Another fast paced thrilling book in the Det. Tracey Crosswhite series. Familiar characters with the introduction of new characters that are interesting & hopefully will appear in future books. The story line follows the usual formula of Tracey chasing the bad guy at considerable risk to herself and those she loves as ever however it is another thrilling page turner.

This book was a disappointment at best. The first of the book was exceeding slow and the second half picked up some, but not enough to salvage the rating. While the book can work somewhat as at stand alone novel, it will be helpful for any reader to read the prior novels in the series to get a better feel for the storyline.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.

Not my favourite book of this series. I found this one slow going and a tad boring. Most of the action happens in the last 10-15%. I'm just not a fan of authors who milk one storyline over numerous books.

A killer seeks revenge on Tracy Crosswhite
Erik Schmidt is a suspect in two unsolved murders, but he also has ties to the man who murdered Tracy Crosswhite’s sister years ago and whom Tracy herself ultimately killed. Questioning Schmidt touches off memories so disturbing to Tracy that she takes a break from work and goes with her husband, daughter, and nanny to the family retreat but finds neither peace nor safety as danger follows them.
Exciting as it sounds, the plot was to me the weakest part of the book. It started slowly, seeming to focus too much on her past trauma. A Dead Draw is more of a people story than a thriller. It is very character-driven. Tracy and her family seem very genuine, and I liked the way the various law enforcement people were depicted as human and caring. There is also Lydia, a young woman who is on the autistic spectrum and reminds Tracy of her murdered sister. Tracy takes an interest in her, and Lydia responds.
Another aspect of the book that can be interesting to some readers but that detracts from an emphasis on the plot is the discussion and description of marksmanship as both a professional skill and a hobby of Tracy’s. It was fun to read how Lydia shows Tracy a way modern technology can help improve your shooting skills!
Actually, one of my favorite sections of the book is the Acknowledgments, where author Dugoni talks about what inspired this particular book, including local news, his family background, and the influence of friends who are gamers and recreational shooters.
Although you can enjoy this book without having read the previous ten books in the series, you will enjoy it much more if you have read the first, My Sister’s Grave, because the events in that book are very important to A Dead Draw.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.

A Dead Draw is the 11th book in Robert Dugoni's series of books about Seattle police detective Tracy Crosswhite. I've read all of the previous books in this series, as well as Mr. Dugoni's other series and stand-alone books, both fiction and non-fiction. His writing is consistently excellent, captivating, well-researched, and soulful. A Dead Draw is absolutely as exciting and enjoyable as the previous 10 books in the series, with well-drawn, very relatable characters and a believable, fast-paced plot. I will admit that by mid-way through the book, I had guessed how it might end (and who the hero might be), but it was still fun to see if I was correct, and how it all played out. This book can certainly be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend that if you have not read the previous books in the series, that you do so, to learn more about the characters, their lives, and how their relationships have developed. Kindle Unlimited subscribers will be happy to know that all of the Tracy Crosswhite series (and almost all of Mr. Dugoni's other books and series) are available to borrow with your KU subscription.

A big Thank You to NetGalley, the publisher, and author Robert Dugoni, for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book to read and review. It was a pleasure to do so!

This book is a great addition to the Tracy Crosswhite series. It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. It has a great cast of characters, I particularly like Lydia, along with a good plot. There is a twist at the end of the story that caught me by surprise. This book is part of a series and all of them are worth reading but it could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
Sent from my iPad

5 stars for the next book in the Tracy series. What a great level of suspense and unexpected ending. I love Robert Dugoni's books for exactly those reasons. You can't wait to turn the page, you can't wait to get back to the book if you had to stop reading....I already can't wait for the next one!
I feel like I need to go back to the book that dealt with the House and Tracy showdown, because I didn't remember a lot of the details and it was referenced so much in this book.

My Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

While this was another solid installment of the Tracy Crosswhite series, I don't feel as though it was as intense as the others have been. In fact, while there were subtle hints to the overlying threat of Schmidt hanging over her head, I feel like more attention was paid to the competitive shooting aspect of Tracy's life instead of her trying to alleviate the threat. Sure, she tries to justify it to Dan by saying that she wanted to brush up on her skills because she failed the shoot/no shoot testing required by her police department, but in reality she tells herself its because she has a gut feeling its all going to come down to a shoot out between herself and Schmidt. Sadly, I found these passages to drag down the pace of the novel, and as interesting as Lydia was, was playing first person shooter games really necessary? Sure, Lydia helps Tracy with her focus on getting through one level before worrying about the next, but I cannot fathom how clicking a mouse is meant to help her with her shooting.

In fact, more than once I questioned things that Tracy did (or did not do). For example, I understand her not wanting to worry her nanny any more than she had to, but because Teresa was often left alone for periods of time with Danielle, I felt it would have been prudent for Tracy to warn her of the threat so that Teresa would know to be on the lookout and maybe would have reconsidered some of her own actions.

There were also some things that happened towards the end of the novel (in the time leading up to the final chapters) that I found to be implausible at best, which was very disheartening considering one of the things I enjoy most about these novels is how close to reality they tend to be. However, I did enjoy the final showdown such as it was, feeling that it was a fitting end all things considered.

If there will be more books in this series, I look forward to reading them. If there are not, I am sure I will read more from this author (I am also looking forward to more books in his Keera Duggan series as that is another favorite of mine).

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Dead Draw is the newest Detective Tracy Crosswhite installment. I’ve been enjoying this series from the beginning but this one started out slow for me. Tracy is pulled into a case that is personal for her and she is losing sleep and possibly her career when she can’t pass a shooting test.
Personal cases make Tracy sloppy and she is much better on the cold cases she’s been assigned to.
However the book did get into its grove with some great action and finished strong.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Dugoni, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always excited to get my hands on a new Tracy Crosswhite novel, I eagerly accepted this ARC by Robert Dugoni. The story worked well and complemented the past novels in the series, as Dugoni works to keep his protagonist in the middle of the action without being too repetitive. The story of yet another cold case is thrust into the present, as Detective Crosswhite is forced to come to terms once again with the murder of her sister and the man who did the deed. Dugoni fills some more gaps while opening new storylines with this piece, all in an exciting and well-developed manner. I could not get enough of this novel or the series as a whole.

Detective Tracy Crosswhite has long been known to keep herself calm, especially in front of a suspect. Having worked for various units of the Seattle Police Department, she has seen her fair share of people who have the most heinous crimes associated with them. However, when she encounters Erik Schimidt, her rage boils over. Schmidt knows how to push her buttons and activates the one trigger she cannot keep under wraps, the murder of her sister all those years ago. The angst and pain come out, first in a physical altercation with Schmidt in an interrogation room and then on the shooting range, where things go off the tracks.

Her actions and the reckless work by a colleague see Erik Schmidt dodge a legal bullet. This sends Crosswhite and others away from SPD for a time, while Schmidt is free to roam the streets of Seattle. However, those who know Tracy Crosswhite can be sure she will not rest until justice is done. She's motivated to get answers and ensure those who commit crimes pay handsomely.

Returning to her hometown, Crosswhite seeks to calm herself down and try to stay safe from Erik Schmidt's grasp. Her family means more than anything to her and while Tracy Crosswhite tries to protect them, she realises that the animosity is only heightened. Schmidt is ready to ensure she suffers as he did and that Detective Crosswhite is soon a distant memory. What follows is an intense game of cat and mouse, with the prize unlike anything either party could imagine. Another Dugoni gem in a series that has me fully committed.

I have long enjoyed the work of Robert Dugoni and his various series. He gets to the heart of the matter and provides entertaining stories along the way. The ease with which the narrative flows kept me reading well into the evening, always wondering what awaits Tracy Crosswhite and those closest to her. As the story gained momentum, the characters came alive once more. Those familiar with the series know Crosswhite and her team, each of whom have their own backstory. Dugoni added just enough to keep the reader wondering what is to come in the next piece. Plot points worked well, particularly in this cat and mouse hunt, rather than a traditional police procedural. I was eager to delve deeper and see how things would resolve themselves, as well as where things might be headed next!

Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for a story that really gets to the heart of the protagonist.

I love all of Robert Dugoni's books. Tracy Crosswhite has been one of my favorite series...this was good read.

If you like your thrillers with a side of snark, A Dead Draw is your new best friend. Robert Dugoni’s latest takes you on a fast-paced ride through twists, turns, and some seriously sharp dialogue. The plot is gripping, and the characters are as flawed as they are lovable—think “I can't believe they just did that” moments, followed by “Oh, wait, I can believe they just did that” moments.

It’s like the perfect mix of suspense and humor with a dash of "how is this even real?" But here’s the thing: it’s almost perfect. Sometimes the plot gets a little too tangled for its own good, but overall, it’s a wild ride you won’t want to stop.

Rating: 4/5 Stars – Because who doesn’t love a good page-turner that doesn’t take itself too seriously?

A Dead Draw by Robert Dugoni is a thrilling, fast-paced mystery that hooks readers from the very first page. With a masterful blend of suspense, intrigue, and complex characters, Dugoni delivers a gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The protagonist, Tracy Crosswhite, one of my favorite characters in all crime thrillers, is as sharp as ever, and the storyline is packed with twists and turns that leave you constantly guessing. Dugoni’s attention to detail and ability to craft realistic, emotional moments elevates this book to a whole new level. A perfect blend of crime, drama, and unexpected revelations, A Dead Draw is a must-read for fans of compelling thrillers.

After a mistake on the firing range fueled by her alarming interaction with a double homicide suspect who ignites memories of her sister’s killer, Seattle homicide Detective Tracy Crosswhite takes some time off and returns to her hometown of Cedar Grove where she must revisit the tragedy of her younger sister’s murder. This time, though, Tracy is the target.

Dugoni’s books are always well written with intriguing plots and good character development. This was another page turner that I didn’t want to put down. An avid reader of this series, I appreciated gaining more insight into Tracy’s background and psyche. Kudos for including a neurodivergent character and portraying her realistically.

While I did enjoy this, the eleventh installment, it wasn’t my favorite; too much about guns and competitive shooting. Do be sure, though, to read the author’s notes at the end where he discusses his background inspiration for aspects of this story.

A Dead Draw can be read as a standalone, but if you enjoy a good police procedural and this is your first Tracy Crosswhite novel, you will want to go back and read the earlier ones as well.

Book #11 of a of the Tracy Crosswhite thriller/crime series. I didn’t know it was part of a series when I requested it. It started out strong and then my interest dwindled. Overall it was just ok. Would be a good road trip/vacation read.

When requesting "Dead Draw" to review, I did not realize this was a series. This not the author's fault in any way. I miss the history behind the characters. However, this was my first book by Robert Dugoni and I felt the writing was great. This was a "slow" story in some parts but I thought it was a decent read overall. My opinion is mine alone and others should read the book for themselves.

Wow. I love this series so much. This one offered a deeper dive into Tracy as a character and I loved that!! It made the overall plot feel more personal because we all have points in our lives where things feel overwhelming. Seeing Tracy’s personal struggles and her fight to remain dedicated to her cases made me love her more as a character. Dugoni has a way of making things so descriptive that you can just imagine the screen right in your mind. I would definitely put this as top 3 in the series! From about chapter 7 I was unable to let myself stop reading. I’m sleep deprived but it was worth it!!

Love this series and this is an excellent next book in the series. I was on the edge of my seat while reading. this book, Great characters and a plot that keeps you guessing what Tracy Crosswhite will get into next. This is a can't put down book that keeps you reading till the last page. Looking forward to the next book.

Tracy Crosswhite is back in a thrilling, non-stop action story set in her hometown of Cedar Grove, WA. When a double murderer takes aim at Tracey's partner, Kins, Tracey and her husband and daughter take refuge in Cedar Grove to take refuge until the dust settles in Seattle. However, the killer tracks her home and taunts her with thrilling action all the way into the North Cascades. It's quite the gunslinging, fast paced story we love starring Tracy.

I've read all the Crosswhite books and have felt the last several were a bit bogged down with Tracy the homemaker. I much prefer her detecting to her mothering. This book assures me I'll be back for another!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this great book.

I really like the writing style of Robert Dugoni, and I love the Tracy Crosswhite series, so I was really happy to dive into this book.

The writing was really well done, as always. i was totally drawn into the story. I loved the plot - it was something different and interesting. I thought it was super interesting to learn about competitive shooting.

Now for the bad - there was too much detail about competitive shooting for me. From descriptions of revolvers, and pistols, and rifles. etc. Then what seemed like endless descriptions of the shooting range setups - I ended up skimming and even skipping pages. It was too confusing for me to visualize. I completely understand why it was in there - it was just too much for me personally. I think if you've ever been to a shooting range, you would like this much better than I did.

All that being said, I will still give this 4 stars. If 3 is average, then this is a 4, because I really did enjoy the story.