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ibjilln's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, Stalking, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
jonetta's review
4.0
Detective Daniele (Dani) Harper catches a high profile double murder and is assigned as lead even though she doesn’t have a host of experience. She holds her own and is only thrown off her balance when Delphi Center firearms expert Scott Black joins the investigation. He’s one of her brother’s best friends and very much a part of her law enforcement family but six months ago they stumbled out of the friends zone and things have been awkward since.
This was one of those cases where solid investigative and forensic skills were needed because nothing about the murders seemed to make sense on the surface. I really enjoyed the forensic analyses, learning a lot more about firearms, weaponry and sharp shooting than I believed I already knew. Things got really interesting when Scott was compromised and that additional angle made this a stronger story. Dani and Scott’s relationship was adeptly developed, fitting into the investigation neatly and messily at the same time. They made a good team on all levels and I liked them both.
I was drawn in from the onset and never could deduce what was going on, which was unusual for me but kept me immersed in the action and the case. Everything about this story worked.
This was one of those cases where solid investigative and forensic skills were needed because nothing about the murders seemed to make sense on the surface. I really enjoyed the forensic analyses, learning a lot more about firearms, weaponry and sharp shooting than I believed I already knew. Things got really interesting when Scott was compromised and that additional angle made this a stronger story. Dani and Scott’s relationship was adeptly developed, fitting into the investigation neatly and messily at the same time. They made a good team on all levels and I liked them both.
I was drawn in from the onset and never could deduce what was going on, which was unusual for me but kept me immersed in the action and the case. Everything about this story worked.
mustlovemustypages's review
5.0
Laura Griffin is one of the best romantic suspense authors. She really knows how to create a balance of the two. Often when I'm reading these sorts of novels by others, they lean heavily towards romance or suspense, but Griffin straddles both with such ease.
The main reason why I started the Tracers series was that it had a CSI-like feel with the Delphi Center. This one was a little less focused on the Delphi Center than the others because the heroine was a detective (and the hero seemed to spend more time in the field than at work), but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of this installment at all.
The main reason why I started the Tracers series was that it had a CSI-like feel with the Delphi Center. This one was a little less focused on the Delphi Center than the others because the heroine was a detective (and the hero seemed to spend more time in the field than at work), but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of this installment at all.
nadenetotallyaddictedtoreading's review
4.0
I got my first taste of Laura Griffin’s work when I read Deep Dark, book 10 in the Tracer series, which I enjoyed as such when the opportunity came to read At Close Range, I could not resist. There is no need to read the earlier books in the series before reading this installment as it is possible to read it as a stand-alone.
In this installment, we meet Daniele Harper, a detective who came from a family of law enforcement officials. She became the lead investigator on a high-profile case, which involved the murder of a professor, and his mistress. This case had the potential to make or break her career. Her involvement in the case led to her working closely with her longtime crush Scott Black. Scott is a former Navy Seal who now works as a ballistics expert with the Delphi Centre, a private forensics laboratory.The attraction between Dan but they were off-limits to each as Scott was her brother’s best friend. Things between them became tense between them when Scott became a suspect in her current case. He was not about to sit back and wait for things to play out, his priority was in proving his innocence. Not only does Dani have to deal with her feelings for the man, who is the main suspect, she has to face resentment from colleagues who felt she did not deserve the role of lead investigator on the case. Then more bodies began turning up causing all involved to step back and view things differently. Things became more complicated when Scott discovered that someone wanted Dani dead. Is this related to the current case or is it isolated?
Daniele is stubborn, tenacious, determined and brave; however, there were times when her actions went a bit overboard. I guess this was mostly due to her wanting to prove that she could handle the role of lead investigator. Scott is a protector by nature and he would do what it takes to protect Daniele even if it meant interfering with the investigation. He is not afraid to colour somewhat outside the lines when the need arises.
When the story began, it had me on the edge of my seat due to the tense, edgy and thrilling scene that was taking place. At that moment, I knew there would be interesting times ahead for this story. The pace slowed down somewhat, but this was due to the ongoing investigation. Twists and surprises permeated the pages of the book. When I thought I had it figured out the author throws in a twist that had me rethinking my original stance.
The pace picked up at around fifty percent (50%) of the book. From then it was an adrenaline-pumping ride.These two danced around each for a long time, that when they finally took the plunge, it was explosive. In spite of this, however, I felt that the romance needed more developing.
Verdict:If you enjoy stories with lots of action, suspense and mystery, you will love At Close Range. It will keep you guessing at every page turn, which makes it an exciting and thrilling read.
In this installment, we meet Daniele Harper, a detective who came from a family of law enforcement officials. She became the lead investigator on a high-profile case, which involved the murder of a professor, and his mistress. This case had the potential to make or break her career. Her involvement in the case led to her working closely with her longtime crush Scott Black. Scott is a former Navy Seal who now works as a ballistics expert with the Delphi Centre, a private forensics laboratory.The attraction between Dan but they were off-limits to each as Scott was her brother’s best friend. Things between them became tense between them when Scott became a suspect in her current case. He was not about to sit back and wait for things to play out, his priority was in proving his innocence. Not only does Dani have to deal with her feelings for the man, who is the main suspect, she has to face resentment from colleagues who felt she did not deserve the role of lead investigator on the case. Then more bodies began turning up causing all involved to step back and view things differently. Things became more complicated when Scott discovered that someone wanted Dani dead. Is this related to the current case or is it isolated?
Daniele is stubborn, tenacious, determined and brave; however, there were times when her actions went a bit overboard. I guess this was mostly due to her wanting to prove that she could handle the role of lead investigator. Scott is a protector by nature and he would do what it takes to protect Daniele even if it meant interfering with the investigation. He is not afraid to colour somewhat outside the lines when the need arises.
When the story began, it had me on the edge of my seat due to the tense, edgy and thrilling scene that was taking place. At that moment, I knew there would be interesting times ahead for this story. The pace slowed down somewhat, but this was due to the ongoing investigation. Twists and surprises permeated the pages of the book. When I thought I had it figured out the author throws in a twist that had me rethinking my original stance.
The pace picked up at around fifty percent (50%) of the book. From then it was an adrenaline-pumping ride.These two danced around each for a long time, that when they finally took the plunge, it was explosive. In spite of this, however, I felt that the romance needed more developing.
Verdict:If you enjoy stories with lots of action, suspense and mystery, you will love At Close Range. It will keep you guessing at every page turn, which makes it an exciting and thrilling read.
pgchuis's review
3.0
3.5* rounded down.
This was strong until the end, when the plot just went crazy - who could have seen that coming? Scott was a bit too unknowable for me, but otherwise I thought the romance was well done.
This was strong until the end, when the plot just went crazy - who could have seen that coming? Scott was a bit too unknowable for me, but otherwise I thought the romance was well done.
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