2026 Reading Challenge
Last Seen Alive (Ellery Hathaway, #5)

Questions About Last Seen Alive (Ellery Hathaway, #5)

by Joanna Schaffhausen (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (2)

are we really supposed to believe that ellery and coben's story is so fascinating—apparently the most fascinating serial killer story in the history of serial killers—that at least one movie, tv special, or book is released *every single year* since his capture? really? for 15 or so years and counting?
Joanna Schaffhausen You are welcome to believe whatever you like! :) But this really is a thing in the USA, where we remain fascinated by serial killers and tell their st…moreYou are welcome to believe whatever you like! :) But this really is a thing in the USA, where we remain fascinated by serial killers and tell their stories over and over again. There have, for example, been more than 20 TV shows and movies made about Ted Bundy in the past five years. Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, it's more like 7. Dennis Rader, aka BTK, around 10. All more than one per year, and this isn't even counting podcasts or books, of which there are a dozen for each of these guys. Killers who targeted young white women, as Coben mostly did, tend to get more publicity. The thirst for retellings does appear to be nearly endless.

Ellery is very loosely inspired by Carol DaRonch, who was 18 and shopping at a mall when she was abducted by Bundy. She had the good fortune to escape him, and in doing so, became the beginning of Bundy's end. As a living victim, she could provide details that allowed the law enforcement agencies across state lines to start putting pieces together. This was more than 40 years ago and Bundy was executed in 1989. But every time his story is retold, which it is, several times per year, we as a society haul poor Carol out to tell her story. Or someone plays her in the movie. She still gets around 15 messages per day about Bundy. Imagine you're 18 and you have your whole life in front of you. Then you are lucky enough to survive a famous serial killer, and now the rest of your life is tied to his story. That's what these books are exploring. How do you become your own person when the only thing people ever want to talk to you about is the man who nearly killed you?(less)
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Do I need to read the other books in the series before I read this one?
CarolG This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading at least the first book. I did and Book 5 was like a continuation.
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