Her Last Breath

by M.J. Arlidge, Alex Khan

The Lancashire town of Burnley is a typical British melting pot. Where drugs, violence and human trafficking rub shoulders with grand houses and rolling moors... and now two people have been found dead - are they suicides or is there something darker lurking in this community?

DI Jane Hacker grew up in Burnley but fled to London after the death of her teenage brother. Now, she's back caring for her sick mother and heading up a crime unit that doesn't trust her instincts.

It's time Jane finally faces up to the truth of the town's past and present to track down a sadistic killer, before it is too late.

Genres: Audiobook

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2026

About the author

M.J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last 15 years, specialising in high end drama production. Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV In the last five years, and is currently working on a major adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans for the BBC.

Reviews

[Cititor Necunoscut · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, MJ Arlidge spoils his readers with a twisted murder investigation, a very interesting DI, less dark than Helen, but still attractive. Wish it could continue as series, great potential in these new characters.

[Carole Willett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok but almost instantly forgettable. Not as good as the Helen Grace series. All a little average and run of the mill. It didn’t require much thought. I may have felt this partly because the book I read before this 1 was a 5 star read from Clare Mackintosh - no comparison!

[Amber Saleemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much! Always love a book by Arlidge! And i do enjoy his books that he does with other authors, gives it a little bit more depth when its written by 2 people. 
The story was definitely gripping, the characters were pretty likeable! And there wasn't only the main plotline of finding out if the suicides turning up are real suicides or something else, there was also Jane's past story line going to find out what really happened with her brother all those years ago and why her mother was so cruel to her growing up since then. There were some bits that were emotional! 
I was pleasantly surprised by the ending! I had a inkling bit didnt really see it coming! 
I may have to check out more books by Alex! 
But yeah a definite 5 star book! Easy thrilling crime read! Short chapters and likeable characters! 

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Last Breath is a gripping read that you wont want to put down.

We are introduced to a new DI Jane Hacker who is a determined strong woman with alot on her plate.

She has just moved back to Burnley Lancashire having fled years ago after her brother's tragic death.

Jane is dealing with guilt, her Mum is dying and she has to prove herself to her team that she can lead them in this complex case when two people are found dead.

The team is racing against the clock, the tension builds and the bodies are adding up.

M.J. Arlidge and Alex Khan are a formidable team and Her Last Breath is full of secrets, lies , viglante justice and a jaw dropping twist that I certainly didnt see coming.

I hope we meet up with DI Jane Hacker again in the future.

[Carol Lindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It felt comfortable, like coming home, putting your pj's and slippers on and relaxing in the familiarity of a bygone time.
What I'm trying to say is the main character reminded me of M J Arlidge 's DCI Helen Grace. And that's not a bad thing as he's my favourite author and the way he writes leaves you fatigued more.
Hopefully we will get to visit DCI Jane Hacker in Burnley again one day soon

[Emma Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a little strange reading about a new DI but I enjoyed it all the same. Now to find what other books have been written by M J Arlidge

[Nicola Ferry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read. Enjoyed the characters in this novel.

[Skye Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite a DI Grace but very close 😊

[Jackie Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't work it out. Not sure I could forgive.

[Peter Tennant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Pauline · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️