If you've ever read an Irene Hannon book, then anything she writes is an automatic buy, so you're not even bothering to read reviews. If Ms. Hannon is a new author to you, you are in for a real treat. Her writing takes you into the scenes. You can see and feel what's happening. You'll experience the emotions right along with the characters. The suspense is incredible. Don't clinch your e-reader so hard! Plot twists?--Major league! Cate and Zeke were in love until he walked away. Do they have a shot at a second-chance romance ending differently?
I received a copy of Labyrinth of Lies from NetGalley and am sharing my opinion of this extremely well-written book.

Cate Reilly, a St. Louis County Detective, didn't want to work undercover again. But, a teenager attending a boarding school and her boyfriend have gone missing. Originally thought to be a runaway case, new information warrants further investigation. Cate agrees to go undercover as a student to see if she can learn the fate of the missing couple. Cate hasn't seen Zeke Sloan, the only man she has ever loved, in eight years and that was when he broke up with her. What were the chances that he, too, would be undercover on a different case at the same school? One might think slim or none, but there he is. It is imperative that they don't reveal that they know each other. This only one of many issues they have to deal with.
The author brings to readers a multilayered story. Well plotted, the narrative moves quickly. There is tension throughout, as well as surprises and the element of danger. The personal relationship between Cate and Zeke is complex and fragile. Will their professional life be impacted by their past? Exciting and engrossing, this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Cate Reilly loves her job as a St. Louis County detective, but she hates undercover work. When the Crimes Against Persons unit teams up with her boss to ask her to go undercover one more time, Cate knows she’ll refuse. Until she hears more about the case.

A prominent citizen’s daughter went missing from a pricey boarding school, and the department wants Cate to go undercover—as a student at Ivy Hill Academy. Cate agrees, knowing no one else on the force can pass for a teenager—and what could go wrong at a school?

When she arrives, Cate discovers the worst danger of all—the only man she’s ever loved has taken a job teaching Spanish at Ivy Hill. And Cate is in his class.

Zeke Sloan gave up the love of his life years ago to pursue a dangerous career with the DEA, but now they both appear to share an undercover assignment at the same school for different cases. Can their two agencies work together to untangle the mystery of the missing student and the drug ring operating nearby?

Will their collaboration rekindle their love or singe them with danger as they race to discover the mastermind behind the drug ring?

Why I Loved This Book

Hannon holds a master’s in suspense, and this book kept me guessing and turning pages late into the night. Readers who love a little romance in their suspense stories will love the interactions between Cate and Zeke.

If you’re a die-hard suspense fan, the plot twists and turns will satisfy your need for unique situations, red herrings, and nefarious characters working in the shadows. Fans of Colleen Coble, Kelly Irvin, and Lisa Harris will enjoy this book.

This was another solid romantic suspense from a tested and favourite author.

At first, I thought it was a bit unrealistic that a 33 year old can pass for a 17 year old, and it reminded me a bit of the movie, Never Been Kissed, but soon the characters and story pulled me in that I didn't really mind that fact.

The undercover plot was interesting and I enjoyed following the characters finding the clues and following the evidence. I did know who the ultimate man was as soon as Kaylee told Cate something in the middle of the book, but it did not keep me from enjoying how everything developed and was revealed.

The history between Zeke and Cate was deep with emotion and unsettled baggage. Zeke - I had a love - hate - love relationship with him as more facts were revealed, and enjoyed the second chance story they had.

Love the relationship the sisters has and all the appearances by Eve and Grace.

The book starts at a point before the epilogue of book 1, but I enjoyed that and how the epilogue brought both books together.

This can be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading it in order.

Labyrinth of Lies is the second book in the Triple Threat series. While the previous book was fantastic and I would highly recommend reading it as well, I did find that this one read just fine as a standalone as well.

Irene Hannon is one of my absolute favorites so I always know that whether it's one of her romance novels or suspense reads, I am always in for a treat... and this one absolutely did not disappoint! I enjoyed this concept of Cate and Zeke being undercover at an all girls' boarding school... and it certainly seemed like there were a whole lot of secrets to be uncovered while they were there. I enjoyed trying to figure out how it all went together and found the suspense aspect of this story to be done as masterfully as ever. Of course, I always love a good second chance romance as well... and this was such a good one! I enjoyed watching the chemistry between Cate and Zeke, and seeing them get their second chance at romance.

Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read and one that fans of romantic suspense are sure to enjoy! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!


**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Labyrinth of Lies reads as a standalone novel, focusing on Cate Reilly, a detective for St. Louis County PD and one of the three Reilly sisters featured in the Triple Threat series.

As the twists and turns of this novel unfolds, Hannon uses the undercover work of Cate Reilly and DEA Agent Zeke Sloan to converge two very different cases into one story. The setting of an all girls school was unique and the undercover aspect was entertaining.

I sincerely enjoyed Zeke Sloan. The moment he marched, uninvited, into Cate’s hotel room and confessed his past decisions’ motive and his regret, he immediately won me over. I liked the fact that he was assertive and yet willing to wait on Cate’s heart. He was the most enjoyable part of this story.

Cate’s character was less relatable and more closed-off, however, because of this Cate encountered the opportunity for soul searching and personal growth.

The romance portion of the story had one really great moment where the chemistry was sparking and I enjoyed that immensely. Alas, Cate’s emotional distance and the fact that the characters were working undercover, kept the romance throughout the rest of the story temperate at best.

For me, this story had just enough to entice me to finish it, but not enough to really love it...

There were predictable elements often encountered in a Hannon story - an independent female lead who’s career focused and not looking for love, a villainous mastermind, and several chapters offered from the villain’s POV. Personally, I’m not a fan of reading into the villain’s mind as it detracts from the suspense aspect for me. I would rather be surprised by his/her actions than know his/her thoughts. However, I know this isn't the case for all readers and is actually a hallmark of Hannon's novels.

The faith-based elements and emotional depth in this novel were surprisingly subtle. I expected much more than what came across to me as surface-level. Lastly, the intersect between Cate’s and Zeke’s cases was exciting at first, but didn’t come to the climax I was anticipating. As a result, the ending left a little to be desired.

Overall, this novel read at a great pace, kept me mildly entertained despite predictability and read as a mystery with a temperate intensity level/romance. I did love the fact that it is part of series that is focuses on strong female leads and that there were elements that supported women who did not need a man to come and save the day (*wink). I would recommend this story to readers who enjoy books by authors such as Elizabeth Goddard, Lynn Blackburn or Dani Pettrey.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon is another winner from one of Christian Fiction’s finest.

Book two in the Triple Threat series follows police detective Cate Reilly. Cate reluctantly agrees to go undercover as a student in a private boarding school. Her job – to try and find out what happened to two missing teenagers. Unfortunately, she runs right into the only man she ever loved. Zeke Sloan left Cate behind when he joined the DEA. Now, his role as an undercover operative and is workin this own case at the school. As their investigations begin to intertwine, long buried feelings resurface.

But this time, Cate is determined she won’t get her heart broken again, and Zeke vows to win her over.

ACTION AND EMOTION MAKE QUITE THE STORY

That’s quite the set up for sparks to fly. And true to the promise that the blurb makes to the reader, Hannon comes good with a mix of high octane action and emotional turmoil. I liked Cate a lot. She was dedicated, brave and wiling to put her dislike of undercover work to one side when two teens go missing. The plot gave her a real chance to shine and it was a lot of fun seeing Cate’s relationship with her sisters and their role in her life.

If I’m super picky, I was a little less keen on Zeke for a while, all because of one offhand remark. Otherwise, he’s also a strong character, willing to put everything on the line for what he believes in. Zeke works hard for justice and to earn Cate’s heart again. Their story certainly kept me engaged and reading way longer than I should have been.

Can’t wait for the third in the series.

Labyrinth of Lies
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Grab a copy or read an excerpt of Labyrinth of Lies…

Check out the first in the series here...

Labyrinth of Lies is aptly named. There were so many people with their own agendas that it was truly a web of deception.
It was clear from the beginning that Cate was a good detective who would do whatever it took to solve the case even going undercover which she disliked. I liked watching her interaction with Kayla but would have liked to see a snapshot of their relationship after the truth came out.

The chemistry between Cate and Zeke was tangible and Ms. Hannon did a good job showing their romance without making it appear inappropriate.

I figured out the bad guy a second before it was revealed as I was completely engrossed in the story. His reason for doing what he did was implausible but the author didn't try to justify it which made it believable.

The faith element was faint but readers will be reminded that God is everywhere. Even the most seemingly inconsequential thing could be evidence of His hand at work.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley and the Revell Reads program; a positive review was not required.

Police detective, Cate Reilly never wanted to work undercover again. Not after the last case. But, when she was asked to go undercover as a teenager (she was the only one on the force who could pass for a teen), she agreed. A student at an exclusive all girls' boarding school has disappeared, along with her boyfriend. There is suspicion that the missing teens could be connected to something at the school.
Imagine Cate's dismay when she saw the new Spanish teacher, who was really her boyfriend from eight years ago. She had thought they were forever, and then he left her. What is he doing here?
Zeke is there working undercover, as well. He was as surprised to see Cate as she was to see him. He is there working a different case. Drugs being smuggled on the property is a possibility. Are the two cases somehow related? Cate and Zeke must pretend they've never met, or both cases could blow up in their faces.
This story has great characters, lots of action, and romance. I did not figure out who the 'bad guy' was for a very long time.
The disappointment for me was that the book is labeled Christian fiction, but not much Christ in this story.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Great book. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. The action and suspense were a good mix
and didn't overpower the story.

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon is the second novel in the Triple Threat series. Cate has to go undercover in an all girls boarding school. One of the girls and her boyfriend went missing so Cate is trying to find out what happened.

She is shocked to see her ex boyfriend who left her to work undercover for the DEA. He is posing as a teacher at the school. He is working a drug ring and trying to find the leader. I loved their Spanish tutoring sessions.

In addition to the mystery, Irene creates a cast of characters that you come to love.


I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

This is a very interesting book of suspense and intrigue that has lost of twist and turns. It will keep you guessing until the very last chapter. Hannon is a great mystery writer and I love all her books. This one deals with a missing teenager, drug dealers and undercover agents, Cate Reilly and Zeke Sloan. They are on different assignments, yet one and the same. There is much danger and suspense within the pages. I enjoyed the budding romance between Cate and Zeke, her former love interest. I will admit it was very hard to guess who the kingpin drug dealer was. So much excitement, wondering who and why?….. Thanks to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing an advanced review copy of the book via NetGalley. A positive review was definitely not required or requested in any way; all words are my own

When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath the veneer of polish and wealth, things are not as they seem at Ivy Hill Academy. But the biggest surprise of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly. But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

My review: Cate is a women 33 years old. She was tapped to go undercover at an all girls school to pose at a 17 year old teenager. Her task is to find out all she can about a teen girl who disappeared from the school. Cate didn't want to go undercover again. But she was persuaded to go because she was the only one who could pass for a teenager. She was told it would be an easy assignment. Wrong. She gets there and almost immediately runs into an old boyfriend who left her for an undercover assignment with the DEA. She's never recovered from the heart break. The deeper she digs the more dangerous this assignment becomes. She finds out that the teens disappearance is connected to Zeke's undercover job at the school. The ending was surprising as I never guessed who the culprit was.

I recommend this book to all mystery readers. I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This is the second in a series featuring three sisters but read very well on its own. It is a novel for readers who like more about characters and their thoughts than they do suspenseful actions. This is a romantic suspense with the emphasis on the romance. I found it interesting that the characters in this novel, Cate and Zeke, seemed to think it was more important to restore affections than concentrate on the investigative task before them. I prefer police and federal agents keeping their emotions in check until the case is finished.

Hannon's writing style includes lots of character ruminating in the midst of work. Characters think about what they might do and why, many times, and then think about it all again after the fact. Cate and Zeke have a history of hurt so there is much they need to work through to renew romance. But work on it they do.

There is a mystery involved and there is a good dose of suspense near the end. Those seem to take a back seat, however, to a potential romance. I like to learn something about a topic or issue when I read fiction but I did not find anything of that nature in this novel. This is definitely a romantic suspense for readers who like the romance more than the suspense.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

It's been a while since I've read Irene Hannon's romantic suspense and I'm so glad that I was able to read this one. I've missed the fast-paced plot with unexpected twists and turns and riveting suspense that the author brings to every book she writes. The premise is somewhat unique as a seasoned detective goes undercover as a teenager at an exclusive boarding school and a veteran DEA agent goes undercover at the same school as a substitute Spanish teacher. As the investigation into the disappearance of a student intersects with an investigation into a drug ring, Cate and Zeke are thrown together in impossible situations and they may just find a second chance at love if they can stay alive to solve their cases. Cate and Zeke are likable characters but their romance was a bit underwhelming. I did enjoy getting glimpses into the perpetrators' thoughts and actions but the mastermind behind the crimes was a total surprise and the identity cleverly disguised until the end.

I received the book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

A fabulous romantic suspense by Irene Hannon, her best yet!!!

After the disappearance of a young girl attending an exclusive boarding school and some shady drug dealings in the area, Detective Cate Reilly is asked to go undercover. As she gets to the school and does some digging, she discovers that not everything is as it seems from the outside at the prestigious Ivy Hill Academy. What she never dreamed of is that the one man she fell in love with and broke her heart years ago is also undercover at the school. Zeke Sloan is working for the DEA to uncover the source of a drug ring close to the school. The second he sees Cate his heart stops, he never forgot the woman who stole his heart, and this is the last place he expected to run into her. Together, they work to solve their two cases that become more intertwined as the investigation heats up.

I have read a lot of Irene Hannon books over the years, but I have to say this is going to take the top spot out of all her books for me. The premise hooked me right away. I loved the idea of a female detective that is always mistaken for someone much younger than they are and able to use that to their advantage to go undercover like this. Right away, I was able to connect with Cate and everything she was trying to do. I believed in her mission and her ability to pull it off, I was invested! Zeke took me a little longer to connect with, not much though, his feelings for Cate jumped off the page at me and made me want to see them together. It was difficult to identify the villain and I was pleasantly surprised with how it all played out in the end.

With romantic suspense I usually have a pretty good idea how it is all going to play out, which can cause me to lose my interest partway through, but with this book, I was invested and had trouble putting it down. By far this is my favorite Irene Hannon book and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next! I recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense, even though it is the second in a series you don’t have to read the first to enjoy this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Cate is a detective, and her superior asked her to go undercover to Ivy Hill private girls high school to see if she can discover any information regarding the disappearance of one of the students. Because she is extremely young looking, she will pass herself off as one of the students. To her surprise, a DEA officer she had been in a relationship is posing as one of the high school teachers. Will their differing cases become intertwined?

I have been a long time fan of Irene Hannon and have enjoyed her books. The premise of this one was different and intriguing as many suspects seemed to weave themselves into the storyline. Also the discovery of who the head of the drug ring totally blew me away.

But I had a major problem with the writing. There were many instances where there was no transition from one paragraph to the next and suddenly two different characters were having a conversation that had no connection to the previous paragraph. Every time this happened, I lost the flow of the story. I am surprised that this wasn't caught by an editor.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Undercover police work is dangerous. You have to be alert at all times. You can never let your guard down. Your life was at stake. Cate knew the consequences of taking on this assignment. But she wasn't prepared of the risks and complications of working with Zeke.

It's an interesting story with two criminal cases to be solved. Was there a connection?

Cate and Zeke had a history. Was there a future? Would Cate allow Zeke another chance?

It was sure was an exciting read. A page turner. I couldn't put it down.

I received this complimentary ebook to review from Revell Reads.



Deuteronomy 31:6



Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon is a fantastic read for suspense fans. It hits all of the marks for me: undercover police, Mexican drug cartel, DEA agents, plot twists, action, drama, danger, and an over-the-top-intense ending. Cate Reilly goes undercover in a boarding school to find out what happened to a missing teenager. But, DEA agent and Cate’s former boyfriend, Zeke Sloan, also goes undercover. Imagine the tension when they both meet undercover. They decide to work together to close both cases.

I really liked the suspense elements in this story. You’ve got the drug dealers, Cate posing as an undercover student, Zeke trying to hide his feelings for Cate as they contend with their contentious break up, and the mystery of the missing girl. I really like that Hannon writes from various points of view, including several of the potential villains, so readers get total immersion in the story as they try to figure out who the culprits are.

Definitely move this up your TBR list. It’s book two in the Triple Threat series, but you can read as a standalone.

Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)

Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A great suspense read that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat to see what happens next!
I love love Hannon's books no matter what series she writes! I'm a big fan forever!
I enjoyed guessing who it might be right up until the end! It wasn't who I thought it was at first!
Lots of twists and turns everywhere that will make your head spin for sure!
Some great romance added in to make it even more awesome!
I loved all the characters in this book and I learned a few things that Hannon describes in this realistic book.
Hannon is such a talented writer and I love how she pulls off this story.
I will be adding this to my favorite 2021 book list.
5 stars! And my thanks for this wonderful story!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.