Hidden (Texas Murder Files, #1)

by Laura Griffin

[kimbacaffeinate]

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