Status
Available
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Ballantine Books (2013), 416 pages
Description
Investigating the brutal murders of two vacationing families in sunny Virginia Beach, FBI agents Ryan Sinclair and Buzz Crane suspect the work of a notorious serial killer and tap the skills of preeminent clinical expert Charlotte Stone, who is also the culprit's only known survivor.
User reviews
LibraryThing member TadsList
Only finished reading this because I bought it, I had to force myself to finish it. I've read all Karen Robards romantic suspense but I won't be buying any more in advance on my kindle. Will not be reading the sequel.
LibraryThing member caitemaire
Wow, there are so many reasons why I should have hated this book. So many reasons that made me wonder why in the world I ever requested the ARC of this book. When I saw this was listed as a paranormal novel, and a romance, I was totally sure I was going to hate it. The cover is even one of the sort
And ya know what?
I was wrong! No, I actually though it was a very good book, totally enjoyed it and whipped right through it to it's exciting conclusion. Regarding most of those bad reviews...I think they totally missed one HUGE point that makes all the difference to their issues with this story. One huge point which I can totally not explain to you without giving away the whole story. Sorry, but if you read this book, and I do recommend that you do so, you will know what I mean. Is that confusing enough?
The paranormal was not what I expected, the romance was not what I expected and the whole book turned out quite differently than I expected with a clever little twist at the very end that I loved.
Yes, it is about a serial killer and a bit scary and dark, but parts of it, especially Charlotte's conversations with herself and her conversations with her ghostly companion are very funny at times. And the investigation, with a few clues Charlotte picks up from her own brand of witness, is smart and face paced.
Have you ever started a book, sure that you would dislike it, sure you would hate it, and then just the opposite ended up being true.
Well, The Last Victim is such a book and if there is a sequel..and I feel a sequel coming on...I will be grabbing it up.
For me, that is the best recommendation you can get.
Show More
of book that I don't really like. When I saw the very mixed reviews on Amazon, I thought this was going to be bad. Bad.And ya know what?
I was wrong! No, I actually though it was a very good book, totally enjoyed it and whipped right through it to it's exciting conclusion. Regarding most of those bad reviews...I think they totally missed one HUGE point that makes all the difference to their issues with this story. One huge point which I can totally not explain to you without giving away the whole story. Sorry, but if you read this book, and I do recommend that you do so, you will know what I mean. Is that confusing enough?
The paranormal was not what I expected, the romance was not what I expected and the whole book turned out quite differently than I expected with a clever little twist at the very end that I loved.
Yes, it is about a serial killer and a bit scary and dark, but parts of it, especially Charlotte's conversations with herself and her conversations with her ghostly companion are very funny at times. And the investigation, with a few clues Charlotte picks up from her own brand of witness, is smart and face paced.
Have you ever started a book, sure that you would dislike it, sure you would hate it, and then just the opposite ended up being true.
Well, The Last Victim is such a book and if there is a sequel..and I feel a sequel coming on...I will be grabbing it up.
For me, that is the best recommendation you can get.
Show Less
LibraryThing member maryintexas39
I enjoyed "The Last Victim" by Karen Robards. The premise was very intriguing to me: FBI profiler who was a survivor of a serial killer that can see ghosts of people who have died violently. I believe this is the beginning of a trilogy. While I enjoyed it, there were a few bits that grated on me.
Thanks for the Early Reviewers copy Librarything!
Show More
The love triangle between Charlie (profiler), Tony (FBI agent) and Michael (ghost of a serial killer) seemed a little hokey. The story was good. I will be interested in seeing where this trilogy goes next.Thanks for the Early Reviewers copy Librarything!
Show Less
LibraryThing member slaughtered
This book is so disappointing and disgusting. It is even more disappointing that this is going to be a series. Based on previous Robards novels, I requested a free copy. If I had known this book would include walking and talking ghosts, I would have never requested it, but I tried to keep an open
Show More
mind and failed. *possible spoilers ahead*---- How can the highly educated main character, Dr. Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Stone, even think of falling in love with serial killer, Michael Garland, when she studies these killers for a living? If she studies them, wouldn’t she have access to horrific and graphic crime scene photos? Plus, she was once a victim of a serial killer. She got away after she witnessed the killer murder her best friend’s mother by slitting her throat. When Garland is murdered in prison, his ghost attaches to Charlie. He harasses her in “spirit”, watches her in private moments, and is generally crude in behavior and language. Lusting after this serial killer is not romantic. The real romance should have been with the hunky FBI agent, Tony Bartoli. She was attracted to him and he was attracted to her, but she wanted Garland more. I was so disturbed by Charlie’s lust for Garland, I couldn’t stay focused on the murder investigations. At times it’s even silly as Charlie refers to Garland as “Casper” and talks of “spookville”. I realize readers must participate in the suspension of disbelief, but I can only go so far. Sorry, I’ll pass on this absurd series. Show Less
LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Won from Library Thing Early Reviewers
Overall Rating 3.75
Story Rating 4.25
Character Rating 3.25
First thought when finished: The Last Victim had a really good thriller aspect to the story but I could have done without the strange love "triangle".
What I Thought of the Story: The Last Victim had a
What I Thought of the Characters: Love Triangle=UGH! I am just not a fan of love triangles and in this case it was just downright creepy! Charlotte was an interesting leading character and while I liked her, I felt that her personal life choices made her hard to relate too. She has a special gift, she can see ghosts of people who died suddenly and horribly. It is more of a curse to her and she doesn't handle it very well at all. I can't quite figure out why she hasn't tried to learn to get more comfortable with her gift but she just doesn't want too. I do have a theory about one of the two people involved in the triangle but can't talk about it without giving something away. Let's just say that I don't think he is what he appears but as it stands, him being involved (with her current knowledge of him) is just not understandable to me at all. Yes, this made me think less of Charlotte and not enjoy the character arc of the story.
Final Thought: Despite what I said about the love triangle, if this turns into a series I will be reading it! I think Karen writes an excellent thriller. Plus, I am curious to see if my theory pans out.
Overall Rating 3.75
Story Rating 4.25
Character Rating 3.25
First thought when finished: The Last Victim had a really good thriller aspect to the story but I could have done without the strange love "triangle".
What I Thought of the Story: The Last Victim had a
Show More
very intriguing case that looped together the past and the present. I actually really enjoyed the case aspect of this story. Karen Robards did a great job of keeping us guessing. Were we looking for the same guy from the earlier case? Were we looking for someone new? How were the two tied together? As we worked our way through the new cases while figuring out what was the same as the older cases, we learned a lot about Charlotte Stone (the lead character) and her past.What I Thought of the Characters: Love Triangle=UGH! I am just not a fan of love triangles and in this case it was just downright creepy! Charlotte was an interesting leading character and while I liked her, I felt that her personal life choices made her hard to relate too. She has a special gift, she can see ghosts of people who died suddenly and horribly. It is more of a curse to her and she doesn't handle it very well at all. I can't quite figure out why she hasn't tried to learn to get more comfortable with her gift but she just doesn't want too. I do have a theory about one of the two people involved in the triangle but can't talk about it without giving something away. Let's just say that I don't think he is what he appears but as it stands, him being involved (with her current knowledge of him) is just not understandable to me at all. Yes, this made me think less of Charlotte and not enjoy the character arc of the story.
Final Thought: Despite what I said about the love triangle, if this turns into a series I will be reading it! I think Karen writes an excellent thriller. Plus, I am curious to see if my theory pans out.
Show Less
LibraryThing member miyurose
This book had its good points and its bad points.
THE GOOD: I liked Charlotte (enough, at least), and I thought her ability to see ghosts was interesting. I also liked Bartolli, and the way they worked together. The murders were gory, but the premise was compelling, and the connection to
THE BAD: Charlotte’s “relationship” with Garland is more than a little skeevy. I don’t mind her being somewhat attracted to him – handsome guys can be serial killers too – but when she acts on that attraction things get really weird.
There’s a sequel in the works, and I’m torn about whether or not I’ll read it. I think it will depend on where Robards intends to go with Garland.
THE GOOD: I liked Charlotte (enough, at least), and I thought her ability to see ghosts was interesting. I also liked Bartolli, and the way they worked together. The murders were gory, but the premise was compelling, and the connection to
Show More
Charlotte’s own life unmistakable. I didn’t even mind Garland, the dead serial killer, being attached to her. He added a needed bit of difficulty to her life.THE BAD: Charlotte’s “relationship” with Garland is more than a little skeevy. I don’t mind her being somewhat attracted to him – handsome guys can be serial killers too – but when she acts on that attraction things get really weird.
There’s a sequel in the works, and I’m torn about whether or not I’ll read it. I think it will depend on where Robards intends to go with Garland.
Show Less
LibraryThing member dd196406
A strange but fascinating book, exciting and dangerous as it takes you into the world of serial killers and personal tragedy. Leaves you with more questions than answers. The characters are strongly drawn, but unsettling in their choices.
LibraryThing member macygma
In one exciting opening, The Last Victim begins with a teen age party gone awry. ‘Way awry as the entire family is murdered with the exception of Charlie (Charlotte) Stone, a friend who happened to be hurling in the bathroom at the time. She saw the killer, she remembers him and she went to
Gaining a Federal grant is next to impossible but Charlie does and is the middle of studying serial killer in prison when the Fibbies show up. The murders have started again, fifteen years later. They need her help and, against all her instincts, she agrees. Just at the time her last interviewee is shanked down the hall.
Michael Garland was imprisoned for life for the murder of seven women. He swears he didn’t do it but, of course, no one believes him. Charlie is at the head of the list of unbelievers until, in North Carolina, he show up in her room. His ghost? Yep and something Charlie didn’t spill to anyone is that she can see the spirits of people violently murdered around her. Michael is a BIG spirit and obsesses with remaining in the present, not the hereafter (especially with that purple cloud of really, really scary things at his heels!).
This is a most excellent tale of the paranormal, psychics, FBI profilers, murderers and the beaches of Kill Devil Hills, NC. The characters were very believable, the ghosts more so and I absolutely LOVED the ending! Which, of course, you’ll have to read to get! What are you waiting for? GO!
Show More
college, then med school to explore how to put people like him behind bars.Gaining a Federal grant is next to impossible but Charlie does and is the middle of studying serial killer in prison when the Fibbies show up. The murders have started again, fifteen years later. They need her help and, against all her instincts, she agrees. Just at the time her last interviewee is shanked down the hall.
Michael Garland was imprisoned for life for the murder of seven women. He swears he didn’t do it but, of course, no one believes him. Charlie is at the head of the list of unbelievers until, in North Carolina, he show up in her room. His ghost? Yep and something Charlie didn’t spill to anyone is that she can see the spirits of people violently murdered around her. Michael is a BIG spirit and obsesses with remaining in the present, not the hereafter (especially with that purple cloud of really, really scary things at his heels!).
This is a most excellent tale of the paranormal, psychics, FBI profilers, murderers and the beaches of Kill Devil Hills, NC. The characters were very believable, the ghosts more so and I absolutely LOVED the ending! Which, of course, you’ll have to read to get! What are you waiting for? GO!
Show Less
LibraryThing member lsknightsr1
I haven't read many Karen Robards books, but the one's I have read, I thoroughly enjoyed. This one is probably my favorite so far. I used to read a lot of romance novels, but as I've grown up, I've grown out of reading them. This book brought back some of the fun of reading romance novels for me.
Show More
The paranormal aspect surprised me. It was a risk to make the ghost Charlotte saw a serial killer, but I for one think it was what made the book so interesting. You could tell from the tone of the story, and the fact that this book is the start of a series, that Michael may NOT be the serial killer he was convicted as. I thought the book was amazing. I read it in about 2 days because I literally could not put it down. Here's looking forward to the 2nd book in the Charlotte Stone series! Show Less
LibraryThing member bill
Karen Robards’ novel, The Last Victim, is a publication of the Romance at Random division. Given the blurb on the Early Reviewer’s list, I did not expect to receive a “romance” novel. I suppose I understand why it would be considered a romance novel, but it met my expectations for a good
Dr. Charlotte Stone is a sociologist study serial killers. She had come face-to-face with a serial killer as a teenager and survived. She dealt with the scars of the experience by delving into the mind of those who terrify her most. Two events overlap to set the stage for the story, Stone is asks to consult on a serial killer case that could bring her back into contact with the killer from her past and the man she is currently studying is killed in prison. Dr. Stone sees dead people. Dr. Stone sees the sexy, dead serial killer from her study. Dr. Stone does not want to see the living serial killer as she is the only person alive who can identify him and that puts her in danger.
I am certain that I would not have opted to read The Last Victim had I fully understood what it was about. But, that’s why I like the Early Reviewers program. I sometimes receive books that I would not have given even a first look and sometimes I am pleasantly surprised.
The Last Victim is well written. The plot flows quickly with no strange twists if you accept the premise that some people can see ghosts. Garland, the dead serial killer, helps develop the lead character and helps the reader better understand what motivates Dr. Stone. Once I got over my surprise, Garland became an important character as real to me and the living characters.
What I appreciate most about Robard’s writing is that the story came to a satisfying end. The mystery unfolded in logical steps and the revelation of the bad guy made full sense within the storyline. I enjoyed the read.
Show More
mystery and a good read. The romance stuff, the part that would not normally attract me for an evening read, was an integral part of the story and helped move it along.Dr. Charlotte Stone is a sociologist study serial killers. She had come face-to-face with a serial killer as a teenager and survived. She dealt with the scars of the experience by delving into the mind of those who terrify her most. Two events overlap to set the stage for the story, Stone is asks to consult on a serial killer case that could bring her back into contact with the killer from her past and the man she is currently studying is killed in prison. Dr. Stone sees dead people. Dr. Stone sees the sexy, dead serial killer from her study. Dr. Stone does not want to see the living serial killer as she is the only person alive who can identify him and that puts her in danger.
I am certain that I would not have opted to read The Last Victim had I fully understood what it was about. But, that’s why I like the Early Reviewers program. I sometimes receive books that I would not have given even a first look and sometimes I am pleasantly surprised.
The Last Victim is well written. The plot flows quickly with no strange twists if you accept the premise that some people can see ghosts. Garland, the dead serial killer, helps develop the lead character and helps the reader better understand what motivates Dr. Stone. Once I got over my surprise, Garland became an important character as real to me and the living characters.
What I appreciate most about Robard’s writing is that the story came to a satisfying end. The mystery unfolded in logical steps and the revelation of the bad guy made full sense within the storyline. I enjoyed the read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member joyfiction
As a whole I’m not a huge romance fan though I can appreciate romance within the context of other stories. This book, however, was disappointing to me. There’s no question that Miss Robards can spin a tale and it’s not her writing quality that was lacking. It’s merely not for me. The
Show More
“romance” the takes place in the book left me sitting there for several hours trying to decide how I felt and ultimately left a bad taste in my mouth. Perhaps there will be something in the later books that will remove that taste but for now I’m simply uncomfortable with how that went down. That’s really the only thing that truly spoils this book for me. Show Less
LibraryThing member dianaleez
As any potential reader can see, Karen Robards' "The Last Victim" seems to draw strong - and opposing - opinions from readers.
The readers' review copy that I received mentions that as a paranormal romantic suspense it is intended to compete with the best selling series of Iris Johansen, Kay Hooper,
In order to move from just 'suspense' to 'paranormal' Charlie is given the power to see dead people. So we have a
serial killer researcher who can, perhaps, communicate with his victims.
Now to add the 'romantic' (erotic) element. When Charlie is interviewing her last serial killer before joining the FBI team, he is killed by another inmate. His spirit latches on to Charlie, and he comes along on the manhunt, although no one but Charlie can see him. Any astute romance reader knows in her bones that bad boys have their appeal. And Charlie's new spirit buddy has plenty. Unfortunately he also has been found guilty of killing seven women.
And we come to the crux of the critical review conflict. Charlie KNOWS he's BAD. But he's so HOT. Add to that he's a ghost.
"The Last Victim" is highly recommended to those who enjoy paranormal romantic suspense novels. It should have many of the elements that you're seeking - suspense, mild erotica, an interesting heroine, a well-developed plot, and that sense of danger that comes from 'dating' a serial killer.
However, "The Last Victim" is not recommended for all. It requires great suspension of disbelief. Believing in the ghosts is the easy part. The sex with a dead convicted serial killer may be a deal breaker for some.
The readers' review copy that I received mentions that as a paranormal romantic suspense it is intended to compete with the best selling series of Iris Johansen, Kay Hooper,
Show More
and Jayne Ann Krentz. If judged in that light, with the same potential readers, "The Last Victim" is a five star novel. Dr. Charlotte Stone, the protagonist, is the sole survivor of a serial killer who struck when she was in her mid-teens. Charlie has become an authority on serial killers and, as the novel opens, is asked by the FBI to aid in a current case that has striking similarities to her own.In order to move from just 'suspense' to 'paranormal' Charlie is given the power to see dead people. So we have a
serial killer researcher who can, perhaps, communicate with his victims.
Now to add the 'romantic' (erotic) element. When Charlie is interviewing her last serial killer before joining the FBI team, he is killed by another inmate. His spirit latches on to Charlie, and he comes along on the manhunt, although no one but Charlie can see him. Any astute romance reader knows in her bones that bad boys have their appeal. And Charlie's new spirit buddy has plenty. Unfortunately he also has been found guilty of killing seven women.
And we come to the crux of the critical review conflict. Charlie KNOWS he's BAD. But he's so HOT. Add to that he's a ghost.
"The Last Victim" is highly recommended to those who enjoy paranormal romantic suspense novels. It should have many of the elements that you're seeking - suspense, mild erotica, an interesting heroine, a well-developed plot, and that sense of danger that comes from 'dating' a serial killer.
However, "The Last Victim" is not recommended for all. It requires great suspension of disbelief. Believing in the ghosts is the easy part. The sex with a dead convicted serial killer may be a deal breaker for some.
Show Less
LibraryThing member tjshoe
The Last Victim, is the first book I have read by New York Times Best Author Karen Robards. It is not the type of book I would normally read. It’s definitely a thriller, but it is heavier on romance and paranormal activity than I would normally read. In fact, the romance and the paranormal are
That said I couldn’t put it down. Charlotte (Charlie) Stone is a psychiatrist who is studying serial killers. She is having a session with Michael Allen Garland who is serving time in Wallens Ridge State Prison for murdering 7 women when two FBI agents arrive to request Charlie’s help to solve a crime that may be linked to a serial killer from her past. Before she can leave the facility to help the agents another inmate stabs Garland and Charlie attempts to save his life but fails.
However, Garland remains a major character throughout the novel. (Hence the paranormal) Oh and did I mention that Garland is one very hot looking serial killer? You will be required to suspend your disbelief to understand the romance in this one. And that’s all I can say without including a spoiler alert.
Charlie works closely with the FBI especially Special Agent Tony Bartoli who is also quite attractive and very much alive. They work diligently to try and find a young teenage kidnapped victim before she dies at the hands of a serial killer who may be the same person who kidnapped Charlie’s best friend years ago.
Oh, I forgot to mention one important thing. Charlotte Stone sees dead people.
Despite the rather strange romance (I have a very hard time suspending my disbelief on this one.) I thought the rest of the book was very good with sufficient twists and turns with a surprise ending.
Show More
more closely entwined than anything I have ever read before.That said I couldn’t put it down. Charlotte (Charlie) Stone is a psychiatrist who is studying serial killers. She is having a session with Michael Allen Garland who is serving time in Wallens Ridge State Prison for murdering 7 women when two FBI agents arrive to request Charlie’s help to solve a crime that may be linked to a serial killer from her past. Before she can leave the facility to help the agents another inmate stabs Garland and Charlie attempts to save his life but fails.
However, Garland remains a major character throughout the novel. (Hence the paranormal) Oh and did I mention that Garland is one very hot looking serial killer? You will be required to suspend your disbelief to understand the romance in this one. And that’s all I can say without including a spoiler alert.
Charlie works closely with the FBI especially Special Agent Tony Bartoli who is also quite attractive and very much alive. They work diligently to try and find a young teenage kidnapped victim before she dies at the hands of a serial killer who may be the same person who kidnapped Charlie’s best friend years ago.
Oh, I forgot to mention one important thing. Charlotte Stone sees dead people.
Despite the rather strange romance (I have a very hard time suspending my disbelief on this one.) I thought the rest of the book was very good with sufficient twists and turns with a surprise ending.
Show Less
LibraryThing member m_e_l_a_n_i_e
I received a copy of this book as part of the Goodreads first-reads program. I was not a huge fan of this book from the get-go as I'm more of a thriller genre reader. This book is first and foremost a romance which happens to take place in the context of a thriller. For you to like or dislike this
Show More
story, it really depends on the types of books you enjoy reading. Show Less
LibraryThing member murphy430
I have read Ms. Robards books in the past and enjoyed them. Figured this would good too. It took me a bit to get into the story, but once I was there I hated having to put the book down. If you like your basic serial killer/paranormal story this is for you. I was thrilled to read at the end that
Show More
there will be more stories with Dr. Stone and MIchael. Show Less
LibraryThing member shelleyraec
I jumped at the chance to read the first book in Karen Robard's newest series with its intriguing premise. Dr Charlie Stone studies serial killers, the motivation her own narrow escape from the Boardwalk Killer as a teenager. It has been 15 years since that terrible night but it seems the Boardwalk
I have no way of justifying my assessment of this novel without possibly revealing a spoiler related to the romantic element of the story, so read on at your own risk...
There was a lot that I enjoyed about this novel but within the first few pages when Dr Charlie Stone describes a serial killer, Michael Garland, sitting across from her during a clinical assessment, as 'hot' I was taken aback. Despite being jarred by what seemed to me to be a totally inappropriate descriptor, I dismissed it and kept reading. A few pages later and Garland is stabbed as he returns to his cell and despite her best efforts, Charlie is unable to save him. While I admired Charlie's determined effort to save Garland despite his obvious fatal wound, I was a bit disturbed by the depth of her pity for a man convicted of murdering seven women as she witnesses his spirit being pulled into a purple mist, but again I chose to brush it aside. Yet from there the relationship between Charlie and Garland took a path I was even less comfortable with as Garland's spirit attaches itself to her. Between Charlie's repeated admiration of the dead man's physique, charm and her inexplicable sympathy for him I was incredulous, however I held on, thinking that we would discover that in fact Garland wasn't responsible for the murders after all, he was wrongly accused or framed or something. Garland certainly denies his guilt, but the lack of 'the light' and the presence of the 'screaming mist' seems to at least confirm the man has done something unsavoury and by the end of the novel there is no evidence that Garland was anything but a serial killer, abusive childhood non withstanding.
I just couldn't deal with this relationship, especially when it becomes sexually intimate, which I thought was wrong on so many levels. Even if the author reveals in later books of the series that Garland is innocent of the crimes for which he was convicted, it will be too late for me.
It's a shame because there were other elements of the story I enjoyed yet I can't get past the romantic relationship and I can't recommend The Last Victim for that very reason, though others seem happy to overlook it, given its average 4 star rating on Goodreads. It's not for me though, you will have to make up your own mind.
Show More
Killer, or a copycat, has surfaced and the FBI need Charlie's help if they hope to save his latest victim. Using her expertise in profiling, and her hidden ability to see the spirits of the newly dead, Charlie assists the FBI team to piece together the clues that may end up leading her right into her worst nightmare.I have no way of justifying my assessment of this novel without possibly revealing a spoiler related to the romantic element of the story, so read on at your own risk...
There was a lot that I enjoyed about this novel but within the first few pages when Dr Charlie Stone describes a serial killer, Michael Garland, sitting across from her during a clinical assessment, as 'hot' I was taken aback. Despite being jarred by what seemed to me to be a totally inappropriate descriptor, I dismissed it and kept reading. A few pages later and Garland is stabbed as he returns to his cell and despite her best efforts, Charlie is unable to save him. While I admired Charlie's determined effort to save Garland despite his obvious fatal wound, I was a bit disturbed by the depth of her pity for a man convicted of murdering seven women as she witnesses his spirit being pulled into a purple mist, but again I chose to brush it aside. Yet from there the relationship between Charlie and Garland took a path I was even less comfortable with as Garland's spirit attaches itself to her. Between Charlie's repeated admiration of the dead man's physique, charm and her inexplicable sympathy for him I was incredulous, however I held on, thinking that we would discover that in fact Garland wasn't responsible for the murders after all, he was wrongly accused or framed or something. Garland certainly denies his guilt, but the lack of 'the light' and the presence of the 'screaming mist' seems to at least confirm the man has done something unsavoury and by the end of the novel there is no evidence that Garland was anything but a serial killer, abusive childhood non withstanding.
I just couldn't deal with this relationship, especially when it becomes sexually intimate, which I thought was wrong on so many levels. Even if the author reveals in later books of the series that Garland is innocent of the crimes for which he was convicted, it will be too late for me.
It's a shame because there were other elements of the story I enjoyed yet I can't get past the romantic relationship and I can't recommend The Last Victim for that very reason, though others seem happy to overlook it, given its average 4 star rating on Goodreads. It's not for me though, you will have to make up your own mind.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bookbeat
I always look forward to a new Karen Robards book coming out. She’s one of the few authors who still write that perfect blend of suspense and romance. With The Last Victim, she introduces an interesting paranormal element that I really enjoyed. I’m not sure what direction she is taking these
Show More
characters, but I do know I want to read about them again. I hope a sequel is in the works – highly recommend this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member booboobad
Interesting story and premise, although I'm not sure I bought the "romance" between Charlie and Garland. Quick paced and enjoyable characters.I will give the next book in the series a try.
LibraryThing member JJKING
I'm so sorry it has taken me soo long to review this book.It got misplaced.I found it the other day and because its been so long was just going to read a chapter or two and make up a review,but I got hooked,could not put it down.The story line gets you hooked and you just can't put it down,and the
Show More
ending...don't want to give anything a way...Well worth your time.I put off reading J.K. Rowling's new book to finish it. Show Less
LibraryThing member smilinkyn
Robards books are always great. This book centers on a ghost. The beginning opens up with a murder happening, and it centers on the teenager who witnessed this. Overall, this book wasn't one of my favorite by this author.
R
R
LibraryThing member HeavenLeAngel
Fantastic novel. the characters are well made and just delightful. That is saying an awful lot as most serial killers don't shine in that light. Sexy, possibly dangerous, and very dead. This book will leave you wondering where you'll end up and enjoying the journey.
LibraryThing member lrobe190
Criminal psychologist Dr. Charlotte Stone makes her living studying the behavior of serial killers probably because when she was a teenager, she watched her best friend's family get murdered while she hid in a closet. Now, 15 years later, she's been asked by the FBI to help profile a serial killer
Karen Robards is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and The Last Victim delivers her trademark excellence at plotting, pacing and character development. The romance is steamy. but I'm not a fan of paranormal romance, especially with a ghost! The romance with Michael seems out of place and totally implausible in an otherwise well-written suspense novel. That's why I gave the book a #3 rating.
Show More
who has been terrorizing small towns along the North Carolina Coast. It doesn't take Charlie long to realize that the crimes are extremely similar to the one she had witnessed when she was 16 years old. It's urgent that they figure out who the killer is so they can save the most recent victim. While Charlie's expertise and knowledge is crucial to solving the case, Charlie has another talent unknown to the FBI...she sees ghosts! When visiting the scene of the most recent crime, Charlie sees the victims which give her clues to help solve the case. Unfortunately, she gets violently ill everytime this happens. To complicate matters further, she realizes that one particular ghost has attached himself to her. His name is Michael Garland and he was the serial killer she was interviewing right before the FBI called and who was viciously killed in the prison right before she left for North Carolina. Improbably, she is attracted to him which is not good, because he is dead! She is also attracted to Tony, the FBI agent she is working with to solve the case. Tony is definitely a catch, but she can't seem to warm up to him the way she does with Michael. As Charlie works her way through all of the obstacles being thrown in her path, she begins to realize that she has become a target herself since this might be the same man who killed her best friend years ago. Karen Robards is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and The Last Victim delivers her trademark excellence at plotting, pacing and character development. The romance is steamy. but I'm not a fan of paranormal romance, especially with a ghost! The romance with Michael seems out of place and totally implausible in an otherwise well-written suspense novel. That's why I gave the book a #3 rating.
Show Less
LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Won from Library Thing Early Reviewers
Overall Rating 3.75
Story Rating 4.25
Character Rating 3.25
First thought when finished: The Last Victim had a really good thriller aspect to the story but I could have done without the strange love "triangle".
What I Thought of the Story: The Last Victim had a
What I Thought of the Characters: Love Triangle=UGH! I am just not a fan of love triangles and in this case it was just downright creepy! Charlotte was an interesting leading character and while I liked her, I felt that her personal life choices made her hard to relate too. She has a special gift, she can see ghosts of people who died suddenly and horribly. It is more of a curse to her and she doesn't handle it very well at all. I can't quite figure out why she hasn't tried to learn to get more comfortable with her gift but she just doesn't want too. I do have a theory about one of the two people involved in the triangle but can't talk about it without giving something away. Let's just say that I don't think he is what he appears but as it stands, him being involved (with her current knowledge of him) is just not understandable to me at all. Yes, this made me think less of Charlotte and not enjoy the character arc of the story.
Final Thought: Despite what I said about the love triangle, if this turns into a series I will be reading it! I think Karen writes an excellent thriller. Plus, I am curious to see if my theory pans out.
Overall Rating 3.75
Story Rating 4.25
Character Rating 3.25
First thought when finished: The Last Victim had a really good thriller aspect to the story but I could have done without the strange love "triangle".
What I Thought of the Story: The Last Victim had a
Show More
very intriguing case that looped together the past and the present. I actually really enjoyed the case aspect of this story. Karen Robards did a great job of keeping us guessing. Were we looking for the same guy from the earlier case? Were we looking for someone new? How were the two tied together? As we worked our way through the new cases while figuring out what was the same as the older cases, we learned a lot about Charlotte Stone (the lead character) and her past. What I Thought of the Characters: Love Triangle=UGH! I am just not a fan of love triangles and in this case it was just downright creepy! Charlotte was an interesting leading character and while I liked her, I felt that her personal life choices made her hard to relate too. She has a special gift, she can see ghosts of people who died suddenly and horribly. It is more of a curse to her and she doesn't handle it very well at all. I can't quite figure out why she hasn't tried to learn to get more comfortable with her gift but she just doesn't want too. I do have a theory about one of the two people involved in the triangle but can't talk about it without giving something away. Let's just say that I don't think he is what he appears but as it stands, him being involved (with her current knowledge of him) is just not understandable to me at all. Yes, this made me think less of Charlotte and not enjoy the character arc of the story.
Final Thought: Despite what I said about the love triangle, if this turns into a series I will be reading it! I think Karen writes an excellent thriller. Plus, I am curious to see if my theory pans out.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Readsalot81
First off, I won a copy through the First Reads giveaway on Goodreads.
I don't quite know how to classify this one? Is it paranormal? Is it romantic suspense? I wouldn't call it paranormal romance. Heavy on the suspense light on the romance.
I'm not always a fan of romantic suspense because of
The beginning scenes open with Dr. Charlotte Stone just barely escaping a killer that's to become known as "The Boardwalk Killer," when she's a mere 17(?) years old. The second chapter establishes her as a grownup and working as a psychiatrist who studies serial killers. She's interviewing Michael Allen Garland, a serial killer who'd been convicted of murdering 7 women after picking them up in bars. She asks him to identify inkblot pictures and most of the internal dialogue focuses on Charlotte noticing Garland's animal magnetism. Sigh. Then while she's still at the prison, Garland (for a mysterious reason presumably) is murdered and his ghost comes back to haunt her.
The FBI is also on hand, asking Charlotte for her help, (at the prison no less incidentally) when they discover a killer who may, or may not be, the Boardwalk Killer.
I'll just go into several things I took exception to. The first is there's a couple of crime scene boo-boos. Now most folks probably don't give a damn.. but it took me out of the book as my face went all scrunchy and my internal voice went THAT WOULD NOT HAPPEN. IT WOULD CONTAMINATE/ FUCK UP THE CRIME SCENE. THE POLICE KNOW BETTER THAN TO DO THAT.
Okay, most people don't care about crime scene boo-boos! Onward ho! I can't get over how Charlotte managed to "Poof - Be Gone" with the ghost of Garland. By using some incense and jasmine, we're told that she's learned how to do this from her ghost busting gurus. Yes. It says that, no, I'm not kidding. She's used this before (when? WHY? nope, it's not explained) It apparently opens some portal to the other side? The explanations are pretty poor. (She only does this poof be gone thing once, and I'm left to wonder why.. but maybe I'm a little odd to hone in on a detail like that, but hey!) But fear not, dear reader, he comes & goes. It's all very random.
After agreeing to help the FBI.. the ghost of this convicted serial killer starts showing up more & more. Charlotte, instead of lusting after the handsome FBI agent, goes for the ghost of the serial killer. At this point, I'm just like FINE. I'M GOING WITH IT. BECAUSE IT TOTALLY MAKES SENSE A PSYCHIATRIST WHO STUDIES SERIAL KILLERS AND SAW HER FRIENDS MURDERED BY ONE WOULD TOTALLY GET THE HOTS FOR ONE. Smexy times are had. And I actually think the smexy was pretty well written, I just didn't care too much about the people that were having them.
Tepid explanations abound in this book. The ending kind of leaves it on that note as well. I had many issues with the romance & paranormal elements within the book... it left me going "huh?" quite a few times within the span of the novel.
I don't quite know how to classify this one? Is it paranormal? Is it romantic suspense? I wouldn't call it paranormal romance. Heavy on the suspense light on the romance.
I'm not always a fan of romantic suspense because of
Show More
peculiar pacing issues within a book. To me, within quite a few romantic suspense novels, the pacing seems almost frenetic with slow bits here and there. This book didn't have that problem. It kept up a brisk pace throughout most of the book, and I didn't find myself getting bored or flipping to the end to see what had happened.The beginning scenes open with Dr. Charlotte Stone just barely escaping a killer that's to become known as "The Boardwalk Killer," when she's a mere 17(?) years old. The second chapter establishes her as a grownup and working as a psychiatrist who studies serial killers. She's interviewing Michael Allen Garland, a serial killer who'd been convicted of murdering 7 women after picking them up in bars. She asks him to identify inkblot pictures and most of the internal dialogue focuses on Charlotte noticing Garland's animal magnetism. Sigh. Then while she's still at the prison, Garland (for a mysterious reason presumably) is murdered and his ghost comes back to haunt her.
The FBI is also on hand, asking Charlotte for her help, (at the prison no less incidentally) when they discover a killer who may, or may not be, the Boardwalk Killer.
I'll just go into several things I took exception to. The first is there's a couple of crime scene boo-boos. Now most folks probably don't give a damn.. but it took me out of the book as my face went all scrunchy and my internal voice went THAT WOULD NOT HAPPEN. IT WOULD CONTAMINATE/ FUCK UP THE CRIME SCENE. THE POLICE KNOW BETTER THAN TO DO THAT.
Okay, most people don't care about crime scene boo-boos! Onward ho! I can't get over how Charlotte managed to "Poof - Be Gone" with the ghost of Garland. By using some incense and jasmine, we're told that she's learned how to do this from her ghost busting gurus. Yes. It says that, no, I'm not kidding. She's used this before (when? WHY? nope, it's not explained) It apparently opens some portal to the other side? The explanations are pretty poor. (She only does this poof be gone thing once, and I'm left to wonder why.. but maybe I'm a little odd to hone in on a detail like that, but hey!) But fear not, dear reader, he comes & goes. It's all very random.
After agreeing to help the FBI.. the ghost of this convicted serial killer starts showing up more & more. Charlotte, instead of lusting after the handsome FBI agent, goes for the ghost of the serial killer. At this point, I'm just like FINE. I'M GOING WITH IT. BECAUSE IT TOTALLY MAKES SENSE A PSYCHIATRIST WHO STUDIES SERIAL KILLERS AND SAW HER FRIENDS MURDERED BY ONE WOULD TOTALLY GET THE HOTS FOR ONE. Smexy times are had. And I actually think the smexy was pretty well written, I just didn't care too much about the people that were having them.
Tepid explanations abound in this book. The ending kind of leaves it on that note as well. I had many issues with the romance & paranormal elements within the book... it left me going "huh?" quite a few times within the span of the novel.
Show Less
LibraryThing member cabyrum
This was an interesting read. The story was suspenseful and held my interest, the romance between Charlie and Garland was a bit much in a some places. The developing character of Garland was interesting, her attraction to him and angst over that was done well, the actual romance seemed
Overall a good read, probably would recommend more to a reader of suspense than paranormal or romance.
Show More
'off'.Overall a good read, probably would recommend more to a reader of suspense than paranormal or romance.
Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2012-08-07
Physical description
416 p.; 4.3 inches
ISBN
0345535812 / 9780345535818