Shadow Fall (Tracers Series Book 9)

Shadow Fall is one fast paced novel full of suspense and twists and turns!

This is the second book that I've read of Laura Griffin's and I am in love with her writing style! She has a way of pulling the reader in so they don't think about anything else except what is going on in the story. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the killer was, wondering if Liam and Tara were going to get together, and fully engrossed in the story. I don't think I moved from my chair the entire time I read this book, everything else just ceased to exist for me while reading this book.

After getting off of one case, Tara is thrown into another, a prominent political candidate has gone missing, a body has been found that they are assuming is hers, and Tara and her partner M.J. are on the road to step into the investigation. The action started immediately in this book, from seeing Catie on her jog, to coming to face to face with her killer, to watching the investigation come up with no leads and many dead ends. Having Tara there really didn't sit well with the Sheriff, or his deputy, and I was immediately suspicious of them, especially with all the crap they pulled in keeping Tara and M.J. out of the loop of the investigation. They seemed to get quite angry and miserable when they would come up with a lead, or anything that could prove their theories wrong, but as the story went on, I realized they really just hated having a woman in charge of the investigation.

Enter Liam Wolfe, ex marine and a prime candidate for the murder, he was Catie's bodyguard, and owns the land her body was found on. Liam holds the key to the investigation, but getting him to talk about his employees, or anything, is like pulling teeth. Tara does everything to get information from Liam, especially after she ruled him out as a suspect, but he wasn't giving in. Even though there is an attraction between these two, and a definite story, I really enjoyed how Lara Griffin did not make Tara and Liam's blossoming relationship a huge thing in this story, it was more of a side story, so we could focus on the deception, murders, and everything else going on.

Throughout this book, I was suspicious of everyone, I had a huge list of suspects and was a little shocked at who was actually responsible for the murders taking place in East Texas. I really enjoyed how this book ended, and I do want to see more of Jeremy, M.J., Liam, and Tara, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to this amazing cast of characters, especially now that the worst is behind him. If you are in the mood for a fast paced, action packed, suspenseful read, I highly recommend Shadow Fall. It is definitely worth one-clicking and diving into!

NOTE: Even though this is part of the Tracer's series, it came be completely as a stand-alone.

I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.

(PureTextuality.comI found this book after reading a review by Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. She loved it, and I immediately went to Net Galley and ordered it before I had even finished her review. It just sounded so good. And you know something? It really was!

Tara Rushing is a special agent with the FBI and has been sent to the scene of a bizarre killing of a fairly well known woman. The body is in the deep woods near a small town in Texas. It’s not long before she realizes that something more than one murder is going on in these woods. Liam Wolfe is an ex-marine and current owner of a high tech bodyguard company that has it’s headquarters nearby. Tara is accompanied to the town by another agent M.J., a fairly new agent with the FBI. This is not the normal case for either women. They normally work with the FBI Swat team in Houston, so they really are wondering what they are doing on this case. Since M.J. is so new, Tara takes the lead between the two. It’s not long before Tara is running an entire task force, but only after the discovery of two more murders in the woods. An then a third. Tara’s got a local sheriff chomping at the bit to arrest Liam Wolfe, all the while, she herself is fighting feelings for the ex-marine. Only Liam isn’t fighting his feelings, he’s embracing them.

The main characters were real and totally realized by the author. These are characters that have insecurities, and ones that have gone through things in their life. I enjoyed getting to know them and watching the sparks fly between the two. The romance was tempestuous to say the least, and very sensual in the end. Tara stays conflicted due to her FBI status and Liam being a prime suspect. All this did was heighten the drama between the two. And like I said before, Liam is okay with the whole thing, as far as the romance goes. He also was a former bodyguard for the woman that died and was friends with her, so he has a stake in what happens with that as well.

I have always loved romantic suspense and as with anything else, I got a bit burned out on it a couple of years or so ago. Now I read the occasional one by a favorite author or one that sounds like I would like it. This was not by an author I had ever read, but one that I may go back and read some more from her, because I enjoyed the read so much. I can honestly say that I had no idea who the killer was and that is refreshing in a suspense novel for me. The killer wasn’t even on my radar. Yay, for books like that!

If you enjoy adult stories that involve serial killers, the people that solve the crimes, and a good romance, this book should go on your to be read list. It never let me down, and kept me reading at a pretty brisk pace. For me, it was one of those books that kept getting better as I read. I highly recommend this to adult romantic suspense readers because it’s just that good!

In Shadow Fall, FBI Special agent Tara Rushing is sent to rural Texas to solve a murder--a murder that, it soon becomes obvious, isn't a solitary event but the work of a serial killer. The first chapter actually starts out from the murdered woman's POV--and cuts off just as we see her recognize her killer and realize what he's there for...and then we have no idea who "he" is for 95% of the story.

Just awesome!

I loved Tara and Liam. Both have been alone--and seemingly content to stay that way--for quite some time and are thrown for a loop when they meet and feel the immediate attraction. The romance feels like it's a slow build, though it really isn't--the entire story takes place over just days, but with the speed that everything else is happening: the body count piling up, the threats to Tara's life and the suspicion thrown over Liam--the pace of their relationship feels almost leisurely by comparison. By the end I bought into it 100%--it sure didn't feel like I'd just met them, let alone that they were still virtual strangers anymore.

Ms. Griffin did a great job of showing how difficult it still can be to be a woman in the man's world that is law enforcement, especially in rural Texas. Tara was a great character, a strong female lead who hides her vulnerability well--though of course not from Liam. He's able to see beneath the kick-butt special agent exterior to the woman beneath, and even as he's falling for her (and she's investigating the possible role he might have in the whole thing!) he's also respecting the heck out of the job she's doing and goading her into doing an even better one. I loved that he was the one moving forward in their relationship, while she was the one that was resisting--or trying like heck, anyway--their pull.
He smelled like rain and wet leather. His clothes were freezing. But his lips were warm, and she kissed him back, wishing she didn't want what he was offering, wishing she didn't need it, but she did. He's called her a liar, and he was right. For once in her life, she didn't want to be alone. She wanted him, and the sharp intensity of it scares her. He smelled so good, and she was so tired of feeling alone all the time. She needed the connection with him, however brief, even if it was only about lust or temptation or pity. She needed it anyway.
So. Good.

I admit I would have liked to know more about some things--more concrete details about Tara's childhood and why (besides the obvious!) she was so affected by the case she worked just prior to being sent to Cypress County, and who the heck Liam went to visit (and kissed!) when she was tailing him (did he do it on purpose, knowing she was watching?) I'd also love to see more of what's developing between Liam's second-in-command Jeremy and MJ, Tara's partner on this case. Overall, though, this was just one heck of a well-written, suspenseful page turner.

I have no idea why I haven't read anything in this series--or by Laura Griffin--before, but you'd better believe that this won't stay my "only" for long! Shadow Fall worked just fine as a standalone--I'm sure if I'd read any of the other series books it would have been great to see characters from them play a part in solving Tara and Liam's mystery; but now I can look forward to going back and discovering their stories in the future. :)

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

Laura Griffin is one of my super favorite suspense writers that have bewitched me with her amazing Glass Sister series and the Tracers Series.

It’s hard writing a review for a thriller without giving away spoilers. It’s always a pleasure to revisit her amazing characters of this series as they keep making appearances in the various stories. And as the Delphi Center and the Wolfe Security co-exit and crossover, it only adds an element of suspense and danger to this series, making it even more irresistible to avoid and just get caught up in the danger and evil surrounding these characters.

Book nine of the series, ”Shadow Fall”, Laura Griffin brings Special Agent Tara Rushing and ex-marine security expert Liam Wolfe together as they investigate a murder. With Liam right in the middle of the investigation, Tara has her work cut out for her – to prove his innocence and also guard her heart from breaking.

Another chilling and twisted story of evil and death, love and danger as Liam and Tara race against time to stay alive and bring justice to the fallen.

Received an ARC from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

*ARC provided by Publisher

First Impression: Captivating characters, engrossing and intriguing storyline, masterful storytelling and expert writing

Shadow Fall, the nineth book in Laura Griffin’s Tracers series, is the perfect example of a fast-paced, edge of your seat thrill read written by a talented author who is not only in her element but also at her best. This story sucks you right into the heart of Liam Wolfe and Tara Rushing’s story and carries you along on an exciting journey of events.

When the story starts, Special Agent Tara Rushing is fresh off a case that has left her emotionally and physically exhausted, and yet, when she gets the call about a dead body in Cypress County, she can’t bring herself to turn her boss’s request for her to check it out away. It’s on her investigation into the high-profile victim’s death that she first meets Security Expert Liam Wolfe, a man who both intrigues her and leaves her suspicious.

Words cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. Not only did it appeal to me from a law enforcement/forensics standpoint, but also from a psychology-lover and romance-reader side. People and the things they do, both outside and inside fiction, fascinate me, and when I read a book like this, I’m always completely blown away by the detail that goes into its creation and that, when it’s done right, the book and its author manage to shut off the critical side of my brain, a sometimes irritating gift from my educational background, and simply let me enjoy a good, romantic suspense story.

Shadow Fall is a very good book. In fact, I must say, it was a fascinating and enthralling read for me. I loved everything about it and I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone that loves romantic suspense stories where the hero and/or heroine are on the hunt for a serial killer. This was a dynamite read, and the characters kept me glued to every single page. Highly, highly recommend this book–and the entire Tracers series, for that matter.

Riveting suspense, a story so well braided together, it is nearly impossible to put it down until the end. I inhaled this story, and loved every moment of it.
The characters are compelling, with layers and depth that allure the reader's mind. There's nothing straight forward or easy with them, they are real, tough, loyal, and focused on the task. But they have their weaknesses and low points as well, even though they try their best to hide them.
The story starts with some sickly intense moments of action. And the momentum just keeps building from that point on. The crimes committed are cruel and callous. The clues keep coming in, there's never a lull moment in the investigation, never a dull minute with Tess and Liam.
The chemistry between them is fierce, torrid. The attraction, as improper as it seems at first, is burning and disruptive. Tess keeps falling, scared of her feelings, not knowing if she is alone with them or not. Liam seems so confident, at all times, he anticipates that Tess is responding to his feelings, trying to be patient, waiting on her.
The connection between them is unique, the similarities in their personalities uncanny. I wish there would have been a little more developed with the relationship, a little more time they had together. There was also a one development with Liam, a possible relation with an ex-client, that was left hanging, and he was kissing Tess shortly thereafter.
The energy, pressure, and stress the task force is under, to find the killer in time, before they have more victims in their hands, before more innocent women lose their lives, is absorbing. You can feel the strain they are under, and the urgency to solve the mystery. For any and all romantic suspense fans, this is a story not to be missed, very highly recommended
~ Five Spoons!

With a twisting and at times nerve wracking plot, Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin was an easy book to jump into and stay in.

Tara is a special FBI Agent fresh off a very difficult case who is thrown right into the next one. Liam, a security professional and former Marine is who the local law enforcement suspects, but Tara isn't so sure... Besides coincidences and a strong attraction to each other, Tara is mostly convinced Liam is not a killer. As the body count escalates and their passion sparks, someone deadly is not going to stop. Tara works with the Delphi Center and Liam to find the truth, but will it be too late? Has Tara trusted the right person?

I enjoyed this fast paced, well written book. I loved all the technical forensic aspects, and Laura has obviously researched her subject very well. This part of Shadow Fall makes it a very interesting read!

I liked the main characters, Tara and Liam. They both have the strong personalities that this plot required. I liked how Laura brought them together and the personal/professional conflict that Tara struggled with was believable. So was the attraction! I did feel that there were parts of Tara I was missing and would like to have got to know her and her background better so that I could understand her more. Liam was a character I felt compelled to get to know! He is a bit mysterious and close mouthed at times, and this made him a great character who was easy to want to know. The relationship between the two of them was as intriguing and worked well with the suspenseful plot.

They mystery and suspense was well worked through Shadow Fall, and Laura kept me guessing. I liked how Laura wrote to balance the darkness of a killer with the hope of love.

I'd recommend Shadow Fall to any romantic suspense reader.

Fast paced and addicting is the best way to describe this book. Once you start you won't want to put it down till you finish! I love a great romantic suspense story.

Tara Rushing is a FBI agent and is having a difficult time recouping from a case that has left her mentally exhausted. All she needed was a little time to recover and get her bearing but instead she is sent to a small Texas town to look into the murder of a former female politician. Tara discovers the local police, and especially the sheriff, don't want her there so she must always be one step ahead of them if she is going to figure this case out.

Liam Wolfe, a former Marine who survived Afghanistan, now runs a top security firm with some of his former marine buddies. When a murder takes place on his land, Liam finds himself as prime suspect #1. The sheriff is looking to place the murder on Liam but Tara soon discovers that Liam has a solid alibi. When a second murder happens these two find themselves in a race to find the killer before another casualty.

Liam and Tara have an immediate attraction to one another but do their best to keep their feelings hidden. As danger grows so do their feelings and the chemistry when these two finally come together is electrifying. While the romance is a great aspect of the book it does not take away from the mystery and suspense element at all.

If you love a good romantic suspense then I would highly recommend this book.

I received an eARC of this book compliments of the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review and opinion. All ratings and opinions stated are my own.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Sigh. I love that I-just-finished-a-great-book glow. Laura Griffin is a great author and doesn't disappoint with Shadow Fall. I'm known for devouring books in one sitting, and this one was no exception. I'm really glad I had a quiet afternoon, or I might have snapped someone's head off for interrupting :)

What I loved:
Liam -- oh, boy did I fall for this sexy security expert. Strong, diligent, sexy, he was everything I love in a romantic suspense male lead.
Attention to Detail -- whether explanations about Liam's work and how he operated or a look into the politics of local versus Federal law enforcement, everything was presented in an interesting way. When following an investigation, I want lots of information, all the nitty-gritty. It was all here.
Tara & M.J. -- An interesting duo. Strong characters willing to do what it took to solve a crime. Though they were quite overwhelmed at times, especially Tara-- between dealing with the local police and her growing attraction to the main suspect-- they just worked all the harder.
Balance -- There was a great balance between romance and crime-solving.
Character Development -- Ms. Griffin is a master at character development. Enough said.

What I didn't like as much... well, I suppose my short attention span is to blame, but I found myself skimming at times. The same attention to detail that I loved was too much every once in a while.

Overall-- a fabulous romantic suspense.

Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin is absolutely hot and thrilling. Her characters are always well-developed and her plot well-written. There's always the smoking hot romance that develops between the two protagonists that instantly draws readers into Laura Griffin's story. The heat and chemistry is instant and hits the characters hard like a bag full of bricks. Then there's the murders and unsolved cases that entwine causing suspense and fear to rise on every page. The closer they get to solving the case the higher the stakes are. Politics plays a major role in solving murder cases within this intriguing read. It's realistically told in way that will leave readers with a chill down their spines and a sense of rush for the next best ride.

Shadow Fall is indeed a must read for all. I have read many novels by Laura Griffin and this is tbe best so far. Murder, romance, danger all rolled into one brilliant piece. Laura Griffin has a talent creating the best worlds that will both excite and entertain readers for a long time. Her story will leave readers begging for the next book. I enjoyed reading this latest novel by Laura Griffin and look forward to reading more by her in the future. Overall, I highly recommend Shadow Fall to everyone.

Mystery, suspense, action, sizzling chemistry and an intense storyline…Shadow Fall has it all!

This book piqued my interest from the start and I found it extremely hard to put it down. I could have easily read it in one sitting. It drew me in and held my attention the entire time.

A politician is murdered and the lead Special Agent on the case, Tara, thinks the killer may be a local. The main suspect of the local PD is an ex-marine and security expert Liam Wolfe who does not want to cooperate with the investigation and she has a hard time getting him to talk to her. She feels an intense and sizzling spark to him but with him impeding the investigation at every turn, she knows she needs to dial down her attraction in case he is the killer.

Put your detective shoes on and hold on tight while this thrilling ride throws numerous twists and turns your way while you sift through the numerous suspects to find out who the killer is!

Definitely my favourite of the Series so far.

I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Tanya.

Very much enjoyed this story. Tara is a compelling character. The story is fast and fun. Even though I don't understand why a well trained cop, such as Tara, would continue to make the stupid mistakes she does throughout the book. One reason for the 4 stars. The other is the ending. It was a bit confusing. How could they all arrive at the same time? Yet no one could wait for the other to arrive?

This story starts off with a bang and never slows down. It begins with a murder of a well-known woman and Tara an FBI agent is on the case. She has to deal with the local yahoos who think women are not good cops. Tara wants nothing to do with men, that is, until she meets Liam.

I loved this book from the first paragraph. The author had me hooked. Love Tara, she’s a strong woman who is trying to make it in a man’s world. Also, love Liam because they complement one another. I was never bored and never guessed who the killer was. I would recommend her to my friends. Well done. I was gifted this ebook in return for an honest review.

What can I say? Laura Griffin never disappoints. I have yet to find a novel she's written that doesn't keep me wrapped up in every detail of the story. This installment is no exception.

Her writing is phenomenal. It's as if you're right there with every character- that you are part of the story.

With action that keeps you on the edge of your seat intertwined with romance and suspense.... there's never a dull moment from cover to cover.

Waiting for the next installment to the Tracer's series is the hardest part.

ARC most generously provided by the author.

4.5 stars. Great action and suspense that really kept me turning pages! My first read by this author and I was not disappointed. I might have appreciated more character development or a more detailed explanation for why the criminal committed the crimes, but the author would have needed to lengthen the book, which may have turned other readers away. I now understand why my friends love her books and consider them a "fast" read. I see that this is part of a series but do not feel that I was handicapped by not having read previous titles. I love series that can be picked up anyplace and still captivate the reader!
I was given a free copy of this book but that did not influence my review.

A great combination of mystery, suspense, forensic science and sizzling chemistry between the two main characters. This is the first Tracers book that I have read and I really enjoyed it. It is a great standalone but does a good job of introducing back characters from other books in this series. It captured my attention from the first page all the way to the last. I will be going back to read the other books in this series. I highly recommend this book.

ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In addition to being a twisted mystery and a hot romance, Shadow Fall, as Tracers, #9, can easily be read as a standalone. As I am new to the series, I really, really appreciate that. I had no clue who the baddie was and that is just the way I like it.

Laura Griffin takes aim at the good old redneck boys of an East Texas county and calls then out for the way they handled the disappearances of several young women until the killer practically gift wrapped and hand delivered his last victim. Tara is an FBI agent sent with her partner, M.J., to assist in the investigation of a high profile victim. The local law isn't cooperative until additional victims turn up and then, only because the media is focused on them. Tara is just coming off an FBI raid that has left her very unsettled and then she meets Liam and she is unsettled for a whole other reason.

Laim Wolfe is a former Marine and owner of a very successful security firm. The UNSUB has been mucking in his backyard for several months. It looks like the baddie has military experience and is very familiar with the area. Laim meets Tara and wants to help and protect her, but he also needs to protect his business. In addition, Laim knew the last victim and feels a certain failure that she was murdered and in a particularly gruesome way.

Having never read anything from this series put me at a disadvantage. Though I enjoyed the book, I think I missed a lot of the references to secondary characters and events. The pacing was quite fast, the action sequences compelling and the twists and turns rarely predictable. The romance side of the story was weak for me, perhaps because I just didn't have a good handle on the hero and heroine; lots of missed opportunities as far as I was concerned, there were holes in their character portraits that might have made them more approachable as a couple. There is a secondary romance that made a lot of sense and was quite entertaining. I believe I will see out Laura Griffin's backlist, as her ability to write suspense is not in question, and I would like to know more of the team.
*I received my copy through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Shadow Fall is a solid procedural mystery with light romantic elements. The focus is definitely on finding the killer as opposed to bringing the hero and heroine together. As with Griffin’s other works, the plot is masterfully tied together and easily sucks readers in. If you haven’t read any of the other Tracers series this one is a good place to start. Though there are appearances by previous characters this one is a good launching point.

This book was AMAZING!
Right from page 1, the author had me engaged and captivated.

I love Liam and Tara's character's!

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time trying to figure out who the killer was, and I was shocked as hell [but the author also left enough clues] when the killer was finally revealed.

Wonderfully written, and excellent character development!

This is probably my favorite book in the "Tracer' series!
Kudos to Ms. Griffin!

I absolutely loved this suspense romance. Both the hero and the heroine were kick ass type of people and were real characters. Some of the other characters were pretty memorable and I hope to see them in further books. I really didn't see the bad guy until towards the very end. This book pulled me in and made it hard to put down. There is some sexual content and volence in this so not appropriate for under 18. I really want to read more of her work.

Laura Griffin nailed it! Shadow Fall is fanatastic! Once I started it I could not put it down. The story grips you from the get-go. I have read all of Ms. Griffin's books and look forward to each new release. She has such a gift of roping you in and making you feel part of the story.

Tara and Liam had off the chart chemistry! They are now some of my favorite Tracer characters. It's always so enjoyable to "see" characters from her previous books. The Dephi Center and their work is absolutely fascinating.

I can't wait for the next installment! Shadow Fall is a must read!

Laura Griffin is one of my very favorite authors. Her books are masterpieces; I love them and can't ever see myself giving less than 5 stars to one. I do agree with a couple of the other reviewers, though, who mentioned that the romance between Liam and Tara bloomed a little quickly. It would have been great to see more of what led up to their first night together (especially since it was so enjoyable reading about them).

In Ms. Griffin's last couple of books (in this one and in Beyond Limits), the plots are very sophisticated/complex. Romantic suspense has largely a female readership but to me, this book would hold its own against any mainstream suspense book. Hopefully her publishing house is marketing her work so that she'll receive an equal readership. This book should be enjoyed by both genders.

Shadow Fall is one of those romantic suspenses that defines the genre, and reminds me exactly why I love it. Grisly murders to investigate, strong characters, emotional push-pull romance, suspense that ratchets up as you go, and a satisfying conclusion. Laura Griffin is amazingly good, as always, and her Tracers series is fantastic!

Shadow Fall is another fantastic installment of the Tracers Series.
Tara has to decide whether or not Liam is a man who can be trusted with both the law and her heart. Which side of the law does Liam belong?! Tara is working to solve both puzzles. Suspense and romance fill this page turner! Finished in one day!!

Another action packed, edge of your seat thriller with well written characters and just enough romance to get your heart rate up! Griffin delivers again! I have read all of her books and this one rates right up at the top.

The suspense plot was good - I missed a few clues and was surprised at the end. The romance fell flat for me. Laura Griffin usually does better at balancing the two aspects of "romantic suspense". I also had a funny feeling that I should know more about the FBI agents involved ... if they were part of one of the previous books (which I have read BTW) they didn't make enough of an impression ... so not one of the better Tracer Series books.

I love this whole series. Laura Griffin has written book 9 and they just keep getting better. I don't know how anyone could read them and not love every single one of them. She's able to write them all with new characters to both love and hate while including the ones we've loved from the start. Always keeps you on your toes as well, many twists you're not expecting. If you like a good mystery, romance and some pretty hot scenes this is a series you don't want to miss!

Amazing Book to say the least...Be prepared to be just wowed in this book...front the first page to the last...The 9th Book in the Tracer Series....

Ex-Marine Liam Wolf head of the Wolf Security is being put at the top of a suspect list when was of his clients is murdered, and the worst manner. When Special Agent Tara Rushing and her partner MJ are sent to investigate Tara isn't quite sure why? The one thing she is sure of, she will get to the bottom of this. Things start to escalate, and Tara is somewhat over her head. The next thing she knows is her boss is making her head of the task force. Liams's brother Mark tells her to take all the help from wherever she can.

The facts come back from Kelsey Quinn at the Delphi Center. It's looks like Liam is looking quite guilty. He's giving her the run around, but when she tells him the information they found he's a bit surprised...still refusing to corporate.

Oh boy things get sticky, and exciting when they go through Liam's records. It's only a matter of time. But when the Sheriff in town pulls a stunt behind Tara's back it sets a rippling effect.

I loved this book. The beginning grabs you, and you will be surprised to know who is behind these murder's.

Love the Tracer Series, and all the characters in the books. The excitement Laura brings in each book is no holds bar. It's hard not turn those pages quick.