Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Her Final Breath by Robert Dugoni


First Line: Tracy Crosswhite watched the minivan pull into the parking lot, noting a car seat strapped into the backseat and a yellow "Child on Board" placard dangling in the window.

Tracy Crosswhite is back working the Homicide Division of the Seattle Police Department after the sensational retrial of her sister's killer. With her luck (or lack thereof), she's immediately plunged into the hunt for a serial killer who's been named The Cowboy.

The Cowboy is killing young women in cheap motels in North Seattle, and Tracy is determined to bring him to justice. With more victims dying and clues being difficult to find, she realizes that the solution may lie in a ten-year-old homicide investigation that others-- including her boss, Captain Johnny Nolasco-- would prefer to remain buried. There's only one thing wrong: while Tracy is searching for the evidence to put The Cowboy away, she's moving to the top of The Cowboy's list of victims.

My review could be wrapped up in short order: Her Final Breath is, quite simply, a pleasure to read. However, most people do expect more in a review. Dugoni has crafted a truly puzzling, well-paced mystery with a main character whom I'm learning to like more and more with each book in the series that I read.

Tracy is saddled with an obnoxious boss, and Nolasco really has it in for her. The problem is-- like a cat-- he seems to have nine lives and to always land on his feet. I am really looking forward to continuing with this series because this character certainly deserves to have Karma slap him right upside the head.

Dan, the attorney Tracy met in My Sister's Grave, shows up once again and does some very valuable research for her regarding The Cowboy. The rest of the supporting cast performs ably, especially the detectives who work closely with Tracy because they think the world of her but don't always like the way she behaves.

Tracy Crosswhite herself is rapidly becoming one of my favorites. Give her a goal and she gets tunnel vision, not wanting to stop until the bad guy is behind bars. This may lead to some impulsive behavior from time to time, but she does use common sense and her heart is always with the victims and their families. (She's been in their shoes.) One of the many things I like about this character is that although her focus on the job is tremendous, she nevertheless takes the time to share her knowledge and expertise with other women trying to make their way in the police department.

Characters and story. Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series has both in abundance, and I'm really looking forward to reading my way through this series.


Her Final Breath by Robert Dugoni
eISBN: 9781503945029
Thomas & Mercer © 2015
eBook, 424 pages

Police Procedural, #2 Tracy Crosswhite mystery
Rating: A
Source: Purchased from Amazon.


 

5 comments:

  1. One of the things that appeals to me about this series, Cathy, is the setting. And it sounds as though this one is a strong story, too - all the better. Glad you enjoyed it.

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    1. For some reason, the setting isn't that strong a point for me in this series, although that may change as it progresses.

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  2. Another series that's on my list. Perhaps after I finish the Nikki Galena books or at least the ones that have been published so far. Glad that you're keeping this one fresh in my mind.

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  3. This looks like a good series, although I'll skip books about murders of sisters. I have one I hold dear and this plot line bothers me. But I'll be glad to try another one in this series, character sounds interesting and driven.

    I'm still doing the happy dance until October, waiting until the new Renee Ballard books comes out.

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    1. I'm really looking forward to that one, too!

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