I would rate this really as 3.5 stars as this was my least favorite Tracy Crosswhite book. It involves the death of a young 12 year old African American boy. The car is traced to a Naval employee who reported it stolen hours before the accident. Extra care is taken because of the current political situation and a struggle breaks out who has control on the investigation, the Seattle Police Department or the Navy.

Meanwhile the Seattle police department has its hands full with a number of heroin overdoses among high school students and young professionals. The number of homicides is rising and one of the detectives has just lost his niece to a shocking overdose. In the midst of all this hectic activity, Tracy decides she wants a baby and discovers she is not as fertile at 40 as she use to be. Shock and surprise. Who knew?

The characters aren't really as fleshed out and I really didn't care about any of them. It seems slightly formulaic. I thought then plot was a little tired. What saves the book is Tracy and her regular characters. I enjoy her fellow detectives and husband.

In spite of everything, it is still readable and has a bang up ending. You can do a lot worse than reading the new entry in this likable series.

Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this review in exchange for a review.

The newest installment in the Tracey Crosswhite series by Robert Dugoni. It is a great addition to the series. I love this series! As always, it was well worth it. The storyline was woven well around the detectives and also included some personal life issues for the detectives. I like how the author did this. The main focus was still on the main storyline and the murders. The characters were well developed and real. Like people you know in real life. It is a great book and I highly recommend it.

Whoa! My first Tracy Crosswhite book by Robert Dugoni, although the fifth for this series, Close to Home hits a home run with me! This novel employs a complicated cross-plot tying Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite with Navy JAG attorney Lieutenant Leah Battles after it is discovered that the 12 year old killed in a hit and run was hit by Navy Petty Officer Lazlo Trejo from the local naval base.

Involved in a sub-plot as well are two Violent Crimes Division detectives, Delmo Castigliano, who is grieving for his niece, Allie, who recently succumbed to a heroin overdose, and his partner, Vic Fazzio. Tracy and her partner, "Kins" each have their personal health issues and it is Kins first who must make a temporary bow out to deal with it, leaving Tracy to glean some support from Del and Vic. The unusually robust heroin making the rounds creates a vicious cycle within the community and hits WAY too close to home in this extremely topical exposé of the current drug climate.

Tracy meets with the African American mother of the young boy killed in the hit and run and can't leave the case without positive closure, though it looks like there might be a jurisdictional fight between the Seattle PD and the Navy. We get to know Lt. Battles, and it doesn't take long to root for her as well; smart, intuitive, strong, and steadfastly confident even after a crucial bit of evidence suddenly goes missing implicating her.

So much going on in this book! Intelligent and fast-paced story issues more than one "oh no!" or "uh oh" moment. Just a couple areas of pushing back disbelief, but after all, this is fiction. Tracy is temporarily left without a partner; although why she isn't given a temporary back-up I'm not sure. I really appreciated getting to know the peripheral characters, all of whom became real and quelled the usual series problem of characters fully fleshed in previous installments and neglected in later submissions. This felt like a standalone and all the personalities made for a well-crafted support cast.

Tracy continues to pick at the problem of Trejo getting home after he ditches the car like a scab that won't heal and eventually ties the whole thing together with a bit of collaboration from Lt. Battles, whose character I really began to appreciate and feel she'll be an obvious strong asset in #6. The author makes a very satisfying wrap, tying all the loose ends into a neat package, though again pushing the disbelief button on all the reasons why Tracy should not have had a positive stick. I'll let you read the book and decide whether or not you agree with that one.

I was offered this download by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and really appreciated the opportunity to read and review! I loved this entry in the series and am already looking forward to the next! Heartily recommended to all, especially those interested in police procedurals, military justice, legal thrillers, suspense, and mystery-thrillers. This book has it all!

Picking up the latest book in this series has become an annual event I look forward to. Dugoni consistently delivers stories that combine clever, tightly plotted suspense with a great cast of characters & this one is no different.

The gang from Seattle PD’s Violent Crimes Section is back. Tracy Crosswhite & partner Kinsington Rowe are initially mystified when they’re assigned to a fatal hit & run. But when their investigation points to an employee at a local Navy base, things get complicated.

Meanwhile, Del Castigliano & Vic Fazzio are trying to track down the supplier of a deadly strain of heroin that’s hit the streets of Seattle & it’s personal. Del’s niece is one of the casualties & although he technically shouldn’t be involved, he’s determined to find those responsible for her death.

The 2 story lines unfold simultaneously & both are compelling with several twists to keep you on your toes. And there’s been a little change to the format. Instead of Tracy being the “star”, this instalment shines the limelight equally on all 4 of the lead detectives. It allows us to gain insight not only into their professional relationships but their private lives as well. Several are dealing with personal issues & these side stories add depth to the characters.

It’s a great addition to the series & although it can be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading in order so you get the full 411 on the characters & their relationships. Besides, why would you want to miss 4 other great reads?

There isn't a single one of Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series that I haven't enjoyed, and his new book "Close to Home" is no exception! It's got everything for a "can't put it down" read: suspense, drama, personality clashes, politics, personal angst, characters to love, and characters to hate...what more could I ask for?

"Close to Home" starts with the hit and run killing of a 12 year old boy who's life is full of promise: talented athlete, a loving family, a good student. Yet his life is taken in an instant by someone who didn't even slow down. Detective Tracy Crosswhite investigates and finds a suspect, but there is something strange about him. Things get even stranger when the local navy base decides to take on the case, because the suspect is one of their own. When key evidence disappears, the navy drops the case; how could the evidence go missing, and is the suspect's attorney being set up to take the fall?

While Tracy is working on the hit and run case, another detective in the department, Delmo "Del" Castigliiano , is investigating the death of his 17 year old niece (his sister's daughter) from a heroin overdose. It's both tragic and perplexing; she had been through detox and seened to have turned the corner on her addiction.

As Del and Tracy work their respective cases, they discover a dramatic increase in heroin overdoses. Is it the result of the legalization of marijuana or an influx of increasingly pure heroin? Is there a connection between Tracy's murder and Del's niece's overdose?

I love how Dugoni portrays Tracy's painstaking investigation, and the poignancy of Del's investigation into his niece's death at the same time he tries to help his sister through her grief. I really loved this book, and can't wait for the next one!

Detective Crosswhite gets called in for a hit and run. While the crime isn't really in her purview, the department wants to show the community that they are taking the event seriously as the child is African American and tensions are high. When they uncover that the car involved in the incident belongs to an enlisted sailor, Crosswhite and her team lose the case to the Navy legal system. But Crosswhite can't let it go after a piece of evidence disappears and it seems that a cover-up is taking place. I will admit that I didn't quite know who did it. I felt more confident about the people I knew didn't do it. In a parallel story line, one of Crosswhite's co-workers is struggling with the overdoses death of his niece. I enjoyed that both plot lines brought current events into the series and at the same time let the reader get to other characters.

A good entry in the Tracy Crosswhite series. This time, the police and the military clash when a naval officer is arrested for murder. Great for fans of this Robert Dugoni series.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Robert Dugoni for the opportunity to read and review the latest Tracy Crosswhite novel - it was fabulous!

I love reading the next book in a series that I love - it's like sitting down and getting reacquainted with old friends! If you haven't read any of these books, start from the beginning - you will not be disappointed with any of them. In fact, they get even better as you go along!

Tracy's latest case involves a hit-and-run fatality of a young boy. During the investigation, it's discovered that the driver was a serviceman at the Navy base nearby, which means that prosecution gets turned over to the Navy judicial system. Tied into subplots, this book also explores the heroin epidemic that is rampant in this country. This book also introduces us to some new characters that I hope will be in future books.

I don't want to give too much away - this is definitely a book you need to pick up and read for full enjoyment! Lots of great plot twists and continued character exploration.

This is the first in the series that I have read and I enjoyed it. The author blended two story lines well and created believable, characters with whom we could identify, flaws and all. One could quibble with the ending and I personally would have liked to see more courtroom drama, but the story was a good read. I'll be back.

I do love this series! The characters are great and the storylines are different. This book starts off with a hit and run killing a 12 year old boy but it twists and turns and becomes so much more. I always look forward to the next Tracey Crosswhite book.. i hope we don't have to wait too long for book 6..! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Thomas and Mercer for a copy of this book to read and review

So this year I've been blessed with not one, but two Tracy Crosswhite books! Can I ask for another one before the year ends? This is one of my absolute favorite series you guys!

I already told you that The Trapped Girl was probably my favorite out of all the Tracy books. It was simply amazing and it's right there among my favorite reads of 2017. It was that good. So while I definitely enjoyed this fifth installment, Close To Home, I must say that I didn't love it as much as the previous novels. Why's that? I'll get to it later.

It's funny because I had just finished reading The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow and that was a brutal book. I needed something way different, something that wasn't about drug cartels and despicable gangsters (I love those kind of stories, but I wanted a change). Imagine my surprise when I realized that Close To Home was all about drugs and dealers. Okay, it wasn't all about that, it also had its personal storylines and a navy investigation, but it seems like I can't stay away from that topic.

I said it before, but I love Tracy and Dan, and I love Tracy's team: Kins, Del and Faz. This time, though, Tracy wasn't exactly the main character, she let others take the spot. My favorite storyline was the one featuring Del and his investigation regarding the death of her niece. There was also another case featuring a hit and run that was connected to the Navy. I felt like watching an episode from NCIS. And be aware that there is a heavy legal-thriller feel, just like in My Sister's Grave. As for new characters, we were introduced to Leah Battles and she felt like one of the main characters, as well. I liked Celia, too.

The reasons why I didn't love this as much as The Trapped Girl -or My Sister's Grave- were that: a) I'm not really interested in military stuff, and b) for the first time, I was able to figure out what had happened, something that I hadn't experienced before when reading Dugoni's books. I think it's because I always believe that coincidences don't exist in fiction and I was sure about something from the very beginning.

Still, Close To Home is a strong procedural featuring some of my favorite characters and Robert Dugoni's books are essential for me. As soon as he releases the next one, I'll be there.

First, I would like to express my thanks to Thomas and Mercer Books, NetGalley and the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Close to Home is the fifth book in the Tracy Crosswhite series and it really did not seem to fit the bill as an exciting page-turner as the other four novels in this Dugoni series. But, boy was I ever wrong. It is a police procedural and these novels are more detailed and it takes time and words to lay everything into place and tie up the ends neatly. And, Dugoni is a master at this. After the details are laid into place, Close to Home takes off and give the reader quite an experience.
D’Andre Miller, a 12-year old African American boy living in a poor neighborhood is rushing home after playing basketball is run down by a Naval serviceman whom leaves the scene of the accident. But, why?
The Navy take precedence in the case and in the preliminary, evidence turns up missing. But, why? This is an embarrassment to the Navy and a mystery to be sure. Who has the most to gain with missing evidence? Then the unthinkable happens. The Navy really wants rid of the case, but with no embarrassment. The Seattle Police Department want to solve the case, but realizes that they may have a cooperation problem with the Navy. Who do they trust?
Meanwhile, as this is all going on, there is some bad heroin going around Seattle, and kids are dropping daily. Tracy’s crew member, Del, loses his niece to an overdose, so he is particularly motivated for this matter.
I realize that this review is a bit all over the place. Close to Home is a very good police procedural and I believe that I would be cheating the reader to disclose any spoilers, or even detail the plot too much. And, boy oh boy, the plot and storyline is fantastic. I would have no problem recommending this book to any reader of thrillers or police procedurals. This is an easy 4-star.

I only discovered Robert Dugoni a year or so ago….and I am glad I did. A prolific writer, he tells a good, cohesive story with strong character development that maintains reader interest.

This is the fifth in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Dugoni revisits familiar characters and introduces two new people whom I think may become recurring figures.

The Seattle Violent Crimes section is investigating two cases. The first involves a hit and run that kills a young African American boy. The culprit is a Navy man from nearby Bremerton which results in their official involvement in the case. Tracy and her partner, Kins Rowe, receive this assignment. Meanwhile, Del Castigliano and Vic Fazzio pursue the people responsible for selling a strain of heroin that has resulted in a number of fatal overdoses. It’s personal for Del as one of the victims was his niece. Add to that Tracy coping with infertility while Kins is facing hip surgery which he is sure will go wrong.

As the cases unfold, the suspense builds and there are twists and turns that will keep the reader enthralled. Another hit for Dugoni.

One doesn’t have to have read the prior novels in this series to understand who the characters are. However, if you are unfamiliar with Dugoni’s work, do yourself a favor and go back and read the four prior books.

This is the fifth in the Tracy Crosswhite series and I'm pleased to say that it's as strong as its predecessor. I was slow to appreciate this series. I was ok with the early books but not overwhelmed. I liked the fourth book much more and this one as well. I love the interaction between the team. Their personal lives had as much bearing on my enjoyment as the actual case being investigated. Here, Tracy is pursuing getting pregnant in her early 40s and Kins is readying himself for hip replacement.

The plot is ripped from the headlines as it involves the heroin epidemic and efforts to go after the dealers for overdose deaths. As with what we're seeing on the news here, fentanyl is involved.

Dugoni adds enough detail to his scenes to provide you with insight, whether it's about why the police are reluctant to go to the news media when overdoses go up or what the navy thinks of their working uniforms. As to the first, “it's like moths to the light. Addicts will go looking for it. Overdoses are the best advertisement out there for the quality of the product.”

The plot is well written and the auxiliary characters, like Leah Battles and Celia McDaniels, are fully drawn. I’m hoping both of these ladies will continue to be involved in book six.

My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

This is my third Robert Dugoni novel and second Tracy Crosswhite book. There's something about this mans writing style that I love. A mixture of descriptive and factual detail along with great character development, Close To Home continues in this vein and delivers in spades.

The book starts with Tracy investigating the hit and run killing of a young boy in her home town of Seattle. Her chief suspect turns out to be a service man at a local navel base. However when a crucial piece of evidence goes missing he is cleared of the charges in a military court.

Tracy remains unperturbed and as she links the driver of the vehicle to a spate of recent overdoses, she realises that this may not just be a cover up by the navy but something much deeper, involving numerous suspects and a lethal strain of heroin.

So as said at the start, I loved this book. Although it's the fifth in the series it's only my second read in the said series, my other being the previous in the series - The Trapped Girl. I'm already all in with the character of Tracy and her world. I certainly intend to seek out the previous three books.

Mr Dugonis writing style is just right up my street. He manages to balance writing a lot of forensic stuff and case detail, along with giving plenty of time for his characters to breath and be rounded out. A near perfect balance on the book. So many vivid characters in this book but yet so much explained in the story. The story. Yes it's a good one. Leading you one way and then the other. I was intruiged from the start to the finish and I honestly didn't know what the ending would bring.

An easy five star review from me. This book gave me loads of enjoyment. It was such a pleasure to read. If you haven't read any of this series, I'd certainly encourage you to do so. This is coming from a reader who has only read book four and book five but certainly intends to read the previous three.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Robert Dugoni and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great one in the Tracy Crosswhite Series! I love her as a character and am always so glad when another book comes out! This one finds Tracy putting herself in harm's way as she tries to get to the bottom of a dangerous conspiracy. As usual, the storyline was captivating and I couldn't read fast enough!

Another amazing, can't-put-it-down Tracy Crosswhite story from Robert Dugoni. I'll never get tired of reading about Tracy and Dan or about Tracy, Kins, Faz and Del. Great characters, great stories. Thank you to Netgalley for letting me get my hands on this book before publication.

This is book five in the Tracy Crosswhite series and, as usual, it is intense, entertaining and full of mystery. I’ve read, or listened to, almost every book written by Mr. Dugoni and enjoyed each one.

I love Tracy Crosswhite’s character and she is confident, intelligent, and works every potential clue to clear a crime. I’ve enjoyed that Dan was added as a significant other and they are now married. He is a great sounding board to Tracy as she puzzles through various clues. Tracy has finally found someone to share her life with and they are quite devoted to each other.

This was a great mix of missing evidence, the military, heroin that is so strong people are dying, a young boy in a hit and run accident, and plenty of unexpected twists and turns. The death of the teenager that seemed to have everything going for him was a poignant loss. The deaths due to the strong drugs were painful and I could feel every emotion that the families felt as they struggled to help their loved ones with drug addiction and yet still lost them.

It was good to see Tracy’s fellow detectives Kins, Del, and Faz, although there are some tragic and sad events in Del’s life. There are two new interesting female characters that I hope will be continued in the next book. They are both strong, independent and intelligent women and their personalities and relationships will be fun to watch.

As usual, Mr. Dugoni writes a fast-paced story, full of complex characters and quite suspenseful. There are several plotlines that seem random and yet overlap and kept me guessing. Mr. Dugoni pulls from current news stories for a riveting story with enough detail to make it interesting and informative. I enjoy the characters in this series and am always waiting for the next book.

This story ends with an epilogue that made me very happy and can’t wait to see where the series will head next!

Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Robert Dugoni for the opportunity to read this book. I’m a great fan of Mr. Dugoni’s work.

To those who say there are not enough strong heroines out there, I give you Tracy Crosswhite. She's a character I admire because she's so strong. And this time, Dugoni adds two more women to the mix: Leah Battles is a Navy attorney. She excels at Krav Maga and chess. She will be Tracy's opponent and will give her a run for her money. Celia is another attorney. She prosecutes drug-related cases and she will give Del a reason to lose weight. As always, the characters are excellently written. And what a plot! A twelve year old kid is killed on a hit and run when we was so close to home he almost made it. Tracy has very strong evidence that a Navy guy did it but, before they can prosecute, the Navy takes jurisdiction. We then get court-room action as exciting as any car chase. As a side-plot, Del is pursuing another case that hits close to home: his niece overdosed on heroine and he is looking for those responsible. And then... the twists are masterfully executed and the final confrontation is unexpected and heart-attack-inducing. Five big stars to this excellent novel.

Tracy Crosswhite Series, Book 5.

Tracy Crosswhite is thrown into the path of a killer conspiracy. Tracy is investigating the hit-and-run death of a young boy and makes a starting discovery, the suspect is a active-duty serviceman at the local naval base. A key piece of evidence goes missing and he is cleared of all charges in a military court. Tracy knows she can't turn her back on this kind of justice. She then uncovers the drivers ties to a spate of heroin overdoses in the city and realises this is not a case of the military protecting its own. With the truth being uncovered, Tracy is putting herself in harms way.

Another fantastic Tracy Crosswhite book. With the usual twist and turns, suspense, tension, and fast pace that we know we are going to get, Robert Dugoni has once again had me hooked from the begining. I thought I knew where this story was going, but I was so wrong. A well written book with a great plot line, believable and some likeable characters and I can't wait to read what happens in book 6 in this series.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer and the author Robert Dugoni for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.