Final Truth

Truth #4

by Mariah Stewart

Star crime journalist Regan Landry has long struggled to emerge from the shadow of her literary-legend father. Now she's onto the story of a lifetime: a convicted rapist-murderer freed from death row hours before his execution. Lester Ray Barnes had maintained his innocence from the very beginning—but a week after speaking to Regan, he mysteriously vanishes ... and soon afterward, young women start turning up dead on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Is it coincidence, or merely the next chapter in a grisly saga that should have ended in the death chamber? Tracking a trail of chilling clues, Regan and FBI special agent Mitch Peyton must confront the horrifying possibility that they have helped to free a cunning monster with an insatiable appetite for death—and a ruthless determination never to be caged again.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 30, 2006

About the author

Mariah 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?

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reading. Normally I have little patience with chick lit, but Stewart takes the plot beyond the usual. A female true crime writer becomes involved in the story of a death row inmate who shortly thereafter is released because of bad and untruthful DNA testing. She agrees to further investigate and possibly write about his story. Then more women are murdered the same way his original alleged victim was. There is a romance (come on, this is chick lit), but it is handled better than most others in the genre and there is an actual connection between the protagonists that appears real. It was good cold weather reading and I will read more of Stewart's novels.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read,
3 book Series and all of them were Good *****

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the 4th of 4 books in the Truth series and part of a series of FBI books. I have not read the previous books in the series, but looking at the book descriptions, they do not appear to be about the main characters in this book. Some of the characters are main characters in other books. One of the FBI agents in this book, Dorsey Collins, is the female main character in Last Look, a book not in this series. Another FBI agent, Mia, is featured in Last Words. Regan’s father had been murdered two years before this book begins, and that might have been in another book. However, enough of an explanation is given and the murder was not important to this storyline.
Lester Ray Barnes is on death row when he finds out that the lab that processed his DNA at a crime scene had been found to screw up several lab tests, including his. He appeals his conviction and is released. Shortly after that, women die. The lab was involved in the cases of several convicted criminals whose cases were now likely to be overturned. It was a bit of a reality check to realize that this scenario could happen, however, releasing a prisoner found to be guilty based on bad evidence or false testimony is part of the justice system so it is realistic.
There were a couple of twists at the end that were interesting. A few things were left as a mystery including why one death occurred.
Regan writes true crime stories, and she is interested in Lester Ray’s case though she normally writes about cold cases. Regan has an established relationship with Mitch, an FBI agent. They had mutual respect for each other. I liked the way they worked together. There are several FBI agents that are secondary characters that round out the team.
I liked Regan’s character. She was strong, smart, and capable. I also liked Mitch, who was caring, smart, and hardworking.
There was also a secondary storyline about a case that Regan’s father had begun to look into that Regan is considering taking over. Regan’s father had been murdered and she is trying to sort through his files. She hires a likeable young woman named Bliss to help her organize her father’s files. Throughout the book progress flounders but, spoiler, there is a surprising breakthrough at the end.
Most of the book is from Reagan’s point of view though a few scenes are from the point of view of others. It was clear when the point of view changed. The dialogue was realistic with the exception of one or two spots.
In a few cases, there was a word choice that I did not care for, but it was infrequent and not very important. Mitch called Regan his girl a few times, which felt dated, but it also was not that important. The book had been published about 18 years before I read it.
I bought this book to try the author. I liked it and read it quickly. I would read more books by this author.

[Eliza Lagonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a reread for me, but I read this book back in the early 2000s so I remembered some of the story, but not a lot of details. I also don't think I realized that the story was part of a series back then because when I started reading I realized we were in the middle of some of the story threads.

I enjoyed the mystery in the book and that Reagan, who is an author, change up her angle of her true crime novel she's writing so the facts fit the story.
The relationship between Reagan and Mitch the FBI Agent was really good. I really like reading mature relationships.
I also liked a part at the end where a young rookie cop makes a blunder and Mitch kind of calls him in the stupidity of the blunder. The "why didn't you ask the question?" Type thing. I hate when books have a convenient rookie cop blunder and don't mention the fact it is a blunder and never talk about it.

I felt the Kroll story thread, which I think is one of the threads from earlier books, went on a tad too long. It doesn't detract from the story too much, but to me it interrupts the main mystery because we're learning about the Kroll story or having dinner with Dolly or how nice Dolly is and her sister in law more standoffish.

Over all, it's a good book and I might read the other books in the series at some point.

[Anna McFadden]

All that stands between Lester Ray Barnes is sentenced to die in the state of Florida's death chamber for the rape and murder of a young womanthat his conviction hinging is hanging on the evidence of DNA testing and an eyewitness who placed him at the scene. But when the story breaks that the DNA testimony at trial had been fabricated and that the eyewitness was coerced by a cop, all hell breaks loose. In the absence of credible evidence to sustain the conviction, the court is forced to set Lester Ray free. "Intrigued by the story of a young man railroaded by justice", true-crime writer Regan Landry who is following in her literary-legend father footsteps teams up with Lester Ray writing to write a tell-all book about his experience as an innocent man on death row. But in under a week Lester Ray goes missingand after a string of women being raped and murdered and with her knack for detective work makes her a natural to team up with Regan is teamed with Special Agent Mitch Peyton and uncover new leads in even the murkiest mysteries.

[Kathy Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regan Landry was continuing the work her father and her did. They wrote true crime books. She was interested in a case in Florida, where a man was on death row, based on DNA that was botched in a lab. His lawyer went on television to try to get him off death row and released. Regan wanted to interview him to see if there was a story here to be written. Regan is also dealing with her father's murder and trying to find out why he had Eddie Kroll's report cards. She is dating an FBI agent, who is helping her find answers. Lester Ray Barnes gets out and then a number of young girls are found dead in North Carolina, where Lester Ray was heading. His lawyer is found dead and then he is found dead. The FBI has figured out that someone else is killing the girls. They get a sketch artist to make a drawing of a person of interest. They find out that it was another prisoner released because of the DNA was compromised at that same lab. He decides he wants Regan to write his book about his life, so he goes to her father's farm and waits for her return.

[M.E. Roche · Rating 4 out of 5]

The complex story of a true crime writer who is caught in the middle of more than one true crime. When several death row convicts are released from prison following the discovery that the evidence to convict them was falsified, the writer convinces one of them to let her tell his story. Assisted by her FBI boyfriend, the writer is able to discover something of the man's past, but when she attempts to follow up with him, he's not to be found. Woven throughout the story is how the writer discovers so much more about her own past. This is an entertaining read.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thriller about a crime writer who inadvertinently gets wrapped up into telling the story of a man who was sent t prison for murder. However, the crime lab tech botched up the DNA evidence. After he is released, he goes on a vacation to the Outer Banks and young women start being murdered all with the same MO.

[Veronica-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific ending to this series of four crime thrillers. Wrapped it all up nicely and kept you enthralled all the way through. I really loved the characters and plot lines and I loved being surprised at the many twists and turns throughout the book. Highly recommended and I will definitely read more from this author.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book four in the series finds heroine Regan Landry looking to write the story of a man released from death row because evidence had not been truthful. A police investigator had lied about the dna. As Regan begins to dig into the backstory of the released man, she finds more murders and a secret about her own father. Listened to this one while walking. It kept me involved in the story.

[Cynthia Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Truth

I read all the books in this series. Each one was excellent up to the very last one and kept my interest up to the very end and wanting to know what was coming next. I'm ready to search and get another series of books you have written. Thank you so much!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writer

I read this book years ago in paperback, but now reread again in kindle, fantastic series with amazing characters, finished the Dead series, and now just finished the Truth series.

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I didn’t realize this was book 4 of this series. I think it can be read as a standalone (don’t know for sure). I was kinda blah until the first few chapters. I already figured out the killer, but that other surprise I had no idea.

[Ada Iaboni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was well done and kept me guessing to almost when the "bad guy" was revealed.
I'm not sure if this is the end of the series or not, but I enjoyed them.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Nice job .. I don't like serial killer books generally so my rating reflects that but other readers will think differently.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sad poorly written
Will not read another Mariah Stewart

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best book in the series. Fast paced and enjoyable. While you don’t have to read the previous books in the series, they are helpful to understand some of the character development plot points.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging story although I had figured out the big ‘reveal’ in the 2nd book so was not surprised. Will miss the characters after 4 books!

[Ajeet Singh · Rating 2 out of 5]

End was good. Apart from that everything was below average. Don't know how this book got 4 star average.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series!

[ElaineY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good installment in the Truth series. I wish the author would continue with this series. Unlike the earlier books, Final Truth has its main couple, Mia and Mitch, already a couple. The murder mystery was interesting albeit a little predictable in that it was obvious to me what was going on with the new murders and the recently-released Barnes. I just needed to know who and how.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely 3 1/2 stars. This is been a really good series and I like that the main characters really have carried over from more than just one book.

[Sandy Forman-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Deborah Fought · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mariah Stewart writing style. This book was as good as I expected it to be. I will be reading more of her books!

[Betsy]

Truth Series, Book 4

[Christie Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Truth

Regan and Mitch are pulled into another serial killer angst filled story. And we finally got answers to her mystery guy Eddie Kroll.

[Debbie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book!!! Kept me intrigued the entire time.

[Dotti Elrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book in the "Truth" Series. And I have to admit, I struggled a bit with this one. And I cant really put my finger on exactly why. A lot of little things I think.
True crime author Regan Landry and FBI agent Mitch Peyton have had small parts in the three earlier books of the series. This was their stand alone story.
When Lester Ray Barnes learns about a problem with the lab that did the DNA testing that ultimately convicted him, he wants his test redone. The problem, Lester Ray is scheduled to be executed in less than two months. So his lawyer sets out to get Lester Ray's story out there and play upon the sympathy of the public to give him another hearing.
Regan happens on Lester Ray's lawyer on a TV crime show. She's interested in hearing his story, and maybe using it as the subject of her next book.
The Judge is forced to overturn Lester Ray's conviction when the only DNA samples the lab had are no where to be found. And it's come to light that an officer bribed a witness for her testimony against Lester Ray. He is released.
When Lester Ray does not show up for a meeting with Regan to discuss his book, and the lawyer is no where to be found, Regan starts to question if they set a killer free. And she's never more sure than when women start turning up dead, in the same manner, and posed exactly the same way as his first victim. The one he was convicted of killing. It seems Lester Ray has picked up right where he left off.
In a side story, if you've read any of the previous Truth books, you know Regan has been looking for the mysterious Eddie Kroll. She found his file in her father's house after his death and has been trying to find out who he is and why her father had information on him. Well, we get the answers to those questions in this book. The mystery is solved and what Regan learns, turns her world upside down.
Like I said earlier, I had a hard time reading this book. It had a very slow pace and it was very predictable. If you are paying attention it was quite easy to figure out. As in the other books of Mariah Stewart's that I've read, I was expecting a conclusion Mitch and Regan's Happy Ever After. But it never came. I've noticed she does this a lot. Let's the reader assume, they get together, but there are no details or explanations. I guess I was expecting something more after four books.

[Lori Trautwein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Figured out the secondary mystery in book 2 but, all in all, these were good listens.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Regan Landry, a popular true crime novelist, becomes interested in the plight of a felon on death row who may have been falsely convicted. She and her boyfriend and sometimes partner in cold cases, FBI Agent Mitch Peyton, check out the case and unintentionally draw a lot of attention to it. When the felon, Lester, is released, girls start dying in the manner of his first victim. Regan begins feeling uncomfortable at the role she may have played in this, and helps the FBI draw him back in. In the meantime, Regan is also looking into the identity of someone whose papers her father had been holding on to.

This author is quite talented at the police procedural and even the mystery-suspense element and honestly this one was one of her better ones. The mystery was good and trying to figure out how the criminal had managed to do what he did was exciting - this was a great plot. And the suspense with the villain and the two women in the office there at the end was very well written - I was on the edge of my seat . My biggest complaint with this author thus far though has been lack of character chemistry (and not just romantic chemistry either!) There is supposed to be friendship chemistry that just doesn't really show through in her characters. There is usually a touch of romance to these stories and more so in this one than most. In this story, Regan and Mitch are lovers (although this book is completely clean) and are in love, but are about as boring (romantically) as you might imagine an elderly married couple to be. They almost manage an inkling of chemistry, but don't quite get there. For the most part, even in partner mode, discarding the romance altogether, these two don't feel all that connected. Even when Ms. Landry is held at gunpoint, we don't feel the emotion that should exist between the characters.