The Last To Remember

Sharyn Howard Mystery #3

by Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene

On one of the stormiest, busiest night of the year, a prominent businessman stumbles into the sheriff’s office, confessing to a 40-year-old murder. Just a few hours later he’s found hanging from the ceiling of the conference room. The district attorney is soon on the warpath and all the clues point to one man. Sheriff Sharyn Howard begins to search for the key to unlock a secret shared by three men for forty years. A district court judge, a prominent businessman, and her own deputy, Ernie Watkins, believe that they were responsible for a child’s death at the old Jefferson Training School for Boys when they were just teenagers. But now someone is after all the men, and it’s up to Sheriff Howard to unravel 40 years of cover-ups, blackmail, lies, and guilt. But with so many suspects and such little time, can she find the real killer before an innocent man is convicted of murder or before the real killer can stalk and kill his prey?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

aka Elyssa Henry and Joye Ames, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant

Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last to Remember by Joyce and Jim Lavene.

A cold snow storm was blanketing Diamond Springs when Beau Richmond entered the Dept. Beau was a well known philanthropist in the county and a respected member of their community. But Beau did not resemble the person they had all known these many years. He was incoherent and rambling of a murder he had committed 40 years ago.

This was the 3rd in the Sheriff Sharyn Howard series. This series rates among one of the best I've read and continue to enjoy. The writing is excellent with each character realistic as they grow in their relationships. Highly recommended.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last to Remember is the third book in the Sharyn Howard Mystery series penned by Joyce and Jim Lavene. This book was originally released in 2001. Even though this is the third Sharyn Howard book by Joyce and Jim Lavene, cozy mystery fans won’t feel like lost if they haven’t read the first two, Last Dance and One Last Good-bye. Joyce and Jim Lavene have created a well-developed, complex cast of characters that make for an intriguing murder mystery. The previous stories/background are kept to a minimum so that readers can start with any book and appreciate the well written plot with many unanticipated twists and turns. Sharyn Howard is the sheriff in Diamond Springs, NC. Forty years ago the Jefferson Training School housed boys who went astray in an attempt to rehabilitate them. One night two boys hit Michael Smith in the back of the head. Believing he died he, they buried him. When an unexpected blizzard hits, North Carolina became hazardous with no power or transportation. Sheriff Sharyn Howard doesn't expect Beau Richmond to burst into the door of the sheriff's office screaming his guilt regarding the death of Michael Smith forty years ago. An hour later, deputies find Beau hanging from a corner beam, a chair knocked out from under his feet. Further examination proves Beau suffocated after he hung himself, and his neck wasn't broken. Chances are that someone murdered him right there in the conference room of the sheriff's office. While investigating, which requires sorting through 40 years of information, Sharyn discovers that the other boy that had helped kill Michael is now the prestigious Judge Walter Hamilton, and that there has already been one attempt on his life. This case continues to throw numerous curveballs and is filled with suspense, intrigue and deceit. Michael is not Michael, the corpse is not nearly old enough to be Michael's, and there are two more attempts on the Judge's life, one of which not only almost succeeds, but almost kills Sharyn. Sharyn is an honorable sheriff. Her interactions with Nick and Lennie accurately portray the range of emotions that promise more interaction in future cases for Sharyn and the Diamond Spring Police Department. The story flows naturally similar to a movie script. The reader can easily visualize this plot as it unfolds. This is probably my favorite cozy, historical fiction mystery to date. I really enjoyed it and recommend it for: anyone who appreciates a good cozy mystery

Full Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

On May 2, I got an email from Jim Lavene with an ebook of The Last To Remember and a request to review it for him. On May 5 we learned that Jim had passed away that morning. The one thing that makes this in anyway acceptable is the fact that his has been reunited with his beloved wife, Joyce, who left us a mere 6 months previously.

Sharyn Howard is a small town sheriff. called bu deputies to a chapel associated with an old school. Upon arrival she is met by an old skeleton hanging on a cross. The skeleton is that of a little boy, who has been dead for more that 20 years. There is evidence that the body had recently been unearthed, who would have done such a thing? Aside from this grisly case Sharyn and her deputies have the problem of a well loved citizen, found dead, in a conference room at the sheriff's office. Throw in a spy, an assistant District Attorney, who has it in for everyone, a District attorney who has the entire town on pins and noodles and a state Senator who is dating Sharyn's mother. Poor Sharyn, could anything else go wrong?

FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Sharyn Howard Mystery series. Sharyn is the sheriff in a small NC town. I'm becoming very fond of this series.

Someone dug up the ones of a young boy and displayed them in the old chapel of the reform school that once stood on the site. Soon after a prominent local philanthropist comes into the Sheriff's office and confesses to a 40 year old murder at the boys' school. But they soon find him hanging in the room where they put him until he calmed down. Suicide or murder? Next a prominent local Judge is implicated in the boys' school affair but attempts are also made on his life. Sharyn is worried for her deputy Ernie, who seems to know something about the boys' school murder. He refuses to talk. And the Assistant DA, a man only after glory, is breathing down her neck. Just when Sharyn thinks she knows what could be going on, it's determined that the corpse has only been dead for 20 years, not 40.

I'm determined to read this entire series!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series by Joyce and Jim Lavene, it's one of my favorites. This is the third installment of the Sheriff Sharyn Howard sereis and it won't disappoint. Bones are discovered just as a blizzard hits the town of Diamond Springs. Sheriff Sharyn Howard and her deputies work quickly to determine all they can so they can try to figure out what happened. Later that night at the sheriff's department, a prominent and wll liked memeber of the community confesses to the crime against the person whose bones they may belong. Add in a snitch to the ADA and Sheriff Howard has her hands full trying to figure out what is going on.

This book is well plotted with twists and turns that kept me guessing. I love the characters in this series, I really like that more is revealed about the characters in each book. I look forward to reading more of this sereis!

I received a copy of this manuscript from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy's skeleton hanging in the old chapel; a confession of guilt from one of the county's most prominent citizens; and a suicide right in the midst of the police station. It is up to Sheriff Sharyn Howard to solve both the twenty-year plus case, as well as the suicide, before another murder takes place. The case gets even more complicated when one of her deputies seens to be involved. This is the third book in the Sharyn Howard series and provides an interesting mystery with enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The story has a strong female lead in Sharyn, a female working in a "man's" world but still able to hold her own. I like the continued development of relationships between her and her deputies, Nick the coroner, and even her own mother. I look forward to the next book in this series. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[April Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a terrible, stormy night, a prominent business man comes into the sheriff's office to confess to a murder he committed with 2 other boys 40 years ago. Within a few hours, he's found dead, hanging in the conference room.

Sheriff Howard has to sort through 40 years of clues, lies and cover ups to find out what really happened and why someone seems to be after the other two boys, now men, one of whom happens to be Sharyn's deputy. Hopefully she can get it sorted out and find out who is after the men before it is too late!

This is the third book in the Sharyn Howard series and I really enjoyed it! I'm loving the Sharyn Howard series and I can't wait to read the next one!

I was given an advanced reader copy for an honest review.

[Terri Crossley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I have been reading it from the beginning and I every book gets better! Sharyn Howard is a force to be reckoned with and this book proves her loyalty to her officers knows no bounds! When a prominent member of her town confesses to a forty year old murder things start to spiral out of control. The town is under siege by a snowstorm and there is a killer on the loose. One of her deputy' s is leaking information to the assistant D.A. and another one is in trouble. Sharyn hopes that she knows who to trust because this case is going to cost her just how much you will need to read the book to find out! I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book! I was giving this book for a fair and honest review!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three (3) of the Sheriff Sharyn Howard mystery series. Unfortunately my library does not have all of the books so I am not always reading them in order (I had to get this one through interlibrary loan and I have already read books 4 and 5). I have number 6 on order through interlibrary loan and hope that some library will loan it. (I'm not having a lot of luck with that as three books by another author that I requested were denied.)

This cozy mystery has a lot of twists and turns but as always Sheriff Howard gets her man in the end. Another good read and I am looking forward to reading more by Joyce and Jim Lavene.

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is the third book in the series, I would be amiss if I didn’t read it. It was one of the prizes I won during a Valentine’s Day contest. Now I’m hooked and will start the series from the beginning. Joyce and Jim’s writing is very good. Their attention to detail in their settings and personalities make their books believable. I’m not sure how many books are in the series, but I do know that it’s another series, I’ve added to my list.

[Eccentric Editions · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was amazing and the mystery was awesome! Seriously loved it!!! I'm loving to get to know Sharyn and lol her being oblivious towards Nick. I didn't liked him in the first book but he grew on me in second and I'd like to know more about him. I'm excited for the next book, no whole series!
There is obviously a murder, a murderer on loose. An unknown murder brought into light from forty years ago. How it is all connect? Just check the awesome fracking book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last To Remember is the third book in A Sharyn Howard Mystery. This is a fantastic series by Joyce and Jim Lavene.
A boys skeleton is discovered hanging in an old chapel, a confession of guilt and a suicide all adding up to a forty year old murder.
This story has lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing, along with a strong female lead character in Sharyn Howard.
A chilling, suspenseful mystery that will not disappoint.
I love this series and am looking forward to reading more of it.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept this in my purse and read it when I had time. It was fast and easy to keep up with. Nick's crush on Sharyn is much more obvious in this book than it has been in previous books, but Sharyn doesn't see it and I'm not sure how she feels about him. But that is a sub-plot. The main plot was the bones of a young boy were found in a church? an old school? a church that used to be an old school? Anyway, the bones of a young boy were found right before a blizzard. So the sheriff and her team start investigating and in comes Beau, a well like and well respected member of the community saying he needs to confess to a crime. He's all kinds of disoriented so Sharyn takes him into the conference room and brings Ernie in and he says 4o years ago he was at the Jefferson school/camp and he and the Judge Walt killed a boy named Michael Smith; they beat him up and buried him in a shallow grave and now his ghost is back. David, who is still trying to undermine Sharyn, was left in charge of Beau, but he left and when he came back Beau was dead. Jeremy, Nick's assistant said suicide but when Nick checked his work he said no, it was murder. They start investigating the Judge, but he says someone has made an attempt on his life, and right after they talk to him he almost gets crushed by a gargoyle. Jeremy looks and says just bad luck; wear and tear. Nick checks his work and nope, it was intentional. Well, come to find out Ernie was also at that school and also there that night so now he has to be suspended. Oh, and there's a mole in the department who is feeding info to the Assistant District Attorney Michelson, who is a real jerk. So ADA says that they suspect is in custody when Ernie is suspended and turns himself in. Also, someone sets the Judges house on fire and stuffs him in the trunk of his car, but Sharyn saves him, so he's no longer a suspect. Jeremy tells Sharyn he thinks he found a clue but he has to show her so she goes with him to the morgue and there's no light so he goes to fix to fuse and then Nick shows up and all of a sudden Jeremy says it can wait. Nick takes her to Atlanta because the Judge was being blackmailed and the account was in Atlanta and they have access from there because of a friend of his. They find out that account was opened by Michael Smith, the dead kid; but he's not really dead. It's Jeremy. The body belonged to a little boy named Jeremy who went missing 20 years ago; Michael either killed him or stole his body and his identity so he could live a new life. But Nick and Sharyn find him and Ernie in time; Sharny shoots Michael/Jeremy and Ernie is fine. Also, Sharyn has a meeting with the District Attorney Winters and he tells her that they have a common enemy, the ADA. When he made the statement about Ernie and ended up being wrong he had to turn in his resignation so the mole was not the ADA's mole it was the DA's mole so that the ADA would have to quit and the the mole could get a promotion. Overall this was easy but still had a surprise and I will continue with this series.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series. The Sharyn Howard mysteries take a day to read because they're too hard to put down. This book will keep you in it's grips until the very end. Reading the two prior books will give you a better understanding of the main characters if this is the first one you're reading.

[Daniele · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Last to Remember is the third installment in the Sharyn Howard mystery series, and it is the best book yet in the series. It is a quick read full of interesting characters and dynamics and a compelling mystery bursting with secrets, blackmail, deceit, and regrets.

During blizzard conditions in Diamond Springs, North Carolina, the last thing Sheriff Sharyn Howard expects is for prominent citizen Beau Richmond to burst through the doors with a murder confession on his lips. Shortly after he is placed in the conference room (for safe keeping until his wife arrives), he is found hanging from the ceiling. What at first appears to be suicide is quickly revealed to be murder, committed right in the middle of the sheriff’s office right under their noses. The entire department comes under suspicion, and Sharyn does her best to get to the bottom of both the past and present homicides. Her investigation leads her to a prominent judge and even to her most trusted deputy. To make things even worse, the assistant district attorney has it out for her, a member of her staff is leaking information, and her relationship with medical examiner Nick is as complicated and trying as ever.

I really enjoyed the historical mystery within a mystery aspect of The Last to Remember involving a forty year old crime that took place at the local alternative boys’ school. Even though I was able to pin point the “bad guy” very early in the story, this did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. The story’s pacing is good providing increasing tension until the climax.

The Last to Remember is an early effort by writing team Joyce and Jim Lavene, and it shows a little. However, their love for spinning a tale shines through, and we readers get a glimpse of their greatness that is to come in later works. They have created a strong, honorable heroine in Sharyn, and the supporting cast is varied and interesting. The small town setting and all of the social politics that accompany it are well represented and believable.

Jim Lavene passed away suddenly while I was in the midst of reading this, and I can say that I am truly saddened that he and Joyce are no longer with us. They will both be greatly missed, but I find comfort in knowing that they will live on through their prolific works.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of Joyce and Jim Lavene and I love the Sharyn Howard Mysteries series. The third book, The Last To Remember, is awesome !! (Like there was any doubt)
Sharyn Howard is the Sheriff in Diamond Springs and to say her job is rough is a major understatement. The Last to Remember finds the Sheriff dealing with a 40 year old murder. On the evening of a blizzard, remains of a young boy are found at the chapel of the old Boy's Training School. Prominent businessman Beau Richmond comes into the station at the heart of the blizzard to confess to the crime. Unfortunately before the Sheriff can find out more, Beau is found hanging in the conference room as what is thought to be a confession / suicide. Beau left a note also stating that Walter Hamilton, a very respected Judge, played a part in the murder.
As Sharyn and her deputies investigate they learn that Richmond was murdered....but by who ? And in the Sheriff's office ? The ADA Alan Michaelson is all over the Sheriff and her department to solve this case quickly !! But when their prime suspect ends up with near death experiences, they are left out in the cold.....
I love everything about this series. I enjoy the "relationship" between the Sheriff and the attractive medical examiner Nick. The Sheriff has a strained relationship with her mother that most can relate to during some time in their life. The dedicated deputies and Judy who mans the reception desk are every day people that again are relateable.
If you haven't started reading this series, all I can say is.... Why not ??

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last To Remember is the recently re-released third book in the Sharyn Howard series written by Joyce and Jim Lavene (originally released in 2001). This book has a well-plotted storyline and a great cast of well-developed, complex, and relatable characters. I really enjoyed reading this page-turner. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, clean mystery. There is sufficient background information provided to allow this book to be read as a standalone. The Last To Remember drew me into the mystery and held my interest until the end. I’m looking forward to reading more of this re-released series.

Sharyn Howard is following in her father and grandfather’s footsteps as the elected Sheriff for the small town of Diamond Springs, North Carolina. On a stormy night, Beau Richmond arrives at the Sheriff’s office, incoherent and rambling, and confesses to Michael Smith’s murder forty years ago at the old Jefferson Training School for Boys. Beau is placed in a conference room but isn’t arrested. An hour or so later, Beau’s body is discovered and it appears he may have committed suicide. Now Sharyn must figure out how Beau could have died while in the Sheriff’s office, unearth what happened to a young boy 40 years ago, and protect the prestigious Judge Walter Hamilton who someone is trying to kill.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!
This is a great book; this is the third book in the A Sharyn Howard Mystery series by Joyce and Jim Lavene. Sharyn Howard is the local sheriff of her small town. During one of the stormiest and busiest night of the year a prominent businessman stumbles into the sheriff’s office, confessing to a 40 year old murder. A few hours later he is found hanging from the ceiling of the conference room. The more time Sharyn spends on the case she learns of a secret shared by three men for forty years. A district court judge, a prominent businessman, and her deputy, Ernie Watkins. She needs to find out what really happened 40 years ago before someone comes after the other two men. This book has a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharyn Howard is the Sheriff of Diamond Springs. She's dedicated to the job. Right now she has her hands full. There is a murder to solve, a mole in her department and a snowstorm causing havoc. Is she up to the task? I enjoy this fast-paced and suspenseful mystery series. Sharyn is smart, resourceful and determined. You can't beat that combination. I like that she's fair and supportive of her fellow officers. Nick Thomopolis is the head medical examiner who continually butts heads with Sharyn. They are well matched. I love the attraction between these two. It adds a hint of romance that draws me into their story. The Last To Remember is a well written mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many people with motives that I didn't know until the very end who committed the murder and why. This was a twisted tale that had roots in the past. The grim setting of the old boy's school highlighted the mystery. Joyce and Jim Lavene are masters of their craft. I'm a great fan of this series. I like the Sharyn Howard and want to see more of her.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sharon Howard Mystery series and they just keep getting better and better! I can't wait for the next. Sheriff Howard has so much spunk and determination that she makes you laugh and want to fight right along with her. She knows how to respectfully put bullies in their place and it's so much fun to read. Great characters and great writing make for a very enjoyable read. This mystery will keep you guessing until the end.

I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rosa Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading, The Last To Remember, and I cannot wait to read the next book in the Sharyn Howard Mystery series. I enjoyed reading this book because it was well written with a past event once again being dealt with in the present. I love Sheriff Howard and am looking forward to reading what mystery the next case will bring.

[Linda Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This series is well written and worth waiting. The characters are good people but not too good. The mysteries are a part of the stories but it is also the relationships between the characters which makes these books worth reading

[Fermentum · Rating 4 out of 5]

FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the author
in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did
not influence my review.

[Kathy Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 10 stars I would. Superb story, superb quality and a heartwrenching plot with plenty of surprises and twists to keep you guessing right up to the end of the story.