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Detective Gina Harte #15
Her Last Goodbye
Her small hands tremble and tears run down her cheeks. Shivering in the dark, damp storeroom, the little girl clutches her favourite toy dog. She cries out for help, but nobody answers. Her mother went missing last night and, as dawn breaks, there is still no sign of her.
Four-year-old Cleo shakes with fear as she tells the police that her mother, Darcie, was taken by a man on their way home last night. Darcie told Cleo to run and hide, and the last thing she saw was Darcie being pushed into the back of a car.
When police look into Darcie’s life, they discover a drunken argument with her best friend hours before she went missing, a dark figure seen loitering near where Cleo was found, and a recent assault allegation against a customer at Darcie’s work.
It seems like everyone around the young mother was keeping secrets, but Darcie had a dark secret of her own – one she hasn’t dared tell a soul.
Did Darcie’s deadly past finally catch up with her? And will she find the strength to fight for her life and keep her promise to return for her beloved daughter?
Four-year-old Cleo shakes with fear as she tells the police that her mother, Darcie, was taken by a man on their way home last night. Darcie told Cleo to run and hide, and the last thing she saw was Darcie being pushed into the back of a car.
When police look into Darcie’s life, they discover a drunken argument with her best friend hours before she went missing, a dark figure seen loitering near where Cleo was found, and a recent assault allegation against a customer at Darcie’s work.
It seems like everyone around the young mother was keeping secrets, but Darcie had a dark secret of her own – one she hasn’t dared tell a soul.
Did Darcie’s deadly past finally catch up with her? And will she find the strength to fight for her life and keep her promise to return for her beloved daughter?
332 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2024
495 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Carla Kovach
33 books1,073 followersCarla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. Author of supernatural drama 'Flame,' psychological thriller 'To Let,' crime thriller 'Whispers Beneath the Pines, and romantic comedy 'Meet Me at Marmaris Castle.' Carla also writes stage and screen plays, some of which have been produced in the Worcestershire area.
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 9, 2024
Gina’s back! This time the case is about something that happened 20 years ago. Someone has decided that there are people that need to pay. Revenge is happening & people will die. Of course, Gina will not give up till she can save someone. Book 15 & I’m still invested in this series.
July 15, 2024
4.5 stars
Her Last Goodbye by Carla Kovach is the 15th in the Detective Gina Harte series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
DI Gina Harte works homicides. Her team consists of: DS Jacob Driscoll, DC Harry O’Connor and DC Paula Wyre, with a lot of assistance from PC Smith and PC Kapoor. Gina is a stubborn lady, and a determined detective. She has had a rough life, which has led to an uneasy relationship with her daughter Hannah and grand-daughter Gracie. It has also led to a lack of real friends. She is in an on-again/off-again relationship with her boss, DCI Chris Briggs, but they keep it quiet. It is also not common knowledge that Gina's husband was abusive, and only Briggs knows that she did not save him when he fell to his death many years ago.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Four-year old Cleo is found hiding in a barn. She tells the police that her mom was taken by a bad man, and she told Cleo to run and hide. Her mother, Darcie, was kidnapped on her way home from her friend's house, and although Cleo says Anna and her mom were arguing, Anna denies it. Cleo also says that the bad man dropped something when he bundled her mom into the vehicle. Sure enough, they find that something. a woman's finger. It won't be the last one they find.
As the investigation continues, more suspects appear. The team can't find her ex-husband Corey, nor can they find the man who assaulted her while test-driving one of the cars where Darcie works. It seems like her boss Shannon is hiding something, and Anna has not come clean either. Everyone has secrets...but so does Darcie.
My Opinions:
There seem to be a lot of characters in this one, all with something to hide, and most unlikeable. The actual perpetrator came as a surprise to me (always a good thing).
The dedication of Gina's team is evident, and I continue to like each member.
This one seemed like a really fast read.
Overall, this was a really good addition to the series, and the author continues to keep things fresh. Looking forward to Book 16!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 19, 2024
Her Last Goodbye is book 15 in the Detective Gina Harte series by Carla Kovach. This book is not for the faint of heart! It had my heart racing and me flipping the pages at a record pace! It's a fantastic thriller that you can't put down! Wow!! DI Harte is called to a scene in which a four year old girl is found clutching her stuffed dog and she's all alone. The girl's name is Cleo and she tells the police that her mother was taken by a man last night as they were walking home. Her mom, Darcie, was shoved into a car and taken while she told Cleo to run and hide. Cleo did as she was told and wasn't found until morning.
As Gina and her team investigate they find that Darcie got into an argument with her best friend just before she was taken. Darcie and Cleo were leaving her friend's house, and they were supposed to call for a ride. They started walking when Darcie was taken by force. Darcie's brother comes to the station and takes Cleo home. The poor girl is traumatized and worried about her mother. Darcie worked as a sales person at a car dealership. She had a run in with a customer recently. The man came in once or twice a week always requesting Darcie. The last time he was in he groped Darcie on a test drive. Turns out he had a record for sexual assault. Could he be the one behind the kidnapping?
Darcie did something with a group of her friends when they were in high school years ago. She and her friends have kept the secret all these years later. Darcie and her friends don't realize that someone knows what they did. Could the past catch up to her now? Are the other friends safe? Who could be doing this? Gina and her team have lots of suspects but nothing is adding up. As more women go missing and clues are found in their houses, will Gina be able to unravel the mystery? What do the women have in common? This book will keep you guessing until the end! I rate Her Last Goodbye 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The book is now available and should go to the top of your TBR pile. If you've never read a book in this series, you can definitely enjoy this one as a standalone. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Her Last Goodbye in exchange for a fair review. #HerLastGoodbye
As Gina and her team investigate they find that Darcie got into an argument with her best friend just before she was taken. Darcie and Cleo were leaving her friend's house, and they were supposed to call for a ride. They started walking when Darcie was taken by force. Darcie's brother comes to the station and takes Cleo home. The poor girl is traumatized and worried about her mother. Darcie worked as a sales person at a car dealership. She had a run in with a customer recently. The man came in once or twice a week always requesting Darcie. The last time he was in he groped Darcie on a test drive. Turns out he had a record for sexual assault. Could he be the one behind the kidnapping?
Darcie did something with a group of her friends when they were in high school years ago. She and her friends have kept the secret all these years later. Darcie and her friends don't realize that someone knows what they did. Could the past catch up to her now? Are the other friends safe? Who could be doing this? Gina and her team have lots of suspects but nothing is adding up. As more women go missing and clues are found in their houses, will Gina be able to unravel the mystery? What do the women have in common? This book will keep you guessing until the end! I rate Her Last Goodbye 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The book is now available and should go to the top of your TBR pile. If you've never read a book in this series, you can definitely enjoy this one as a standalone. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Her Last Goodbye in exchange for a fair review. #HerLastGoodbye
May 20, 2024
“Tik, tick, tick. The clock is ticking and when eleven comes, we'll take a lovely trip down memory lane.”
Four-year-old Cleo is found clutching her favourite toy dog in the barn of the B&B. Shaking, the little girl tells police that a man took her mother, Darcie, as they were on their way home last night. Detective Gina Harte and her team are called in to investigate and quickly begin to uncover clues that point to everyone around her keeping secrets. Not only that, but Darcie is hiding a dark secret of her own that may have come back to haunt her. The clock is ticking. Can Gina and her team unravel the clues and find Darcie before time runs out?
Her Last Goodbye is the 15th book in the Detective Gina Harte Series, and it's another ominous, tense and gripping thriller. I inhaled this book, hooked once more by the skillful pen of Carla Kovach. My love of this series and author is no secret. Ms. Kovach books are an auto-read for me, and she can always be relied upon to deliver a fast paced story that I can’t put down. She is skilled at crafting dark, morally complex storylines and characters that show both the best and worst of humankind. Her multilayered plots never fail to put your emotions through the wringer, and her characters are all brilliantly written and compelling. And her villains. They never fail to unnerve me, but this time she really sent chills down my spine with the lengths this person went to in stalking their victims. I’ll be looking closely at my ceiling from now on!
One of my favourite things about a book series is revisiting much-loved and familiar characters. It was great to be back with Gina and her team, and I appreciated that Ms. Kovach gave them a break in their private life after the intense goings on in the last book. Gina is a brilliant protagonist. Feisty, determined, and with a strong sense of justice, I love how she fights for those unable to fight for themselves. It is nice to see her past torment her less as time goes on, and I appreciate the realistic but sensitive representation of domestic abuse and trauma that is shown through Gina and other characters in this series. As a survivor it is empowering to see books like this that help us to feel seen and raise awareness and understanding of things such as coercive control. All that aside, I am still rooting for Gina to find her happy-ever-after with a certain someone. Please make it happen Carla!
Dark, suspenseful and pacy, this page-turner is a must for any thriller-lover.
Four-year-old Cleo is found clutching her favourite toy dog in the barn of the B&B. Shaking, the little girl tells police that a man took her mother, Darcie, as they were on their way home last night. Detective Gina Harte and her team are called in to investigate and quickly begin to uncover clues that point to everyone around her keeping secrets. Not only that, but Darcie is hiding a dark secret of her own that may have come back to haunt her. The clock is ticking. Can Gina and her team unravel the clues and find Darcie before time runs out?
Her Last Goodbye is the 15th book in the Detective Gina Harte Series, and it's another ominous, tense and gripping thriller. I inhaled this book, hooked once more by the skillful pen of Carla Kovach. My love of this series and author is no secret. Ms. Kovach books are an auto-read for me, and she can always be relied upon to deliver a fast paced story that I can’t put down. She is skilled at crafting dark, morally complex storylines and characters that show both the best and worst of humankind. Her multilayered plots never fail to put your emotions through the wringer, and her characters are all brilliantly written and compelling. And her villains. They never fail to unnerve me, but this time she really sent chills down my spine with the lengths this person went to in stalking their victims. I’ll be looking closely at my ceiling from now on!
One of my favourite things about a book series is revisiting much-loved and familiar characters. It was great to be back with Gina and her team, and I appreciated that Ms. Kovach gave them a break in their private life after the intense goings on in the last book. Gina is a brilliant protagonist. Feisty, determined, and with a strong sense of justice, I love how she fights for those unable to fight for themselves. It is nice to see her past torment her less as time goes on, and I appreciate the realistic but sensitive representation of domestic abuse and trauma that is shown through Gina and other characters in this series. As a survivor it is empowering to see books like this that help us to feel seen and raise awareness and understanding of things such as coercive control. All that aside, I am still rooting for Gina to find her happy-ever-after with a certain someone. Please make it happen Carla!
Dark, suspenseful and pacy, this page-turner is a must for any thriller-lover.
May 17, 2024
She thought she was safe...she was wrong...
Gina's back. This time with missing mother Darcie kidnapped in front of her four year old daughter Cleo. The little girl is able to describe in fairly good detail what happened but is scared the "bogeyman" will return for her. Then when a finger is found, Gina is resigned to the fact that this means there is another missing woman out there too.
Within a few days, soon after questioning her, Darcie's friend Shannon is abducted from outside her place of work with yet another finger to be found. And then an emaciated woman nearing death is found...and Gina is left wondering is this the other missing woman?
Nothing about this case makes sense to Gina and her team though they work tirelessly investigating the past and the present surrounding each of their victims and wondering how they are all linked. Can Gina find the person behind these abductions before they take another...or before someone dies?
Another great crime thriller from Carla Kovach in the Gina Harte series. I can't believe this is book 15! Where did that time go?
A multilayered story with great characters and a riveting plot. I had no idea who the villain was or how the prologue fitted into the present day crime. But this was another pageturner, to be sure.
I would like to thank #CarlaKovach, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerLastGoodbye in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Gina's back. This time with missing mother Darcie kidnapped in front of her four year old daughter Cleo. The little girl is able to describe in fairly good detail what happened but is scared the "bogeyman" will return for her. Then when a finger is found, Gina is resigned to the fact that this means there is another missing woman out there too.
Within a few days, soon after questioning her, Darcie's friend Shannon is abducted from outside her place of work with yet another finger to be found. And then an emaciated woman nearing death is found...and Gina is left wondering is this the other missing woman?
Nothing about this case makes sense to Gina and her team though they work tirelessly investigating the past and the present surrounding each of their victims and wondering how they are all linked. Can Gina find the person behind these abductions before they take another...or before someone dies?
Another great crime thriller from Carla Kovach in the Gina Harte series. I can't believe this is book 15! Where did that time go?
A multilayered story with great characters and a riveting plot. I had no idea who the villain was or how the prologue fitted into the present day crime. But this was another pageturner, to be sure.
I would like to thank #CarlaKovach, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerLastGoodbye in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 23, 2024
What a book. I'm so obsessed with the Gina Harte series it's insane. I remember when I first discovered it and read 9 installments back to back and now we are onto book 16!
When a little Cleo is found in the shed of the local b&b the owner asks where her mummy is when she responds the bad man took her the police are called in to find her mum Darcy before its too late!!
I swear this was one of my favourite reads thus far this year, with a very intense prologue i waa so keen to find out how waa behind the kidnapping and why. Everyone linked to the victims is lying about something, but why? The only things Dective Gina Harte can be certain about are; Darcy wasn't the first nor the last, as this is personal!
Gina Harte is an amazing chatacter who truly gives off boss biatch vibes and love it, she knows how to manager her teaam and runs a fantastic investigation! Having Jacob back after his entaglement in the previous case (which was mentioned a few too many times for me) and the pair work well together. The case itself seems so random and limits focus and direction to begin but the more they dig into it the more confusing it gets.
There are some great descriptionof some very crazy chapters that raised the hairs on my neck. Eg Tic toc once you know you'll know epic!!
Obseesed with how well the character development was through the entire
TBC
When a little Cleo is found in the shed of the local b&b the owner asks where her mummy is when she responds the bad man took her the police are called in to find her mum Darcy before its too late!!
I swear this was one of my favourite reads thus far this year, with a very intense prologue i waa so keen to find out how waa behind the kidnapping and why. Everyone linked to the victims is lying about something, but why? The only things Dective Gina Harte can be certain about are; Darcy wasn't the first nor the last, as this is personal!
Gina Harte is an amazing chatacter who truly gives off boss biatch vibes and love it, she knows how to manager her teaam and runs a fantastic investigation! Having Jacob back after his entaglement in the previous case (which was mentioned a few too many times for me) and the pair work well together. The case itself seems so random and limits focus and direction to begin but the more they dig into it the more confusing it gets.
There are some great descriptionof some very crazy chapters that raised the hairs on my neck. Eg Tic toc once you know you'll know epic!!
Obseesed with how well the character development was through the entire
TBC
May 16, 2024
Another brilliant crime thriller from Carla Kovach.
Gina and Jacob are called when a little girl is found, extremely upset as she saw her Mum being taken by a stranger and she told her to run.
Cleo is able to describe what happened but is scared the man will come back.
Soon a finger is found and Gina needs to find out if it belongs to Darcie.
Within a few days, Shannon is abducted outside her workplace and with another finger being found, Gina knows they need to find the person behind these abductions, before someone dies.
Darcie and Shannon knew each other from school so Gina speaks to their friend Anna, but it’s clear she’s not being completely honest with her.
This is a great crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Gina and Jacob are called when a little girl is found, extremely upset as she saw her Mum being taken by a stranger and she told her to run.
Cleo is able to describe what happened but is scared the man will come back.
Soon a finger is found and Gina needs to find out if it belongs to Darcie.
Within a few days, Shannon is abducted outside her workplace and with another finger being found, Gina knows they need to find the person behind these abductions, before someone dies.
Darcie and Shannon knew each other from school so Gina speaks to their friend Anna, but it’s clear she’s not being completely honest with her.
This is a great crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 10, 2024
Carla Kovach is always a must-read for me! In Her Last Goodbye we find DI Gina Harte our on yet another horrible case. She is racing against time to find the killer and determine who it is. Very involved and keeps you glued to the page!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
May 20, 2024
Enjoyable crime thriller that had twists and turns that kept me engaged and guessing. I read it as a stand-alone and thought the author did a great job. Definitely a series I will read in the future.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley.
May 21, 2024
Thanks Netgalley for my copy.
This book was okay. It was a bit slow though. I probably won't bother with and more of the Gina Harte series because she was just so boring and annoying. All of the other police officers were so bland, they were interchangeable. The story was alright but felt a bit slap dash. I called the twist, but that's okay because I like to be proven right.
This book was okay. It was a bit slow though. I probably won't bother with and more of the Gina Harte series because she was just so boring and annoying. All of the other police officers were so bland, they were interchangeable. The story was alright but felt a bit slap dash. I called the twist, but that's okay because I like to be proven right.
April 10, 2024
We are now at book 15 in this series and once again we have another fantastic story. Gina Harte is one of my all-time favourite characters and in this multilayered story we see her and the team back in dire situations as they chase down a kidnapper that is causing them all sorts of grief.
The story begins with little five-year-old Cleo who is discovered late at night by a neighbor, her mother has just been taken and the last words her mother said to her were to run, which she did. A terrifying situation for a young child to be in and this sets the scene for an excellent story that keeps you captivated throughout the book.
Great plot and excellent characters, I really had no idea who the culprit was and read this book in one sitting, again until the early hours. Highly recommended, five stars. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book.
The story begins with little five-year-old Cleo who is discovered late at night by a neighbor, her mother has just been taken and the last words her mother said to her were to run, which she did. A terrifying situation for a young child to be in and this sets the scene for an excellent story that keeps you captivated throughout the book.
Great plot and excellent characters, I really had no idea who the culprit was and read this book in one sitting, again until the early hours. Highly recommended, five stars. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book.
May 18, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping book
when the little girl was found in the storeroom alone and frightened saying that a man had grabbed her mom and put her in the boot of the car... gina and her team were already behind... they knew it was a race against time to find her alive
but there was so little evidence and the little girl only knew to run and hide away
when the first finger turns up and another woman goes missing.... nothing seemed to link the two cases and nobody was telling the truth...
what a story and i never guessed who the perp was at all.... this one keeps you reading right to the end... as always this series just gets better and better
when the little girl was found in the storeroom alone and frightened saying that a man had grabbed her mom and put her in the boot of the car... gina and her team were already behind... they knew it was a race against time to find her alive
but there was so little evidence and the little girl only knew to run and hide away
when the first finger turns up and another woman goes missing.... nothing seemed to link the two cases and nobody was telling the truth...
what a story and i never guessed who the perp was at all.... this one keeps you reading right to the end... as always this series just gets better and better
April 4, 2025
Although this is the fifteenth book in the Detective Gina Harte series, it can easily be read as a standalone. This was my first introduction to the series, and I was immediately drawn in. Gina and her team are called to investigate the abduction of a young woman, Darcie, after her four-year-old daughter, Cleo, tearfully reveals that her mother was taken by a 'bad man.' As the case unfolds, a severed finger is discovered near the scene—but it doesn’t belong to Darcie. At the same time, an emaciated young woman is found wandering with no recollection of who she is. With plenty of twists and turns, this gripping thriller keeps you on edge until the very last page.
May 5, 2024
Brilliant book it’s lovely to see how Gina’s getting on. We have a kidnap situation they find a little girl hiding as she is terrified as she saw her mother being taken by a man, as he’s putting her in the back of a van a severed finger falls on the grass then another girl is kidnapped Gina has to find the kidnapper before another girl goes missing the story is fast paced and would never have guessed who he was.
Loved it can’t wait for next one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC
Loved it can’t wait for next one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC
May 14, 2024
I needed to watch cartoons after reading this thrilling, albeit creepy mystery. You will understand the creep factor that I am talking about when you read it. I do not want to spoil anything. I am very glad I read this one in the daytime, but I must confess that I love to be freaked out when reading a good mystery. This one definitely freaked me out.
The Prologue leaves you scratching your head a little. You know it will tie into the story at some point, but it is not immediately apparent what it meant. This just made the mystery vibe even more mysterious for me.
Four year old Cleo is found shivering and dirty, with torn clothes in a shed behind a B & B. The only thing she will say is that the bogeyman took her mom, and her mom told her to run. Detective Gina Harte and crew arrive on the scene. When they find a little souvenir on the roadside where Darcie was kidnapped, they know they are dealing with a depraved individual. As they start digging, the secrets start coming out and the dirty laundry starts being aired. But don't think you have figured out because trust me... you do not have it figured out.
This was a fantastic twisty mystery that will astound you once you have all of the clues together. I never saw it coming. The mystery itself was more complex than it first appears which makes for exceptionally intriguing reading. The pacing of the story was perfect, and is what kept me glued to the pages until I finished it. Prepare to be chilled and mesmerized all at the same time. This is another great one for Detective Gina Harte.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Prologue leaves you scratching your head a little. You know it will tie into the story at some point, but it is not immediately apparent what it meant. This just made the mystery vibe even more mysterious for me.
Four year old Cleo is found shivering and dirty, with torn clothes in a shed behind a B & B. The only thing she will say is that the bogeyman took her mom, and her mom told her to run. Detective Gina Harte and crew arrive on the scene. When they find a little souvenir on the roadside where Darcie was kidnapped, they know they are dealing with a depraved individual. As they start digging, the secrets start coming out and the dirty laundry starts being aired. But don't think you have figured out because trust me... you do not have it figured out.
This was a fantastic twisty mystery that will astound you once you have all of the clues together. I never saw it coming. The mystery itself was more complex than it first appears which makes for exceptionally intriguing reading. The pacing of the story was perfect, and is what kept me glued to the pages until I finished it. Prepare to be chilled and mesmerized all at the same time. This is another great one for Detective Gina Harte.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2024
I cut back my blog tours a little because I was feeling worn out. But I am so glad I was part of this one. Gina and crew make solving a case pure joy. I know that sounds nuts, but when I pick of one in the series and read about the tenseness of solving murders, the world just fades away. Just a little. This series is starting to be right up there with Lisa Regan and Angela Marson’s series. High praise I know.
Women go missing. The stakes are raised as Gina and her team work against the clock to potentially save the victim(s). This one is based on something that happened a long time ago. It made me wonder if those kind of secrets could happen today in the world we live in with recordings everywhere and so available just a click away.
I once again fell for the red herrings and twists. Settling on a culprit right before they were eliminated from the suspect pool. I was guessing and then reguessing over and over. The pace and atmosphere are spot on in this one. It grabbed me and pulled me in and never let me go. So many suspects and such a layered plot, that when I go to the end, it all worked out and made perfect sense.
While any of the series can be read as a stand alone, the author makes sure you know what you need to about the continuing characters, I love seeing the growth from book to book and how what the team does affects them on a personal level. I highly recommend all 15 books in the series.
Women go missing. The stakes are raised as Gina and her team work against the clock to potentially save the victim(s). This one is based on something that happened a long time ago. It made me wonder if those kind of secrets could happen today in the world we live in with recordings everywhere and so available just a click away.
I once again fell for the red herrings and twists. Settling on a culprit right before they were eliminated from the suspect pool. I was guessing and then reguessing over and over. The pace and atmosphere are spot on in this one. It grabbed me and pulled me in and never let me go. So many suspects and such a layered plot, that when I go to the end, it all worked out and made perfect sense.
While any of the series can be read as a stand alone, the author makes sure you know what you need to about the continuing characters, I love seeing the growth from book to book and how what the team does affects them on a personal level. I highly recommend all 15 books in the series.
May 25, 2024
I’ve read all of the Gina Harte series and loved them all. Carla Kovach is such a brilliant writer and I feel like I really know DI Harte.
Three women, who were all school friends, are kidnapped at separate times, with the killer leaving a gruesome clue each time. It’s up to DI Harte and her team to find out what’s going on before it’s too late. Great characters and an exciting twisty plot 5⭐️
Description
Her small hands tremble and tears run down her cheeks. Shivering in the dark, damp storeroom, the little girl clutches her favourite toy dog. She cries out for help, but nobody answers. Her mother went missing last night and, as dawn breaks, there is still no sign of her.
Four-year-old Cleo shakes with fear as she tells the police that her mother, Darcie, was taken by a man on their way home last night. Darcie told Cleo to run and hide, and the last thing she saw was Darcie being pushed into the back of a car.
When police look into Darcie’s life, they discover a drunken argument with her best friend hours before she went missing, a dark figure seen loitering near where Cleo was found, and a recent assault allegation against a customer at Darcie’s work.
It seems like everyone around the young mother was keeping secrets, but Darcie had a dark secret of her own – one she hasn’t dared tell a soul.
Did Darcie’s deadly past finally catch up with her? And will she find the strength to fight for her life and keep her promise to return for her beloved daughter?
Three women, who were all school friends, are kidnapped at separate times, with the killer leaving a gruesome clue each time. It’s up to DI Harte and her team to find out what’s going on before it’s too late. Great characters and an exciting twisty plot 5⭐️
Description
Her small hands tremble and tears run down her cheeks. Shivering in the dark, damp storeroom, the little girl clutches her favourite toy dog. She cries out for help, but nobody answers. Her mother went missing last night and, as dawn breaks, there is still no sign of her.
Four-year-old Cleo shakes with fear as she tells the police that her mother, Darcie, was taken by a man on their way home last night. Darcie told Cleo to run and hide, and the last thing she saw was Darcie being pushed into the back of a car.
When police look into Darcie’s life, they discover a drunken argument with her best friend hours before she went missing, a dark figure seen loitering near where Cleo was found, and a recent assault allegation against a customer at Darcie’s work.
It seems like everyone around the young mother was keeping secrets, but Darcie had a dark secret of her own – one she hasn’t dared tell a soul.
Did Darcie’s deadly past finally catch up with her? And will she find the strength to fight for her life and keep her promise to return for her beloved daughter?
April 13, 2024
My Review:
Loved!!!!! Amazing!!!!! Wow!!!!! Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better, it totally does. I don’t know how this author writes such fantastic books. I just can’t get enough of her and this series. I would say my favorite part of all of them are the awesome characters. I can’t get over how well they work together. Like a well oiled machine. Plus they are family to each other and that is the greatest part in my opinion. Who can’t use more family in their life. I know I can. Next up is the plot. I always live for the books that have children in the story in some way or another. This one had a little girl who watched her mother get kidnapped. I really felt for this girl and what she was going through. I definitely needed tissues for that. Now let’s talk about that roller coaster of an ending. I couldn’t believe it. It left me in total shock and saying OMG. This book is what my soul needed. I’ve been reading so many good books lately but I needed a book with a great mystery attached to it that needed to be solved and fast. This book brought that. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I already know I will love that one too.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Loved!!!!! Amazing!!!!! Wow!!!!! Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better, it totally does. I don’t know how this author writes such fantastic books. I just can’t get enough of her and this series. I would say my favorite part of all of them are the awesome characters. I can’t get over how well they work together. Like a well oiled machine. Plus they are family to each other and that is the greatest part in my opinion. Who can’t use more family in their life. I know I can. Next up is the plot. I always live for the books that have children in the story in some way or another. This one had a little girl who watched her mother get kidnapped. I really felt for this girl and what she was going through. I definitely needed tissues for that. Now let’s talk about that roller coaster of an ending. I couldn’t believe it. It left me in total shock and saying OMG. This book is what my soul needed. I’ve been reading so many good books lately but I needed a book with a great mystery attached to it that needed to be solved and fast. This book brought that. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I already know I will love that one too.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
May 17, 2024
This book is the fifteenth in the DI Gina Harte series. It's only the third I've read so I think it works well for new readers if you've not read the prior books. A woman disappears and the only witness is her four-year-old daughter who was able to run to safety. Gina and her team must find Cleo's mother before it's too late.
Even though I've not read most of the prior books in the series, I've enjoyed those that I have read. I like the way Gina and her team work together. Gina is an interesting character with a sad backstory and a complicated personal life. She excels on the job, though, and is determined to do whatever it takes to solve this difficult case. The story is told through multiple points-of-view and there are several suspects that seem to have a motive. This creates intrigue, but does slow things down a bit in the middle as the investigation seems to go in circles for a while. I thought I had things figured out, but I was shocked when the whole story came out at the end. There is also a bit of a cliffhanger regarding Gina's love life, and I look forward to seeing what happens next. This book was an engaging, suspenseful procedural thriller that I really enjoyed. (4.5 stars)
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Bookouture, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Even though I've not read most of the prior books in the series, I've enjoyed those that I have read. I like the way Gina and her team work together. Gina is an interesting character with a sad backstory and a complicated personal life. She excels on the job, though, and is determined to do whatever it takes to solve this difficult case. The story is told through multiple points-of-view and there are several suspects that seem to have a motive. This creates intrigue, but does slow things down a bit in the middle as the investigation seems to go in circles for a while. I thought I had things figured out, but I was shocked when the whole story came out at the end. There is also a bit of a cliffhanger regarding Gina's love life, and I look forward to seeing what happens next. This book was an engaging, suspenseful procedural thriller that I really enjoyed. (4.5 stars)
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Bookouture, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
July 5, 2024
‘Her Last Goodbye’ is the 15th book in the Gina Harte series by author Carla Kovach.
Four-year-old Cleo is in a frighteningly dark and damp storeroom. Scared and uncontrollably crying she is holding onto her favourite toy dog while desperately calling for her mother, Darcie who disappeared the night before.
A very upset Cleo tries to tell the police how a man took her mother and forced her into the back of a car. Detective Gina Harte and her team start their investigations into Darcie’s life and uncover secrets and concealed conflicts. A picture starts to form of potential threats to Darcie, a fall out with her best friend, a suspicious figure seen near the crime scene and an assault allegation against a customer at her workplace. The potential killers and possible motives start to stack up and it is up to Gina and her team to unravel the mystery.
It is discovered that Darcie had a dark secret and the suspense builds as we find out if her past has caught up with her. Detective Gina Harte is not only determined to solve the case but also to protect Cleo.
A well paced novel, full of suspense and tension that is another very good addition to the Gina Harte series.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Four-year-old Cleo is in a frighteningly dark and damp storeroom. Scared and uncontrollably crying she is holding onto her favourite toy dog while desperately calling for her mother, Darcie who disappeared the night before.
A very upset Cleo tries to tell the police how a man took her mother and forced her into the back of a car. Detective Gina Harte and her team start their investigations into Darcie’s life and uncover secrets and concealed conflicts. A picture starts to form of potential threats to Darcie, a fall out with her best friend, a suspicious figure seen near the crime scene and an assault allegation against a customer at her workplace. The potential killers and possible motives start to stack up and it is up to Gina and her team to unravel the mystery.
It is discovered that Darcie had a dark secret and the suspense builds as we find out if her past has caught up with her. Detective Gina Harte is not only determined to solve the case but also to protect Cleo.
A well paced novel, full of suspense and tension that is another very good addition to the Gina Harte series.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2024
Book 15 in the fantastic D.I. Gina Harte series. I was hooked from that intriguing prologue and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I loved this book and look forward to reading the next one.
Her small hands tremble and tears run down her cheeks. Shivering in the dark, damp storeroom, the little girl clutches her favourite toy dog. She cries out for help, but nobody answers. Her mother went missing last night and, as dawn breaks, there is still no sign of her.
Four-year-old Cleo shakes with fear as she tells the police that her mother, Darcie, was taken by a man on their way home last night. Darcie told Cleo to run and hide, and the last thing she saw was Darcie being pushed into the back of a car.
When police look into Darcie’s life, they discover a drunken argument with her best friend hours before she went missing, a dark figure seen loitering near where Cleo was found, and a recent assault allegation against a customer at Darcie’s work.
It seems like everyone around the young mother was keeping secrets, but Darcie had a dark secret of her own – one she hasn’t dared tell a soul.
Did Darcie’s deadly past finally catch up with her? And will she find the strength to fight for her life and keep her promise to return for her beloved daughter?
Her small hands tremble and tears run down her cheeks. Shivering in the dark, damp storeroom, the little girl clutches her favourite toy dog. She cries out for help, but nobody answers. Her mother went missing last night and, as dawn breaks, there is still no sign of her.
Four-year-old Cleo shakes with fear as she tells the police that her mother, Darcie, was taken by a man on their way home last night. Darcie told Cleo to run and hide, and the last thing she saw was Darcie being pushed into the back of a car.
When police look into Darcie’s life, they discover a drunken argument with her best friend hours before she went missing, a dark figure seen loitering near where Cleo was found, and a recent assault allegation against a customer at Darcie’s work.
It seems like everyone around the young mother was keeping secrets, but Darcie had a dark secret of her own – one she hasn’t dared tell a soul.
Did Darcie’s deadly past finally catch up with her? And will she find the strength to fight for her life and keep her promise to return for her beloved daughter?
September 30, 2024
If you love gripping crime thrillers, ones that make you download/purchase all previous books, this is the book for you!
I'm lucky enough to have received multiple ARC's for this series, so I have managed to read them all, and book # 15 did not disappoint.
When a four year old girl, Cleo, appears, after hiding in a barn, scared and alone, saying the bad man took her mummy, Detective Gina Harte is tasked with finding her. Darcie would never leave her daughter. Who took her? Is she still alive?
On investigating, Darcie and her team start to uncover hidden secrets and chilling truths. After an explosive argument with her best friend the night before, Darcie stormed out with Cleo and was then bundled into the back of the car but not before telling Cleo to run and hide. At four years old, Cleo can't give the police much, but one thing she does remember is the man drops something at the scene, a finger. Who did it belong to? Is there another victim?
Can Gina and her team find their perpetrator before Darcie is hurt or worse?
This is one hell of a fsst paced twisty plot with a whole host of suspicious characters and an amazing ending that actually kept me guessing until the very end.
I'm lucky enough to have received multiple ARC's for this series, so I have managed to read them all, and book # 15 did not disappoint.
When a four year old girl, Cleo, appears, after hiding in a barn, scared and alone, saying the bad man took her mummy, Detective Gina Harte is tasked with finding her. Darcie would never leave her daughter. Who took her? Is she still alive?
On investigating, Darcie and her team start to uncover hidden secrets and chilling truths. After an explosive argument with her best friend the night before, Darcie stormed out with Cleo and was then bundled into the back of the car but not before telling Cleo to run and hide. At four years old, Cleo can't give the police much, but one thing she does remember is the man drops something at the scene, a finger. Who did it belong to? Is there another victim?
Can Gina and her team find their perpetrator before Darcie is hurt or worse?
This is one hell of a fsst paced twisty plot with a whole host of suspicious characters and an amazing ending that actually kept me guessing until the very end.
May 17, 2024
Detective Inspector Gina Harte is back in a puzzling and complex story.
That sees her called to a B&B where nine-year-old Cleo has been found hiding in a barn terrified after being told by her mum Darcie to run.
And when Cleo tells Gina and her colleague Jacob her story they are immediately concerned. Especially when they head to where Darcie was taken and find evidence of a struggle and a severed finger.
But with no one else reported missing, who could the finger belong to?
That's what Gina is determined to find out, and as the investigation gets underway Gina and the team find disturbing evidence of a stalker, possible domestic abuse and friends/colleagues who don't seem to want to tell the truth.
However, that's only the tip of the iceberg. As a body is soon discovered and more people associated with Darcie began to disappear.
And with such a twisty storyline. Her Last Goodbye was a story that captivated and consumed, and once again I had no idea who the killer was!!
I would happily recommend Her Last Goodbye and the DI Gina Harte series to all.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of Her Last Goodbye.
That sees her called to a B&B where nine-year-old Cleo has been found hiding in a barn terrified after being told by her mum Darcie to run.
And when Cleo tells Gina and her colleague Jacob her story they are immediately concerned. Especially when they head to where Darcie was taken and find evidence of a struggle and a severed finger.
But with no one else reported missing, who could the finger belong to?
That's what Gina is determined to find out, and as the investigation gets underway Gina and the team find disturbing evidence of a stalker, possible domestic abuse and friends/colleagues who don't seem to want to tell the truth.
However, that's only the tip of the iceberg. As a body is soon discovered and more people associated with Darcie began to disappear.
And with such a twisty storyline. Her Last Goodbye was a story that captivated and consumed, and once again I had no idea who the killer was!!
I would happily recommend Her Last Goodbye and the DI Gina Harte series to all.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of Her Last Goodbye.
November 16, 2024
Her Last Goodbye is fifteenth book in the Detective Gina Harte series. It is another fantastic addition to the series. It is a stand-alone read but the series is wonderful, and you are missing out on so much fantastic storytelling.
DI Harte is called to investigate after a four-year-old girl is found clutching. Cleo tells the police that her mother shoved into a car by a man last night as they were walking home. Cleo is told to run and hide by her mother.
As Gina and her team discover that Darcie got into an argument with her best friend just before she was taken. The poor girl is traumatized and worried about her mother. Another event recently throws the light on a man with a record. As they continue to investigate Darcie's past comes to light when her friends all keep a secret. There are many twists and turns before the truth is revealed. It is a heart stopping race to find the truth as more women go missing.
As always, I really enjoyed this story. I am never disappointed as I am led around trying to help solve it alongside Gina. I highly recommend this book and the series by Carla Kovach.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
DI Harte is called to investigate after a four-year-old girl is found clutching. Cleo tells the police that her mother shoved into a car by a man last night as they were walking home. Cleo is told to run and hide by her mother.
As Gina and her team discover that Darcie got into an argument with her best friend just before she was taken. The poor girl is traumatized and worried about her mother. Another event recently throws the light on a man with a record. As they continue to investigate Darcie's past comes to light when her friends all keep a secret. There are many twists and turns before the truth is revealed. It is a heart stopping race to find the truth as more women go missing.
As always, I really enjoyed this story. I am never disappointed as I am led around trying to help solve it alongside Gina. I highly recommend this book and the series by Carla Kovach.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
January 9, 2025
This was my first book by this author, but will definitely not be my last. It is the 15th book in the 'Detective Gina Harte series,' but I read it as a standalone with no problems following the story. It was a fantastic crime thriller with loads of twists and turns. I was in awe of Gina and her team, they operated like a well-oiled machine. I enjoyed Gina's fierce determination and independence and that she stood up to suggestions that she should operate differently due to her female status.
While reading this book I was reminded of a famous quote about revenge by Douglas Horton: "While seeking revenge, dig two graves- one for yourself."
This is a story of revenge and perfectly illustrates the far-reaching and never-ending pain that occurs from loss of a loved one. Reading the prologue I wondered how that incident would play out in the future. Throughout the story I was on my toes trying to figure out who the kidnapper was and if anyone was telling the truth. I correctly identified one culprit, but that surprise at the end was gut wrenching.
Ms. Kovach, I'm coming aboard! I look forward to reading more in this series.
While reading this book I was reminded of a famous quote about revenge by Douglas Horton: "While seeking revenge, dig two graves- one for yourself."
This is a story of revenge and perfectly illustrates the far-reaching and never-ending pain that occurs from loss of a loved one. Reading the prologue I wondered how that incident would play out in the future. Throughout the story I was on my toes trying to figure out who the kidnapper was and if anyone was telling the truth. I correctly identified one culprit, but that surprise at the end was gut wrenching.
Ms. Kovach, I'm coming aboard! I look forward to reading more in this series.
May 17, 2024
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this arc.. one of my favourite series, DI Gina Hart.
Jacob returns to work after the trauma his csi girlfriend and himself suffered in the last book. THE TEAM ARE BACK!!
When a young girl is taking the household trash out to the bin, she gets more than she bargained for, a young women wearing only her pants, she is severely malnourished and doesn't look like she will make it.. when the team arrive and get the young woman to the hospital, they are surprised she is still alive.The doctors put her in an induced coma for her body to try and repair itself. SOMEBODY IS WATCHING
When little Cleo is found hiding in a barn, all she will say is the bad man took her mommy. Who was that and why? When Darcie, cleos mom doesn't show for work, her manager and friend Shannon start to worry after falling out the night before.
I love these books, all the characters, they all work as a team, there are plenty of twists in the plot, I kept turning the pages in anticipation of what was to come next. Love it. I love it.
If you haven't read a DI Gina Harte book, WHY NOT? I totally recommend them
Jacob returns to work after the trauma his csi girlfriend and himself suffered in the last book. THE TEAM ARE BACK!!
When a young girl is taking the household trash out to the bin, she gets more than she bargained for, a young women wearing only her pants, she is severely malnourished and doesn't look like she will make it.. when the team arrive and get the young woman to the hospital, they are surprised she is still alive.The doctors put her in an induced coma for her body to try and repair itself. SOMEBODY IS WATCHING
When little Cleo is found hiding in a barn, all she will say is the bad man took her mommy. Who was that and why? When Darcie, cleos mom doesn't show for work, her manager and friend Shannon start to worry after falling out the night before.
I love these books, all the characters, they all work as a team, there are plenty of twists in the plot, I kept turning the pages in anticipation of what was to come next. Love it. I love it.
If you haven't read a DI Gina Harte book, WHY NOT? I totally recommend them
May 20, 2025
FANTASTIC!!!
Well this certainly was a compelling, addictive read. I was annoyed that I had to actually do other stuff than read this book.
Her Last Goodbye is the 15th novel in the Gina Harte detective series. The story starts when a little girl is found hiding in a barn claiming that her mother has been taken by a bad man. Detective Harte attempts to crack the case but with a number of suspects that is not an easy feat and time is running out for the victims - tick, tock.
I've read quite a few of the books in this series and they have all been excellent, but I think this one is now my favourite. It is a polished piece of fiction and very well written. The plot kept me riveted - it was scary and tense and it kept me guessing trying to figure out who the real baddies were. The parts between the detectives were really exciting and it is clear that the author has spent time researching to create plausible and realistic scenes.
A very enjoyable crime thriller with lots of twists to keep any reader engrossed. Fantastic!
Well this certainly was a compelling, addictive read. I was annoyed that I had to actually do other stuff than read this book.
Her Last Goodbye is the 15th novel in the Gina Harte detective series. The story starts when a little girl is found hiding in a barn claiming that her mother has been taken by a bad man. Detective Harte attempts to crack the case but with a number of suspects that is not an easy feat and time is running out for the victims - tick, tock.
I've read quite a few of the books in this series and they have all been excellent, but I think this one is now my favourite. It is a polished piece of fiction and very well written. The plot kept me riveted - it was scary and tense and it kept me guessing trying to figure out who the real baddies were. The parts between the detectives were really exciting and it is clear that the author has spent time researching to create plausible and realistic scenes.
A very enjoyable crime thriller with lots of twists to keep any reader engrossed. Fantastic!
April 25, 2024
Exciting and tragic: women go missing😢
I just did not make the connection between the prologue and the victims DI Gina Harte is tasked with locating and saving until very near the end. I love a complex case and this is one with woman disappearing, one taken right under her young daughter's eyes, and several colleagues and former lovers under suspicion. Gina just knows the women are somehow connected and, by golly, she does eventually figure it out. The plot is one wild ride and I loved it!
Young, frightened Cleo's plight pulled me in and then the complicated investigation kept me engrossed and guessing. It's unpredictable, tragic and well written. Her Last Goodbye was an awesome story and an excellent addition to the Gina Harte series. I'll be anticipating its successor😉.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I just did not make the connection between the prologue and the victims DI Gina Harte is tasked with locating and saving until very near the end. I love a complex case and this is one with woman disappearing, one taken right under her young daughter's eyes, and several colleagues and former lovers under suspicion. Gina just knows the women are somehow connected and, by golly, she does eventually figure it out. The plot is one wild ride and I loved it!
Young, frightened Cleo's plight pulled me in and then the complicated investigation kept me engrossed and guessing. It's unpredictable, tragic and well written. Her Last Goodbye was an awesome story and an excellent addition to the Gina Harte series. I'll be anticipating its successor😉.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
January 28, 2025
This is the fifteenth book in the series featuring Detective Gina Harte and it certainly did not disappoint. Gina and her team are called in to investigate the case of a young woman Darcie, being abducted, it was her four year old daughter Cleo who was found crying and told them that her mummy was taken by a bad man. But while Gina is investigating her disappearance a severed finger is discovered where Darcie was abducted. They soon realise that it belongs to someone else as it is old. Wan emaciated young woman is found wandering. She has to be put into a coma and when they identify her she is found to be a friend of Darcie’s, Gina realises that they have a difficult case on their hands. Who is targeting these women? This was a complex plot, full of suspense with so many twists and turns. A brilliant series of books and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 21, 2024
Brilliant! Amazing! Fabulous!
I can’t fathom how Carla Kovach manages to repeatedly hit us with another fabulous thriller that not only gets us addicted to it straight off the bat, where we are constantly thinking about it but yet again leaves us gobsmacked with those sneaky deceiving twists!
She certainly caught me out on this one!
As always the prologue throws us into a brilliant mystery, that you are left wondering what is happening. I quickly threw myself into the present time and emerged myself back into Gina Harte’s team.
Gina is on top form as are her detectives as they desperately try to figure out which character she needs to focus on to find the kidnapper!
A fabulously written novel that’s full of secrets, twists and my favourite, an unreliable narrator! As always and can’t wait for the next one.
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