Gosh!!! What can I say about Laura Griffin and her Tracers Series...I own every single book of this series. In fact this was the series that got me hooked to her and her books.

Thriller and Romanti suspense books belong in that elite group where a review can do justice or write something without disclosing a few things. So the best read is indulging in the book itself and let you take you on ride of romance and suspense as you get to know Sara and Nolan.

A truly worthy read for the thriller enthusiasts!

The Tracers are back and better than ever. Personally I have always been intrigued by everything that a forensic anthropologist can learn just from a set of old bones, and this story certainly fed my interest in the science and intrigue of that. The story revolves around a small town in Texas, famous for its parks and rock climbing spaces, where a set of bones has suddenly caused uproar for the community and its police force, including Nolan Hess. Sara Lockhart, the resident anthropologist from the Delphi center has been called in to find out who the bones are and what happened to end their life, and she is forced into close quarters with Nolan immediately. The mystery quickly deepens when Sara and her team find more and more bones that don’t belong to their original body, leading Sara to believe that this site is really a body dump location for what could be a serial killer. Nolan is amazed and intrigued by the passion Sara has for her work, and the sexy Anthropologist leads him on a merry chase, but he hates how she keeps putting herself in danger. Nolan is an alpha protector at heart and not being able to keep Sara safe frankly makes him nuts. They quickly learn that they work well together, but the killer has locked onto their investigation and is tracking them, and will protect his secret at all costs. I loved seeing Sara in action, and I do mean action, because though she is a geek, she is also a woman of action and unwilling to just hide in her lab when she might be in danger. She is smart, sassy, and has a dedication to her work that is admirable in any woman, but with someone whose job is as important as hers, is goes to a whole new level. Sara was the type of woman I could see myself being best friends with, no question, and I have no problem understanding why Nolan fell in love with her so quickly. Nolan was one of my favorite heroes in this series and seeing him kicking butt and taking names to save him woman and keeping her safe was interesting. I loved watching them working together and finding their hearts quickly devoted to one another. In the end, only that trust in one another and devotion to their belief in each other is what saved Sara’s life when the killer gets the best of her. I am dying to see where this series goes next and which of the Tracers loses their heart, but I know that wherever Ms. Griffin takes was will be magical and worth every second of waiting.

If you are interested in forensic pathology, Laura Griffin’s Tracer series is my recommendation for you. Stone Cold Heart is the latest in the series that revolves around a renowned forensics laboratory called the Delphi Center. The Delphi Center, located in Texas, is known for being the best and hiring the best in all areas of forensic science. Police departments from across the country use the Delphi Center to solve crimes.

This book features forensic anthropologist Sara Lockhart. Sara is called to a remote Texas town to examine bones that rock climbers uncovered. Police detective, Nolan Hess, thinks the bones are from a local missing woman. Science leads Sara to the discovery that these bones are not the local woman, but they do fit the profile of a serial killer case that has never been solved. Before this duo can investigate, another woman goes missing and more bones are uncovered. Can Sara and Nolan find the killer before another victim is murdered?

I thoroughly enjoyed this newest romantic suspense book from the Tracers series. The reader does not need to read any other books in the series to follow this story. The story had a great flow with lots of twists and turns that I did not see coming. I also could not identify the killer. I love when an author stumps me! I highly recommend Stone Cold Heart.

First, and most important to mention at the start of this review is I am an absolute sucker for ALL of the Tracers novels. I enjoy romantic suspense and when the characters are also police officers, detectives, or something similar, sign me up twice.

So, when the author herself was kind enough to ask if I wanted an ARC copy of this title, well, I think I set some sort of record saying yes.

Sara and Nolan are a forensic anthropologist and a detective. (For how I feel about this pairing, see above.) And, there's an instant attraction that is blended perfectly into the murder mystery. There are elements of secondary characters, and some heartbreaking ones who are parents with a missing daughter, and a small town that is absolutely torn apart by the idea that there may have been more than one murder in their small town.

It takes talent to put the romance into a convincing suspense plot, and vice versa and, yet again, this one just works. There's tension and a convincing plot about a murderer, a missing girl, grieving parents, and a convincing and believable romance by two people who respect one another, even though the paces of their job are different...Nolan wants answers now, and Sara wants to be sure before she says anything.

The plot is well-constructed, it flows well and it goes from scene to scene, and storyline to storyline seamlessly and without spending too much time away from one character or with another. The perfect balance of the storytelling makes this book a pleasure to read.

As always, I enjoyed and recommend this title.

The people of the Delphi Center are back in action, and we get another stellar mystery suspense novel from Laura griffin. I discovered this series way back at book 1, and let me say that this series is always good. The details seem legit, and the individual romances are engaging.

Laura Griffin's books never fail to grip me, and I always look forward to her next release. This one was no different. Both the hero and heroine felt like grounded, full characters, and the mystery twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Torture, Murder, Stalking

Sara is dreading staying at a colleague’s wedding. So, when a call comes in that she's needed at a crime scene, she's happy to pick up and head out there. What she finds is a grisly scene and more questions than answers.

Nolan is worried. His hometown is under some kind of siege. Women are going missing and turning up in the surrounding parks and caves. He knows that despite his history in a police department, that he's a good officer, but solving these crimes will take its toll.

With minds that solve in different manners, Sara and Nolan will race to figure out who in this small town is targeting young women. They know it is someone they all know, but with the bodies piling up and the clues few and far between, it will take everyone pulling out the big guns to figure this out.

The suspense generated in this story was fantastic and I really enjoyed watching Sara and Nolan dance around their attraction and their feelings. I think their romance helped the story move forward, because when they start getting closer, it's their relationship that drives the clues and their ability to really listen. Griffin gives you a story that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat.

I hope that Dax gets a story soon. I really enjoyed his character.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Detective Nolan Hess seeks help from anthropologist Sara Lockhart after bones are discovered in a gorge that Nolan thinks may be the remains of a local woman who went missing over a year before. Because this is a story that is told from multiple points of view, the reader knows that the killer already has another victim and it is likely that that one set of remains won’t be the only set for very long.

Crime solving takes centre stage in this story and it is brilliantly done. I was completely absorbed with the story and watching the pieces of evidence come together and following Nolan, Sara, and their teams as they track down clues to find the killer.

The romance between Sara and Nolan is a good break from the seriousness of the murders and it builds slowly. Both Nolan and Sarah are successful in their careers, independent, intelligent, and caring, and they are perfectly matched both in and out of the bedroom. I thought they were a great couple and I’d be happy to read more books just staring the two of them.

Stone Cold Heart is a fantastic story and if, like me, you love it when your romance book includes mystery and crime, you’ll love Stone Cold Heart. It is the 13th book in the Tracers series but each book is a standalone. I’ve only read a handful of the books in this series and each time I finish one I wonder why I haven’t gone back to read the others because they are all so good. A solid five stars from me.

Ohmygoodnessthisbook. Heart-pounding doesn't even begin to cover it--I was in such a state of stress while reading it that when they got the bad guy and certain other people turned out to finally be okay I actually cried. And then the last scene between Sara and Nolan had me tearing up again.

I'm drained, I tell you. Drained.

I don't know how Ms. Griffin does it. Every book I read of hers feels different--different kiss-@ss heroes and heroines, different bad guys, different (though equally horrific) crimes--but there are comforting similarities too. I know there's going to be one heck of a mystery to solve--I almost never (maybe never? I'd have to go back and confirm, but I'm pretty sure it is never) figure out who it is ahead of time, but it always completely fits with the rest of the story. I know there's going to be heart-pounding suspense, and equally heart-pounding romance. And I know that I'm going to be good for nothing for the rest of that day (at least) because OMG does she put her readers through the ringer.

And oh, yeah--the teaser for the next book at the end will have me salivating for the next book ASAP.

Which is all part of her evil plan, obviously.

Keep it up, Ms. Griffin--it's totally working!

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Stone Cold Heart is the thirteenth installment of the Tracers by Laura Griffin.

I’ve been an on and off reader of Laura Griffin’s books, but something about Stone Cold Heart synopsis captivated me to dive into the mysterious thriller. And boy, was I glad I did.

Stone Cold Heart was a fantastic mysterious thriller with a small dose of romance. For me, I liked the fact Sarah Lockhart - a forensic anthropologist - and Nolan Hess a police detective focused mostly on the case at hand. Meanwhile, as chilling puzzle pieces draws un-canning similarities to Sara’s past starts to pump blood not only into the characters but the reader. At every intense sense, I felt my palms getting clammy waiting with anticipation what was going to happen.

Will Nolan be able to protect Sara as the stone-cold killer turns his sight on her, or will she slip through his fingers and into the killer's hands?

Highly recommend for those who love more of the focus on the crime and catching the killer than the romance.

This series is fantastic. Laura Griffin has created something great and the forensic aspects of the team at Delphi is compelling in each and every book.

This one was a little slower to get in to, but once I was hooked I really enjoyed the story, the characters, and I appreciate the attention to detail when it comes to the crime scenes and the work these teams to do investigate and solve crimes.

I loved our couple, Sara and Nolan. They are believable and their relationship worked for me. Great writing once again!

In the latest Tracers book from Laura Griffin, we’re back following a Delphi Center employee. This time it’s Sara Lockhart, a forensic anthropologist. There’s not much to say about the plot of the book that isn’t in the cover copy or that doesn’t spoil some of the mystery. This is a much more twisty, turny mystery than some of the other Tracers books, and I enjoyed that about it. Sara’s expertise and instincts are invaluable to uncovering the extent of the crimes and piecing together who might have done it. It’s a fun ride, but not necessarily a solution you can “guess” (or maybe I’m just not clever enough, haha). I love the nerdy investigation details that Griffin uses in this series, and Sara is a prime example of that.The romance between Nolan and Sara is a fine little love affair, though not exactly a passion for the ages. Sara is pretty reticent to get involved with Nolan because of a bad past relationship. It’s a bit cliche and does perhaps go on too long, but I did appreciate that she wasn’t whiny or angsty about it. She just wants to focus on her career and not get distracted by a relationship. I like that she’s confident and smart and happy with that. Nolan is fine, too. Pretty stereotypical cop character, although he does totally respect Sara’s expertise and autonomy which is always good to see. There’s no getting around that their relationship is a bit of a slow burn, and I felt like they don’t get much past the beginning embers in this book. I have hope for them in the future, though!I enjoyed this book and am always happy when we veer back into the smart science nerds at the Delphi Center. I think it would be a fun read for Tracers fans, and even readers new to the series should be able to pick up this book with no trouble.
Grade: 3.5 out of 4

Stone Cold Heart
Laura Griffin

Just look under Romantic Suspense in the dictionary and you’ll find Stone Cold Heart number thirteen in Laura Griffin’s Tracers Series listed, a gripping unputdownable page-turner and maybe the best yet in this absorbing series. Her prototypical attention to detail is once again impressive from intricate rock climbing details to crime scene techniques she entertains as well as educates readers while spinning her fabulous grizzly puzzling tale that will have her audience wondering who-done-it until she reveals the culprit at the very end. The chemistry between her couple is heady and to see how she navigates Sara and Nelson through the obstacle course of their relationship phobias is credible. The narrative, tight plot and the fascinating story will definitely pull readers in and like all in her Tracers series it stands well alone but there also is a bit of series history missed when read out of order.
When Dr. Sara Lockhart is called to an Austin bedroom community to look at some possibly human remains she has no idea the Pandora’s box she’ll be opening or how to deal with her undeniable attraction to the take charge lead detective. Springville Texas detective Nolan Hess called on the Delphi Center’s forensic anthropologist trying to solve a cold case and give closure to a grieving family but he isn’t prepared for what she uncovers or his feelings for this beautiful determined scientist.

one body turns into two...then more...as they uncover the work of a serial killer that has ramifications for multiple people. Add in a touch of romance and you have a well rounded story, with characters I hope we will see more of in the future.

I love reading everything Laura Griffin writes because she knows how to write a well written story with intrigue and romance. I found the characters in Stone Cold Heart interesting, easy to like and they had a lot chemistry flowing between them.

I enjoy reading about the people who work at the Delphi Center and was excited to learn about the newest one, STONE COLD HEART. This story centers on Sara, she works at the Delphi Center in the Forensic Anthropology department. I admired everything about Sara; she is smart, good at her job and a nice person. She loves her job but she works so much, she doesn’t have a personal life. Sara isn’t intimidated by anything but relationships scare her because she doesn’t think she is good at them.

Detective Nolan Hess is confident, arrogant, assertive and empathetic. He works in the small town he grew up in and takes his job seriously. Nolan and Sara meet when they work on a case together. Neither of them are looking for a relationship but it is hard for them to fight the attraction brewing between them. Nolan is patient and loving to Sara and willing to do anything for her. He is just the kind of man Sara needs.

This story held my attention from start to finish and I also enjoyed the behind scenes look at how the police go about solving a murder. Time is running out because they think there is a serial killer is on the loose and they want to find him before there are any more victims. Laura Griffin writes another satisfying action packed story.

Possibly my favorite book in the series so far, and yes I have read them all!!

Sara Lockhart is not just a world class forensic anthropologist, she's a woman with a passion for helping families find closure that was inspired by her father, a Coast Guard man who went on many search & recovery missions. Sara's love life is nowhere near as successful or as impressive as her work credentials. After getting cold feet before her wedding a few years ago she's gotten used to sleeping in an empty bed. That all changes when she meets Det. Nolan Hess.

Nolan is a stand-up guy, Sara tells him so straight to his face, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to get Sara in his bed sooner rather than later. But his first priority, his only focus, has to be finding a missing hiker with deep connections to his home town. With Sara on the case he's sure they'll find answers soon, but what they end up finding instead is Nolan's worst nightmare. A serial killer working in his sleepy hometown.

Nolan and Sara have chemistry from the start, and their shared determination to get families answers and stop a murdering psycho in their own backyard brings them together when Sara's doubts about starting a relationship flare up. In the end, love conquers all, and a killer ends up right where he belongs.

Breathtaking suspense from beginning to end! We're quickly thrust into the heart of a case, but what we think we know just might not be enough to get to the true bottom of this mystery. Great characters, suspense that keeps us guessing, and just enough romance and human interaction to round it all out into a well-balanced book. Really enjoyed it and will be reading more of the series!

When top forensic anthropoligist Sara Lockhart gets called out to a remote Texas area when a couple of hikers stumble upon what appears to be human bones, she's quick to get to work trying to exhume the body and figure out if it's the hiker that went missing in the area several months ago. Police detective Nolan Hess is anxious to help her in any way possible, but when she starts to recognize parts of the components of this case as possibly being tied to a case from her past, things start to heat up quickly!

All anyone wants is answers of whether this is their missing person or not, but when another woman suddenly goes missing as well, things are starting to get serious really quickly. Do they have a serial kidnapper and killer on their hands? Can they find the answers they need before they have another body on their hands?

Laura Griffin brings us back to the Delphi Crime Center in the thirteenth book in her Tracers series, with STONE COLD HEART. I’m typically not a fan of long-running series because of the boring redundancy of the same couple swooping in to save the day … but not so with this one. Forensic anthropologist Sara Lockhart is in Springfield for a wedding when Detective Nolan Hess calls to ask for assistance because hikers at White Falls Park have come across some human remains. As usual, Griffin’s characters are robust, with interesting perspectives and compelling back stories. She sets an exciting pace and maintains a fine balance between the romance, the suspense and a dazzling police-procedural. Don’t panic if you haven’t read any (or all) of the Tracers series – it’s super easy to get into the story with no lag.

*Originally published at Frolic.media: https://frolic.media/march-romantic-suspense-round-up/

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

This series is consistently one of the best Romantic-Suspense Series I've ever read and "Stone Cold Heart" is another great book in the Tracers Series. The world of the Delphi Center and people who work there is fascinating. All the books can be read as Standalones, but if you drop in at this book, be prepared to want to read the whole series. The Suspense plot was top-notch and kept you guessing throughout, but the Romance was lacking that spark that ignites the whole plot.

Sara Lockhart is a fairly new forensic anthropologist at the Delphi Center. She left her life on the east coast when she decided that she wanted a different path for her life, one that included more hands on work and no men.

Nolan Hess, a police detective in small town Springville, Texas, was a detective in Austin before his career was derailed by being involved with the wrong woman. Now, he's back home and doing the best he can to make a difference in his small community.

When human remains are discovered in a remote canyon by local rock climbers, Delphi Center's Sara Lockhart takes the call. What she uncovers is chilling to her on a personal and professional level and she knows she is dealing with more than a missing climber. For Nolan, dealing with the reality that this case is beyond his small department's capabilities and his attraction to the blonde beauty of a forensic anthropologist will test and try his capabilities. Knowing that a family is waiting for answers also is a heavy weight on him. As more remains are discovered, Nolan and Sara delve deeper into the investigation and each other, but time may be running out for a young woman who disappeared in Austin.

stone cold heart is the thirteenth book in the tracers series. they are all standalones so it is possible to start now, but like if you have then you know what you are in for. griffin writes solid, heart-pounding thrillers, and this is another example of her absolute craft in writing these stories. somehow she is always able to make a part of the process of identifying a cold-blooded killer something interesting and new.

it's a gift.

sara lockhart is one of the countries leading forensic anthropologists when nolan hess calls her in to help him solve a case of unidentified bones and a missing hiker, he has no idea that he's pulling at a thread. as they begin to unravel the case and sara sees connections between her past and the crime she is trying to solve, things get challenging. in a good way.

**stone cold heart will publish on march 26, 2019. i received an advance reader copy from netgalley/gallery, pocket books (pocket books) in exchange for my honest review.

Stone Cold Heart was mystery and suspense at its best. Griffin’s mind for capturing the personalities and science of the positions surrounding those who solve cases is unprecedented in this genre and truly transports the reader into every aspect of the crime she explores. And within the unfurling mystery there’s a perfect balance of romance to add to the thrill of this fast-paced, unputdownable story, and it might be my most favorite of the series yet.

I adored getting to experience the anthropological aspect of law enforcement with Sara’s career and how that added a unique element to this specific case. She was so well developed as a character to have the skill and the matching self-sufficiency to bring that raw relatability forward. She paired well with Nolan’s intensities and together they were the perfect amount of sizzle and tension. Every side character, every new twist or turn, and the constant movement of the plot were all wonderfully executed to make Stone Cold Heart stand out, and I cannot wait for more in this amazing series.