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Last One Alive
She glances in the rearview mirror as the stranger walks towards her broken-down car. The wicked look on his face sends a chill up her spine and she knows he’s not here to help. She doesn’t have time to scream before she falls to the ground, and the darkening sky goes black.
When the lifeless body of a young girl is discovered at an abandoned warehouse close to Red Rose County, FBI Agent Val Costa races to investigate. Setting eyes on the victim, Val’s heart stops as she spots the jagged letter S carved into her ice-cold chest. Slowly, she runs her fingers across her own identical scar. She’s been waiting for the Bear to leave his mark again, and now he finally has.
Determined to catch the man who’s haunted her dreams for years, Val promises to end his killing spree once and for all, but when more bodies are found bearing the same deadly carving, she fears she may already be too late. And then Val receives a call that turns her blood to ice—someone close to her is missing, and the killer has left a note addressed to her. Follow these rules and she lives.
Desperate to find them, Val faces her biggest challenge yet. Will she need to defy orders and track down the Bear alone before it's too late?
Fans of Lisa Regan, L.T. Ryan and Mary Stone won’t be able to put down this totally heart-racing crime thriller.
What readers are saying about Last One Alive:
‘Absolutely page-turning, heart-racing read… everything you can ask for and much, much more… I absolutely devoured this fantastic and explosive page-turner in one sitting… glued to the pages… addictive, gripping and heart-racing… absolutely PERFECT… CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES BEFORE TURNING A SINGLE PAGE OF THIS ABSOLUTELY ADDICTIVE BOOK AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!! I absolutely loved… heart-racing and unputdownable.’ Bookwormwhitlock86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘WOW… H.K. Christie absolutely delivered!!… I couldn’t look away… chilling in the best way… heart-pounding suspense that kept me glued to my Kindle… might just be my favorite yet!… A must-read.’ pagesturnedbypeytonrose, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Gripping… full of jaw-dropping twists… an unforgettable ride!… a solid five-star read… glued to the pages until the very end… It’s emotional, adrenaline-fueled, and utterly addictive. I love this!’ moneisreading, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Explosive… my favourite book of the year.’ Leannebookstagram, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Pure suspense from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and couldn’t put it down… completely hooked. The pacing never lets up… demands to be read in one sitting—an absolute page-turner.
When the lifeless body of a young girl is discovered at an abandoned warehouse close to Red Rose County, FBI Agent Val Costa races to investigate. Setting eyes on the victim, Val’s heart stops as she spots the jagged letter S carved into her ice-cold chest. Slowly, she runs her fingers across her own identical scar. She’s been waiting for the Bear to leave his mark again, and now he finally has.
Determined to catch the man who’s haunted her dreams for years, Val promises to end his killing spree once and for all, but when more bodies are found bearing the same deadly carving, she fears she may already be too late. And then Val receives a call that turns her blood to ice—someone close to her is missing, and the killer has left a note addressed to her. Follow these rules and she lives.
Desperate to find them, Val faces her biggest challenge yet. Will she need to defy orders and track down the Bear alone before it's too late?
Fans of Lisa Regan, L.T. Ryan and Mary Stone won’t be able to put down this totally heart-racing crime thriller.
What readers are saying about Last One Alive:
‘Absolutely page-turning, heart-racing read… everything you can ask for and much, much more… I absolutely devoured this fantastic and explosive page-turner in one sitting… glued to the pages… addictive, gripping and heart-racing… absolutely PERFECT… CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES BEFORE TURNING A SINGLE PAGE OF THIS ABSOLUTELY ADDICTIVE BOOK AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!! I absolutely loved… heart-racing and unputdownable.’ Bookwormwhitlock86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘WOW… H.K. Christie absolutely delivered!!… I couldn’t look away… chilling in the best way… heart-pounding suspense that kept me glued to my Kindle… might just be my favorite yet!… A must-read.’ pagesturnedbypeytonrose, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Gripping… full of jaw-dropping twists… an unforgettable ride!… a solid five-star read… glued to the pages until the very end… It’s emotional, adrenaline-fueled, and utterly addictive. I love this!’ moneisreading, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Explosive… my favourite book of the year.’ Leannebookstagram, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Pure suspense from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and couldn’t put it down… completely hooked. The pacing never lets up… demands to be read in one sitting—an absolute page-turner.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
175 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
H.K. Christie
54 books473 followersH. K. Christie watched horror films far too early in life. Inspired by the likes of Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, true crime podcasts, and a vivid imagination she now writes suspenseful thrillers. When not working on her latest novel, she can be found eating & drinking with friends, walking around the lakes, or playing with her favorite furry pal.
She is a native and current resident of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The MARTINA MONROE series featuring Private Investigator Martina Monroe and her unofficial partner, Detective August Hirsch of the Cold Case Squad, is a nail-bing crime thriller series full of suspense. If you like high-stakes games, jaw-dropping twists, and embattled seekers struggling to do right, then you’ll love the thrilling Martina Monroe series.
The SELENA BAILEY series is a collection of suspenseful stories detailing one young woman's turbulent path to becoming a top-notch, kick-ass private investigator. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you’ll love this new dark thriller series. A Permanent Mark is a suspenseful murder mystery featuring a grown-up Selena Bailey.
www.authorhkchristie.com
The MARTINA MONROE series featuring Private Investigator Martina Monroe and her unofficial partner, Detective August Hirsch of the Cold Case Squad, is a nail-bing crime thriller series full of suspense. If you like high-stakes games, jaw-dropping twists, and embattled seekers struggling to do right, then you’ll love the thrilling Martina Monroe series.
The SELENA BAILEY series is a collection of suspenseful stories detailing one young woman's turbulent path to becoming a top-notch, kick-ass private investigator. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you’ll love this new dark thriller series. A Permanent Mark is a suspenseful murder mystery featuring a grown-up Selena Bailey.
www.authorhkchristie.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 21, 2025
If there is one thing H. K. Christie is going to do, it is snatch my attention from page one and refuse to give it back. Last One Alive delivered everything I want in a crime thriller. Creepy tension, emotional punches, and that slow burn panic where you start side-eyeing every character like, “be so for real right now.”
Here is the setup. Former FBI Agent Val Costa discovers a body with a carved mark that matches the scar she has carried for years. Translation, the killer she has been waiting on is back and he is not easing his way in. Bodies start piling up, clues turn personal, and suddenly Val is forced to chase a nightmare she has spent her whole life trying to outrun.
What I loved is how Christie makes Val feel human in the middle of the chaos. She is capable, stubborn, tired, and terrified all at once, but she keeps pushing. The pacing stays tight, the suspense keeps rising, and that final stretch had me whispering “girl, please make it out” like I was watching a late night crime documentary.
A fantastic installment in this series, very addictive, very cinematic, and absolutely worth every minute. Five stars, easily.
Here is the setup. Former FBI Agent Val Costa discovers a body with a carved mark that matches the scar she has carried for years. Translation, the killer she has been waiting on is back and he is not easing his way in. Bodies start piling up, clues turn personal, and suddenly Val is forced to chase a nightmare she has spent her whole life trying to outrun.
What I loved is how Christie makes Val feel human in the middle of the chaos. She is capable, stubborn, tired, and terrified all at once, but she keeps pushing. The pacing stays tight, the suspense keeps rising, and that final stretch had me whispering “girl, please make it out” like I was watching a late night crime documentary.
A fantastic installment in this series, very addictive, very cinematic, and absolutely worth every minute. Five stars, easily.
October 18, 2025
Gripping, intense, and full of jaw-dropping twists, Last One Alive takes you on an unforgettable ride!
This series holds a special place in my heart—every single book has been a solid five-star read for me, and this latest installment is no exception.
Former FBI Agent Val Costa faces her worst nightmares once again, coming face-to-face with the serial killer who has haunted her for years. The tension is palpable, the pacing razor-sharp, and the suspense keeps you glued to the pages until the very end.
It’s emotional, adrenaline-fueled, and utterly addictive. I love this series so much and can’t wait to see where H.K. Christie takes Val next!
Huge thanks to H.K. Christie for my eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This series holds a special place in my heart—every single book has been a solid five-star read for me, and this latest installment is no exception.
Former FBI Agent Val Costa faces her worst nightmares once again, coming face-to-face with the serial killer who has haunted her for years. The tension is palpable, the pacing razor-sharp, and the suspense keeps you glued to the pages until the very end.
It’s emotional, adrenaline-fueled, and utterly addictive. I love this series so much and can’t wait to see where H.K. Christie takes Val next!
Huge thanks to H.K. Christie for my eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 19, 2025
i GASPED. hollie has done it again with another plot twist filled thriller that is filled with characters i know and love, depth to a story that leaves you begging for more, and a reveal that had me sitting on my flight with a hand over my mouth in shock.
December 13, 2025
Couldn’t put this book down! I absolutely devoured it in two sittings. The storyline is engrossing and the book well written. There is plenty of suspense and some twists that I didn’t see coming. As always the characters are engaging. It’s been nice seeing a close friendship develop between three such different but strong female characters. Val Costa has to be one of my favorite protagonists. She is a career woman who is also a mother and daughter who puts her families needs front and center. Looking forward to more books in the future.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
November 25, 2025
❤️ WoW another superb book!❤️
Last One Alive by H.K. Christie is the 4th book in the excellent Val Costa series and I have been hooked from the very first book. It was a gripping and very addictive crime thriller. I love Val Costa character, she was a FBI Special Agent Val Costa she was kidnapped by the serial killer known as "The Bear." luckily she was rescued and she is hunting him. There was something "The Bear" always does to all his victims was to carved his signature on their skin! a letter "S"
Now, he is still out there. . . . . . somewhere and walking freely amongst people, she is still searching for him!!! but he is one step ahead of her every time!
Now, she is more determined to catch the man who’s haunted her dreams for many years and she promises to end his killing spree once and for all, but when more bodies are found bearing the same deadly carving, she fears she may already be too late.
Val now retired from the FBI and has moved back in with her mom who lives in Red Rose County California as she has had a stroke, she is there to help her recover. Val has had it tough but always comes bouncing back.
When a lifeless body of a young girl is discovered at an abandoned warehouse close to Red Rose County, FBI Agent Val Costa races to investigate. Setting eyes on the victim, Val’s heart stops as she spots the jagged letter S carved into her ice-cold chest. Slowly, she runs her fingers across her own identical scar. She’s been waiting for the Bear to leave his mark again, and now he finally has.
Val receives a call that turns her blood to ice, someone who is close to her is missing, and the killer has left a note addressed to her. Follow these rules and she lives.
Now so desperate to find them, Val faces her biggest challenge yet.
Will she need to defy orders and track down the Bear alone before it's too late?
WoW, this book was Excellent and a joy to read. I highly recommend this series and another 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read!
Last One Alive by H.K. Christie is the 4th book in the excellent Val Costa series and I have been hooked from the very first book. It was a gripping and very addictive crime thriller. I love Val Costa character, she was a FBI Special Agent Val Costa she was kidnapped by the serial killer known as "The Bear." luckily she was rescued and she is hunting him. There was something "The Bear" always does to all his victims was to carved his signature on their skin! a letter "S"
Now, he is still out there. . . . . . somewhere and walking freely amongst people, she is still searching for him!!! but he is one step ahead of her every time!
Now, she is more determined to catch the man who’s haunted her dreams for many years and she promises to end his killing spree once and for all, but when more bodies are found bearing the same deadly carving, she fears she may already be too late.
Val now retired from the FBI and has moved back in with her mom who lives in Red Rose County California as she has had a stroke, she is there to help her recover. Val has had it tough but always comes bouncing back.
When a lifeless body of a young girl is discovered at an abandoned warehouse close to Red Rose County, FBI Agent Val Costa races to investigate. Setting eyes on the victim, Val’s heart stops as she spots the jagged letter S carved into her ice-cold chest. Slowly, she runs her fingers across her own identical scar. She’s been waiting for the Bear to leave his mark again, and now he finally has.
Val receives a call that turns her blood to ice, someone who is close to her is missing, and the killer has left a note addressed to her. Follow these rules and she lives.
Now so desperate to find them, Val faces her biggest challenge yet.
Will she need to defy orders and track down the Bear alone before it's too late?
WoW, this book was Excellent and a joy to read. I highly recommend this series and another 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read!
October 25, 2025
What a journey! This book gripped me right from the prologue and didn’t let go until the very last page.
FBI Agent Val Costa is back on the hunt when a young woman’s body turns up with a chilling mark carved into her chest — one that matches Val’s own scar. As the killer known as The Bear resurfaces, Val is pulled into a heart-stopping chase that tests every ounce of her strength, fear, and determination.
Even though it’s the fourth book in the series, it reads perfectly as a standalone, and now I can’t wait to go back and start from book one!
What I Liked
I loved the multiple POVs, it gave so much depth to the story and kept me glued to every page. The stalker vibes were chilling in the best way, with that perfect mix of psychological tension and emotional pull.
Val’s relationships, especially her friendship with Brady, Lucy, and Sally, added warmth and humanity amidst all the chaos. And that ending? Chef’s kiss.
The pacing was flawless, the kind of thriller that demands to be read in one sitting. H.K. Christie’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and filled with atmosphere. The setting added to the eerie, psychological tone beautifully.
And that quote —
“Even before I'd worked within the darkest corners of the world, I had learned self-defense. I was a woman, after all, and too many men seemed to believe they could take whatever they wanted.”
— absolutely hit home.
Last One Alive is an absolute page-turner — dark, emotional, and impossible to put down. I can’t believe I hadn’t come across H.K. Christie before, but I’m officially a fan now.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 — nothing less!
Huge thanks to H.K. Christie and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
FBI Agent Val Costa is back on the hunt when a young woman’s body turns up with a chilling mark carved into her chest — one that matches Val’s own scar. As the killer known as The Bear resurfaces, Val is pulled into a heart-stopping chase that tests every ounce of her strength, fear, and determination.
Even though it’s the fourth book in the series, it reads perfectly as a standalone, and now I can’t wait to go back and start from book one!
What I Liked
I loved the multiple POVs, it gave so much depth to the story and kept me glued to every page. The stalker vibes were chilling in the best way, with that perfect mix of psychological tension and emotional pull.
Val’s relationships, especially her friendship with Brady, Lucy, and Sally, added warmth and humanity amidst all the chaos. And that ending? Chef’s kiss.
The pacing was flawless, the kind of thriller that demands to be read in one sitting. H.K. Christie’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and filled with atmosphere. The setting added to the eerie, psychological tone beautifully.
And that quote —
“Even before I'd worked within the darkest corners of the world, I had learned self-defense. I was a woman, after all, and too many men seemed to believe they could take whatever they wanted.”
— absolutely hit home.
Last One Alive is an absolute page-turner — dark, emotional, and impossible to put down. I can’t believe I hadn’t come across H.K. Christie before, but I’m officially a fan now.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 — nothing less!
Huge thanks to H.K. Christie and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 10, 2025
If you’ve gone through a tragic, life-threatening experience like Val, it’s normal to carry trauma from it. Every moment, day or night, you relive it again and again. And there’s the constant looming threat: as long as this cruel person is still free, there’s a real chance you could be confronted by him for the second time. The only way for her to regain peace is to find him, arrest him, and, if necessary, send him to the afterlife.
“The Bear,” as this serial killer is called, is always one step ahead of the police, but Val and her old FBI team will do everything they can to put an end to him once and for all. He may be called “The Bear,” but he’s as slippery as an eel and as cunning as a fox. Only with the utmost caution will they be able to catch him—and that’s easier said than done…
The Bear loves macabre games and has prepared a particularly sinister one for Val. But she is not going to be checkmated. This time, it’s do or die. Only one of them will come out the victor.
Is Val strong enough to face this brute, or will he finally get the upper hand?
This series is truly top-notch. I enjoy every story, the characters, and the intricate plots, and I hope Val will finally get the peace she deserves. It certainly won’t be for lack of trying on her part—she’s determined to move mountains to achieve her goal.
Amid all the suspense, there’s room for emotions like friendship, love, and family, giving the reader a moment to catch their breath.
I found the ending stunning, but it left me with mixed feelings. I hope what I fear won’t happen, but we’ll have to wait and see.
This book, like the entire series so far, deserves a solid 5 stars. I’m a fan—and that was already clear, I think. 😉
Thank you
“The Bear,” as this serial killer is called, is always one step ahead of the police, but Val and her old FBI team will do everything they can to put an end to him once and for all. He may be called “The Bear,” but he’s as slippery as an eel and as cunning as a fox. Only with the utmost caution will they be able to catch him—and that’s easier said than done…
The Bear loves macabre games and has prepared a particularly sinister one for Val. But she is not going to be checkmated. This time, it’s do or die. Only one of them will come out the victor.
Is Val strong enough to face this brute, or will he finally get the upper hand?
This series is truly top-notch. I enjoy every story, the characters, and the intricate plots, and I hope Val will finally get the peace she deserves. It certainly won’t be for lack of trying on her part—she’s determined to move mountains to achieve her goal.
Amid all the suspense, there’s room for emotions like friendship, love, and family, giving the reader a moment to catch their breath.
I found the ending stunning, but it left me with mixed feelings. I hope what I fear won’t happen, but we’ll have to wait and see.
This book, like the entire series so far, deserves a solid 5 stars. I’m a fan—and that was already clear, I think. 😉
Thank you
October 31, 2025
MY THOUGHTS:
I have read a few thrillers before so I know when a book is so exciting that I can’t put it down. Well, this wasn’t the most thrilling one, but I definitely enjoyed it.
I had a feeling, from the very beginning, about who the killer might be, and I tried not to think far ahead and figure it out who is it actually. I assumed I couldn’t trust the book because I knew it was trying to convince me who the murderer was. I was wrong, though… I was quite disappointed because there was basically no real twist, no plot in the story.
Even though I new the story from the start, I was still curious to find out how we would get to the ending. But since the summary revealed almost the entire plot, there wasn’t much surprise left.
I loved that Val handled everything like an adult. She stayed logical throughout the whole story and figured out things that no one else could have. I was a bit confused because of the many POVs, but that was fine. At least I got to understand everyone’s motives for their actions.
I enjoyed the end of the story – it gave a nice closure to the whole series and it felt like a great conclusion. I don’t know the whole series since I haven’t read the previous books, but the epilogue didn’t quite match the vibe of the series. I mean it was supposed to be a thriller, yet the epilogue felt more like the ending of a love story.
As I mentioned earlier, I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I think this one can be read as a standalone, too. The author explained everything clearly at the beginning so there was no confusion. Of course, the best experience comes from reading everything in order, so don’t skip a single one!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
• Murder
• Death, grief
• Kidnap
• Consumption of alcohol
• Trauma
• Abuse
Thank you NetGalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review!
I have read a few thrillers before so I know when a book is so exciting that I can’t put it down. Well, this wasn’t the most thrilling one, but I definitely enjoyed it.
I had a feeling, from the very beginning, about who the killer might be, and I tried not to think far ahead and figure it out who is it actually. I assumed I couldn’t trust the book because I knew it was trying to convince me who the murderer was. I was wrong, though… I was quite disappointed because there was basically no real twist, no plot in the story.
Even though I new the story from the start, I was still curious to find out how we would get to the ending. But since the summary revealed almost the entire plot, there wasn’t much surprise left.
I loved that Val handled everything like an adult. She stayed logical throughout the whole story and figured out things that no one else could have. I was a bit confused because of the many POVs, but that was fine. At least I got to understand everyone’s motives for their actions.
I enjoyed the end of the story – it gave a nice closure to the whole series and it felt like a great conclusion. I don’t know the whole series since I haven’t read the previous books, but the epilogue didn’t quite match the vibe of the series. I mean it was supposed to be a thriller, yet the epilogue felt more like the ending of a love story.
As I mentioned earlier, I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I think this one can be read as a standalone, too. The author explained everything clearly at the beginning so there was no confusion. Of course, the best experience comes from reading everything in order, so don’t skip a single one!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
• Murder
• Death, grief
• Kidnap
• Consumption of alcohol
• Trauma
• Abuse
Thank you NetGalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 17, 2025
Val Costa Book 4
I really enjoy these books and this one is a fantastic read. I flew through it in two sittings as I really needed to know what happened. And what a great finale! I won't hesitate to recommend this great series.
She glances in the rearview mirror as the stranger walks towards her broken-down car. The wicked look on his face sends a chill up her spine and she knows he’s not here to help. She doesn’t have time to scream before she falls to the ground, and the darkening sky goes black.
When the lifeless body of a young girl is discovered at an abandoned warehouse close to Red Rose County, FBI Agent Val Costa races to investigate. Setting eyes on the victim, Val’s heart stops as she spots the jagged letter S carved into her ice-cold chest. Slowly, she runs her fingers across her own identical scar. She’s been waiting for the Bear to leave his mark again, and now he finally has.
Determined to catch the man who’s haunted her dreams for years, Val promises to end his killing spree once and for all, but when more bodies are found bearing the same deadly carving, she fears she may already be too late. And then Val receives a call that turns her blood to ice—her best friend Sally is missing, and the killer has left a note addressed to her. Follow these rules and she lives.
Desperate to find Sally, Val faces her biggest challenge yet. Will she need to defy orders and track down the Bear alone before it's too late?
I really enjoy these books and this one is a fantastic read. I flew through it in two sittings as I really needed to know what happened. And what a great finale! I won't hesitate to recommend this great series.
She glances in the rearview mirror as the stranger walks towards her broken-down car. The wicked look on his face sends a chill up her spine and she knows he’s not here to help. She doesn’t have time to scream before she falls to the ground, and the darkening sky goes black.
When the lifeless body of a young girl is discovered at an abandoned warehouse close to Red Rose County, FBI Agent Val Costa races to investigate. Setting eyes on the victim, Val’s heart stops as she spots the jagged letter S carved into her ice-cold chest. Slowly, she runs her fingers across her own identical scar. She’s been waiting for the Bear to leave his mark again, and now he finally has.
Determined to catch the man who’s haunted her dreams for years, Val promises to end his killing spree once and for all, but when more bodies are found bearing the same deadly carving, she fears she may already be too late. And then Val receives a call that turns her blood to ice—her best friend Sally is missing, and the killer has left a note addressed to her. Follow these rules and she lives.
Desperate to find Sally, Val faces her biggest challenge yet. Will she need to defy orders and track down the Bear alone before it's too late?
November 13, 2025
Last One Alive is a thriller that keeps the reader hooked from the first page to the last. The story is full of suspense, and every scene feels urgent.
The writing is simple and clear, so it is easy to follow, but the tension is strong. The author uses short chapters and fast rhythm to build pressure. This style makes the book hard to stop reading because each part leads quickly to the next.
The book makes feel the danger and the uncertainty. This creates a strong emotional pull and you want to keep reading because you want to see how people act when everything is at risk.
The tension is not only in the action but also in the way the characters connect. The mix of danger and emotion makes the story powerful.
The storytelling is direct and focused. There are no long pauses or heavy details. Instead, the author gives clear scenes that move fast. The suspense grows step by step, and the reader feels part of the journey. The style is perfect for a thriller because it keeps attention high and never lets it drop.
Last One Alive is a clear and strong novel. It is easy to read but full of suspense. The fast pace and emotional themes make it a book that keeps you reading until the end. It is a thriller that combines action, tension, and human feeling in a simple but powerful way.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
The writing is simple and clear, so it is easy to follow, but the tension is strong. The author uses short chapters and fast rhythm to build pressure. This style makes the book hard to stop reading because each part leads quickly to the next.
The book makes feel the danger and the uncertainty. This creates a strong emotional pull and you want to keep reading because you want to see how people act when everything is at risk.
The tension is not only in the action but also in the way the characters connect. The mix of danger and emotion makes the story powerful.
The storytelling is direct and focused. There are no long pauses or heavy details. Instead, the author gives clear scenes that move fast. The suspense grows step by step, and the reader feels part of the journey. The style is perfect for a thriller because it keeps attention high and never lets it drop.
Last One Alive is a clear and strong novel. It is easy to read but full of suspense. The fast pace and emotional themes make it a book that keeps you reading until the end. It is a thriller that combines action, tension, and human feeling in a simple but powerful way.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
November 13, 2025
Favorite Quotes:
The morning air felt suddenly heavier. Damp. Drenched in dread.
I’d gone there to end him and his killing spree. I didn’t usually believe in murder, but this didn’t feel like murder. This felt like spraying pesticide to kill the parasites ravaging your crops, the crops that fed your family and kept your community alive. That’s what he was. He was a parasite that needed to be eliminated.
I didn’t have it in me to kill. But that didn’t mean I liked the fact he was still breathing.
There’s always a bogeyman lurking in the shadows. Mine just happened to have a name.
My Review:
I have bravely and eagerly devoured every flinch-worthy installment of this gripping series. The tensely written storylines kept me on edge with my shoulders in my ears while chewing my cuticles, which are now ragged and in desperate need of a manicure. Ms. Christie’s word voodoo is strong and conjures complete scenes populated with a cast of knowable yet uniquely authentic characters whom I would recognize if meeting on the street. Her serial killer was a true psychopath, brutal, deviously clever, cunning, and evil. Brady and Val struggled with the desire to end him, but the reluctance to kill. Hmm, faced with such a vile creature, I doubt that would be a struggle for me.
The morning air felt suddenly heavier. Damp. Drenched in dread.
I’d gone there to end him and his killing spree. I didn’t usually believe in murder, but this didn’t feel like murder. This felt like spraying pesticide to kill the parasites ravaging your crops, the crops that fed your family and kept your community alive. That’s what he was. He was a parasite that needed to be eliminated.
I didn’t have it in me to kill. But that didn’t mean I liked the fact he was still breathing.
There’s always a bogeyman lurking in the shadows. Mine just happened to have a name.
My Review:
I have bravely and eagerly devoured every flinch-worthy installment of this gripping series. The tensely written storylines kept me on edge with my shoulders in my ears while chewing my cuticles, which are now ragged and in desperate need of a manicure. Ms. Christie’s word voodoo is strong and conjures complete scenes populated with a cast of knowable yet uniquely authentic characters whom I would recognize if meeting on the street. Her serial killer was a true psychopath, brutal, deviously clever, cunning, and evil. Brady and Val struggled with the desire to end him, but the reluctance to kill. Hmm, faced with such a vile creature, I doubt that would be a struggle for me.
November 14, 2025
H.K. Christie wastes zero time yanking you into the danger zone. A woman’s car breaks down, a stranger approaches with a smile that’s all wrong… and BAM—you’re hooked. When the victim’s body turns up with an S carved into her chest, FBI Agent Val Costa knows it’s personal—because she bears the same scar. 😳
Haunted by the past and driven by vengeance, Val dives headfirst into a case that’s as twisted as it is personal. The Bear isn’t just taunting her—he’s playing chess while everyone else is stuck on checkers. And when someone close to Val goes missing, the stakes skyrocket. Follow the rules and she lives? Yeah, good luck with that.
Christie’s writing is cinematic, pulsing with dread and sharp dialogue. You can smell the rain on the asphalt, hear Val’s heartbeat in the silence before the next body drops. Every page hums with tension, fear, and ferocity.
🔥 Fast, fierce, and full of razor-edged emotion—Last One Alive is crime fiction at its most addictive.
Grab your copy today and join the chase. Val Costa isn’t just a hero… she’s a force you won’t forget. ⚡️📖
Haunted by the past and driven by vengeance, Val dives headfirst into a case that’s as twisted as it is personal. The Bear isn’t just taunting her—he’s playing chess while everyone else is stuck on checkers. And when someone close to Val goes missing, the stakes skyrocket. Follow the rules and she lives? Yeah, good luck with that.
Christie’s writing is cinematic, pulsing with dread and sharp dialogue. You can smell the rain on the asphalt, hear Val’s heartbeat in the silence before the next body drops. Every page hums with tension, fear, and ferocity.
🔥 Fast, fierce, and full of razor-edged emotion—Last One Alive is crime fiction at its most addictive.
Grab your copy today and join the chase. Val Costa isn’t just a hero… she’s a force you won’t forget. ⚡️📖
November 21, 2025
Last One Alive is a sharp, fast, and intense crime thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. H. K. Christie wastes no time getting into the action. A young woman is found murdered, a carved mark on her chest matches the scar that former FBI Agent Val Costa has carried for years, and that sets off a chase Val has been preparing for since the day she survived him.
The story moves at a solid pace, with plenty of tension and well placed twists. Val is a strong lead, focused and relentless, and the kind of character you can get behind without feeling like the story is being dragged down by unnecessary drama. The investigation felt gritty and believable, the clues lined up well, and the villain had real weight behind him.
The final act landed perfectly, raising the stakes without going over the top. Christie’s writing is clean, atmospheric, and easy to stay locked into. If you like crime thrillers that balance action, character, and suspense, this one is a five star read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The story moves at a solid pace, with plenty of tension and well placed twists. Val is a strong lead, focused and relentless, and the kind of character you can get behind without feeling like the story is being dragged down by unnecessary drama. The investigation felt gritty and believable, the clues lined up well, and the villain had real weight behind him.
The final act landed perfectly, raising the stakes without going over the top. Christie’s writing is clean, atmospheric, and easy to stay locked into. If you like crime thrillers that balance action, character, and suspense, this one is a five star read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
3.5 stars.
I have been reading this series as it comes out, participating in the book tour having received an ARC from the publisher. Thank you very much, also to the author.
I have been waiting for the longer plot arc (the main character was captured and nearly killed by a prolific serial killer while she worked for the FBI. And he continued to stalk and taunt her even when she moved back home to Oregon) to be brought to conclusion and that happened in this one. Yay! Now I think I’m done.
It’s not like I didn’t enjoy reading this series. I did. I generally love police procedural type books. But there’s something I can’t easily put a finger on that just dampened the enthusiasm. I think mostly it’s the repetition of the same (back) information and feelings throughout the book, without any development. I have decided I’m also not a huge fan of first person multiple POVs. I don’t mind multiple POVs or 1st person POVs but put them together, at least in the way they were here? It doesn’t work for me.
I have been reading this series as it comes out, participating in the book tour having received an ARC from the publisher. Thank you very much, also to the author.
I have been waiting for the longer plot arc (the main character was captured and nearly killed by a prolific serial killer while she worked for the FBI. And he continued to stalk and taunt her even when she moved back home to Oregon) to be brought to conclusion and that happened in this one. Yay! Now I think I’m done.
It’s not like I didn’t enjoy reading this series. I did. I generally love police procedural type books. But there’s something I can’t easily put a finger on that just dampened the enthusiasm. I think mostly it’s the repetition of the same (back) information and feelings throughout the book, without any development. I have decided I’m also not a huge fan of first person multiple POVs. I don’t mind multiple POVs or 1st person POVs but put them together, at least in the way they were here? It doesn’t work for me.
October 21, 2025
WOW. Last One Alive by H.K. Christie absolutely delivered!! I’ve been waiting for Val to finally face The Bear, and it was so worth the wait! The build-up from the previous books had me dying for this moment, and when it happened… I couldn’t look away. 👀🔥
The stalker vibes were chilling in the best way… that perfect mix of psychological tension and heart-pounding suspense that kept me glued to my Kindle. Val proved once again that she’s a total badass! Fierce, loyal, and stronger than ever. 💪🏼💥
And can we talk about her and Brady?! The little moments between them were everything 🥹💞 The perfect balance of chemistry, care, and quiet strength that makes their relationship so easy to root for.
H.K. Christie nailed the pacing, the twists, and the emotional depth in this one. Each book in the Val Costa series somehow gets better, and Last One Alive might just be my favorite yet!
📖✨ A must-read for anyone who loves gripping crime thrillers with a strong female lead and a touch of heart.
The stalker vibes were chilling in the best way… that perfect mix of psychological tension and heart-pounding suspense that kept me glued to my Kindle. Val proved once again that she’s a total badass! Fierce, loyal, and stronger than ever. 💪🏼💥
And can we talk about her and Brady?! The little moments between them were everything 🥹💞 The perfect balance of chemistry, care, and quiet strength that makes their relationship so easy to root for.
H.K. Christie nailed the pacing, the twists, and the emotional depth in this one. Each book in the Val Costa series somehow gets better, and Last One Alive might just be my favorite yet!
📖✨ A must-read for anyone who loves gripping crime thrillers with a strong female lead and a touch of heart.
November 11, 2025
Last One Alive is the third book in the Val Costa series and I think the best so far. From the first page I was on the edge of my seat. Through the other four books, we have followed Val as she has helped the local police department solve murders, but all the time the shadow of the bear, the serial killer she was chasing and who abducted her before she left the FBI.
In this fourth (and final?) book, Val is once again face-to-face with the bear. He's been following her all this time and is now completely obsessed. It's clear that this is a final showdown and that only one of them is going to come out of this alive.
I loved this final conclusion to Val's story. I couldn't put it down and devoured the whole thing in just a couple of sittings. (Had I had more time, it would have been just one sitting.) A fantastic conclusion to a really great series.
In this fourth (and final?) book, Val is once again face-to-face with the bear. He's been following her all this time and is now completely obsessed. It's clear that this is a final showdown and that only one of them is going to come out of this alive.
I loved this final conclusion to Val's story. I couldn't put it down and devoured the whole thing in just a couple of sittings. (Had I had more time, it would have been just one sitting.) A fantastic conclusion to a really great series.
November 14, 2025
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review:
This is a seriously stressful crime thriller
Involving Val Costa and a serial killer.
She'd been rescued from him some time gone by
But getting her now he seems determined to try.
With notes left showing the Bear's somewhere near
Addressed to her, he's making it clear
That he won't be stopped until he has her once more
But leaving no other clues for her to explore!
He carves a jagged S into his victims' chest
And Val has one of her own, just like the rest.
She determined to discover who the perpetrator could be
And he's closer than she thought, readers soon see.
This truly is an edge of your seat read,
But with an ending that I really did need!
Such a suspense-filled story, so well told,
That at times it feels your blood runs cold....
As I share with you this, my honest review:
This is a seriously stressful crime thriller
Involving Val Costa and a serial killer.
She'd been rescued from him some time gone by
But getting her now he seems determined to try.
With notes left showing the Bear's somewhere near
Addressed to her, he's making it clear
That he won't be stopped until he has her once more
But leaving no other clues for her to explore!
He carves a jagged S into his victims' chest
And Val has one of her own, just like the rest.
She determined to discover who the perpetrator could be
And he's closer than she thought, readers soon see.
This truly is an edge of your seat read,
But with an ending that I really did need!
Such a suspense-filled story, so well told,
That at times it feels your blood runs cold....
November 10, 2025
Val Costa knows the serial killer who she was tracking when she worked with the FBI is still stalking her. She has started receiving notes that she believes are from him, but her old boss is not convinced. Then the bodies start showing up in the town where she was raised and returned to to help her mother when she became sick. But, how did he find her and she can't find him...That soon changes after he kidnaps one of her best friends, and the message he leaves tells Val they are going to play a game by his rules, or her friend dies. Can Val save her friend, save herself, and stop this psychopath from killing any more innocent people...
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy)
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy)
November 11, 2025
The final showdown!
From the very beginning, book 4 in the Val Costa series had me hooked, and the momentum continued to build.
The wait is over. It has been 9 months since Val escaped the serial killer known as the Bear, but she knows better than to think it was a rescue, he let her live and after toying with her, sending notes, hints he is around, he is coming for “his Val” in a game that is one sided. As the senseless deaths mount, tension grows, intuition kicks in, and as a team they will discover who the Bear really is, but how many lives will be shattered by the end.
Intertwined with the suspense of hunting a serial killer is the emotional turmoil and long term, unseen scars left behind. It is full of hope, a will to fight, to survive, love and enduring friendships.
From the very beginning, book 4 in the Val Costa series had me hooked, and the momentum continued to build.
The wait is over. It has been 9 months since Val escaped the serial killer known as the Bear, but she knows better than to think it was a rescue, he let her live and after toying with her, sending notes, hints he is around, he is coming for “his Val” in a game that is one sided. As the senseless deaths mount, tension grows, intuition kicks in, and as a team they will discover who the Bear really is, but how many lives will be shattered by the end.
Intertwined with the suspense of hunting a serial killer is the emotional turmoil and long term, unseen scars left behind. It is full of hope, a will to fight, to survive, love and enduring friendships.
November 12, 2025
5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Last One Alive.
Former FBI agent Val Costa is called to another crime scene and she sees another note for her, he is sending her a message that he is in Red Rose County and he is watching her. She felt it in her bones and now she has the confirmation that she was right and that she is in danger because he is not done with her yet. Can she find him before he takes more lives.
This is the fourth book in the series and I loved it so much! The way everything came together in this one was so good! I have loved every single book in this series and I was so invested in the characters and the entire story! I cannot recommend enough!
Former FBI agent Val Costa is called to another crime scene and she sees another note for her, he is sending her a message that he is in Red Rose County and he is watching her. She felt it in her bones and now she has the confirmation that she was right and that she is in danger because he is not done with her yet. Can she find him before he takes more lives.
This is the fourth book in the series and I loved it so much! The way everything came together in this one was so good! I have loved every single book in this series and I was so invested in the characters and the entire story! I cannot recommend enough!
November 13, 2025
Thank you to the author for this free digital ARC read that I read through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of Last One Alive.
This is the fourth book in the Val Costa series and it does not disappoint. I haven't read the other books in this series and I was glad that this one could be read as a standalone. In this read we follow Val who is a former FBI agent and she becomes a consultant on a case where it involves the man who ended up abducting her. The book had me hooked from the beginning and I could not stop turning the pages until the end. It was written well and I enjoyed every character in this one. This is a fast paced read with great twists and turns in it. I highly enjoyed this one and would recommend it to any reader who loves thrillers.
This is the fourth book in the Val Costa series and it does not disappoint. I haven't read the other books in this series and I was glad that this one could be read as a standalone. In this read we follow Val who is a former FBI agent and she becomes a consultant on a case where it involves the man who ended up abducting her. The book had me hooked from the beginning and I could not stop turning the pages until the end. It was written well and I enjoyed every character in this one. This is a fast paced read with great twists and turns in it. I highly enjoyed this one and would recommend it to any reader who loves thrillers.
October 12, 2025
Last One Alive is gripping from start to finish.
Although it is book 4 in the series I read it as a stand alone but I am hooked and will go back and start with book 1.
Val is recovering from emotinal trauma and is always looking over her shoulder but she will throw caution to the wind to catch the serial killer known as "The Bear" .
The Bear likes to play diabolical games with Val and he is determined to catch her once again.
This time it will end his way.
Bodies are piling up and the race against the clock is on.
I highly recommend this book and this is one on my new favourite series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading and reviewing Last One Alive.
Although it is book 4 in the series I read it as a stand alone but I am hooked and will go back and start with book 1.
Val is recovering from emotinal trauma and is always looking over her shoulder but she will throw caution to the wind to catch the serial killer known as "The Bear" .
The Bear likes to play diabolical games with Val and he is determined to catch her once again.
This time it will end his way.
Bodies are piling up and the race against the clock is on.
I highly recommend this book and this is one on my new favourite series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading and reviewing Last One Alive.
October 26, 2025
Val Costa is a true badass! She loves and is loved by her family and friends and co workers and will stop at nothing to keep them safe, even from her own personal stalker. This is a true cat and mouse chase. When the Bear captured her once, she escaped, or did she, Val has to use her skills to determine if she truly escaped or he let her. This journey of following clues, past and present to face her fears past and present. Once again, I would give this one waaaayyy higher than 5 stars if I could. Thank you so much for the ARC copy @authorhkchristie – its such an honor to be on your ARC team #Lastonealive #HKChristie #NetGalley
November 8, 2025
Non-stop exhilarating entertainment! With the fourth book in Christie's Val Costa series we get to the heart of her nemesis The Bear who held her hostage and tormented her before her retirement from the FBI. We went into this segment already knowing a lot and suspecting a bit more, so it wasn't quite as haunting as it could have been. I thoroughly enjoyed the chase, but I wasn't on the edge of my seat. That said, I enjoyed the series as a whole and highly recommend it to newcomers. There's mystery, there's diabolical wit and there's loads of heart and warmth from Val and her friends and family.
November 10, 2025
This was my second book by H.K. Christie, but my first in her Val Costa series. I got this book as an ARC in NetGalley and even though I have not read the previous books in the series, it was easy to read and follow along. Sometimes when reading a book in a series you feel lost, but that's not the case with this one. She did a great job of making sure we knew the characters and enough of the history to understand the story. This book didn't have "twists" for me, and while it was a bit predictable, it was a great story! I enjoyed the characters and the pacing. I look forward to going back and starting at the beginning of this series and I can't wait for the next one!
November 13, 2025
I am a huge fan of this author, and never have I been disappointed in her books. This a gripping story that is full of emotional turmoil and misunderstandings, with characters who have the courage and determination to outwit their enemy and come together in love. This story follows Val and her network, deal with “the Bear” who has caught up to her again. And closer than you think. Ms Christie is brilliant in crafting her storytelling and her characters, and keeping the elements of the story so incredibly captivating, that you can’t even put the book down. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.
November 20, 2025
If you enjoy adrenaline fueled stories, Last One Alive, sure is a book you must read! Former FBI agent Val Costa has been haunted by the Bear and now he resurfaces again, killing people in her town and when someone in her inner circle disappears and a note telling her to follow the rules so the person will be spared she'll be in an unstoppable search for the criminal. Fast-paced, full of twists and turns, this is one of those books that will keep you at the edge of your seat from beginning to the end. A great addition to the series!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
October 10, 2025
Former FBI Agent Val Costa becomes a consultant on a case involving the man who abducted her and left her scarred for life.
He seems to be stalking her and leaving her notes. He is definitely after her again.
She is desperate to stop his reign of terror and bloodshed.
Fast paced, thrilling and twisty. Val is tireless and intuitive when it comes to "The Bear" who haunts her in nightmares.
I have enjoyed this series, and hope to see Val involved in other cases that don't include her attacker.
4/5 stars and I recommend this series.
He seems to be stalking her and leaving her notes. He is definitely after her again.
She is desperate to stop his reign of terror and bloodshed.
Fast paced, thrilling and twisty. Val is tireless and intuitive when it comes to "The Bear" who haunts her in nightmares.
I have enjoyed this series, and hope to see Val involved in other cases that don't include her attacker.
4/5 stars and I recommend this series.
November 16, 2025
I freaking love this series. I love how Val’s brain works. She’s such a talented investigator. She’s been determined to find The Bear after everything she’s been through at his hands. So many deaths because he’s a psychopath, and he loves to mess with Val’s head. Luckily Val is good enough at her job to continue to think like an FBI agent.
Val and Brady are fantastic together. I want more of them. I’ll be really sad if this is the end of the series, but I can’t wait for more from H. K. regardless.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
Val and Brady are fantastic together. I want more of them. I’ll be really sad if this is the end of the series, but I can’t wait for more from H. K. regardless.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
January 13, 2026
H.K. Christie does not waste a single page, and Last One Alive had me hooked from the very start. The tension is relentless, the pacing razor-sharp, and Val Costa’s fight with her past (and her killer) is both terrifying and emotional. I loved how human Val feels like she’s strong, exhausted, scared, but never giving up. This series continues to be a standout for me, packed with twists, high stakes, and moments that made my heart race. Easily another five-star read, and I already need the next book.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my ARC
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my ARC
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