Overall a good book with relatable characters -- a little slow moving for me but still a good read.

To be reviewed on Goodreads and my blog when I return from overseas in a few days.

It is hard to go wrong with Laura Griffin. In my opinion, she is one of the best in romantic suspense, and this book was another hit for her. She is an auto-buy for me. I thought the enemy in this book was interesting-usually there is a serial killer on the loose, but this had twists I wasn't expecting. The hero has been featured in many stories before, so it was good to see him get a book. As I am with most of her books, I was sad to end it and am impatient for the next!

Laura Griffin OWNS this genre and it's amazing how after so many books in this series, she keeps on delivering superb writing and a powerful story-line that balances exciting suspense with explosive chemistry.

AT CLOSE RANGE is intense, chilling and completely engrossing, so much that seventy percent into the book (I checked!) I wasn't sure what the motive was going to be but the unfolding intrigue was too good to worry about that. And yes, it was appropriately mind-blowing and worth the wait.

A double murder with lots of clues and a hard to discern motive leads Detective Dani Harper to call in ballistics expert Scott Black for help, but when the bodies start piling up, Scott is implicated in the murders and Dani herself becomes a target, it's very clear that they are dealing with more than a crime of passion and that the bad guys are very motivated to keep their secrets. Throw in the attraction between Dani and Scott and it's a tinderbox on the verge of explosion, and the team has to work really fast avoid more casualties.

Scott is the embodiment of every bad boy trait that women love - he's aloof, extremely confident, a loner, a ladies man and a challenge. Personally, all that expertise is more attractive than anything else, but what do I know? Even though he's been attracted to his best friend's sister for a long time, he does not plan on acting on it. Until she takes the choice out of his hands.

Dani is a newly minted detective, but she's good at her job, determined and tenacious. While such a high profile case is not ideal for cutting her teeth as a lead, those traits make her exactly the right person for this job, even if she sometimes takes one too many risks to get the job done.

Every time I read a book in this series, I can't stop raving about it and right now, all I want to do binge on the entire series, and if that's not the highest recommendation, I don't know what is. If you love well-written suspense, then this series is one to have on your reading list.

This was my first book by Laura Griffen and could easily be read as a stand alone book. Her writing had me captured late late into the nights. It was a great suspense with well thought out characters and plot. Having now read this book, I'd like to look up what else Ms. Griffen has written and read more from her.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Young detective Dani is made lead detective on a double homicide, which on the surface seems to be a crime of passion. As the investigation continues, ballistics expert on the case, Scott, becomes a suspect. But Dani has known Scott for 15 years and knows he didn't do it, regardless of what the evidence says.

The crime solving is the star of this book but the romance is always there, bubbling along in the background. Scott is Dani's brother's best friend and she has always crushed on him. But she knows that Scott is not a relationship kind of a guy and that he has issues resulting from his time as a Navy SEAL. Scott thinks Dani should probably stay away from him, but he can't get her out of his mind and he can't stay away from her.

Along the way, more murders are committed that put Dani and Scott in danger and has them dodging bullets. What I love about watching Dani, Scott, and the cops follow the clues to solve this crime is that never in a million years would I have guessed the motive for the murders. If you love a crime solving mystery, At Close Range is definitely a book to add to your reading list.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Mystery

This was a great mystery with romance that was thrown in. I really liked Dani. She was feisty, loving, smart, and sexy, all wrapped into one badass detective. I really liked her attitude and, despite the fact that she was running her first case, she didn't really let anyone push her around. She was, at times, kind of hard on her people, but she was still able to get the job done.

Then you have Scott. He is tough, kind of the wild cowboy in this book. He doesn't really follow the rules all that well, and then he insists that he's not for Dani, despite having feelings for her.

Dani and Scott have an interesting relationship. They've known each other for a long time, but Scott was not willing to really get in to a relationship with his really good friend's sister.

Through gun fights, road trips, murder, and love, Scott and Dani struggle through the ways of their life. I really enjoyed the mystery and loved that there was a romance written in.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Daniele "Dani" Harper is suddenly made the lead detective in what may be the biggest case of her career. She doesn't think she is ready to be a leader, but she will give it her all as long as others will follow her direction.

Scott Black works at the Delphi Center, where he is the gun expert. After his time as a Navy SEAL, he is the go-to guy for everything about guns. He is friends with Dani's brothers and stays in the friends-only zone with Dani because he doesn't want things to go bad between him and her family.

Dani and Scott are thrown together to try to solve this case and they try to fight the attraction between each other. Can they solve the case before anyone else is murdered? Will she get her heart broken by Scott or will she keep him at arm’s length to save her heart?

This case is a page turner, mind numbing (in a good way) who done it, and will have you guessing. And you will be guessing wrong many times until the end when you learn who was behind it.

This is the second book for me from Laura Griffin and she has fast become one of my new favorite romantic suspense authors. Her stories have the right amount of romance, sexy heroes, strong heroines, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat until you find out who done it. A perfect combination to keep you reading. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Review by Leah for Love Romance Books

At Close Range by Laura Griffin

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars!

How is it that this is the first Laura Griffin book I've read?!? I now must go back and read the rest of the Tracer series. Luckily, even though I started with book eleven, they're all able to standalone without the reader getting lost. This is the story of former Navy SEAL and ballistics expert Scott Black, and police Detective Danile Harper. She's the detective in charge of a multiple homicide case and as the case becomes more twisted, Dani's life is soon on the line. Now the killer is looking at the cop, and the SEAL is determined to keep her safe. And, with the explosive chemistry that's been building for years between them finally coming to a head, things are really heating up.

I really, really enjoyed this book! This book starts off with a bang and the momentum stays high until the end. The mystery was maintained throughout the book without the end being given away early. I love the characters and how the emphasis is on those that work behind the scenes to solve crimes as opposed to the police. The romance between Dani and Scott was beautiful and fraught with the normal thoughts and insecurities that are found in any new romantic relationship. I know I'll be recommending this book, and series, to my friends.

Oh my words, people, I am not sure if I have eloquent enough way to express how much I loved absolutely everything about this story, and admire the way it is written.
The pictures the author paints for us are so clear and vivid, so real, that it was easy to get lost in the pages of the book. The tale itself has a rhythm and flow that are natural and engaging. There's no short cuts, no easy solutions, or rushing to the end, but beautifully written story that I wanted to hang on to every word. I loved how the technical details were delivered. The balance of the information was perfect, not underestimating the reader, but not overflowing so that it would be tedious. The case is complex, and there's no way to figure out who truly is the mastermind behind the attacks that just keeps coming and soon turns personal towards the investigators.
And the characters! Detective Daniele Harper was a true heroine. She is tough, reasonable, smart, and capable, she feels she is over her head, challenged to the core by her first case as a leader, but she doesn't give up, she doesn't complain, or look for a way out, but goes forward and is determined to find the criminals and stop the insanity.
The ballistics expert and former Navy SEAL, Scott Black isn't just sexy as one can be, but he has honor, loyalty, need for justice to be done, and mostly a need to protect Daniele. He doesn't use a pet name to her, but while everyone else calls her some version of Dani, at the perfect moments he says 'Daniele' and I swear I swooned every single time.
Daniele and Scott have a sizzling, energetic connection from the start. The turbulence of their desire boiling inside of them for each other is as explosive as the action in the book and twined into the story seamlessly. The 'best friend's baby sister' angel has just enough drama to my liking and the way they navigate the fragile beginning of their relationship, how the feelings develop and grow, was delightful and charming.
This story is filled with unpredictable action that had me holding my breath, moments of danger and fear that felt so real I had to check my locks and windows. The romance is not only beautiful and adorable but sensual and swoon worthy. The characters are charismatic, and the secondary characters benefit the story and help to develop the plot into the absorbing puzzle that it turns out to be. This story is everything I want in a romantic suspense and I highly recommend it to all fans of the genre!
~ Five Spoons!

This was my first Laura Griffin book, and although it is listed as part of a long running series, I was never confused as it completely stood alone. That being said, it did make me want to push aside my TBR to read all those that came before it.

Sometimes, you get a little suspense thrown into a romance novel. Occasionally, there's a taste of romance in a suspense novel. At Close Range managed to meld the two genres so seamlessly that neither one suffered for it.

Dani and Scott have a history, so their attraction and the intensity of it was never out of place. This allowed the romance to flow quickly into the suspense, without all the character build up usually required. The fact that they're both professionals and tackling a case that is quickly becoming personal helped to throw them together until they finally combusted.

The suspense and mystery were refreshing, as the plot didn't feel worn out and over used. A little bit on the different side, which kept me on my toes and anxiously turning the pages. I occasionally felt overwhelmed by all of the action, yet never disappointed, which is really the best thing to hope for when reading a book. A solid book, and it seems, or at least I hope (based on the now expanded size of my TBR) a solid author.

~ George 4 Stars

Someone is on a killing spree and all the victims have one thing in common, they all worked at the same college in New Mexico. Danielle has been made lead investigator on this case. Her prime suspect is her brothers best friend and someone she has know for most of her life. To complicate things she has always had feelings for Scott. Can she clear Scotts name and find the killer or does she not know Scott as well as she thought. Will she blow her first case as lead investigator.
Loved reading this book. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I am always excited to return to the Tracers series. This book did not dissapoint. The beginning of the book set the tone by having us witness a murder through the eyes of one of the victims. Detective Danielle Harper is assigned this case which happens to be her first as lead detective. She works with the Delphi center where one of the experts is Scott Black. Dani and Scott have known each other for 15 years because he is he brothers best friend. There is a sexual tension between them which makes the case even more interesting. The romance in the story is believable and there is great chemistry between the characters. The actual mystery is so well written and suspenseful. It is fun to see how forensics help solve the case and the murderer is definitely a surprise. If you love a romantic suspense novel this is the book for you. Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book which I honestly reviewed. I can't wait until the next book in the series.

Plenty of action of and suspense laced with some sexual tension…what a great read!

Dani loves her job and she’s good at it, evident by after only a few months as detective, she makes lead on a very complicated murder case. Scott is a widely known and respected ballistics expert, and he loves his job just as much as Dani loves her.
The only thing either may love more is each other. Now if only they fess up, things could get even more interesting…and hotter.

There’s no time wasted getting to the heart of the matter. The story opens with the murder – in full description, not just when the cops show up. I must say, Griffin is one hell of a writer with her vivid description and natural-sounding dialogue. There’re plenty of well-developed and charming characters without leaving readers feeling overloaded. I will admit I did find myself crushing on Scott. He’s definitely an alpha, but he’s also very considerate and caring. He and Dani are a good match. Neither accepts BS from the other, but they do have a weakness for each other.

I liked the different angles. There are some scenes that don’t feature either Dani or Scott, but they tie into the murder case storyline. It’s obvious (at least to me) that other romances will form, which makes nice set-ups for other stories. Griffin has done her research and the best part about it is that all of the references seem so real. It flows naturally and she sticks to what relates. There’s no overkill. I felt like CSI jumped off the screen. I almost glanced around for some of my favorite past characters from the show.

I am somewhat conflicted on calling the story a romance. True there is some romance in it, but the main focus seemed to be the case, not the relationship. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fast-paced, smooth-flowing, expertly-written story. Griffin’s skills are evident from the first word to the last. But being a devoted romance-only reviewer, I had to point that out. But under no circumstances should other romance-only reviewers (I’m guessing I can’t be the only one) let this stop them from reading it. I was not the least bit disappointed. There is some heat and the relationship progresses just as it should in a romance.

I’m sticking with the series!

Fire up that e-reader, get a snack, and find a comfy place to sit.

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well and I was kept interested. The story has laughs, danger, suspense, murder, twists & turns, and heartbreak.

Below is a list of books in this series:
Untraceable (Tracers, #1)
Unspeakable (Tracers, #2)
Unstoppable (Tracers, #2.5)
Deadly Promises (B.A.D. Series, #4.5; Black Ops, Inc., #5.5; Tracers, #2.5)
Unforgivable (Tracers #3)
Snapped (Tracers #4)
Twisted (Tracers, #5)
Scorched (Tracers #6)
Exposed (Tracers #7)
Beyond Limits (Tracers, #8)
Shadow Fall (Tracers, #9)
Deep Dark (Tracers, #10)


This is Daniele and Scott’s story. Nothing in her case of a double murder is adding up. But the person who can help is a secret crush of hers. Can she keep her head in the investigation and not on the man? Will Scott even be able to help her out after all being a suspect is a conflict of interest for him? For years Scott, has hid his feelings for Daniele for years but after on kiss can he continue to fight them? She’s his best friend’s sister. But can they both fight the attraction and still stay focused? What happens when keeping away makes the killer focus on Daniele? Can Scott protect her but still fight the attraction? Can they solve the case and then worry about the attraction or will the killer make sure they have no future?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read. You get an edge of your seat murder mystery thriller with just enough romance to keep you turning the pages.

I recommend this book.

When you read a Laura Griffin work, you know exactly what you're getting, and that's pulse-pounding action and excitement, as well as a hot and sizzling romance. There seems more of the romance in this book, and I, for one, am ecstatic about it.

The mystery and danger is closer to home this time, with a double murder, and the change from the terrorist plots of the previous books that I've read is a welcome change. Scott and Daniele's chemistry is hot; I've always loved the trope of the hero falling or having the hots for the best friend's little sister, and Ms. Griffin didn't disappoint. I love every scene they had together--the intimacy, the conflict, the angst.

I enjoyed the story a lot, and the twists and turns in the plot were a delightful surprise. I had a minor quibble, but to write about it would be a spoiler, so...let's leave it at that. In any case, it's pretty minor and didn't mar my enjoyment of this story one bit.

Previous characters in the series had cameo roles, especially Mia and Ric, so series fans are sure to love this addition. Newbies can start here too, as each book in the series feature a different couple whose romance is fully contained within each book.

I got my first taste of Laura Griffin’s work when I read Deep Dark, book 10 in the Tracer series, which I enjoyed as such when the opportunity came to read At Close Range, I could not resist. There is no need to read the earlier books in the series before reading this installment as it is possible to read it as a stand-alone.

In this installment, we meet Daniele Harper, a detective who came from a family of law enforcement officials. She became the lead investigator on a high-profile case, which involved the murder of a professor, and his mistress. This case had the potential to make or break her career. Her involvement in the case led to her working closely with her longtime crush Scott Black. Scott is a former Navy Seal who now works as a ballistics expert with the Delphi Centre, a private forensics laboratory.

The attraction between Dan but they were off-limits to each as Scott was her brother’s best friend. Things between them became tense between them when Scott became a suspect in her current case. He was not about to sit back and wait for things to play out, his priority was in proving his innocence. Not only does Dani have to deal with her feelings for the man, who is the main suspect, she has to face resentment from colleagues who felt she did not deserve the role of lead investigator on the case. Then more bodies began turning up causing all involved to step back and view things differently. Things became more complicated when Scott discovered that someone wanted Dani dead. Is this related to the current case or is it isolated?

Daniele is stubborn, tenacious, determined and brave; however, there were times when her actions went a bit overboard. I guess this was mostly due to her wanting to prove that she could handle the role of lead investigator. Scott is a protector by nature and he would do what it takes to protect Daniele even if it meant interfering with the investigation. He is not afraid to colour somewhat outside the lines when the need arises.

When the story began, it had me on the edge of my seat due to the tense, edgy and thrilling scene that was taking place. At that moment, I knew there would be interesting times ahead for this story. The pace slowed down somewhat, but this was due to the ongoing investigation. Twists and surprises permeated the pages of the book. When I thought I had it figured out the author throws in a twist that had me rethinking my original stance. The pace picked up at around fifty percent (50%) of the book. From then it was an adrenaline-pumping ride.

These two danced around each for a long time, that when they finally took the plunge, it was explosive. In spite of this, however, I felt that the romance needed more developing.

Verdict:
If you enjoy stories with lots of action, suspense and mystery, you will love At Close Range. It will keep you guessing at every page turn, which makes it an exciting and thrilling read.

Get ready for a THRILLING ride…
The first three minutes will leave you gasping and wanting more, more and more. What happens next??? I felt like I was watching a mystery movie. From the first two pages, I was caught. I started yelling RUN, RUN, RUN… Don’t you hear me!!!
The book is very well written. The descriptiveness of it created a beautiful visual that will keep you enthralled. I became so involved, I started writing down clues to see if I would be able to solve the mystery. I was captivated to the very end.
I liked Dani’s drive and her no nonsense attitude. The interaction between her and Scott was great. The chemistry between them was SCORCHING…. There is so much that I want to say but if I do I will give away the story.
The ending was surprising; I definitely didn’t see that coming. I DIDN’T SOLVE IT… I WAS WRONG… It was my first time reading a book by this author and it won’t be my last.

"At Close Range" by Laura Griffin is an intense and gripping tale that has a sprinkling of love that creates the perfect story. Danielle, a detective investigating a murder, has loved Scott from afar for a very long time. I liked Danielle. She's independent and strong, yet, the reader sees her vulnerabilities and insecurities. Scott, whew! I love a Hero that is tough yet tender and gruff yet sweet. Scott is all that and more. The plot was wonderful too. It was filled with twists and turns and had my heartbeat racing. Ms. Griffin sure knows how to hook the reader and keep them hanging with each turned page. I couldn't put it down. Just a note - while this is book 11 of the Tracers series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I have not read the entire series nor have what I read, been in order but followed along without a problem. I do want to read them all - just not enough hours in the day! Guess I'll have to lock myself up in a room one weekend and read, read, read! (received copy from NetGalley for honest review)