Last Words

Last #2

by Mariah Stewart

From New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart comes a novel of sexy romantic suspense for fans of Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter, and Karen Robards.THIS KILLER TAKES THEIR BREATH AWAY. A nine-year veteran of the FBI, special agent Mia Shields thinks she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for the terror that descends upon the idyllic bayside community of St. Dennis, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where a depraved killer has left a grisly surprise for Chief of Police Gabriel the body of an unidentified woman, naked and completely encased in plastic wrap, stretched across the back-seat of Beck’s car. Hidden in the wrapping is a tape recording of the victim’s last, gasping words, terrifying evidence of the horror endured at the hands of a madman. Soon the body count begins to rise as more victims are found, all gruesomely cocooned, their final pleas also captured on tape. Determined to catch the sadistic killer, Beck and Mia team up and set a trap–with Mia as bait. But their prey is closer than they ever could have imagined. Now Beck must race against time to save Mia from becoming the next victim of a serial killer as elusive as he is evil. This edition includes an excerpt from Mariah Stewart's Last Breath.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Crime

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published June 26, 2007

About the author

Mariah Stewart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of forty-one novels and three novellas and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. She is a RITA finalist in romantic suspense and the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO Award for excellence in women's fiction, and a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. A three-time winner of the Golden Leaf Award presented by the New Jersey Romance Writers, Stewart was recently awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award (which placed her in their Hall of Fame along with former recipients Nora Roberts and Mary Jo Putney — very excellent company, indeed!)

After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police chief Gabriel Beck fears that a serial killer resides in his small bayside tourist town of St. Dennis, Maryland. Mia Shields is the troubled FBI agent assigned to assist Beck in his search for the killer.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. The characters were likable, the killer was sick and twisted, and the story moved along at just the right pace so I never got bored. However, those looking for romance with their suspense may be disappointed since the book keeps its focus on the investigation instead of romance. The lack of romance didn't bother me and the story kept me entertained and guessing as to the killer's identity throughout.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am glad to see these works originally published in 2007 come to audio. This is the second standalone in the Last trilogy but also part of the John Mancini series. The story takes place in the coastal community of St. Dennis, situated along the Bayside of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Chief of Police Gabriel Beck is dealing with missing person cases when the first victim is left on her parent’s front porch wrapped in cellophane. Inside, the police find a recording of the victim’s last moments. The second body is left in Beck’s backseat and that’s when he calls in the FBI. Agent Mia Shields arrives and the story that unfolds was suspenseful with a side of romance.

Like Nora Roberts or Karin Slaughter, Stewart weaves a suspenseful murder-mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat despite guessing the killer early on. Stewart delivered plenty of red-herrings and twists that made discovering all the details enjoyable.

The romance which was served on the side felt genuine. I liked both Mia and Beck. They worked well together, and the budding relationship felt genuine. Those looking for heavier romantic aspect might be disappointed.

The story really picked up at the midway point. I really liked FBI profiler Anne Marie McCall, who was called in. I am told she is in previous books, which has me tempted to look for stories with her.

Last Words was an enjoyable story despite my early discovery of the villain. I wouldn’t call these re-readable, but great library picks.

Traci Odem did a stellar job with the narration. Her voices and tone felt authentic and enhanced my overall enjoyment of the tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book from 2007, Gabriel Beck is Chief of Police in tourist town St. Dennis, Maryland. A few women have gone missing in a several mile area around St. Dennis. The first body is left on her parents front porch, cocooned in clear plastic wrap to suffocate. The killer puts an audio tape of the final words inside the wrapping. The second body is left in the back seat of Beck's Jeep in the same condition. Beck calls in the FBI and Agent Mia Shields responds. The hunt is on.

Oh, how I love my serial killer books! I appreciated the writing style that made this book easy to read. I liked both main characters Beck and Mia, although Mia drinks an awful lot of wine. Although I figured out who the killer was very early on, I really enjoyed this book.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was great! By far one of the best Mariah Stewart books. I sincerely wish she'd go back to writing murder mysteries. For those of you who have followed her Chesapeake Diaries series, you'll especially enjoy this one since it takes place in St. Dennis with the familiar cast from the later novels.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this today. One of many of hers I've read now. Don't know if it was my mood but, at the beginning, the process the killer used was too graphic for me. I also found it annoying that every female of significance had to be "pretty." At the very end, she at least did not abuse a possible comment about looks from the Chief of police.

Other than that, she generally writes well and her books usually move quickly, as is the case with this one. As is common through her books, there's always a romantic element (low keyed enough that it doesn't bother an anti-romantic read such as I), but this one was done in a way I liked, especially the end. To say more would be saying too much--but for the "romantic" readers, it'll probably be a disappointing ending, I suppose.

I've already got Last Breath, the third of this trilogy, from the library and will begin reading that soon.

Having started going through her books in order of publication, I would advise all to do the same. Even though the individual sets are independent of one another in story, the FBI agents' stories do impose a chronology that is better when read in order.

[Roz Curney-Sherod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book in the "Last" series. Honestly, I enjoyed the first book, " Last Look" much better. I was able to guess who the killer was fairly early in this story but the plot was enjoyable enough to continue the story to find out the why and there were enough twists and red herrings thrown in to hold your interest and make you want to continue.

Our main characters "Mia Shields" FBI and "Gabriel Beck" local Chief of Police had a very professional relationship and it was interesting to see if they will have a fling or start a serious relationship. But with our Psycho, (which I loved knowing his POV), they were kept way too busy for the romantic angle. Very clever how the killer disposed of his victims. I recommend reading this one and it doesn't have to be read in series order, each book can stand alone.

[Shannon Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have loved all of Mariah's books so far. This one had me turning the pages quickly to find out who the killer was. I won't spoil it for you, but I was about to whip out a notepad and start taking notes on each possible suspect I was so into it!!

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contrary to a lot of the reviews regarding this novel, I found it to be entertaining and interesting. Yes, I did spot the villain early on, but the work of learning who he was (by the protagonists) and capturing him was relatively well done. Also what is better than chick lit that isn't?

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave Mariah Stewart another try because the plot sounded promising. Frankly, I was bored. I figured out who the killer was halfway through and that's basically when the plot started anyways.

[Suequeenofchaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It was one of those books you just can't put down. It kept you guessing right till the end. Will be looking to checking out some more of Mariah Stewart's books.

[Julia Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book, where the main characters were nicely fleshed out and the supporting characters were introduced but not dwelt upon. This made it fairly simple to keep track of the story without having to stop and reintroduce myself to whoever was in a particular scene (especially if they were not mentioned for much of the story). And, like most books that I give four or more stars to, the serial killer was NOT the character that I was expecting, although it made sense when motive was revealed. Quick read, surprise ending, and excitement over finding another author that I like - well worth my time : )

[Linda Fast · Rating 4 out of 5]

The community of St. Dennis is in shock as bodies of young women are found dead, wrapped in plastic wrap. Mia Shields, special FBI Agent has been called in to aid the police chief Gabriel Beck. Mayor Pratt's son is dating Beck's sister who is also suspected by Beck to be the killer. When a FBI profile agent is brought in, a town meeting is called and she tells the community what traits the murderer possesses. This infuriates the killer and then a female cop goes missing and as Mia searches for her she finds something she never suspected.

[Christie Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Words

Mia Shields gets called in for help on a serial killer and gets more than she bargained for. From not only the hot chief of police Gabriel Beck but from the killer himself.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great mystery suspense story. My only complain: there were no romance, zip, zero.

[Timmy Cham · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was okay--the writing kept me engaged for 300 pages. The ending was satisfying and the "big reveal" of the killer was a bit surprising.

[M Kathy Sidaway]

Fun series of books - I enjoy the plot lines, action and reoccuring characters.

[Lorrie Ann Schaefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

L

[Grace Filetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but figured out the serial killer about half way thru. I kept hoping the book was going to surprise me but alas not. Still a good story.

[Mindy Cossins · Rating 4 out of 5]

almost to many details about what the killer did to victims

[Brent Seheult · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written. It had mystery, suspense, and true who done it. Who could it be that is killing you women in the manner that this person is? Great page Turner.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reminded me of criminal minds. I would only read this series in October but it does have me hooked until the very end

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I figured out who did it but it was a really good read.

[Agatha Glowacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid but nothing special

[Dotti Elrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I was a little disappointed by the last couple of FBI books by Mariah Stewart, the mystery/thriller aspect of them was just missing for me. This book has brought it back. It was great.
Gabriel Beck is the police chief of the small bay town of St. Dennis Maryland. When he gets a call from a neighboring towns police chief needing help. What they find is stunning to say the least. The body of a missing girl has been found on her family's front porch. Wrapped in plastic. These small towns have never seen anything like this before. And it becomes evident that this killer is no amateur. With two other young women missing in the general area, the police fear where and how they will turn up.
When the second body turns up in the back of Beck's personal car, he knows he's in over his head. He takes it upon himself to call in the FBI for help.
The FBI sends the only agent within close driving range of the small town. Mia Shields. One of the "Shields Clan". Her whole family has been involved with the FBI. Her father, uncle, her three brothers and her three cousins. Throughout the FBI series' we have met most of the Shields. We've been told the story of the death of one cousin by one of Mia's own brothers who had gone rogue. He not only killed his own cousin but also one of his own brothers wives, before he himself was killed. Mia is still trying to come to terns with how a member of her own family could have gone so bad. She feels responsible, she should have known something was wrong.
Together, Beck and Mia along with a brief appearance from our favorite FBI profiler Anne Marie McCall, piece together a picture of who they are looking for. Annie believes this killer is local, probably living right there in town and watching their every move.
This book has a great storyline, suspense and lots of twists and turns. As in all her books I love her characters. She is so good at developing great characters. What has been in every other book, the romance, was almost non existent in this book. But the story doesn't suffer because of it. She does point you in a direction that the characters may be going in the future, but nothing is spelled out for you.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book in the Last Series (which must be attached to an earlier series) follows the only daughter in the Shields family, Mia. She's still pretty devastated by her brother's betrayal and taking heaps of her own blame for it. She's pulled into a case in a small town where a man is kidnapping, raping and suffocating women and the local police force, led by Chief Beck, is struggling to solve it. Beck has his own problems stemming from his family. Together, with the help of profiler Anne McCall, they need to find him before he kills again.

This is pretty much straight up suspense. Unlike the previous book, there's a bit more danger involved in the case and the mystery is pretty good. It was down to several suspects and the author did try to throw a red herring into the mix, but it wasn't very believable...easy to recognize it for what it was. The characters, as intriguing as they were, felt kind of flat. I wanted them to have more depth. We learn about all the characters troubles, but I found myself wondering, "so what?" There was no purpose to it really, since nothing is resolved with the characters themselves (the case obviously is resolved). It seems that the author is fond of an ambiguous, open-ended ending - where the characters sort of suggest where they might be headed, but nothing is set in stone. I prefer a bit more of a clear-cut conclusion. It was an engaging read, but nothing spectacular or memorable. And absolutely no romance - a bit of subtle feelings between the characters, but just as easily considered a friendship between them.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tight, tense story, without the usual sexual titillation or professional animosity between FBI and local constabulary. Both Mia and Gabe have skeletons in their closets and a little too much reference is made to people not in the story and events happening before the story begins, which made me want to know more about them. Is this novel part of a series? Should I get the others to be fully in the know about this book? Some of the things mentioned actually sounded more interesting than what was going on here.

Nevertheless, Last Words is a good read, entertaining and suspenseful. There are few clues to give away who the killer is until the actual capture. In view of the events happenings just before his arrest, his identity is a bit of a shock. HINT: Out of all the “persons of interest,” he’s the least one you’d suspect. I think anyone who likes police stories which are heavy on characterization will enjoy this one.

[Anne Hartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty creepy - a serial murderer would abduct women, keep them for a few weeks (and torture them...but thankfully, none of it was graphically detailed), then he would wrap them in Saran wrap and leave them around town. This all happened in an area of 4 small towns, and the local police forces worked together on the cases. One of them (Beck) called in the FBI for assistance...
The author did a great job of leading me towards thinking that 'this' character or 'that' character was the killer...many of the characters fit the profile, so it was a guessing game for a while.
It was pretty good...not the best book I have read, but it kept my interest.

[Marca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel Beck, Chief of Police of small town St. Dennis on the Maryland shore, calls for help from the FBI when the plastic-wrap cocooned bodies of missing young women start turning up in his town. Agent Mia Shields arrives and the hunt is on. Mia and a FBI profiler strongly believe that the killer is local and someone everyone knows. Mia openly challenges the killer during a press conference. The problem is that the man described by an expert FBI profiler fits many of the men who live in the town. Who could it be? I figured out the killer quickly, but wasn’t sure until the end. Liked the characters. There is probably romance in the future for Beck and Mia.

[Ayu Wirdha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mirip2 dgn tipe novel Beverly Barton, polisi daerah yg meminta bantuan FBI utk mengusut kasus pembunuhan yg disertai dgn penculikan, rape, penyiksaan yg krnungkinan pelakunya adalah org yg familier. Sy suka dgn kerjasama, karakter antara Amy & Beck, mengalir ga monoton atau datar walaupun di akhir cerita mereka baru akan berhubungan jadi tdk ada kiss2 atau apapun. Tp balik lg sy selalu membandingkam dgn Eve Dallas (JD Robb) dari insting, kemampuan menghadapi para penjahat, rasa hati2 & itu beda jauh misalnya dgn Amy yg dengan mudahnya terpedaya oleh si pembunuh dgn masuk ke lokasi penyekapan seorang diri tanpa meminta bantuan polisi lain.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, A Very HAPPy Ending :-)