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Far Gone
The New York Times bestselling author whose Tracers series has been called “compelling,” “mesmerizing,” and “knock-your-socks-off” has a new forensic thriller sure to please fans of Tami Hoag and Karen Robards.
Police detective Andrea Finch is a rising star in her department until a split-second decision derails her career. Disgraced and disillusioned, she’s on leave from her job when she gets an urgent call from her younger brother. She’d prefer to ignore his latest plea for cash, but this time instinct tells her something is very wrong. Andrea’s search for answers takes her to a dusty Texas border town where danger lurks in plain sight and nothing is quite what it seems.
FBI agent Jon North is working undercover in west Texas, investigating an unsolved murder that may be linked to a terrorist plot. But when the evidence points to Andrea’s brother, Jon finds that persuading the stubborn cop to help will be harder than cracking his toughest case.
Andrea must find a way to do what’s right while protecting her only sibling. As the clock ticks down, Andrea and Jon race to confront a heartless killer who will stop at nothing to deliver a final, terrifying message.
Police detective Andrea Finch is a rising star in her department until a split-second decision derails her career. Disgraced and disillusioned, she’s on leave from her job when she gets an urgent call from her younger brother. She’d prefer to ignore his latest plea for cash, but this time instinct tells her something is very wrong. Andrea’s search for answers takes her to a dusty Texas border town where danger lurks in plain sight and nothing is quite what it seems.
FBI agent Jon North is working undercover in west Texas, investigating an unsolved murder that may be linked to a terrorist plot. But when the evidence points to Andrea’s brother, Jon finds that persuading the stubborn cop to help will be harder than cracking his toughest case.
Andrea must find a way to do what’s right while protecting her only sibling. As the clock ticks down, Andrea and Jon race to confront a heartless killer who will stop at nothing to deliver a final, terrifying message.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
217 people are currently reading
3224 people want to read
About the author
Laura Griffin
56 books3,842 followersLaura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and novellas. She is a two-time RITA Award winner, as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura got her start in journalism before venturing into the world of suspense fiction. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura lives in Austin, Texas, where she is working on her next novel.
Series:
* Texas Murder Files
* Tracers
* Wolfe Security
* Alpha Crew
* Moreno and Hart Mysteries
* Glass Sisters
* The Borderline
Series:
* Texas Murder Files
* Tracers
* Wolfe Security
* Alpha Crew
* Moreno and Hart Mysteries
* Glass Sisters
* The Borderline
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
January 2, 2015
One of the reasons I read Griffin is that I want to sink into the meat of a mystery/thriller. I want to be immersed in the story and see it from different angles and character POV’s. It is what Griffin does best. Yes, we get a bit of romance and it adds to the overall feel of the story, but it isn’t driven by the romance. It’s a nice side dish to the main course.
Fans of the Tracers Series will really like Far Gone. It’s got what we have come to expect in a Griffin novel. Mystery, funny banter and surprises along with great partnering. Honestly, it’s the process in getting to know the pairing of characters that always draw me in.
The story itself is one that could be ripped from today’s headlines but it’s the connection between Detective Andres Finch and her brother that gives this story heart and a different POV that we typically get from a cop’s perspective. Andrea’s life is a gritty mess personally, and it’s bleeding into her work life.
FBI Agent Jon North is strong, smart, and on the edge of losing his case to the powers that be. He will do what he has to do to bring an end to this in order to save innocent lives even strong arming a surly cop who may be losing her way in the department. What happens between these two could save them or destroy them.
Far Gone is terrific read and one I will be adding to the re-read pile because it’s just that good.
T~
www.ktbookreviews.com
Fans of the Tracers Series will really like Far Gone. It’s got what we have come to expect in a Griffin novel. Mystery, funny banter and surprises along with great partnering. Honestly, it’s the process in getting to know the pairing of characters that always draw me in.
The story itself is one that could be ripped from today’s headlines but it’s the connection between Detective Andres Finch and her brother that gives this story heart and a different POV that we typically get from a cop’s perspective. Andrea’s life is a gritty mess personally, and it’s bleeding into her work life.
FBI Agent Jon North is strong, smart, and on the edge of losing his case to the powers that be. He will do what he has to do to bring an end to this in order to save innocent lives even strong arming a surly cop who may be losing her way in the department. What happens between these two could save them or destroy them.
Far Gone is terrific read and one I will be adding to the re-read pile because it’s just that good.
T~
www.ktbookreviews.com
April 7, 2014
Far Gone
Laura Griffin
Distraught after killing a young suspect in an unavoidable shooting incident, Austin detective Andrea Finch decides to take her mind off her own problems by following her younger, wayward brother to a nowhere south Texas town and find out why he’s once again dropped out of school and into trouble only to find herself in the middle of an FBI homegrown terror investigation that her brother’s smack in the middle of. She decides to fight with instead of against the sexy agent who’s on the case. She’s convinced her brother’s an innocent in all this but whether the agent believes her or not is the big question.
Special Agent Jon North’s been on this seemingly hopeless case long enough to know he better put up or he’ll get shut down when a beautiful lady cop shows up with a capital T for trouble written all over her. When it becomes obvious that the trouble’s both personal and professional for him Jon’s more than interested and just a bit afraid too.
As they follow the trail of dead bodies, dead ended leads and radical clandestine suspects
they’re also fighting a loosing battle against their powerful desire for each other and wondering where it will lead.
Laura Griffin’s newest and first ever hard cover release is an impressive piece of romantic suspense, a genre that she’s an expert storyteller in and a go-to, must read author for me personally. This edge of your seat page-turner is part crime drama part provocative romance and had me holding my breath from the first chilling page to the last. Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in every shell casing description and every evidentiary summation that she expertly showcases with her expressive and visual narrative while her in your face cop speak dialogue tells her unforgettable story. Her characters all rock especially her relationship phobic, realistic hero and heroine. Be prepared for heart palpitations and a racing pulse as you read this fantastic novel. Fans of Lisa Gardner, Lisa Jackson, Nelson Demille and Michael Connelly will love Laura’s work.
Laura Griffin
Distraught after killing a young suspect in an unavoidable shooting incident, Austin detective Andrea Finch decides to take her mind off her own problems by following her younger, wayward brother to a nowhere south Texas town and find out why he’s once again dropped out of school and into trouble only to find herself in the middle of an FBI homegrown terror investigation that her brother’s smack in the middle of. She decides to fight with instead of against the sexy agent who’s on the case. She’s convinced her brother’s an innocent in all this but whether the agent believes her or not is the big question.
Special Agent Jon North’s been on this seemingly hopeless case long enough to know he better put up or he’ll get shut down when a beautiful lady cop shows up with a capital T for trouble written all over her. When it becomes obvious that the trouble’s both personal and professional for him Jon’s more than interested and just a bit afraid too.
As they follow the trail of dead bodies, dead ended leads and radical clandestine suspects
they’re also fighting a loosing battle against their powerful desire for each other and wondering where it will lead.
Laura Griffin’s newest and first ever hard cover release is an impressive piece of romantic suspense, a genre that she’s an expert storyteller in and a go-to, must read author for me personally. This edge of your seat page-turner is part crime drama part provocative romance and had me holding my breath from the first chilling page to the last. Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in every shell casing description and every evidentiary summation that she expertly showcases with her expressive and visual narrative while her in your face cop speak dialogue tells her unforgettable story. Her characters all rock especially her relationship phobic, realistic hero and heroine. Be prepared for heart palpitations and a racing pulse as you read this fantastic novel. Fans of Lisa Gardner, Lisa Jackson, Nelson Demille and Michael Connelly will love Laura’s work.
July 22, 2014
Here is the issue with romantic/suspense writers who try to go legit so to speak -- I want sex. I expect sex. I am reading your book for sex and honestly, the suspense is secondary. Some call this "romance" because it makes them feel more comfortable or clean, but it is really sex/suspense. There are way too many mystery and thriller writers with only a very small number who reign supreme. I say, continue to reign supreme in your genre, romantic (sex)/suspense. Griffin, who I have previously read with fond recollection, starts out strong but loses steam and thus Far Gone becomes one of many generic stories by nameless authors. I want a decent story and some hot attraction and witty dialogue between fairly attractive characters who can't keep their clothes on with a fair amount of detail past no more than page 50. Page 30 is better.
Provided by publisher
Provided by publisher
April 3, 2016
3.5 This one was just ok for me. Not my favorite Griffin book.
May 12, 2025
How did I miss this book while I was reading through the Tracers Series? Griffin slipped this one in as a standalone and she really should have included it in that series as the Delphi Center does play a role in the book. The plot is a little dated, you can definitely tell by the pop culture and political references, but it is still a great plot, and the romance and suspense were wonderful. My only problem with this book is that the hero should have just said: "I was wrong, I'm sorry." that is going to cost a 1/2-Star.
Andrea Finch is a loner. She grew up having no one, except her younger brother, after her father abandoned them and her mother died in a car accident. Men have come and gone from her life, no big deal. When she became a cop for the Austin PD, she finally found her place, then a tragic shooting threatens to take that away. Andrea doesn't need her brother's drama on top of that. But when Gavin quits school, moves to a dusty west Texas town and goes off the grid, at least she now has something else to focus on besides her own trouble.
After an encounter with Andrea at a bar, FBI agent Jon North is intrigued, not only in the woman, but why she is in this small Texas town to begin with and how much can she mess with his case. Four months is a long time to build a case, and Jon is sure that Andrea's brother is a key to doing that. But Andrea is not inclined to help him convince Gavin to cooperate.
Something big is going on at the ranch Gavin is staying at. The owner, Shay Hardin, has links to various militia groups and sells guns at gun shows for a living. Jon suspects him of a whole lot more and Gavin is in the middle of it all. Getting Andrea to help would go a long way to making his case. But getting Andrea to trust him would be a big step in seeing where their attraction could lead. First, they have to stop a plot that would pay tribute to a dark day in American history.
4 1/2-Stars
Andrea Finch is a loner. She grew up having no one, except her younger brother, after her father abandoned them and her mother died in a car accident. Men have come and gone from her life, no big deal. When she became a cop for the Austin PD, she finally found her place, then a tragic shooting threatens to take that away. Andrea doesn't need her brother's drama on top of that. But when Gavin quits school, moves to a dusty west Texas town and goes off the grid, at least she now has something else to focus on besides her own trouble.
After an encounter with Andrea at a bar, FBI agent Jon North is intrigued, not only in the woman, but why she is in this small Texas town to begin with and how much can she mess with his case. Four months is a long time to build a case, and Jon is sure that Andrea's brother is a key to doing that. But Andrea is not inclined to help him convince Gavin to cooperate.
Something big is going on at the ranch Gavin is staying at. The owner, Shay Hardin, has links to various militia groups and sells guns at gun shows for a living. Jon suspects him of a whole lot more and Gavin is in the middle of it all. Getting Andrea to help would go a long way to making his case. But getting Andrea to trust him would be a big step in seeing where their attraction could lead. First, they have to stop a plot that would pay tribute to a dark day in American history.
4 1/2-Stars
October 25, 2016
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
This stand-alone by Laura Griffin also includes characters from the Tracers series, as well as a trip to the fictional Delphi Center of godly forensic glory in the Tracers world.
To be honest, as new side characters were introduced, I think I might have gotten slightly distracted. Not only were some Tracers characters present, be we also get a good amount of Elizabeth LeBlanc, who I recall being introduced in the sixth Tracers installment, Scorched (see my review). In the eighth Tracers book, she is front and center as a main character (Beyond Limits, see my review). So I spent a little bit of my attention trying to figure out where in this world Far Gone fit into despite the fact that it is a stand-alone and not listed as part of the Tracers series.
I consider the fact that Elizabeth LeBlanc spends a bit of time lusting over our main male character, Jon North, as an indication that the timeline in this book definitely takes place pre-Beyond Limits.
But enough about that...
The Story:
Andrea Finch is on leave from duty after a police shooting gone wrong. But even as she spends her days holed up away from the world, she gets a phone call from her brother, asking her to borrow two thousand dollars. It doesn't take long for Andrea to find out that her brother, Gavin, has fallen in with the wrong crowd that could possibly get him either arrested or killed.
Meanwhile, Jon North is running out of time on his investigation. A hunch and sparse evidence has lead him to West Texas where an unsolved murder and a terrorist bombing leads to something much more sinister. And all of his information, so far, is pointing at the new friends that Andrea's brother has made at Lost Creek Ranch.
With the clock ticking down, Andrea and Jon realize that they need to work with each other in order to stop a maniac from leaving his final message, and dragging more innocent lives down with him, just to prove a point.
My Thoughts:
Far Gone is a very enjoyable Laura Griffin crime thriller--it is very much what I typically expect from her, and so I admit that I enjoyed it in spite of a few reasons I probably wouldn't have. Laura Griffin, to me, is a tried-and-true author whom I never tire of picking up. Unfortunately, with a lot of her books, I always have this "I think I've read this before" feeling. And Far Gone was a book that also gave me that same feeling, yet at the same time, it's a well-written, dark and gritty crime thriller that dives right into the story and keeps you hooked.
I have no qualms reading and rereading Laura Griffin books, which is saying something, since I had actually started out feeling rather 'meh' about her work. But as I continued to read each of her books, from one series to another, and then devouring the whole of her Tracers series within weeks, I realized that I came to really love reading books by Laura Griffin, and am always anticipating her next new release.
Far Gone involves a rather exciting story line that keeps rolling forward without stopping. And once you start reading it, it's very hard to set it down. It's not a murder mystery per se, though there is a murder investigation involved. I would say it revolves more around a terrorism/counter-terrorism theme, which makes for a pretty great page-turning experience.
Characters in Far Gone are nothing special, but I truly do love how each character plays their roles well and are portrayed in such a realistic fashion that you get caught up in their world quite easily. I mean, I spent a good amount of the book being completely irritated with Andrea's little brother, who just kept digging his hole deeper and deeper, but who, in the end just kind of struck me as that one naive, younger sibling who needs to learn from his or her own mistakes eventually. It was hard to be angry with him once he actually appears in the book.
The investigation taking place in Far Gone was structured quite well, although I DO admit that there were a few moments where I might have gotten a little lost--I had a bit of trouble figuring out what the heck our federal agents were doing with themselves. But the book moved forward and so did I.
The romance between Jon North and Andrea Finch felt a bit strained, but at least it was easier for me to accept. They start off with a mutual attraction that develops with more time spent together. But the 'I love yous' don't really get thrown around, and, honestly, I'm quite alright with that. These two had their own priorities to deal with without entangling themselves in too much of an angst-ridden love story. They knew when to put their romantic issues on hold so that they could get their jobs done and save lives.
Far Gone is enjoyable, exciting, entertaining. Laura Griffin always delivers. And for that, I will always be glad that I came back to read her books even thought I'd had reserves about her after reading one of her first books in the pre-Tracers duologies.
***
2016 Reading Challenges:
• Goodreads Reading Challenge
• BookLikes Reading Challenge
• Reading Assignment Challenge
This stand-alone by Laura Griffin also includes characters from the Tracers series, as well as a trip to the fictional Delphi Center of godly forensic glory in the Tracers world.
To be honest, as new side characters were introduced, I think I might have gotten slightly distracted. Not only were some Tracers characters present, be we also get a good amount of Elizabeth LeBlanc, who I recall being introduced in the sixth Tracers installment, Scorched (see my review). In the eighth Tracers book, she is front and center as a main character (Beyond Limits, see my review). So I spent a little bit of my attention trying to figure out where in this world Far Gone fit into despite the fact that it is a stand-alone and not listed as part of the Tracers series.
I consider the fact that Elizabeth LeBlanc spends a bit of time lusting over our main male character, Jon North, as an indication that the timeline in this book definitely takes place pre-Beyond Limits.
But enough about that...
The Story:
Andrea Finch is on leave from duty after a police shooting gone wrong. But even as she spends her days holed up away from the world, she gets a phone call from her brother, asking her to borrow two thousand dollars. It doesn't take long for Andrea to find out that her brother, Gavin, has fallen in with the wrong crowd that could possibly get him either arrested or killed.
Meanwhile, Jon North is running out of time on his investigation. A hunch and sparse evidence has lead him to West Texas where an unsolved murder and a terrorist bombing leads to something much more sinister. And all of his information, so far, is pointing at the new friends that Andrea's brother has made at Lost Creek Ranch.
With the clock ticking down, Andrea and Jon realize that they need to work with each other in order to stop a maniac from leaving his final message, and dragging more innocent lives down with him, just to prove a point.
My Thoughts:
Far Gone is a very enjoyable Laura Griffin crime thriller--it is very much what I typically expect from her, and so I admit that I enjoyed it in spite of a few reasons I probably wouldn't have. Laura Griffin, to me, is a tried-and-true author whom I never tire of picking up. Unfortunately, with a lot of her books, I always have this "I think I've read this before" feeling. And Far Gone was a book that also gave me that same feeling, yet at the same time, it's a well-written, dark and gritty crime thriller that dives right into the story and keeps you hooked.
I have no qualms reading and rereading Laura Griffin books, which is saying something, since I had actually started out feeling rather 'meh' about her work. But as I continued to read each of her books, from one series to another, and then devouring the whole of her Tracers series within weeks, I realized that I came to really love reading books by Laura Griffin, and am always anticipating her next new release.
Far Gone involves a rather exciting story line that keeps rolling forward without stopping. And once you start reading it, it's very hard to set it down. It's not a murder mystery per se, though there is a murder investigation involved. I would say it revolves more around a terrorism/counter-terrorism theme, which makes for a pretty great page-turning experience.
Characters in Far Gone are nothing special, but I truly do love how each character plays their roles well and are portrayed in such a realistic fashion that you get caught up in their world quite easily. I mean, I spent a good amount of the book being completely irritated with Andrea's little brother, who just kept digging his hole deeper and deeper, but who, in the end just kind of struck me as that one naive, younger sibling who needs to learn from his or her own mistakes eventually. It was hard to be angry with him once he actually appears in the book.
The investigation taking place in Far Gone was structured quite well, although I DO admit that there were a few moments where I might have gotten a little lost--I had a bit of trouble figuring out what the heck our federal agents were doing with themselves. But the book moved forward and so did I.
The romance between Jon North and Andrea Finch felt a bit strained, but at least it was easier for me to accept. They start off with a mutual attraction that develops with more time spent together. But the 'I love yous' don't really get thrown around, and, honestly, I'm quite alright with that. These two had their own priorities to deal with without entangling themselves in too much of an angst-ridden love story. They knew when to put their romantic issues on hold so that they could get their jobs done and save lives.
Far Gone is enjoyable, exciting, entertaining. Laura Griffin always delivers. And for that, I will always be glad that I came back to read her books even thought I'd had reserves about her after reading one of her first books in the pre-Tracers duologies.
***
2016 Reading Challenges:
• Goodreads Reading Challenge
• BookLikes Reading Challenge
• Reading Assignment Challenge
April 13, 2014
Sometimes you read a book and you like it but you don't really know how to put it into words. Yep... I'm stumped! Or, just writer's block... can reviewers get that?? Guess so! :)
Anyways... this was an engaging Romantic suspense... well written... believable storyline... lots going on to keep you on your toes!
I really liked the hero/heroine... Andrea is a strong female lead which always makes me happy. The romance was well blended with the overall story.
This was my first Laura Griffin novel and it won't be my last... she has a nice, easy flowing writing style. Hope to dive into her Tracers series eventually.
Would definitely recommend this one to fans of romantic suspense!
ARC was provided by the publisher via edelweiss
www.ktbookreviews.com
Anyways... this was an engaging Romantic suspense... well written... believable storyline... lots going on to keep you on your toes!
I really liked the hero/heroine... Andrea is a strong female lead which always makes me happy. The romance was well blended with the overall story.
This was my first Laura Griffin novel and it won't be my last... she has a nice, easy flowing writing style. Hope to dive into her Tracers series eventually.
Would definitely recommend this one to fans of romantic suspense!
ARC was provided by the publisher via edelweiss
www.ktbookreviews.com
January 3, 2016
I've enjoyed Laura's other romantic suspense novels, but this one seemed more...scattered than the others. Lots of POV characters, which I normally don't mind, but it seemed rushed and there wasn't enough focus on the main protagonists - not enough emotion and complexity either. In other words, I wanted more about Andrea and Jon and less about everyone else :) Otherwise, the plot and pacing worked well and I was happy with the ending. Also not going to stop me from reading Shadow Fall, which I received as a holiday present!
August 3, 2016
4.5 *this reader is happy* stars out of 5
Griffin’s books really appeal to me. The pacing is always excellent, the dialogue feels natural, and the tension, from the bad guys to the bed sheets, is always smoking. Far Gone is no exception, I was engulfed from beginning to end.
The romance reader in me really appreciates the subtleties of Griffin's pen. I would say this is one of Griffin’s strengths in both this novel and in general. She sees her characters in a way that I find real life, like when Jon wears a suit well and when Andrea's figure looks snug in a thin t-shirt. These little descriptives are simple and somewhat spare but they make Far Gone quite accessible to readers who enjoy a little mystery and danger with their romance, or those who enjoy a little tender humanity with their mystery/thriller.
The romance reader in me also loves that it is a rare situation if both characters can't handle themselves. Their relationship is on even footing from the beginning, neither needs a true protector. As far as Rom suspense goes, I’ve found few others that compare to Griffin for this. Andrea is a detective who is capable, experienced, and smart. Jon is an FBI agent, strong, smart, experienced. No one weighs anyone down here, there’s a mystery to solve and both parties are fully capable doing their jobs.
The thriller reader in me really appreciates a well-crafted story. Griffin’s obvious inspiration allowed for a mystery that was not only believable, but plausible. Scarily so really. On top of that, Griffin's journalistic background really shows through in the story from the breath-holding sniper shots to a moment in the life of an ICE agent. Griffin does her research and it shows.
I enjoyed another winner from Laura Griffin and already eagerly await her next.
A slightly bloggier version can be found here:
http://c0urtnie.booklikes.com/post/75...
Griffin’s books really appeal to me. The pacing is always excellent, the dialogue feels natural, and the tension, from the bad guys to the bed sheets, is always smoking. Far Gone is no exception, I was engulfed from beginning to end.
The romance reader in me really appreciates the subtleties of Griffin's pen. I would say this is one of Griffin’s strengths in both this novel and in general. She sees her characters in a way that I find real life, like when Jon wears a suit well and when Andrea's figure looks snug in a thin t-shirt. These little descriptives are simple and somewhat spare but they make Far Gone quite accessible to readers who enjoy a little mystery and danger with their romance, or those who enjoy a little tender humanity with their mystery/thriller.
The romance reader in me also loves that it is a rare situation if both characters can't handle themselves. Their relationship is on even footing from the beginning, neither needs a true protector. As far as Rom suspense goes, I’ve found few others that compare to Griffin for this. Andrea is a detective who is capable, experienced, and smart. Jon is an FBI agent, strong, smart, experienced. No one weighs anyone down here, there’s a mystery to solve and both parties are fully capable doing their jobs.
The thriller reader in me really appreciates a well-crafted story. Griffin’s obvious inspiration allowed for a mystery that was not only believable, but plausible. Scarily so really. On top of that, Griffin's journalistic background really shows through in the story from the breath-holding sniper shots to a moment in the life of an ICE agent. Griffin does her research and it shows.
I enjoyed another winner from Laura Griffin and already eagerly await her next.
A slightly bloggier version can be found here:
http://c0urtnie.booklikes.com/post/75...
November 14, 2015
Two-haiku review:
FBI and cop
Trying to stop terrorist
Danger and romance
Really great plotting
My first Laura Griffin book
But def not my last
FBI and cop
Trying to stop terrorist
Danger and romance
Really great plotting
My first Laura Griffin book
But def not my last
May 17, 2014
I count Laura Griffin's Tracer series amongst my favourites and it serves as a great example of a series which is well researched and provides ample focus on the science of crime solving and the relationship between the protagonists so when I picked up her new single title Far Gone, I went in with huge expectations and they fell short.
Police detective Andrea Finch is involved in a shooting which is under inquiry and then she hears from her baby brother and knows he is in trouble, which leads her straight to a cult of sorts and smack into the middle of a FBI investigation and FBI agent Jon North.
We are told Jon is a dedicated agent and his focus for now is one man he knows is upto no good but he has no proof and Andrea's brother can help him with the evidence he needs.
Now for me if the romance isn't the primary focus, it isn't a problem but in this book I had a problem with the plot and the mystery. Everyone knows that the guy Andrea's brother is working for and living with is a bad guy and is a possible robber and bomber, but proving it is the problem.
Now, how the investigation happened in the book was full of blunders. I found both Andrea and Jon incompetent and their actions were very stupid many times. Plus their attraction didn't seem real to me and I didn't have an iota of interest in their romance and the way Andrea's brother was written made him come off like a stupid, ungrateful sibling.
Overall I cannot recommend this book because in no ways it is an example of the best Laura Griffin can offer. Is it a bad book? Honestly, no, I would call it an average book but coming from Laura Griffin I expect more.
ARC provided by publisher through Edelweiss.
Police detective Andrea Finch is involved in a shooting which is under inquiry and then she hears from her baby brother and knows he is in trouble, which leads her straight to a cult of sorts and smack into the middle of a FBI investigation and FBI agent Jon North.
We are told Jon is a dedicated agent and his focus for now is one man he knows is upto no good but he has no proof and Andrea's brother can help him with the evidence he needs.
Now for me if the romance isn't the primary focus, it isn't a problem but in this book I had a problem with the plot and the mystery. Everyone knows that the guy Andrea's brother is working for and living with is a bad guy and is a possible robber and bomber, but proving it is the problem.
Now, how the investigation happened in the book was full of blunders. I found both Andrea and Jon incompetent and their actions were very stupid many times. Plus their attraction didn't seem real to me and I didn't have an iota of interest in their romance and the way Andrea's brother was written made him come off like a stupid, ungrateful sibling.
Overall I cannot recommend this book because in no ways it is an example of the best Laura Griffin can offer. Is it a bad book? Honestly, no, I would call it an average book but coming from Laura Griffin I expect more.
ARC provided by publisher through Edelweiss.
December 20, 2013
A police investigation on the background of terrorism and political scandal.
If I like romantic suspense stories written by Laura Griffin, it's because they often have a fairly strong female character. It's still true with Andrea, who is quite stubborn and determined to help her brother at all costs.
However, I stayed a bit on my end with this adventure.
The romance is secondary but nice. It highlights the investigation and the tedious work of law enforcement by showing how time consuming a case can become.
Anyhow, I would have liked a final explosion that would have blowed my mind...
Indeed, the author raises the pressure in making this investigation a personal mission for Andrea, whose brother is working for the bad guys. So, I was expecting an explosive and tragic ending.
I had some adrenaline rush then, Poof... It's was too lukewarm for my taste.
Quite honestly, the end has a huge potential to make my hairs stand up and make me turn avidly the pages ... Therefore, it's exactly what happened until I told myself ... "That's all?"
This is all the more frustrating that the plot is good, contemporary. It is conducted as if it were a cobweb. After someone discovers a clue, another question arises. The ramifications are significant with political vengeance, extremist thoughts and paranoia of the brains of this operation...
A good thriller but the end has not won me over.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
If I like romantic suspense stories written by Laura Griffin, it's because they often have a fairly strong female character. It's still true with Andrea, who is quite stubborn and determined to help her brother at all costs.
However, I stayed a bit on my end with this adventure.
The romance is secondary but nice. It highlights the investigation and the tedious work of law enforcement by showing how time consuming a case can become.
Anyhow, I would have liked a final explosion that would have blowed my mind...
Indeed, the author raises the pressure in making this investigation a personal mission for Andrea, whose brother is working for the bad guys. So, I was expecting an explosive and tragic ending.
I had some adrenaline rush then, Poof... It's was too lukewarm for my taste.
Quite honestly, the end has a huge potential to make my hairs stand up and make me turn avidly the pages ... Therefore, it's exactly what happened until I told myself ... "That's all?"
This is all the more frustrating that the plot is good, contemporary. It is conducted as if it were a cobweb. After someone discovers a clue, another question arises. The ramifications are significant with political vengeance, extremist thoughts and paranoia of the brains of this operation...
A good thriller but the end has not won me over.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
March 10, 2014
I love Laura Griffin’s Tracer series. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC. This book is Ms. Griffin’s hardcover debut! All the heroines in this series are strong, self-sufficient women and Andrea Finch is no exception. She is on administrative leave for an off-duty shooting which left a teenager dead. Andrea struggles with this both personally and professionally. Her brother, Gavin, is missing and she puts these problems behind to try and find him. Gavin is a computer geek and she learns he is involved with a suspected terrorist group. In her search she encounters Jon North, an undercover FBI agent, who believes this group is planning something big. When he finds out her brother is involved, he wants her to help him by bringing her brother in. Andrea wants to find her brother before the FBI so she can protect him. Jon North wants her help him or stay out of his way. They do not trust each other but are attracted in spite of themselves. I loved Jon North! It was fun to watch them fight their attraction while trying to achieve their goals, without giving in. The secondary characters were equally as engaging. I hope Elizabeth LeBlanc and Jimmy Torres get their story. I loved this book.
February 27, 2014
Laura Griffin never let's me down. Her latest, Far Gone, did not disappoint. It was fantastic and easily one of my favorites. I was hooked from the start. It has it all...suspense, action, and an intense romantic connection between the two leads that draws you in. The main characters are Andrea Finch, an Austin detective who is on leave after an off duty shooting and Jon North, a FBI agent. They become involved when her personal investigation collides with his professional one.
They are both very likeable characters. Andrea is sharp and is great at reading people. She is both strong and vulnerable. Jon was hard to read for me at the beginning. As the story developed his steady intensity just sucked me in. His strength and confidence were very appealing. He is hot!
I am always fascinated with the Delphi Center. I find it so interesting. It makes me want to work there! The attention to detail Laura includes makes it apparent how much research she has done for each of her books.
It was great to see two of my favorites characters have small parts in this story. Alex and Nathan's book is one of my favorites!
Far Gone is a keeper! It will seem like forever until her next release. Write fast Laura!
They are both very likeable characters. Andrea is sharp and is great at reading people. She is both strong and vulnerable. Jon was hard to read for me at the beginning. As the story developed his steady intensity just sucked me in. His strength and confidence were very appealing. He is hot!
I am always fascinated with the Delphi Center. I find it so interesting. It makes me want to work there! The attention to detail Laura includes makes it apparent how much research she has done for each of her books.
It was great to see two of my favorites characters have small parts in this story. Alex and Nathan's book is one of my favorites!
Far Gone is a keeper! It will seem like forever until her next release. Write fast Laura!
June 7, 2014
A gripping story rife with suspense, sexiness and mystery… the kind that makes your heart pound as you anticipate what happens next. It’s a riveting page-turner!
This is my first experience reading a story by Laura Griffin and I can assure you it won’t be my last. Her engaging story telling has a way of pulling you in, not only through the writing, but also with a plot fabricated with layers of mystery, with twists and turns that kept me devouring the pages to see what happens next. It’s a character driven story where we get to know both Detective Andrea Finch and Agent Jon North through their reactions to the events that unfold in the story, their always-on thoughts and motivations, and the sexually charged moments they share. We get a sense of how they think, what fuels them, what troubles them. The story itself is a romantic suspense story, but the story isn’t driven by the romance, rather, it’s enhanced and enlivened by it. The plot itself is gripping and mysterious as these two people chase down a criminal mastermind at the precipice of striking again… or so they think.
Andrea Finch is a well-respected detective at Austin PD until recently her gut instincts resulted in her suspension. Her funk is suddenly interrupted however, when she gets a call from her younger brother Gavin, asking her for money. When she realizes Gavin has quit school and could be involved with some–at best–questionable people, she decides to follow those infamous gut instincts again, taking matters into her own hands and checking things out. She heads to the Texas border in search of her brother, but instead of finding him, Jon North finds her.
Jon North is an FBI agent working undercover, trying to crack a case that people dismissed years ago, but one he feels is hotter now more than ever. Jon is handsome, rugged, smart and stubborn. He, like Andrea, is married to his job, fueled by the thrill of the chase, the allure of the puzzle. He’s got a feeling about this case and he feels Shay Hardin, an anti-government extremist, is a whole lot more trouble than what he seems.
When the case brings him face to face with Andrea Finch, sister to someone who is working with Hardin on the inside, he sees her as a possible “in” to helping him uncover what’s going on in the mysterious and dusty Lost Creek Ranch where Hardin resides. Andrea, however, is tenacious, smart and resolute on helping her brother. She knows that Jon is likely working her to get Gavin to talk. Problem is, however, the more time Jon spends with Andrea, the more he seems to be drawn to her, forgetting his initial motives.
Their investigations continue to collide, and as Jon confides in Andrea his theory of Hardin’s much broader and deadly scheme, a series of events brings them closer to danger each time, and closer to each other too. The pages heat up with sizzling, sexually charged scenes that made me want to will these two people to collide in every possible way!
Andrea must overcome her impulse to run away every time a serious situation confronts her. They both need to trust each other. And they must both work together to fit all the pieces to this deadly puzzle as the clock ticks down the time to when Jon’s case is shut down permanently and Hardin strikes at a major level.
Andrea Griffin is an expert at keeping us in a chilling, thrilling sense of suspense throughout. I loved the natural draw of the story. Loved the interactions and banter between Andrea and Jon too. If you love suspense, intriguing characters and a relentlessly consuming plot, you will love Far Gone!
For more reviews, visit my website at Vilma's Book Blog and connect with me on Facebook.
This is my first experience reading a story by Laura Griffin and I can assure you it won’t be my last. Her engaging story telling has a way of pulling you in, not only through the writing, but also with a plot fabricated with layers of mystery, with twists and turns that kept me devouring the pages to see what happens next. It’s a character driven story where we get to know both Detective Andrea Finch and Agent Jon North through their reactions to the events that unfold in the story, their always-on thoughts and motivations, and the sexually charged moments they share. We get a sense of how they think, what fuels them, what troubles them. The story itself is a romantic suspense story, but the story isn’t driven by the romance, rather, it’s enhanced and enlivened by it. The plot itself is gripping and mysterious as these two people chase down a criminal mastermind at the precipice of striking again… or so they think.
“Hardin is bad news. You know it as well as I do… He’s using your brother for something–and whatever it is can’t be good.”
Andrea Finch is a well-respected detective at Austin PD until recently her gut instincts resulted in her suspension. Her funk is suddenly interrupted however, when she gets a call from her younger brother Gavin, asking her for money. When she realizes Gavin has quit school and could be involved with some–at best–questionable people, she decides to follow those infamous gut instincts again, taking matters into her own hands and checking things out. She heads to the Texas border in search of her brother, but instead of finding him, Jon North finds her.
“North felt something for this case that Torres could see but didn’t really understand. He felt a passion about it, a determination that they were going to get the guy and bring him to justice.”
Jon North is an FBI agent working undercover, trying to crack a case that people dismissed years ago, but one he feels is hotter now more than ever. Jon is handsome, rugged, smart and stubborn. He, like Andrea, is married to his job, fueled by the thrill of the chase, the allure of the puzzle. He’s got a feeling about this case and he feels Shay Hardin, an anti-government extremist, is a whole lot more trouble than what he seems.
“She continued to surprise him, and he wasn’t easily surprised by people. She was a mix of contradictions–brusque and sensitive, determined and hesitant, alluring and prickly–all at the same time.”
When the case brings him face to face with Andrea Finch, sister to someone who is working with Hardin on the inside, he sees her as a possible “in” to helping him uncover what’s going on in the mysterious and dusty Lost Creek Ranch where Hardin resides. Andrea, however, is tenacious, smart and resolute on helping her brother. She knows that Jon is likely working her to get Gavin to talk. Problem is, however, the more time Jon spends with Andrea, the more he seems to be drawn to her, forgetting his initial motives.
“Andrea Finch intrigued him. Not just her family–her. And since the night he’d met her, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his head.”
Their investigations continue to collide, and as Jon confides in Andrea his theory of Hardin’s much broader and deadly scheme, a series of events brings them closer to danger each time, and closer to each other too. The pages heat up with sizzling, sexually charged scenes that made me want to will these two people to collide in every possible way!
“She wanted… if she was honest with herself, she wanted him to want more of her. She wanted him to want her back, again and again. It was a reckless thing to want.”
Andrea must overcome her impulse to run away every time a serious situation confronts her. They both need to trust each other. And they must both work together to fit all the pieces to this deadly puzzle as the clock ticks down the time to when Jon’s case is shut down permanently and Hardin strikes at a major level.
Andrea Griffin is an expert at keeping us in a chilling, thrilling sense of suspense throughout. I loved the natural draw of the story. Loved the interactions and banter between Andrea and Jon too. If you love suspense, intriguing characters and a relentlessly consuming plot, you will love Far Gone!
For more reviews, visit my website at Vilma's Book Blog and connect with me on Facebook.
May 3, 2014
REVIEW OF AUDIO & EBOOK; MAY 2, 2014
Narrator: Candace Thaxton
What the other reviewers have given about the plot is all I got so no point repeating it.
I found the scenes dropped into the story haphazardly and while the plot is pretty simple - Andrea Finch's quest to locate and rescue her kid brother, if necessary, runs smack into an undercover FBI operation - the way this rather promising story was laid out didn't work for me. I had a very frustrating time connecting the dots as I listened to the audiobook and had to pause so many times to check the ebook. As any audiobook listener will testify, if you have to do this three times or more, your enjoyment is gone. Far Gone!
I bought this based on the numerous 5 star reviews that gushed over it and when this turned out to be another Griffin I didn't like, I wanted to know what I missed. Reading the reviews carefully this time, I realized the kudos revolved around the romance, around FBI agent, Jon North. The reviews gave the plot outline, as I mentioned, but only one or two actually critiqued the way the plot was put together.
Sequencing is important to me when I'm reading a romantic suspense because of the suspense plot. I don't want the author to reveal too much, obviously, but I also don't want to have to work too much to make sense of what's happening either.
Belatedly, I saw the Audible review which said, "Hopscotch Plot - Makes No Sense" and that she "hardly made it past the first hour before giving up. It hopscotches all over the place and did not engage me enough to want to figure it out. " That kinda summaries my thoughts, the only diff being I am still interested enough and may try this again another time. I skipped some parts of the second half but did read the ending.
Finally, the amount of romance was fine for me. I don't like my romance to take up too much of the word count so I was happy with the ratio here. However, I felt Jon North was terribly underdeveloped for an MC so while the quantity of romance vs action/suspense was good for me, the quality of the romance was meh.
Narrator: Candace Thaxton
What the other reviewers have given about the plot is all I got so no point repeating it.
I found the scenes dropped into the story haphazardly and while the plot is pretty simple - Andrea Finch's quest to locate and rescue her kid brother, if necessary, runs smack into an undercover FBI operation - the way this rather promising story was laid out didn't work for me. I had a very frustrating time connecting the dots as I listened to the audiobook and had to pause so many times to check the ebook. As any audiobook listener will testify, if you have to do this three times or more, your enjoyment is gone. Far Gone!
I bought this based on the numerous 5 star reviews that gushed over it and when this turned out to be another Griffin I didn't like, I wanted to know what I missed. Reading the reviews carefully this time, I realized the kudos revolved around the romance, around FBI agent, Jon North. The reviews gave the plot outline, as I mentioned, but only one or two actually critiqued the way the plot was put together.
Sequencing is important to me when I'm reading a romantic suspense because of the suspense plot. I don't want the author to reveal too much, obviously, but I also don't want to have to work too much to make sense of what's happening either.
Belatedly, I saw the Audible review which said, "Hopscotch Plot - Makes No Sense" and that she "hardly made it past the first hour before giving up. It hopscotches all over the place and did not engage me enough to want to figure it out. " That kinda summaries my thoughts, the only diff being I am still interested enough and may try this again another time. I skipped some parts of the second half but did read the ending.
Finally, the amount of romance was fine for me. I don't like my romance to take up too much of the word count so I was happy with the ratio here. However, I felt Jon North was terribly underdeveloped for an MC so while the quantity of romance vs action/suspense was good for me, the quality of the romance was meh.
July 18, 2014
Detective Andrea Finch is placed on administrative leave from the Austin Police Department after a questionable shooting results in the death of a young man. While she is on leave, her younger brother Gavin calls to ask her for cash and to let her know he has dropped out of college. Since the deaths of their parents, Andrea has assumed responsibility for Gavin. When he will not answer her questions, Andrea refuses to help him.
Andrea is an intelligent, independent, and stubborn heroine. When the conversation with her brother ends abruptly, Andrea goes in search of him. Eventually, she finds her brother in a small border town in west Texas. Andrea discovers her brother is living at a ranch outside of town, with a number of other persons. Unknown to Andrea, she is not the only one watching the ranch.
FBI Special Agent Jon North, working undercover, also is watching the ranch. Jon suspects that the inhabitants of the ranch are behind an unsolved murder, which may be connected to a larger, more dangerous plot with far reaching consequences.
When Jon learns that Andrea’s brother is at the ranch, he believes Gavin is involved. Andrea is equally convinced that her brother unknowingly has stumbled into something and has no way out.
Although attracted to each other, Andrea and Jon are loggerheads as to how to proceed. When they finally agree to work together, their personal relationship heats up, and the plot Jon suspects moves into high gear. The only question is whether Jon and Andrea will be able to undermine the plot and admit their feelings for each other.
There is sufficient suspense, betrayal, and twists to keep the reader captivated.
Laura Griffin once again delivers a well-written book that will have you hooked from the first page. I finished "Far Gone" in one day.
I highly recommend Far Gone. Having read all of Ms. Griffin’s books, I also unequivocally recommend them to any reader who genuinely enjoys Romantic Suspense, that is, a balance between the two genres.
I received a complimentary copy of Far Gone in exchange for an honest review.
Andrea is an intelligent, independent, and stubborn heroine. When the conversation with her brother ends abruptly, Andrea goes in search of him. Eventually, she finds her brother in a small border town in west Texas. Andrea discovers her brother is living at a ranch outside of town, with a number of other persons. Unknown to Andrea, she is not the only one watching the ranch.
FBI Special Agent Jon North, working undercover, also is watching the ranch. Jon suspects that the inhabitants of the ranch are behind an unsolved murder, which may be connected to a larger, more dangerous plot with far reaching consequences.
When Jon learns that Andrea’s brother is at the ranch, he believes Gavin is involved. Andrea is equally convinced that her brother unknowingly has stumbled into something and has no way out.
Although attracted to each other, Andrea and Jon are loggerheads as to how to proceed. When they finally agree to work together, their personal relationship heats up, and the plot Jon suspects moves into high gear. The only question is whether Jon and Andrea will be able to undermine the plot and admit their feelings for each other.
There is sufficient suspense, betrayal, and twists to keep the reader captivated.
Laura Griffin once again delivers a well-written book that will have you hooked from the first page. I finished "Far Gone" in one day.
I highly recommend Far Gone. Having read all of Ms. Griffin’s books, I also unequivocally recommend them to any reader who genuinely enjoys Romantic Suspense, that is, a balance between the two genres.
I received a complimentary copy of Far Gone in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2014
To save her only brother, Andrea Finch must face down a criminal mastermind, the FBI, and her own demons in this thrilling novel from the author of the bestselling Tracers series.
Police detective Andrea Finch is a rising star in her department until a split-second decision derails her career. Disgraced and disillusioned, she’s on leave from her job when she gets an urgent call from her younger brother. She’d prefer to ignore his latest plea for cash, but this time instinct tells her something is very wrong. Andrea’s search for answers takes her to a dusty Texas border town where danger lurks in plain sight and nothing is quite what it seems.
FBI agent Jon North is working undercover in west Texas investigating an unsolved murder that may be linked to a broader plot. But when the evidence points to Andrea’s brother, Jon finds that persuading the stubborn cop to help will be harder than cracking his toughest case.
Andrea must find a way to do what’s right while protecting her only sibling. As the clock ticks down on a deadly plot, Andrea and Jon race to confront a heartless killer who will stop at nothing to deliver a final, terrifying message(from Netgalley & Edelweiss)
My Thoughts
I like both of the main characters, Andrea Finch and Jon North. Andrea is loyal to her brother and is determined to find out the truth regarding his involvement with a home grown terrorist group. Jon wants to help her, but also has a job to do trying to prevent another attack on American soil. They are both strong willed and frequently butt heads. It is their strength and weakness that also cause them to be attracted to each other.
This was excellent! Fast paced and went right down to the wire with suspense. Just enough romance to make the relationship seem real and be a good fit with the rest of the story line. Ms. Griffin sure knows how to hold the readers attention.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster, via Netgalley & Edelweiss, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
Police detective Andrea Finch is a rising star in her department until a split-second decision derails her career. Disgraced and disillusioned, she’s on leave from her job when she gets an urgent call from her younger brother. She’d prefer to ignore his latest plea for cash, but this time instinct tells her something is very wrong. Andrea’s search for answers takes her to a dusty Texas border town where danger lurks in plain sight and nothing is quite what it seems.
FBI agent Jon North is working undercover in west Texas investigating an unsolved murder that may be linked to a broader plot. But when the evidence points to Andrea’s brother, Jon finds that persuading the stubborn cop to help will be harder than cracking his toughest case.
Andrea must find a way to do what’s right while protecting her only sibling. As the clock ticks down on a deadly plot, Andrea and Jon race to confront a heartless killer who will stop at nothing to deliver a final, terrifying message(from Netgalley & Edelweiss)
My Thoughts
I like both of the main characters, Andrea Finch and Jon North. Andrea is loyal to her brother and is determined to find out the truth regarding his involvement with a home grown terrorist group. Jon wants to help her, but also has a job to do trying to prevent another attack on American soil. They are both strong willed and frequently butt heads. It is their strength and weakness that also cause them to be attracted to each other.
This was excellent! Fast paced and went right down to the wire with suspense. Just enough romance to make the relationship seem real and be a good fit with the rest of the story line. Ms. Griffin sure knows how to hold the readers attention.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster, via Netgalley & Edelweiss, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 29, 2022
Laura Griffin doesn't disappoint with her hardcover debut, "Far Gone!"
While on administrative leave following an officer involved shooting, Austin PD detective Andrea Finch discovers that her brother Gavin has taken up again with some shady characters from his past. In trying to determine what exactly he's gotten himself into, she meets up with FBI agent Jon North, a no nonsense man who believes that Gavin's associates are much more than just anti-government radicals trying to live off the grid. North thinks Gavin holds the key to cracking his case wide open; the only problem is, no one believes there's even a case to be had, least of all Andrea. The two strong personalities push against each other at every turn, until they begin working together in a race against the clock, attempting to stop the next domestic terrorist attack.
Far Gone kept me turning the pages until late at night just to see what would happen next! One of the things I enjoy most about Laura's books is the sense of realism she brings to the pages. The situations and characters ring so true that it's easy to get sucked in to the story. I love that her main characters, and in particular her heroines, are strong individuals, and yet flawed as well. She does an excellent job weaving the relationship storyline together with the case storyline, so it makes for a very enjoyable read.
If you haven't checked out the Tracers series, I highly recommend that you do! The books are standalone, but characters make appearances in multiple stories. It's a great series, and I always anxiously wait for the next installment!
While on administrative leave following an officer involved shooting, Austin PD detective Andrea Finch discovers that her brother Gavin has taken up again with some shady characters from his past. In trying to determine what exactly he's gotten himself into, she meets up with FBI agent Jon North, a no nonsense man who believes that Gavin's associates are much more than just anti-government radicals trying to live off the grid. North thinks Gavin holds the key to cracking his case wide open; the only problem is, no one believes there's even a case to be had, least of all Andrea. The two strong personalities push against each other at every turn, until they begin working together in a race against the clock, attempting to stop the next domestic terrorist attack.
Far Gone kept me turning the pages until late at night just to see what would happen next! One of the things I enjoy most about Laura's books is the sense of realism she brings to the pages. The situations and characters ring so true that it's easy to get sucked in to the story. I love that her main characters, and in particular her heroines, are strong individuals, and yet flawed as well. She does an excellent job weaving the relationship storyline together with the case storyline, so it makes for a very enjoyable read.
If you haven't checked out the Tracers series, I highly recommend that you do! The books are standalone, but characters make appearances in multiple stories. It's a great series, and I always anxiously wait for the next installment!
December 1, 2014
ARC Review
4.5 stars
Laura Griffin is one of my go-to authors when I want a good romantic suspense story. I've enjoyed her Tracer's series, and I'm especially fond of this one. I would imagine that it is somewhat challenging to write a long running series. This particular book felt fresh to me. Giving only a nominal nod to the past characters, we start with two cops - one local, one federal - with they eyes on the same bad guy but for wholly different reasons.
This book is satisfying. It hits all the right notes. Having worked for an organization that tracks and studies extremist groups, the author got the details right. The story is balanced with the right amount of tension, complexity, and romance. The storyline is suspenseful and thrilling. My one small criticism is that although I enjoyed the characters, I wish they were a little more memorable. Looking back at the book, I could tell you about the conspiracy and terrorist threat but can barely remember the names of the characters.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Even with the small criticism, this is a fantastic read and one I'm certain readers will enjoy.
4.5 stars
Laura Griffin is one of my go-to authors when I want a good romantic suspense story. I've enjoyed her Tracer's series, and I'm especially fond of this one. I would imagine that it is somewhat challenging to write a long running series. This particular book felt fresh to me. Giving only a nominal nod to the past characters, we start with two cops - one local, one federal - with they eyes on the same bad guy but for wholly different reasons.
This book is satisfying. It hits all the right notes. Having worked for an organization that tracks and studies extremist groups, the author got the details right. The story is balanced with the right amount of tension, complexity, and romance. The storyline is suspenseful and thrilling. My one small criticism is that although I enjoyed the characters, I wish they were a little more memorable. Looking back at the book, I could tell you about the conspiracy and terrorist threat but can barely remember the names of the characters.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Even with the small criticism, this is a fantastic read and one I'm certain readers will enjoy.
January 10, 2023
2.5 stars
I picked up this standalone after I read Last Seen Alone, another standalone by Laura Griffin fully ready to devour another outstanding thriller. I have loved all of Griffin’s books even if some were better than others, overall I can say her books are all well research, fast paced, complex, with will developed characters. Sometimes the romance is better in some than others and sometimes I like other characters better independently, but I never finish one of her books feeling like the mystery was wanting in any way. She always does an outstanding job with her mysteries!
I feel like I have said this a million times but I will say it again incase you are new around here—all of Griffin’s books can be read as standalones, even the series. This book is actually a standalone book but if you are worried about what book to pick up, you should know that any book can be picked up at any time and you will be getting a unique mystery, character and story so don’t feel like you need to read her books in order etc.
While I look on all of Griffin’s book fondly, this one was my least favorite character wise. I didn’t like the main character, Andrea. I found her frustrating and her dedication to her brother was way too over the top for me and I had a really hard time relating to her, but I did love the plot in this one and I was really excited to see how it all came about and resolved. If you are looking for a solid well written thriller, Laura Griffin is it all around. Even if I didn’t love the main character, I did love the plot and couldn’t wait to see how it resolved.
For me, Andrea was so pig headed, she was her own worst enemy. I had such a hard time reading her and was so frustrated by her flaw of being blind when it came to her brother. Now I can’t say that I would be any different when it came to my own sibling but at the same time there were so many red flags and her being the mother hen to him his whole life just felt exhausting. I really had a hard time with her character and didn’t like her even in the end when the book wrapped up. Her temper was too volatile and she just wasn’t my cup of tea. Though I did think her and Jon North did have a solid chemistry. I could see why Jon was attracted to her, she was passionate and dedicated to her brother but I could also see why it drove him insane because it drove me insane as well.
This one also had a lot of secondary characters, more than some of her other books. In this one we get to reconnect with Elizabeth LeBlanc from the Tracer’s series. I loved her and I loved getting to see her again in this book. I think this book was after the events of Scorched but before her own book so that was fun to get to see and interact with a series favorite again. But Elizabeth wasn’t the only POV character in this one, we also got the side of the terrorists occasionally. I liked that but it also made the story feel a little busy. Normally Griffin sticks with two, maybe three, POVs but this one I think had four so for me it just felt a little busy.
I did really love the plot though. I recently watched a show on History Channel about home grown terrorists and it’s really terrifying that these people are our neighbors and such. So this book really capitalized on that angle and really highlighted the fear of what’s going on in our own backyards. It was a great plot and even if there were some things about it that felt overly complicated, it was still suspenseful and kept me reading. I was anxious to see how it all panned out and what exactly the motive was behind some of the killings. This was a solid mystery but the execution was a little bumpy. Overall I ended up rating this one a 2.5 star—-without the interesting plot I would have gone with a 2 star but I ended up going with 2.5. It was good but there are better Griffin books out there.
I picked up this standalone after I read Last Seen Alone, another standalone by Laura Griffin fully ready to devour another outstanding thriller. I have loved all of Griffin’s books even if some were better than others, overall I can say her books are all well research, fast paced, complex, with will developed characters. Sometimes the romance is better in some than others and sometimes I like other characters better independently, but I never finish one of her books feeling like the mystery was wanting in any way. She always does an outstanding job with her mysteries!
I feel like I have said this a million times but I will say it again incase you are new around here—all of Griffin’s books can be read as standalones, even the series. This book is actually a standalone book but if you are worried about what book to pick up, you should know that any book can be picked up at any time and you will be getting a unique mystery, character and story so don’t feel like you need to read her books in order etc.
While I look on all of Griffin’s book fondly, this one was my least favorite character wise. I didn’t like the main character, Andrea. I found her frustrating and her dedication to her brother was way too over the top for me and I had a really hard time relating to her, but I did love the plot in this one and I was really excited to see how it all came about and resolved. If you are looking for a solid well written thriller, Laura Griffin is it all around. Even if I didn’t love the main character, I did love the plot and couldn’t wait to see how it resolved.
For me, Andrea was so pig headed, she was her own worst enemy. I had such a hard time reading her and was so frustrated by her flaw of being blind when it came to her brother. Now I can’t say that I would be any different when it came to my own sibling but at the same time there were so many red flags and her being the mother hen to him his whole life just felt exhausting. I really had a hard time with her character and didn’t like her even in the end when the book wrapped up. Her temper was too volatile and she just wasn’t my cup of tea. Though I did think her and Jon North did have a solid chemistry. I could see why Jon was attracted to her, she was passionate and dedicated to her brother but I could also see why it drove him insane because it drove me insane as well.
This one also had a lot of secondary characters, more than some of her other books. In this one we get to reconnect with Elizabeth LeBlanc from the Tracer’s series. I loved her and I loved getting to see her again in this book. I think this book was after the events of Scorched but before her own book so that was fun to get to see and interact with a series favorite again. But Elizabeth wasn’t the only POV character in this one, we also got the side of the terrorists occasionally. I liked that but it also made the story feel a little busy. Normally Griffin sticks with two, maybe three, POVs but this one I think had four so for me it just felt a little busy.
I did really love the plot though. I recently watched a show on History Channel about home grown terrorists and it’s really terrifying that these people are our neighbors and such. So this book really capitalized on that angle and really highlighted the fear of what’s going on in our own backyards. It was a great plot and even if there were some things about it that felt overly complicated, it was still suspenseful and kept me reading. I was anxious to see how it all panned out and what exactly the motive was behind some of the killings. This was a solid mystery but the execution was a little bumpy. Overall I ended up rating this one a 2.5 star—-without the interesting plot I would have gone with a 2 star but I ended up going with 2.5. It was good but there are better Griffin books out there.
April 17, 2014
Far Gone: Laura Griffin
Family is precious and our desire to protect them from harm comes naturally to most of us. But, what happens when someone close to you has taken a wrong turn and does not see that their actions might send them on a downward spiral? What happens when they link up with someone so dangerous and so deadly that their every move is controlled by this person, their means of communication shut off and their every thought controlled because they begin to take on the beliefs of this person? What would link a bombing in a University that killed many students to a six year old bank robberies and an unsolved murder of a judge? Did the same person cause the death of a senator’s daughter in a University bombing? What does gun control and signing a bill trying to limit the sales of guns have to do with this man? In Texas where this story takes place anyone can get a gun? Why would a judge and a state senator sign off on a bill to regulate gun control? What about brainwashing, cults and groups that are subversive and against the ideals of our government? Just how dangerous would the world be if someone like Shay Hardin wins the war he has waged? Far Gone: Laura Griffin: The story is about to unfold.
A life threatening decision takes the life of a suspect. Andrea Finch walks in on hostage situation and has no choice but to take out the suspect. Thinking that her actions would be carefully scrutinized but the department would back her up, little does she know that this one incident would send her on a collision course with more twists and turns than the roller coaster in Coney Island.
Andrea’s brother was her best friend growing up but something within him changed. Calling her for money to once again bail him out of some difficult situation she becomes weary of his reasons for needing it and learns about his affiliation with a neo-Nazi who might be responsible for a string of bank robberies in Texas. On a leave of absence from her job, feeling disgraced and hoping to be reinstated why does she avoid seeing the department psychiatrist? Ignoring his request for money Andrea realizes that something about her brother Gavin has changed. Learning about his whereabouts, the Texas border town where he is living and the compound run by a man named Shay Hardin who is linked to more than just the robberies Andrea realizes that she realizes that her brother is involved in more than he is letting on and what Hardin has him doing would not only endanger the lives of others but his life too. Is he being brainwashed into taking on his beliefs and fighting his wars or is there more?
Things begin to heat up when she meets FBI agent Jon North working undercover in Texas. North and his partner Torres are investigating the unsolved murder of a Judge. Although the murder took place six years ago, the link to Hardin, the robberies and Andrea’s brother Gavin seem to be more than just a coincidence. As things heat up between Andrea and North differences come to light and everything changes as more lives are on the line. Hoping to bring Gavin in puts a strain on their relationship. Bringing him in creates a chasm or wide divide that might never be filled in.
Fired from her job Andrea decides to go after a criminal using her instincts and professional experience. But, things change, obstacles are placed in your way and what you think you see is not always what is there.
Elizabeth LeBlanc has been assigned to investigate the bank robberies and comes face to face with more than she bargains for. Just where is Shay Hardin going to strike? Staking out apartments, checking surveillance photos Elizabeth LeBlanc learns very little as every lead falls short. Jon North’s instincts have yet to yield anything. The case is about to go cold, as one photo would change it all and the arrest warrant he needed finally written.
His SAC finally on board, other agents brought in and we learn about inter-agency cooperation and lack of cooperation as Gavin is questioned. Andrea flares up and one important witness disappears. As each message is sent a harsh reality as author Laura Griffin brings to light what happens when one woman cannot face her own demons, rejection and is stubborn. Added in abuse, gun control, betrayals, trust and obstacles that law enforcement officers face every day, this mystery/suspense/ romance novel is chock full of heart stopping moments, bloodthirsty criminals and a man determined to make a bold statement. With two political figures as prime targets and one killer so disciplined, so stanch that he thinks he’s above it all, wait until both Andrea and Jon come face to face with him.
A chase that leaves them cold and four criminals that disappear in front of their eyes. A sociopath that whose anti-government ideology, “just gives him a rationale.” Not a suicide bomber but worse.
Just how far will Andrea go to protect her brother? Will she risk the lives of innocent people to prove that he is innocent? What part does he play in what Hardin has planned? As the FBI, police, Andrea and other agencies converge on one killer will they be able to identify stop him before it’s too late? A plot so deadly that it would make the Oklahoma bombing and bomber pale in comparison as author Laura Griffin takes readers into the mind of a serial/psychopath killer with a vendetta against the government and anyone standing in his way. Not a place but people that’s who he’s after. The death of the Senator’s daughter, anyone close to him and finally the main event. Simple one-line messages: What do they mean? When Elizabeth is kidnapped, tortured and finally gets free wills he be able to face her captors and take them down? Will they go unpunished? With the technology described within the pages of this novel the author allows readers to learn just how far we have to hide in plain sight. A truck bomb that would kill and a vendetta against one man that but would Andrea, Joe and the rest of the team be able to stop them in time?
A young girl so angry she could not see what was right in front of her and her brother whose vision was clouded he just might take another wrong direction. Will Andrea face her own demons? Will she get her job back? What about her relationship with Jon and her brother Gavin? Will this outstanding five star author bring Jon and Andrea back to work another case? Stubborn, hot headed and definitely no one to take fore granted Andrea Finch is one force to be reckoned with. A mystery/suspense, romance novel that will keep readers, as did it me, glued to the printed page until you find out if the bombs are exploded, if Andrea and Jon create their own fireworks and just how FAR GONE will things go before they come to a permanent head?
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Family is precious and our desire to protect them from harm comes naturally to most of us. But, what happens when someone close to you has taken a wrong turn and does not see that their actions might send them on a downward spiral? What happens when they link up with someone so dangerous and so deadly that their every move is controlled by this person, their means of communication shut off and their every thought controlled because they begin to take on the beliefs of this person? What would link a bombing in a University that killed many students to a six year old bank robberies and an unsolved murder of a judge? Did the same person cause the death of a senator’s daughter in a University bombing? What does gun control and signing a bill trying to limit the sales of guns have to do with this man? In Texas where this story takes place anyone can get a gun? Why would a judge and a state senator sign off on a bill to regulate gun control? What about brainwashing, cults and groups that are subversive and against the ideals of our government? Just how dangerous would the world be if someone like Shay Hardin wins the war he has waged? Far Gone: Laura Griffin: The story is about to unfold.
A life threatening decision takes the life of a suspect. Andrea Finch walks in on hostage situation and has no choice but to take out the suspect. Thinking that her actions would be carefully scrutinized but the department would back her up, little does she know that this one incident would send her on a collision course with more twists and turns than the roller coaster in Coney Island.
Andrea’s brother was her best friend growing up but something within him changed. Calling her for money to once again bail him out of some difficult situation she becomes weary of his reasons for needing it and learns about his affiliation with a neo-Nazi who might be responsible for a string of bank robberies in Texas. On a leave of absence from her job, feeling disgraced and hoping to be reinstated why does she avoid seeing the department psychiatrist? Ignoring his request for money Andrea realizes that something about her brother Gavin has changed. Learning about his whereabouts, the Texas border town where he is living and the compound run by a man named Shay Hardin who is linked to more than just the robberies Andrea realizes that she realizes that her brother is involved in more than he is letting on and what Hardin has him doing would not only endanger the lives of others but his life too. Is he being brainwashed into taking on his beliefs and fighting his wars or is there more?
Things begin to heat up when she meets FBI agent Jon North working undercover in Texas. North and his partner Torres are investigating the unsolved murder of a Judge. Although the murder took place six years ago, the link to Hardin, the robberies and Andrea’s brother Gavin seem to be more than just a coincidence. As things heat up between Andrea and North differences come to light and everything changes as more lives are on the line. Hoping to bring Gavin in puts a strain on their relationship. Bringing him in creates a chasm or wide divide that might never be filled in.
Fired from her job Andrea decides to go after a criminal using her instincts and professional experience. But, things change, obstacles are placed in your way and what you think you see is not always what is there.
Elizabeth LeBlanc has been assigned to investigate the bank robberies and comes face to face with more than she bargains for. Just where is Shay Hardin going to strike? Staking out apartments, checking surveillance photos Elizabeth LeBlanc learns very little as every lead falls short. Jon North’s instincts have yet to yield anything. The case is about to go cold, as one photo would change it all and the arrest warrant he needed finally written.
His SAC finally on board, other agents brought in and we learn about inter-agency cooperation and lack of cooperation as Gavin is questioned. Andrea flares up and one important witness disappears. As each message is sent a harsh reality as author Laura Griffin brings to light what happens when one woman cannot face her own demons, rejection and is stubborn. Added in abuse, gun control, betrayals, trust and obstacles that law enforcement officers face every day, this mystery/suspense/ romance novel is chock full of heart stopping moments, bloodthirsty criminals and a man determined to make a bold statement. With two political figures as prime targets and one killer so disciplined, so stanch that he thinks he’s above it all, wait until both Andrea and Jon come face to face with him.
A chase that leaves them cold and four criminals that disappear in front of their eyes. A sociopath that whose anti-government ideology, “just gives him a rationale.” Not a suicide bomber but worse.
Just how far will Andrea go to protect her brother? Will she risk the lives of innocent people to prove that he is innocent? What part does he play in what Hardin has planned? As the FBI, police, Andrea and other agencies converge on one killer will they be able to identify stop him before it’s too late? A plot so deadly that it would make the Oklahoma bombing and bomber pale in comparison as author Laura Griffin takes readers into the mind of a serial/psychopath killer with a vendetta against the government and anyone standing in his way. Not a place but people that’s who he’s after. The death of the Senator’s daughter, anyone close to him and finally the main event. Simple one-line messages: What do they mean? When Elizabeth is kidnapped, tortured and finally gets free wills he be able to face her captors and take them down? Will they go unpunished? With the technology described within the pages of this novel the author allows readers to learn just how far we have to hide in plain sight. A truck bomb that would kill and a vendetta against one man that but would Andrea, Joe and the rest of the team be able to stop them in time?
A young girl so angry she could not see what was right in front of her and her brother whose vision was clouded he just might take another wrong direction. Will Andrea face her own demons? Will she get her job back? What about her relationship with Jon and her brother Gavin? Will this outstanding five star author bring Jon and Andrea back to work another case? Stubborn, hot headed and definitely no one to take fore granted Andrea Finch is one force to be reckoned with. A mystery/suspense, romance novel that will keep readers, as did it me, glued to the printed page until you find out if the bombs are exploded, if Andrea and Jon create their own fireworks and just how FAR GONE will things go before they come to a permanent head?
Fran Lewis: reviewer
March 3, 2021
4.25
New favorite romantic suspense/thriller author. Heavier on the suspense which I enjoyed, but she never sacrifices the relationship development and character growth. (Felt for Andrea and her struggles!) I really like how Griffin writes her character dynamics. Top writing!
New favorite romantic suspense/thriller author. Heavier on the suspense which I enjoyed, but she never sacrifices the relationship development and character growth. (Felt for Andrea and her struggles!) I really like how Griffin writes her character dynamics. Top writing!
May 29, 2020
2...Doesn't bring anything new to the table...I am not one to spoil for others, but once read...just like all the other Detective novels, with Anti-government groups...the main character was a tad immature and North didn't have enough charisma to carry this one...just, meh!
December 16, 2014
Andrea and Gavin Finch had a tough start in life. Both parents were drinkers; when dad left mom took her drinking to such excess she had a deadly one car collision. Andrea, the eldest, had her life well mapped out until a work related shooting had her on probation well shrinks and lawyers determined her suitability to return to work at the Austin police department. When her brother calls looking for money she's in no mood or position to give it to him. It is only later that she realizes he is mixing with some really bad people to try and pull himself out of his financial hole.
FBI Agent Jon North has been working the Shay Hardin case and getting nowhere. No one realizes what a real danger this home grown whack job potential terrorist is. He finally got permission - and a team - to do some surveillance when a tenuous link between Shay and the bombing death of a Senator's daughter comes up. But even though they've been sitting on the guy for days they've got nothing for their trouble. When Jon learns that Andrea is looking into Shay he warns her off. The last thing he needs is someone spooking his suspect. Or the distraction he feels when he is around the sexy woman doing the spooking. But Andrea ain't going nowhere as long as her baby brother is cooped up on a ranch with Hardin and the Feds parked on the doorway just looking for a reason to join the party. The two eventually learn that working together is going to get them a whole lot closer to their ultimate goal. Now if they can just keep their mind on the job . .
A bright spot in this RS novel is that for the most part the characters do keep it cool and professional; The relationship goes a long time without sexual consummation. But I felt that it had a very slow start. We were plodding through foot work rather than any sort of action and I couldn't really buy the romance between the two characters. I just didn't feel any spark between them.
FBI Agent Jon North has been working the Shay Hardin case and getting nowhere. No one realizes what a real danger this home grown whack job potential terrorist is. He finally got permission - and a team - to do some surveillance when a tenuous link between Shay and the bombing death of a Senator's daughter comes up. But even though they've been sitting on the guy for days they've got nothing for their trouble. When Jon learns that Andrea is looking into Shay he warns her off. The last thing he needs is someone spooking his suspect. Or the distraction he feels when he is around the sexy woman doing the spooking. But Andrea ain't going nowhere as long as her baby brother is cooped up on a ranch with Hardin and the Feds parked on the doorway just looking for a reason to join the party. The two eventually learn that working together is going to get them a whole lot closer to their ultimate goal. Now if they can just keep their mind on the job . .
A bright spot in this RS novel is that for the most part the characters do keep it cool and professional; The relationship goes a long time without sexual consummation. But I felt that it had a very slow start. We were plodding through foot work rather than any sort of action and I couldn't really buy the romance between the two characters. I just didn't feel any spark between them.
December 21, 2013
Far Gone by Laura Griffin
Available 4/15/14
Provided free by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Finish Time: 10 nights. Unfortunately for this book, also being a kind of crime, thriller, I just came off of reading a crazy one (The Widow File), so in comparison, this one didn’t hold up. That’s not to say it isn’t good but I may have enjoyed it more on it’s own, my head was so twisted from the last read, it’s almost unfair to this book.
It was fine. There was nothing wrong with it, it just didn’t hold my interest as I felt it was slow moving at times. It was a bit mystery, a few action-packed scenes, and a little bit of love thrown in. Andrea Finch was a likable, yet frustrating main character. And by frustrating, I believe that was intentional, as many of the other characters found her that way as well. Her interactions with the other lead, Jon North, were full of fun banter that is a bit predictable.
The story begins with a “defining moment” in Andrea’s life and career. The story was brought back to it a couple times, but I would have liked maybe a little more? Not that they story line needed it, just a few unanswered questions there. The book then goes on to the “meat” of the story when Andrea receives a cryptic phone call from her brother, Gavin, asking for money. She goes to find him and ends up in the middle of an investigation.
It was well written, kept me turning pages, just a bit slower than I would have liked. Again, just coming off of a more intense book, I feel biased. Not bad, not exceptional, we’ll leave it at that. Now on to something different from a crime book!
http://mydogearedpurpose.com/2013/12/...
Available 4/15/14
Provided free by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Finish Time: 10 nights. Unfortunately for this book, also being a kind of crime, thriller, I just came off of reading a crazy one (The Widow File), so in comparison, this one didn’t hold up. That’s not to say it isn’t good but I may have enjoyed it more on it’s own, my head was so twisted from the last read, it’s almost unfair to this book.
It was fine. There was nothing wrong with it, it just didn’t hold my interest as I felt it was slow moving at times. It was a bit mystery, a few action-packed scenes, and a little bit of love thrown in. Andrea Finch was a likable, yet frustrating main character. And by frustrating, I believe that was intentional, as many of the other characters found her that way as well. Her interactions with the other lead, Jon North, were full of fun banter that is a bit predictable.
The story begins with a “defining moment” in Andrea’s life and career. The story was brought back to it a couple times, but I would have liked maybe a little more? Not that they story line needed it, just a few unanswered questions there. The book then goes on to the “meat” of the story when Andrea receives a cryptic phone call from her brother, Gavin, asking for money. She goes to find him and ends up in the middle of an investigation.
It was well written, kept me turning pages, just a bit slower than I would have liked. Again, just coming off of a more intense book, I feel biased. Not bad, not exceptional, we’ll leave it at that. Now on to something different from a crime book!
http://mydogearedpurpose.com/2013/12/...
February 6, 2014
This book starts off with action from the very beginning. Its lead character is a female police detective who is on administrative leave for shooting a young man who came into a restaurant and wanted to shot his ex-girlfriend. I bring this up because in the story she is always having to go back to this incident for different reasons. She then finds out that her brother dropped out of college and is living on some ranch with someone who is a known criminal. She goes out to the ranch one night doing surveillance and after a couple of hours she goes to try to get closer she is picked up by the FBI for they have been watching the ranch for some time. They don’t want to tell her anything but she continues to be a pain and she and an agent by the name of John North become friends and start to work together. The problem with that is she does not really trust anyone and she does not think anybody is really looking at her brother as maybe a victim. The FBI agent is after the guy who owns the ranch for a couple of bombings but he does not have enough proof. This is an exciting story and one that really is believable. When she finally trusts some things start to happen. So it is a good story about you can’t do things alone and sometimes you have to ask for help and then you need to let your family members fix their own problems that they got themselves into. A good story. I got this book from net galley.
March 12, 2014
FAR GONE by Laura Griffin
Detective Andrea (Andie) Finch shot a young man who threatened to kill several people. Now, she is on administrative leave. When her brother, Gavin, calls wanting to borrow money, he won’t discuss why he needs $2,000.00, and hangs up. Worried about him, Andie goes to West Texas to find out what he is embroiled in. He has been living with a man named Shay Hardin and his friends who have been in and out of trouble. Andie, the older sister, is always trying to keep Gavin in college and on the straight and narrow.
Jon is a FBI Homeland Security. Knowing Andie is skulking around Hardin, he goes into a bar in west Texas and talks to her. He has Hardin under surveillance and wants Andie to stay away from him. The more she hears about Hardin, the more Andie worries about her brother. Soon Jon and Andie are working together, Jon trying to discover what Hardin is up to, and Andie trying to keep her brother from harm.
As always, Ms. Griffin writes an excellent romantic suspense with good guys, bad buys and some romance. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what the terrorist, Hardin, will do next, and if he will drag Gavin into his schemes. Jon is Ms. Griffin’s usual strong alpha male who is determined to root out the bad guys, and even though Andrea is strongly attracted to him, she is also a woman who will save her brother even if he doesn’t want to be saved. Excellent story-telling.
Detective Andrea (Andie) Finch shot a young man who threatened to kill several people. Now, she is on administrative leave. When her brother, Gavin, calls wanting to borrow money, he won’t discuss why he needs $2,000.00, and hangs up. Worried about him, Andie goes to West Texas to find out what he is embroiled in. He has been living with a man named Shay Hardin and his friends who have been in and out of trouble. Andie, the older sister, is always trying to keep Gavin in college and on the straight and narrow.
Jon is a FBI Homeland Security. Knowing Andie is skulking around Hardin, he goes into a bar in west Texas and talks to her. He has Hardin under surveillance and wants Andie to stay away from him. The more she hears about Hardin, the more Andie worries about her brother. Soon Jon and Andie are working together, Jon trying to discover what Hardin is up to, and Andie trying to keep her brother from harm.
As always, Ms. Griffin writes an excellent romantic suspense with good guys, bad buys and some romance. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what the terrorist, Hardin, will do next, and if he will drag Gavin into his schemes. Jon is Ms. Griffin’s usual strong alpha male who is determined to root out the bad guys, and even though Andrea is strongly attracted to him, she is also a woman who will save her brother even if he doesn’t want to be saved. Excellent story-telling.
March 14, 2014
Thrilling....Another Winner..
Andrea Finch steps up in a dire situation and does so before back-up comes...it might have been a rash decision but people's lives were at stake..Her superiors don't see it that way..she is put on leave until the investigation is cleared.
When she meets FBI Jon North only to be caught up in his investigation does not please him in the least...He is trying to solve his case and Police Detective Andrea Finch get's in the middle of it....Is it possible they can work together? We just have to see won't we?
She is only concerned with protecting her brother Gavin who is somehow connected with Jon's case...Andrea refuses to believe Gavin had anything to do with the bomb...Jon is only considered with solving his case..He' working on a deadline.....When Jon tells Andrea he can protect her brother only if he helps them....
After things get complicated, and get a little heated between Andrea and Jon....decisions are made and will hurt someone...Be prepared to be taken on ride of your life, edge of your seat moments...it's scary at times. Page turning...thrilling moments as you know Laura Griffin brings in the Tracer Series...This one is different but beyond what I expected....that's what I truly loved about this book... It is a must read book..
Andrea Finch steps up in a dire situation and does so before back-up comes...it might have been a rash decision but people's lives were at stake..Her superiors don't see it that way..she is put on leave until the investigation is cleared.
When she meets FBI Jon North only to be caught up in his investigation does not please him in the least...He is trying to solve his case and Police Detective Andrea Finch get's in the middle of it....Is it possible they can work together? We just have to see won't we?
She is only concerned with protecting her brother Gavin who is somehow connected with Jon's case...Andrea refuses to believe Gavin had anything to do with the bomb...Jon is only considered with solving his case..He' working on a deadline.....When Jon tells Andrea he can protect her brother only if he helps them....
After things get complicated, and get a little heated between Andrea and Jon....decisions are made and will hurt someone...Be prepared to be taken on ride of your life, edge of your seat moments...it's scary at times. Page turning...thrilling moments as you know Laura Griffin brings in the Tracer Series...This one is different but beyond what I expected....that's what I truly loved about this book... It is a must read book..
March 1, 2014
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
I enjoy Laura Griffin's romantic suspense novels. She has strong female characters and her romances are realistic in their slow burn. I also enjoy her heroes, they are written well and realistically. They tend to be alpha men, but what I love most is how the heroines are not cowered by their alpha-like tendencies. It is too often that I face palm myself, when I read about a supposedly "strong" (usually a police officer/armed forces/special forces) heroine running to the hero for help the moment something happens to them. It's like they forget they have a badge themselves. But thankfully, Laura Griffin keeps that sort of plot out of her books. For me the suspense takes a back seat to the main character and the romantic plot, but the suspense plot is fairly commendable.
What I didn't like about this novel was how the hero . But I could have still enjoyed it if it was resolved well. It wasn't. The hero somehow turns it around (with some serious abuse of reverse psychology) on the heroine and tells her that she is running away because she is scared. Not because he , because God knows that could never happen.
ARC Courtesy of Edelweiss and Gallery Books.
I enjoy Laura Griffin's romantic suspense novels. She has strong female characters and her romances are realistic in their slow burn. I also enjoy her heroes, they are written well and realistically. They tend to be alpha men, but what I love most is how the heroines are not cowered by their alpha-like tendencies. It is too often that I face palm myself, when I read about a supposedly "strong" (usually a police officer/armed forces/special forces) heroine running to the hero for help the moment something happens to them. It's like they forget they have a badge themselves. But thankfully, Laura Griffin keeps that sort of plot out of her books. For me the suspense takes a back seat to the main character and the romantic plot, but the suspense plot is fairly commendable.
What I didn't like about this novel was how the hero . But I could have still enjoyed it if it was resolved well. It wasn't. The hero somehow turns it around (with some serious abuse of reverse psychology) on the heroine and tells her that she is running away because she is scared. Not because he , because God knows that could never happen.
ARC Courtesy of Edelweiss and Gallery Books.
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