I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of A Cold Trail, the seventh novel to feature Detective Tracy Crosswhite of the Seattle Homicide division.

Tracy, her husband, Dan and their newborn daughter have returned to their home town of Cedar Grove while their own house is being remodelled. For various reasons Tracy is cajoled into looking at the murder of an old school friend, journalist Kimberly Armstrong who, in turn, had been investigating a twenty six year old cold case murder. Dan is keeping busy too, having accepted a case against the local council.

I enjoyed A Cold Trail which has two distinct plot lines until, of course, they merge into a rather surprising one. Tracy’s story is rather more run of the mill with her linking three murders over the course of twenty six years. It is interesting but fairly straightforward. Dan’s story is more tricky as it covers some unusual legal manoeuvres, the details of which were a bit esoteric for me and flew right over my head. Surprisingly as I like a good police procedural I enjoyed this part better, probably because it was something different and required some lateral thinking. I’m not sure if it was just my mood but this one did not catch my attention and totally engross me as some of the previous novels have.

Tracy has just given birth so her priorities have changed. She’s unsure about going back to work and I don’t think Dan is too keen on it although he’s trying to be the liberal, supportive husband. This is a case to make up their minds on where they stand. I was rather disappointed that while her colleague, Faz, makes an appearance there is no sign of his sidekick, Del. These two together are comedy gold so the novel lacks their light touch.

A Cold Trail is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Robert Dugoni does it again. Another fabulous story, great plot and characters. Look forward to more soon.

Robert Dugoni - A Cold trail


Detective and a new mom Tracy Crosswhite temporarily returns to her home town of Cedar Grove with her husband and 2 months old daughter while their home is being renovated.
She returns to the place that will always remind her of the great loss - her sister Sarah had been murdered, her family falling apart after that tragedy...
Upon arrival she finds out about 2 new deaths that seem to be accidents...
But nothing is what itseems in this little town and we soon follow both Tracy and her husband Dan who is a lawyer in what seem to be 2 different cases...
Police procedural and a courtroom thriller all in one and they both entwine throughout the book.
The characters are well portrayed and the scenery is beautifully depicted, one can almost start shivering from the cold...
The conspiracy that unveils before the reader is well thought out and reveals a surprising and rather emotional ending.

This was the first book I've read by Dugoni, now I have to find all the others and read them as well.

A job well done with this book!

“A Cold Trail” is the seventh procedural mystery featuring homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite. Recuperating in her old home town of Cedar Grove, outside her usual bailiwick of Seattle, she and her lawyer husband find their new cases - a brutal murder in her case, local business skullduggery in his - crossing paths, and under the steady hands of author Robert Dugoni, the pace clips along to a complex ending. Much to admire here, from the controlled plotting to the busy locales, though I found the mysteries a tad humdrum and the lead characters interesting but lacking spark. I read it in one sitting and can recommend it as a solid genre read.

The Tracy Crosswhite series has had me (very unexpectedly) hooked from the first installment of the series. There was an author’s note in one on cartel and shifts in what drugs they were growing and the impact it was having on opiates and heroin and it made me interested and look further for myself. The series is a really captivating one and it should somehow never end so long as they keep up the pace they’ve set as such a high standard so consistently.

A Cold Trail is the latest bookin the Tracy Crosswhite Series by Robert Dugoni.
Tracy and her lawyer husband, Dan O’ Leary return to Cedar Grove, while wating for their home in Seattle to be renovated. It is also time for Tracy to enjoy the early months of motherhood after the birth of her daughter, Daniella. However Tracy becomes involved in a local homicide case that just doesn’t seem right to former, now Acting Police Chief, Roy Calloway. Reporter, Kimberley Armstrong, wife of the new Chief, Finlay Armstrong was found. dead in the burnt out remains of the family home.
Tracy is drawn between her role as mother and wife to Daniella and Dan, a guilt that she struggles with, but lets face it, life as a mommy is pretty tame after her days as a Seattle detective on the Seattle Violent Crimes Squad. With a little help from her friends, Vera and Vic Fazzio and Irish nanny Therese, Tracy is soon pursuing the evidence
Roy Galloway and Tracy soon link the murder of Kimberley Anderson to two other deaths over a period of twenty six years. Was Kimberley killed because she told the wrong person what she had discovered and what has the City’s renewal go to do with the deaths? It is down to Tracy and Roy with a little help from Dan and Vic to sort out the truth and find justice for the victims.
Having read the first book in this series, this book seemed like coming back home. It also answered a lot of questions I had after reading the first book, My Sister’s Grave. Thankfully the stern Roy Galloway has mellowed over the years and now seemed a fitting person to help Tracy track down the serial killer living amongst them.
This is also a book about enduring friendships and the value of families and communities. Luckily for me I own all the Tracy Crosswhite books and I am looking forward to reading them.
Thanks you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an uncorrected proof to read in exchange for an honest review. I gave the book 5 Stars

This is book 7 in the Tracy Crosswhite series.It reads well as a stand-alone. Tracy and her husband Dan along with their new baby are in Cedar Grove,their childhood home .The chief of police asks Tracy to look into a cold case that a reporter was working on when she was killed.Tracys husband Dan is working on a case and eventually these two stories merge together.
A good solid mystery.You won’t be able to put this book down once you start.
#netgalley#robertdugoni#acoldtrail

A Cold Trail is set in the North Cascade foothills in Washington. Tracy Crosswhite is a detective in the Seattle area who is on maternity leave. She and her husband have moved home temporarily to Cedar Grove, the town of their childhood. Back when Tracy was in college, her sister had been murdered in Cedar Grove – the second murder in the small town. Tracy is asked to look into the murder of a police officer’s wife – the local reporter who was investigating the cold case murder of Heather Johansen who was killed just before Tracy’s sister. At the same time, Tracy’s husband Dan is representing a small business owner against the town of Cedar Grove. As the book goes along, you realize the two cases overlap. As Tracy gets close to finding answers, her life is also in danger.

This is book number 7 in the Tracy Crosswhite series. I got caught up in the story and read it quickly. It is basically a stand-alone book but I felt like I was missing some back story as I read along. I’m planning to read the other books in the series. It makes me happy to find a series where I can relate to the characters and want to learn more about their lives.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy.
I have not read any of the previous books in this series but was still able to connect with the story. Tracy was the homicide detective that the series is based on and is a very likable character. I appreciated the take on her career and her ferocity with which she tackles it. So many times the female is set back in a series and expected and judged for not wanting to stay at home with a small child but the author illustrates how she should not be judged and had the courage to illustrate it. I will read this author again!

I enjoy books by author Robert Dugoni but especially enjoy the stories about Tracy Crosswhite. A Cold Trail is part of the Crosswhite series. A Cold Trail is a stand alone book, but so much more enjoyable because I've read all the previous stories. After all this time I feel like Tracy is a personal friend and hate it when our visit comes to an end! I was given an early copy to review.

This is the 7th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. I've read them all and they're great!

In this book Tracy is committed to solving an old murder, fairly recent murder and current murder. She's convinced they're related. All this while caring for her new baby, breaking in a nanny and dealing with a blizzard.

I love how these stories flow. Can't wait for the next.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by saying it is book number 7 in a series. So there is a lot of history in this book. It is easy to catch up on the basics and follow along, so it can be read as a stand alone as well. I really appreciate an author that can keep the story interesting for those who have read all the books as well as for those new to the story line.

Tracey Crosswhite and her husband Dan O'Leary both grew up in a small town in Washington and have moved away to pursue their careers but as is often the case they find themselves back in that small town seeking justice and looking for answers. As far as a mystery crime novel goes it was just okay for me. Often times it felt like Scooby Doo and the gang trying to solve a mystery. Also, it was easy early on to figure out secrets that were to be revealed.

However, there is a nostalgic feeling in reading this book. It takes place in Washington and there are references to Montana. In many ways Cedar Grove was like going home for me. For that and the great characters, this book was so much fun to read.

I have always enjoyed the Tracy Crosswhite books and this one is no different! The storyline was excellent, writing style was amazing as expected and the authors ability to keep the reader interested and wanting more, exceeded my expectations.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have really enjoyed this series and to see the growth in Tracy is amazing. She is sucked back into case that seems all three death are related. She is also dealing with being a new Mom and trying to decide if she can still be a cop and a Mpm. Great story and great thriller.

Another fantastic book in the Tracy Crosswhite series! Tracy, her husband, Dan, and their daughter, Daniella, are back in her hometown of Cedar Grove. They are staying in the house Dan's parents left to him, which he and Tracy are using as a vacation house. It comes in handy now while their main home is getting renovated. Tracy is still on maternity leave and up in the air about whether or not she will fully return to work as a detective.

Dan has taken on a civil case against the city of Cedar Grove and the town's somewhat fraudulent purchasing of failing businesses. Soon, Tracy is asked to help assist with an old cold case and a recent murder. Both point the finger at a police officer, enough that he has been put on leave while a previous chief of police fills in. You wouldn't think at first that these two cases would ever intersect, but it's surprising just how many secrets the town of Cedar Grove holds.

Although at times a bit technical with the legal jargon, the story is generally easy to follow and quick to pull you right back into the lives of Tracy and her family. Tracy's friend and associate, Faz, makes an opportune appearance in this book, and his character is as delightful as ever. You will not be disappointed!

I only discovered Robert Dugoni a couple of years ago, and he is still keeping me quite entertained! I'm a fan of the Tracy Crosswhite series and this one does not disappoint.
As always, I found myself invested in the characters' lives and carried along an engaging plot line or two that blended together oh so well.
Dugoni manages to make it juuuust twisty-turny enough this time that every time I thought I had the perpetrator pegged...I was wrong. I recommend this book and if you're not already a fan, go grab the first Tracy Crosswhite and watch her (and the storytelling) evolve as you go.

I have read other books by this author (Wrongful Death, Bodily Harm, and The Conviction) but none in this series.

Mr. Dugoni has once again delivered a wonderful page turner. He brings the characters to life and there are always enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. I was very surprised at some of the turn of events, especially when the bad guy was revealed.

I tried to figure out who committed the crime, and fell short. Robert Dugoni does a great job with weaving a story that you think you have all figured out, but leaves you pleasantly surprised by the ending. I could not stop reading this book once I started and now I am anxious to read the other books from this series!

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this Uncorrected Proof of "A Cold Trail".

A Cold Trail is the seventh book in the Tracy Crosswhite series and can easily be read as a standalone. Robert Dugoni’s writing and plot concepts are effortlessly executed in a storyline that continues to develop interesting character arcs. Dugoni places a multitude of intrinsic and extrinsic factors within the text aimed at the main character and her struggle with the dual identity of being both a detective and a new mother. The plot is mainly character driven and while not the most furtive, the narrative does hold an intriguing level of suspense in the identifying the antagonist(s).

Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC. I read and reviewed #AColdTrail voluntarily. All thoughts and comments are my own.

Cracking the cover of a new Robert Dugoni novel is a guilty pleasure: You shut out — no, you vehemently ignore — the kids, cats, spouse, work, sleep and the rest of the world for a few hours because the story is that transportive.

And so with “A Cold Trail” (Thomas & Mercer) did I enter into one of Dugoni’s most prolific and popular series, the seventh installment of the Tracy Crosswhite books.

And within the first 50 pages did I develop a sense of wonder ... if I had entered the wrong book.

At this early juncture, I have to make the caveat that the book I'm reviewing is a galley and that things could change between now and the scheduled publication date of Feb. 4, 2020. But as it stands today. ...

Dugoni's "A Cold Trail" is a meandering stroll on a lukewarm day. Readers will get that the author is closing the chapter on several threads that have been fraying for six novels and counting, but just in case you miss that, there is this directed exposition from Chapter 11: “Tracy needed to put Heather Johansen to rest — and Kimberly Armstrong as well — if the town were truly to survive. She felt no personal compulsion to put Jason Mathews to rest, but his death seemed to be the linchpin to solving what had happened, and if she wanted to close the book on the darkest chapter in the town’s history, she had to put him to rest as well.”

Dugoin's fans will not be settled by such blunt assertions from the master of twists and turns and blind curves.

But because they are fans, they will stay with him and, finally, reap the reward. Few writers pen a legal thriller like Dugoni, and the court drama that is intertwined with so much of the novel is the savior of “Cold Trail,” turning my two stars into three out of the five in my critical orbit.

Uneven editing?

The blame, surely, lies with the source material, but somebody was off their game for allowing Dugoni to phone in the first two-thirds of the novel. When you have an author writing at the level of Dugoni, you don’t make poor writing good, you make whatever he gives you spectacular.

Without naming names, an extremely famous novelist — think, 1 million first-run — I’ve interviewed year after year once blew his deadline and, pushing the envelope of printing, fielded my query about the near-miss.

His answer? That, after more than a dozen No. 1 novels, his editor had turned back his late-delivered proof and told him he had to rewrite the entire first-third of the novel. (And, as an aside, change the name of the protagonist, which, in the galley, was Lars. ...)

In “Cold Trail,” Dugoni should have been so tasked — and so lucky to have had that shaper pen on his manuscript.

This is the second Robert Dugoni novel that I have read, but it won't be the last! It was interesting and at times scary! I enjoyed the whole town revitalization mystery plot and the murders that may or may not be connected. It's hard to know who the good guys are for a while. The courtroom scenes were well structured and built the case - and more! Believable characters, good suspense, and ending. I love books that don't leave you hanging or disappointed in the end, so that you wish you hadn't spent so much time reading them! This ending is not that! Many thanks to Robert Dugoni, Thomas and Mercer publishers and NetGalley for giving me a free book in return for an honest review.