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Alice Vega #2
The Janes
The electric follow-up to Louisa Luna’s acclaimed thriller Two Girls Down, featuring private investigators Alice Vega and Max Caplan.
On the outskirts of San Diego, the bodies of two young women are discovered. They have no names, no IDs, and no family looking for them. Fearing the possibility of a human trafficking ring, the police and FBI reach out to Alice Vega, a private investigator known for finding the missing, for help in finding out who the Janes were—and finding the others who are missing.
Alice Vega is a powerful woman whose determination is matched only by her intellect, and, along with her partner Cap, she will stop at nothing to find the Janes before it is too late.
Louisa Luna is writing new classics of crime fiction, and her partnership of Vega and Cap is rightfully joining the pantheon of the most memorable in crime fiction.
On the outskirts of San Diego, the bodies of two young women are discovered. They have no names, no IDs, and no family looking for them. Fearing the possibility of a human trafficking ring, the police and FBI reach out to Alice Vega, a private investigator known for finding the missing, for help in finding out who the Janes were—and finding the others who are missing.
Alice Vega is a powerful woman whose determination is matched only by her intellect, and, along with her partner Cap, she will stop at nothing to find the Janes before it is too late.
Louisa Luna is writing new classics of crime fiction, and her partnership of Vega and Cap is rightfully joining the pantheon of the most memorable in crime fiction.
353 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2020
About the author
Louisa Luna
8 books1,061 followersLouisa Luna is the author of the novels Brave New Girl, Crooked, and Serious As A Heart Attack. She was born and raised in the city of San Francisco and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter.
https://www.instagram.com/louisalunaw...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 794 reviews
June 19, 2020
OMG! One of my favorite controversial, entertaining, smart couple is back! I’m not making my happy dance for celebration! I already hired Shakira and JLo perform for me before their Super Bowl Halftime show! I’m just clapping my hands and sipping my Chablis.
Yes, they are really back! I’m talking about one of the unique investigators Alice Vega, positions herself in the handstand every morning to think more clearly, doesn’t bother to get stoned during her interrogation, kicking asses of the dangerous villains. And of course ex-cop, now a private investigator, sarcastic, flexible, definitely likable, fitter ( who lost several pounds for the sequel, now he is more charming!) Mac “Cap” Caplan is back to help her to conduct their new mysterious investigation.
I’m so excited to see this duo and in my opinion I can happily read at least ten series of sequels to follow their upcoming adventures because the characters are complex, layered, flawed but so realistic, honest and easy to relate and truly love.
I only cut my one point this time because their new adventure’s story is well developed regular crime story and as I compare this one with the first book “Two Girls Down”, I found it a little solid, slow-burn paced, nothing surprising or shaking like the first book’s plot did to me. But I have to admit characters push you involve into story and hooks you from the beginning so you cannot stop reading even the book is a little longer because you want more pieces and more layers to peel from them , learn more about their pasts, their regular life routines.
And I have to admit I love Max and her daughter’s way of communication, friendly, honest and caring dialogues which are the most heartwarming parts of the story.
So the main theme of the story is “Sex Trafficking” that our couple needed to save all those Janes and fight against the dangerous organization. But they are all alone out there and their position seems like they have a real death wish.
Before climbing into their exciting, riveting, captivating journey, I suggest you to read the first book because you may connect so much better with the characters if you know their back stories and you won’t have to keep in the dark about the references the characters talk about from the first book’s events.
As I say before as long as Louisa Luna writes more books including my favorite duo (Vega-Caplan) I will keep so delightfully, excitedly devouring them.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday to share this fantastic thriller with me in exchange my honest review and enlighten my day!
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Yes, they are really back! I’m talking about one of the unique investigators Alice Vega, positions herself in the handstand every morning to think more clearly, doesn’t bother to get stoned during her interrogation, kicking asses of the dangerous villains. And of course ex-cop, now a private investigator, sarcastic, flexible, definitely likable, fitter ( who lost several pounds for the sequel, now he is more charming!) Mac “Cap” Caplan is back to help her to conduct their new mysterious investigation.
I’m so excited to see this duo and in my opinion I can happily read at least ten series of sequels to follow their upcoming adventures because the characters are complex, layered, flawed but so realistic, honest and easy to relate and truly love.
I only cut my one point this time because their new adventure’s story is well developed regular crime story and as I compare this one with the first book “Two Girls Down”, I found it a little solid, slow-burn paced, nothing surprising or shaking like the first book’s plot did to me. But I have to admit characters push you involve into story and hooks you from the beginning so you cannot stop reading even the book is a little longer because you want more pieces and more layers to peel from them , learn more about their pasts, their regular life routines.
And I have to admit I love Max and her daughter’s way of communication, friendly, honest and caring dialogues which are the most heartwarming parts of the story.
So the main theme of the story is “Sex Trafficking” that our couple needed to save all those Janes and fight against the dangerous organization. But they are all alone out there and their position seems like they have a real death wish.
Before climbing into their exciting, riveting, captivating journey, I suggest you to read the first book because you may connect so much better with the characters if you know their back stories and you won’t have to keep in the dark about the references the characters talk about from the first book’s events.
As I say before as long as Louisa Luna writes more books including my favorite duo (Vega-Caplan) I will keep so delightfully, excitedly devouring them.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday to share this fantastic thriller with me in exchange my honest review and enlighten my day!
blog
May 25, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
At the conclusion to the missing Brandt girls case covered in Two Girls Down, Alice Vega, reputable people-finder, returns home to California, leaving Max Caplan behind.
They both return to their regular lives. Alice being Alice, certifiable badass, and Cap being the lovable, occasionally bumbling, father to teenage daughter, Nell.
Soon enough however, a new case is presented to Alice and it's no surprise, she calls on dear ole' Caplan to help her out.
This time, he joins her on the West Coast to investigate the death of two Jane Does and their possible connection to a human trafficking ring.
With their street smarts and unending energy, Vega and Cap have quickly become one of my favorite investigative duos.
The underlying sexual tension is a bonus that is hard to resist.
Although a slow burn, for crime thriller classicists, this story packs a solid punch.
The steadfastness with which Vega tackles each investigation is oddly inspiring and Cap's dedication to her is lovely to read. They really are perfectly matched.
This case, set in San Diego, tackles real life issue of human trafficking, as well as sexual slavery and abused minors. Please note, if these are topics could be triggering for you proceed with caution.
The good news is, Vega and Cap are on the case and they never let up, whether it is against notable criminals, or corruption among their own ranks.
I'm not sure how much longer Luna plans to write this dynamic duo together, but I sure hope it is for a long, long time. I know I will continue to pick them up.
As a matter of fact, I am ready for the next one already.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Doubleday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I appreciate the opportunity and really look forward to solving another case with Vega and Cap!
At the conclusion to the missing Brandt girls case covered in Two Girls Down, Alice Vega, reputable people-finder, returns home to California, leaving Max Caplan behind.
They both return to their regular lives. Alice being Alice, certifiable badass, and Cap being the lovable, occasionally bumbling, father to teenage daughter, Nell.
Soon enough however, a new case is presented to Alice and it's no surprise, she calls on dear ole' Caplan to help her out.
This time, he joins her on the West Coast to investigate the death of two Jane Does and their possible connection to a human trafficking ring.
With their street smarts and unending energy, Vega and Cap have quickly become one of my favorite investigative duos.
The underlying sexual tension is a bonus that is hard to resist.
Although a slow burn, for crime thriller classicists, this story packs a solid punch.
The steadfastness with which Vega tackles each investigation is oddly inspiring and Cap's dedication to her is lovely to read. They really are perfectly matched.
This case, set in San Diego, tackles real life issue of human trafficking, as well as sexual slavery and abused minors. Please note, if these are topics could be triggering for you proceed with caution.
The good news is, Vega and Cap are on the case and they never let up, whether it is against notable criminals, or corruption among their own ranks.
I'm not sure how much longer Luna plans to write this dynamic duo together, but I sure hope it is for a long, long time. I know I will continue to pick them up.
As a matter of fact, I am ready for the next one already.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Doubleday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I appreciate the opportunity and really look forward to solving another case with Vega and Cap!
November 17, 2019
3.5 stars
Alice Vega and her partner, Max "Cap” Caplan, are back (so is the Bastard, btw)! I LOVED the first book in this series Two Girls Down and was so excited to see what Louisa Luna had up her sleeve next for this duo.
The police and FBI reach out to Alice Vega when two bodies of teenage girls are discovered outside of San Diego. The young women are believed to be the victims of a sex trafficking ring. Alice Vega, a private investigator, is known for finding missing people and she is asked to determine the identity of the teens and the people responsible for their deaths. Cap is a retired police officer who now does private investigator work.
I found this book to be well written and captivating. Although, this one did not blow me away as much as the first book in the series, this was still a solid installment. Vega remains a mystery and she and Cap still have their dynamic. Both know the other and what the other is thinking which helps when they get in dangerous situations. Vegas is a tough chick who gives nothing away and Cap is still likable and entertaining.
This book would most likely work very well as a stand-alone novel but I highly recommend reading Two Girls Down first as it is fantastic and it does show Vega and Cap working together to solve another case. Plus, there is some character development here and some references to the case they solved from the first book. I look forward to the next book in the series and hopefully we get some insight into Vega’s past and get to see more chemistry between Vega and Cap.
**Sex Trafficking of underage girls is one of the themes in this book but thankfully there are no graphic scenes.
Who knew private detective work could be so dangerous!
Well written, thought provoking and captivating.
Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Alice Vega and her partner, Max "Cap” Caplan, are back (so is the Bastard, btw)! I LOVED the first book in this series Two Girls Down and was so excited to see what Louisa Luna had up her sleeve next for this duo.
The police and FBI reach out to Alice Vega when two bodies of teenage girls are discovered outside of San Diego. The young women are believed to be the victims of a sex trafficking ring. Alice Vega, a private investigator, is known for finding missing people and she is asked to determine the identity of the teens and the people responsible for their deaths. Cap is a retired police officer who now does private investigator work.
I found this book to be well written and captivating. Although, this one did not blow me away as much as the first book in the series, this was still a solid installment. Vega remains a mystery and she and Cap still have their dynamic. Both know the other and what the other is thinking which helps when they get in dangerous situations. Vegas is a tough chick who gives nothing away and Cap is still likable and entertaining.
This book would most likely work very well as a stand-alone novel but I highly recommend reading Two Girls Down first as it is fantastic and it does show Vega and Cap working together to solve another case. Plus, there is some character development here and some references to the case they solved from the first book. I look forward to the next book in the series and hopefully we get some insight into Vega’s past and get to see more chemistry between Vega and Cap.
**Sex Trafficking of underage girls is one of the themes in this book but thankfully there are no graphic scenes.
Who knew private detective work could be so dangerous!
Well written, thought provoking and captivating.
Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2020
This is book 2 of the Alice Vega series.
The bodies of two young girls have just been discovered. The police are quick to realize their deaths are most likely related. One of the girls is holding a small piece of paper with Alice Vega’s name scribbled on it.
Alice is a no-holds-barred private investigator that knows no boundaries! She will do whatever it takes to solve a crime. Occasionally, Alice works alongside or at odds with the local law enforcement. Doesn’t matter either way to her. But when she does work with the cops she insists on bringing in her good friend Cap - now retired from the police force.
Can Alice put the clues together to solve the mystery behind the two Janes before another girls’ life is taken?
I loved book one in this series, Two Girls Down. The chemistry between Alice and Cap was positively simmering. Unfortunately it was completely lacking here in the follow up. Did the sparks fizzle out? Come on! I wanted more heat from my leading characters.
Hopefully by book three....Alice and Cap will rekindle the fire!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for an ARC to read and review
The bodies of two young girls have just been discovered. The police are quick to realize their deaths are most likely related. One of the girls is holding a small piece of paper with Alice Vega’s name scribbled on it.
Alice is a no-holds-barred private investigator that knows no boundaries! She will do whatever it takes to solve a crime. Occasionally, Alice works alongside or at odds with the local law enforcement. Doesn’t matter either way to her. But when she does work with the cops she insists on bringing in her good friend Cap - now retired from the police force.
Can Alice put the clues together to solve the mystery behind the two Janes before another girls’ life is taken?
I loved book one in this series, Two Girls Down. The chemistry between Alice and Cap was positively simmering. Unfortunately it was completely lacking here in the follow up. Did the sparks fizzle out? Come on! I wanted more heat from my leading characters.
Hopefully by book three....Alice and Cap will rekindle the fire!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for an ARC to read and review
February 2, 2020
3.5 Two young girls bodies are found. The police call in the kick ass Alive Vega to help identify the killers. She, of course, calls in Cap, who assisted her in the first of series. In that one there was definitely an attraction developing between the two and I enjoyed watching them become even closer.
These are both great, well! developed characters, and a well developed plot. Of course, as in many of these type of stories some belief needs to be suspended in certain sections. The first half of the book centers on their police work, beginning investigation. The second half accelerates and it is a wild ride to the finish. Conspiracy theories abound, but it is the strength of the women that I found most welcome.
I did like the authors first book a bit more, but Alice and Cap will keep me returning for more.
ARC from Edelweiss.
These are both great, well! developed characters, and a well developed plot. Of course, as in many of these type of stories some belief needs to be suspended in certain sections. The first half of the book centers on their police work, beginning investigation. The second half accelerates and it is a wild ride to the finish. Conspiracy theories abound, but it is the strength of the women that I found most welcome.
I did like the authors first book a bit more, but Alice and Cap will keep me returning for more.
ARC from Edelweiss.
May 3, 2020
3.5 stars
Vega and Cap are back! Two unidentified Latina teenage girls are found dead, the nameless “Janes” that no one seems to be looking for. However, there is a piece of evidence that links them , which also suggests that they are part of a sex trafficking ring, and more girls are in danger. A race is on to solve the case and find the other girls before they too are found dead, dumped like trash on the side of the road.
PI Jane Vega is called in to help with the case and she once again teams up with ex-cop Max Caplan to work the case. The themes of sex trafficking, illegal immigration, and drug cartels are at the forefront of this crime thriller/procedural. Although this isn’t anything new or fresh, the dynamic between Vega and Cap really makes this story shine. Vega is a brilliant, mysterious badass and Cap is just as talented, but in a more good-natured, capable way. The subtle humor and the growing attraction between Vega and Cap adds even more interest to this couple. I also really enjoy the dynamics between Cap and his daughter, Nell, and I hope to see more of her again in book #3.
As they work the case, they begin to slowly uncover the ugly truth. The first half of the story is a slow burn with the tension and suspense ramping up at the 50% mark. Some disbelief may need to be suspended but it didn’t detract from the story. I liked the first book in the series, Two Girls Down, a bit better, but this one is solid and can work as a standalone.
I really love that this author features intelligent, capable women. I’m looking forward to book #3.
*I received a digital copy of this book via Edelweiss for review. All opinions are my own
* This was a buddy read with my friend, Marialyce, and one we both enjoyed. Our duo review please visit https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...
Vega and Cap are back! Two unidentified Latina teenage girls are found dead, the nameless “Janes” that no one seems to be looking for. However, there is a piece of evidence that links them , which also suggests that they are part of a sex trafficking ring, and more girls are in danger. A race is on to solve the case and find the other girls before they too are found dead, dumped like trash on the side of the road.
PI Jane Vega is called in to help with the case and she once again teams up with ex-cop Max Caplan to work the case. The themes of sex trafficking, illegal immigration, and drug cartels are at the forefront of this crime thriller/procedural. Although this isn’t anything new or fresh, the dynamic between Vega and Cap really makes this story shine. Vega is a brilliant, mysterious badass and Cap is just as talented, but in a more good-natured, capable way. The subtle humor and the growing attraction between Vega and Cap adds even more interest to this couple. I also really enjoy the dynamics between Cap and his daughter, Nell, and I hope to see more of her again in book #3.
As they work the case, they begin to slowly uncover the ugly truth. The first half of the story is a slow burn with the tension and suspense ramping up at the 50% mark. Some disbelief may need to be suspended but it didn’t detract from the story. I liked the first book in the series, Two Girls Down, a bit better, but this one is solid and can work as a standalone.
I really love that this author features intelligent, capable women. I’m looking forward to book #3.
*I received a digital copy of this book via Edelweiss for review. All opinions are my own
* This was a buddy read with my friend, Marialyce, and one we both enjoyed. Our duo review please visit https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...
December 19, 2019
Two Girls Down grabbed me from the beginning so I was excited to see Luna’s second in the series. Alice Vega seems a little calmer this go around. And Cap is just happy to have a chance to work with her again.
Alice is brought in to help the police after two unidentified dead girls are found. It would appear they’re the victims of a human trafficking ring. It’s also possible the women were undocumented.
Alice is not the warm cuddly type. In fact, she’s a real hard a**. Even though she’s been hired by the police, she’s not one to work hand in hand, especially when she feels like they’re keeping things from her.
The book moves at a fast clip and there’s a nice sense of tension and suspense throughout. It builds to a great ending. Luna makes some valid points about immigration issues in the country.
This isn’t a believable book but it is enjoyable.
My thanks to netgalley and Doubleday for an advance copy of this book.
Alice is brought in to help the police after two unidentified dead girls are found. It would appear they’re the victims of a human trafficking ring. It’s also possible the women were undocumented.
Alice is not the warm cuddly type. In fact, she’s a real hard a**. Even though she’s been hired by the police, she’s not one to work hand in hand, especially when she feels like they’re keeping things from her.
The book moves at a fast clip and there’s a nice sense of tension and suspense throughout. It builds to a great ending. Luna makes some valid points about immigration issues in the country.
This isn’t a believable book but it is enjoyable.
My thanks to netgalley and Doubleday for an advance copy of this book.
April 11, 2020
3 Stars
Vega and Cap are back! This time to help uncover a sex trafficking ring.
Vega, a PI, is brought onto the case as a consultant by the SDPD, when two girls are found dead. Needing a partner, she brings on Cap. Ther investigation into the girls’ murders takes on a very dangerous turn for both, yet that doesn’t stop them from doing what they know is right. Not when it’s clear that other’s lives are on the line and every second counts.
“The Janes” is a follow up to Louisa Luna’s “Two Girls Down” which also featured Cap and Vega. Admittedly I liked that novel a lot more and felt like that held more “magic.” For me, this novel went on way too long and left me wanting.
Another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Random House - Doubleday and Louisa Luna for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 4.11.20.
Vega and Cap are back! This time to help uncover a sex trafficking ring.
Vega, a PI, is brought onto the case as a consultant by the SDPD, when two girls are found dead. Needing a partner, she brings on Cap. Ther investigation into the girls’ murders takes on a very dangerous turn for both, yet that doesn’t stop them from doing what they know is right. Not when it’s clear that other’s lives are on the line and every second counts.
“The Janes” is a follow up to Louisa Luna’s “Two Girls Down” which also featured Cap and Vega. Admittedly I liked that novel a lot more and felt like that held more “magic.” For me, this novel went on way too long and left me wanting.
Another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Random House - Doubleday and Louisa Luna for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 4.11.20.
September 20, 2021
"All they were missing were open-plain twangs and cowboy hats to tip in her direction. You sit tight now, little lady."
This ain't no little lady. Hardly that. It's Alice Vega come callin'. And she's means business once again in The Janes.
Vega gets a call from the FBI. Rolando Otero to be exact. She's not necessarily onboard with the way this case has been set up. Cash under the table. A sizable amount since Vega has a reputation of finding the unfindable. Vega insists on bringing in her partner, Max Caplan. Max or no deal.... Deal.
Vega and Max find themselves being buzzed in at the County Medical Examiner's office in San Diego. Mia Paiva meets them at the door. Two under-aged Latinas have been brought in with no ID or no set of definite circumstances. Vega suspects they were victims in a sex-trafficking ring. She knows that these young girls were not alone and they'll soon be others. Vega is totally shocked when Mia reveals what was in the clenched hand of one of the Janes. Vega's name was written on a small slip of paper. It's now become personal for Vega.
Louisa Luna takes on a timely topic of young women being coerced after crossing the boarder. False promises dangled and easy money that never arrives. Luna has worked a certain chemistry between Vega and Cap as she did in the previous book, Two Girls Down. In The Janes, Cap uses his bloodhound skills gleaned from his previous police background. Vega has honed her body and her mind into the ready. She's also got a tech genius called The Bastard who comes through with some pretty amazing things.
The Janes gets down to the real right out of the gate in the first pages. Luna has done the footwork to bring this duo's fine-tuned, no nonsense skills to the surface in truly believable ways. Get ready for the unexpected. The dialogue is snappy and the storyline moves at a rapid pace. Bravo, Louisa Luna. So well done. Can't wait for what's down the road for Vega and Cap in the next one.
This ain't no little lady. Hardly that. It's Alice Vega come callin'. And she's means business once again in The Janes.
Vega gets a call from the FBI. Rolando Otero to be exact. She's not necessarily onboard with the way this case has been set up. Cash under the table. A sizable amount since Vega has a reputation of finding the unfindable. Vega insists on bringing in her partner, Max Caplan. Max or no deal.... Deal.
Vega and Max find themselves being buzzed in at the County Medical Examiner's office in San Diego. Mia Paiva meets them at the door. Two under-aged Latinas have been brought in with no ID or no set of definite circumstances. Vega suspects they were victims in a sex-trafficking ring. She knows that these young girls were not alone and they'll soon be others. Vega is totally shocked when Mia reveals what was in the clenched hand of one of the Janes. Vega's name was written on a small slip of paper. It's now become personal for Vega.
Louisa Luna takes on a timely topic of young women being coerced after crossing the boarder. False promises dangled and easy money that never arrives. Luna has worked a certain chemistry between Vega and Cap as she did in the previous book, Two Girls Down. In The Janes, Cap uses his bloodhound skills gleaned from his previous police background. Vega has honed her body and her mind into the ready. She's also got a tech genius called The Bastard who comes through with some pretty amazing things.
The Janes gets down to the real right out of the gate in the first pages. Luna has done the footwork to bring this duo's fine-tuned, no nonsense skills to the surface in truly believable ways. Get ready for the unexpected. The dialogue is snappy and the storyline moves at a rapid pace. Bravo, Louisa Luna. So well done. Can't wait for what's down the road for Vega and Cap in the next one.
November 18, 2021
After enjoying the author’s first Alice Vega book I was keen to read this second instalment so when I saw the library had the ebook I jumped at the chance.
This one is much more action packed and we are in the thick of it right from the start. The San Diego Police Department asks Vega to help find the killer of two Jane Does, both young girls 12-14 years old. The police are stretched and Vega is known to get things done. Vega agrees if she can bring in Max Caplan (Cap) a former police officer turned PI, whom she worked with in the previous book Two Girls Down.
They start at the morgue. The pathologist, Mia Paiva, shows them identical IUDs she removed from the girls. The serial numbers are very close, only 5 numbers between them, suggesting there are at least 5 more girls with these IUDs and it’s looking like a sex trafficking operation. They are so very young. Vega and Cap vow to find all the girls and rescue them. As they are not real police they have more latitude and Vega calls often on her ‘pet’ hacker referred to only as The Bastard who is a whiz at ferreting out information about anyone. When you finally meet the Bastard you will smile.
Vega has an unusual style which relies heavily on her gut and she soon has them chasing down leads. The chase involves Mexican drug cartels, crooked doctors, evil minders and some crooked law enforcement. The DEA is also involved in the case as - Mexican drug cartels! They soon get into trouble and while Cap is no slouch, Vega is like a one woman wrecking ball. Even though it is a bit violent, she only attacks the bad guys, of which there are many and those bits were actually quite fun.
I can’t remember much about the first book and this one doesn’t give much away about Vega’s motivation but I think she is driven by a strong sense of justice and I think something bad happened to her in the past and now she is fighting back. Cap is a much more predictable character. He is divorced (aren’t they all?) but dotes on his 17 going on 30 daughter, Nell whom is very close to. I wondered how they would get out of some of the pickles they got into and I have a new appreciation for the 24 inch heavy duty bolt cutters that Vega keeps in her trunk - an unusual but very effective weapon!
This one is much more action packed and we are in the thick of it right from the start. The San Diego Police Department asks Vega to help find the killer of two Jane Does, both young girls 12-14 years old. The police are stretched and Vega is known to get things done. Vega agrees if she can bring in Max Caplan (Cap) a former police officer turned PI, whom she worked with in the previous book Two Girls Down.
They start at the morgue. The pathologist, Mia Paiva, shows them identical IUDs she removed from the girls. The serial numbers are very close, only 5 numbers between them, suggesting there are at least 5 more girls with these IUDs and it’s looking like a sex trafficking operation. They are so very young. Vega and Cap vow to find all the girls and rescue them. As they are not real police they have more latitude and Vega calls often on her ‘pet’ hacker referred to only as The Bastard who is a whiz at ferreting out information about anyone. When you finally meet the Bastard you will smile.
Vega has an unusual style which relies heavily on her gut and she soon has them chasing down leads. The chase involves Mexican drug cartels, crooked doctors, evil minders and some crooked law enforcement. The DEA is also involved in the case as - Mexican drug cartels! They soon get into trouble and while Cap is no slouch, Vega is like a one woman wrecking ball. Even though it is a bit violent, she only attacks the bad guys, of which there are many and those bits were actually quite fun.
I can’t remember much about the first book and this one doesn’t give much away about Vega’s motivation but I think she is driven by a strong sense of justice and I think something bad happened to her in the past and now she is fighting back. Cap is a much more predictable character. He is divorced (aren’t they all?) but dotes on his 17 going on 30 daughter, Nell whom is very close to. I wondered how they would get out of some of the pickles they got into and I have a new appreciation for the 24 inch heavy duty bolt cutters that Vega keeps in her trunk - an unusual but very effective weapon!
February 21, 2020
3.5 stars
Alice Vega (Vega) and Max Caplan (Cap) are brought together again in the second installment of the Alice Vega book series. The two are assigned to a case as private investigators, who become involved in searching for the killers of these two girls, labeled The Janes.
Tragically, no one seems to care that these young teenagers ever lived. They are throwaway girls having no identification. Will they become just two other nameless bodies in a morgue destined to be buried in a grave without even knowing who they were?
Vega and Cap are convinced that what is playing out before their eyes, is a case of human sex trafficking. As they investigate further, nefarious actions are played out and their suspicions become reality. These girls and others that have both preceded and followed them, have no recourse as they are bartered and sold into a vile and depraved sex trafficking market. Their lives are considered useless, their bodies are considered to be the fodder for illicit sex. Can Vega and Cap be the catalyst that shuts down some part of this heinous trade of human flesh?
Determined to see that no other young girls are subjected to the horrors that the two dead Janes had experienced, Alice and Cap team up with the local police and the FBI to solve this crime.
Along the way they are met with danger, intrigue and an underpinning of corruption, greed, and exploitation.
This was a fine crime story developed with strong characters especially in the person of Alice. The characters's actions and deeds are what propels the story to its dramatic conclusion.
Thank you to Louisa Luna, Doubleday, and Edelweiss for a copy of this book recently published.
Looking for a strong female protagonist, Jan and I had to look no further than the character Alice Vega created by Louisa Luna. She is a tough take charge woman who has both guts and bravery that propel her forward into intense and very dangerous situations. Smart, determined, and brash, armed with her partner Cap, Vega takes on the dredges of society and fights for what is right and just.
For our duo reviews: http://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpress...
Alice Vega (Vega) and Max Caplan (Cap) are brought together again in the second installment of the Alice Vega book series. The two are assigned to a case as private investigators, who become involved in searching for the killers of these two girls, labeled The Janes.
Tragically, no one seems to care that these young teenagers ever lived. They are throwaway girls having no identification. Will they become just two other nameless bodies in a morgue destined to be buried in a grave without even knowing who they were?
Vega and Cap are convinced that what is playing out before their eyes, is a case of human sex trafficking. As they investigate further, nefarious actions are played out and their suspicions become reality. These girls and others that have both preceded and followed them, have no recourse as they are bartered and sold into a vile and depraved sex trafficking market. Their lives are considered useless, their bodies are considered to be the fodder for illicit sex. Can Vega and Cap be the catalyst that shuts down some part of this heinous trade of human flesh?
Determined to see that no other young girls are subjected to the horrors that the two dead Janes had experienced, Alice and Cap team up with the local police and the FBI to solve this crime.
Along the way they are met with danger, intrigue and an underpinning of corruption, greed, and exploitation.
This was a fine crime story developed with strong characters especially in the person of Alice. The characters's actions and deeds are what propels the story to its dramatic conclusion.
Thank you to Louisa Luna, Doubleday, and Edelweiss for a copy of this book recently published.
Looking for a strong female protagonist, Jan and I had to look no further than the character Alice Vega created by Louisa Luna. She is a tough take charge woman who has both guts and bravery that propel her forward into intense and very dangerous situations. Smart, determined, and brash, armed with her partner Cap, Vega takes on the dredges of society and fights for what is right and just.
For our duo reviews: http://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpress...
December 30, 2019
OMG! I cannot even tell you how much I loved this!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Even though I have never read about Vega and Cap before, I can honestly say that I am addicted. So much so that I have already purchased the first book so I can get to know them from the beginning.
This is the first time I’ve read this author and I absolutely love the characters that she has created. Vega and Cap are two opposites that know how to work together and do their work a wee bit, okay, pretty far outside of legal parameters.
Finding lost children is Vega’s specialty and this story is one that you could expect to read in headline news today. It’s a sad yet startling look at sex trafficking and the fact you never know who can be involved.
The tale is intricately woven and Luna gives us a taste of Vega’s badassery. I think I’m a little in love with her, LOL. She certainly knows how to fight dirty, so be prepared for the blood and gore.
Cap holds his own with her and he is just a wee bit in love with her too. It should be interesting to see where that situation goes and how it develops in future stories.
Amazing detail with intense action and twists keep this story moving along at a quick pace. I love the fact that you really never knew what to expect, and while some details are gruesome and harsh, somehow I have no issue justifying it, given the story line.
As I mentioned before this is not the last book I’m reading by this author. I can’t wait to see what else she delivers in the future!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-janes-by...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Even though I have never read about Vega and Cap before, I can honestly say that I am addicted. So much so that I have already purchased the first book so I can get to know them from the beginning.
This is the first time I’ve read this author and I absolutely love the characters that she has created. Vega and Cap are two opposites that know how to work together and do their work a wee bit, okay, pretty far outside of legal parameters.
Finding lost children is Vega’s specialty and this story is one that you could expect to read in headline news today. It’s a sad yet startling look at sex trafficking and the fact you never know who can be involved.
The tale is intricately woven and Luna gives us a taste of Vega’s badassery. I think I’m a little in love with her, LOL. She certainly knows how to fight dirty, so be prepared for the blood and gore.
Cap holds his own with her and he is just a wee bit in love with her too. It should be interesting to see where that situation goes and how it develops in future stories.
Amazing detail with intense action and twists keep this story moving along at a quick pace. I love the fact that you really never knew what to expect, and while some details are gruesome and harsh, somehow I have no issue justifying it, given the story line.
As I mentioned before this is not the last book I’m reading by this author. I can’t wait to see what else she delivers in the future!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-janes-by...
August 26, 2020
The bodies of two young girls are found in San Diego and police officials cannot even determine their identities. They decide to approach the case as missing persons and reach out to Alice Vega, the private investigator renowned for her skills in finding people. Vega decides she needs a partner to help and reaches out to former detective Max (Cap) Caplan. They worked together on her last big case in Pennsylvania and neither was quite done with each other. As with their last case, what began as one mission turned into something much larger.
Without exposing too much about the story, I will say it’s another steeped in human trafficking, which seems to hit a hot button for Vega. After the last book, I wanted to know more about her and to see if there was any potential between her and Cap. These two play off of each other extremely well, which was essential to their staying alive during this case. They encounter a labyrinth of lies, deceit, subterfuge and misdirection from every angle. Things sometimes get violent and often at Vegas’ hands and danger lurks at every corner...really.
I enjoyed this story primarily because of the enigma known as Alice Vega. She and Cap have this odd connection that just works. While I did learn more about her, it was just enough to make me want even more. She’s not your typical investigator and there are times I think she’s superhuman, expecting her to emerge victorious in every situation just because she’s so formidable. Cap isn’t any slouch but he clearly lets her take the lead. I opted to listen to the story again as I like how the narrator seems to get this character and Cap. The case is heartbreaking and shines an ugly light on the plight of young girls spirited across our borders into the awful world of sex trafficking. But, there’s a jaw dropping conclusion that made this end on a so very satisfying note. I can’t wait for more Vega and Cap.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Without exposing too much about the story, I will say it’s another steeped in human trafficking, which seems to hit a hot button for Vega. After the last book, I wanted to know more about her and to see if there was any potential between her and Cap. These two play off of each other extremely well, which was essential to their staying alive during this case. They encounter a labyrinth of lies, deceit, subterfuge and misdirection from every angle. Things sometimes get violent and often at Vegas’ hands and danger lurks at every corner...really.
I enjoyed this story primarily because of the enigma known as Alice Vega. She and Cap have this odd connection that just works. While I did learn more about her, it was just enough to make me want even more. She’s not your typical investigator and there are times I think she’s superhuman, expecting her to emerge victorious in every situation just because she’s so formidable. Cap isn’t any slouch but he clearly lets her take the lead. I opted to listen to the story again as I like how the narrator seems to get this character and Cap. The case is heartbreaking and shines an ugly light on the plight of young girls spirited across our borders into the awful world of sex trafficking. But, there’s a jaw dropping conclusion that made this end on a so very satisfying note. I can’t wait for more Vega and Cap.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
December 8, 2021
This author does not waste any words. Nothing is overwritten and every word substantial. The two characters that I have grown to love, Vega and her partner, Cap are beautifully written. Their nuances and foibles come across the page and we know their personalities, morals, strengths, and weaknesses. They are each complex people but balance each perfectly, and thus, we have two clever investigators with awesome chemistry. I love it!
Cap is a very skilled ex-cop, who of course, loves a drink, he has been offered a permanent role with Vega, a pocket rocket who knows what she wants, and how to get it. She can withstand pain and is completely unsentimental in relationships. But I was always hoping this may change. I love a build up between two hard hitting characters.
This time around Vega and Cap are involved in some murders of young girls – sex trafficking is a part of this which is hard going. Cap a PI is cruising through his day to day cases that he can manage with his eyes shut and Vega needs him again. He downs tools willingly and joins her, all the while keeping his teenage daughter up to date, she has an eye for his cases and they always discuss them. Cap is fiercely loyal, and when his daughter is dragged into this, he will stop at nothing to protect her. The FBI has asked Vega for her help, she delivers and steps on many toes. This is fast past and far-fetched, but for the world of fiction, so much fun.
This powerful duo takes on every tough spot they face, they are not afraid. Vega is hard going and will always give her best shot. I love their slow burn; they have each other’s back and are a force to be reckoned with. The author shows a smart story with excellent knowledge of all things procedural. Also, the grey areas of right and wrong, I love Vega’s character and her selfless acts. The reveal of 'The Bastard' was awesome, perfect!
Again, amazing narration in every way from Tavia Gilbert. Moods, tone, pace, having a mouth full of food, all segways seamless. I will look for all books she was worked on. Now I have number three to look forward to, but this time in hard copy.
Great series, skilled author and I can’t wait for more.
Cap is a very skilled ex-cop, who of course, loves a drink, he has been offered a permanent role with Vega, a pocket rocket who knows what she wants, and how to get it. She can withstand pain and is completely unsentimental in relationships. But I was always hoping this may change. I love a build up between two hard hitting characters.
This time around Vega and Cap are involved in some murders of young girls – sex trafficking is a part of this which is hard going. Cap a PI is cruising through his day to day cases that he can manage with his eyes shut and Vega needs him again. He downs tools willingly and joins her, all the while keeping his teenage daughter up to date, she has an eye for his cases and they always discuss them. Cap is fiercely loyal, and when his daughter is dragged into this, he will stop at nothing to protect her. The FBI has asked Vega for her help, she delivers and steps on many toes. This is fast past and far-fetched, but for the world of fiction, so much fun.
This powerful duo takes on every tough spot they face, they are not afraid. Vega is hard going and will always give her best shot. I love their slow burn; they have each other’s back and are a force to be reckoned with. The author shows a smart story with excellent knowledge of all things procedural. Also, the grey areas of right and wrong, I love Vega’s character and her selfless acts. The reveal of 'The Bastard' was awesome, perfect!
Again, amazing narration in every way from Tavia Gilbert. Moods, tone, pace, having a mouth full of food, all segways seamless. I will look for all books she was worked on. Now I have number three to look forward to, but this time in hard copy.
Great series, skilled author and I can’t wait for more.
January 19, 2023
Book Blog | Bookstagram
I loved Louisa Luna’s first book Two Girls Down with a fiery passion that tingled my loins. Ew, don’t say loins.
But for real, I loved that book. It was one of my top five reads of 2018. So I was totally on board for a sequel because Alice Vega is one of the most bomb-ass female characters in crime fiction right now. That’s not an exaggeration. I love her aloof, serious and damaged personality. I love that she does yoga in her underwear for breakfast and for lunch it's full-body tackles of men twice her size without hesitation. She takes no shit, doesn’t play nice and has no tolerance for bullshit. Plus, she’s smart AF and every time she gets herself out of a tricky pickle I am mildly aroused. What I'm saying is, I want to be her when I grow up.
Her relationship with quasi-partner, retired detective Max “Cap” Caplan, is sexually tense at the right levels, but also romantic and sweet in an honest way - nothing mushy or easy, or even overly dramatic that would make me fucking hope they both die alone.
To be honest, this follow-up novel didn’t exactly pack the same punch for me. It’s still good, but something about it just lacked the sparkle of the first one that knocked my bits off.
This time around, Vega goes out to California and asks Cap to join her, when the bodies of two teen girls are found near San Diego. One of the girls has Vega’s name written on a piece of paper, so the FBI brings the missing-person expert in to help. There’s this underlying suspicion that maybe Vega herself is a suspect because cops are fucking stupid like that sometimes. Turns out we get deep into sex trafficking, immigration, illegal border crossing and lots of other real-world issues that are very apropos in this Twilight Zone version of life that we find ourselves living in.
The writing is fast-paced, the plot points bring a feeling of constant action and movement, but the crime element wasn’t as gripping as the first book for me, and occasionally the action moments were a bit over-the-top. Overall, I’m chalking up my rating to fatigue. I’m exhausted by the real-world terribleness that follows us every waking minute of every day and this book was more of that, so it just came to me at the wrong time.
Was it well-done, honest, true-to-life and socially relevant mixed with action? Completely! But that “kids in cages” storyline wasn’t what I needed right now – even if Luna makes some valid, not-preachy points about the American immigration situation and outlook. Reading it was a bit of a Debbie Downer. Everything sucks already and I can barely handle it at this point, so the escapism I’m craving needs to divert my brain away from that, not engage in it even more... or I might never mentally recover from this forsaken timeline.
What I did LOVE was the author letting us into Vega’s life a little bit more. There were some small reveals about how she lives her life when she’s not doing her P.I. shit which rounded out the character more – whether it was her fuck-buddy or her inner thoughts or the whys to her morning rituals. She’s still a major badass who has little time for emotions or relationships and is partially just here for the money, but that doesn’t mean she needs to lack depth.
The dialogue is snappy and witty, the writing has just the right amount of description to build a world without oversaturating it, and the plot never stops moving.
The particular plot just didn’t possess the same magic that the first novel did for me. Still, if you can stand to read about sex trafficking and immigration right now, it’s definitely one to read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
I loved Louisa Luna’s first book Two Girls Down with a fiery passion that tingled my loins. Ew, don’t say loins.
But for real, I loved that book. It was one of my top five reads of 2018. So I was totally on board for a sequel because Alice Vega is one of the most bomb-ass female characters in crime fiction right now. That’s not an exaggeration. I love her aloof, serious and damaged personality. I love that she does yoga in her underwear for breakfast and for lunch it's full-body tackles of men twice her size without hesitation. She takes no shit, doesn’t play nice and has no tolerance for bullshit. Plus, she’s smart AF and every time she gets herself out of a tricky pickle I am mildly aroused. What I'm saying is, I want to be her when I grow up.
Her relationship with quasi-partner, retired detective Max “Cap” Caplan, is sexually tense at the right levels, but also romantic and sweet in an honest way - nothing mushy or easy, or even overly dramatic that would make me fucking hope they both die alone.
To be honest, this follow-up novel didn’t exactly pack the same punch for me. It’s still good, but something about it just lacked the sparkle of the first one that knocked my bits off.
This time around, Vega goes out to California and asks Cap to join her, when the bodies of two teen girls are found near San Diego. One of the girls has Vega’s name written on a piece of paper, so the FBI brings the missing-person expert in to help. There’s this underlying suspicion that maybe Vega herself is a suspect because cops are fucking stupid like that sometimes. Turns out we get deep into sex trafficking, immigration, illegal border crossing and lots of other real-world issues that are very apropos in this Twilight Zone version of life that we find ourselves living in.
The writing is fast-paced, the plot points bring a feeling of constant action and movement, but the crime element wasn’t as gripping as the first book for me, and occasionally the action moments were a bit over-the-top. Overall, I’m chalking up my rating to fatigue. I’m exhausted by the real-world terribleness that follows us every waking minute of every day and this book was more of that, so it just came to me at the wrong time.
Was it well-done, honest, true-to-life and socially relevant mixed with action? Completely! But that “kids in cages” storyline wasn’t what I needed right now – even if Luna makes some valid, not-preachy points about the American immigration situation and outlook. Reading it was a bit of a Debbie Downer. Everything sucks already and I can barely handle it at this point, so the escapism I’m craving needs to divert my brain away from that, not engage in it even more... or I might never mentally recover from this forsaken timeline.
What I did LOVE was the author letting us into Vega’s life a little bit more. There were some small reveals about how she lives her life when she’s not doing her P.I. shit which rounded out the character more – whether it was her fuck-buddy or her inner thoughts or the whys to her morning rituals. She’s still a major badass who has little time for emotions or relationships and is partially just here for the money, but that doesn’t mean she needs to lack depth.
The dialogue is snappy and witty, the writing has just the right amount of description to build a world without oversaturating it, and the plot never stops moving.
The particular plot just didn’t possess the same magic that the first novel did for me. Still, if you can stand to read about sex trafficking and immigration right now, it’s definitely one to read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
May 3, 2022
4.5/5
If there is one character that I really love it is Alice Vega. So it goes without saying that I was very excited for another book with her in it, and I ended up really enjoying The Janes!
I found it to be a pretty slow burn and since it was on the slower side it took me longer to read it, but it was so worth it. Vega is just such a badass and I loved watching her work her magic in this book. I also really enjoy Cap as a character, plus it helps that he adds some comedic relief! It took me a bit to get into it, but after I did I found it to be pretty captivating. The Janes really is crime fiction at its finest, and I love the way Luna writes her stories and her characters.
There is a serious theme of sex trafficking in the novel, but there aren't any graphic scenes so that may help if this is a trigger for you. There were definitely some surprises in the book, and I especially loved the ending of this one. I would follow Vega and Cap anywhere they go, and I hope to see many more books about them to come. If you are a fan of crime fiction and characters you can love, I would for sure recommend this series to you. This duo is so smart, and Luna's writing is always superb!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book via Bookish First and NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
If there is one character that I really love it is Alice Vega. So it goes without saying that I was very excited for another book with her in it, and I ended up really enjoying The Janes!
I found it to be a pretty slow burn and since it was on the slower side it took me longer to read it, but it was so worth it. Vega is just such a badass and I loved watching her work her magic in this book. I also really enjoy Cap as a character, plus it helps that he adds some comedic relief! It took me a bit to get into it, but after I did I found it to be pretty captivating. The Janes really is crime fiction at its finest, and I love the way Luna writes her stories and her characters.
There is a serious theme of sex trafficking in the novel, but there aren't any graphic scenes so that may help if this is a trigger for you. There were definitely some surprises in the book, and I especially loved the ending of this one. I would follow Vega and Cap anywhere they go, and I hope to see many more books about them to come. If you are a fan of crime fiction and characters you can love, I would for sure recommend this series to you. This duo is so smart, and Luna's writing is always superb!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book via Bookish First and NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
April 16, 2021
I really liked this second installment featuring Alice Vega and Max Caplan, a "people finder" and a retired police officer/private detective. The mystery was intriguing and didn't proceed in the way I was expecting.
The main premise of the story is sex trafficking, but there are some players that are shady and behind the scenes, it's difficult to know who is good and working for the good and who is bad. It's also difficult to know which of those who appear to be on the wrong side might be doing it unwillingly.
The story unfolded is full of action and intrigue.
Another great thing about these books in the series is the side personal stories. I really was hoping that the sparks in the first book would continue in this one and it didn't really happen. I'd be thrilled to have that romance thread added back.
I look forward to additional books featuring these characters in the future. You definitely want to read the first book Two Girls Down before reading this one as it sets up the dynamic of the two investigators.
The main premise of the story is sex trafficking, but there are some players that are shady and behind the scenes, it's difficult to know who is good and working for the good and who is bad. It's also difficult to know which of those who appear to be on the wrong side might be doing it unwillingly.
The story unfolded is full of action and intrigue.
Another great thing about these books in the series is the side personal stories. I really was hoping that the sparks in the first book would continue in this one and it didn't really happen. I'd be thrilled to have that romance thread added back.
I look forward to additional books featuring these characters in the future. You definitely want to read the first book Two Girls Down before reading this one as it sets up the dynamic of the two investigators.
March 10, 2023
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**4.5 stars**
The Janes by Louisa Luna. (2020).
(Alice Vega; #2).
On the outskirts of San Diego, the bodies of two young women are discovered. They are Jane Does: no names, no IDs and no families looking for them. Fearing a human trafficking ring, the police and FBI ask Alice Vega to help find out who the Janes were - and find the other missing women before it is too late.
I loved the first novel in this Alice Vega series, and it completely slipped past me that there is now a second AND a third! This is the second book and it is just as good as the first, and it can also be read as a standalone. With a very confronting concept of young girls being sex trafficked, it's a dark themed narrative. Alice teams up once again with Max, and they complement each other very well. With a fast pace and lots of action, this is one to shut out the world and race through the pages.
Overall: zero hesitation in recommending this book for anyone that enjoys suspense thrillers.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
The Janes by Louisa Luna. (2020).
(Alice Vega; #2).
On the outskirts of San Diego, the bodies of two young women are discovered. They are Jane Does: no names, no IDs and no families looking for them. Fearing a human trafficking ring, the police and FBI ask Alice Vega to help find out who the Janes were - and find the other missing women before it is too late.
I loved the first novel in this Alice Vega series, and it completely slipped past me that there is now a second AND a third! This is the second book and it is just as good as the first, and it can also be read as a standalone. With a very confronting concept of young girls being sex trafficked, it's a dark themed narrative. Alice teams up once again with Max, and they complement each other very well. With a fast pace and lots of action, this is one to shut out the world and race through the pages.
Overall: zero hesitation in recommending this book for anyone that enjoys suspense thrillers.
June 22, 2020
One of the many joys of reading extensively is discovering new authors. Louisa Luna’s first book “Two Girls Down” was a gritty, fast-paced, and suspenseful read with a strong (and enigmatic) female protagonist. I was thrilled to discover that Luna has written another book about Alice Vega and the disgraced former cop, Max Caplan, she works with. “The Janes” was just as suspenseful and well written as “Two Girls Down” and Vega and Caplan continue to be well-developed and intriguing characters. I encourage readers to get both books and read them in order, but it’s not essential. Here’s hoping this turns into a long running series. I’m very curious and anxious to find out what made Vega who she is, and to see what kind of relationship develops between Vega and Caplan.
Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2020
3.5 stars
October 30, 2023
4.5 stars
This author really knows how to combine all of the good stuff. Dead bodies, pulse-pounding timelines, surprises, twists, and deadly turns all merge to create The Janes.
Writing: ★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★★★
Surprises: ★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Alice Vega and Max Caplan are back and this time it's more than a kidnapping: it's two dead girls.
In Two Girls Down, the first Alice Vega novel, we're introduced to bounty hunter/mercenary child finder Alice Vega. Vega is quiet, intense, and an absolute badass. She's from California and meets Max Caplan in a small Pennsylvania town to solve the kidnapping. Vega and Caplan solve it, yay, and Vega goes back to California while Caplan stays on the East Coast.
Now you're up to speed on Vega and Caplan's exploits, which brings us to The Janes.
Vega gets a call from the San Diego police. The second dead body of a Hispanic girl is found and in her hand is a piece of paper with a name: Alice Vega.
The police want this problem addressed, but Vega is immediately aware of the red flags—she's in an "informal" meeting, they don't want her on the official books, and they want to pay her under the table in cash. Vega wants to find the murderer and, as there is a sex trafficking plot on their radar, she wants to see if there are other girls she can save. So she ignores the red flags—for now.
She says yes, with one condition: they've got to pay for Max Caplan to help her.
Max Caplan and Alice Vega make an interesting team. Caplan is older—a divorced dad with an ex-cop background, nerves of steel, and a golden moral compass with just enough dents to be interesting. Vega is a younger, Hispanic woman with no affiliation with the law and lot of experience being a gray-area bounty hunter and the drive to do ANYTHING to find her charges. (She also has a mean way of handling a pair of metal cutters, which falls into the "anything" category.)
Caplan arrives in California and immediately, things take off. Caplan and Vega's interesting chemistry is exciting, different, and centered around their ability to work together on an almost mind-reader level. They are the dream team. But this dream team is quickly discovering that the plot isn't thickening around them...it's already solid. And they're trapped.
Anything more than that would be spoilers. Trust me when I say that this plot—it crackles. I read this in almost one sitting because I just couldn't stop, and the plain "no frills" writing allowed for a really fast reading experience. A stellar thriller and a great mystery.
Some other thoughts:
I love that the author tackles the heavy-hitting topics, especially as they relate to women. Her first novel covered child kidnappings, predation on women, and sexism in the police force. This novel tackles sex trafficking, abuse to women, assault, and underage porn issues as well as a critical commentary on state of immigration affairs, detainment facilities, and abuse of the system. I love that the author goes there and states the facts—the writing doesn't preach (it's not frilly enough to do that, it's very plot point to plot point), but it does lay it out for us to take in.
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This author really knows how to combine all of the good stuff. Dead bodies, pulse-pounding timelines, surprises, twists, and deadly turns all merge to create The Janes.
Writing: ★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★★★
Surprises: ★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Alice Vega and Max Caplan are back and this time it's more than a kidnapping: it's two dead girls.
In Two Girls Down, the first Alice Vega novel, we're introduced to bounty hunter/mercenary child finder Alice Vega. Vega is quiet, intense, and an absolute badass. She's from California and meets Max Caplan in a small Pennsylvania town to solve the kidnapping. Vega and Caplan solve it, yay, and Vega goes back to California while Caplan stays on the East Coast.
Now you're up to speed on Vega and Caplan's exploits, which brings us to The Janes.
Vega gets a call from the San Diego police. The second dead body of a Hispanic girl is found and in her hand is a piece of paper with a name: Alice Vega.
The police want this problem addressed, but Vega is immediately aware of the red flags—she's in an "informal" meeting, they don't want her on the official books, and they want to pay her under the table in cash. Vega wants to find the murderer and, as there is a sex trafficking plot on their radar, she wants to see if there are other girls she can save. So she ignores the red flags—for now.
She says yes, with one condition: they've got to pay for Max Caplan to help her.
Max Caplan and Alice Vega make an interesting team. Caplan is older—a divorced dad with an ex-cop background, nerves of steel, and a golden moral compass with just enough dents to be interesting. Vega is a younger, Hispanic woman with no affiliation with the law and lot of experience being a gray-area bounty hunter and the drive to do ANYTHING to find her charges. (She also has a mean way of handling a pair of metal cutters, which falls into the "anything" category.)
Caplan arrives in California and immediately, things take off. Caplan and Vega's interesting chemistry is exciting, different, and centered around their ability to work together on an almost mind-reader level. They are the dream team. But this dream team is quickly discovering that the plot isn't thickening around them...it's already solid. And they're trapped.
Anything more than that would be spoilers. Trust me when I say that this plot—it crackles. I read this in almost one sitting because I just couldn't stop, and the plain "no frills" writing allowed for a really fast reading experience. A stellar thriller and a great mystery.
Some other thoughts:
I love that the author tackles the heavy-hitting topics, especially as they relate to women. Her first novel covered child kidnappings, predation on women, and sexism in the police force. This novel tackles sex trafficking, abuse to women, assault, and underage porn issues as well as a critical commentary on state of immigration affairs, detainment facilities, and abuse of the system. I love that the author goes there and states the facts—the writing doesn't preach (it's not frilly enough to do that, it's very plot point to plot point), but it does lay it out for us to take in.
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January 22, 2020
Alice and Cap are back, working together to solve another crime after making Cap an offer he couldn’t refuse. These two convincing and committed characters have a great rapport. Beautiful, tough-talking Vera is kick-ass, always seems to be one step ahead and can run circles around any tough guy. Cap is ethical, thorough and steady; someone who is dependable and will always cover your back. He also appears to have a bit of a crush on Alice. Never a dull moment, the story engaged me from beginning to end. Thanks to Doubleday Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 25, 2020
“Cap watched Vega carefully. He knew what her questions would be before she asked them, but she still managed to make them seem fresh, innocent, curious. She pulled every last bit of information from Sarita Guerra like she was winding the string on a kite, drawing it in for a tight, safe landing.”
The Janes is the second book in the Alice Vega series by American author, Louisa Luna. The two “Jane Does” were Latinas, probably illegals, with the same killer, and a piece of evidence indicates there are more girls somewhere, maybe still alive. Alice Vega is called in by the San Diego PD and the DEA; off the books, cash. She insists on bringing in her own consultant.
Even though he has just received a permanent work offer from a lawyer in Denville, with all the benefits that entails, Max Caplan jumps at the chance to work with Alice again: clearly, despite an interval of many months since their first encounter, his crush has not abated.
There is something not quite right about the whole thing, so Vega, always cautious, holds back some of her findings and, when certain people begin acting out of character, her reluctance to share is vindicated. Still, with her brilliant deductive mind and her excellent IT resources, she and Cap are quickly on the way to locating the girls. But this turns out to be far more dangerous than they might have expected when Mexican drug lords form part of the bigger picture.
Vega and Caplan’s second outing is fast-paced and cleverly plotted, with more than one exciting climax. As before, the dynamic between these two is a delight. Vega is smart, imaginative and resourceful, physically fit, accomplished with weapons and, in this instalment, creative with a set of bolt-cutters. And she is skilled in both psychological and physical persuasion (yes, there is violence). Cap has different talents and intuitively follows Vega’s lead. Cap’s inside knowledge of policing complements Vega’s strong sense of justice.
The minor characters are certainly more than one-dimensional, while the dialogue offers plenty of humour, some of it deliciously dark. The story does contain a few minor spoilers for the first book, but these little tastes are likely to tempt readers to indulge in Two Girls Down, if they have not already done so. Fans will be pleased that the ending does not preclude further hook-ups between this pair, so it is to be hoped that Luna has many more shots of Vega and Caplan in her arsenal. Brilliant crime fiction!
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Text Publishing.
The Janes is the second book in the Alice Vega series by American author, Louisa Luna. The two “Jane Does” were Latinas, probably illegals, with the same killer, and a piece of evidence indicates there are more girls somewhere, maybe still alive. Alice Vega is called in by the San Diego PD and the DEA; off the books, cash. She insists on bringing in her own consultant.
Even though he has just received a permanent work offer from a lawyer in Denville, with all the benefits that entails, Max Caplan jumps at the chance to work with Alice again: clearly, despite an interval of many months since their first encounter, his crush has not abated.
There is something not quite right about the whole thing, so Vega, always cautious, holds back some of her findings and, when certain people begin acting out of character, her reluctance to share is vindicated. Still, with her brilliant deductive mind and her excellent IT resources, she and Cap are quickly on the way to locating the girls. But this turns out to be far more dangerous than they might have expected when Mexican drug lords form part of the bigger picture.
Vega and Caplan’s second outing is fast-paced and cleverly plotted, with more than one exciting climax. As before, the dynamic between these two is a delight. Vega is smart, imaginative and resourceful, physically fit, accomplished with weapons and, in this instalment, creative with a set of bolt-cutters. And she is skilled in both psychological and physical persuasion (yes, there is violence). Cap has different talents and intuitively follows Vega’s lead. Cap’s inside knowledge of policing complements Vega’s strong sense of justice.
The minor characters are certainly more than one-dimensional, while the dialogue offers plenty of humour, some of it deliciously dark. The story does contain a few minor spoilers for the first book, but these little tastes are likely to tempt readers to indulge in Two Girls Down, if they have not already done so. Fans will be pleased that the ending does not preclude further hook-ups between this pair, so it is to be hoped that Luna has many more shots of Vega and Caplan in her arsenal. Brilliant crime fiction!
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Text Publishing.
January 12, 2020
Don’t start this book unless you have a free day ahead of you, because once you start reading, you won’t want to put it down! It’s exciting from start to finish.
Private investigators Alice Vega and Max Caplan team up once again to help with an FBI investigation. Almost immediately they uncover some serious clues into the deaths of two young girls. Then, inexplicably, they are told to cease their investigation, which only makes them more determined to see it through.
This story was one wild ride through sex-trafficking, Mexican cartels and dirty police. Every time I thought the investigation was nearing the end, Vega would come up with some new clues that put another twist in the story. It ends with a bit of mystery that I hope is a clue to Luna’s next book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.
Private investigators Alice Vega and Max Caplan team up once again to help with an FBI investigation. Almost immediately they uncover some serious clues into the deaths of two young girls. Then, inexplicably, they are told to cease their investigation, which only makes them more determined to see it through.
This story was one wild ride through sex-trafficking, Mexican cartels and dirty police. Every time I thought the investigation was nearing the end, Vega would come up with some new clues that put another twist in the story. It ends with a bit of mystery that I hope is a clue to Luna’s next book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.
April 20, 2020
2.5 stars - which absolutely pains me to do as this was one of my most anticipated books for 2020 - I was counting down the days.
Having absolutely loved Two Girls Down by Louisa Luna previously, I was incredibly excited for the return of Alice Vega and Max. Unfortunately, this one just did not do it for me. The story was too long and the case itself lacked the excitement I found in the first case. I'll chalk this one up to a one off and check out Book 3 in the future, but this one just fell flat. Alice is still an awesome character despite the plot of this one not working for me and I am still excited to see where Luna takes this character in the future.
Thank you to Doubleday for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Having absolutely loved Two Girls Down by Louisa Luna previously, I was incredibly excited for the return of Alice Vega and Max. Unfortunately, this one just did not do it for me. The story was too long and the case itself lacked the excitement I found in the first case. I'll chalk this one up to a one off and check out Book 3 in the future, but this one just fell flat. Alice is still an awesome character despite the plot of this one not working for me and I am still excited to see where Luna takes this character in the future.
Thank you to Doubleday for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
January 20, 2020
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
Wow! This book was one heck of a roller coaster ride! I was really excited to start reading this book after thoroughly enjoying the first book in the series, Two Girls Down. This book ended up being just as exciting as the first, if not more. It took me a bit to get into the story but once I did, I didn't want to put the book down. This was a really wonderful read.
Alice Vega is a private investigator and is known for solving some hard cases. She is hired to help out with a case involving two unidentified victims that were killed in a very similar manner. She knows that she is going to need backup so she calls Max Caplan, a former officer, in to help. Because Vega and Cap aren't the police they have a little more flexibility and are more than willing to step over a few lines if that is what it takes to solve a case. They are also very good at their job and will not stop until the case is solved.
I thought that this mystery was very well done. There are so many things at play that I was never quite sure where the story would go next. I don't think I was able to figure anything out until the author wanted me to. I loved the way that Vega and Cap trusted each other and supported any hunches the other might have. There were plenty of twists in the story and I was satisfied by how the mystery was wrapped up.
This book was exciting! There are times that Alice almost seems like a superhero with Max as her sidekick. I mean that woman can do anything and with Max backing her up, she seemed invincible. I will say that some of the action was a bit unbelievable. That didn't bother me though because it was a whole lot of fun. I liked how unpredictable Vega was. I never knew what she would come up with next because it would be in character for her to do just about anything.
I would recommend this book to others. This is the second book in the Alice Vega series but I think it would work as a stand-alone just fine. Although the first book is really good so you really don't want to skip it. I was completely entertained by this exciting story and cannot wait to go along with Vega and Cap on further adventures!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Doubleday Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
Wow! This was one heck of a roller coaster ride! It took me a bit to really get into the book but once things got going the twists and turns were almost non-stop. I love Vega and Cap and think that they make a great team. The fact that they are not police gives them the freedom to step over more than a few lines. In some ways, Vega almost seems like a superhero. This woman can do almost anything and Cap makes the perfect sidekick. The mystery was rather complex and kept me guessing. This is definitely a series that I want to read more of!
Wow! This book was one heck of a roller coaster ride! I was really excited to start reading this book after thoroughly enjoying the first book in the series, Two Girls Down. This book ended up being just as exciting as the first, if not more. It took me a bit to get into the story but once I did, I didn't want to put the book down. This was a really wonderful read.
Alice Vega is a private investigator and is known for solving some hard cases. She is hired to help out with a case involving two unidentified victims that were killed in a very similar manner. She knows that she is going to need backup so she calls Max Caplan, a former officer, in to help. Because Vega and Cap aren't the police they have a little more flexibility and are more than willing to step over a few lines if that is what it takes to solve a case. They are also very good at their job and will not stop until the case is solved.
I thought that this mystery was very well done. There are so many things at play that I was never quite sure where the story would go next. I don't think I was able to figure anything out until the author wanted me to. I loved the way that Vega and Cap trusted each other and supported any hunches the other might have. There were plenty of twists in the story and I was satisfied by how the mystery was wrapped up.
This book was exciting! There are times that Alice almost seems like a superhero with Max as her sidekick. I mean that woman can do anything and with Max backing her up, she seemed invincible. I will say that some of the action was a bit unbelievable. That didn't bother me though because it was a whole lot of fun. I liked how unpredictable Vega was. I never knew what she would come up with next because it would be in character for her to do just about anything.
I would recommend this book to others. This is the second book in the Alice Vega series but I think it would work as a stand-alone just fine. Although the first book is really good so you really don't want to skip it. I was completely entertained by this exciting story and cannot wait to go along with Vega and Cap on further adventures!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Doubleday Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
Wow! This was one heck of a roller coaster ride! It took me a bit to really get into the book but once things got going the twists and turns were almost non-stop. I love Vega and Cap and think that they make a great team. The fact that they are not police gives them the freedom to step over more than a few lines. In some ways, Vega almost seems like a superhero. This woman can do almost anything and Cap makes the perfect sidekick. The mystery was rather complex and kept me guessing. This is definitely a series that I want to read more of!
January 16, 2020
In the second outing featuring Alice Vega and Max Caplan, the pair of private investigators are hired 'off the record' by the San Diego Police Department and DEA to look into the deaths of two young Latina women. The bodies were dumped separately but with similar wounds...and one was clutching a scrap of paper with Vega's name written on it.
Vega and Caplan make a great team even though their styles are so different: "She had a tendency to announce what she was thinking only when it was fully formed, the opposite of what Cap had been used to as a cop, pitching whatever waltzed into his head." Vega believes men are motivated by sex, drugs or money, and perhaps all three, while women are motivated by love--leaving Cap to wonder if that's true for Vega herself. Love the sexual friction between this odd couple!
The action in this adventure is non-stop, edge of your seat. Once they solve one puzzle, an even more confusing one opens up. Where will this all lead and who will it bring down?
I received an arc of this new thriller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm looking forward to reading more of the crazy exploits of Vega and Caplan!
Vega and Caplan make a great team even though their styles are so different: "She had a tendency to announce what she was thinking only when it was fully formed, the opposite of what Cap had been used to as a cop, pitching whatever waltzed into his head." Vega believes men are motivated by sex, drugs or money, and perhaps all three, while women are motivated by love--leaving Cap to wonder if that's true for Vega herself. Love the sexual friction between this odd couple!
The action in this adventure is non-stop, edge of your seat. Once they solve one puzzle, an even more confusing one opens up. Where will this all lead and who will it bring down?
I received an arc of this new thriller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm looking forward to reading more of the crazy exploits of Vega and Caplan!
December 3, 2019
The Police and FBI approach Alica Vega, a private investigator who has the reputation to find the missing when they discover the bodies of two teenage girls in the outskirts of San Diego. These found bodies have no names, no known IDs, and nobody looking for them. there is a possibility of a human trafficking ring.
This was my first Louisa Luna book. I am impressed by her style of writing. This was an amazing, captivating and engaging book. The characters are well established and the author has given proper attention to details. This is a kind of book you can not put down and you will want to read it in one go.
The protagonist Alice Vega is a very powerful character. She is smart, intelligent and magnificent. The plot is unique and it is a treat to read a book about such a strong female character.
This was my first Louisa Luna book. I am impressed by her style of writing. This was an amazing, captivating and engaging book. The characters are well established and the author has given proper attention to details. This is a kind of book you can not put down and you will want to read it in one go.
The protagonist Alice Vega is a very powerful character. She is smart, intelligent and magnificent. The plot is unique and it is a treat to read a book about such a strong female character.
January 20, 2020
What makes this series stand apart are PI Alice Vega and disgraced former cop, Max Caplan. The two make the perfect team. Smart, thoughtful, witty, and unique these two made me laugh, cringe, drop my jaw, cheer and smile like a fool.
Now the case they tackle is dark begins with the murder of two young Jane Does approx 12 years in age; sex trafficking. Cartel, crook agents and more await you in this suspenseful thriller. Through it all Alice and Cap keep their cool and investigate. Professionally they click and behind the scenes there is this slow burning, subtle sizzle. Well, I will let you discover that for yourself.
Luna’s case is tightly woven, and realistic with just enough twists and surprises to keep me guessing. The story regarding the young girls felt authentic and shed light on an all too realistic reality. While the author wasn’t graphic, she didn’t hide from the ugly truth of these heinous crimes.
While this is the second novel, it worked as a standalone and the case wrapped up with a dark, gritty ending that satisfied. I added this series to my must read list.
The Janes, was a suspenseful, thought provoking and addictive thriller with engaging characters you’ll want to solve cases with.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Now the case they tackle is dark begins with the murder of two young Jane Does approx 12 years in age; sex trafficking. Cartel, crook agents and more await you in this suspenseful thriller. Through it all Alice and Cap keep their cool and investigate. Professionally they click and behind the scenes there is this slow burning, subtle sizzle. Well, I will let you discover that for yourself.
Luna’s case is tightly woven, and realistic with just enough twists and surprises to keep me guessing. The story regarding the young girls felt authentic and shed light on an all too realistic reality. While the author wasn’t graphic, she didn’t hide from the ugly truth of these heinous crimes.
While this is the second novel, it worked as a standalone and the case wrapped up with a dark, gritty ending that satisfied. I added this series to my must read list.
The Janes, was a suspenseful, thought provoking and addictive thriller with engaging characters you’ll want to solve cases with.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
October 21, 2020
I have really enjoyed Louisa Luna's previous books and even loved Alice Vega in the first book of the series. The Janes, however, was not an enjoyable or satisfying read for me. Alice is again partnering with Cap to solve a crime and the crime itself - the trafficking and exploitation of Latino girls - is one that cannot be addressed enough. The problem with The Janes is that it just kept going and going and going and got to the point where it was too unbelievable for words. Alice is stabbed in the side, is badly bleeding, looses a ton of blood but after she is stitched up by the coroner, she runs several miles, leaps across brick walls, fights a teenage kid and then runs away. Yeah, right. Either she is super human or this portion of the book crossed the line into fantasy. I'm going with the latter.
I'm unsure if I will continue to read more of this series - perhaps this was just a one off - or if I am done with Alive Vega for good but I do know that this is a book I cannot recommend to others.
I'm unsure if I will continue to read more of this series - perhaps this was just a one off - or if I am done with Alive Vega for good but I do know that this is a book I cannot recommend to others.
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