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The Final Second
At midnight the state of Georgia executed the Blood Smile Killer, who carved Grin into his victims. But a new act was already in motion…
Minutes after the execution, Sheriff Parker Chord receives a package. a mason jar containing the missing eye of the killer’s last victim—and a note accusing law enforcement of murder.
The case was closed. The killer is dead. Who’s finishing Grin’s work?
Desperate, Parker reaches out to the only person capable of understanding the mind behind the madness—his estranged sister, profiler Dr. Cassidy Chord.
A former army helicopter pilot, Cassie’s hunted killers before, but she’s late to the investigation, and Grin’s had years to prepare and perfect his revenge. While Cassie and Parker play cat and mouse chasing the twisted killer, one by one, the people involved in the original trial—a judge, an FBI agent, a retired sheriff, and a witness–are terrorized or killed.
Does Grin have a copycat? An accomplice? Or worse, did her brother help kill an innocent man leaving an apex predator free to target Cassie as his final victim?
Minutes after the execution, Sheriff Parker Chord receives a package. a mason jar containing the missing eye of the killer’s last victim—and a note accusing law enforcement of murder.
The case was closed. The killer is dead. Who’s finishing Grin’s work?
Desperate, Parker reaches out to the only person capable of understanding the mind behind the madness—his estranged sister, profiler Dr. Cassidy Chord.
A former army helicopter pilot, Cassie’s hunted killers before, but she’s late to the investigation, and Grin’s had years to prepare and perfect his revenge. While Cassie and Parker play cat and mouse chasing the twisted killer, one by one, the people involved in the original trial—a judge, an FBI agent, a retired sheriff, and a witness–are terrorized or killed.
Does Grin have a copycat? An accomplice? Or worse, did her brother help kill an innocent man leaving an apex predator free to target Cassie as his final victim?
- GenresMystery
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2026
About the author
Jim De La Vega
3 books13 followersJim De La Vega is a critically acclaimed author and an award-winning TV anchor and reporter. He has covered serial killers and other criminals across the country and has been shot at twice.
His novels, written under the name Jim Brown, have been published in 26 countries and translated into Russian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, and Bulgarian. His first two novels, 24/7 and Black Valley, were both optioned for film.
As Jim De La Vega, he wrote the Mind Hunter series, beginning with Gone in Three Seconds and continuing with The Final Second.
His novels, written under the name Jim Brown, have been published in 26 countries and translated into Russian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, and Bulgarian. His first two novels, 24/7 and Black Valley, were both optioned for film.
As Jim De La Vega, he wrote the Mind Hunter series, beginning with Gone in Three Seconds and continuing with The Final Second.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 25, 2026
I received a giveaway copy from the publisher and Goodreads.
This book was really entertaining until about 84% when it started to go off the rails for me. I appreciated the author taking chances with his twists and turns, but I had to look past so many things that I normally don’t like to suspend my disbelief for.
That said, this would have made an excellent episode of something like “Criminal Minds” or similar mind hunter shows (with some tweaks).
This is told in multiple third-person POVs.
This book was really entertaining until about 84% when it started to go off the rails for me. I appreciated the author taking chances with his twists and turns, but I had to look past so many things that I normally don’t like to suspend my disbelief for.
That said, this would have made an excellent episode of something like “Criminal Minds” or similar mind hunter shows (with some tweaks).
This is told in multiple third-person POVs.
October 13, 2026
After the execution of the Blood Smile Killer, a package arrives that throws everything into question. Did they execute the wrong man, or is the real killer still out there? What follows is a wild game of cat and mouse packed with twists, a compelling investigation, and enough suspense to make you question every theory you come up with. Just when you think you've figured it out, think again.
The Final Second reads like an episode of Criminal Minds, and if the plot wants to go completely off the rails, buckle up because I am HERE for it. The characters from book one get more room to develop, becoming familiar faces you feel like you've been watching on TV for seasons. This is the kind of book you inhale at the beginning and remember to breathe later. Much later. You don't have to read book one first, but honestly, why deprive yourself? It's that good. Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction, police procedurals, and thrillers that refuse to play nice.
The Final Second reads like an episode of Criminal Minds, and if the plot wants to go completely off the rails, buckle up because I am HERE for it. The characters from book one get more room to develop, becoming familiar faces you feel like you've been watching on TV for seasons. This is the kind of book you inhale at the beginning and remember to breathe later. Much later. You don't have to read book one first, but honestly, why deprive yourself? It's that good. Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction, police procedurals, and thrillers that refuse to play nice.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Final Second is fantastic serial killer book that would make a great movie or mini series!
📢 Hollywood 📢
Are you listening?
Full of riddles and puzzles, it was a gripping and intense story that culminates in an intense action pack ending.
This is the 2nd book in the series that features forensic psychologist Cassidy, but having not read the first, I can definitely say it stands on its own.
4.5 🌟
📢 Hollywood 📢
Are you listening?
Full of riddles and puzzles, it was a gripping and intense story that culminates in an intense action pack ending.
This is the 2nd book in the series that features forensic psychologist Cassidy, but having not read the first, I can definitely say it stands on its own.
4.5 🌟
October 30, 2026
If you loved the TV series Mindhunter and Heath Ledger’s phenomenal performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight, then you will LOVE the second book in Jim De La Vega’s Mind Hunter series (no relation to the aforementioned show!).
I’ve now given both books in this series five stars, and I am SO immersed in these stories! The short chapters, relentless pacing and genuinely unique concepts make these books incredibly difficult to put down. There’s something about the way these investigations unfold, with the killer seemingly always one step ahead, that has me completely hooked.
The Final Second opens with the execution of a convicted serial killer, only for evidence to emerge almost immediately suggesting they’ve just put an innocent man to death. And then the murders start again. WHAT A PREMISE! I loved the psychological games involved, particularly the way Grin manipulates the investigation and seems to take such pleasure in keeping everyone guessing. That’s where the Joker comparison really comes into play for me. There’s something particularly unsettling about a killer who isn’t simply trying to evade capture, but seems to be enjoying every second of the chaos they’re creating.
Cassidy takes more of the limelight in this instalment, which I really enjoyed. She’s such an interesting protagonist, and I loved getting further into her character, particularly her relationship with Parker and the complicated history between them. There’s a lot more to these books than simply hunting down a killer, and the continued character development is a huge part of why I’m so invested in this series.
And yeah, look, there was a point where I had to suspend my disbelief a little, because a few things became a tad too convenient. But that was a hiccup rather than a roadblock, and it certainly didn’t detract from how much I enjoyed the book overall. I was far too invested in the investigation and the characters to let it bother me for long!
I would absolutely implore you to read Gone in Three Seconds first. Although the investigations are separate, the character backstories established in the first book are integral to their continued development here, and I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice by skipping it.
I’ve finished The Final Second with exactly the same feeling I had after book 1. It’s a bloody banger, and I really hope there’s more to come in the Mind Hunter series!
I’ve now given both books in this series five stars, and I am SO immersed in these stories! The short chapters, relentless pacing and genuinely unique concepts make these books incredibly difficult to put down. There’s something about the way these investigations unfold, with the killer seemingly always one step ahead, that has me completely hooked.
The Final Second opens with the execution of a convicted serial killer, only for evidence to emerge almost immediately suggesting they’ve just put an innocent man to death. And then the murders start again. WHAT A PREMISE! I loved the psychological games involved, particularly the way Grin manipulates the investigation and seems to take such pleasure in keeping everyone guessing. That’s where the Joker comparison really comes into play for me. There’s something particularly unsettling about a killer who isn’t simply trying to evade capture, but seems to be enjoying every second of the chaos they’re creating.
Cassidy takes more of the limelight in this instalment, which I really enjoyed. She’s such an interesting protagonist, and I loved getting further into her character, particularly her relationship with Parker and the complicated history between them. There’s a lot more to these books than simply hunting down a killer, and the continued character development is a huge part of why I’m so invested in this series.
And yeah, look, there was a point where I had to suspend my disbelief a little, because a few things became a tad too convenient. But that was a hiccup rather than a roadblock, and it certainly didn’t detract from how much I enjoyed the book overall. I was far too invested in the investigation and the characters to let it bother me for long!
I would absolutely implore you to read Gone in Three Seconds first. Although the investigations are separate, the character backstories established in the first book are integral to their continued development here, and I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice by skipping it.
I’ve finished The Final Second with exactly the same feeling I had after book 1. It’s a bloody banger, and I really hope there’s more to come in the Mind Hunter series!
October 18, 2026
What a WILD ride! This is the second book in a series and full disclosure, I did not read the first book, but I definitely don’t feel like I missed out on any context. This book was just one insane situation after another! There was a lot happening all at once and it was chaotic at times but that’s how the killer in this story operates and it just worked. If you like your thrillers fast paced and full of twists then you’ll really enjoy this. It also has:
🦷 Badass FMCs
🦷 Serial killer
🦷 Weird tooth stuff
🦷 Taxidermy
🦷 Twists galore
🦷 Multiple POV
🦷 Badass FMCs
🦷 Serial killer
🦷 Weird tooth stuff
🦷 Taxidermy
🦷 Twists galore
🦷 Multiple POV
November 3, 2026
Jim De La Vega builds a chilling thriller around an unsettling question: what happens when a killer is executed, but the terror he created refuses to end? The Final Second opens with the execution of Georgia's notorious Blood Smile Killer, known for carving the word “Grin” into his victims. Yet the apparent end of the case quickly becomes the beginning of something even more disturbing.
Sheriff Parker Chord receives a package just minutes after the execution. Its contents—a mason jar containing the missing eye of the killer's final victim and a note accusing law enforcement of murder—immediately cast doubt over everything the authorities believed they had resolved. The case may be officially closed, but someone is determined to continue its horrors. That opening creates an atmosphere of dread and gives the investigation a compelling central mystery.
Parker's decision to contact his estranged sister, Dr. Cassidy Chord, brings another layer to the story. Cassie is a profiler with experience hunting dangerous criminals, as well as a former army helicopter pilot. Her expertise makes her uniquely suited to understanding the mind behind the killings, but arriving late to an investigation involving a killer who may have planned his revenge for years puts her at a serious disadvantage.
The danger becomes increasingly personal as people connected to the original trial begin to suffer. A judge, an FBI agent, a retired sheriff, and a witness are among those targeted or killed. With each new attack, the questions become more troubling. Is someone imitating Grin, is an accomplice carrying out unfinished business, or was the original conviction based on a terrible mistake? The possibility that Parker himself may have played a role in condemning an innocent man adds an especially tense dimension to the conflict between the siblings.
The relationship between Parker and Cassie is another promising part of the premise. Their estrangement is set against an investigation that demands cooperation, trust, and difficult questions about the past. As they pursue a killer who seems to be anticipating their moves, the personal stakes become inseparable from the search for the truth.
The Final Second offers readers a dark, high-stakes mystery built around revenge, psychological profiling, and the unsettling possibility that justice may have failed. Fans of serial-killer thrillers, tense investigations, complex family relationships, and stories that keep questioning what really happened should find this a gripping addition to the Mind Hunter Series.
Sheriff Parker Chord receives a package just minutes after the execution. Its contents—a mason jar containing the missing eye of the killer's final victim and a note accusing law enforcement of murder—immediately cast doubt over everything the authorities believed they had resolved. The case may be officially closed, but someone is determined to continue its horrors. That opening creates an atmosphere of dread and gives the investigation a compelling central mystery.
Parker's decision to contact his estranged sister, Dr. Cassidy Chord, brings another layer to the story. Cassie is a profiler with experience hunting dangerous criminals, as well as a former army helicopter pilot. Her expertise makes her uniquely suited to understanding the mind behind the killings, but arriving late to an investigation involving a killer who may have planned his revenge for years puts her at a serious disadvantage.
The danger becomes increasingly personal as people connected to the original trial begin to suffer. A judge, an FBI agent, a retired sheriff, and a witness are among those targeted or killed. With each new attack, the questions become more troubling. Is someone imitating Grin, is an accomplice carrying out unfinished business, or was the original conviction based on a terrible mistake? The possibility that Parker himself may have played a role in condemning an innocent man adds an especially tense dimension to the conflict between the siblings.
The relationship between Parker and Cassie is another promising part of the premise. Their estrangement is set against an investigation that demands cooperation, trust, and difficult questions about the past. As they pursue a killer who seems to be anticipating their moves, the personal stakes become inseparable from the search for the truth.
The Final Second offers readers a dark, high-stakes mystery built around revenge, psychological profiling, and the unsettling possibility that justice may have failed. Fans of serial-killer thrillers, tense investigations, complex family relationships, and stories that keep questioning what really happened should find this a gripping addition to the Mind Hunter Series.
November 4, 2026
This book grabbed me by the throat from the very beginning and never let go! Just when I thought I had things figured out, another chilling revelation took me by surprise. The suspense builds relentlessly, making this a psychological game of cat and mouse featuring a brutal, calculating killer, investigative procedures and twists I didn’t see coming.
When murders continue even after a convicted serial killer has been executed, Sheriff Parker Chord knows there’s only one person who can help him make sense of what’s happening. He has no choice but to call on his estranged sister and profiler, Cassidy. The killer, known as Grin because of the horrifying signature left in blood on each victim, appears to be back. But is someone copying the original, or did they execute the wrong person?
As Parker and Cassidy dig deeper, the questions and danger continues to mount. The premise alone was intriguing, but the escalating tension, the psychological mind games and the suspense kept me turning the pages!
The Final Second is the second installment in the Mind Hunter series. I hadn’t read the first book, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment or make it difficult to follow this story. However, I do now want to go back to get all the backstory. And I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Cassidy next!
When murders continue even after a convicted serial killer has been executed, Sheriff Parker Chord knows there’s only one person who can help him make sense of what’s happening. He has no choice but to call on his estranged sister and profiler, Cassidy. The killer, known as Grin because of the horrifying signature left in blood on each victim, appears to be back. But is someone copying the original, or did they execute the wrong person?
As Parker and Cassidy dig deeper, the questions and danger continues to mount. The premise alone was intriguing, but the escalating tension, the psychological mind games and the suspense kept me turning the pages!
The Final Second is the second installment in the Mind Hunter series. I hadn’t read the first book, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment or make it difficult to follow this story. However, I do now want to go back to get all the backstory. And I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Cassidy next!
Review of advance copy
*I RECEIVED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK!!*
Hold on to your hats everyone! The Final Second by Jim De La Vega is coming on October 12th and will have you spinning the entire time!
I received an ARC of this book and when I say I couldn’t breathe while reading it…I’m being so serious!! When the clock strikes midnight, the state of Georgia executed the Blood Smile Killer..so named cause he carved a grin into his victims. Everything should be good now..right?! Wrong! A few minutes after the execution was complete, Sheriff Chord, receives a package containing items that items and even a note that has him wondering if they got the right man or what this could mean if the Blood Smile Killer had help! So, he turns to his sister, Dr. Cassidy Chord, to help him get to the bottom of all this! But things keep getting worse, as people close to the case start getting targeted..can Sheriff Chord save the people involved? Is there a copy cat killer out there? Or did Sheriff Chord help kill an innocent man??
I’m telling you, this is a very twisty and fast paced! The character development was amazing and the story line keeps you entertained and wanting to keep reading! Definitely add this to your TBR!
#arcreview #crimethriller #suspense #kindle #thrillerbooklovers
Hold on to your hats everyone! The Final Second by Jim De La Vega is coming on October 12th and will have you spinning the entire time!
I received an ARC of this book and when I say I couldn’t breathe while reading it…I’m being so serious!! When the clock strikes midnight, the state of Georgia executed the Blood Smile Killer..so named cause he carved a grin into his victims. Everything should be good now..right?! Wrong! A few minutes after the execution was complete, Sheriff Chord, receives a package containing items that items and even a note that has him wondering if they got the right man or what this could mean if the Blood Smile Killer had help! So, he turns to his sister, Dr. Cassidy Chord, to help him get to the bottom of all this! But things keep getting worse, as people close to the case start getting targeted..can Sheriff Chord save the people involved? Is there a copy cat killer out there? Or did Sheriff Chord help kill an innocent man??
I’m telling you, this is a very twisty and fast paced! The character development was amazing and the story line keeps you entertained and wanting to keep reading! Definitely add this to your TBR!
#arcreview #crimethriller #suspense #kindle #thrillerbooklovers
October 13, 2026
The Final Second: The Mind Hunter Series #2 by Jim De La Vega
Jim De La Vega delivers another compelling instalment in The Mind Hunter Series with The Final Second, a gripping crime thriller that draws you in from the opening pages and keeps you invested until the very end.
The characters continue to develop throughout the story, adding depth to an already intriguing plot. With suspense building and danger lurking around every corner, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the unfolding mystery.
Following the execution of an innocent man, a deadly killer remains at large. Can Sheriff Parker Chord uncover the identity of the murderer, who signs his crimes as “Grim,” before more lives are lost? The race to uncover the truth makes for a tense, captivating read.
A thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery that combines suspense, intrigue, and a compelling investigation. I highly recommend The Final Second to fans of crime fiction and police procedurals.
Brilliant! A fantastic addition to the series, and I’m already looking forward to reading the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jim De La Vega delivers another compelling instalment in The Mind Hunter Series with The Final Second, a gripping crime thriller that draws you in from the opening pages and keeps you invested until the very end.
The characters continue to develop throughout the story, adding depth to an already intriguing plot. With suspense building and danger lurking around every corner, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the unfolding mystery.
Following the execution of an innocent man, a deadly killer remains at large. Can Sheriff Parker Chord uncover the identity of the murderer, who signs his crimes as “Grim,” before more lives are lost? The race to uncover the truth makes for a tense, captivating read.
A thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery that combines suspense, intrigue, and a compelling investigation. I highly recommend The Final Second to fans of crime fiction and police procedurals.
Brilliant! A fantastic addition to the series, and I’m already looking forward to reading the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're looking for a pulse-pounding thriller that is full of twists and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end, then you need to pick this one up. From the very first page until the very last sentence, The Final Score packs a punch. I don't think I once came up for a breath of air while I was reading this one. In chapter one, we witness a man being put to death because he was convicted of being the notorious serial killer known as Grin. Only minutes after his death, Grin strikes again. From there, brother and sister team Parker and Cassidy pair up to follow Grin's calling cards from his new murders and look into the clues from his past murders to try to catch him. This is a wild game of cat and mouse that is incredibly intense, and just when you think you've got it figured out, you don't. I had so many speculations on who Grin was, and I was wrong every time! Then that ending! I will be needing the next book ASAP, please! This has just topped my list of favorite thrillers of the year.
Review of advance copy
The Final Second is book 2 in the Mind Hunter Series. While you don't need to have read book 1 in order to read book 2, I think it's necessary for context to what's happening in this one.
This story was really entertaining. Just when they think it's all over, they realize it's only just begun. Minutes after they execute the person they believe is the Blood Smile Killer, they learn they may have executed the wrong person. Sheriff Parker receives a jar with the eye of the last victim and a note. A not accusing law enforcement of murder.
This story was very procedural, but not in a boring way. I love the possibility that the killer had an accomplice but could be a different person all together. I think the twist in this was great, I never saw it coming. Definitely recommend giving this a read.
This story was really entertaining. Just when they think it's all over, they realize it's only just begun. Minutes after they execute the person they believe is the Blood Smile Killer, they learn they may have executed the wrong person. Sheriff Parker receives a jar with the eye of the last victim and a note. A not accusing law enforcement of murder.
This story was very procedural, but not in a boring way. I love the possibility that the killer had an accomplice but could be a different person all together. I think the twist in this was great, I never saw it coming. Definitely recommend giving this a read.
October 4, 2026
The case was closed. The killer is dead….Right??
This was a fast paced thriller that jumps right into the action. The Blood Smile Killer (AKA Grin)case was closed…until Sheriff Parker receives a rather gruesome box suggesting not only is Grin still alive, but they executed an innocent man.
We follow Parker and his sister Dr Cassidy (they haven’t spoken in 5 years.) Not only do they need to figure if the right man was convicted…but who is unaliving people connected to the case. Cassie is a total badass and the perfect person to help Parker…but it’s not going to be easy. We get some good twists and turns and some great character development too.
No spoilers here, but that ending was a total shock!!
✨ What To Expect:
🔪 Thriller / Suspense
🩸 Crime Fiction
🔍 Whodunnit
⁉️ Mystery
👀 Copy Cat or Accomplice??
🔀 Twists & Turns
This was a fast paced thriller that jumps right into the action. The Blood Smile Killer (AKA Grin)case was closed…until Sheriff Parker receives a rather gruesome box suggesting not only is Grin still alive, but they executed an innocent man.
We follow Parker and his sister Dr Cassidy (they haven’t spoken in 5 years.) Not only do they need to figure if the right man was convicted…but who is unaliving people connected to the case. Cassie is a total badass and the perfect person to help Parker…but it’s not going to be easy. We get some good twists and turns and some great character development too.
No spoilers here, but that ending was a total shock!!
✨ What To Expect:
🔪 Thriller / Suspense
🩸 Crime Fiction
🔍 Whodunnit
⁉️ Mystery
👀 Copy Cat or Accomplice??
🔀 Twists & Turns
October 12, 2026
The Final Second (The Mind Hunter Series Book 2) by Jim De La Vega is chilling thriller with a serial killer on the loose. Thinking that the Blood Smile Killer had been caught, tried and executed, the killer strikes again. What a well-written roller coaster ride this story turns out to be with Sheriff Parker Chord calling on his sister, Dr. Cassidy Chord, a talented profiler. A very different story which has a main likeness to the first book, the killer could be right in front of you. Scary to say the least. The other similarity is that the closing is as chilling as the beginning. From beginning to end this is an addictive read where once I started reading, time flew by. When I saw how 3 hours had past so quickly with me completely absorbed in the story, I still didn’t stop reading until the killer was caught. This series will keep your attention and keep you reading.
November 1, 2026
This book reminded me of an episode of Criminal Minds, which is a show I love! The whole time I was reading, I could totally envision it as a TV show.
I did not read the first book before reading this one. That ended up not being a problem, and I had no trouble following along. It can definitely be read as a standalone. BUT I feel like if I had read the first book, this would have felt like watching episode two of a TV series. You can enjoy the episode on its own, but you already know the characters if you’ve watched from the beginning. Now I’m curious about what I missed in the first book!
The twists were awesome! I saw some coming, but others I definitely did not. Even figuring out a few things ahead of time didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed it. There was still plenty left to surprise me.
I really enjoyed this one and would definitely watch it if it ever became a show.
I did not read the first book before reading this one. That ended up not being a problem, and I had no trouble following along. It can definitely be read as a standalone. BUT I feel like if I had read the first book, this would have felt like watching episode two of a TV series. You can enjoy the episode on its own, but you already know the characters if you’ve watched from the beginning. Now I’m curious about what I missed in the first book!
The twists were awesome! I saw some coming, but others I definitely did not. Even figuring out a few things ahead of time didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed it. There was still plenty left to surprise me.
I really enjoyed this one and would definitely watch it if it ever became a show.
November 10, 2026
There is a particular kind of horror in discovering that the truth may have come too late. The Final Second builds its mystery around that unsettling possibility, where an execution that was supposed to bring closure instead becomes the beginning of another nightmare. The premise challenges the very idea of certainty in criminal justice, making the investigation feel more consequential than a typical murder mystery.
The psychological dimension is what makes this story especially intriguing. Cassidy and Parker are not simply pursuing a killer. They are confronting the possibility that everything they believed about the original case was wrong. That tension between certainty and doubt gives the novel a compelling foundation, while the family dynamics add an emotional layer to an already dark mystery.
The psychological dimension is what makes this story especially intriguing. Cassidy and Parker are not simply pursuing a killer. They are confronting the possibility that everything they believed about the original case was wrong. That tension between certainty and doubt gives the novel a compelling foundation, while the family dynamics add an emotional layer to an already dark mystery.
Review of advance copy
I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed the book and the detail but, for me, it was a little far fetched and convenient. Nonetheless, the character development was fun, the subplots keep your attention, and there were numerous plot twists that will keep you wondering and curious. Again, for me, it just felt unrealistic which kept me from being completely invested in the story and characters. However, I also respect that unrealistic is wonderful for many readers, and if wild twists are your thing, this book is definitely for you!
October 17, 2026
The Final Second is a gripping and flawlessly executed mystery/thriller. It kept me guessing and totally surprised me.
The Final Second is book two in The Mindhunter Series. I hadn't read the first in the series and while The Final Second can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone, I do feel like I missed some significant backstory. Cassidy is a solid protagonist and much about her past and the events in LA (subject of the first book) are referenced and some individuals even come back.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of--police, investigators, victims, suspects, news reporters, hospital staff, experts, etc. It was easy to get lost in the nuance and I definitely overlooked some potential clues.
Grin was a unique and brutal serial killer. While not gory per se, this novel is not for the weak of heart with murders, abductions, and bloody smiles gracing every chapter.
For a fairly long novel, this is a quick read with relatively short chapters, alternating narrators, and red herrings throughout. Thank you to The Pulse for putting this one on my radar. It's the perfect thriller for spooky season and it's available now!
The Final Second is book two in The Mindhunter Series. I hadn't read the first in the series and while The Final Second can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone, I do feel like I missed some significant backstory. Cassidy is a solid protagonist and much about her past and the events in LA (subject of the first book) are referenced and some individuals even come back.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of--police, investigators, victims, suspects, news reporters, hospital staff, experts, etc. It was easy to get lost in the nuance and I definitely overlooked some potential clues.
Grin was a unique and brutal serial killer. While not gory per se, this novel is not for the weak of heart with murders, abductions, and bloody smiles gracing every chapter.
For a fairly long novel, this is a quick read with relatively short chapters, alternating narrators, and red herrings throughout. Thank you to The Pulse for putting this one on my radar. It's the perfect thriller for spooky season and it's available now!
November 10, 2026
The central premise raises difficult questions about justice and accountability. What happens when the legal system makes an irreversible mistake? The possibility that an innocent man was executed gives the investigation a moral dimension that goes beyond identifying the killer.
The relationship between Cassidy and Parker adds another layer to the story. Their estrangement and shared history create an emotional conflict alongside the murder investigation. The combination of family dynamics, psychological manipulation, and questions about justice makes this a particularly interesting crime thriller premise.
The relationship between Cassidy and Parker adds another layer to the story. Their estrangement and shared history create an emotional conflict alongside the murder investigation. The combination of family dynamics, psychological manipulation, and questions about justice makes this a particularly interesting crime thriller premise.
November 10, 2026
The premise of The Final Second is both disturbing and fascinating. A serial killer is executed, yet the murders continue, leaving investigators questioning everything they thought they knew. The mystery creates an excellent foundation for a psychological thriller, especially with Cassidy Chord involved.
The story also benefits from the tension between Cassidy and Parker. Their relationship gives the investigation a personal dimension, while the possibility of a wrongful execution raises questions about justice and accountability. It is a compelling combination of psychological suspense and emotional conflict.
The story also benefits from the tension between Cassidy and Parker. Their relationship gives the investigation a personal dimension, while the possibility of a wrongful execution raises questions about justice and accountability. It is a compelling combination of psychological suspense and emotional conflict.
November 13, 2026
One of the most interesting things about The Final Second is the question it puts at the heart of its story: what does justice mean when the system gets it wrong? An execution is supposed to represent the conclusion of a legal process, yet the possibility of a wrongful conviction turns that conclusion into something far more disturbing.
I particularly like the direction of this premise because it gives the mystery something meaningful to examine beyond the identity of the killer. It touches on accountability, institutional failure, and the consequences of decisions that cannot be undone. A thoughtful foundation for a crime thriller.
I particularly like the direction of this premise because it gives the mystery something meaningful to examine beyond the identity of the killer. It touches on accountability, institutional failure, and the consequences of decisions that cannot be undone. A thoughtful foundation for a crime thriller.
November 13, 2026
A continuing crime series needs more than a different criminal to investigate in every installment. It needs a world and central characters that give readers a reason to return. The Mind Hunter series has an interesting foundation in Cassidy Chord, whose professional expertise and complicated personal history create room for stories that extend beyond individual cases.
The Final Second also takes the series in an interesting direction by introducing a mystery rooted in the past, where the original investigation itself becomes part of the problem. That gives the sequel its own identity rather than simply repeating the formula of the first book. An intriguing direction for the series.
The Final Second also takes the series in an interesting direction by introducing a mystery rooted in the past, where the original investigation itself becomes part of the problem. That gives the sequel its own identity rather than simply repeating the formula of the first book. An intriguing direction for the series.
November 13, 2026
Beyond the mystery of who is responsible, the most compelling part of this story is what the case demands from the people caught in it. The possibility that an innocent man was executed gives the investigation a much heavier dimension, while Parker and Cassidy's complicated relationship adds another layer of tension. It is a story where uncovering the truth matters just as much as confronting the consequences of getting it wrong.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Intense and fast paced, with twists upon twists and puzzles to solve! This is a book that will grab you from the very beginning & not let go.
*I did not read the first book & still throughly enjoyed & got to know Cassidy & Parker Chord. Can be read as a stand alone but it will make you want to read them all! Give us more!
*I did not read the first book & still throughly enjoyed & got to know Cassidy & Parker Chord. Can be read as a stand alone but it will make you want to read them all! Give us more!
October 16, 2026
Let me preface this with I love serial killer thrillers...
This is my first read from this author and I will certainly look for more.
I'm a huge fan of his writing style; multiple characters; multiple settings; and I love when I can "picture" the story in my mind as I read.
I found this book hard to put down; easy fast flowing...
And just when I thought I had it figured out...????
This is my first read from this author and I will certainly look for more.
I'm a huge fan of his writing style; multiple characters; multiple settings; and I love when I can "picture" the story in my mind as I read.
I found this book hard to put down; easy fast flowing...
And just when I thought I had it figured out...????
November 10, 2026
The Final Second has an incredibly compelling central mystery. The execution of a convicted serial killer followed by another murder raises an unsettling question about whether justice was actually served. It is the kind of premise that immediately invites speculation and makes the investigation feel personal.
November 13, 2026
The relationship between Parker and Cassidy gives the investigation an additional emotional dimension. Their estrangement makes their involvement in the same case more complicated, creating tension that extends beyond the criminal investigation. That balance between personal conflict and professional determination gives the story more substance than a straightforward serial killer mystery.
November 13, 2026
The idea of a convicted serial killer being executed, only for evidence to emerge suggesting the wrong person may have died, is a powerful starting point. It takes a familiar crime thriller setup and turns it into something far more unsettling. The central mystery is not simply who committed the murders, but whether the entire investigation was built on a terrible mistake.
November 13, 2026
The atmosphere of The Final Second is built around uncertainty, suspicion, and the uncomfortable possibility that justice has failed. Even after an execution, the case refuses to stay closed. That premise creates a persistent sense of unease, where every new discovery has the potential to overturn what everyone thought they knew.
November 13, 2026
The story explores one of the most uncomfortable questions in criminal justice: what happens when the system punishes the wrong person? It brings questions of evidence, accountability, public confidence, and the permanence of capital punishment into a suspenseful narrative. The subject matter gives the mystery a moral weight that makes it especially compelling.
November 13, 2026
A sequel has to do more than bring familiar characters back. It needs a compelling reason for another story to exist. The Final Second offers that through a mystery that challenges the conclusions of an earlier investigation and gives Cassidy and Parker another difficult situation to navigate. It expands the series without relying on the exact same central conflict.
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