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When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he's ever seen, and nothing adds up.
Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn't who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.
As a ruthless hit man's mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.
Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn't who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.
As a ruthless hit man's mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.
328 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2020
735 people are currently reading
17410 people want to read
About the author
Laura Griffin
56 books3,838 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 525 reviews
October 24, 2020
It was another fast-paced, entertaining, gripping thriller with romantic vibes. Mostly romantic suspense is not my favorite genre but thankfully this book is more murder mystery and suspense. Of course from the beginning there is undeniable attraction and sizzling chemistry between the characters which I enjoyed because I liked both Bailey and Jacob from the beginning and luckily nothing change my opinion till the end of the book.
This is brand new premise of Laura Griffin’s Texas Murder Files series. Bailey Rhoads is crime reporter and meets with detective Jacob Merritt throughout the investigation of the case belongs to brutally murdered woman at Austin’s lakeside hide and hike and bike trail. She is so adamant to reach the answers about the murder because there are so many holes about the case and nothing adds up: there is no ID found on the corpse and no one is looking for her. But Bailey is not ready to give up so easily. With her helpful sources she finds out the victim was protected witness of FBI and a hitman found her real identity and finished the job for his mysterious bosses.
From this point, the story moves into a darker turn which I enjoyed more. And of course as long as Bailey and Jacob became partners in crime to dig more about the secrets, they eventually got closer. The conclusion of the story was solid and of course love story part, well, you may guess how it goes…
Overall: I enjoyed the author’s way of fast, stick to the point and riveting story telling. Romance parts worked well for me. I’m giving 3.5 stars and rounding them up to 4. I think I should give the author’s previous works a try sooner if I could trim my Mount of TBR before it collapses on me!
SPEcial thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this ARC in exchange my honest review.
This is brand new premise of Laura Griffin’s Texas Murder Files series. Bailey Rhoads is crime reporter and meets with detective Jacob Merritt throughout the investigation of the case belongs to brutally murdered woman at Austin’s lakeside hide and hike and bike trail. She is so adamant to reach the answers about the murder because there are so many holes about the case and nothing adds up: there is no ID found on the corpse and no one is looking for her. But Bailey is not ready to give up so easily. With her helpful sources she finds out the victim was protected witness of FBI and a hitman found her real identity and finished the job for his mysterious bosses.
From this point, the story moves into a darker turn which I enjoyed more. And of course as long as Bailey and Jacob became partners in crime to dig more about the secrets, they eventually got closer. The conclusion of the story was solid and of course love story part, well, you may guess how it goes…
Overall: I enjoyed the author’s way of fast, stick to the point and riveting story telling. Romance parts worked well for me. I’m giving 3.5 stars and rounding them up to 4. I think I should give the author’s previous works a try sooner if I could trim my Mount of TBR before it collapses on me!
SPEcial thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this ARC in exchange my honest review.
June 19, 2020
Not my favorite Laura Griffin. By a long shot.
For me, this opener to The Texas Murder Files series toed the line of mediocrity. Sure, it was decent, but not strong enough in storyline, concept, or even characterization to leave a lasting impression on this reader. And, I'm not sure those things bode well for me continuing with the series, but only time will tell. There’s a high probability this is the lone dud among the author's lengthy backlist, given the swoon worthiness of her Tracers series.
Hidden introduces readers to Jacob and Bailey, two people dedicated to their respective professions. Professions that often give rise to adversarial interactions when pitted together. Instead, a woman found dead on a jogging trail manages to incite a closeness between the devoted Austin detective and dogged crime beat reporter. As Jacob and Bailey work to uncover the mystery woman’s identity, and a possible motive for her stabbing, a fondness for one another takes shape.
My major issue with this novel was the investigation itself. Not only was the trajectory of the storyline easy to predict once you got into it, but the case itself was uninteresting. It took a good two weeks to get through the pages because there was no motivation screaming out for me to keep going. Translating to several lonely days and nights spent untouched on my nightstand.
The second issue breeding discontent in this picky brain of mine, Jacob and Bailey's relationship. Don't get me wrong, I liked them as individuals and together, but the why spurning their journey to the L-word left a host of lingering questions. And, while the couple's numerous failed starts were successful in ratcheting up the tension, the lack of depth or explanation behind their attraction didn't allow for much character growth. Their mutual feelings were just present, from go. Feeding into the lack of character growth was the absence of any backstories. All of which left me clamoring for more.
Hidden is a decent addition to the romantic suspense genre, but all too forgettable in the grand scheme of things. I can't say it left me itching for the next book in the series.
*Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
For me, this opener to The Texas Murder Files series toed the line of mediocrity. Sure, it was decent, but not strong enough in storyline, concept, or even characterization to leave a lasting impression on this reader. And, I'm not sure those things bode well for me continuing with the series, but only time will tell. There’s a high probability this is the lone dud among the author's lengthy backlist, given the swoon worthiness of her Tracers series.
Hidden introduces readers to Jacob and Bailey, two people dedicated to their respective professions. Professions that often give rise to adversarial interactions when pitted together. Instead, a woman found dead on a jogging trail manages to incite a closeness between the devoted Austin detective and dogged crime beat reporter. As Jacob and Bailey work to uncover the mystery woman’s identity, and a possible motive for her stabbing, a fondness for one another takes shape.
My major issue with this novel was the investigation itself. Not only was the trajectory of the storyline easy to predict once you got into it, but the case itself was uninteresting. It took a good two weeks to get through the pages because there was no motivation screaming out for me to keep going. Translating to several lonely days and nights spent untouched on my nightstand.
The second issue breeding discontent in this picky brain of mine, Jacob and Bailey's relationship. Don't get me wrong, I liked them as individuals and together, but the why spurning their journey to the L-word left a host of lingering questions. And, while the couple's numerous failed starts were successful in ratcheting up the tension, the lack of depth or explanation behind their attraction didn't allow for much character growth. Their mutual feelings were just present, from go. Feeding into the lack of character growth was the absence of any backstories. All of which left me clamoring for more.
Hidden is a decent addition to the romantic suspense genre, but all too forgettable in the grand scheme of things. I can't say it left me itching for the next book in the series.
*Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2023
Hidden (The Texas Murder Files #1)
By Laura Griffin, narrated by Teri Clark Linden
Investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads has made a name for herself. She's pushy, can be sneaky with how she gets her stories, and has some very good work behind her. When she meets Detective Jacob Merritt, lead detective on the case of a murder that has just happened, he is familiar with her work, especially because Bailey has investigated corruption in the police department. He's not about to give anything away to her, no matter how hard she goes at him.
But nothing will stop Bailey and she goes from wanting to write a story about the crime, the murder of a young woman on Austin's jogging/bike trails, to something more concerning the woman. I enjoy mysteries and that is what attracted me to this story and this series. But you need to be prepared for insta lust (the characters think about lusting, it's not just all in my head) and open door romance. Both characters are likeable although I do wish Bailey wasn't so clueless to danger because she makes a weak case when she can't understand why Jacob thinks she needs to be careful. It's like her brain has disconnected from what is happening around her and to her. Overall an enjoyable rom/mystery, with the action taking place in my state.
Published August 25, 2020
By Laura Griffin, narrated by Teri Clark Linden
Investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads has made a name for herself. She's pushy, can be sneaky with how she gets her stories, and has some very good work behind her. When she meets Detective Jacob Merritt, lead detective on the case of a murder that has just happened, he is familiar with her work, especially because Bailey has investigated corruption in the police department. He's not about to give anything away to her, no matter how hard she goes at him.
But nothing will stop Bailey and she goes from wanting to write a story about the crime, the murder of a young woman on Austin's jogging/bike trails, to something more concerning the woman. I enjoy mysteries and that is what attracted me to this story and this series. But you need to be prepared for insta lust (the characters think about lusting, it's not just all in my head) and open door romance. Both characters are likeable although I do wish Bailey wasn't so clueless to danger because she makes a weak case when she can't understand why Jacob thinks she needs to be careful. It's like her brain has disconnected from what is happening around her and to her. Overall an enjoyable rom/mystery, with the action taking place in my state.
Published August 25, 2020
June 17, 2020
When I saw an email from Berkley with an early copy of Hidden, I couldn't jump fast enough to request it. Laura' Griffin is one of my favorite writers. I'm a fan for sure but I wasn't aware she was beginning a new series. Imagine my happiness at learning this fact!
The Texas Murder Files first book is Hidden. It stars a young journalist, Bailey Rhoads and a detective, Jacob Merritt. Usually, this combo doesn't mix well in real life but Laura makes it work in spades in this romantic suspense.
The story begins with a woman jogging in a park and then getting stabbed to death. The problem is that Dana Smith doesn't really exist. She has no friends, no family, and her employer, a doctor who hired her as a nanny, doesn't know anything more about her than what the cops do.
Hidden is an interesting novel with great characterization. I loved Bailey. She was smart, resourceful and stubborn- in a good way. She knew the murder had to have another angle and she was willing to dig and put herself on the line to find it. She wouldn't let go of the story and she wanted to bring justice to the dead woman.
Jacob was the perfect complement to Bailey. He was strong, dedicated and he cared for the victims. Also, he was as stubborn as Bailey in not letting go of the case as she was. He wanted the person responsible for Dana's death behind bars.
Jacob's partner, detective Kendra Porter was very cool too. She was essential to the investigation and when she could've been catty, she wasn't. She piqued my interest and I want to learn more about her.
Lastly, John Colt's character. He was so mysterious about himself which only made me want to know everything about him. I hope this is not the end of John. He deserves his own story.
As a whole, I was pleased with the way Hidden developed. I'm already pumped to read her next work in this series but really any book by Laura Griffin is a winner in my book.
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
April 28, 2021
Hidden by Laura Griffin
1st book in The Texas Murder Files series. Romantic suspense crime thriller.
Bailey Rhoads is a crime reporter investigating the death of a woman on the local running trail. Bailey tries to work with Detective Jacob Merritt but each prefer to keep certain details to themselves rather than share, though a mutual attraction pulls at them both. Their investigation takes them to New Orleans and to the FBI.
Chilling to realize that current technology could impact so much in life. The story includes a potential that wouldn’t surprise me is already in use somewhere.
Fast, daring and intriguing. I look forward to the next in the series.
4.5
1st book in The Texas Murder Files series. Romantic suspense crime thriller.
Bailey Rhoads is a crime reporter investigating the death of a woman on the local running trail. Bailey tries to work with Detective Jacob Merritt but each prefer to keep certain details to themselves rather than share, though a mutual attraction pulls at them both. Their investigation takes them to New Orleans and to the FBI.
Chilling to realize that current technology could impact so much in life. The story includes a potential that wouldn’t surprise me is already in use somewhere.
Fast, daring and intriguing. I look forward to the next in the series.
4.5
June 13, 2020
4 stars
This is a well-done romantic suspense. Bailey is a reporter sent out to cover the murder of a female jogger—is it just an opportunistic murder by a stranger or something else?
Jacob is a detective on the case. Initially, he doesn’t want to give any information to a newspaper journalist, but when he can’t identify the victim, turning to the press to get the word out might be the only way he can figure out who the dead woman is.
Together and separately, they track down leads that quickly become dangerous to Bailey and to others, and along the way, they naturally fall for each other. I’m not a fan of explicit sex scenes, so I skim over them to get back to the story, thus, I have no idea if the ones in the book are done well, just that they happen.
This novel is the first in a series, and I would definitely read another book in The Texas Murder Files. HIDDEN is fast-paced and suspenseful.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 25, 2020.
This is a well-done romantic suspense. Bailey is a reporter sent out to cover the murder of a female jogger—is it just an opportunistic murder by a stranger or something else?
Jacob is a detective on the case. Initially, he doesn’t want to give any information to a newspaper journalist, but when he can’t identify the victim, turning to the press to get the word out might be the only way he can figure out who the dead woman is.
Together and separately, they track down leads that quickly become dangerous to Bailey and to others, and along the way, they naturally fall for each other. I’m not a fan of explicit sex scenes, so I skim over them to get back to the story, thus, I have no idea if the ones in the book are done well, just that they happen.
This novel is the first in a series, and I would definitely read another book in The Texas Murder Files. HIDDEN is fast-paced and suspenseful.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 25, 2020.
April 21, 2021
My second Laura Griffin book this week, but I'm disappointed with this one. I prefer her Tracers series. I decided to read this first in series in case I win #2, Flight from GR giveaway! 😂
Personal opinion here. I don't feel the characters were developed well or maybe I just don't love them? Jacob is a lead detective and Bailey, an investigative reporter. I can't feel any chemistry between them despite the romance "show". The mystery surrounds a woman killed along a hiking-biking trail was interesting enough, but not the MCs.
Personal opinion here. I don't feel the characters were developed well or maybe I just don't love them? Jacob is a lead detective and Bailey, an investigative reporter. I can't feel any chemistry between them despite the romance "show". The mystery surrounds a woman killed along a hiking-biking trail was interesting enough, but not the MCs.
July 8, 2020
3.5 Stars - This is a solid detective thriller with a nice dose of a romantic subplot from an author whose work always hits the spot for me. This was a real comfort read; I loved watching the beats of the story unfold in a predictable but satisfying manner. I don't want to get into what the specific tropes of this one are, because I thought the way that was handled was the best part of the book & I don't want to spoil anything, but I did think there was a nice little extra oomph to the overall story for how the author used those tropes. All in all-- a satisfying little mystery!
September 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he's ever seen, and nothing adds up.
Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn't who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.
As a ruthless hit man's mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.
When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he's ever seen, and nothing adds up.
Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn't who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.
As a ruthless hit man's mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2020
Fast paced crime story. Addictive read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book starts a brand new series and based off of this one, it’s going to be exciting.
Solving murders is never fun, however, when we have a deliciously hot, dreamy detective on the case it makes for a much better story, don’t you think?
The story skirted around the edge of acceptable relationships due to work relationships when Jacob started looking at Bailey, the news reporter on the crime beat, just a little too closely. She’s smart and spunky, asks forgiveness instead of permission, and clearly has feelings for him as well.
Griffin develops the story beautifully and puts in the perfect amount of tension and heat that builds up to a unexpected twist and a beautifully romantic ending.
Written with unique detail and seemingly futuristic plot, Griffin once again ties us up in an exciting romantic suspense with a crime twist you cannot miss.
* copy rec'd for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/hidden-by-la...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book starts a brand new series and based off of this one, it’s going to be exciting.
Solving murders is never fun, however, when we have a deliciously hot, dreamy detective on the case it makes for a much better story, don’t you think?
The story skirted around the edge of acceptable relationships due to work relationships when Jacob started looking at Bailey, the news reporter on the crime beat, just a little too closely. She’s smart and spunky, asks forgiveness instead of permission, and clearly has feelings for him as well.
Griffin develops the story beautifully and puts in the perfect amount of tension and heat that builds up to a unexpected twist and a beautifully romantic ending.
Written with unique detail and seemingly futuristic plot, Griffin once again ties us up in an exciting romantic suspense with a crime twist you cannot miss.
* copy rec'd for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/hidden-by-la...
August 27, 2020
I really enjoy a fast-paced romantic suspense read that keeps you at the edge of your seat, and a thriller to keep your heart pumping and fingers turning those pages. Laura Griffin is a new author to me, and she has quickly become a favorite. She writes the best mix of suspense and romance.
Hidden is the first book in the “The Texas Murder Files” series where in this installation, a woman is found brutally murdered in the hike and bike trail in Austin. The main character is Bailey Rhoads who is an investigative reporter who is following this murder mystery. Lead detective Jacob Merritt is in charge and love the great chemistry with Bailey.
I love a good cat and mouse type of a read and this one did not disappoint. I loved that the plot was intricate and razor sharp. The story line kept me thinking and guessing, and I love the uniqueness of nothing is what it seems. The characters also start to dig deeper into a complex and intricate web of dark secrets.
Griffin’s storytelling style is truly gripping and exciting. I love how she keeps the pacing going where the suspense just keeps building. The writing was fabulous and atmospheric – characters are great to read about and you feel the intensity of this suspenseful read.
What a great and fantastic start to this series. I cannot wait for more. In the meantime, I will be binging on Griffin’s other series.
Hidden is the first book in the “The Texas Murder Files” series where in this installation, a woman is found brutally murdered in the hike and bike trail in Austin. The main character is Bailey Rhoads who is an investigative reporter who is following this murder mystery. Lead detective Jacob Merritt is in charge and love the great chemistry with Bailey.
I love a good cat and mouse type of a read and this one did not disappoint. I loved that the plot was intricate and razor sharp. The story line kept me thinking and guessing, and I love the uniqueness of nothing is what it seems. The characters also start to dig deeper into a complex and intricate web of dark secrets.
Griffin’s storytelling style is truly gripping and exciting. I love how she keeps the pacing going where the suspense just keeps building. The writing was fabulous and atmospheric – characters are great to read about and you feel the intensity of this suspenseful read.
What a great and fantastic start to this series. I cannot wait for more. In the meantime, I will be binging on Griffin’s other series.
August 15, 2020
This one started out as a gripping suspense thriller. A young woman is attacked, stabbed, and her dead body dumped in the lake near the trail. Haven't we all had fears about being accosted while out on a walk or run? Then there was the friction between Bailey, the intrepid reporter, and Jacob, the impenetrable detective. The plot reminded me of books I have loved by Lisa Gardner. But the last bit of the book was a disappointment. In the end, it was too "Harlequiny" for me. I don't think I'll be watching for the rest of the series.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2020
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The always captivating Griffin has done it again! Kicking off with a heart-pounding introduction, she gives you a murder mystery you are utterly compelled to reach the ending as soon as you can. It's a great set up for an immediate reread as soon as you finish.
From page one I was captivated and hunkered down for what I knew would be a gripping ride. The combo of reporter and cop is always a clever match up and Hidden provides a fresh yet classic take on the trope.
From the fabulous cover to the wild ride till I reached Hidden's ending.. I loved everything about this book.
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The always captivating Griffin has done it again! Kicking off with a heart-pounding introduction, she gives you a murder mystery you are utterly compelled to reach the ending as soon as you can. It's a great set up for an immediate reread as soon as you finish.
From page one I was captivated and hunkered down for what I knew would be a gripping ride. The combo of reporter and cop is always a clever match up and Hidden provides a fresh yet classic take on the trope.
From the fabulous cover to the wild ride till I reached Hidden's ending.. I loved everything about this book.
Follow me on
Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿BookBabblers✿Instagram
September 6, 2020
This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced , steamy, romantic suspense novel. It has mystery and intrigue, with a strong, smart, capable female protagonist, an intelligent, dedicated and hot hero, and a happily ever after ending. I have read every one of Ms. Griffin's outstanding novels and she never disappoints her readers! I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this new series with great anticipation.
October 8, 2020
To say this one was a bit of a disappointment would be a accurate description. The characters weren't well developed and I just couldn't see where the great attraction for each other came from. The mystery was so-so and the suspense was minimal. This was one of those narratives that would have benefitted from the baddies point of view as the ending was rushed and not satisfying at all. All told, it was an okay read, but far below what I've come to expect from Laura Griffin.
Bailey Rhoads is an investigative reporter on the metro/crime beat for an Austin newspaper. Like everyone at the paper, she is fearful of the next round of layoffs and on the lookout for a story that will keep her safe from that. Her last relationship was with a cop and ended badly. It did nothing for her rep with other cops and led her to swear off dating cops altogether. When she catches the story of the murder of a jogger on a lakeside hike and bike trail, she has no idea what she is going to uncover.
As Jacob Merritt looks at the crime scene, he knows that this is not going to be an easy one to solve. The further he digs for information on the victim, the less he finds. With the hot reporter dogging his every step, he knows that he needs to solve this one before he gets scooped by the sexy reporter he can't stop thinking about. But finding out who the victim even is will require that he work with her.
They both work this mystery, but from different angles. Sharing and trust come really hard to both Jacob and Bailey. Each deeply feels a code of ethics that prevent them from being completely open with the other, despite the white hot attraction simmering between them. Bailey has a hunch about the victim that proves to be true and stumbles on information that could possibly have vast repercussions for the FBI and puts her in the sights of both a hit man and very powerful people. Jacob goes along with her, not only to protect her, but to further his private investigation after the FBI takes his case. The trust issue is one that they just can't reconcile and it almost gets Bailey killed.
Bailey Rhoads is an investigative reporter on the metro/crime beat for an Austin newspaper. Like everyone at the paper, she is fearful of the next round of layoffs and on the lookout for a story that will keep her safe from that. Her last relationship was with a cop and ended badly. It did nothing for her rep with other cops and led her to swear off dating cops altogether. When she catches the story of the murder of a jogger on a lakeside hike and bike trail, she has no idea what she is going to uncover.
As Jacob Merritt looks at the crime scene, he knows that this is not going to be an easy one to solve. The further he digs for information on the victim, the less he finds. With the hot reporter dogging his every step, he knows that he needs to solve this one before he gets scooped by the sexy reporter he can't stop thinking about. But finding out who the victim even is will require that he work with her.
They both work this mystery, but from different angles. Sharing and trust come really hard to both Jacob and Bailey. Each deeply feels a code of ethics that prevent them from being completely open with the other, despite the white hot attraction simmering between them. Bailey has a hunch about the victim that proves to be true and stumbles on information that could possibly have vast repercussions for the FBI and puts her in the sights of both a hit man and very powerful people. Jacob goes along with her, not only to protect her, but to further his private investigation after the FBI takes his case. The trust issue is one that they just can't reconcile and it almost gets Bailey killed.
August 11, 2020
Lotsa lust, not much trust. That pretty much sums up the relationship between investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads and Austin Police Detective Jacob Merritt. Both are working on the same murder case and are infatuated with each other, but each refuses to share new information with the other.
The two meet after a woman is found murdered on a hiking trail; the initial assumption is that it was a mugging gone very wrong. But Bailey, who's being pressured to come up with a lead story for her newspaper, suspects the woman may not be who she appears to be, while Jacob learns a few details on his own. Chapters switch between their points of view and follow their budding romance that's filled with tension because neither is free to reveal much of anything case-related to the other (for the most part, rightly so; cops shouldn't talk about ongoing cases and good journalists don't reveal sources). But as a journalist myself, I'm not altogether sure why she refused to share at least a few of her other findings - it's not as if Jacob would be writing a story or running to another reporter to give something away - but I guess it makes the story more interesting.
Somewhat oddly, Bailey seems to make more progress toward solving the crime than Jacob, a professional cop. Her dogged persistence leads her to a huge technology company which, she learns, is working on a project that's paying huge dividends but definitely skirting the boundaries of ethics, if not the law. Finally, their investigations begin to merge - and leads them to conclude that another woman's life is in immediate danger. But can they find her before the would-be killer does?
Read it and see. This is the first in the "Texas Murder Files" series, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading about the couple's next joint adventure. Meantime, thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
The two meet after a woman is found murdered on a hiking trail; the initial assumption is that it was a mugging gone very wrong. But Bailey, who's being pressured to come up with a lead story for her newspaper, suspects the woman may not be who she appears to be, while Jacob learns a few details on his own. Chapters switch between their points of view and follow their budding romance that's filled with tension because neither is free to reveal much of anything case-related to the other (for the most part, rightly so; cops shouldn't talk about ongoing cases and good journalists don't reveal sources). But as a journalist myself, I'm not altogether sure why she refused to share at least a few of her other findings - it's not as if Jacob would be writing a story or running to another reporter to give something away - but I guess it makes the story more interesting.
Somewhat oddly, Bailey seems to make more progress toward solving the crime than Jacob, a professional cop. Her dogged persistence leads her to a huge technology company which, she learns, is working on a project that's paying huge dividends but definitely skirting the boundaries of ethics, if not the law. Finally, their investigations begin to merge - and leads them to conclude that another woman's life is in immediate danger. But can they find her before the would-be killer does?
Read it and see. This is the first in the "Texas Murder Files" series, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading about the couple's next joint adventure. Meantime, thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
March 16, 2021
4/5; 4 stars.
I thought this was a great beginning to a new series. I’ve had a few books from this author that I didn’t love but, for the most part, she is a solid auto-buy author for me. This book reminded me of the the first book I read by her, from the Glass Sisters. For some reason I find stories with investigative journalists particularly nerve wracking; probably because they relentlessly pursue their stories and put themselves in danger without the protection that the police have.
Anyway, I enjoyed the mystery and the romance in this story.
I thought this was a great beginning to a new series. I’ve had a few books from this author that I didn’t love but, for the most part, she is a solid auto-buy author for me. This book reminded me of the the first book I read by her, from the Glass Sisters. For some reason I find stories with investigative journalists particularly nerve wracking; probably because they relentlessly pursue their stories and put themselves in danger without the protection that the police have.
Anyway, I enjoyed the mystery and the romance in this story.
December 15, 2020
I was excited to start this new series by Laura Griffin, and I got sucked right in from the opening chapter. Caz and I discussed this one as a Pandora's Box, and you can find that discussion here:
https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
My side of the discussion didn't lend itself well to cutting and pasting into a review but if you like romantic suspense that is intense on the suspense side of that equation, definitely check this one out.
https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
My side of the discussion didn't lend itself well to cutting and pasting into a review but if you like romantic suspense that is intense on the suspense side of that equation, definitely check this one out.
August 26, 2020
B- / 3.5 stars
I’ve enjoyed several of Laura Griffin’s romantic suspense novels in the past, although I have to admit that the last couple of her books have left me feeling a bit short-changed as regards the romance. But a new title from her will always have me taking a second look. I liked the sound of Hidden, book one in her new Texas Murder Files series, in which the murder of a young woman turns up few leads, no suspects and a whole lot of dead ends.
Austin Herald crime-beat reporter Bailey Rhoads is sent to investigate reports of a shooting at a local bike-hike trail and arrives at the scene to find it already buzzing with activity. The lead detective on the case is tight-lipped and obviously suspicious of reporters, but Bailey does manage to find out that the victim wasn’t shot, but was stabbed in the back, and that whoever perpetrated the crime clearly knew what they were doing. Bailey suspects a professional hit – Merrit won’t be drawn on the matter, but privately believes that to be very likely. But a hit on a young woman who works as a nanny and volunteers at a local after-school centre makes no sense – until Bailey starts digging for more information about her, and Jacob receives a visit from the FBI.
The reader follows the investigation from both Jacob and Baiiey’s points of view, and I liked the way we’re shown them each uncovering various clues and pieces of information from different angles. Jacob has one big advantage in that he’s an LEO, so his access to certain things is easier, but Bailey is clever and tenacious and manages to ferret out a lot of information on her own. Their working relationship is frequently uneasy – Jacob’s wariness of reporters and Bailey’s desire to play her cards close to her chest mean that they often keep things from each other - even information the reader knows they both have - which was frustrating at times, and which ultimately affects the development of the romantic relationship between them. They have great chemistry and there’s a definite spark of attraction between them, but because of the lack of openness between them due to the case and their professions, it was hard to see how they could build an emotionally sound relationship.
The suspense plot was pretty good, although I did find the pacing a bit slow in places. Things take a while to get going, but things soon pick up as both Jacob and Bailey dig deeper and discover they’re dealing with something far more complex than a murder enquiry. One of the things I’ve enjoyed about this author’s other books is her ability to weave in interesting background information about things like forensics or police procedures, and in this book she turns her attention to how technology can be used to circumvent secure channels and the security of previously well-established programs like WITSEC, and even to potentially subvert the entire justice system. The things she writes about are scarily plausible, which definitely helped to ratchet up the tension in the second half of the book.
It’s been a recurring theme in my reviews of many of the m/f romantic suspense novels I’ve read over the past few years, that the romance is sidelined at the expense of the plot, and that’s an issue here, too. The romance is more prominent here than in the last couple of Ms. Griffin’s books I’ve read, but the lack of romantic development and emotional connection made the final HEA and ILYs feel rushed. This is one of those times I’d have been happier with an HFN and “lets see how it goes”.
Jacob and Bailey are fairly likeable, although Bailey is your typical ‘plucky female reporter’ whose insistence on doing things her way meant some of her decisions were borderline TSTL and she was clearly out of her depth at times. Jacob fares a bit better; he’s the more sympathetic of the two because we know he has to play by certain rules for good reason.
In spite of my reservations, Hidden is a decent romantic suspense tale and I enjoyed it. I may pick up the next book in the series.
For anyone interested, I'm also discussing this title over at All About Romance with my fellow reviewer, Lynn Spencer.
I’ve enjoyed several of Laura Griffin’s romantic suspense novels in the past, although I have to admit that the last couple of her books have left me feeling a bit short-changed as regards the romance. But a new title from her will always have me taking a second look. I liked the sound of Hidden, book one in her new Texas Murder Files series, in which the murder of a young woman turns up few leads, no suspects and a whole lot of dead ends.
Austin Herald crime-beat reporter Bailey Rhoads is sent to investigate reports of a shooting at a local bike-hike trail and arrives at the scene to find it already buzzing with activity. The lead detective on the case is tight-lipped and obviously suspicious of reporters, but Bailey does manage to find out that the victim wasn’t shot, but was stabbed in the back, and that whoever perpetrated the crime clearly knew what they were doing. Bailey suspects a professional hit – Merrit won’t be drawn on the matter, but privately believes that to be very likely. But a hit on a young woman who works as a nanny and volunteers at a local after-school centre makes no sense – until Bailey starts digging for more information about her, and Jacob receives a visit from the FBI.
The reader follows the investigation from both Jacob and Baiiey’s points of view, and I liked the way we’re shown them each uncovering various clues and pieces of information from different angles. Jacob has one big advantage in that he’s an LEO, so his access to certain things is easier, but Bailey is clever and tenacious and manages to ferret out a lot of information on her own. Their working relationship is frequently uneasy – Jacob’s wariness of reporters and Bailey’s desire to play her cards close to her chest mean that they often keep things from each other - even information the reader knows they both have - which was frustrating at times, and which ultimately affects the development of the romantic relationship between them. They have great chemistry and there’s a definite spark of attraction between them, but because of the lack of openness between them due to the case and their professions, it was hard to see how they could build an emotionally sound relationship.
The suspense plot was pretty good, although I did find the pacing a bit slow in places. Things take a while to get going, but things soon pick up as both Jacob and Bailey dig deeper and discover they’re dealing with something far more complex than a murder enquiry. One of the things I’ve enjoyed about this author’s other books is her ability to weave in interesting background information about things like forensics or police procedures, and in this book she turns her attention to how technology can be used to circumvent secure channels and the security of previously well-established programs like WITSEC, and even to potentially subvert the entire justice system. The things she writes about are scarily plausible, which definitely helped to ratchet up the tension in the second half of the book.
It’s been a recurring theme in my reviews of many of the m/f romantic suspense novels I’ve read over the past few years, that the romance is sidelined at the expense of the plot, and that’s an issue here, too. The romance is more prominent here than in the last couple of Ms. Griffin’s books I’ve read, but the lack of romantic development and emotional connection made the final HEA and ILYs feel rushed. This is one of those times I’d have been happier with an HFN and “lets see how it goes”.
Jacob and Bailey are fairly likeable, although Bailey is your typical ‘plucky female reporter’ whose insistence on doing things her way meant some of her decisions were borderline TSTL and she was clearly out of her depth at times. Jacob fares a bit better; he’s the more sympathetic of the two because we know he has to play by certain rules for good reason.
In spite of my reservations, Hidden is a decent romantic suspense tale and I enjoyed it. I may pick up the next book in the series.
For anyone interested, I'm also discussing this title over at All About Romance with my fellow reviewer, Lynn Spencer.
August 25, 2020
Hidden is the first instalment in The Texas Murder Files series and it's certainly a promising start. I didn't initially realise this was romantic suspense and if I had known I likely wouldn't have read it but it turned out to be serendipitous as it was much more about the investigation whilst the romance took somewhat of a backseat. When a jogger is found murdered on her morning run, crime reporter Bailey Rhoads and Austin detective Jacob Merritt are thrown together in a fit of circumstance. At first, Jacob is irked by Bailey's attempts to gain further information about the killing in the way police often are when dealing with journalists, but soon they join forces when they realise two heads are better than one in a complex case where nothing adds up; the ability to turn to the press gives a Jacob a way to get the word out about the situation including appealing for witnesses. With no ID and no missing person having been reported in the area matching the victim's description the odd but effective partnership discover and chase down leads to reveal the woman's identity, who brutally murdered her and their motivation.
This is a solid and well-plotted work of romantic suspense which brings together the two central characters in a lusty tryst when in fact usually detectives and newspaper reporters at the scene of a crime are at loggerheads. Although some of the relationship between them seemed a little too contrived I still found it added an interesting dynamic to the whole story. I also skipped past the sex scenes as they don't float my boat. Amidst the cultivation of this seedling relationship is an interesting tension as a Jacob is unable to tell her everything he has found in the police investigation and in order to protect her sources Bailey does not share her findings with her new beau either. It is a fast-paced, addictive read with enough going on to sink your teeth into with a compulsive plot, a romance developing between the two protagonists, and ample twists and turns. Bailey is an intrepid journalist who has no issue putting in the hard work to get an exclusive story and Jacob is a dogged detective whose focus is very much on gaining justice for the victim. A quick, easy read. Many thanks to Headline Eternal for an ARC.
This is a solid and well-plotted work of romantic suspense which brings together the two central characters in a lusty tryst when in fact usually detectives and newspaper reporters at the scene of a crime are at loggerheads. Although some of the relationship between them seemed a little too contrived I still found it added an interesting dynamic to the whole story. I also skipped past the sex scenes as they don't float my boat. Amidst the cultivation of this seedling relationship is an interesting tension as a Jacob is unable to tell her everything he has found in the police investigation and in order to protect her sources Bailey does not share her findings with her new beau either. It is a fast-paced, addictive read with enough going on to sink your teeth into with a compulsive plot, a romance developing between the two protagonists, and ample twists and turns. Bailey is an intrepid journalist who has no issue putting in the hard work to get an exclusive story and Jacob is a dogged detective whose focus is very much on gaining justice for the victim. A quick, easy read. Many thanks to Headline Eternal for an ARC.
August 12, 2020
I’m a sucker for a romantic suspense and this one sounded so good. Bonus points for a new to me author.
I really liked Bailey. She’s inquisitive and tenacious and all of the other traits that make her a great reporter. Jacob is gruff and a bit marshmallow-esque. Together they have excellent chemistry, loads of respect for each other, and a wariness of the other’s job that was mildly amusing.
Plot wise, it was good. There are a few moving pieces and it definitely kept me interested. I really liked the layers and how they unfolded and even though I guessed a portion, I wasn’t disappointed.
Overall, it was a great story with characters I really enjoyed reading. I’m hoping Bailey and Jacob will be the reoccurring characters across the series. Regardless, I’ll definitely be reading the next book.
**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Bailey. She’s inquisitive and tenacious and all of the other traits that make her a great reporter. Jacob is gruff and a bit marshmallow-esque. Together they have excellent chemistry, loads of respect for each other, and a wariness of the other’s job that was mildly amusing.
Plot wise, it was good. There are a few moving pieces and it definitely kept me interested. I really liked the layers and how they unfolded and even though I guessed a portion, I wasn’t disappointed.
Overall, it was a great story with characters I really enjoyed reading. I’m hoping Bailey and Jacob will be the reoccurring characters across the series. Regardless, I’ll definitely be reading the next book.
**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**
August 27, 2020
Coffee Dates with Hidden
First Date: We as the reader are witness to the events leading up to the homicide along Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail. Investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads gets a tip that something is up and heads to the lake. Lead detective, Jacob Merritt is on scene when Bailey tries to pry information from our tight-lipped detective. Both have a job to do and their paths continue to cross as the chemistry between them grows. Detective Merritt isn't willing to give up investigating when the Feds take over and Bailey get's a lead that might just spell trouble. Second Date: Pizza, craft beer, and angles. The two spend time together as Merritt tries to warn Bailey off the case, but this ace reporter is finding connections and offering tips. The case is interesting, with topics and discoveries relevant to today's headlines as big brother watches. Third Date: As another woman faces danger, the romance gains traction. The steamy scenes are fade to black and while I could characterize this as insta-love, their attraction felt genuine. As trust built, they shared more on the case and even tracked a lead together before a climatic closure to their investigations. Griffin let us spend some time with the couple and wrapped up loose threads, leaving me smiling and looking forward to the next book in the Texas Murder Files.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
First Date: We as the reader are witness to the events leading up to the homicide along Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail. Investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads gets a tip that something is up and heads to the lake. Lead detective, Jacob Merritt is on scene when Bailey tries to pry information from our tight-lipped detective. Both have a job to do and their paths continue to cross as the chemistry between them grows. Detective Merritt isn't willing to give up investigating when the Feds take over and Bailey get's a lead that might just spell trouble. Second Date: Pizza, craft beer, and angles. The two spend time together as Merritt tries to warn Bailey off the case, but this ace reporter is finding connections and offering tips. The case is interesting, with topics and discoveries relevant to today's headlines as big brother watches. Third Date: As another woman faces danger, the romance gains traction. The steamy scenes are fade to black and while I could characterize this as insta-love, their attraction felt genuine. As trust built, they shared more on the case and even tracked a lead together before a climatic closure to their investigations. Griffin let us spend some time with the couple and wrapped up loose threads, leaving me smiling and looking forward to the next book in the Texas Murder Files.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
October 17, 2023
I don’t remember how I came across this book, but thank you to whoever pointed me in it’s direction. I have found myself wondering why I haven’t read more mystery/thrillers with as much sexual tension as these two! Don’t get me wrong the spice level is low but I like how Laura mixed it in with the story itself as well as the genuine angst of a cop and a reported becoming an item.
This is book 1 in the Texas Murder Files and opens with a chase scene where a woman is killed and later found at a local park. She has been brutalized. Bailey Rhoads who has recently taken over the crime division is sent to dig and find out more. She runs into Jacob Merritt who happens to be one of the detectives working the case and damn is he hot. But Bailey has sworn off cops since her ex BF tried to pry some of her sources from her. Things ended badly. But there is something about Jacob that she can’t drop. She wants him. She wants to work alongside him and figure out what this situation entails. She is not afraid of digging and finding out the truth. Even if it puts her in danger.
Jacob doesn’t know what to do with how he feels about Bailey. He hasn’t been in a relationship for a while. He finds himself attracted to her but tries to listen to reason to stay away because she is press. However he realizes that he needs her to help move the story along. He is not too hesitant to call because he realizes he wants to see where this thing goes in both ways and man does it go BIG. The woman who was killed was in witness protection. Now the Feds are involved and taking away the case. But Jacob and his partner as well as Bailey are not giving up that easily.
I really enjoyed this book. It had just enough action to keep me wanting more. I am intrigued by a mystery/thriller series with different characters in each one. Here goes book 2!
This is book 1 in the Texas Murder Files and opens with a chase scene where a woman is killed and later found at a local park. She has been brutalized. Bailey Rhoads who has recently taken over the crime division is sent to dig and find out more. She runs into Jacob Merritt who happens to be one of the detectives working the case and damn is he hot. But Bailey has sworn off cops since her ex BF tried to pry some of her sources from her. Things ended badly. But there is something about Jacob that she can’t drop. She wants him. She wants to work alongside him and figure out what this situation entails. She is not afraid of digging and finding out the truth. Even if it puts her in danger.
Jacob doesn’t know what to do with how he feels about Bailey. He hasn’t been in a relationship for a while. He finds himself attracted to her but tries to listen to reason to stay away because she is press. However he realizes that he needs her to help move the story along. He is not too hesitant to call because he realizes he wants to see where this thing goes in both ways and man does it go BIG. The woman who was killed was in witness protection. Now the Feds are involved and taking away the case. But Jacob and his partner as well as Bailey are not giving up that easily.
I really enjoyed this book. It had just enough action to keep me wanting more. I am intrigued by a mystery/thriller series with different characters in each one. Here goes book 2!
August 14, 2020
The first book in The Texas Murder Files series by Laura Griffin. A woman is found murdered on a hiking trail and reporter Bailey Rhoads is sent to get the story. But the lead detective, Jacob Merritt, isn't very cooperative about giving her information on it so she has to dig and find out on her own. Eventually, they join forces to discover the truth. Their investigation uncovers more than they bargained for.
I have been a fan of Ms. Griffin for some time and this book didn't disappoint me. There is a nice balance in suspense, action, mystery, and romance. While this was not my favorite of Ms. Griffin's work, I did enjoy it and would certainly recommend it to Romantic Suspense fans.
I have been a fan of Ms. Griffin for some time and this book didn't disappoint me. There is a nice balance in suspense, action, mystery, and romance. While this was not my favorite of Ms. Griffin's work, I did enjoy it and would certainly recommend it to Romantic Suspense fans.
April 10, 2021
First let me say that I'm a huge Laura Griffin fan and LOVED her Tracer series. However, it took me forever to get into this book. I listened to it on audio and I kept stopping it and reading something else or even listening to something else. There was just nothing about it that grabbed me. I admit I'm also just not a fan of the whole reporter/cop romance because it's been done so many times and there was nothing in this relationship that stood out. The characters have no real backstory and I'm not sure why they were so attracted to each other. The case got a little interesting around the half way point but it wasn't enough to save this book.
September 25, 2020
Kind of light fare for a Laura Griffin, which is odd when you consider the body count. And yet everything is - easy, in a way. They keep saying the case is hard, but it turns out to be simple; they claim the central relationship is complicated, but they work it out easily. The showing contradicts the telling - which should be a sign of sloppy writing. And yet the few instances of sentence-level sloppiness annoy me much more than the plot did. Somehow this is straightforwardly readable: it’s written well enough to sink into, even though taking a step back from it means its simplicity makes it fall apart.
Here’s a list of things which could have been explored, but aren’t. Instead, they’re dropped like so many breadcrumbs which never lead into what could have been a much more complex, difficult story:
I like the preview of the next book, though.
Here’s a list of things which could have been explored, but aren’t. Instead, they’re dropped like so many breadcrumbs which never lead into what could have been a much more complex, difficult story:
I like the preview of the next book, though.
January 23, 2021
3.5 stars
This grabbed me from the beginning, lost me for a bit in the middle, then revved up again at the end. "Hidden" is a solid mystery with a romantic subplot. The MCs are a police detective and a journalist who start out at odds but end up working together. The romance was slow at first, then moved quickly. It felt a bit too quick, but still believable. I liked how Bailey and Jacob worked together and how their relationship developed. They made a good investigative team, and then romantic couple. The mystery was a little convoluted but it worked and there was plenty of action. "Hidden" is a good start to this new series, The Texas Murder Files.
This grabbed me from the beginning, lost me for a bit in the middle, then revved up again at the end. "Hidden" is a solid mystery with a romantic subplot. The MCs are a police detective and a journalist who start out at odds but end up working together. The romance was slow at first, then moved quickly. It felt a bit too quick, but still believable. I liked how Bailey and Jacob worked together and how their relationship developed. They made a good investigative team, and then romantic couple. The mystery was a little convoluted but it worked and there was plenty of action. "Hidden" is a good start to this new series, The Texas Murder Files.
July 9, 2020
High marks for suspense and interesting twists! Laura Griffin’s HIDDEN kicks off a new series and does a remarkable job of creating an air of intensity as an investigative reporter sinks her teeth into a murder that is part of something far deeper and much more sinister and she won’t let go, no matter what.
Det. Jacob Merritt, assigned to the case of the murder of a mystery woman who isn’t who her identity states. Seems she is part of a failed WITSEC attempt to keep her alive. Meanwhile, reporter Bailey Rhoads seems to know at least as much as the police and possibly more and no matter how attracted he is to the feisty woman, Merritt is concerned she is stepping way over the line all for a story. Now it seems the “rest of the story” is like the iceberg hidden under water.
Is an instant attraction between Bailey and Jacob, but is it the real deal or is it the murder that is bringing them together?
I was definitely pleased with the mystery, the twists and those little tidbits hiding under each overturned rock, but the romance seems flat, too scripted, almost as if it were tossed in mechanically as an afterthought.
No over-the-top heroics, some pretty interesting and invasive high-tech information. All in all, a good read, that could have skipped the flat lined romance.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Berkley! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: The Texas Murder Files - Book 1
Publisher: Berkley (August 25, 2020)
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Page Count: 352 Pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Det. Jacob Merritt, assigned to the case of the murder of a mystery woman who isn’t who her identity states. Seems she is part of a failed WITSEC attempt to keep her alive. Meanwhile, reporter Bailey Rhoads seems to know at least as much as the police and possibly more and no matter how attracted he is to the feisty woman, Merritt is concerned she is stepping way over the line all for a story. Now it seems the “rest of the story” is like the iceberg hidden under water.
Is an instant attraction between Bailey and Jacob, but is it the real deal or is it the murder that is bringing them together?
I was definitely pleased with the mystery, the twists and those little tidbits hiding under each overturned rock, but the romance seems flat, too scripted, almost as if it were tossed in mechanically as an afterthought.
No over-the-top heroics, some pretty interesting and invasive high-tech information. All in all, a good read, that could have skipped the flat lined romance.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Berkley! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: The Texas Murder Files - Book 1
Publisher: Berkley (August 25, 2020)
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Page Count: 352 Pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 21, 2020
3.5 stars
It’s hard not to get excited with every Laura Griffin release, and ‘Hidden’ was one that got my extremely curious as the first book of a new series even if the premise of it doesn’t seem to stray too far from Griffin’s near-legendary ‘Tracers’ books.
I liked that ‘Hidden’ wasn’t quite just a typical police procedural about a reporter and a detective trying to solve a murder mystery; Griffin pulled in larger forces at work and called into question the entire justice system, the security of WITSEC and how technology played a part in tearing holes in what used to be well-established structures and secure channels. So a simple murder mystery it wasn’t, more so because ‘Hidden’ dealt with people who were meant to be kept safe but ended up falling through the cracks.
The suspense was fantastically pacey as always, well-plotted and written with finesse. The romance however, was that I started to question early on, given that Bailey Rhoads and Jacob Merritt seemed to be at odds most of the time—with a relationship was sustained only by the ongoing case and subsisted on evasion and lies by omission.
Griffin made the law enforcement position a more sympathetic one here and by extension, Jacob’s role in pursuing justice. In contrast, it was harder to like Bailey: a pushy, borderline TSTL reporter who insisted on doing investigative work her own way when it was clear she was getting out of her depth, recklessly endangering not only herself but secondary characters who sometimes felt like a means to an end for her. (Then again, reporters aren’t really on my list as the best heroines in romantic fiction.)
But what struck me most however, was the superficiality of Jacob/Bailey’s relationship even by the end of the book: there was always a lack of openness and honesty between them throughout and I couldn’t imagine them building anything emotionally solid given their conflicting professions, much less Griffin’s HEA/HFN that ended the book abruptly.
‘Hidden’ is by and large, a pretty good Griffin offering, but not the best, I think—it’s still a solid entry into a new series, but not quite one that matches the breathlessness and excitement that I’ve come to associate with some of her best works.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
It’s hard not to get excited with every Laura Griffin release, and ‘Hidden’ was one that got my extremely curious as the first book of a new series even if the premise of it doesn’t seem to stray too far from Griffin’s near-legendary ‘Tracers’ books.
I liked that ‘Hidden’ wasn’t quite just a typical police procedural about a reporter and a detective trying to solve a murder mystery; Griffin pulled in larger forces at work and called into question the entire justice system, the security of WITSEC and how technology played a part in tearing holes in what used to be well-established structures and secure channels. So a simple murder mystery it wasn’t, more so because ‘Hidden’ dealt with people who were meant to be kept safe but ended up falling through the cracks.
The suspense was fantastically pacey as always, well-plotted and written with finesse. The romance however, was that I started to question early on, given that Bailey Rhoads and Jacob Merritt seemed to be at odds most of the time—with a relationship was sustained only by the ongoing case and subsisted on evasion and lies by omission.
Griffin made the law enforcement position a more sympathetic one here and by extension, Jacob’s role in pursuing justice. In contrast, it was harder to like Bailey: a pushy, borderline TSTL reporter who insisted on doing investigative work her own way when it was clear she was getting out of her depth, recklessly endangering not only herself but secondary characters who sometimes felt like a means to an end for her. (Then again, reporters aren’t really on my list as the best heroines in romantic fiction.)
But what struck me most however, was the superficiality of Jacob/Bailey’s relationship even by the end of the book: there was always a lack of openness and honesty between them throughout and I couldn’t imagine them building anything emotionally solid given their conflicting professions, much less Griffin’s HEA/HFN that ended the book abruptly.
‘Hidden’ is by and large, a pretty good Griffin offering, but not the best, I think—it’s still a solid entry into a new series, but not quite one that matches the breathlessness and excitement that I’ve come to associate with some of her best works.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
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