Hidden (The Texas Murder Files #1) by Laura Griffin
Publication Date: August 25th 2020 by Berkley Books
Pages: 349
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★½
My
Thoughts:
A woman is murdered on a running/hiking trail capturing the
attention of reporter Baily Rhoades, and Detective Jacob Merrit. Each are wary of the other, the press and cops
are usually a bit at odds in my reading experience and it’s no different here,
which makes the attraction brewing between these two a little inconvenient. Uncovering
details about the victim soon reveals that a lot more is going on that just a
random assault on a runner and digging puts Bailey in danger.
I’m usually not a huge fan of investigative reporters
because they seem to be out for the story instead of justice, but Bailey is an
exception. She’s principled and doesn’t just report without regard for the
investigation and I liked that. I really liked her. Jacob and Bailey are a
reluctant team, but I enjoyed the pairing and really liked how it all turned
out.
I have to say this scenario wakes up my personal awareness,
as I hike and run alone, and this situation is something I worry about often. I
carry pepper spray as I go, but still. I feel it’s so unfair that men don’t have
to worry about this, women are so often prey in so many situations. Why can’t
we just enjoy the outdoors in peace?! My personal rant aside, I really enjoyed
Hidden. Laura Griffin is a staple in the romantic suspense/crime procedural genre.
Her stories are consistently entertaining and captivating.
3.5 Suns
Goodreads Description:
When a woman is found
brutally murdered on Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail,
investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding
access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead
detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he's ever seen,
and nothing adds up.
Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn't who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.
As a ruthless hit man's mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.
Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn't who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.
As a ruthless hit man's mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.
I've heard good things about this one but haven't read this author yet.
ReplyDeleteShe consistently writes great romantic suspense. I always read her newest. Hope you like her if you give her a go. :)
DeleteThis was my first read of this author. I liked it but thought Bailey took a few too many risks. I also thought the character development was a little weak so I didn't quite believe the romance.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
She did take some risks at that tech company, right? I was a little annoyed by that, but she seemed to be pretty spooked and learned her lesson. Yeah, this wasn't my fav Laura Griffin, but still entertaining. She has a great backlist, too.
DeleteIt is disheartening that as women we have to be aware of our surroundings and avoid certain situations that men don't give a thought to.
ReplyDeleteRight?! I get really angry when I think about it. I've had some strange things happen while running too, which pisses me off more than scares me usually. I had to call my husband one time when some weirdo was circling around me on his bicycle. It wasn't too far from my house and he jumped in the car with my son, but the guy got scared and took off. Partly because I started taking pictures of him on my phone. Sadly, this isn't the first time I've had something odd happen.
DeleteIt is annoying that men never have to worry about going places or doing things alone. I would travel more, but I don't feel comfortable going alone to certain places, so then I put off the trip. It's sad. But the book sounds great! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is discouraging and unfair! I think we should be able to travel all we want. I take precautions if I'm alone.I hate Ubering alone, but I usually have my pepper spray handy while in my seat. I think renting a car is safer. I don't travel alone very often, though.
DeleteCreepy, yes why can't we enjoy it in peace
ReplyDeleteYes!
Delete