Game More, Pay Less
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Millions of titles. Learn more
Read and listen now
OR
£2.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon Media EU S.à r.l..
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will pre-order your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships and Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Robert Dugoni
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

In the Clearing (Tracy Crosswhite Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Robert Dugoni (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 57,638 ratings

The gripping third book in the internationally acclaimed series by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.

Detective Tracy Crosswhite has a skill, and a soft spot, for tackling unsolved crimes. Having lost her own sister to murder at a young age, Tracy has dedicated her career to bringing justice and closure to the families and friends of victims of crime.

So when Jenny, a former police academy classmate and protégé, asks Tracy to help solve a cold case that involves the suspicious suicide of a Native American high school girl forty years earlier, Tracy agrees. Following up on evidence Jenny’s detective father collected when he was the investigating deputy, Tracy probes one small town’s memory and finds dark, well-concealed secrets hidden within the community’s fabric. Can Tracy uphold the promise she’s made to the dead girl’s family and deliver the truth of what happened to their daughter? Or will she become the next victim?

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 3 of 12
    Tracy Crosswhite
  2. Print length
    392 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Thomas & Mercer
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    17 May 2016
  7. File size
    5.2 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 12 books in this series.
Popular highlights in this book
What are Popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. That was the problem with crowing too loudly. You gave away your position and made yourself vulnerable.
    Highlighted by 353 Kindle readers
  2. “The Four Ironmen?” “Eric Reynolds, Hastey Devoe, Archie Coe, and Darren Gallentine.”
    Highlighted by 251 Kindle readers
  3. Emily Rodriguez, fifty-seven, lived one house to the north of Tim and Angela Collins’s home.
    Highlighted by 220 Kindle readers
Next page

Product description

Review

“Dugoni’s third Tracy Crosswhite novel (after Her Final Breath) continues his series’s standard of excellence with superb plotting and skillful balancing of the two story lines. ­VERDICT: New readers can enjoy this as a stand-alone; they and series fans will be captivated by the issues and foibles that drive Tracy and strengthen her resolve.” —Library Journal, Starred Review

“Tracy is a well-crafted character...Readers of the first two books will enjoy this one, and, because it can be read as a stand-alone, newcomers can jump right in.” —Booklist

“Dugoni has become one of the best crime novelists in the business...Dugoni brings humor, emotional resonance, and gripping prose to his entire cast of characters. Newcomers will seek out the previous two novels in the series, and readers of the earlier entries will love this one as well.” —RT Book Reviews, Top Pick

“[Robert Dugoni] tops himself in the darkly brilliant and mesmerizing In the Clearing, an ironically apt title for a tale in which nothing at all is clear...Dugoni, once known for Grisham-esque legal thrillers, continues to expand his considerable talents on a much broader canvas, staking out a claim to literary relevance established by the likes of Tony Hillerman and John D. MacDonald. Clearly not to be missed.” —Providence Rhode Island Journal

“In the Clearing is Dugoni’s third crime novel featuring the Seattle homicide detective. Tracy Crosswhite returns in a well plotted narrative that presents readers with a complex and engrossing story to keep them turning the pages to the last. Recommended for all fans of modern detective fiction.” —AuthorLink

“Not to be missed. The characters and case will draw you in and hold you til the last page.” —Night Owl Reviews

About the Author

Robert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite series, which has sold more than seven million books worldwide; the David Sloane series; the Charles Jenkins series; the stand-alone novels The 7th Canon, Damage Control, The World Played Chess, and The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, for which he won an AudioFile Earphones Award for narration; and the nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary, a Washington Post best book of the year. He is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Book Award for fiction and has twice won the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel. He is a two-time finalist for the International Thriller Awards and a finalist for the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, the Silver Falchion Award for mystery, and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Awards. His books are sold in more than twenty-five countries and have been translated into more than two dozen languages. Visit his website at www.robertdugonibooks.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B013UVNZ7A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas & Mercer
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 17 May 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 392 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1503985612
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 12 ‏ : ‎ Tracy Crosswhite
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 57,638 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Robert Dugoni

Robert Dugoni

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Robert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series set in Seattle, which has sold more than 10 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, the Keera Duggan legal thriller series, and several stand-alone novels including the literary novel, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell - One of Newsweek Magazines Best Books of All Time and Suspense Magazine’s Book of the Year. Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also written critically acclaimed historical novels based on true events: The World Played Chess a coming of age story and the Vietnam War; Hold Strong an untold story of WWII; and A Killing on the Hill, about a 1933 killing and trial in Seattle. HIs nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary, was a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. His novels have been optioned for movies and television series. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Award for Fiction and multiple awards for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has also been a finalist for many other awards including the International Thriller Award, the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, the Silver Falchion Award for mystery, and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award.

Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than forty countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.

Visit his website and follow him on Amazon, Goodreads, twitter, Facebook, Tik Tok and other social media sites.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
57,638 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book's storyline engaging and well-written, with one review noting it can be read as a stand-alone. Moreover, they appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the realistic portrayal of characters with human flaws, and the detailed forensics that keep readers interested. Additionally, the detective story features interesting twists, and customers describe it as captivating and addictive. However, the pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it fast-paced while others say it's slow to get going.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

198 customers mention ‘Storyline’198 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it well written and engaging from the first chapter, with one customer noting how it kept them reading.

"...Also, the books are really good and you’d be missing out. I thoroughly enjoyed this and book 2, but the first book probably still has the edge...." Read more

"The Tracy Crosswhite stories never disappoint. Complex and engaging plots unwind at a steady credible pace. Nothing is forced or out of place...." Read more

"I like all Robert Dugoni books, very descriptive and good plots. Will be buying yet another. Seattle area sounds nice." Read more

"A really good read" Read more

36 customers mention ‘Character development’36 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one review noting they are real people with weaknesses and foibles rather than superheroes.

"...Nothing is forced or out of place. Populated by many likeable characters that you want to spend time with. Another winner for Robert Dugoni." Read more

"Book 3 in the Crosswhite series and more personnel characterisation and development. Two unconnected cases separated by many years...." Read more

"...I really liked the characters of Sam and Adele. They were lovely folks...." Read more

"...Good character development and an engaging plot line . Couple of red herrings to keep the interest going ...." Read more

36 customers mention ‘Writing quality’36 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its good vocabulary and readability, with one customer highlighting how the author skillfully brings the story to life.

"This is the third book in the series and while it could be read as a standalone, I would advise you to read the first two books as it will give you..." Read more

"I like all Robert Dugoni books, very descriptive and good plots. Will be buying yet another. Seattle area sounds nice." Read more

"...by revealing too much about the plot but Robert Dugoni's style of writing is so effective that as I read it I found myself reminiscing about my high..." Read more

"Overall excellent writing as always & fascinating plot with interesting twists... There was a different feel to this than previous books, possibly..." Read more

32 customers mention ‘Detective story’26 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the detective story in the book, praising its interesting twists and great detective work, with one customer highlighting how it takes you on a journey to solve the case.

"...I found the cold case far more interesting to follow as Tracy Crosswhite and her colleagues use current developments in forensic science to uncover..." Read more

"Overall excellent writing as always & fascinating plot with interesting twists... There was a different feel to this than previous books, possibly..." Read more

"...Not too much procedural detail, enough forensic data to flesh out how science assists the investigation...." Read more

"...A good gritty plot keeping you guessing until the end. All loose ends tied up; the same un rushed ending as in the earlier books...." Read more

23 customers mention ‘Interest’23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, describing it as captivating and addictive, with one customer noting it kept their attention from start to finish.

"...long to reach its conclusion and became a bit repetitive, its an interesting and well plotted story...." Read more

"...Couple of red herrings to keep the interest going . The rest of this series awaits me and I doubt that I will be disappointed." Read more

"...about a past case which she has agreed to look into for a friend is intriguing...." Read more

"The book provides us with 2 main sub plots this time, both as intriguing. As always you are kept gripped as to what secrets may be uncovered!..." Read more

17 customers mention ‘Detail’17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed content, particularly its mind-blowing forensics and complex narrative, with one customer noting how it keeps readers guessing until the end.

"The Tracy Crosswhite stories never disappoint. Complex and engaging plots unwind at a steady credible pace. Nothing is forced or out of place...." Read more

"...Great plotting and descriptions. Several characters were described as looking like famous people and I think that's a bit lazy!..." Read more

"...in the Tracy Crosswhite series and I must say all three have been consistent . Good character development and an engaging plot line ...." Read more

"...The detail and the forensics was mind blowing.... the skill of putting this into words was impressive...." Read more

12 customers mention ‘Gripping content’12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content gripping, with one mentioning it keeps readers on their toes from start to finish.

"Once again I was thoroughly hooked and could not put it down...." Read more

"This series of books keeps me gripped to the end...." Read more

"I loved this book, l couldn't put it down. From the very start it kept me gripped...." Read more

"...Even cleverer murders. You are kept on your toes from beginning to end. You also learn a lot of forensics, tracking and analysis along the way." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Pace’5 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced while others say it's slow to get going.

"...Complex and engaging plots unwind at a steady credible pace. Nothing is forced or out of place...." Read more

"...focuses on the legacy case and, although it kind of takes too long to reach its conclusion and became a bit repetitive, its an interesting and well..." Read more

"...this was a bonus ... two separate story lines, running concurrently through the novel, all for the price of one...." Read more

"...with modern forensics - the plot ambles sedately along and never develops any pace - I struggled to finish reading this book, too saccharin." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Mark
    5.0 out of 5 stars In the Clearing -
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 January 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This is the third book in the series and while it could be read as a standalone, I would advise you to read the first two books as it will give you the back story, that will help you understand some of the comments within this book. Also, the books are really good and you’d be missing out. I thoroughly enjoyed this and book 2, but the first book probably still has the edge. This one has two plot lines, the main one about Kimmi Kanasket, who committed suicide back in the 70s. Or did she? The second plot story was about Angela and Connor Collins, who both admitted to killing their husband/dad. Personally, I didn’t think that there needs to be the Collins plot line. The Kimmi story was the main story and would have easily stood alone as the only storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it’s another 5 out of 5 from me.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • David Sherrington
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 December 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The Tracy Crosswhite stories never disappoint. Complex and engaging plots unwind at a steady credible pace. Nothing is forced or out of place. Populated by many likeable characters that you want to spend time with. Another winner for Robert Dugoni.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars good book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 March 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I like all Robert Dugoni books, very descriptive and good plots. Will be buying yet another. Seattle area sounds nice.
    Helpful
     Report
  • LarryT
    5.0 out of 5 stars A really good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 March 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A really good read
    Helpful
     Report
  • Adrian Dooley
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good but slightly flawed
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 June 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Book 3 in the series and a solid addition with some minor flaws.

    Here Tracy is having a look at an old case which involved the death of a young Native American girl.
    The initial investigation 40 years ago ruled it a suicide but the investigation was sparse to say the least and when Tracy visits the surviving family they have never accepted that their loved one would take her own life.

    A file left in the personal belongings of the recently deceased beat cop who was called to the initial missing person call, raises a lot of questions about the case and also shows he was convinced there was foul play.

    There is also a present day investigation where a mother and son have called 911 with their estranged father and husband shot in the back, lying dead in the house. Are they telling the truth? Was it self defense or did one of them murder him?

    So this was very enjoyable overall. The main bulk of the book focuses on the legacy case and, although it kind of takes too long to reach its conclusion and became a bit repetitive, its an interesting and well plotted story.

    The present day story I found a little bizarre. It takes centre stage of the book more or less from the off and then is completely forgotten about until the very end of the book. It felt like the author had completely overlooked the story and only remembered it after he had concluded the legacy story.
    It felt like the book was finished and then the present day storys resolution was tacked on the end in a hurry.

    Still an enjoyable read overall,

    3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Paul S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great crime novel from Robert Dugoni with two separate story lines for you to enjoy.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 July 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoy these Tracy Crosswhite crime stories by Robert Dugoni, especially as one can read them as 'stand alone' novels. 'In the Clearing' has a terrific plot; we follow Tracy Crosswhite & her colleagues as they investigate two crimes, one of which occurred 40 years ago. I hadn't expected two separate story lines from reading the description about the book on Amazon, but as far as I am concerned, this was a bonus ... two separate story lines, running concurrently through the novel, all for the price of one.
    I particularly enjoyed the 'cold case' story-line. I won't spoil your enjoyment by revealing too much about the plot but Robert Dugoni's style of writing is so effective that as I read it I found myself reminiscing about my high school days in Canada in the late 1960s (even though this story is set in northern USA and the mid 1970s)! The cold case story features more prominently in the book than the case set in the modern day and I think the book is the better for this. I found the cold case far more interesting to follow as Tracy Crosswhite and her colleagues use current developments in forensic science to uncover new evidence that would not have been available forty years earlier. The only (minor) criticism I would have is the convenience of having so much evidence available to work with 40 years on. The second case takes a different angle as Tracy and her colleagues attempt to discover if the person who has admitted to a murder actually committed it or if they were covering up for the actions of someone else. Sorry, but you'll have to read the story to find out.
    So overall, another terrific book from Robert Dugoni that I hope you will find as enjoyable to read as I did.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Hertzog
    3.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Book 3 in the Crosswhite series and more personnel characterisation and development. Two unconnected cases separated by many years. The early chapters regularly flipped between the 1970’s and the present to the detriment of my enjoyment. I guessed the cold case criminal despite him being excluded from the narrative for most of the book. Not his best, but, well, look at the heading.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Fan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Different feel to this book...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 November 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Overall excellent writing as always & fascinating plot with interesting twists... There was a different feel to this than previous books, possibly due to the nature of Tracy's investigation into a cold case & how she had to handle it pretty much by herself...
    I felt the pacing of the book fell a bit flat in the middle & I had to force myself to keep on reading as I knew the payoff would be worth it...
    A bittersweet, moving ending & good premise for future books... On we go to the next one!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • LEE
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best novel in the Tracy Crosswhite series.
    Reviewed in the United States on 21 January 2025
    Verified Purchase
    In “The Academy: A Short Story”, readers are first introduced to police academy recruit Jenny Almond (nicknamed “Costco” because of her previous employment). I thought she was a one and done character, but Jenny is reintroduced to readers “In The Clearing”. If you intend to read “In The Clearing”, read “The Academy” first. It’s not totally necessary, but it does give some context to the relationship between Tracy Crosswhite and Jenny Almond.

    The primary story “In The Clearing” is the death of a Native American high school girl which was ruled as suicide. Almond’s father was the first responding officer who did not think it was a suicide. His doubts about the death being a suicide was overruled by his superiors so he did his own investigation and kept the file after it was closed. Years later, Almond dies and his daughter finds her dad’s investigation file. Jenny Almond ask Crosswhite if she could review the “cold file”. The circumstances reminds Crosswhite of her sister’s murder so she takes a personally interest in the case. With new technology and experts to review the file, Crosswhite determines that the suicide was a premeditated murder. She now has to prove it.

    The other storyline is a domestic violence murder of an estranged husband committed by either the wife or their teenage son. Is it a case of self-defense? Is it a staged crime scene? Who did what, when and why becomes the unanswered questions that Crosswhite and her partner need to resolve.

    I’ve read several novels by Robert Dugoni. I like the Crosswhite series and I found “In The Clearing” to be one of his best so far. The characters are so realistic especially the four high school football players. I knew guys like that in high school.
    Report
  • Satisfied customer.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner
    Reviewed in Canada on 30 June 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great investigation in both cases. Dugoni has the ability to bring a good crime investigation to full circle, with complete closure, something we all need at times.
    Thank you for good language skills. ie there are more adjectives in the English language than the F word, or taking the Lord's name and abusing it.
    Report
  • Anna K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Très bon livre - excellente série
    Reviewed in France on 15 August 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Tout comme les 2 premiers livres, je l'ai dévoré en quelques jours. L'intrigue est vraiment très bien et on s'attache aux personnages. A ce rythme, je vais finir le 4e tome juste à temps pour la sortie du 5e !
    Report
  • Therese Höpfner
    5.0 out of 5 stars A really terrific book!
    Reviewed in Germany on 5 October 2018
    Verified Purchase
    It was almost impossible to put this book down. I enjoyed every minute of the story, which was sad,but also showed that there are people out there who care.
    Report
  • 新しもの好き
    3.0 out of 5 stars 普通に楽しめます
    Reviewed in Japan on 25 May 2016
    Verified Purchase
    シアトルで刑事をしているトレイシー・クロスホワイトは若くして殺された妹サラの事件が迷宮入りしているのでコールドケースには敏感になっている、というのが伏線で話が始まる。ＤＶから父親を射殺したという母息子の事件を抱えていたが、警察学校時代の親友で今はワシントン クリキタット郡で保安官のジェニー・アーモンドから電話をもらった。ジェニーが父親バズの遺品を整理していたら分厚いファイルがあり、４０年前当地で入水自殺とされた先住民族の娘キムは実は殺人ではないか、と当時副保安官だったバズが独自に集めた詳細な現場写真など捜査資料だった。トレイシーは手持ちの事件捜査を同僚たちに任せてクリキタットに駆けつけた。キムの父は存命で再捜査を受け入れたが弟はいまさら平穏を乱すなと怒る。当時フットボールの花形選手４名を輩出したことで街中が浮かれており、先住民の死など洟もひっかけられなかったが、バズのファイル写真にタイヤ痕と彼らのクルマの損傷修理の履歴などがありトレイシーが４人を追跡すると、自殺したり精神異常になったりした者がいることがわかった。作者は丁寧にトレイシーの心の動きを描き、決して強引な立ち回りをさせないという爽やかさを保っている。４０年前に飛ぶお膳立てとして現在の事件を巻頭におっ立てたのでこの件が尻すぼみで消えてしまったという消化不良が残った。この著者は律義な人で巻末の謝辞が５ページにもおよんで名前を書き連ねているが、これってそんなに大層な作品なのかなあ・・
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report