Book Description
When they face the most baffling missing person’s case of their careers, a fiercely ambitious lawyer and a homicide detective have no one to turn to for help except each other, from New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin.
Up-and-coming attorney Leigh Larson fights for victims of sexual extortion, harassment, and online abuse. She is not afraid to go after the sleaziest targets to get payback for her clients. Leigh is laser-focused on her career–to the exclusion of everything else–until a seemingly routine case and a determined cop turn her world upside down.
Austin homicide detective Brandon Reynolds is no stranger to midnight callouts. But when he gets summoned to an abandoned car on a desolate road, he quickly realizes he’s dealing with an unusual crime scene. A pool of blood in the nearby woods suggests a brutal homicide. But where is the victim? The vehicle is registered to twenty-six-year-old Vanessa Adams. Searching the car, all Brandon finds is a smear of blood and a business card for Leigh Larson, attorney-at-law.
Vanessa had hired Leigh just before her disappearance, but Leigh has no leads on who could have wanted her dead. Faced with bewildering evidence and shocking twists, Leigh and Brandon must work against the clock to chase down a ruthless criminal who is out for vengeance.
***
Elise’s Thoughts
Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin brings to life a subject that needs more publicity. Because of cell phones, people, especially women, are vulnerable to revenge porn, which is a form of on-line abuse. This subject matter is explored within a riveting storyline.
Leigh Larson is a fiercely ambitious lawyer who fights for victims of sexual extortion, harassment, and on-line abuse. She is the victim’s advocate, fighting to get payback for her clients.
The story opens with Vanessa Adams buying a gun. But she realizes someone is following her and runs into the woods. Her car is found abandoned along with her purse and phone. After being called in, Detective Brandon Reynolds of the Austin P.D. finds a smear of blood on the passenger seat car door that was left open. Brandon finds a lead when he discovers lawyer Leigh Larson’s business card among Vanessa’s things. It seems Vanessa had hired Leigh just before her disappearance. Faced with bewildering evidence and shocking twists, Leigh and Brandon must work against the clock to chase down a ruthless criminal who is out for vengeance. Leigh suspects that Vanessa may be harassed. She and Brandon team together to find out what happened to Vanessa. While doing this they realize they have off the chart chemistry. They grow closer after Brandon’s protective streak comes out when Leigh was attacked. They are racing against the clock to find Vanessa and to solve the case.
The gripping and riveting story puts on-line abuse front and center. The characters are very well developed and readers root for justice to be served.
***
Elise’s Author Interview
Elise Cooper: How did you get the idea for the story?
Laura Griffin: I used to be a newspaper reporter. I saw some articles about a girl targeted for revenge porn that turned her life upside down. I did some research on these types of cases of online harassment.
EC: How would you describe Leigh?
LG: It is pronounced “Lee” not Leigh like Vivian Leigh. I got the name from a good friend in college. Leigh is tenacious, outspoken, smart, and knows how to operate in a man’s world. She is confident, pushy, headstrong, and intuitive. I made her a lawyer because I did not want the hero and heroine to both be law enforcement.
EC: How would you describe Brandon?
LG: Analytical, observant, cool headed, protective, and at times bossy.
EC: Can you discuss online harassment?
LG: It uses technology for revenge. The two types of harassment, online and in person, blend together. A man can stalk a woman but can also interface with her at home with technology. There is a blurring of the lines.
EC: What method do online harassers use?
LG: They like to torment, terrorize, control, and manipulate their victims. They can be sadistic, intimidating, and threatening. In this story the victimized woman had to move. Even if it is online the threats are not less scary and less dangerous.
EC: How would you describe Vanessa?
LG: Exasperating, at times sympathetic, impulsive, and has many faults. She did not make very good decisions and is not an angel yet does not deserve to be targeted. She is also a cutter.
EC: Why did you make her a cutter?
LG: I wanted to show how these cases have a devastating effect on young people. They have their images posted around for all the world to see. There have been cases of suicide, depression, and psychological impact. Vanessa became stressed and withdrawn after she was targeted. Once the images are out there it is hard for the victim to gain control.
EC: How would you describe the relationship?
LG: Both Brandon and Leigh have been burned and betrayed in the past. She has built walls. But after a while they find common ground. She does like to push his buttons and he likes to be sarcastic with her. They have a dynamic with a healthy back and forth.
EC: What about your next book?
LG: It will be out in May 2022. It is part of the “Texas Murder Files series” and is titled, Midnight Dunes. The setting is still the coast, and it will feature Owen’s story.
THANK YOU!!
BIO: Elise Cooper has written book reviews and interviewed best-selling authors since 2009. Her reviews have covered several different genres, including thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction, romance and cozy mysteries. An avid reader, she engages authors to discuss their works, and to focus on the descriptions of their characters and the plot. While not writing reviews, Elise loves to watch baseball and visit the ocean in Southern California, with her dog and husband.
Sounds like such a good, and important book. Revenge porn is a horrible situation, and it’s nice to see a book that explores it.
I agree.