Last Breath

Emma Last FBI Mystery #1

by Mary Stone

Welcome to the deadliest show on Earth...

When the Ruby Red Spectacle Circus rolls into town, chaos and death follow in its wake. At first, the accidents seem coincidental, but as the body count rises, it becomes clear that a killer is lurking within the big top’s shadows.

Smoke and mirrors concealing love and hate.

After a third performer turns up dead, the newly formed FBI Violent Crimes Unit in Washington, DC is called in to investigate. For FBI Special Agent Emma Last, the case is a chance to prove herself to her new SSA—and a welcome distraction from the ghosts who’ve invaded her life.

As Emma delves deeper into the twisted world of the circus, she begins to see things that can't be explained. And when the animal rights activists outside the fairgrounds grow increasingly aggressive, the team must protect the performers from both outside threats and their own dark secrets.

Secrets worth killing over.

When the investigation takes a sinister turn, Emma knows she's not the only one haunted by ghosts. With each shocking revelation, she's forced to confront the terrifying truth...someone is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the circus's secrets buried.

By turns thrilling and jaw-dropping, Last Breath is the first book in the exciting new FBI mystery series from bestselling author Mary Stone—where you’ll realize the show must go on...no matter the cost.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Murder Mystery, Horror

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2023

About the author

To download my FREE BOOK, click here: https://authormarystone.com/free-book...

Nestled in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone has transformed her peaceful home, once bustling with her sons, into a creative haven. As her family grew, so did her writing career, evolving from childhood fears to a deep understanding of real-life villains. Her stories, centered around strong, unconventional heroines, weave themes of courage and intrigue.

Mary's journey from a solitary writer to establishing her own publishing house marks a significant evolution, showcasing her commitment to the literary world. Through her writing and publishing endeavors, she continues to captivate and inspire, honoring her lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the courageous.

Reviews

[Amber | TheFireKissed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely hooked on this book! It's a series I stumbled upon on goodreads and liked the description. A murder-mystery set in a circus sounds intriguing as hell and it lived up to my expectations. It had enough suspense for me and I couldn't predict who the killer was. It has a good ending that extends into the next book. The characters are likable and definitely have more layers you can unravel as you read the series. There is also an underlining paranormal theme. Would recommend if you're looking for something new and underrated!

[astarion's bhaal babe (wingspan matters)]

I'm not feeling this.
For one, I thought it'd be spookier.
The writing isn't my favorite, especially because it's overly descriptive of people's simple actions.
I also expected it to focus on Detective Emma Last, considering the series is named after her, but instead I had to deal with other povs I didn't really care about.
I concluded it's best if I DNF now, and spare the author a bad rating and myself a book slump.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 stars. Odd start to a new series. The murder setting is a traveling circus. I'm not a circus fan so that wasn't all that interesting for me and I found myself losing interest. Thought the focus here was FBI agent, Emma Last, as it is her series, but there were 7 FBI agents here in the cast of characters. Agents Leo and Mia seemed to get as much attention here as Emma, which I thoughts was strange. A new series can sometimes get off on a bumpy start, and that's what I struggled with here. Emma also sees ghosts. You get a bit of that here but no explanation as to how or why. As I've experienced previously with this author, she leaves you hanging at the end with a "to be continued" so no idea where this series is headed next. Not sure if I'm up for book 2.

[raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this book reminds me a little of criminal minds with ghosts thrown in the mix. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the storyline. It could have been a stand alone, but i'm interested to see how the rest of the series will go. The very end/last chapter did seem rushed or thrown in to show how the series would be continued.

I did enjoy how the first chapter of the book was from the murderer's POV. And then the following chapter was the POV of a character that was murdered. I haven't found that in a mystery/thriller book before and I thought it added a great amount to the storyline.

Multiple character POV's which is always a plus for me. I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a short and fast read plus mystery/thriller.

TW: Murder, gore. Mentions of statutory rape.

[Mary Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow what an incredible start to a new series. This book had it all. Action, suspense and ghosts. When people start dying it’s up to Emma Last and her team to figure out who is killing the carnival workers before the next person is killed. This is another hit from author Mary Stone. I am so excited to get to read more in this series.

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Outstanding! Multiple murders under the Circus Big Top! What an awesome reminder of how hurt people hurt other people!

First, the level of betrayal and revenge is in the stratosphere. I loved how the perpetrator explained who he was out to get and why, without giving away his identity. GENIUS! So I had no choice but to keep turning the pages!

Although I loved the FBI agents, there were just too many names to keep straight in this awesome story!

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get interested in this strange story of murders in the circus community and a female FBI agent who is guided by ghosts. Between the cliches and hard to follow characters it just was not my cup of tea.

[Sie Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a bit torn about this book, because I love circus, crime and the occult, which this book is. But and here comes my but, it was a bit flat in the way of writing, if you can say that, even though there was action, it wasn't super exciting.

When it got really good, things were over too quickly. Personally, there could have been more investigation between the various murders and more about the ghosts. 50-100 pages more to build tension I think could be good.

I will try to read one more book in the series to see how it develops, if it continues like this I have a feeling I won't finish the series.

[Allison Dolph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this more than I expected myself to. I never would have thought to pick up this book until it was recommended to me! The twist about Emma makes me want to read her back story and see what happens from here.
Great conclusion and left on just a little bit of a cliff hanger!

[Ludmila Husek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, at last Emma Last has her own series and I’m glad, that Mia joined her.
What a team Mary started to build up in DC !!! Great paced thriller with new environment (circus ) characters written so well, why I’m surprised?! The story winds the curvy way of murders, EMMA’s hiccups (does she need a girlfriend to smile more and get in trouble less?) or will the new partner and ghosts step in? I cried toward the finale and was full of fear at the end. What a great story Mary. Thank you.👍👏

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read, quite engrossing. I liked the location of the circus very different.

The new series brings existing characters to the fore so looking forward to going on Emma and Mia journey. Not sure where the ghosrs are going to go.

I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.

[Steve Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Members of a traveling circus are being killed one by one in a string of deaths made to look like accidents. FBI agent Emma Last and a team of feds investigate the serial killings out of the Washington, D.C., field office. There are too many characters and we don't get to know any of them very well. Conversations involving multiple characters become awkward and confusing. Crazy antics by some annoying animal rights advocates add tension. Interesting backstories for agents and circus performers add depth. Emma has an intriguing quirk - she sees ghosts. The ghosts crop up here and there and add a twist to the whodunit, which blends two genres in fresh ways. Could the killer be a member of the circus "family?" You'll have fun trying to figure it out.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good psychological thriller. This book kept me interested, Although I would have loved to see more of the ghosts intertwining with solving the circus’s murders. But all in all, this was a very good read. On to book Two 📗🤡🎪👏🏾

[Gracie Bustillos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Great Series
A paranormal mystery with FBI thriller and some ghosts is what we need. All wrapped up neatly. You will not be disappointed.

[The Humble Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series by Mary Stone
And I absolutely read this in a few hours. It was deliciously amazing. Yessss! I'll have to add this to my series regulars. Every character was on point. The book flowed. Everything made sense. I liked Emma. The paranormal thing was subtle and not too crazy. I loved everything.
The only thing that I would ADD would more heart stopping moments. The high climax. We had a small one towards the end but I was hoping for more umph. Other than that, I liked it.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Good start to an interesting paranormal murder/mystery series.

[Lori brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. This author is very good

[Debbie Palomino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Breath

Mary Stone has a way of pulling you into the story so that you can’t stop reading until you are done with the book.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to see that FBI agent Emma Last has her own series! And Mia Logan has joined her as well. There are several great characters from the other books that Stone has out.
What a great start to this series. Circus folk are being killed, and the team rushes to find the killer before they're all gone.
It is an exciting book with great characters. I am looking forward to more in this series.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Circus performers are dying in unusual ways and the FBI is brought in to investigate. This book was multi-POV between several of the FBI agents and some of the circus members as well. It has short chapters and was fast-paced. Would recommend for a quick whodunit thriller.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma was a standout from earlier appearances in either Winter and Autumn series. Mia also is a familiar face who experienced a lot of trauma in the Autumn series. The story starts off fast with a crime, but slow as the focus on the team dynamic seemed to take most of the book. The paranormal element could be interesting, but the victims as ghosts seemed oddly placed until their cryptic warning near the end. I am interested to see how the series develops, but this was not the strongest start for me compared to other MS books/series.

[Kelly Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay so here we go lol. This book had so much potential but it fell flat for me. It is supposed to be more about the FBI agent and her gift of encounters with the after life but I was looking for mystery, murder and suspense and it wasn't giving. The bulk of the murders are right in the beginning, 2 of them being just told to use that they had died. After that its really just the agents trying to crack the case with only one more death occurring and that wasn't even compelling.

Its the first of a series but honestly it wasn't intriguing enough for me to continue on

There's a mystery blood incident in this book that's too obvious as to what it is and they drug it on for waaaay too long to try and cause suspense/drama and it was just infuriating tbh. Then the author must have forgotten that early on in the book they wrote that one character was beside themselves at the news of this circumstance when in the end we learn she already knew about it and it's actually what got her killed. So to me you caused your own death, or at least handed yourself to the killer for no reason.

[MELISSA · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay+

Not quite sure about this book. Since it is a first book and concerns a FBI team (although there is a main character, I think), it was a little slow getting started as the reader was introduced to each of the team members. Emma Last sees ghosts and has no idea what to do with them. Meanwhile, the team focuses on circus members’ murders and finally ghosts help a bit. So, I am interested enough to check book two in the series. Hope it will pull in “better” ghosts and move up the tension a touch.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Emma Last in her new series, Mary Stone has Emma and the team trying to solve the Mystery Killings at the Ruby Red Spectacle Circus. Emma has a secret, she sees the Ghosts of the dead performers and they are talking to her.
I am excited about the new series it is great, murder and mystery keeping you turning the pages and not allowing you to put the book down.
You will love Agent Emma Last and you will love any of Mary Stones books that you pick up.

[Natalia Bar · Rating 3 out of 5]

That cover is fabulous!
Unfortunately I did not feel the suspense until the very end. Also the amount of people being introduced at the same time hence the many POVs did not provide a very good reading flow.

BUT surprisingly I did not mind the paranormal aspect, the characters seemed interesting and I did like the group dynamic. I will be continuing with the series and do believe that it will get better 🌪️

[Meagan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very odd book. Took me forever to follow and finish. Wish I hadn't started reading it but felt forced to finish. Too many characters, unnecessary descriptions, very predictable ending.

[D.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circus Mayhem

Emma Last, FBI Special Agent, works for the FBI Violent Crimes Unit in Washington, DC. She and her fellow agents, including Mia Logan, are called in to investigate the deaths of circus performers. The Ruby Red Spectacle Circus has had two accidental deaths; however, after a third performer dies it appears a killer is on the loose.

Emma and her team arrive at the circus to find animal rights activists outside the fairgrounds. The activists are getting more aggressive and threatening toward the circus performers. Is one or more of the protesters a killer?

Emma has a special ability which allows her to see and speak to ghosts. When she arrives at the circus, she looks around to see if one of the victims will reveal themselves. Who will show themselves to Emma? Will they lead her to the killer?

Emma and the other agents gather information by talking to the performers and the ring master. They all say they are like family and none of them could be the killer. What kind of information will they find? Will they find a connection to the murdered performers? Do they all feel like family? What secrets will be revealed?

The ending will leave Emma with a warning about staying out of the Other. What is the Other? Last Breath is a great start to a new series by Mary Stone. It is full of suspense, surprises, fear, horror, grief along with love of family. All I can say is read it for yourself.

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

LAST BREATH is the first installment in Mary Stones newest series, the Emma Last FBI Mystery Series. This first book is a great beginning to the new series. Like everything from Mary Stone, this is a page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading, make sure you have plenty of time to get lost in this FBI Thriller.

Emma Last finally gets her own FBI Team in D.C. Fans will remember Emma from her temp assignment with the Virginia FBI in Winter Black and Autumn's series. Winter had visions and Autumn read emotions and for the last ten years Emma has been seeing ghosts, even talking to some. She's  trying to understand the why she sees them and what they want as they try to help with the murders in this story.

The Ruby Red Spectacle Circus has experienced three performers dying in  suspicious manners and the LEOs have asked for help from the FBI. Special Agent Emma Last, and her new team have been assigned this troubling, clueless case.  As the secrets of the circus are exposed, the killer and motive remain hidden behind the tent curtain - until you get a surprising look as the curtain is whipped open.

As I said, a great start to Emma Last's FBI career and series. Recommended to thrillers readers.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series.

[Cheyenne Lacanlale · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️Book Review by Andrea♥️
Last Breath by @marystoneauthor
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 Stars

This story follows FBI special agent Emma Last and her team as they investigate a string of murders, happening inside the Ruby Red Circus. Agent Last has the help of her team and a few ghosts in solving this mystery. I loved the dynamic between Emma and her team, and am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. This book was great with multiple view points, including the killer’s, that had you getting to know all the characters. 5 out of 5 stars.

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[Cathy P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last Breath

Where to begin. This book was both interesting and slow. Too many main characters introduced one after another, all with tragic back stories. You couldn't really get to know them; just not enough time in the book. I liked the characters, but they are all very...two dimensional. High school mindsets. None of them acted like nature FBI agents. None. I enjoyed the multiple points of view. Even get the killer's POV. I just wish the author had chosen maybe 1or 2 main characters. Not 5. We mostly get story from Leo, Emma, and Mia. I am interested enough in the paranormal aspect from Emma's seeing ghosts, to try another book. Probably.
This is a complete story. There will be an overreaching arc I think with Emma. Some foreshadowing at end of book, no cliffhanger. Told from multiple POV.