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Innocence Road
Detective Leanne Everhart swore she’d never go back to her hometown near Marfa, Texas—but she returns when her brother needs her, only to find a town in need too, still torn apart by a decades-old crime.
Leanne Everhart knows women have something to fear in her artsy hometown, especially so if they’re not rich, white locals. Returning to town after her father’s death, she sees the ugliest sides of an area that draws people for its severe, untamed natural landscape.
While her department faces mounting backlash over a recent wrongful conviction in the long-ago murder case of a popular local teenager—which is now unsolved—Leanne is called to a fresh crime scene at the edge of the desert. A nameless woman was found murdered, with no clues as to her identity. As Leanne digs into the crime scene evidence, she grows convinced this latest murder case is linked with the local teenager’s murder. And to multiple cold cases, all unnamed female victims, that have all been shelved by her department without leads.
Now, with conflicted loyalties and without allies, Leanne must hunt down a serial killer, one who’s been preying on local women for two decades, growing bolder and more ruthless with every strike.
Leanne Everhart knows women have something to fear in her artsy hometown, especially so if they’re not rich, white locals. Returning to town after her father’s death, she sees the ugliest sides of an area that draws people for its severe, untamed natural landscape.
While her department faces mounting backlash over a recent wrongful conviction in the long-ago murder case of a popular local teenager—which is now unsolved—Leanne is called to a fresh crime scene at the edge of the desert. A nameless woman was found murdered, with no clues as to her identity. As Leanne digs into the crime scene evidence, she grows convinced this latest murder case is linked with the local teenager’s murder. And to multiple cold cases, all unnamed female victims, that have all been shelved by her department without leads.
Now, with conflicted loyalties and without allies, Leanne must hunt down a serial killer, one who’s been preying on local women for two decades, growing bolder and more ruthless with every strike.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2025
211 people are currently reading
17594 people want to read
About the author
Laura Griffin
56 books3,849 followersLaura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and novellas. She is a two-time RITA Award winner, as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura got her start in journalism before venturing into the world of suspense fiction. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura lives in Austin, Texas, where she is working on her next novel.
Series:
* Texas Murder Files
* Tracers
* Wolfe Security
* Alpha Crew
* Moreno and Hart Mysteries
* Glass Sisters
* The Borderline
Series:
* Texas Murder Files
* Tracers
* Wolfe Security
* Alpha Crew
* Moreno and Hart Mysteries
* Glass Sisters
* The Borderline
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 19, 2025
Laura Griffin has interwoven a police procedural and crime novel with a story of suspense in
Innocence Road.
While the book is a standalone, I would love for it to be a series. Leanne Everhart left her hometown of Madrone, Texas and never planned to return to it. But her father’s sudden death and her brother’s drug addiction have brought her home. She’s a detective with the Madrone police department. When a nameless woman is found dead on the edge of town, Leanne throws herself into the investigation. However, it seems her work is impeded by her own colleagues who are more interested in a wrongful conviction in a long-ago murder case. Her own father, as well as her current boss, were two of the officers who worked that case. She pursues both cases, despite the many obstacles.
Leanne is considered good with people by her colleagues, but she feels isolated. She’s focused, determined, and hard working. She also recognizes the racism, poverty, and constant threat of violence in this region of southwest Texas. She is determined to see justice served for the victims and isn’t about to let others derail her investigations.
I was quickly drawn into the story and the main character was likeable and relatable. The author is a wonderful storyteller who kept me turning the pages with a great plot, vivid world-building, gripping scenes, and formidable characters. The mysteries add intrigue and depth to the story. Building on this are family dynamics, lies, and corruption. The plot is twisty with a mystery that unfolds and culminates in a suspenseful and tense conclusion. The pacing is fast and I found myself continuously wondering which lies would be uncovered and the truths revealed.
Overall, this is an excellent, entertaining, and suspenseful mystery thriller and police procedural. Enthusiasts of mysteries and police procedurals will likely enjoy this novel and the series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Laura Griffin provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 11, 2025.
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My 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Leanne is considered good with people by her colleagues, but she feels isolated. She’s focused, determined, and hard working. She also recognizes the racism, poverty, and constant threat of violence in this region of southwest Texas. She is determined to see justice served for the victims and isn’t about to let others derail her investigations.
I was quickly drawn into the story and the main character was likeable and relatable. The author is a wonderful storyteller who kept me turning the pages with a great plot, vivid world-building, gripping scenes, and formidable characters. The mysteries add intrigue and depth to the story. Building on this are family dynamics, lies, and corruption. The plot is twisty with a mystery that unfolds and culminates in a suspenseful and tense conclusion. The pacing is fast and I found myself continuously wondering which lies would be uncovered and the truths revealed.
Overall, this is an excellent, entertaining, and suspenseful mystery thriller and police procedural. Enthusiasts of mysteries and police procedurals will likely enjoy this novel and the series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Laura Griffin provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 11, 2025.
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My 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
November 6, 2025
Gripping, chilling, thrilling, shocking, and hard to put down! Innocence Road is an engaging and riveting mystery thriller which had me doing my best to determine whodunit along with Detective Leanne Everhart! I had a hard time putting this one down and enjoyed every single page!
Leanne Everhart has been called back to her hometown of Marfa, Texas by her brother following her father's death. What awaits her besides the beautiful landscape is a fresh crime scene involving a murdered young woman. Marfa, Texas has a long memory, and they cannot forget the wrongful murder conviction involving the murder of a popular young woman years ago. When Leanne decides to investigate the current murder case, she finds several cold cases involving dead young women.
I was instantly invested in Innocence Road. I enjoyed Detective Leanne Everhart's character. She is not willing to give up, walk away, or turn her check when things get ugly. She also has big shoes to fill as her father was in local law enforcement. She is up against the local boy's law enforcement club. As secrets of the past are revealed, tension, suspense, and danger begin to mount. I found this to be a well thought out mystery/crime investigation.
I enjoyed the characters, the town itself with its long memory, the cold cases, Leanne as a strong and intelligent female lead, and how the plot unfolded. Nothing felt rushed nor drawn out. Plus, the pacing was fantastic!!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Leanne Everhart has been called back to her hometown of Marfa, Texas by her brother following her father's death. What awaits her besides the beautiful landscape is a fresh crime scene involving a murdered young woman. Marfa, Texas has a long memory, and they cannot forget the wrongful murder conviction involving the murder of a popular young woman years ago. When Leanne decides to investigate the current murder case, she finds several cold cases involving dead young women.
I was instantly invested in Innocence Road. I enjoyed Detective Leanne Everhart's character. She is not willing to give up, walk away, or turn her check when things get ugly. She also has big shoes to fill as her father was in local law enforcement. She is up against the local boy's law enforcement club. As secrets of the past are revealed, tension, suspense, and danger begin to mount. I found this to be a well thought out mystery/crime investigation.
I enjoyed the characters, the town itself with its long memory, the cold cases, Leanne as a strong and intelligent female lead, and how the plot unfolded. Nothing felt rushed nor drawn out. Plus, the pacing was fantastic!!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
December 21, 2025
When Leanne Everhart is assigned her first case as lead detective in the homicide of a young woman found brutally murdered in the Texas desert, she has no idea that she's about to open Pandora's box.
Investigating a string of cold cases, spanning a 15-year period — all young female victims, killed along the same stretch of west Texas highway — Leanne begins piecing together clues that point to a serial killer.
Innocence Road, the new novel from Laura Griffin, is an entertaining (and complex) police procedural with a cast of interesting characters: a police chief, dealing with media fallout from a wrongful conviction; an upstart forensic photographer; an undercover investigator for the county sheriff; and an FBI profiler, among others.
This page-turner might possibly be the first in a new series, with a female detective who's as rugged and resilient as the West Texas landscape she hails from. Sure do hope so!
November 22, 2025
This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced, suspense novel. It is a stand alone police procedural with a likable, intelligent, strong and capable female protagonist, intrigue, mystery, a touch of romance, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. I have read every one of Ms. Griffin's outstanding novels and she never disappoints her readers!
January 5, 2026
Leanne Marva returned to her hometown near Marfa, TX after her father dues. She followed him into law enforcement but had been working in Dallas. Now, she gets called out when a young woman is discovered murdered. Her boss assigns her as lead detective, but he considers it an unimportant case… probably just another illegal migrant, who is not worthy of their time or resources. Leanne is angered, as it is clear the young woman was violently beaten, and she starts to discover she was not the first. There were previous victims, as well as more current ones, and the all have terrible similarities.
At the same time, a judge has just turned over a wrongful conviction in the death of a local teenager, and the man has been released from prison and returned to their town. Most people, including Leanne, believe he was guilty and is dangerously. Questions arise about his confession, and Leanne’s dad was chief detective at the time so it’s a difficult situation.
Violence escalates, and some law enforcement continue to brush aside her concerns that a serial killer is among them. This was an engaging book, ideal to listen to on a trip in the car, then finished once home. I see the author has quite a few books, including a series that looks interesting, so I’ll plan to read more.
At the same time, a judge has just turned over a wrongful conviction in the death of a local teenager, and the man has been released from prison and returned to their town. Most people, including Leanne, believe he was guilty and is dangerously. Questions arise about his confession, and Leanne’s dad was chief detective at the time so it’s a difficult situation.
Violence escalates, and some law enforcement continue to brush aside her concerns that a serial killer is among them. This was an engaging book, ideal to listen to on a trip in the car, then finished once home. I see the author has quite a few books, including a series that looks interesting, so I’ll plan to read more.
November 23, 2025
So good. I needed this so bad. There are just sometimes that you just need a really, really good mystery, and this is it. I read this in one day, devoured it actually. The baddie was hidden till the very end and that is just how I like it. I am usually not a fan of the lone ranger, but Leanne made it work for me. I wished that there was a romance element, but this book worked really well as a mystery.
When Leanne Everhart's father died, she left a promising career in Dallas to return to her small, artsy hometown of Madrone, Texas. Life under the Good Old Boys Club isn't great. but being here for her family is why she is here. Now a young woman has been found dead with no ID and Leanne learns she is not the first. Her Chief is not interested in some nameless woman when he has a bigger issue that once involved Leanne's father.
The overturned convection means that there is intense pressure on the police department and Leanne is right in the middle since her father was the primary investigator. Leanne tries her best to ignore all that but is drawn into it when her investigation on her current case uncovers ties to the older one.
When Leanne Everhart's father died, she left a promising career in Dallas to return to her small, artsy hometown of Madrone, Texas. Life under the Good Old Boys Club isn't great. but being here for her family is why she is here. Now a young woman has been found dead with no ID and Leanne learns she is not the first. Her Chief is not interested in some nameless woman when he has a bigger issue that once involved Leanne's father.
The overturned convection means that there is intense pressure on the police department and Leanne is right in the middle since her father was the primary investigator. Leanne tries her best to ignore all that but is drawn into it when her investigation on her current case uncovers ties to the older one.
November 30, 2025
I read Laura's Texas Murder Files and really enjoyed it which is why I was interested in this one. The only thing I wanted more in this one was the romance aspect. The Texas Murder Files had that in each of the books. This was definitely more of a police procedural than anything else. It was dark and gritty. I liked the corruption aspect. Leanne was such a complicated character, and yet I feel like the cop characters I like are complicated. She was carrying the weight of her dad's existence on her shoulders. She was back home trying to prove herself after failling to leave. She was dabbling in some hook ups with a man who wanted more from her, but she wasn't ready. And she happened to stumble on a case that was bigger than anyone wanted it to be. I appreciated her grit and how much she wanted to do right by these women that had been murdered. I appreciated her willingness to do what it took to get the bad guys- even if that meant putting herself in a not so good light. I liked the small town aspect in this one and how it shaped the way that the case was looked at. I truly HOPE that doesn't happen in real life, but fear that it does.
Leanne is back home again. She doesn't want to be here, and yet here she is. She is working at her father's old precinct. She is trying to prove herself. But when she comes up on a Jane Doe in the desert, the reaction from her chief isn't what she thought it would be. And the more that Leanne digs the more she realizes this woman is the key to unlocking a decades old case. Her father's case that got someone from her hometown sent to prison is now in jeopardy. The man that was found guilty is being let out of prison. People are going to pay for the wrongs that happened. And now Leanne is in the thick of it because her Jane Doe is wrapped up in that case. She realizes that she is crossing lines to get things done, but these women were people. They deserve for their killer to be found. Even if there are now consequences for Leanne. Even if she doesn't make it out of this. She realizes she is ok with that as long as people know who did this.
This was a good police procedural. I just wanted more between Leanne and her main man that she was dragging around a bit. It look a little bit for me to get connected with where the story was going. And while Leanne was complicated she was a little bit frustrating as an MC at the beginning. I enjoyed learning about her layers and what made her tick and realizing that she would do what it takes to do the right thing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Leanne is back home again. She doesn't want to be here, and yet here she is. She is working at her father's old precinct. She is trying to prove herself. But when she comes up on a Jane Doe in the desert, the reaction from her chief isn't what she thought it would be. And the more that Leanne digs the more she realizes this woman is the key to unlocking a decades old case. Her father's case that got someone from her hometown sent to prison is now in jeopardy. The man that was found guilty is being let out of prison. People are going to pay for the wrongs that happened. And now Leanne is in the thick of it because her Jane Doe is wrapped up in that case. She realizes that she is crossing lines to get things done, but these women were people. They deserve for their killer to be found. Even if there are now consequences for Leanne. Even if she doesn't make it out of this. She realizes she is ok with that as long as people know who did this.
This was a good police procedural. I just wanted more between Leanne and her main man that she was dragging around a bit. It look a little bit for me to get connected with where the story was going. And while Leanne was complicated she was a little bit frustrating as an MC at the beginning. I enjoyed learning about her layers and what made her tick and realizing that she would do what it takes to do the right thing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 19, 2025
Leanne was finding her footing in the department as a newcomer transferring back to her hometown of Madrone, Texas after years away in the Dallas PD. When a young woman is found beaten and murdered, Detective Leanne Everhart is assigned to the case. Unfortunately, her Chief is more interested in managing the fallout of a past high profile murder case where the conviction has just been overturned. Leanne is very familiar with the case as her father was one of the detectives that investigated and the situation is a hot mess.
As Leanne digs into to her case, she discovers there are other unsolved murders in the area with a similar MO and is surprised no one has followed up. Also, she runs into resistance at every turn with her Chief.
I really liked Leanne and was frustrated for her as she was undermined in her efforts to solve the case. She goes about things methodically, adding facts and theories as she uncovers evidence. The past case with her father is troubling. Leanne’s also dealing with family issues and a romantic relationship. Although, the romance is very much in the background. It was a satisfying conclusion and I wonder if this is the start to a series. I’m all in if so!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
As Leanne digs into to her case, she discovers there are other unsolved murders in the area with a similar MO and is surprised no one has followed up. Also, she runs into resistance at every turn with her Chief.
I really liked Leanne and was frustrated for her as she was undermined in her efforts to solve the case. She goes about things methodically, adding facts and theories as she uncovers evidence. The past case with her father is troubling. Leanne’s also dealing with family issues and a romantic relationship. Although, the romance is very much in the background. It was a satisfying conclusion and I wonder if this is the start to a series. I’m all in if so!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
November 17, 2025
3.5 Stars
While, I feel I can count on a Laura Griffin novel to be compelling, this one didn't quite reach 4 stars. The part I did enjoy was the overall procedural feel/mystery. Yet, it just fell somewhat one-note and I didn't get very attached to any characters.....I feel Laura Griffin is very good at the pacing/procedural aspect, but not so much in making me feel things--which I think was somewhat missing. There could have been more emotional depth to the main character who was very avoidant and then occasional impulsive in a way I didn't enjoy very much.
While, I feel I can count on a Laura Griffin novel to be compelling, this one didn't quite reach 4 stars. The part I did enjoy was the overall procedural feel/mystery. Yet, it just fell somewhat one-note and I didn't get very attached to any characters.....I feel Laura Griffin is very good at the pacing/procedural aspect, but not so much in making me feel things--which I think was somewhat missing. There could have been more emotional depth to the main character who was very avoidant and then occasional impulsive in a way I didn't enjoy very much.
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January 12, 20263.5 stars. I had high hopes for this one but it didn’t quite manifest. I think a big part of it is that the book felt overstuffed - there are multiple cases, multiple personal issues, multiple POVs and really strong arm red herrings. I was annoyed how blatant Griffin was in trying to make someone or some secret seem like a red herring and I didn’t like feeling manipulated. However the bones are there for a good mystery and I did enjoy the badassery of the main detective
Leanne Everhart is a detective back in her home town and when a dead girl shows up on her stretch of highway she suspects there is more to this than just a migrant crossing gone wrong. However no one is paying attention to this case because the accused murderer of a beloved home town girl is being released after 15 years and it was Leanne’s dad who put him away. She will have to face the secrets in her town and her family to make things right.
My pet peeve in murder procedurals is when the villain has no motive. I know that the reality is some people are just messed up, but in fiction I much prefer there to be a reason. We barely get to know the villain in this one and his motive is fully brushed away so it all felt anti climactic.
Leanne Everhart is a detective back in her home town and when a dead girl shows up on her stretch of highway she suspects there is more to this than just a migrant crossing gone wrong. However no one is paying attention to this case because the accused murderer of a beloved home town girl is being released after 15 years and it was Leanne’s dad who put him away. She will have to face the secrets in her town and her family to make things right.
My pet peeve in murder procedurals is when the villain has no motive. I know that the reality is some people are just messed up, but in fiction I much prefer there to be a reason. We barely get to know the villain in this one and his motive is fully brushed away so it all felt anti climactic.
November 17, 2025
November 17, 2025 Review:
This was a great police procedural focused on a small-town mishandling of an old murder case and a bunch of cold cases that may be connected. It touches upon a range of biases within the police force including sexism, racism, and socio-economic discrimination and how these biases, along with office politics and media optics can impede an investigation.
As the lead investigator on a recent homicide case, as the sole female officer at Madrone PD, and as the daughter of a former police officer who worked on a local murder case from more than a decade ago in which the lead suspect has now been released due to evidence of it being a wrongful conviction (Sean Moriarty's overturned conviction), Detective Leanne Everhart has a lot to deal with. Not only does she have to work hard to fit in with the 'boy's club' at work, she faces numerous hurdles within the workplace, and also has to grapple with the reality that the father that she admired might not have been as upstanding of a cop as she was always led to believe.
Sean Moriarty's wrongful conviction, coupled with the police chief's dismissal of the recent homicide case and potentially related cold cases, along with the police department's prioritization of handling the media and political fallout rather than focusing on doing their jobs was very frustrating to read about. I could feel Leanne's overwhelming feelings of stress and frustration as she tries to bear the burden of solving her case on her own while putting her career in jeopardy by stepping on the police chief's toes.
**I received a free physical copy of the book from the publisher for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
November 11, 2025 Pre-Review:
Happy publishing day!
I'm about 27% into this book and am fascinated by this police procedural set in a small border town where the police chief is clearly a misogynist and racist and who is more concerned about media and political optics than about solving crime. Thankfully, it seems like we have a strong female lead who'll hopefully show them! (she has a lot on her plate though...)
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher*
This was a great police procedural focused on a small-town mishandling of an old murder case and a bunch of cold cases that may be connected. It touches upon a range of biases within the police force including sexism, racism, and socio-economic discrimination and how these biases, along with office politics and media optics can impede an investigation.
She shook her head and looked away. Duncan didn't understand. No one did. Not one single person understood what she was up against. She'd been tapped to lead a homicide case, but her department was giving her almost no help solving it. It was like they didn't even care. Forget helping her solve the multiple cold cases that were connected to this new one. And now she had to deal with the potentially explosive link between all these cases and Sean Moriarty's overturned conviction. The chief wouldn't even acknowledge a possible link, much less investigate anything.
Which meant she was on her own. Again.
As the lead investigator on a recent homicide case, as the sole female officer at Madrone PD, and as the daughter of a former police officer who worked on a local murder case from more than a decade ago in which the lead suspect has now been released due to evidence of it being a wrongful conviction (Sean Moriarty's overturned conviction), Detective Leanne Everhart has a lot to deal with. Not only does she have to work hard to fit in with the 'boy's club' at work, she faces numerous hurdles within the workplace, and also has to grapple with the reality that the father that she admired might not have been as upstanding of a cop as she was always led to believe.
Sean Moriarty's wrongful conviction had set off a terrible domino effect, and so many innocent lives had been affected in the ensuing years. And - maybe worst of all - people in local leadership positions seemed more worried about lawsuits and bad publicity than figuring out what actually happened.
Sean Moriarty's wrongful conviction, coupled with the police chief's dismissal of the recent homicide case and potentially related cold cases, along with the police department's prioritization of handling the media and political fallout rather than focusing on doing their jobs was very frustrating to read about. I could feel Leanne's overwhelming feelings of stress and frustration as she tries to bear the burden of solving her case on her own while putting her career in jeopardy by stepping on the police chief's toes.
**I received a free physical copy of the book from the publisher for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
November 11, 2025 Pre-Review:
Happy publishing day!
I'm about 27% into this book and am fascinated by this police procedural set in a small border town where the police chief is clearly a misogynist and racist and who is more concerned about media and political optics than about solving crime. Thankfully, it seems like we have a strong female lead who'll hopefully show them! (she has a lot on her plate though...)
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher*
December 21, 2025
Gritty is the first word that comes to mind. This story covered crimes that happen far too often with way too little effort into solving them. The attitude of the local chief seemed very on par for the area they live in and the general sentiments of the people there. Leanne came across as a hard, unsentimental person, both professionally and personally. She had to fight for every small gain in this investigation, as well as some uncomfortable truths about her father. The supporting cast of characters each played their own roles really well. The romance is happening more in the background, with the only real interaction towards the end. It's more of a tentative beginning. I can recommend this if you like a thrilling police procedural.
December 27, 2025
This was fine, but felt pretty underdeveloped. I had a lot of questions about the wrongful conviction piece of this. Not my area of practice, but I have some experience/knowledge in the field and it just didn't work super well for me.
I'm not even tagging this as romantic suspense because the romance here was really blink and you'll miss it, to the extent it existed at all. I think I could've been pretty into it if it had been given more than a few sentences' of implication here and there.
I'm not even tagging this as romantic suspense because the romance here was really blink and you'll miss it, to the extent it existed at all. I think I could've been pretty into it if it had been given more than a few sentences' of implication here and there.
November 12, 2025
I received this book through the goodreads giveaway program.
The story was kind of slow. The lead character is an officer whose father was an officer before her. A convicted murderer that he had put away is being released and the daughter starts to wonder if he was in fact guilty, while girls continue to go missing.
The story was kind of slow. The lead character is an officer whose father was an officer before her. A convicted murderer that he had put away is being released and the daughter starts to wonder if he was in fact guilty, while girls continue to go missing.
November 15, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The setup of this story is one I have seen more often lately. A woman in law enforcement following her father who headed up the organization. The father may have been good, bad or neither but is often dead. Leanne left town and started in Dallas, but came home to help her brother.
Innocence Road is not focused on romance. It is a police procedural of sorts. Leanne is given the case of a dead woman, her boss not giving her any resources and not believing she will solve it. Leanne is well trained and does some work herself, and she convinces Duncan in the sheriff's department to do her a favor on some things.
A bombshell hits when a case solved years ago by her father and her boss is overturned as a wrongful conviction. This puts their small town in the spotlight. She goes back to old boxes to review her father's notes on the case. Then another body is discovered. Leanne puts together similarities and finds other cases with shared methods.
Things get exciting as she suspects the real perpetrators and those involved in the coverups. When she goes after the criminals, it gets dangerous.
The pace of the story was steady with a quickening at the end as evidence fitted together. I enjoyed getting to know Leanne as she worked both hard and smart to resolve the cases. The ending has some twists and changes, including a romance for Leanne. I'd be interested to read more if this became a series with slightly more romance but definitely more character growth for Leanne.
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The setup of this story is one I have seen more often lately. A woman in law enforcement following her father who headed up the organization. The father may have been good, bad or neither but is often dead. Leanne left town and started in Dallas, but came home to help her brother.
Innocence Road is not focused on romance. It is a police procedural of sorts. Leanne is given the case of a dead woman, her boss not giving her any resources and not believing she will solve it. Leanne is well trained and does some work herself, and she convinces Duncan in the sheriff's department to do her a favor on some things.
A bombshell hits when a case solved years ago by her father and her boss is overturned as a wrongful conviction. This puts their small town in the spotlight. She goes back to old boxes to review her father's notes on the case. Then another body is discovered. Leanne puts together similarities and finds other cases with shared methods.
Things get exciting as she suspects the real perpetrators and those involved in the coverups. When she goes after the criminals, it gets dangerous.
The pace of the story was steady with a quickening at the end as evidence fitted together. I enjoyed getting to know Leanne as she worked both hard and smart to resolve the cases. The ending has some twists and changes, including a romance for Leanne. I'd be interested to read more if this became a series with slightly more romance but definitely more character growth for Leanne.
November 23, 2025
I'm a huge fan of Laura's books, so I don't even read the synopsis at this point.
I like Leanne well enough. She's tough and resilient and stands up for herself. There are a good amount of secondary characters, but this is pretty firmly Leanne's story.
Plot wise, it was okay. There are a lot of moving parts with a few POVs and everything moved at the slowest of paces. Yet even still, it felt like certain things weren't fleshed out. The last few chapters were definitely the best and while it was a satisfying ending, I wanted just a bit more.
Overall, an interesting idea, but not a story that will likely stick with me.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I like Leanne well enough. She's tough and resilient and stands up for herself. There are a good amount of secondary characters, but this is pretty firmly Leanne's story.
Plot wise, it was okay. There are a lot of moving parts with a few POVs and everything moved at the slowest of paces. Yet even still, it felt like certain things weren't fleshed out. The last few chapters were definitely the best and while it was a satisfying ending, I wanted just a bit more.
Overall, an interesting idea, but not a story that will likely stick with me.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
July 12, 2025
Unabashedly a one-sit read! I flipped open my Kindle and didn't stop until I reached the end. The plot is perfection, the pace is exemplary, and Laura Griffin? Stellar! Innocence Road has been marked as one of my favorites. I wanted to cite a series name; however, there isn't one attached to the title. With the familiarity of her characters intertwining throughout Griffin's many works, it all feels wonderfully connected. Releasing in November of this year, Innocence Road will have you grabbing a cozy blanket and settling in.
~T
*Thank you to @Berkley via @Netgalley for sharing this title with me.
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~T
*Thank you to @Berkley via @Netgalley for sharing this title with me.
Follow me on
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January 10, 2026
Thank you so much to Laura Griffin for sending me a signed copy of her newest book, Innocence Road.
When Detective Leanne Everhart gets put on a Jane Doe case, her boss makes it very clear he wants it wrapped up and wrapped up fast. There is other drama happening at the station, including an old case that has resurfaced after fifteen years, possibly putting a wrongly accused man in jail. A man who was charged by Leanne’s father.
With all of the chaos erupting, Leanne can’t help but think that her Jane Doe case may be something more than a one and done murder. She starts connecting pieces to the puzzle and realizing there is a lot more at play. But when she takes her findings to her boss she is dismissed. She is going to have to bend some rules in order to bring justice to the string of murders she is unfolding.
This was a great read by Laura Griffin. It was a little different than her previous novels, a little less romance. However, I think it was still great. She did a fantastic job with the characters and even though there were quite a few, I never felt confused. Leanne was a strong woman who was not giving up. I was surprised at the end about her brother and thought it was a great way to wrap up the book. Surprised by what you ask? Read it and find out!
November 2, 2025
I received the audio ARC for Innocence Road and went through it pretty quickly, the story is fantastic. Fast paced, richly drawn characters, a bit of family drama, and wonderful descriptions of deep southwest Texas. The setting took me to Marfa and Davis Mountain, I've only been there once but I was instantly transported to those small border towns.
We follow the main character Leanne Everhart, a rookie detective in an "old boys network" of law enforcement who stick to their outdated assumptions. Leanne's entire life hinged on the murder of classmate that shook the town and landed the boyfriend in jail. A conviction Leanne's father obtained himself. With that killer now out of jail and back in town, Leanne is dealing with several dead bodies that have been dumped along the dessert backroads. She's about to have a whole world shaken as she tries to solve the murders.
We follow the main character Leanne Everhart, a rookie detective in an "old boys network" of law enforcement who stick to their outdated assumptions. Leanne's entire life hinged on the murder of classmate that shook the town and landed the boyfriend in jail. A conviction Leanne's father obtained himself. With that killer now out of jail and back in town, Leanne is dealing with several dead bodies that have been dumped along the dessert backroads. She's about to have a whole world shaken as she tries to solve the murders.
November 6, 2025
While the romance served as more of a side dish in this suspenseful murder-mystery case, Innocence Road pulled me in and held my attention from start to finish. I devoured this quickly and found the mystery satisfyingly good.
Detective Leanne Everhart grew up in Marfa, Texas, and returns to help her brother after the death of her father. She joins the local police department, which is facing backlash over an overturned conviction involving the murder of a popular teenage girl. Everhart is called to a murder scene where a woman is found murdered. While investigating, she sees a link between this murder and the teenager’s murder, which leads her to other cold cases; all involving young women.
I enjoy curling up with Griffin’s murder mysteries and appreciate that all work as a standalone. As we delved deeper into the investigation, the suspense and danger increased. Small-town politics, the old boys’ club and social disparities were well done and enhanced the tale. The author did a great job of connecting us with Detective Everhart and introducing side characters.
If a solid romance is a requirement for you, this murder mystery may leave you disappointed. While there is technically a romantic thread, it’s very much a side thread with not very much page time. It’s not a requirement for me, but even I noticed how little of it there was.
The case was suspenseful, and I wouldn’t mind spending more time with Detective Leanne Everhart. I am hoping this is the beginning of a new series, and perhaps the romantic thread was the beginning of a romance spanning the series. We shall see. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Detective Leanne Everhart grew up in Marfa, Texas, and returns to help her brother after the death of her father. She joins the local police department, which is facing backlash over an overturned conviction involving the murder of a popular teenage girl. Everhart is called to a murder scene where a woman is found murdered. While investigating, she sees a link between this murder and the teenager’s murder, which leads her to other cold cases; all involving young women.
I enjoy curling up with Griffin’s murder mysteries and appreciate that all work as a standalone. As we delved deeper into the investigation, the suspense and danger increased. Small-town politics, the old boys’ club and social disparities were well done and enhanced the tale. The author did a great job of connecting us with Detective Everhart and introducing side characters.
If a solid romance is a requirement for you, this murder mystery may leave you disappointed. While there is technically a romantic thread, it’s very much a side thread with not very much page time. It’s not a requirement for me, but even I noticed how little of it there was.
The case was suspenseful, and I wouldn’t mind spending more time with Detective Leanne Everhart. I am hoping this is the beginning of a new series, and perhaps the romantic thread was the beginning of a romance spanning the series. We shall see. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
November 13, 2025
I have enjoyed previous police procedurals by Laura Griffen, but this one was so full of the main character's grief and anger against men and her mother that it derailed the storyline. The way Leanne takes out her frustration on her boyfriend Duncan when he was kind to her added to the darkness.
There was no light or goodness in this story, only competent detective work to bring about justice. The racial bigotry between white male power in the police force and Latin American women murder victims was crudely portrayed. None of the sensitivity or nuance that characterise Griffin's other novels was evident, only anger, grief and rage. Normally a developing romance softens the edges and provides a counterpoint, but every contact between Duncan and Leanne seemed to be unpleasant for most of the book, and there was no development of any kind, only an unhappy relationship most of the way.
I regret spending the money on such a negative book.
There was no light or goodness in this story, only competent detective work to bring about justice. The racial bigotry between white male power in the police force and Latin American women murder victims was crudely portrayed. None of the sensitivity or nuance that characterise Griffin's other novels was evident, only anger, grief and rage. Normally a developing romance softens the edges and provides a counterpoint, but every contact between Duncan and Leanne seemed to be unpleasant for most of the book, and there was no development of any kind, only an unhappy relationship most of the way.
I regret spending the money on such a negative book.
July 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Innocence Road delivers a compelling blend of small-town secrets, cold-case mystery, and an undaunted heroine. Leanne Everhart has recently moved back to her hometown and joined the police department there. She lives in the shadow of her late father’s legacy—a decorated officer whose memory still looms large. With new knowledge from the local anthropologist and keen intuition, she begins connecting the dots between unsolved cold cases and a rash of recent murders involving unidentified women.
Griffin crafts a resourceful protagonist who isn’t afraid to challenge authority, even when her own police chief refuses to give her the support she needs in addition to a deadline to produce a suspect. The beautiful desert wilderness imagery is a solid bonus. The story pacing is swift, and the mystery unfolds in a way that keeps readers interested all against a beautiful desert wilderness.
Innocence Road is an unputdownable mystery thriller with a stalwart female lead and an engaging plot. It’s a great pick for fans of police procedurals, cold cases, and strong female protagonists.
Innocence Road delivers a compelling blend of small-town secrets, cold-case mystery, and an undaunted heroine. Leanne Everhart has recently moved back to her hometown and joined the police department there. She lives in the shadow of her late father’s legacy—a decorated officer whose memory still looms large. With new knowledge from the local anthropologist and keen intuition, she begins connecting the dots between unsolved cold cases and a rash of recent murders involving unidentified women.
Griffin crafts a resourceful protagonist who isn’t afraid to challenge authority, even when her own police chief refuses to give her the support she needs in addition to a deadline to produce a suspect. The beautiful desert wilderness imagery is a solid bonus. The story pacing is swift, and the mystery unfolds in a way that keeps readers interested all against a beautiful desert wilderness.
Innocence Road is an unputdownable mystery thriller with a stalwart female lead and an engaging plot. It’s a great pick for fans of police procedurals, cold cases, and strong female protagonists.
November 21, 2025
My first Laura Griffin and it certainly won’t be my last. Completely absorbing police procedural.
November 11, 2025
Wow! This book grabbed me and would not let go. The plot centers around detective Leanne Everhart, a young woman who is dauntlessly determined to fight crime, wherever she finds it. Since she has returned to her hometown that she never wanted to go back to, the challenge is to establish herself as a good detective in spite of a sheriff who doesn’t take her seriously and a “good ole boys’ club” surrounding her at the office. When the body of a murdered young woman is found in the desert, the sheriff assigns Leanne to find the killer, so she throws herself into the task, looking for justice but finding more bodies instead, making justice even more elusive. This story was captivating and edgy, with terrifying brilliant twists and relentless tension as the clever clues and red herrings were each plentiful. This book was intriguing and edgy with a compelling story of greed, corruption, danger and lots of secrets that had to be uncovered. I really enjoyed the fact that the story engaged me from the beginning, but I was also fascinated by the fact that the author broke the tension every once in a while by beautifully describing the scenic desert where the crimes were taking place. One of the secondary characters and a favorite of mine was named Izzy, a photographer who insightfully adds to the story by inadvertently capturing crime scenes with her lens. This is a fast-paced book with a complex plot that the author masterfully weaves with a well-crafted and unforgettably intense story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 10, 2025
Detective Leanne Everhart returns to her small Texas hometown and begins to investigate a murder that may be connected to a chilling pattern of unsolved cold cases involving forgotten women. As the only female officer in a male-dominated department, Leanne faces not only the ghosts of her past but also the indifference of a system that often overlooks victims like these. With her father’s shadow looming large and a serial killer on the loose, she’s determined to bring justice to those who have been cast aside.
This gritty, character-driven mystery thriller pulls you into a moody desert landscape, full of secrets and tension. Leanne is battling not just the challenges of her investigation but also her internal struggles tied to her father’s legacy. The twists keep you guessing and a haunting atmosphere lingers long after you turn the last page.
What really grabbed me about Innocence Road is how it shines a spotlight on forgotten women. It dives deep into the social issues that Leanne faces during her investigation, making it so much more than just a quest to catch a killer.
If you're into gripping mysteries with strong female leads who tackle the dark secrets in their past, you’ve got to check out Innocence Road.
I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This gritty, character-driven mystery thriller pulls you into a moody desert landscape, full of secrets and tension. Leanne is battling not just the challenges of her investigation but also her internal struggles tied to her father’s legacy. The twists keep you guessing and a haunting atmosphere lingers long after you turn the last page.
What really grabbed me about Innocence Road is how it shines a spotlight on forgotten women. It dives deep into the social issues that Leanne faces during her investigation, making it so much more than just a quest to catch a killer.
If you're into gripping mysteries with strong female leads who tackle the dark secrets in their past, you’ve got to check out Innocence Road.
I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 24, 2025
Thank you to @berkleypub for the #gifted book and @prhaudio for the #gifted listening copy. #berkleypartner #berkleybookstagram #prhaudiopartner All opinions are my own.
After a string of highly emotional reads, my mood reading self was looking for something gritty to sink my teeth into. INNOCENCE ROAD fit the bill nicely.
Detective Leanne Everhart thought she had escaped her hometown of Marfa, Texas until her dad’s death and brother’s addiction drew her back. She is assigned to investigate the discovery of an unidentified young woman found murdered in the harsh terrain of west Texas. Her town is already reeling from the news that the man convicted of murdering a local teenager years before has been released and it’s starting to look like he was wrongly convicted.
Soon it’s apparent that the latest murder might be just one in a string of unsolved disappearances and may be linked to that long ago tragedy. It’s possible a serial killer has been on the loose in Marfa all this time. Detective Everhart’s investigation is complicated by the fact that her father played a role in locking up the wrong man.
I could not put this book down! Laura Griffin’s propulsive novel drew me in and had me playing amateur detective trying to piece together the clues she dropped along the way. I’m hoping this police procedural is the start of a series featuring Detective Leanne Everhart because she is a badass and not to be messed with.
The incredible Saskia Maarleveld brings her tremendous talent to the narration of this book. Her performance had me on the edge of my seat and elevated the story.
After a string of highly emotional reads, my mood reading self was looking for something gritty to sink my teeth into. INNOCENCE ROAD fit the bill nicely.
Detective Leanne Everhart thought she had escaped her hometown of Marfa, Texas until her dad’s death and brother’s addiction drew her back. She is assigned to investigate the discovery of an unidentified young woman found murdered in the harsh terrain of west Texas. Her town is already reeling from the news that the man convicted of murdering a local teenager years before has been released and it’s starting to look like he was wrongly convicted.
Soon it’s apparent that the latest murder might be just one in a string of unsolved disappearances and may be linked to that long ago tragedy. It’s possible a serial killer has been on the loose in Marfa all this time. Detective Everhart’s investigation is complicated by the fact that her father played a role in locking up the wrong man.
I could not put this book down! Laura Griffin’s propulsive novel drew me in and had me playing amateur detective trying to piece together the clues she dropped along the way. I’m hoping this police procedural is the start of a series featuring Detective Leanne Everhart because she is a badass and not to be messed with.
The incredible Saskia Maarleveld brings her tremendous talent to the narration of this book. Her performance had me on the edge of my seat and elevated the story.
November 12, 2025
Gritty, sinister, and meticulous!
𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 is a complex, ominous police procedural that takes us to Marfa, Texas, where Detective Leanne Everhart finds herself immersed in the investigation of a potential serial killer when a new case involving a murdered young woman holds an eerie similarity to a solved case from the past.
The writing is sharp and intense. The characters are driven, flawed, and troubled. And the plot unfolds and unravels quickly into a suspenseful tale full of twists, turns, manipulation, deception, desperation, police politics, arrogance, violence, and murder.
Overall, 𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 is a suspenseful, tense, gripping read by Griffin that didn’t have quite the level of romance I’ve come to know and love in her romantic suspense novels over the years, but more than compensated for that with its layers of deception, intrigue, and misdirection.
𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 is a complex, ominous police procedural that takes us to Marfa, Texas, where Detective Leanne Everhart finds herself immersed in the investigation of a potential serial killer when a new case involving a murdered young woman holds an eerie similarity to a solved case from the past.
The writing is sharp and intense. The characters are driven, flawed, and troubled. And the plot unfolds and unravels quickly into a suspenseful tale full of twists, turns, manipulation, deception, desperation, police politics, arrogance, violence, and murder.
Overall, 𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 is a suspenseful, tense, gripping read by Griffin that didn’t have quite the level of romance I’ve come to know and love in her romantic suspense novels over the years, but more than compensated for that with its layers of deception, intrigue, and misdirection.
November 10, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy!
Synopsis: Small town Texas detective Leanne Everhart returns to her hometown to help her family, but she ends up faced with a decades old wrong conviction case that may be linked to a string of murders.
Thoughts: Innocence Road is a gripping crime thriller filled with small town secrets and suspense. I don’t read a ton of this genre, but this book stands out to me for the intricately woven plot and the excellent character development. Leanne is such a well-written and relatable character - I would love to see this become a series centered around her. A note on the audio: I always adore Saskia’s narration, and she was great here as usual! I listened to this in one day. Highly recommend this super entertaining audiobook!
Read this if you like:
crime thrillers
police procedurals
small town setting
badass female detectives
Synopsis: Small town Texas detective Leanne Everhart returns to her hometown to help her family, but she ends up faced with a decades old wrong conviction case that may be linked to a string of murders.
Thoughts: Innocence Road is a gripping crime thriller filled with small town secrets and suspense. I don’t read a ton of this genre, but this book stands out to me for the intricately woven plot and the excellent character development. Leanne is such a well-written and relatable character - I would love to see this become a series centered around her. A note on the audio: I always adore Saskia’s narration, and she was great here as usual! I listened to this in one day. Highly recommend this super entertaining audiobook!
Read this if you like:
crime thrillers
police procedurals
small town setting
badass female detectives
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November 4, 2025Very good well paced - a female detective returns to her small Texas town and finds herself butting heads with the chief of police as she tries to track down a serial killer. Could her father be involved in a coverup?
November 22, 2025
This book strayed from Laura Griffin’s usual romantic suspense novels. It was written very well and definitely kept me intrigued, but I did miss the romance aspect that I’ve come to know and love from Griffin’s novels. I think she did a great job though on touching on some of the corruption and politics in law enforcement.
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