Hidden: The Texas Murder Files by Laura Griffin

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (from Goodreads)
When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin's lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he's ever seen, and nothing adds up.

Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn't who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.

As a ruthless hit man's mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.
my thoughts:
A romantic thriller chock full of suspense and mystery - how could I not love this book? It was fantastic! Gripping, thrilling, and addictive. I found myself gobbling this book right up - I enjoyed the fast-paced action, the red herrings, and the spark of romance that threaded through the story.
Griffin has created a new series that you will love to get lost in. The writing was terrific - engaging and entertaining. The characters were annoying, flawed, and relatable at times; all of which made them characters you wanted to get to know. As for the story, it was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read more of The Texas Murder Files series and even more of Griffin's work.
I would happily recommend Hidden to fans of Griffin and to anyone looking for their next read - you will LOVE this book!!



Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Hidden by Catherine McKenzie

about book:

While walking home from work one evening, Jeff Manning is struck by a car and killed. Two women fall to pieces at the news: his wife, Claire, and his co-worker Tish. Reeling from her loss, Claire must comfort her grieving son as well as contend with funeral arrangements, well-meaning family members, and the arrival of Jeff’s estranged brother, who was her ex-boyfriend. Tish volunteers to attend the funeral on her company’s behalf, but only she knows the true risk of inserting herself into the wreckage of Jeff’s life.

Told through the three voices of Jeff, Tish, and Claire, Hidden explores the complexity of relationships, the repercussions of our personal choices, and the responsibilities we have to the ones we love.

my thoughts:

I just finished reading this one the other night and thought to myself, "Why do I keep reading Catherine McKenzie books?"  Ugh!  They always leave me feeling annoyed - like, I just wasted several hours reading an overly predictable book.  I don't know what it is about her writing that just leaves me feeling nonplussed.  Its solid writing about flawed characters, but that is all.  The story lines themselves do not make you care about what happens next.  In fact, if the story had just ended when Jeff died, that would have been fine.  Of course, the whole point of the story is to find out whether or not Jeff cheated on his wife.  Told in alternating chapters, this book leaves the big reveal til the very end.  And, truthfully, it is exactly what you expected.

I have nothing else to say about the book, except that it has definitely shown me that Catherine McKenzie's writing is not for me.