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Tracy Crosswhite #11
A Dead Draw
An Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling series.
A killer fueled by revenge. A detective haunted by the past. They are headed for a high-stakes showdown in this bone-chilling new Tracy Crosswhite novel by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.
Detective Tracy Crosswhite isn’t one to lose her cool. Until her interrogation of the taunting and malicious Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings. Schmidt also has unnerving ties to the monster who murdered Tracy’s sister, stirring memories of the crime that shaped Tracy’s life. After a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy breaks.
Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Tracy heads to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. Just a peaceful getaway with her husband, her daughter, and their nanny at their weekend house. But Tracy’s sleepless nights are only beginning. A legal glitch has allowed Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her.
Forced into a twisted game of cat and mouse, Tracy must draw on all her training, wits, and strength to defeat a master criminal before he takes away everyone Tracy loves.
A killer fueled by revenge. A detective haunted by the past. They are headed for a high-stakes showdown in this bone-chilling new Tracy Crosswhite novel by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.
Detective Tracy Crosswhite isn’t one to lose her cool. Until her interrogation of the taunting and malicious Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings. Schmidt also has unnerving ties to the monster who murdered Tracy’s sister, stirring memories of the crime that shaped Tracy’s life. After a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy breaks.
Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Tracy heads to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. Just a peaceful getaway with her husband, her daughter, and their nanny at their weekend house. But Tracy’s sleepless nights are only beginning. A legal glitch has allowed Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her.
Forced into a twisted game of cat and mouse, Tracy must draw on all her training, wits, and strength to defeat a master criminal before he takes away everyone Tracy loves.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2025
3979 people are currently reading
10236 people want to read
About the author
Robert Dugoni
74 books32.7k followersRobert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series set in Seattle, which has sold more than 11 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, and The Keera Duggan legal thriller series. He has written several stand-alone novels including the historical novels A Killing on the Hill and Hold Strong, as well as the suspense novel The 7th Canon, and Damage Control. He has written the literary novels, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell - one of Newsweek Magazine's Best Books of All-Time and Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, for which Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also written the critically acclaimed novel, The World Played Chess; as well as the nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. His novels have been optioned for movies and television series. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Award for Fiction and a four-time winner of the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has also been a finalist for many other awards including the International Thriller Award, the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, the Silver Falchion Award for mystery, and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award.
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
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May 26, 2025
Suspense, action, a killer out for revenge, and a detective haunted by guilt are combined into a thrilling new novel in the Tracy Crosswhite series.
A Dead Draw
by Robert Dugoni is the eleventh book in the series and maintains the high level of crime fiction the series is known for.
Tracy, a detective in Seattle, is working two cold case killings. Erik Schmidt, a suspect, taunts her during the interrogation. He also has ties to the man who murdered Tracy’s sister. Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks leading to a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy and her family head to her hometown of Cedar Grove, Washington to refocus. What was supposed to be a peaceful getaway becomes a nightmare after a legal glitch allows Schmidt to go free. Sleepless nights and the fear that he has followed her are only the beginning of this game of cat and mouse.
Tracy feels realistic and authentic as she continues to struggle with guilt for not being there to protect her sister years ago. She has been using meditation, work-outs, and breathing techniques to help her anxiety, but they aren’t always successful. Tracy is a successful investigator and enjoys the cold-case work she is doing. She can be stubborn and isn’t good at asking for help, even when she needs it. She’s an expert shot, so the shooting exercise mistake weighs on her. This time she asks for help from a former mentor, Mason. This also allows her to be taught in new ways as she is instructed by both Mason and his granddaughter, Lydia. Working with and interacting with Lydia brings out a different side of Tracy than readers normally see. Tracy’s ability to mentor and support others while also being mentored was great to see.
Robert Dugoni is an excellent storyteller who always immediately engages me in his novels. This one is written in a style that draws you in and keeps you rapidly turning the pages. Full of well-developed characters, a compelling plot, and plenty of suspense and drama, this is an excellent addition to the series. The storyline is engaging, suspenseful, and includes some tense scenes. This engrossing crime novel keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Overall, this a well-written and suspenseful book that has well-developed and compelling characters and occasionally pulls on the heart strings contains plenty of action as well. If you are expecting a solid series that will have mysteries, suspense, crime, and action, then this is a series that I recommend. I believe it should be read in order and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Thomas and Mercer and Robert Dugoni provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.55 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Tracy, a detective in Seattle, is working two cold case killings. Erik Schmidt, a suspect, taunts her during the interrogation. He also has ties to the man who murdered Tracy’s sister. Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks leading to a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy and her family head to her hometown of Cedar Grove, Washington to refocus. What was supposed to be a peaceful getaway becomes a nightmare after a legal glitch allows Schmidt to go free. Sleepless nights and the fear that he has followed her are only the beginning of this game of cat and mouse.
Tracy feels realistic and authentic as she continues to struggle with guilt for not being there to protect her sister years ago. She has been using meditation, work-outs, and breathing techniques to help her anxiety, but they aren’t always successful. Tracy is a successful investigator and enjoys the cold-case work she is doing. She can be stubborn and isn’t good at asking for help, even when she needs it. She’s an expert shot, so the shooting exercise mistake weighs on her. This time she asks for help from a former mentor, Mason. This also allows her to be taught in new ways as she is instructed by both Mason and his granddaughter, Lydia. Working with and interacting with Lydia brings out a different side of Tracy than readers normally see. Tracy’s ability to mentor and support others while also being mentored was great to see.
Robert Dugoni is an excellent storyteller who always immediately engages me in his novels. This one is written in a style that draws you in and keeps you rapidly turning the pages. Full of well-developed characters, a compelling plot, and plenty of suspense and drama, this is an excellent addition to the series. The storyline is engaging, suspenseful, and includes some tense scenes. This engrossing crime novel keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Overall, this a well-written and suspenseful book that has well-developed and compelling characters and occasionally pulls on the heart strings contains plenty of action as well. If you are expecting a solid series that will have mysteries, suspense, crime, and action, then this is a series that I recommend. I believe it should be read in order and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Thomas and Mercer and Robert Dugoni provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.55 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
February 11, 2025
A Dead Draw by Robert Dugoni
Synopsis /
A killer fuelled by revenge. A detective haunted by the past. They are headed for a high-stakes showdown in this bone-chilling new Tracy Crosswhite novel by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.
Detective Tracy Crosswhite isn’t one to lose her cool. Until her interrogation of the taunting and malicious Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings. Schmidt also has unnerving ties to the monster who murdered Tracy’s sister, stirring memories of the crime that shaped Tracy’s life. After a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy breaks.
Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Tracy heads to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. Just a peaceful getaway with her husband, her daughter, and their nanny at their weekend house. But Tracy’s sleepless nights are only beginning. A legal glitch has allowed Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her.
Forced into a twisted game of cat and mouse, Tracy must draw on all her training, wits, and strength to defeat a master criminal before he takes away everyone Tracy loves.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, publishers Thomas & Mercer and author, Robert Dugoni for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025.
Book #11 in the series – where does the time go?
Our protagonist, Detective Tracy Crosswhite is now older and wiser (wiser? – who said that? Not me, because in this book some of her decision making is a little questionable). She's now married to partner Dan O'Leary and has a three-year-old daughter, Daniella. She's now working Cold Cases, having moved out of Seattle Police Department's Violent Crimes Section 'A Team' because it's safer – or is it?
Readers familiar with the series will know the background of how Tracy lost her sister, Sarah. But for those unfamiliar, her younger sister, Sarah, (who was then eighteen), disappeared after the two sisters had participated in a shooting competition. As Tracy went off to dinner with her then boyfriend, Ben, Sarah left to drive home in the rain but was never seen again. Sarah never made it home. A local man, Edmund House, was later convicted of her abduction and murder. Tracy had always considered the evidence which convicted House to be inconclusive and worked to overturn the conviction. In a cruel twist of fate, it was Tracy who ultimately ended House's life when it came to light he was in fact responsible for Sarah's death.
As evidenced right from the first book in the series, Sarah's death has dwelt heavily on Tracy and that storyline has played a part of each subsequent book since, be it small or large. In this instalment, Sarah's death is at the forefront.
Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings which Tracy is investigating has just been released on a 'technicality'. Schmidt, an expert marksman, took pleasure in taunting Tracy as he walked free from court. Haunted by Schmidt's release and reoccurring nightmares about Sarah, Tracy is off her game – failing a mandatory qualification shoot set by the Department. Returning to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus, Tracy contacts an old mentor, and former shooting coach, Mason Pettibone to see if he can improve her reaction time.
Unbeknown to Tracy, Erik Schmidt is on her trail.
Definite Yays
🤠 Dugoni uses vivid descriptions that help the reader better understand the environment whether it is the task force office or a small town.
🤠 The storyline is engaging, suspenseful, and includes some tense scenes.
🤠 Overall, this book has well-developed relatable main and secondary characters. If you are looing for a solid series that will have mystery, suspense, crime, action, and, a 'touch' of romance this might be for you.
Definite Hmms
🤔 Many readers have commented that the first half of the book spends a lot of time describing types of guns, shooting competitions and shoot-em-up video games. While I do acknowledge that a large portion of the early story does devote a bit of page time to these topics, this reader is cognizant of the fact that guns and shooting made up a huge portion of the protagonists childhood and is in fact, a day-to-day part of her present day job as a detective in the Seattle PD. So, while this reader didn't mind the page time, I can appreciate it might be a cause for concern for other readers.
🤔 This reader would have liked to have seen more of a presence from previous secondary characters, Kinsington Rowe, Vic Fazzio and Delmo Castigliano.
🤔 One of the biggest turnoffs for this reader (hence my 4 star rating) was that although Tracy feels realistic and authentic as she continues to struggle with the guilt for not being there to protect her sister, it's getting a bit stale. Yes she sought counselling for her sister's death, but I'm not seeing a lot of growth regarding that area of her character and as a result, a lot of her decision making in this book was highly questionable.
Definite Last Word
🤩 Overall, a solid addition to the series.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Thomas & Mercer for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025.
Synopsis /
A killer fuelled by revenge. A detective haunted by the past. They are headed for a high-stakes showdown in this bone-chilling new Tracy Crosswhite novel by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.
Detective Tracy Crosswhite isn’t one to lose her cool. Until her interrogation of the taunting and malicious Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings. Schmidt also has unnerving ties to the monster who murdered Tracy’s sister, stirring memories of the crime that shaped Tracy’s life. After a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy breaks.
Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Tracy heads to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. Just a peaceful getaway with her husband, her daughter, and their nanny at their weekend house. But Tracy’s sleepless nights are only beginning. A legal glitch has allowed Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her.
Forced into a twisted game of cat and mouse, Tracy must draw on all her training, wits, and strength to defeat a master criminal before he takes away everyone Tracy loves.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, publishers Thomas & Mercer and author, Robert Dugoni for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025.
Book #11 in the series – where does the time go?
Our protagonist, Detective Tracy Crosswhite is now older and wiser (wiser? – who said that? Not me, because in this book some of her decision making is a little questionable). She's now married to partner Dan O'Leary and has a three-year-old daughter, Daniella. She's now working Cold Cases, having moved out of Seattle Police Department's Violent Crimes Section 'A Team' because it's safer – or is it?
Readers familiar with the series will know the background of how Tracy lost her sister, Sarah. But for those unfamiliar, her younger sister, Sarah, (who was then eighteen), disappeared after the two sisters had participated in a shooting competition. As Tracy went off to dinner with her then boyfriend, Ben, Sarah left to drive home in the rain but was never seen again. Sarah never made it home. A local man, Edmund House, was later convicted of her abduction and murder. Tracy had always considered the evidence which convicted House to be inconclusive and worked to overturn the conviction. In a cruel twist of fate, it was Tracy who ultimately ended House's life when it came to light he was in fact responsible for Sarah's death.
As evidenced right from the first book in the series, Sarah's death has dwelt heavily on Tracy and that storyline has played a part of each subsequent book since, be it small or large. In this instalment, Sarah's death is at the forefront.
Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings which Tracy is investigating has just been released on a 'technicality'. Schmidt, an expert marksman, took pleasure in taunting Tracy as he walked free from court. Haunted by Schmidt's release and reoccurring nightmares about Sarah, Tracy is off her game – failing a mandatory qualification shoot set by the Department. Returning to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus, Tracy contacts an old mentor, and former shooting coach, Mason Pettibone to see if he can improve her reaction time.
Unbeknown to Tracy, Erik Schmidt is on her trail.
Definite Yays
🤠 Dugoni uses vivid descriptions that help the reader better understand the environment whether it is the task force office or a small town.
🤠 The storyline is engaging, suspenseful, and includes some tense scenes.
🤠 Overall, this book has well-developed relatable main and secondary characters. If you are looing for a solid series that will have mystery, suspense, crime, action, and, a 'touch' of romance this might be for you.
Definite Hmms
🤔 Many readers have commented that the first half of the book spends a lot of time describing types of guns, shooting competitions and shoot-em-up video games. While I do acknowledge that a large portion of the early story does devote a bit of page time to these topics, this reader is cognizant of the fact that guns and shooting made up a huge portion of the protagonists childhood and is in fact, a day-to-day part of her present day job as a detective in the Seattle PD. So, while this reader didn't mind the page time, I can appreciate it might be a cause for concern for other readers.
🤔 This reader would have liked to have seen more of a presence from previous secondary characters, Kinsington Rowe, Vic Fazzio and Delmo Castigliano.
🤔 One of the biggest turnoffs for this reader (hence my 4 star rating) was that although Tracy feels realistic and authentic as she continues to struggle with the guilt for not being there to protect her sister, it's getting a bit stale. Yes she sought counselling for her sister's death, but I'm not seeing a lot of growth regarding that area of her character and as a result, a lot of her decision making in this book was highly questionable.
Definite Last Word
🤩 Overall, a solid addition to the series.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Thomas & Mercer for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025.
February 10, 2025
I am a big fan of this series and have read all the books in the last two years. This book falls far short of what I have come to expect from this series (this one and ‘The Steep Price’ are the only two in the series I did not like).
The story picks up from an interrogation of Erik Schmidt 3 months ago pertaining to a cold case of two murders of young women. As Tracy speak to him, he denies the charges, and says he has engaged Bernard Gil as his lawyer. Subsequently, he taunts Tracy that he knew her sister Sarah’s murderer Edmund House well. Tracy loses her cool. The case against Erik does not go well in court due to procedural lapses. Tracy’s former partner Kins takes responsibility, though there were other factors at play. Tracy realizes that Erik being a free man is going to be dangerous for many, including her family. She decides to move to Cedar Grove (the town she grew up in) with Dan and their daughter. Kins has a bad accident, and they wonder if it is sabotage. A cat and mouse game is to follow.
The plot is weaker than the other books in the series. The character development is average. The procedural work which is usually a strength is very poor in this one. I also felt that Tracy’s behaviours in this story were very uncharacteristic (or poorly explained) and deviated considerably from the earlier books. The last sections & ending lose the touch of realism I like about the author’s book and instead is more of the kind you find in many psychological thrillers these days (with a lame twist). The story does bring out how lapses in due process can shatter an otherwise legitimate case. As a fan of the series and the author, a disappointment.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer and the author for a free electronic review copy.
The story picks up from an interrogation of Erik Schmidt 3 months ago pertaining to a cold case of two murders of young women. As Tracy speak to him, he denies the charges, and says he has engaged Bernard Gil as his lawyer. Subsequently, he taunts Tracy that he knew her sister Sarah’s murderer Edmund House well. Tracy loses her cool. The case against Erik does not go well in court due to procedural lapses. Tracy’s former partner Kins takes responsibility, though there were other factors at play. Tracy realizes that Erik being a free man is going to be dangerous for many, including her family. She decides to move to Cedar Grove (the town she grew up in) with Dan and their daughter. Kins has a bad accident, and they wonder if it is sabotage. A cat and mouse game is to follow.
The plot is weaker than the other books in the series. The character development is average. The procedural work which is usually a strength is very poor in this one. I also felt that Tracy’s behaviours in this story were very uncharacteristic (or poorly explained) and deviated considerably from the earlier books. The last sections & ending lose the touch of realism I like about the author’s book and instead is more of the kind you find in many psychological thrillers these days (with a lame twist). The story does bring out how lapses in due process can shatter an otherwise legitimate case. As a fan of the series and the author, a disappointment.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer and the author for a free electronic review copy.
April 13, 2025
A Dead Draw is the 11th in the Tracy Crosswhite series. It took a little longer to draw me in, but once it did, I was hooked.
A defining moment in Tracy’s life was when her sister was murdered. Many of the prior books have touched on this event. Once again, that murder figured into the plot and what’s happening in Tracy’s life. The book begins when Tracy has a psychotic event during a shooting competition. But rather than mention it to anyone, even her husband, she chooses to hide it and bluff her way.
Through a technicality, a killer is allowed to go free rather than stand trial for the murder of two women. Even though Tracy is on leave, she continues to search for a way to bring the man to justice. It’s not giving anything away to say the man plans to come after Tracy.
Dugoni does a good job providing enough background that the book can work as a stand-alone. He also works hard to explain the killer and what has made him into a psychopath. I felt like parts of the book were formulaic - a cat and mouse game between Tracy and the killer. Still, Dugoni does a good job of keeping the tension high. And his writing is very clear, making it easy to envision each scene. There was a new character introduced, Lydia, a woman on the spectrum and I wanted to see if she would play into the ending. I felt Dugoni did a wonderful job making her realistic and relatable. Make sure to read the Author’s Note.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
A defining moment in Tracy’s life was when her sister was murdered. Many of the prior books have touched on this event. Once again, that murder figured into the plot and what’s happening in Tracy’s life. The book begins when Tracy has a psychotic event during a shooting competition. But rather than mention it to anyone, even her husband, she chooses to hide it and bluff her way.
Through a technicality, a killer is allowed to go free rather than stand trial for the murder of two women. Even though Tracy is on leave, she continues to search for a way to bring the man to justice. It’s not giving anything away to say the man plans to come after Tracy.
Dugoni does a good job providing enough background that the book can work as a stand-alone. He also works hard to explain the killer and what has made him into a psychopath. I felt like parts of the book were formulaic - a cat and mouse game between Tracy and the killer. Still, Dugoni does a good job of keeping the tension high. And his writing is very clear, making it easy to envision each scene. There was a new character introduced, Lydia, a woman on the spectrum and I wanted to see if she would play into the ending. I felt Dugoni did a wonderful job making her realistic and relatable. Make sure to read the Author’s Note.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
January 22, 2025
2.5 stars
Haunted by her sister’s death and the man who killed her, Detective Tracy fails her routine shooting test and is placed on leave.
The man who killed Tracy’s sister is dead, shot by Tracy herself, but someone is out to avenge his death. Someone who has murdered before but is set free on a technicality. He not so subtly threatens Tracy.
Tracy and her husband, decide to take their 3 year old daughter and go to their mountain home in Cedar Grove, where Tracy grew up.
As she settles into life in Cedar Grove, she befriends Lydia, a young woman who is on the autistic spectrum, and with Lydia’s help, she hones her skills. Skills she will soon need when events escalate and Tracy must fight for her life, and the lives of her loved ones.
So why 2.5 stars? The story was slow to take off, with the action not starting until 50-60%. Also, much of the story involves competitive shooting, which I found boring so I skimmed much of those sections. I also had to fight my irritation at some of the poor decisions made by Tracy and her husband.
These things were deal breakers for me, but diehard fans of the series may feel differently.
The author explains in his note that he and his dad were big fans of spaghetti westerns and I believe he was successful in his attempt to recreate some of those scenes.
This was a buddy read, and for Marialyce and I, it was all a bit too much. This was my 3rd book by this author. Although it’s #11 in the series, it works as a standalone.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
Haunted by her sister’s death and the man who killed her, Detective Tracy fails her routine shooting test and is placed on leave.
The man who killed Tracy’s sister is dead, shot by Tracy herself, but someone is out to avenge his death. Someone who has murdered before but is set free on a technicality. He not so subtly threatens Tracy.
Tracy and her husband, decide to take their 3 year old daughter and go to their mountain home in Cedar Grove, where Tracy grew up.
As she settles into life in Cedar Grove, she befriends Lydia, a young woman who is on the autistic spectrum, and with Lydia’s help, she hones her skills. Skills she will soon need when events escalate and Tracy must fight for her life, and the lives of her loved ones.
So why 2.5 stars? The story was slow to take off, with the action not starting until 50-60%. Also, much of the story involves competitive shooting, which I found boring so I skimmed much of those sections. I also had to fight my irritation at some of the poor decisions made by Tracy and her husband.
These things were deal breakers for me, but diehard fans of the series may feel differently.
The author explains in his note that he and his dad were big fans of spaghetti westerns and I believe he was successful in his attempt to recreate some of those scenes.
This was a buddy read, and for Marialyce and I, it was all a bit too much. This was my 3rd book by this author. Although it’s #11 in the series, it works as a standalone.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
January 21, 2025
2.5 stars
Tracy Crosswhite, is a tough, hard as nails detective, but when a failure at a qualifying shooting challenge for her job, she imagines she sees the man who murdered her sister. This hallucination and others haunts her and sets her down a path she may never escape from.
She is told to take some time off and so she and her family head to their old home, Cedar Grove, in the mountains where Tracy reconnects with the man who taught her to shoot. There she meets Lydia, an autistic young woman who tutors Tracy in the art of computer games where split second decisions make or break a game's win or lose. Tracy learns, while helping Lydia, the means to be a fast decision maker something that might aid her upcoming battle with her nemesis, Erik Schmidt, who has an unnerving connection to the man who killed her sister.
Even though Erik Schmidt is suspected of killing two woman through a point of legality, he is set free, and so Tracy is in his line of fire and Erik is out to get his man (or in this case his woman).
Will Tracy be able to save herself and her family from this evil man who is an expert in shooting and guns?
The one thing that made me award only 2.5 stars was the super slow first half of the story where guns, ammunition, and the like were talked about repeatedly.
Jan and I trudged through that part and finally the action picked up to the conclusion of the story.
Tracy Crosswhite, is a tough, hard as nails detective, but when a failure at a qualifying shooting challenge for her job, she imagines she sees the man who murdered her sister. This hallucination and others haunts her and sets her down a path she may never escape from.
She is told to take some time off and so she and her family head to their old home, Cedar Grove, in the mountains where Tracy reconnects with the man who taught her to shoot. There she meets Lydia, an autistic young woman who tutors Tracy in the art of computer games where split second decisions make or break a game's win or lose. Tracy learns, while helping Lydia, the means to be a fast decision maker something that might aid her upcoming battle with her nemesis, Erik Schmidt, who has an unnerving connection to the man who killed her sister.
Even though Erik Schmidt is suspected of killing two woman through a point of legality, he is set free, and so Tracy is in his line of fire and Erik is out to get his man (or in this case his woman).
Will Tracy be able to save herself and her family from this evil man who is an expert in shooting and guns?
The one thing that made me award only 2.5 stars was the super slow first half of the story where guns, ammunition, and the like were talked about repeatedly.
Jan and I trudged through that part and finally the action picked up to the conclusion of the story.
May 29, 2025
the setup…
Detective Tracy Crosswhite is known for her professionalism, maintaining her cool under pressure and her championship shooting skills. It’s when she’s interviewing murder suspect Erik Schmidt that it all comes to a crashing head. See, Schmidt was a close friend in prison of the man who murdered her sister. When he viciously taunts her during the interview, Schmidt unleashes Tracy’s former nightmares, this time including this evil man. She fails her qualifying shooting exercise for the first time and when Schmidt is released on a technicality, Tracy takes her family back to Cedar Grove to work with her original trainer…and prepare for the danger to come.
the heart of the story…
Unpopular opinion here…I loved the focus on the training! Despite what I thought that might be, it was less the technical aspects and more the psychological preparation. It was fascinating to learn and see the why of what made Tracy not only a formidable shooting champion but a great detective. Schmidt was beyond a formidable challenger and his presence was always in the background. My nerves were shattered as I waited for the climax that was inevitable.
the narration…
Emily Sutton-Smith will always be the voice of this series in my head and never more so than with this story. She defined Tracy and her storytelling skills were perfectly suited here.
the bottom line…
I found it hard to put this down with so much at stake. This was the heart of Tracy Crosswhite, forcing her to face all that she found precious and cared about. She was put to the test in ways she’d never faced and made vulnerable. While I disagreed with some of her choices, those she made were in character. I love this series and hope it never ends.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Detective Tracy Crosswhite is known for her professionalism, maintaining her cool under pressure and her championship shooting skills. It’s when she’s interviewing murder suspect Erik Schmidt that it all comes to a crashing head. See, Schmidt was a close friend in prison of the man who murdered her sister. When he viciously taunts her during the interview, Schmidt unleashes Tracy’s former nightmares, this time including this evil man. She fails her qualifying shooting exercise for the first time and when Schmidt is released on a technicality, Tracy takes her family back to Cedar Grove to work with her original trainer…and prepare for the danger to come.
the heart of the story…
Unpopular opinion here…I loved the focus on the training! Despite what I thought that might be, it was less the technical aspects and more the psychological preparation. It was fascinating to learn and see the why of what made Tracy not only a formidable shooting champion but a great detective. Schmidt was beyond a formidable challenger and his presence was always in the background. My nerves were shattered as I waited for the climax that was inevitable.
the narration…
Emily Sutton-Smith will always be the voice of this series in my head and never more so than with this story. She defined Tracy and her storytelling skills were perfectly suited here.
the bottom line…
I found it hard to put this down with so much at stake. This was the heart of Tracy Crosswhite, forcing her to face all that she found precious and cared about. She was put to the test in ways she’d never faced and made vulnerable. While I disagreed with some of her choices, those she made were in character. I love this series and hope it never ends.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
July 19, 2025
Tracy Crosswhite installment #11
Funny thing is, I have about 4 books in this series unread… and this is my first Crosswhite. I know I know… I’m ashamed. 🫣
Tracy became a homicide detective with the Seattle PD over twenty years ago. The motivation, her sister was murdered and she wanted justice.
This book is connected to her murder and a big reveal. Everything was explained in the book and I had no problem catching up. I think it could be read as a standalone however, reading the first book, My Sister’s Grave, is probably a better experience.
Gun violence and gun awareness is an important part of the story. There is a character with autism that really melted my heart. I really loved how Dugoni represents the autistic community. He did an excellent job!
This is a cat-and-mouse crime story that I highly enjoyed. Tracy’s character is real and relatable. It’s easy to root for her. I will mention that it was slow to start. However, the second half really kicks off. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Funny thing is, I have about 4 books in this series unread… and this is my first Crosswhite. I know I know… I’m ashamed. 🫣
Tracy became a homicide detective with the Seattle PD over twenty years ago. The motivation, her sister was murdered and she wanted justice.
This book is connected to her murder and a big reveal. Everything was explained in the book and I had no problem catching up. I think it could be read as a standalone however, reading the first book, My Sister’s Grave, is probably a better experience.
Gun violence and gun awareness is an important part of the story. There is a character with autism that really melted my heart. I really loved how Dugoni represents the autistic community. He did an excellent job!
This is a cat-and-mouse crime story that I highly enjoyed. Tracy’s character is real and relatable. It’s easy to root for her. I will mention that it was slow to start. However, the second half really kicks off. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 15, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Dugoni, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always excited to get my hands on a new Tracy Crosswhite novel, I eagerly accepted this ARC by Robert Dugoni. The story worked well and complemented the past novels in the series, as Dugoni works to keep his protagonist in the middle of the action without being too repetitive. The story of yet another cold case is thrust into the present, as Detective Crosswhite is forced to come to terms once again with the murder of her sister and the man who did the deed. Dugoni fills some more gaps while opening new storylines with this piece, all in an exciting and well-developed manner. I could not get enough of this novel or the series as a whole.
Detective Tracy Crosswhite has long been known to keep herself calm, especially in front of a suspect. Having worked for various units of the Seattle Police Department, she has seen her fair share of people who have the most heinous crimes associated with them. However, when she encounters Erik Schimidt, her rage boils over. Schmidt knows how to push her buttons and activates the one trigger she cannot keep under wraps, the murder of her sister all those years ago. The angst and pain come out, first in a physical altercation with Schmidt in an interrogation room and then on the shooting range, where things go off the tracks.
Her actions and the reckless work by a colleague see Erik Schmidt dodge a legal bullet. This sends Crosswhite and others away from SPD for a time, while Schmidt is free to roam the streets of Seattle. However, those who know Tracy Crosswhite can be sure she will not rest until justice is done. She's motivated to get answers and ensure those who commit crimes pay handsomely.
Returning to her hometown, Crosswhite seeks to calm herself down and try to stay safe from Erik Schmidt's grasp. Her family means more than anything to her and while Tracy Crosswhite tries to protect them, she realises that the animosity is only heightened. Schmidt is ready to ensure she suffers as he did and that Detective Crosswhite is soon a distant memory. What follows is an intense game of cat and mouse, with the prize unlike anything either party could imagine. Another Dugoni gem in a series that has me fully committed.
I have long enjoyed the work of Robert Dugoni and his various series. He gets to the heart of the matter and provides entertaining stories along the way. The ease with which the narrative flows kept me reading well into the evening, always wondering what awaits Tracy Crosswhite and those closest to her. As the story gained momentum, the characters came alive once more. Those familiar with the series know Crosswhite and her team, each of whom have their own backstory. Dugoni added just enough to keep the reader wondering what is to come in the next piece. Plot points worked well, particularly in this cat and mouse hunt, rather than a traditional police procedural. I was eager to delve deeper and see how things would resolve themselves, as well as where things might be headed next!
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for a story that really gets to the heart of the protagonist.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always excited to get my hands on a new Tracy Crosswhite novel, I eagerly accepted this ARC by Robert Dugoni. The story worked well and complemented the past novels in the series, as Dugoni works to keep his protagonist in the middle of the action without being too repetitive. The story of yet another cold case is thrust into the present, as Detective Crosswhite is forced to come to terms once again with the murder of her sister and the man who did the deed. Dugoni fills some more gaps while opening new storylines with this piece, all in an exciting and well-developed manner. I could not get enough of this novel or the series as a whole.
Detective Tracy Crosswhite has long been known to keep herself calm, especially in front of a suspect. Having worked for various units of the Seattle Police Department, she has seen her fair share of people who have the most heinous crimes associated with them. However, when she encounters Erik Schimidt, her rage boils over. Schmidt knows how to push her buttons and activates the one trigger she cannot keep under wraps, the murder of her sister all those years ago. The angst and pain come out, first in a physical altercation with Schmidt in an interrogation room and then on the shooting range, where things go off the tracks.
Her actions and the reckless work by a colleague see Erik Schmidt dodge a legal bullet. This sends Crosswhite and others away from SPD for a time, while Schmidt is free to roam the streets of Seattle. However, those who know Tracy Crosswhite can be sure she will not rest until justice is done. She's motivated to get answers and ensure those who commit crimes pay handsomely.
Returning to her hometown, Crosswhite seeks to calm herself down and try to stay safe from Erik Schmidt's grasp. Her family means more than anything to her and while Tracy Crosswhite tries to protect them, she realises that the animosity is only heightened. Schmidt is ready to ensure she suffers as he did and that Detective Crosswhite is soon a distant memory. What follows is an intense game of cat and mouse, with the prize unlike anything either party could imagine. Another Dugoni gem in a series that has me fully committed.
I have long enjoyed the work of Robert Dugoni and his various series. He gets to the heart of the matter and provides entertaining stories along the way. The ease with which the narrative flows kept me reading well into the evening, always wondering what awaits Tracy Crosswhite and those closest to her. As the story gained momentum, the characters came alive once more. Those familiar with the series know Crosswhite and her team, each of whom have their own backstory. Dugoni added just enough to keep the reader wondering what is to come in the next piece. Plot points worked well, particularly in this cat and mouse hunt, rather than a traditional police procedural. I was eager to delve deeper and see how things would resolve themselves, as well as where things might be headed next!
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for a story that really gets to the heart of the protagonist.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 27, 2025
*Updated review*
Another homerun by Robert Dugoni! This is the 11th novel in the Tracy Crosswhite series. I may be an outlier, but since I love other books by this author, I jumped at the chance to review this book, even though it's my first in the series to read. So, yes, it can be read as a standalone!
The beginning of the story was a little slow for me, but by about 50% of the way, I was hooked and the action/drama did not stop! I absolutely loved the characters, especially Lydia, the neordivergent sharp shooter. The author did a fantastic job with this character and I hope she appears in future stories.
I won't rehash the synopsis, just know this, the story involves deep character development, it's a cat and mouse chase, very suspenseful and at times had me yelling because I was scared for a couple of the characters! So if you haven't read anything in this series, don't hesitate to start here. I do plan to read the entire series eventually.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Another homerun by Robert Dugoni! This is the 11th novel in the Tracy Crosswhite series. I may be an outlier, but since I love other books by this author, I jumped at the chance to review this book, even though it's my first in the series to read. So, yes, it can be read as a standalone!
The beginning of the story was a little slow for me, but by about 50% of the way, I was hooked and the action/drama did not stop! I absolutely loved the characters, especially Lydia, the neordivergent sharp shooter. The author did a fantastic job with this character and I hope she appears in future stories.
I won't rehash the synopsis, just know this, the story involves deep character development, it's a cat and mouse chase, very suspenseful and at times had me yelling because I was scared for a couple of the characters! So if you haven't read anything in this series, don't hesitate to start here. I do plan to read the entire series eventually.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
May 28, 2025
This is the eleventh book in the Tracy Crosswhite series and I think I have read them all. I'm always happy to discover a new one available as Dugoni can always be counted on for a great read. This one did not disappoint.
Description:
Detective Tracy Crosswhite isn’t one to lose her cool. Until her interrogation of the taunting and malicious Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings. Schmidt also has unnerving ties to the monster who murdered Tracy’s sister, stirring memories of the crime that shaped Tracy’s life. After a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy breaks.
Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Tracy heads to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. Just a peaceful getaway with her husband, her daughter, and their nanny at their weekend house. But Tracy’s sleepless nights are only beginning. A legal glitch has allowed Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her.
Forced into a twisted game of cat and mouse, Tracy must draw on all her training, wits, and strength to defeat a master criminal before he takes away everyone Tracy loves.
My Thoughts:
This one has a western flair going back to her roots in Cedar Grove and her time as Tracy Crossdraw. Tracy's entire family is at risk in this fast-paced, suspenseful story. Erik Schmidt proves to be a formidable villain and Tracy faced some difficult challenges. While in Cedar Grove she receives help from an unlikely souce, an autistic girl she befriended and was mentoring, Lydia. I really enjoyed Lydia as a character. The book was certainly tense and kept me turning the pages. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller will enjoy this book as well as the entire series.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Detective Tracy Crosswhite isn’t one to lose her cool. Until her interrogation of the taunting and malicious Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings. Schmidt also has unnerving ties to the monster who murdered Tracy’s sister, stirring memories of the crime that shaped Tracy’s life. After a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy breaks.
Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Tracy heads to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. Just a peaceful getaway with her husband, her daughter, and their nanny at their weekend house. But Tracy’s sleepless nights are only beginning. A legal glitch has allowed Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her.
Forced into a twisted game of cat and mouse, Tracy must draw on all her training, wits, and strength to defeat a master criminal before he takes away everyone Tracy loves.
My Thoughts:
This one has a western flair going back to her roots in Cedar Grove and her time as Tracy Crossdraw. Tracy's entire family is at risk in this fast-paced, suspenseful story. Erik Schmidt proves to be a formidable villain and Tracy faced some difficult challenges. While in Cedar Grove she receives help from an unlikely souce, an autistic girl she befriended and was mentoring, Lydia. I really enjoyed Lydia as a character. The book was certainly tense and kept me turning the pages. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller will enjoy this book as well as the entire series.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy.
June 26, 2025
A Dead Draw is the eleventh book in the Tracy Crosswhite series by best-selling award-winning American author, Robert Dugoni. When a test-fire on a confiscated weapon shows a match with two of Tracy Crosswhite’s cold cases, she’s disappointed when a technical oversight by her former partner sees Erik Schmidt going free. Her interview with him was disturbing: he seems to know a lot more about her than he should, and she loses her cool in an unacceptable manner.
Already causing her sleepless nights, it affects her performance in her shoot/no shoot test. Then she barely escapes suspension, but for surprise support from her one-time nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco, instead going on leave. Determined not to let Schmidt get away with it, she digs up as much information about him as she can. By the time she has spoken to his supervisor at the Army Marksmanship Unit, the prison psychiatrist, and a prison inmate who recruited him to smuggle in heroin, she has a much clearer, and much more concerning, picture of the man.
Now, she’s worried for her family, and herself: she knows her gun skills no longer match his, and when her former partner is seriously injured in suspicious circumstances, she decides to move her family to the safety of their house in Cedar Grove. Brushing up her shooting skills seems like a wise move too. Extra security precautions should be sufficient to keep everyone safe, but for Dan’s strange encounter with a newcomer to the town.
Dugoni uses the well-worn acolyte/copycat of a serial killer trope in this instalment and has Tracy (somewhat arrogantly) deciding to go it alone against a skilled shooter. A bit of miscommunication or lack of communication leads to dangerous scenarios, and there’s lots of tension in the lead up to a nail-biting climax. There’s also a LOT of gun action, something that may have US appeal but falls a bit flat for readers in countries with better gun laws. And a glaring plot hole that loses it half a star. Still, more Tracy Crosswhite will be welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer.
Already causing her sleepless nights, it affects her performance in her shoot/no shoot test. Then she barely escapes suspension, but for surprise support from her one-time nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco, instead going on leave. Determined not to let Schmidt get away with it, she digs up as much information about him as she can. By the time she has spoken to his supervisor at the Army Marksmanship Unit, the prison psychiatrist, and a prison inmate who recruited him to smuggle in heroin, she has a much clearer, and much more concerning, picture of the man.
Now, she’s worried for her family, and herself: she knows her gun skills no longer match his, and when her former partner is seriously injured in suspicious circumstances, she decides to move her family to the safety of their house in Cedar Grove. Brushing up her shooting skills seems like a wise move too. Extra security precautions should be sufficient to keep everyone safe, but for Dan’s strange encounter with a newcomer to the town.
Dugoni uses the well-worn acolyte/copycat of a serial killer trope in this instalment and has Tracy (somewhat arrogantly) deciding to go it alone against a skilled shooter. A bit of miscommunication or lack of communication leads to dangerous scenarios, and there’s lots of tension in the lead up to a nail-biting climax. There’s also a LOT of gun action, something that may have US appeal but falls a bit flat for readers in countries with better gun laws. And a glaring plot hole that loses it half a star. Still, more Tracy Crosswhite will be welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer.
July 22, 2025
Probably not a book to read through the night, but that is what I did. Loads of violence but the edge is somewhat softened by the gaming aspect of shooting to kill/survive as Tracy is assisted by her young friend Lydia. It becomes the Tracy/Lydia act against a determined criminal. Edgy action throughout!
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
July 5, 2025
This is the latest installment in Dugoni's excellent Tracy Crosswhite series. I have read all of them. This is a thriller/mystery while most of the others which are more police procedure novels. The plot is somewhat far fetched, however it is a real nail-biter that keeps you reading until end. All in all, Dugoni's terrific writing combined with non-stop thrills and chills makes for a very entertaining book. What more can you ask?
May 26, 2025
I’ve come to this series late, more than ten years after the first book, with numerous episodes preceding this one. The lead character is a hard driven police detective, Tracy Crosswhite, whose sister was murdered years ago by a man who was subsequently jailed. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since book 1, but this latest instalment does a pretty good job of sketching out the basic back story, at least as it pertains to this latest tale. At first, it seems that her latest tangle with a man who looks likely to escape justice despite proof that he’s a serial killer has no link to Tracy’s sister or her death. But then a link emerges - it’s tenuous, but it’s there.
Set in largely in a small town in the state of Washington, the place with all it’s charm and history is to play a large part in how the story plays out. In its past, it was a gold and silver mining area, with parts once full of miners seeking their fortunes now virtually inaccessible. It’s in this place that Tracy finds herself under threat with the potential for a face-off with a very dangerous foe.
I liked Tracy, she’s fierce and dogged and yet with a soft side in evidence. The author does a great job of keeping the story pacy, too, and it kept me interested throughout. The only negative for me is that having set the scene well in the first half of the book, it seemed pretty clear where this was all headed, and as a result how it would inevitably play out. There are some late twists, but they’re also pretty well telegraphed. That said, I enjoyed the book enough that I'm considering going back to book one and working my way through the series. We’ll see how that goes, but it’s definitely a series that’s pricked my interest.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Set in largely in a small town in the state of Washington, the place with all it’s charm and history is to play a large part in how the story plays out. In its past, it was a gold and silver mining area, with parts once full of miners seeking their fortunes now virtually inaccessible. It’s in this place that Tracy finds herself under threat with the potential for a face-off with a very dangerous foe.
I liked Tracy, she’s fierce and dogged and yet with a soft side in evidence. The author does a great job of keeping the story pacy, too, and it kept me interested throughout. The only negative for me is that having set the scene well in the first half of the book, it seemed pretty clear where this was all headed, and as a result how it would inevitably play out. There are some late twists, but they’re also pretty well telegraphed. That said, I enjoyed the book enough that I'm considering going back to book one and working my way through the series. We’ll see how that goes, but it’s definitely a series that’s pricked my interest.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 9, 2025
Story 4.5 stars. Narration 5 stars
This was another amazing installment of this series and I loved the whole thing. Book 11.
Tracey Crosswhite, a homicide detective in Seattle, is in the middle of a case involving a psychopath that murdered two woman among other charges. He manages to outsmart the system and get out of prison. He is ready to take on Tracey to the death. Long story why, but a lot of it goes all the way back to book one. That’s one reason why you shouldn’t start reading with this one. Each book continues Tracey’s story, including relationships with all the people in her life. I can’t recommend this series enough. By now I feel like I know each of the characters and they are friends. Well, except the bad guys. There’s exciting moments, life and death moments as well as some sweet interactions with her 3 year old daughter and with her husband. I loved it all and will be eagerly waiting for the next one!
This was another amazing installment of this series and I loved the whole thing. Book 11.
Tracey Crosswhite, a homicide detective in Seattle, is in the middle of a case involving a psychopath that murdered two woman among other charges. He manages to outsmart the system and get out of prison. He is ready to take on Tracey to the death. Long story why, but a lot of it goes all the way back to book one. That’s one reason why you shouldn’t start reading with this one. Each book continues Tracey’s story, including relationships with all the people in her life. I can’t recommend this series enough. By now I feel like I know each of the characters and they are friends. Well, except the bad guys. There’s exciting moments, life and death moments as well as some sweet interactions with her 3 year old daughter and with her husband. I loved it all and will be eagerly waiting for the next one!
May 29, 2025
I was a bit disappointed in this one. It felt like a recycled plot. Can we never be reminded of Edmund House again? Will his ghost be in the next installment??
Haunting Tracy Crosswhite for infinity 🙄🙄🙄.
Erik Schmidt (House’s prison pal ,because of course) thought he was clever but in the end his psychopathic ways were his downfall.
My one HUGE complaint of the plot was Tracy as a SEASONED police detective never showed her husband, Dan, Erik, THE killer’s photo. That should be police procedure 101. Show your husband who your stalker is 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄😑. THEN Dan would have known he was already in Cedar Grove, ugh 😣😣
Lydia was a bright spot in an otherwise rinse/repeat plot. She taught Tracy to stay in the moment don’t look too far ahead or look back. Words to live by.
Haunting Tracy Crosswhite for infinity 🙄🙄🙄.
Erik Schmidt (House’s prison pal ,because of course) thought he was clever but in the end his psychopathic ways were his downfall.
My one HUGE complaint of the plot was Tracy as a SEASONED police detective never showed her husband, Dan, Erik, THE killer’s photo. That should be police procedure 101. Show your husband who your stalker is 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄😑. THEN Dan would have known he was already in Cedar Grove, ugh 😣😣
Lydia was a bright spot in an otherwise rinse/repeat plot. She taught Tracy to stay in the moment don’t look too far ahead or look back. Words to live by.
February 25, 2025
This is the next instalment in the Tracy Crosswhite series, book 11. I love how Robert Dugong continues to entertain us with her character.
Tracy is now investigating cold cases, and this brings her back face to face with a ruthless but very conniving killer, Eric Schmidt. This is a particularly challenging scenario for Tracy as this cold-blooded killer convicted of two vicious murders has a known association to her sister’s murderer, Edmund House.
Tracy faces a shooting challenge that all officers must pass but during this, the normally hot shot shooter is unable to focus and fails the test, she keeps seeing images in her head of Schmidt and it becomes all consuming.
With everything around her falling to pieces, Tracy moves the family back to her hometown of Cedar Grove but the family she adores are soon threatened when her nanny out with her daughter are set upon by a daunting figure, one they believe to be Schmidt, sending Tracy a message that he can get to her anywhere. Tracy calls upon the man who taught her all she knows about shooting a gun and develops a relationship with his autistic daughter Lydia, a young woman who will end up playing an influential role in the inevitable showdown with Schmidt, only the smartest will survive.
The book did start off a little slow, but the author purposely provided back story regarding the character of Erik Schmidt and believed this was essential for any reader coming into the series late.
Another book in this series that I really enjoyed, and I look forward to the next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
Tracy is now investigating cold cases, and this brings her back face to face with a ruthless but very conniving killer, Eric Schmidt. This is a particularly challenging scenario for Tracy as this cold-blooded killer convicted of two vicious murders has a known association to her sister’s murderer, Edmund House.
Tracy faces a shooting challenge that all officers must pass but during this, the normally hot shot shooter is unable to focus and fails the test, she keeps seeing images in her head of Schmidt and it becomes all consuming.
With everything around her falling to pieces, Tracy moves the family back to her hometown of Cedar Grove but the family she adores are soon threatened when her nanny out with her daughter are set upon by a daunting figure, one they believe to be Schmidt, sending Tracy a message that he can get to her anywhere. Tracy calls upon the man who taught her all she knows about shooting a gun and develops a relationship with his autistic daughter Lydia, a young woman who will end up playing an influential role in the inevitable showdown with Schmidt, only the smartest will survive.
The book did start off a little slow, but the author purposely provided back story regarding the character of Erik Schmidt and believed this was essential for any reader coming into the series late.
Another book in this series that I really enjoyed, and I look forward to the next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
May 27, 2025
HOLY GUACAMOLE!
This book was OUTSTANDING. This series is so dang good and the twist on this was just brilliant. Every book gets better and better. Characters you just can’t get enough of with plot threads that blow your mind. I can’t wait for more.
This book was OUTSTANDING. This series is so dang good and the twist on this was just brilliant. Every book gets better and better. Characters you just can’t get enough of with plot threads that blow your mind. I can’t wait for more.
February 16, 2025
Three and a half stars rounded up to four for one of my favourite authors and one of my favourite series.
A game of cat and mouse between our main protagonist Tracy Crosswhite and a suspect in a double murder from a cold case Erik Schmidt, who has ties to Tracy’s late nemesis House, this one is good but not amongst the best in the series.
An interesting premise and the introduction of a new character who is autistic adds greatly to the story but it just doesn’t quite have that spark of previous efforts. A little draggy in the middle and then a slightly over the top finale with both Tracy and her husband Dan making some questionable (and out of character) decisions, it just doesn’t have the craft and plot of previous efforts.
I still enjoyed it enough though to give it a high mark and if you are a fan of the series you will certainly enjoy this one. I’ve yet to read a bad book by Dugoni so when it’s nothing short of brilliant it’s a bit of a shock for me.
I’d still recommend this to fans and indeed newcomers to the series. It can be read as a standalone and if you enjoy it as a first time reader, know there are some brilliant books that preceded it for you to enjoy.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
A game of cat and mouse between our main protagonist Tracy Crosswhite and a suspect in a double murder from a cold case Erik Schmidt, who has ties to Tracy’s late nemesis House, this one is good but not amongst the best in the series.
An interesting premise and the introduction of a new character who is autistic adds greatly to the story but it just doesn’t quite have that spark of previous efforts. A little draggy in the middle and then a slightly over the top finale with both Tracy and her husband Dan making some questionable (and out of character) decisions, it just doesn’t have the craft and plot of previous efforts.
I still enjoyed it enough though to give it a high mark and if you are a fan of the series you will certainly enjoy this one. I’ve yet to read a bad book by Dugoni so when it’s nothing short of brilliant it’s a bit of a shock for me.
I’d still recommend this to fans and indeed newcomers to the series. It can be read as a standalone and if you enjoy it as a first time reader, know there are some brilliant books that preceded it for you to enjoy.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
June 9, 2025
I've become somewhat invested in Tracy Crosswhite - you don't get to book 11 in a series without caring at least a tiny bit about what nonsense will befall a character next. Crosswhite is a former champion shooter, then teacher, and now detective - a job she's altogether unqualified and unsuitable for. And her sister died - which is important because Dugoni has managed to squeeze ANOTHER book out of that.
Another book is planned for release next year but I am seriously questioning if I have it in me to read more. Honestly, Dugoni, send Tracy off with her husband Dan and daughter Daniella (not kidding) to some quaint island where nobody is trying to kill her. She, and we, deserves it.
Another book is planned for release next year but I am seriously questioning if I have it in me to read more. Honestly, Dugoni, send Tracy off with her husband Dan and daughter Daniella (not kidding) to some quaint island where nobody is trying to kill her. She, and we, deserves it.
February 12, 2025
Another exciting adventure with Detective Tracy Crosswhite. Fans of this series will not be disappointed. In DEAD DRAW, Tracy is in the crosshairs of a psychopath. The plot is complex but not complicated. The pacing is swift. The suspense builds to an explosive climax with an unexpected and surprising twist,
This series is multilayered and leans heavily on past events in previous installments. However, it could be read as a stand alone; I love the Tracy Crosswhite series!
This series is multilayered and leans heavily on past events in previous installments. However, it could be read as a stand alone; I love the Tracy Crosswhite series!
March 13, 2025
After a mistake on the firing range fueled by her alarming interaction with a double homicide suspect who ignites memories of her sister’s killer, Seattle homicide Detective Tracy Crosswhite takes some time off and returns to her hometown of Cedar Grove where she must revisit the tragedy of her younger sister’s murder. This time, though, Tracy is the target.
Dugoni’s books are always well written with intriguing plots and good character development. This was another page turner that I didn’t want to put down. An avid reader of this series, I appreciated gaining more insight into Tracy’s background and psyche. Kudos for including a neurodivergent character and portraying her realistically.
While I did enjoy this, the eleventh installment, it wasn’t my favorite; too much about guns and competitive shooting. Do be sure, though, to read the author’s notes at the end where he discusses his background inspiration for aspects of this story.
A Dead Draw can be read as a standalone, but if you enjoy a good police procedural and this is your first Tracy Crosswhite novel, you will want to go back and read the earlier ones as well.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.
Dugoni’s books are always well written with intriguing plots and good character development. This was another page turner that I didn’t want to put down. An avid reader of this series, I appreciated gaining more insight into Tracy’s background and psyche. Kudos for including a neurodivergent character and portraying her realistically.
While I did enjoy this, the eleventh installment, it wasn’t my favorite; too much about guns and competitive shooting. Do be sure, though, to read the author’s notes at the end where he discusses his background inspiration for aspects of this story.
A Dead Draw can be read as a standalone, but if you enjoy a good police procedural and this is your first Tracy Crosswhite novel, you will want to go back and read the earlier ones as well.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.
May 30, 2025
More of the same. Tracy is still haunted by her past and losing her sister, a psycho puts her in dangerous situations, and she ends up catching the bad guy.
May 13, 2025
Just when you think that Tracy has her past behind her, it comes hard and fast. This one had me on the edge of my seat, especially with Erik Schmidt. It was so hard to put the book down. I wanted to see how it would all end. I really loved seeing a new character and I hope we see more of her as well. Returning to Cedar Grove where it all started was bittersweet, but trust me that emotion disappears quickly with the suspense. I did miss Kinsington, and Fazzio in this book. They appear but I would have loved to see more of them. I loved the twisted cat and mouse game. It really increased the ante. The narrator, Emily Sutton-Smith does a great job portraying Tracy and some of the other characters. I’ve gotten used to her voice throughout the series.
A very special thanks to Brilliance Audio + Netgalley for the ALC.
A very special thanks to Brilliance Audio + Netgalley for the ALC.
January 29, 2025
I was so very pleased when I found out that there is some CAS going on in this book. A Dead Draw by Robert Dugoni is the eleventh Tracy Crosswhite story and although I found it slow to read in parts it is still a very well written book and a joy to read. The characters in this series are much to my liking and Dugoni sure lknows how to tell a story. I do recommend this series and if you haven't tried any of his other work I think you should. I must thank Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for supplying me with this advance copy.
July 16, 2025
As a Tracy Crosswhite story, it's a fine book, with a somewhat suspenseful ending and all that jazz.
But what hurts it are the bits of writing that quite frankly read as stupid.
To name a few glaring problems, genuine spoilers:
Crikey, I was angry when I read this, and typing it all out makes even angrier.
Lazy writing or stupid writing... I don't know which it is, but an otherwise 4 star book is now 2 stars.
This is by far the worst written book of the series, and I am seriously contemplating why I would buy any more of his books.
But what hurts it are the bits of writing that quite frankly read as stupid.
To name a few glaring problems, genuine spoilers:
Crikey, I was angry when I read this, and typing it all out makes even angrier.
Lazy writing or stupid writing... I don't know which it is, but an otherwise 4 star book is now 2 stars.
This is by far the worst written book of the series, and I am seriously contemplating why I would buy any more of his books.
May 24, 2025
I just finished A Dead Draw and wanted to share how much I loved it! Great storyline and plot progression! Robert Dugoni did a fabulous job throughout so many aspects of the novel in making sure the readers understood what he was talking about whether related to shooting, autism or the importance of keeping oneself in the moment! This was the first Tracy Crosswhite book for me. I’m determined to now go back and read all the ones that came before!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2025
I am a fan of Robert Dugoni. I have followed his Tracy Crosswhite series from the beginning and like his standalone novels. I was set to enjoy another good Crosswhite book, but this one let me down. It did deliver Dugoni's brand of murdering psychopath, but it also delved too much into material already covered in previous books.
Tracy thinks she has an air-tight case against killer Erik Schmidt, but when a technicality throws the case out, she is determined to uncover new evidence against him. Schmidt is equally determined to seek revenge against Tracy for a wrong he is convinced she committed. Concerned for her family's safety, they flee Seattle for the remote town of Cedar Grove, where she and her husband grew up. Tracy's hope of escaping Schmidt is short-lived, and she prepares for the showdown with him while fighting the ghosts from her past.
This is a gripping and fast-paced psychological thriller. Where it fell short for me was the rehashing of storylines covered in previous books and the depth to which guns and shooting competitions played a role. I am not a gun enthusiast, so my take may be biased. Dugoni did a good job weaving Tracy's need to improve her gun skills into the plot, but I didn't need that much information. 3.5/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 27, 2025.
Tracy thinks she has an air-tight case against killer Erik Schmidt, but when a technicality throws the case out, she is determined to uncover new evidence against him. Schmidt is equally determined to seek revenge against Tracy for a wrong he is convinced she committed. Concerned for her family's safety, they flee Seattle for the remote town of Cedar Grove, where she and her husband grew up. Tracy's hope of escaping Schmidt is short-lived, and she prepares for the showdown with him while fighting the ghosts from her past.
This is a gripping and fast-paced psychological thriller. Where it fell short for me was the rehashing of storylines covered in previous books and the depth to which guns and shooting competitions played a role. I am not a gun enthusiast, so my take may be biased. Dugoni did a good job weaving Tracy's need to improve her gun skills into the plot, but I didn't need that much information. 3.5/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 27, 2025.
June 2, 2025
DNF at 30%. The plot is slow and boring, and felt like material recycled from earlier books in the series. I’m tired of Tracy being the main victim rather than being able to do her job without her personal baggage coming up in every case. I’m surprised I appear to be in the minority with my opinion of the book.
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