Quick Take

A talented genetic analyst and a detective who's haunted by an elusive cold case team up in the new standalone romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin.Forensic genealogist Rowan Healy has made a name for herself by helping investigators trace the family trees of violent criminals who have eluded justice for years. But the pressure of police cases left her burned out, and she's shifted her focus to helping adoptees find their biological parents.Austin detective Jack Bruner has spent his career successfully tracking down vicious criminals--with the notable exception of the West Campus Rapist, a meticulous offender in Texas who has never been identified. When the latest two victims come to light, Jack sees his target is escalating his violent behavior--and only with Rowan's help does he stand a chance of cracking this case.Moved by Jack's dedication and the brutal details of the attacks he lays out, Rowan agrees to help. When her ground-breaking 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 ruthless killer who's growing bolder the longer he evades the law.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Last Close Call

Introduction

In "The Last Close Call," Laura Griffin, a New York Times bestselling author, brings us a thrilling standalone romantic suspense novel. Forensic genealogy plays a crucial role in this gripping story as Rowan Healy, a talented genetic analyst, and Austin detective Jack Bruner team up to catch a rapist. With tension, mystery, and danger, this book promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

About Laura Griffin

Laura Griffin is a highly acclaimed author known for her suspenseful novels and romantic storylines. With over thirty books and novellas under her belt, she has won numerous awards, including two RITA Awards and the Daphne du Maurier Award. Griffin's writing career began in journalism before she ventured into the world of suspense fiction. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages, and she currently resides in Austin, Texas, where she continues to write.

Analysis of Views

Forensic Genealogy: Readers rave about the inclusion of forensic genealogy in the story. It adds a unique and intriguing element to the plot, making it stand out from other romantic suspense novels.
Engaging Characters: Both Rowan Healy and Jack Bruner are well-developed and likable characters. Their chemistry and professional relationship evolve organically, making them relatable and enjoyable to read.
Tension and Suspense: The book maintains a high level of tension throughout, with the stakes increasing as the story progresses. Readers find themselves fully immersed in the investigation and the race against time to catch the killer.
Romance and Chemistry: While the book primarily focuses on the suspense aspect, readers appreciate the romantic subplot that adds depth to the characters and enhances their development. The chemistry between Rowan and Jack is palpable, making their relationship believable and engaging.
Well-Crafted Plot: The plot is well-structured, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. The balance between the police procedural aspect and the romantic subplot is expertly managed, creating a thrilling reading experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

Unique Use of Forensic Genealogy: The incorporation of forensic genealogy adds a fresh and intriguing element to the story, making it stand out from other romantic suspense novels. It appeals to readers who enjoy exploring new subjects in their reading material.
Well-Developed Characters: Rowan Healy and Jack Bruner are well-written characters with distinct personalities and motivations. Their character development and chemistry make them relatable and enjoyable to read, ensuring readers become invested in their journey.
Tension and Suspense: The book maintains a high level of tension throughout, keeping readers engaged in the investigation and the race against time to catch the killer. The suspenseful elements keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth.
Romance and Chemistry: While the book primarily focuses on the suspense aspect, the romantic subplot adds depth to the characters and enhances their development. The chemistry between Rowan and Jack is palpable, making their relationship believable and engaging for readers.
Well-Crafted Plot: The plot is well-structured, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. The balance between the police procedural aspect and the romantic subplot is expertly managed, creating a thrilling reading experience that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Conclusion

"The Last Close Call" by Laura Griffin is a thrilling standalone romantic suspense novel that promises to captivate readers with its unique use of forensic genealogy, engaging characters, tension-filled plot, and palpable romance. With its well-crafted storytelling and expertly managed balance between suspense and romance, this book is highly recommended for fans of both genres. Whether you're a fan of Laura Griffin's previous works or looking for a new author to explore, "The Last Close Call" is sure to leave you eagerly anticipating her next release.