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Last Look
From New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart comes a novel of sexy romantic suspense for fans of Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter, and Karen Robards.
THE TRUTH WON’T STAY BURIED.
News that the body of a recently murdered prostitute–stabbed repeatedly and dumped on Georgia’s Shelter Island–has been identified as Shannon Randall stuns the FBI, particularly special agent Dorsey Collins. Twenty-four years ago, nineteen-year-old Eric Louis Beale was convicted and later executed for Shannon’ s murder–and the agent in charge of the case was Dorsey’s father. Now Dorsey is determined to find out where her father’s investigation went wrong, what part he played in the death of an innocent man, and where Shannon has been all this time.
The heat is on FBI special agent Andrew Shields to discover what happened to Shannon on that night decades ago–to find out who killed her and why. Dorsey shadows Andrew’s every investigative move, hoping to redeem her father’s reputation and capture a cunning killer. Together, Dorsey and Andrew unravel a shocking mystery that will shatter one family and rock an entire town.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Mariah Stewart's Last Words.
THE TRUTH WON’T STAY BURIED.
News that the body of a recently murdered prostitute–stabbed repeatedly and dumped on Georgia’s Shelter Island–has been identified as Shannon Randall stuns the FBI, particularly special agent Dorsey Collins. Twenty-four years ago, nineteen-year-old Eric Louis Beale was convicted and later executed for Shannon’ s murder–and the agent in charge of the case was Dorsey’s father. Now Dorsey is determined to find out where her father’s investigation went wrong, what part he played in the death of an innocent man, and where Shannon has been all this time.
The heat is on FBI special agent Andrew Shields to discover what happened to Shannon on that night decades ago–to find out who killed her and why. Dorsey shadows Andrew’s every investigative move, hoping to redeem her father’s reputation and capture a cunning killer. Together, Dorsey and Andrew unravel a shocking mystery that will shatter one family and rock an entire town.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Mariah Stewart's Last Words.
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 29, 2007
94 people are currently reading
1486 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Stewart
89 books1,529 followersMariah Stewart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of forty-one novels and three novellas and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. She is a RITA finalist in romantic suspense and the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO Award for excellence in women's fiction, and a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. A three-time winner of the Golden Leaf Award presented by the New Jersey Romance Writers, Stewart was recently awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award (which placed her in their Hall of Fame along with former recipients Nora Roberts and Mary Jo Putney — very excellent company, indeed!)
After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
June 9, 2022
Special agent Dorsey Collins remembers the day nineteen-year-old Eric Louis Beale was convicted and later executed for Shannon Randall’s murder. After all, her dad was the special agent in charge. But a murdered prostitute–stabbed repeatedly and dumped on Georgia’s Shelter Island–has been identified as Shannon Randall. Stunned isn’t the word for what Dorsey is feeling, and she is the one who tells her now retired father what they’ve discovered.
FBI special agent Andrew Shields is the lead, and Dorsey has been approved to shadow him in the investigation. The story takes us to Hatton, South Carolina, a small rural town in the bible belt that was shaken when Shannon was believed murdered the first time and shocked when they learn of current events. Both Shannon and Eric were a part of their community and events twenty-four years ago divided the town.
This was interesting from our glimpse of the interrogation by Dorsey’s dad, to the interviews performed by Sheilds and Dorsey. The story feels a little dated, but a good crime procedural novel holds its own and I found myself pulled into the case.
The story can be dark at times; with plenty of twists and a few moments of suspense. There is a soft side of romance, but fans looking for more than that will be disappointed. This truly stays in the mystery police procedural crime genre.
The case was well done. As the Shannon family was interviewed, we realize not everyone was truthful all those years ago. This is the first of the Last series to be released on audio and I look forward to the next one.
Traci Odom narrated and at just around nine hours, this is the perfect suspenseful murder-mystery to listen to. Odom sets the tone and captures not only the agents on the case but the victim’s families, witnesses and others in the small South Carolina community.
To solve the current murder, they must find out what happened in the past. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
FBI special agent Andrew Shields is the lead, and Dorsey has been approved to shadow him in the investigation. The story takes us to Hatton, South Carolina, a small rural town in the bible belt that was shaken when Shannon was believed murdered the first time and shocked when they learn of current events. Both Shannon and Eric were a part of their community and events twenty-four years ago divided the town.
This was interesting from our glimpse of the interrogation by Dorsey’s dad, to the interviews performed by Sheilds and Dorsey. The story feels a little dated, but a good crime procedural novel holds its own and I found myself pulled into the case.
The story can be dark at times; with plenty of twists and a few moments of suspense. There is a soft side of romance, but fans looking for more than that will be disappointed. This truly stays in the mystery police procedural crime genre.
The case was well done. As the Shannon family was interviewed, we realize not everyone was truthful all those years ago. This is the first of the Last series to be released on audio and I look forward to the next one.
Traci Odom narrated and at just around nine hours, this is the perfect suspenseful murder-mystery to listen to. Odom sets the tone and captures not only the agents on the case but the victim’s families, witnesses and others in the small South Carolina community.
To solve the current murder, they must find out what happened in the past. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 19, 2011
I just discovered Mariah Stewart a few months ago and I really like her books. They are kind of dark, and definitely twisted, but she is such a good writer and the stories are so interesting. I never know who the bad guy is until the end, usually it surprises me (which I love, it irritates me when I am able to guess the bad guy at the beginning of the book). She doesn't have very strong language (awesome) and I guess she is considered Romantic Suspense, but the love story part of her books tends to be a part of the background. All the books of hers that I have read have been PG as far as sex goes (awesome, again). Just keep in mind that the books deal with serial killers, and all the dark stuff that goes along with that.
I also like that most of her books center around many of the same characters within an elite FBI group. It's fun to see the same characters over and over again, plus, she does a great job of not dragging drama out(which I notice some authors do when there are reoccuring characters throughout a series).
I also like that most of her books center around many of the same characters within an elite FBI group. It's fun to see the same characters over and over again, plus, she does a great job of not dragging drama out(which I notice some authors do when there are reoccuring characters throughout a series).
June 15, 2013
I enjoyed Last Look, the first book in Mariah Stewart's "Last" series. I've read her other FBI books and have enjoyed them as well.
Special Agent Andrew Shields, is still reeling from the backlash caused by the scandal his brother, (also an FBI agent) was involved with.
Hoping to give him back some of his self confidence, his boss sends him to Georgia to investigate the death of a prostitute found shot and stabbed to death. The prostitute has been positively identified as Shannon Randall.
Shannon Randall disappeared from her home town of Hatton South Carolina in 1983 when she was 14 years old. All the evidence pointed to 18 year old Eric Beale. Eric was tried, found guilty and sent to prison for Shannon's murder. He was executed eight years later. Now her body has turned up, and there are a ton of questions being asked.
FBI agent Dorsey Collins' father Mat Ranieri, was the agent sent to finalize the investigation into Shannon's "death". He has since retired from the Bureau, and making his living as an expert on crime and criminals. Still riding on the fame of convicting Shannon's murderer. Now he has a lot to answer for.
Dorsey knows she wont be allowed to actually work this case, but she wants in to help in anyway she can, she needs answers and wants to clear her fathers name. She is given permission to shadow Andrew and his investigation.
As Andrew and Dorsey start to ask their questions, it quickly becomes evident, that Shannon's family is not being entirely truthful with them. The police chief at the time was maybe not all he seemed to be and the locals were not as truthful as they could have been when it came to what happened the night Shannon went missing.
I liked the story. And as I've said in other reviews of this author, I love her character development. You really become attached to their lives and their feelings matter. That being said, I have a hard time fitting her books into a genre. There is a crime. And by the end of the book the crime is solved. But I wouldn't really call it a thriller, or a mystery. There is a hint of romance, but again, nothing is ever resolved as far as relationships between the characters. Yet I find myself looking forward to the next book. I do enjoy them.
Special Agent Andrew Shields, is still reeling from the backlash caused by the scandal his brother, (also an FBI agent) was involved with.
Hoping to give him back some of his self confidence, his boss sends him to Georgia to investigate the death of a prostitute found shot and stabbed to death. The prostitute has been positively identified as Shannon Randall.
Shannon Randall disappeared from her home town of Hatton South Carolina in 1983 when she was 14 years old. All the evidence pointed to 18 year old Eric Beale. Eric was tried, found guilty and sent to prison for Shannon's murder. He was executed eight years later. Now her body has turned up, and there are a ton of questions being asked.
FBI agent Dorsey Collins' father Mat Ranieri, was the agent sent to finalize the investigation into Shannon's "death". He has since retired from the Bureau, and making his living as an expert on crime and criminals. Still riding on the fame of convicting Shannon's murderer. Now he has a lot to answer for.
Dorsey knows she wont be allowed to actually work this case, but she wants in to help in anyway she can, she needs answers and wants to clear her fathers name. She is given permission to shadow Andrew and his investigation.
As Andrew and Dorsey start to ask their questions, it quickly becomes evident, that Shannon's family is not being entirely truthful with them. The police chief at the time was maybe not all he seemed to be and the locals were not as truthful as they could have been when it came to what happened the night Shannon went missing.
I liked the story. And as I've said in other reviews of this author, I love her character development. You really become attached to their lives and their feelings matter. That being said, I have a hard time fitting her books into a genre. There is a crime. And by the end of the book the crime is solved. But I wouldn't really call it a thriller, or a mystery. There is a hint of romance, but again, nothing is ever resolved as far as relationships between the characters. Yet I find myself looking forward to the next book. I do enjoy them.
September 17, 2024
When a dead body shows up and turns out to be a woman pronounced dead 24 years ago, the FBI have to find out what went wrong. Now they must figure out how she died, and why a young man was put to death for a murder he didn't commit in tye past.
This book is one of the slower of Mariah Stewart books that I've read so far. I didn't realize it was a part of the John Mancini series either which is a bit of a bummer. I really need to get all of those!!
This book was a lot of interviews and speculating as Dorci and Andrew try to figure out what went wrong in the investigation 24 years ago. The end of the book, when things start coming together, picks up pace.
One thing, at one point Mat was tied with his hands behind his back, then he reaches out to comfort, and then a little later his hands are tied again!
Very happy I have discovered Mariah Stewart and can't wait to continue reading her books!
This book is one of the slower of Mariah Stewart books that I've read so far. I didn't realize it was a part of the John Mancini series either which is a bit of a bummer. I really need to get all of those!!
This book was a lot of interviews and speculating as Dorci and Andrew try to figure out what went wrong in the investigation 24 years ago. The end of the book, when things start coming together, picks up pace.
One thing, at one point Mat was tied with his hands behind his back, then he reaches out to comfort, and then a little later his hands are tied again!
Very happy I have discovered Mariah Stewart and can't wait to continue reading her books!
August 16, 2013
Great mystery and great ending...my only criticism would be that imwould have liked more romance between andrew and dorsey, or for the next book to keep going with them. I believe the next one in the series has to do with andrews sister...but overall really good book.
March 28, 2024
FBI agents Andrew Shields and Dorsey Collins are working on a cold case. The disappearance and presumed death of teenager Shannon Randall. Shannon's body is found on an island - not too far from her home approximately 8 hours after her death.
The only problem is - Shannon Randall was murdered 24 years previously, or so everyone thought. A A young man named Eric Beale was arrested, tried, convicted and executed for kidnapping and murdering Shannon.
Agent Collins father was in charge of the initial investigation that lead to the conviction of Eric Beale. Agent Collins is on the scene to find out how her father could have made such an egregious error.
As with a lot of murder mysteries this one had its twists and turns, along with some very unlikeable characters - Shannon's grandfather, grandmother and her youngest sister. Some of the characters are rather flat and very cliched - others are ok.
The book is 343 pages, with over 100 pages of needless dialogue. The story could have been told in it's entirety in less that 250, and wouldn't have dragged so badly.
The only problem is - Shannon Randall was murdered 24 years previously, or so everyone thought. A A young man named Eric Beale was arrested, tried, convicted and executed for kidnapping and murdering Shannon.
Agent Collins father was in charge of the initial investigation that lead to the conviction of Eric Beale. Agent Collins is on the scene to find out how her father could have made such an egregious error.
As with a lot of murder mysteries this one had its twists and turns, along with some very unlikeable characters - Shannon's grandfather, grandmother and her youngest sister. Some of the characters are rather flat and very cliched - others are ok.
The book is 343 pages, with over 100 pages of needless dialogue. The story could have been told in it's entirety in less that 250, and wouldn't have dragged so badly.
December 8, 2017
Mariah Stewart has a way with families and their dramas, this book is no exception.
The FBI agents a reeling from their own family dramas and the victims of which there is more than one in the book are also dealing with family issues.
The setting is a small southern town where everyone knows everyone else and more than one person is keeping a secret. One of the biggest is a girl presumed dead for 24 years is found just recently murdered. While the agents work their way through the partial truths and the lies they form a bond.
First in a series and a continuation of some of the same characters.
Picking up one of Mariah Stewarts books is like connecting to friends.
It can stand alone but you'll want to read them all. I'd recommend this to someone looking for a mystery with a bit of romance on the side.
The FBI agents a reeling from their own family dramas and the victims of which there is more than one in the book are also dealing with family issues.
The setting is a small southern town where everyone knows everyone else and more than one person is keeping a secret. One of the biggest is a girl presumed dead for 24 years is found just recently murdered. While the agents work their way through the partial truths and the lies they form a bond.
First in a series and a continuation of some of the same characters.
Picking up one of Mariah Stewarts books is like connecting to friends.
It can stand alone but you'll want to read them all. I'd recommend this to someone looking for a mystery with a bit of romance on the side.
January 20, 2018
First, know that this is not a romance. There's a little bit of light flirting and one kiss, but there's virtually no page space spent on the relationship. It does feel like Dorsey and Andrew had the spark of something, but that's not the point. The point of the book is the mystery, which is a good one. (Though *serious* TW's for self-harm and child sexual abuse, which are major themes in the book, sometimes in graphic detail.) I wasn't in love with the attitude towards sex workers, but this is a bit older so it's not entirely unexpected. Pretty solid mystery that kept me engaged. I would have liked more romance, though.
March 25, 2018
A body has been found on Shelter Island, that of prostitute Shannon Randall, who had been dumped 8 hours earlier. Twenty-four years earlier Eric Beale had been convicted and later executes for Shannon's murder even though a body had never been found.
FBI special agent has been called in and joining him is Dorsey Collins whose father, a retired FBI agent had been instrumental in getting Beale convicted. As Shields and Dorsey investigate, they begin to unravel the mystery of what happened to Shannon as well as the town's prominent and respected members.
FBI special agent has been called in and joining him is Dorsey Collins whose father, a retired FBI agent had been instrumental in getting Beale convicted. As Shields and Dorsey investigate, they begin to unravel the mystery of what happened to Shannon as well as the town's prominent and respected members.
November 20, 2019
A 14-year old girl is missing and presumed dead although her body has not been found. A young man is convicted of her murder and executed for the crime; his guilt determined through circumstantial evidence only. Twenty-four years later her body is found and identified, but she has only been dead for approximately eight hours. The FBI has some serious questions to answer plus finding her actual killer. This is a better than average series mystery featuring FBI agents Andrew Shields and Dorsey Collins.
July 22, 2021
Super quick and easy read. FBI agent Dorsey's father (a retired FBI agent) helped put away a teenager for the murder of Shannon Randall, a 14 year old from a small town in South Carolina and it made his career. Although the body was never found, circumstantial evidence pointed to his guilt and he was later executed. 24 years later, Shannon's body was found and she had been dead for only a number of hours. Now there are 2 mysteries to solve, what happened to her over 2 decades ago and who killed her. It was fun to read until close to the end when everything came together way to quickly.
January 24, 2018
A fabulous book by Mariah Stewart, one of my favorite authors. A young girl disappeared when she was 14; a young man was convicted and executed for her death based upon circumstantial evidence. Ten years later, a body of young woman is found on an island in Georgia. It is the same person. Mancini and his partner investigate the death and uncover some secrets that will destroy a family and their standing in the community.
March 21, 2024
The premise is rather intriguing: an old murder case has been blown open when the body of a girl who was supposed to have died in the 1980s turned up as a murdered prostitute. The main character is the daughter of the FBI agent who investigated the original case. So far, in the string of mysteries I’ve read this year, I feel like this is the first one where I feel like following the protagonist.
February 1, 2025
Last Look
FBI Agents Andrew Shields and Dorsey Collins jump into an old case of a teenage girl who was believed to be dead, and an innocent boy is suspected and tried and executed, but when a body turns up 24 years later and it's that missing girl. They're left with more questions than answers and with a few twists and turns they find the truth of what happened to her not only years ago but with the murder. I loved this book but it wasn't as good as others by this author.
FBI Agents Andrew Shields and Dorsey Collins jump into an old case of a teenage girl who was believed to be dead, and an innocent boy is suspected and tried and executed, but when a body turns up 24 years later and it's that missing girl. They're left with more questions than answers and with a few twists and turns they find the truth of what happened to her not only years ago but with the murder. I loved this book but it wasn't as good as others by this author.
January 28, 2021
I enjoyed this book for the smooth way the story flowed from chapter to chapter. I guessed most of the how but had to wait until then end for the who. I enjoyed that the main character wasn't a newbie to the FBI but had years of experience that showed in how she investigated. Also this book was just over 300 pages so a quick read.
March 12, 2019
First time reading a book from this author and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Lots of twists and turns, good 3-dimensional characters, great plot...I will definitely be reading more in this series.
September 5, 2017
Enjoyable.....as always!
October 7, 2017
A good book, easy to read. Lots of characters to follow though.
July 29, 2018
DNF. I wasn't in mood for depressing murder mystery
September 3, 2018
My first Mariah Stewart book. I will read more.
November 7, 2019
Slow paced. Connects to the other Mancini books, but over all this one was Meh.
March 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this book with all its twists & turns!!!:)
Read
May 26, 2020very enjoyable read and characters
March 9, 2021
enjoyed this mystery and story to find out how previous police messed up and sent wrong person to jail
September 21, 2021
This was my first read by this author and it will not be the "Last", lol
March 28, 2022
Awesome
This book was great, can't wait toget to the others. I'm really enjoying your books and the excitement you write. Thank you for your
great imagination and writing.
This book was great, can't wait toget to the others. I'm really enjoying your books and the excitement you write. Thank you for your
great imagination and writing.
February 10, 2023
Super good! Keeps you guessing chapter after chapter! A must read!
March 9, 2023
I am so tired of this girl cutting herself and 100 pages into this book and I'm DONE....
October 11, 2023
I was not expecting to be on the edge of my seat as much as I was. It kind of reminds me of the show cold case
November 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Passing it onto a good friend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews