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One tenacious local detective can only get the help he needs from a former forensic photographer with a serial killer on the loose in the new romantic thriller from New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin.
When former forensic photographer Miranda Rhoads moves to the seaside town of Lost Beach, she's decided to make her living as a wildlife photographer and put crime scenes behind her. But her plans are quickly upended when one morning, she comes across a couple sleeping in a canoe, entwined in an embrace. Looking closer, she realizes the man and woman aren't asleep—they’ve been murdered.
Detective Joel Breda sets out to find answers--not only about the unidentified victims in the marshy death scene, but also about the aloof and beautiful photographer who seems to know more about his investigation than he does.
As they begin to unravel the motivation of a merciless serial killer, Miranda and Joel must race against the clock to make an arrest before the killer can find them first.
When former forensic photographer Miranda Rhoads moves to the seaside town of Lost Beach, she's decided to make her living as a wildlife photographer and put crime scenes behind her. But her plans are quickly upended when one morning, she comes across a couple sleeping in a canoe, entwined in an embrace. Looking closer, she realizes the man and woman aren't asleep—they’ve been murdered.
Detective Joel Breda sets out to find answers--not only about the unidentified victims in the marshy death scene, but also about the aloof and beautiful photographer who seems to know more about his investigation than he does.
As they begin to unravel the motivation of a merciless serial killer, Miranda and Joel must race against the clock to make an arrest before the killer can find them first.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2021
391 people are currently reading
6122 people want to read
About the author
Laura Griffin
56 books3,868 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 474 reviews
April 20, 2023
Flight (The Texas Murder Files #2)
By Laura Griffin, narrated by Teri Clark Linden
Since I have the ARC of the fourth audiobook in this series coming up, I wanted to listen to the first three books in the series. I'm getting to those three books a bit out of order since I was able to listen to #2 before I was able to get audiobook #1 but this series doesn't need to be read/heard in order to follow the characters and the plot. I'm all set to start audiobook #1 today so my bit of out of order-ness will be just a faint memory in a few days.
Former forensic photographer Miranda Rhoads has rented a place in seaside town of Lost Beach, TX, where she is trying to get away from her old job and a crime investigation that is haunting her. Now she is working as a wildlife photographer and teaching a college course. She's in a nice little beachside house with her cute and excitable rescue pup and she likes to think she'll gain some distance from the past so that she can move on to a better place in her head. Then she is thrown right back into the world of crime when she finds two bodies. Since she has her camera with her she takes some crime scene photos and notifies the police.
It doesn't take long for Detective Joel Breda to recognize what a big help that Miranda could be to the case. Soon Miranda is involved in the case and with the detective. The more she tries to talk herself out of becoming involved the more likely she seems inclined to jump into a relationship and a new job. Miranda and Joel are likeable and available so it's pretty full steam ahead on those two fronts. There is definitely a mystery here that goes deeper than just the murder to two people but there is also romance that doesn't seem to have much to hold it back. If Miranda thinks she shouldn't do something, she's going to do it!
Pub March 30, 2021
By Laura Griffin, narrated by Teri Clark Linden
Since I have the ARC of the fourth audiobook in this series coming up, I wanted to listen to the first three books in the series. I'm getting to those three books a bit out of order since I was able to listen to #2 before I was able to get audiobook #1 but this series doesn't need to be read/heard in order to follow the characters and the plot. I'm all set to start audiobook #1 today so my bit of out of order-ness will be just a faint memory in a few days.
Former forensic photographer Miranda Rhoads has rented a place in seaside town of Lost Beach, TX, where she is trying to get away from her old job and a crime investigation that is haunting her. Now she is working as a wildlife photographer and teaching a college course. She's in a nice little beachside house with her cute and excitable rescue pup and she likes to think she'll gain some distance from the past so that she can move on to a better place in her head. Then she is thrown right back into the world of crime when she finds two bodies. Since she has her camera with her she takes some crime scene photos and notifies the police.
It doesn't take long for Detective Joel Breda to recognize what a big help that Miranda could be to the case. Soon Miranda is involved in the case and with the detective. The more she tries to talk herself out of becoming involved the more likely she seems inclined to jump into a relationship and a new job. Miranda and Joel are likeable and available so it's pretty full steam ahead on those two fronts. There is definitely a mystery here that goes deeper than just the murder to two people but there is also romance that doesn't seem to have much to hold it back. If Miranda thinks she shouldn't do something, she's going to do it!
Pub March 30, 2021
April 10, 2021
As a fan of her Tracers series, I always welcome a book by Laura Griffin.
In Flight we get to know two new characters: Miranda Rhoads and Joel Breda.
The novel begins with Miranda, a photographer, taking pictures of birds at sunrise. After her perfect shot is done, she encounters two dead bodies arranged on a boat. The coupled looked staged. A feather is found at the crime scene. Miranda, who is a CSI on a break, calls the cops after taking pictures of the bodies to preserve the scene since rain is on its way.
Joel Breda is the lead detective of the small town of Lost Beach. He’s in charge of finding the killer. He knows that Miranda can be of help, Her expertise could be invaluable to the investigation. He will do anything to convince her to join his team.
But the closer they get to the answers, the clearer it is that Miranda’s life is in danger.
Who is trying to hurt her?
Laura Griffith writes great romantic suspense. I’m always ready to jump into the story because I know I will relish it.
The Flight was no different. Enjoyable characters that I wanted to learn more about. Of course, there are always secondary characters that make you think: I want to read about them next!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Berkely via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
In Flight we get to know two new characters: Miranda Rhoads and Joel Breda.
The novel begins with Miranda, a photographer, taking pictures of birds at sunrise. After her perfect shot is done, she encounters two dead bodies arranged on a boat. The coupled looked staged. A feather is found at the crime scene. Miranda, who is a CSI on a break, calls the cops after taking pictures of the bodies to preserve the scene since rain is on its way.
Joel Breda is the lead detective of the small town of Lost Beach. He’s in charge of finding the killer. He knows that Miranda can be of help, Her expertise could be invaluable to the investigation. He will do anything to convince her to join his team.
But the closer they get to the answers, the clearer it is that Miranda’s life is in danger.
Who is trying to hurt her?
Laura Griffith writes great romantic suspense. I’m always ready to jump into the story because I know I will relish it.
The Flight was no different. Enjoyable characters that I wanted to learn more about. Of course, there are always secondary characters that make you think: I want to read about them next!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Berkely via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
May 4, 2021
Flight by Laura Griffin
Book 2 of The Texas Murder Files series. Contemporary romantic suspense. Police procedure mystery with romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Miranda Rhoads moved to Lost Beach to work as a wild life photographer but finding a body resurrects her forensics experience for the local police force. Multiple murders has the police department and Detective Joel Breda on alert and concerned about Miranda’s safety.
Intense and enthralling. Multiple twists make the investigation intriguing. The romance between Miranda and Joel is in spite of both being uneasy about a work place relationship. It bothered me that she spoke out loud twice about backing off the relationship but both times were after they had sex. Maybe it should have been before.
Wonderfully tense and suspenseful moments throughout and at the height of the story. I look forward to more from this author.
I listened to an audio version narrated by Teri Clark Linden. She does a good job with the emotionally suspenseful situations but I thought the sex scenes sounded staged.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and @Dreamscapeaudio.
Book 2 of The Texas Murder Files series. Contemporary romantic suspense. Police procedure mystery with romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Miranda Rhoads moved to Lost Beach to work as a wild life photographer but finding a body resurrects her forensics experience for the local police force. Multiple murders has the police department and Detective Joel Breda on alert and concerned about Miranda’s safety.
Intense and enthralling. Multiple twists make the investigation intriguing. The romance between Miranda and Joel is in spite of both being uneasy about a work place relationship. It bothered me that she spoke out loud twice about backing off the relationship but both times were after they had sex. Maybe it should have been before.
Wonderfully tense and suspenseful moments throughout and at the height of the story. I look forward to more from this author.
I listened to an audio version narrated by Teri Clark Linden. She does a good job with the emotionally suspenseful situations but I thought the sex scenes sounded staged.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and @Dreamscapeaudio.
July 16, 2025
I am not much of a beach reader.....give me a beach and a book and I'm happy as a clam. Give me a "beach book" that has love, romance, a beach, and possibly a mystery and I tend to roll my eyes and turn away.
Flight has some of those elements, but it kept me highly engaged, primarily due to a rash of murders with complicated, unusual clues. Miranda Rhoads is a former forensic photographer who has walked away from her job as a crime scene investigator. She has replaced her job with a gig as a bird photographer, and she has decided to rent a place at Long Beach for the summer. Lo and behold, she stumbles across a murdered couple in a canoe.
Intriguing and fast paced.
Flight has some of those elements, but it kept me highly engaged, primarily due to a rash of murders with complicated, unusual clues. Miranda Rhoads is a former forensic photographer who has walked away from her job as a crime scene investigator. She has replaced her job with a gig as a bird photographer, and she has decided to rent a place at Long Beach for the summer. Lo and behold, she stumbles across a murdered couple in a canoe.
Intriguing and fast paced.
April 16, 2022
This is Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Texas Murder Files series. I have not read the first book in this series. I listen to the audiobook, but I have to say the narrator was not my favorite. I have to say I really enjoyed the mystery part of this book more then the romance part. I felt the romance part was not the best. I really liked all the characters, but I do not think the two main characters really worked together as a couple. I wish this book was just all about the mystery and not the romance. I really did not guess the big twist. I also love that our main character was a forensic photographer. I was kindly provided an e-audiobook of this book by the publisher (Dreamscape Media) or author (Laura Griffin) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 6, 2021
She's Baaaaaack! For those of you who read the first book in this series, you have my sympathy, it was a bad book. I want to tell you that "Flight" is an awesome Romantic-Suspense and a great read and the Laura Griffin we all read and loved is back. Although there are moments of the martyr in the heroine, the main characters make a great couple. I loved the setting and all the supporting characters.
Miranda Rhoads is a wildlife photographer working and living in the Texas seaside town of Lost Beach. While on a sunrise photo shoot in the marsh she finds a canoe with two bodies. This is not a scene she thought to ever see again. In her previous life as a forensic photographer she had seen enough to last a lifetime. But old habits die hard and with a storm approaching, she documents the crime scene.
Detective Joel Breda has a real mystery with the deaths of two twentysomethings found dead in a canoe. He has no names for them and little evidence to even begin an investigation. The gorgeous photographer who found them has the only clues as to what happened. Spending some time with her is not at all a hardship.
It soon becomes evident that Miranda has stumbled on just the latest in a series of murders all related to an environmental group. Now all they need is to find the member who has gone rogue and is murdering the environment's enemies.
Miranda Rhoads is a wildlife photographer working and living in the Texas seaside town of Lost Beach. While on a sunrise photo shoot in the marsh she finds a canoe with two bodies. This is not a scene she thought to ever see again. In her previous life as a forensic photographer she had seen enough to last a lifetime. But old habits die hard and with a storm approaching, she documents the crime scene.
Detective Joel Breda has a real mystery with the deaths of two twentysomethings found dead in a canoe. He has no names for them and little evidence to even begin an investigation. The gorgeous photographer who found them has the only clues as to what happened. Spending some time with her is not at all a hardship.
It soon becomes evident that Miranda has stumbled on just the latest in a series of murders all related to an environmental group. Now all they need is to find the member who has gone rogue and is murdering the environment's enemies.
July 11, 2022
I didn't realize this was the second book in a series when I bought the audio book, but it didn't really matter as the characters are different than in book 1. I've read a number of Laura Griffin's romantic suspense books, but had stopped because they were becoming predictable. Also it was hard to suspend my disbelief that so many young, intelligent, single, and attracted forensic experts all worked at the Delphi Center (or worked with them).
Flight wasn't set in that world and I enjoyed the concept and set up for the murders. The characters were likable and proactive - all good. My one quibble was the persistent "I'm attracted to him, but I can't be with him, because [fill in the blank]." Yes, I know it's a trope of romantic suspense and it's suppose to increase the tension, but it's not my favorite trope.
The narrator did a good job and I'll probably look into the other audio books in this series.
Flight wasn't set in that world and I enjoyed the concept and set up for the murders. The characters were likable and proactive - all good. My one quibble was the persistent "I'm attracted to him, but I can't be with him, because [fill in the blank]." Yes, I know it's a trope of romantic suspense and it's suppose to increase the tension, but it's not my favorite trope.
The narrator did a good job and I'll probably look into the other audio books in this series.
April 2, 2021
4.25 Stars
Miranda, a CSI on hiatus, is spending the summer at the small Texas coastal town of Lost Beach photographing birds for a nature calendar. This is just the respite she needs after particularly tough case that didn’t end well. However, while photographing, Miranda stumbles upon a double murder and she becomes embroiled in the investigation when the police discover her skills.
Miranda’s photography captured my interest, I’d love to photograph birds in the marshes of Texas! Well, maybe not in the summer as I hate mosquitos and unfortunately, they love me!
Flight had a perfect balance between the main mystery/thriller and the romance. It was a little heavier on the romance than a lot of police procedurals, but I was on board with that as I really connected with Joel and Miranda’s romance! That being said, the police procedural part was interesting, and it seems like Ms. Griffin always features cutting-edge techniques. I’ve read several of Laura Griffin’s books, but Flight stands out as one of my favorites!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Miranda, a CSI on hiatus, is spending the summer at the small Texas coastal town of Lost Beach photographing birds for a nature calendar. This is just the respite she needs after particularly tough case that didn’t end well. However, while photographing, Miranda stumbles upon a double murder and she becomes embroiled in the investigation when the police discover her skills.
Miranda’s photography captured my interest, I’d love to photograph birds in the marshes of Texas! Well, maybe not in the summer as I hate mosquitos and unfortunately, they love me!
Flight had a perfect balance between the main mystery/thriller and the romance. It was a little heavier on the romance than a lot of police procedurals, but I was on board with that as I really connected with Joel and Miranda’s romance! That being said, the police procedural part was interesting, and it seems like Ms. Griffin always features cutting-edge techniques. I’ve read several of Laura Griffin’s books, but Flight stands out as one of my favorites!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2021
Initial Thoughts - I enjoyed everything about this. The characters of Miranda Rhoads and Joel Breda are both fascinating and compelling. This is why Laura Griffin is one of my all-time favorite authors.
Review - The thing I'm always excited about when starting a laura Griffin Book is her way of setting the stage. From the warm and welcoming hues of a rising sun to the feel of morning mist on your skin. We're there alongside her characters. Every detail used to immerse you more soundly into the story. Reading a new release by Griffin feels like coming home in a way. Safe in the knowledge that we will be taken care of.
Miranda Rhoads, a former forensic photographer, thinks she has found the perfect place to regroup and find her center again. The world has a way of moving you in a direction without warning. Miranda is about to learn that the hard way.
Flight, book two in the Texas Murder Files, is a journey into the unknown by a seasoned captain, named Laura Griffin.
5 STARS
~Tanja
Full review coming soon.
*ARC Provided by Publisher
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Review - The thing I'm always excited about when starting a laura Griffin Book is her way of setting the stage. From the warm and welcoming hues of a rising sun to the feel of morning mist on your skin. We're there alongside her characters. Every detail used to immerse you more soundly into the story. Reading a new release by Griffin feels like coming home in a way. Safe in the knowledge that we will be taken care of.
Miranda Rhoads, a former forensic photographer, thinks she has found the perfect place to regroup and find her center again. The world has a way of moving you in a direction without warning. Miranda is about to learn that the hard way.
Flight, book two in the Texas Murder Files, is a journey into the unknown by a seasoned captain, named Laura Griffin.
5 STARS
~Tanja
Full review coming soon.
*ARC Provided by Publisher
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿
March 30, 2021
Laura Griffin is so competent. This is well done: suspenseful, with a great setting and well-drawn characters. I’m just not sure the story is as well-drawn as the characters... Its second half is much more condensed: less time for elements to play off each other, and the characterization suffers then. And not everything was resolved - the creepy - and so the setup for this is better than the payoff, I think.
I did like this. A lot, even, in the beginning. But it lost some steam toward the end.
I did like this. A lot, even, in the beginning. But it lost some steam toward the end.
April 17, 2021
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, a beautiful setting, a sweet dog, 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.
November 26, 2025
“Evidence is ephemeral”
Flight by Laura Griffin is a fast-paced romantic suspense that pulls you in from the very first chapter. Time is of the essence when Detective Joel Breda is called to a gruesome crime scene. As he begins sorting through initial clues, he is very surprised. Someone outside his team has already taken dozens of crime-scene photos. That someone is Miranda Rhodes, a former forensic photographer whose eye for detail is nothing short of extraordinary.
Miranda has traded the high-stakes world of forensics for the quieter life of a wildlife photographer, a career that would no doubt offer her more freedom and far less emotional burden. But when Joel sees the quality and precision of her photos, he knows she could be a valuable asset. Despite her hesitation, Miranda eventually agrees to take his offer of a job and the two find themselves working closely together as the investigation deepens.
From the moment Joel and Miranda cross paths, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Sparks fly instantly, but as it became clear that they would be working together, they know that a romance might not be a good idea. Although they are both determined to keep their focus sharp on their case, their mutual attraction grows.
As the investigation escalates, Griffin expertly balances suspense, danger, and a slow-burn romance that feels both natural and compelling. Joel and Miranda’s partnership is as gripping as the mystery they’re trying to solve, and watching them navigate both the investigation and their personal connection is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Flight is a sharp, engaging romantic thriller with strong characters, a tightly woven plot, and just the right amount of heat. Laura Griffin delivers an engaging installment in the Texas Murder Files series. This is just the book that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Flight by Laura Griffin is a fast-paced romantic suspense that pulls you in from the very first chapter. Time is of the essence when Detective Joel Breda is called to a gruesome crime scene. As he begins sorting through initial clues, he is very surprised. Someone outside his team has already taken dozens of crime-scene photos. That someone is Miranda Rhodes, a former forensic photographer whose eye for detail is nothing short of extraordinary.
Miranda has traded the high-stakes world of forensics for the quieter life of a wildlife photographer, a career that would no doubt offer her more freedom and far less emotional burden. But when Joel sees the quality and precision of her photos, he knows she could be a valuable asset. Despite her hesitation, Miranda eventually agrees to take his offer of a job and the two find themselves working closely together as the investigation deepens.
From the moment Joel and Miranda cross paths, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Sparks fly instantly, but as it became clear that they would be working together, they know that a romance might not be a good idea. Although they are both determined to keep their focus sharp on their case, their mutual attraction grows.
As the investigation escalates, Griffin expertly balances suspense, danger, and a slow-burn romance that feels both natural and compelling. Joel and Miranda’s partnership is as gripping as the mystery they’re trying to solve, and watching them navigate both the investigation and their personal connection is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Flight is a sharp, engaging romantic thriller with strong characters, a tightly woven plot, and just the right amount of heat. Laura Griffin delivers an engaging installment in the Texas Murder Files series. This is just the book that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 1, 2021
I demand a follow up novel with the trainee detective and the dude everyone thinks she isn't interested in!
I confess that when I saw marsh in the description I went oh no, there's going to be gross shit, but there wasn't particularly and I was grateful for that. I always know what I am going to get with a Laura Griffin novel and what that is will almost always work for me. Really liked reading this.
I confess that when I saw marsh in the description I went oh no, there's going to be gross shit, but there wasn't particularly and I was grateful for that. I always know what I am going to get with a Laura Griffin novel and what that is will almost always work for me. Really liked reading this.
October 25, 2023
I am really enjoying this series yall! Once again not sure why I didnt put together that some spice with suspense would be amazing, but now I know.
This is book 2 in the Texas Murder Files which involves Bailey's (from book 1) sister, Miranda. Miranda has moved down to Long Point Beach after a rough ending to a tough case in San Antonio. She worked as a CSI photographer there but has decided she wants to try nature photography. She is getting settled in and is out on the lake taking some shots when she of course discovers a dead body. Joel Breda who we are just meeting is assigned as the lead detective on the case. He is intrigued by this mystery woman who sends him follow up photos from the crime scene. Where did she come from? What is she doing here? While working the case, they get a little lost in each other and Joel convinces Miranda to join the team as their CSI at least through the summer. Despite what she thinks, she agrees. She misses helping too much and wants to do what she can to contribute.
The farther they dig into what happened to the couple that was found the bigger the case gets. Who all is involved in this cover up? Is it the person trying to add new developments to the town? Is it the leader of the non violent group supporting all things eco friendly? Joel and Miranda are on their way to solving the case when disaster strikes and Miranda gets hurt. That is when Joel realizes his feelings for her. Will she extend her stay past the summer? Is what they have real?
These have been very easy reads that are entertaining with a tad bit of spice. I would LOVE it if there was some more LOL. I am looking forward to reading book 3 which involves Joel's brother Owen who is apparently a party boy moonlighting as a detective. Hope you enjoy!
This is book 2 in the Texas Murder Files which involves Bailey's (from book 1) sister, Miranda. Miranda has moved down to Long Point Beach after a rough ending to a tough case in San Antonio. She worked as a CSI photographer there but has decided she wants to try nature photography. She is getting settled in and is out on the lake taking some shots when she of course discovers a dead body. Joel Breda who we are just meeting is assigned as the lead detective on the case. He is intrigued by this mystery woman who sends him follow up photos from the crime scene. Where did she come from? What is she doing here? While working the case, they get a little lost in each other and Joel convinces Miranda to join the team as their CSI at least through the summer. Despite what she thinks, she agrees. She misses helping too much and wants to do what she can to contribute.
The farther they dig into what happened to the couple that was found the bigger the case gets. Who all is involved in this cover up? Is it the person trying to add new developments to the town? Is it the leader of the non violent group supporting all things eco friendly? Joel and Miranda are on their way to solving the case when disaster strikes and Miranda gets hurt. That is when Joel realizes his feelings for her. Will she extend her stay past the summer? Is what they have real?
These have been very easy reads that are entertaining with a tad bit of spice. I would LOVE it if there was some more LOL. I am looking forward to reading book 3 which involves Joel's brother Owen who is apparently a party boy moonlighting as a detective. Hope you enjoy!
May 7, 2021
3.25 stars
Flight is the second book in the Texas Murder Files series by Laura Griffin, and is a romantic suspense novel.
Flight features two new characters, Miranda Rhoads, a semi-retired forensic photographer and Joel Breda, a detective in the small coastal town of Lost Beach, Texas. Taking some time away from her stressful job, Miranda sets out on an early morning nature shoot and comes across a couple of bodies, thoughtfully posed in a canoe. In addition to this unusually arranged pose, a feather is added to complete an eerie, yet intriguing picture. Miranda quickly snaps some shots to preserve the scene. As she hands them over to the police, and as more bodies proceed to turn up, she is drawn into the investigation to assist. Despite her hiatus from work, Miranda ends up more closely involved than she ever expected.
This story is definitely interesting, easily readable and fast-paced. Flight does focus more on the romance, whereas Hidden, the previous book, focused more on the mystery. As a thriller reader, I prefer the mystery aspect more, but that’s personal preference. I was also a bit put off with the male character and his domineering manner and the romance felt a bit rushed. Additionally, I was surprised by the culprit, which is always fun, but would have appreciated a bit more explanation as to why the crimes were committed. That resolution wasn’t fleshed out very well, in my opinion.
All-in-all, Flight wasn’t as captivating as the first book in the series, Hidden, and was only very loosely related, which I was disappointed to discover, but it was still a pretty enjoyable story.
Flight is the second book in the Texas Murder Files series by Laura Griffin, and is a romantic suspense novel.
Flight features two new characters, Miranda Rhoads, a semi-retired forensic photographer and Joel Breda, a detective in the small coastal town of Lost Beach, Texas. Taking some time away from her stressful job, Miranda sets out on an early morning nature shoot and comes across a couple of bodies, thoughtfully posed in a canoe. In addition to this unusually arranged pose, a feather is added to complete an eerie, yet intriguing picture. Miranda quickly snaps some shots to preserve the scene. As she hands them over to the police, and as more bodies proceed to turn up, she is drawn into the investigation to assist. Despite her hiatus from work, Miranda ends up more closely involved than she ever expected.
This story is definitely interesting, easily readable and fast-paced. Flight does focus more on the romance, whereas Hidden, the previous book, focused more on the mystery. As a thriller reader, I prefer the mystery aspect more, but that’s personal preference. I was also a bit put off with the male character and his domineering manner and the romance felt a bit rushed. Additionally, I was surprised by the culprit, which is always fun, but would have appreciated a bit more explanation as to why the crimes were committed. That resolution wasn’t fleshed out very well, in my opinion.
All-in-all, Flight wasn’t as captivating as the first book in the series, Hidden, and was only very loosely related, which I was disappointed to discover, but it was still a pretty enjoyable story.
June 18, 2021
I've been having trouble finding a book that I get pulled into. Somehow I found myself in a rut where I pick books up and put them down without finishing - even those by favored authors. This past year (while everyone is forced to stay home due to COVID), I've read fewer books than when I was working full time. A very frustrating rut.
So I was really happy when this book captured my interest, was a fast easy read that pulled me in and kept me reading. It's very much in LG's style of writing. If you've enjoyed her prior books, then you should this as well. It also stands alone so you really don't need to read book #1 to read book #2.
So I was really happy when this book captured my interest, was a fast easy read that pulled me in and kept me reading. It's very much in LG's style of writing. If you've enjoyed her prior books, then you should this as well. It also stands alone so you really don't need to read book #1 to read book #2.
March 11, 2024
I've given this a C+ for narration and a B- for content at AudioGals, so 3.5 stars.
Flight is book two in Laura Griffin’s Texas Murder Files series; I read book one, Hidden, when it came out last year but the two are only connected tangentially (the heroines are sisters) so Flight works perfectly well as a standalone. I’ve enjoyed a number of books by this author, but – and I had this issue with the previous book in the series as well – the balance between the two elements of the story is unequal and the plot is developed at the expense of the romance. Fortunately, the plot in Flight is interesting and well-developed enough to have held my interest, and as usual, Ms. Griffin provides lots of interesting background about forensics and police procedures.
Blaming herself when a mistake by one of her team led to the collapse of the case against a child-murderer, CSI Miranda Rhoads – a specialist in forensic photography – quit her job, took up a teaching position in San Antonio and moved to the Texas seaside town of Lost Beach hoping to regroup and centre herself again. She likes the slower pace and the quiet, and is (sort of) making a living as a nature photographer – which is why she’s out on the marshes at the crack of dawn waiting for the perfect shot when she finds a canoe tethered in the reeds… containing the dead bodies of a young couple, their arms entwined as though in sleep, a feather held in one of the young woman’s hands.
When Detective Joel Breda arrives at the scene, he’s annoyed to discover that they’re still waiting for the forensic team to arrive – and with a storm about to break they risk losing evidence. He questions the woman who found the bodies, and is impressed by her eye for detail and no-nonsense manner – and even moreso when, as she’s leaving to go home, she tells him to make sure the CSIs bag the woman’s hands because of the feather.
Later that day, Joel and his colleague Nicole – a trainee detective – are examining the photos from the scene – which he’s surprised to discover were sent in by the “photographer lady” rather than their own forensic team (who haven’t provided any yet). He wastes no time in looking her up and then going out to the house she’s renting to ask her a few follow-up questions – and then to ask her if she’ll agree to come on staff, temporarily, to work the investigation. Lost Beach PD hasn’t had a CSI on staff in months and with tourism ramping up for the summer, they’re already stretched thin and could really do with the help.
Miranda turns him down – but that doesn’t stop her from doing a bit of sleuthing on her own when she drops into the local nature centre to see if she can find out what bird the feather came from. Finding out it came from an endangered species is one surprise. Another is the news that she’s not the first person to have asked questions about an exotic feather found at the scene of a murder. Around a year earlier, a property developer was killed, a feather was found at the scene and his murderer has never been caught. Could the feathers form some sort of message? Miranda doesn’t know, but she takes the information to Joel – and then agrees to take the job.
As the team digs deeper, they discover other unsolved murders that may be linked to the case, and the possible involvement of a group of environmental activists – and when Miranda is targeted, it’s clear there is someone out there willing to go to great lengths to keep their involvement a secret.
The mystery in Flight is nicely done – intriguing and well-paced with some good twists along the way, and the relationship between Joel and Miranda works fairly well (better than the romance in the previous book), because the author sets it up early on rather than leaving it to the last minute, and the attraction between them hums along in the background right from their first meeting. The thing about it that didn’t work for me however, was Miranda going to bed with Joel – and then telling him they shouldn’t have done it and that they can’t do it again. And then doing it again. And then saying they shouldn’t have done it and can’t do it again. And then doing it again. Maybe she should have put the brakes on BEFORE they got jiggy rather than after?
I did enjoy the story, but the characters aren’t all that well defined and are nothing I haven’t read before several (hundred) times over. Joel is a good guy – honest, reliable, protective and super hot, with a broken heart in his past that he’s put behind him; Miranda is spunky and better at her job than anyone else (and good at sending mixed signals – see above) and is trying to get over her burn-out.
Teri Clark Linden is an accomplished narrator, with over 200 titles to her credit at Audible in a variety of genres, but this is the first time I’ve listened to her. Her voice is clear and easy to listen to, her pacing is good and her performance is expressive overall; the dialogues are performed in a very naturalistic way and she keeps things moving nicely. But she doesn’t have a wide variety of ‘character voices’ and portrays male and female characters at more or less the same pitch, so I needed to rely on dialogue tags a lot of the time. I did like Ms. Linden’s interpretation of Miranda – her intelligence and her vulnerability really come through in the performance – and where she uses regional accents for characters, she uses them consistently.
This is the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook review copy via the NetGalley Shelf app, and I don’t know whether it was something to do with the app or a deliberate choice on the part of the publisher to discourage piracy or whatever, but the sound quality wasn’t that great. It was treble-heavy and a bit tinny, and I noticed a few instances of background noise in the early stages; I received the copy after publication so I have to assume it was the retail version.
Ultimately, Flight was a bit of a mixed bag. I liked the story, but the characters were a bit bland, and I can only say that the narration was ‘okay’. I freely admit however, that very few female narrators work for me these days, so YMMV. I will probably continue with the Texas Murder Files – but in print.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
Flight is book two in Laura Griffin’s Texas Murder Files series; I read book one, Hidden, when it came out last year but the two are only connected tangentially (the heroines are sisters) so Flight works perfectly well as a standalone. I’ve enjoyed a number of books by this author, but – and I had this issue with the previous book in the series as well – the balance between the two elements of the story is unequal and the plot is developed at the expense of the romance. Fortunately, the plot in Flight is interesting and well-developed enough to have held my interest, and as usual, Ms. Griffin provides lots of interesting background about forensics and police procedures.
Blaming herself when a mistake by one of her team led to the collapse of the case against a child-murderer, CSI Miranda Rhoads – a specialist in forensic photography – quit her job, took up a teaching position in San Antonio and moved to the Texas seaside town of Lost Beach hoping to regroup and centre herself again. She likes the slower pace and the quiet, and is (sort of) making a living as a nature photographer – which is why she’s out on the marshes at the crack of dawn waiting for the perfect shot when she finds a canoe tethered in the reeds… containing the dead bodies of a young couple, their arms entwined as though in sleep, a feather held in one of the young woman’s hands.
When Detective Joel Breda arrives at the scene, he’s annoyed to discover that they’re still waiting for the forensic team to arrive – and with a storm about to break they risk losing evidence. He questions the woman who found the bodies, and is impressed by her eye for detail and no-nonsense manner – and even moreso when, as she’s leaving to go home, she tells him to make sure the CSIs bag the woman’s hands because of the feather.
Later that day, Joel and his colleague Nicole – a trainee detective – are examining the photos from the scene – which he’s surprised to discover were sent in by the “photographer lady” rather than their own forensic team (who haven’t provided any yet). He wastes no time in looking her up and then going out to the house she’s renting to ask her a few follow-up questions – and then to ask her if she’ll agree to come on staff, temporarily, to work the investigation. Lost Beach PD hasn’t had a CSI on staff in months and with tourism ramping up for the summer, they’re already stretched thin and could really do with the help.
Miranda turns him down – but that doesn’t stop her from doing a bit of sleuthing on her own when she drops into the local nature centre to see if she can find out what bird the feather came from. Finding out it came from an endangered species is one surprise. Another is the news that she’s not the first person to have asked questions about an exotic feather found at the scene of a murder. Around a year earlier, a property developer was killed, a feather was found at the scene and his murderer has never been caught. Could the feathers form some sort of message? Miranda doesn’t know, but she takes the information to Joel – and then agrees to take the job.
As the team digs deeper, they discover other unsolved murders that may be linked to the case, and the possible involvement of a group of environmental activists – and when Miranda is targeted, it’s clear there is someone out there willing to go to great lengths to keep their involvement a secret.
The mystery in Flight is nicely done – intriguing and well-paced with some good twists along the way, and the relationship between Joel and Miranda works fairly well (better than the romance in the previous book), because the author sets it up early on rather than leaving it to the last minute, and the attraction between them hums along in the background right from their first meeting. The thing about it that didn’t work for me however, was Miranda going to bed with Joel – and then telling him they shouldn’t have done it and that they can’t do it again. And then doing it again. And then saying they shouldn’t have done it and can’t do it again. And then doing it again. Maybe she should have put the brakes on BEFORE they got jiggy rather than after?
I did enjoy the story, but the characters aren’t all that well defined and are nothing I haven’t read before several (hundred) times over. Joel is a good guy – honest, reliable, protective and super hot, with a broken heart in his past that he’s put behind him; Miranda is spunky and better at her job than anyone else (and good at sending mixed signals – see above) and is trying to get over her burn-out.
Teri Clark Linden is an accomplished narrator, with over 200 titles to her credit at Audible in a variety of genres, but this is the first time I’ve listened to her. Her voice is clear and easy to listen to, her pacing is good and her performance is expressive overall; the dialogues are performed in a very naturalistic way and she keeps things moving nicely. But she doesn’t have a wide variety of ‘character voices’ and portrays male and female characters at more or less the same pitch, so I needed to rely on dialogue tags a lot of the time. I did like Ms. Linden’s interpretation of Miranda – her intelligence and her vulnerability really come through in the performance – and where she uses regional accents for characters, she uses them consistently.
This is the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook review copy via the NetGalley Shelf app, and I don’t know whether it was something to do with the app or a deliberate choice on the part of the publisher to discourage piracy or whatever, but the sound quality wasn’t that great. It was treble-heavy and a bit tinny, and I noticed a few instances of background noise in the early stages; I received the copy after publication so I have to assume it was the retail version.
Ultimately, Flight was a bit of a mixed bag. I liked the story, but the characters were a bit bland, and I can only say that the narration was ‘okay’. I freely admit however, that very few female narrators work for me these days, so YMMV. I will probably continue with the Texas Murder Files – but in print.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
August 11, 2021
3.25 stars. I liked this a bit more than a 3 star rating but couldn’t justify rounding up to 4 because I think the author really skimped on developing the antagonist. I liked the plot and the protagonists well enough but just felt a bit cheated at the end when the murderer was revealed.
Also, completely irrelevant but I have to wonder if this author has lived with a dog. I kept thinking no dog owner I know could ever put their dog so thoroughly out of their mind while pursuing other things.
Also, completely irrelevant but I have to wonder if this author has lived with a dog. I kept thinking no dog owner I know could ever put their dog so thoroughly out of their mind while pursuing other things.
April 27, 2021
With an excellently-crafted plot, "Flight" has the perfect blend of suspense and romance.
The characters are well-defined and I really cared about them.
The story unfolds in a way that grips you and holds you. Nice twists!
Forensic photographer Miranda Rhoads takes a break from her job in San Antonio after a case goes bad.
She heads to Paradise Island to take pictures of birds for a calendar.
She stumbles upon a crime scene.
She meets Detective Joel Breda of the Lost Beach PD.
As the case becomes more complicated, sparks begin to fly.
A very exciting tale. I will read more Laura Griffin!
This was an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are well-defined and I really cared about them.
The story unfolds in a way that grips you and holds you. Nice twists!
Forensic photographer Miranda Rhoads takes a break from her job in San Antonio after a case goes bad.
She heads to Paradise Island to take pictures of birds for a calendar.
She stumbles upon a crime scene.
She meets Detective Joel Breda of the Lost Beach PD.
As the case becomes more complicated, sparks begin to fly.
A very exciting tale. I will read more Laura Griffin!
This was an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2021
As a former CSI, Miranda Rhoads’s move to the coast in the hopes of having a peaceful time doesn’t last long when she stumbles on a seemingly staged (and macabre) murder of 2 people. It’s a discovery that brings her back too closely to her old life just as a small-town detective whose intensity and confidence stir an attraction she doesn’t want to feel.
There’s much to like about Griffin’s writing, which is what brings me back over and over (and quite eagerly so) to her: the clear, concise descriptions, the perfect use of atmosphere and protagonists that are fleshed out enough that you could very well imagine them anchoring a crime drama series, a well-crafted plot and the bonus—a romance that you know you want to see out as the story progresses.
The guess-whodunnit game begins from the start, amping up as Griffin builds on the urgent need to link all the threads that don’t seem to come together. In all, it is an engaging process of getting yourself to think and work backwards just as the characters do, involving symbols and ideology and the groups today that try to employ them for their own purposes.
On the other hand, the romance here is admittedly thin at times; the chemistry between Joel Breda and Miranda seems somewhat threadbare despite Griffin’s words insisting so without much showing in support of it. Both Miranda and Joel have pasts they are seemingly scarred by, but even those back-stories are hardly explored, written about only as a few lines as dialogue that comes and goes without making significant impact. The low-level conflict of coupling up when they work together is a simmering issue, though not one that’s blown out of proportion; both are easily competent in their professional lives even as they struggle personally in their growing relationship.
Miranda/Joel are likeable as they come, but I finished ‘Flight’ thinking that they became a couple who stood as solid as they could be as long as there was work tying them together after their rushed love declarations. Would they have been good together if they weren’t working together, if there wasn’t a crime scene between them? How well did they really know each other beyond the few exchanges they had about their personal lives?
‘Flight’ is a good standalone; it hardly registered that Bailey (Miranda’s sister) was actually the protagonist of the first book given there’s barely any kind of romantic continuity here. But if the murder mystery is something more important to you as a reader as opposed to the romantic subplot, then take heart, this is the kind of writing Griffin excels in.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
There’s much to like about Griffin’s writing, which is what brings me back over and over (and quite eagerly so) to her: the clear, concise descriptions, the perfect use of atmosphere and protagonists that are fleshed out enough that you could very well imagine them anchoring a crime drama series, a well-crafted plot and the bonus—a romance that you know you want to see out as the story progresses.
The guess-whodunnit game begins from the start, amping up as Griffin builds on the urgent need to link all the threads that don’t seem to come together. In all, it is an engaging process of getting yourself to think and work backwards just as the characters do, involving symbols and ideology and the groups today that try to employ them for their own purposes.
On the other hand, the romance here is admittedly thin at times; the chemistry between Joel Breda and Miranda seems somewhat threadbare despite Griffin’s words insisting so without much showing in support of it. Both Miranda and Joel have pasts they are seemingly scarred by, but even those back-stories are hardly explored, written about only as a few lines as dialogue that comes and goes without making significant impact. The low-level conflict of coupling up when they work together is a simmering issue, though not one that’s blown out of proportion; both are easily competent in their professional lives even as they struggle personally in their growing relationship.
Miranda/Joel are likeable as they come, but I finished ‘Flight’ thinking that they became a couple who stood as solid as they could be as long as there was work tying them together after their rushed love declarations. Would they have been good together if they weren’t working together, if there wasn’t a crime scene between them? How well did they really know each other beyond the few exchanges they had about their personal lives?
‘Flight’ is a good standalone; it hardly registered that Bailey (Miranda’s sister) was actually the protagonist of the first book given there’s barely any kind of romantic continuity here. But if the murder mystery is something more important to you as a reader as opposed to the romantic subplot, then take heart, this is the kind of writing Griffin excels in.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
March 30, 2021
Miranda Rhoads, a former San Antonio forensic photographer, is renting a cottage in the seaside town of Lost Beach while she works on a wildlife photo assignment. In the early morning hours, while photographing on the water, she comes across a couple sleeping in a canoe… only they aren’t sleeping they’ve been murdered.
The tale that unfolded was suspenseful as leading detective, Joel Breda persuades Miranda to work for the department even as he can stop thinking about her romantically.
I really enjoy Griffin’s novels. The cases are intriguing and feel current. She delivers plenty of suspects, red herrings and twists.
The romances unfolds quickly as is common in this genre, but Griffin created characters I connected with and their chemistry, background and feelings felt realistic giving their relationship depth.
Secondary characters, and links to other murders delivered a suspenseful case. I liked getting to know the secondary law enforcement characters. I’m hoping we eventually get their stories.
Once I started I was unable to set their story and this case aside. Fans of romantic suspense, murder mysteries and small-town communities will want to add Flight to their bookshelf. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The tale that unfolded was suspenseful as leading detective, Joel Breda persuades Miranda to work for the department even as he can stop thinking about her romantically.
I really enjoy Griffin’s novels. The cases are intriguing and feel current. She delivers plenty of suspects, red herrings and twists.
The romances unfolds quickly as is common in this genre, but Griffin created characters I connected with and their chemistry, background and feelings felt realistic giving their relationship depth.
Secondary characters, and links to other murders delivered a suspenseful case. I liked getting to know the secondary law enforcement characters. I’m hoping we eventually get their stories.
Once I started I was unable to set their story and this case aside. Fans of romantic suspense, murder mysteries and small-town communities will want to add Flight to their bookshelf. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 4, 2021
I had read and enjoyed the previous book in this series and was eager to get to this one.
I loved Miranda and Joel. They’re both like minded people, committed to their jobs and what that work means to the community they live in. Miranda and uncertain and Joel is steady and together they have a fantastic relationship that progresses organically and with loads of open conversations.
Plot wise, it was good. I loved second guessing everyone and the slow unfolding of information was exactly how I wanted it. There were a few loose ends at the end and I would have liked a bit more resolution in the murders instead of the “we’re heading in the right direction”, but I’m happy with where the romance part of it ended.
Overall, this was a captivating story with a slow build up and characters who were easy to root for. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Miranda and Joel. They’re both like minded people, committed to their jobs and what that work means to the community they live in. Miranda and uncertain and Joel is steady and together they have a fantastic relationship that progresses organically and with loads of open conversations.
Plot wise, it was good. I loved second guessing everyone and the slow unfolding of information was exactly how I wanted it. There were a few loose ends at the end and I would have liked a bit more resolution in the murders instead of the “we’re heading in the right direction”, but I’m happy with where the romance part of it ended.
Overall, this was a captivating story with a slow build up and characters who were easy to root for. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**
October 25, 2022
I always enjoy this author - she writes really good suspense. In this one - the suspense is a little more low-key. It was just a bit harder to get invested in the murder storyline. Her romance is always a bit understated and this was the case here - but I thought the chemistry was well done.
April 8, 2021
Laura Griffin is always an easy bet for me because I almost always like her books, but I think this one was one of my favorites she's written recently. I liked the characters and their relationship, and the supporting cast was fun too. I would have liked a little bit more of the characters, as always, but overall this was a good read.
April 9, 2021
I was intrigued by the suspense part of this book. The setup was good, and I was interested in finding out what had happened. And the way the investigation was run was reasonable and quite professional, which is always a plus. However, the resolution was not one that made much sense to me. It didn't make sense psychologically, and it also left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.
But this is not suspense, it's romantic suspense. And the romance portion was a complete dud. Whenever Miranda or Joel started thinking lustful thoughts about each other in the middle of the investigation, I didn't think "oh, wow, their attraction is so powerful that they can't stop thinking about it". The chemistry just wasn't there, so instead it felt inappropriate. My reaction was more along the lines of "oh, come on, stop getting distracted and concentrate on the case!". I did not care about the romantic relationship and in no way did I feel they had arrived at a HEA point at the end of the book.
And I didn't care for Miranda and Joel as characters, either. They felt very shallowly drawn and not very real. Actually, all the characters were, except for Nicole, the trainee detective in Joel's team. She was interesting and I felt she came alive, unlike all the others.
The basics of Griffin's books appeal to me so much that this is actually the 4th book of hers that I've read. All of them have been C reads for me. So I think this will be the last.
But this is not suspense, it's romantic suspense. And the romance portion was a complete dud. Whenever Miranda or Joel started thinking lustful thoughts about each other in the middle of the investigation, I didn't think "oh, wow, their attraction is so powerful that they can't stop thinking about it". The chemistry just wasn't there, so instead it felt inappropriate. My reaction was more along the lines of "oh, come on, stop getting distracted and concentrate on the case!". I did not care about the romantic relationship and in no way did I feel they had arrived at a HEA point at the end of the book.
And I didn't care for Miranda and Joel as characters, either. They felt very shallowly drawn and not very real. Actually, all the characters were, except for Nicole, the trainee detective in Joel's team. She was interesting and I felt she came alive, unlike all the others.
The basics of Griffin's books appeal to me so much that this is actually the 4th book of hers that I've read. All of them have been C reads for me. So I think this will be the last.
March 11, 2021
Flight
Laura Griffin
RITA award winner Laura Griffin delivers another five-star read on this second installment of the Texas Murder Files. I read Hidden last fall and really enjoyed the fast-paced romantic suspense and that edge of your seat type thriller. Griffin I believe writes the best mix of suspense and romance. She has quickly become a favorite of mine since reading Hidden. Her books are very readable, has that surprising twists I just love in a murder mystery and of course that touch of romance set in her hometown, Texas.
In this second book, we follow forensic photographer turned wildlife photographer Miranda Rhoades who discovers a pair of bodies entwined in an embrace. Moving to the seaside town of Lost Beach, Miranda thought she could start a new life and put the crime scenes behind. Little did she know that her expertise would be put to great use especially working with Detective Joel Breda. The whole process of how the culprits unravel is the true joy of reading this novel. The police procedural was on point and really takes us through the whole investigation of this crime thriller.
I really enjoyed this book and the series so far. The writing is so immersive, and Laura Griffin just knows how to set the stage for her stories and truly immersing the readers into the beautiful Texan backdrop of her stories. The characters are also quite compelling to read with amazing back stories that make this book a riveting read.
Laura Griffin
RITA award winner Laura Griffin delivers another five-star read on this second installment of the Texas Murder Files. I read Hidden last fall and really enjoyed the fast-paced romantic suspense and that edge of your seat type thriller. Griffin I believe writes the best mix of suspense and romance. She has quickly become a favorite of mine since reading Hidden. Her books are very readable, has that surprising twists I just love in a murder mystery and of course that touch of romance set in her hometown, Texas.
In this second book, we follow forensic photographer turned wildlife photographer Miranda Rhoades who discovers a pair of bodies entwined in an embrace. Moving to the seaside town of Lost Beach, Miranda thought she could start a new life and put the crime scenes behind. Little did she know that her expertise would be put to great use especially working with Detective Joel Breda. The whole process of how the culprits unravel is the true joy of reading this novel. The police procedural was on point and really takes us through the whole investigation of this crime thriller.
I really enjoyed this book and the series so far. The writing is so immersive, and Laura Griffin just knows how to set the stage for her stories and truly immersing the readers into the beautiful Texan backdrop of her stories. The characters are also quite compelling to read with amazing back stories that make this book a riveting read.
May 12, 2021
This book was easy to follow, with enough suspense to qualify it as a whodunnit and enough romance to create a love story. The author has a gift for character development. I do feel like it could have been a little more twisty, and the love story aspect seemed a bit rushed, but not unrealistically so. The story line, beginning with a nature photographer discovering a murdered couple in her canoe and an instant attraction developing into a conflict of interest in the investigation, is a good one. However I feel it could have been better executed. Nonetheless it made for a quick and enjoyable read.
#Flight #NetGalley
#Flight #NetGalley
April 1, 2021
4.5
Review posted on Got Fiction? Book Blog
This is my first Laura Griffin book, and it will definitely not be my last. I really enjoyed how she set the story. It was descriptive without getting bogged down, and intriguing without trying too hard. She balances romance with a suspenseful plot.
Miranda Rhoads is out at dawn trying to get a shot of some wild birds in the wetlands. She’s got a job as a nature photographer and she’s trying to get photographs for a calendar assignment she has lined up. But as she’s getting closer to the birds, she finds something else. Two bodies.
Detective Joel Breda doesn’t know what to think of his witness, but when he finds out she took pictures of the bodies, that bumps her to the top of his suspect list. His town is fairly peaceful, no murders, sometimes petty theft, with the only real excitement being a recent environmental protest. So the stranger taking photographs of dead bodies is instantly suspicious.
But Miranda is a CSI on hiatus. She’s in Lost Beach, TX to photograph birds, not bodies. But she can’t get the image of the entwined bodies out of her head. Something is nagging her about their deaths. This case begins to get dangerous as she looks into it, though. She’s offered the job as Lost Beach’s CSI since they need one and she’s very qualified. She says no at first, but between Joel asking her, and the case not letting go of her, Miranda takes the job.
As the small town police department works day and night, they find another body and start to wonder if they have a serial killer on their shores. Miranda is thinking outside the box though and starts in on their first solid leads…and it leads to their worst fear. A serial killer. When Miranda is targeted, Joel does everything he can to keep her safe. Moving her into his house seems like a smart idea, and he’s going to try to keep his hands off her, but she might put her hands on him.
I enjoyed the two of them and how they fell for each other. They both felt real and organic. The mystery didn’t overshadow the romance; it was well-balanced. I loved this author’s voice and style, and I bought the first book in the series already. I’m very excited to read more by her.
***Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Review posted on Got Fiction? Book Blog
This is my first Laura Griffin book, and it will definitely not be my last. I really enjoyed how she set the story. It was descriptive without getting bogged down, and intriguing without trying too hard. She balances romance with a suspenseful plot.
Miranda Rhoads is out at dawn trying to get a shot of some wild birds in the wetlands. She’s got a job as a nature photographer and she’s trying to get photographs for a calendar assignment she has lined up. But as she’s getting closer to the birds, she finds something else. Two bodies.
Detective Joel Breda doesn’t know what to think of his witness, but when he finds out she took pictures of the bodies, that bumps her to the top of his suspect list. His town is fairly peaceful, no murders, sometimes petty theft, with the only real excitement being a recent environmental protest. So the stranger taking photographs of dead bodies is instantly suspicious.
But Miranda is a CSI on hiatus. She’s in Lost Beach, TX to photograph birds, not bodies. But she can’t get the image of the entwined bodies out of her head. Something is nagging her about their deaths. This case begins to get dangerous as she looks into it, though. She’s offered the job as Lost Beach’s CSI since they need one and she’s very qualified. She says no at first, but between Joel asking her, and the case not letting go of her, Miranda takes the job.
As the small town police department works day and night, they find another body and start to wonder if they have a serial killer on their shores. Miranda is thinking outside the box though and starts in on their first solid leads…and it leads to their worst fear. A serial killer. When Miranda is targeted, Joel does everything he can to keep her safe. Moving her into his house seems like a smart idea, and he’s going to try to keep his hands off her, but she might put her hands on him.
I enjoyed the two of them and how they fell for each other. They both felt real and organic. The mystery didn’t overshadow the romance; it was well-balanced. I loved this author’s voice and style, and I bought the first book in the series already. I’m very excited to read more by her.
***Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley
May 10, 2021
If you are a fan of the Tracer series, you will be a fan of this new series!
Laura Griffin does romantic suspense very well. I always find that she has at least one of the main characters that has a fascinating job. In Flight, it's the heroine, Miranda.
Miranda is a forensic photographer who happens to be on hiatus in Lost Beach. She gets pulled back into the job when she comes upon a young, murdered couple and takes the photos as if she is still on the job.
Detective Joel Breda offers Miranda a job when he sees her photographs of the scene and finds out what her profession is. As these two start investigating the murders together, a budding romance begins that was just as appealing as the suspenseful investigation.
Everything about this auidobook was a fascinating listen. The story was intriguing. The romance was steamy. And the narrator was fantastic. I highly recommend the audiobook.
Laura Griffin does romantic suspense very well. I always find that she has at least one of the main characters that has a fascinating job. In Flight, it's the heroine, Miranda.
Miranda is a forensic photographer who happens to be on hiatus in Lost Beach. She gets pulled back into the job when she comes upon a young, murdered couple and takes the photos as if she is still on the job.
Detective Joel Breda offers Miranda a job when he sees her photographs of the scene and finds out what her profession is. As these two start investigating the murders together, a budding romance begins that was just as appealing as the suspenseful investigation.
Everything about this auidobook was a fascinating listen. The story was intriguing. The romance was steamy. And the narrator was fantastic. I highly recommend the audiobook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews