by Laura Griffin
Series: The Texas Murder Files #1
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
A riveting new thriller featuring an ambitious female investigative reporter in Austin, Texas by New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin.
When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he's ever seen, and nothing adds up.
Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn’t who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.
As a ruthless hit man’s mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.
I’ve enjoyed Griffin over the years and was excited to see a new series by her. Hidden is the first novel in the Texas Murder Files. We get to meet a tenacious report, and a police detective who won’t rest until they stop a killer.
Coffee Dates with Hidden
- First Date: We as the reader are witness to the events leading up to the homicide along Austin’s lakeside hike-and-bike trail. Investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads gets a tip that something is up and heads to the lake. Lead detective, Jacob Merritt is on scene when Bailey tries to pry information from our tight-lipped detective. Both have a job to do and their paths continue to cross as the chemistry between them grows. Detective Merritt isn’t willing to give up investigating when the Feds take over and Bailey get’s a lead that might just spell trouble.
- Second Date: Pizza, craft beer, and angles. The two spend time together as Merritt tries to warn Bailey off the case, but this ace reporter is finding connections and offering tips. The case is interesting, with topics and discoveries relevant to today’s headlines as big brother watches.
- Third Date: As another woman faces danger, the romance gains traction. The steamy scenes are fade to black and while I could characterize this as insta-love, their attraction felt genuine. As trust built, they shared more on the case and even tracked a lead together before a climatic closure to their investigations. Griffin let us spend some time with the couple and wrapped up loose threads, leaving me smiling and looking forward to the next book in the Texas Murder Files.
Fans of murder-mysteries, crime thrillers, and romantic suspense will want to add Hidden to their bookshelves.
Hidden by Laura Griffin delivered, a relevant case, plenty of action and a side dish of romance. #TexasMurderFiles #Crime #RomanticSuspense #NewRelease Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Carla
Nice review Kimberly. I have put this on my TBR, it sounds like it is right up my alley.
Debbie Haupt
I loved this one Kim
Tyler H. Jolley
I love when you do Coffee Date reviews and Coffee Pot reviews, Kimba. It’s such a fun idea and unique to your blog!
sjhigbee
This one sounds like a really enjoyable whodunit. Thank you for sharing:))
Hannah
I’m reading this now and loving it! Laura Griffin is my go-to author for romantic suspense!
Sophia Rose
Neat to see that as a reporter, she is giving help and not keeping things from the police. I want to try Laura Griffin’s books at some point.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Somehow I wanted just a little more of character development (which is not to say romance) but the case was interesting. Fantastic review!
sherry fundin
her name is familiar but i’m not sure if i have read any of her work. i do love my romantics suspense
Rita @ Books Are My Comfort Zone
Sounded like it was good, but not great, for you. I’ve read all but 2 or 3 of her other series, Tracers. I didn’t bother to pick up the Alpha and Wolfe security ones because I’m not as interested in those set-ups. I still want to read this and give it a try. Thanks for a good review!
Nadene
I have this on my TBR. Love the author’s work.
czai
At this point, I still don’t know what to feel about romantic suspense but this really sounds interesting.
Melliane
Why not, I didn’t know about this one