Code of Courage

by Janice Cantore

Detective Danni Grace has never met a police officer who wants to face a scenario where pulling the trigger on another person is the only option. When the worst does occur and there's a police-involved shooting, it leads to riots and calls to disband the entire police force in La Rosa, Danni's hometown.

After fifteen years on the force, Danni has had enough. Injured in the line of duty when a protester throws a chunk of concrete at her and shaken by the vitriol being shown to the police, Danni realizes for the first time that she's lost her passion for the job.

While she's on a leave of absence, though, a community activist in La Rosa is shot and a fellow officer is blamed for his murder. Taking on this case means stepping back into a job Danni's not sure she can do anymore . . . and working closely with her ex-husband, Gabriel Fox, an investigator for the city prosecutor's office. Danni will need to tap into her code of courage to uncover the truth, prevent another injustice, and uphold her oath to serve and protect.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Christian, Suspense, Romance, Contemporary

432 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 2022

About the author

A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her first series of novels is the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards in books Accused, Abducted and Avenged. Janice also authored the Brinna’s Heart series, which includes Critical Pursuit and Visable Threat. Her latest series is the Line of Duty series, featuring Crisis Shot, Lethal Target and the soon to be released Cold Aim www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists. Danni Grace begins to question if she wants to continue serving as a police officer. Her ex-husband Gabe leaves the police department to work for the prosecutor's office and finds himself fully involved in a cold case. Well done suspense novel.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting adventure with topics timely to the state of policing in America today. Faith themes are obvious & realistic. I enjoyed it!

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Why should she continue to put her life on the line for such an ungrateful public?'

I have enjoyed every book by Janice Cantore I've read. She knows her stuff. As a retired police officer, she writes very convincingly of police and crime matters. This time around, she deals with a city that has leadership that decides the police are no longer necessary. Rioting and property damage are the normal happenings and the police are suspended or relieved of their duties when trying to solve crimes.

Police officer Danni Grace and investigator Gabriel Fox, once man and wife, are trying to do their jobs in spite of this upheaval in the community and the subsequent directives from the mayor and city prosecutor's office for the police to virtually stand down. These folks think citizens should just watch out for crime and most of these citizens are rioters and protestors. It was a bit scary reading of what was happening here in this city.

Then a cold case comes to light that has Gabe wondering if this could be related. He and Danni didn't make a go of their marriage, but both are now having second thoughts. She has always depended on her faith and he has never depended on faith. But things are ramping up and about to change for both of them.

I'll be honest: I didn't know how Cantore was going to bring this book to a satisfying conclusion given her subject matter. I was captivated throughout the reading and eager to see the ending, just to see how this would all play out. But Cantore did a masterful job! She continued to layer the story nearly each chapter and I was completely hooked. This was a totally satisfying read. Well done!

My thanks to Tyndale House for a copy of this book via the Net Galley platform. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Code of Courage" is a Christian suspense novel. The police officers working in Danni's city become demoralized when not only the police protesters are against them but the mayor blames the police for any violence and the city prosecutor refuses to charge any of the protesters even when they've clearly broken the law. They're pushing to get rid of the police department. Then a call for help turns out to be a set-up and a police officer is accused of shooting the lead protestor even though the evidence points to another killer. Worse, the detectives are prevented from investigating properly.

Gabe is pulled from investigating the shooting to work cold cases, but he finds one case that may get at the root of the current troubles. Danni is disillusioned and frustrated, but no one else is willing to go against the powers that be to clear the cop and uncover who's instigating the protests and violence. The true killer doesn't want the truth out and is willing to kill cops, which kept the suspense high throughout the story.

Danni felt angry at and abandoned by God. She still believed but "walked away" from her relationship with God. Her mother helped her to see the need to start praying and seeking guidance from God again. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this engaging, suspenseful story.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about a police force that faces civil unrest, riots and limitations on their authority after police officers shoot and kill someone in the line of duty. The media twists things to paint law enforcement out to be the bad guys.

Some of this book felt a bit heavy in the beginning because of how it reflects current events now. Definitely action packed. There was only one scene that felt gory. I’ve definitely never yelled, “Oh my gosh!”, so much, listening to a book.

The author switched between using the first and last name of characters throughout the book, sometimes in the same sentence. That felt a bit confusing at first and I don’t think I’ve experienced that in a book and didn’t care for it.

There was light romance and a light faith based thread in there. The ending wasn’t what I expected, but I was happy with it! Audio narrator was one of the better ones so if you’re looking for audiobooks, this is one to put on your TBR.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code of Courage by Janice Cantore is a phenomenal read. Just wow. The storyline could be taken from the headlines of the last several years. The riots, protests and trying to defund the police. Cantore with her first hand knowledge of police work wrote a story that humanizes the story.

Admittedly my review may be biased because I have been a huge fan on Cantore and have read all her books. And my father and father in law were both police officers. So yes, I wanted to shout, FINALLY someone tells their story.

Cantore does not preach at us regarding religion or the role of police officers. Instead she creates an enthralling story of a police officer trying to decide does she still want to do the job with all of the political mess and public outcry. At the same time she is grappling with her faith and why she stepped away from God when her father died. Her ex husband is trying to understand if God exists.

In addition to all of that, Cantore creates a suspenseful mystery that kept me glued to the pages and a sprinkle of romance to lighten some of the tougher subjects. I finished the book in less than 24 hours.

My only concern is that not enough people will read this book.

Sexual content - 1 kissing
Violence 2.5 - riots, shootings, arson, murder

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.

[Debra Slonek · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I began reading this book, I was immediately drawn into the storyline, almost becoming one of the residents of La Rosa, California. Getting to know and appreciate the police force was fascinating for me. I felt their anger, doubts and frustrations along with their compassion, hope and courage.

When power and politics collide, trouble brews. There were hotspots of corruption, violence and uncontrolled unrest in the town of La Rosa. Tensions were high and the suspense was palpable.

I really enjoyed Danni and Gabe’s journey. It was realistically and thoughtfully portrayed. I found myself rooting for them throughout the whole book.

Themes of being introduced to faith and returning to faith were well integrated into the storyline. I found them to be very encouraging.

I loved the role that Frank Grace played in this story. Even though he had passed away, he still had an important role to play. He had impacted many lives by loving well and mentoring with heart, skill and experience. His circle of influence continued, even after death. What a legacy!

I highly recommend this very timely read! It will be available on 7/19/2022.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndall House Publishers.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts out with a bang as a mob becomes unruly and the police try to keep the peace and hold their ground. Danni Grace thinks, “Why was every person in uniform now being painted as a killer?” She had been on the force for fifteen years and never fired her gun.”

She continues, “We are fighting two wars here: the one on the street with the rioters and the one behind the scenes with the politicians.”

Janice Cantore writes an adrenaline filled, action packed story, with on-the-job drama and a mystery to solve. This author brings the story to life through her experience as a police officer on the force for twenty-two years. Her insight into what happens behind the scenes of police work on the beat is heartbreaking. I liked the authors law enforcement perspective, as the story unfolds with its complex characters and life-threatening situations.

I was glued to this thought-provoking story, with a natural spiritual thread I enjoyed. This book is a standalone story you don’t want to miss, it’s also one that would work great for your next book club meeting.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a digital copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

[Milena Bookish❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐I believe those who love clean Christian mysteries with a bit of romance will love this book.

Is an exciting romantic thriller with plenty of twists and surprises, that takes place in a town that has been taken over by rioters I mean "Protesters". Both the mayor and the city prosecutor have sided with the rioters against the police.

Danni and her ex-husband Gabe, who is an investigator for the police department, start working together on solving the crime problems in their city as well as resolving the problems of their past.

Code of courage is a powerful and inspiring Christian law enforcement mystery book. OVERALL, She brings out excellent points throughout the book while keeping them a natural part of the story taking on the current woke reactions to no police force in our community.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code of Courage by Janice Cantore could take place in any city today. This book has suspense, but it’s really about the minds and hearts of law enforcement who truly have a desire to serve and protect people.

As a previous police office, Cantore’s knowledge of police procedure is well-documented in this book. She also gives readers a healthy dose of personal lives in Danni and Gabe—including their regrets, challenges, and disappointments.

From the opening pages, you know that this book is going to be intense. Cantore doesn’t play down the violence but doesn’t go into graphic detail as she effortly weaves together Danni’s current investigation with Gabe’s cold case.

I always enjoy reading Cantore’s books, and Code of Courage is another winner.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Behind the blue line look into what it feels like when the world goes mad and turns upside down. Love the focus on Jesus and the peace and strength only available through Him.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a thrilling adventure that feels torn from the frontpage. Detective Danni Grace is shaken after an anti-police riot, and now she must investigate a case involving known anti-police activist. Every step closer is thwarted by commands from farther up the ladder, as co-workers are suspended and framed. Can Danni and Gabe get to the bottom of the case before more people get hurt?

A engaging and compelling read, though it could be uncomfortable for readers who are looking for and escape from the real world. I found this book so hard to put down, and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I thought that this book did a good job of showing the good and the bad of policing, while balancing relationship building, suspense, and a mystery that kept me engaged and guessing.

Overall, this was a well written read with compelling characters. I liked the strong themes of faith, justice, and second chances, especially seeing Gabe and Danni reconnect. A heart pounding suspense, that I thoroughly enjoyed.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code of Courage
By Janice Cantore

Detective Danni Grace has given fifteen years of her life to being the best police officer she can be. But everything changed in an instant when a misleading video goes viral - riots in LA County have spilled over into neighboring La Rosa, and Danni gets caught in the violence targetting the local police.

After sustaining an injury that could have been deadly, Danni is rethinking her life. Why should she continue to serve and protect the very people who are now attacking her physically, verbally, and emotionally? Could she just walk away from who she was and reinvent herself in a distant paradise?

But soon, Danni finds herself drawn into a murder case - is a young officer she trained responsible for the death of a community activist? Or is the La Rosa Police Department the victim of a well-planned setup? To get the answers that will determine not only her fate but that of every officer in the department, Danni will have to do the one thing she never thought she'd do. She'll have to reach out to her ex-husband and work with him to determine what is happening and discover who is ready to destroy her hometown.

Code of Courage could be ripped from the headlines with this storyline. How do you handle unrest that threatens the lives and possessions of everyday citizens, all in the name of allowing citizens to have a voice with no consequences? Will politics allow protestors to go unchecked as they riot, loot, and stir up general discontent, all while throwing any and all consequences out the window? When is enough, enough? This is an interesting read as one gets into the mind of a police officer dealing with the new fraught atmosphere that is the world we now find ourselves living in or at least observing through the eye of the media. I personally don't know how I'd react to such hate and vitriol being directed at me just for doing my job. I know from experience in my own job that angry people can be scary, and I have never faced a group of angry people. So yeah, good book but also an unsettling one. Where do you stand? is what you'll come away with after reading this newest offering from Janice Cantore.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Protesters left the station to block the road just outside the fire station, wouldn't let them through. Officers had to physically remove them. Thankfully a sergeant on the scene had the courage to order the removal."

For the past few years, a new call has come out to "defund the police." As someone who lives near a small Midwest city, I do not understand why that would ever be a request. This book made a plausible situation as to why a community would want that to happen. But this book also demonstrates how hard we (especially community leaders) are making it for law enforcement to do their jobs.

The scenes in this book frustrated me at times. The irrationality of politicians and lies told in the press sounded a bit too true and definitely matched today's headlines. I am so glad that I read this book because it showed me a situation that could be reality if law abiding citizens do not speak up.

Mainly this book is about law enforcement. But there is a small bit of romance. Faith is also important. How can we trust God when justice is not served? How can we be courageous when others are chanting against us? Because the author was a former law enforcement author, I feel like this was the perfect book for her to write. The plot rang true.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code of Courage very well could have been ripped right from the headlines in recent years. From the very start we are drawn into the story at the scene of a mob with no love for the police. Told from a perspective of those in law enforcement, it added a very real and human element to the story. I think the author's experience working in the police force certainly was evident and made the story all that much better. While admittedly, I don't always like stories that are too close to real life happenings in the world as reading tends to be my escape, but this one was done so well that I couldn't help but enjoy the story. It kept me at the edge of my seat, with plenty of twists and surprises to keep me guessing. Two crimes were weaved together effortlessly, and made for a wonderfully layered and intriguing story! Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent read from a favorite author. She stays right in line with current events and the "defund the police" movement and how it might cause havoc in our towns and cities. Danni is a committed police officer who is involved in a riot and hit on the head with a chunk of concrete. She takes a leave of absence and ponders her future in law enforcement. But when a fellow officer is involved in a shooting and wrongfully treated, she feels like she needs to do everything she can to help. Which, of course, includes working with her ex husband Gabe. A hard-to-put-down read, combined with a web of a mystery, I didn't quite figure out how it all spun together until the very end. Very much enjoyed!

[Laura Hamby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janice Cantore always keeps my adrenaline up when I read her books! Having been on the police force for 22 years you can count on authenticity. In this book she bravely tackles the issues prevalent today of disrespect of police men, women and the departments in general. She brings out excellent points throughout the book while keeping them a natural part of the story. Our main characters, Danni and Gabe are at a place where faith affects their life choices.
I was blessed to receive an early copy free in exchange for reviewing and promoting this book. That has in no way affected my opinions. Once you read this you will want to go back and read her other work.

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I ever read by Janice Cantore, and I will definitely read more.

I loved the faith content in this story as well as the love story between the main characters. They had a rocky road together, but they trusted God to help them through it. I loved the action in this story and the pace was really well done. It's kind of scary though, as I see these situations in real life happening (riots, hating police and criminals getting away with everything.) and I think the Lord wanted Janice to write this book to share an important story.

*thank you to #netgalley for a copy of this book to ready and honestly review.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Defund the police, autonomous zones, riots, liberal politicians... Code of Courage by Janice Cantore tells a story similar to the headlines of 2020 but from the viewpoint of law enforcement.

I liked the themes of redemption and reconciliation, just not the yucky feelings and memories the book dredged up.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know when I started this book that it was Christian fiction, but I'm glad it was. While some parts felt cheesy/preachy, I needed this story. Like the protagonist at the beginning, I've been feeling mixed emotions regarding my job and wondering where God wants me. It took me a few weeks to finish the book because I got distracted with other things, but like the protagonist at the end, I've grown a lot in my understanding, and I'm looking forward to the future.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code of Courage is a modern day Christian fiction story by Janice Cantore. This story is so well written and realistic. It felt more like reading the newspaper than reading fiction. This story grabbed my attention right away and held it to the very end. I enjoyed how Gaber was so quick to get to the hospital when Danni was injured. Despite being divorced, it was easy to see, they still had feeling for each other. I really enjoyed this story. It contains suspense, mystery and romance.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Kym Gamble · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself was pretty good. Good cop story. The narrator was so bad it took away from the book.

[Stella Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting police action. Two great main characters, Gabe Fox and Dani Grace are faced with a force of community riots and a move to disband the police in their hometown. Full of unpredictable suspense and action this one will keep you turning pages long into the night.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new-to-me author and it was clear that the author has extensive knowledge of what it means to be a police officer.

The struggles of the police force performing their duties after negative media news and politics intruding was greatly portrayed in this story.

The action and suspense was intriguing and a twists and turns surprising which keeps the reader invested.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Danni Grace loves being a cop in La Rosa, CA, near LA. When rioting gets out of hand, Danni is injured and while she is recovering she seriously considers going into another line of work. When she returns, the city is still boiling. Her ex-husband, Gabriel Fox, is working as an investigator for the City Prosecutor. As things get sticky, they start working together on solving the crime problems in their city as well as resolving the problems in their past.

I love Janice Cantore's books. She has a good grasp on how policework goes, as well as a good grasp on personal faith in every day life.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I have more insight in to the world of the police and how peoples words affect them. To go through all the emotions that Danni goes through was a true rollercoaster.




Thank you @NetGalley, @Tyndalehouse , and @JaniceCantore for this advance read
#CodeofCourage #NetGalley#BookTwitter

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always had a healthy fear level and respect for police as a child, that respect has only increased in my adult years. When I saw this book available for review, I knew I had to get a copy. It starts out slow and really sad for a few chapters, but once Danni's story really began, it had my full attention.

The politics described in the plot is scary accurate and tangibly frustrating, I believe it's ten times worse in real life. There is also violence and danger in almost every chapter, but nothing gory. As a sensitive reader, the author appropriately details what detectives and street cops endure with respect and determination. I didn't connect with the story as much as I hoped, but I cheered Danni on the whole time.

Faith is also frustrating in this story, but described accurately. Danni is truly seeking answers at the beginning and they are not revealed easily, but in the midst of her doing her day she DOES get the answer she desperately needs. I completely relate to that part of the story and seeking God where your calling in life truly is, not just a paycheck or stepping stone. I was amazed how passionate Danni was about her job on the force and loved her for it.

Cantore brilliantly weaves in an old case that connects to current chaotic circumstances, I just wish I had loved the story more than I did. My heart continues to support police everywhere and for that reason, loved the chance to review this one. I don't know how much one book can help police communities with all our society has become recently, but if this book can help even slightly then it's enough.

I received a free copy via the publisher on NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code of Courage by Janice Cantore is a story that is ripped from the cities that have gone "woke's" headlines. No police. Cantore has taken a viewpoint of a cop who has their hand-tied behind their backs because of "woke' politics. The story is realistic with the internal hurts and betrayal by those who should be backing the police, not forcing them to stay away from internal investigations. The plot does show the incapilities and worsening of society when the police force is not allowed to control and protect the citizens. This is a wonderful novel to give to anyone who says the police force should not be in place. On the other hand, there is a little romance, but it is from Danni and her ex-husband as they struggle with was their divorce the correct thing to do a couple of years ago. Cantore does include a faith struggle for Gabe, her ex-husband, as he tries to come to terms with why Danni's father claimed the faith as his own. Overall, Code of Courage was an interesting take on the current 'woke' reactions to no police force in our community. With enough details to keep any reader flipping through the pages.

I received a complimentary copy of Code of Courage by Janice Cantore from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Kelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Negative -5. This is garbage.

Christian suspense- it is not. This is far right propaganda. Ick.

I couldn't even make it past the 1st hour.

[Kelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5/5 Stars**

While I have only read one other Janice Cantore book, I enjoyed it because of its accuracy. Code of Courage is no exception. The novel is complicated without being confusing. It keeps readers connected to its mysteries until the conclusion. The romance is subtle and sweet, not displayed on billboards or painted on posters. I loved so much about Code of Courage by Janice Cantore in part because of its realism. But that also means the emotions were real—for both myself and the author. Emotionally charging a book, in my opinion, can either hinder or help you. With Code of Courage, I honestly do not know which way the scales tip.

I am conflicted about how best to review Cantore’s newest novel. It kept me engaged, and I liked Danni, Gabe, and all the supporting characters. I do not know if Code of Courage will have a sequel, but I would like it to. I do not want to leave Danni and Gabe’s story in my “Completed” stack. Cantore pulls in Christianity in an understated manner and demonstrates it is never too late to find Christ. To come back to Him if you have wandered. When I finished the novel, I had no unanswered questions. Cantore dotted her I’s and crossed her T’s.

But…Code of Courage by Janice Cantore could be perceived as being political in nature. Maybe “political” is not the right word, but most everything about this novel screams “anger.” Anger at the public for not supporting the police. Anger at the perceived lack of government support. Anger at corruption in the media. As a former police officer herself, there is little doubt where Cantore stands, and she puts everything into Code of Courage. I have problems when authors hit me over the head with their personal or political views, whether I agree with them or not. Some of Cantore’s newest novel discomforted me, because it was so…negative.

I do not doubt that corruption exists, in some capacity, nor I do not doubt the existence of “bad” cops and “good” cops. Some work for the good of their communities, others abuse their powers. The media is not always apolitical. Personally, I aim to keep an open mind and form my own opinions—and I keep most of those views to myself. Not because I won’t talk about them but because I don’t want to fuel the flames of controversy that exist in today’s society. Before I discuss anything at length, I desire to know all I can.

Code of Courage by Janice Cantore is rather one-sided, in favor of law enforcement. I think there is much to be said for a book portraying our current time’s high tensions from a police department’s side. That is not something the public often sees or tries to understand. Though I really liked and enjoyed the overall story in Code of Courage, I cannot recommend it as highly as I might have otherwise. At least, I cannot do so without giving a strong warning of caution.

*Note: I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All views expressed are my own.