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BY Laura Griffin
Gallery Books
August 7, 2018/ ISBN 9781501162411
Suspense
Reviewed
by Elise Cooper
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Desperate
Girls by Laura Griffin is a captivating novel, combining
a suspenseful murder mystery, police procedural, with a touch
of romance. She has the unique ability to write compelling plots
that highlight caring and realistic characters.
Griffin was able to pull off making a defense attorney someone
readers will root for. She noted, “My dad is an attorney
and I tease him about the stereotype. Also, a good friend of
mine from childhood has a similar background to Brynn. She started
as an Assistant District Attorney, working for the prosecution’s
side, and switched over to criminal defense work. I thought
she has a fascinating career path, starting on one side and
then moving to the ‘dark side.’ I interviewed her
as a resource because I wanted the insights of someone who worked
on both sides of the aisle. No matter what the profession, I
try to weave the details of the job and the jargon into the
story to bring it to life. Hopefully, it makes the plot and
characters more realistic. Brynn’s character is the checks
and balance within the system. There is a need for good lawyers
on both sides to have a fair system.”
Former prosecutor Brynn Holloran has turned to the dark side,
becoming a defense attorney. Everyone knows she is a superstar
in the courtroom, although a failure in her personal life. She
now must contend with a vicious murderer, James Corby, she once
helped prosecute. His escape from jail has put her life in jeopardy.
He seeks revenge against all those who helped put him away.
Corby has already brutally killed the former lead prosecutor
Jen Ballard, and the lead detective who worked the case. To
protect her, Byrnn’s boss hires a private security firm
that will also guard Ross, her co-counsel, who also worked for
the District Attorney’s office. Erik Morgan, a marine
and former secret service Agent is put in charge of her detail.
Unfortunately, he soon realizes his client has trouble following
orders and refuses to be dictated to. Sparks fly not only when
they butt heads, each an alpha with their share of strengths
and vulnerabilities, but also as it becomes clear there is an
obvious attraction. A sub-plot allows readers to get behind
the scenes of an intriguing court case. Both the search for
the escapee and the court room scenes make for a riveting read.
The personalities of Brynn and Eric are well written. They are
likeable believable characters. Griffin is able to balance the
tension of the manhunt while allowing people to get to know
the characters. Brynn is confident, self-assured, pretty, feisty,
with a sharp wit that at times tends to intimidate others. Eric
is loyal, protective, professional, smart, and commanding which
presents a problem since both he and Brynn want to be in control.
The banter between these two makes for a welcome relief from
the intense plot.
“I wanted to write two very strong personalities. Eric
is intensely focused, while she is assertive, flashy, extroverted,
and smart. He is the strong, silent type that has a hard exterior
but inside has vulnerabilities that he eventually shows to Brynn.
He started out in the protective detail for dignitaries, while
in the Marines, and moved over to the Secret Service. I interviewed
someone on then Vice-President Biden’s detail and tried
to weave the details he told me into the story, including the
long hours and travel. I also wanted to give a shout out to
those in the military. Many at the Wolfe Security firm are ex-Marines.
They have traits of being loyal, believing in a brotherhood,
and have integrity. I wanted to show the commitment and discipline
they can bring to any non-military job. I have the upmost respect
for the men and women who are serving and have served.”
Anyone picking up a Laura Griffin book will not be disappointed
as she brings together action, romance, mystery and suspense.
This first of a new series builds a tension that ends with an
intriguing twist, leaving readers spellbound.
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