Her Last Whisper: A Novel (Dr. Charlotte Stone)

by Karen Robards

2015

Status

Available

Publication

Ballantine Books (2015), Edition: Reprint, 400 pages

Description

Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Suspense. HTML:Readers who relish heated passion and chilling suspense love New York Times bestselling author Karen Robardsâ??s acclaimed novels featuring Dr. Charlotte â??Charlieâ?ť Stone. A heroine with a keen mind for catching killers and a soft heart for bad boys, Charlie is back in this third sizzling paranormal romance thriller.   HER LAST WHISPER   Madness and murder invaded Dr. Charlotte Stoneâ??s life when she was just a girlâ??and made her a woman determined to save others from the horror she survived. An expert in the psychology of serial killers, sheâ??s faced down more than her share of human monsters. But Charlie can also communicate with the spirits of those who die violently, an extrasensory skill that has helped the FBI bring lethal predators to justice. Now, after narrowly escaping death a second time, Charlieâ??s ready to step away from the edge . . . before her luck runs out.   Too bad Charlie is too dedicated for her own goodâ??and too devoted to federal agent Tony Bartoli to say no when he asks her to ride shotgun on yet another risky mission. Of course, she already has her hands full with Michael Garland: the handsome, roguish ghost with whom sheâ??s hopelessly in loveâ??a spirit who depends on Charlie to keep him from slipping forever into the dark side of the afterlife. But in the mortal world, beautiful single women are vanishing from Las Vegas hotels at night. All signs indicate that a psychopath is on the prowl in Sin City, and Bartoliâ??s FBI colleague Lena Kaminsky has reason to fear that her missing sister may be just the killerâ??s type.   In a town full of fast players and few rules, flushing out a smooth-talking stalker like the Cinderella Killer might be a loserâ??s game. But for Charlie, the only way to cage her quarry is to plunge back into the homicidal hell she vowed to leave behindâ??and may not leave alive. Praise for Her Last Whisper   â??A tightly written ghostly romantic suspense novel with intriguing supernatural elements and sizzling sexual tension.â?ťâ??Kirkus Reviews   â??An absolute winner . . . explodes with both passion and mystery . . . a tale that will haunt you, providing both thrills and chills.â?ťâ??Bookreporter   â??Outstanding . . . Robards is truly a master storyteller.â?ťâ??RT Book Reviews Praise for Karen Robards   â??One of the most popular voices in womenâ??s fiction.â?ťâ??Newsweek   â??Draw a line between two extremely popular genres, mysteries and romance novels, and in the middle you will find the bestselling Robards. She merges the two worlds like no o… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member aussiegrl
After receiving this book from Library Thing I was so intrigued I had to start the series at the beginning. It has definitely become one of my favorites. I just finished reading Her Last Whisper and Robards didn't disappoint. With this latest cliff hanger I am going to have to get the next book
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ASAP to see what has happened between my favorite character and her ghostly lover. This book in the series touches home for one of the characters by a serial killer taking her sister. It shows us a more in depth look at one of these lesser characters. Truly a great read!
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LibraryThing member elieberman
I was very disappointed - I am not for falling in love with ghosts

There were too many questions I had that were left unanswered. For instance, was Michael really a serial killer? How did Charlie gain access to the spirit world?

I did finish the book hoping to get answers that never came. Too
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unrealistic for me Sorry
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LibraryThing member SunnySD
I received a copy of this book courtesy of LT Early Reviewers.

Having read the first two installments (which I recommend doing prior to sitting down with this one) I was up to speed on the back story. As the book opens, Charlotte has returned to her study of serial killers on death row, still a bit
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shaken from her own brush with visiting the other side. The action kicks of almost immediately with a dementor-esque encounter with a Hunter, a serial killer possession, and the reappearance of Charlotte's almost-sparks love-interest from the FBI. The team's on a manhunt for a serial killer in Los Vegas, and this time it's personal. Charlotte's not super thrilled about participating, but Michael's fading and getting his help means calling in a psychic friend who can meet her in Vegas before the rapidly shrinking deadline expires along with Michael.... and that's the first few pages in a nutshell - it speeds up from there.

Robards apparently plans to continue the series on to at least one more book, as this one ends in a cliffhanger. A few minor irritations aside (as in the first two books, Charlotte must appear to be continually talking to thin air, and yet no one ever seems to notice), this was a good, fast, occasionally creepy read.
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LibraryThing member joannemonck
Having read the first book put me in a better position to read this one. A serial killer profiler and a convicted serial killer are attached after the profiler tried to save the serial killers life. Going from there - the gorgeous hunk of a serial killer and her are in "love" or "lust".? The
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interaction between the two is electric and quite funny at times. Between the earth plain and the dark place the book bounces back and forth. She is back in the midst of a series of killings in Las Vegas and with the help of her "serial killer" and the good looking FBI agent they solve the case, but everyone is hurt one way or the other.
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LibraryThing member Barbara31542
I loved this book. Thank you for sending it to me. Ms. Robards is a talented writer and this book was an excellent addition to her book list. It was a page turner from start to finish. I had difficulty putting it down.
LibraryThing member debralu
Ah..............no. REad maybe a quarter through the book and found it annoying, redundant and something an adolescent might enjoy. I was surprised as I've read works by Ms. Robards before and enjoyed her work. Too much else to read, too little time.
LibraryThing member Randall.Hansen
This novel is like a bad joke: Did you hear the one about the female psychologist who hunts serial killers who must choose between the hunky FBI agent she works with and the Adonis-like ghost of a convicted serial killer who follows her around? Ugh. I received this book through the Early Reviewers
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program and did not see any mention of a ghost in the description. The book seems to try to walk a line between a serial killer thriller and a steamy romance novel, with a bit of supernatural thrown in. To me, it was just kind of a hot mess, and if not for feeling an obligation to review it (and to use it at an upcoming book club meeting), I don't think I would have continued reading it.
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LibraryThing member peggy.s
This is the third book in Ms. Robards’ Dr. Charlotte (Charlie) Stone series. I have read all three of the books. I really liked the first one, really didn’t like the second, and (thankfully) really liked this one! Dr. Stone is a psychologist who specializes in researching the psyche of serial
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killers. She was drawn into this occupation because of an experience she had as a teenager. She finds herself working with a special team of the FBI that specializes in hunting down serial killers. As if her knowledge and interest in the subject isn’t enough to make her an asset to the team, she also has the psychic gift of being able to see and speak with those who have just suffered a violent death. One of these ghosts is Michael – the spirit of a convicted serial killer she had been working with in prison. She witnessed his violent death – and his spirit appeared to her – and stayed! A hot, paranormal romance develops between Charlie and Michael.
In this book, Charlie is called in to help the FBI when the sister of one of the agents disappears in Las Vegas, and is feared to have fallen into the clutches of a serial killer. Charlie (with her ghost, Michael) joins the group in Vegas to try to find the young woman. The resulting search, not to mention the relationship between Charlie and Michael, makes for a very good read – there is a lot of suspense and romance. I feel that this book has a great balance of both – and can’t wait for the next book in the series! I really think this book should be read after the first two in the series. It would probably be OK alone – but, I’m sure, it makes more sense if the reader has the background of the other two novels.
I won this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program
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LibraryThing member mnm123
I received this book in exchange for a review. This is the third book in the series and I have to say they keep getting better. I had issues with the main character in the first book, but she has definitely grown and evolved. I am now completely hooked on this series. Charlie is a doctor who
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studies serial killers and Michael was a convicted serial killer before he died. That's right Michael is a ghost and Charlie can see him and hear him. They work together with a special FBI team to catch serial killers. There is a lot of steamy romance and some real scary moments. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for what comes next.
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LibraryThing member StanSki
Different strokes for different folks. This one was not for me. The whole paranormal thing seems way beyond possible. Ghosts Charlie can see, fighting with ghosts she can't see, Michal thrown to the ground, but slides through chairs without moving them? Why didn't he simply go through the floor?

I
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guess I am just too logical to get this one. My first, and last Karen Robards book.
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LibraryThing member toades
I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer and I really enjoyed it. I have never read any of the other Dr. Charlotte Stone books but I will keep and eye open for them now. The plot contains a ghost and murder and a very unexpected ending. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good
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mystery.
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LibraryThing member TaKeara
Just couldn't finish it. I don't know if maybe it's just not my type of book or what. Usually I enjoy romantic suspense books but I found Michael(the ghost) popping in and out of the room and conversations with Dr. Charlotte Stone just to distracting, then after the other "voices" were added and
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the possessions I was totally done for. Sorry, just to far out for me. Probably would be a great book for someone who was more into the supernatural, paranormal type books.

This is the first book by Karen Robards I've ever read and it will definitely be the last. I enjoy trying new authors and have many wonderful books/authors by doing so, this just isn't it for me.
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LibraryThing member utacraft
In a town full of fast players and few rules, flushing out a smooth talking stalker like the Cinderella Killer might be a loser's game, but for Charlie, the only way to cage her quarry is to plunge back into the homicidal hell she vowed to leave behind and may not leave alive.
I did like this 3rd
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book and plan to read the previous 2 books
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LibraryThing member B.J.O.
This is the third book in the Dr. Charlotte Stone series, and I have to say that the initial surprise at what a unique series this is, has yet to wear off. Combining equal parts of paranormal, mystery, thriller, humor, romance and passion, the Dr. Charlotte Stone is one of the most well rounded
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series, I have ever read! Moreover, Her Last Whisper is sure to keep you constantly entertained with its two mysteries and two love stories.

Although it is possible to read this book as a standalone, as the immediate mystery, the identification and tracking down of the "Cinderella" serial killer is resolved, I would recommend that you read it in order. Not only does the love life of the heroine evolve over the series, but there is also an underlying mystery over whether Michael Garland, a convicted serial killer and now Dr. Charlotte Stone's ghost lover, actually committed the horrendous crimes he was convicted of which also is slowly solved over the entire series. Her Last Whisper ends in one big cliffhanger, so there will definitely be at least one other book. As of the time of this review, however, I could not find any information on when it is expected to be released, so now I'm sitting on pins and needles! This series is that good!

Dr. Charlotte Stone, once targeted by the depraved "Boardwalk" serial killer who killed Charlie's best friend and her family, is no longer a victim. Instead, she became a psychiatrist who researches serial killers and now she is the hunter who hunts down these madmen. The fact that she has a gift, which allows her to communicate with the newly dead, particularly those who have experienced violent deaths, only makes her even more suited to help protect society from their deviant behavior.

There is one spirit, however, that of convicted serial killer, Michael Garland, who has become quite a problem, for her heart that is. She studied him in life, and never doubted his guilt, but it wasn't until he saved her life, giving up his in the process, that she began to question Michael's crimes. Torn between her knowledge of how serial killers operate, and her unmistakeable attraction and heartfelt feelings towards Michael, she doesn't know what to do. Never mind that his time in a spiritual plane where she can still be with him is no doubt limited and, in fact, she has had to call in favors from her friend who is a psychic to help extend his time on a number of occasions when his alpha protective nature over her, not to mention his attraction to her, has gotten him in trouble. Meanwhile, there is a real, living and breathing man, Special FBI Agent, Anthony Bartoli, who specializes in apprehending serial killers, who she has teamed up with numerous times in the past to solve serial killer cases who wants to start a real living, breathing relationship with her.

Her Last Whisper picks up where, Book 2 The Last Kiss Goodbye, leaves off. Namely, Dr. Charlotte Stone is recovering from the injuries that she suffered at the hands of the "Gingerbread" serial killer, who she nearly drowned helping capture. On the day she returns back to work, she is determined to stay out of danger. Two near death experiences at the hands of serial killers is enough, and Michael means to convince her that she needs to find a new line of work. When one of Tony's FBI team members, Lena Kaminsky, who she nearly died with on her last case, personally asks her for a favor to help track down her sister, who she believes has been taken by a serial killer, she has no choice but to help.

This time the adventures take place in Las Vegas where a string of beautiful, young women tourists have been disappearing from their hotels. As Charlie joins Tony's team to help solve this case before time runs out for Lena's sister, Charlie also has to battle her growing feelings for Michael and the constant temptation to accept that given his limited time Tony should be the perfect man for her. Can Charlie help find Lena's sister before it's too late? Who will she decide to trust with her heart? Moreover, when she inadvertently discovers yet another one of Michael's secrets, will she be able to continue denying that he might actually be the dark troubled soul that he claims to be?

I love the intensity of this series. From the hot, passionate scenes, to the spine tingling, suspense filled ones, the writing is unbelievably good! Just when you think you know which way Dr. Stone's heart is turning, or the identity of the "Cinderella" serial killer; guess again, because Ms. Robards takes you on another thrilling twist and turn.

I highly recommend this series to not just paranormal romance lovers, but also to readers who enjoy thrillers, even those who do not ordinarily read romances. The psychological aspects of this novel, including the dissecting of the criminal/serial killer mind is so clever and profound, that I believe its appeal is likely to be appreciated by fans spanning many different genres. There is also plenty of heat and romance to captivate the more traditional romance reader. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
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LibraryThing member redheadish
This is a First read of Karen Robards and I must say I would definitely read her again!

In her Last Whisper Dr Charlotte Stone (Charlie) is called upon to help in finding a serial killer who has abducted the sister of, a FBI friend's colleague. Charlie is a little less then emphatic to go out and
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find another killer after helping FBI Toni Bartoli previously and almost drowning which had since brought about extra sensory skills that allows spirits to be heard on top of her already ability to communicate with spirits of the recently violently dead of which she tries to hide because it would denounce her professional standing as an expert of psychology of serial killers. Now don't forget to add in the Hot delectable Michael Garland who is a Ghost who recently has come into Charlie's life recently who was a convicted serial killer but wasn't guilty of that according to what charlie thought.

Me personally I don't think Michael was guilty either at least not for the serial killer deaths. I figured early on that logically the only way his DNA was at all the crime scenes and he wasn't is that he must be an identical twin and the Gods that be can't tell the difference and so therefore that might be why his ghost kept getting kicked into Spookville? It was mentioned that he was adopted, so my theory is that he was one of two identical twins and he got caught for his twins crimes, BTW at the end Charlie seen an almost identical guy at his grave other then he had different colored eyes and a scar at his mouth that told him apart.

Ready to go back and read the first two!
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LibraryThing member maryintexas39
This is the second Dr. Charlotte Stone book that I have read. I liked it much better than the first one. While the premise is somewhat silly. Prison psychologist falls in love with a (possible) serial killer's ghost, this time out I liked Michael (the ghost). The story had quite a few twists and
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turns. Overall an enjoyable read.
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LibraryThing member BookDivasReads
Dr. Charlotte "Charlie" Stone is back with her friendly, romantic ghost, Michael Garland. This time around Dr. Stone goes all out in order to track down FBI agent Lena Kaminsky's sister before she becomes the victim of the Cinderella Killer in Las Vegas. If chasing after a serial killer isn't bad
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enough, she must also do what she can to try and protect Michael from the otherworldly realm. Can Dr. Stone track down the killer in this realm while protecting Michael from another without losing her mind?

Her Last Whisper is the third book in the Charlotte Stone series by Ms. Robards and each book takes a step deeper into the paranormal as Charlie learns to handle her ghostly love interest, Michael Garland. I've got to say that I initially questioned the sanity of a psychologist that was willing to fall head-over-heels in love with not only a ghost, but a ghost that was convicted murdered. Although Michael is no angel, he isn't quite the bad guy that he was made out to be. Each book in this series reveals slightly more of Michael's backstory, and this book was no different. Charlie learns that Michael was not only in the military, but in an elite military group. Yes Michael has killed, but his killings were dictated by the military and can't be equated to willful murder. Initially Charlie wanted nothing more than for Michael to disappear, but now she's willing to do whatever it takes to keep him around.

While Charlie ponders her willingness to hang onto Michael for as long as possible, she works with her FBI friends to track down a serial killer. To say there's no love lost between Charlie and Lena Kaminsky is putting it lightly, but Charlie bears no ill will toward Lena and is ready to do what she can to find the killer before Lena's sister is next victim. There are a lot of high emotions running throughout Her Last Whisper. Lena is worried about her sister and doesn't want the investigation halted even for sleep. Lena's love interest, another FBI agent - Buzz Crane, also happens to be her sister's ex. Then there's Toni Bartoli, the lead FBI agent that has a thing for Charlie while Charlie pines for a dead man. Three FBI agents, one criminal psychologist, and one ghost combine their efforts to find a mad man before it's too late. Her Last Whisper has a lot of suspense, an ongoing sense of mystery (especially related to Michael and his backstory), and a whole lot of sexual tension (between Charlie and Michael, Michael and Charlie, and Toni and Charlie). If you've read any of the previous books in the Charlotte Stone series: The Last Victim and The Last Kiss Goodbye, then you'll definitely want to read Her Last Whisper. If you haven't read any of the books in this series but you enjoy romantic suspense thrillers, then you'll want to add all of these books to your TBR list.
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LibraryThing member dearheart
Since almost drowning in the last book, Dr Charlotte (Charlie) Stone not only sees ghosts of the recently, violently killed, but is now hearing voices. And with it comes nausea and blinding headaches as she hears some of the same phrases over and over again as a woman pleads for her life.

It’s
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frustrating to Michael, the sexy ghost of a man who’d been on death row as a serial killer – but is most likely innoncent – that Charlie keeps putting herself in danger and situations that hurt her and there isn’t much he can do about it. He’s tied to the psychiatrist who does research on serial killers and when asked to work once again with the FBI when Special Agent Lena Kaminsky’s sister becomes the eighteenth woman to disappear from a Las Vegas hotel, he’s furious that he can’t talk her out of it.

The story is a race against time to hopefully find Lena’s sister before it is too late. Emotions run rampant in this story as not only are they trying to find a killer before he strikes again, but Charlie is dealing with her feelings for Michael and his existence, which is in jeopardy. You might want to keep some tissues handy. And we do get to learn more about Michael’s history.

Humor is provided in the form of Special Agent Tony Bartoli’s interest in Charlie, not realizing that there is a ghost constantly making comments to her and Michael doesn’t especially like the attention Tony is paying her. Charlie is getting somewhat better at not reacting to Michael’s comments when around others, although she is still getting some funny looks. But Michael adds a lot to the case and provides insights and observations that Charlie is able to pass along. And sexual tension. Lots of it.

I do feel that the author dropped the ball on one subject dealing with an injury Charlie received early in the story that should have been causing her a lot of problems, but was never mentioned again other than saying there was a bandage on her finger.

We’re left with an interesting cliffhanger. I’ll definitely be reading the next book.
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LibraryThing member rachelep
I was deeply disapointed in this book. I have read other novels by Karen Robards and loved them. This was a different style of writing then the other books I read. I was a little lost starting out because this book was second in a series and i had not read the first book. So that may have been some
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of the problem but I just could not get into the story. It was so predictable and boring. I read on this book for WEEKS trying to finish it. I usually read books in a few days!
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LibraryThing member TheLibraryhag
Well, I have really been enjoying this series but this one was a bit boring. There was too much Michael and Charlie and not enough mystery/investigation. I grew tired of Charlie and Michael arguing about what Charlie should do. It got so repetitive. However, once we got past all the angst and
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drama, the story really picked up and became much more interesting. I hope in the future we will see more investigation and lest paranormal lust.
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LibraryThing member trigstarom
Received via Netgalley from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for an honest review.

Dr Charlotte Stone, her hauntingly handsome ghost Michael Garland, Special Agents Tony Bartoli and Buzz Crane join together once more to catch a serial killer. Lena Kaminsky thinks her sister
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has been taken by none other than the Cinderella killer, and pleas for Charlie’s help. Although Michael begs her not to get involved, she does and becomes of interest to the killer. Can Charlie and the team catch the Cinderella killer before he catches Charlie? Will they be too late to save Lena’s sister?

The novel works perfectly well as a standalone book, the author includes plenty of preludes where we learn about Michael and Charlies’ past, and get a feel for the relationships and tensions between all the members of the team. The reader can quickly get online with the story and get going with only slight disorientation in the first chapter.

Michael is charming, and an enigma – he is a serial killer with a soul. The female counterpart of this story is tough, strong willed and combative enough to offset Michael’s tendency to want to protect her and control her. It’s a fun relationship filled with banter and strong emotional pull. Each character has a history and backstory that reminded me of Criminal Minds with mediums.

If you enjoy mystery, paranormal romance and psychological thrillers this is up your alley. The bad guy isn’t obvious, the author is skilled with keeping you guessing and throwing curve balls. Eloquently written and crafty, this is one of the best novels Ive read in a long time – I think I just found my new favourite author!
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LibraryThing member jlouise77
This was a decent book. I enjoyed it, but it was a little on the hokey side. The ending was good. I was never really into the book, it was just an unbelievable story, that lacked that deep connection for me. I probably would not recommend the book, except for maybe for a beach read.
LibraryThing member Coltfan18
Dr. Charlotte Stone has spent her life studying serial killers and helping survivors. She can communicate with those who have died a violent death and thus is able to help the police capture the killers. Her life is now in danger but her ghost who she loves help keep her alive. The ending leaves
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you with questions and knowing there is another book coming.
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LibraryThing member niaomiya
Ok, I read this entire book in two sittings, couldn't put it down but had to to sleep. LOL If you haven't read the other books in the Charlotte Stone series, I highly recommend that you do that first, in order to have a better understanding of what's going on, by the time you get to this book.

In
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this 3rd installment of Robards's Charlotte Stone series, the author redeems herself after a disappointing book two. "Her Last Whisper" was a fantastic read - gripped me from the start and never let go. The heat between Charlotte and the ghost of Michael Garland is satisfyingly expounded upon throughout this book, the serial killer mystery is interesting, and what a doozy of a cliffhanger, guaranteed to have every reader saying, "WTF?" and clamoring for the next in the series.

In this book FBI agent Lena Kaminsky's sister Giselle is purportedly kidnapped by a serial killer. As the team (Lena, Buzz, and Tony - Charlotte's would-be earthly love interest) investigates, Charlotte learns more about who Michael was when he was alive and finds herself dangerously close to admitting deep feelings for the man/incorporeal being she can't have.

This was a great paranormal romantic thriller, the perfect balance of all three genres rolled up into one edge-of-your seat story.
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LibraryThing member Mary6508
Having read the first book of the series, I was excited to see it was offered in the Early Reviewers section, and was very happy to receive it. I really enjoy the premise of the story, which is a ghost clinging to a psychologist who studies serial killers. But I was very annoyed by Robards' method
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of writing in this novel. Her constant use of parenthetical verbiage interrupted the flow of my reading. And the overlong sentences were a bore. As a result, it took me an overly long time to read it. All in all, I could have given this book a 4 or 5 star rating if it weren't for her writing method. It made me not want to read another book of hers.
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Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2014-08-26

Physical description

400 p.; 4.18 inches

ISBN

0804178275 / 9780804178273

Barcode

1600555
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