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Jake Cashen #5
Her Last Moment
When Detective Jake Cashen’s new partner is found brutally slain, Jake must choose between justice and revenge in the hunt for a cold-blooded killer.
As she draws her last breath, Detective Mary Rathburn leaves a cryptic message to Jake written in her own blood. It’s a clue to her killer’s identity she knew only he would understand. It sets him on a dangerous path that could change him forever.
Jake faces mounting pressure to solve this case from his fellow cops, Mary’s grieving family, and his own sense of duty to his fallen sister in blue. His investigation reveals disturbing secrets about Mary’s personal life that send shockwaves through Blackhand Hills. But did her secrets lead to murder?
The closer Jake gets to the truth, the more his own demons boil to the surface. To catch a killer, he’ll have to think like one. When he crosses that line, there’s no coming back and all the dark rumors about his birthright might finally come true.
As she draws her last breath, Detective Mary Rathburn leaves a cryptic message to Jake written in her own blood. It’s a clue to her killer’s identity she knew only he would understand. It sets him on a dangerous path that could change him forever.
Jake faces mounting pressure to solve this case from his fellow cops, Mary’s grieving family, and his own sense of duty to his fallen sister in blue. His investigation reveals disturbing secrets about Mary’s personal life that send shockwaves through Blackhand Hills. But did her secrets lead to murder?
The closer Jake gets to the truth, the more his own demons boil to the surface. To catch a killer, he’ll have to think like one. When he crosses that line, there’s no coming back and all the dark rumors about his birthright might finally come true.
- GenresMystery
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2024
1157 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Declan James
15 books87 followersBefore putting pen to paper, Declan James’s career in law enforcement spanned twenty-six years. Declan’s work as a digital forensics detective has earned him the highest honors from the U.S. Secret Service and F.B.I. For the last sixteen years of his career, Declan served on a nationally recognized task force aimed at protecting children from online predators. Prior to that, Declan spent six years undercover working Vice-Narcotics.
An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Declan enjoys hunting, fishing, grilling, smoking meats, and his quest for the perfect bottle of bourbon. He lives on a lake in Southern Michigan along with his wife and kids.
For more information visit https://declanjamesbooks.com
An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Declan enjoys hunting, fishing, grilling, smoking meats, and his quest for the perfect bottle of bourbon. He lives on a lake in Southern Michigan along with his wife and kids.
For more information visit https://declanjamesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 19, 2024
4.5 stars. Shocking loss to the Sheriff's Department has Jake determined to find who murdered his partner. I was getting worried the closer it got to the end if Jake was going to pull this one off. I love how devoted Jake is to those he cares about. I'm not surprised this was another excellent story, love this series.
January 28, 2024
Her Last Moment
OMG. This is a great thriller. I would give this book a ten star rating. I could not put this book down. I read it in one night. I can"t wait until the next book comes out. I really enjoyed this book. This is my kind of book. I highly recommend this book and series.
OMG. This is a great thriller. I would give this book a ten star rating. I could not put this book down. I read it in one night. I can"t wait until the next book comes out. I really enjoyed this book. This is my kind of book. I highly recommend this book and series.
February 4, 2024
This 5th installation in the series kept me highly engaged throughout, just as the first 4 did. The characters are well-developed and the plot/mystery interesting. Glad there's another one coming out this year.
January 20, 2024
Loved this book…..love this series. Mr. James writes good mysteries with amazing characters (although in this book #5, I could not stand Bethany!!! I hope she never returns!). With a touch of humor that makes me laugh out loud, I am intrigued by the storyline from the start. Looking so forward to #6 in July!
January 16, 2024
Great book
I have enjoy all the books in this series. I found Declan James on Facebook, he's a wonderful author. Jake Fashion has this case, his own partner. All the odds are against him from the beginning, but he promised her he would get her killer. Leaving a message in her blood as she dies. Read all these books they will keep you reading.
I have enjoy all the books in this series. I found Declan James on Facebook, he's a wonderful author. Jake Fashion has this case, his own partner. All the odds are against him from the beginning, but he promised her he would get her killer. Leaving a message in her blood as she dies. Read all these books they will keep you reading.
January 12, 2024
Her Last Moment😢
Her Last Moment is the next book in the Jake Cashen series and is quite confronting in the sense that you realise what effect the loss of a law enforcement officer has on those around them.
In this book, Mary was training with Jake to become a detective. When Jake is called to Mary’s home after being advised she’s been murdered, the scene is the stuff of nightmares but Mary in her last moments knew Jake would be there to find the clues needed to solve her death. However, secrets are revealed which unfortunately cause a domino effect to others who were involved with Mary.
This was an emotionally charged book and broke my heart, but I look forward to what’s to come and Jake’s next big case❤️🩹
Her Last Moment is the next book in the Jake Cashen series and is quite confronting in the sense that you realise what effect the loss of a law enforcement officer has on those around them.
In this book, Mary was training with Jake to become a detective. When Jake is called to Mary’s home after being advised she’s been murdered, the scene is the stuff of nightmares but Mary in her last moments knew Jake would be there to find the clues needed to solve her death. However, secrets are revealed which unfortunately cause a domino effect to others who were involved with Mary.
This was an emotionally charged book and broke my heart, but I look forward to what’s to come and Jake’s next big case❤️🩹
Read
August 21, 2024When Detective Jake Cashen’s new partner is found brutally slain, Jake must choose between justice and revenge in the hunt for a cold-blooded killer.
As she draws her last breath, Detective Mary Rathburn leaves a cryptic message to Jake written in her own blood. It’s a clue to her killer’s identity she knew only he would understand. It sets him on a dangerous path that could change him forever.
Jake faces mounting pressure to solve this case from his fellow cops, Mary’s grieving family, and his own sense of duty to his fallen sister in blue. His investigation reveals disturbing secrets about Mary’s personal life that send shockwaves through Blackhand Hills. But did her secrets lead to murder?
The closer Jake gets to the truth, the more his own demons boil to the surface. To catch a killer, he’ll have to think like one. When he crosses that line, there’s no coming back and all the dark rumors about his birthright might finally come true.
Good.
As she draws her last breath, Detective Mary Rathburn leaves a cryptic message to Jake written in her own blood. It’s a clue to her killer’s identity she knew only he would understand. It sets him on a dangerous path that could change him forever.
Jake faces mounting pressure to solve this case from his fellow cops, Mary’s grieving family, and his own sense of duty to his fallen sister in blue. His investigation reveals disturbing secrets about Mary’s personal life that send shockwaves through Blackhand Hills. But did her secrets lead to murder?
The closer Jake gets to the truth, the more his own demons boil to the surface. To catch a killer, he’ll have to think like one. When he crosses that line, there’s no coming back and all the dark rumors about his birthright might finally come true.
Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
Ah. This one is a gut punch. It hurts to like a side character just to lose them in a later book, but that’s art imitating life, right?
This installment gives us less secondary character development and more main character development. It was so satisfying getting to know Jake better—particularly how he faces his demons. As always, Grandpa Max steals the show. And I LOVED two correspondences Jake had with someone from his past. Those scenes made the book. So visceral. So poignant. So bittersweet.
This is a pretty gruesome murder, and the investigation unfolded like clockwork. This particular trope is one I enjoy because it makes solving the crime a little harder. (Great for fiction. Not so much in real life.)
Plot, pacing, characterization... all solid. I’m really enjoying the political games, and the introduction of the reporter was a fun twist that could develop into something exciting. Another great book in the series. An easy 4.5 stars.
This installment gives us less secondary character development and more main character development. It was so satisfying getting to know Jake better—particularly how he faces his demons. As always, Grandpa Max steals the show. And I LOVED two correspondences Jake had with someone from his past. Those scenes made the book. So visceral. So poignant. So bittersweet.
This is a pretty gruesome murder, and the investigation unfolded like clockwork. This particular trope is one I enjoy because it makes solving the crime a little harder. (Great for fiction. Not so much in real life.)
Plot, pacing, characterization... all solid. I’m really enjoying the political games, and the introduction of the reporter was a fun twist that could develop into something exciting. Another great book in the series. An easy 4.5 stars.
January 20, 2024
This book was so good I finished it in one day. Jake Cashen is looking for the murderer of a police detective so the case is very personal. Jake's anger is close to bubbling over. I am anxious to see where the author takes this. The case is complicated by outside sources who are critical of the police and have their own separate agenda. I feel like readers are getting to know Jake better along with others characters which I appreciate. I like that the book deals with both the characters and the police procedural aspect. The case was interesting and sad. I enjoyed the mystery and the conclusion. I would highly recommend this book. I believe that it can be read as a stand alone but would be best enjoyed by reading the series in order.
January 21, 2024
Jake is called to the scene of the brutal murder of his new partner Det Mary Rathburn. She fought with everything she had and left a cryptic note in blood that is in the shorthand Jake taught her.
He's more than determined to find her killer and all signs point to her ex-husband and the custody fight for their son. Ex-husband Shaun is a lowlife drinker and Mary was just awarded full custody.
It becomes a bit compicated when Shaun and his derelict friends have alibi's but Jake and new partner Birdie follow every crumb.
A quick read.
He's more than determined to find her killer and all signs point to her ex-husband and the custody fight for their son. Ex-husband Shaun is a lowlife drinker and Mary was just awarded full custody.
It becomes a bit compicated when Shaun and his derelict friends have alibi's but Jake and new partner Birdie follow every crumb.
A quick read.
January 31, 2024
Really like this one!
I was looking for a good crime thriller with an interesting detective and this fit perfectly
That name Jake Cashen is just perfect!
The story begins with the brutal murder of Jake Cashen’s new training partner Mary. He focuses all his efforts at finding the murderer.
The story keeps you on edge and is well paced. The details of the detective work are really interesting and explained with expert quality.
I started reading this series with this book so I guess I will be reading the first in the series next.
I was looking for a good crime thriller with an interesting detective and this fit perfectly
That name Jake Cashen is just perfect!
The story begins with the brutal murder of Jake Cashen’s new training partner Mary. He focuses all his efforts at finding the murderer.
The story keeps you on edge and is well paced. The details of the detective work are really interesting and explained with expert quality.
I started reading this series with this book so I guess I will be reading the first in the series next.
August 8, 2024
They just keep getting better.
I've been an avid fan of this series from book 1 and this 'Her Last Moment' is my favourite so far. It was quite heartbreaking and the build up filled with tension, which led to a very satisfactory conclusion, was so well written. I really like the character of Jake. He is quite a troubled man but he always strives to be the best he can be. I'm excited I've already got book 6 lined up so I'm away to start that now. Bravo Mr. James, job very well done. Just please keep them coming!
I've been an avid fan of this series from book 1 and this 'Her Last Moment' is my favourite so far. It was quite heartbreaking and the build up filled with tension, which led to a very satisfactory conclusion, was so well written. I really like the character of Jake. He is quite a troubled man but he always strives to be the best he can be. I'm excited I've already got book 6 lined up so I'm away to start that now. Bravo Mr. James, job very well done. Just please keep them coming!
May 13, 2024
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Another murder solved and the people involved caught. Jake was closer to this one because the murder victim was a detective. Easy to follow with secrets revealed and plenty going on to keep you turning the pages to get to the end.
July 1, 2024
This was an excellent police procedural type novel! The details of the investigation into the brutal murder that occurred in the opening chapter were interesting and involving. The main character was likeable and and his actions were logical and understandable. I haven't read any other books by this author, but I definitely will put them on my TBR list.
April 11, 2025
Very exciting
This was my first book from Arthur decline James and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
It was exciting from the first chapter till the end. Trying to figure out who the killer was was quite exciting.
I know you will enjoy the story as much as I did and now I plan on to read the whole entire!
This was my first book from Arthur decline James and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
It was exciting from the first chapter till the end. Trying to figure out who the killer was was quite exciting.
I know you will enjoy the story as much as I did and now I plan on to read the whole entire!
May 7, 2024
FANTASTIC SERIES
Great series, interesting plots that twist and turn unexpectedly, well-defined characters you want to get to know better. All in all, great reads and I'll be waiting for more
Great series, interesting plots that twist and turn unexpectedly, well-defined characters you want to get to know better. All in all, great reads and I'll be waiting for more
June 5, 2024
SO good!
This was the best of the series so far! I had tears, I had goosebumps. Declan James knows how to write an exciting and heartfelt story!! Right down to the last word, I could feel the lose and the love. Congratulations Mr James!!!
This was the best of the series so far! I had tears, I had goosebumps. Declan James knows how to write an exciting and heartfelt story!! Right down to the last word, I could feel the lose and the love. Congratulations Mr James!!!
June 17, 2024
Intense!
In a moment of horrible hatred, a good cop loses her life. Leaving a little boy behind, and a grieving mother.
Jake Cashen has to find a murderer, right the wrongs the killer left behind, and keep his family and town safe.
I highly recommend these books!
In a moment of horrible hatred, a good cop loses her life. Leaving a little boy behind, and a grieving mother.
Jake Cashen has to find a murderer, right the wrongs the killer left behind, and keep his family and town safe.
I highly recommend these books!
January 27, 2025
Working my way through the Jake Cashen series. This was a good book but I also hated it because WHY DID SHE HAVE TO DIE ALREADY?
Characters in this book were great and it built more connection to Jake's family. Still rooting to Jake to find love!! I love the dynamics between Jake and Birdie - they are a great team. It was another good book in a good series. I do feel like this story was drawn out a little more than the others, maybe because it just kept focusing on the same people over and over but it didn't have as many twists and suspects as usual but still enjoyed it.
Characters in this book were great and it built more connection to Jake's family. Still rooting to Jake to find love!! I love the dynamics between Jake and Birdie - they are a great team. It was another good book in a good series. I do feel like this story was drawn out a little more than the others, maybe because it just kept focusing on the same people over and over but it didn't have as many twists and suspects as usual but still enjoyed it.
April 7, 2025
You'll need to take a breather between chapters.
Book 5 is just as good as books 1 though 4. With all the term oil going on in the world, it will seem a minor blip compared to this story.
Book 5 is just as good as books 1 though 4. With all the term oil going on in the world, it will seem a minor blip compared to this story.
May 11, 2025
Excellent!
This book, the fifth one in the Jake Cashen series, did not disappoint. Someone close to Jake was brutally murdered and the clues are too many then too few. Who could have done this heinous crime and can Jake bring that person to justice?
This book, the fifth one in the Jake Cashen series, did not disappoint. Someone close to Jake was brutally murdered and the clues are too many then too few. Who could have done this heinous crime and can Jake bring that person to justice?
October 8, 2025
Her last moment
Definitely a challenging way to get to the solution to this case yet a logical action by the detective yielded a rapid close to mystery. In the end, Jake resolved what was probably going to be a long term problem to the betterment of all.
Definitely a challenging way to get to the solution to this case yet a logical action by the detective yielded a rapid close to mystery. In the end, Jake resolved what was probably going to be a long term problem to the betterment of all.
January 19, 2024
riveting!
This was my favorite in this series! So well-written. Such great character development. I read it from start to finish and couldn’t put it down. Jake Cashen is a character that you want to be friends with! Can’t wait for the next book!
This was my favorite in this series! So well-written. Such great character development. I read it from start to finish and couldn’t put it down. Jake Cashen is a character that you want to be friends with! Can’t wait for the next book!
January 18, 2024
Great read
Another book by a great author, it kept you riveted to the book and the story flowed very well and you felt you were with the characters.
Another book by a great author, it kept you riveted to the book and the story flowed very well and you felt you were with the characters.
February 2, 2024
Excellent read! I’ll be reading the next Jake Cashen book.
February 7, 2024
Love Jake. Love the dynamics of the characters. I’m attached to them and can’t wait for more. So enjoyable
February 8, 2024
I absolutely love the Jake Cashen series.
February 11, 2024
4.25 / 5
February 11, 2024
Like the last one in this series, this was an easy read. Mostly dialogue, with little descriptive content. Jake would be more likable if he was not such a hot head.
February 11, 2024
Keep them coming Declan James. I’m really enjoying this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews