Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Stone Cold Heart

The first skeletal remains are found at White Falls Park, just outside San Marcos, Texas. Detective Nolan Hess calls in top forensic anthropologist, Sara Lockhart, for help. They find more remains farther upstream:  another young woman. Sara quickly notices similarities between these two cases and a case from Tennessee that she worked on years ago that was never solved. It looks like they have a serial killer in their midst. And they're afraid he's taken a new victim because another young college student just went missing.

Stone Cold Heart is the first Laura Griffin novel I've read, but it won't be my last. It's well-written and it reads fast; once I started, I didn't want to put it down. The forensic aspect of the investigation was interesting. The mystery is engrossing and suspenseful. And that spark of attraction between Sara and Nolan? It sizzles. I liked the two of them together, but I also liked that their romance didn't overshadow the mystery. For me, Stone Cold Heart is that perfect combination of suspense and romance.

What Laura Griffin novel do you think I should read next?

Happy Reading!

25 comments:

  1. When I saw the setting of this book I wondered whether the author lived in our area. Yep, she does. Lives in Austin. San Marcos is south of Austin on the road to San Antonio. I've known about her books, but haven't read one as yet. Putting her on my list to try soon.

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    1. Let me know of you like the one you end up reading. :)

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    2. As I just read this review, I thought I'd send it to you! Then I saw your comment.

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  2. I like forensic books from time to time. Have you read anything by Meg Gardiner. I absolutely loved UNSUB and its sequel Into the Black Nowhere. Maybe you want to check them out!

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    1. I loved Into the Black Nowhere! But I still need to read UNSUB. :D

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  3. I haven't read anything by this author, but I like the setting and what you mention about plot and characters. :)

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    1. Some people won't like the romance aspect of this one, but I didn't mind it. And it sure read well. I'm excited to try some of her other books.

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  4. Sounds like a good series to know about, and the setting location is intriguing as San Marcos is a place I'm fairly familiar with. Thanks for the heads up on this one.

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    1. Just be warned: if you don't like romance with your suspense, you won't be a fan of this one. :)

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  5. I haven't read this author yet but I always a good blend of suspense and romance so I'm going to see what I can find. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  6. I've not read any of Griffin's books but I say for your next read, start at the start with Unbreakable. There is probably some good character development as you read forward. Or, be a maverick and go backwards to the book published just before Stone Cold Heart! :D

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    1. Ha! Backwards would be awesome. :D Thanks for making me laugh.

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  7. Sounds like a good suspenseful read, with just the right amount of romance! Nice. :)

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  8. Books that have a forensic anthropologist are really intriguing to me. I haven't read this author yet, but this book sounds like something I'd like. :)

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    1. I really liked Sara and reading about how she did her job.

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  9. I enjoyed this one too! I agree, just the right amount of romance without overshadowing the mystery.

    I've read and loved: Desperate Girls, Touch of Red, At Close Range and Deep Dark. I'd like to go back and read more from her Tracers series.

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    1. I want to read more, too. And I'll start with one of those other ones that you loved. Thanks, Rachel! :D

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  10. I've not heard of Laura Griffin. So many authors, so little time.

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  11. I can't help with a rec as I've never heard of the author, sorry! Hope you enjoy more from the author!

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  12. Ive read most of Griffin's books since I used to be on her "street team". She is a nice person as well because when she sent out a book to me she'd enclose a little personal note.

    As for a rec, well she writes the Tracers series (and has started 2 other ones) so if you like to read books in order... otherwise, hmm-- At Close Range was a rather recent one and enjoyable.

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    1. At Close Range does sound good. Thanks for the rec! And how cool that you got to be on her team. :)

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