A Cold Trail – Tracy Crosswhite Series #7

Author: Robert Dugoni
Genre: Crime Fiction
355 pages
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer, 2020

Synopsis
The last time homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite was in Cedar Grove, it was to see her sister’s killer put behind bars. Now she’s returned for a respite and the chance to put her life back in order for herself, her attorney husband, Dan, and their new daughter. But tragic memories soon prove impossible to escape.

Dan is drawn into representing a local merchant whose business is jeopardized by the town’s revitalization. And Tracy is urged by the local PD to put her own skills to work on a new the brutal murder of a police officer’s wife and local reporter who was investigating a cold-case slaying of a young woman. As Tracy’s and Dan’s cases crisscross, Tracy’s trail becomes dangerous. It’s stirring up her own haunted past and a decades-old conspiracy in Cedar Grove that has erupted in murder. Getting to the truth is all that matters. But what’s Tracy willing to risk as a killer gets closer to her and threatens everyone she loves?

My review
A Cold Trail by Robert Dugoni is the 7th installment in the Tracy Crosswhite series and once again, I find myself eagerly diving in! I seem to say this with every Dugoni book I read, but it’s true — he consistently delivers a smart, well-crafted, and utterly engrossing novel. Over time, I’ve grown attached to Tracy Crosswhite, the major crimes team, and her husband, Dan O’Leary. One aspect that keeps me so invested in this series is the exceptional character development. The characters feel completely authentic, with personal storylines that are both relatable and compelling.

Dugoni’s experience as a former attorney brings authenticity to his courtroom scenes and legal procedures, adding depth to his narratives. Likewise, his thorough research into police work and forensic details enhances the realism of his crime novels. This story weaves together two intricate plotlines, both of which are thoughtfully constructed and logically developed. Crosswhite and O’Leary remain standout characters, with a genuine and relatable relationship that includes its share of disagreements. The arrival of their baby introduces significant changes to their lives, complemented by the addition of Therese, an Irish nanny who promises to be a fascinating and dynamic part of their household.

In this installment, Crosswhite and O’Leary return to Cedar Grove after the birth of their daughter. Each becomes involved in separate investigations that skillfully converge midway through the novel. The story is both clever and masterfully told, weaving in elements from earlier books while shedding new light on past events. At the same time, it delivers a compelling present-day storyline. The alternating narratives of Crosswhite and O’Leary, both driving toward the same ultimate goal, are brilliantly crafted and seamlessly intertwined.

A Cold Trail is a compelling and intricate mystery, packed with thrilling twists, well-drawn characters, a gripping pace, and a strong sense of urgency. It’s a fantastic addition to the Tracy Crosswhite series. While Dugoni includes enough backstory for each book to stand alone, I highly recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate the character development and the layered complexities of the plot.

My recommendation: read it!