The Last Case: A Joseph Tey Mystery

by Sean DeLauder

A brutal murder on a New England beach in the mid-1980s lures detective Joseph Tey from months of self-imposed isolation. As Tey delves into the mystery, he worries about the erosion of skills that once allowed him to solve complex mysteries. Aided by a journal he has kept of his past experiences while caring for his mother, a former detective who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease, Tey cautiously re-enters the world he left behind and discovers the terrible truth about why he left.

219 pages, Paperback

Published June 29, 2025

About the author

This author has held several positions in recent years, including Content Writer, Grant Writer, Obituary Clerk, and Staff Writer, and is under the false impression that these experiences have added to his character since they have not contributed much to his finances. He was awarded a BFA in Creative Writing and Journalism and a BA in Technical Communication by Bowling Green State University because they are giving and eager to make friends. He has a few scattered publications with several conveniently defunct magazines (but refuses credit for their extinction), and resides in the drab, northeastern region of Ohio because it makes everything else seem fascinating, exotic, and beautiful.

He is currently at work on a trilogy involving heroes, dirt, and monsters that cannot be defeated, only escaped.

Reviews

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written mystery that stayed with me long after I finished it. Joseph Tey is a compelling and layered character, and I appreciated how the author didn’t just focus on solving the crime, but also explored themes like aging, memory, and grief.

The setting was vivid and atmospheric, and I loved the slower pace that allowed the emotional weight of the story to build. The connection between Tey and his mother, and the way his past shaped his present, added a lot of heart.

If you enjoy mysteries that are thoughtful and character-driven, this is definitely worth reading.

[Doug Piero · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Case: A Joseph Tey Mystery is an enjoyable crime novella composed of multiple overlapping small mysteries. This kept my interest up as little mysteries were unveiled one by one. The primary arc was a decent story as well. In an author's note at the end, DeLauder talks about this being a big-twist book. I don't get that, instead finding everything to have a natural flow of plots and characters. Maybe I completely misunderstand the book. It won't be the first time.

The narrator known as Joseph brings us the events in first person narration, and his voice is clear and well defined. Joseph's diary entries are another critical component of the story, and provide a lot of philosophical asides that give the book some beef.

I was left with some unsolved conundrums by the end that were a bit irritating. What sort of robe was the character wearing at the start of the book, was it a clerical robe, a hospital robe, a common bathrobe? And why didn't people react more strongly to this lack of clothing? Why didn't the boat sink while it was tied to the pier? Why was it called justice when a supporting character who has done no harm is killed in the last two pages?

Sean DeLauder is an Ohio author.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Last Case’ is slow in the beginning, but the narrative picks up pace halfway. Joseph promises to solve the murder of Threejay because he needs the motivation to believe in himself. For me, it was challenging to focus on understanding the case, as too many unnecessary details diluted the effect of the investigation. For example, what is the need to tell the reader that “the cushions on the loveseat were covered with floral fabric?”

More than half of the book concentrates on setting the background and describing people rather than solving the case, but the twist in the story is shocking and nails the distractions. The hints dropped in the beginning, like "he felt slow in mind, foggy and inattentive," don't give away the suspense.

Joseph’s character has been crafted astutely. He sounds so believable. His struggle to be Joseph Tey, the same brilliant guy who was known for his skillful handling of murder investigations, and the presence of Josephine in his thoughts lend remarkable significance to the story.
I found some typos that need attention.

[Jane Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Tey, an esteemed detective who retreated into obscurity following his mother’s death, finds himself thrust back into investigative duties involved in a case concerning the decapitation of a young man. However, Joe appears to have lost his memory, something he tries to conceal from those who know him, who also seem concerned by his altered appearance. But, while all this is happening, another mystery runs through the book - about Joe himself as shadows from the past slowly unravel through his foggy mind to haunt him.

The story flows well with good pacing, and I found myself quickly drawn into a charged atmosphere with an eerie edge. The story keeps the reader guessing with intriguing twists and turns as it moves towards a surprising conclusion.

The art of a good murder mystery is in its air of unpredictability, and The Last Case does not disappoint.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.   

[Amber Daulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

After months in seclusion, retired detective Joseph Tey returns to solve the murder of a young man. Everyone who knows him is glad he’s back. However, he looks and is acting different, but they can’t quite figure out why. Joseph is keeping a terrible secret, which might not even be a secret at all—but a lie that could change everything.
Wow. Lots of twists and turns in this murder mystery. I couldn’t figure out who the murderer was for the longest time. The story is well-written, though the pacing could’ve been faster at times and the constant journal entries/flashbacks grew tiresome.
I don’t read mysteries often, but I found this one interesting. I definitely didn’t see the surprise ending coming. Overall, I’m glad I gave this book a try, and I’m sure readers of the genre will enjoy it.
3.5 Stars

[Seth Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I first got into this mystery story, but Sean DeLauder did a great job of drawing me into the life of this detective and the strange things he is dealing with. The detective's personal struggles with his memory and brain slightly remind me of seasons of True Detective or similar shows. The pacing is a little odd at times and there were a few loose ends that may not be quite spelled out in the end, but this one holds its own as a solid mystery/detective story with its own personal flare and persona. Most fans of the mystery or crime genre, as well as those interested in psychological trauma and family issues-- will certainly enjoy this read. It is fairly short and the slow burn doesn't drag on too badly to ruin the tale. Overall, I recommend it.

[Chelsea O'Hara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atmospheric, unique, and beautifully written.

The Last Case pulls you in right from the opening scene on the beach. The writing is incredibly atmospheric and descriptive. You can really picture the coastline, the cold mornings, and the haunting mood surrounding the investigation. Joseph Tey is an interesting, layered character, and I especially enjoyed the themes of memory, identity, and how the past shapes us.

The plot has a very literary, slow-burn feel, which isn’t my usual reading style, but I ended up appreciating the quieter, reflective tone here. It’s different in a good way.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, well-crafted mystery with a strong sense of place and some standout scenes. Readers who enjoy atmospheric storytelling will really love this one.

[Sean DeLauder]

"An out-of-the-box murder mystery with some seriously intriguing twists."

Read Nikolas Mavreas' full review for The Last Case over at Independent Book Review.

[Sue Schug · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I’m being honest, this book really surprised me—in the best way. It doesn’t just stick to the usual formulas; it takes risks and brings something genuinely new to the table. The story is packed with twists I never saw coming, and the author’s voice feels truly original. I found myself drawn in right from the start and couldn’t put it down. Honestly, it’s raised the bar for what I look for in this genre. I’m already counting down the days until the next book from this author!

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean DeLauder is an excellent writer! His style and vivid descriptions really brought me into the world of his protagonist. It felt very noir, with everything being described through the view and feelings of the detective. Following along with the detective as he struggles with both the mystery and his personal battle was really intriguing. There were lots of unexpected twists along the way, most of which were earned and worked into the story well.

I’m conflicted about the ending. It didn’t go the way I wanted it to go and it ended quire sadly, but as much as I don’t like sad endings, I still enjoyed the ride enough that I plan to read the book again.

If you’re looking for your typical “room full of suspects that are gradually eliminated” type of mystery, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a slice-of-life journey you take with the protagonist, this book is well worth reading! I highly recommend it.