When Laura Griffin first started writing her Tracers romantic suspense novels, I readily devoured the first three and then had the best intentions of keeping up with the series. Then somehow I skipped books 4-7, read book 8, skipped books 9-10, and here we are at book 11, At Close Range. Now, the only reason why I mention this is that Laura Griffin Tracers novels can seriously be read as standalones. While there is overlap of characters, it’s done in such a way that the character is necessary to the plot of the novel and not just a whimsy so that readers see previous favorite characters. That’s a major nitpick I have with some series that try to convince you they can be read as standalones.

Like previous novels in the Tracers series, At Close Range is so involving that you might want to carve out some time to read it because I found it very hard to put down. From the first page you are immediately swept up in the mystery of who murdered a biology professor and his assistant. Griffin keeps the suspense arc through to the conclusion, which is one reason why you won’t want to put it down.

The romance between Detective Dani Harper and ballistics expert, Scott Black, is given equal footing as the mystery and results in some steam-your-glasses scenes (if you don’t wear glasses you might just want to borrow a pair). And, both characters are likeable and believable.

If you’re a fan of the CSI series, I think you’ll love these books because the forensics is a huge part of the novels, with the Tracers being an elite group of forensic scientists. Griffin has done enough research that you never feel yourself questioning anything that she’s written.

Now I just have to go back and catch up on the installments I haven’t read.

If you’re a fan of romantic suspense and have never read any of the Tracers novels, you might want to remedy that. These are good reads!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love romantic suspense but it's one of those genres that I'm the most picky about. I like for the suspense to be the focus of the story and the mystery itself to make sense but I want the romance to work as well. I can handle insta-love in small doses but I have to believe that the couple works as an actual couple to be satisfied with the book. Griffin delivers on all counts.

The mystery is creepy with lots of secrets and twists and turns. I really didn't know what was going to happen for a large part of the book but the plot didn't feel contrived. It really felt like I was watching the investigation unravel. It kind of reminded me of early Patricia Cornwall but with more stable characters and not as much autopsy stuff. I was pulled in right to the end and it was one of those books I kept wanting to sneak off and read just a few more pages of!

The romance was a little weaker for me but mostly because both Dani and Scott are super prickly and neither want to admit that there might be something going on between them. I wanted to tell them both to just knock off the bickering and talk to each other. However, because the mystery is at the forefront of the story the tension between the two never felt like it took over the book. I loved Dani. She's smart and a good detective but is definitely struggling with suddenly being lead in a high profile murder case. I liked how aware she was of the pressure and how conscious she is of her decisions. It felt very true to me.

Don't let the fact that this is #11 in the series scare you off. The only connection between this book and the rest of the books is that someone in each book works for the Delphi Center. This is my 2nd book in the series (first was #10) and they really read like total stand alones. If you enjoy romantic suspense or a good mystery and don't mind a bit of romance thrown in this is a fantastic read!

I absolutely love this series - each one has unforgettable characters, intense chemistry, a rock solid suspense plot, and a great mix of romance and suspense all wrapped up with great pacing and plenty of twists and turns!

At Close Range is the 11th book in the Tracers series and while it can be read as a stand alone some of the characters have been introduced in earlier books. This is one of the best romantic suspense series available so if you haven't started it you'll want to and if you have you won't be disappointed with the 11th book!

I have always been intrigued with Scott Black the ballistics expert at the Delphi Center so I was excited that he was going to be the main character in this book.

This book centers around Scott Black, the Delphi Center's ballistics expert and former Navy Seal who I have to admit I've been intrigued with for awhile and Daniele (Dani) a police detective who comes from a family of law enforcement officers. Dani is the lead detective on a homicide and is hoping to avoid Scott. Scott is Dani's brother's best friend and ever since they shared a scorching kiss on New Year's Eve they have been avoiding each other. When Scott is called to the scene of the crime he and Dani realize they will be working together - that is until Scott ends up being a suspect for the murder.

I loved that Dani and Scott had a history together and their chemistry was explosive. Scott wants Dani but he doesn't want her to get hurt and he doesn't have a good history in the relationship department. Dani is sure Scott isn't guilty but her team is worried that she is letting her history and feelings for Scott cloud her judgement. She needs to remain unbiased and getting involved with Scott right now would be a bad idea.

When it becomes obvious that this case is a lot more complicated and someone targets Dani, Scott realizes that not only does he need to find the real killer to prove his own innocence but he also to keep Dani safe.

I loved both Scott and Dani in this book. We learn a lot more about Scott and he is perfectly paired with Dani. Both characters are intense, likable and intelligent. Dani has a strong personality but is willing to take advice and never makes any TSTL decisions. The suspense/police procedural aspects of this book are thrilling, believable and keep you on the edge of your seat. The mix between romance and suspense is spot on.

I couldn't put this book down and the twists and turns just kept coming. The romance was weaved perfectly into a fast paced and crazy suspense plot that kept me guessing throughout the book. This book had me hooked and when I finished it I was completely satisfied and yet a little sad that I had finished it because I enjoyed it so much.

I highly recommend this book to all romance, suspense and mystery fans - you can't go wrong.

Great addition to the Tracer series. I will definitely be reading more in this series. It was so suspenseful that I read it in one setting. I also liked that there was a little romance.

At Close Range by Laura Griffin is book 11 in the Tracer Series with no sign of slowing down in the action or romance department. It is an intense murder mystery that unravels one lead at a time much as I imagine in the real world of police procedure does.
The romance is well balanced with the action and suspense. Scott is liable if closed off emotionally. Daniele is wonderful as a tough, independent, intelligent woman who is succeeding in what some would still consider a man’s world, not to mention her brothers, too. You go, girl! The chemistry between these two is under the surface smoking.
Up until the last piece of the puzzle fell into place for Daniele and her team, I did not see the solution. So this is one unpredictable book as well as one hard-to-put-down read, even when diner needs to be fixed. I haven’t read all of the Tracers books so I can tell you this one reads well as a standalone even though there is a side story concerning characters from a past book. The previous books that I haven’t read are now on my TBP and TBR lists. I can highly recommend At Close Range to any mystery or suspense readers out there, not just suspense romance readers.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review. Thank you for a wonderful birthday present.

Yeah!! Scott Black, former SEAL and weapons expert, gets his own book, finally. I am so glad he didn't end up with the skank defense attorney from Exposed. I have been waiting for this book. When you follow a supporting character through several books, you think you know them. Well, be prepared to be surprised by the real Scott that we have not seen previously. WOW!!

Dani Harper is the younger sister of Scott Black's best friend and, as far as Scott is concerned, untouchable. Except, all he can think about is the hot kiss they shared on New Year's Eve. Now, 7 months later, they are working the same double murder case and he can't seem to get his feelings for her under control. Dani has to same feelings, except, now Scott is the prime suspect in those murders.

Can anyone spell FRAME UP? That is exactly what is happening here and a not very smart frame up either. A murder weapon is found with Scott's prints all over it. Let's be real here. If Scott Black wanted to murder someone, no trace of that person would ever be found. Scott, former Navy SEAL and weapons expert extraordinaire, is not stupid and leaving fingerprints on a weapon is most stupid. That said, whoever is doing this is spec-ops trained, funded and ruthless. And he wants Dani dead, something Scott is not about to let happen.

New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin “delivers the goods” (Publishers Weekly) again with the eleventh title in the gritty, heart-pounding Tracers series.

When a lakeside tryst ends in a double murder, police detective Daniele Harper arrives on the scene determined to get answers. Clues are everywhere, but nothing adds up. Dani turns to the Delphi Center crime lab for help, but soon regrets it when her secret attraction to their chief firearms examiner threatens to distract her from the most important case of her career.

As a ballistics expert and former Navy SEAL, Scott Black knows firearms, and he knows he can help Dani unravel her case. Scott has managed to hide his interest in his best friend’s younger sister for years, but when her investigation brings them together, the sparks between them quickly burn out of control. Scott resolves to keep his hands off Dani and his eyes on the goal—identifying a killer. But when that killer zeroes in on her, all bets are off. There isn’t a line Scott won’t cross to convince Dani to trust him so that he can help her take down a ruthless murderer who has her in his sights.

I absolutely fell in love with Scott and Dani and this writer. I have her books on my kindle but have never read her. I will be changing that ASAP. I will not be putting any spoilers in my review but I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I love some suspense with my romance :) There is nothing better than a sexy SEAL!! Sometimes, I just like a book that isn't straight romance with no mystery at all. I like to have some intrigue worked in and this had it. I liked the serial killer aspect but that probably has to do with my criminal justice background.

I didn't find anything that was too offensive in this book and would recommend it to everyone. I just wouldn't recommend anyone reading it after midnight cause you'll be up all night long. So buy this book!!

I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on Netgalley for a honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.

At Close Range is now one of my all time favorites of this series. Laura always manages to deliver with heart-stopping, intense action AND chemistry. Not many can deliver like her on both the romance and the suspense, but every time I pick up a book by this author, I know I won't be able to put it down. We've met Scott Black several times over this series, and I've been hoping for his book for awhile as I do love an intense SEAL man. At Close Range was everything I had been hoping for and so much more. And not only that, it also had the benefit of catching up with two of my previous favorite characters that we hadn't seen since the early books. These books can be read as standalones as each one has its own case, but Laura is so good at building up to each book that those who start from the beginning are definitely rewarded.

This is the third book that I have read from this author and look forward to more. Given the development of this story, there is definitely opportunity to explore the sub-characters in the story. If you like action, adventure, suspense with a touch of angst, then this a good book for you.

The story develops quickly and begins with a double homicide that Detective Dani Harper has been tasked to lead. She has help from an old friend, that happens to also be her brother's best friend. Scott and Dani grew up together and she has had a crush on him since she was a teenager. Scott knows this but feels she is off limits given their current relationship.

Dani's investigation turns deadly and there are more casualties that are adding to the layers of mystery not to mention that the man she loves has become a suspect. She is determined to clear him and soon finds that her life is in danger. Can Scott come to her rescue before it's too late.

I love mysteries and this story did not disappoint. I was able to read this in one sitting because the story flowed nicely, you were drawn in to the characters immediately and yearning for more. I look forward to more with the Tracer's series.

***ARC Provided via NetGalley and Tasty Book Tours***

4.5 Stars

As with all of Laura Griffin's books, I was really looking forward to reading this title, and it did not disappoint.

Daniele and Scott were great. I thought the balance with their relationship, the draw they had to one another, and the suspense was perfect. It is tough to make this work, to let the romance be enhanced by the suspense, and there is a reason there are 11 of these books...it is because Laura Griffin has this handled well. It is balanced, the pacing is strong, the suspense moves the story without slowing it down.

The only issue I had was the relationships around Ric. Without going into detail, he was very happily married...but there were some odd interactions around his wife and those he came into contact with that I did think pulled me a little out of the story at times. (No cheating or anything like that, promise). This did make the pacing in those parts of it seem off, and this is the reason this book isn't a 5 star read for me.

That said, I recommend this book...it is one of those books you enjoy from beginning to end and find yourself thinking that it is a pleasure to read.

Laura Griffin knows how to mix suspense and romance in a perfect combination! She makes you invested in the mystery as well as the couple's budding attraction.

At Close Range has Daniele Harper as the lead detective investigating a double murder in the park. The deceased were working at the same university and they were having an affair. Dani knows the Delphi Center will need to help them with this case. When Scott Black shows up to help with the ballistic evidence, she tries hard to remain unaffected by him. Dani has known Scott for a long time. He's her older brother's best friend. He is an ex-SEAL and after an injury, he now works for the Delphi Center. Scott and Dani have shared one kiss months back and neither has forgotten it. Nonetheless, she knows Scott is not looking for a serious relationship. Maintaining her distance is the smart thing to do. But, when Scott's job and freedom are at stake and someone starts shooting at Dani, neither wants to continue keeping their restraint.

I was so excited to read this book. I loved Deep Dark and I was sure this one was going to be as good. The story flows smoothly and the plot was always intriguing. As for the main characters, I couldn't wait until they got together and when they did, it was everything I wanted it to be.

Dani was trying hard to prove she could do her job. I could feel how tired and stressed she was feeling while trying to deal with her feelings for Scott and not losing her cool.

Scott was stubborn but in the best way. He wouldn't let go of the investigation or of Dani. He knew he could help her and he needed to keep her safe.

I can't wait for the next one in this series! I'm excited to see the next couple fall in love while solving a case.

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

While this is book 11 in the series, it is only the second book from the author that I've read (it's worth noting that I wasn't lost in the series, as each book is a different couple). Like the previous book I read, Deep Dark, this story involves characters from the police force and the Delphi Center, a laborartory of foresic specialists.

As a fan of romantic suspense, what I have loved about this author is the depth and complexity of her storylines. This story kicks off with what seemed like a random shooting, and my initial thought was: how is this going to be an interesting story. Seemed so basic. But it didn't take long for me to be put in my place. Because this story is far from simple.

There's a multitude of developments that build the complexity of the plot:
A possibly framed team member.
Multiple deaths of aqaintances.
Military style bombs.
Controversial testing.
Compromised evidence.

The author does a great job of layering in all of the elements above. The details are introduced that made it easy to follow along, yet leaving me totally clueless as to the direction of the story was going and who the kiler(s) may be. The worst thing you can do with this genre is have a predictable storyline and thankfully, the author avoids that pitfall.

As this is romantic suspense, there is a budding love story involving two of the investigators. There were a lot of reasons this couple should stay clear of each other, and it had nothing to do that one was the sister of the other's best friend. Dani and Scott have known each other for years, but the relationship didn't take shape until they were thrown into each other's paths repeatedly with the investigation. They took a lot of chances and broke some rules along the way, especially on Dani's side, as she let Scott have more reign than should have been allowed in her position. Scott also was reckless at times and could have ruined both of their careers. However, most everything seems to work in their favor.

If you are looking for detailed and thorough look into a crime with unexpected twists, this story may be for you.

Griffin knows how to create the perfect mix of suspense, action and steamy romance, and At Close Range is one of her best novels yet. I enjoy how she mixes forensic science into her novels, and shows how difficult is can be to find evidence and process it so it points the way to the killer. There were lots of twists and turns in the plot, and the novel came to a fantastic conclusion. Griffin is one of the best romantic suspense writers out there.

When I received this advanced copy from Netgalley, I did not realize that this was the 11th book in the Tracers Series. I have not read any of the other books in the series. But this did not matter, which I was glad to hear. I'm sure having read the other books, I'd have a better understanding of the back characters.

Dani is the local cop, that's been tapped to take the lead for the first time on an investigation.
Scott is a former Navy Seal that works for the Delphi Center, an expert in ballistics.

Dani & Scott have known each other for years. Best friends with Dani's older brother, Scott feels very protective of Dani. Thrown together to investigate a series of murder, their friendship and growing feelings will be tested.

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. The storyline was very fascinating. I did not see the plot coming. Now I feel like I need to read the previous 10 books! Highly recommend this fast paced book!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Tracers series. At Close Range is another great addition to the series. There is a really well written mystery with lots of red herrings. The murder mystery is hands down the most intriguing and satisfying aspect to the story.

Dani is a detective who has just been made the lead on a very high profile double murder case. Scott is a ballistics specialist at the nearby Delphi center. Scott is called in to work on the murder case and examine the ballistics. Through several twists, Scott ends up as a suspect. Dani has known Scott for most of her life. He is her brother's best friend. She knows he didn't commit the murders, but she has to find the proof. Scott isn't about to sit back and let the investigation progress with him. Obviously, its a conflict of interest to have him involved since he is the prime suspect. The case takes Dani to a different state and more murders occur, all while she fights her attraction to Scott.

My discontent with the story was the romance. I really didn't find the romance between Dani and Scott credible or authentic. It felt sort of rushed and haphazard. By the end, I wasn't sure I believed they would stay together. I think that the murder mystery and all the danger took the focus of the story (and I loved it), but it did so at the expense of building up the romance.

This the first book I have read from Laura Griffin and book 11 in a series and all I can saw is WOW!
From the first page to the last I couldn't stop myself from reading. The mystery hooks on and won't let readers go until the very last word.

This can be read as a stand alone because Laura Griffin keeps readers updated on past characters without bring the story to a halt.

At Close Range is a perfect romantic suspense novel with the mystery and the romance balanced out. Neither one over powers the other keeping reading loving every page of this thrilling mystery.
Dani will have readers rooting for her and they will not be disappointed. She is a strong female characters who struggles with her own self esteem. Dani kicks butts and takes names.
Laura Griffin doesn't fall on the sword of the typical R.S where the mystery sits in the background and sex takes over. The mystery is front and center and the author is able to weave a romance into the mystery that makes this one perfect novel for this reader.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for the advance Copy in exchange for my thoughts

I have found my replacement for Linda Howard and I can't wait to dig into another book.

At Close Range (Tracers #11) is gruesome, action packed, intriguing read that has plenty of sex scenes to keep you hot and bothered.

Police Detective Dani Harper's has always been treated as one of the boys by bad boy Scott Black. She's untouchable in Scott's eye what with her being his best friends sister.

The development of Dani and Scott's relationship is sculpted by the story plot. Framed for a murder he didn't commit Scott Black will risk everything to clear his name. Dani is the lead of the case and knows that Scott Black did not commit the murder, her deep feelings for Scott have her risking her job and life to prove him innocent.

I have a feeling the next one will focus on Sean and Brookes relationship. Which I'm looking forward to.

There doesn't seem to be an elaborate plot, a tapestry of evil that we can unravel the further we read through the novel. I'm left with a million questions

Why didn't we find out why Scott Black was chosen as the fall guy?
What was the plot behind the attempted killing of Dani?
When Dani's house was broken into (which was an elaborate plot) why after breaking in did he wake her up and why didn't he attempt to over power her? What was the point of the break in?
Scott's conflicting reactions leave me confused. Why did he feel that he need to wrap Dani in cotton wool but then he left her stranded at a motel with no means to escape?! One minute he trusts her to look after herself then he treats her like the detective she is.

I feel that there is a personal development of Dani's character. Dani doesn't impress like a Karen Rose characters and doesn't sloth to the same standard as JD Robbs' Eve Dallas. She's tough but not tough enough, she detects but does not connect the dots. She doesn't really detect whats going on, Scott seems to tell her whats going on.

Thank you NetGalley and Laura Griffin for the ARC of At Close Range by Laura Griffin that I read and reviewed.
The eleventh book in the Tracers series keeps the action coming and the members of the Delphi Center busy helping solve crime. In this book the stakes are even higher for the Center because their very own ballistics expert and former Navy SEAL, Scott Black is at the center of a double homicide and his fingerprints are all over the murder weapon. It is up to his best friend's sister, police detective Dani Harper, to find out who is behind the killings and why Scott was framed. As the body count grows so does the heat between Dani and Scott even though they both know going for a relationship with each other could ruin a great friendship but they can't help themselves. Will they be able to find out who is after Dani and who framed Scott or will a crazed killer win a high stakes game?
This book was great because it has so many old characters from past books in it so it was like a family reunion in a way. I loved how everything just flows so nicely in Griffin's books. You meet Dani and Scott in an earlier book and they pick right up in this books and the sparks keep flying. These two were a great match and they were hot hot hot together.
The story had me bit twisted because I was not sure what was going on and why those guys were getting killed. To be honest I was not even guessing for a change and when it came out in the end I was going that idea never even crossed my mind so it was very well written.
This was one of those books I just went with the flow and enjoyed the banter between all the characters. I was so happy we got to see Mia and Ric's part in this book. If you are a fan of this series you will truly love the part they had in this book because as I said before this series has become like a family and parts of this was like a family reunion with some of the charters that made appearances in this book and that made this book all that more special.
I am giving At Close Range five out of five stars.

4.5*

It’s no secret that I’m an avid Laura Griffin fangirl and have been a huge fan of her Tracers romantic suspense series since its inception. Now eleven books deep (but don’t let that number scare you if you’re a Laura Griffin newbie: each can be read as a standalone, even if the books are best enjoyed in order to fully appreciate the recurring secondary characters), there hasn’t been a single Tracers book I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed. Ms. Griffin consistently delivers a thrilling, white-knuckle rollercoaster of high-stakes action and adrenaline tempered by just the right touch of believable, real-world romance, and AT CLOSE RANGE is no different. In fact, what’s even more impressive and is a true testament to Ms. Griffin’s skill as a romantic suspense author, is that AT CLOSE RANGE feels both fresh & different from the 10 Tracers books preceding it and exactly like coming home to find an old friend on your doorstep. It seamlessly blends the reader-favourite ‘best friend’s younger sister’ and ‘friends to lovers’ romantic tropes with a twisting, action-packed plot that will have you raising a sceptical brow (if, like myself, you’re a trained molecular biologist/geneticist) but will nonetheless keep you frantically turning pages until the very end. Having been with the series from the beginning and therefore introduced to the badass deliciousness that is ex-SEAL and Delphi Centre ballistics expert Scott Black in book 3 (UNFORGIVABLE), it’s great to finally learn his secrets and watch him meet his match in rookie San Marcos PD detective (and brother-from-another-mother’s baby sister) Daniele Harper. And what a match it is: Dani is that perfect blend of spunk, kickassery, strength, and vulnerability I love in a heroine, and the connection between her and Scott is raw, real, and absolutely electric (even though the romance is a comparatively small part of the novel). Watching Dani absolutely disarm stoic, closed-off Scott is thoroughly satisfying and heartwarming… the more badass they are, the harder they fall!

If you’re looking for an unputdownable, gritty suspense story with a cadre of thoroughly enjoyable characters and two protagonists you can genuinely root for, AT CLOSE RANGE (and the rest of the Tracers books) is for you.

**ARC received from Pocket Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Riveting, highly suspenseful and action packed!

This is a gripping story that delves into the dangers of science and technology when it ends up in the hands of those with god-like complexes and is ultimately a roller coaster ride of secrets, lies, greed and malevolence.

The writing is flawless and fluid. The plot is well crafted, clever, and fascinating. The characters are darkly intriguing, determined, resilient, sexy and strong. And the storyline is a complex mix of clues, chaos, murder, sizzling chemistry, and steamy romance.

Honestly, I loved it. It was by far one of the best romantic suspense novels I've read recently and I couldn't put it down.

This is the eleventh book in the Tracers series and even though I haven't read any of the others in the series I am definitely going to rectify that very quickly. Pick one up. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Pocket Books, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.