Touch of Red: Tracers, Book 12

Griffin never disappoints with her exciting, well-researched, fast-paced romantic thrillers, and her 12th Tracers novel (after At Close Range) is a fine example. The murder of a young barista is particularly brutal, but it’s nothing that Austin, Tex., crime scene investigator Brooke Porter hasn’t seen before. Looking for the tiniest shred of evidence, she finds traces of a hidden eyewitness who may be the key to finding the culprit. Homicide detective Sean Byrne respects Brooke’s tenacity and skill. He doesn’t want her to play detective, possibly bringing herself to the attention of the killer and making herself a target, but he realizes that his personal feelings for Brooke may be coloring his perspective. Despite Brooke being skittish from a previous relationship, Sean’s determined to earn her trust and explore their undeniable chemistry. For fans of the long-running series, Griffin tosses in mentions of the many Delphi Center crime scene experts who have recently gotten married or paired off to round out an engrossing story full of twists, turns, and sexy interludes. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Nov.)