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Your Last Breath

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American misfit, Raymond Lang, has always dreamed of writing a suspenseful thriller. The problem is, whenever he’s tried to write about the gruesome murder scenes he needs for his book, a fog-like curtain descends in his mind preventing him from seeing the crimes clearly.

A chance meeting with an old flame reveals a way to solve his writer’s block. In fulfilling her astonishing request, he’s surprised to find his creativity is released and the chapters flow smoothly. It doesn’t last long though. If he wants to continue his writing, he has to unleash his dark side and kill again.

Now, the police are on his tail, but he won’t stop this blood-lust until his novel is completed. Can he finish and publish it before he’s caught? Even more to the point, how many victims will he have to claim to do it?

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2015

4 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Carole Parkes

3 books59 followers
Carole Parkes is a wife of 51 years, a mother of three sons, and a grandmother. She first ventured into writing in 1985 when her children were still at home. She wrote a series of children's books, some short stories, and a novel 'Tissue of Lies'.

Much later, she became interested in her roots, so she stopped writing fiction and for many years wrote about her family's history instead.

Caring for her elderly parents and her husband, who had suffered a serious heart attack at the age of forty-three, took up a huge chunk of her middle years. After her parents both passed away, aged ninety-seven and ninety-four, Carole rewrote 'Tissue of Lies' to bring it up to date and self published it as an eBook on Amazon. Tissue of Lies is doing well averaging 4.3 star reviews and is due out in paperback during March 2017.

Now she has a second eBook, co-authored with Doug Lafuze. 'Your Last Breath' is a much darker thriller than her first one, and it has been well received with 10 out its 12 reviews attracting 5 stars on Amazon. It has just been published in paperback format, and is available now from Amazon and other major book stores.

Please follow Carole by copying and pasting the following addresses into your search box.
WEBSITE
http://carolec55.wordpress.com
FACEBOOK
http://fb.me/CaroleParkesAuthor
TWITTER
http://twitter.com/CaroleParkes1

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5 stars
23 (65%)
4 stars
7 (20%)
3 stars
3 (8%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Grant Leishman.
Author 15 books148 followers
September 23, 2019
Your Last Breath co-authored by Carole Parkes and Doug Lafuze takes the reader on a wild ride through the warped mind of a serial killer. American Raymond Lang was a "wannabe" author writing his first novel about a serial killer. Raymond's big problem was although he could picture the serial killer's acts and plot motivations he was struggling to get them down on paper. What he discovered was that performing the acts themselves was what was needed to break the writer's block he was experiencing. With police on his tail in America and an FBI agent with a personal stake in one of his murders, Raymond decides the time has come to leave the States. With a suitcase full of money, courtesy of his Grandfather's inheritance, Raymond relocates to London where he plans to finish the book and become a successful author. The same problem he faced in America resurfaces in London, as he finds the only way he can write is to keep killing and keep creating his plot in reality.
When Raymond's latest victim turns out to be a lovely woman who is also related to a private detective, things begin to close in on the ever elusive Raymond. Throw in a cheating and vicious British politician who gets caught up in the action and you have all the makings of a fascinating criminal chase story and suspenseful drama.
As an author of co-written books myself, I fully understand the difficulties inherent in such an enterprise. The two authors here have combined magnificently to create a suspenseful story but also a sweet tale of family and romantic love. The juxtaposition of the murderous viciousness of Raymond Lang and the loving, morally sound, and determined private detective Alex, probably shouldn't work but it absolutely does and it is Alex's side of the story that softens the absolute horror and harshness of Raymond Lang's heinous crimes and actually makes the story readable. The idea of using two different voices for the main characters was also an inspired choice. Initially I thought it wouldn't work well but I was wrong. Having the villain Raymond Lang write in the first person drew the reader into believing they were participating alongside Lang in his violent killing spree, whereas having the other characters written in third person allowed us to take a breather from being inside that evil man's head.
I loved the fact that the authors deliberately chose to leave a wide opening for a sequel to the story and I, for one, really hope they follow up with that. Your Last Breath, as a read, was indeed a "breath" of fresh air for this jaded reader and one I can highly recommend to all and sundry. This is a cleverly written book, well edited and one that rollicks along, at times, like a train out of control. Kudos to the two authors.
Profile Image for Marcia Clayton.
Author 7 books54 followers
January 6, 2024
This book is a spine-chilling read and not for the faint-hearted! The story is told from two different points of view – one of a private investigator and the other of a serial killer, which works well in this novel. The killer, Raymond Lang, longs to write a best-selling thriller but suffers from writer’s block. However, after his first murder, he finds that the euphoria he feels after breathing in his victim’s last breath cures his problem, and the words flow. There are many twists and turns and many graphic descriptions as the murderer goes on a killing spree. It is a well-written novel that will hold your attention from the first page to the last. Recommended!
291 reviews15 followers
August 25, 2023
A chilling tale!

This is a shocking and compelling read. The author has done an amazing job in creating this book.
When Raymond Lang sets out to write a murder mystery, the only way he can find inspiration is by becoming a serial killer himself, with terrible consequences for his victims.
I won't say anymore so as not to write any spoilers.
Read this, it's spine chilling, but brilliant!
Profile Image for Amanda Sheridan.
Author 8 books171 followers
July 25, 2025
Your Last Breath is an absolute page-turner. I couldn’t stop reading it until I’d finished.
We have a serial killer who’s a wannabe author, but he can only get inspiration to write when he claims another victim.
There is also a well-known politician embroiled in a sordid affair, a blackmail plot with both a private investigator and a ‘fixer’ who are dealing with the blackmail but get caught up in the hunt for the killer.
I love a serial killer story, especially one where it’s partially from his POV and this one is so well-written and well-executed.
Highly recommended.
523 reviews27 followers
May 8, 2023
Under the pretence of penning his debut novel, Raymond Lang is a serial killer who uses his victims to capture the experience of seeing someone die with as much accuracy as possible so that it can then be used in graphic detail in his book. The killing of his victims inspires his writing and so its continued!
A captivating and intense thriller which grips you from the start. The graphic detail of each scene, gory or not, helps your minds eye easily see everything as its played out. The characters develop really well and the storyline progresses, keeping the suspense alive and the interest high. I love how the chapters flit from one character to another giving updates on their current state of play so you see everything from each perspective. Great novel, thoroughly recommended.
Profile Image for Kerry Cahill.
160 reviews5 followers
September 26, 2016
Wow!!!!!

Absolutely fantastic book!!!
A gripping game of cat and mouse, so much suspense!
I couldn't get enough of this book... I hope there is a sequel.
Great lead characters and a maniac who will get what he wants, regardless of the mess he leaves behind.
One of the best books I've read for a while!!
Loved it!!!
Profile Image for Susan Hawthorne.
Author 9 books29 followers
March 31, 2019
. Hawthorne
So realistic, it will make you look under the bed at night!
If you love to be scared out of your socks, this book is IT. The juxtaposition between the killer and his victims is wrenching. The way his mind works to lead him to carry out his urge to kill is fascinating. Well written and frightening, the author is quite a craftsman
Profile Image for Kim Page.
321 reviews15 followers
May 21, 2018
A heart racing thriller keeping me on the edge the whole way through! Not a big fan of cliffhangers...that said there is one so be prepared. It is the only reason I didn't give 5th star! Sorry :/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lucas W Mayberry.
Author 3 books36 followers
January 5, 2024
Thrills, Chills and Blood Spills

The lives of a serial killer, a corrupt politician, his hired goon, a private detective and an illegal immigrant all collide in this hectic, horrifying and gory serial killer thriller. Told partly from the serial killer’s perspective, Ray is an indie author himself working on a serial killer story but when he gets crippling writers block he discovers he can only overcome it by killing women in increasingly bloody violent ways. When one of his unwitting victims is a young woman who was trying to blackmail a politician by filming their sexual dalliances the politician in question thinks Ray must have the incriminating evidence of his exploits so he hires a muscle bound goon and a private detective, Alex, to track him down before the police can. But when one of Alex’s relatives is killed it all becomes personal and a case of live or death for him and his family when Ray sets his sights on him. This was a superbly written story that had me gripped from the start. The narrative moved at a break neck speed as the lives of the characters intertwine with each other in a chaotic fashion. I know it’s only a few days into the new year but is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year and will stay with me for a while.
Profile Image for Christina Clarry.
Author 2 books35 followers
July 17, 2023
The opening chapters set the scene of brutal murders to come. The graphic details are not for the faint-hearted, and the book cover alone is a warning of the horrors awaiting inside. It is gruesome.
The plot is unique, and the main character is totally twisted.
Two writers collaborating is also unusual, and I wondered which writer was dominant as I had not read a previous book by either.
Descriptions of most of the victims through the eyes of the killer are somewhat similar, each being the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Perhaps this was to make the killer appear more deluded.
The switch between chapters headed by 'RL', the killer, written in the first person and the chapters written in the third person is cleverly mastered and makes a compelling read.
I was surprised by the ending which left the reader having to imagine how the penniless killer managed to reach Hawaii, but his arrival there gives the potential for a series.
Profile Image for Tracey Gerrard.
Author 10 books70 followers
February 23, 2023
Edge-of-your-seat thriller!
Your Last Breath is told from dual points of view, one being a serial killer and the other a private investigator.
Raymond Land is an author who gets his kicks and storylines from bludgeoning his victims to death. Alex Renshaw is a private investigator who gets more than he bargains for when he takes on a job for a politician.
With well-written characters, and because the author has chosen to write from the killer’s point of view the description of the murders are vivid and gory. Amongst the carnage is a fantastic story with twists and turns as the race to catch the killer takes you on a suspenseful ride.
A gripping story from the beginning and doesn’t let up throughout the book.
If you like being kept on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend Your ‘Last Breath.’
Profile Image for C.A. Asbrey.
Author 12 books64 followers
October 4, 2021
This is a gripping book with a fascinating premise - a serial killer who finds that his crimes help him overcome his inability to write, and that his gruesome murders unblock his mental obstacles. It works, but he soon has the police and FBI on his tail. He flees to London, courtesy of a convenient inheritance to finance his trip. Unfortunately for him, his next victim is related to a private detective, and the chase is on. This is a gripping psychological thriller, with the humane detective a perfect foil for the venal, selfish killer. Really enjoyed this.
486 reviews11 followers
February 2, 2023
The serial killer is an author who will go to great lengths to finish his novel (ironically called "Your Last Breath" - makes you wonder). It's well written, so when you're in that author's head it's kind of creepy. It moves fast, and the characters are well-done and believable. In a world full of desperate would-be authors it wouldn't surprise me if a few of them went over the edge. If you can handle it, it's a great book.
Profile Image for A.R.E.M..
Author 2 books1 follower
March 7, 2021
In actuality, I didn't like it. I don't like books by Stephen King either. I read it because I'm familiar with the author. What a sick bastard...lol. But then so is Mr. King so my friend is in good company.
If you like stories with psychopathic serial killers, then by all means, read away. I just hope Mr. Lafluze and Carole Parkes write something more palatable for readers like me...or not.
Profile Image for Deborah McClatchey.
Author 20 books95 followers
October 20, 2021
I was drawn to this well-written and thrilling book because the many reviews were spine-tingling. Each killing this psychopath performs is more gruesome than the last, building in intensity as the story continues. This book is hard to put down, and no spoilers here! But what a surprise ending! Five stars for authors Carole Parkes and Doug Lafuze.
Profile Image for Anthony Hulse.
Author 40 books132 followers
March 28, 2023
The writing of this magnificent thriller was certainly different; told from the prospective of the killer and the private detective. Fast paced and frightening at times, with the elements of gore to satisfy the reader. Highly enjoyable and I will certainly seek out more work from this admirable duo.
Profile Image for Mary Woldering.
Author 27 books176 followers
September 12, 2023
The mind of a serial killer.
Raymond Lang is a writer. He hasn’t published yet and he is writing a thriller about a murder. He blogs for help and gets some hints but realizes the only way to get realistic is to actually commit murder. His first is an assisted suicide of sorts, and once it’s done he writes furiously. Moving to England he sets up “murder” shop and begins his new twisted hobby. At some point the victims are connected to blackmail of a public official, and to the family of a private dectective Alex Renshaw. The story moves through chapters going from Raymond’s POV to Alex’s POV.
Eventually, after several increasingly violent murders and a book so disturbing Amazon pulls it, the killer “gets away”. Later the detective has a new love interest in his life. The case goes cold and yet the story doesn’t exactly end. There is a cliff-hangerish surprise ending that leaves readers like me looking for a follow up book
Profile Image for Toni Kief.
Author 28 books199 followers
November 13, 2021
“Your Last Breath” by Carole Parkes and Doug LaFuze takes you on a gripping ride with author Raymond Lang. He goes to unimaginable extremes for inspiration and research for his psychological thriller. Sharing the stories between the murderer and his victims adds even more. This book will stay with you as you count your own breaths trying to drift off to sleep.
Profile Image for Joni Martins.
Author 23 books47 followers
January 9, 2021
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Your Last Breath
Subtitle:
Author: Carole Parkes and Doug Lafuze
Genre: Thriller
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Imagine. You are desperate to write a good thriller but the inspiration is lacking. Would you resort to seeking out inspiration? Of course, you would. But would you go to the extreme measures of becoming a serial killer to achieve that goal? Raymond Lang is that author and he risks all to become the acclaimed author he dreams of. Will he succeed or will someone be able to stop him and save those he loves?
What I liked about the book:
This was a great book. The co-authorship worked quite well.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
When Amelia becomes a hero.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is a stand-alone thriller. The author has also written another thriller and I enjoyed that one too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
I can’t say what book to compare this to. It was original.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children No
Young Adult Maybe not
Adult Yes

If you like suspense and thrillers, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
American misfit, Raymond Lang, has always dreamed of writing a suspenseful thriller. The problem is, whenever he’s tried to write about the gruesome murder scenes he needs for his book, a fog-like curtain descends in his mind preventing him from seeing the crimes clearly.

A chance meeting with an old flame reveals a way to solve his writer’s block. In fulfilling her astonishing request, he’s surprised to find his creativity is released and the chapters flow smoothly. It doesn’t last long though. If he wants to continue his writing, he has to unleash his dark side and kill again.

Now, the police are on his tail, but he won’t stop this blood-lust until his novel is completed. Can he finish and publish it before he’s caught? Even more to the point, how many victims will he have to claim to do it?
About the Author:
Carole Parkes is a wife of 51 years, a mother of three sons, and a grandmother. She first ventured into writing in 1985 when her children were still at home. She wrote a series of children's books, some short stories, and a novel 'Tissue of Lies'.

Much later, she became interested in her roots, so she stopped writing fiction and for many years wrote about her family's history instead.

Caring for her elderly parents and her husband, who had suffered a serious heart attack at the age of forty-three, took up a huge chunk of her middle years. After her parents both passed away, aged ninety-seven and ninety-four, Carole rewrote 'Tissue of Lies' to bring it up to date and self published it as an eBook on Amazon. Tissue of Lies is doing well averaging 4.3 star reviews and is due out in paperback during March 2017.

Now she has a second eBook, co-authored with Doug Lafuze. 'Your Last Breath' is a much darker thriller than her first one, and it has been well received with 10 out its 12 reviews attracting 5 stars on Amazon. It has just been published in paperback format, and is available now from Amazon and other major book stores.

Please follow Carole by copying and pasting the following addresses into your search box.
WEBSITE
http://carolec55.wordpress.com
FACEBOOK
http://fb.me/CaroleParkesAuthor
TWITTER
http://twitter.com/CaroleParkes1
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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