This is the next book in the Tracy Crosswaite series. She now has a baby and is on leave. Will she or won’t she return to being a cop? Here she delves into a mystery that happened around the time of her sisters disappearance. Another missing young girl and then a few recent murders. Are they related? Overall a solid police procedural and addition to this series.

I was given a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I received an ARC of A Cold Trail in exchange for an honest review. I had read at least one book by Robert Dugoni before on the recommendation of my brother and enjoyed those books. Every time I would see a book by him I would tell myself I needed to read another of his books. So when I saw this book offered by NetGalley it seemed like a good choice for me. I did not realize this book was part of a series, although a little research would have easily let me know that. While this is not necessarily a stand alone book, you could easily read and know what's going on without having read any of the other books in the series. There were several mentions of another case from the first book but it didn't make you feel confused, more like everyone else had been to an event that you hadn't.
At the beginning of the book, when introducing the characters, I had to go back and re-read a little bit to keep everyone straight, but that was probably more me than the book. Several of the characters, who were couples, had different last names and so that threw me off. That and maybe I just started this book too late at night.
The book is a combination of mystery and some courtroom drama. This was not an edge of your seat, can't wait to get back to it book for me, but was still a very good read. The additional conflict of Tracy as she is struggling as a new mom of whether to continue in the profession she loves or to give up her career for motherhood added to the story.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Dugoni and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Returning for another instalment of this series, I turn to Robert Dugoni and hope that the quality remains high and the plot twists plentiful. I was not disappointed with this novel, which returns to some roots and provides a core storyline that many series fans will surely enjoy. Tracy Crosswhite is on the mend, with a newborn and an energetic husband. As they renovate the home Dan’s parents once owned, Tracy is back in Cedar Grove, alongside all the memories of her youth. When a house fire kills a local journalist, the town is abuzz with the news, though it is something she was working on that has Tracy more than interested. New revelations about a case from two decades before have come to life, casting doubt that a young woman’s death was at the hands of the same serial killer who murdered Tracy’s sister. The local police are happy to let Tracy use her Seattle skills to help uncover the truth, though she remains uncertain if she wants to thrust herself into the path of danger yet again. When Tracy sees the ME’s report, she is left to wonder if a new batch of suspects might have had motive to kill. Now, all those who have seen the report are dying, likely not from the natural causes to which things have been attributed. Meanwhile, Dan has been doing some legal work in town, helping a store owner negotiate with the town council about buying his property. The council lawyer seems to be pushing hard to offer a settlement, but Dan cannot be entirely sure if there is more to the story. When someone targets Tracy at the house while Dan is away, everything becomes a little more real and the fragile balance of work and home life come crashing together. Might both Tracy and Dan have taken on more than they can chew in Cedar Grove? Another great piece in the series that has me devouring the story and hoping for more. Recommended to series fans who need a little Tracy Crosswhite fix, as well as the reader who loves a small-town mystery with big-city thrills.

I have loved this series since I first got my hands on it and this book has not disappointed whatsoever. Dugoni has a great handle on the characters, plot, and development, even as he juggles a few writing commitments at this time. Returning to Cedar Grove is surely tough for Tracy Crosswhite, where the memories of her childhood linger and knowledge that her sister’s murder two decade before remains on the minds of everyone she sees. Tracy is forced to face many of these fears and the people she knew growing up, though she sees many of them in a new light. Her struggles with that are balanced with the unknowns around being a new mother and trying to do what is best for her daughter. Throughout, the reader can see the pull of both worlds, as well as Tracy trying to define how her life as a detective might be permanently changed, what with a little one who depends on her. This is nicely offset with her husband, Dan, who has some of the same issues, but more that Tracy is thrusting herself into danger. He struggles to determine if he should and can be that protector for his family, while also keeping up a legal practice. Introspection for both characters enriches the story immensely. There are a handful of others who grace the pages and add depth to an already jam-packed story, keeping the reader attentive to all the clues and possible motives that lurk behind every corner. Dugoni does well to bring the story ‘home’ in a sense, allowing Crosswhite and the others to focus on the small picture, which is actually part of the larger one (if that makes sense). With a mix of short chapters that propel the reader forward and longer ones that set the stage for more excitement, this novel is one that can be tackled in short order, as the pages melt away. A legal thriller and police procedural rolled into one, this is one of Dugoni’s best in the series.

Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for another stellar piece of work. I am so very excited to see how well things are going and cannot wait to see where you take your readers next.

In just the same way that the TV franchise Law and Order has broad, enduring appeal, Robert Dugoni's books - especially the Tracy Crosswhite series -- give readers a look at two sides of the same crimes. In this book, Tracy offers the law enforcement perspective and her husband, Dan (a lawyer), delivers the finer points of courtroom tactics.

Another dichotomy in this story is today's woman's most common struggle: How do I balance career and family life? Tracy and Dan have gone back to their hometown, where Dan has a client going up against the city government. Tracy is on maternity leave with a two-month-old daughter. An intriguing case comes her way, though, and she see-saws between guilt and restlessness as she tries to reconcile the mom-and-detective sides of her nature.

Dugoni's writing is deceptively simple, always smart, and well-thought-out. His stories work (after all, he's a lawyer himself). I can strongly recommend every one of his books -- this series, along with the David Sloane stories, and the standalone novels as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance readers copy.

Seattle Violent Crimes Detective Tracy Crosswhite is on maternity leave after the birth of her daughter. While in her home town of Cedar Grove she is asked, by the police chief, to assist in the murder investigation of a local female reporter. Does her death have anything to do with the murder of a teen from twenty years ago? While Tracy is investigating, her attorney husband Dan’s client is protesting the city’s attempts to force him out of business. The case becomes more prominent when it is discovered that the reporter was investigating the recent sale of the other main street businesses by city officials. An exciting and intricate mystery with a tough female detective. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

In this seventh book in his Detective Tracy Crosswhite series, Robert Dugoni sends Tracy back to Cedar Grove, the town where she and her husband lawyer Dan O'Leary both grew up. She and Dan are remodeling their house while Tracy is on maternity leave with their new baby, Daniella and have decided to stay in Dan's parents old house. Last time Tracy was in Cedar Grove was to investigate her sister Sarah's murder. The cold case murder of another young woman 20 years ago has recently been re-opened by the police after a local lawyer hired to look at the case was killed. The journalist wife of the Chief of Police also looking into the case was also suspiciously killed in a house fire. With the Chief of Police on compassionate leave, Tracy has been approached to temporarily come back to work and take over the case. Dan has his own case in town defending a business owner who is being pressured into sell his building to the city as part of the town centre rejuvenation project. Both Tracy's and Dan's cases will turn out to be much more complex than they expected.

Robert Dugoni has written another compelling thriller, expertly combining both courtroom and police dramas. Both plot lines are quite complex but well laid out and logically followed. Tracy and Dan are great characters who have a lovely but real relationship with squabbles and disagreements. It's interesting to see the changes a small baby makes to their lives along with the addition of an Irish nanny, Therese, who promises to be an interesting addition to the household. While this could be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading at least the first book in the series (My Sister's Grave) for context and background on Tracy's family, hometown and her sister's murder.

Who isn't excited when a new Tracy Crosswhite novel is published?

This has been one of my favorite series over the past few years...with consistently fabulous writing and engaging story lines. Robert Dugoni rarely fails to entertain. This guy can write anything (and I truly meant that...his books have covered suspense, thrillers, police procedural, spy and espionage fiction, and even coming-of-age/domestic drama). He's a truly talented author.

Now that I've sufficiently bragged about Mr. Dugoni, let's move on with my actual review of A Cold Trail, the 7th in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Dan, Tracy, and their infant daughter, Daniella, are back in their hometown of Cedar Grove, with their Irish nanny, Therese, while their Redmond home is undergoing renovations. Although still on maternity leave, Tracy is asked by her friend, and former police chief of Cedar Grove, to help solve the cold case of a young girl murdered in 1993. A girl who was friends with Tracy's long-departed sister, Sarah. The problem? The person who committed that murder is still around, and is wholeheartedly determined not to be discovered...even if more lives are lost in the discovery process.

Although a reasonably intriguing plot, this offering didn't keep the breakneck pace of some of the previous works in this series. In fact, I found the middle section of the book to be a bit slow and laborious. In fact, I was contemplating a 3 star review when, while reading the final 20%, my attention was aggressively sucked back into Tracy and her Cedar Grove family. The story definitely ends with a bang...and a mostly unexpected one. At least on my part. I was close, but no cigar...which is why A Cold Trail ultimately received 4 happy little stars from muah.

While I think this could probably be read as a standalone, I'd suggest going back to the beginning and devouring each and every book in order. It will give you a better picture of our beloved Tracy and her many complexities. Plus, they're just really good stories which deserve a ginormous audience. Pick up a copy of this book up on February 4, 2020....you won't be disappointed.

**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Robert Dugoni has done it again! A thrilling read that kept me interested (for the most part) all the way to the end.

I liked that Dan and Tracy's cases overlap during the story but I was confused about the specifics of Tracy's sister's murder because I haven't read the previous books in the series. With that being said, this is not a stand alone title and should be read in succession to ensure max enjoyment and understanding.

I did enjoy that the book showcased Tracy's struggle to be a new mother and work as a detective in her hometown. There was something so genuine about the way Dugoni wrote Tracy's struggles. And that ending?!?! WAY worth the read in my opinion.

So happy when a new Tracey Crosswhite book comes out. This is book 7 amd I strongly suggest you start with the first book, My Sisters Grave. A lot has happened I’m the previous 6 book series and you really want to read the, in order to truly understand what drives Tracey. She is a complex character with a sad and devastating past and you really want to know it all. I these books are so easy to get lost in and before you know it you are reading at 3am!

Tracey and Dan have returned to Dans family home in Cesar Grove with their 2 month old baby Daniella while their home is renovated. It is hard being back in a town that has been the scene of so much heartache for Tracey. But now that she’s is a mother she wants to face her past for her daughter. As a police officer she is struggling with how her life is going to be with a child and a dangerous job. But Tracey being Tracey she cannot help herself and gets involved in the case of a murdered reporter that was looking into a cold case of a young girl in town a young girl who was friends with her sister Sarah. Meanwhile Dan is representing a local business who is fighting the council that is trying to push them out of town in order to revive the town.

When you pick up a Tracey Crosswhite book you know you are in for a treat...A Cold Trail is no exception. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased

Motherhood and Mayhem.........

Seems to be a contradiction in terms here.

But if you're Police Officer Tracy Crosswhite of Seattle, Washington, you've come to expect a bit of chaos impeding upon your down time. Our stalwart Tracy is now on maternity leave with two month old Daniella. She and the love of her life Dan, attorney at law, are setting up a temporary household in Tracy's home town of Cedar Grove while their original digs are under renovation.

Dugoni has slipped in an Irish nanny by the name of Therese.......brogue and all. Therese is a godsend with all the turmoil going on with the new baby and new surroundings. But our Tracy can't help but pick at a loose thread in an unsolved murder in Cedar Grove that seems to parallel with the murder of her own sister, Sarah, from some time back. She visits Roy Calloway, the retired police chief, who is now back in action. He's presented her with some sketchy info on why he's back.

I appreciate Dugoni not overplaying the angst of the theme song: "My Baby, My Career" over too many chapters. Tracy picks up the reigns of this one because she can and because she's that good. We find her digging deeply into untapped areas of several cases put on the backburner in a small town. She's seeing things as they are and she's not afraid to confront the unconfronted. Vera and Faz even make a welcomed appearance. Faz is still the crackerjack analytical police officer from his Seattle days.

Robert Dugoni ratchets up a good storyline with another in the making. Dan has taken on a case of a small Cedar Grove businessman who is being forced out by the up-and-coming boutiques and galleries in the downtown area. Dan comes upon what's rotten in Denmark. Makes for quite the telling.

As always, the books in the Tracy Crosswhite Series can be read as standalones. But backstories are important and can enhance the reading experience. Maybe you can start with this one, feel the tide of the action, and then start at the beginning. Anyway that you approach a Dugoni novel, it's always got the stamp of high satisfaction on the cover guaranteed.

I received a copy of A Cold Trail through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Robert Dugoni for the opportunity.

Robert Dugoni has woven a tangled web of rage, murder, arson, and possible fraud all bound up in a civil case. Stranger things have happened. Returning to their hometown of Cedar Grove, Washington for what was supposed to be a brief respite, a married couple, one a lawyer, the other a homicide detective, have stepped into a vicious wasp’s nest.

Lawyer Dan O’Leary is fighting a potential eminent domain takeover by the city of his client’s property and business. Detective Tracy Crosswhite, on maternity leave, is encouraged to take on an investigation into the death of the new sheriff’s wife. As a standalone the book is great. As a continuation in the series it is even greater as it ascribes additional dimensions to the characters we have gotten to know. There is just enough backstory that a first-time reader of the series will be able to fit many of the puzzle pieces together and those of us who have some familiarity will appreciate the reinforcement and reintroduction to the peripheral characters. The introduction of a baby, motherhood, a complete family circle allows for a softening and introspection that was well thought out and appropriate.

I loved the courtroom drama and the fleshing out of that part of the plot. Now about that jurist - best Judge ever – Sustained, Overruled and wow, just about perfect. Robert Dugoni never disappoints me. I look forward to each of his books.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy.

It's always a treat to dive into a new book in a favorite series, and it's even sweeter when it's another good one. Such is the case here (I even stayed up half an hour past my bedtime to finish it). This is the seventh appearance of Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite, but I warn other readers that near the end of the book, it was touch and go as to whether it would be her last.

Of course, no reader is likely to think she won't survive - this series is far too popular to knock off the lead character, for goodness sake; so the devil here is in the details. Tracy and her lawyer husband Dan have moved back to their home town of Cedar Grove, Washington, while their home in a Seattle suburb is being remodeled. They bring with them their two-month-old daughter Daniella and Irish nanny Therese (a likable character in her own right, a bit reminiscent of Mary Catherine, the very Irish nanny and housekeeper for James Patterson series character Michael Bennett).

Tracy and Dan are living in Dan's parents' old house, but it is the small town itself that brings back the most memories - and not pleasant ones. This is the place where Tracy's younger sister, Sarah, went missing while she was in high school; years later, her body was found and the killer identified. Now, Dan has taken on the defense of a local man who's fighting the sale of his long-time family store to the city, which is buying up other small businesses and reselling them to buyers who pledge to remodel and reopen. Tracy is for the most part happy to be with her new daughter, but she also misses the fulfillment of her job (from which she's still on maternity leave). So when the local acting police chief makes her an offer she can't refuse, she doesn't - agreeing to help solve the murder of the current chief's wife, a reporter who was working on a story that someone doesn't want told.

As most readers will suspect, it's not long before parallels show up between Tracy's investigation and Dan's client's case; but the nearly impossible part is finding real evidence. A lot has happened in Cedar Grove over the years, much of which the locals don't want to revisit even if it means catching a murderer.

The action here is pretty much nonstop, although a few too many, and too lengthy, speculative discussions among the players about who may have done what to whom slowed the pace here and there. That aside, it was an interesting plot with plenty of twists and a satisfying conclusion, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-publication copy. Now all I can do is sit back and wait till the next one!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, and to NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Suspenseful and atmospheric, this police procedural/thriller was a great read. I had not read the previous books in the series, but may need to rectify this - I loved the strong female character and enjoyed the spiderweb of plot lines that crossed and intersected up to the final showdown. All the characters were well-drawn and kept me reading to find out what happened.

Another successful Tracy Crosswhite novel only this time a bit more emphasis on her husband, Dan. I liked that aspect. And I'm always happy when Faz is part of the story.

I’ve read all of the books in the Tracy Crosswhite series plus several other of his books and always enjoy any story written by Robert Dugoni.


It’s good to see more of Dan in this story as the stories usually focus on Tracy. I really enjoy that she has Dan in her life now and he’s a successful attorney so they can easily talk about cases. They knew each other growing up and it was great to see them both find happiness with each other. I was thrilled to know that Tracy was pregnant and now to see how she and Dan adore their daughter.


Dugoni hits the mark with Tracy’s emotions of wanting to spend time with her baby and yet she still has a passion as a detective. She struggles whether to take on a case while she’s on maternity leave as they are temporarily living in Cedar Grove. Dan and Tracy grew up in Cedar Grove and the place brings back many memories – happy and sad.


The story was fast paced, leaving the reader to wonder who has been involved in the murders, one more than 20 years ago and two more recently. This brings up the loss of Tracy’s sister and her parents many years ago and until she married Dan, she didn’t have any family left.


I loved seeing Faz and his wife Vera again and while it was different without the Seattle crew, it was a nice change of location for this story. I loved the Irish nanny, Therese and her slang. At times she was such a great help with taking care of the baby and the house and yet Tracy didn’t want to share her mommy status. I’m familiar with this type of guilt for working and for missing out on milestones.


Mr. Dugoni never fails to entertain with the police and legal procedures, investigating criminals, Tracy’s colleagues, and now with her family. The book could be read as a standalone but I really enjoy knowing the background from the very first book. I always look forward to the next book in this series and highly recommend.


Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this new work.

I enjoyed this book and it fast paced action. Although I have not read the previous stories in this series, I found the book to be easily read and one in which I am encouraged to go back and read the books the preceded it.

I do like a strong female protagonist, and in Tracy Crosswhite I have found exactly the spunk, tenacity, and common sense approach to solving a crime that is often missing in so many other mysteries and police procedurals..

I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy a book that makes sense, follows a line of reasoning that flows, and one in which we are rooting for the protagonist to solve the crime and save the day.

Thank you to Robert Dugoni for writing an intelligent story, to Thomas and Mercer, and NetGalley for an advanced copy to this solid series book due out in February 2020.

It’s been over 18 months since the prior Tracy Crosswhite mystery, so it felt good to play catch up. Tracy now has a 2 month old baby girl and she and Dan have temporarily moved back to Cedar Grove whole their house is renovated. While there, she agrees to help the interim sheriff investigate the death of the prior sheriff’s wife and two other older deaths that might be connected. At the same time, Dan is representing a local businessman who’s suing the township.

Both Tracy and Dan continue to grow as characters. For starters, parenthood makes them face the risks of Tracy’s investigation. And, just like so many women before her, she’s debating how to juggle motherhood and a job.

This is the seventh book in the series and I don’t think it would work well as a stand alone. For starters, the book harkens back to the murder of Tracy’s sister, which occurred in book one.

I love that Dugoni finds a way to include Faz in this book. He brings a bit of humor to the plot. I also thought this was a great ending, different than the normal murder mystery.

I really enjoy Dugoni’s writing. In recent years, his standalones, especially The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, have taken over the spotlight. His plots are always well thought out and this is no exception. It feels good to return to Tracy and her family and friends.

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

I'm an avid fan of Robert Dugoni. If he writes it, I will read it. A Cold Trail is the seventh book in his popular suspense series which follows tough-as-nails police detective Tracy Crosswhite.

A few reviewers call this a standalone, but I disagree. There are several references which new readers won't understand if they haven't read the earlier books. Background is especially important because Tracy heads back to her hometown in this latest book - the place where her sister was brutally murdered many years ago (not a spoiler - the first book is titled My Sister's Grave).

This is a story about small town dark secrets and Tracy's personal demons, but I missed the old Tracy - the Tracy who was full of grit, sass and confidence. This time out, Tracy shares a lot of the spotlight with her husband Dan and his legal case. I like Dan but felt that his POV overshadowed Tracy's and the legal aspect dragged for me. We also see a bit of Tracy struggling with the balance of motherhood and work but it's on the periphery of the story. What we do see is Dan, uncharacteristically, being an arse and 'mom shaming' Tracy for wanting to go back to work. Oh Dan, really?!

Overall, this is a good addition to the series - just not my favourite. I liked being back in Tracy's hometown (and enjoyed the addition of Faz and Vera). This series remains one of my favourite suspense series but I'm hoping future books go back to showing Tracy's independent, tough and sassy side. Moms can be tough, sassy and even smart-assy too.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher, Thomas and Mercer for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

The latest installment in the Tracy Crosswhite series was everything I wanted it to be! My only complaint is that I now have to wait for the next book to come out. Book 7 introduces Tracy as a mother and it adds such a fabulous layer to the storyline. The character development throughout this series has been top notch. As always, the mystery is perplexing and everyone is a suspect. I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome and anxiously await the next book in this beloved series. Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

Reading a Tracy Crosswhite book, never failed to give me pleasure, and this new book in the series is no exception.
This time, Tracy is back to Cedar Grove with her husband and baby daughter. It is now many years since she finally found the truth about her sister's disappearance and she let the ghosts of her past rest. But, as it happens, there was one more ghost to lay to rest.
A few month before her sister's disappearance, a young woman was found dead. This crime was never really solved, and the case was reopened during Tracy's stay in Cedar Grove and her skills were requested to finally find the answers to this crime. As the investigation went on, the old crime was linked to more recent deaths and also to a case her husband, Dan, was working on.

I liked this new story, and although it was somehow different from the other books, i found it more interesting also. Here, we got to know the characters we already met better and like them even more than before (at least this was the case for me). The plot was interesting and, in some parts, was not difficult to foresee (there was, however, the surprise twist) but i liked following the leads with both Tracy and Dan and trying to link the dots leading to the answers.
I think i already mentioned this in a previous review, i really love the fact that despite the bleak events for each case/murder, Robert Dugoni always closes the book on a positive vibe; in a way, it is one of the reasons that make always come back to this series and i hope there is still more of Tracy Crosswhite to come.