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Katie Maguire #11
The Last Drop of Blood
The final thriller in the million-copy-selling Katie Maguire series.
In the driver's seat of a Jaguar, on a country road, a good man burns.
Justice Garrett Quinn should have been at a sentencing. He was one of the good ones, fighting for order in a lawless world. In a burned-out car, on the outskirts of Cork, DS Katie Maguire finds what's left of him.
But this is only the beginning. The judge's death sparks a gang war fought with bullets and bombs, and civilians are caught in the crossfire. As the city spirals deeper into violence, Ireland's most fearless detective must find the courage to fight for her hometown one last time.
Katie Maguire is no stranger to sacrifice — but she has lost so much already. Facing new horrors each day, Katie must decide: can she do her duty when she has nothing left to give?
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2020
165 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Graham Masterton
422 books1,983 followersGraham Masterton was born in Edinburgh in 1946. His grandfather was Thomas Thorne Baker, the eminent scientist who invented DayGlo and was the first man to transmit news photographs by wireless. After training as a newspaper reporter, Graham went on to edit the new British men's magazine Mayfair, where he encouraged William Burroughs to develop a series of scientific and philosophical articles which eventually became Burroughs' novel The Wild Boys.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 1, 2020
Graham Masterton returns us to the gritty crime and drug ridden streets of Cork with Detective Superintendent Kathleen 'Katie' Maguire based at Anglesea Street Station. A griefstricken Katie is returning home after the funeral of her beloved Connor, but she scarcely has time to breath before she is called to the site of a burnt out car with a man inside it. The victim turns out to be Justice (Judge) Garrett Quinn, whom Katie identifies. Quinn was set to pronounce judgement that day in the trial of Donal Hagerty for the murder of a man, his wife and child, thought to have been ordered by criminal lord Thomas O'Flynn, although there is no evidence for this. The burning of Quinn is but the first of a series of catastrophic events that hit Katie in the week from hell as she is vilified on the front pages of the media for being incompetent and ineffective.
Cork is being ripped apart by the war between the two main crime gangs run by Barry O'Riordan and O'Flynn, as Donal's brother, Billy Hagerty, is shot dead in a hit outside a pub. Young single mum, Roisin, rejected by her family, is pushed into the River Lee, along with her baby daughter, Ita. Roisin is the latest victim to die from the notorious Lee Pusher, selecting random victims to push into the river. A drunk man walking home in the early hours of the morning is shot in the back of his head. A young pharmacy student is stabbed to death in a nightclub, assumed to be one of the High Five, students cooking their own drugs in laboratories to sell, stepping on established criminal toes, that culminates in the horror of a bombing with multiple casualties. As well as all this and more, Katie's life is exacerbated further by the monster that is Chief Superintendent Brendan O'Kane and a fickle top police brass all too willing to hang her out to dry at the slightest opportunity.
Many of the males depicted by Masterton are the misogynist types likely to go on anonymously on our contemporary social media to spew their bile, hatred and poison at women. They are ugly, bullying, threatening and abusive men, insecure about their masculinity, power and manhood, terrified of the power that women have, habitual domestic abusers, hitting out constantly, destroying women emotionally, mentally and physically. These men unfortunately does not merely occur within the criminal fraternity but widespread within the community, and present within the boys' club that is the police force too. Katie is forced to handle the very worst aspects of the men in the police hierarchy, some openly resentful and jealous of her abilities and willing to do anything to bring her down. A dark, intense, and suspenseful Irish crime read that I found compulsive reading and a great addition to the series. Many thanks to Head of Zeus for an ARC.
Cork is being ripped apart by the war between the two main crime gangs run by Barry O'Riordan and O'Flynn, as Donal's brother, Billy Hagerty, is shot dead in a hit outside a pub. Young single mum, Roisin, rejected by her family, is pushed into the River Lee, along with her baby daughter, Ita. Roisin is the latest victim to die from the notorious Lee Pusher, selecting random victims to push into the river. A drunk man walking home in the early hours of the morning is shot in the back of his head. A young pharmacy student is stabbed to death in a nightclub, assumed to be one of the High Five, students cooking their own drugs in laboratories to sell, stepping on established criminal toes, that culminates in the horror of a bombing with multiple casualties. As well as all this and more, Katie's life is exacerbated further by the monster that is Chief Superintendent Brendan O'Kane and a fickle top police brass all too willing to hang her out to dry at the slightest opportunity.
Many of the males depicted by Masterton are the misogynist types likely to go on anonymously on our contemporary social media to spew their bile, hatred and poison at women. They are ugly, bullying, threatening and abusive men, insecure about their masculinity, power and manhood, terrified of the power that women have, habitual domestic abusers, hitting out constantly, destroying women emotionally, mentally and physically. These men unfortunately does not merely occur within the criminal fraternity but widespread within the community, and present within the boys' club that is the police force too. Katie is forced to handle the very worst aspects of the men in the police hierarchy, some openly resentful and jealous of her abilities and willing to do anything to bring her down. A dark, intense, and suspenseful Irish crime read that I found compulsive reading and a great addition to the series. Many thanks to Head of Zeus for an ARC.
September 2, 2022
The binge is complete! While it took 39 days, the reading marathon was well worth the time invested. Graham Masterton proved sensational with his eleven novels and two short stories, pulling the reader deeper into the life and work challenges of Detective Superintendent Katie Macguire. The character development was great and the novels each packed a punch, while also offering some stunning story arcs that spanned multiple books. Masterton impressed me from the outset and never waned in his abilities, keeping me guessing how things would resolve themselves by the final page turn. A series well worth the time and full of stunning crimes for the reader to enjoy. So pleased I took the time for this series as the summer days sped along.
Detective Superintendent Katie Macguire is still stunned by the sexual assault she received at the hands of her superior, but refuses to let this derail her. There is too much going on and crimes in Cork will not stop while she picks herself up. When a blazing car fire contains the charred body of a respectable judge, the Garda are quick to open an investigation. Something seems off and DS Macguire has a personal connection to the victim, which makes this case all the more important.
While the case progresses, Cork is hit with an uptick in gang wars, as two rival groups plot bloody revenge on one another. The Garda sit idly by, trying to pick up hints of hits or possible acts of retribution. This is not lost on the media, who begin tossing DS Macguire under the bus, keen to show that she’s not kept her promise to quash criminal activity on city streets
One journalist in particular has targeted DS Macguire, creating sensational headlines and tossing mud in her direction, When salacious photos are also leaked, DS Macguire can only wonder if it is more than a journalist with a grudge. She pushes harder, only to learn that her reputation could be on the line.
As Cork buzzes with crime, the higher-ups in the Garda begin to posit that it might be time to end the DS Katie Macguire experiment in a position of authority. There is nothing more that can be done but DS Macguire is not yet ready to toss in the towel. As the series comes to a close, Masterton adds just enough spice to keep the reader hooked to the final paragraph. I am so pleased to see how things ended and can only hope that I find another great series to devour before too long.
Graham Masterton has made a fan out of me after reading some of his horror works, but this police procedural collection was even better. Full of nuances when to comes to crime, personal drama, and Irish lifestyles, Masterton has something for everyone. The series proved highly engaging, while also being full of character development that helped offer depth to offset the gruesome crimes that fill many of the chapters. I am sorry to let DS Katie Macguire and her Garda team go, but things ended on such a scintillating note that I am happy to recommend this collection to others.
Masterton has impressed me from the opening pages of the first novel through to the end of this piece, providing strong writing and deep character depictions that develop with ease. The good thing about reading a series in a binge format is that it permits the reader an opportunity to see character growth and storylines progress in short order, seeing the little things that casual readers may miss. The criminal aspect never left me feeling underwhelmed, as Masterton has shown he is able to chill the reader to the core. A police procedural thriller unlike any I have read before, the Irish flavouring adds something unique to my reading experience and I can only hope that others will flock to this series when time permits or they can find a way not to allow their TBR pile to topple down upon them.
Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for a great series and introducing me to some stellar Irish writing. Not sure what’s next but it will be hard to top this!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Detective Superintendent Katie Macguire is still stunned by the sexual assault she received at the hands of her superior, but refuses to let this derail her. There is too much going on and crimes in Cork will not stop while she picks herself up. When a blazing car fire contains the charred body of a respectable judge, the Garda are quick to open an investigation. Something seems off and DS Macguire has a personal connection to the victim, which makes this case all the more important.
While the case progresses, Cork is hit with an uptick in gang wars, as two rival groups plot bloody revenge on one another. The Garda sit idly by, trying to pick up hints of hits or possible acts of retribution. This is not lost on the media, who begin tossing DS Macguire under the bus, keen to show that she’s not kept her promise to quash criminal activity on city streets
One journalist in particular has targeted DS Macguire, creating sensational headlines and tossing mud in her direction, When salacious photos are also leaked, DS Macguire can only wonder if it is more than a journalist with a grudge. She pushes harder, only to learn that her reputation could be on the line.
As Cork buzzes with crime, the higher-ups in the Garda begin to posit that it might be time to end the DS Katie Macguire experiment in a position of authority. There is nothing more that can be done but DS Macguire is not yet ready to toss in the towel. As the series comes to a close, Masterton adds just enough spice to keep the reader hooked to the final paragraph. I am so pleased to see how things ended and can only hope that I find another great series to devour before too long.
Graham Masterton has made a fan out of me after reading some of his horror works, but this police procedural collection was even better. Full of nuances when to comes to crime, personal drama, and Irish lifestyles, Masterton has something for everyone. The series proved highly engaging, while also being full of character development that helped offer depth to offset the gruesome crimes that fill many of the chapters. I am sorry to let DS Katie Macguire and her Garda team go, but things ended on such a scintillating note that I am happy to recommend this collection to others.
Masterton has impressed me from the opening pages of the first novel through to the end of this piece, providing strong writing and deep character depictions that develop with ease. The good thing about reading a series in a binge format is that it permits the reader an opportunity to see character growth and storylines progress in short order, seeing the little things that casual readers may miss. The criminal aspect never left me feeling underwhelmed, as Masterton has shown he is able to chill the reader to the core. A police procedural thriller unlike any I have read before, the Irish flavouring adds something unique to my reading experience and I can only hope that others will flock to this series when time permits or they can find a way not to allow their TBR pile to topple down upon them.
Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for a great series and introducing me to some stellar Irish writing. Not sure what’s next but it will be hard to top this!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 9, 2020
(potential spoiler if you haven't read the previous books)
Graham Masterton is another of those authors whose back catalogue I am slowly making my through and as tends to happen to me I've managed to read the final book in this series before any of the others. It did and didn't matter in this instance.
It did in that I feel like I missed some background in terms of Katie's relationships. Despite starting the book at her husbands funeral she was already sleeping with a woman. Was this an affair while he was still alive, something polyamorous or what? I think I needed to have read a couple more before this to fully understand her thinking.
In where it didn't matter was the overall plot. I'm guessing a lot of the gang members here have popped up in earlier stories but these particular crimes needed no back story and so I didn't feel I needed more here. Even the issue with her superior O'Kane had enough back story to let the book read well enough as a stand alone.
There's a lot of crimes in this book, all needing solving while the media seem to have a vendetta against Kate. I liked how everything came together and in a short space of time. Despite the media backlash, things got done. I liked how most of it ties together: the good guys solve the crimes, the bad guys get their comeuppance. There's just one bit at the very end that's quite sad but thinking back I think I saw it coming a little bit.
Overall really enjoyed it and the earlier books in the series are a little further up my TBR pile.
Graham Masterton is another of those authors whose back catalogue I am slowly making my through and as tends to happen to me I've managed to read the final book in this series before any of the others. It did and didn't matter in this instance.
It did in that I feel like I missed some background in terms of Katie's relationships. Despite starting the book at her husbands funeral she was already sleeping with a woman. Was this an affair while he was still alive, something polyamorous or what? I think I needed to have read a couple more before this to fully understand her thinking.
In where it didn't matter was the overall plot. I'm guessing a lot of the gang members here have popped up in earlier stories but these particular crimes needed no back story and so I didn't feel I needed more here. Even the issue with her superior O'Kane had enough back story to let the book read well enough as a stand alone.
There's a lot of crimes in this book, all needing solving while the media seem to have a vendetta against Kate. I liked how everything came together and in a short space of time. Despite the media backlash, things got done. I liked how most of it ties together: the good guys solve the crimes, the bad guys get their comeuppance. There's just one bit at the very end that's quite sad but thinking back I think I saw it coming a little bit.
Overall really enjoyed it and the earlier books in the series are a little further up my TBR pile.
September 26, 2020
Although this was the last in the Katie Maguire series it was my first Graham Masterton read and it won’t be my last.
Action from beginning to end and although I didn’t understand a lot of the Irish spoken it did not detract from the story line. So much so that I am going back to the beginning of the series to start reading about where it all began with Katie Maguire.
She has to deal with a lot of s*** from her superiors, the press and the religious element so she is juggling a lot of balls and spinning a lot of plates hoping that in the end she manages to hold on to her job and her relationships both personal and professional.
Even though this was the last in the series I had no problem following the storyline and you didn’t need to read the whole series to know what was happening. Really well written and the 5 stars are given because I can’t wait to start the series from scratch.📚
Action from beginning to end and although I didn’t understand a lot of the Irish spoken it did not detract from the story line. So much so that I am going back to the beginning of the series to start reading about where it all began with Katie Maguire.
She has to deal with a lot of s*** from her superiors, the press and the religious element so she is juggling a lot of balls and spinning a lot of plates hoping that in the end she manages to hold on to her job and her relationships both personal and professional.
Even though this was the last in the series I had no problem following the storyline and you didn’t need to read the whole series to know what was happening. Really well written and the 5 stars are given because I can’t wait to start the series from scratch.📚
April 15, 2020
Like all the books in this series, it leaves me with a mix of emotions. It certainly doesn't leave me smiling. It doesn’t leave me feeling happy. It makes me wonder how on earth Katie can even keep functioning as her personal life is far from happy and her professional life is...well, not that great either. But it is a credit to the author's writing that he weaves dark and intriguing storylines with diabolical skill that just keeps me coming back for yet another (dark) ride!
March 18, 2020
For a last book ..
It says in the blurb this is the final book in the series, so why would you leave it on a cliff hanger like that? I liked the story and all but I’m actually rather annoyed and irritated by the ending
It says in the blurb this is the final book in the series, so why would you leave it on a cliff hanger like that? I liked the story and all but I’m actually rather annoyed and irritated by the ending
March 20, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I thought that this was an excellent story, it was one I had been looking forward to reading after I caught sight of the blurb – and I have to say I thought that it was well worth the wait!
I found that it was very well written and has some really developed characters, and it was great to be able to catch up with old friends too, some of whom I have grown to love and enjoy as the series has developed.
I thought that the book was set at a great pace for the story itself and the author has a brilliant writing style that worked really well with this book. It was action packed, gritty and a completely addictive story!
This book will contain spoilers if you have not read the previous books in the series and want to do that at a later date, this is the eleventh, and final book – the author has done a great job with wrapped up any loose ends with the story and I, for one will miss them all, so I am really hoping that he might do a few cheeky spin off books!
It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – I really enjoyed it and thought it was a really great crime thriller – very highly recommended!
I thought that this was an excellent story, it was one I had been looking forward to reading after I caught sight of the blurb – and I have to say I thought that it was well worth the wait!
I found that it was very well written and has some really developed characters, and it was great to be able to catch up with old friends too, some of whom I have grown to love and enjoy as the series has developed.
I thought that the book was set at a great pace for the story itself and the author has a brilliant writing style that worked really well with this book. It was action packed, gritty and a completely addictive story!
This book will contain spoilers if you have not read the previous books in the series and want to do that at a later date, this is the eleventh, and final book – the author has done a great job with wrapped up any loose ends with the story and I, for one will miss them all, so I am really hoping that he might do a few cheeky spin off books!
It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – I really enjoyed it and thought it was a really great crime thriller – very highly recommended!
June 11, 2023
Jedna z ciekawszych 🤯 Ja nie wiem jak Katie daje radę psychicznie, podziwiam 🙃 Jak zawsze mega ❤️ Tak jak się spodziewałam jest to ostatni tom 😥 Bardzo polecam w całą serie bardzo się wciągnęłam, duża różnorodność, lekko napisane, uważam, że teraz ciężko jest znaleźć kryminały/thrillery napisane w tak dobry sposób!!! aż mi się łezka zakręciła że to już koniec przygody z tą serią
August 19, 2022
super, tylko przez przemoc miałam straszne dwa sny..., jestem zaskoczona takim dobrym przedstawieniem postaci kobiety komisarz, będę czytać wcześniejsze części czekając na nową
April 26, 2020
What kind of ending was that for something that is supposed to be the final book in the series!?
I have loved this series since the first book, but I am so disappointed with this one. So many loose ends in this final book. Without giving spoilers, a characters name was mixed up and I was seriously disappointed in how Katie handled a couple different situations in this book.
I am so disappointed with this book.
I have loved this series since the first book, but I am so disappointed with this one. So many loose ends in this final book. Without giving spoilers, a characters name was mixed up and I was seriously disappointed in how Katie handled a couple different situations in this book.
I am so disappointed with this book.
January 3, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Heads of Zeus for an advance copy of The Last Drop of Blood, the eleventh novel to feature Cork based Detective Superintendent Katie Macguire.
When Justice Garrett Quinn is killed when his car explodes Katie and the team jump into action as the judge was like one of their own. Unfortunately this is only the start of a war between rival gangs and as the violence ramps up the police struggle to keep up.
It has been a while since I last caught up with Katie but she is still fighting the good fight, albeit with more sorrow in her life. I don’t know why I’ve left it so long because The Last Drop of Blood is another cracking read that I couldn’t put down. It might be longer than the average novel but it held my attention throughout and I read it in one sitting. Where to start? The novel is mostly told from Katie’s point of view with interesting scenes from the various gangsters’ points of view. I liked this approach in the novel as it allows the reader to concentrate on and identify with Katie and her role but also gives a wider perspective on the bigger picture. I think it works very well as the author still manages to keep many of his angles well hidden until the evidence is uncovered.
There are so many crimes in the novel it is breathtaking and the action never flags. I enjoyed the way one crime leads to another and I particularly enjoyed the resolution to all of them. It feels that the novel drives relentlessly towards these solutions, some easier come by than others. I didn’t find the crimes hard to keep up with but the large cast of characters had me double checking who was who at times.
If a serious crime wave were not enough to contend with Katie has some problems at work with a hostile environment and an even more hostile press. Not one to let a few problems get in the way of either her cases or career she comes out fighting. She proves herself to be wily, conniving and a winner.
The Last Drop of Blood is a great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Justice Garrett Quinn is killed when his car explodes Katie and the team jump into action as the judge was like one of their own. Unfortunately this is only the start of a war between rival gangs and as the violence ramps up the police struggle to keep up.
It has been a while since I last caught up with Katie but she is still fighting the good fight, albeit with more sorrow in her life. I don’t know why I’ve left it so long because The Last Drop of Blood is another cracking read that I couldn’t put down. It might be longer than the average novel but it held my attention throughout and I read it in one sitting. Where to start? The novel is mostly told from Katie’s point of view with interesting scenes from the various gangsters’ points of view. I liked this approach in the novel as it allows the reader to concentrate on and identify with Katie and her role but also gives a wider perspective on the bigger picture. I think it works very well as the author still manages to keep many of his angles well hidden until the evidence is uncovered.
There are so many crimes in the novel it is breathtaking and the action never flags. I enjoyed the way one crime leads to another and I particularly enjoyed the resolution to all of them. It feels that the novel drives relentlessly towards these solutions, some easier come by than others. I didn’t find the crimes hard to keep up with but the large cast of characters had me double checking who was who at times.
If a serious crime wave were not enough to contend with Katie has some problems at work with a hostile environment and an even more hostile press. Not one to let a few problems get in the way of either her cases or career she comes out fighting. She proves herself to be wily, conniving and a winner.
The Last Drop of Blood is a great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 30, 2025
czy ja przeczytam w końcu jakąś dobrą książkę
July 10, 2020
Advertised as the last Katie Maguire book, Masterton (supposedly) ends the series with one of his best written novels yet. The story is fierce, the writing is crisp and the anticipation builds throughout to some surprising results.
My one major issue with the book is the ending. Plot elements lead up to an event that could have a number of different resolutions, some possibly unsatisfying but yet a conclusive way to end things. However, the very end has one head-scratching (and really unnecessary IMO) development, and then the final page feels very much like a paragraph or even a chapter has been omitted. Instead of a solid conclusion we get more of a rushed, cliff hanger ending. I can only guess Masterton felt a need to move on to other stories but left the door open in case one day he decides to visit this universe again.
My one major issue with the book is the ending. Plot elements lead up to an event that could have a number of different resolutions, some possibly unsatisfying but yet a conclusive way to end things. However, the very end has one head-scratching (and really unnecessary IMO) development, and then the final page feels very much like a paragraph or even a chapter has been omitted. Instead of a solid conclusion we get more of a rushed, cliff hanger ending. I can only guess Masterton felt a need to move on to other stories but left the door open in case one day he decides to visit this universe again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2020
Another gripping tale in the Katie Maguire series. The twists and turns with the three major investigations keeps you guessing to the end.
I don’t think the Cork tourist bureau would welcome Graham Masterton; he makes the place sound like a hotbed of violent crime, vicious, sadistic criminals, religious nutcases and corrupt police.
I don’t think the Cork tourist bureau would welcome Graham Masterton; he makes the place sound like a hotbed of violent crime, vicious, sadistic criminals, religious nutcases and corrupt police.
January 8, 2022
Graham Masterton belongs in a circus for his extraordinary plate spinning skills. Katie and her team are beleaguered by a number of serious cases and a lack of man power due to budget cuts. When The Last Drop of Blood opens, Katie has literally just buried her fiancé, Calum, when she finds out that a man has been found in a burnt out car in the middle of nowhere. She recognises both the car and the ring the crisped corpse is wearing. The dead man is a high court judge and a former lover of Katie’s. Sustained pressure is immediately on to solve the murder of a judge.
The judge was about to pass sentence on a man found guilty of killing the brother of a gang leader, Barry Riordan, along with his wife and two small children. Could this be why he was killed? But no other judge is likely to have come up with a different sentence so it makes no sense. Everyone suspects that the assassin was paid by Thomas O’Flynn, a rival gang leader, but there is no evidence to support this and everyone is too scared of both Riordan and O’Flynn to talk about anything they get up to. And they are getting up to plenty. They are gearing up to wage war on each other and there’s a lot of collateral damage to keep the pathologist and the technical services staff busy.
Meanwhile, the Lee Pusher, the serial killer mentioned in the last book is continuing to kill. Victims are pushed into the river Lee and no one has yet survived. As no one has seen the killer up close and the only description is of a tall jogger with a grey hooded tracksuit and there’s no pattern to the victims, it’s hard to see where to go. The latest victim is especially heart rending. A single mother along with her baby daughter in a stroller are pushed in. An elderly neighbour saves the baby but cannot save the mother. Looking for a fresh angle, Katie speaks to a specialist in abnormal psychology and remembers something from her school days. When they do catch up with the Lee pusher, it leads to a question mark over the responsibility for the death of the mother. Katie then faces a gut wrenching confrontation to solve that murder.
With so much going on, the press are looking for someone to blame led by the reporter from the Sun. He seems to have it in for Katie for some reason and her superiors are getting nervous about the bad publicity. When Katie might have expected support from her immediate superior, Brendan Kane, instead she finds herself locked in conflict with him. And he fights very dirty, including using sexual assaults to try to keep Katie down. But she’s a fighter and keeps on slugging back.
I’ve always found the detailed sex scenes in this series a bit uncomfortable. That’s obviously my problem but I’ve found out Graham Masterton has written numerous sex manuals in the past so I bow to his expertise. However, regarding the big sex scene in this book, how unhygienic was my primary reaction.
Waiting on book 12 now, especially after the cliff hanger ending to this book regarding Kyna. I do think Katie has not treated her well as she has not been honest with Kyna and takes up with her only when it suits her.Maybe having to fight so hard at work, putting herself first as no one else is prepared to support her unconditionally has meant that she puts herself first in her personal relationships too. People have to fit themselves around her and provide her with what she needs or they need to be gone. I hope Kyna is going to be OK but I think she’s probably gone. We are used to successful men taking this attitude but it’s interesting to see a woman portrayed in this light.
The judge was about to pass sentence on a man found guilty of killing the brother of a gang leader, Barry Riordan, along with his wife and two small children. Could this be why he was killed? But no other judge is likely to have come up with a different sentence so it makes no sense. Everyone suspects that the assassin was paid by Thomas O’Flynn, a rival gang leader, but there is no evidence to support this and everyone is too scared of both Riordan and O’Flynn to talk about anything they get up to. And they are getting up to plenty. They are gearing up to wage war on each other and there’s a lot of collateral damage to keep the pathologist and the technical services staff busy.
Meanwhile, the Lee Pusher, the serial killer mentioned in the last book is continuing to kill. Victims are pushed into the river Lee and no one has yet survived. As no one has seen the killer up close and the only description is of a tall jogger with a grey hooded tracksuit and there’s no pattern to the victims, it’s hard to see where to go. The latest victim is especially heart rending. A single mother along with her baby daughter in a stroller are pushed in. An elderly neighbour saves the baby but cannot save the mother. Looking for a fresh angle, Katie speaks to a specialist in abnormal psychology and remembers something from her school days. When they do catch up with the Lee pusher, it leads to a question mark over the responsibility for the death of the mother. Katie then faces a gut wrenching confrontation to solve that murder.
With so much going on, the press are looking for someone to blame led by the reporter from the Sun. He seems to have it in for Katie for some reason and her superiors are getting nervous about the bad publicity. When Katie might have expected support from her immediate superior, Brendan Kane, instead she finds herself locked in conflict with him. And he fights very dirty, including using sexual assaults to try to keep Katie down. But she’s a fighter and keeps on slugging back.
I’ve always found the detailed sex scenes in this series a bit uncomfortable. That’s obviously my problem but I’ve found out Graham Masterton has written numerous sex manuals in the past so I bow to his expertise. However, regarding the big sex scene in this book, how unhygienic was my primary reaction.
Waiting on book 12 now, especially after the cliff hanger ending to this book regarding Kyna. I do think Katie has not treated her well as she has not been honest with Kyna and takes up with her only when it suits her.Maybe having to fight so hard at work, putting herself first as no one else is prepared to support her unconditionally has meant that she puts herself first in her personal relationships too. People have to fit themselves around her and provide her with what she needs or they need to be gone. I hope Kyna is going to be OK but I think she’s probably gone. We are used to successful men taking this attitude but it’s interesting to see a woman portrayed in this light.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
🔪„DO OSTATNIEJ KROPLI KRWI”🔪
Graham Masterton Wydawnictwo Albatros
Nadkomisarz Katie Maguier kolejny raz będzie miała ręce pełne roboty. Pochowała swojego ukochanego mężczyznę. Jej były kochanek ginie. Sędzia Garett zostaje znaleziony martwy w spalonym aucie. Prawdopodobnie auto razem z nim wybuchło. Dlaczego? Kto chciał jego śmierci? To jest skomplikowane. W tej powieści nie brakuje zwłok. I tylko Katie jest wstanie zatrzymać tą niszczącą machinę. Czy jej się uda? Czy tym razem polegnie?
To co dzieje się w tym mieście to istny armagedon. Przestępczość rośnie w siłę. Nie dają sobie z tym radę.
Uwielbiam powieści Graham Mastertona. Nie zawiódł mnie i tym razem. Znakomity, wielowątkowy thriller. To było moje pierwsze spotkanie z Katie Maguier i myślę, że nie ostatnie.
Ogólnie „Do ostatniej kropli krwi” to 11 tom z nadkomisarz Maguier.
Główna bohaterka nie ma łatwego życia. Większość ją nienawidzi i życzy jej śmierci. Czy te makabryczne życzenia się spełnią? Przeczytajcie. Gwarantuję wam niezapomniane wrażenia.
Niesamowicie mroczny klimat. Zbrodnia goni zbrodnię. Media nie dają spokoju nadkomisarz. Czy mimo wszystko uratuje mieszkańców od śmierci?
Jak dla mnie „Do ostatniej kropli krwi” to idealny thriller z niesamowitymi obyczajowymi wątkami.
Nie jest łatwo przeżyć traumę po śmierci ukochanego plus śmierć byłego kochanka z kolejnymi innymi morderstwami. Czy mimo wszystko poprowadzi śledztwo do wielkiego finału?
Jeżeli lubicie książki Grahama Mastertona, które trzymają w napięciu to koniecznie musicie przeczytać „Do ostatniej kropli krwi”.
Jeżeli nie czytaliście poprzednich 10 tomów nic nie szkodzi. Możecie śmiało sięgnąć po 11 tom. 😊
Gangsterzy rozsiali się po mieście. Kto wygra oni czy główna bohaterka?
Wartka akcja, niesamowita fabuła i urocza główna bohaterka.
Polecam, polecam i jeszcze raz polecam.
Graham Masterton Wydawnictwo Albatros
Nadkomisarz Katie Maguier kolejny raz będzie miała ręce pełne roboty. Pochowała swojego ukochanego mężczyznę. Jej były kochanek ginie. Sędzia Garett zostaje znaleziony martwy w spalonym aucie. Prawdopodobnie auto razem z nim wybuchło. Dlaczego? Kto chciał jego śmierci? To jest skomplikowane. W tej powieści nie brakuje zwłok. I tylko Katie jest wstanie zatrzymać tą niszczącą machinę. Czy jej się uda? Czy tym razem polegnie?
To co dzieje się w tym mieście to istny armagedon. Przestępczość rośnie w siłę. Nie dają sobie z tym radę.
Uwielbiam powieści Graham Mastertona. Nie zawiódł mnie i tym razem. Znakomity, wielowątkowy thriller. To było moje pierwsze spotkanie z Katie Maguier i myślę, że nie ostatnie.
Ogólnie „Do ostatniej kropli krwi” to 11 tom z nadkomisarz Maguier.
Główna bohaterka nie ma łatwego życia. Większość ją nienawidzi i życzy jej śmierci. Czy te makabryczne życzenia się spełnią? Przeczytajcie. Gwarantuję wam niezapomniane wrażenia.
Niesamowicie mroczny klimat. Zbrodnia goni zbrodnię. Media nie dają spokoju nadkomisarz. Czy mimo wszystko uratuje mieszkańców od śmierci?
Jak dla mnie „Do ostatniej kropli krwi” to idealny thriller z niesamowitymi obyczajowymi wątkami.
Nie jest łatwo przeżyć traumę po śmierci ukochanego plus śmierć byłego kochanka z kolejnymi innymi morderstwami. Czy mimo wszystko poprowadzi śledztwo do wielkiego finału?
Jeżeli lubicie książki Grahama Mastertona, które trzymają w napięciu to koniecznie musicie przeczytać „Do ostatniej kropli krwi”.
Jeżeli nie czytaliście poprzednich 10 tomów nic nie szkodzi. Możecie śmiało sięgnąć po 11 tom. 😊
Gangsterzy rozsiali się po mieście. Kto wygra oni czy główna bohaterka?
Wartka akcja, niesamowita fabuła i urocza główna bohaterka.
Polecam, polecam i jeszcze raz polecam.
December 23, 2022
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Audiobook (Libby)
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: Aoife McMahon
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Police procedural
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿: WF Howes Ltd
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 06.02.20
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 12:17
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘:
🔪 Crime thrillers
🕵🏻♀️ Police procedurals
🇮🇪 Irish based novels
🔥 Strong female leads
💨 Fast paced plots
🪓 Books filled with crime and murder
𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
The Katie Maguire series by Graham Masterton is still to date one of my FAVOURITE ever series, that I will recommend to any and every crime lover. I was so excited to discover another instalment had been published, although this sadly is the final book. I read physical copies of the first ten books, but I would really recommend the audiobook after listening to this one - Aoife McMahon's authentic narration is absolute perfection, and I could have listened to her all day.
I can't praise these books enough and this was no exception. Katie Maguire has her hands full between Cork's rival gang wars, murders and misogynistic, abusive male superiors but she is such a strong, resilient and complex character who has been developed perfectly over the series. These books have something for everyone: detailed police procedures, gritty, gruesome crimes, incredible character growth and relationships, and relentless action, drama and crime.
Katie has had a lot of romances throughout this book, and a lot of loss and heartbreak at that, but my favourite relationship is that of her and Kyna. I only wish this had been developed as from my point of view, the ending of their relationship seemed almost too sterotypical with Katie's "I love you but I can't be with you because I need a man and a baby" and I thought their relationship was perfect.
Overall.. every single book in this series, from the first to the last, is gold and I can't recommend them enough. Please go and collect them!
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: Aoife McMahon
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Police procedural
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿: WF Howes Ltd
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 06.02.20
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 12:17
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘:
🔪 Crime thrillers
🕵🏻♀️ Police procedurals
🇮🇪 Irish based novels
🔥 Strong female leads
💨 Fast paced plots
🪓 Books filled with crime and murder
𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
The Katie Maguire series by Graham Masterton is still to date one of my FAVOURITE ever series, that I will recommend to any and every crime lover. I was so excited to discover another instalment had been published, although this sadly is the final book. I read physical copies of the first ten books, but I would really recommend the audiobook after listening to this one - Aoife McMahon's authentic narration is absolute perfection, and I could have listened to her all day.
I can't praise these books enough and this was no exception. Katie Maguire has her hands full between Cork's rival gang wars, murders and misogynistic, abusive male superiors but she is such a strong, resilient and complex character who has been developed perfectly over the series. These books have something for everyone: detailed police procedures, gritty, gruesome crimes, incredible character growth and relationships, and relentless action, drama and crime.
Katie has had a lot of romances throughout this book, and a lot of loss and heartbreak at that, but my favourite relationship is that of her and Kyna. I only wish this had been developed as from my point of view, the ending of their relationship seemed almost too sterotypical with Katie's "I love you but I can't be with you because I need a man and a baby" and I thought their relationship was perfect.
Overall.. every single book in this series, from the first to the last, is gold and I can't recommend them enough. Please go and collect them!
February 6, 2020
An action-orientated, crime thriller set in Cork. 'The Last Drop of Blood is a mix of ganglit, police procedural and political thriller with a distinctive Irish ethos.
Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire battles against establishment misogyny, warring crime gangs and an indiscriminate murderer. Recently bereaved, her personal and professional lives clash. Despite this, her survival instinct keeps her moving forward, steadily solving the complex web of crimes and outwitting those who would prefer her to fail.
It's addictive reading and leaves you in no doubt about the evil lurking on the streets of Cork. The dialogue draws you into an Irish world, and gives the story it's engaging authenticity. The characters are complex and easy to visualise. You see the world as they see it, and sometimes it's a scary place to be. The violence is vividly portrayed as are the episodes of domestic abuse. Sex is shown to be both a weapon and a solace for the characters in this story.
This is reputed to be the last in the series, but it is the first Katie Maguire crime thriller, I've read. There are many characters, but the story focuses on Katie's point of view for the most part, with other characters offering theirs at pertinent moments. There is sufficient backstory to read this as a standalone, I was hooked from the beginning and the plot layers and reveals kept me turning the pages.
The crime detection is believable, and the clues are commensurate with the progression of the police investigation. The ending is powerful and leaves the door open.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire battles against establishment misogyny, warring crime gangs and an indiscriminate murderer. Recently bereaved, her personal and professional lives clash. Despite this, her survival instinct keeps her moving forward, steadily solving the complex web of crimes and outwitting those who would prefer her to fail.
It's addictive reading and leaves you in no doubt about the evil lurking on the streets of Cork. The dialogue draws you into an Irish world, and gives the story it's engaging authenticity. The characters are complex and easy to visualise. You see the world as they see it, and sometimes it's a scary place to be. The violence is vividly portrayed as are the episodes of domestic abuse. Sex is shown to be both a weapon and a solace for the characters in this story.
This is reputed to be the last in the series, but it is the first Katie Maguire crime thriller, I've read. There are many characters, but the story focuses on Katie's point of view for the most part, with other characters offering theirs at pertinent moments. There is sufficient backstory to read this as a standalone, I was hooked from the beginning and the plot layers and reveals kept me turning the pages.
The crime detection is believable, and the clues are commensurate with the progression of the police investigation. The ending is powerful and leaves the door open.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 10, 2021
"Garda Siochana wciąż była światem mężczyzn."
Jedenasty tom cyklu z nadkomisarz Katie Maquire jest chyba najbardziej przytłaczającym pod względem ilości tragedii i negatywnych zdarzeń jakie autor zgotował głównej bohaterce. Czy testuje wytrzymałość naszej protagonistki? Czy Katie jest w stanie niczym feniks odrodzić się z popiołów, w jakie zdaje się zmieniać jej życie?
Osobista tragedia i żałoba, niewiarygodne spiętrzenie zbrodni i morderstw na podlegającym jej terenie, nieakceptowalny seksizm w miejscu pracy, to tylko niektóre problemy, którym musi stawić czoła. Stanie się również obiektem zażartego i jawnego ataku w mediach. Kto jest w stanie tyle udźwignąć?
Czy Cork staje się strefą wojny, a sytuacja rzeczywiście wymyka się Katie z rąk?
Jeśli czytaliście którąkolwiek z części cyklu i poznaliście główną bohaterkę, to wiecie, że nie jest z tych, które łatwo się poddają. Jej umiejętność trzymania nerwów na wodzy, nawet w drastycznych sytuacjach, silna psychika i niewiarygodna wręcz determinacja każdorazowo budzą mój podziw. Czy jednak tym razem to wystarczy, by wypłynąć na powierzchnię bagna, w którym się znalazła?
Autor ponownie funduje nam pełną napięcia akcję, w której nie brak drastycznych opisów morderstw i scen seksu, z zakończeniem sugerującym, że i kolejna część nie poszczędzi Katie bolesnych doświadczeń. Jednak z powieści wyłania się przede wszystkim obraz kobiety walczącej o siebie w świecie zdominowanym przez nieprzychylnych i hołdujących ideom patriarchatu mężczyzn.
Jedenasty tom cyklu z nadkomisarz Katie Maquire jest chyba najbardziej przytłaczającym pod względem ilości tragedii i negatywnych zdarzeń jakie autor zgotował głównej bohaterce. Czy testuje wytrzymałość naszej protagonistki? Czy Katie jest w stanie niczym feniks odrodzić się z popiołów, w jakie zdaje się zmieniać jej życie?
Osobista tragedia i żałoba, niewiarygodne spiętrzenie zbrodni i morderstw na podlegającym jej terenie, nieakceptowalny seksizm w miejscu pracy, to tylko niektóre problemy, którym musi stawić czoła. Stanie się również obiektem zażartego i jawnego ataku w mediach. Kto jest w stanie tyle udźwignąć?
Czy Cork staje się strefą wojny, a sytuacja rzeczywiście wymyka się Katie z rąk?
Jeśli czytaliście którąkolwiek z części cyklu i poznaliście główną bohaterkę, to wiecie, że nie jest z tych, które łatwo się poddają. Jej umiejętność trzymania nerwów na wodzy, nawet w drastycznych sytuacjach, silna psychika i niewiarygodna wręcz determinacja każdorazowo budzą mój podziw. Czy jednak tym razem to wystarczy, by wypłynąć na powierzchnię bagna, w którym się znalazła?
Autor ponownie funduje nam pełną napięcia akcję, w której nie brak drastycznych opisów morderstw i scen seksu, z zakończeniem sugerującym, że i kolejna część nie poszczędzi Katie bolesnych doświadczeń. Jednak z powieści wyłania się przede wszystkim obraz kobiety walczącej o siebie w świecie zdominowanym przez nieprzychylnych i hołdujących ideom patriarchatu mężczyzn.
February 7, 2020
#11 in the DS Katie Maguire series. It can be read as a stand-alone but you are missing out on a little background and a great series.
Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire is travelling home from Conor’s funeral. When she gets a call. A car has been found alight and there’s a body inside. So she arrives and recognises the victim, due to a unique ring he is wearing, as Judge Quinn. He was the judge about to pass sentence in the murder trial of Donal Haggerty.
Meanwhile, gang leader, Thomas O’Flynn and his henchmen are feuding with the Riordan family, a feud that’s been ongoing for years…..
There’s also the case of the Lee Pusher, a man who pushes people into the river and who has just caused the death of a young woman.
Katie also has to deal with the recent founder of her beloved Conor, the reprehensible Brendan at work and also her relationship with Kyna. All adding to the feeling of stress and tension.
This is a dark and violent tale of the criminal underworld of Ireland, with drugs, shootings, murder and domestic violence…..It’s fast paced, gritting and gripping from start to finish. If you like a dark police procedural, then you’ll love this.
Thank you to Victoria Joss at Head of Zeus for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for a free ecopy of the book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire is travelling home from Conor’s funeral. When she gets a call. A car has been found alight and there’s a body inside. So she arrives and recognises the victim, due to a unique ring he is wearing, as Judge Quinn. He was the judge about to pass sentence in the murder trial of Donal Haggerty.
Meanwhile, gang leader, Thomas O’Flynn and his henchmen are feuding with the Riordan family, a feud that’s been ongoing for years…..
There’s also the case of the Lee Pusher, a man who pushes people into the river and who has just caused the death of a young woman.
Katie also has to deal with the recent founder of her beloved Conor, the reprehensible Brendan at work and also her relationship with Kyna. All adding to the feeling of stress and tension.
This is a dark and violent tale of the criminal underworld of Ireland, with drugs, shootings, murder and domestic violence…..It’s fast paced, gritting and gripping from start to finish. If you like a dark police procedural, then you’ll love this.
Thank you to Victoria Joss at Head of Zeus for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for a free ecopy of the book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
February 11, 2023
*WARNING-possible spoilers & a rant a head!*
For those that don't know I am a HUGE Masterton fan but Katie Maguire gets on my wick! (that's toned down to prevent giving offence) Now the story itself is decent enough, a gruesome death (what other kind would Katie investigate?) & two vicious gangs at loggerheads but it's hard for me to overlook the fact that I find Katie & her disastrous love life...actually make that all aspects of her life 'cos her work life isn't without its problem either....hard to believe.
"She had suffered so many losses that she was almost beginning to believe that she was a living Sluagh, a restless spirit who could never find peace and whose only purpose was to bring death and misery to others"....well you ain't wrong there lass....
Why are all these supposedly "intelligent" men in thrall to her? The way her boss Brendan acts towards her doesn't convince me at all! Mind you Kyna's no better...
Quite honestly I'll be glad to see the back of her....but have I? What the chuff is that ending about?!!! I should have known Katie would leave me irritated: Brendan needed to get his comeuppance & what about Kyna? Has the curse of Katie struck again?....
The most irritating thing is that if Katie does make a comeback I know damn well I'll still read it.However much I dislike her I need a regular new-Masterton fix.....
For those that don't know I am a HUGE Masterton fan but Katie Maguire gets on my wick! (that's toned down to prevent giving offence) Now the story itself is decent enough, a gruesome death (what other kind would Katie investigate?) & two vicious gangs at loggerheads but it's hard for me to overlook the fact that I find Katie & her disastrous love life...actually make that all aspects of her life 'cos her work life isn't without its problem either....hard to believe.
"She had suffered so many losses that she was almost beginning to believe that she was a living Sluagh, a restless spirit who could never find peace and whose only purpose was to bring death and misery to others"....well you ain't wrong there lass....
Why are all these supposedly "intelligent" men in thrall to her? The way her boss Brendan acts towards her doesn't convince me at all! Mind you Kyna's no better...
Quite honestly I'll be glad to see the back of her....but have I? What the chuff is that ending about?!!! I should have known Katie would leave me irritated: Brendan needed to get his comeuppance & what about Kyna? Has the curse of Katie struck again?....
The most irritating thing is that if Katie does make a comeback I know damn well I'll still read it.However much I dislike her I need a regular new-Masterton fix.....
February 15, 2020
Thanks to Head of Zeus for my copy of ‘The Last Drop of Blood’ by Graham Masterton, the final book in his DS Katie Maguire series
I’ve read a couple of the series in the earlier days so picking this up wasn’t totally new but then I’ve read early ones not the latest. Happy to say though this can be read as a stand-alone. Other than references to Katie’s relationships of the past there isn’t really anything to put off a new reader.
A fairly decent sized book, there are lots going on, as Kate deals with gang Warfare and a killer loose pushing vulnerable people into rivers.
Written with a strong Irish accent, it takes maybe a little time to accustom yourself to the dialect but that’s no complaint, I quite enjoy some authenticity.
Kate is a strong, determined almost unnerving character but her male counterparts at time’s feel a little bit to OTT and get away with things that just wouldn’t ever happen In today’s world. Nevertheless this is a sharply plotted fast paced gritty piece of Irish crime bringing an end to an 11 book series.
Recommended
4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I’ve read a couple of the series in the earlier days so picking this up wasn’t totally new but then I’ve read early ones not the latest. Happy to say though this can be read as a stand-alone. Other than references to Katie’s relationships of the past there isn’t really anything to put off a new reader.
A fairly decent sized book, there are lots going on, as Kate deals with gang Warfare and a killer loose pushing vulnerable people into rivers.
Written with a strong Irish accent, it takes maybe a little time to accustom yourself to the dialect but that’s no complaint, I quite enjoy some authenticity.
Kate is a strong, determined almost unnerving character but her male counterparts at time’s feel a little bit to OTT and get away with things that just wouldn’t ever happen In today’s world. Nevertheless this is a sharply plotted fast paced gritty piece of Irish crime bringing an end to an 11 book series.
Recommended
4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
September 15, 2023
The usual formula for the "last" Katie Maguire thriller. Plenty of graphic violence - the detail really not necessary to further the reader's understanding of the plot. Obviously the author just likes making his descriptions as gory as possible. I solve this by skip reading the violent bits, as without them there's usually a good story. As usual the fearless Katie presses on with her crusade against crime and corruption, in spite of the misogynistic attitudes of her superior officers. And as usual, Katie's personal life is complicated and tragic. This story is about gang warfare in Cork, culminating in a somewhat unlikely finale featuring the much abused partners of the two gang leaders.
Although the blurb on the front cover announces this as the "last" in the series, I note that on the author's own website mention is made of another Katie Maguire offering in the pipeline. Will I let myself in for a further dose of excessive violence ? Probably - Katie is too intriguing a character ever to be ignored !
Although the blurb on the front cover announces this as the "last" in the series, I note that on the author's own website mention is made of another Katie Maguire offering in the pipeline. Will I let myself in for a further dose of excessive violence ? Probably - Katie is too intriguing a character ever to be ignored !
October 28, 2020
I love Graham Masterton's books, so I was super excited to be allowed to read an advance copy of his latest novel "The last drop of blood" featuring Katie Maguire, a detective in Cork's Garda, I like Katie, she isn't perfect and she has had to fight her way to the top and she comes across as no nonsense, tough but fair but some think of her as a cailleach (witch/ Hag)
In the start of this book, Katie is burying her Fiancee, Conner, battling against her creepy boss and all the while, trying to juggle and solve all the crimes happening in Cork, including trying to put a stop to the dark underworld of Cork's gangs. The body count is high in this one and not one for the feint hearted, as Graham Masterton is quite graphic in his writing, It has been rumoured by Graham Masterton that this is to be the last novel featuring Katie Maguire but who knows we might not of seen the last of her yet. Fingers crossed.
In the start of this book, Katie is burying her Fiancee, Conner, battling against her creepy boss and all the while, trying to juggle and solve all the crimes happening in Cork, including trying to put a stop to the dark underworld of Cork's gangs. The body count is high in this one and not one for the feint hearted, as Graham Masterton is quite graphic in his writing, It has been rumoured by Graham Masterton that this is to be the last novel featuring Katie Maguire but who knows we might not of seen the last of her yet. Fingers crossed.
June 2, 2020
Final chapter?
If this is going to be the last we are going to hear from the brilliant Katie Maguire, then I would just like to say that if this the first time you are looking at reviews to make your mind up whether to purchase the book, then don't hesitate and buy it. Then go and get the first 10 books as well. It's rare that you will find a series this long and not remember a weaker book. This is one of those series, I can honestly say that I have enjoyed them all equally and especially, in a bittersweet way, this final chapter. (Or is it?) I'll leave that there!I'm not one to write long, self indulgent reviews but I could quite easily here.
I'm going off now to start collecting the Audible versions. Thank you Mr Masterton. P.S. his other books are pretty good too.
If this is going to be the last we are going to hear from the brilliant Katie Maguire, then I would just like to say that if this the first time you are looking at reviews to make your mind up whether to purchase the book, then don't hesitate and buy it. Then go and get the first 10 books as well. It's rare that you will find a series this long and not remember a weaker book. This is one of those series, I can honestly say that I have enjoyed them all equally and especially, in a bittersweet way, this final chapter. (Or is it?) I'll leave that there!I'm not one to write long, self indulgent reviews but I could quite easily here.
I'm going off now to start collecting the Audible versions. Thank you Mr Masterton. P.S. his other books are pretty good too.
March 13, 2024
Well this is a tough one - should I rate on the book (2 star, disappointing) or the series (4 star, excellent Police Procedural, with a sense of place, fun and high shock quota). I'll be generous.
Its not often a book series comes to a planned end - so I was "delighted" to see this one marked as the Last Katie Maguire book. How is Masterton going to close things down? I was expecting a grand finale and was delivered a damp squib, followed by the briefest of internet searches suggesting that book 12 is written and ready for publishing.
What a swizz!
The book has too many balls in the air to be effective - murdered judge, battered wives, gang warfare, student drug makers, bomb factories, a Lee River "pusher". Just ridiculous and not a great story.
Katie's private life goes down a rabbit hole of unbeliveability.... constantly sexually assualted by a superior, her response is to try and black mail him. Come one. With her latest man buried, she gets her oats in hysterical teenage too much broadband style with her female colleague, Kyna. Kyna should know better. The drummers in Spinal Tap have a longer shelf life.
471 pages is a long time to carry a police procedural - the banter and great ear for Cork speech can only go so far. The pages turn and sadly, I started to realise there was not to be an ending that does the series justice.
But then again, it sounds like it is coming back.
Its not often a book series comes to a planned end - so I was "delighted" to see this one marked as the Last Katie Maguire book. How is Masterton going to close things down? I was expecting a grand finale and was delivered a damp squib, followed by the briefest of internet searches suggesting that book 12 is written and ready for publishing.
What a swizz!
The book has too many balls in the air to be effective - murdered judge, battered wives, gang warfare, student drug makers, bomb factories, a Lee River "pusher". Just ridiculous and not a great story.
Katie's private life goes down a rabbit hole of unbeliveability.... constantly sexually assualted by a superior, her response is to try and black mail him. Come one. With her latest man buried, she gets her oats in hysterical teenage too much broadband style with her female colleague, Kyna. Kyna should know better. The drummers in Spinal Tap have a longer shelf life.
471 pages is a long time to carry a police procedural - the banter and great ear for Cork speech can only go so far. The pages turn and sadly, I started to realise there was not to be an ending that does the series justice.
But then again, it sounds like it is coming back.
December 10, 2020
As I may have remarked before, Cork seems to have an inordinate level of the worst of crimes! This time around the faux 'Irishisms' seem a little forced and the division of the criminal elements into two warring factions seems to be a carryover plot from the previous book, albeit the factions are Irish and not eastern European. For a lead detective who has just that day buried her partner, her immediate involvement in gory goings-on should, in the real world, never have been permitted. In common with other reviewers, if this is the last book in the series, then the ending spoils the book even further.
June 25, 2022
The Last Drop of Blood by Graham Masterton are always an excellent read. and this is the eleventh book in the Katie Maguire series and sadly this is the final book in this great thriller series. I have read most of these and I have really enjoyed them This last book was excellent especially as Graham left it open maybe there will be another book in the wonderful Kate Maguire series - You never know with this author.
I highly recommend this series. However, this book can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the other books.
Thank you to Head of Zeus via NetGalley for my ARC in return for an honest review.
I highly recommend this series. However, this book can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the other books.
Thank you to Head of Zeus via NetGalley for my ARC in return for an honest review.
August 21, 2024
This is my first 2 star review. Ridiculous melodramatic excuse for proposer crime fiction, where the hero detective investigates a judge’s murder on the day of her most recent partner’s funeral; and also has a lesbian affair with one of the detectives she supervised while fighting of her superior’s attempted sexual assault. She had committed adultery with the deceased judge previously and ends up working out his wife is the culprit. Oh, and she falls in love with the handsome judge sent to replace the murdered judge. And of course she and her team solves three separate criminal investigations, all in a week. Dripping with realism and verisimilitude!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2024
Graham Masterton made his name back in the 1970s/80s when I was in my teens, writing mostly horror pulpy novels with little held back on either the gore or sex front. Just the thing for a growing boy. His writing has matured and improved over the years, although thankfully he is still ignoring the PC brigade, culminating in the excellent Katie Maguire series about a detective set in Cork. Like the rest of the series, The Last Drop of Blood is not for the faint hearted, but continues the entertaining high standard that Masterton set with the previous 10 novels. Another winner, well narrated by Aoife McMahon.
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