Called to Protect is the second in the Blue Justice series by Lynette Eason.  It is not required to read the first book in order to follow this story, but some history is lost by not doing so.  This particular story is not an easy one to read, because of the subject matter.  It deals with human trafficking and the associated corruption and evil.  It is heart-wrenching to read and to realize this sort of activity is going on right now.

Those who enjoy reading about the investigative process will find this story engaging, because much of it is spent moving the investigations forward.  Eason does a nice job of keeping readers thinking and uncertain about the culprits.

The relationships between the St. John family members are fun and add some humor to otherwise sad and depressing events.  As a whole, this story should not be read as a romance, but it does have some of those elements included. 

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Revell

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None 

Violence/Gore:  Multiple instances where people are drugged for the purpose of abduction; multi-car accident resulting in a shootout in which there are fatalities, 10 page scene; report that a father beat his children; report of a person being shoved down stairs and then kicked, referenced a few times; Report of a man shot in the head; people shoot at other people, fatal in some cases and blood is mentioned; a few instances in which a man strikes others; report of a woman committing suicide; report of a person being beaten and then killed; a person threatens to kill someone and or do bodily harm, multiple incidences; a man touches a female in such a way as to threaten her with assault; several intense scenes as characters are trying to escape or confront antagonists. 

Sex/Nudity:  Report non-married teen became pregnant; report that a woman prostituted herself and her daughter; non-married characters kiss and embrace; females are sold presumably for sexual pleasure of the buyer.

Mature Subject Matter:

Human trafficking, death of family members, premarital pregnancy, child abuse.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Drugs injected into unwilling women to force addiction; drug dealers are caught with lots of drugs; report that several people used too much alcohol.