At Close Range by Laura Griffin (Tracers #11)
Releases: January 31, 2017
Romantic Suspense
Pocket Books
Reviewed by Mandi
I love, love, love this romantic suspense series from Laura Griffin. Each one is so well done with a suspense that really makes you guess and a cast of characters that are very well-developed.
In this one we get to learn Scott Black’s story. A former Navy SEAL, turned ballistics expert, he works for the famed Delphi Center, a leader in forensics experts. Scott is all man – quiet, stubborn, and becomes a big, sexy, pain in the butt for our heroine.
Dani Harper is a police detective and when there is a double homicide, her boss gives her the case as a lead. Excited yet a little nervous since this is only her fourth homicide case, she is determined to do a good job. She has two dead bodies in the woods – a man and a woman, both who work at the local university in the research department. Dani initially thinks this could be a crime of passion, as the man was shot in the groin (ouchie). Scott gets called in to examine the gun evidence. Scott is Dani’s brother’s best friend – and whenever he is around, Dani gets the nervous flutters in her stomach but she thinks he just looks at her like a kid sister. But she is wrong…and he really wants to jump her. But when a gun with Scott’s fingerprints is found near the scene of the murder, he becomes a suspect, and the sexy time adventures might have to be put on hold.
Laura Griffin excels at romantic suspense. She can write really creepy villains (although the creepiness is scaled back in this one). She always leaves the reader guessing as to who the suspect is. She writes detailed scenes involving forensic evidence and processing, yet it’s never dry or dull. The characters that walk the halls of the Delphi Center are fun and smart and engaging. Her characters span the police and FBI, and each one is well-developed and memorable.
While Scott and Dani run off to figure out these murders, the sexual tension is pretty hot between them. Scott is very alpha – he loves a hot kiss up against a car or to try to tell Dani how dangerous he is:
He caught her hand in an iron grip. “Danielle.”
“What?” Her response came out breathy and innocent – not like herself at all – but her heart was racing as she tried to project confidence she didn’t feel. She ignored the pain, as well as the clear signal that he wanted her to back off.
Because he didn’t really want that. She eased closer, brushing the tips of her breasts against him, and his grip on her wrist tightened
“This is a bad idea.” His low, dangerous voice sent a shiver through her. “Didn’t your brother warn you against me?”
“No.”
“I’m warning you.”
Spoiler – his warning didn’t work.
Dani is all about him – but is also a little wary since Scott is involved with the investigation. The murder in this one isn’t as complex or crazy dangerous as in previous books but it’s still really well done. This world she has created is rich and fascinating.
I highly recommend this series. I love them all.
Grade: B+
Previous Laura Griffin Reviews
** I have a brand new print copy of this book to giveaway (or if you prefer, I can gift a kindle copy to you). Leave a comment and I’ll pick a random commenter tomorrow afternoon.
******** Contest closed: Winner is – Kareni – an email has been sent :)
I have read several of these based on your recommendations. I’m not a big romantic suspense reader but these are so well done. I can’t wait to read this one!
I just found this series, don’t know how I missed it before, but I love that so much goodness is waiting for me with this big series.
This is one of the few long series I have stayed with. Love this series.
Love this series. Hope there’s more romance. A couple of the previous books were heavy on the suspense, but light on the romance.
I thought the romance was a bit more prominent in this one
I’m a big fan of romantic suspense and Laura Griffin. I can’t wait to read this.
Thanks for the review Mandi! Love the Tracer series. My favorite story was with Ric and Mia. Looking forward to this one too. I’m with Janice hoping this one has a little more romance.
I would say the romance is a bit bigger this time!
I’d love to try this one!
This sounds good! I have read a few other books in this series and they never disappoint! Thanks for the giveaway!!
I’m another fan of this series! Thanks for the chance to win.
I love romantic suspence. Thanks for the chance to win it! :)
I love this series!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I do love this series too and I’ve been waiting what seems like forever for this newest book :) I was lucky as that I came into this series late and I was able to glom the first 8? books in a row. Thanks for sharing!
I do like this series. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love her Tracers series!! They are awesome. Thanks for the chance to win.
I haven’t read any books by this author before. Thanks for the review!
meredithfl at gmail dot com
Romantic suspense is my catnip! Can’t wait to read this one.
Great review! I love this series. Thanks for the giveaway!
Wonderful series! I can’t wait to read this book.