One Last Good-Bye : An Avalon Mystery

Sharyn Howard Mystery #2

by Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene

Sheriff Sharyn Howard has her hands full. The county commission wants to cut her staff. Colonel John Metzger wants his brother’s killer yesterday. And the Navy wants to be sure she comes up with the “right” answers to the town’s new mystery. Add to that a lovesick deputy and her mother dating Senator Caison Talbot, one of Sharyn’s least favorite people. But what really has her puzzled is the mystery everyone in town is talking about. Someone shot WWII Navy Captain William “Billy” Bost as he dipped his plane’s wings to his sweetheart. The secret’s been hidden for over half a century. Is it possible that the person who killed Billy Bost, Diamond Springs’ most famous hero, is also the same person who killed the Pulitzer prize-winning author looking for the truth?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Novels, Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 21, 1999

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]

One Last good-bye by Joyce and Jim Lavene.

Sheriff Sharyn Howard is high above Diamond Mountain Lake relaxing with a much needed and earned vacation. The Sheriff had enjoyed hiking up this mountain since childhood along with her dad the 2nd in a line of Howard Sheriff's. then, out of nowhere a helicopter arises before her with an emergency. there's been a plane sighted by witnesses having gone down into the Lake. Sheriff Howard's help was needed and now. So much for that much needed and earned R&R.

This was such an excellent follow up to the first in the Avalon mystery series. The character of Sheriff Sharyn Howard and her posse, Ernie, Joe, David and Nick, continue to evolve and grow in their relationships and as a team. I found their personalities likable which added a realistic dimension to the story.

Great story-great reading.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am liking this series. This is the 2nd in the Sheriff Sharyn Howard series. I do wish they would move the relationship stuff along. Sharyn is clueless! However the mystery part is good.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5*. This was a good, fast paced read. I like Sharyn Howard; she is strong, smart, and competent. Her friendship with Ernie is adorable and her relationship with her mother, while irritating and disappointing, is very believable. This book starts with the disappearance of a pulitzer prize winning author who goes missing while trying to find a WWII plane that when down in the lake. When the plane is being pulled up we discover that the writer is in his truck at the bottom of the lake. Time to investigate. Also, it turns out that the plane didn't go down because of pilot error, which has been the story since the war, but it went down because the pilot was murdered. The brother of the author is there, kind of looking for his brother, but mostly he's concerned with the plane; oh, and he's a terrible person. I was not surprised at all when he ended up being the person who killed his brother. The killer of the pilot was still alive and he killed him because of a woman. Also, David the deputy quits his job because Sharyn takes him to task for failing in his duties. But, they don't try to fill it so he eventually asks for it back and then tells Sharyn he wants her job. Except he's terrible so I hope he loses the election. Nick, the medical examiner, likes Sharyn and she doesn't see it, but Ernie sure does. Also, Sharyn's mother is dating the state senator, Caison Talbot, who is a terrible person. Lots of personal drama happened in this book. I am looking forward to reading more from this series.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sharyn Howard books are some of my most favorite. Almost sing handedly brought a close to three murders although there are those in the county who want nothing to do with her. She would have made her family proud. She could use her help more often. Perhaps it will come in time. The three heroes in each of her books are the Sherriff, Ernie, and Nick. They are the 3 who make these sensational stories what they are. Wonderful.

[Daniele · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing team of Joyce and Jim Lavene rarely disappoint, and this reissue of their early works does not disappoint. One Last Goodbye is the second book in the Sharyn Howard mystery series, and it draws the reader in from the first words. It is rather short and a quick read, easily read in one or two sittings.

Sharyn Howard is following in her father and grandfather’s footsteps as sheriff of the small North Carolina town of Diamond Springs. She has her work cut out for her as she fights sexism, political bureaucracy, government intervention, being short staffed, and a bully in the form of her murder victim’s brother.

Tom Metzger, a Pulitzer Prize winning author, has come to town to investigate a local hero turned legend. Captain Billy Bost did not have time to visit his sweetheart during the war, so instead, he flew low over the lake and tipped his wings as a hello. To the horror of everyone watching, his plane went down in the lake and was not recovered. Now Tom has gone missing and his brother Col. John Metzger has come to town to push Sharyn to find out what happened. Unfortunately, Tom is found, still in his truck, in the water very near the plane. With Tom and the plane resurrected, John’s attentions turn to the plane instead of his brother, with whom he always had a contentious relationship. Things get really interesting when it becomes apparent that Billy did not go down as a result of pilot error as the Navy had always insisted but was shot in the head. Now Sharyn has two investigations to solve, murders that might have been committed fifty years apart by the same perpetrator.

The two mysteries weave together nicely to make one cohesive story, and I was particularly drawn in by the WWII portion. Sharyn is a strong person and realistically drawn. She did seem to needlessly put herself in a dangerous situation, though, near the end. The supporting characters, including the medical examiner Nick are interesting and varied, and I look forward to what might develop with Sharyn in the future.

One Last Goodbye is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours, a nice escape from the real world. Recommended reading.

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.**

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

What can be said about a Joyce & Jim Lavene book that hasn't already been said ?? I for one am a HUGE fan of their books, loving every one. The magical way they draw a reader into the story is .... well magical.The talent between them is out of this world amazing.

One Last Goodbye is the second book in The Sharyn Howard Mystery series. I truly enjoy this series for so many reasons. First you have a female Sheriff who is following in her father and grandfather's footsteps. She is very good at her job but has to constantly continue to prove to members of her own department, some town people and her very own mother that she is capable of doing the job. She has the medical examiner that has feelings for her but she feels she has to remain professional with him. And her mom is dating a Senator that Sharyn cannot stand.

In One Last Goodbye Sharyn has both hands full when a Pulitzer prize-winning author comes to town to bring up a 50-year old Navy plane that has been resting on the bottom of the lake presumed to still have the town hero pilot in it. Before the plane is lifted from the water, the author Tom and his truck are also found in the lake.

Tom's brother is in town to assist his brother as well as 2 members of the Navy who seem to want to complicate the investigates.

The Sheriff and her small staff now have 3 homicides to solve with one being 50 years old. But with the help of Nick and her small staff, Sharon has no doubt in her mind that they can solve both cases...even with people in town who don't think they can .....or want them to.

Although we lost Joyce in October of 2015, she remains alive in her books and in our lives. Her husband Jim is truly a Saint for continuing the work they started and for keeping a huge void in the cozy mystery book world from happening. For that I am forever grateful for Jim's strength and I will ALWAYS be a huge fan and read EVERY book by these GREAT authors. How about you ??

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Last Goodbye (originally released in 2000) is the second book in Joyce and Jim Lavene’s A Sharyn Howard Mystery series. This book has a well-developed plot and a great cast of relatable characters. I really enjoyed reading this page-turner. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, clean mystery. One Last Goodbye drew me into the mystery and held my interest until the ending. I’m looking forward to more of this series being rereleased.

The story is set in Diamond Springs and the main character is Sheriff Sharyn Howard, who is following in her grandfather and father’s footsteps even though some of the town thinks a woman isn’t cut out for the job. After two years, Sharyn is finally taking some vacation time to camp and hike high above Diamond Mountain Lake. She isn’t happy when a helicopter disturbs her sleep and one of her deputies informs her there is an emergency and she must immediately return to town. Sharyn is even less happy when she learns a man has been missing for a short time and there isn’t a true emergency. She stands by her deputies and their decision to being her back to town. Award-winning author, Tom Metzger, has disappeared while in town researching a military plane that crashed in the lake fifty years ago and his brother, Colonel Metzger, is demanding immediate resolution to the matter. Tom’s body is discovered and Nick, the coroner, says Tom was murdered. When the plain is brought up, it’s determined that the pilot had been shot and co-pilot died in the crash. Sharyn finds herself trying to solve the current murder and two that happened over fifty years ago.

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

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Last Goodbye is the second book in the Sharyn Howard Mystery series by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene. This book has been re-released for the cozy mystery readers who may have missed it at the time. Sharyn Howard is a respected Sheriff, following in her grandfather's and father's footsteps. After working 2 years without a break, Sharyn goes camping and hiking in forested area and bluffs above Diamond Mountain Lake. Without notice, a helicopter approaches and lands, summoning Sheriff Howard back to work to manage an emergency. A renowned author who come to town to oversee the removal of a Navy plane that was downed into the lake 50 years ago is missing. His brother, a retired Colonel, is demanding that the missing author be located immediately. Unfortunately, the lake dredging yields 3 bodies, the Navy pilot, the co-pilot and the author. Are the murders related? Sharyn and her deputies diligently work to solve both the cold case and a hot new case amidst fighting within her ranks, budget cuts and unreasonable town councilmen. I always enjoy reading mysteries that solve cold cases.

This story has a solid plot with intertwined subplots and well developed characters. Definitely an intriguing, quick read. As this series is new to me, I’m looking forward to reading more of Sheriff Sharyn Howard’s adventures. A great mystery to read on a rainy evening by the fireplace.

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.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Sharyn Howard has her hands full. The county commission wants to cut her staff. Colonel John Metzger wants his brother's killer yesterday. And the Navy wants to be sure she comes up with the "right" answers to the town's new mystery.
Add to that a lovesick deputy and her mother dating Senator Caison Talbot, one of Sharyn's least favorite people.
But what really has her puzzled is the mystery everyone in town is talking about. Someone shot WWII Navy Captain William "Billy" Bost as he dipped his plane's wings to his sweetheart. The secret's been hidden for over half a century. Is it possible that the person who killed Billy Bost, Diamond Springs' most famous hero, is also the same person who killed the Pulitzer prize-winning author looking for the truth?

This was a most enjoyable, incredible read – this pair authors have yet to write anything not worth reading! This story is well plotted, intriguing and just lot of fun! Love it when I can read a book in a day! A fast moving GREAT read!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sharyn Howard Mysteries series was originally published beginning in 2000. This is a delightful mystery series with a strong, independent female lead and a good cast of supporting characters. This story is the second in the series, where Sheriff Sharyn finds herself trying to unravel two mysterious deaths...one from fifty years ago. Journalist Tom Metzger is on a mission to locate the downed navy plane of the town's WWII hero, Captain Billy Bast, supposed to have crashed in the local lake. But when Tom goes missing right before the plane is located, his brother, Colonel Metzger, comes to town demanding answers. Between the two mysteries and the flak she keeps getting from one of the city councilman, will Sharyn find the answers. The story moves forward at good rate, building up to the ending, while further developing the characters of Sharyn, her deputies and the coroner, Nick. I look forward to more of this series being rereleased. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've read in this Sharyn Howard series but I've enjoyed other series from this husband-wife writing duo. The mystery was interesting and the conclusion satisfactory, although I suspected the perpetrator early on.

Sheriff Sharyn Howard is called back from her first vacation in years by her deputies. 50 years ago a war hero's plane mysteriously dropped into the nearby lake and has never been recovered. Now a well-known author has come to town to supervise raising the plane from the lake bed to write a novel about it. But he has disappeared and his brother, a retired Green Beret Colonel, is breathing fire about finding him. The lake yields 3 bodies, including the pilot and co-pilot of the 50 year-old plane crash. Murder X3. Were the murders connected? Sharyn scrambles to find the answers amidst budget cuts and in-fighting in the department. I always enjoy reading mysteries that solve cold cases.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series!
This is a great book; this is the second book in the A Sharyn Howard Mystery series by Joyce and Jim Lavene. Sharyn Howard is the sheriff in her small town. She has finally got to take some much deserved vacation time, when it is interrupted with a missing person, Tom Metzger who is in town researching a fifty year old plane crash. The day they find the plane, they also find Tom’s body in his rented pickup truck in the water near the plane. Sharyn and her employees have enough going on with possible two murders, Tom’s and the WWII pilot Captain William “Billy” Bost. If you are looking for a great mystery that will keep you reading way past your bedtime, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
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]

In 1944 a U.S. Navy plane crashed into Palmer Lake. Two men died. One was a local hero. The plane was never recovered and a legend was born. When a Pulitzer Prize winning author is found dead in the lake near the plane, Sheriff Sharyn Howard has her hands full. Who murdered the men in the plane? Did he kill Tom Metzger who planned to recover the aircraft? I like Sharyn Howard. She a feisty woman in a demanding job. She faces danger head on. I was impressed that she'll stand up for what she believes in. Her work relationship with Nick Thomopolis (the medical examiner) is contentious, but I sense attraction between them. I want to see where it goes. This story is a mystery within a mystery. I was hooked. The setting and the secondary characters add to the suspense. I couldn't stop reading until I knew how it ended. This is a great series.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1944 a U.S. Navy plane crashed into Palmer Lake. Two men died. One was a local hero. The plane was never recovered and a legend was born. When a Pulitzer Prize winning author is found dead in the lake near the plane, Sheriff Sharyn Howard has her hands full. Who murdered the men in the plane? Did he kill Tom Metzger who planned to recover the aircraft? I like Sharyn Howard. She a feisty woman in a demanding job. She faces danger head on. I was impressed that she'll stand up for what she believes in. Her work relationship with Nick Thomopolis (the medical examiner) is contentious, but I sense attraction between them. I want to see where it goes. This story is a mystery within a mystery. I was hooked. The setting and the secondary characters add to the suspense. I couldn't stop reading until I knew how it ended. This is a great series.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book, one of the Lavene's first mysteries, has embedded itself in my mind far more than any other book has, and I don't know why.
Although I wasn't around then, was it what I knew about WW-2, was it the Navy pilot, lost for 50 years, after a plane crash in his hometown? Was it the 100 young men, from Palmer, that perished over-seas? Was it the young, but now elderly man who never served his country, but gained the love of the fair lady? Was it a reminder of the war that stole so many young men that I remember vividly? The one that my husband served in, the war that so many young men came home, only to be later diagnosed with illness' and issues from the chemicals used?
Whatever the reason, I'll never forget One Last Good-Bye. I look forward to re-reading the entire Sharyn Howard series, written by authors that I really admire. Joyce and Jim Lavene.

[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.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that introduced me to the Lavene's writing, I loved it then and I still love it!

I really like these characters, especially the main character, Sheriff Sharyn Howard. She's strong, a bit fiesty, but also caring and compassionate. The supporting characters are all likable as well. The Lavene's do a wonderful job of describing the scenery, I felt as though I were right there with the characters. The mystery kept me guessing until the end.

I'm looking forward to reading more of this series!

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

[April Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Sharyn Howard is high above Diamond Mountain Lake relaxing with a much needed and earned vacation. The Sheriff has always enjoyed hiking up this mountain and it's the perfect R&R for her. Unfortunately, her vacation is not to be. Out of nowhere a helicopter arises before her with an emergency. A plane sighted by witnesses having gone down into the Lake. Sheriff Howard's help is needed and that means no R&R for her!

I really do enjoy this series. Sheriff Sharyn Howard and her friends are great characters and I am enjoying seeing how they progress. I can't wait to read what Sharon gets up to next!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Sharyn Howard is finally taking some vacation time hiking high above Diamond Mountain Lake.
Her vacation is cut short when a helicopter comes for her and she is told there is an emergency and needed.
Sheriff Howard finds herself looking for facts to solve a current murder as well as one that happened over fifty years ago.
I really enjoyed this second book of the series. Sharyn Howard is a tough, go with her gut Sheriff who stands her ground whether it is a Colonel who is disrespectful or a councilman wanting votes and to cut her departments funding.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy going back and reading some of my favorites. This series is one of the best. Sharyn Howard is a no nonsense sheriff who is following in her grandfather's and father's footsteps. There are many who think she is soft and not up to the task of sheriff. In this story, Sharyn finds herself coming head to head with a new councilman who wants to cut sheriff department spending and a retired Colonel who is arrogant and disrespectful. Sheriff Howard wades through the facts to solve a modern day murder and an over fifty year old murder.

[Eccentric Editions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome read in Sharyn Howrd Mystery. I enjoyed last book and this book also hooked me and had me fly through pages.
I love Sharyn, her strong hadness and the supporting characters like Ernie and Nick. My fav scene was in the end the murderer of Tom is caught, won't say more as I may spoil the book in my excitement.
I was going into a slump but I knew it would pass when I read the author's book. They both are my fav mystery authors. Definitely check the book out.
It could be read as stand-alone. Got the book in exchange of an honest review.

[Terri Crossley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Sharyn Howard series and each book gets better than the last! With two murders to solve and one being 50 years old Sharyn has a lot on her shoulders! With budget cuts breathing down her neck and her vacation cut short things are not looking good! I highly recommend this book! I was giving this book for a fair and honest review! Jim and Joyce Lavene are team like no other and every book I have read from this pair has been a hit in my eyes!

[Rosa Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One Last Goodbye" was a page turner for me. From the moment I read the prologue I knew that I was hooked. The book was well written and I was able to picture myself by the lake watching the plane as it dipped it's wing. I liked how there were two story lines with one beginning from many years ago. I love the character of Sharyn Howard and so far I am loving this series!

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realized partway through the story that this might not be the first in the series, but by that point, I was hooked. I liked the characters and their shared history. As much as I hate to read out of order, I suspect I will have to get the first book just to see how everyone is introduced. Loved the Sheriff's handling of the Councilman at the end.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the Sharyn Howard Mystery series. A spitfire of a sheriff and other great characters lead you through this mystery.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Really like sharyn and her fellow deputies. She is conscientious. In her search for justice. Her relationship with her coworkers And mom make her very realistic and entertaining to read

[April Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book! I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to start the next book :)

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

full review soon

[Kathy Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fifty year old mystery and jealousy combined to make yet another awesome read from this series.