As this book involves a serial rapist escalating to murder, it isn’t the easiest content to which to listen. I felt interested in the book because of the genetic genealogy researcher Rowan Healy. I took some genetic classes in college and the usage in tracing family is intriguing.
Jack Bruner is a dedicated detective. The suspense portion of this book is well done. The tension is there wondering how they will finally catch this predator.
For me, the romance was a bit less believable. Jack had some really sweet moments but there were some things that occurred that I wasn’t convinced would have happened with the way his character was portrayed.
The sciency part of this story was really interesting to me. I liked the narrator for the audiobook.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for a copy of the audiobook.

The Last Close Call is a well-written and entertaining mystery and romance story. Rowan is a genetic specialist. Her specialty is finding people’s families through DNA history. She is asked to help out on a case to catch a serial rapist. Agreeing to help she works alongside Jack, a detective haunted by some of his cold cases. 

Between Rowan and Jack, there was so much development and character history that I do not know how author Laura Griffen fit all of that into such a short book. You will learn so much about both of them and really enjoy getting to know them. 

Once you learn more about them all you want is for them to solve this case and be happy together. Romance and mystery do not usually mix well, in The Last Close Call they mix perfectly. It was the perfect balance between the two. 

This was my second book by this author and I really liked both books. I look forward to checking out more by Laura Griffen.

(3.5)

A solid procedural crime story with a little romance thrown in. I enjoyed following the story and watching the detectives solve the case. I was hoping for a bit more about after catching the guy but I guess that wasn’t as necessary.

Overall, entertaining to me but also not something I’ll remember for too long.

Rowan Healy was a respected Forensic Genealogist who got burnt out by the pressure of working violent cases for police forces. She's concentrated her skills on helping adoptees find their biological families. However, when Jack Bruner comes asking for help with recent rape cases and the sole belief that he's dealing with a serial rapist, Rowan has a personal interest in agreeing to help.
Using DNA results and family genealogy trees, Rowan and Jack try to narrow down the field of suspects. Their investigation uncovers more than they expect.
On the plus side, I enjoyed the investigation, the personal stories that are uncovered and the characters of Rowan and Jack. What didn't ring true was the instant romance aspects of this story (I would prefer a slower build up) and the abrupt ending and wrap up. However, I could see and would like it if this was the first in a continuing series.
Stephanie Nemeth-Parker did a fabulous job with the narration of this book and distinguishing all the separate characters.

Forensic genealogist Rowan Healy made a name for herself by helping investigators trace the family trees of criminals who have eluded justice for years. When the pressure of criminal cases left her feeling burned out, she began focusing on helping adoptees find their biological parents. Austin detective Jack Bruner has spent his career successfully tracking down vicious criminals—with the exception of the West Campus Rapist, who has never been identified. When two new victims come forward, Jack realizes the WCR is escalating and only with Rowan’s help does he stand a chance of cracking the elusive cold case. Rowan reluctantly agrees to help, and her groundbreaking DNA research sheds new light on the criminal’s background and helps them zero in on a search radius. Rowan and Jack must race against the clock to find a violent criminal who is growing bolder the longer he evades the law.

This was my first time reading a romantic suspense novel, and I really enjoyed it! Based on the description alone, I was reminded of one of my favorite shows, "Bones," but this was a unique take on the detective/scientist romance trope. Having a forensic genealogist was a relevant and timely choice, with many real-life cold cases being solved by new DNA research. I was curious how the plot would play out, but it did not disappoint. This book has a little something for everyone: romance, suspense, mystery, danger. It was an enjoyable and compelling read that kept me on the edge of my seat just waiting to find out who the culprit was and what would happen when they found him. I really hope that this will be a series, because I would love to see more of Rowan and Jack!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker. Her narration was captivating, and she did such a great job voicing all of the characters. Sometimes when I listen to audiobooks, my mind begins to wander, but not with this book. I was completely absorbed in the storyline and had a hard time putting it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This captivating thriller sees a forensic genealogist and detective team up to catch the West Campus rapist before he strikes again. I listened to the audio of this, and it kept me totally engrossed throughout. Fast paced and twisty with lots of red herrings and a spot of romance thrown in, kept me wholly invested and cheering on the main protagonists.
Another new to me author, but one I look forward to reading more from. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to @dreamscapemedia @lauragriffinauthor for ALC 🎧

Coincidentally, a rapist broke into my home west of campus in Austin in the 1990s—when I listened to this book (great narration), my jaw dropped. Flashback time! Laura Griffin just never missteps. Her characters are well drawn, the relationships are so real, and the plot is suspenseful and keeps you guessing until the end.

THE LAST CLOSE CALL by Laura Griffin and read by Stephanie Németh-Parker is a solid detective procedural.

Rowan is a forensic genealogist who has had her fill of using her DNA research skills in crime and has instead moved to adoption cases. Her skills are needed, however, & when detective Jack sees a connection of unsolved serial rapes to current attacks that have escalated, she feels pulled back in.

I enjoyed the forensic geneology aspect of this story. I thought it discussed some interesting possibilities as well as pitfalls. The mystery was done well and the narration was good. I enjoyed this in audio format as she seemed to have the right tension build-up and I felt Rowan struggle through this case.

I felt like I had a higher expectations for this story. It was an entertaining read, but I'm not sure it will stand out for me. The romance aspect didn't add anything for me and felt a bit predictable, but it didn't take away from the story either. This story made me think a bit more about how DNA can be used, which was a positive!

Thank you to @netgalley
& @dreamscape_media for this ALC and letting me share my thoughts! It will be published October 24th, so keep an eye out if detective procedural are your favorite!

Forensic genealogy plays a part in this gripping book. I must give props to Laura Griffin; I have never seen this used in a book before. It was a nice touch as the genealogist and a detective teamed up to catch a rapist!

Rowan Healy is a forensic genealogist who is quickly making a name for herself by helping investigators track down criminals. She uses her skills to trace the family trees of criminals. This is stressful to do so she is trying to focus on helping find the biological parents of adoptees.

Jack Bruner is an Austin Detective who is trying to catch the West Campus Rapist, and contacts Rowan seeking her assistance in tracking down this elusive criminal.

I listened to the audio version of this book and enjoyed the narration. This book was gripping, and kept me on my toes, doing my best super sleuthing trying to figure out the identity of the West Campus Rapist. As the rapist/killer becomes more brazen, Rowan and Jack are up against the clock, as the tension mounts and danger grows.

The two main characters are both likeable and interesting. As they work closely together, sparks begin to fly between them!

This book had a little bit of everything (romance, tension, mystery, detective work, danger) and was an enjoyable read! I enjoyed how they worked individually and together.

I don't usually read romantic suspense but this was enjoyable and not too heavy on the romance. I also enjoyef learning about forensic genealogy.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
I was surprised how much I loved this book! The plot of a serial rapist with using a genealogy expert to help catch them was very interesting! Not a way I would think of to catch someone. This was fast paced and had plenty of twists throughout. I loved the little bits of romance thrown in! I would highly recommend this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rowan specializes in DNA and genealogy and Jack is a detective on the tail of a rapist-murderer and requests Rowan's expertise.

So it turns out that romantic suspense is not my thing. Give me a good bludgeoning over romantic shenanigans any day. I found it distracting and didn't really add anything extra to the plot. In fact, I think it would have been more interesting without the romantic distraction. The plot meandered and I didn't feel any urgency in solving the mystery.

All-in-all, it's not my thing, but it may be yours.

Laura Griffin does not disappoint! This was a great read and I always love how she brings her MC's together in love. I am not usually a romance book type of girl but she does a great job throwing in the suspense, murder, suspect chasing, and love to make me happy! I will always read a book put out by her!

#TheLastCloseCall
#NetGalley

If you are a fan of true crime and the use of genealogy in solving cold cases, this may be a good novel for you to pick up.
Although this book didn’t blow my socks off or have any crazy twists, it accomplished what it needed to- being a solid detective centered mystery thriller.
The pacing was pretty good and the plot was interesting but not memorable.
Overall I would pick it up if you enjoy detective books. Trigger warnings for rape and sexual assault as well as some other things.

There are a lot of things to like about this book. I loved the focus on forensic genealogy and appreciated the way Laura Griffin showed its importance in tracking down suspects in both cold and current cases. I also want to mention how refreshing it was for Rowan, the protagonist, to actually have female friends. So many police procedurals are trying to drive the story forward and skip that aspect of getting to know the character.
I was a little thrown by the romance between Rowan and Detective Jack, I would have liked it to develop MUCH more slowly, as I enjoy the anticipation of a slow burn. All in all, this was a fun, fast-paced novel that I enjoyed!

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

This one is perfect for fans of police procedural, female investigator, forensic stories. The ending fell a little flat for me but overall this is a really good quick read. If you like forensic genealogy, you'll really enjoy it. Also a bit of romance thrown in.

This was a great story that flowed well. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and didn’t want to put it down as we followed the lead detective and genealogist on their path to uncover a serial rapist.

The Last Close Call was a great romantic suspense, asking the question “can evil be inherited”.

Rowan Healy, a genetic analyst, has been enlisted by Detective Jack Bruner, in order to try a solve a difficult case.

I was engrossed by this story and characters, and ended up devouring this audiobook in less than a day. I really loved both the main characters (especially Rowan for the women in STEM representation!). The story took a few twists and turns, and I was consumed trying to figure out what would come next.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Overall, this is an enjoyable read. If you’re into more -police, detective, law and order ish- stories. For me, it’s the romance that threw me off. I feel like it was *just* enough to sway the experience in a bad way. It needed a little more romance or a little less. The amount as is pulled me as the reader in too many different directions. With no romance, I feel like the villain could have been more developed. Or with more romance more character chemistry could have been emphasized. As is, it’s a pretty good “thriller” and a pretty ok “romance”.

Thank you so much to @dreamscape_media and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

🧬 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🧬
Rowan Healy is a genetic analyst who used to work as a forensics genealogist until she got burnt out. Now she helps adoptees find their birth parents. Detective Jack Bruner tracks down criminals for a living and needs help with a tough case he is stuck on. He asks Rowan for help and she has a hard time saying no because she ultimately wants to help out the victims of this case.

Rowan’s ability to study genetics and do DNA research helps break open major leads in this case for Jack. Suspense builds and so does tension as Jack and Rowan start caring for one another. Rowan is wary of Jack and his professional thought; she doesn’t want to date a workaholic in the field of work that she has been trying to avoid the past few years.

Pick up this book for a great police procedural with building romantic suspense. I loved the genetic research aspect as it becomes groundbreaking in unsolvable cases.

🎧 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 🎧
Stephanie Nemeth-Parker does a great job narrating this story. Her narration is telling the whole story, even though it shows perspectives from both Rowan and Jack. Stephanie made the characters come to life, and you could feel the conflict and emotion that Rowan was going through as she worked on a police investigation again.

🎧 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
🧬 Forensic Genealogy
🧬 Police Procedural Stories
🧬 Romantic Suspense
🧬 Detective Thrillers