The Last Word

Sophie Trace Trilogy #2

by Kathy Herman

When Vanessa Jessup returns home from her sophomore year of college, her mother, Police Chief Brill Jessup, is stunned to see that she's pregnant--by one of her professors. Brill is glad Vanessa rejected the father's abortion ultimatum, but hurt that she ignored her upbringing and angry that the professor has disappeared without a trace. When Vanessa Jessup returns home from her sophomore year of college, her mother, Police Chief Brill Jessup, is stunned to see that she's pregnant--by one of her professors. Brill is glad Vanessa rejected the father's abortion ultimatum, but hurt that she ignored her upbringing and angry that the professor has disappeared without a trace.But that's not all Brill's got on her plate. One of her detectives has been killed, and the attacker has threatened to come for her next. When a second cop is wounded, public criticism mounts as Brill attempts to stay alive long enough to catch the perp. And she's trying to find that deadbeat dad as Vanessa struggles to make decisions about her future. The killer seems to be everywhere and nowhere. How can a police chief--and a mother--do her job with her life on the line? In a show of grace under pressure, Brill will manage to have the last word, even if it kills her.Kathy Herman returns to Sophie Trace in this page-turner about God's power to heal the broken.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Mystery Thriller

390 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Best-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman has written twenty novels—including the Secrets or Roux River Bayou Series, Sophie Trace Series, the Seaport Suspense Series, and the Phantom Hollow Series—since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business. She and her late husband Paul have a blended family of three grown children. Kathy lives in the Northwest.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The excitement and intensity that started in the first book continues here. Very touching and enthralling.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Admittedly, I haven't read anything else by Kathy Herman, and this is the second in a trilogy. While it stands alone well, there are also many references to situations that I assume happened in the first novel.

It wasn't a difficult book to read, it just wasn't one that I found to be incredible or enthralling. I liked it well enough, and while I know the author was going for drama and suspense, much of the story seemed far-fetched to me. I could see it as some episode of a law enforcement show, actually. I also had a hard time relating to Brill, the main character. That could be because I haven't read the first book, and knowing her history could certainly endear her to readers. Emily's voice and thoughts seemed too old for her age. I also found the subplot of Vanessa running off all the time and meeting the "old man" in the park a bit strange, although I realize why the author put it into the book and how it tied into the story. It just seemed awkward and the whole thing wrapped up too neatly.

While I do think that, for the most part, some of the discussions between Vanessa and her parents regarding her pregnancy were realistic and accurate, I also found the story very preachy, to the point of lecturing.

I think that this is a book fans of Kathy Herman and Brill Jessup will love. I liked it well enough, it just didn't do much for me. I do recommend reading the books in order. A third book will follow next year and be more focused on Ethan's story.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE LAST WORD by Kathy Herman is not only suspenseful, but deals with family issues as well.

Brill Jessup is the Chief of Police in the small town of Sophie Trace. Her quiet community is about to be turned upside down by a stalker/murderer who has set his sights on her. He's taunting her with attacks on her fellow officers, all the while letting her know she is his ultimate target. If that's not enough, her college-age daughter comes home for the summer with a surprise of her own.

Vanessa Jessup has to explain to her parents how it is she has cast aside her Christian upbringing, fallen in love with her physiology professor, and done the unthinkable. Now seven months pregnant, and abandoned by said professor, Vanessa struggles with the decision of keeping the baby of giving it up for adoption. Her parents are disappointed and less than enthused about her pregnancy and the impact it will have on her future.

As Brill looks for a killer and tries to talk rationally with her daughter, she feels the scrutiny of the mayor, city council, and the townspeople of Sophie Trace. Will she be able to keep her family safe, her city safe, find the killer, and help her daughter make a life-changing decision?

I thoroughly enjoyed THE LAST WORD, as I have other Kathy Herman books. I'm sad that I didn't read THE REAL ENEMY, but look forward to the third book in the trilogy.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police Chief Brill Jessup can’t wait for her daughter, Vanessa to come home from college. Brill hasn’t seen Vanessa for a while. When Vanessa comes home, Brill realizes that a lot has changed like…Vanessa is pregnant. Unfortunately for Brill, the family reunion will have to wait. A killer is on the loose and he is knocking off all of Brill’s officers one by one. Can’t Brill stop the killer before it is too late and can she forgive her daughter for getting pregnant?

The Last Word is book two in the Sophie Trace trilogy. I have not read book one but this fact didn’t take away from me enjoying this book. Though, I do plan to check out book one as well as book three. Police Chief Brill Jessup is strong but she shows in this book that even the strong need a little help every one in a while. From the first moment I started reading this book, I had a hard time putting it down. The story line and characters are both interesting in a good way. This book picks up speed as you move along. I recommend reading this book when you have lots of time on your hands as you are going to want to finish this book in one sitting and that is The Last Word. I can tell you that I never would have predicted the ending. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Sarah Parrales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most exciting book, ever!!

Just couldn’t put this book down literally read in a few days and it had me on my toes! Everything I read kept me wanting more to read, to learn, to understand how well written it was and how a Christian perspective can make a difference once you share your faith! Much didn’t in today’s world of lost people or faithless people that mostly need God in their lives.. Thank you Kathy Herman for a well written and thoughtful book that I am going to share with my friends and family! Lovely just what I needed to read and thank you so much knowing Christ as well!! May God continue to use you and bless you and your family and friends!

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t care for this book. Although I appreciated that it was clean, I found it preachy, and the repeated doctrine that an evil person can gain spiritual absolution through simply acknowledging Christ in word bothered me a lot — and conversely, that there was concern about the salvation of a good man who died without acknowledging a belief in Christ. Really?
There were some interesting twists in the plot, but overall I didn’t find the story very engaging. The revelations and resolutions at the end were awkward and unbelievable.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second book in the series. The author did a great job with catching readers up on what happened in book 1 without repeating a lot of the detail.

The stalker's next moves was not always known and the suspense was good. There is some violence so not suitable for sensitive readers. I also did foresee the twist with Micah.

The author is doing a great job with bring in emotional difficult subjects in between the suspense scenes. Almost like a contemporary-suspense.

I'm enjoying this series and will continue the last book in the series.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Drama

Your book kept me tense and guessing (and only one grammar edit and two content edits needed). I do like how you wove the Christian life into this story with great levity. I also loved the surprise - or should I say surprises - you had at the end. A very satisfying cops and criminals story.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this story continues from the first book, but you could also read it as a standalone if you want. But trust me, you don't want to. Each of the books have their own plot and story, but then there's this underlying continuing storyline too. It's wholesome and still thrilling. Great book!

[carol price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready for next book by this author.

I would recommend this book to everyone. I want to read the next one But, start reading early in the day. I couldn't put it down to go to sleep. Impressed with the handling of the Word.

[Nell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book, although I found Vanessa to be a little bit of a poor me type person at first. Good story altogether and a nice clean read, with some realistic problems that people might actually have.

[Shandy Monty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book—better message

Book two does not disappoint. The storyline is great with a few twists and turns. This is a great story of God using all things for good to this who love him. The story has a great message.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police chief Brill Jessup is facing two crises at once. The first is an ex-convict whose avowed purpose is to kill those who were responsible for putting him in prison, including Brill; the second is her daughter, Vanessa, who has returned from college seven months pregnant.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this 2nd book more than the first. Vanessa was an interesting new character.
Great ending.

[Crystal Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed

If you need to be reminded how awesome God is, this story will touch your heart. Suspense, love and forgiveness... God's amazing grace.

[Beverly Strouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I gave The Last Word five stars because it was interesting, exciting, clean, and contemporary. The characters are quite vivid.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Kathy Herman, it won't be my last. I liked all of her closing comments and the depth of her discussion questions too, I will be buying more of her books for my church library

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the second book. Looking forward to #3

[sueJean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging

I loved the characters and the real dynamics in an honest marriage wih struggles that they overcame. Plus the suspense held me engaged.

[MaryRedford]

this was a great book lot of love and god and kids and husbands and wifes and older people
it was al some book

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book . I enjoy Kathy Herman books

[Parkland Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I did tire of some of the repetition and patterns in the series, but this was probably the best of the three books.

[Patricia Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!

Such a great read! I am looking forward to the next book in the series! I love how the author shares how to come to the Lord through her stories!

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good book but just didn’t really keep my attention again for the rest of the book. I think others may really enjoy it though.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

She's a good author but this plotline is not for me

[Sunflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Last Word" is my first Christian/suspense novel to read and I was really just surprised how quickly I got caught up with reading "The Last Word".

Set in the fictional small town of Sophie Trace, Tennessee with the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, "The Last Word" is really a book of two storys.

On one side you have, Police Chief Jessup dealing with a mysterious pattern of murders that are leading to her and on the other hand, you have the story of a couple, Police Chief Jessup and her husband, Kurt, dealing with a sad, but unfortunately every day topic of teenage pregnancy, when their daughter, Vanessa returns home, pregnant and facing a difficult choice in her life.

The background of the story is played around the scripture, Romans 1:16:

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16, New King James Version),

At first, the reader would probrably wonder what does this verse have to do with a Christian suspense book, but as one reads and gets caught up in the, sometimes, heart stopping drama that "The Last Word" has to offer, you quickly find out what and why, though you'll have to find out yourself, the "why" and how it plays into,"The Last Word", because these lips are sealed.

Heart-stopping at times, Kathy Herman interwines the two stories in ,"The Last Word",in such a way, that at the climax, it becomes like a roller coaster ride that leaves you with the thought that, this is not a good place to stop reading, until you, the reader, finds out what happens next.

What I enjoyed about, "The Last Word", is that although it's part of a series, revolving around the main character, Police Chief Brill Jessup, the reader could still read, "The Last Word", without feeling any loss of contineum in the story.

There is enough background in, "The Last Word", that if this is the reader's first introduction to a, Kathy Herman, book, they won't feel too left out, but at the same time, enough incentive to want to read the previous book that is in the series,"The Real Enemy", so don't be hinder from reading, "The Last Word" just because it's a "series" based book.

Something that I also enjoyed, was the discussion questions that are at the end of, "The Last Word" that makes it a great incentive to use in a book club or even as a basis perhaps of a bible study group. "The Last Word" discussion questions that are at the end, provide thought-provoking questions not only about the book itself, but over select biblical topics that are relevant to the storys' central theme and also to issues that the readers themselves that might encounter, transposing "The Last Word" into an excellent method of opening up discussions over how as Christians do we deal with teenage pregnancy, consequences of our choices and particularly sharing our faith and witnessing.

Not something you would always expect from fiction, but from a Christian fiction, "The Last Word" provides a wonderful medium to address difficult subjects and even soften barriers for sharing God's words with others.

If you are in the mood for a suspenseful story that is also Christian, I recommend adding "The Last Word" to your nightstand or bring it up for recommendation at your next bible or book study group. You won't regret it and might be surprised at how it might get some much needed discussions going.

[JanetW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started with the 2nd book of this series ... gotta go back & read the 1st one ... left me with questions ... I'm hooked :) :) :)

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories are great

Good story, good characters, it's all good folks. I have enjoyed this story. I will read the next one, too.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Kathy Herman, but not my first Christian Romantic Suspense by far. When I decided to review this for the FIRST Wild Card Tour I didn't realize it was part of a series. Usually I am very particular and have to read a series in order. But I realized I couldn't do that with the time constraints of this review. So I dove in. You know what - my brain did not explode :). Yes I think there were some things I think I could have benefited from knowing by reading the first book, but I never felt at a loss when reading this book. The author goes enough into the circumstances of the first book to understand but not so much to give away the plot of the first book completely. So I will be going back to read the first book for sure and will read the third book when it comes out.

After all of that - let me talk to you about The Last Word itself. This is a well plotted book. I enjoyed the suspense plot, the family plot and the glimpses I got into the Jessup's neighbors in Sophie Trace. I enjoyed the small town setting of Sophie Trace, which is a small close-knit community in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. I also enjoyed the characters in the Jessup family, from Brill the Police Chief mother, to Kurt the stay-at-home while running his business father, to the older daughter Vanessa who comes home pregnant from college and darling Emily, the ten-year-old who has been through so much. Each member of the family adds to the depth of the story and gives you a good glimpse of a fairly normal family who has their share of problems.

The suspense was well done, but kind of took second place to the family time, but that was okay, since it kept coming to the foreground through the book. It was well-executed and kept me hanging on until the end. I had some things figured out, but one outcome completely floored me (in a good way).

The book never came off as preachy to me. The teachable moments were handled well and never felt holier-than-thou because they came from characters that had had their own troubles. No one was perfect in the story and all the Christian teaching came from the various flawed characters which makes it easier for me to grasp and understand. I don't like books where all the characters seem preachy and perfect, it's definitely not so in this book - each one, (save young Emily) has their own problems, whether confronted in the past or affecting them now and all of them have great understanding that they will have other problems too, that Christianity does not guarantee them a perfect life.

So give this series a try, whether starting at this book or the first one in the series, The Real Enemy. It's worth the time it takes to read - I flew through this when I had a chance to read and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get a review copy of this book, which is the sequel to The Real Enemy. Kathy Herman puts her characters in a new police drama at work and at home.

Police Chief Brill and her husband, Kurt, welcome their daughter, Vanessa, everyone’s looking for a fun, peaceful summer. But, news from Vanessa squashes all that! They meet Ethan, Vanessa's friend from college, who came home with her to lessen the blow she was to tell her parents.

At work, Brill is being stalked by an inmate just release from prison. This man is on a mission and will stop at nothing until justice is done in his own mind. He’s out to get the people that put him behind bars. Brill is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her and her family safe, but she can’t be with all of her family 24/7. This man is good and has already taken out a few cops—he means business.

Kathy talks about topics that are uncomfortable but real. Christians have problems like everyone else. God says, in this world you will have trouble. This story is nail biting suspenseful, action packed and has a strong spiritual thread. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading the last installment of this series called, The Right Call.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
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