make for an intriguing story that I couldn't put down. I can't wait to move into the final book of the series! Highly recommended!
June 25, 2022
En conflicto con esta serie, por un lado es entretenida pero hay cosas que me sacan de mis casillas. La idea de la trama es buena, pero es fácil ver por donde vienen los tiros y es increíble que un equipo formado por policías y el FBI no lo vean desde el principio (siempre pasa). También tenemos a Ava que en todos los libros hasta ahora es atacada/secuestrada/abaleada (ya basta). Al igual que la historia entre Ava y Jane, por Dios ¿hasta cuándo? Me falta solo un libro de esta serie y lo voy a leer porque mi manía me impide dejar ese, pero después no sé si la siga. Se cansa uno�
August 15, 2017
You can find this review in English below.
Como siempre, esta autora no me defrauda con sus suspenses. En este caso otra vez es algo original, interesante y bien hecho. Me ha tenido enganchada al libro de principio a fin, sobre todo porque esta vez, deja algunas pistas al lector y yo ya había hecho mi apuesta sobre qué estaba pasando y quería ver si tenía razón o no.
La tenía, ;-p
No puedo ponerle una pega al suspense. El romance vuelve a ser inexistente salvo por pequeñas interacciones de los protagonistas que nos dejan ver hacia dónde va esa relación. Al ser fan de la pareja me ha encantado, aunque no voy a llamar a esta historia un suspense romántico sino suspense a secas. Pero el melodrama familiar ha sido otra historia. Ya he comentado alguna vez que esta autora es proclive al exceso en este campo y esta ocasión no ha sido una excepción. Toda la historia de la hermana de Ava me está cansando un poco.
A pesar de que el suspense per se es buenísimo y me ha hecho devorar las páginas sin descanso, cada vez me cuesta más creer las temidas coincidencias que persiguen a los protagonistas, Ava y Mason, y que los obligan, de nuevo a estar en el ojo del huracán. Quizás hubiese sido más creíble si hubiesen actuado simplemente como las estrellas del show y no también como las víctimas. Es demasiado y me ha costado creerlo (este es mi principal problema con las series en general). Esta parte de la historia ha sido difícil de digerir. Ava está ya muy quemada y no ha sido realista y la historia empieza a sufrir por ello. Demasiado OTT. Si tan solo los protagonistas del suspense hubiesen sido otros personajes�
Aun así me ha gustado, y como siempre, el suspense no decepciona. Leeré el último capítulo de la serie para ver en qué queda todo, pero realmente no creo que vaya a creerme que, de nuevo, el crimen azota las vidas personales de los protagonistas. Eso no hay cuerpo que lo resista ni es realista.
***
As always, this author does not disappoint me with the suspense. In this case is, again, something original, interesting and well done. I've been hooked to the book from beginning to end, especially since this time, she leaves some clues to the reader and I had already bet on what was happening and wanted to see if I was right or not.
I was ;-p
I loved the suspense. The romance is almost nonexistent except for small interactions between the MC´s that let us see where their relationship goes. I´m a fan of the couple so I have loved it, although I won´t call this story a romantic suspense but just a suspense. But the family melodrama has been another story. I have already commented that this author is prone to excess in this field and this occasion has been no exception. The whole story of Ava's sister is getting a bit tiresome.
Although the suspense per se is terrific and has made me devour the pages tirelessly, it is becoming increasingly difficult to believe the dreaded coincidences that haunt the MC´s, Ava and Mason, and that forces them again to be in the eye of the storm. Perhaps it would have been more credible if they had acted simply as the show´s stars and not as the victims also. It's too much and I had a hard time believing it (this is my main problem with series in general). This part of the story has been hard to swallow. Ava has been burned many times and has not felt realistic and the story begins to suffer for it. OTT. If only the suspense´s protagonists had been other characters...
Still I loved it, and as always, the suspense does not disappoint. I'll read the last instalment of the series to see how it ends, but I really do not think I'm going to believe that, again, the crime hits the personal lives of Ava and Mason. There is nobody that can resist so much stuff going on and if so, it´s not realistic enough for me.
May 10, 2021
FBI Agent Ava McLane is taking a week off from her job to unwind. While attending a yoga class at the local mall, a masked shooter walks in randomly shooting bystanders. Ava and a wounded teenager are hiding behind a kiosk when the shooter enters the men's room and takes his own life. The police and the FBI form a task force to investigate the incident. Detective Mason Callahan, Ava's boyfriend, questions eyewitnesses and tries to find a reason behind what happened, only to learn of that another mass shooting has taken place in a nearby town.
The third book in the Callahan & McLane series starts out with a bang. The suspense was high as Ava and a shooting victim try to hide from a killer. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The incident takes its toll on Ava. She is having nightmares and Mason thinks she should see someone about them. On top of that, Ava's twin sister, Jayne, is causing problems again.
This was a good, twisty mystery. I guessed what was happening early in the book, but I didn't know what the motive would be. I'm looking forward to the last book in the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
The third book in the Callahan & McLane series starts out with a bang. The suspense was high as Ava and a shooting victim try to hide from a killer. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The incident takes its toll on Ava. She is having nightmares and Mason thinks she should see someone about them. On top of that, Ava's twin sister, Jayne, is causing problems again.
This was a good, twisty mystery. I guessed what was happening early in the book, but I didn't know what the motive would be. I'm looking forward to the last book in the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
December 26, 2021
Another excellent installment in this series by Kendra Elliott. The suspense never stops. Elliott also has a way with dialogue. None of that "he said, she said" repetitiveness. Looking forward to the fourth and, I believe last, book in the series.
October 31, 2020
Great!
September 10, 2016
Just OK for me..
So, it’s been a while since I read that 2nd book in this series and I’ve probably read 20 books or more so I wasn’t sure I would remember who the *stars* of this book were. But the minute I read Jayne’s name it all came back to me. Good grief, it’s hard to forget Jayne.
I really didn’t enjoy this book as much as the other two. Ava got into a mental funk and never really came out of it. The whole book was kinda built around her feelings for Jayne (her messed up twin sister) and it was always Mason she turned to for relief from herself. It was really monotonous. And since she never got out of it it means the next book she’ll still be in it. So, I doubt I’ll read the next book. Between the mess with which her thoughts ran and that piece of crap sister of hers I’m kinda done.
It was a good mystery and I just loved Mason, Ray, Zander and Shaver. But it is called the Callahan & McLane books and she (Callahan) has just kinda ruined it for me, or rather author has.
There is absolutely no chemistry between the two and I miss that in a book. There was a slight sex scene somewhere, so unnoticeable I can’t even remember it. The other two books were about the same but I didn’t care because the stories were so good. Because this one wasn’t so good, because of Ava, I really noticed the lack of everything between Mason and her.
Anyway, if you like reading about the heroine’s wishy-washy thoughts throughout the entire book then you might enjoy this. I’ll come back to this author when she writes something new because I’ve read a lot of Kendra Elliot and I do enjoy her writing, just not this one.
So, it’s been a while since I read that 2nd book in this series and I’ve probably read 20 books or more so I wasn’t sure I would remember who the *stars* of this book were. But the minute I read Jayne’s name it all came back to me. Good grief, it’s hard to forget Jayne.
I really didn’t enjoy this book as much as the other two. Ava got into a mental funk and never really came out of it. The whole book was kinda built around her feelings for Jayne (her messed up twin sister) and it was always Mason she turned to for relief from herself. It was really monotonous. And since she never got out of it it means the next book she’ll still be in it. So, I doubt I’ll read the next book. Between the mess with which her thoughts ran and that piece of crap sister of hers I’m kinda done.
It was a good mystery and I just loved Mason, Ray, Zander and Shaver. But it is called the Callahan & McLane books and she (Callahan) has just kinda ruined it for me, or rather author has.
There is absolutely no chemistry between the two and I miss that in a book. There was a slight sex scene somewhere, so unnoticeable I can’t even remember it. The other two books were about the same but I didn’t care because the stories were so good. Because this one wasn’t so good, because of Ava, I really noticed the lack of everything between Mason and her.
Anyway, if you like reading about the heroine’s wishy-washy thoughts throughout the entire book then you might enjoy this. I’ll come back to this author when she writes something new because I’ve read a lot of Kendra Elliot and I do enjoy her writing, just not this one.
May 2, 2015
Hold on to your seats for this one. Literally starts off with a bang and you’re on a adrenaline filled ride to the end. Ava McLane has gotten herself in the middle of chaos again.
It’s been 8 months since Ava and Mason met and their relationship has sure been filled with intense situations that would test any new relationship but Mason has proven he’s in it for the long haul. Ava is supposed to be on vacation from her job with the FBI but instead finds herself in the middle of mass shooting at the local mall. This isn’t the first mass shooting recently and before long there is another. Mason and Ray get assigned to the task force to figure out what’s going on and of course Ava cant just sit on the sidelines.
There are many twist and turns throughout the investigation with some shocking revelations. Ava is brought to her breaking point not only with the shooting but also by her sister Jayne. Ava’s twin is such a pain as a reader I want to just strangler her for what she puts Ava through. Another great story in the Mason and Ava series and I hope the love these two have for each other continues to hold strong through all their trials and tribulations.
It’s been 8 months since Ava and Mason met and their relationship has sure been filled with intense situations that would test any new relationship but Mason has proven he’s in it for the long haul. Ava is supposed to be on vacation from her job with the FBI but instead finds herself in the middle of mass shooting at the local mall. This isn’t the first mass shooting recently and before long there is another. Mason and Ray get assigned to the task force to figure out what’s going on and of course Ava cant just sit on the sidelines.
There are many twist and turns throughout the investigation with some shocking revelations. Ava is brought to her breaking point not only with the shooting but also by her sister Jayne. Ava’s twin is such a pain as a reader I want to just strangler her for what she puts Ava through. Another great story in the Mason and Ava series and I hope the love these two have for each other continues to hold strong through all their trials and tribulations.
July 11, 2019
Although I like this series, I wasn't a fan of this book. There were just too many times that the investigation and the roles that Ava, Mason and Zander would have performed (if this was a real case) that just didn't mesh. They weren't primary but it's like no one else was doing anything and they were doing everything important. She's on vacation and she's way wacked out due to her sister Jayne but keeps putting herself into the investigation. She was very irritating in this one; Mason was too much of a saint. Plus the plot seem to rely too much on lack of law enforcement skills. It took way too long to travel down the obvious paths. It seemed like I spent more time writing snarky comments then I did reading the book.
August 18, 2018
2.5 stars.
The mystery/suspense aspect was solid, and the realness of the emotional and psychological struggle for Ava contributed to a well rounded story. However, I don't like the link that she has with her twin; whatever happens to one twin manifests itself in some way with the other twin. Maybe I don't understand because I don't have an identical twin, but that aspect of the story detracted from my enjoyment of it.
I liked Mason and Ray. I continued to like Zander and Bingo too. I just hope we're not still in the doldrums for the next installment.
The mystery/suspense aspect was solid, and the realness of the emotional and psychological struggle for Ava contributed to a well rounded story. However, I don't like the link that she has with her twin; whatever happens to one twin manifests itself in some way with the other twin. Maybe I don't understand because I don't have an identical twin, but that aspect of the story detracted from my enjoyment of it.
I liked Mason and Ray. I continued to like Zander and Bingo too. I just hope we're not still in the doldrums for the next installment.
January 23, 2016
I received a copy of Spiraled by Kendra Elliot from ŷ. I am submitting an honest review. My thanks to ŷ and to Kendra Elliot.
I have not read any of the other books from Kendra Elliot that contain Ava McLane as an FBI agent. Spiraled starts out with high action at a shopping mall where a mass shooting is in progress. Ava McLane was attending a yoga class there and is helping a young woman yoga participant to safety after this woman was shot. Pay attention to details.
Having no sense of the character of Ava prior to this, I had no basic scaffolding as to what was "the norm" for Ava. Certainly, a shooting of any kind would leave one in a state of shock and unrest. Ava never seemed to switch over to the automaticity of her professional FBI mode. Her years of training should have jump started her reactions immediately. She tended to internalize the trauma constantly which left her in a weakened state. How then was she allowed back into the investigation full tilt? Her live-in boyfriend was up with her every night as she relived the shooting scenes compounded by her phone calls from her suicidal sister. Not feeling too confident in our FBI agent Ava who is supposed to be "on vacation" but accompanies other agents to the scenes.
And then it happened.....Kendra Elliot grabs the wheel and the tires are screeching on the pavement. The last few chapters makes the blood pump relentlessly in your ears to the end. Ms. Elliot can write an action-packed finale like nobody's business. Here's hoping that our agent Ava comes back stronger and more resilient in the next book. Humanizing Ava as a trauma victim throws too much of a damper on the plot line. Ava needs to be rejuvenated and ready to show that a woman can handle the backside of being an FBI agent as well as a man.
I have not read any of the other books from Kendra Elliot that contain Ava McLane as an FBI agent. Spiraled starts out with high action at a shopping mall where a mass shooting is in progress. Ava McLane was attending a yoga class there and is helping a young woman yoga participant to safety after this woman was shot. Pay attention to details.
Having no sense of the character of Ava prior to this, I had no basic scaffolding as to what was "the norm" for Ava. Certainly, a shooting of any kind would leave one in a state of shock and unrest. Ava never seemed to switch over to the automaticity of her professional FBI mode. Her years of training should have jump started her reactions immediately. She tended to internalize the trauma constantly which left her in a weakened state. How then was she allowed back into the investigation full tilt? Her live-in boyfriend was up with her every night as she relived the shooting scenes compounded by her phone calls from her suicidal sister. Not feeling too confident in our FBI agent Ava who is supposed to be "on vacation" but accompanies other agents to the scenes.
And then it happened.....Kendra Elliot grabs the wheel and the tires are screeching on the pavement. The last few chapters makes the blood pump relentlessly in your ears to the end. Ms. Elliot can write an action-packed finale like nobody's business. Here's hoping that our agent Ava comes back stronger and more resilient in the next book. Humanizing Ava as a trauma victim throws too much of a damper on the plot line. Ava needs to be rejuvenated and ready to show that a woman can handle the backside of being an FBI agent as well as a man.
June 2, 2015
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The third book in the Callahan & McLane is a tightly written mystery/suspense with a timely plot that provokes questions about how a family handles mental illness and how much the mentally ill suck their families dry. The relationship between Ava and Mason undergoes some trying times and they are stronger for it.
Ava and her young friend, Misty, are just leaving an early morning yoga class when gun shots shatter the morning at an outdoor mall. When the shooting ends, the gunman is dead as an apparent suicide. Problem is the shooter had no indicators and this is the second such shooting in a public place in Oregon in a few months time. Days later another shooter opens up at a lakeside park. The three have eerie similarities. Ava, while on vacation, is in the middle of it all. Add to this, Ava's sister Jayne is showing signs of becoming unstable, again. Ava has a lot to cope with, but Mason is there with her all the way.
The third book in the Callahan & McLane is a tightly written mystery/suspense with a timely plot that provokes questions about how a family handles mental illness and how much the mentally ill suck their families dry. The relationship between Ava and Mason undergoes some trying times and they are stronger for it.
Ava and her young friend, Misty, are just leaving an early morning yoga class when gun shots shatter the morning at an outdoor mall. When the shooting ends, the gunman is dead as an apparent suicide. Problem is the shooter had no indicators and this is the second such shooting in a public place in Oregon in a few months time. Days later another shooter opens up at a lakeside park. The three have eerie similarities. Ava, while on vacation, is in the middle of it all. Add to this, Ava's sister Jayne is showing signs of becoming unstable, again. Ava has a lot to cope with, but Mason is there with her all the way.
January 21, 2018
Another easy 5* in this series, making it a hat-trick !! I much prefer this set of stories to the Bone Secrets ones, plus they're better presented, too, which is something I always notice. I see she now has a new series based in Alaska but unfortunately it doesn't appeal to me. Luckily, I still have another to go in this series and I'm hoping by the time I get to that one she'll be well underway with a new tale featuring Ava and Mason......and won't have packed them in !! This one certainly had me guessing throughout (wrongly, as usual) as to what was going on behind the scenes....I really liked the character of Shirley. She only had a bit-part but she was a delight.
I did find it odd that, upon meeting parents of a shoot-em-up teen, the detective asks, "What was your latest argument about" ? Of course, families row but I found it strange he'd ask this when there had been no previous mention of arguments. I haven't made mention of this before so perhaps it's a new "thing" for her but in this book she hops about from character to character describing their thoughts and feelings in the one scene. I'm doing a lousy job of explaining this, there are probably proper literary ways of saying what I'm doing a bad job of writing down. If the author reads the review, she'll know what I mean !! Anyway, I found it a little distracting and wasn't keen on the style. I did get a kick out of a remark made regarding social media in this-"What makes someone who lives in Tokyo feel they have the right to send them hate mail" ? A very good observation.....
Certain details of each crime I wondered about as they were glossed over, really. The shooters' suicides...I can't go into further specifics than this, however. And is AJ a real name ??
I've made mention in previous reviews of this series that mistakes are very infrequent and it's the same in this one. Short list is usually the one word and day was written instead of days and that was all I noticed. Bravo....I did laugh in the Acknowledgements at what she wrote regarding Melinda Leigh, also.
I fair flew through this book, it was all over way too quickly.....looking forward to the next one, just don't let it be the last, please !
I did find it odd that, upon meeting parents of a shoot-em-up teen, the detective asks, "What was your latest argument about" ? Of course, families row but I found it strange he'd ask this when there had been no previous mention of arguments. I haven't made mention of this before so perhaps it's a new "thing" for her but in this book she hops about from character to character describing their thoughts and feelings in the one scene. I'm doing a lousy job of explaining this, there are probably proper literary ways of saying what I'm doing a bad job of writing down. If the author reads the review, she'll know what I mean !! Anyway, I found it a little distracting and wasn't keen on the style. I did get a kick out of a remark made regarding social media in this-"What makes someone who lives in Tokyo feel they have the right to send them hate mail" ? A very good observation.....
Certain details of each crime I wondered about as they were glossed over, really. The shooters' suicides...I can't go into further specifics than this, however. And is AJ a real name ??
I've made mention in previous reviews of this series that mistakes are very infrequent and it's the same in this one. Short list is usually the one word and day was written instead of days and that was all I noticed. Bravo....I did laugh in the Acknowledgements at what she wrote regarding Melinda Leigh, also.
I fair flew through this book, it was all over way too quickly.....looking forward to the next one, just don't let it be the last, please !
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April 24, 2020
#1 Vanished: ★★★★� | 4 stars
#2 Bridged: ★★★☆� | 3 stars
*
2.5 stars.
Started with a bang! Compelling opening scene that went straight to the action.
The plot did take a while to get going. There were a lot of questions throughout the investigation and none of them were solved in the first half. The second half improved tremendously after a little piece of info came to light and there was the introduction of a new POV character. That was when the story really hooked me! But that didn't last long...
I still have a problem with everything Jayne. I really didn't enjoy that plot conflict in any of the books so far—in this one, it seemed like things got way worse. It was personal drama that really only served to generate angst since Ava didn't really develop/grow as a person because of it.
Because of this, even with the plot improving, some of the second half and the conclusion of the novel were a bit disappointing to me. There was of Ava feeling insecure and Mason wanting to "fix" her and the Jayne issue still hovering around. This was still a quick read, but not my favorite in the series.
#2 Bridged: ★★★☆� | 3 stars
*
2.5 stars.
Started with a bang! Compelling opening scene that went straight to the action.
The plot did take a while to get going. There were a lot of questions throughout the investigation and none of them were solved in the first half. The second half improved tremendously after a little piece of info came to light and there was the introduction of a new POV character. That was when the story really hooked me! But that didn't last long...
I still have a problem with everything Jayne. I really didn't enjoy that plot conflict in any of the books so far—in this one, it seemed like things got way worse. It was personal drama that really only served to generate angst since Ava didn't really develop/grow as a person because of it.
Because of this, even with the plot improving, some of the second half and the conclusion of the novel were a bit disappointing to me. There was of Ava feeling insecure and Mason wanting to "fix" her and the Jayne issue still hovering around. This was still a quick read, but not my favorite in the series.
July 10, 2024
4 Stars!!
In this one we see FBI Special Agent Ava McLane caught smack bang in the middle of a mall shooting. She is used to solving crimes, not being the main witness in one.
I enjoyed that we got more of Ava's and Masons private life. I really hope Ava's sister gets the help she needs, I can't imagine having a sibling like that. She put Ava through hell.
This was much better than the last book in the series, it had a lot more going on.
In this one we see FBI Special Agent Ava McLane caught smack bang in the middle of a mall shooting. She is used to solving crimes, not being the main witness in one.
I enjoyed that we got more of Ava's and Masons private life. I really hope Ava's sister gets the help she needs, I can't imagine having a sibling like that. She put Ava through hell.
This was much better than the last book in the series, it had a lot more going on.
May 6, 2015
3rd and final in a series, this is a romantic suspense, with most of the book concentrated on the suspense aspect. This is okay as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the series in order.
Mason Callahan, Detective and Ava McLane, FBI Agent get involved in a mall shooting. Ava and a friend just happen to be at the mall when a masked man calmly walks down the corridors taking out people with his shotgun. He wanders into a restroom and takes his own life. There had been another mall shooting some months before with the same results.
While the police are trying to identify victims and shooter, there is yet another mall shooting...and another young man shoots several people and then takes his own life.
When they start trying to connect the victims, the puzzle only gets bigger .... and it becomes much more dangerous for Ava.
This is light reading for me ....... and Kendra Elliot is one of my favorites when it comes to Romantic Suspense. The characters are caring of each other.. and they speak for the victims. Mason is one of the good cops, doing whatever is necessary to solve his case. Ava is struggling with personal problems but is finally coming to terms with those issues.
Again, I would recommend reading the first two books in the series .... Vanished and Bridged.
My thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing, and the author who sent the ARC e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Mason Callahan, Detective and Ava McLane, FBI Agent get involved in a mall shooting. Ava and a friend just happen to be at the mall when a masked man calmly walks down the corridors taking out people with his shotgun. He wanders into a restroom and takes his own life. There had been another mall shooting some months before with the same results.
While the police are trying to identify victims and shooter, there is yet another mall shooting...and another young man shoots several people and then takes his own life.
When they start trying to connect the victims, the puzzle only gets bigger .... and it becomes much more dangerous for Ava.
This is light reading for me ....... and Kendra Elliot is one of my favorites when it comes to Romantic Suspense. The characters are caring of each other.. and they speak for the victims. Mason is one of the good cops, doing whatever is necessary to solve his case. Ava is struggling with personal problems but is finally coming to terms with those issues.
Again, I would recommend reading the first two books in the series .... Vanished and Bridged.
My thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing, and the author who sent the ARC e-book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2015
I was given an ARC of Spiraled from NetGallery for an honest review and this is the review.
Spiraled had me hooked from the first shots at the start of the book and it held my attention until the very end. I absolutely adore this series by Kendra Elliot and even though the books can be stand alones I would recommend you read them in order because they all fit together so nicely.
This book about shooting that take place in public locations and the most recent one happens in the mall where Ava is at drawing her into the drama with the shooter. Then Mason is put on the task force to look into the crime so our favorite crime fighting couple in this series is involved in this case and before the end of the book the end up on a wild ride that test Ava's mental stability and the strength oh their relationship. I was not able to put this book down it was so excellent. I have been waiting for it to come out and it was worth the wait and so much more. I am not going to give spoilers but this is a must read for the summer. It is packed with action from the first scene and it does not let up throughout the book. I really hope Elliot add more books to this series. I have loved the characters and every book so far.
With that said I am going to give Spiraled a five out of five stars rating and a strong suggestion to read this series. You will not be disappointed if you enjoy romantic suspense.
Spiraled had me hooked from the first shots at the start of the book and it held my attention until the very end. I absolutely adore this series by Kendra Elliot and even though the books can be stand alones I would recommend you read them in order because they all fit together so nicely.
This book about shooting that take place in public locations and the most recent one happens in the mall where Ava is at drawing her into the drama with the shooter. Then Mason is put on the task force to look into the crime so our favorite crime fighting couple in this series is involved in this case and before the end of the book the end up on a wild ride that test Ava's mental stability and the strength oh their relationship. I was not able to put this book down it was so excellent. I have been waiting for it to come out and it was worth the wait and so much more. I am not going to give spoilers but this is a must read for the summer. It is packed with action from the first scene and it does not let up throughout the book. I really hope Elliot add more books to this series. I have loved the characters and every book so far.
With that said I am going to give Spiraled a five out of five stars rating and a strong suggestion to read this series. You will not be disappointed if you enjoy romantic suspense.
May 28, 2015
Review originally posted at
Romantic suspense is my favorite genre and this series starring FBI agent Ava McLane and Oregon State Police Detective Mason Callahan is quickly becoming one of my favorite series in this genre! This book was unique because it really focused on the mental health of Ava in doing her job and being a victim of a crime. These are hard jobs and it made me like Mason even more with how understanding and patient he was throughout the book -- definitely helps to be dating someone in the same line of work! The action was suspenseful and the mystery was great -- I really enjoy the case solving aspect of these books.
I definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to start a great romantic series or for those who have already started this series -- you will not be disappointed with the latest installment!
Romantic suspense is my favorite genre and this series starring FBI agent Ava McLane and Oregon State Police Detective Mason Callahan is quickly becoming one of my favorite series in this genre! This book was unique because it really focused on the mental health of Ava in doing her job and being a victim of a crime. These are hard jobs and it made me like Mason even more with how understanding and patient he was throughout the book -- definitely helps to be dating someone in the same line of work! The action was suspenseful and the mystery was great -- I really enjoy the case solving aspect of these books.
I definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to start a great romantic series or for those who have already started this series -- you will not be disappointed with the latest installment!
He took her hand, and she felt a quiver shake his fingers. He slid the cold metal onto her finger and wrapped his hand around it, clenching it tightly. She looked up, his face close to hers. "Now I'm sorry I waited," he said. "If I'd known how f&*@$^! overjoyed I was going to feel at this moment, I would have done it last winter . . . "
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2015
This book opens with FBI Special Agent Ava McLane walking out of Yoga Class with a teenage girl when suddenly the girl is shot in the leg as a killer opens up in the Mall. Ava’s gun is in her car. She struggles to hide herself and the girls while attempting to monitor the kill and relay information to the 911 operator.
As the story progress it turns out there is an epidemic of mass shooting across Oregon. Ava’s boyfriend detective Mason Callahan is assigned to the case. Ava is on vacation but tags along with another FBI agent to help solve the case.
The author manages to keep the reader on the edge of the seat. The characters are interesting. Elliot writes a suspense packed story that at times is scary. The way the author works the story with the various police agencies collaborating is realistic. There is a big twist to the story so don’t think it is easy to solve. This is the first time I have read a book by Kendra Elliot, and I am impressed with her writing ability, I shall put her on my watch list to keep an eye on her writings.
I read this as an e-book downloaded to my Kindle app on my iPad. The book is 305 pages long and its release date was June 2, 2015.
As the story progress it turns out there is an epidemic of mass shooting across Oregon. Ava’s boyfriend detective Mason Callahan is assigned to the case. Ava is on vacation but tags along with another FBI agent to help solve the case.
The author manages to keep the reader on the edge of the seat. The characters are interesting. Elliot writes a suspense packed story that at times is scary. The way the author works the story with the various police agencies collaborating is realistic. There is a big twist to the story so don’t think it is easy to solve. This is the first time I have read a book by Kendra Elliot, and I am impressed with her writing ability, I shall put her on my watch list to keep an eye on her writings.
I read this as an e-book downloaded to my Kindle app on my iPad. The book is 305 pages long and its release date was June 2, 2015.
February 1, 2021
...3 stars
This is romantic suspense. The plot is ok - similar to the previous 2. Ava, while portrayed as a top notch, experienced FBI agent is a mass of insecurity and personal issues. In books 1 & 2, I thought she sounded more early 20s with the associated degree of immaturity for an experienced, professional FBI agent. She does mature in this one and is forced to face her upbringing, her twin (total opposites - twin is also a drug addict, etc.). Also, after being shot twice - 2 different cases - the FBI allows her to skate somewhat on the mental health debrief and treatment and return to duty because she will be bored recuperating? okay. So, she works through most of her issues and asks Mason, who obviously loves her, if he still wants to marry her. I'm sorry, I just need more to believe Ava is a strong woman who is well respected and experienced in law enforcement. I hesitate to rate lower because the story did keep me entertained.
This is romantic suspense. The plot is ok - similar to the previous 2. Ava, while portrayed as a top notch, experienced FBI agent is a mass of insecurity and personal issues. In books 1 & 2, I thought she sounded more early 20s with the associated degree of immaturity for an experienced, professional FBI agent. She does mature in this one and is forced to face her upbringing, her twin (total opposites - twin is also a drug addict, etc.). Also, after being shot twice - 2 different cases - the FBI allows her to skate somewhat on the mental health debrief and treatment and return to duty because she will be bored recuperating? okay. So, she works through most of her issues and asks Mason, who obviously loves her, if he still wants to marry her. I'm sorry, I just need more to believe Ava is a strong woman who is well respected and experienced in law enforcement. I hesitate to rate lower because the story did keep me entertained.
January 26, 2018
The previous book seemed to have a good thing going for it, so I expected to find more of the same in this installment. Sadly, that wasn't the case. It was a bit slow moving for me, probably because everything was so glaringly obvious about the case! The Jayne drama seemed manufactured to me, and that's coming from the experience of being caretaker of 2 mental health patients! Ava seemed so lost and (for lack of a better term) weak in this installment! She made for a very unsatisfying heroine in this book, and in fact began to remind me of Mercy Kilpatrick from the author's series of the same name. (See , etc., for more info.) I'll finish the series, but I'm not looking forward to doing so.
October 14, 2016
I had forgotten how much I like Kendra Elliot. Fast paced from the get-go, a killer is loose killing indiscriminately in malls and parks - or is he! Ava is an FBI agent and Mason is a Detective - Ava has an identical twin - in looks only - and we get a glimpse of the friction/turmoil that occurs between the two and the after effects.
Ava finds herself in the cross hairs, but is spared - why? Through their great investigative skills and some forensics Mason, Ava, and their colleagues start processing and weeding out the clues and suspects - in this case, the suspects are all dead, again why? What is the common factor - this I figured out very quickly, just not how.
A enjoyed this read and encourage others to start with the first of the series for character development and story continuity.
4.5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
Ava finds herself in the cross hairs, but is spared - why? Through their great investigative skills and some forensics Mason, Ava, and their colleagues start processing and weeding out the clues and suspects - in this case, the suspects are all dead, again why? What is the common factor - this I figured out very quickly, just not how.
A enjoyed this read and encourage others to start with the first of the series for character development and story continuity.
4.5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
October 28, 2016
Another good addition to Kendra Elliot's Mason Callahan line of Portland suspense novels. I liked this one less than the previous novels because of how much Jane affected Ava, and thus the story, right from the beginning. Ava seems to be becoming Jane as her twins health wanes, a scary thought. That's not what I want for Mason so I hope she gets it together or gets lost.
-skim reread only to keep the series order.
-skim reread only to keep the series order.
June 22, 2015
Great suspense.
Author Kendra Elliot writes great suspenseful stories, so far read five of her books and they all are very good. I did guess the who and why early in this book. All I wanted to read that strong woman Ava come out happy and healthy. Hope she'll survive her twin. Narration of Nick Podehl and Amy McFadden made listening this book a lot better.
Author Kendra Elliot writes great suspenseful stories, so far read five of her books and they all are very good. I did guess the who and why early in this book. All I wanted to read that strong woman Ava come out happy and healthy. Hope she'll survive her twin. Narration of Nick Podehl and Amy McFadden made listening this book a lot better.
November 28, 2023
Spiraled was another fantastic installment in the Callahan & McLane series with a plot centered around mass shootings.
FBI Special Agent Ava McLane is used to being the one to solve crimes not the one to witness them. When she's trapped in a mall without her weapon, she can only hide and pray for survival as a shooter picks off shoppers. But making it out of the mall is only the beginning as a string of mass shootings sweep across Oregon. The task force assembled to look into the shootings, which includes Ava’s boyfriend OSP detective Mason Callahan, has no leads and remains at a loss. With Ava's sister back in the picture, Ava is already on the verge of a breakdown and if this case isn't solved soon, Mason may not be able to pull her back from the edge.
Spiraled opens with the shooting Ava finds herself caught up in and the tension in those scenes is fantastic. The author does a great job keeping you guessing and I was on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how everything would turn out. Initially the shooting seems like an isolated incident and the investigation proceeds on that assumption. It doesn't take long though for it to become clear that this shooting is one in a string of mass shootings in the state. It was interesting watching Mason and the team work to find a connection between the cases and I liked that Ava was involved despite the fact she's supposed to be on vacation. I was surprised by what the connection between the shootings ended up being and the direction the plot went. The ending of the book is incredibly fast-paced with just the right amount of action and suspense to keep you guessing until the last page.
Mason and Ava's relationship has progressed quite a bit from where it was in Bridged. The two have purchased a house together and are in the process of renovating it when Spiraled starts. Their relationship has come a long way and I like how supportive the two are of each other. Unfortunately due to the situation with Ava's sister Jayne, Ava and Mason's relationship hits a few snags in this book. Ava has a hard time letting anyone else in and she believes as Jayne's twin that she should be the one dealing with Jayne's issues. Jayne pushes Ava pretty far in this book and I was concerned about how close Ava was to a breakdown. Eventually she lets Mason help and I was happy with where their relationship ended up by the end of the book.
Overall Spiraled was a great read and I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, Targeted, soon.
FBI Special Agent Ava McLane is used to being the one to solve crimes not the one to witness them. When she's trapped in a mall without her weapon, she can only hide and pray for survival as a shooter picks off shoppers. But making it out of the mall is only the beginning as a string of mass shootings sweep across Oregon. The task force assembled to look into the shootings, which includes Ava’s boyfriend OSP detective Mason Callahan, has no leads and remains at a loss. With Ava's sister back in the picture, Ava is already on the verge of a breakdown and if this case isn't solved soon, Mason may not be able to pull her back from the edge.
Spiraled opens with the shooting Ava finds herself caught up in and the tension in those scenes is fantastic. The author does a great job keeping you guessing and I was on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how everything would turn out. Initially the shooting seems like an isolated incident and the investigation proceeds on that assumption. It doesn't take long though for it to become clear that this shooting is one in a string of mass shootings in the state. It was interesting watching Mason and the team work to find a connection between the cases and I liked that Ava was involved despite the fact she's supposed to be on vacation. I was surprised by what the connection between the shootings ended up being and the direction the plot went. The ending of the book is incredibly fast-paced with just the right amount of action and suspense to keep you guessing until the last page.
Mason and Ava's relationship has progressed quite a bit from where it was in Bridged. The two have purchased a house together and are in the process of renovating it when Spiraled starts. Their relationship has come a long way and I like how supportive the two are of each other. Unfortunately due to the situation with Ava's sister Jayne, Ava and Mason's relationship hits a few snags in this book. Ava has a hard time letting anyone else in and she believes as Jayne's twin that she should be the one dealing with Jayne's issues. Jayne pushes Ava pretty far in this book and I was concerned about how close Ava was to a breakdown. Eventually she lets Mason help and I was happy with where their relationship ended up by the end of the book.
Overall Spiraled was a great read and I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, Targeted, soon.
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