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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
At Close Range is Scott Black and Daniele Harper's story. This is a best friends little sister story. Scott has stayed far away from Daniele out of respect to her brother until a recent double murder brings them together.
Scott Black is a former Seal who had to leave due to a knee injury. He lost more than just his job that day and that has affected his way of life. He is known for going from one meaningless hookup to another and his main focus is his job at the Delphi Center as a ballistics expert.
Daniele Harper is a fairly new detective on the police force. She has to be tough when her job is surrounded by so many alpha men in the police force. She's always had a thing for Scott but she knows what he is like with random women and she doesn't want to be one more.
I struggled with this couple. I'm not the biggest fan of the commitment phobe man and Daniele wasn't as strong as I think she should have been. But, the suspense in this book was what I really enjoyed. This author really knows how to pull a reader into the story. I loved the investigation process and trying to put the pieces together. This far out weighed my frustrations with the romance aspect of the book.
Scott Black is a former Seal who had to leave due to a knee injury. He lost more than just his job that day and that has affected his way of life. He is known for going from one meaningless hookup to another and his main focus is his job at the Delphi Center as a ballistics expert.
Daniele Harper is a fairly new detective on the police force. She has to be tough when her job is surrounded by so many alpha men in the police force. She's always had a thing for Scott but she knows what he is like with random women and she doesn't want to be one more.
I struggled with this couple. I'm not the biggest fan of the commitment phobe man and Daniele wasn't as strong as I think she should have been. But, the suspense in this book was what I really enjoyed. This author really knows how to pull a reader into the story. I loved the investigation process and trying to put the pieces together. This far out weighed my frustrations with the romance aspect of the book.
Welp, it looks like my TBR just grew by TEN books. Why is that you ask? After reading At Close Range, I have a new to me series to binge read!
I’ve read only two other books by Ms. Griffin, her Alpha Crew series, and I really liked those. So, when I stumbled upon this book, I was intrigued and I figured it was time to jump into the Tracers series. Yes, I’m a stickler for reading a series in order but I can assure you that you can safely jump into this series, even at book number ten. Isn’t is fun to read a book in a series and know that there are NINE more that you get to read? I know I’m excited.
So after saying all of that, you can assume that I liked At Close Range and that would be true. For me, the test of a good romantic suspense book is how the romance and the suspense are balanced. If it’s too heavy on the romance/erotic side, the suspense plot becomes secondary. Some rom/suspense books are too light on the romance and those are not my preference. I think there are many romantic/suspense readers that prefer more suspense and less romance. So, it’s a very delicate balance.
Dani is a rookie detective and the little sister of Scott Black’s best friend. Can I just add here how overprotective her brother is? It’s actually kind of funny and if his book has been written, I can’t wait to read it and if it hasn’t been written, I hope it’s on Ms. Griffin’s to-do list because I’d love to see him taken down a peg or two by love. Anyhoo, Dani and Scott have known each for a very long time and she’s had a crush on him forever but he has always kept his distance especially after his last SEAL deployment. So, yeah, Scott Black has some issues and I’ll admit that those issues made it a little harder for me to understand him, to connect to him as a character. Even though Dani ends having to investigate him as a possible suspect in a double murder, their attraction finally reaches its tipping point. Because let’s face it, Dani knows Scott and she knows he couldn’t have committed the crime. Now, they have to solve a double murder. The procedural aspect of At Close Range was fascinating and that’s another reason I want to catch up on this series, those details fascinate me.
Dani and Scott are an interesting couple, Scott has always been a love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy but Dani brings out feelings in him that he’s never had before. Dani is a great character, she’s a badass and is dedicated to her job. I liked her a lot! I have to say that I’d like to read more about Dani and Scott, I think I wanted a little bit more from them after they got together, that’s just me though.
At Close Range was a great read, it was a pulse-pounding thrill ride with a side of passion and intrigue.
I’ve read only two other books by Ms. Griffin, her Alpha Crew series, and I really liked those. So, when I stumbled upon this book, I was intrigued and I figured it was time to jump into the Tracers series. Yes, I’m a stickler for reading a series in order but I can assure you that you can safely jump into this series, even at book number ten. Isn’t is fun to read a book in a series and know that there are NINE more that you get to read? I know I’m excited.
So after saying all of that, you can assume that I liked At Close Range and that would be true. For me, the test of a good romantic suspense book is how the romance and the suspense are balanced. If it’s too heavy on the romance/erotic side, the suspense plot becomes secondary. Some rom/suspense books are too light on the romance and those are not my preference. I think there are many romantic/suspense readers that prefer more suspense and less romance. So, it’s a very delicate balance.
Dani is a rookie detective and the little sister of Scott Black’s best friend. Can I just add here how overprotective her brother is? It’s actually kind of funny and if his book has been written, I can’t wait to read it and if it hasn’t been written, I hope it’s on Ms. Griffin’s to-do list because I’d love to see him taken down a peg or two by love. Anyhoo, Dani and Scott have known each for a very long time and she’s had a crush on him forever but he has always kept his distance especially after his last SEAL deployment. So, yeah, Scott Black has some issues and I’ll admit that those issues made it a little harder for me to understand him, to connect to him as a character. Even though Dani ends having to investigate him as a possible suspect in a double murder, their attraction finally reaches its tipping point. Because let’s face it, Dani knows Scott and she knows he couldn’t have committed the crime. Now, they have to solve a double murder. The procedural aspect of At Close Range was fascinating and that’s another reason I want to catch up on this series, those details fascinate me.
Dani and Scott are an interesting couple, Scott has always been a love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy but Dani brings out feelings in him that he’s never had before. Dani is a great character, she’s a badass and is dedicated to her job. I liked her a lot! I have to say that I’d like to read more about Dani and Scott, I think I wanted a little bit more from them after they got together, that’s just me though.
At Close Range was a great read, it was a pulse-pounding thrill ride with a side of passion and intrigue.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Stalking, Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
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.
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.
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.