The Last Close Call
Laura Griffin
Berkley Pub
October 24th, 2023
The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin is a stand-alone book. It still has the same riveting scenes as her series books, but these characters will not be back for now. What makes the story stand out is the genetic genealogist profession where DNA plays an important role.
“This is a stand-alone story. I wanted to have a new setting with a whole new bunch of characters, so I decided to write this story. I also became interested in making one of the characters a genetic genealogist. I took a step away from the series I am working on, “The Texas Murder Files” and decided to write this story. The next book is titled Liar’s Point. I am interested in the genetic genealogist profession ever since one of my stories had a forensic angle. I realized there is this new trend in investigations where they are using genetic genealogy to help solve crimes, particularly cold cases.”
The heroine is forensic genealogist Rowan Healy who has made a name for herself by helping investigators trace the family trees of violent criminals who have eluded justice for years. But the pressure of police cases left her burned out, and she’s shifted her focus to helping adoptees find their biological parents.
“Rowen is more of an introvert than some of my previous heroines. She is intellectually curious with a scientific and biology background. She is very guarded and wary about getting involved with anyone. She is laser-focused, very private, and an introvert. She is wary of marriage and long-term relationships because of what happened in her background. She has some trust issues.”
The hero is Austin detective Jack Bruner who is haunted by a cold case, the West Campus Rapist, a meticulous offender in Texas who has never been identified. When the rapists latest two victims come to light, Jack sees his target is escalating, becoming violent behavior.
“The bad guy is elusive especially since he has some knowledge about forensics and law enforcement. He has not realized how genealogy is going to throw a wrench in his plans, making him traceable through his family tree. He is meticulous, a planner, and does not leave behind forensic evidence. He is very detailed oriented.”
Moved by Jack’s dedication and the brutal details of the attacks he lays out, Rowan agrees to help. When her ground-breaking DNA research sheds new light on the criminal’s background it helps them zero in on a search radius. Rowan and Jack must race against the clock to find a ruthless killer who’s growing bolder the longer he evades the law.
“Jack is very persuasive and draws Rowen out of her shell. He is determined, tenacious, charismatic and an extrovert. He has good people skills that he uses as an investigator. He pursues her, but at first, she is stand-offish.”
The plot twists and police investigation woven within a romance makes the story very suspenseful.
