What do you think?
Rate this book
Tracers #13
Stone Cold Heart
When local rock climbers stumble upon abandoned human bones in a remote Texas gorge, Sara Lockhart is the first to get the call. She has a reputation as one of the nation’s top forensic anthropologists, and police detective Nolan Hess knows she is just the expert he needs to help unravel this case. Although evidence is scarce, Nolan suspects the bones belong to a teenage climber who vanished last summer.
But as Sara unearths strange clues, she finds chilling similarities to a case from her past—a case that now threatens to rock Nolan’s community. While Sara digs deep for answers, the stakes rise higher as another young woman disappears without a trace. Investigators work against the clock as Sara races to discover the truth, even if her harrowing search brings her face to face with a stone-cold killer.
But as Sara unearths strange clues, she finds chilling similarities to a case from her past—a case that now threatens to rock Nolan’s community. While Sara digs deep for answers, the stakes rise higher as another young woman disappears without a trace. Investigators work against the clock as Sara races to discover the truth, even if her harrowing search brings her face to face with a stone-cold killer.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2019
642 people are currently reading
4293 people want to read
About the author
Laura Griffin
56 books3,839 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
March 9, 2019
Oh yeah! This book has it all!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was so excited to have this baby show up at my door! I have read a lot of Griffin's books, especially the Tracers series ones, and marvel at how she continues to craft spine tingling stories that grab you and don't let you go.
This book was one of my favorites, I think. The plot is intricate with all of the twists we love in a suspense murder mystery. She keeps us guessing all the way through!
The characters are brilliant and perfectly constructed with intelligence, interest, and in Nolan's case, that hot sexiness we love in a man! Ohhh, and that HEA is just so perfect!
Griffin goes all out in Stone Cold Heart and brings a story loaded with suspense and thrills guaranteed to keep your heart pounding along with just the right amount of romance to keep this story interesting while you are cheering them on.
Yeah. I think she hit it out of the park with this one. I just fell for it from the very beginning! Romantic suspense readers will love this one too!
* Copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/stone-cold-h...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was so excited to have this baby show up at my door! I have read a lot of Griffin's books, especially the Tracers series ones, and marvel at how she continues to craft spine tingling stories that grab you and don't let you go.
This book was one of my favorites, I think. The plot is intricate with all of the twists we love in a suspense murder mystery. She keeps us guessing all the way through!
The characters are brilliant and perfectly constructed with intelligence, interest, and in Nolan's case, that hot sexiness we love in a man! Ohhh, and that HEA is just so perfect!
Griffin goes all out in Stone Cold Heart and brings a story loaded with suspense and thrills guaranteed to keep your heart pounding along with just the right amount of romance to keep this story interesting while you are cheering them on.
Yeah. I think she hit it out of the park with this one. I just fell for it from the very beginning! Romantic suspense readers will love this one too!
* Copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/stone-cold-h...
March 16, 2019
Something weird happened to me while I was reading Stone Cold Heart. I was more interested in the suspense and the unsub than in the romance. As a romantic at heart, this was really shocking to me. No doubt only Laura Griffin can distract me from a HEA!
Stone Cold Heart is the 13th book in the Tracers series. Each book has a new couple investigating a case.
Newcomer Sara Lockhart is a forensic anthropologist. She's at a wedding when she's called by detective Nolan Hess to assist on an investigation. Human bones have been found at a National Park. Sara has recently relocated to Texas after spending some time in Guatemala. She accepted a job at the Delphi Crime Center. Sara is confident in her performance. She's a hard worker and prefers to stay away from any romantic notions. Her last relationship ended with her breaking up her own engagement.
Nolan Hess feels a responsibility to his town. A girl disappeared almost a year ago and her family is still looking for answers. Nolan wants nothing more than to bring the family some closure. He would love to capture the person responsible for her disappearance and put them behind bars for a long time. When human bones are found at the park, he thinks they could be the remains of the missing girl but Sara has her doubts. Then, a new young woman disappears in a city close by.
Stone Cold Heart had the perfect components of a romantic suspense. Laura Griffin is able to create the right environment for the crimes. In this case, the parks, the rock climbing and the caves were an excellent addition to the mystery. The idea of a serial killer dumping bodies so close to other people enjoying the outdoors was scary. I was biting my nails trying to figure out who was the killer. I knew it had to be close to them but I wasn't sure who it was until the end.
Stone Cold Heart is a great complement to the Tracers series. I hope we see many more stories to come.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket Star via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
April 3, 2019
3.5 Stars
Laura Griffin writes addictive crime procedurals with a nice bit of romance, and I’m always excited to crack open one of her mysteries! Stone Cold Heart grabbed me from the beginning, eager for every discovery, on the edge of my seat anticipating what bit of danger Sara and Nolan would stumble across next!
While I liked Sara and admired her skills and determination in the case, she did frustrate me a little bit by jumping into a couple of situations alone, even though they were clearly dangerous. She did take the precaution of phoning others to let them know her whereabouts and what was going on, so she didn’t completely venture into TSTL territory, thankfully!
Sara was the one to put the brakes on any relationship, but she couldn’t fight the pull she felt with Nolan, and I knew it was a matter of when, not if these two would happen. Nolan was a dream and I appreciated he didn’t push the romance, and wasn’t discouraged by Sara’s skittishness, he just stuck by and let things happen organically.
I would’ve loved to sit and read Stone Cold Heart in one sitting, it’s the kind of thrilling story to suck you in with a need to know what happens next!
I enjoyed Tavia Gilbert’s narration of both the male and female characters.
A copy was kindly provided by Pocket Books via Edelweisss in exchange for an honest review.
Laura Griffin writes addictive crime procedurals with a nice bit of romance, and I’m always excited to crack open one of her mysteries! Stone Cold Heart grabbed me from the beginning, eager for every discovery, on the edge of my seat anticipating what bit of danger Sara and Nolan would stumble across next!
While I liked Sara and admired her skills and determination in the case, she did frustrate me a little bit by jumping into a couple of situations alone, even though they were clearly dangerous. She did take the precaution of phoning others to let them know her whereabouts and what was going on, so she didn’t completely venture into TSTL territory, thankfully!
Sara was the one to put the brakes on any relationship, but she couldn’t fight the pull she felt with Nolan, and I knew it was a matter of when, not if these two would happen. Nolan was a dream and I appreciated he didn’t push the romance, and wasn’t discouraged by Sara’s skittishness, he just stuck by and let things happen organically.
I would’ve loved to sit and read Stone Cold Heart in one sitting, it’s the kind of thrilling story to suck you in with a need to know what happens next!
I enjoyed Tavia Gilbert’s narration of both the male and female characters.
A copy was kindly provided by Pocket Books via Edelweisss in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2019
This series just gets better and better! I found Sara's job as a forensic anthropologists completely fascinating. I loved how her mind worked and the dedication she had in helping Nolan find the man behind all the killings.
Nolan's character was just as appealing. He's the town's police detective and his moral code was very high. He cared and he went above and beyond to help a local family find out what happened to their daughter.
The side characters added an extra dimension. I already hop Dax and Talia get their own book in the near future.
Usually, I think the suspense stands out more in this series but Nolan and Sara's growing attraction, while a slow burn, felt like a big part of the story this time.
I loved everything about this book. The writing is phenomenal, the storyline was fascinating and the characters were appealing in every way. If you love romantic suspense, you can't get better than this series.
Nolan's character was just as appealing. He's the town's police detective and his moral code was very high. He cared and he went above and beyond to help a local family find out what happened to their daughter.
The side characters added an extra dimension. I already hop Dax and Talia get their own book in the near future.
Usually, I think the suspense stands out more in this series but Nolan and Sara's growing attraction, while a slow burn, felt like a big part of the story this time.
I loved everything about this book. The writing is phenomenal, the storyline was fascinating and the characters were appealing in every way. If you love romantic suspense, you can't get better than this series.
February 11, 2019
As usual, Griffin delivers a very well done suspense/murder/thriller book. I was totally engaged in the crime and I loved our heroine, who is a forensic anthropologist.
The romance fell flat for me - the romance in this series is always pretty low-key - but in this one, even the sexual tension didn't work. I liked the hero - and I can seem them together romantically, but it just didn't do anything for me in this book.
But I really did love the story
The romance fell flat for me - the romance in this series is always pretty low-key - but in this one, even the sexual tension didn't work. I liked the hero - and I can seem them together romantically, but it just didn't do anything for me in this book.
But I really did love the story
May 30, 2019
I've given this a B at AAR
This thirteenth book in Laura Griffin’s Tracers series once again sees a member of the team from the high-tech Delphi Centre Crime Lab working with law enforcement officers working to solve a particularly disturbing case. Although this is a long-running series, each book comprises a self-contained suspense plot so it’s perfectly possible to dip in and out as any recurring characters are kept to secondary roles and their backstories don’t impinge on the main plotlines.
Forensic Anthropologist Sara Lockhart is the new kid on the block at Delphi, having relocated to San Marco following a broken engagement and a year spent excavating mass graves in Guatemala. Her ex-fiancé seemed to think her career was less important than his and their parting was acrimonious, which has given Sara a not surprising caution about getting involved again. Not that she’s looking for that though; she wants to do her job, make friends and focus on her career path. She’s at the wedding of a colleague when she gets a call from Detective Nolan Hess of the Springfield police department, asking her to come to White Falls Park to take a look at bones that were discovered by some hikers earlier in the day.
Nolan Hess grew up in Springfield, and feels a real sense of responsibility towards his community, where, it seems, he knows everyone and everyone knows him. He’s determined to bring closure to the family of a young woman who disappeared over a year earlier, and when the bones are found in the park, there’s a lot of speculation that they are the remains of the missing girl. When Nolan meets Sara, he’s immediately impressed by her cool command of the situation, but simultaneously exasperated by her reluctance to offer any preliminary opinions or explanations. He understands the work she does isn’t going to provide fast answers, but all the same he’s anxious for results that will enable him to confirm the identity of the victim. He also senses that Sara knows more than she’s sharing with him.
Sara does. Or rather she suspects. The evidence presented by the bones – plus a gut feeling born of experience – suggests to her that there’s likely to be more than one victim here, and that the body they’ve discovered is unlikely to have been killed and/or dumped in its final location. She’s proven right when a search farther along the gorge turns up more bones, clearly belonging to a different set of remains. Her theory is that the victims were killed elsewhere and their bodies dumped off a cliff, then washed down the valley in a flood. When these killings are linked to a third, and then to the recent disappearance of a young woman, it becomes clear that a serial killer is at work – and that Sara and Nolan need to work faster to turn up clues if they’re to be able to save the life of the latest victim.
One of the things I always enjoy about the Tracers series is the well-researched background detail that the author supplies in just the right amount. She explains the nitty gritty of Sara’s profession really well, and without getting bogged down in too much unnecessary detail, and her descriptions of the various locations are vivid and really help put the reader in the middle of the action. The suspense plot is well-constructed with plenty of twists and turns and moments of nail-biting tension, but unfortunately, the romantic subplot is less successful and falls pretty flat. I did enjoy the longing glances and impulsive kisses that Sara and Nolan share and I liked them as individuals, but there wasn’t much romantic development. Nolan is a terrific hero, an all-round nice guy who’s dedicated to his job but prepared to put the work into a relationship, while Sara has some issues to work through, and her determination not to become involved with Nolan meant she came off as a bit unfeeling. I liked both of them when it came to their working relationship – they’re both dedicated and good at what they do – and I completely bought that they liked each other (a lot), but there wasn’t time in this book to develop anything beyond an initial attraction and infatuation, which made the romance ultimately unsatisfying.
If you’re a fan of CSI-type stories, then the Tracers series is one I’d definitely recommend checking out. Stone Cold Heart is a solid addition; although the romance is a little lacklustre, the well-executed suspense plot is fairly gripping and if you’re in the mood for something that’s heavier on the mystery and lighter on the romance, then it might well suit.
This thirteenth book in Laura Griffin’s Tracers series once again sees a member of the team from the high-tech Delphi Centre Crime Lab working with law enforcement officers working to solve a particularly disturbing case. Although this is a long-running series, each book comprises a self-contained suspense plot so it’s perfectly possible to dip in and out as any recurring characters are kept to secondary roles and their backstories don’t impinge on the main plotlines.
Forensic Anthropologist Sara Lockhart is the new kid on the block at Delphi, having relocated to San Marco following a broken engagement and a year spent excavating mass graves in Guatemala. Her ex-fiancé seemed to think her career was less important than his and their parting was acrimonious, which has given Sara a not surprising caution about getting involved again. Not that she’s looking for that though; she wants to do her job, make friends and focus on her career path. She’s at the wedding of a colleague when she gets a call from Detective Nolan Hess of the Springfield police department, asking her to come to White Falls Park to take a look at bones that were discovered by some hikers earlier in the day.
Nolan Hess grew up in Springfield, and feels a real sense of responsibility towards his community, where, it seems, he knows everyone and everyone knows him. He’s determined to bring closure to the family of a young woman who disappeared over a year earlier, and when the bones are found in the park, there’s a lot of speculation that they are the remains of the missing girl. When Nolan meets Sara, he’s immediately impressed by her cool command of the situation, but simultaneously exasperated by her reluctance to offer any preliminary opinions or explanations. He understands the work she does isn’t going to provide fast answers, but all the same he’s anxious for results that will enable him to confirm the identity of the victim. He also senses that Sara knows more than she’s sharing with him.
Sara does. Or rather she suspects. The evidence presented by the bones – plus a gut feeling born of experience – suggests to her that there’s likely to be more than one victim here, and that the body they’ve discovered is unlikely to have been killed and/or dumped in its final location. She’s proven right when a search farther along the gorge turns up more bones, clearly belonging to a different set of remains. Her theory is that the victims were killed elsewhere and their bodies dumped off a cliff, then washed down the valley in a flood. When these killings are linked to a third, and then to the recent disappearance of a young woman, it becomes clear that a serial killer is at work – and that Sara and Nolan need to work faster to turn up clues if they’re to be able to save the life of the latest victim.
One of the things I always enjoy about the Tracers series is the well-researched background detail that the author supplies in just the right amount. She explains the nitty gritty of Sara’s profession really well, and without getting bogged down in too much unnecessary detail, and her descriptions of the various locations are vivid and really help put the reader in the middle of the action. The suspense plot is well-constructed with plenty of twists and turns and moments of nail-biting tension, but unfortunately, the romantic subplot is less successful and falls pretty flat. I did enjoy the longing glances and impulsive kisses that Sara and Nolan share and I liked them as individuals, but there wasn’t much romantic development. Nolan is a terrific hero, an all-round nice guy who’s dedicated to his job but prepared to put the work into a relationship, while Sara has some issues to work through, and her determination not to become involved with Nolan meant she came off as a bit unfeeling. I liked both of them when it came to their working relationship – they’re both dedicated and good at what they do – and I completely bought that they liked each other (a lot), but there wasn’t time in this book to develop anything beyond an initial attraction and infatuation, which made the romance ultimately unsatisfying.
If you’re a fan of CSI-type stories, then the Tracers series is one I’d definitely recommend checking out. Stone Cold Heart is a solid addition; although the romance is a little lacklustre, the well-executed suspense plot is fairly gripping and if you’re in the mood for something that’s heavier on the mystery and lighter on the romance, then it might well suit.
March 28, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
This series is consistently one of the best Romantic-Suspense Series I've ever read and "Stone Cold Heart" is another great book in the Tracers Series. The world of the Delphi Center and people who work there is fascinating. All the books can be read as Standalones, but if you drop in at this book, be prepared to want to read the whole series. The Suspense plot was top-notch and kept you guessing throughout, but the Romance was lacking that spark that ignites the whole plot.
Sara Lockhart is a fairly new forensic anthropologist at the Delphi Center. She left her life on the east coast when she decided that she wanted a different path for her life, one that included more hands on work and no men.
Nolan Hess, a police detective in small town Springville, Texas, was a detective in Austin before his career was derailed by being involved with the wrong woman. Now, he's back home and doing the best he can to make a difference in his small community.
When human remains are discovered in a remote canyon by local rock climbers, Delphi Center's Sara Lockhart takes the call. What she uncovers is chilling to her on a personal and professional level and she knows she is dealing with more than a missing climber. For Nolan, dealing with the reality that this case is beyond his small department's capabilities and his attraction to the blonde beauty of a forensic anthropologist will test and try his capabilities. Knowing that a family is waiting for answers also is a heavy weight on him. As more remains are discovered, Nolan and Sara delve deeper into the investigation and each other, but time may be running out for a young woman who disappeared in Austin.
This series is consistently one of the best Romantic-Suspense Series I've ever read and "Stone Cold Heart" is another great book in the Tracers Series. The world of the Delphi Center and people who work there is fascinating. All the books can be read as Standalones, but if you drop in at this book, be prepared to want to read the whole series. The Suspense plot was top-notch and kept you guessing throughout, but the Romance was lacking that spark that ignites the whole plot.
Sara Lockhart is a fairly new forensic anthropologist at the Delphi Center. She left her life on the east coast when she decided that she wanted a different path for her life, one that included more hands on work and no men.
Nolan Hess, a police detective in small town Springville, Texas, was a detective in Austin before his career was derailed by being involved with the wrong woman. Now, he's back home and doing the best he can to make a difference in his small community.
When human remains are discovered in a remote canyon by local rock climbers, Delphi Center's Sara Lockhart takes the call. What she uncovers is chilling to her on a personal and professional level and she knows she is dealing with more than a missing climber. For Nolan, dealing with the reality that this case is beyond his small department's capabilities and his attraction to the blonde beauty of a forensic anthropologist will test and try his capabilities. Knowing that a family is waiting for answers also is a heavy weight on him. As more remains are discovered, Nolan and Sara delve deeper into the investigation and each other, but time may be running out for a young woman who disappeared in Austin.
April 17, 2019
As someone who no longer reads too many RS (which was my favourite genre years ago), Laura Griffin will always remain on my definitely yes list, because with her books I know I will get a hell of a compelling read so much so that I won't mind the lack of emphasis on the romance. Stone Cold Heart was another terrific entry in this series, with a very compelling plot. The story moves around the remains and not the romance as in all LG books.
March 26, 2019
The Tracers series is one of my all time favorites! Some of the best mystery/procedural - action adventure that’s out in the book world today! Griffin has an innate ability to mix romance and mystery that never dulls or becomes redundant. I was completely in awe over the killers reveal. It was a knock out of left field that just proves this is an author who likes to keep her reader on their toes.
Another 5 star home run.
~Tanja
Follow us on
Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿BookBabblers✿Instagram
Another 5 star home run.
~Tanja
Follow us on
Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿BookBabblers✿Instagram
April 21, 2019
The Tracer series is one of my all-time favourites, and this another brilliant addition to it.
Loved it and can’t wait for more.
Loved it and can’t wait for more.
February 28, 2019
Another good read in a series I enjoy. I like the setting of the ‘Delphi Center’ crime lab. I’ve come to enjoy reading about the various characters and their crime scene specialties. This series kind of reminds me of a CSI type show, where some episodes are better than others; but the reader gets invested enough in the whole to keep going. I even liked the romance in this one, very old school. Overall, above average Romantic Suspense.
March 14, 2019
The thirteenth book in the Tracers series by Laura Griffin. Forensic anthropologist, Sara Lockhart, is called to the scene where some rock climbers discovered a body. Together Sara and police detective, Nolan Hess investigate.
I have read several of Ms. Griffin's novels and I like her style. The story moves nicely, without too much lagging or filler. It tells the story and manages to slip in a nice satisfying romance. Her characters are often flawed with issues about their pasts. But it's not too over-the-top that it overwhelms you. I like that way she balances the suspense, mystery and romance. This series can all be read as stand-alone. Each story is written about a different couple. Previous characters will make appearances in the books.
I received this book for an honest review from Netgalley.
I have read several of Ms. Griffin's novels and I like her style. The story moves nicely, without too much lagging or filler. It tells the story and manages to slip in a nice satisfying romance. Her characters are often flawed with issues about their pasts. But it's not too over-the-top that it overwhelms you. I like that way she balances the suspense, mystery and romance. This series can all be read as stand-alone. Each story is written about a different couple. Previous characters will make appearances in the books.
I received this book for an honest review from Netgalley.
April 1, 2019
I'm a huge fan of the tracer series and I really enjoyed reading this one. Definitely recommend.
February 23, 2019
Laura Griffin returns with a classic ‘Bones’-episode thriller, when a series of missing persons start to bring an unlikely connection to a serial killer lurking in the midst of them.
For readers who like a suspense-heavy, romance-that-skims-the-surface read, ‘Stone Cold Heart’ delivers superbly. Nolan Hess and Sara Lockhart hold their own individually as protagonists; both are competent in their own fields, established in their own circles.
But as the case progressed and these circles overlapped, it did feel as though Griffin did the small, budding romance a bit of a disservice. I was hoping for a more developed working relationship between Sara and Nolan beyond intense glances, not-so-secret shared smiles and an impulsive kiss or two which were then put aside in favour of work. I did get that they liked each other despite Sara’s half-in, half-out stance—along with the tingly feels that came across more like an infatuation than anything more—though the sudden, almost obligatory slide into sex surprised me given how muted their dancing around each other had been. Still, they were ultimately not too convincing as a pair and the uncertain ending (for the romance at least) didn’t cement their status as one that could go the distance.
From canvassing to questioning to the science behind the bones, the action surged through after the halfway mark and that got me excited, even when forensic anthropologists trying to play trained cops was what tipped the hand. The plot’s admittedly yet another iteration of a whodunnit mystery—for this reason, some of the Tracers books aren’t that much differentiated from each other—but Griffin’s way with words, getting the devil snared in the small details and the setup of the suspense nonetheless made ‘Stone Cold Heart’ an engrossing read as the case came together.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
For readers who like a suspense-heavy, romance-that-skims-the-surface read, ‘Stone Cold Heart’ delivers superbly. Nolan Hess and Sara Lockhart hold their own individually as protagonists; both are competent in their own fields, established in their own circles.
But as the case progressed and these circles overlapped, it did feel as though Griffin did the small, budding romance a bit of a disservice. I was hoping for a more developed working relationship between Sara and Nolan beyond intense glances, not-so-secret shared smiles and an impulsive kiss or two which were then put aside in favour of work. I did get that they liked each other despite Sara’s half-in, half-out stance—along with the tingly feels that came across more like an infatuation than anything more—though the sudden, almost obligatory slide into sex surprised me given how muted their dancing around each other had been. Still, they were ultimately not too convincing as a pair and the uncertain ending (for the romance at least) didn’t cement their status as one that could go the distance.
From canvassing to questioning to the science behind the bones, the action surged through after the halfway mark and that got me excited, even when forensic anthropologists trying to play trained cops was what tipped the hand. The plot’s admittedly yet another iteration of a whodunnit mystery—for this reason, some of the Tracers books aren’t that much differentiated from each other—but Griffin’s way with words, getting the devil snared in the small details and the setup of the suspense nonetheless made ‘Stone Cold Heart’ an engrossing read as the case came together.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
April 2, 2019
Stone Cold Heart
Laura Griffin
Just look under Romantic Suspense in the dictionary and you’ll find Stone Cold Heart number thirteen in Laura Griffin’s Tracers Series listed, a gripping unputdownable page-turner and maybe the best yet in this absorbing series. Her prototypical attention to detail is once again impressive from intricate rock climbing details to crime scene techniques she entertains as well as educates readers while spinning her fabulous grizzly puzzling tale that will have her audience wondering who-done-it until she reveals the culprit at the very end. The chemistry between her couple is heady and to see how she navigates Sara and Nelson through the obstacle course of their relationship phobias is credible. The narrative, tight plot and the fascinating story will definitely pull readers in and like all in her Tracers series it stands well alone but there also is a bit of series history missed when read out of order.
When Dr. Sara Lockhart is called to an Austin bedroom community to look at some possibly human remains she has no idea the Pandora’s box she’ll be opening or how to deal with her undeniable attraction to the take charge lead detective. Springville Texas detective Nolan Hess called on the Delphi Center’s forensic anthropologist trying to solve a cold case and give closure to a grieving family but he isn’t prepared for what she uncovers or his feelings for this beautiful determined scientist.
Laura Griffin
Just look under Romantic Suspense in the dictionary and you’ll find Stone Cold Heart number thirteen in Laura Griffin’s Tracers Series listed, a gripping unputdownable page-turner and maybe the best yet in this absorbing series. Her prototypical attention to detail is once again impressive from intricate rock climbing details to crime scene techniques she entertains as well as educates readers while spinning her fabulous grizzly puzzling tale that will have her audience wondering who-done-it until she reveals the culprit at the very end. The chemistry between her couple is heady and to see how she navigates Sara and Nelson through the obstacle course of their relationship phobias is credible. The narrative, tight plot and the fascinating story will definitely pull readers in and like all in her Tracers series it stands well alone but there also is a bit of series history missed when read out of order.
When Dr. Sara Lockhart is called to an Austin bedroom community to look at some possibly human remains she has no idea the Pandora’s box she’ll be opening or how to deal with her undeniable attraction to the take charge lead detective. Springville Texas detective Nolan Hess called on the Delphi Center’s forensic anthropologist trying to solve a cold case and give closure to a grieving family but he isn’t prepared for what she uncovers or his feelings for this beautiful determined scientist.
May 16, 2020
Ms. Griffin just keeps these 'Tracers' books coming. Stone Cold Hearts is Nolan and Sara's story. He's a detective looking for a serial killer and she is a forensic anthropologist who becomes involved in his investigation. They find the killer and each other but not without some roadblocks. Recommeded for Tracers fans and anyone who likes good romantic suspense.
April 17, 2019
This is certainly competent. It’s also clinical, in a way. I’ve read this story before, and I’ve read it from Laura Griffin. The characters are slightly different, but the elements are the same. There are parts I vaguely recall finding chilling as I read them... but mostly, this isn’t memorable, because it blurs together with the other Griffin novels it resembles. What I do remember are the few Delfi office interactions, which makes me think I really want a workplace novel set in this world: less of the loner-combats-serial-killer-with-future-husband stuff.
March 31, 2019
A lengthy romance this time. Quite different from LG's other Tracers stories.
March 26, 2019
Sara Lockehart is a forensic anthropologist working for the Delphi Center, one of the best in her league. Police detective Nolan Hess works for a small Texas community that has a some big national parks where people hike, climb and ride bikes. Some hikers discover a skeleton and Hess calls Sara in. She discovers more than one body. Their relationship deepens, as they race to figure out who the killer is, and if and how many more bodies there are to find.
I love Laura Griffin and the whole Tracer series. The writing is lyrical and weaves a really great foundation to the story and characters. The development of each character is extremely thorough and you feel as if you really know Sara and Nolan throughout the story. The way the come together feels more authentic than some other romance novels and the suspense is just right. I was pleasantly surprised to find out who the killer was, as usually I am very good at guessing who it is right away. This book was an enjoyable read and a great addition to a frickin awesome series.
I love Laura Griffin and the whole Tracer series. The writing is lyrical and weaves a really great foundation to the story and characters. The development of each character is extremely thorough and you feel as if you really know Sara and Nolan throughout the story. The way the come together feels more authentic than some other romance novels and the suspense is just right. I was pleasantly surprised to find out who the killer was, as usually I am very good at guessing who it is right away. This book was an enjoyable read and a great addition to a frickin awesome series.
April 30, 2019
I liked the romance element of this a lot, but I wish it had been better developed. Like, I got why the characters fell for each other completely, there just wasn't enough there there. (And it's not fair because these aren't romances but some of the romances have been SO GOOD that I do hold it to those standards.) Liked the case, though. Wish the heroine hadn't run off on her own so many times, but that's just a feature of the genre.
June 20, 2019
Laura Griffin found her way back to her page-turning romance-suspense with likeable and believable characters working on an interesting case.
After the last somewhat disappointing installments in the series, for a refreshing change the male protagonist was not a controlling alpha-male, the female protagonist not ridden with insecurities, and the plot made sense. Highly recommended!
After the last somewhat disappointing installments in the series, for a refreshing change the male protagonist was not a controlling alpha-male, the female protagonist not ridden with insecurities, and the plot made sense. Highly recommended!
May 19, 2019
Usually the minute I start a new Laura Griffin book, I can't put it down and finish quickly. So I was disappointed when this one didn't catch my attention. Neither the mystery nor the characters were exciting enough for me to read this one quickly. But it was still okay enough that I had to finish.
March 17, 2019
When local rock climbers find human bones in a park Sara Lockhart of The Delphi Center is asked to assist in the investigation by Det Nolan Hess. A local girl has been missing for over a year and they think the bones could be hers. When they realize it is not the missing hiker and another young woman goes missing they realize they might be looking at a serial killer.
This book has it all, suspense, romance and a twisted killer. The book is very well written with a great plot that kept me turning the pages. I didn’t want to put it down. I was surprised at the end of the book, I had been looking in another direction for the killer. This is a great addition to the Tracers series but it could easily be read as a stand alone.
This book has it all, suspense, romance and a twisted killer. The book is very well written with a great plot that kept me turning the pages. I didn’t want to put it down. I was surprised at the end of the book, I had been looking in another direction for the killer. This is a great addition to the Tracers series but it could easily be read as a stand alone.
January 5, 2023
I finally made it to the last book in this length series. I don’t know that I am ready for this series. to end yet—-but it appears to be the end at least for the foreseeable future. I personally feel like there are more stories in this series as there are some reoccurring characters in the books that I think could have interesting stories to tell—-the one I am thinking of inparticular is Ben. He’s been a long standing character in the books and I would love to see him have his own book. Same with Ric Santos’s brother.
Who knows maybe there will be other books in this series in the future but considering this book was written in 2019 and author Laura Griffin has since written a number of other books and side series, I feel like this one could be over at least for now. Obviously I am a big fan of this series as I have been reading it for the last couple of months now and haven’t really taken much of a break. I promised myself I would switch to something else after I was done with this book.
Spoiler—-I didn’t. I picked up MORE Laura Griffin books. For whatever reason, I am so invested in her books and I think it’s because I haven’t been disappointed yet! Her mysteries are so wonderfully complex and interesting not to mention the romance that is subtly woven in really makes for quick reads for me. If you haven’t read her books yet just jump right in! Each can be read as a standalone so hope around if you want!
This book was a mixed bag for me. The mystery was interesting and I loved reading about the rock climbing and cave parts and of course the investigation had lots of twists and turns that kept me interested and reading. In this book, Sara, is a forensic anthropologist which I think is such an interesting field. I really enjoyed seeing how that played out in the story. I am always in awe of Griffin’s ability to really bring fresh new content to each book. I love the DNA, forensic and scientific details she adds. She clearly spends HOURS researching her books and it shows in every single page. I am never disappointed in the mysteries. They are twisty, sometimes dark, fast paced and well written. Any it isn’t always a murder, sometimes it’s a terrorist plot so she always keeps things interesting. In this book it’s a serial killer and those are always fascinating and quick reads.
The thing that was lacking for me was the romance. Something about Sara kind of put me off. I mean she wasn’t terrible but she seemed just stand offish and I didn’t feel invested in hers and Nolan’s romance. I liked Nolan just find. I thought he was thoughtful, patient, and kind but for Sara I just didn’t feel like I connected with her character’s romance. I liked her just fine as a forensic anthropologist working the case—-from that aspect she was smart, detail orientated, and sharp but when it came to showing her more soft side through her romance, I simply didn’t feel it in the way that I was hoping to. It wasn’t bad or anything, it just didn’t live up to my expectations that I had for this book. Nolan and Sara together just lacked chemistry which was a little disappointing.
However, even though this book didn’t have the romance that I was hoping for or have some to expect in this series, it did have a wonderful twisty mystery. The serial killer angle really kept this one moving and I loved trying to solve the case and taking the little clues and forensic evidence and trying to solve it right along with the characters. I am never let down when it comes to a solid murder mystery from Griffin. She always makes sure that her readers have something interesting to read, sometimes the romances are better than others but that’s totally ok with me. I love getting to meet new characters, dashing heroes, and intriguing mysteries so overall even if I didn’t LOVE the romance in this one, the mystery was so good which earned it a 3 star rating from me!
Who knows maybe there will be other books in this series in the future but considering this book was written in 2019 and author Laura Griffin has since written a number of other books and side series, I feel like this one could be over at least for now. Obviously I am a big fan of this series as I have been reading it for the last couple of months now and haven’t really taken much of a break. I promised myself I would switch to something else after I was done with this book.
Spoiler—-I didn’t. I picked up MORE Laura Griffin books. For whatever reason, I am so invested in her books and I think it’s because I haven’t been disappointed yet! Her mysteries are so wonderfully complex and interesting not to mention the romance that is subtly woven in really makes for quick reads for me. If you haven’t read her books yet just jump right in! Each can be read as a standalone so hope around if you want!
This book was a mixed bag for me. The mystery was interesting and I loved reading about the rock climbing and cave parts and of course the investigation had lots of twists and turns that kept me interested and reading. In this book, Sara, is a forensic anthropologist which I think is such an interesting field. I really enjoyed seeing how that played out in the story. I am always in awe of Griffin’s ability to really bring fresh new content to each book. I love the DNA, forensic and scientific details she adds. She clearly spends HOURS researching her books and it shows in every single page. I am never disappointed in the mysteries. They are twisty, sometimes dark, fast paced and well written. Any it isn’t always a murder, sometimes it’s a terrorist plot so she always keeps things interesting. In this book it’s a serial killer and those are always fascinating and quick reads.
The thing that was lacking for me was the romance. Something about Sara kind of put me off. I mean she wasn’t terrible but she seemed just stand offish and I didn’t feel invested in hers and Nolan’s romance. I liked Nolan just find. I thought he was thoughtful, patient, and kind but for Sara I just didn’t feel like I connected with her character’s romance. I liked her just fine as a forensic anthropologist working the case—-from that aspect she was smart, detail orientated, and sharp but when it came to showing her more soft side through her romance, I simply didn’t feel it in the way that I was hoping to. It wasn’t bad or anything, it just didn’t live up to my expectations that I had for this book. Nolan and Sara together just lacked chemistry which was a little disappointing.
However, even though this book didn’t have the romance that I was hoping for or have some to expect in this series, it did have a wonderful twisty mystery. The serial killer angle really kept this one moving and I loved trying to solve the case and taking the little clues and forensic evidence and trying to solve it right along with the characters. I am never let down when it comes to a solid murder mystery from Griffin. She always makes sure that her readers have something interesting to read, sometimes the romances are better than others but that’s totally ok with me. I love getting to meet new characters, dashing heroes, and intriguing mysteries so overall even if I didn’t LOVE the romance in this one, the mystery was so good which earned it a 3 star rating from me!
February 15, 2020
In the first chapter, college student Grace is part of a bachelorette party in Austin. After being denied entry to a bar, she accepts a ride with a stranger. No, no, no, always a bad move. Detective Nolan Hess calls forensic anthropologist Sara Lockhart when human remains are found in a state park. More bones will be found. Serial killer at work. Follow that purple twine!
I liked the setting of the Austin/San Marcus, Texas area, my home for almost 10 years. Several references are made to the Texas heat. So true, we get over 40 days of 100 degree temps every summer. I like this type of romantic suspense with a solid mystery, serial killer, strong female lead, and attraction with hunky law enforcement.
I liked the setting of the Austin/San Marcus, Texas area, my home for almost 10 years. Several references are made to the Texas heat. So true, we get over 40 days of 100 degree temps every summer. I like this type of romantic suspense with a solid mystery, serial killer, strong female lead, and attraction with hunky law enforcement.
April 11, 2019
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway. This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I could tell a lot of research went into all of the forensics mentioned in the book. The story was interesting I found myself not wanting to put it down. I will definitely read more books in this series. Highly recommend.
May 23, 2021
I wish this series would never end! ❤️
March 18, 2019
Stone Cold Heart (Tracers #13) by Laura Griffin
5 stars
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Torture, Murder, Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Sara is dreading staying at a colleagues wedding. So, when a call comes in that she's needed at a crime scene, she's happy to pick up and head out there. What she finds is a grisly scene and more questions than answers.
Nolan is worried. His home town is under some kind of siege. Women are going missing and turning up in the surrounding parks and caves. He knows that despite his history in a police department that he's a good officer, but solving these crimes will take its toll.
With minds that solve in different manners, Sara and Nolan will race to figure out who in this small town is targeting young women. They know it is someone they all know, but with the bodies piling up and the clues few and far between, it will take everyone pulling out the big guns to figure this out.
The suspense generated in this story was fantastic and I really enjoyed watching Sara and Nolan dance around their attraction and their feelings. I think their romance helped the story move forward, because when they start getting closer, it's their relationship that drives the clues and their ability to really listen. Griffin gives you a story that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat.
I hope that Dax gets a story soon. I really enjoyed his character.
5 stars
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Torture, Murder, Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Sara is dreading staying at a colleagues wedding. So, when a call comes in that she's needed at a crime scene, she's happy to pick up and head out there. What she finds is a grisly scene and more questions than answers.
Nolan is worried. His home town is under some kind of siege. Women are going missing and turning up in the surrounding parks and caves. He knows that despite his history in a police department that he's a good officer, but solving these crimes will take its toll.
With minds that solve in different manners, Sara and Nolan will race to figure out who in this small town is targeting young women. They know it is someone they all know, but with the bodies piling up and the clues few and far between, it will take everyone pulling out the big guns to figure this out.
The suspense generated in this story was fantastic and I really enjoyed watching Sara and Nolan dance around their attraction and their feelings. I think their romance helped the story move forward, because when they start getting closer, it's their relationship that drives the clues and their ability to really listen. Griffin gives you a story that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat.
I hope that Dax gets a story soon. I really enjoyed his character.
June 11, 2019
4 stars - Romantic Suspense
Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews