Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read your book. Kate Donovan never fails to impress and this book was very good.

Trace Elements was one of the first books I got on Netgalley. It is in one of my favorite genres - romantic suspense. Somehow, I lost the book on my Kindle, so in the end I purchased it, so I could review. I'm on a mission to clean up those back ARCs (there are only 3 more).

The plot kept me interested in the FBI case. There were many unrealistic aspects, however. Linzie, at four years old, should not be watching such a violent, adult TV show. Her mother's constant flirting with the FBI agents was unnecessary. Having a TV actress so involved with the case, without even trying a psychologist, and then to have her so unsupervised seems unprofessional. I couldn't suspend my disbelief even though it is fiction.

Josh and Nikki were likable enough characters for the little they were developed. Trace Elements is just under 200 pages and could have been expanded to a more normal 300 to allow for more character and relationship development. It was insta-lust jumping to insta-love quickly. Since this is listed as first in a series, perhaps more of their background will follow.

Nothing seemed very real about the people. My attention was kept well enough while reading but there wasn't enough world-building or character development to garner my emotional connection. I enjoyed a very fast, light read.