| Title | : | A Steep Price (Tracy Crosswhite, #6) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 377 |
| Publication | : | First published June 26, 2018 |
New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni’s thrilling series continues as Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite is plunged into a case of family secrets and murder…
“Another outstanding novel from one of the best crime writers in the business.” —Associated Press
Called in to consult after a young woman disappears, Tracy Crosswhite has the uneasy feeling that this is no ordinary missing-persons case. When the body turns up in an abandoned well, Tracy’s suspicions are confirmed. Estranged from her family, the victim had balked at an arranged marriage and had planned to attend graduate school. But someone cut her dreams short.
Solving the mystery behind the murder isn’t Tracy’s only challenge. The detective is keeping a secret of her own: she’s pregnant. And now her biggest fear seems to be coming true when a new detective arrives to replace her. Meanwhile, Tracy’s colleague Vic Fazzio is about to take a fall after his investigation into the murder of a local community activist turns violent and leaves an invaluable witness dead.
Two careers are on the line. And when more deadly secrets emerge, jobs might not be the only things at risk.
A Steep Price (Tracy Crosswhite, #6) Reviews
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Tracy Crosswhite is pregnant and finishing up her testimony in court when she is called in to consult on a missing persons case by Detective Katie Pryor. She agrees with her friend that this case does not feel right. The missing young woman, Kavita Mukherjee, is not the typical missing person. Kavita is attending medical school and is estranged from her family due to not wanting an arranged marriage. When her body is found, her case becomes a murder investigation.
Kavita's murder is not the only issue Tracy is dealing with in this book. She has not yet disclosed her pregnancy at work and she is not happy with the woman, Detective Andrea Gonzalez, who has joined their team and has made herself a little too comfortable using Tracey's desk and computer.
Plus, Tracy's colleague, Vic Fazzio is dealing with her concern over his wife's recent diagnosis and his investigation into the murder of a local activist. His investigation gets him in deep and on the wrong side of a local gang. He gets paired with Detective Gonzalez one day and when there is a shooting they have differing accounts of the situation.
There are two story-lines happening in this book, but I did not find that either took away from the other. Not all the detectives could work the same case, so it makes sense that they would be working on separate cases. I enjoyed both story-lines and was invested in learning what the resolution would be for both. This book is a great addition to the Tracy Crosswhite series. I believe that it works well as a standalone but highly encourage those who have not read this series to go back to the beginning as the Author has created a cast of interesting characters and you will see character development over the course of the series.
This is a well written police procedural that does not disappoint. In this book the Author takes on arranged marriages, pregnancy, the decision to return to work after birth, escorts, gangs, secrets, and medical issues to name a few.
This book proved to be a fast read for me. Again, this book was well written, captivating and left me wanting to read more. I find Dugoini's books to be intelligent, believable and captivating. His story-lines are interesting and deal with real issues. Tracy Crosswhite is a strong female character with a strong work ethic and good head of her shoulders.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at
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🏆 A Definite Winner! 🏆
👮♀️ If you aren't reading Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite series - you should be. 🚓
In book 6 of the series, A Steep Price , Tracy Crosswhite is pregnant (but hasn't announced it at the precinct) and becomes involved in the missing persons case of a young Indian woman who is estranged from her family. Kavita Mukherjee resisted her family’s pressures to submit to an arranged marriage. I’ll be honest and say that storyline was rather predictable for me, based on the emphasis placed on tradition and familial responsibilities.
There was a second, concurrent storyline involving Faz and Del investigating the murder of a local activist. This one was definitely my favorite case of the book. Dugoni once again manages to expertly inject his character’s lives into the framework of the story. I am so invested in these characters. Faz & his wife Vera’s emphasis in this story was touching. I adore their relationship and was touched by their storyline.
As always, there was A LOT going on in the book - gang violence, arranged marriages, escorts, online dating, technology being used for tracking, pregnant working moms, cancer. I might not even have listed it all. There always are multiple issues in these books. Yet, Dugoni always finds a way to weave it all together. It never feels overwhelming. This series might be a crime procedural but honestly, for me the crimes are secondary (although Dugoni definitely does his homework in that regard & there are always unforeseen twists & turns). What keeps me coming back are the characters! I feel like I know them. Reading these books feels like settling in for a visit with old friends who I can’t wait to catch up with. 4 satisfyingly, content stars for A Steep Price 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Robert Dugoni for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. -
I’ll admit to being a big fan of Robert Dugoni and his Tracy White series. And this one doesn’t disappoint. In this, the sixth book, Tracy is hiding the fact she’s pregnant. On the investigation side, she’s called in to consult on a missing person’s case.
This series always just feels very real to me. Here, Dugoni tells the present day story from Tracy’s POV and gives the background in flashbacks told from the missing woman’s POV. Not my favorite technique, but it helps to keep the story flowing well. There’s a difference with this missing person, as the woman is of Indian descent and her family was pressuring her to submit to an arranged marriage while she is planning to attend med school. I immediately thought of honor killings and the like.
The second story involves a police shooting of an unarmed man, which rings particularly relevant given today’s headlines. I especially like Dugoni’s use of police training to explain how memories diverge in high stress situations.
It’s also a very au courant storyline. I mean, how many plots involve phone apps as a way to solve a crime?
This is a quick, engrossing mystery. I like Dugoni’s writing style, it’s descriptive without being overblown. “The thoughts spun like dust devils” being a case in point.
I will be anxiously awaiting the next in the series or anything else Dugoni puts forward. (If you haven’t read The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, you’re missing out).
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book. -
Another wonderful book in the Tracy Crosswhite series from Robert Dugoni. This novel sees Tracy and her sidekick Kins looking into the disappearance of a young Indian woman at the request of a colleague in Missing Persons. The colleague thinks something in the case feels off and has requested Tracy's help. Meanwhile Detectives Faz and Del are working on a case of a shooting of a black woman, yet things go wrong in the case and Faz finds himself in a great deal of trouble.
Robert Dugoni has written another winner here, continuing the high standard of the series. These books I find very hard to put down once you've picked them up and I'll be impatiently waiting for the next one! -
This is a great addition to the stellar Detective Tracy Crosswhite and the Violent Crime Unit series based in Seattle, Washington. There are two storylines that dominate this book. The pregnant Tracy finds herself immersed in a court trial as a witness, but responds when a colleague tells her about a missing person case. Washington University medical student and aspiring paediatrician, Kavita Mukherjee has disappeared, and Tracy's gut instinct tells her there is more to the case, besides she has a personal reason that drives her to investigate, irrespective of the obstacles placed in her path. Vic Fazzio and Del Castigliano focus on the killing of a local mother and activist, unhappy at the state of the drug infested, high crime neighbourhood of South Park. The narrative focuses on the issues of crime, race, drugs, poverty and how it blights lives, culture and traditional expectations of young Indian women, health scares, pregnancy issues and secrets, and where nothing is as it appears.
The beautiful Kavita was estranged from her family, not wanting an arranged marriage. Before long, Kavita's body is discovered in an abandoned well, and it looks as if it might possibly be suicide, but Tracy and Kins soon ascertain that they are dealing with a murder. A new detective has joined the team, Andrea Gonzalez, and frankly, Tracy is less than impressed with her. Tracy has yet to reveal her pregnancy at work, and when Gonzalez talks to her about being pregnant, Tracy fears that she is her replacement. Fazzio finds himself partnered with Gonzalez on the South Park case where the shooting dead of a critical witness leads to conflicting accounts of what happened. The menacing Cartel Surano, led by Little Jimmy, are the powerful local gang, dealing in drugs and terrorising the local community, ensuring that they do not co-operate with the police as they try to work out the perpetrator and their motive. Fazzio and Castigliano come to take a much more central position in this particular outing of this series.
Once again, Robert Dugoni gives us a socially and politically relevant novel with a gripping and well plotted tale. He provides an insight into the different cultural expectations of Indian women and the ramifications in contemporary society; and the realities of drug dealing, sex escorts, and gangs. The highlights of the series though are his complex characters and their development, and Tracy's close knit and supportive police team with their sharp humour. Tracy is worried about the implications of her pregnancy on her job, and her team have their own personal issues and family dramas. It is these authentic touches that depict the ordinary lives and the travails they face that make this such a wonderful series. A fantastic and entertaining read which I recommend. Many thanks to Thomas and Mercer for an ARC. -
"Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see." (Confucius)
And Robert Dugoni will keep that thread weaving throughout his storyline. We'll catch a glimpse of those who cherish every moment given and those who throw life away like yesterday's news. The goodies, the baddies, and those in-between.
Detectives Del Castigliano and Vic Fazzio of the Seattle Police Department A Team are called to a shooting in broad daylight in a city park. The victim is Monique Rogers, an African American community activist and mother of two small children. Was this a retaliatory shooting or was Mrs. Rogers just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Either way, mothers and children are sent running behind closed doors. Not a soul will offer any information whatsoever.
South Park is a rough neighborhood where the Cartel Sureno has secured a strong foothold. Maybe Little Jimmy, who runs the streets of South Park, knows more than he is saying. After all, his father had a hard-fisted grip on the heroin trade here before he was taken out by gang members vying for their piece of the pie. Del and Faz make their presence known as this case brews to the boiling point.
Detective Tracy Crosswhite is tied up in court as a witness these days. She still hasn't divulged her pregnancy yet. But strangely, a young woman detective, Andrea Gonzalez, shows up as a new member of the A Team. Gonzalez already crosses swords with Tracy by asking her about her secret pregnancy. Has Captain Nolasco set plans into motion for a replacement for Tracy?
But Tracy doesn't even have time to digest that when she receives a call about a missing woman, Kavita Mukherjee. According to her best friend, Aditi, both women had their eyes set on medical school and roomed together. As the days pass, all things point to a possible bad ending here.
A Steep Price, though #6 in this series, can definitely be read as a standalone. Robert Dugoni sets Del and Faz pretty much front and center in this one. Even Faz' lively wife, Vera, gets a thread of her own. This one is layered with crimes, brutality, and city gangs, but Dugoni has injected a heavy dose of relationships, family issues, and simply what matters most in life. Dugoni, as always, sets up his story with characters wearing false faces and speaking with jaded tongues. Not all is what it appears to be......
I received a copy of A Steep Price through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and the talented Robert Dugoni for the opportunity. -
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Dugoni, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Presenting yet another stellar novel in the Tracy Crosswhite series, Robert Dugoni has not disappointed his fans whatsoever. While trying to come to terms with her pregnancy, Detective Tracy Crosswhite has yet to tell anyone, save her husband and partner, Kinsington Rowe. An added stress befalls Crosswhite as she is forced to testify in an important case that has many within Violent Crimes hoping for the best. When she returns to Seattle PD after a day of testifying, Crosswhite discovers a new detective assigned to her team, one who knows more about her than she’s comfortable admitting. Has her pending maternity leave been leaked to her Captain and is this new woman her permanent replacement? Before Crosswhite can get too wrapped up in the drama, she’s alerted to an ‘all hands on deck’ call, where two of her fellow teammates, Del Castigliano and Vic ‘Faz’ Fazzio, are out dealing with a shooting close to a playground. The victim, an advocate for cleaning up the neighbourhood of its drug and prostitution. Might someone be trying to execute their own vigilante justice to silence a do-gooder? Crosswhite is also called down to Missing Persons by a fellow detective, one who has a bad feeling about a case that’s just come up. Kavita Mukherjee, a college graduate from a traditional Indian family has up and gone missing. Her roommate and close friend has called it in, as it is so unlike Kavita to disappear. As Crosswhite takes on the case off the books, she learns that the Mukherjee family’s traditional values go so far as to want Kavita to marry and start a family. With little to go on, Crosswhite turns to a technological angle in order to seek answers. With these two cases gaining steam, the reader is pulled in deep to Dugoni’s masterful storytelling where no one is safe and no topic seems off limits. Brilliantly done and sure to appease series fans, as well as those who love a good America police procedural.
I have long admired Dugoni and his work, which seems so easy to read, no matter its length. He has mastered the art of character development, both looking forward and through well-woven backstories. Tracy Crosswhite may hold the name for the series, but it is not only her struggles with motherhood that finds its way into the narrative, but also the familial issues of another detective, who must face life-altering news. The more things change, the more they stay the same. The adage fits perfectly into this novel, as Dugoni seeks to add depth to the series and its characters, which is readily apparent to series fans. The narrative pushes forward and keeps the reader involved throughout, mixing longer chapters to develop plot lines as well as shorter ones, presenting cliffhangers and parachuting new twists into an already compact story. Dugoni never stops, though the reader need not feel tired or mentally exhausted, but rather astonished that so much of the book as progressed as they are lost in the story. One can only hope that Dugoni will not tie-off the series in the near future, as I know many who have come to love these novels and all that he has to offer.
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, as you offer up yet another winner. I love all your ideas and can only hope that the novel plots keep coming to you as you put them down.
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3.5 stars
In this 6th book in the 'Tracy Crosswhite' series, the Seattle homicide detective investigates the disappearance of an Indian woman, while her colleagues look into a murder. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Aditi Dasgupta and Kavita Mukherjee, both from Indian families, grew up in the same Seattle neighborhood and have been friends since childhood.
Having recently graduated from the University of Washington, the young women hoped to attend medical school. Thus they continued to share a Seattle apartment, got jobs, and started to save money for tuition. This was anathema to the girls' families, who demanded the girls return home and agree to arranged marriages - as was the custom in their culture.
Both girls refused, determined to fulfill their dreams.
The women's plans to be doctors seemed to be on track until Aditi went to India for two months - to attend a relative's wedding - and returned married to a London man chosen by her parents.
Kavita was shocked and dismayed, and left the apartment while Aditi packed her things. Later that night, Kavita vanished.
The police were notified, and Katie Pryor, a cop with the missing persons division, got a bad feeling about Kavita's disappearance. Thus Pryor asked her friend and mentor Detective Tracy Crosswhite - from Seattle's Homicide A Unit - to help investigate.
Soon Tracy and her partner, Kinsington Rowe (Kins), are involved with Kavita's case.
The homicide boss, Captain Nolasco, wants Tracy to drop the missing persons inquiry and help with a murder investigation.
Tracy's colleagues, Del Castigliano and Vic Fazzio (Faz).....
.....are looking into the death of Monique Rogers, who was shot in front of her building. Del and Faz suspect that Monique - who spoke out against drugs and guns in her South Park neighborhood - was killed by gangbangers.
No witnesses will speak up, though, out of fear of Little Jimmy - the local drug pusher/gang leader.
In defiance of Nolasco, Tracy sticks with Kavita's case. This may spell bad news for Tracy, since she's hiding the fact that she's pregnant, and fears that Nolasco may replace her with a new homicide cop, Andrea Gonzalez, when she goes on maternity leave.
Faz and Del carry on with their murder inquiry, but Faz is distracted by additional concerns. His wife, Vera, recently learned she has breast cancer, and Faz is caught up in an officer-involved shooting that could derail his career. 😏
The suspense in the novel ratchets up as the dual investigations proceed, and the author tackles some interesting issues, including cultural expectations in Indian communities, and girls dating 'sugar daddies' from online sites.
In the course of the story, we see the affection between Faz and his wife, and get a glimpse of Tracy's home life with her husband Dan and their Rhodesian ridgebacks, Rex and Sherlock.
I got a laugh at the end of the book, when Faz asked Del if he had known Tracy was pregnant and Del responded, "I suspected, but I wasn't about to ask unless she gave birth in front of me. My luck she could just be putting on a few extra pounds since her marriage." Ha ha ha. 😁
I enjoyed the story but was disappointed with the resolution of one of the cases, which seemed mundane (to me). Still, I'd recommend the book to readers who enjoy mysteries, especially fans of Tracy Crosswhite.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Robert Dugoni), and the publisher (Thomas and Mercer) for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at
https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.... -
the setup…
While Seattle Homicide Detective Tracy Crosswhite is doing court duty, she’s contacted by her friend in Missing Persons for help with a new case involving a university graduate student. Kavita Mukherjee was reported missing by her former roommate and even though it’s only been 24 hours, there’s sufficient cause for concern. Meanwhile, fellow detectives in her unit Vic (Faz) Fazzio and Del Castigliano are investigating the murder of Monique Rodgers, a community activist who they suspect was killed by the gang whose activities she was focused on. Tracy and Faz were also dealing with personal issues that create distractions: Tracy’s pregnancy and Faz’s wife Vera’s new health threat.
the heart of the story…
Tracy’s case eventually takes a heartbreaking turn and is complicated by cultural issues that separated Kavita from her family. Her fight for independence and pursuit of her goal to attend medical school caused friction with her parents who wanted her to follow the more traditional path of an arranged marriage and children. While it may seem arcane to others, I was impressed at how it was presented, challenging me to think about the practice with a fresh outlook and a having better appreciation of it. Faz’s case goes all kinds of sideways when Del gets injured and newly hired detective Andrea Gonzales goes with him to interview a suspect. It doesn’t help that Tracy thinks Gonzales was brought on by their captain rather suspiciously to replace her, even though she’s not announced her pregnancy. Faz is also thoroughly shaken by Vera’s cancer diagnosis and the emotional toll on both of them was sensitively and realistically portrayed.
the narration…
My admiration for the narrator moved up another notch if that’s possible, as there were a host of voice distinctions required in this story and they all sounded authentic. It was a great performance and her storytelling skills continue to be wonderful.
the bottom line…
There’s a lot going on in this story, tackling so many issues both personal and cultural. But the brilliance is reflected in how they’re woven so seamlessly and discussed so relevantly, feeling like real life as these detectives are everyday people trying to balance work and life issues. Even though I figured out most of the mystery surrounding Kavita, there were a few twists I didn’t foresee. Faz’s situation deteriorated so quickly it made my heart race. There were some truly scary moments that kept me riveted. I’m so impressed with how this series continues to offer not only interesting cases to sink my teeth into trying to solve but fleshes out the characters in a way that makes them feel like friends important to me. Their lives are just as compelling as the mysteries. It’s become one of my most favorite series.
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ALL THE STARS!
Robert Dugoni keeps impressing the hell out of me with his books!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
So, if you’ve never heard of this series or this author, you’re missing out!
Dugoni writes excellent detective thrillers with beloved characters that I’ve cheered for over the last four years. And it seems he’s hitting his stride and each book gets a bit better for me.
You see, the Tracy Crosswhite series is set in the Seattle area so I'm a bit biased and also more critical. I’m a resident living in Seattle. I’ve checked out the locations along with the topics for the murder cases. Dugoni gets it right every time regarding research of this area! Well done sir!
The main character, Tracy Crosswhite is a Seattle Police Department detective on the A team.
The SPD A team consists of Del Castigliano, Vic Fazzio, Kinsington (“Kins”) Rowe and Tracy Crosswhite. They have become characters that I’ve cared for over the years involving their careers and life.
And that’s the beauty of Dugoni’s writing. It’s GREAT! And almost flawless. I don’t say that without hesitation because the characterization, research he does with each case and police procedure is excellent! The police procedure is one of the best that I’ve read in a detective series.
In A Steep Price there’s two cases going on at the same time. One involves the murder of a local activist against the Sureño gang in South Park. Yes, we have gangs up here in the Seattle area and the Sureños are indeed in the South Park area. I looked it up. Score one for Dugoni.
The second case involves a missing young woman named Kavita Mukherjee. She’s estranged from her family, attending medical school at University of Washington and does not want an arranged marriage. What has happened to this beautiful and vibrant young woman?!
There are many topics discussed in this book from arranged marriages, returning to work after a pregnancy, a cancer diagnosis, sex escorts to moving drugs along the West Coast. The author manages to write well on each topic and with heart.
It seems each case that I’ve read in all six books deal with real life issues and heavy topics. I’ve gotten emotional on most cases and that’s great writing!
Way to pull on the heart strings Dugoni!!
If you want to read a great crime detective series, I would suggest starting with My Sister’s Grave which is the 1st book in the series and letting the characters tug your hearts throughout each book. I believe you will love them in time like I do. -
I’m a fan of Robert Dugoni's books and have read them all except his single non-fiction book. This is the sixth entry in the Tracy Crosswhite series, and I’m happy to say the series is going strong.
Once again, there are two cases for the A team, and there is a new “fifth wheel” for the team, Andrea Gonzalez. Faz and Del investigate the shooting death of an anti-gang anti-drug activist. Del throws his back out, so Andrea teams with Faz. Faz is also dealing with a personal crisis. Tracy and Kins are asked to help with a missing person case involving an independent, headstrong Indian woman who has defied her family traditions.
As usual with this author, the writing captured me immediately. Both cases were interesting, although a bit predictable. The characters are old friends, and in each book, we learn more about their personal lives. This had a happy Epilogue, but I do wonder if Tracy is at a crossroads now. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book! -
This is another very good addition to Robert Dugoni's popular series featuring Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite. As the book opens, the reader discovers that Tracy is pregnant--something she has not yet revealed to her boss or to the other members of her team.
The first member of the squad to actually notice Tracy's pregnancy is a woman named Andrea Gonzalez. While Tracy has been busy testifying at a trial, her boss has brought Gonzalez into the unit, allegedly to replace another member who has transferred out. But when Tracy discovers Gonzalez working at her desk and going through the files on her computer, she immediately wonders if her boss, with whom she's crossed paths previously, has realized that Tracy is pregnant and is lining up a replacement in the hope that Tracy will not come back to the unit.
But Tracy has little time to deal with this issue because she is immediately drawn into the case of a young Indian woman named Kavita Mukherjee who has gone missing. The woman's parents and brothers are very traditional, and her mother has been set on arranging a marriage for Kavita, as is still customary in many Indian families, even here in America. Kavita, though, has ideas of her own. She is studying to become a doctor and is determined to pick her own husband when and if the time arrives. Tracy joins the investigation into the woman's disappearance, but as time passes, the chance of a happy outcome do not look good.
Meanwhile, two other members of Tracy's unit, Vic Fazio and Del Castigliano are charged with investigating the murder of a mother and community activist named Monique Rogers who has been shot to death on a playground in a crime-ridden part of the city where she was actively mobilizing the community against the drug dealers and gangbangers who threaten the neighborhood. Their investigation will take them into dangerous territory at a time when Fazio faces critical personal problems.
Dugoni weaves all of these various threads together into a very compelling narrative that focuses on the personal lives of the characters as well as the investigations that they are pursuing. By now, readers of the series will have come to know these characters well and will be very happy to follow them through the pages of this engrossing novel. -
Tracy Crosswhite Series, book 6.
Tracy Crosswhite is called in to consult after a young woman disappears and she has the uneasy feeling that this is no ordinary missing case. The body turns up in an abandoned well and Tracy's suspicions are confirmed. Estranged from her family, the victim had balked at an arranged marriage and had planned to to attend graduate school. Solving the mystery behind the murder isn't Tracy's only challenge.
There are two cases occurring in this book. The first is the. murder of a local activist. The second is about a missing young woman called Kavita Mukherjee, who is estranged from her family. Tracy is now married and expecting her first baby. There are some really good twists in these tense storylines. As always, it's a pleasure to read Tracy Crosswhite and her A Team as they investigate. This book can be read as a standalone but this is far too good a series to miss out on.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the Robert Dugoni for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. -
EXCERPT: The daylight had nearly extinguished, the forest now an ever-deepening gray. It was time to go home.
Something moved. She turned.
Something in the brush. She turned again, then a third time. Something circling her.
She turned yet again, but saw only the trees, straight and tall, like darkened sentries. She fought to hold her breath, struggling to listen. The crickets clicked and the unseen insects buzzed. A light breeze caught the limbs of the trees, causing them to moan and creak. A bullfrog croaked.
She took another deep breath, exhaled, and turned to leave.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Called in to consult after a young woman disappears, Tracy Crosswhite has the uneasy feeling that this is no ordinary missing-persons case. When the body turns up in an abandoned well, Tracy’s suspicions are confirmed. Estranged from her family, the victim had balked at an arranged marriage and had planned to attend graduate school. But someone cut her dreams short.
Solving the mystery behind the murder isn’t Tracy’s only challenge. The detective is keeping a secret of her own: she’s pregnant. And now her biggest fear seems to be coming true when a new detective arrives to replace her. Meanwhile, Tracy’s colleague Vic Fazzio is about to take a fall after his investigation into the murder of a local community activist turns violent and leaves an invaluable witness dead.
Two careers are on the line. And when more deadly secrets emerge, jobs might not be the only things at risk.
MY THOUGHTS: 3.5 stars
For some reason A Steep Price failed to excite me like the other books in this series, which I have followed from the beginning, did.
Multiple Choice - pick one or more options from the following list -
(a) Lacks the action and suspense of previous books in the series.
(b) I'm tired, as is the series.
(c) Having alternating chapters, each dealing with one of the two cases, was distracting. Life doesn't work like that. Usually things overlap and run into one another.
(d) There was something missing. The characters all felt flat. . .
(e) I don't generally enjoy reading about drug running and gangs.
There are no wrong answers. All apply for me.
This should have worked for me. Dugoni makes a good job of misdirecting the reader. There is plenty of human interest in the plot, which is current and relevant. Strangely enough, I found the acknowledgements to be more interesting than the actual book. I enjoyed reading about how Dugoni had come to write this book after he had read separate articles about arranged marriages and sugar dating.
In retrospect, I think that this book would have benefited from Dugoni sticking to the one storyline within the plot and writing about it in more depth. The whole drug/gang scenario only served to muddy the waters and detract from what could have been an excellent story.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/... -
On the surface A Steep Price is a fine police procedural about Detective Tracy Crosswhite’s team working two entirely different cases. Tracy’s case is at the request of t Detective Katie Pryor, Missing Persons Squad, and involves the disappearance of a beautiful East Indian woman, Kavita Mukherjee. Tracy is hung up testifying in court, so Det. Kin Rowe is soon roped into the investigation. When Tracy finds Kavita's body, Tracy is determined to retain this case despite jurisdictional issues.
At the same time Detectives Del Castigliano and Vic Fazzio are working the murder of a community activist who was trying to chase drugs and gangs from her neighborhood.
On a deeper level I think this book is also an examination of the how the opposing emotions of love and hate can come to have the same result.
Adding to the tension there is also a newcomer to the squad who seems posed to take Tracy’s place permanently for when Tracy announces her pregnancy and also to permanently hang Del out to dry.
Tracy goes slam dunk against a totally different culture in her investigation of the young woman. Dugoni tries very hard, and I think successfully, to present these cultural differences in a balanced way.
Dugoni presents a different, but no less compelling, set of cultural mores with our American underclass based not just on race but of living in housing projects, of being intimidated by criminals, and mostly by lack of economic opportunity.
The investigations ring true. Dugoni always writes believable and interesting story lines.
Tracy and her team are like high end athletic shoes, top of the line, reliable and sometimes amusing, always the smart choice. Most secondary characters are like Louboutin stilettos, sharp and uncomfortable (I’m just guessing here).
The yin and yang of the two investigations keep the readers involved and interested.
This is mostly a police procedural. But Dugoni also doesn’t hesitate to dive into the yin and yang of the detective’s personal lives too. With great sensitivity he tackles both possible death and life in work and home.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. -
Thanks to the author for writing another book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. The two main stories told in this book alternate from one chapter to another with Tracy and Kins investigating a murder of an Indian woman and Faz and Del investigating a murder related to a drug gang. Added to the mix is a new A team member, who majorly ruffles Tracy's feathers. Tracy is hiding her pregnancy, Vic is keeping the lid on his wife's new cancer prognosis, and the new team member has secrets of her own. On the home front, Tracy wonders if she wants to go back to work after the birth of her baby.
It took several chapters for me to get used to the switching from Tracy's case to Faz/Del's case but I got used to it. I don't know if more Tracy Crosswhite books are planned for the future but I'd love to read more about her life, down the road. Whether she stays on as a detective or does something else, she's bound to have an active and interesting life and she's a character I've enjoyed following.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. -
Normally, I love Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite books, and I can dive right in. Number six,
A Steep Price, was a whole ‘nuther ball of wax for me. I did love it, for the most part, but it took a while for me to get into it. Why? For one thing, Detective Tracy Crosswhite starts out in court. She’s not even involved in the main case, which is the murder of a woman, a mother who’s fighting to organize her neighbors and her community to fight gangs and drug dealers. That sounded pretty nasty to me, and it didn’t seem very Dugoni-like.
Then Tracy is asked to assist, unofficially, with a missing person case. The detective is a friend, and the missing person is a young woman. This is just the kind of situation that tugs at Tracy’s sense of duty and her heartstrings. She has a very personal reason for wanting to help in the case of a missing female: her sister. She’s the reason Crosswhite quit her teaching job and became a cop. This story line didn’t exactly grab me at first either. It was just strange. The missing woman, an aspiring pediatrician, is Indian. It’s a generational and cultural battle for Kavita Mukherjee and her family. Crosswhite’s involvement in the missing persons case puts her at odds with her superior officer once again, but that doesn’t stop her. There just can’t be a Crosswhite book without a little head-to-head clash with Nolasco. Newcomer Detective Andrea Gonzalez has gotten off on the wrong foot with Tracy when they first meet; Tracy also questions Gonzalez’ place in the squad, but doesn’t mention most of those doubts to Nolasco, whose patience is already wearing thin.
Dugoni handles the shooting and drug-dealing stuff extremely well. Gang boss Little Jimmy and his minions are credible thugs. An innocent woman is shot in broad daylight and no one saw nothin’. Yeah, right. Detectives Vic Fazzio and Del Castigliano are assigned to the case. When Del suffers a back injury, newcomer Gonzalez partners with Faz. They go to question a potential suspect, and...I’ll just say that Mr. Dugoni wrote a great action scene as well as realistic dialogue in the following chapters. I was pretty much loving it at this point.
I was even buying into the disappearance of the student a bit more, although I had a good idea what happened and who was behind it. In both threads, there were some unlikable characters, even among “the good guys.”
However, there were some good guys whom I loved more than ever this time around. Faz and his wife Vera top the list. Vera gets a life-altering medical diagnosis, and Vic becomes distraught. Every time the story rolled around to Faz and Vera, I had to choke back tears. Dugoni’s writing is that real. Millions face this situation, and it felt like the author truly knows what it’s like. I felt that he wrote Tracy and Dan’s happy family situation quite well also. I know he’s been through that one! There is another powerful scene involving Faz on the job late in the book. Now that’s Dugoni! Yes, of course we get a police procedural in the process, but the characters he creates come to life on the pages. As usual, the author has done some great research. We get to learn about sugar dating, and Indian marriage, as well as police procedures. Who would think that all of this could come together in one great package? As long as there are Tracy Crosswhite books to read, I plan to keep reading them.
I appreciate the opportunity to have read A Steep Price in return for a fair, honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author.
4 stars -
3.5 Stars
The sixth book in the Tracy Crosswhite series, while enjoyable, was not one of my favorites. The story, or more accurately stories, revolved around families. There are a couple of murders and a little bit of action during the investigation of one murder but mostly that appears to be a side story to the stories of families.
Tracy is pregnant and wants to keep it a secret. She has told her partner but that is it. She certainly doesn't want her captain to know. As readers of other books in the series know there is tension between them. She loves her job and on the one hand she plans on returning after maternity leave. But she knows things will change once the baby arrives. When she returns from testifying in court one day she finds a new detective has joined the squad. Is the captain laying the ground work so that when she does return it won't be with her current team?
Vic Fazzio and Del Castigliano are called to the scene of a shooting in a city park in broad daylight. The victim, Monique Rogers, was a community activist who angered the local gang who are dealing drugs. In the meantime Faz has other problems. His wife, Vera, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It weighs on his mind and perhaps his ability to do his job. When an unarmed suspect in the Monique Rogers case winds up dead in a police involved shooting Faz may take the fall.
Aditi Dasgupta and Kavita Mukherjee, both from Indian families, have been best friends since they were little. Tradition would have them submit to arranged marriages. They are not interested in an arranged marriage. They want to be doctors and make a pact. But then Aditi returns from India where she had gone to attend a wedding and informs Kavita she is married. An arranged marriage. Kavita, needless to say, is upset and takes off. A friend in Missing Persons asks Tracy for help. When Kavita's body is found in an abandoned well the questions are only beginning.
I enjoy
Robert Dugoni's writing. While this one appeared to be more soap opera than mystery or suspense or thriller it was still enjoyable. I don't think I will be spoiling anything when I say it has the usual happy ending when Tracy has had her baby. I am not going to tell you whether she had a boy or girl but there is some happy moments centering on the baby's name and who they ask to be godparents. I am looking forward to Tracy Crosswhite #7 and what the future holds. -
If you have not yet discovered Tracey Crosswhite and her team you really need to jump on that train...but don't start with this one. Go back and start with book one and work your way up to this -0 book 6 in such a fantastic series. I always know when I start one of these books that I am in for a treat... and definitely not disappointed with book 6.
This one is a bit different with the team working different cases. Tracey is pregnant (and hiding it) and giving evidence in court. The rest of her team are called to a shooting in a local park. Tracey is then called by a friend in missing persons to help to locate a missing woman.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book to read and enjoy in exchange for my honest opinions. -
I absolutely loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down but unfortunately I did have to go to work and school. It’s written well enough to start here and not read the previous, but I definitely recommend starting with the first book. I love how the author is able to write from a police officers view point without it being too procedural. There are parts that made my mouth drop open, as I was not expecting it. I can’t wait until the next book in the series is released.
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I have loved, LOVED, all the previous Tracy Crosswhite books and I recommend them without hesitation. This one, however, is almost entirely family drama and worse, the theatrics are hung on the barest of plots. It's overwrought, without any of the cleverness and ballsiness that usually characterises the series. It honestly feels like someone else wrote it.
I don't know what happened. -
In my little world of books, not much makes me happier than finding a dependably enjoyable series. And this one, featuring Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite, fills that description - I look forward to reading each installment knowing I won't be disappointed. This book, the 6th in the series, is no exception (and to that end, many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance review copy).
Tracy, now married to Dan, an attorney, is expecting a baby. She's been keeping it a secret except for her partner, Kinsington Rowe (and well, her husband, of course). So when she comes back to the office after a day in court providing testimony to find a new female detective sitting at her desk, she's perplexed to say the least. When the woman offers no real apologies for taking over the spot - and asks Tracy about her pregnancy - Tracy wavers between fighting mad and concerned about her job.
All that takes a back seat, though, when a friend calls to report a missing woman. Nothing is official - the woman, who is from a traditional Indian family from whom she is for the most part estranged, hasn't been gone long and she's a competent adult - but concerns quickly begin to suggest foul play. Missing persons cases aren't in Tracy's bailiwick, but she convinces her boss to let her have a go at it.
As this plays out, Tracy's co-workers Del Castigliano and "Faz" Fazzio run to a shooting in a drug-infested part of town; the victim has been vocal about the need to clean the neighborhood swamp, so there's a good chance she was murdered simply to shut her up. Del and Faz will work the case as best they can, but the waters get harder to navigate when Faz gets some bad news on his home front that weighs heavily on his mind.
The investigations bring the usual excitement and twists (although I'm proud to say I guess one correctly). But this book pokes a number of emotional hot buttons as well, such as arranged marriages and other Indian traditions, working women and pregnancy, prostitution and adult "dating" websites and dealing with life-threatening illness. Collectively, it creates an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. Well done once again! -
A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni was book six in the Tracy Crosswhite series and once again he's delivered a winner. It's always so comforting to be re-united with favourite characters, to see how their lives have progressed and changed and to find out what's happening in the here and now. This time round there was greater emphasis on the lives of Faz and Vera but we still spent time with Del, Kins and of course the lovely Tracy and Dan who have decided to start a family.
Readers and characters alike were kept busy with two cases running concurrently; a missing Indian girl and a murdered woman. As with each of the books in this series I was drawn in from the beginning, quickly moving from curious through to compelled to know what would happen. It was a fast read and though I wanted to savour the pages because it might be another year or more until we meet up with Tracy and co I simply couldn't slow my pace. I was completely clueless about the who and the why of each case almost till the end when I finally had my ahhaa moment. Dugoni tied off all the loose ends neatly and set my mind to wondering where to next for these characters. It certainly would be possible to read this as a stand alone title. It's self contained and the reader is provided with essential back story elements but I'd encourage starting with My Sisters Grave and working your way through the series. There have been some fantastic stories along the way and this was no exception.
Thanks to Robert Dugoni, Thomas and Mercer publishers and NetGalley for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as a buddy read with GR friend Kathleen and can't wait to meet up again with Tracy, her family and friends. -
A STEEP PRICE is one of the best books I have read in this series. There was just something really engrossing about the mystery of the missing woman. I especially liked that the readers also got the missing woman's POV.
While Tracy is busy with the missing woman case is Vic Fazzio dealing with the murder of a local community activist. The investigations take a deadly turn and it could mean the end of Vic's career. Last, but not least is the fact that Tracy is pregnant and trying to hide it. She gets pretty pissed off when a new female cop arrives takes one look at Tracy and sees that she's pregnant. Could this mean that someone higher up knows about Tracy's condition and is planning on replacing her?
A STEEP PRICE is an engrossing new book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. I especially enjoyed the personal stuff in this book. It really made me feel for the characters as they both have to deal with police business as well as personal problems. This book really hit the spot for me and I can't wait to read the next one!
I want to thank Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! -
A beautiful young Indian woman, Kavita/Vita has gone missing; she’s estranged from her family, hell bent on attending graduate school, on her own, without her family’s support or any financial support. Her roommate and close friend, Aditi, who has had the same strong hopes and dreams as Vita, has returned from a trip to India, only to return newly married. Aditi claims to be ok with this new marriage (arranged) but Vita feels a very harsh personal betrayal by her friend. It goes against all that they both said they wanted; what they strongly agreed to. Vita’s family said of her, “She did not want to be Indian.” Disrespect.
This story brings into play arranged marriages in the Indian culture, which some people may not know or understand how strong those traditions are and how dishonorable it is to all the family members to rebel against those long standing traditions. Shame.
This story also brings into play sugar dating. Internet dating under assumed names; companionship and sex for money is not advertised, but is the intention. Your sugar daddy with the money gets the sugar baby who they either go on an actual date with and/or then have sex, with the sugar baby being paid handsomely for their date/services. I think we all are quite aware what this is called after money is exchanged for sex. Prostitution. Disgraceful conduct.
Detective Tracey Crosswhite, newly pregnant, and trying to hide her slightly expanding baby bump from others, while still performing her best at her job, gets involved with the search for the missing Indian woman. Detective Crosswhite remembers the pain and suffering she and her family went through when her sister went missing. These events bring a lot of thought provoking emotional questions in her mind. And now, a new female detective is brought in and Tracey is suspicious that she was brought in to replace her. Discrimination?
I enjoyed the relationship between the two detectives, Del and Faz - what a great combo/team! They get involved investigating a public shooting of an activist and that opens up a Pandora’s box of drug runners and neighborhood thugs. Del and Faz have each other’s backs and knew each others’ moves, personal and professional. Great characters, great action scenes.
This book read pretty quickly and even though there were multiple incidents going on, it was easy to keep up. The police procedural portions also were done well and not too overly involved. This is a good one for a beginner introduction or a mid-level police procedural lover. While this is number 6 in the Tracey Crosswhite series, it’s a good standalone read. -
This is the sixth book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. I have always been a pretty big fan of this series!
I loved books one to three in this series but was a tad disappointed in book four. I have not been able to read book five... and was debating on whether I would continue with this series after my disappointment with book four.
I'm sad to say that this one I also was disappointed with and just really felt it lacked the magic and overall action/suspense like the first three books in the series had.
There are two parallel stories going on in this novel.. alternating between each chapter. I decided that I didn't like this at all and disrupted the overall flow to the storyline.
I'm not a fan when authors tend to throw too much to the actual plot. Sometimes, I feel like authors try so hard to have that extra thrill/twist that it fails to deliver.
I have a handful of series that I really enjoy and I just kept comparing this to the other series that I love. Which... clearly isn't a good sign because I was distracted and uninterested.
And.. I'm not sure if it's just me but there are just too many series out there and I can't keep up on them haha.
Overall, this was a somewhat enjoyable read but lacked the magic I was hoping for with the first three novels. I don't think I will continue on with this series.
3 stars
Thank you so much to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the advanced arc.
Publication date: 6/26/18
Published to GR: 5/22/18 -
A special thanks to Robert Dugoni, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of A STEEP PRICE (TRACY CROSSWHITE #6), which allows me to write an unbiased review.
It was wonderful to meet up again with Del Castigliano, Vic (Faz) Fazzio, Kinsington Rowe and Tracy Crosswhite, Seattle homicide detectives of the A team and find out what is going on in their lives at work and home.
The talented Robert Dugoni, master in the art of character development, has given them their own personalities, significant others, quirks, and shows how they care for each other and work well together. It was like reconnecting with old friends.
Del and Faz were investigating the shooting of an African American woman shot in broad daylight while outside with her children in South Park. She was a would-be activist known for speaking to the city council and advocating against gangs and drugs in the community.
Tracy was at court for an important trial and investigating a missing persons report "off the books".
I was totally immersed in this suspenseful page turner. It kept me on the edge of my seat. There were surprises, red herrings and just the right amount of twists and turns. I wanted to read quickly to find out what was happening and at the same time wanted this novel to go on and on.
I like the way Robert Dugoni makes the story relevant by including current social issues such as racial prejudices, poverty, cultural differences, sugar dating, gangs and drugs.
This well written book can easily be read as a standalone. Personally, I advise you to read the series, starting with the first book My Sister's Grave, to get the full experience and background of these characters.
Robert Dugoni is one of my favourite authors and I look forward to reading his next mystery in the Tracy Crosswhite series.
Thanks to GR friend, Sharon, for reading this book with me and sharing thoughts on the scenarios, characters, and happenings. -
Dugoni has done it again! 4.5 ⭐️’s for this wonderfully-written thriller! I don’t usually like series—especially ones with numerous books—but this one is an exception. The main characters are likable and easy to relate to—especially Tracy Crosswhite.
Tracy is called in to consult when a young woman appears to have disappeared. The woman—Kavita—is reported missing by her ex-roommate and childhood friend—Aditi. Both are young Indian women who have been financially cut-off from their parents for attending college and not conforming to their Indian customs/family wishes. But after a visit to India, Aditi unexpectedly gives in to pressure and marries. Upon returning home to retrieve her belongings, she breaks the news to Kavita that she’s leaving school and moving away with her new husband. Kavita is upset by her friend’s sudden abandonment and they‘re last encounter ends on somewhat unhappy terms.
Then Kavita’s body is discovered in an abandoned well and Tracy is determined to solve the mystery behind the murder. Tracy is also trying to keep her pregnancy a secret, while her work life begins to become tumultuous. She suspects her boss is trying to replace her and this seems to be confirmed when a new detective is added to her team.
At the same time, Vic Fazzio—one of Tracy’s team members—struggles with devastating personal issues, while his investigation of the murder of a local community activist starts to go south.
Now two careers are on the line, as more deadly secrets emerge.
There is a lot going on in the book, but Dugoni does a fantastic job of keeping it all organized so it’s easy to keep up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
#AsteepPrice #NetGalley -
White waiting for a verdict on a court case, Detective Tracy Crosswhite is contacted by a friend who works in Missing Persons. Graduate student Kavita Muhkerjee was recently reported missing by her roommate. She was estranged from her family. Kavita wanted to go to medical school to become a doctor, but her family wanted to arrange a marriage for her. As Tracy interviews Kavita's friends and family, her fellow detectives as looking into the murder of Monique Rodgers, an activist who was very vocal against gangs and drugs.
We have two very good cases in this book. While the detectives are busy with their various cases, Tracy is hiding her pregnancy from her Captain. She is afraid her secret is out when Captain Nolasco hires a new female detective to work with them. There is something suspicious about Detective Andrea Gonzalez and her actions.
I enjoyed this book and both of the mysteries. I highly recommend this series. My rating: 4 Stars.
