Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hidden by Laura Griffin Series: Texas Murder Files #1
Published by Berkley on August 25, 2020
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he's ever seen, and nothing adds up.
Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn’t who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.
As a ruthless hit man’s mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.
I had not read this author before. I would call this genre a mystery / thriller with some strong romantic elements. The main characters are an investigative reporter on the crime beat and a homicide detective. They are attracted but neither one trusts the other. Bailey, the reporter, is more willing to share information to get information. Of course, the consequences of sharing information is much more drastic for Jacob as a cop.
Each of them has good instincts and skills in gathering the evidence. They have different perspectives which gives them unique contacts and avenues to pursue. Jacob is worried at how dangerous the killer is and that Bailey is taking too many risks. I liked them both and they made a nice couple.
Hidden is the first in a series and I think I will enjoy the Texas Murder Files series. I didn’t feel like the characters were fully developed but I did appreciate the focus on the case, more than the romance. The next book Flight looks like it is about Bailey’s sister.
About Laura Griffin
Laura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five books and novellas. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura is a two-time RITA® Award winner (for Scorched and Whisper of Warning) as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award (for Untraceable). Her book Desperate Girls was named one of the Best Books of 2018 by Publishers Weekly. Laura lives in Austin, Texas, where she is working on her next novel.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 Echo by Tracy Clark @tracypc6161 @ChanteMcCormick #BrillianceAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - December 3, 2024
- Read-along & #Giveaway: Edge – Innkeeper by Ilona Andrews @ilonaandrews @reneeraudman @natalienaudus @AceBooksPub @nyliterary @TantorAudio @AudibleStudios #Read-along #GIVEAWAY #LoveAudiobooks - December 1, 2024
- Sunday Post –1 December 2024 @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - December 1, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
I haven’t read this author either, but she seems to have a lot of books under her belt! This sounds like fun.
Yes I think I will try some of her other series also.
I’ve read the author’s Tracers series and would also characterize it more as mystery with strong romantic elements. I’ve held off on this one for the time being but will probably add it when the second book is released. Excellent review, Anne?
Yes I plan to try one of her other series when I get a chance.
I really enjoy Griffin’s crime/thriller/mystery books and I have this one, too. The reporter aspect is a tricky one, since they can cause more trouble than help. I don’t like characters taking unnecessary risks either. Hopefully I’ll enjoy this one.
I’d say read her earlier books, the last few haven’t been as good. Deep Red, Touch of Dark, and At Close Range were really good.
So I need to try the Tracers series then?
I’ve enjoyed several in that series. I’d go with that one. They can be read as stand alones.
looking at the cover i think it would be a good one. i love a good cover…may not be the dark and dangerous i truly love, but i do enjoy a good mystery of any kind.
Mystery will always be a top category for me.
I have been meaning to try her books since I started reading suspenses again. Good to know that it’s heavier on the suspense end than the characters.
I want to try one of her other series too.
I think I would like this one, too, Anne, because of the focus on the case, rather than the romance. Fab review!
Thank you! It often depends on what someone is looking for whether they will enjoy the book more or less. I wanted slightly more character development but that doesn’t mean romance aspects. The amount of romance was enough.
I read one of her books last year and I liked it but yes the romance is in the backdrop of the story….I do like her writing style. I haven’t heard of this series though. That cover is stunning. A Shame that the characters weren’t fully developed in this one.
I am interested in trying some of her older series as well.