3.5*

It’s no secret that I’m a big Laura Griffin fangirl and have read everything she’s put out. With as many book as she has, things can start to feel repetitive (there are only so many hero and heroine personalities and romantic suspense tropes after all)-- but Ms. Griffin’s talent lies in making her stories feel comfortable and familiar-- like slipping into a cosy, well-worn sweatshirt-- rather than trite. Her other knack is covering incredibly topical subjects in her writing. HIDDEN, which ostensibly kicks off a new series, falls in this bucket, albeit I must admit that it lacked some of the pizazz of her fantastic Tracers series for me. Jacob and Bailey were typical Griffin characters and their romance unfolded in typical Griffin fashion (that comfortable familiarity again, which is a plus IMHO), and the subject covered (surveillance, privacy, and the manifold uses and abuses of biometric information in current society) was topical and intriguing. But the investigation/plot never fully came together in a coherent way and I found myself not really buying the villain(s)’s motivation. It was still a good read and I largely found myself devouring the book, as I typically do with her other work, but overall I would say it’s definitely not her best work. Hopefully it doesn’t augur a subpar Texas Murder Files series, although I think that unlikely given her talent; more likely, it was a middle-of-the-road start while she finds her voice in this new series. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series or anything else Ms. Griffin puts out!

I really enjoyed this crime thriller. The cop and journalist working together plot is a bit cliche and overdone, but the author made it work. The eventual romance between the two honestly didn't add or detract from the story. What really got me was the villian's motives. As a mother, I completely understand Lucinda's obsession. As a decent human, I'm shocked at her tactics. I would read more by this author, but I don't feel this book truly stands out from other crime novels.

Hidden is a romance murder mystery that had me intrigued from beginning to end. Bailey is a female reporter covering the murder of a jogger, and Jacob is the detective on the case. The chemistry between the two is palpable as they both investigate the crime. As they begin to trust one another and share pertinent information about the case, their relationship grows. It is a great first book in the series, and I cannot wait to continue reading the rest of the series.

High marks for suspense and interesting twists! Laura Griffin’s HIDDEN kicks off a new series and does a remarkable job of creating an air of intensity as an investigative reporter sinks her teeth into a murder that is part of something far deeper and much more sinister and she won’t let go, no matter what.

Det. Jacob Merritt, assigned to the case of the murder of a mystery woman who isn’t who her identity states. Seems she is part of a failed WITSEC attempt to keep her alive. Meanwhile, reporter Bailey Rhoads seems to know at least as much as the police and possibly more and no matter how attracted he is to the feisty woman, Merritt is concerned she is stepping way over the line all for a story. Now it seems the “rest of the story” is like the iceberg hidden under water.

Is an instant attraction between Bailey and Jacob, but is it the real deal or is it the murder that is bringing them together?

I was definitely pleased with the mystery, the twists and those little tidbits hiding under each overturned rock, but the romance seems flat, too scripted, almost as if it were tossed in mechanically as an afterthought.

No over-the-top heroics, some pretty interesting and invasive high-tech information. All in all, a good read, that could have skipped the flat lined romance.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Berkley! This is my honest and voluntary review.

3.5 Stars - This is a solid detective thriller with a nice dose of a romantic subplot from an author whose work always hits the spot for me. This was a real comfort read; I loved watching the beats of the story unfold in a predictable but satisfying manner. I don't want to get into what the specific tropes of this one are, because I thought the way that was handled was the best part of the book & I don't want to spoil anything, but I did think there was a nice little extra oomph to the overall story for how the author used those tropes. All in all-- a satisfying little mystery!

I love Laura Griffin books but this was not my favorite. I dislike pushy journalists and the detectives who have to put up with them. I really didn't understand the progression of their relations. I did like the mystery and enjoyed all the clues along the way.

Hidden is an exciting and fast paced thriller that is sure to keep readers on their toes....

One of the first things that drew me into this book was the cover. It was absolutely stunning. I loved the colors and style. I certainly wanted to find out more. Hidden is my first book by Laura Griffin and it most certainly won't be my last. 

Hidden follows the story of Bailey and Jacob. From the moment I picked up this book, I was completely and totally sucked in. I was pretty annoyed that I had things to do and couldn't sit and devour this book like I had wanted. That being said, I took advantage of every free minute I had and couldn't help but get lost in this story.

Bailey is an investigative reporter, who turns up at a crime scene looking for answers. She looks to the lead detective Jacob, hoping that he can shine some light on the case. However, this murder is unlike anything he's dealt with before. Bailey isn't afraid to follow her instincts to uncover the truth, even if that means putting herself in harms way. In the end, Jacob and Bailey find themselves searching for a ruthless killer. Will they find their suspect before it's too late??? There's only one way to find out...

Hidden was a fantastic read from beginning to end. I loved the mystery and suspense of the story. There was never a dull moment and I was kept on the edge of my seat. The game of cat and mouse kept me totally engrossed in this story and I couldn't wait to see how all the pieces would come together in the end. I really enjoyed the chemistry and romantic moments between Bailey and Jacob. I think it added a lot to the story and gave some much needed relief to the suspenseful plot.

All in all, I'm glad to have checked this book out. It had my heart racing the entire time and I'm excited to check more out from this author in the future.

First, a thank you for Netgalley for sharing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I normally don't read romantic thrillers, but this sounded decent and I thought it had the potential to be a good readers advisory title for library patrons who gravitate towards the genre. Admittedly I dragged my feet when it came time to actually sit down and read it, but I found I ended up getting into the story pretty quickly. A cop/reporter relationship is always sort of fun if done well and I found the characters quite likable. The story isn't particularly deep, but they don't have to be all the time - that's what escapism is all about. The mystery (actually two intertwined mysteries) and there were only two 'steamy' scenes which I could skim over without missing anything. I doubt I'll ever become a romantic thriller fan, but if I choose to read any more it will be books by this author. A good beach read.

Hidden by Laura Griffin is a great beginning to a new series set in Austin, Texas. Bailey Rhoads, an
investigative reporter, ends up helping local detective Jacob Merritt investigate a murder on one of the
local trails. Fast paced romantic suspense that grabs you right from the start. Can't wait for more by
this author!! Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This book is the first of a new series The Texas Murder Files. After reading the first book, I know this will be a great series and will be watching for more books this series.

An unidentified woman is found murdered along a lakeside trail in Austin. Reporter Bailey Rhoads is covering the story but the police are being very closed mouth about what happened. As her investigation proceeds Bailey is led along an unexpected path. Jacob Merritt is the lead detective on the murder and is afraid Bailey may be heading into dangerous territory with her investigation. It is well written with lots of unexpected twists. I liked the characters and the book had a good plot. This is the first book in the Texas Murder Files series and I hope to see more books in the series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

It was definitely interesting but I am now realizing that I don't enjoy the procedural kind of books I assumed that I did. I really wanted to enjoy it but just couldn't. However, Laura Griffin is a wonderful writer and I will definitely recommend this to people who do enjoy this kind of detective work. It was wonderfully paced and was nicely wrapped up.

A thrilling, intriguing who-done-it romantic suspense tale on a new series. The story evolves with a steady rhythm - mixing terror and danger in the midst of the investigation with the palpable attraction between the main characters and their developing ardent relationship, filled with conflict of interest between their jobs - until towards the last fifth of the book where everything intensifies turning into an inferno of fighting for survival, deadly encounters, crimes that leaves everyone gasping with the consequences.
An entertaining and arresting story that delivers, a fabulous start to a new series!

3.5 stars

It’s hard not to get excited with every Laura Griffin release, and ‘Hidden’ was one that got my extremely curious as the first book of a new series even if the premise of it doesn’t seem to stray too far from Griffin’s near-legendary ‘Tracers’ books.

I liked that ‘Hidden’ wasn’t quite just a typical police procedural about a reporter and a detective trying to solve a murder mystery; Griffin pulled in larger forces at work and called into question the entire justice system, the security of WITSEC and how technology played a part in tearing holes in what used to be well-established structures and secure channels. So a simple murder mystery it wasn’t, more so because ‘Hidden’ dealt with people who were meant to be kept safe but ended up falling through the cracks.

The suspense was fantastically pacey as always, well-plotted and written with finesse. The romance however, was that I started to question early on, given that Bailey Rhoads and Jacob Merritt seemed to be at odds most of the time—with a relationship was sustained only by the ongoing case and subsisted on evasion and lies by omission.

Griffin made the law enforcement position a more sympathetic one here and by extension, Jacob’s role in pursuing justice. In contrast, it was harder to like Bailey: a pushy, borderline TSTL reporter who insisted on doing investigative work her own way when it was clear she was getting out of her depth, recklessly endangering not only herself but secondary characters who sometimes felt like a means to an end for her. (Then again, reporters aren’t really on my list as the best heroines in romantic fiction.)

But what struck me most however, was the superficiality of Jacob/Bailey’s relationship even by the end of the book: there was always a lack of openness and honesty between them throughout and I couldn’t imagine them building anything emotionally solid given their conflicting professions, much less Griffin’s HEA/HFN that ended the book abruptly.

‘Hidden’ is by and large, a pretty good Griffin offering, but not the best, I think—it’s still a solid entry into a new series, but not quite one that matches the breathlessness and excitement that I’ve come to associate with some of her best works.

What a fun, thrilling ride. I absolutely love romantic suspense and this one delivered!

Highly recommend!

Not my favorite Laura Griffin. By a long shot.

For me, this opener to The Texas Murder Files series toed the line of mediocrity. Sure, it was decent, but not strong enough in storyline, concept, or even characterization to leave a lasting impression on this reader. And, I'm not sure those things bode well for me continuing with the series, but only time will tell. There’s a high probability this is the lone dud among the author's lengthy backlist, given the swoon worthiness of her Tracers series.

Hidden introduces readers to Jacob and Bailey, two people dedicated to their respective professions. Professions that often give rise to adversarial interactions when pitted together. Instead, a woman found dead on a jogging trail manages to incite a closeness between the devoted Austin detective and dogged crime beat reporter. As Jacob and Bailey work to uncover the mystery woman’s identity, and a possible motive for her stabbing, a fondness for one another takes shape.

My major issue with this novel was the investigation itself. Not only was the trajectory of the storyline easy to predict once you got into it, but the case itself was uninteresting. It took a good two weeks to get through the pages because there was no motivation screaming out for me to keep going. Translating to several lonely days and nights spent untouched on my nightstand.

The second issue breeding discontent in this picky brain of mine, Jacob and Bailey's relationship. Don't get me wrong, I liked them as individuals and together, but the why spurning their journey to the L-word left a host of lingering questions. And, while the couple's numerous failed starts were successful in ratcheting up the tension, the lack of depth or explanation behind their attraction didn't allow for much character growth. Their mutual feelings were just present, from go. Feeding into the lack of character growth was the absence of any backstories. All of which left me clamoring for more.

Hidden is a decent addition to the romantic suspense genre, but all too forgettable in the grand scheme of things. I can't say it left me itching for the next book in the series.

With a well-written plot with all kinds of clues and red herrings, as a mystery buff, I loved the flow of the story and how absolutely captivating it was. I love all of Laura Griffin’s books and this one was not an exception. The main characters were Jacob Merritt, the lead detective hot on the trail of a hit man, and Bailey Rhoads, a dogged and determined reporter who ignores danger in order to follow the story. The romantic interest between the two of them added to the story and gave me insight into the dilemma faced by a police detective who falls for a reporter. I enjoyed following the clues along with Jacob and Bailey and finding out more about their weaknesses and strengths. I was intrigued by the introduction of the dark and mysterious John Colt and hope to see more of him in future installments of the series. I highly recommend this gripping and fast-paced read to all fans of romantic suspense. I, personally, am really looking forward to more books in the series and I’m very excited that this is the introductory book for future books!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

4 stars

This is a well-done romantic suspense. Bailey is a reporter sent out to cover the murder of a female jogger—is it just an opportunistic murder by a stranger or something else?

Jacob is a detective on the case. Initially, he doesn’t want to give any information to a newspaper journalist, but when he can’t identify the victim, turning to the press to get the word out might be the only way he can figure out who the dead woman is.

Together and separately, they track down leads that quickly become dangerous to Bailey and to others, and along the way, they naturally fall for each other. I’m not a fan of explicit sex scenes, so I skim over them to get back to the story, thus, I have no idea if the ones in the book are done well, just that they happen.

This novel is the first in a series, and I would definitely read another book in The Texas Murder Files. HIDDEN is fast-paced and suspenseful.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 25, 2020.

When an Austin jogger is found murdered, the local police think it was a robbery gone wrong. Investigative reporter, Bailey Rhoads smells a story. When she spies homicide detective Jacob Merritt investigating the crime scene, Bailey tries to interview him. He quickly shuts her down, but Bailey’s curiosity is peaked. Bailey’s investigation leads to a technology company that has a lot to lose if their secrets are revealed.

Bailey is suddenly thrust into life and death situations with no one to trust. Jacob does his best to help her, but he is unsure of the real enemy. Bailey is a detriment to his career, but is Jacob willing to risk it all for love?

I settled in for this thrilling mystery by one of my favorite authors, Laura Griffin. It was a page-tuner for me. Griffin is an artist with her descriptive word use. I was in the heat of Austin searching for the answers right along with Bailey and Jacob.

WOW! 5 Stars with out a doubt!!
I was quite shocked in how well written this book was. I was captivated at every chapter. You follow a murder investigation through the eyes of Bailey Rhoads and Jacob Merritt. The murder victim isn't just some random girl, shes a protected witness in a trail. With that knowledge this case is for the FBI, which puts Jacob and Bailey in a dangerous position.
Bailey is a journalist doing her own investigation trying to get every detail and Jacob is a detective for Austin, Texas. There is some sexual tension between the two which definitely spices up the story. I also REALLY enjoyed bouncing between the two main characters during the story line. The detail is there with an emphasis of other little stories making up the main story. This book is really easy to get sucked into. This thriller isn't like most thrillers where you can tell who the murderer is, this book sure keeps ya on your toes!! I HIGHLY recommend this fast paced read!!