The Catch: A Novella

Written by Mick Herron

Narrated by Gerard Doyle

British spy master Mick Herron returns with an explosive novella set in the same world as his multiple CWA Dagger–winning Slough House series

John Bachelor is the saddest kind of spy: not a joe in the field, not even a desk jockey, but a milkman—a part-time pension administrator whose main job is to check in on aging retired spies. Late in his career and having lost his wife, his house, and his savings after a series of unlucky
choices, John’s been living in a dead man’s London apartment, hoping the bureaucracy isn’t going to catch up with him and leave him homeless. But keeping a secret among spies is a fool’s errand, and now John has made himself eminently blackmailable.

“Suspense, spycraft, dry wit and vulgar humor are all well-deployed in this satisfying work by Mr. Herron, whose style can accommodate everything from a tough action scene to a lyrical elegy.”—The Wall Street Journal

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980085805

Reviews for The Catch

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wow! This is the conclusion of the US Marshals series and it's a fantastic way to wrap it up. Who killed her husband has been a question that's haunted Madison James in the first two books, so will she finally learn the answer? Yes, but it doesn't come easily, because finding it involves a lot of twists, turns, and danger that seems never-ending.I couldn't imagine how author Lisa Harris would choose to end her series and The Catch certainly didn't disappoint. The non-stop action, tantalizing suspense, and developing romance between Madison and Jonas Quinn make it a must-read, and there's also an inspiring faith element woven into the plot. The Catch is romantic Christian suspense at its best!I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Catch is the third book in the U S Marshals series by Lisa Harris. This story contains the same wonderful characters as the previous stories, and it references events from the previous stories, so it is best to read this series in order. This is a well written, fast paced story that has many twists and turns and is filled with action and suspense.I enjoyed the friendship and devotion between Madison and Jonas and the strong family ties Madison has. This story focuses on the relationships a judge has and how it affects those he cares about. This story has multiple crime investigations happening at the same time, which made it hard to put the book down.I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book through the Revell Reads Blogger Program. This is my honest review.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Catch (U.S. Marshals #3)Author: Lisa HarrisPages: 352Year: 2022Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.What an exceptional ending to the U.S. Marshals series, or is it? The story of U.S. Deputy Marshal Madison James and Jonas Quinn starts with the first book of the series titled, The Escape, followed by The Chase. Now, in The Catch, audiences will read the exciting revelation of who killed Madison’s husband Luke so many years ago. Audiences don’t have to read the first two books in the series to enjoy the novel though there are some exciting events that happen with the two main characters as the author puts enough background in this book to catch up anyone who has missed out.The Catch is filled with twists and turns in the continuous action as Madison and Jonas provide protection to victims of a multitude of crimes, as well as try to locate a missing woman with the child she was watching. Throughout the book, it seems like Madison and Jonas never get time alone to discuss if their friendship is becoming more for either of them. On top of that, Madison is still working through her grief of losing her husband and finding his killer.I enjoyed the various secondary characters like Piper who is bright and locates information for the two marshals sometimes before they even make a request. The other characters that have interesting, developing stories are Becca and Ava and their friendship of a sort. Trust seems to be an issue for both but wait till you read why these two women are very careful with who they give information to!I enjoy reading Lisa Harris’ novels that blend faith, romance, and suspense into well-crafted tales. The only issue I ever had with the series is waiting a year between the release of each book. For avid readers such as I, it isn’t hard to forget the nuances of a story when so much time elapses between installments. However, I cannot wait to see what Lisa pens next for us to enjoy. So, grab the book and enjoy a time of adventurous romance!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[karensiddall · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Catch is the exciting and oh-so-satisfying conclusion to author Lisa Harris’s US Marshals series.When the judge set to preside over the arraignment of the dangerous drug lord Maxim Cervantes receives threats to his life if he doesn’t rule the right way, the US Marshals Service, including partners Madison James and Jonas Quinn, are sent to protect the officers of the court. No sooner are they on-site when masked and armed men attack the courthouse. Madison and Jonas get the judge safely out of harm’s way, but Cervantes’ men are able to free their boss and escape. Reporting back to their Seattle headquarters, the two partners are quickly dispatched to the judge’s home, where he’d arrived to find his wife murdered. Believing this is linked to the morning’s attack, they coordinate with the detective assigned to the case, but they soon discover that the shooter they’re looking for is a young woman - the judge’s mistress and mother of his infant son. To make matters worse, when Madison and Jonas track Becca Lambert down, they learn that baby Easton and his sitter, Becca’s trusted friend, Ava, have gone missing, and all indications are that they have been kidnapped! Madison and Jonas must pull out all the stops trying to find Easton and Ava before it’s too late. This third book of the US Marshals trilogy kept me glued to its pages as federal marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn search for a missing baby and sitter. The story reveals the truth about the murder of Madison’s husband five years earlier, the series’ major plotline. But will the resolution release the main character from her single-minded mission and allow her to find peace and a new life with Jonas?I particularly liked Harris’s choice to feature the US Marshal Service in this series. Growing up, a friend of my parents was a marshal, and I always enjoyed his stories and company. And, other than movies like The Fugitive, this law enforcement branch seems infrequently used in the mystery genre, except for minor, minor roles. Of course, that thought sent me down a rabbit hole of research looking for other main role books!Another aspect I enjoyed was that the action traversed the Pacific Northwest. Readers are treated to the area’s broad variety of settings, including the vibrant city of Seattle, forestland, mountains, wilderness, the coast, its water and beaches. The changing venues energized an already exciting story that, once it started, never let up. There was so much unseen danger constantly looming over the characters, not only the two marshals but the missing woman and baby Easton.The story also incorporated what looked like a simple mistake of communication between two federal agencies. This lapse led to unexpected collateral consequences that truthfully had me wondering how law enforcement can possibly coordinate all the things they do in reality. In this instance in the book, it seemed like their hands would have been tied no matter what.But The Catch is not just a mystery. The book beautifully weaves together a puzzling mystery, heart-thumping suspense as well as a second chance romance. The emerging feelings between Madison and Jonas and their circumstances were heart-aching and, at all times, clean and honest. The series targets the Christian fiction market, and this author’s ability to deftly reveal her characters’ faith-filled lives and thoughts felt natural and genuine. The story warrants a broader audience, and readers who think they are not Christian fiction readers should definitely try this one.I recommend THE CATCH to fans of the first two books in the trilogy and readers who enjoy exciting, suspense-filled mysteries with a clean and poignant underlying romance.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life/Lone Star Book Blog Tours.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lisa Harris finished off her US Marshals series with a bang. I am rating The Catch five stars for the intensity with which it kept me glued to the edge of my seat. This book has numerous plot twists within its three interwoven investigative storylines. Lisa Harris is a gifted suspense writer who creates characters with a depth of character and faith. Her plots are original and realistic. While The Catch would work well as a stand-alone read, it will be enjoyed even more by those who read the series in order. I am recommending this series to my husband, as I believe he will enjoy the level of action included. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Catch from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[starbritejan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love Lisa Harris's books! This book is one of romance and suspense. It is an action-filled story that keeps you on the edge of your seat! A 5-star review

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Usually with a suspense series, we meet a different couple with each book. However, with this series, we have been able to get to know Madison and James better with each book as we follow them in multiple different stories. I have really enjoyed this because I feel like I’ve gotten to know them better with each novel and have really liked reading about their growth and their relationship. I do recommend reading the books in order for this reason! This third novel has nonstop action and suspense, both for the story arc in this third novel but also for the overall story of Madison’s past. I loved the unexpected twists and turns! Through all the action, there are clear spiritual truths intertwined in the storyline. I really enjoyed this final book in the series and highly recommend it!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

‘At some point, she’s going to have to trust someone.’Wow! What an incredible ending to the US Marshals series. There are so many twists and turns you begin to wonder if the threads will ever get unraveled. Kidnapping, murder, witness protection and more will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finally reach the conclusion. Dealing with the pain of loss, Madison is still trying to solve the 5 year mystery of her husband’s murder. Can she possibly learn to trust enough to move on, even if it never gets solved? WITSEC was supposed to protect Ava, so who is the leak that puts her in the crosshairs and forces her to distrust anyone who wants to help?An ARC was received through LibraryThing, Revell and Baker Publishing Group. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[melissa_o-399736 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a thrilling conclusion to the US Marshals series by Lisa Harris! The Catch finally answers the question we have been waiting for 3 books now. In a surprising ending, all is finally revealed about who was responsible for killing Madison’s husband and hurting her. One aspect I have really appreciated about this series is we get two suspense storylines in each book. One case is solved in each of the three books and then there has been the continuing storyline I already mentioned. I really enjoyed the case in this book involving a missing baby and a young woman and the race to find them. I was hooked from the beginning and had to keep turning those pages until the end.Thank you to Library Thing, author, and publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There is nothing better than a book filled with suspense, action and surprises. This story definitely checks all those boxes. I loved how the author grabs your attention right away with intense scenes and characters that are easy to follow. Now I can tell you all about the book but that can easily be read by the synopsis. I want to focus on a few things. I enjoyed that there were two stories going on at the same time which tied nicely together. It always amazes me how an author’s imagination works and how creative they can be. I adored Madison and immediately understood how much trauma she has endured in her life. Grieving is a slow process and she is having a hard time trying to get through each day. Her job does help her focus on other things and I loved how fiercely committed she is to her work. Danger seems to follow her and just when I thought her story was coming to a close, the author drops an unexpected twist. There are a few other characters in the book that are worth mentioning . Jonas is working closely with Madison to keep a woman safe who has been trying to keep a low profile. Her identity will have a domino affect on several people. Let’s not forget about a judge who finds himself in a big mess with only one way out which includes murder. Well there you have it. A book that has the makings of a great movie which I would pay to see. The author uses faith in the story which directs characters to trust Him to keep them safe. I am pleased with the ending and am looking forward to the next book written by this author. I received a copy of this book from the Librarything Early Reader Program. The review is my own opinion.

[tcjrogers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In The Catch, Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are teamed up again in search of a woman and baby who have been kidnapped. The two Marshals are reunited after Jonas returns from training hoping to have some time to figure out where their feeling for each other lie, but they are thrown right into a desperate search for a woman and a child. The situation becomes more dire when they find out that the amber alert issued for the child, which included a picture of the woman, also alerted others searching for the woman, and if they find her first, they’ll kill her to keep her from testifying against an elusive crime boss. The Catch is the third book in the US Marshals series after The Escape and The Chase. As with the first two books, I think the author does a good job of building the characters of Madison and Jonas. They’re both likable characters that you want to root for and their chemistry is great. They both have back stories of loss that have prevented them from moving forward together. In this third book, Jonas is ready, but Madison is still looking for closure since the murder of her husband more than five years prior, so I was glad to see that story line continue to move forward. The story of this third book took some unexpected turns. When it started out with the attack at the courthouse, I thought it would be following that route, but it went a different direction that I wasn’t expecting. It was an exciting story that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. And as always, I appreciate that the author writes clean romance. Over all, I really enjoyed reading The Catch. *I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Now this is the third book in this series, but this can be read alone, and you won't be lost, but the others are also great reads!This is the continuing story of Madison James and Jonas Quinn, and their jobs as U.S. Marshalls, along with a budding romance, if Madison will allow!There are several plots going on here, along with the hope of finally finding whom is attacking Madison, and who killed her husband Luke, but even when answers come and we still have so much action going on, and sometimes things are not what they seem. Be prepared for more!This is Christian Suspense at its finest!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[kaykwilts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Catch is the third and final book of the US Marshals series. There are actually three storylines in this third and final book of the US Marshal series. Starts out when a judge's wife is murdered and his out-out-wedlock child goes missing with the babysitter. All evidence points to his mistress murdering his wife. The second story involves the babysitter on the run with the baby. She is running from someone but who? The third story is the one mystery that has been since book 1 and that is the story of the murder of Madison's husband Luke. I figured out who the real murderer was in the judge's wife murder. That was pretty obvious. The stories in this last book kept me turning the pages.Thanks for LibraryThing and the publisher for providing me a ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[prairiegirl1986 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First off, thank you to LibraryThing and Revell for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book.I love suspense novels and this one did not disappoint! There were twists and turns and moments that I didn't see coming. The characters were believable and you quickly became engaged in their stories. I liked the romance element throughout the book. I also felt like the author did a good job with the subject of loss and how grief doesn't just disappear. It may lessen over time but always stays with you. And dealing with losing someone to murder adds a whole other element to the grieving process. And I really liked that it kept me on the edge of my toes wanting to know what would happen next. It was an excellent and well written book and I will definitely be reading more of her books!

[kimpotter-309059 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Catch by Lisa Harris is the third book in her US Marshals series. When an attempt to kill a judge at the courthouse is foiled, Deputy US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are given the task of finding a woman and an endangered child in connection with the murder of the judge’s wife. This fast-paced story will keep you guessing until the spell-binding end. Madison and Jonas finally solve the murder of Madison’s husband in this finale. Great suspense from a great author!I received this book from LibraryThing for my honest review.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Admittedly the third book in the series, this was my first book by this author. That being said, I had no trouble following the storyline. Action packed, this clean thriller follows Madison as she deals with a flurry of cases. She's just received word that they may have finally apprehended her husband's killer, years after the fact. She is trying to process that when a trial goes bad and there is an attempted kidnapping of a judge. While protecting him they discover that his wife has been murdered and it might be by the judge's mistress. On top of that, the baby he and his mistress had together, is missing along with the babysitter - when will things end?! Fast paced, the plot sounds complicated, but quickly straightens itself out. Many characters prove redeemable, while others are bad through and through. The Catch is a clean, inspirational thriller about learning to trust others, but to most importantly place trust in God.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wow! This is quite the page turner. There was so much going on and I couldn't stop reading. Madison and Jonas are easy to connect with, the plot is intense, and I love the pacing. I've read one other book by Ms. Harris and I really like her writing style and sense of suspense. I'd definitely choose to read her books again in the future.Thank you to LibraryThing's Early Reviewers for my complimentary copy.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received an ARC through LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.

I suspected as I neared the end that this was the conclusion to the series because many arcs are resolved and that seems to be confirmed by the blurb. In fact, a quote that kept coming to mind was "Oh, what a tangled web we weave . . ."

One plot involves the judge (presiding over an important trial), his wife, and his mistress. A second plot involves the mistress's friend who just happens to be babysitting the child of the mistress and judge. A third plot involves the resolution of who killed Madison's husband and shot Madison. 

It's also good that we see Madison struggling with moving on: facing her fear that someone else she cares deeply about could be hurt because of her, being able to use her life experience to counsel others, realizing that loving Jonas now doesn't mean she loved Luke any less, etc. 

There are a few typesetting and typographical errors in the ARC that I hope are corrected before the final publication. They are minor, easy fixes and didn't spoil my enjoyment of the ARC and didn't factor in to my rating.