A Dead Draw

The past comes full circle 

Along the journey of the Tracy Crosswhite series we have learned about her sister Sara's death, her fathers suicide, her work as a detective, her move to cold cases, and her killing of her sister's killer before he could kill her. Getting to know her family both those genetic and chosen. In book 11, we are given a glimpse into the long ago history of the Crosswhite family before the deaths. We see some old friends, such as Tracy's old shooting coach Mason Pettibone and gain some new friends in Mason's granddaughter, Lydia. Having read the entire, it felt like coming home and completing the circle. For those who have not followed the series will not feel lost as the backstories are woven in.

While it took some time for the investigation to get going the build up help to set the mindset that would later save Tracy.  Due to events early in the story, less police procedural work is done which gives this book a different feel from the other books. While it may not be for everyone, I enjoyed the dive into Tracy's shooting history. In other books, it is skimmed over. It felt like key drivers for both Tracy and Erik, who was a disgraced expert marksman. 

While I did question some decisions at the time they were made, I later got "why" they were and how it moved the story along. Some actually humanized the characters a bit more, making bad decisions in the heat of the moment.  That being said, they were still off character for those who know this series.

I enjoyed the weaving in of the town history, family history, Willy Wonka, spaghetti westerns, single person shooter games, online gaming, and shooting competitons. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall for that pitch discussion. There are a lot of other elements mixed in so well you might think they had always been there.

I did miss Kinsington, Vic, Del and the rest of the gang, I think I understand why they had to have a lesser presence in this outing. Maybe I am projecting or it is wishful thinking, but I believe I see where the next book is headed and this shift was necessary to lay the foundation for what I hope is coming. I am super excited about the possibility, waiting on pins and needles so to speak for it to drop.

Thank to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Brilliance Audio for the early listen and opportunity to share my unfiltered thoughts.

Happy Reading!