A return to sleuthing for Detective Tracy Crosswhite.

This is the sixth book in the Tracy Crosswhite series and my second by Robert Dugoni. From my previous reading, I learned that the setting is in South Park, and the Seattle Police Department investigates all the crimes and believe me the team have plenty to deal with!

In the beginning, we learn of a random shooting in broad daylight. However, there are two strands to this thriller. I know that some people don’t particularly enjoy the alternating of the chapters. However, I like this style of writing.

It is pleasing to know that the detective team work very closely together and it is good to see Tracy, Del, Vic and Faz share such camaraderie, which endears the reader to the characters. We learn of another officer, Andrea Gonzalez, who ruffles a few feathers, particularly Tracy’s.

Mr Dugoni offers plenty of action as always, and he includes the ingredients of gangs, drugs, cartels, murder, prostitution, and arranged marriage. I think that ‘The Trapped Girl’ just had the edge, so I’ve awarded four stars for ‘A Steep Price.’

By Galadriel.

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite series never disappoints.

In book 6 of the series, A Steep Price, Tracy Crosswhite is pregnant (and hiding it at work) and becomes involved in a missing persons case of a young Indian woman who is estranged from her family. Kavita Mukherjee resisted her family’s pressures to submit to an arranged marriage. I’ll be honest and say that storyline was rather predictable for me, based on the emphasis placed on tradition and familial responsibilities.

There was a second, concurrent storyline involving Faz and Del investigating the murder of a local activist. This one was definitely my favorite aspect of the book. Dugoni once again manages to expertly inject his character’s lives into the framework of the story. I am so invested in these characters. Faz & his wife Vera’s emphasis in this story was touching. I adore their relationship and was touched by their storyline.

As always, there was A LOT going on in the book - gang violence, arranged marriages, escorts, online dating, technology being used for tracking, pregnant working moms, cancer. I might not even have listed it all. There always are multiple issues in these books. Yet, Dugoni always finds a way to weave it all together. It never feels overwhelming. This series might be a crime procedural but honestly, for me the crimes are secondary (although Dugoni definitely does his homework in that regard & there are always unforeseen twists & turns). What keeps me coming back are the characters! I feel like I know them. Reading these books feels like settling in for a visit with old friends who I can’t wait to catch up with. 4 satisfyingly, content stars for A Steep Price.

A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni was book six in the Tracy Crosswhite series and once again he's delivered a winner.     It's always so comforting to be re-united with favourite characters, to see how their lives have progressed and changed and to find out what's happening in the here and now.    This time round there was greater emphasis on the lives of Faz and Vera but we still spent time with Del, Kins and of course the lovely Tracy and Dan who have decided to start a family.

Readers and characters alike were kept busy  with two cases running concurrently; a missing Indian girl and a murdered woman.   As with each of the books in this series I was drawn in from the beginning, quickly moving from curious through to compelled to know what would happen.    It was a fast read and though I wanted to savour the pages because it might be another year or more until we meet up with Tracy and co I simply couldn't slow my pace.   I was completely clueless about the who and the why of each case  almost till the end when I finally had my ahhaa moment.   Dugoni tied off all the loose ends neatly and set my mind to wondering where to next for these characters.    It certainly would be possible to read this as a stand alone title.   It's self contained and the reader is provided with essential back story elements but I'd encourage starting with My Sisters Grave and working your way through the series.    There have been some fantastic stories along the way and this was no exception.

Thanks to Robert Dugoni, Thomas and Mercer publishers and NetGalley for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.     I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as a buddy read with GR friend Kathleen and can't wait to meet up again with Tracy, her family and friends.

I do believe I’ve missed a couple of the last books in the Tracy Crosswhite series by Robert Dugoni. I didn’t recall Tracy being pregnant. So besides that, major surprise, I didn’t feel like you had to read the other books in the series to read this one. However, the first two books in the series, “My Sister’s Grave” and “Her Final Breath” have been my favorite in the series thus far. Mr. Dugoni writes really in-depth police procedural type thrillers. Now, this started out a bit slow but once he finds the gas he floors it!

One of my favorite things about Robert Dugoni’s books is getting that up-close look at the way cops get from point A to point B. The procedures and the things they can use to solve a case. The Steep Price also takes a look at the way cops and officials, in general are being scrutinized these days. There were parts in the story where Detectives Del Castigliano and/or Vic Fazzio would try to joke to release a bit of tension but it seemed unacceptable in the book giving us another glace into the seriousness of life on the streets for cops and all the citizens.

I enjoyed the way this book flipped back and forth between a shooting in broad daylight. Which killed a woman with tons of witnesses but no one saw a thing. The woman was an African American activist, a strong activist that refused to back down. Tracy Crosswhite is dealing with being hormonally pregnant and fighting the good fight with her bladder! She’s also testifying in a court proceeding and is called to help with a missing woman…. an Indian woman that lives the life of her culture mixed with a bit of American life. It’s interesting to say the least.

It was fascinating to learn and experience the different cultures in The Steep Price. Not only did I feel like I learned something but it was obviously well-researched and socially and politically timely. Tracy isn’t as Tracy-ish in this book. I could definitely see the fear of being pregnant in the type of career she has. It’s hard for women these days to have everything they way in life. Goals these days aren’t just raising a family… that is showed vividly in this book. This book really offers a lot. You’ll find yourself sucked into Mr. Dugoni’s world from start to finish.

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

While Detective Tracy Crosswhite is testifying in court on a case, her captain brings in a new detective, Andrea Gonzalez, to assist Tracy and her team. Since he didn’t tell anyone of this plan beforehand, and the new detective promptly asks Tracy about her pregnancy—which she hadn’t disclosed to anyone yet—Tracy immediately suspects her captain has found out and intends to replace her while she is on maternity leave. Before she can explore the deeper meaning of the surprise hire, a friend asks Tracy for her help on a missing person’s case where a young Indian med student, estranged from her family for refusing an arranged marriage, has disappeared.

Meanwhile, Del and Faz are working on a homicide case involving the shooting of an activist in a gang-infested neighborhood, where potential witnesses have been threatened against speaking to the authorities. Then, Del hurts his back and new hire Detective Andrea Gonzalez steps in to help Faz locate and interview a person of interest. Things quickly escalate when Detective Gonzalez discharges her weapon and she and Faz have conflicting accounts of the incident.

In addition to the two-case storylines and a pair of subplots, the author expertly weaves in socially relevant issues, such as gangs and drugs, but also a range of women’s issues, such as sex and arranged marriages, pregnancy and maternity leave as it relates to the workplace, and health scares and their impact on families. As usual, Dugoni has written another engrossing and entertaining installment in a police procedural series that does not disappoint, and I can’t wait for the next one!

NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer kindly provided me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A very entertaining read. Plenty of action. I really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it.

Jam packed with suspense, twists, and mystery this book touches on a lot of real world issues and does it well. There is a lot going on in this latest installment, yet it blends together seamlessly. All the characters get page time with the back and forth between cases well-written and balanced. I read this one in one sitting. The plot and the characters had me invested from the beginning and I just could not put it down. I cannot wait to see what is next for Tracy Crosswhite and company.

Another fantastic book in what has been a great series!! This one was a bit more gritty and emotional for me but I really enjoyed it. I love how the author keeps me on the edge of my seat and guessing what's going to happen next. I also love how everything always falls into place at just the right time. I love following Tracy and the rest of the teams thought process while they try to solve some brutal crimes. I am eager to find out what happens next for them all.

Robert Dugoni continues to hit all the right notes with the latest entry in the Tracy Crosswhite series, "A Steep Price". This around, the story delves into issues as varied as race, drugs, poverty, culture, education, pregnancy and workplace.

Tracy and her partner, Kins, are called in to help investigate the disappearance of a young University of Washington student. When her body is found at the bottom of an abandoned well not far from her home, the initial ruling is suicide. But Tracy's not buying it and investigates it as a murder.

Meanwhile, Faz and Del are assigned to the killing of a local mother and activist in a high crime neighborhood. Their investigation puts them at odds with both the community and the cartel that seems to run things. It also puts them into real danger.

The author keeps everything fluid and moving and real, including Tracy's conundrum about when and how to announce her pregnancy. As usual, the writing is crisp and clear and realistic, right down to the park I pass almost every day on the way to work.

I really love this series. Tracy and her team at the Seattle Police Department are all characters you root for every time. When a new female member joins their team, immediately recognizes that Tracy is pregnant (which she is trying to keep secret), and Tracy suspects she is trying to take her place, I immediately dislike the woman. The character development and their personal stories is a big reason why I like this series so much. They are relatable and have each other's backs all the time.

In A Steep Price, Tracy is asked to consult on a missing persons case and immediately suspects that all is not what it seems. However, the Indian culture is very different, so she has a learning curve trying to identify what seems wrong about the whole situation. In the meantime, part of Tracy's team members, Faz and Del are investigating the murder of a woman in gang territory. Lots of secrets, lots of twists, this book is a roller coaster of thrilling suspense and emotional stories. Another good book in the series!

4.25-4.5 STARS

Six books in, and I am still absolutely in love with author Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series! With a fascinating cast of characters and a storyline that is a perfect mix of suspense and heart, this one, in particular, seems to strike an even more intimate chord.

Several months pregnant and immersed in a court case that requires her attendance and testimony, Tracy struggles to keep her impending motherhood under wraps. At the urging of a colleague, Tracy also agrees to work a missing person’s case on the side. But it quickly becomes apparent, that there is a lot more to this case than what Tracy had initially deemed.

During her investigation into the suspicious disappearance of med student Kavita Mukherjee, Tracy discovers that Kavita was a young Indian woman intent on rejecting the cultural expectations forced upon her by her family, which ultimately led to their estrangement. Along the way, secrets are unearthed, forging a path towards the case’s conclusion that, frankly, I DID see coming, but still enjoyed reading as it all unfolded.

At the same time, the murder of a community activist has Vic Fazzio paired up with a new female detective who Tracy fears might be her replacement. But a devastating family matter weighs heavy on Faz’s shoulders, causing a distraction that could prove detrimental to his career. Witnessing this tough detective’s vulnerability—both on and off the job—lent emotional authenticity to the storyline that most suspense stories are most often lacking.

Socially relevant yet emotionally charged, “A Steep Price” is yet another captivating, suspenseful addition to the Tracy Crosswhite series. I eagerly look forward to the next installment in this series.

The newest Tracy Crosswhite book is a must read! Tracy and her crew are back and ready to tackle their toughest case yet, which will hit close to home for Tracy.

Detective Tracy Crosswhite has devoted her life to helping others after her sister went missing. When Tracy is called in to consult on a case involving the disappearance of a young woman, all the old memories come rushing back to her. When the body is found Tracy knows her instincts were right. The case becomes more complicated as Tracy is pregnant and trying to stay on the job as long as she can. A new detective has joined the team and Tracy fears she is here to replace her. Tracy’s partner Vic is also facing trouble when his investigation into the murder of a local community member turns out to be more complicated than any of them could have expected. With both of their careers on the line, Tracy and the team have to work together to save the lives of those they have sworn to protect and continue working together.

Robert Dugoni has done it again with the latest Tracy Crosswhite story! The nice thing about this story is the focus on the rest of the team. Tracy is still a main part of the story but we really get to see into the lives of Vic and Del and the rest of the team. This series has captivated me since My Sister’s Grave; some installments in the series are better than others but this one fits pretty close to the top of the list. Tracy is my favorite character out of almost all the books I have read in a very long time. She is tough but also has her vulnerable side and Dugoni shows this side at all the right times. Showing her working a case while being pregnant and having to take on new challenges and responsibilities she has into consideration really changes her and the story. Dugoni has a way of carrying a story forward in ways other authors have yet to figure out. There are times he goes back and forth between characters as well as time but it never throws the reader from the story. It is an intricate way of weaving a complicated plot and story line together to make an unforgettable novel and characters. It’s not only the main characters that shine, each and every character in this novel had their moment to shine, and shine they did. Robert Dugoni is one of the top authors out there for a reason. He has mastered the art of storytelling and I can’t recommend his novels highly enough. Everyone looking for a remarkable story that will leave you thirsting for more Tracy Crosswhite adventures needs to grab A Steep Price immediately.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Tracy Crosswhite is back being a super hero detective, empowering her female coworkers, and incubating a future human. Mr. Dugoni does a great job of showing Tracy trying to balance all those things that working women and pregnant women have to deal with, including an adversarial boss. In this installment, Tracy helps determine a missing person is something worse, while her teammates are looking into a neighborhood drive by. I really enjoyed how the stories continue to expand to include Tracy's fellow detectives instead of focusing on her to the exclusion of the others in her department. This make the books and series stronger. I look forward to reading the next several installments!

Okay...where has this series been hiding? How do I not know about it?! I received an ARC of A Steep Price, the newest book, and had no idea it was part of a series. It worked as a stand alone, as there is enough back story to fill in the blanks. However, I loved this story and the characters so I went to Goodreads to take a peek at the authors other books and lo and behold, I've got 5 more in this series to read! I immediately went and put library holds on the other books so that I can start on book one. As a longtime fan of the Kinsey Millhone series and now a new fan of Three Pines, this was right up my alley! A Steep Price is the story of Tracy Crosswhite, a female detective, and her colleague Vic Fazzio. Tracy is working the case of a missing woman. Vic is working the case of a local community activist who was shot down at a playground while with her children. We follow along as they solve their respective cases and deal with their personal lives. I was invested in the characters and their cases. I enjoyed having simultaneous cases going and was completely baffled by both of them. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, their back stories, the cases, the multiple POV's, and the eventual outcome. I can't wait to get my hands on book one (My Sisters Grave) so I can read all of the Tracy Crosswhite series. For me, this was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars (4.5 if I'm being honest). Thank you @amazonpublishing for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

I had no idea what to expect of A Steep Price. I was intrigued by the character of Tracy, who seemed a capable police officer and I felt there was something for me in there.
I was right!

This story being the sixth in a series is in no way an issue. You are given enough background on each character that I actually found myself very curious as to why they would react this way, or what might have happened to them before. Hints and glimpses of previous events are given to make sure the protagonists show their layers. I kept wondering why Tracy would want to hide her pregnancy, although in our society, I had a pretty good idea about what the consequences might be!

I found this pregnancy being the little center of the universe of this book to be very clever and interesting as I got introduced to everyone dealing with ‘little’ things and investigations. The balance between private and professional life was strong and really helped shape the characters for me.

A Steep Price offers two different cases. A missing person, and a killing in the street related to drug dealers, enough to satisfy all kinds of readers. This mechanism of having a team working on various things was a nice way to keep me on my toes and caring about all of protagonists.
Even if the series is centered around Tracy, you really get the feeling the author created an entire world and people to live in it. I am a sucker for strong teams and secondary characters.

I will admit that I preferred the drug dealing case to the missing person (call me a monster, haha!). Once details of the missing person were given, I had a feeling I knew where it would lead and I was right. Things were a little too predictable for me, but I had my lot of surprises with the drugs so the combination of both kept me entertained throughout the book.

Overall, I am intrigued by this team and their relationships. I would recommend A Steep Price if you are looking for a good time with a police procedural accompanied by affable characters!

Thank you publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Always been a fan of Robert Dugoni's works, and this one looks promising.

Tracy Crosswhite Series, book 6.

Tracy Crosswhite is called in to consult after a young woman disappears and she has the uneasy feeling that this is no ordinary missing case. The body turns up in an abandoned well and Tracy's suspicions are confirmed. Estranged from her family, the victim had balked at an arranged marriage and had planned to to attend graduate school. Solving the mystery behind the murder isn't Tracy's only challenge.

There are two cases occurring in this book. The first is the. murder of a local activist. The second is about a missing young woman called Kavita Mukherjee, who is estranged from her family. Tracy is now married and expecting her first baby. There are some really good twists in these tense storylines. As always, it's a pleasure to read Tracy Crosswhite and her A Team as they investigate. This book can be read as a standalone but this is far too good a series to miss out on.

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

I really like this Tracy Crosswhite series set in Seattle. She is a cop who has a drug problem mental issues or a chip on her shoulder. It is a refreshing change. Newly married, she is now pregnant with their first child and has not told any coworker except her partner, Kins.

This story follows two separate investigations. Tracy and Kins are searching for a missing Indian woman, Vita. She has gone missing after her room-mate and best friend returns from a vacation in India in an arranged marriage relationship. The room-mate is moving to London with her husband leaving Vita high and dry. Not only is Vita opposed to arranged marriages but their dream of going to medical school together is gone and she desperately needs a new room-mate. Did Vita take off in anger or did something happen to her?

The discussion of arranged marriages was quite interesting. Vita's parents were horrified that she was 24 and not married an had no intention of marrying soon. They hated the idea of her going to medical school and thought she was wasting her life.

Partners, Del and Faz, are investigating a murder of a community activist against gangs. The young mother was gunned down in the streets and no one saw a thing. The search leads them to a gang run by the son of a man Faz sent to prison. The man was killed days later by a rival gang and the son has a grudge.

A nice interesting mystery without any real surprises but full of interesting facts. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange of a fair review.

Five stars to A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni. I have had this book on my shelf to read for quite a while now. I kept skipping over it because I had book with earlier deadlines. How I regret that because I ended up missing out on a real winner. The main characters are homicide detective Tracey Crosswhite and detectives Del and Faz. There are two stories in this book where Tracey and one of her friends from Missing Persons are investigating first the disappearance and later the death of a young Indian woman whose roommate and friend return from a 12-week long trip to India to watch her cousin getting married. As it turns out she also ends up getting married in an arranged marriage. The two friends have always had plans to graduate college and then attended medical school. Since they both are from very traditional families their parents withdraw monetary support to make it harder to get into medical school. Meanwhile detectives Del and Faz are investigating the murder of a young activist mother who just wanted the neighborhood safer from drugs and all that come with that. The case ends up almost taking the life of one of the detectives. I got so involved in the book that I stayed up until 4:20 a.m. This is the first time for me reading Robert Dugoni but definitely won’t be the last. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for letting me read this book in exchange for my unbiased review. I will definitely be recommending this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Robert Dugoni for the opportunity to read and review his latest Tracy Crosswhite novel - loved it! Reading this book was like getting reacquainted with old friends (well, okay, if your friends are Violent Crime detectives!). You definitely need to read this entire series but even if you haven't, you could easily enjoy this book as a stand alone.

This book is basically two mysteries in one. Tracy is drawn into a missing person case of a young Indian woman. Kavita is smart, beautiful and on her way to medical school but is also estranged from her family who are pressuring her into an arranged marriage. The other storyline involves Del and Faz investigating a mob-related police shooting of an unarmed man. Meanwhile, Tracy is hiding her pregnancy from her fellow officers and contemplating her future with the Seattle Police Department.

Highly recommended - much to discuss in this book with the different traditional beliefs as well as current issues with police shootings. Dugoni is just a great writer. After The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, which I loved, in addition to this Tracy Crosswhite series, I can only hope that Dugoni continues to put many stories to paper in the years to come!