Tracy Crosswhite is back for #11, and this new installment in one of my favorite thriller series has hit the mark yet again. Robert Dugoni is one of my favorite authors, with The World Played Chess and Hold Strong among my top books of all time. A few years ago, I realized that he also was the author of a series of police procedurals featuring a female homicide detective, and had a 'Where have I been?" moment. Fast forward to now when Tracy Crosswhite is a favorite and I can hardly wait for each new book.

In A Dead Draw, Tracy is working cold cases, and when a bad guy with ties to her sister's murder benefits from a colleague's error and is set free, she becomes his target. Tracy has a breakdown triggered by memories and heads with her family to where she and her husband grew up for some much-deserved R&R. However, she my have been followed.

The tension was incredible from beginning to end, and even more so now that Tracy has a family. Her husband, Dan, is a saint and he is incredibly supportive, but the strain of having his wife in mortal danger is starting to show, and the idea of a killer having their daughter, Daniella, in his sights is terrifying. I enjoyed the new character, Lydia, and hope that she continues in future novels.

Readers of Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh and Patricia Cornwell will enjoy Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite books, too. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the digital ARC of A Dead Draw by Robert Dugoni. The opinions in this review are my own.

I have been a fan of this series for over 10 years and this book has now become one of my favourites! The stakes felt so high as the case became personal! The pace was really good and I couldn't put it down!

Detective Tracy works cold cases, but the past is coming for her. She ends up training to reclaim her excellent shooting skills and makes a new friend. When danger seeks her out, she will answer the call to save her friend. This was a story full of tense moments, bravery and determination! I really enjoyed it!

This is the eleventh book in the Tracy Crosswhite series, and as an avid reader of the series, I’m ready for Tracy to retire (for her safety, not my enjoyment). This woman has a husband and child, and is still in nearly constant danger. And it’s getting harder and harder to enjoy the fast-paced plot while I worry about her 4-year-old daughter!
Jokes aside, Dugoni is a fantastic author who has won me over. His portrayal of Tracy as a no-nonsense, dedicated professional has kept me hooked from the first book. There’s no “feminine hysterics” or men swooping in to save Tracy. Instead, Dugoni treats Tracy exactly like he treats his male characters. Competent, skilled, and maybe a little too confident in herself.
If you’re looking for a series to really spend some time in, I highly recommend this one. Tracy is based out of Seattle as a police detective, and the books largely focus on the surrounding area, so each book is full of beautiful vistas and terrifying killers.
In A Dead Draw specifically, Tracy spends her time in her small hometown near the Cascade Mountains, working on her sharpshooting skills. There’s flashbacks to her childhood and early career as a top marksmen, and there’s a mounting tension as a killer on the loose begins to close in on her. It’s a fast-paced thriller with solid characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘A Dead Draw’, book 11 in the Detective Tracy Crosswhite series written by Robert Dugoni, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Erik Schmidt is suspected of killing two women but gets released from jail on a technicality. As he leaves the courthouse he comes face to face with Detective Tracy Crosswhite letting her know his intention of seeking revenge on her and her family.

Detective Tracy Crosswhite is one of my favourite characters and Robert Dugoni an author not to be missed, and in ‘A Dead Draw’ he’s produced yet another superb thriller. I’ve loved reading more of Tracy, her husband Dan, four-year-old Daniella and their nannie Therese, as well as Lydia who shows Tracy a new and unique way to improve her shooting skills. This thriller has had me well and truly hooked from the first page to the last, through every twist and turn, every shocking breath-taking moment, with the tension increasing the closer I get to the end. I can wholeheartedly recommend it if you’re a reader like me who enjoys a thrilling pulse-raising read and it’s well-deserving of a huge five stars although I’d give it more if I could.

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book, and while I love the familiarity of the characters and the story, this was the 11th of the series and what more can happen?

At this point, Tracy just needs to live a peaceful life. So much has happened by this book I was losing track what tragedies happened to each person. I understand they're detectives but how much drama does one death create from decades ago? I feel like this needed to be wrapped up nicely and calmly to end the murders, suspicion, and drama.

Thankful for the same narrator because she's great, but this book could have tied the ending with a nice bow because I'm sure there will be another next year. 3/5!

I've read several books from this author, but nothing in this series. Even with this being the 11th installment, I didn't feel lost in the storyline, which centers on a personal case for the detective.

Eric Schmidt and his connection to the man who killed detective Tracy Crosswhite's sister, continues to haunt her, even with his conviction. But a technicality puts him back in her crosshairs, so to speak. Add to that a horrific shooting drilll, and Tracy is ordered some time away, for both professional and personal reasons.

The author does something different here. Rather than focus on Eric's case and what can be done to get him back in jail, he instead focuses on Tracy and basically retraining her mind to become a better shooter. And he does that with a charming teen, Lydia, who happens to be a master shooter. Using video games and then real life drills, they work together to help Tracy get her groove back (having been a good shooter prior to the work drill).

I loved the friendship between these two and how Tracy helped Lydia take steps for her own future, something no one else did given she is on the spectrum. Even better, I cheered for how Lydia managed to pay her back.

This story doesn't end in typical police procedural fashion, but that made this that much more enjoyable. Overall, an enjoyable read. I will definitely look to read other books in the series.

11 books into the series, and Tracy is working cold cases. Makes me wonder if we are still going to get a gripping story. The answer is YES WE DO! Tracy's current case ends up being tied to the murder of her sister and this brings up plenty of emotions which impact Tracy's ability to do her job. I liked the detour the book took at this point where Tracy ends up going back to her old shooting teacher for some centering training. While this added pages to the book, it also gave a lot of insight into Tracy and introduced a few new characters that I wouldn't mind seeing in future installments. As always, Mr. Dugoni knows how to keep his reader engaged and I was! Where will this series take us next?

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. #11 in the Tracy Crosswhite series and it did not disappoint. Added some new characters that I hope to see in the future as well as continuing on with the old crew. A very good addition to the series and I hope to see more.

This is definitely one of my favorite police procedural series. Tracy is a great, likable character with a lot of depth and heart. In A Dead Draw, Tracy is interviewing a subject when a comment he makes about her sister sends her over the edge. She then makes a mistake during a shooting exercise and finds out the subject went free on a technicality. Her boss and police buddies tell her to step away for a while, and so she heads back to her and her husband Dan's childhood hometown of Cedar Grove. She's hoping to relax in peace but soon finds herself investigating the man who riled her up to find out what his connection to her sister could be. And quickly finds herself in a game of cat and mouse leading to potentially deadly consequences.

This is an easy book to pick up even if you haven't read the series before because the author provides a lot of background. It's also great for those that can't remember all the details of the past books. I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the next book!

In A Dead Draw, Robert Dugoni delivers a complex and intricately plotted mystery that demands—and rewards—close attention. Rich in detail and layered with nuance, this is far more than a straightforward murder investigation; it’s a deep dive into motive, memory, and the often-blurred lines between truth and deception.

Dugoni’s storytelling is deliberate and immersive, with every clue, conversation, and character moment carefully crafted to build suspense and deepen intrigue. The novel’s strength lies in its meticulous construction—each detail plays a part, creating a puzzle that unfolds with precision and intelligence. As the plot twists and turns, the tension steadily escalates, making it nearly impossible to look away.

Beyond the central mystery, A Dead Draw offers strong character development and atmospheric depth, giving the story emotional weight and authenticity. Dugoni proves once again that he is a master of the genre, delivering a thriller that is as thoughtful as it is gripping. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a smart, tightly woven narrative with plenty of unexpected turns.

I won’t rehash the plot of this book as there are many other reviews with the plot outline already, but
I have to admit this was my least favourite book in the Tracey Crosswhite series. I really struggled with this book. The first half was super slow for me and I really didn’t like all the gun talk. As an Australian it was very foreign to me to be reading in such detail about guns, ammunition and shooting competitions. I ended up skimming a lot of these parts.
I was also a bit perplexed with Tracey’s behaviour in ‘A Dead Draw’. I thought that her feelings around her sister’s death were resolved many books ago. She had solved the case and the murderer Edmund House was dealt with, so why did a small conversation with a murder suspect at the beginning of this book about Edmund trip Tracey up so spectacularly? I didn’t get it. It seemed so out of character. This isn’t the Tracey I’ve grown to respect over the previous 10 books.
‘A Dead Draw’ was lacking the police procedural element that have made other books in the series so good. I would say overall just an ok read for me. 3 stars.
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher**

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Tracy is now working Cold Cases and gets involved with Erik Schmidt, suspected killer of two women, when she goes to interview him. She loses control during the interview and needed to be restrained. A few months later Erik is at a preliminary hearing in which a determination is to be made whether evidence should be excluded. The hearing ends up freeing Erik and as a result. Tracy is told to take some time to get her act together. Using this time, she decides to bring her family to their other house Cedar Grove where she continued looking in Erik. Erik had other plans and he wound up in Cedar Grove as well.

Soon there were events in Cedar Grove which required Tracy to send her family away to protect them. Soon there was one action that forced Tracy to take action. To discover why Erik was in Cedar Grove, who Lydia was and why she was important and what final event resulted in eliminating the danger, then you need to read this book. It will definitely be worth your while, don't miss out!

I started this series 3 books back and like its predecessors this one also can be read as a standalone. If you are a fan of Robert Dugoni you will want to pick up this latest installment.

The murder of her sister Sarah 20 years ago has driven Tracy Crosswhite to become a detective in the cold cases department of Seattle Police Department; Tracy has been haunted ever since that day. When Erik Schmidt, the prime suspect in the murder case was released on a technicality, Tracy was certain that this cold-blooded psychopath was guilty and determined to prove it.

This story is overwhelming with dry details about guns and shooting competitions, but be assured it an integral part in this story. This latest is a little more technical with the legal stuff also.

As the story slowing build-up setting the scene for a game of cat and mouse to the ultimate showdown, we see Tracy going back to basics and remembering the past. How stress, trauma, PTSD and pressure could affect someone is very well center stage. Drawing from years of training, wits and strength Tracy will get her man…but I will leave you to discover how she goes about it….If you enjoy police procedurals, strong female leads, this book is for you.

I have loved reading this author's Tracy Crosswhite series and I have always enjoyed the adventures of Detective Crosswhite. I am not sure what happened this time, but I did not care for this book at all. It was an extremely slow starter and I think what I did not care for most of all was the amount of time spent discussing firearms, ammo, shooting competitions, etc. I am just not into gun competitions.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this book.

A Dead Draw is the 11th book in Robert Dugoni's series of books about Seattle police detective Tracy Crosswhite. Dugoni's writing is consistently excellent, captivating, well-researched, and soulful. A Dead Draw is as exciting and enjoyable as the previous 10 books in the series, with well-drawn, very relatable characters and a believable, fast-paced plot. I will admit that by mid-way through the book, I had guessed how it might end (and who the hero might be), but it was still fun to see if I was correct, and how it all played out. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but reading the entire series in order will give you grater insight into the the characters and their backstories.

Thank You to NetGalley, the publisher, and author Robert Dugoni, for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book to read and review.

Detective Tracy Crosswhite isn’t one to lose her cool. Until her interrogation of the taunting and malicious Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings. Schmidt also has unnerving ties to the monster who murdered Tracy’s sister, stirring memories of the crime that shaped Tracy’s life. After a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy breaks.

Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Tracy heads to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. Just a peaceful getaway with her husband, her daughter, and their nanny at their weekend house. But Tracy’s sleepless nights are only beginning. A legal glitch has allowed Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her.

While not strictly necessary, I'd recommend reading the previous books in this series, as the earlier stories play a big role in this one. As always Dugoni delivers again by pulling together the story that's been driving the series and weaving it into the current drama. Loved this so much! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I have loved the Tracy Crosswhite series from the very beginning and couldn't wait to dig into this one. The characters are developed brilliantly and the action is cinematic, but this one didn't grab me like all the other books in the series. The story at times became a little too melodramatic and not quite believable. Having said that, the characters are so endearing that I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series. Strongly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced reader copy.

A Dead Draw is another great addition to the Tracy Crosswhite series, though it veers from the usual detective-driven narrative. This installment plays more like a tense cat-and-mouse game, with suspense building as the characters maneuver through high-stakes situations. There's also a strong focus on the cowboy action shooting and training aspect of the story, which might be too much for some readers. While its a shift from the series' usual tone, the plot remains engaging. I think it's a solid, entertaining read that earns a well-deserved 4 stars. Also, the author does a good job of providing enough background details of the series that this book would work well as a standalone.

Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Detective Tracy Crosswhite heads to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. Just a peaceful getaway with her husband, her daughter, and their nanny at their weekend house. But Tracy’s sleepless nights are only beginning. A legal glitch has allowed the murderous Eric Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her.

Forced into a twisted game of cat and mouse, Tracy must draw on all her training, wits, and strength to defeat a master criminal before he takes away everyone Tracy loves. The latest installment in Dugoni's bestselling series has everything a thriiller lover could want. Highly recommended.
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