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Dr. Kate Pearson #3
Last Kiss
A dark tale of deception and desire from the author of Red Ribbons and The Doll's House
In a quiet suburb, a woman desperately clings to her sanity as a shadowy presence moves objects around her home.
In a hotel room across the city, an art dealer with a dubious sexual past is found butchered, his body arranged to mimic the Hangman card from the Tarot deck.
But what connects them?
When criminal psychologist Dr Kate Pearson is brought in to help investigate the murder, she finds herself plunged into a web of sexual power and evil which spreads from Dublin to Paris, and then to Rome.
Will Kate discover the identity of the killer before it's too late to protect the innocent? But what separates the innocent from the guilty when the sins of the past can never be forgotten?
In a quiet suburb, a woman desperately clings to her sanity as a shadowy presence moves objects around her home.
In a hotel room across the city, an art dealer with a dubious sexual past is found butchered, his body arranged to mimic the Hangman card from the Tarot deck.
But what connects them?
When criminal psychologist Dr Kate Pearson is brought in to help investigate the murder, she finds herself plunged into a web of sexual power and evil which spreads from Dublin to Paris, and then to Rome.
Will Kate discover the identity of the killer before it's too late to protect the innocent? But what separates the innocent from the guilty when the sins of the past can never be forgotten?
448 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
28 people are currently reading
1218 people want to read
About the author
Louise Phillips
7 books227 followersWINNER OF BEST IRISH CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR.
LONGLISTED CWA DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY AWARD.
WINNER IRISH LITERARY AWARD, JACK HARTE AWARD & THE JONATHON SWIFT AWARD
LOUISE PHILLIPS is a bestselling author of seven crime novels, five of which were shortlisted for Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year. Her second novel, THE DOLL’S HOUSE, won the award. She has been longlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award in the UK. Her fifth novel, ‘THE HIDING GAME' was optioned and developed by a major U.S. film company, and her latest novel ‘NINA' will be published in the US & Canada by Union Square & Co in November 2025. She is currently working on her eight novel.
LONGLISTED CWA DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY AWARD.
WINNER IRISH LITERARY AWARD, JACK HARTE AWARD & THE JONATHON SWIFT AWARD
LOUISE PHILLIPS is a bestselling author of seven crime novels, five of which were shortlisted for Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year. Her second novel, THE DOLL’S HOUSE, won the award. She has been longlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award in the UK. Her fifth novel, ‘THE HIDING GAME' was optioned and developed by a major U.S. film company, and her latest novel ‘NINA' will be published in the US & Canada by Union Square & Co in November 2025. She is currently working on her eight novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 12, 2016
LAST KISS, the 3rd book in Louise Phillips Dr Kate Pearson Series is by far the most chilling, dark and raw of this series.
The story opens with a prologue that is shocking and sad and sets the mood for the story.
When a man is found brutally murdered in a Dublin hotel room, Criminal psychologist/profiler, Dr Kate Pearson is asked to assist with profiling of the killer.
Dr Kate Pearson and Garda Detective Inspector O’Connor, work together at trying to discover the killer's identity, which Kate believes may be female. When similar murders that occurred in Paris and Rome come up in their investigation, the two travel to both cities to obtain more information.
The intriguing and multi-layered storyline revolves around underground BDSM scenes in Dublin, Paris and Rome and how a child's early years can affect their behaviour as adults. Are we born or made evil? Madness, depravity, sex, greed, power, malice, hate, sexual abuse, lies, secrets............and as with previous books, the story is told through different POV's..........the most chilling and dark being the killer's thoughts and feelings.
One of the things I like about this series is how familiar Kate and O'Connor have become. The two's relationship has evolved from the 1st book...there is definitely a spark there and I look forward to seeing if it goes forward or not.
This is really a superb series and if you like psychological thrillers, this is one for you.
I really liked the cover............you feel the evil lurking in the shadows!!!!
November 24, 2018
I really love the Dr Kate Pearson character. This third book is next level, darker.
July 25, 2015
Thanks to author and Hachette for sending me a review copy....
A mans body is found in a Dublin hotel room, brutally murdered and posed in an unusual way. The discovery of lipstick on the man's lips suggest he was kissed after death. A last kiss.
Criminal psychologist, Dr Kate Pearson is called into see if she can shed some light on the killers identity. She spots some unusual things at the crime scene which suggest the killer is female, and may have killed before....
Meanwhile, Sandra is a woman who is distraught. She believes her husband is cheating on her, has found dodgy links on her home computer and now thinks someone is watching her. Items in the house are being moved, strange smells detected and red lipstick found.
The books brings the reader through the jarringly different worlds of a housewife in suburban Dublin, through to the secretive and intense sexual power games in the underground S&M scenes in Paris and Rome. The novel examines the effects of sex, on women as well as men, the power it can hold, the effects it can have and the long term results of the darker side of pleasure. The Prologue is loosely based on real events and makes the reader see how a child's upbringing can be moulded from infancy, regardless of DNA. A child can be taught to love, cherish and have realistic boundaries. But, there will always be some who slip through the net, and this clever concept is used by the author from the beginning of the book. Kate Pearson uses this line to help DI O'Connor understand how important a child's upbringing is to their future selfworth....
" If a child feels loved, they have a better chance than most "
This is Louise Phillips third crime fiction novel and I believe it may be her best. The familiar characters of Dr. Pearson and DI O'Connor are a reassuring duo and the spark between them is alive and well. The narrative is strong. Very strong. A combination of love and hate, desire and disgust, murder and malice. The tension that Sandra feels is so well described that I felt myself wanting to shout " look behind you ", even if there was no mention of any presence. The depth of her hurt on discovering her husbands internet history is also very real. Her friends seem to be offering support, but can she trust them?
The investigation into the murder leads the team into unknown territory and is described vividly and without shock tactics. The further they delve into the past of the victim, the more dark doors are opened, bringing the reader on a journey into the unknown.
I have been waiting for this novel as I am a massive fan of Louise Phillips and am always recommending her previous novels, Red Ribbons and The Doll's House. Having heard the author read the prologue at a crime writing festival, last December, I knew this book was for me. I was overjoyed to receive a review copy two days ago.....
Using the likeable and endearing characters of Kate and O'Connor, Louise makes us feel like we have been with them all along. They work well together, see things very differently and the obvious sexual spark is forever lingering in the background. However, this can be read as a stand alone book as the plot is strong and well able to hold its own. It is a deliciously dark thriller that leaves a bitter aftertaste, like a great dark chocolate or superior claret.
The writing is truly spectacular. The chapters fly by and before you know it, you are halfway through. I noticed a subtle notch up in style, pace and depth. I didn't think the author could get much better, but she has surpassed herself. Already an award-winning novelist, this author is set for great, great things and thoroughly deserves them. Top notch crime thriller which deserves its place at the top of bestseller lists, not just in Ireland, but worldwide.
Cannot recommend enough........
A mans body is found in a Dublin hotel room, brutally murdered and posed in an unusual way. The discovery of lipstick on the man's lips suggest he was kissed after death. A last kiss.
Criminal psychologist, Dr Kate Pearson is called into see if she can shed some light on the killers identity. She spots some unusual things at the crime scene which suggest the killer is female, and may have killed before....
Meanwhile, Sandra is a woman who is distraught. She believes her husband is cheating on her, has found dodgy links on her home computer and now thinks someone is watching her. Items in the house are being moved, strange smells detected and red lipstick found.
The books brings the reader through the jarringly different worlds of a housewife in suburban Dublin, through to the secretive and intense sexual power games in the underground S&M scenes in Paris and Rome. The novel examines the effects of sex, on women as well as men, the power it can hold, the effects it can have and the long term results of the darker side of pleasure. The Prologue is loosely based on real events and makes the reader see how a child's upbringing can be moulded from infancy, regardless of DNA. A child can be taught to love, cherish and have realistic boundaries. But, there will always be some who slip through the net, and this clever concept is used by the author from the beginning of the book. Kate Pearson uses this line to help DI O'Connor understand how important a child's upbringing is to their future selfworth....
" If a child feels loved, they have a better chance than most "
This is Louise Phillips third crime fiction novel and I believe it may be her best. The familiar characters of Dr. Pearson and DI O'Connor are a reassuring duo and the spark between them is alive and well. The narrative is strong. Very strong. A combination of love and hate, desire and disgust, murder and malice. The tension that Sandra feels is so well described that I felt myself wanting to shout " look behind you ", even if there was no mention of any presence. The depth of her hurt on discovering her husbands internet history is also very real. Her friends seem to be offering support, but can she trust them?
The investigation into the murder leads the team into unknown territory and is described vividly and without shock tactics. The further they delve into the past of the victim, the more dark doors are opened, bringing the reader on a journey into the unknown.
I have been waiting for this novel as I am a massive fan of Louise Phillips and am always recommending her previous novels, Red Ribbons and The Doll's House. Having heard the author read the prologue at a crime writing festival, last December, I knew this book was for me. I was overjoyed to receive a review copy two days ago.....
Using the likeable and endearing characters of Kate and O'Connor, Louise makes us feel like we have been with them all along. They work well together, see things very differently and the obvious sexual spark is forever lingering in the background. However, this can be read as a stand alone book as the plot is strong and well able to hold its own. It is a deliciously dark thriller that leaves a bitter aftertaste, like a great dark chocolate or superior claret.
The writing is truly spectacular. The chapters fly by and before you know it, you are halfway through. I noticed a subtle notch up in style, pace and depth. I didn't think the author could get much better, but she has surpassed herself. Already an award-winning novelist, this author is set for great, great things and thoroughly deserves them. Top notch crime thriller which deserves its place at the top of bestseller lists, not just in Ireland, but worldwide.
Cannot recommend enough........
March 22, 2015
Another Irish Fiction Week review and again it's for a Louise Phillips book, but hopefully that is a sign of how good they are, and hopefully it urges those with these books on their TBR, to move them closer to the top... In Last Kiss Kate Pearson is once again assisting the Dublin police with their latest case: the murder of an art dealer with a dubious sexual past, his body arranged to mimic the Hangman card from the Tarot deck. When reading the blurb I actually wondered just where the story would go, and whether I'd even enjoy it with the whole 'web of sexual power and evil which spreads from Dublin to Paris, and then to Rome.' What I'll say then is that Last Kiss has been my favourite out of the three that have been released so far.
Last Kiss is a hard book to review because often the things I love most about the book are those that you can't really talk about without giving away half the plot. The chapters featuring our killer are probably some of the best I've read, endlessly fascinating and so very terrifying this really was compulsive reading at its very best. The psychological elements of Louise's books are just so brilliantly done, bringing to the story an authenticity greater than any other author I have read in a long time. It's very hard to discuss the characters in any great detail, but Louise - as in her previous books - raises some interesting points, leaving the reader with a lot to think about long after turning that final page. A person's upbringing, what drives them to kill etc is something that is often explored very loosely, or lazily in a lot of crime fiction books. Often it's just a case of been there, done that but there's a lot to be taken from Last Kiss, and it would certainly provoke a lively discussion from book club readers.
I'm repeating myself but as said in my review for The Doll's House, one of the strongest elements of Louise's stories for me are their endings. Often you can read a book, great start, brilliant middle and then abysmal ending. And this happens a lot. Louise keeps the suspense going pretty much until the final pages. I read the last hundred or so pages of Last Kiss in the bath, and I had my Kindle in a vice-like grip because I was practically shaking, such is the suspense and tension created here. I even gasped out loud (yes, really!) near the end too. A satisfying conclusion for the main story, yet the reader is left wanting more from Kate and O'Connor, an intriguing pairing to say the least. What I particularly like about Kate is she is very realistically drawn, not without her own issues and demons I never felt like I'd read about her before, as is sometimes the case with female psychologists especially.
It's certainly been a long time since I sat and read all of an author's books in just one week but I honestly couldn't have chosen three better books to read during Irish Fiction Week and I just can't recommend them enough. I imagine a lot of people will have discovered Louise by now, and I'm late to the party, but for those out there that haven't yet, do so ASAP. Three of the best books that I've read in 2015 so far.
Last Kiss is a hard book to review because often the things I love most about the book are those that you can't really talk about without giving away half the plot. The chapters featuring our killer are probably some of the best I've read, endlessly fascinating and so very terrifying this really was compulsive reading at its very best. The psychological elements of Louise's books are just so brilliantly done, bringing to the story an authenticity greater than any other author I have read in a long time. It's very hard to discuss the characters in any great detail, but Louise - as in her previous books - raises some interesting points, leaving the reader with a lot to think about long after turning that final page. A person's upbringing, what drives them to kill etc is something that is often explored very loosely, or lazily in a lot of crime fiction books. Often it's just a case of been there, done that but there's a lot to be taken from Last Kiss, and it would certainly provoke a lively discussion from book club readers.
I'm repeating myself but as said in my review for The Doll's House, one of the strongest elements of Louise's stories for me are their endings. Often you can read a book, great start, brilliant middle and then abysmal ending. And this happens a lot. Louise keeps the suspense going pretty much until the final pages. I read the last hundred or so pages of Last Kiss in the bath, and I had my Kindle in a vice-like grip because I was practically shaking, such is the suspense and tension created here. I even gasped out loud (yes, really!) near the end too. A satisfying conclusion for the main story, yet the reader is left wanting more from Kate and O'Connor, an intriguing pairing to say the least. What I particularly like about Kate is she is very realistically drawn, not without her own issues and demons I never felt like I'd read about her before, as is sometimes the case with female psychologists especially.
It's certainly been a long time since I sat and read all of an author's books in just one week but I honestly couldn't have chosen three better books to read during Irish Fiction Week and I just can't recommend them enough. I imagine a lot of people will have discovered Louise by now, and I'm late to the party, but for those out there that haven't yet, do so ASAP. Three of the best books that I've read in 2015 so far.
December 11, 2014
Louise Phillips in my eyes can do no wrong. Last kiss is brilliant i loved everything about the book. From red ribbons the debut you can see how the characters have progressed. Last Kiss kept me awake at night and it was a book i thought about most of the day until i got back to reading it. it was a brilliant story with plenty of twists and turns it kept me guessing till the final chapter. For me last kiss is my book of the year never wanted the book to end.
October 26, 2016
This psychological thriller opened a door into a dark territory I haven’t visited for a long time. The characters I met there felt oddly familiar, almost like old friends. Louise Phillips has a talent for crawling right up inside your head and knocking down walls. I can’t wait to read more!
August 8, 2014
Dr Kate Phillips is a psychologist who works with the Irish Police force assisting by providing profiles of suspects. If you like Criminal Minds, this series is so much better!
The introduction grabs you by the throat as it details a teenage girl giving birth to her baby in the wood. What happens within the first three pages is haunting and sets the chilling scene for the rest of the book.
In the present day an art dealer is found dead, brutally stabbed to death in a hotel room, his body arranged to mirror the Hangman from the tarot cards. Detective Mark Lynch is revelling in his position in charge when he calls Kate in to help out and she begins reading the crime scene examining it for insights into the killer’s mind.
I love Louise Phillips writing which switches between characters; we hear from a married woman devastated to find evidence on her husband’s computer which indicates that he is having an affair. She seeks the assistance of her close friends but becomes more afraid when items in her house are moved about. Kate Pearson gives us updates on the progression of the investigation while the killer is also allowed a voice which gives the reader clues about their identity but also the opportunity to see how good Kate is at her job.
In this book we have the contrast in life between rural Ireland, the more cosmopolitan Dublin and then the continent where Kate and DI O’Connor fly off to Paris to examine the death of a man involved in S&M. The distinction between the opulence of the dead man’s hotel room vying with that first scene as well as the artistic devices used by the killer to capture the right image both of herself and her victim are powerful in bringing the visual aspect to the written word.
I loved both the previous books in this series Red Ribbons and The Doll’s House and this book easily matches these two, and maybe even surpasses them in terms of the depth and complexity of the plot. This is a dark book with the inclusion of the S&M and Tarot cards so that when the killer and their motives are unmasked, it left me with a feeling of profound sadness, as if this were all somehow more than just fiction.
I'd like to thank the publishers Hachette for my copy of this book in return for this honest review
The introduction grabs you by the throat as it details a teenage girl giving birth to her baby in the wood. What happens within the first three pages is haunting and sets the chilling scene for the rest of the book.
In the present day an art dealer is found dead, brutally stabbed to death in a hotel room, his body arranged to mirror the Hangman from the tarot cards. Detective Mark Lynch is revelling in his position in charge when he calls Kate in to help out and she begins reading the crime scene examining it for insights into the killer’s mind.
I love Louise Phillips writing which switches between characters; we hear from a married woman devastated to find evidence on her husband’s computer which indicates that he is having an affair. She seeks the assistance of her close friends but becomes more afraid when items in her house are moved about. Kate Pearson gives us updates on the progression of the investigation while the killer is also allowed a voice which gives the reader clues about their identity but also the opportunity to see how good Kate is at her job.
In this book we have the contrast in life between rural Ireland, the more cosmopolitan Dublin and then the continent where Kate and DI O’Connor fly off to Paris to examine the death of a man involved in S&M. The distinction between the opulence of the dead man’s hotel room vying with that first scene as well as the artistic devices used by the killer to capture the right image both of herself and her victim are powerful in bringing the visual aspect to the written word.
I loved both the previous books in this series Red Ribbons and The Doll’s House and this book easily matches these two, and maybe even surpasses them in terms of the depth and complexity of the plot. This is a dark book with the inclusion of the S&M and Tarot cards so that when the killer and their motives are unmasked, it left me with a feeling of profound sadness, as if this were all somehow more than just fiction.
I'd like to thank the publishers Hachette for my copy of this book in return for this honest review
July 2, 2015
Review: Last Kiss by Louise Phillips Publication date: 7th August 2014
Publisher: Hachette Ireland
ISBN: 9781444789379
Source: author/publisher
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
In a quiet suburb, a woman desperately clings to her sanity as a shadowy presence moves objects around her home.
In a hotel room across the city, an art dealer with a dubious sexual past is found butchered, his body arranged to mimic the Hangman card from the Tarot deck.
But what connects them?
When criminal psychologist Dr Kate Pearson is brought in to help investigate the murder, she finds herself plunged into a web of sexual power and evil which spreads from Dublin to Paris, and then to Rome.
Will Kate discover the identity of the killer before it's too late to protect the innocent? But what separates the innocent from the guilty when the sins of the past can never be forgotten?
Review:
This compelling psychological thriller grabbed my attention from the outset, dragging me along on a rollercoaster ride of intrigue through Europe and Ireland. Well written, with interesting and endearing characters, I found this book unputdownable. It is dark and gritty, terrifying yet sad. I was drawn into the killer's world and experienced so many emotional highs and lows, before being flung out at the end like a soggy tissue!
The relationship between Pearson and O'Connor is on a par with Val McDermid's brilliant pairing of Tony Hill and Carol Jordan, and I can easily imagine this book transferring onto the screen in a similar way.
*I received a free review copy of this novel*
Publisher: Hachette Ireland
ISBN: 9781444789379
Source: author/publisher
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
In a quiet suburb, a woman desperately clings to her sanity as a shadowy presence moves objects around her home.
In a hotel room across the city, an art dealer with a dubious sexual past is found butchered, his body arranged to mimic the Hangman card from the Tarot deck.
But what connects them?
When criminal psychologist Dr Kate Pearson is brought in to help investigate the murder, she finds herself plunged into a web of sexual power and evil which spreads from Dublin to Paris, and then to Rome.
Will Kate discover the identity of the killer before it's too late to protect the innocent? But what separates the innocent from the guilty when the sins of the past can never be forgotten?
Review:
This compelling psychological thriller grabbed my attention from the outset, dragging me along on a rollercoaster ride of intrigue through Europe and Ireland. Well written, with interesting and endearing characters, I found this book unputdownable. It is dark and gritty, terrifying yet sad. I was drawn into the killer's world and experienced so many emotional highs and lows, before being flung out at the end like a soggy tissue!
The relationship between Pearson and O'Connor is on a par with Val McDermid's brilliant pairing of Tony Hill and Carol Jordan, and I can easily imagine this book transferring onto the screen in a similar way.
*I received a free review copy of this novel*
August 27, 2014
Christopher Walken said in the Film Man on Fire: "A man can be an artist... in anything, food, whatever. It depends on how good he is at it. Creasey's art is death. He's about to paint his masterpiece."
I think Louise Phillips just wrote her masterpiece with Last Kiss.
A man is dead in a hotel room in Dublin. This murder is a gruesome death with a shade of lipstick left on the victim. The colour carmine won't be a shade that will leave it for a long time. This is the third book from Louise and that means my favourite Criminal psychologist, Dr Kate Pearson is back to help the Irish police.
I really loved this book it set of like a rollercoaster. Many twists and turns and I could not work out the killer at all. I loved how I really felt the killer was speaking to me with Louise's short and precise sentences. I could hear a voice in my head speaking to me as I read these parts.
I took my time reading this book and that all went out the window by part three. I was very sucked in and did not want to put the book down.
The start, the middle and the end were truly captivating. I even took away a nice message from the book. I wont ruin it by telling you. Read it and see if you can get it.
The world has had the great ones like Agatha Christie,Ruth Rendell, Steig Larsson. I am happy Ireland has Louise Phillips.
Read Last Kiss as soon as you can. Won't be long I'd say before Hollywood comes knocking.
I think Louise Phillips just wrote her masterpiece with Last Kiss.
A man is dead in a hotel room in Dublin. This murder is a gruesome death with a shade of lipstick left on the victim. The colour carmine won't be a shade that will leave it for a long time. This is the third book from Louise and that means my favourite Criminal psychologist, Dr Kate Pearson is back to help the Irish police.
I really loved this book it set of like a rollercoaster. Many twists and turns and I could not work out the killer at all. I loved how I really felt the killer was speaking to me with Louise's short and precise sentences. I could hear a voice in my head speaking to me as I read these parts.
I took my time reading this book and that all went out the window by part three. I was very sucked in and did not want to put the book down.
The start, the middle and the end were truly captivating. I even took away a nice message from the book. I wont ruin it by telling you. Read it and see if you can get it.
The world has had the great ones like Agatha Christie,Ruth Rendell, Steig Larsson. I am happy Ireland has Louise Phillips.
Read Last Kiss as soon as you can. Won't be long I'd say before Hollywood comes knocking.
September 21, 2014
I must confess with the absolute glut of female psychological thriller writers currently inhabiting the genre, my recent reading in this genre has been an up and down affair. However, building on the success of both Red Ribbons and The Doll’s House, Phillips has earned a steadfast place in my list of favoured writers. Once again placing the likeable and engaging criminal psychologist Dr Kate Pearson in league with the grizzled and world weary DI O’Connor, there is again time for Phillips to play with the dynamics of their relationship, as they are pitted against a sadistic murderer and a far reaching investigation. What quickly transpires is that the killer they seek has killed before, and has no compunction in killing again…and again. This is a difficult review to write as I am not going to dwell on plot, purely because this is such a chilling and twisting investigation that I am desperate to avoid spoilers. Needless, to say I loved the little false alleys that Phillips leads us up in the course of the book and although I guessed the identity of the killer (more through fluke I believe) , which is beautifully concealed, there was no way I saw that ending coming. It’s dark, devious and totally gripping with interesting and engaging central characters, a good use of the contrasting locations, and more slippery than an eel covered in Vaseline. Thanks to Phillips for restoring my faith in the psychological thriller, and in some style.
October 7, 2016
This was an interesting crime investigation and psych thriller novel. After looking at a recent murder, a psychologist/profiler thinks the murder is a woman. Clues are left, most notably her carmine lipstick at the murder scene. Past murders, in Paris and Rome seem to indicate it's the same killer. As the investigators and profiler are on the trail, the killer is revealing herself through first person narrative chapters. The reader see her crimes through her eyes and sees her next intended victim. Suspense builds as we hope the investigators will catch her before she has a chance to carry out her plans and as the reader also tries to figure out the identity of the killer.
March 7, 2016
"Last Kiss" was a fun book to read. At the beginning, it was a little slow for me, but after some pages I was totally into this new case of Kate and Adam. Almost until the very end of the book, I was not able to discover who really was under the series of killings. I hope to read the last book of L. Phillips very soon since I want to know more about the main characters, Kate and Adam. I think that I would like to see more development of their story in the next books.
October 7, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through a giveaway on Goodreads.
It was very interesting and fast-paced psychological thriller book. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down! It's a very engaging, very cleverly written by Louise Phillips and thoroughly enjoyed by me.
Thank you for sending me a copy of your book.
“The story worth reading”
It was very interesting and fast-paced psychological thriller book. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down! It's a very engaging, very cleverly written by Louise Phillips and thoroughly enjoyed by me.
Thank you for sending me a copy of your book.
“The story worth reading”
May 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this! It was definitely one of the best books I've read in a good while. With short chapters and hearing the story from different characters/perspectives, it's a rare book that made it difficult for me to put down!
September 22, 2015
Well, that was a little gem from the to-read pile. My first book by Louise Phillips, and what an amazing read! Highly recommended and looking forward to more!!
January 10, 2015
Well I can certainly see why Louise Phillips is an award-winning crime writer! This is the third Dr Kate Pearson novel, however only the first that I have read. Three pages in and I knew I was going to love this book. I was hauled instantly into the intriguing world of a narrator who demanded my attention.
We are initially introduced to a very disturbing crime scene, a gruesome murder with a Tarot twist, which later transpires to not be the first of its kind. Dr Kate Pearson, criminal psychologist, is called in by Dublin police to help give a psychological profile of the murderer.
I liked Kate straight away. She is not your usual whining divorcee-mum, but carries a suitable amount of sadness and vulnerability. She is ever-professional and certainly knows her stuff with regards to the criminal psyche. She juggles her professional relationships with dignity and class – namely an emerging romance with DI Adam O'Connor (there is some history there that I think I will have to read the other novels to fully grasp), and a clear dislike for the ladder-climbing arrogance of DI Mark Lynch. Kate is also the character that gives us an enjoyable and accurate account of psychological theory, and some insightful details of Tarot reading and all its rules and meanings.
Elsewhere, we are introduced to Sandra and her friends. An unlikely group; the kind of old friends that are bound merely by a shared history rather than actually having anything in common anymore. Sandra suspects her husband is having an affair, and her friends are cagey when she airs her suspicions. You know that there is more to all of this than your bog-standard affair, but you cant put your finger on it.
Sandra is very unsettled about something else too – things are being moved around in her home, and she constantly feels like someone is watching her. Of course you know that these events are connected to the murders somehow, but when the first link is actually revealed, I couldn't help but still feel excited about it.
The murder investigations and Kate's role in the story are told in the third person, and Sandra gives us her first person account of what is going on with her,. This keeps things fresh and interesting.
But the absolute best part of the entire novel are the chapters dedicated to our murderer. These are told not only in the first person, but the murderer often directly addresses the reader. With lines such as
“Would you warn her if you could? Or would you wait around to see what other games I have in store?”
These sections are what makes the story all the more chilling. I really felt this psycho in the room with me – I don’t think I've ever read anything that had such an intense effect.
The prose within the murderer's sections was almost hypnotic. I could see how they lull and manipulate their victims, I could feel them doing the same to me! The way you are drawn in is actually quite terrifying. The murderer is not only slowly letting you in on the secrets that the rest of the players have yet to fathom, but is also giving you a direct view to their terribly dark and damaged psyche. They are also very articulate in describing their own childhood trauma, although not to invoke sympathy as they know they are way past that, but almost as a way of further torturing the reader, by letting you know just how dark and ugly this world can be – and their references to the 'Grimm' type characters in their life, like the witch and the huntsman, just goes further to give you the heebie-jeebies! And yes, albeit worryingly so, the murderer was in fact my favourite in a brilliantly diverse and complex group of cracking characters.
I think one of my favourite lines came from the murderer:-
“You might think you know me too. I doubt it. I haven't told you everything, not yet.”
Ooh that one was a corker! Because they were right! You are led on a right merry dance in working out who they are. And I must confess I was slightly disappointed that I was right about their identity early on – although I don’t believe this to be a flaw in the story, and more likely due to me recently reading a very similar plot reveal in another story. Even though I had worked it out very early on, the writing was just so that I couldn’t put money on it, and it didn’t ruin it one bit for me, because the climax was still exciting enough.
Overall, this book was disturbingly and brilliantly intense, and I implore all crime and psychological thriller fans to put this on their reading list immediately! Fantastic!
My thanks t the publishers for providing this book for review.
We are initially introduced to a very disturbing crime scene, a gruesome murder with a Tarot twist, which later transpires to not be the first of its kind. Dr Kate Pearson, criminal psychologist, is called in by Dublin police to help give a psychological profile of the murderer.
I liked Kate straight away. She is not your usual whining divorcee-mum, but carries a suitable amount of sadness and vulnerability. She is ever-professional and certainly knows her stuff with regards to the criminal psyche. She juggles her professional relationships with dignity and class – namely an emerging romance with DI Adam O'Connor (there is some history there that I think I will have to read the other novels to fully grasp), and a clear dislike for the ladder-climbing arrogance of DI Mark Lynch. Kate is also the character that gives us an enjoyable and accurate account of psychological theory, and some insightful details of Tarot reading and all its rules and meanings.
Elsewhere, we are introduced to Sandra and her friends. An unlikely group; the kind of old friends that are bound merely by a shared history rather than actually having anything in common anymore. Sandra suspects her husband is having an affair, and her friends are cagey when she airs her suspicions. You know that there is more to all of this than your bog-standard affair, but you cant put your finger on it.
Sandra is very unsettled about something else too – things are being moved around in her home, and she constantly feels like someone is watching her. Of course you know that these events are connected to the murders somehow, but when the first link is actually revealed, I couldn't help but still feel excited about it.
The murder investigations and Kate's role in the story are told in the third person, and Sandra gives us her first person account of what is going on with her,. This keeps things fresh and interesting.
But the absolute best part of the entire novel are the chapters dedicated to our murderer. These are told not only in the first person, but the murderer often directly addresses the reader. With lines such as
“Would you warn her if you could? Or would you wait around to see what other games I have in store?”
These sections are what makes the story all the more chilling. I really felt this psycho in the room with me – I don’t think I've ever read anything that had such an intense effect.
The prose within the murderer's sections was almost hypnotic. I could see how they lull and manipulate their victims, I could feel them doing the same to me! The way you are drawn in is actually quite terrifying. The murderer is not only slowly letting you in on the secrets that the rest of the players have yet to fathom, but is also giving you a direct view to their terribly dark and damaged psyche. They are also very articulate in describing their own childhood trauma, although not to invoke sympathy as they know they are way past that, but almost as a way of further torturing the reader, by letting you know just how dark and ugly this world can be – and their references to the 'Grimm' type characters in their life, like the witch and the huntsman, just goes further to give you the heebie-jeebies! And yes, albeit worryingly so, the murderer was in fact my favourite in a brilliantly diverse and complex group of cracking characters.
I think one of my favourite lines came from the murderer:-
“You might think you know me too. I doubt it. I haven't told you everything, not yet.”
Ooh that one was a corker! Because they were right! You are led on a right merry dance in working out who they are. And I must confess I was slightly disappointed that I was right about their identity early on – although I don’t believe this to be a flaw in the story, and more likely due to me recently reading a very similar plot reveal in another story. Even though I had worked it out very early on, the writing was just so that I couldn’t put money on it, and it didn’t ruin it one bit for me, because the climax was still exciting enough.
Overall, this book was disturbingly and brilliantly intense, and I implore all crime and psychological thriller fans to put this on their reading list immediately! Fantastic!
My thanks t the publishers for providing this book for review.
March 10, 2017
Louise Phillips is such a good writer and every book is a page-turner. This is no exception. A really good psychological thriller that draws you in from the first page. The story of a woman whose life is so complex that she goes to extremes to avenge her very strange childhood. It will keep you guessing for sure but will you feel empathy at all in the end or just pure hatred for her? Read this and make up your own mind.
September 20, 2014
In a quiet suburb, a woman desperately clings to her sanity as a shadowy presence moves objects around her home.
In a hotel room across the city, an art dealer with a dubious sexual past is found butchered, his body arranged to mimic the Hangman card from the Tarot deck. But what connects them?
When criminal psychologist Dr Kate Pearson is brought in to help investigate the murder, she finds herself plunged into a web of sexual power and evil which spreads from Dublin to Paris, and then to Rome.
Will Kate discover the identity of the killer before it's too late to protect the innocent? But what separates the innocent from the guilty when the sins of the past can never be forgotten?
This is Louise's third novel and it is just amazing, definitely her best one yet. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I couldn't wait to find out what was going to be on the following pages, I devoured it. As I said in my previous reviews of both Red Ribbons and The Doll's House, I am from Dublin, alot of the locations that were written into the book where very poignant for me and as I was reading all three of Louise's books, they seem to have had that effect on me, an excellent read & I would highly recommend that you go out and pick up all three of her books. I was at Louise's book launch for Louise's third novel, Last Kiss on the 12th August.
I knew that I was going on holiday for a week in September so I decided to keep this to read until then & I wasn't disappointed, I had it read in just two days and couldn't put it down, it was face paced and creepy in places especially when things were been placed and moved around the woman's house. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes psychological thrillers; it is a well crafted book that takes you on a thrilling journey, fully of twists and turns. It's prose is simple and the sort of novel you can happily cosy up on the sofa, once you have locked all the doors and windows and know you are going to be in for a cleverly crafted psychological thriller (you've been warned).
In a hotel room across the city, an art dealer with a dubious sexual past is found butchered, his body arranged to mimic the Hangman card from the Tarot deck. But what connects them?
When criminal psychologist Dr Kate Pearson is brought in to help investigate the murder, she finds herself plunged into a web of sexual power and evil which spreads from Dublin to Paris, and then to Rome.
Will Kate discover the identity of the killer before it's too late to protect the innocent? But what separates the innocent from the guilty when the sins of the past can never be forgotten?
This is Louise's third novel and it is just amazing, definitely her best one yet. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I couldn't wait to find out what was going to be on the following pages, I devoured it. As I said in my previous reviews of both Red Ribbons and The Doll's House, I am from Dublin, alot of the locations that were written into the book where very poignant for me and as I was reading all three of Louise's books, they seem to have had that effect on me, an excellent read & I would highly recommend that you go out and pick up all three of her books. I was at Louise's book launch for Louise's third novel, Last Kiss on the 12th August.
I knew that I was going on holiday for a week in September so I decided to keep this to read until then & I wasn't disappointed, I had it read in just two days and couldn't put it down, it was face paced and creepy in places especially when things were been placed and moved around the woman's house. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes psychological thrillers; it is a well crafted book that takes you on a thrilling journey, fully of twists and turns. It's prose is simple and the sort of novel you can happily cosy up on the sofa, once you have locked all the doors and windows and know you are going to be in for a cleverly crafted psychological thriller (you've been warned).
September 27, 2016
I don't think that Spoilers are necessary but be cautious, if you will.
Although there were three slasher/killer murders in this book, LAST KISS is more a psychological learning experience about a severely damaged woman whose years of early childhood trauma created something called "dissociative identity disorder" (not the same as schizophrenia) where her mind split to protect herself and an alternative self developed for her to be able to survive.
I thought it was most interesting that the book explained the psychology behind how this baby girl who was forcibly abandoned by her birth mother in the woods and then raised by a verbally abusive, cold, cruel, "witch" grandmother who got great joy from the pain she made this young child feel which was what contributed/ caused the girl's psychological problems. LAST KISS IS a psychological thriller, which I enjoy!
Although you never get definitive answers as to why she became dissociative while others experience similar childhood trauma and go on to become "normal" functioning adults, we are given reasons to connect the dots. She was sexually abused by her step-father, and she wanted him to love her, but he only "used" her and she hated him. She looked for love and made love with her best friend's father but that too went nowhere. She desperately NEEDED to be loved, as all children do; the need for love is so basic !
I think that I did strongly suspect who was doing the killing ~ 38% with the comment, "She wants my life and.... no need for the other woman anymore." We are told the killer at ~86.
I liked the slow-developing relationship between Psychologist Kate Pearson and Detective Adam O'Connor.
I did not like the ending, as the resolution, IMO, was MUCH too easy. For what she did/committed, riding off in a squad car with her best friend and only years of therapy did not seem adequate punishment. Perhaps prison was just not mentioned in this hurried wrap-up.
I would recommend LAST KISS = 4 stars.
Although there were three slasher/killer murders in this book, LAST KISS is more a psychological learning experience about a severely damaged woman whose years of early childhood trauma created something called "dissociative identity disorder" (not the same as schizophrenia) where her mind split to protect herself and an alternative self developed for her to be able to survive.
I thought it was most interesting that the book explained the psychology behind how this baby girl who was forcibly abandoned by her birth mother in the woods and then raised by a verbally abusive, cold, cruel, "witch" grandmother who got great joy from the pain she made this young child feel which was what contributed/ caused the girl's psychological problems. LAST KISS IS a psychological thriller, which I enjoy!
Although you never get definitive answers as to why she became dissociative while others experience similar childhood trauma and go on to become "normal" functioning adults, we are given reasons to connect the dots. She was sexually abused by her step-father, and she wanted him to love her, but he only "used" her and she hated him. She looked for love and made love with her best friend's father but that too went nowhere. She desperately NEEDED to be loved, as all children do; the need for love is so basic !
I think that I did strongly suspect who was doing the killing ~ 38% with the comment, "She wants my life and.... no need for the other woman anymore." We are told the killer at ~86.
I liked the slow-developing relationship between Psychologist Kate Pearson and Detective Adam O'Connor.
I did not like the ending, as the resolution, IMO, was MUCH too easy. For what she did/committed, riding off in a squad car with her best friend and only years of therapy did not seem adequate punishment. Perhaps prison was just not mentioned in this hurried wrap-up.
I would recommend LAST KISS = 4 stars.
September 21, 2014
I have a knack for picking out books like this. Luckily I also have a preference for „insane“ women. I wonder what that says about me. Hmm.
Anyway. I was lucky, because I won this book in a giveaway and it has some of my favorite elements:
A female protagonist. A female serial killer. Knives. Mental illness. Seriously lots of knives.
The story centers around criminal psychologist Kate Pearson, who's helping the special detective unit of Dublin to solve a particularly vicious murder committed by a femme fatal. The murder appears to be connected to two more in two other European capitol cities.
So far the overall story. As the hunt for this mystery woman unfolds, with lots of interesting twists and bends, Dr. Kate Pearson also has to try balancing her personal life. It's this personal element, paired with the artistic element of the murder scenes that made this novel an especially enjoyable read for me.
Last Kiss is Louise Phillips third novel, but the first one that I have read. At times I felt that the author was repeating too much of the obvious, but overall I was really impressed with the narration of the different points of view.
Even though the previous two novels are also about Dr. Kate Pearson, the story is narrated in such a way that I didn't feel like I missed a thing. On the contrary, it woke my interest for the characters involved and I definitely plan to read the rest of the bunch and whatever may follow and recommend it to everyone!
Anyway. I was lucky, because I won this book in a giveaway and it has some of my favorite elements:
A female protagonist. A female serial killer. Knives. Mental illness. Seriously lots of knives.
The story centers around criminal psychologist Kate Pearson, who's helping the special detective unit of Dublin to solve a particularly vicious murder committed by a femme fatal. The murder appears to be connected to two more in two other European capitol cities.
So far the overall story. As the hunt for this mystery woman unfolds, with lots of interesting twists and bends, Dr. Kate Pearson also has to try balancing her personal life. It's this personal element, paired with the artistic element of the murder scenes that made this novel an especially enjoyable read for me.
Last Kiss is Louise Phillips third novel, but the first one that I have read. At times I felt that the author was repeating too much of the obvious, but overall I was really impressed with the narration of the different points of view.
Even though the previous two novels are also about Dr. Kate Pearson, the story is narrated in such a way that I didn't feel like I missed a thing. On the contrary, it woke my interest for the characters involved and I definitely plan to read the rest of the bunch and whatever may follow and recommend it to everyone!
March 9, 2016
A man is murdered in a swank hotel in Dublin by a woman apparently obsessed with imagery and the Tarot. When another body is found, killed in similar circumstances, the police realize they may be dealing with that rarest of birds – a female serial killer.
Louise Phillips’ protagonist, criminal profiler Dr. Kate Pearson, is in fine fettle. Not only smart, but funny. Professional, but feeling ill at odds about her personal situation.
Kate has separated from her husband and does her best to look after her son, Charlie. Her frustration with that situation is compounded by the odd feeling she has that the officer she’s worked with most closely – Adam O’Connor – would like to be more than friends and vice versa.
Nonetheless, they are teamed to investigate the possible connections with other murders across Europe. All the while, an ambitious rival officer plays dirty in an attempt to discredit O’Connor.
Meanwhile, a woman worries that her husband is having an affair with a much more aggressive and sexual woman than herself. She confides her fears to a group of female friends – at least one of whom knows more than she’s telling.
There is a twist – which I did see coming – but that did nothing to lessen how enthralled I was with the story.
Louise Phillips once again delivers the goods in this heart-stopping thriller.
This book is an absolute must-read!
Louise Phillips’ protagonist, criminal profiler Dr. Kate Pearson, is in fine fettle. Not only smart, but funny. Professional, but feeling ill at odds about her personal situation.
Kate has separated from her husband and does her best to look after her son, Charlie. Her frustration with that situation is compounded by the odd feeling she has that the officer she’s worked with most closely – Adam O’Connor – would like to be more than friends and vice versa.
Nonetheless, they are teamed to investigate the possible connections with other murders across Europe. All the while, an ambitious rival officer plays dirty in an attempt to discredit O’Connor.
Meanwhile, a woman worries that her husband is having an affair with a much more aggressive and sexual woman than herself. She confides her fears to a group of female friends – at least one of whom knows more than she’s telling.
There is a twist – which I did see coming – but that did nothing to lessen how enthralled I was with the story.
Louise Phillips once again delivers the goods in this heart-stopping thriller.
This book is an absolute must-read!
November 19, 2014
As everyone knows I'm a total bookworm and my favourite books are the ones I call unputdownable, the characters become my friends and I slow down to a crawl when reaching the end as I don't like saying goodbye to what I consider a great book.
Last Kiss covers most of the above, unputdownable but I had to think before I grabbed a few mins to read yet another chapter but only because it was so chilling. I wouldn't say all the characters became friends, the ones that did I will, hopefully, meet in future books, the main characters I raced to the end to see just what did happen.
This is a chilling psychological thriller that will keep the reader on the edge of your seat or up half the night and I guarantee you will never look at a red lipstick the same way again. As Louise herself says, it has a theme of nature versus nurture and the harm human beings can, and do, to each other. The fact that Louise Phillips is Irish and her books are set in Dublin does not sway my review in either way. This is a wonderful book and could be set anywhere.
I am delighted to recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller but I'm also very interested in just how does Louise do her research!!!
Louise, another book soon please
Last Kiss covers most of the above, unputdownable but I had to think before I grabbed a few mins to read yet another chapter but only because it was so chilling. I wouldn't say all the characters became friends, the ones that did I will, hopefully, meet in future books, the main characters I raced to the end to see just what did happen.
This is a chilling psychological thriller that will keep the reader on the edge of your seat or up half the night and I guarantee you will never look at a red lipstick the same way again. As Louise herself says, it has a theme of nature versus nurture and the harm human beings can, and do, to each other. The fact that Louise Phillips is Irish and her books are set in Dublin does not sway my review in either way. This is a wonderful book and could be set anywhere.
I am delighted to recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller but I'm also very interested in just how does Louise do her research!!!
Louise, another book soon please
July 26, 2016
With ‘Last Kiss’, Louise Phillips goes deeper and deeper into the workings of the criminal mind, and into a dark fairy tale forest where unconscious urges of damaged minds play out resulting in rage, violence, transgression, lies, sex, birth and death. She knows her subject well and it shows in her clever delineation of the complexities of the pathological mind that would make useful reading for an undergraduate student of forensic psychology, deftly done as it is, through the voice of Kate Pearson. This exploration of character and psychology extends to her other characters too, in particular the above mentioned Kate, whose personal struggles are convincingly portrayed. Clever handling of multiple narratives here too which makes for a page turning read!
September 10, 2014
I got this book through first-reads.
Her husband is having an affair with a woman who wants her life. How far will she go to take back control?
A dead man's body is found in a hotel room. a trace of lipstick is found on his lips. A death Kiss.
This book is full of twist and turns, like a never ending roller coaster. I couldn't put this book down.
A great narrative, suspenseful story and with strong characters.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, this is the book that I highly recommend for you
Her husband is having an affair with a woman who wants her life. How far will she go to take back control?
A dead man's body is found in a hotel room. a trace of lipstick is found on his lips. A death Kiss.
This book is full of twist and turns, like a never ending roller coaster. I couldn't put this book down.
A great narrative, suspenseful story and with strong characters.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, this is the book that I highly recommend for you
November 11, 2014
In my opinion, 5 stars is not enough to rate this book!!! It's the most cleverly written book I've ever put my hands on!
Kate was back again in this book and I liked that we got to meet the same characters again. I couldn't put this book down, it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout!
I found this book to be much darker than the precious too. It's such a brilliant story line and its a story that will stay with me for a while! I'm really looking forward to more from Louise Phillips. This is an absolute must read!
Kate was back again in this book and I liked that we got to meet the same characters again. I couldn't put this book down, it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout!
I found this book to be much darker than the precious too. It's such a brilliant story line and its a story that will stay with me for a while! I'm really looking forward to more from Louise Phillips. This is an absolute must read!
August 27, 2014
This is the third of Louise Phillips psychological thrillers. Last Kiss follows Louise's first novel, Red Ribbons, then her second Dolls House. Last Kiss is deeply dark and gripped me from the very first page. The twists and murders are expertly interwoven with an unforgettable cast of characters. You definitely won't want to go walking in the woods alone after reading Last Kiss.
A psychological page turner.
A psychological page turner.
July 1, 2015
I found an interesting article on Queens of Irish crime fiction and decided to explore. Here is the link to the article:
http://www.independent.ie/entertainme...
I'm certainly glad I did. I've now read all three and found the writing to be engaging and quite outstanding. I highly recommend this book. I'm heading to the library to pick up another of her books.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainme...
I'm certainly glad I did. I've now read all three and found the writing to be engaging and quite outstanding. I highly recommend this book. I'm heading to the library to pick up another of her books.
February 27, 2015
I was a bit concerned that reading all three of these novels in quick succession would give rise to overexposure - not a bit of it!! Same sound, wonderfully planned out structure, but with another great storyline. The close relationship between good and evil and dark and light is at the core, with another brilliantly teasing, teasing ending.
February 1, 2015
I have to say that this book was fabulous. I have read Louise Phillips other two novels and enjoyed them immensely but this book was even better. It was very gripping and I eagerly await the next instalment.
September 11, 2014
Gutted I've finished this book - it was that good! Hooked right to the end!
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