A Cold Trail

Tracy Crosswhite for the Win.

I have to say Robert Dugoni feels like a new friend to me. I say that loosely of course because after reading all six of the books that come before this one I feel like I know him or at least his writing style. In this 7th installment to author Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series, Tracy & Dan return to their hometown of Cedar Grove, but this time, it's as a family, with baby Daniella in tow. I love that they have a strong family unit that added so much to the story for me. Especially since so much of Tracy's life and career have been shaped by the murder of her younger sister. I can tell you that the books stand up well as a standalone but if you haven't at least read book one I would stop here and go do that. One this book gives a few spoilers about past books and two it will give you a better understanding of the story.

Representing a local merchant, Dan becomes entrenched in a legal battle with the City, while Tracy—who is on maternity leave—tries to adjust to her new role as a stay-at-home mom. But when past meets present, linking a cold murder case to a new investigation into two suspicious deaths, Tracy is pulled back into the fold, causing tension between her and Dan as she struggles to find a balance between motherhood and career.

“A Cold Trail” showcases Tracy's softer side while still offering up a very compelling mystery. As with each book in this series, Robert Dugoni weaves an intricate web of secrets, suspense, and intrigue. But unlike the previous books, “A Cold Trail” has a heavier emphasis on the personal, showcasing Tracy and Dan's relationship and their newly formed family. I like a few readers who find that I forget how much I enjoy this series and Tracy as a character until I get an alert saying a NEW book is available. Thank you to Netgalley and all parties involved for my arc of this book my delay with this review is no reflection on the author and more on the circumstances of life. I was able to finish this in one sitting in one day that is how well written it is.

This was a great story. I was hooked right away and couldn't stop thinking of the story when I had to do anything else. I loved that the story involved Tracy's husband Dan as a principal character. I was also glad that this story didn't depend on massive incomitance of police or attorneys like with the first two books. I also loved the nanny's character and her funny sayings. That is a character I hope to see continue with the other books in this series. Maybe we'll get to know her more. Great job Dugoni!