I am rounding up on my review. I didn't love this story but I do think this author is usually flawless with her storytelling; this one just wasn't her best.

I think part of my beef with this one is I want my thrillers/mysteries to be romance free. I think in "The Last Close Call" the romance felt a bit forced and not very organic.

The Last Close Call is a police procedural with suspense and a touch of romance. This book uses forensic genealogy to track down a serial rapist. I had seen this used on TV shows, but this was the first time I had seen it in a book. Rowan Healy is an extremely successful forensic genealogist who was burned out from the violence of police work. She now works with people searching for family, specifically adopted persons and is fulfilled in her new career. Austin Detective Jack Burner is at a dead-end on a brutal rape and assault case that is way to similar to a cold case that has haunted him for several years. That suspect, known as the West Campus Rapist, was never caught, but Jack is sure that he is back, and is escalating to murder. Frustrated, and not knowing what to do next, he approaches Rowan, begging for her help. If she can find someone through Genealogy based on DNA, it might give them direction to tracking down this culprit before someone else dies. She refuses, but eventually he is able to convince her to help. Rowan's unique research provides clues to a potential suspect's identity, but they'll need his DNA to close the case. Meanwhile, Rowan and Jack are fighting a mutual attraction neither wants to pursue for their own reasons. Will they solve this case and decide whether a relationship would work between them?

With more and more companies analyzing DNA these days, there are lots of profiles out in the public. Using these DNA banks, and skills with genealogy, it is completely plausible and possible to do this type of search. I found it interesting, but also a bit scary to be able to find relatives and matches so easily. Laura Griffin weaves this into an intriguing plot, with relatable and realistic characters in a well-written, fast moving plotline. The story drew me in from the start and had many suspenseful moments as they raced to identify potential suspects, find them, and verify if they are a viable suspect. Once they have a person of interest, they still have to find them before there is another attack. With that dangerous storyline, the romance of Rowan and Jack plays out with underlying chemistry bubbling to the surface. They had to fight the sceptics who felt Jack was blinded by his feelings and not following good police work, but as the reader, I was hoping they would be able to work past their own issues and have a meaningful relationship. If you enjoy an intriguing police procedural with something a bit different (genealogy) as a tool, romantic suspense and a bit of a dark storyline, then I recommend you pick up The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin, I don't think you will be disappointed. I did a read listen and enjoyed both formats. The narration by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker handled both POVs well giving both of the MCs a distinct voice.

I really like this author’s Texas Murder Files series, so I thought I’d give one of her stand-alones a shot. A lot of her books take place in Texas, and they really do feel like they’re in the same world, even if they aren’t the same series, which I find cool.

Rowan has quit police work, and is trying to get her fledgling company off the ground. As a forensic genealogist, she’s worked with the police, but she hit burn out and is instead working with adoptees to help find their birth families. Until Jack. He’s been hunting a serial rapist for almost a decade. He wants Rowan to look at the data to see if she can find anything new. He’s heard that she’s the best, and he thinks this guy has struck again. Rowan isn’t ready to dive back into police work, but something about Jack tugs to her. So she does, and she does some amazing work. They get their first solid lead in years.

I realize that a lot of detective work is boring, and I realize that stakeouts are long and uninteresting. But writing it as long and drawn out as this book had made you feel like you were on that stakeout, and not in a good way. The pacing of this book was different than her others. This book is really a lot of police stakeouts, police work, and less romance than normal. I’m kind of bummed out about that. But it’s not a bad book, it’s just not my favorite by this author.

One thing I really struggled with was Rowan’s constant hot/cold with Jack. The other thing was the ending of the mystery. It was so easy, especially since this author tends to have an intense mystery with good police work, and a solid collar at the end. This time around it felt like, oh. that’s it? It’s really done? We still have a lot of pages left, though. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. It didn’t. That’s not a bad thing, but with the pacing of the book, it did feel abrupt. The romance was fine. It was okay. Usually there’s more sexual tension, more romance, and more intense mysteries.

This book was a solid 3 for me. I liked it. I will definitely read more by this author, and I look forward to her next Texas Murder Files story.

***ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley

The Last Close Call is the latest book release from author Laura Griffin. Her hero, detective Jack Bruner, is a man who is obsessed with some of his older, colder cases. In spite of that flaw, he enlists the help of genealogist Rowan Healy.

Rowan Healy formerly used her skills to help law enforcement, but the trauma of the cases caused her to leave that type of work. She now focuses her skills on helping individuals, who are adopted, to find their birth parents. She's has started a new company and has received an unexpected request for her help that she can't seem to refuse. Jack Bruner has come into her life and won’t take no for an answer regarding her help on a rape case.

Jack and Rowan's relationship is very interesting one with many ups and downs. Rowan's been in a relationship with a detective before, and it didn't go well. Jack is too dedicated to his job to hold on to a relationship and make it successful.

A very well written thriller and Laura Griffin has delivered another outstanding book! It’s a tale of sizzling chemistry, suspense, and intrigue to keep the reader totally engaged! It was hard to put the book

The Last Close Call frustrated me. I thought I would be reading a crime novel that used genetic testing to help solve the case, but instead, I got a romantic suspense novel between a genealogist and a detective. The dialogue was cheesy, the plot was more focused on the budding romance than the solving of the case itself, and I genuinely did not enjoy this novel.
(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)
(I received an audio recording of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin is the latest novel by the author. This is the first novel by Laura Griffin I have read.

Jack Bruner is a detective who enlists the help of genealogist Rowan Healey to help catch a serial rapist/killer. This book is a bit thriller, procedural, and romance all in one. I enjoyed the genealogy that was explained in the book and how fit together to find a suspect.

Things I Liked:
The science of DNA and genealogy.
Short chapters, easy to read.
The characters of Jack and Rowan and their romance.
Interesting storyline.

Things I Disliked:
A few loose ends that weren’t reconciled by the end of the book.
I would have liked to know more about the suspects motivations.

Overall, I enjoyed The Last Close Call and recommend it to anyone who likes police procedurals, thrillers and some romance. Going in, I was afraid it could be gruesome or disturbing because of the subject matter but it was neither of those things.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkeley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest assessment.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Laura Griffin always does it for me. This shouldn't be a surprise at this point, honestly. I've loved every single book I've ever read by her, and The Last Close Call is no different.

This story utilized forensic genealogy, a field I'm not super familiar with, to find the cold case offender that has never been identified. When Jack can't find the offender in the cold case of the West Campus Rapist, he seeks out Rowan to help him trace the offenders familial line as a last resort.

It was so good! The suspense was top-notch, the romance was spicy, and the plot had me gripped until the last page. I'll always read any book Laura Griffin puts out and I can't wait for the next one!

This book is genius. The duo of a genealogist and a detective is something I am here for. With all of today's advances, it makes perfect sense for them to pair up to find a ruthless killer.
I enjoyed not just the story itself, but the characters won me over fairly quickly. I was all-in for the complete story from start to finish.
Griffin always delivers a unique story with winning characters. I don't know how she does it, but I will keep reading as long as she keeps writing.

“A talented genetic analyst and a detective who’s haunted by an elusive cold case team up in the new standalone romantic suspense.”

This book, with its interesting premise, several points of view, and a satisfying bonus mystery made for a worthwhile read.

I did, however, wish there was way more depth to the main character’s profession. We got very little information about the science and technique behind Forensic Genealogy, and I was disappointed. Open door scenes are great and all, but I GIMME ALL THE SCIENCE.

Also: I was really put off by the MMC’s “Time is of the essence, but also I’m too manly to take anyone’s help” bullshit. Smash the patriarchy, my dude. It’s hurting you and your cases.

This is my third by this author and I’m looking forward to her next work.

Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley, and Dreamscape Media for this tense ARC.

This was such a fun and entertaining read and as always, Laura's romances are great balance to the mystery. I'll read anything she writes at this point!

The Last Close Call is for readers who are fans of The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James and Pretty Young Things by Jessica Knoll. The book follows the trail of a college murderer who is targeting the unsuspecting...

A Texas detective wants to solve a cold case. A genealogist is brought in to help. They work together to locate a ruthless killer.

The Last Close Call is told using the alternating points of view of Rowan and Jack. Rowan prefers to use her genealogist skills to help adoptees find their biological families. She is hesitant to work with the police, but Jack convinces her to help. Jack is haunted by the case of a serial rapist that he believes is back, and now killing his victims.

Likable and interesting characters and an intriguing mystery. Recommended for fans of romantic suspense and dark mysteries.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Laura Griffin writes a compelling story filled with mystery, romance and a lot of suspense. The Last Close Call, her latest book, had me on the edge of my seat, quickly turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

This enthralling story takes place in Texas. The two main characters Rowen, a genealogist and Jack, a detective meet while working on a case involving a serial rapist. Jack and Rowen have an immediate connection, lots of chemistry and I enjoyed all of their interactions. They are both dedicated to their jobs and don’t have time for relationships, but the pull they feel toward each other is impossible to resist.

This intriguing story was the perfect mixture of romance and suspense. The plot is interesting and the story held me spellbound. I felt like I was right there with Jack and Rowen and this story kept me interested until the very end. I enjoyed reading about all the behind the scenes police work Jack is doing trying to catch the serial rapist. Jack feels a lot of pressure because he knows time is running out, until the rapist strikes again. Laura Griffin is one of my favorite authors because she knows how to write an intriguing romantic story and she never disappoints me.

"The Last Close Call" by Laura Griffin is a heart-pounding romantic suspense novel that masterfully blends danger and desire. Set in the high-stakes world of investigative journalism, the story follows seasoned reporter Karly Bonham as she uncovers a web of conspiracy. Griffin's writing is sharp and suspenseful, creating a gripping narrative with well-drawn characters. The chemistry between Karly and her ex, FBI agent Taryn, adds a layer of intensity to the plot. With its fast-paced action and a perfect balance of romance, "The Last Close Call" is a thrilling and satisfying read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Laura Griffin writes a dependable suspense, with well-developed characters, an exciting story, and a fast-paced plot.

A easy read that had many ups and downs. We never really know what goes on in other people’s life. This book will make you think and keep you on edge about what is next. I hope this author continues to write more books.

Laura Griffin is a go to author for me because if she writes it, I'm going to enjoy it.




Every single time.




And this one was no different. I was literally 3% into the book and my heart was in my throat.




An unexpected and casually tossed off 10 word sentence and I'm already all in on this book.




I was also all in with Jack and Rowan. I loved them together and the complexities of their relationship was handled well...the balance of the criminal and investigation parts of the story and the romantic woven together in such a way that neither of them seemed out of place.




And that's the strength of a title by Laura Griffin. She's figured out how to write a romantic suspense/crime story that fully tells both stories without sacrificing one or the other.




I enjoyed and recommend this title.

This is an intriguing psychological thriller with action, drama, mystery and suspense. Jack’s and Rowan’s budding romance added a bit of spice to the narrative. The plot was so well executed and entertaining. Another amazing story by an amazing author. (This was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review)

The Last Close Call is the latest book by the talented Laura Griffin. This novel is about a genealogist who helps a detective figure out the identity of an unsub in a case. Will Rowan and Jack be able to catch the perp before he strikes again? Read The Last Close Call to find out.
I loved getting to know Rowan and Jack’s characters and following the undeniable chemistry between them turn into something more. I loved how the bad guy was stopped mainly because of genealogy. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes romantic suspense novels, especially ones where one of the main characters is a cop.

Genealogy research combines with an ongoing murder investigation to give us an exciting hunt to stop a serial killer.

Rowan had a super interesting job doing genealogist research. She was reluctantly drawn back into using her skills for law enforcement and I just loved how that fit in with Jack’s investigation. Joy and Evelyn added interesting dimensions to the story and I enjoyed reading about their own well-developed emotional journeys.

Jack and Rowan tried to fit dating into the mix because they shared a mutual attraction, but the case also kept pulling them together in their professional capacities. Their chemistry fell a bit flat for me, but as professional partners, they meshed extremely well.

This is a standalone book and I can highly recommend it if you like thrilling police dramas, with romance and suspense mixed together.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.