Liar’s Point, a review by Sherry

Liar’s Point
Texas Murder Files
Laura Griffin

352 pages
Berkley
published May 21, 2024

Amazon | Goodreads

Thanks @Berkleypub and @DreamscapeMedia for my advanced copies.  #BerkleyPartner #Berkley #DreamscapeMedia

I can’t believe this is book five in the series.  And I know I mention this every time, but I use the word series loosely.  All the books are set in the same universe and often the supporting characters were in a previous (or future) book, but there is no need to read books 1-4 to enjoy book 5.  And if you like contemporary suspense, you will like this one.  But you are rewarded for reading the other books as the characters from the previous books pop in and you get to see where life has taken them.

I always know there will be a HEA at the end, but the journey to get there is what I enjoy.  The twists, the setbacks or hurdles for the couple and how they overcome danger.  The author is so good at mixing the mystery and the romance into a balanced story.

Nicole and Emmet are likable from the start, while they are both flawed, it just adds to their charm.  Nicole is a strong female character that is always trying to prove she is as good as the men around her.  Emmet is the lead on the latest case and he is always trying to protect Nicole.  Anyone can see how smitten they are but it takes them a while to catch on.  There was a longer than normal slow burn to start this one, but the wait is worth it.

The tension of the case starts out low and builds as the story progresses with lots of action in the last part of the book.

I loved Teri Clark’s narration.  She created distinct voices for both main characters and a few of the side characters.  She made it so easy to listen and follow along.  She depicted Nicole’s defensiveness and the emotions and tension as the story progressed.

Such a great read or listen for those that are fans of contemporary suspense.

About the book

Two homicide detectives must separate the puzzling truth from a growing web of lies while investigating a murder victim’s friends and lovers in Lost Beach, Texas.

Detective Nicole Lawson is fed up with her job and nonexistent love life. Her first date in months gets cut short by an urgent call from the chief of police. A body has been discovered at Lighthouse Point, and the medical examiner finds an array of strange clues. When the death is ruled a homicide, the news quickly reverberates through Nicole’s beachside hometown.

The Lost Beach police department swings into high gear. Leading the investigation is Emmet Davis, a veteran detective who is Nicole’s fiercest rival at work and also the man she has secretly harbored feelings toward for years. With Emmet calling the shots, Nicole sets out to search for leads, starting with the enigmatic yoga instructor who first discovered the body. Nicole is certain the witness knows more than she’s revealing and may even hold the key to unlocking the case.

When another person turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, Nicole sees a bizarre pattern, but no one believes her theory. Under the gun to solve the case, Nicole must put aside her tumultuous feelings and work closely with Emmet to figure out who is targeting her beloved hometown . . . before she becomes a target herself.

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