Deep Dark by Laura Griffin

Deep Dark (Tracers, #10)

by Laura Griffin

The moment detective Reed Novak steps onto the crime scene, he knows the case is going to rock his world. A beautiful young woman murdered at home. No sign of forced entry. No motive. She's obviously not the killer's first victim, and Reed's instincts tell him she won't be his last. Reed's first clue comes via a mysterious text that links to a dating profile, but even more intriguing than the clue is the person who sent it. As a white-hat hacker in the Delphi Center's cyber investigation unit, Laney Knox sneaks into some of the deepest, darkest corners of the Internet looking for predators. Laney would prefer to stay away from Austin PD's most recent murder case, but she can't ignore the chilling similarities between that crime and her own brutal attack years ago. Laney offers to help the sexy lead detective, but he wants more from her than just a promising tip--Reed wants her trust. Laney resists, but as their relationship deepens she's tempted to reveal the closely guarded secrets that could make her a key witness... or the killer's next victim.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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The story hooks the reader from page one when she shared Laney Knox’s memories of the night she was brutally attacked three years ago. Three years later, this brilliant hacker works for the Delphi Center. Through her job, and their acceptance of "hacktivism" she is able to take down child porn sites, protect identities and more. A bit of an Emo, who marches to her own beat, I connected with Laney from the onset.

Austin Homicide detective Reed Novak has just taken on a case where a beautiful young woman is found murdered in her own home. There appears to be no forced entry and no motive. The job is too clean; making Novak instinctively knows this is not the killer’s first victim. With no forensic evidence to go on, Novak will be forced to the streets interviewing everyone she knows. A mysterious text with a link appears on his phone directing him to a social dating site sets the ball in motion and of course peaks his curiosity.

Laney cannot help getting involved based on the similarities of her own brutal attack and begins sending Novak information. It isn’t long before Novak hunts her down and the two begin working together, but if Novak discovers how close this case is to Laney’s own will he kick her off the case?

Griffin writes riveting suspense and I enjoy her knowledge of procedure and terminology. We discover clues as those working the case and it allows for a wonderful, face-paced flow. As new victims appear and connection are made we move closer to solving the case. Twists, turns and red herrings keep us guessing. With realistic tones and an attention to detail Deep Dark kept me flipping the pages. While I had a feeling about the killer, Griffin managed to keep me guessing until the reveal.

The romance in Deep Dark was delicious. Laney is twenty-four and Novak is about fifteen years older. His first marriage failed because of the job, but both Laney and Novak are driven making them a good match. Novak is attracted to Laney and the chemistry is sizzling, but he is also reluctant due to their age difference. It created a nice tension and role reversal. Laney is not shy and soon realizes she will need to make the first move. I enjoyed watching their romance develop and these moments outside the intense case allowed us all a reprieve.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 25 April, 2016: Finished reading
  • 25 April, 2016: Reviewed