Tag Archives: Tracers

Stone Cold Heart by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Stone Cold Heart by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

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Description:
When local rock climbers stumble upon abandoned human bones in a remote Texas gorge, Sara Lockhart is the first to get the call. She has a reputation as one of the nation’s top forensic anthropologists, and police detective Nolan Hess knows she is just the expert he needs to help unravel this case. Although evidence is scarce, Nolan suspects the bones belong to a teenage climber who vanished last summer.

But as Sara unearths strange clues, she finds chilling similarities to a case from her past—a case that now threatens to rock Nolan’s community. While Sara digs deep for answers, the stakes rise higher as another young woman disappears without a trace. Investigators work against the clock as Sara races to discover the truth, even if her harrowing search brings her face to face with a stone-cold killer.

 

 

Review:

Cold Stone Heart by Laura Griffin is the 13th book in her fantastic Tracers series, which is one of the best romance suspense series.  Each of these books do read very well as standalones, but it is always better to start from the beginning and understand about the Tracers (Delphi Center- forensics, etc).  The heroes in this series are usually different members of the Delphi Center and a detective working on the case, though on occasion it is different, but its fun to get glimpses of some of the characters from previous books.    I love this series, and Laura Griffin continues to amaze me on her overall knowledge of forensics, and how well written the stories are.  I always look forward to reading each new book in this series.

In Cold Stone Heart, we meet Sara Lockhardt, our heroine, a forensic anthropologist for Delphi; and she is the one who goes to the scene of the crime.   Sara and some of her team, meet the lead detective, Nolan Hess, our hero, as he pushes to get fast results.  In a short time, Sara and Noah work together, bring them closer, as a slow built romance begins.  However, as is the norm for Laura Griffin, the story revolves around finding the killer; the romance elements are always part of the background, with the story fully in the forefront.  As the story progresses, it will be discovered that this is a serial murderer, and the case escalates as one victim is still alive.  There is also the case of a local girl missing for a few years, whom they suspect is dead and perhaps one of this murderer’s victims, but the family and local residents are desperate to help find closure for everyone.

Sara and her team manage to find clues on the bones they recovered, which also helped the police to look for more victims in the different parks. Sara was a very active participant in going to the scenes to try and find more evidence, which made Noah nervous; and rightfully so, as Sara did find herself in danger a couple of times.  I loved how informative and interesting how the different departments in Delphi Center were able to recover clues from almost anything.  We also got to see the POV of Grace, the most recent missing girl, who was kidnapped by the killer, with the race to find her before he kills her.

 The last half of the book was extremely tense and exciting, as I was on the edge of my seat and could not put the book down.  I do not want to give spoilers, as it would ruin it for you; since this was a thrilling and suspenseful mystery.

As I said before, I am a big fan of the Tracers series, which has a bit of everything; intricate mystery, murder, suspense, exciting,  great couple & secondary characters, as well as a sexy romance in the background.  Laura Griffin does such an amazing job detailing all the aspects of looking for various things found at a murder scene….truly awesome.   What follows is an amazing intense mystery that has you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book.  What also makes this series so great is all wonderful dynamics of the Delphi Center (Tracers) that give us a look at the different ways to look for clues

Cold Stone Heart was an amazing intense mystery that has you on the edge throughout the entire book.   If you enjoy a true murder mystery, with lots of action, suspense, intense situations and a touch of romance, then you should be reading the Tracers series. Bravo to Laura Griffin for another fantastic story. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Touch of Red by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Touch of Red by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

Touch of RedAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
When crime scene investigator Brooke Porter arrives at the home of a murdered woman, the only thing more shocking than the carnage is the evidence that someone escaped the scene. But where is this witness now? A thorough search of the area yields more questions than answers, and before Brooke even packs up her evidence kit, she’s made it her goal to find the witness and get them out of harm’s way.

Homicide detective Sean Byrne has seen his share of bloody crime scenes, but this one is particularly disturbing, especially because Brooke Porter is smack in the middle of it. Sean has had his eye on the sexy CSI for months, and he’s determined to help her with her current case—even if it means putting his attraction on hold so he and Brooke can track down a murderer. But as the investigation—and their relationship—heats up, Sean realizes that keeping his work and his personal life separate is more complicated than he ever imagined; especially when the killer sets his sights on Brooke.

 


Review:

Touch of Red by Laura Griffin is the 12th book in her terrificTracers series, which is romance suspense at its best.  This series reads very well as a standalone, as in each book, the heroes are different members of the Delphi Center (forensics lab) and usually a detective working on the latest murder case.  It is always fun to get glimpses of some of the characters we have met previously. 

Touch of Red starts off with a violent murder, and we meet our heroine, Brooke Porter, who arrives on the gory scene to investigate for any clues.  Sean Byrne, our hero, is a homicide detective who also arrives on the scene.  Sean has been eying Brooke for awhile, and now they will be working on the same case.  Both are appalled at the scene in front of them, and soon Sean notices that Brooke left in a hurry to bring some evidence to the Delphi Center lab.  She discovers that there may have been a witness to the murder, and surmises by her forensic tests that it is a young child.  The race is on to find the witness before the murderer finds out that someone was watching.

What follows is a very exciting adventure with so many twists and turns, it was important to not miss anything.   Brooke and Sean’s relationship escalated into a sizzling romance, with their chemistry together off the wall.  However, despite this sexy romance, the murder investigation is always the main focus of the story.  Sean becomes unnerved when he finds Brooke taking a personal approach to find the child, and he tries to tell her it is his job to investigate, and she should stay only with deciphering the evidence.

Brooke despite Sean’s warnings continues to get herself into situations that are not her job description, and puts herself in danger.  The last half of the book is an edge of your seat thriller that will not allow you put the book down. To tell too much more would be spoilers, which I do not want to do.   I loved Brooke and Sean together, and did think that Brooke went too far, and Sean was such a great hero, and perfect for Brooke.

I am a big fan of the Tracers series, which has a bit of everything; intricate mystery, murder, suspense, exciting,  great couple & secondary characters, as well as a sexy romance in the background.  But the best thing about this series is how Griffin uses her knowledge of forensic anthropology and police procedural throughout her books.  It is amazing to see how they can use different things for the clues they find; on just about anything.

Touch of Red continues the Tracers series with an amazing intense mystery that has you on the edge throughout the entire book.   If you enjoy a fast paced romance suspense, a murder mystery, with lots of action, intense situations and a touch of romance, then you should be reading Laura Griffin’s Tracers series. This is a wonderful series you should not be missing.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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At Close Range by Laura Griffin – Review & Giveaway

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At Close Range by Laura Griffin – Review & Giveaway

 

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At Close Range
Tracers series – Book #11
by Laura Griffin
Release Date: January 31, 2017

At Close RangeAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
When a lakeside tryst ends in a double murder, police detective Daniele Harper arrives on the scene determined to get answers. Clues are everywhere, but nothing adds up. Dani turns to the Delphi Center crime lab for help, but soon regrets it when her secret attraction to their chief firearms examiner threatens to distract her from the most important case of her career.

As a ballistics expert and former Navy SEAL, Scott Black knows firearms, and he knows he can help Dani unravel her case. Scott has managed to hide his interest in his best friend’s younger sister for years, but when her investigation brings them together, the sparks between them quickly get out of control. Scott resolves to keep his hands off Dani and his eyes on the goal—identifying a killer. But when that killer zeroes in on Dani, all bets are off. There isn’t a line Scott won’t cross to convince Dani to trust him so that he can help her take down a ruthless murderer who has her in his sights.

 

Review:

At Close Range by Laura Griffin is the 11th book in her fantastic Tracers series.  This series reads very well as a standalone, though in each book you get to see glimpses of some of the previous characters, especially those from Delphi Center.  One of those characters, Scott Black, who is a ballistics expert for Delphi, is the hero in this book.  Daniele (Dani) Harper is our heroine, and she is a local detective.  Dani knows Scott very well, as he is her brother’s best friend.  She has always had a crush on him, but he has never shown any interest.  

At Close Range begins with a double murder of a man and woman, who were in their car, in what was to be a romantic encounter.  When Dani arrives at the gruesome scene, she takes control, and eventually she will become the lead detective in the murder case.  Scott is also on the scene, representing Delphi, as he looks for ballistics clues.  A short time later, during their investigation, the murder weapon is discovered, and Scott fingerprints are all over the gun.  Needless to say, he is now a suspect.  Dani, now in control, has to prove that Scott couldn’t have done this, and together with Ric and other detectives they begin to discover there is a frame up and conspiracy.  But who and why is the major mystery that takes us on an exciting suspenseful wild adventure, which will have so many twists and turns.  There is no way we could figure out who is behind this, at least not until we reach the end of this fabulous story.

Dani is very good at her job, and besides her detectives, she works well with the many workers that work at Delphi.  A few times we worry, since Dani finds herself in a few dangerous life threatening situations.  When she is finally able to clear Scott, he will go out of his way to work with her, and also help protect her.  Within the mystery, a romance will develop between Scott and Dani.  He has been attracted to her, but because she is the younger sister of his friend, he has always stepped away.  But now with them working so closely together, the chemistry between them heats up. 

There were so many twists and revelations along the way that saying anything more would be spoilers.  What follows is an amazing intense mystery that has you on the edge throughout the entire book.  What also makes this series so great is all wonderful dynamics of the Delphi Center (Tracers) that give us a look at the different ways to look for clues.  Laura Griffin does such an amazing job detailing all the aspects of looking for various things found at a murder scene….truly awesome.   If you enjoy a true murder mystery, with lots of action, suspense, intense situations and a touch of romance, then you should be reading the Tracers series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

blueandwhitegiveaway

Laura’s publisher is offering a paper copy of AT CLOSE RANGE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: if you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer. This should alleviate the difficulty.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Follow LAURA GRIFFIN on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from January 30 – February 3, 2017

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Deep Dark by Laura Griffin – Review & Giveaway

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Deep Dark by Laura Griffin – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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DEEP DARK
Tracers #10
by Laura Griffin
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Genre: mystery, suspense

 

Deep DarkAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
The moment detective Reed Novak steps onto the crime scene, he knows the case is going to rock his world. A beautiful young woman murdered at home. No sign of forced entry. No motive. She’s obviously not the killer’s first victim, and Reed’s instincts tell him she won’t be his last. Reed’s first clue comes via a mysterious text that links to a dating profile, but even more intriguing than the clue is the person who sent it.

As a white-hat hacker in the Delphi Center’s cyber investigation unit, Laney Knox sneaks into some of the deepest, darkest corners of the Internet looking for predators. Laney would prefer to stay away from Austin PD’s most recent murder case, but she can’t ignore the chilling similarities between that crime and her own brutal attack years ago. Laney offers to help the sexy lead detective, but he wants more from her than just a promising tip—Reed wants her trust. Laney resists, but as their relationship deepens she’s tempted to reveal the closely guarded secrets that could make her a key witness…or the killer’s next victim.

 

 

Review:

Deep Dark by Laura Griffin is the 10th book in her wonderful Tracers series.  This is a series that though they do have recurring characters that are part of the Tracers team, it does read very well as a standalone.  The Delphi Center, which is private, specializes in elite experts in all aspects of foresenics, which help the police or FBI to solve difficult crimes, such as serial killers.   Deep Dark revolves around Laney Knox, a member of the Delphi Center’s cyber investigative unit and detective Reed Novak. 

The story starts three years earlier, when Laney wakes up in the middle of the night hearing a possible burglar.  Someone with a ski mask jumps her, but Laney is able to escape from being raped or killed.  Jump to the present, where Laney now works for the Delphi Center as a computer expert who is able to hack into any system to help find clues. When a young woman is brutally murdered, Laney finds herself unable to not get involved.  She tries to help finding some clues for the police to use, and meets the lead detective, Reed.  Even though he isn’t too keen on her becoming involved in his case, he learns quickly that she is very good at what she does.  Reed also finds himself becoming attracted to her, but shies away, since he is 39 to her 24.  Reed also senses that Laney is hiding something, as she seems to be taking this case personally.

With help from Laney, and some other members of Delphi, Reed begins to suspect there is a serial murderer on the loose.  Clues from other murders of young women from recent and years past start showing up.  Together, Reed and Laney will work to try and find the culprit, but are stymied at every turn, even when they get close, they are too late.  In time, Reed who has become involved with Laney, despite his better judgment, finds out the truth of what happened to Laney years before and why she stubbornly insists to help.  The clues of the murderer have so many similarities to her attacker.  The romance between Laney and Reed was really nice, as I loved them together.   Griffin does a wonderful job of giving us a very nice romance, but not letting it overtake the story.

What follows is a very exciting tense emotional story, where finding one victim leads to the discovery of more of the same over the last few years.   Reed will push to find the killer before another murder takes place, but it will be Laney who will find the clues.  Laney will find herself in danger, forcing Reed to race to save her.  Griffin had us holding our breaths throughout the story, and managed to keep us in the dark as to who the killer was; there was a surprising twist I did not see. As always, I love the main characters of each story, and Deep Dark was no different. Besides Reed, Laney, the Delphi members we have met previously, I enjoyed Jay, Veronica and Jordan.  Laura Griffin has once again given us another thriller, which is so well written with allowing us to see what goes on behind the scenes to find a murderer.  If you enjoy suspense, mystery, fast paced, forensics, great romance and bad villains to catch, then the Tracers series is a must.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Guest post-White and RedSummer Bucket List by Laura Griffin

 

Summer will fly by if you don’t get out there and seize the moment! Check out these 11 ideas to add to your summer bucket list:

  1. Get new flip-flops. A little gift for your feet will put you in the summer spirit.
  2. Take a road trip. This is one of those things people always talk about, but never do. This summer just pick a destination and hop in the car! If you’re short on time, go for the day and discover a new lunch place along the way.
  3. Visit a national park. Some of the most beautiful spots in the world are within America’s 59 national parks. To find one in your area visit https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm
  4. Go skinny dipping. Not necessarily in the national park…
  5. Make s’mores. Marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate. It’s that simple! If you don’t have a campfire site handy, the grille works, too.
  6. Plan a girls’ (or guys’) night out. Round up your friends and try a new place together, such as a beer garden or a café with a patio.
  7. Taka a yoga class. Especially if you think you don’t have time. Your mind and body will thank you.
  8. Catch an action flick. This summer’s list includes X-Men Apocalypse, The Legend of Tarzan, Ghostbusters and (my personal favorite) Jason Bourne.
  9. Try star gazing. It’s free! Sites such as stardate.org can help you find a good time. This summer’s Perseid Meteor Shower will peak around August 11.
  10. Go on a picnic.
  11. Read a romance novel. Trust me on this one. You’ll be glad you did!

 

Giveaway

Laura’s publisher is offering a paper copy of DEEP DARK to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: if you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer. This should alleviate the difficulty.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Follow LAURA GRIFFIN on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from May 24 – 28, 2016

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Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

Shadow Fall
Tracers series – Book #9
by Laura Griffin
Release Date: September 22, 2015

Shadow FallAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description
Special Agent Tara Rushing arrives at a grisly murder scene and quickly discovers she’s got a serial killer on her hands. The killer is meticulous, making sure to wipe up even the smallest traces of evidence…but the Delphi Center experts are on the case.

The local sheriff has a suspect all picked out—ex-Marine and current security expert Liam Wolfe. Despite all her digging, Tara knows very little about Liam when she shows up at his sprawling Texas compound, which serves as headquarters for Wolfe Securities, and she’s surprised by her intense physical reaction to him.

As she and Liam grow closer, Tara finds herself depending on his skills and expertise to help her track a killer. But when another body turns up, Tara must decide if she can trust the man who’s quickly stealing her heart.


Review:

Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin in the 9th book in her Tracers series. This is my first book reading Griffin, and it will not be my last. Even though this book was the 9th in the series, it read perfectly as a standalone. Any important details regarding the Tracers are explained when needed. What are Tracers? This blurb from Griffin’s site explains it all

“AN ELITE GROUP OF FORENSIC EXPERTS WHO HELP HOMICIDE COPS AND COLD CASE DETECTIVES SOLVE THE MOST UNSOLVABLE CRIMES.”

In Shadow Fall, Tara Rushing, our heroine and an FBI agent, is just coming off a very difficult case, which mentally she has not fully recovered from. Much to her chagrin, she is sent on an immediate assignment in a small town in Texas. When Tara arrives, she finds the local police, especially the sheriff aren’t too happy to have her there. She knows she needs to be one step ahead of them, as they will not willingly be forthcoming with any evidence they find. Tara is also surprised to have a rookie agent assigned to help her, but in the long run she and M.J. learn to work together very well. When they arrive at the scene, they learn a woman was brutally murdered.

Liam Wolfe is our hero, who is a former marine having survived in Afghanistan, and now runs a top notch security firm, with former marines. Tara meets Liam early on, as the murder took place on his land; he was a friend of the victim, which makes him an early suspect. The sheriff would like nothing better than to put the blame on Liam; but Tara and M.J discover quickly that Liam has a valid alibi.

Almost immediately, Liam finds himself attracted to Tara and her to him. But both, due to their own circumstances, do their best to keep their feelings mute. With a second murder, the race is on to find this vicious killer, before another victim is found. Tara meets and begins to work with the people at the Delphi Center lab (Tracers), who have specialized experts in all fields related to DNA, bones, fragments, etc; and they will help Tara find whatever evidence they can pinpoint.

This was such an exciting, suspenseful and captivating storyline, as the case escalates to a serial killer, with murders of women, who upon further investigation are discovered from the past.   I was amazed at the writing and knowledge of Laura Griffin, as it was written so well; with each miniscule finding being deciphered by the Tracers, helping Tara to slowly move toward finding the killer. Both Tara and M.J. know Liam is innocent, but they fear one of his employees is the murderer. The danger escalates as they get closer to finding the killer, which will put both of their lives on the brink of death.

Tara and Liam’s relationship heats up, as their chemistry is off the wall. Despite both of their determination to not act on their lust, the dangers and threats that surround them will bring them to release their tension and act on their feelings. I loved Tara and Liam together, as they made a great and sizzling couple.   I admire Griffin’s ability to give us a nice slow romance, and keep it as part of the background, not taking anything away from this exciting and intense mystery.

I do not want to give spoilers, so I will just say that this was a wonderful exciting, suspenseful and tense story, with some wonderful characters, very interesting details of how this wonderful crime lab works, and a great couple, who blend together so well. Laura Griffin has written a page turner that I could not put down, and has won me over as a writer who deftly puts the pieces together, explaining to us every step of the way. Fantastic story, so well written and now I have to find time to go back to the beginning and read this series from the start.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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