Dead Last

Crossroads Queen #3

by Annabel Chase

Lorelei Clay is desperate to stay safe behind her castle walls.

She’s also desperate for money.

When a mage assassin asks for help with a delicate matter involving a ruthless vampire mobster, Lorelei agrees—for a price. Part of the deal is that Kane Sullivan can’t know. Yes, that Kane. Prince of hell. Demon to end all demons. Stubborn, nosy, and ridiculously sexy.

If only the demon weren’t so curious about her.

Lorelei has spent her life moving, hiding, laying low, and avoiding relationships of any kind.

In Fairhaven, that’s all about to change.

Find out how in Dead Last, the third book in the six-book Crossroads Queen urban fantasy series that features a strong female protagonist, a slow-burn romance, monster takedowns, and Scrabble-playing vampires.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Vampires, Demons, Romance

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2023

About the author

Annabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.

Reviews

[Jumms · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating

This series has so much promise and falls flat each and every time. I absolutely loved the firat book and none of the books after have lived up to its promise.

This felt like a jumble of so many things going on for no reason. When you sort of figure something out, another pops up. The worst was the semi cliffhanger ending we get. And it's yet another book of cat and mouse games w Lorelei and Kane. When things should progress another wrench in the storyline, leaving the reader more confused and with less info.

The story starts w a random problem that drops on Lorelai's table yet again. She asks for no help again and tries to save the day all by her lonesome...yet again. As though that isn't enough, someone from The Corporation is her asking about Lorelai even though both she and Kane were involved.

She gets herself involved and sees the good in a person working for a horrible person..make it make sense. And there is a new character in town that I'm not sure is as harmless and nice as we are being forced to believe.

Honestly, this may have been a total waste of money, and I'm not sure the next book is worth reading in this series. I don't think I've ever read a book and been pissed off at how much time I wasted reading it. This classified as a hot and royal mess.

[~Jennifer~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I’m not giving a four do to the recap and repeating thoughts. I still enjoyed the book though,it makes for a nice quick read. Still no romance,this is the slowest slow burn I’ve ever read.

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dead Last is book three in the Crossroads Queen series by Annabel Chase.

We finally learn who or what Lorelei is and in doing so her life blows up. She’s now on the raider of a power corporation, has made enemies and Kane pulls away.

No matter how hard Lorelei try’s to stay hidden away from the world in her Castle, something or someone keeps asking for help and she feels a need to help.

I’m very frustrated with the romance or lack of one with Lorelei and Kane. I feel like progression should have been made, but its stalled.

A lot of different things happen in this novel. The mystery is engaging. We learn a lot, but also have more questions. The world is expanding, yet you still wonder. It’s a fast-paced mystery and we do end on a semi cliffhanger.

Dead Last was another delightful and entertaining paranormal mystery read. Even with its hang ups something keeps me coming back for more and wanting to know what’s next.

Rated: 3.5 Stars

[Clarabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plus j'avance dans cette série et plus je me frotte les mains. Je ne me lasse pas ! C'est vraiment très, très bien. Le rythme. Les personnages. L'ambiance. Les miettes qu'on trouve pour comprendre les secrets des uns et des autres. Miam, miam. C'est tout ce que je demande. De l'humour. De l'efficacité. Yep.

Dans ce troisième tome, Lorelei va être entraînée dans un drôle de conflit. Elle qui prétend chérir sa solitude se découvre un talent pour attirer “les chiots perdus qui ont retrouvé le chemin de la maison”. Elle va ainsi dépanner la sœur de Gunther (un mage de la Guilde des assassins) et prendre sa place pour boire un élixir des dieux. Évidemment la mission ne s'arrête pas là car cela implique de rencontrer un type mafieux, de conclure des accords douteux, de retrouver l'alpha des loups et de mener un début d'enquête sur l'épidémie de sommeil qui sévit en ville. Sans oublier notre prince des démons, Sullivan Kane, qui rôde au plus près pour percer sa carapace...

Tadam ! grande nouvelle : le secret de Lorelei sera bel et bien dévoilé ! 😱 Mais la réaction de notre barman est déconcertante. Je ne perds pas de temps pour retourner à Fairhaven - Tschüs ! 👋

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Last is the third book in the Crossroads Queen Urban fantasy series by Annabel Chase.

This series is so GOOD! This book was filled with so many surprises.

Lorelie is trying to lay low, but that is not working for her anymore. She agrees to help an unsavory character with a task with a vampire mobster. She can't tell Kane, Prince of Hell.

The world building in this book is absolutely amazing. SO much is revealed in this book that left me with my jaw hanging open, literally.

I absolutely loved the story and the different paranormal characters.

The author does such a fantastic job with Lorelei and I love her character so much.

Can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

ESPAÑOL

No sé por qué, pero estoy demasiado enganchada a esta historia. Es la primera obra que leo de esta autora y la he escogido básicamente porque esta traducida al francés.

Creo que lo que me llama mas es el escenario y el misterio que se esconde ya que ni los personajes ni el argumento es tan bueno. A decir verdad, ya lo he visto-leído muchas veces, pero como acabo de decir, estoy demasiado metida en la historia.

A la espera de la traducción de la cuarta novela.

FRANÇAIS

Je ne sais pas pourquoi mais je suis vraiment très investi avec cette histoire. C’est la première œuvre que je lis de cette écrivaine, et je l’avais choisie parce que c’était traduite en français.

Je crois que ce qui m’attire de plus c’est le scénario et le mystère qui se cache car ni l’argument ni les personnages ne sont pas si bons. A vrai dire, je l’ai déjà vu-lu plusieurs fois, mais comme je viens de dire avant, je suis vraiment accrochée à l’histoire.

À l’attente de la traduction du quatrième roman.

[Sheia (Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You hide from the world unless, of course, a stranger needs you."

That's our FMC and that is the entire series.

There are some more elements to enjoy—the renovations, the assassins, perhaps the library... Kane Sullivan, prince of Hell of course. Other than that, no greater purpose to it but fun.

[Aarann · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are getting incrementally better as the series goes on, but I just can't bring myself to do more than three stars for this one either. Clearly, I'm enjoying them because I keep checking them out from KU, but at least part of that was because I wanted to have the question of Lorelei's "what species" finally answered. This one does that, but left some mega-loose ends.

Long story short, there is some kind of sleeping sickness sweeping through the town -- people are sleeping too much, too long, and waking up as if they got none. As a B-plot, Lorelei has to take a mysterious serum to save Gunther's sister, Dusty, who was turned into a swan. Only turns out, the serum grants god powers to the drinker on behalf of a mobster. To what purpose, you ask? The divine version of bum fights, followed by (bigger spoiler here) selling the guinea pig to the highest god bidder. Turns out that most gods can't come to earth corporeally anymore, so the mobster is selling the bodies of the really good applicants, without their knowledge or consent, as avatars to gods wanting to come back to Earth to wreak havoc on the populace (Biggest Spoiler here so seriously, don't click if you want Lorelei's schtick to be a surprise), only, since Lorelei is already a god, Melinoe, Greek goddess of nightmares and ghosts, she can't be taken over and wreaks her own kind of havoc on the mobster. In my opinion, the book leaves a pretty large hole because it never tells you what god power Lorelei was infused with for her own trial. Also, maybe the whole eeeeevil secret plot is lucrative, but it seemed like a big letdown. You can give people the power of gods, and your big plan is making them fight to the death? It just seemed really short-sighted.

In other news, Kane is still all smoldery, Gunther is still flamboyantly adorable, Alicia is still precocious, and the ghosts that live with Lorelei are still nosy.

It's a fun series. I'm not sure it totally stands out from the pack of UF bad-ass women, but clearly it's doing something for me or I wouldn't keep picking them up.

[Mettesknit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook narrated by
Vivienne Leheny
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a cosy series.

No suspense, no spice, not much warmth, and the characters are a bit shallow.

But it's cosy, and that suits me just fine at the moment.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why am I torturing myself?

[JWinter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous ones, but still a good book to disappear into.

[AJ]

This book is fine. It's a bit boring even though there is a LOT going on. We still have the main character insisting she wants to be alone, but she jumps right in to help someone she has never met. Great, I like that she is willing to help, but can't we just accept that and make it a thing?

This is not a slow burn romance, it's a no burn romance. You need to actually have the romantic partners interacting to have any burn at all. We get to the end of the book and (this is the 3rd, remember) and there is finally a small smidge of acknowledgement that they even sort of, maybe, kinda like each other.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Dead Last is the third book in the six book Crossroads Queen Urban Fantasy series written by Annabel Chase featuring Lorelei Clay. Lorelei left London behind to move into Bluebeard's Castle in Fairhaven. The Castle is a relic of the Gilded Age, and even includes a moat! She also ended up with two ghosts (Nana Pratt and Ray Bauer) for company. She was unaware that Fairhaven was close to a Crossroads portal that may link numerous alternative realities. No matter how hard Lorelei has tried to stay hidden away from the world in her Castle, something or someone keeps asking for help and she feels a need to help.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Annelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well...It's rather "no burn" than "slow burn"😅 And now the guy just disappeared...

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorelei is not doing very good at staying apart from everyone. She’s also hurting for money so when the Mage, Gunther, comes to her for help with his cursed sister (now a swan) she agrees to help. While working out the details to replace Dusty in an experiment gone wrong, people around the town are either not getting enough sleep after a long nights rest or staying in a coma like state.
It’s a nice little mystery that means Lorelei is interacting with more townspeople, the new policeman, Leo, is adorable. She is also having problems with her relationship with Kane because of all the secrets around her. These secrets seem to make more problems once some of them come out.
There is more learned about different people in the town and especially about Lorelei making things very interesting.
This is an easy, quick read and I’m interested in seeing where things go.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story and main character that drew me in deeper with each book. The first one had me hooked. As a person who prefers my own company best most of the time, I related to the main character on that level immediately. But Lorelei is so much more than she seems at first, not just in power, but in who she is deep in her soul and it’s a lovely journey to witness.

[Claudia Parker]

Not your typical supernatural

More than one mystery awaits Lorelei Clay in this volume. Another fun, fast paced supernatural adventure, with interesting twists and turns.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the hits keep coming

Amazing the trouble she goes through to try to keep her life quiet. Yet she can't just stick to herself. What a nightmare and how to fix it this time..

[Katia H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I simultaneously disliked and liked this book the most out of the entire series so far, which makes rating and reviewing it really difficult. I love the characters, I love the feel good (albeit dangerous) nature of this world and I find myself caring about the residents of Fairhaven. I also loved the fact we moved forward with the romance somewhat.

However, a lot of the action and plot seemed rushed with little depth, which I didn't think was a feature of this series before. A lot of the challenges are almost too easy for the characters to overcome, even though they're hyped as dangerous or difficult. As such, it makes it hard to care for that challenge / plot line.

Naturally, I'll come back to this series once the next book comes out, but hoping for a step up!

[Swalsk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short :( Not enough steam... Not any steam.

[Withney Lobry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lorelei est nécromancienne, mais pas seulement... elle compte bien garder le secret sur ce qu'elle est vraiment !
Elle rénove les douves du château où elle a emménager, mais elle a besoin de fond ! Alors, quand on lui propose de l'aider, en échange de quoi elle fait partir un fantôme d'une habitation, elle accepte, le job semble facile !
Sauf qu'il est loin de l'être, car à la place d'un esprit, c'est une organisation secrète surnaturelle qui a pris ses aises... et elle pourrait bien amener le chaos à Fairhaven si elle reste ! Elle n'a pas d'autre choix que de tourner vers Kane Sullivan, séduisant patron d'une boîte pour surnaturelle, et accessoirement : un démon. Mais Kane est bien trop intéressé par les secrets de la jeune femme...

S'il y a une chose que l'on peu dire sur Annabel Chase, c'est qu'elle maintient bien le suspense sur l'histoire de l'héroïne ! Si on connaît sont passé, de nombreux mystères reste à éclaircir sur ce qu'elle est vraiment.
L'intrigue ici est bien mener, même si j'avoue avoir trouver la résolution un peu facile. Je m'attendais à plus ! Il ne faut pas s'attendre a beaucoup de romance, le calme est encore plat de ce côté-là, même si on peu imaginer la
suite !

Lorelei, j'aime beaucoup cette héroïne qui veux juste être solitaire, mais qui, paradoxalement, semble chercher la présence des autres, même si elle ne l'admettrait jamais. Elle est seule depuis
si longtemps... c'est sa façon de se protéger, de faire semblant que tout va bien.
Elle intrigue, je veux trop savoir ce qu'elle ai, mon cerveau imagine mille scénario sans en trouver un seul de convaincant !

Et puis, il y a Kane... ahhh, ce mec, il est séduisant, légèrement capitaine, à un regard de braise, et surtout, ils compte bien découvrir les secrets de Lorelei. Une drôle d'entente se crée entre eux et j'ai hâte dans voir plus !
La conclusion!
une lecture que j'ai beaucoup apprécié même si le slow burn à rallonge me frustre de fouuuuu! Sans compter le mystère autour de l'héroïne qui s'épaissit! Je suis vraiment intrigué de savoir où ça va nous mener !

[Zaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je guette chaque sortie d'un roman d'Annabel Chase avec curiosité et gourmandise tant j'aime son univers, cet urban fantasy finalement assez ancré dans le réel, avec des personnages qui ont de belles valeurs humaines, des intrigues pas trop compliquées mais qui nous tiennent quand même en haleine, et une touche d'humour toujours bienvenue.

Là on continue dans une série vraiment plaisante, avec une Lorelei qui n'est décidément plus du tout l'ermite qu'elle pensait (prétendait ?) être, et je la trouve toujours aussi sympa, attachante et chaleureuse. Généreuse aussi, parce que ne recule devant rien pour aider son prochain, quitte à mettre sa propre sécurité en jeu. C'est vraiment une chouette nana, qui a le cœur sur la main et un excellent sens de la répartie.

Et comme toujours, on a un très bon équilibre entre péripéties vitaminées et scènes de la vie quotidienne, notamment avec les nombreuses discussions entre Lorelei et ses "colocs" fantômes ou certains membres de la communauté surnaturelle. On découvre également enfin la véritable nature de Lorelei, et maintenant j'ai hâte d'en savoir encore plus et de voir comment ça va impacter le reste de la série.


En ce qui me concerne, Annabel Chase est une valeur sûre en matière d'urban fantasy et si vous ne l'avez encore jamais lue, je vous recommande vraiment ses romans, notamment cette série en particulier qui est, je pense, ma préférée à ce jour.

[The Man from DelMonte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this latest instalment of the Crossroads Queen and feel a little let down. The author’s sparse, slightly terse prose is as enjoyable as ever but … it didn’t engage me. When I set out to write this review I struggled to remember the plot - and I only read the majority of the book two days ago. That’s not a good sign.
Essentially, the good folks, magical and otherwise, of Fairhaven are not getting their beauty sleep, and Lorelei smells a rat. In the course of her investigations, she ends up owing a local, and very powerful vampire gangster, a favour.
Not forgetting The Corporation (cue sinister music), who are not done with her either, and there’s An Investigator in town.
Alongside this, the romance between our heroine and the demon owner of the local bar is progressing nicely, right up to the point where he (and us) learn of Lorelei’s true nature. This has been heavily trailed and, despite a more than passing knowledge of mythology, I failed to guess in advance. Kudos to Ms Chase.
However, in summary, there are a couple of new characters, Lorelei is unmasked (so to speak), she dispatches the dream eating monster, aaaaand … nothing. It all felt somewhat inconsequential.
This being the halfway point in the planned sextet, I am hoping that Ms Chase ups the ante, or this series is going fizzle rather than sizzle.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a game changer and fabulous story

Rating: 5⭐️

Dead Last is a game changer because I didn’t expect to get the answer to important series and character questions this early in the series, but got them we did!

Chase delivered the most important answer to what Lorelei’s character is in a stunning way and it still feels like the series hasn’t lost any momentum. But instead is ramping up its narrative engine even further with this revelation.

This book is funny. It’s highly suspenseful, the characters have become more endearing to us and each other. So much so that as real relationships are being developed, the dangers that Chase is bringing into a town that has been balanced and peaceful is unacceptable and scary. Even for those considered monsters.

And the ending is just as divided. On one hand, it’s satisfying and happy. On another, disturbing and unsettled. Much like the town and characters themselves.

So perhaps, perfect.

I’m jumping rapidly into the next phase of Lorelei’s journey. And definitely recommending that readers who love paranormal stories, great characters, and mystery should dive right into this series.

Cover by Trif Designs, love it

Crossroads Queen series:
Dead to the World #1
Dead of Night #2
Dead Last #3
Dead Wrong #4
Dead Weight #5
Play Dead #6
Dead Heat #7
Half Dead #8
Dead End #9 - April 17,2025

[Nettie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare to find a series where I enjoyed the third book just as much as the first. Usually, I'll get 1 or 2 in the series, and the rest is of lesser quality to me. In this case, all 3 have been superb, and I daresay this 3rd was my favourite even.

It's not a fast pace series or book. I needed a more relaxing one, so it suited me. There were still plenty of action and clues to chase down. The story in the background also moved along and we at long last find out who Lorelei really is. Not what I expected, it was well done and interesting!

She kept to her character of not really wanting to be in the spotlight, but when there's someone to help, she's the first (or only) to accept the challenge. Even when it made hiding her secrets difficult. I'm excited to see where this new knowledge on Lorelei takes us (and her character).

She also got her moat! I just wish she had a little more time enjoying it, and describing it to us. Sounds heavenly.

The book did end a bit abruptly. I would've preferred a better explanation as to what's happening. Just some clue. Unfortunately, that will have to wait 2 months for the next book to come out.

I urge any paranormal book lover to read this series. It's free on Kindle Unlimited and well worth your time. Enjoy!

[Mooncat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drinking suspicious elixirs in order to help Gunther‘s sister. Dodging an investigator from The Corporation. Finding out why more and more townspeople seem tired despite sleeping for ten hours solid. Yes, Lorelei has her hands full, her quest for solitude and loneliness thoroughly thwarted, especially as in order to protect Gunther and his sister, she needs to keep their problems secrets from Kane. Who doesn’t appreciate even more secrecy from her at all.
It’s still page turning and fun, I mean I read through 150 pages within three hours. The characters are still quirky, Kane is still hot and droolworthy, Lorelei as sassy and sarcastic as ever. And we - and Kane - finally learn what and who exactly she is. But I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the previous two. The first half was a bit slow and didn’t have enough Kane. Being splitted in three directions with the three issues at hand didn’t help. The case and solution were better than the two before, still, I missed more sass from everyone.
I know Kane is also making himself rare in the next book, but I hope not for too long. Or that we get them back on even ground and as a team by book five, because their chemistry is the salt and soul of this series.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

secrets revealed!

Secrets revealed! We finally get the information we’ve been wondering about from the beginning…Lorelei’s big secret. It happens due to her once again helping others instead of keeping completely to herself as she intended. Lorelei is tackling several issues at once. It starts with Gunther asking for her help after his sister is turned into a swan. She offers herself in place of Dusty in some bizarre experiment in order to release Dusty from her situation. Then West, the Wolfpack alpha comes to see her when several of his wolves experience a strange phenomenon. That situation escalates when Gunther finds Cam in a coma and then Ray’s daughter Renee shows up at the house to complain about her spending time with Alicia and she falls into a coma also. Add to this there is an inspector from The Corporation in town following up on events from the last book. It’s a mess. In the climactic scene we find out Lorelei’s secret as she saves herself and someone else. Kane also helps but now he knows her secret too. The book ends on a big cliffhanger so I’ll be moving right on to book four! Totally immersed in this now!

[Mike Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining paranormal urban fantasy/cozy mystery series

This is an exceptional urban fantasy/paranormal cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. Lorelei Clay is a woman who has specific magical abilities. She is keeping secrets and not letting anyone know exactly what they are or who she really is. Although reading this particular book you may find out. Once again someone comes to her for assistance and she does not seem to have the ability to say no. While she’s trying to renovate the castle she bought. She is in need of funds to help her do so Ann takes on odd jobs to help others. This time she’s helping someone she knows save their sister. It goes much deeper than that but you will have to read the story to find out all the details. There are vampires which is another demons that pop up in the different books of this series and you never know what you’re going to find. Each one is a very entertaining and action packed story though. Read on and see where Lorelei‘s adventure takes her this time. One of my favorite new series.

[Shyla Colt]

I don't know how Ms. Chase does it, but every book is a bit better than the one before! I love the way she's building on relationships, showing us vulnerable pieces of the badass heroine, Lorelei, and solving new cases as they come to her.

Her cases are becoming more than a means to money, whether she wants to admit it or not, and her closeness with the ghosts she shares her home with, Nana and Ray is so freaking sweet! Action, lore, and heart all combine in a small-town setting I can't get enough of!

When the assassin and almost friend comes to her with a problem, ( His sister's been turned into a swan) she lands in deep with a vampire mobster looking to bend reality with potions that promise powers no one should possess.

Add a sleeping epidemic at home. ( as in towns members are exhausted, then going to sleep and slipping into comas, and our girl is stretched to the limits. Her walls begin to slip and she's forced to find out what that means for her and the relationships she's cultivated.