Laura Griffin is a favorite author of mine. I've read this book and promptly started reading Griffin's backlist. The mystery aspect of learning about the killer and the twisted mind of his, plus the romance that's not fully in your face, Griffin had me word for word. Touch of Red is one of the Tracers series best.

Laura Griffin’s Tracers series is spectacular. Touch of Red is the 12th in the series and the plot and twists keep you turning the page. Sean and Brooke’s steamy courtship just adds to the fire of this book

ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I normally enjoy reading Laura Griffin books, but this one wasn't a favorite of mine.

I liked the writing style. The information about DNA, fingerprints, and e-mail was fascinating. The mystery was intriguing.

I received an ARC of the book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.

The tracers are back in an all new mystery that will leave you breathless and wondering if the bad guys will prevail this time. As always Griffin’s ability to pull her readers into the lives of the scientists and crime fighters that are working together to bring down the killers and scum of the earth that are crawling out of the wood-work in southern Texas is incomparable. I enjoyed getting to see Brooke’s passion about her work and her determination to make sure that not only did she meet every expectation of her job, but she always went above and beyond, sometimes to Sean’s dismay, butting her nose in and working to help solve the case and protect the innocents in danger. Sean has been intrigued with Brooke since almost the first moment, but he has never been able to break through her shell and find a way to get her interested in more than a work friendship. When they find themselves working closely on this newest case, Sean hopes to get her to open up to him, but he never imagined just how deep he would find himself so quickly. It’s hard not to get emotionally invested when she is so passionate about her work and so beautiful in that passion, but his fear for her life and the danger she is placing herself in heightens their emotional connection that much more. Brooke has had bad luck in love and she isn’t really interested in another alpha male being the next in the line of lovers she takes, but she is just as drawn to Sean as he is to her. When he shows true belief in her, though others are skeptical, she begins to wonder if she might be overlooking some important sides to this complicated and sexy man. With danger and intrigue around every corner, Sean and Brooke have to find a way to solve the murder and keep not only their witness safe, but also keep Brooke from ending up in the killer’s crosshairs. I loved getting to know Sean a little more; in the past he was just a bit of a one dimensional side character but he is so obviously so much more. His sweetness and determination to keep Brooke safe while not snipping her wings made him the perfect lover for her, even if she was a bit resistant. Brooke had a few moments where she let her stubbornness overrule her own better judgment in my opinion, but in the end she managed to keep both herself and their witness alive long enough for her knight to come to her rescue. I loved when Brooke and Sean both let down their guards and found a way to express their true feelings for one another. I am interested to see who will find love next in this amazing group of people, though I have my suspicions, and I know that whatever comes next will be amazing. If you are looking for an intensely suspenseful romance that hits all the right notes on murder, mayhem, sex, and love then you can’t go wrong with Touch of Red.

A book that could be considered a romantic suspense novel AND (not or) a crime thriller. What more could you possible want?

The chemistry between the leading characters is electric and noticeable to the reader from the very start. Yet, the author (thankfully) spared us the "instalove" that is far too often prominent in popular romance novels today. The relationship is slow to build and follows a more realistic progression, which was refreshing to read.

I really loved Brooke & Sean -- the couple featured in Touch of Red. Sean is a genuinely great guy... he's patient and supportive and a bit of a bad ass. Brooke is skeptical and slow to trust as a result of being burned by men in the past, but she's also strong and smart as a whip. Sean sees these great qualities in Brooke and isn't afraid to put in the work needed to gain her trust. (Cue the swoon from all women everywhere.)

Touch of Red is much more than a typical romance novel --- it really has "a touch" of everything. (That was a terrible pun, I know.)

*A big thanks to both Netgalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Romantic suspense is my favorite genre, and "Touch of Red" is as good of a read as I would expect from this author. The drama and suspense was topnotch and well developed, with small details that enhances this fascinating story for the reader. Sean and Brooke's romance is hot while dealing with the latest crime. The pacing is fast and realistic, keeping the reader turning pages to see every twist and turn that takes the H and h to their HEA while solving the case. A recommended read, you can start anywhere as they are all standalone books. I would like to thank NetGalley and Pocket Books for gifting me with "Touch of Red". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 5 Stars!

I was excited about CSI Brooke Porter when she was introduced in the last Tracer’s book, and for the most part her story didn’t disappoint. Brooke works for the Delphi Center, and she’s working with detective Sean Byrne to solve a murder. She’s also coming out of a messy, toxic relationship, and that causes some problems for her and her relationship with Sean.

I thought the investigation plot of this book was very strong. I really could not have predicted where this one would end up based on the initial murder! This isn’t a serial killer story like so many of the Tracers books have been, and I admit it was a good change of pace to get something different. Plus the villain is responsible for some awful things, and it’s satisfying to see that person get their just desserts in the end. I also really liked Sean and Brooke, both as individuals and as a couple. I thought they were a great compliment, and I could absolutely see them working out in the long term.

I did have some issues that kept nagging at me after I finished reading, though. First, there’s a plot line with Brooke’s ex-boyfriend that I just didn’t like. He was emotionally abusive and is starting to stalk her in this book. I didn’t see a need for that and felt like it was just gratuitous. Plus, the issue wasn’t really handled seriously in my mind. The whole thing is basically resolved by Sean threatening the guy, which was lame and felt out of character for Sean AND for the ex. That plot point goes nowhere and feels like it’s only there to manufacture a way for Sean to protect Brooke until the major villain starts to focus on her.

The other thing that bothered me was more subtle, and it wasn’t something that even bothered me while I was reading. It was only after, as I started to think about the book, that it started to get under my skin. Brooke doesn’t want a relationship at the start of the book. She admits she’s rushed from bad relationship to bad relationship for years, and she feels like she needs time alone to figure out what she wants and who she is independent of a man. She tells Sean this repeatedly, and he tells her he totally respects that. But then all he does is push her to start something with him. Obviously, Brooke wanted him as well, and it’s clear the reader is supposed to recognize that Sean is a great match for Brooke (and he very much is). My problem isn’t even that Sean sticks around after she tells him she doesn’t want a relationship. My problem is that he says “Yes I totally get it” while secretly thinking “But I really want her so I’ll keep trying to convince her and then she’ll see the light.” I just don’t like it when books subvert the heroine like that. It reinforces the idea that if it’s “true love” it’s ok to push past a woman’s boundaries and ignore what she’s telling you. It didn’t feel necessary, and it didn’t reflect well on Sean in my mind.

Despite these issues, I truly did enjoy this book. It was well paced, a good mix of excitement and geeky investigation, and had a great central couple.

Grade: 4 out of 5

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Absolutely AMAZING!!!! Hooked from the first page and was kept on the edge of my seat right to the end! So many twists and turns. And also a beautiful romance thrown in. Definitely a must read!!

I enjoy Griffin's Tracer mysteries, which combine steamy romance with forensic mystery. Touch of Red takes a murder with a mysterious missing witness and reveals a pattern of corruption throughout the justice system. The mystery was compelling, the romance was hot and there was plenty of interesting forensic science tidbits as well. An enjoyable read!

Gosh! I can never get tired of reading Laura Griffin and her “Tracers Series” is one of the best romantic suspense and one of my top favorites.

Book #12 of the series, “A Touch Of Red” brings CSI Brooke Porter and Homicide Detective Sean Byrne together as they get involved in a grisly murder investigation. As they get deeper into the investigation, the possibility of a young witness to the crime, takes Brooke deeper into the case than required, becoming a target for the killer. With Sean having deeper feelings for Brooke, the case becomes personal as well as deadly as he tries to protect Brooke.

It’s hard writing a review for a thriller without giving away spoilers. It’s always a pleasure to revisit her amazing characters of this series as they keep making appearances in the various stories. And as the Delphi Center and the Wolfe Security co-exit and crossover, it only adds an element of suspense and danger to this series, making it even more irresistible to avoid and get caught up in the danger and evil surrounding these characters.

Laura Griffin is one amazing writer of thrillers as she maintains a tight plot, a balance of the dark with the light, the humor with the grim and the powerful chemistry and vibes between the main characters.

Received an ARC from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Touch Of Red. Laura Griffin is one of my favourite authors so I was delighted to get the chance to read and review this book. Touch Of Red is the 12th book in the tracers series and it was lovely seeing some of the previous characters featuring in this book. I love the tracer series they are romantic suspense at its best and Touch Of Red kept me hooked to the very end.

I have read two previous Tracers books and enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to reading this one. I have to say, I was disappointed.

Sean’s character was just kind of blah. He is a detective in the police department. Per his own statement, he used to be a player until his on the job injury “put things in perspective.” He is persistent in his pursuit of Brooke.

Brooke was a pain in the ass know it all. She is an evidence tech for Delphi. She kept pushing past the boundaries of her job description and in doing so made several idiotic/stupid/ridiculous decisions.

Brooke’s stalker ex didn’t really add anything to the mix other than as a reason for her reluctance to enter another relationship. That story line felt extremely anticlimactic.

I was definitely more interested in the murder investigation than Sean/Brooke’s burgeoning romance. The romance felt underdeveloped while the investigation kept me engaged.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3 because the mystery was good.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Laura Griffin is one of my favorite suspense authors. This story kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.

Laura Griffin sure knows how to write romantic suspense!
Touch of Red is another fast-paced story that had me enthralled from start to finish.
The chemistry between Brooke and Sean was undeniable and I love how their relationship developed.
I want to point out that I've yet to read the entire series but of the 5 I have read...the hero's have ALL been swoon worthy and Detective Sean Byrne definitely fit the script.
With an ample amount of detective/CSI work Touch of Red is another great police procedural with a steamy romance you won't be able to put down.

I love Laura Griffin's books! She really writes a fabulous combination of hot romance and gripping suspense. This was a book that I got to the end and kept trying to look for more!

Sean and Brooke have been circling each other for months. Thrown together on a gruesome murder case, they give in to their mutual attraction while searching for a killer. I enjoyed Brooke's determination to help uncover a potential witness and the chances she took while running down evidence. Sean's frustration with her, but inability to fault her when she produced results was entertaining. I think the only part of the story I would have liked more resolution around was her ex-boyfriend.

Action packed and with steamy romance, I had a hard time putting this book down. It can be read as a standalone, but is also a great addition to the Tracers series.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Laura Griffin is a remarkable writer and I love everything she writes but her Tracers series remains my favorite. TOUCH IF RED is the twelfth book in the Tracers series and it is just as enthralling as the rest of the series. It has suspense and romance with characters that are easy to relate to, smart and vulnerable.

Brooke works for the Delphi Center as a Trace Evidences Examiner. She has a reputation for being thorough because she has a knack for seeing small details that other people miss. Brooke is on a break from men after a few bad relationships. Her last boyfriend was controlling and possessive and is still unhappy she broke up with him.

Sean is a detective working on a murder case with Brooke. He is an easy going, nice guy with a big ego. Sean and Brooke work well together and Sean has grown to trust Brooke's opinion. They respect each other and there is also an underlying attraction growing between them. I really liked Sean. He is tender, confident, patient and also protective.

While Sean and Brooke are trying to solve the murder we also learn their personal history. Both of them love their jobs, are workaholics and don’t have time for relationships. Yet, they can’t seem to ignore the simmering attraction growing between them. Sean and Brooke have incredible chemistry and I liked both of them. This is an intriguing mystery with romance and passion; my favorite type of story. I was never able to figure out who the murderer was until the very end.

Rating: ★★★★

Trope: Romantic Suspense

Chemistry: ❤❤❤

One-Sentence Summary: A young FBI Agent sets out to prove herself by solving a string of murders near the beach

Review: You always know what you're going to get when you sit down to devour a book in the Tracers series: some combination of law enforcement / forensic scientist / military combo, a crime to solve and a headstrong Heroine determined to discover the truth and ends up having to be rescued by the man she is trying to keep at arm's length but inevitably has to admit she has fallen in love with.

Touch of Red was a good edition of that formula. I love how Sean's injury changed him from the man we met in the previous book and you could tell Brooke really cared about the child witness. What stopped this book being five stars for me was the fact that they brought in Brooke's creepy stalker cop ex who was tracking her via an app and even broke into her house .... and that never went anywhere. All of a sudden he backed right off and the confrontation between him and Sean was an anti-climax.

I don't know whether I am sad or happy to have completely my marathon through the Tracers series and am now all caught up .... I think sad because I am so used to having another one to read and now I am having to wait for Travis/Callie's story like everyone else.

Do you like suspense? Steamy romance? Then you'll probably like this. This is the first I've read of the author and while I'm a big suspense fan, I'm not so much of a romance novel fan. The good part is that this doesn't read much like a romance novel, it reads more like a suspense. While there was a bit too much of the romantic side of things for my taste, I did still enjoy the read and would definitely recommend it to fans who enjoy both genres. The one thing I would forewarn you of (besides the steamy scenes I've already alluded to) is that this book is hard to put down so set aside the time to read it cover to cover.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

I really enjoyed this story. It was fast-paced, had a lot of moving pieces, but was resolved in such a way that made the story seem so organic.

Brooke is a CSI who loves what she does. She sometimes gets in over her head, but her instincts are great and she loves helping when she can. When a mystery presents itself, she throws herself into her work.

Then you have Sean. He seems almost quiet compared to the personality of Brooke. He is almost stoic during his job and despite his attraction to Brooke, he does try to rein it in. However, when he sees that she's overextending herself to help them solve a case, he steps in and tries to help her right back.

Even though there is some great chemistry between Brooke and Sean, I think what solidified it for me was their bonding over the case. It helped that they could come home and talk, even though sometimes that isn't what you need. For them, this is where they have the most in common. And especially when Brooke's ex is creepy, I loved that Sean went out of his way to make her feel like she wasn't crazy or strange.

These two were great together and I hope these continue, as I loved the thriller aspect and thought that the romance was very well written.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
CSI Brooke Porter and Detective Sean Byrne are working the case of the murder of a local woman. Brooke believes her murder was witnessed by a child and she gets more involved in the case than she should. Meanwhile, Sean tries to get Brooke involved with him. But having recently come out of a bad relationship, she is hesitant to get romantically involved with Sean even though she feels the same attraction that he does.

I love reading stories that mix crime solving and romance and Touch of Red does it very well. Years of watching TV crime dramas means I like the detail we get about the clues that are found, how the CSI work is done, how the detectives do their work. I liked not knowing who the killer was and watching it unfold and working it out as the cops do.

The relationship between Brooke and Sean is not easy but their difficulties felt realistic and it was good to see a relationship involving two mature adults develop. They have great chemistry together and I was surprised by just how hot the steamy scenes were. Parts of Touch of Red are much more sexy than I was expecting and it is definitely a bonus.

Touch of Red is another excellent addition to the Tracers series. While this is book 12 in the series, each book can easily be read as a standalone novel and if this is a genre you like, they are well worth reading.