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The Last Resort: A Forgotten Coast Mystery
For many, Apalachicola is a failed tourist town on Florida's Forgotten Coast, but for Police Chief Randall Cole, it's home. So when he gets a call from a concerned shop owner that the town's hoarder and conspiracy theorist hasn't been around for a couple of days, he takes it seriously. When Cole finds the poor man dead under a pile of his own hoard, it looks like an unfortunate accident, but for him, there's more to the story.
As he digs into the man's murder, it gets more and more dangerous. Someone doesn't want Cole to find the truth behind the conspiracy theorist's death or the failed resort in Apalachicola, and they will kill to have their way. Too bad for them that Randall Cole doesn't die easy.
As he digs into the man's murder, it gets more and more dangerous. Someone doesn't want Cole to find the truth behind the conspiracy theorist's death or the failed resort in Apalachicola, and they will kill to have their way. Too bad for them that Randall Cole doesn't die easy.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 19, 2022
not worth the time
There are some good fight scenes, but it’s not worth wading through tedious prose and highly risible law enforcement procedures. The narrative starts oh so slowly. Do we really need extraneous details such as the red button on the office phone? The medical examiner’s finding of accidental death when the victim had sustained several blows to the head is not convincing. It’s unlikely an FBI agent would jawbone her way into a potential crime scene without first obtains a warrant. The sheriff’s jurisdiction is unclear. Does it extend to St. George? If not, shouldn’t he have contacted the law enforcement authorities there?
There are some good fight scenes, but it’s not worth wading through tedious prose and highly risible law enforcement procedures. The narrative starts oh so slowly. Do we really need extraneous details such as the red button on the office phone? The medical examiner’s finding of accidental death when the victim had sustained several blows to the head is not convincing. It’s unlikely an FBI agent would jawbone her way into a potential crime scene without first obtains a warrant. The sheriff’s jurisdiction is unclear. Does it extend to St. George? If not, shouldn’t he have contacted the law enforcement authorities there?
February 3, 2023
I'm going to be generous and give this 3* only because I got this for free when I saw it in a newsletter. What interested me is it takes place in a small Florida town and I had recently read a Carl Hiaasen book and the first of John D MacDonald's Travis McGee books which also take place in small Florida towns. How did this stack up? Not well.
You read Hiaasen with his great offbeat characters and MacDonald with the great neo-noir atmosphere and then you read this and it's like going from succulent lobster to a boiled store brand hot dog without even any ketchup or mustard. The characters and the town itself aren't really interesting at all. Most of them I couldn't remember because they have no personality. Mostly there's just the the chief who has probably the largest police force ever for such a small town. I mean there are like 5-6 people working there most of the time. How does some little podunk Florida fishing town manage to support the expense of that? The author mentions the chief was in the military and has a daughter in college but little to nothing is done with any of that. The only other character of note is Yamazaki (however it's spelled) who's an FBI agent who took vacation time to investigate a conspiracy theorist's death. There's some hint that there's stuff in her past, but the author does nothing with that either.
And then the worst of it is they don't even really solve the mystery! There's this key that Cole gets but it's never explained what it does. Other than catching one guy (which literally took almost 20% of the book) they accomplish almost nothing. I get you want to set up a series, but if you want me to read more books, you have to actually make the first one worth reading, which this isn't. I really have no interest in spending more time with these dull characters in their unremarkable town.
This could also have used a decent editor because there are a few phrases and bad dialog tags and such that could have been weeded out by someone competent.
That is all.
You read Hiaasen with his great offbeat characters and MacDonald with the great neo-noir atmosphere and then you read this and it's like going from succulent lobster to a boiled store brand hot dog without even any ketchup or mustard. The characters and the town itself aren't really interesting at all. Most of them I couldn't remember because they have no personality. Mostly there's just the the chief who has probably the largest police force ever for such a small town. I mean there are like 5-6 people working there most of the time. How does some little podunk Florida fishing town manage to support the expense of that? The author mentions the chief was in the military and has a daughter in college but little to nothing is done with any of that. The only other character of note is Yamazaki (however it's spelled) who's an FBI agent who took vacation time to investigate a conspiracy theorist's death. There's some hint that there's stuff in her past, but the author does nothing with that either.
And then the worst of it is they don't even really solve the mystery! There's this key that Cole gets but it's never explained what it does. Other than catching one guy (which literally took almost 20% of the book) they accomplish almost nothing. I get you want to set up a series, but if you want me to read more books, you have to actually make the first one worth reading, which this isn't. I really have no interest in spending more time with these dull characters in their unremarkable town.
This could also have used a decent editor because there are a few phrases and bad dialog tags and such that could have been weeded out by someone competent.
That is all.
February 2, 2023
The Last Resort By Sal Bianchi.
(Forgotten Coast Mysteries Book 1)
This e-book was free on amazon.com and the blurb promised an interesting read. It is a stand-alone book. By the end of this book, we find out who the killer is but this is book 1 of a series and there is a larger story arc and you will need to read the rest of the books in the series to solve that mystery. This book sets up the main characters and sets the tone for the next books in the series. It held my interest for the duration of this book, but I was not invested enough in the characters to purchase the next book in the series. Overall, for me this is a 3 and half star book.
Go to amazon.com and read the free sample to see if you like the author's writing style and story telling.
(Forgotten Coast Mysteries Book 1)
This e-book was free on amazon.com and the blurb promised an interesting read. It is a stand-alone book. By the end of this book, we find out who the killer is but this is book 1 of a series and there is a larger story arc and you will need to read the rest of the books in the series to solve that mystery. This book sets up the main characters and sets the tone for the next books in the series. It held my interest for the duration of this book, but I was not invested enough in the characters to purchase the next book in the series. Overall, for me this is a 3 and half star book.
Go to amazon.com and read the free sample to see if you like the author's writing style and story telling.
February 5, 2023
Big hearted cop in small town
An ugly crime has darkened the atmosphere of a small fishing town, as a local eccentric conspiracy theorist is murdered. Before his death, he had taken steps to ensure the local police chief and the FBI are put on the right path for justice. The settings, characters and action are all well described, and the plot will keep you riveted to the book until you have finished..or beyond, since it is clear that the story will continue!
An ugly crime has darkened the atmosphere of a small fishing town, as a local eccentric conspiracy theorist is murdered. Before his death, he had taken steps to ensure the local police chief and the FBI are put on the right path for justice. The settings, characters and action are all well described, and the plot will keep you riveted to the book until you have finished..or beyond, since it is clear that the story will continue!
January 29, 2026
The book started out with a gripping action scene, and I was hopeful. I gave up on it a third of the way through, though. An early warning sign was the author getting bogged down in excessive detail. Listing every single item on a policeman's belt, for example. The author either didn't have any idea how medical examiners operate in Florida, or they changed the facts to fit their story.
Writer's Tip: If you want me to suspend belief, you still have to base your story in reality. If you don't know, research it. If you can't research it, avoid the topic altogether.
Another problem is the locale. If they have been to Apalachicola, they were just passing through. The details they did give were either from Wikipedia or Google Maps. It was superficial, or some facts were just plain wrong.
Writer's Tip: If you want me to suspend belief, you still have to base your story in reality. If you don't know, research it. If you can't research it, avoid the topic altogether.
Another problem is the locale. If they have been to Apalachicola, they were just passing through. The details they did give were either from Wikipedia or Google Maps. It was superficial, or some facts were just plain wrong.
October 25, 2025
good book
Florida being destroyed by bulldozers and concrete mixers, it’s pleasant to read about what once was. Bianchi reminds us that there are always going to be those who want to destroy. In this mystery set in Apalachicola, it appears that there’s more than building a resort going on. The local sheriff finds himself investigating more than murder. I think this book is well written with realistic characters. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like.
Florida being destroyed by bulldozers and concrete mixers, it’s pleasant to read about what once was. Bianchi reminds us that there are always going to be those who want to destroy. In this mystery set in Apalachicola, it appears that there’s more than building a resort going on. The local sheriff finds himself investigating more than murder. I think this book is well written with realistic characters. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like.
May 2, 2026
Ending is awful!
This fictional story is clearly nothing more than bait for another book to find out what happens to the town, the water, the chief and FBI agent. It doesn’t make me happy to realize this book is nothing more than the author’s ploy to sell more books. I understand the business side of this but a story should have a beginning and an end. This book fails the basics of a story. This author is on my never read again list.
This fictional story is clearly nothing more than bait for another book to find out what happens to the town, the water, the chief and FBI agent. It doesn’t make me happy to realize this book is nothing more than the author’s ploy to sell more books. I understand the business side of this but a story should have a beginning and an end. This book fails the basics of a story. This author is on my never read again list.
May 25, 2026
Totally Surprised me.....
I liked this book a lot! It was a free option from Book bub and it grabbed my attention because of the setting of the book being on the Forgotten coast. I am a FL girl. But, the book grabbed me from the get-go and I ended up reading straight through book 1. Now, I'm looking for the rest of the story. I can easily recommend this book as a good read.
I liked this book a lot! It was a free option from Book bub and it grabbed my attention because of the setting of the book being on the Forgotten coast. I am a FL girl. But, the book grabbed me from the get-go and I ended up reading straight through book 1. Now, I'm looking for the rest of the story. I can easily recommend this book as a good read.
February 1, 2023
Fun reading
This was a really fun book to read about a little Florida town and It's small police department. It involves a Murdered Local citizen who continuously Complains about a conspiracy that nobody believes and turns to be real. I don't know a very quick read That was enjoyable.
This was a really fun book to read about a little Florida town and It's small police department. It involves a Murdered Local citizen who continuously Complains about a conspiracy that nobody believes and turns to be real. I don't know a very quick read That was enjoyable.
October 18, 2025
Face paced story
I read this in a few hours on Saturday. Couldn't put it down, went so fast! Interesting story and characters. I had to check up a map of area to know where it was in Florida. I didn't know it was called forgotten coast.
With a read, though didn't like ending, will have to read next book I guess.
I read this in a few hours on Saturday. Couldn't put it down, went so fast! Interesting story and characters. I had to check up a map of area to know where it was in Florida. I didn't know it was called forgotten coast.
With a read, though didn't like ending, will have to read next book I guess.
November 2, 2025
A bit disappointing in the end. At first I struggled with the name of the place and the name of the FBI agent, which spoiled the pace, as I kept stumbling over them.
Also I found the fight scene unbelievable, with the police chief fighting, with a bullet in his shoulder, then we are supposed to believe he put the man on his shoulder and climbed a ladder??? I think not !
Also I found the fight scene unbelievable, with the police chief fighting, with a bullet in his shoulder, then we are supposed to believe he put the man on his shoulder and climbed a ladder??? I think not !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
Tourist town in Florida
The story is fast paced and kept me interested all the way to the end i couldn't put it down. Looking to read the rest of the series. Murder, conspiracy theories, intrigue, action backed story. Police chief Cole with the help from the FBI look into the death of a local man and discover a larger story behind the murder.
The story is fast paced and kept me interested all the way to the end i couldn't put it down. Looking to read the rest of the series. Murder, conspiracy theories, intrigue, action backed story. Police chief Cole with the help from the FBI look into the death of a local man and discover a larger story behind the murder.
June 3, 2026
A fast pace story, interesting to read and not finished.
The story is a pretty good whodunit. They left a lot of lead follow-up. The first section is done, this is obviously the beginning of at least a maybe 3 novel set you left with as many questions as answers. No, you'll enjoy it.
The story is a pretty good whodunit. They left a lot of lead follow-up. The first section is done, this is obviously the beginning of at least a maybe 3 novel set you left with as many questions as answers. No, you'll enjoy it.
August 3, 2026
Fair warning, this book ends with a huge cliff hanger. There was a long, long fight scene I thought was overly simplified (running in stockings feet through a forest with only sore feet at the end? When admittedly crashing over brush and sticks?) But it was an interesting story and I am will likely read more as it left me curious. 3.5 stars maybe?
October 24, 2022
Thumbs Up
Another great read from the shores of the Forgotten Coast of Florida. Makes me want to visit there.
He definitely needs to follow this with a sequel. The mystery of the key and pit will bother me for days.
Another great read from the shores of the Forgotten Coast of Florida. Makes me want to visit there.
He definitely needs to follow this with a sequel. The mystery of the key and pit will bother me for days.
February 2, 2023
A good start
Enjoyable for the most part. A few flaws in the narrative. I'll read the next in the series hoping the top cop trades in his revolver for something more contemporary. This makes place in the pan handle of Florida, Gulf of Mexico.
Enjoyable for the most part. A few flaws in the narrative. I'll read the next in the series hoping the top cop trades in his revolver for something more contemporary. This makes place in the pan handle of Florida, Gulf of Mexico.
February 6, 2023
A Real Page Turner!
From page one, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next; however, it got s bit "hokey" when wounded people run, jump tended and fight as if nothing happened, destroying any believability. And no ending!
From page one, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next; however, it got s bit "hokey" when wounded people run, jump tended and fight as if nothing happened, destroying any believability. And no ending!
March 8, 2023
Loved the storyline it was a good page turner
The author hinted at a love story but kept you on the edge of your seat with the mystery. Will definitely look for more books by this author
The author hinted at a love story but kept you on the edge of your seat with the mystery. Will definitely look for more books by this author
June 13, 2023
Real Mystery Fans Will Be Delighted
It’s a fun read, real characters with stories you can identify with in a setting that provides local color. If you know small towns in the area, it rings true. Nailed it!
It’s a fun read, real characters with stories you can identify with in a setting that provides local color. If you know small towns in the area, it rings true. Nailed it!
October 27, 2025
A Must Read
I was hooked from the first page to the very last. Well crafted characters. Although this is considered a mystery, it is action packed. Please read you will not be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I was hooked from the first page to the very last. Well crafted characters. Although this is considered a mystery, it is action packed. Please read you will not be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 16, 2025
Good story
Well lots of action going on in this story plus tunnels going g all over deep underground plus the sheriff takes action catches the real Peron responsible for the murder looking forward to the next in the series ciao from Bobbie the Scotty and George her pops...
Well lots of action going on in this story plus tunnels going g all over deep underground plus the sheriff takes action catches the real Peron responsible for the murder looking forward to the next in the series ciao from Bobbie the Scotty and George her pops...
January 3, 2026
What was wrong in this little town?
Martin was killed because of his conspiracy story, but why? The FBI agent comes to find out why but gets caught up with the chase.
The story is too wordy and hard to keep reading. Also it ends with the need to read the next book.
Martin was killed because of his conspiracy story, but why? The FBI agent comes to find out why but gets caught up with the chase.
The story is too wordy and hard to keep reading. Also it ends with the need to read the next book.
May 25, 2026
Too much irrelevant material
Story line was great,, but I skipped quite a bit that had nothing to do with the plot. Descriptions of houses and clothing to me is inconsequential. Loved the characters and their interactions.
Story line was great,, but I skipped quite a bit that had nothing to do with the plot. Descriptions of houses and clothing to me is inconsequential. Loved the characters and their interactions.
September 15, 2022
Interesting!
An interesting start to the series, with a strong plot to build on. A strong main character, you like to root for.
An interesting start to the series, with a strong plot to build on. A strong main character, you like to root for.
September 27, 2022
Vic rating
Once the story got to rolling I could not put the book down. Looking forward to reading the sequel. I would highly recommend this book.
Once the story got to rolling I could not put the book down. Looking forward to reading the sequel. I would highly recommend this book.
February 1, 2023
A page turner
I was kept interested by this book. I had to finish it. Matt is believable as the chief of police. I enjoyed it.
I will look for more by Bianchi.
I was kept interested by this book. I had to finish it. Matt is believable as the chief of police. I enjoyed it.
I will look for more by Bianchi.
February 2, 2023
Great Read
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. Sal did a great job developing the characters.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. Sal did a great job developing the characters.
February 3, 2023
Leaves you wanting more!
Leaves you wanting more! Can hardly wait for the next book. I had to look up on my computer to see if this town really existed.
Leaves you wanting more! Can hardly wait for the next book. I had to look up on my computer to see if this town really existed.
February 19, 2023
The Last Resort
An exciting fast moving story and a good read but it sort of just quit then I couldn't find book two it just went to book three and four.
An exciting fast moving story and a good read but it sort of just quit then I couldn't find book two it just went to book three and four.
March 20, 2023
Great read!
The book reads so smoothly. I had to force myself to close my Kindle so I could get some sleep. Bring us a sequel Sal!
The book reads so smoothly. I had to force myself to close my Kindle so I could get some sleep. Bring us a sequel Sal!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews