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Sharyn Howard Mystery #4
Until Our Last Embrace
Sheriff Sharyn Howard is faced with a new murder and a series of events that don’t seem to make sense. Yet there is deadly intent behind them. When Darva Richmond’s body is found on Diamond Mountain, partially eaten by bears, her death looks accidental and tragic. Until honey and bear attractant are found on her clothes and strychnine in her body. Darva’s nerve-wracked husband seems to be the obvious subject, but lurking in the background is his bitter family, who want to keep the inheritance he and Darva were seeking out of their reach. Darva’s elderly aunt appears to help Sharyn with the case, but could she be doing more harm than good? To top it all off, all of Sharyn’s deputies seem to have spring fever as the winter’s end nears. She’s afraid the killer just might get away with murder!
186 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Joyce Lavene
78 books647 followersaka Elyssa Henry and Joye Ames, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 4, 2016
Until Our Last Embrace by Joyce & Jim Lavene.
Darva Richmond is found on Diamond Mountain after being apparently attacked and half eaten by a bear. Sheriff Sharyn Howard is on the case and is told by Nick the M.E. that the body of Darva Richmond has been covered with honey. The Richmond's had been camping when this attack took place and Donald appears to be overcome with grief.
The case takes twists and turns that no one could have seen coming with a block buster ending.
This is my 4th in the Sheriff Sharyn Howard series and so appreciate meeting up with these familiar and comfortable characters. Easy and smooth reading.
Darva Richmond is found on Diamond Mountain after being apparently attacked and half eaten by a bear. Sheriff Sharyn Howard is on the case and is told by Nick the M.E. that the body of Darva Richmond has been covered with honey. The Richmond's had been camping when this attack took place and Donald appears to be overcome with grief.
The case takes twists and turns that no one could have seen coming with a block buster ending.
This is my 4th in the Sheriff Sharyn Howard series and so appreciate meeting up with these familiar and comfortable characters. Easy and smooth reading.
July 19, 2016
Until Our Last Embrace is the 4th book in the Sharyn Howard Mystery series by the late Joyce and Jim Lavene. This is a re-release of a book originally published in 2001. I have read the Sharyn Howard mysteries in order and would recommend that readers new to this series consider doing the same as the character and plot development grows and flows smoothly from the firth through the fourth book. Until Our Last Embrace can be read as a stand-alone, but it does refer to situations from the past which are essential to reading enjoyment.
Set in the small town of Diamond Springs, North Carolina, Sharyn is the third generation of Howards to serve as the sheriff. Sharyn is busy dealing with a bear attack, and terrified residents when a reporter prints a false story claiming that the bear was rabid. Darva Richmond, the sister-in-law to Beau Richmond, a man previously murdered, is the unfortunate victim. The mauling is tragic and no one suspects foul play until officers explore the evidence. Darva and her husband Donald seemed to be the perfect couple, yet family members claim that they were always fighting and didn't sleep together. Donald is contesting his brother's will because it was changed during the last few months of Beau Richmond's life and millions are at stake.
Sharyn finds herself confronting numerous problems: District Attorney Jack Winter expresses his romantic interest. Sharyn must find a date to attend her mother's engagement party, despite her dislike of Senator Caison Talbot, the man she is engaged to. Her deputies leave her short staffed. To top it off, the dry cleaners dyed her uniforms blue! This mystery is a fast, fun read. The conclusion of Until Our Last Embrace is unexpected, powerful and keeps the reader guessing until the end. As each book in the series gets even better, you have to constantly remind yourself that Sharyn and the town of Diamond Springs are a work of fiction. This is a cozy, but there is some gore although it is fleeting. I do highly recommend this series and this book! I hope more books of this series will be released. Joyce and Jim were both wonderful authors and are greatly missed.
Full Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own
Set in the small town of Diamond Springs, North Carolina, Sharyn is the third generation of Howards to serve as the sheriff. Sharyn is busy dealing with a bear attack, and terrified residents when a reporter prints a false story claiming that the bear was rabid. Darva Richmond, the sister-in-law to Beau Richmond, a man previously murdered, is the unfortunate victim. The mauling is tragic and no one suspects foul play until officers explore the evidence. Darva and her husband Donald seemed to be the perfect couple, yet family members claim that they were always fighting and didn't sleep together. Donald is contesting his brother's will because it was changed during the last few months of Beau Richmond's life and millions are at stake.
Sharyn finds herself confronting numerous problems: District Attorney Jack Winter expresses his romantic interest. Sharyn must find a date to attend her mother's engagement party, despite her dislike of Senator Caison Talbot, the man she is engaged to. Her deputies leave her short staffed. To top it off, the dry cleaners dyed her uniforms blue! This mystery is a fast, fun read. The conclusion of Until Our Last Embrace is unexpected, powerful and keeps the reader guessing until the end. As each book in the series gets even better, you have to constantly remind yourself that Sharyn and the town of Diamond Springs are a work of fiction. This is a cozy, but there is some gore although it is fleeting. I do highly recommend this series and this book! I hope more books of this series will be released. Joyce and Jim were both wonderful authors and are greatly missed.
Full Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own
July 19, 2021
Great book.
This series has gotten better with each book. Loved the surprise ending. I really enjoy a reading a series from my hometown area.
This series has gotten better with each book. Loved the surprise ending. I really enjoy a reading a series from my hometown area.
June 23, 2016
3.5 stars
Until Our Last Embrace is the entertaining fourth installment in the Sharyn Howard Mystery series. It is a quick read, and even though it is shorter than I would prefer, the story is well thought out and nicely written. The pace of the story is good with suspects and clues revealed in a thoughtful manner.
Sharyn is questioning her role as sheriff and what she would do with herself if she wasn’t sheriff. Reelection season is approaching, and political and financial heavyweights are throwing their weight around. Despite a rather substantial age difference, the district attorney is making romantic advances, and Sharyn’s refusal in turn makes her life more difficult. She still seems oblivious to the medical examiner Nick’s feelings about her, and other members of her staff are facing personal problems of their own. A bear attack sets the town on edge, but it is soon revealed that the attack is covering up a more serious crime. As Sharyn investigates, no one is who they say they are and nothing is really what it seems. With Nick by her side, Sharyn works out the truth.
Joyce and Jim Lavene had a knack for bringing complex, flawed characters to life, and Sharyn and company are no exception. They are well developed, yet they continue to grow with each book. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for them all. The mystery is solid. As with the characters, the plots grow more complex with each installment. I loved all of the twists leading to each surprising reveal.
I enjoyed my time with the sheriff and recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries and more traditional crime/police procedurals.
I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinions.
Until Our Last Embrace is the entertaining fourth installment in the Sharyn Howard Mystery series. It is a quick read, and even though it is shorter than I would prefer, the story is well thought out and nicely written. The pace of the story is good with suspects and clues revealed in a thoughtful manner.
Sharyn is questioning her role as sheriff and what she would do with herself if she wasn’t sheriff. Reelection season is approaching, and political and financial heavyweights are throwing their weight around. Despite a rather substantial age difference, the district attorney is making romantic advances, and Sharyn’s refusal in turn makes her life more difficult. She still seems oblivious to the medical examiner Nick’s feelings about her, and other members of her staff are facing personal problems of their own. A bear attack sets the town on edge, but it is soon revealed that the attack is covering up a more serious crime. As Sharyn investigates, no one is who they say they are and nothing is really what it seems. With Nick by her side, Sharyn works out the truth.
Joyce and Jim Lavene had a knack for bringing complex, flawed characters to life, and Sharyn and company are no exception. They are well developed, yet they continue to grow with each book. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for them all. The mystery is solid. As with the characters, the plots grow more complex with each installment. I loved all of the twists leading to each surprising reveal.
I enjoyed my time with the sheriff and recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries and more traditional crime/police procedurals.
I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinions.
June 23, 2016
Until Our Last Embrace (originally released in 2001) is the fourth book in Joyce and Jim Lavene’s Sharyn Howard Mystery series. This book has a well-developed plot and a great cast of relatable characters. I really enjoyed reading this page-turner with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, clean mystery. Until Our Last Embrace drew me into the mystery and held my interest until the ending. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this rereleased series.
The story is set in Diamond Springs and the main character is Sheriff Sharyn Howard, who is following in her grandfather and father’s footsteps even though some of the town, her mother included, thinks a woman isn’t cut out for the job. Darva Richmond’s body is discovered on Diamond Mountain and she is believed to be the second victim of a bear attack. Darva is the sister-in-law of Beau Richmond, a man previously murdered, and her husband is suing his brother’s estate over a large inheritance. The facts and forensics don’t add up for Sharyn and she works closely with the medical examiner, Doctor Nicholas Thomopolis, to determine what really happened to Darva. In addition to dealing with the difficult investigation with staffing and funding issues, Sharyn is trying to fend off advances from District Attorney Jack Winter, whom she doesn’t like, is blind to Nick’s interest in her, and isn’t looking forward to attending the engagement party of her mother and Senator Caison Talbot, whom she doesn’t like nor trust.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is set in Diamond Springs and the main character is Sheriff Sharyn Howard, who is following in her grandfather and father’s footsteps even though some of the town, her mother included, thinks a woman isn’t cut out for the job. Darva Richmond’s body is discovered on Diamond Mountain and she is believed to be the second victim of a bear attack. Darva is the sister-in-law of Beau Richmond, a man previously murdered, and her husband is suing his brother’s estate over a large inheritance. The facts and forensics don’t add up for Sharyn and she works closely with the medical examiner, Doctor Nicholas Thomopolis, to determine what really happened to Darva. In addition to dealing with the difficult investigation with staffing and funding issues, Sharyn is trying to fend off advances from District Attorney Jack Winter, whom she doesn’t like, is blind to Nick’s interest in her, and isn’t looking forward to attending the engagement party of her mother and Senator Caison Talbot, whom she doesn’t like nor trust.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2012
Again I have read a book in a series out of sequence. This is number 4 in the Sheriff Sharyn Howard Mystery series. Although in the Goodreads database the author is listed as Joyce Lavene on the book itself the author(s) are listed as Joyce & Jim Lavene, a husband and wife writing team. This is the first book I have read by the Lavenes, but when I looked them up they are quite prolific having six different mystery series.
I liked the book, however I feel that one needs to read this series in order as Until Our Last Embrace refers to happenings from the past quite a bit so that although the mystery itself is a stand-alone to fully understand the dynamics of the people envolved in the story the former history would be helpful.
This story has a rather complex (maybe even convoluted) storyline and I figured it out before the reveal (but not much before), it was a fairly good book. I think I might have enjoyed it more and given it a higher rating if I had read the three books that came before it first.
With that said, I have put Last Dance, the first book in the series, on reserve at the library.
This is a cozy so although there is some blood and guts it isn't dwelled upon. I would recommend this book as a "good read".
I liked the book, however I feel that one needs to read this series in order as Until Our Last Embrace refers to happenings from the past quite a bit so that although the mystery itself is a stand-alone to fully understand the dynamics of the people envolved in the story the former history would be helpful.
This story has a rather complex (maybe even convoluted) storyline and I figured it out before the reveal (but not much before), it was a fairly good book. I think I might have enjoyed it more and given it a higher rating if I had read the three books that came before it first.
With that said, I have put Last Dance, the first book in the series, on reserve at the library.
This is a cozy so although there is some blood and guts it isn't dwelled upon. I would recommend this book as a "good read".
June 20, 2016
This is a great book; this is the fourth book in the Sharyn Howard mystery series by the late Joyce and Jim Lavene. This book can be read as a standalone but once you read this on you will want to go back and read the other books in this series. Sharyn Howard is the sheriff of the small town of Diamond Springs, North Carolina. When Darva Richmond who is new to town ends up killed by a bear attack throws the town into a tizzy, she has to reassure the people that her office has a handle on the attack. Upon further investigation it seems that the victim was killed before she was attacked by the bear and in fact the killer staged to bear attack. The more she looks into the case the bigger the suspect list becomes. This book has a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and will keep you guessing until the end. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I highly recommend this book and the other books by these wonderful authors. I am deeply saddened by the loss of these great authors and so glad that their children are doing their best to continue their parents work.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
June 9, 2016
Sharyn Howard is the sheriff of Diamond Springs. She's a smart, resourceful woman who is good at her job, but it's a constant battle with the powers that be. All she wants is justice for the victims and to catch the perpetrators. Unfortunately she's handicapped by political games and her mother's dismissive attitude. I like her. I want her to succeed in her chosen profession. Doctor Nicholas Thomopolis, the medical examiner, has her back. He cares for Sharyn and is there to support her. If only she would let him. I wanted her to wake up and realize his intentions, but with all the personal drama at home and a baffling murder that's not going to happen. I enjoy the small town and the people who live here. They provide a perfect setting for treachery and murder. This story is fast paced and filled with unexpected twists. I was shocked when I discovered who the killer was. I'm a fan of Joyce and Jim Lavene. They are a talented writing duo. I like the characters. They are easy to empathize with. Until Our Last Embrace was impossible to put down. I want more of Sharyn Howard.
September 14, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
June 9, 2016
Until Our Last Embrace is the fourth book in A Sharyn Howard Mystery and was absolutely fantastic! I could not put it down, it had me hooked from the start with twists and turns and surprises I did not expect.
Sharyn Howard is a strong independent, take action women not always liked by everyone.
Darva Richmond is discovered on Diamond Mountain the victim of a bear attack. As Sheriff Sharyn Howard continues to look closer it seems the bear attack was not the cause of death. What was?
Sharyn also has two men that are romantically interested in her, District Attorney Jack Winter and Nick the M.E. Her mother's engagement to Senator Caison Talbot does not make her happy as she does not like him and the party is coming up.
This is a wonderful series and each book just keeps getting better!
Sharyn Howard is a strong independent, take action women not always liked by everyone.
Darva Richmond is discovered on Diamond Mountain the victim of a bear attack. As Sheriff Sharyn Howard continues to look closer it seems the bear attack was not the cause of death. What was?
Sharyn also has two men that are romantically interested in her, District Attorney Jack Winter and Nick the M.E. Her mother's engagement to Senator Caison Talbot does not make her happy as she does not like him and the party is coming up.
This is a wonderful series and each book just keeps getting better!
June 12, 2016
I really enjoy the Sharyn Howard mysteries! I have loved this series from the beginning and each book gets better and better! This book is filled with twists and turns and will keep you guessing until the very end! Sharyn is called in to investigate two fatal bear attacks! The first one is just an accident but the second one seems to be more sinister! The victim is the sister in law of a prominent family in the middle of a will dispute. When Sharyn digs deeper into this death things get more twisted as she pulls back each layer! Everyone thinks this is an easy case but Sharyn knows there is more hidden underneath and if she doesn't dig fast enough someone is going to get away with murder! I highly recommend this series and this book!
June 16, 2016
As the elected Sheriff of Diamond Springs, North Carolina, Sharyn Howard has had to conduct plenty of criminal investigations. But this time, a murder appears to have been committed by a bear! Is the investigation just to be a formality, or is there more to this death than meets the eye? This is the best story yet in the Sharyn Howard series, between the twists and turns in the investigation, intermingled with the personal conflicts in Sharyn's own life. Not to mention her puzzling relationship with Nick, the handsome coroner. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it is re-released. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2016
Tuesday I read and loved Until Our Last Embrace by Joyce and Jim Lavene, this book 4 in the series was very well written and flowed perfectly. I love the strong believable characters, the complex relationships between main character Sharyn and hers staff and family. This one was one of my most favorites in this series. This was a strong mystery and I love how the connections to the mystery are all tied in to the previous books in the series.
June 19, 2016
Sheriff Sharyn Howard is back in book 3. Again Joyce and Jim Lavene kept me reading late into the night. I had to know how it ended. The twists and turns were very well written. I hope more of the books in this series will be released. Joyce an d Jim were both wonderful authors and are greatly missed.
June 9, 2016
Love this series!!!
Another great book in the Sharyn Howard series. I'm really enjoying the series and this book had quite a few twists in it. I was surprised by who the killer was. Wasn't until Sharyn had put the pieces together that it came together for me. Can't wait to read the next book!
Another great book in the Sharyn Howard series. I'm really enjoying the series and this book had quite a few twists in it. I was surprised by who the killer was. Wasn't until Sharyn had put the pieces together that it came together for me. Can't wait to read the next book!
June 17, 2016
This is a great series and this installment is ne exception. I enjoy watching the characters change and grow over the course of each book. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I look forward to reading more of this series!
I received a copy of this manuscript from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2016
Another awesome addition to the Sharon Howard series. Rather hard to read knowing that both Joyce and Jim are no longer with us, but a treasure they left behind to help us continue to remember them.
Read the whole series, you'll be so glad you did!!!
Read the whole series, you'll be so glad you did!!!
June 17, 2016
This is the fourth book in the series and it doesn't disappoint. It will keep you guessing with it's twists and turns until the very end. I really enjoy these characters and the town.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2016
Until Our Last Embrace is a great book! It kept me guessing and I did not expect what happened. The ending left me wanting to continue reading. I can't wait to read book five of the Sharyn Howard Mysteries series.
March 22, 2014
Enjoyed the suspense of this series....Unfortunately not reading in order of books.
October 12, 2016
Wow
I forgot how much I liked Sheriff Sharyn and her crew. Witty and a great mystery to the end. Ingenious writing and plot.
I forgot how much I liked Sheriff Sharyn and her crew. Witty and a great mystery to the end. Ingenious writing and plot.
January 2, 2017
Intriguing
Full of twists and turns surprises throughout. Sharyn makes a compassionate plus intelligent main character. The ending was a opening for another story maybe
Full of twists and turns surprises throughout. Sharyn makes a compassionate plus intelligent main character. The ending was a opening for another story maybe
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews