by Laura Griffin
Series: Tracers #9
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
Heat Level:
Special Agent Tara Rushing arrives at a grisly murder scene and quickly discovers she’s got a serial killer on her hands. The killer is meticulous, making sure to wipe up even the smallest traces of evidence…but the Delphi Center experts are on the case. The local sheriff has a suspect all picked out—ex-Marine and current security expert Liam Wolfe. Despite all her digging, Tara knows very little about Liam when she shows up at his sprawling Texas compound, which serves as headquarters for Wolfe Securities, and she’s surprised by her intense physical reaction to him. As she and Liam grow closer, Tara finds herself depending on his skills and expertise to help her track a killer. But when another body turns up, Tara must decide if she can trust the man who’s quickly stealing her heart.
Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin is the ninth book in her Tracers romantic suspense series. All of the books in the series will work as a standalone and offer up a compelling mystery and a sexy side dish of romance. Violently murdered women, a sexy ex-Marine and a FBI agent leading her first case made Shadow Fall a page-turner.
Special Agent Tara Rushing is sent to a grisly murder scene not far from where she grew up. The locals are not happy to see her and Tara is not sure why she was called in, but when remains and a fresh body turn up, she quickly realizes she has a serial killer on her hands. Liam Wolfe heads up Wolf Securities a private security company. The bodies are discovered on his land making him the locals’ prime suspect but Tara is not convinced Liam is their man.
Griffin created strong characters who know their job and do it well. Tara is fearless, but Griffin takes time to expose her vulnerable side. Tara exudes confidence, but just like the rest of us, this kick-ass woman has fears and concerns. Sometimes she even needs a hug. Now if I were Tara I would want those hugs from the confident and sexy Liam Wolfe. Even his name screams yummy and danger all at the same time.
Tara and Liam had chemistry from the onset and we see them dance around it. Smoldering looks, heated thoughts and electricity crackling between them had me engaged. I loved the build up from the toe curling kisses to the knowledge that these two are going to tangle the sheets. It is only a matter of when. Griffin delivers with just enough details to heat the pages. We see a little something develop between Tara’s partner and Liam’s second but it was not fully explored.
Secondary characters from forensic specialists, local law enforcement and FBI agents made the tale suspenseful while creating depth to the town and characters. I loved all the forensics details as well as the profiling. A few red herrings, and witness interviews leads us to the killer but not before a climatic heart stopping conclusion. Griffin wrapped up both the case and the romance leaving me satisfied.
Shadow Fall is the perfect read for fans of romantic suspense. The murder mystery takes center stage with the romance weaved throughout.
Teddyree
I read the first book Untraceable a little while ago and loved it. Don’t know why I haven’t read more but thanks for the reminder Kimberly 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
psst..so did I but I am so going to fix it!!
Lorna
I don’t know how I missed this series before but this sounds so good. I went to Net Galley and requested it before I even finished your review. Hopefully I will get it so thanks for the recommendation and well written review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..I hope they approve you. Yes Lorna, I could see you loving this series.
Wattle
This one sounds like it has a nice balance of mystery and romance, I love it when authors get that perfect 🙂 I think this is definitely a series I’ll have to check out in the future!
kimbacaffeinate
I am hoping to read more, like you when I find an author who balances the two I want more!
Maureen Beatrice
This book sounds like a great read. I’ll definitely put this one on my TBR.. I love these kind of books with ‘toe curling kisses’ and mystery.
Awesome review 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Romantic suspense is one of my favorites Maureen and these mysteries are well done
Aurian
This sounds good Kimba, thanks for the review! I do have some of her books I think, but have not yet read them.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you love them when you do Aurian!
Christy
I think I read the first one before I started blogging but didn’t add it on NG. I didn’t realize each book focuses on different characters though. That’s good!
kimbacaffeinate
When I went to add the next book, it looks like I read it as well. I want to read them all now
Paij Slater
#9…holy moly! I am glad you said they could be read as a stand alone. I am so not ready for series that long…hehehe Have you read all of them? It sounds like a book right up my alley. Great review Kim! I hope you have a fabulous weekend
kimbacaffeinate
No, I have only read 8-9, but I would love to go back and read them all!
Julie Whiteley
Okay, so it’s nearly midnight and I’m still wide awake because I just had to finish reading Shadow Fall! Your review inspired me today- so hanks for the insightful review and spotlight.
kimbacaffeinate
That is awesome Julie, thank you. I want to go back and read the rest.
The Bibliophile Babe
This sounds really good! And I love the cover!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I think I’ve read a couple of books in this series way out of order. You are right, they can work as standalones but I do want to try to read them all. Adding this one to that wishlist! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
This is only my second and I plan to go back. Glad you enjoyed the ones you have read 🙂
Bea
I love the name Liam Wolfe. 😀 I really need to stop waffling and just jump in with this series.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too..he sounds totally lickable. I’ve only read the previous book and this one, but want to go back and read them all Bea.
blodeuedd
Sounds good 🙂 I need to read more of these
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, I have a good time every time I do.
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read this series but I do like a good mystery and romance so I will be putting ths in my wish list for later.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you are adding them for future reference Mary
Grace MyBookSnack
I really enjoyed this one. They really did dance around each other when they could. I liked that they were so involved in trying to find the killer. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
The murder mystery was good wasn’t it and yes these two were driven.
Angela Adams
Can’t wait to get my hands on this book! Thanks for the post!!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Angela 🙂
Ramona
Wow, the ninth book – and still going strong! That’s some achievement… You know, I think that because of True Blood, I can only picture a every woman named Tara as a tough as nails female, lol 🙂 Have a great weekend, Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
Series that work as standalones individually can really go on forever. Yep…I agree about the name Tara.
Heidi
The romance sounds outstanding, and I like the you can jump in at any point and read in this series.
kimbacaffeinate
You really can. I’ve only read this one and the previous..different characters and everything.
Karen
I’m a little (ok a lot) behind on this series. I don’t typically read romantic suspense but I always enjoy Griffin’s writing.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
kimbacaffeinate
LOL..I have only read 2 this one and the previous..but I want to go back and read them all Karen.
Sophia Rose
It’s already on the list, but you made me even more eager to grab it. Nice review, Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did Sophia!
kindlemom1
I love good sexy tension and a great mystery! Looks like this was another wonderful addition to the series and really like one I need to read. I am so in the mood for mysteries right now too!
kimbacaffeinate
Perfect time a year for this type of read. I am excited to continue this series and of course I want the older books now too..LOL
Silvia
You got me intrigued and actually pointed out a new series to me! Good to know each instalment also works as a stand-alone, especially since I’ve been really in a romantic suspense mood lately 😉
kimbacaffeinate
They totally do, although I want to read them all now!
laura thomas
I’m always up for a romantic suspense. Sounds like one for me! I love that cover art too! Have a lovely weekend:)
kimbacaffeinate
I like the cover as well Laura, and yes after following your reviews I do believe you would enjoy these stories.
Ria
Eeeep! This sounds really good! I loved your review…Makes me want to find out more about the sexy yummy and dangerous Liam Wolfe!! 😉
Hugs
kimbacaffeinate
It was really good Ria. Liam Wolfe..sounds lickable right?
Debbie Haupt
I totally agree with every word you said Kim. I especially love how she keeps you on your toes, in suspense until the end and in this novel I loved that both these characters were true alphas. Great Review!! I’m sharing it all over
I love Laura and have read every book she’s written solo and want to try her series written w/Allison Brennan.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed. I need to read the entire series..LOL
Nick
Ooh I love that there’s such a great build up to their smoldering relationship! It’s been so long since I’ve read a thriller book!
kimbacaffeinate
There is and the characters are ones you understand and connect with. Her stories are heavier on the mystery but the romance weaves in perfectly Nick.
Jenny
I’m in the mood for romantic suspense Kim, so I think I need this on my Kindle asap! I’ve been struggling a bit with YA lately, so I think I just need to switch genres for a bit and I so enjoy stories like this one. Thanks for the recommendation!
kimbacaffeinate
I have been too lately or straight up suspense thrillers. I am in such a slump or weird reading mood. Either I totally love a book or end up DNFing around 50%. Ugh.
Red Iza
Oh yes, I read the first Tracer last week and absolutely loved it ! I agree with what you said, the author balances very well the romance and the mystery plots, I appreciate that. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love how balanced it is. I seriously need to read all the books in this series!