Book Review: A Dead Draw (Tracy Crosswhite, #11) by Robert Dugoni
As a longtime fan of Robert Dugoni and his captivating protagonist, Detective Tracy Crosswhite, I was both thrilled and apprehensive to dive into A Dead Draw. With the series now spanning eleven novels, there’s an almost familial bond I feel with Tracy. Yet, the weight of her backstory—the haunting loss of her sister Sarah—has lingered heavily throughout. In this latest installment, I found myself pondering how much more trauma one character can endure while still remaining relatable.
In A Dead Draw, we find Tracy confronting not just a killer but also the specters of her past. The release of Erik Schmidt, a man with unnerving ties to her sister’s murderer, thrusts Tracy into a high-stakes battle against an adversary who revels in torment. The pacing is brisk, and Dugoni’s trademark flair for suspense shines through in scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. The atmosphere of Cedar Grove, where Tracy retreats to regain her focus with her family, is crafted with vivid descriptions that made me feel the weight of both the tranquil setting and the lurking danger.
Tracy, now a mother, grapples with the duality of her role as a protector and a law enforcer. The emotional turmoil she experiences is palpable, especially as flashbacks of her sister’s murder plague her. Watching her struggle to overcome personal demons made me root for her even more. However, I can’t help but feel that some of her decision-making in this book bordered on frustration, overshadowed by the anguish she carries.
Dugoni’s writing style remains engaging, with well-developed characters who feel real and relatable. The tension builds effectively, particularly in scenes that showcase the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Tracy and Schmidt. However, I did note that the first half of the book leans heavily into discussions around firearms and shooting disciplines, which may not appeal to all readers. Personally, I appreciated the depth it added to Tracy’s character, considering her upbringing and profession, but I could see how others might find it drawn out.
One area that left me wanting was the presence of familiar secondary characters like Kensington Rowe and Vic Fazzio, who felt noticeably absent. Their absence was felt in key moments where their insights could have provided additional richness to the narrative. Moreover, while Tracy’s grief and guilt about her sister’s death remain poignant, I found myself yearning for more growth in her character arc, as the emotional weight sometimes felt repetitive.
Overall, A Dead Draw is a solid addition to the Tracy Crosswhite series, weaving suspense, complex emotions, and the struggle between personal and professional life into a gripping read. I would recommend it to those who have followed Tracy’s journey from the very beginning, as well as to newcomers who enjoy thrillers with a heavy dose of emotional depth. While it may not break new ground, it certainly keeps readers invested, leaving me eager for what lies ahead in Tracy’s story.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. May 27, 2025, can’t come soon enough!
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