LAST WORD BY ROBIN MAHLE:

In Last Word, Book 7 of the Kate Reid series by author Robin Mahle, the reader finds Kate applying to the BAU. She's also involved in a high-profile murder case. Women, murdered by an unknown assailant, are found with a cloth note in their mouth. On the cloth written in lipstick they find the word Whore. Kate finds Congressman Grant Copeland the only link between the victims. Kate and the team must stop this killer before the bodies mount. Dealing with a high-profile congressman, a cop in charge of the investigation who's probably on the take and dirty, while waiting to hear from her application to the BAU, Kate has her hands full in this exciting book. My book review of Last Word follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

I must say, Last Word by author Robin Mahle's an action packed roller coaster ride of excitement. I was on the edge of my sit from the first page to the last. Filling this book with many twists and turns, intrigue, action, and suspense, Last Word's a great addition to the Kate Reid series. Just when I thought I had it all worked out another plot line appeared. Mahle had many threads to bring together in Last Word. Which she did with skill while keeping the suspense at high peak and the story flowing smoothly.

With a variety of characters, Mahle developed to their full potential, you'll not be disappointed in Last Word. I found Mahle's detailing of the FBI, profilers, and agents interesting and informative. Needless to say, a profile does not suddenly appear in thirty minutes as it does on television. It takes time to create an accurate profile of the suspect, long hours, a lot of investigation, and hard work. Mahle gave us a fascinating look inside the FBI, as well as, the territorial disrupts between agencies.

Mahle held the killer's identity close to her chest as she took us through this investigation. It would be an understand statement to say I was surprised by the killer's identity; my mouth fell open. This book's filled with strong characters with Kate the strongest. Kate's determined, hot-headed, and will not give up if she thinks she's on the right track; whether it will take down a congressman or a dirty cop, she doesn't care. I found Mahle's characterization of cops on the take realistic. You will love to hate Detective Phelps; what a poor excuse for an honorable law enforcement officer. Makes you wonder how he lasted so long on the job and how many criminals escaped justice due to his maneuvering.

With fast pacing, interesting characters, twists and turns, an intriguing story-line, and high-profile suspects, I found Last Word held my attention; while providing much enjoyment and entertainment. With a clear clean writing style and smooth transition between scenes, Mahle crafted a first-rate thriller. The action and suspense starts on the first pages and does not let up until the last pages. I look forward to the next installment in the Kate Reid series.

Although a stand alone read, I would recommend reading the earlier books, not only because of the quality, but also to further enhance your understanding of Kate and enjoyment of this book. If you like police procedurals, action packed stories with twist and turns, and suspense, Last Word fits the bill.
LAST WORD RECOMMENDED: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE

In addition, I received this book from the author. I chose to voluntarily reviewed this book with an honest book review. Furthermore, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book/novel reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary book review of Last Word. ( )