The moment detective Reed Novak steps onto the crime scene, he knows the case is going to rock his world. A beautiful young woman murdered at home. No sign of forced entry. No motive. She’s obviously not the killer’s first victim, and Reed’s instincts tell him she won’t be his last. Reed’s first clue comes via a mysterious text that links to a dating profile, but even more intriguing than the clue is the person who sent it.
As a white-hat hacker in the Delphi Center’s cyber investigation unit, Laney Knox sneaks into some of the deepest, darkest corners of the Internet looking for predators. Laney would prefer to stay away from Austin PD’s most recent murder case, but she can’t ignore the chilling similarities between that crime and her own brutal attack years ago. Laney offers to help the sexy lead detective, but he wants more from her than just a promising tip—Reed wants her trust. Laney resists, but as their relationship deepens she’s tempted to reveal the closely guarded secrets that could make her a key witness…or the killer’s next victim.
Laura 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
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow!!! I freaking loved every second of it and I still want more! Reading this amazing crime story reminded me of watching a crime episode on TV but with so much detail and emotions. The main part is solving the murder case but the romance doesn't suffer because of that not one bit. I loved that the author did her job and actually knew what she was writing about. Her attention to detail is spot on and that makes the story really believable. Deep Dark is a fantastic mystery read that you should not miss out on!
Reed Novak is a 39-year old Austin Police Department detective working a horrible murder case when he receives a curious text message on his phone. He ultimately tracks down the sender, 25-year old hacker Laney Knox who is a cyber-intrusion expert for the Delphi Center. For very good reasons, she’s not able to point him in the direction of a dating site that may be critical to the case so Laney wants to work with him in the background. However, Reed doesn’t want her involved even though she’s providing him with information vital to solving the case. Their attraction to each other is problematic, too, but that’s not the only reason Laney needs to stay away from anything to do with this killer’s capture.
I have to admit the age difference was an issue and distraction for me. Fortunately, the author got me there by positioning these two characters in a way that their relationship not only made sense but they were well suited given their histories.
I really learned a lot about cyber forensics despite the technical jargon. There were other forensic analyses that were new discoveries, too, just not as profound. The “tracers” made this a compelling story that had me loathe to put the book down. I felt like I was part of the investigation that lead to the final climax though I’d identified the probable suspect before it was revealed. It was an exciting, tense story and the romantic element was very well done. Still loving this series. 4.5 stars
Loved the age difference and the opposites attract romance here! Laney was only twenty-four and Reed thirty-eight, but they had instant chemistry and attraction. Laney was a young, edgy computer genius, with pink highlights, not Reed’s usual type. Reed is a conventional clean-cut cop and definitely not Laney’s usual type, either, but, boy, Reed was very male in the best way possible, and they just clicked together!
As for the mystery, I was keep guessing and on the edge of my seat with lots of revelations, danger and twists! I loved all the crime procedural bits, and piecing together all the clues, technical and otherwise. The technical aspects, computer/software details seemed very well researched and cutting-edge. Laura Griffin is writes top-notch mystery/romantic suspense and I plan on adding all her backlist to my TBR. A copy was kindly provided by Pocket Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Laney is 24 and a white-hacker at the Delphi Center. Reed is 38 and a detective working on a possible serial killer case. Laney knows the most recent victim and is determined to help the detectives find her killer.
I loved this couple. Laney had spunk and she's seriously smart. Reed was overprotective and did try to keep her out of the case but never succeeded. You could really feel the attraction these two felt for each other.
Once again, the case was very interested and I had never guessed who the killer was. Onto the next book in the series!
Let me start by saying that I have every single one of the Tracers series either on my keeper shelf or on my kindle. This series has it all ... great suspense, mystery, romance, spice, lots of forensics, serial killers, FBI, local law enforcement,exceptionally well-written stories. One of these days I'm going to start at the beginning again.
Laney Knox is a hacker of the good kind in the Delphi Center's Cyber Investigation Unit. She likes digging into the dark corners of the internet looking for predators. But when a young woman is brutally murdered, she feels a need to get involved. This particular murder is highly reminiscent of when she herself was assaulted a few years ago.
Detective Reed Novac can't decide whether Laney is a help or a hindrance. He suspects she knows much more than she's telling ... and he's right.
Fifteen years younger than Novac, Laney doesn't need another daddy .. she's strong-willed, smart, and sassy. Novac wants her trust, but she's not one to trust easily.
I really enjoy how the characters interact with each other... and not just the main protagonists. It's a well rounded circle of secondary characters and I always have in the back of my mind that I'd like them to have their own stories .. their own books.
For anyone who enjoys Romantic Suspense, with an emphasis on suspense, I would highly recommend this series. It's an easy 5 stars for me.
Many thanks to the author / Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Reading a Tracers novel is like coming home after a long day at work. There is just something so comforting knowing I am reading a book written by Laura Griffin. Always smart, always better than the last, and always filled with well thought-out plotlines and unexpected turns. Deep Dark is no different. It’s captivating from the onset and will keep you invested throughout its entirety.
Cyber investigator and white-hat hacker Laney Knox has discovered a link: one that is alarmingly familiar to an incident in her past. Using her vast skills, she is dropping breadcrumbs of information for detective Reed Novak to follow.
Novak takes no time in discovering who the crumb dropper is, and decides to form a partnership that he isn’t comfortable with at all. Novak fears for her safety the more Laney digs deeper into the investigation. Trying to keep her “not-so-legal help” to a minimum is his reason for distance. Laney isn’t having any of that. She knows two things: what she needs to do to help solve the case and that she’s attracted to the detective.
May-December is how you would describe these two. Fifteen years separate Laney and Reed, but chemistry, life experiences, and a combustible compatibility is what brings them together in the Deep Dark.
I feel as if I say this every time I read the latest Tracer Novel… It’s one of the best to date. Laney and Reed are one of my favorite book couples of the year thus far!
An awesome new read in the Tracers series. Ms. Griffin brings her trademark suspense and characters to her 10th book in the Tracers series.
Deep Dark was another really good story and I like that Ms. Griffin switched it up and put a significant age gap between our two MCs. The two are drawn together and on one hand that don't seem to be a match and on the other hand, they really do belong together.
With the big age gap, I was really wanting to see a very mature 24 year old, but Laney had definite quirks that led to some TSTL moments. Laney is young, fiercely independent and prefers to do things her way which does get her in trouble. Due to her age, her past and her personality you can see her not stepping back even when Reed is telling her to. I was mentally telling her to listen right along with Reed. In some instances this has her bordering on TSTL but it never reached the eye-roll stage. The supporting characters in this story are well developed and really add dimension to the book.
Ms. Griffin has pulled together another really good plot for this novel. I liked the way that Laney's past, her current work at the Delphi Center and the current murders get pulled together. She really does help Reed solve the case. As an aside - I was really wanting a certain someone in the police department to get more of a comeuppance, but still, he was found out.
Thanks to NetGalley, Pocket Books and Ms. Griffin for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The stories in Ms Griffin's Tracer Series fit one of my favorite reading genres to a tee and this one is definitely an excellent novel to add to the series.
I have a new favorite romantic suspense author. This book was perfect. I love when a book can keep me guessing until the very end. I didn't want to put it down, it was equal parts suspenseful and sexy - I loved every single minute of it!! Why I haven't read anything by this author before, I don't know, but I'll be adding more of her books to my TBR and looking out for her releases in the future!!
I'll say it again - I love this romantic suspense series by Laura Griffin. So well done.
Deep Dark has a thirty-nine year old homicide detective hero and a twenty-four year old cybercrime hacker - and their chemistry is soooo good. When a girl who was just starting out in life is found horribly murdered in her home, police want to find the murderer fast. But there is no DNA evidence left at the scene. They turn a suspicious eye to the dead woman's previous boyfriend, but then Detective Reed gets an odd, spam like text telling him the boyfriend has nothing to do with it, and that he should start investigating an online dating site.
Laney Knox is a brilliant hacker who works for the Delphi Center in their cyber investigation unit. The Delphi Center is known for their amazing DNA work, but their cyber unit is no joke either. Laney can pretty much hack into anything, and she specializes in bringing down pedophiles that use the internet for their playground. When she hears about this murder, she gets attached - a few years prior, she was assaulted in her house in a similar situation as the recent dead woman, but Laney was able to escape. She starts to do her own digging, and she thinks the person that killed this woman targeted her through an online dating site. Reed tracks down Laney (because of the text she sent him) and Laney offers assistance with her hacking skills.
Laney thinks Reed is super sexy - Reed thinks she is super sexy too but way too young for him. They have such fun chemistry in this book, Reed is more serious, a little grumpy, and very intent on finding this murderer (who ends up killing more women before the search is over). The pink-streaked hair, young Laney totally intrigues him, even though he tells himself she is too young for him. She is VERY head strong, independent - and pushes against authority. Brilliant with computers, not so brilliant with interactions with people. For as worn and grumpy as Reed can be, Laney gives him a run for his money in the jaded department. She very much can take care of herself and will make her own decisions - and Reed swoops in and wants to protect her and tell her what to do. Oh Reed.
I love that Laney is the one that initiates the physical contact. She pursues him to a degree and Reed gives in. The suspense/murder stuff definitely outweighs the romance in this book, but I found their sexual tension and romance enough to satisfy. Laura Griffin writes really, really well done murder mysteries. It's heavy on the details, but never weighed down. I'm always so fascinated by her stories - they are suspenseful, creepy and always have you guessing. Her characters are so well-developed and engaging.
This one is fun - I read it in one day and I wanted more when it ended. Highly recommend.
While I enjoyed the actual plot of this one (a serial killer/rapist who stalks his prey online), the main characters did not click with me. So this was fine, but not a favorite
There’s no other way to say it - I loved this book. The intricate plot, the endearing characters and the heart-pounding pace kept me fully engaged.
This is the tenth book in the series, but somehow only the first one I’ve read. How have I not read a book from Laura Griffin before? What kind of romantic suspense reader am I? Well, I can guarantee that it won’t be the last. Maybe because I stopped at the bookstore on the way home yesterday or maybe because I’ve already started another!
My favorite part was definitely Detective Reed Novak. Masculine, confident and always in control, he had a natural sexiness about him. He’s investigating the murder of a woman found dead in her home, when he receives text messages that leads him to Laney, a white hat-hacker.
What I liked about her was her determination to track down the killer. She was a really strong female lead in my eyes. Even when the evidence started bringing up a ton of fear and emotions, she kept going. She did have Reed to keep her safe, after all. Lucky, lucky girl. In the beginning he was kind of hung up on their fifteen year age difference, but there was no denying the crazy chemistry between them. Talk about an intense connection riddled with delicious tension. And let me just say - the ending was perfection.
Hey Reed, you have a knack for pissing me off, but when I hear your voice, I get all melty inside.
There was a creepy factor to this story, too. Think hijacked webcams, a stalker lying in wait and very methodical planning. This story highlighted how easily someone can stalk you with devices you don’t think twice about. I’m not going to lie, it kind of freaked me out.
If you like suspense with the a bit of romance, pick up this book.
*Thanks to Pocket Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
How do you top an already stellar series...Laura Griffin has done it with DEEP DARK. Page-turning and addicting, DEEP DARK will have you thinking twice about signing up for Match.com!
It amazes me each time I delve into a Tracers Series romance, because I always say "well, she can't top the last one, that one was a thrill-ride, and the romance was sweet and sexy and I held on to every word. But then she comes out with the next, and you say to yourself...Holy Crap...How does she do it EVERY TIME!!!
Laura Griffin will literally have you changing all your passwords with DEEP DARK. She writes a novel that is straight from the headlines, so believable, so real, and so so creepy. I swear, I will be looking over my should for at least the next week!!
Laney Knox was KICK ASS!! I love a little firecracker heroine and Laney was it! She sure had Detective Reed Novak on his toes throughout the entire book! I loved that Laura gave us a new dynamic to a real connection between a jaded Detective and a spunky white-hat hacker! The sparks, the chemistry, the small moments...I swooned, I melted, I LOVED!!!
And the research that goes into every page, Laura Griffin doesn't cut ANY CORNERS. She knows her stuff, and she does her research, and when you are reading, it's all so real, and so there, you can't help but feel like it's a true story. She is just TOP NOTCH!! I can't say it any other way!!
To say DEEP DARK is my favorite of the Tracers is just unfair, because I have literally been an addict since the beginning (UNTRACEABLE, but you actually should read THREAD OF FEAR and WHISPER OF WARNING cause well...Jack Bowman...hello!!). It's a series that you want to buy, a series that you NEED TO BUY! Even my Grandpa is a Tracer-a-holic!!
Griffin is back with another great Tracers read! This book has it all mystery, romance and non stop suspense. It's csi and criminal minds rolled into one fantastic read!
There are bad and good hackers and Laney is one of the good ones. She works in Delphi Center's Cyber Investigation Unit. After a young woman is murdered she gets involved by sending information to the detective on the case but she has no idea what is about to come next.
Reed knows Laney isn't telling him everything so he has her helping on the case that is until her life becomes in danger but he knows Laney will stop at nothing to get the answers they are looking for.
I really liked Laney and Reed. They don't have a simple relationship but as there trust for one another starts to grow so do their feelings. I liked that Griffin wrote a 15 year age difference between them and it totally wasn't creepy but sweet. They wanted each other but I thought it was kinda sweet how Reed kept reminding himself she was younger.
The story also had some great secondary characters and honestly I would really like to see them have their own books someday because I didn't feel their story was done.
Of course in this one we deal with a serial killer but I loved the suspense on what would happen next and when would they discover who it was. It honestly kept me on the edge of my seat. When they figured out who it was I was actually shocked!
This will be a definite re read for me in the future because reading it just once wasn't enough. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series and hopefully maybe Griffin will have another Tracers book out this year.
I like it very much but after read Karen Rose's books, this one feel like kind of tame. Not many bodies drop like flies 😬
But the romance is good and I was annoying with myself to missed the villain, I suspected him but Ms. Griffin made me not thought about him much with her writing skill! Boo 😝
I think I will read more from this series for sure:)
This book has the kind of thing that I see sometimes by this author and that is the incredibly TSTL, impulsive, emotionally retarded heroine who I just want to yell at.. I liked the mystery in this book but almost stopped reading it because of the character, Laney.
Suspense, action with a side of romance and sexy times. The hero is a detective, the heroine a hacker. Throw in a stalker serial killer and bam! PERFECT!
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I can always depend on Laura Griffin to deliver a romantic-suspense book that keeps you guessing till the very end who the baddie is. I had absolutely no clue. This time around she turns up the suspense and treats us to a romance between two characters who should have no connection at all.
Laney Knox is a 24 year old white hat hacker for the Delphi Center Cyber Investigative Unit. She is a prickly 20 something who is determined and no one can tell her what to do, or not do. Oh, the invincibility of youth. She is young, passionate and on a mission to help catch the killer of a friend and maybe, the person responsible for her own assault three years ago. Even when Reed tells her to back off, like the Energizer Bunny, she just keeps going and going.
Reed Novak is divorced, almost 40 and married to his job, or so his ex-wife tells him, as a Detective for the Austin Police Department. Two more different people for a romance, I just can't imagine. Reed gets a tip on the murder victim and tracts down Laney. The whole case is spinning it's wheels, the powers on high are a roadblock to the one true lead and Laney is in the middle of it. When Laney finally tells Reed about her assault and the similarities to the murders, he removes her from the team. Fat chance that is going to do anything to stop her. Reed needs Laney to help solve this and he needs to protect her, even if she doesn't want to be protected. I've got to tell you, this girl's got grit.
With a lovely blend of sexual heat and tension plus some CSI intrigue, this book is one that will cause you to lose some sleep. Mainly because you will not be able to put it down! Loaded with a well researched plot that includes tons of twists, you get grossly involved in every bit of the story.
Reed is a hottie and when the author created Laney, maybe she didn't intend on a 15 year age difference, or maybe she did. However, this is not a typical May-September romance. They are a perfect combo even though Laney has some growing up to do, especially in the trust department. I loved the way they played off each other and broke though walls to come together for the HEA.
Laura Griffin is one you have to read if you are a romantic suspense junkie, like me. If you have not read one of her books, this one is the perfect one to start with. All of her stories are stand alone's and she knows how to write books that are addicting and engrossing!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 hehehe,adding stars is possible! Absolutely fantastic! I am jumping with joy, I am absolutely in love, I am still tingling all over[not in the creepy way] This book hugs my heart and the leading mcs will stay as favourites of mine forever. It is perfect, an engaging+kinda creepy plot, a hot+cool detective, an awesome+traumatised hacker and unguessable perpetrator.. Reed and Laney, despite their differences,are extremely compatible, you can expect their chemistry + biology + physique will be off the moon once they get together. Read this book and be prepared to be amazed.
One of my best books of 2016!! Took me 3 enjoyable, investigative days to read, and have theories as to who the killer is, then, still not figure it out, which excites me because we all know, you may like it when you finish the book, and your who-dunit guess was right; but at times you want to be wrong and relish your mind getting blown when you actually find out who it is.
The book explores murders with the same MO (haha, you know a book is good when you still quote the book lingo), being carried with a person with coding expertise, but no clear suspects in sight. That's when we meet Reed, the main investigation officer, and Laney, who happens to be friends with the first murder victim, but who we soon learn has something in common with the victims.
I enjoyed the plot, how it was developed and explained without boring me to death and the romance between Reed+Laney. I especially loved that Laney was like, so, i'm doing my thing, are you coming or not? I am right, why are you wasting time? Well, ok, i like you,i wany you and i don't know what to do next.
It was endearing to see Reed who is older than Laney, first fighting the attraction, then realizing he wants her and he can't stop it, then not overwhelming her so she doesn't throw him out. It was fun/empowering to see Laney not respond like a simpering woman, pushing his limits, then when things get real, being awkward about what to do next, but saying but still getting and saying what she wants.
Just read the book. The final page just mushed my heart, and then the preview of the next book, with the frenemies vibe excited me, but why 2017 jamaneni? Please make it earlier Laura, please. Now, if you've read this review, get the book!!!! And enjoy.
I've been enjoying this series and did enjoy reading this book. The reason for the 3 stars is there were a number of missing elements in this book that are usually in the others. Character development was one of them - I liked both characters and thought they were well drawn. However .
I really liked the cyber security and all that information - I felt like Griffin did her homework and really knew her stuff - I'd love to see Ben have his own book one of these days. The ending was rushed big time - the clues were building, but then it seems like a jump-cut and clues were found off-screen like
I think romantic suspense is a hard genre to write without one element dominating the other and usually Griffin gets it right, which is why I'm reading book 10. This one felt rushed and both elements were not explored in depth. However, I'll still pick up and read #11, because I'm invested in all these characters she has built over this series and I like seeing how everyone is doing.
I’ve been a fan of Griffin’s Tracersseries since I discovered her on audiobook. When I had the chance at an advance copy of book ten, well, there was no waiting on the audio format. Everything I love about Griffin’s series was here: romance, mystery, and suspense. And, Griffin hooks readers from page one, immersing readers into the terrifying experience of a home invasion.
Laney Knox was attacked in her home two years ago. Laney managed to escape, but so did the intruder and it seems that other woman have not been so lucky. When a former co-worker is murdered, Laney reaches out to the investigating officer, Reed Novak. Unfortunately, Reed is less than impressed with Laney’s methods and her penchant for evasion. Despite their differences, it soon becomes clear that Laney does have essential information about the case, but she wants to participate fully before giving it all up. Needless to say, detective Novak isn't pleased with Laney’s withholding of information, while at the same time he feels drawn to the young woman.
If you’ve not read a Laura Griffin book before, you soon come to realize that Griffin effortlessly combines a mystery and romance. The balance between these two genres is handled really well, and I would say that it sways closer to the mystery/thriller side if I had to give a definitive answer. At the end of the day a serial killer is on the loose and that’s kind of a little bit more important than the burgeoning romance between our hero and heroine, as it should be. But, that’s not to say that the romance isn’t done well.
Like Griffin’s previous books in the series, romance is a big part of the book. And, in Deep Dark I found it particularly compelling considering that it was between two seemingly mismatched characters. Laney’s twenty-four, a computer hacker that skirts the law, likes high-top sneakers and has colourful hair. Not exactly someone that you would obviously put with Reed, a thirty-nine year old, jaded detective that favours dress pants and button-down shirts. So, based on description alone, you wouldn’t assume that these two go together. But, the author really makes this relationship work, examining why these opposites attract. Even with the rather important hunt for a serial killer going on, Griffin does not skimp out on the important parts of a romance (FYI – it’s more than a sex scene).
Lastly, Griffin once again proves that she knows how to the write suspense. From the first page, I was immersed in the suspense. There was something so terrifying about being part of Laney’s home invasion. Her fear is the readers fear. The first chapter set the tone of Deep Dark and from then on in it was a race to the finish line for Laney and Reed to discover who is behind these murders.
Fans of Griffin will not be disappointed by Deep Dark. For those that especially enjoyed Twisted (book 5 of the Tracers series), I think they will find the characters particularly appealing. While obviously different characters, both Reed and Laney reminded me of Mark and Allison. And not just because of the whole May-December relationship thing. Romantic suspense fans, you wont want to miss Deep Dark.
-It’s a romantic suspense, which was a good change of pace for me. -It’s also the first time I’ve read Ms. Griffin’s work and I really enjoyed her writing. The prologue grabs your attention and kept me interested well into the night. -The suspense part holds up. I was intrigued, the story flowed well, and the villain isn’t too obvious. In the age where many people have seen at least one procedural show [if not many], Ms. Griffin certainly paid attention to detail regarding the investigation and I thought Reed and Laney were well-developed characters that worked well inside and outside of their romance. Speaking of... -The romance was milder (not fade to black, but not overly detailed either). I would say that the romance was a bigger part of the story than I expected, which works for me, but those who are in it strictly for the suspense might not be into that part. -The only part of the plot that I didn’t enjoy as much was a bit of a subplot regarding the social media site implicated in the investigation. I thought was resolved in a bit of a convenient manner. -Additionally, I would have loved a better resolution to the secondary romance. Then again, in a romantic suspense to even get a secondary romance is rare, so it’s a minor quibble for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and it kept me turning the page well into the night. I’d recommend for those into romantic suspense. I’d be interested in reading more by Ms. Griffin.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
I devoured Deep Dark. From the first chapter, I had chills going up my body. I had to stop reading just to make sure all my doors were locked.
I'm new to Mrs. Griffin's books but she has made me a fan after reading this phenomenal suspense novel.
Let me give you an insight:
Delaney Knox is a hacker and she works for a company called Delphi Center which helps find criminals, predators and it's excellent at DNA recovery. This company seems to have everything they need to be able to help catch the bad guys. Three years ago, Laney was attacked at her home and she was lucky enough to survive it. Now, a friend of hers, April, is dead and her attack bared similarities to the one Delaney suffered. Laney can't seem to stop herself from trying to figure out who is the culprit. She becomes involved in the search for the killer by immersing herself into the life of Reed Novak, one of the main detectives in the case. She wants the man responsible for this violent act to be put away forever.
Reed is tall, broad and handsome. He does have a history of a failed marriage and he knows his work had a lot to do with it. He's interested in Laney, not only for the input she can give to the case but because she is the first woman in a long time who has made him feel something. He does find her age to be a problem since he's over a decade older than Laney. He's smart and he knows he should stay away but he can't seem to be able too. It doesn't help that Laney seems to have a connection to the killer.
Deep Dark has a side romance too which becomes pretty interesting as well.
As I said, this book is freaking amazing! I couldn't stop reading it. I thought I knew who the killer was.
Wrong!! I had no clue.
Cliffhanger: No
5 Freaking Awesome Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book, which isn't a surprise as I have read and enjoyed others by Laura Griffin. It also fit my mood, as sometimes I want to read something a little grittier, maybe a little less "hearts and flowers" than your usual romance. And, 2 people who meet because of a serial killer, well, doesn't get a whole lot darker than that.
I liked Reed and Laney. Reed is a 39 year-old detective with the Austin PD. Laney a 24 year-old hacker. The serial killer mystery was interesting, creepy, and added the suspense without being wildly complex. In fact, I didn't actually find myself all that concerned with trying to piece together the identity of the killer, because the story flowed well enough that I was engaged without feeling the need to think ahead. The tidbits of police procedure were enjoyable and some of them new to me...do you know what it is to "fume a doorknob"? I didn't either.
Reed is a homicide detective investigating the death that occurs at the beginning of the book. Laney works for an internet security firm and was friends with one of the killer's victims. They share an immediate attraction to one another, but Laney is hesitant to get involved, to allow anyone to get close to her due to something that happened to her in her past. Reed is more interested in getting involved, but convinced he is too old for her. He is 15 years older than she is, but I like that other than being concerned about the age gap, he never treats her like a child, never behaves toward her like she has no idea what she is doing. In fact, he respects her, while becoming increasingly concerned that she is in danger from the killer.
The writing is strong, the characters are likable and believable. I enjoy a novel where the characters are written as people, who have flaws and feelings and thoughts. Reed seemed human, he wasn't perfect, and he knew it. Laney was also not perfect, but the 2 of them together made a good team and balanced out the other, which is always nice.
The story is a romantic suspense and is balanced fairly well. I believed there was an actual relationship developing amongst all of the police, murder, and other general mayhem that was existing around the serial killer case.
I defintely recommend this one. It is a standalone and you do not need to have read the others in the series to be able to fully enjoy this story.
The story hooks the reader from page one when she shared Laney Knox’s memories of the night she was brutally attacked three years ago. Three years later, this brilliant hacker works for the Delphi Center. Through her job, and their acceptance of "hacktivism" she is able to take down child porn sites, protect identities and more. A bit of an Emo, who marches to her own beat, I connected with Laney from the onset.
Austin Homicide detective Reed Novak has just taken on a case where a beautiful young woman is found murdered in her own home. There appears to be no forced entry and no motive. The job is too clean; making Novak instinctively knows this is not the killer’s first victim. With no forensic evidence to go on, Novak will be forced to the streets interviewing everyone she knows. A mysterious text with a link appears on his phone directing him to a social dating site sets the ball in motion and of course peaks his curiosity.
Laney cannot help getting involved based on the similarities of her own brutal attack and begins sending Novak information. It isn’t long before Novak hunts her down and the two begin working together, but if Novak discovers how close this case is to Laney’s own will he kick her off the case?
Griffin writes riveting suspense and I enjoy her knowledge of procedure and terminology. We discover clues as those working the case and it allows for a wonderful, face-paced flow. As new victims appear and connection are made we move closer to solving the case. Twists, turns and red herrings keep us guessing. With realistic tones and an attention to detail Deep Dark kept me flipping the pages. While I had a feeling about the killer, Griffin managed to keep me guessing until the reveal.
The romance in Deep Dark was delicious. Laney is twenty-four and Novak is about fifteen years older. His first marriage failed because of the job, but both Laney and Novak are driven making them a good match. Novak is attracted to Laney and the chemistry is sizzling, but he is also reluctant due to their age difference. It created a nice tension and role reversal. Laney is not shy and soon realizes she will need to make the first move. I enjoyed watching their romance develop and these moments outside the intense case allowed us all a reprieve.