The Last Good Place

Streets of San Francisco #1

by Robin Burcell

Robin Burcell has worked as a cop, hostage negotiator, and as an FBI-trained, forensic artist . She’s also the author of award-winning thrillers. Now she uses that unparalleled experience to reboot Carolyn Weston’s groundbreaking series of books, which were the basis for the hit TV show "The Streets of San Francisco."

Sgt. Al Krug and his younger, college-educated partner Casey Kellog are investigating a string of strangulation killings when another victim is found at the Presidio…but a surprising, violent incident at the crime scene makes them wonder if everything is what it seems. The two miss-matched cops, with sharply conflicting approaches to detective work, are under intense pressure to get results. It’s a race-against-the-clock investigation that propels them into the deadly intersection of politics, real estate, media and vice… the fertile, fog-shrouded killing field of a ruthless murderer.

"Robin Burcell has expertly updated the Krug & Kellog series for old and new readers alike. She knows her stuff and puts it to good use in this entertaining and authentic police procedural."
—Alafair Burke, New York Times Bestselling Author of All Day and a Night

"The Last Good Place is a fabulous reboot of a beloved classic. With smart, clever writing and an elegant plot, Robin Burcell has nailed it. All hail the reincarnation of Krug and Kellog."
—J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of What Lies Behind

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Procedural, Crime, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2015

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Robin Burcell, Brash Books and Net Galley for gifting me a copy of The Last Good Place in exchange for an unbiased review.

I have had Ms. Burcell’s books on my to-read list for over a year, but this is the first one I have actually read. Based on my experience, I definitely plan to give her Sydney Fitzpatrick series and Kate Gillespie series a go as well.

I was attracted to The Last Good Place for several reasons. First I had heard several people talk about this author in glowing terms. Second, though I have never seen The Streets of San Francisco, the television show that was inspired by these characters (first written by Carolyn Weston), I have been to San Francisco a number of times and especially enjoy novels set in locales I am familiar with. In addition, the cover is fabulous—who could pass that up?

I loved this book. The characters are for the most part likeable, especially the protags Al Krug and Casey Kellog (Mike Stone and Steve Keller on TV). Al is the experienced veteran homicide cop and Casey is the young college-trained new wave law enforcement officer on a fast track to rise through the ranks. I thought their relationship was well done. The plot is complex with lots of twists and surprises. If you are trying to solve the case along with the police, you need to pay attention—no skimming allowed! I thought the pace was great and was engrossed from the start. There are a few instances where the situation is just a titch over the top or stretches believability a bit, but this didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story.

Ms. Burcell’s 30-year career as a police officer, hostage negotiator, criminal investigator, and FBI-trained forensic artist clearly shines through. As a police procedural, the story is extremely well done. Also interestingly portrayed is the political interplay between the cops and a powerful local politico. I also loved the little tricks of the trade that Al passes to Casey and Casey’s evolution to being a better homicide detective. It’s clear you can’t learn everything in school.

There is a dash of romance thrown in for good measure, but not enough to turn romance haters away.

I would have liked a little more character development, particularly in terms of more back story for Casey and Al, but that may have been done in the Weston books (which I have not read yet) or may be coming up in future installments of the updated series by Ms. Burcell’s.

All in all, I found The Last Good Place to be a clever, pacy, and compelling police procedural. I recommend it for all thriller/crime/mystery fans. I am delighted to have found an exciting new author (to me) in Ms. Burcell, and will certainly be reading more of her novels. Congratulations to Ms. Burcell for taking on the difficult project of continuing another author’s series and coming through with such an outstanding effort.

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life

Wow! I really enjoyed reading this book. I haven't seen a single episode of the TV show that I remember and I never picked up any of the original books in the series so this was all new for me. I enjoyed every page of it. I don't read police procedurals very often but every once in a while this kind of book is the perfect choice. This book hooked me right away and I had a very hard time putting it down. I actually ended up reading the entire novel in a single day which is really unusual for me right now.

I was impressed by the complexity of the cases in this story. This was a deeply layered story that kept me guessing almost until the very end of the book. The fact that I couldn't figure out the mystery was a huge plus for me. All the pieces to the mystery were there but I just couldn't see how everything would eventually fit together. The story read with the same level of excitement that you would expect in a police drama.

I didn't fall in love with any of the characters but they all felt very real to me. Every single character in this story felt authentic which is pretty amazing. All of the characters were somewhat flawed and there were a few individuals that I found to be hard to figure out which added to the appeal for me. The detectives in this story were regular people just trying to piece everything together to stop a criminal and solve a mystery.

The writing in this book was very well done. I thought the pacing of the story was excellent with the story progressing at a great pace. I never felt like the story was rushed and there was never any part of the book that seemed too slow. Every scene in the book helped to build the story and the characters.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of police procedural novels. This is the first book by Robin Burcell that I have had a chance to read but I do plan to look for some of her other work in the future.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Brash Books via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Initial Thoughts
This was a fast paced story that kept me guessing until the end. The mystery was layered, complex, and completely believable.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read that Robin Burcell was picking up where Carolyn Weston left off with her "'Streets of San Francisco"' series, I was a bit skeptical on how I would like this. One-I hadn't ready anything by Ms Burcell before, so I knew nothing of her writing style, and two-Weston's series is iconic! Whether you were of fan of her books or the TV series when it aired, Burcell had some big shoes to fill.

I'm happy to say that she did just that!

Right from the first chapter I was drawn in and the pace kept me interested all the way through to the end. The main characters were really strong. Smart, seasoned Sgt. Al Krug holds court with his book smart, less experienced partner Casey Kellogg. I really enjoyed the repertoire between these two, as well as the rest of the investigative team. It all felt real, not forced. There is also just the right amount of police procedural activity that makes you feel like you are solving the case along with them. While there are 2 murder investigations underway throughout the book, there is one that had me completely guessing and baffled until the big reveal.

With a strong cast of supporting characters and well written storylines, this is a must read for anyone who likes a good who-dun-nit and police procedural. I look forward to what's in store for my 2 new favorite detectives and kudos to Burcell for taking on this venture and doing it such justice.

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You very much to Net Galley, the publishers, and Robin Burcell, for the opportunity to read this great book.

Robin Burcell has worked as a cop, hostage negotiator, and as an FBI-trained, forensic artist . She’s also the author of award-winning thrillers. Now she uses that unparalleled experience to continue Carolyn Weston’s groundbreaking series of books, which were the basis for the hit TV show "The Streets of San Francisco."

Sgt. Al Krug and his younger, college-educated partner Casey Kellog are investigating a string of strangulation killings when another victim is found at the Presidio…but a surprising, violent incident at the crime scene makes them wonder if everything is what it seems. The two miss-matched cops, with sharply conflicting approaches to detective work, are under intense pressure to get results. It’s a race-against-the-clock investigation that propels them into the deadly intersection of politics, real estate, media and vice… the fertile, fog-shrouded killing field of a ruthless murderer.

This is a very enjoyable, easy reading, great story with plenty of characters, two great lead characters and different detectives, and Karl Malden and Michael Douglas faces kept coming into my head.

A very well written to me a real classic type police procedure, from an author will all the experience and knowledge.

Kept as a great pace with strong supporting characters, keep you guessing to the very last pages.

I am very keen to read more from this author, as I like her writing style.

A good four stars for me.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel that featured two different types of Detectives that make an ideal combination as partners. An exciting story that is well paced and full of suspense, the characters are well developed and believable and this results in a thoroughly well written novel.
The author is an experienced ex cop, negotiator and forensic artist and she uses all her knowledge to write this realistic and accurate novel. This is the first book I have read by this author but now I will be looking out for more of her work.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Brash Books for supplying me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley, Brash Books, and Robin Burcell for a copy of The Last Good Place in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.

This is my first reading of this author, who has worked as a police officer, hostage negotiator, and as an FBI-trained forensic artist. In this book, she carries on the series started by the late Carolyn Weston, upon which the 1970s American television series The Streets of San Francisco was based.

The Last Good Place is set in 21st Century San Francisco. It features an unlikely duo consisting of the experienced, street-wise Sgt. Al Krug and his young new detective partner, Casey Kellog, whom Krug gruffly, albeit affectionately refers to as “College Boy.” The department is in the throes of a tough serial murder case dubbed by the press as “the Landmark Strangler” when another victim is found at the Presidio. The plot focuses on both cases, but Krug and Kellog are assigned the Presidio case.

The victim turns out to be a woman named Trudy Salvatori, who just happened to be a volunteer staffer for a prominent politician’s re-election campaign. Does that matter? I knew from the beginning who was behind her murder and why. Then for the rest of the book, Ms. Burcell did everything in her power to confuse me and make me doubt the truth. Everyone whom Kellog and Krug interviewed was lying. Lies, lies, and more lies. Why? Everyone had something to hide, but not everyone was guilty of murder or conspiracy, of course. The second half of the book got much more interesting as the cops pieced together one set of crimes and struggled with another.

I didn’t love the author’s style, and throughout the first half of the story, I was feeling rather unexcited about the plot and the characters. Even though it is a police procedural, I would like to see more character development and also more detail. There was not enough depth to the investigators, the suspects drew neither my sympathy nor my contempt, and Casey’s dalliances with the young women he encountered during his workday were, at times, unbelievable. As the book went on, he did grow to be more likable, perhaps even more credible. Overall, he seemed to me to be a little too good to be true.

As for the plot, I think that Ms. Burcell rescued this novel with the second half. There were a couple of things that I had to go back and check from the beginning, however, when I got confused; I’m not sure that those things actually happened the way she wrote them. However, she did have some shrewd clues that could be easy to overlook. I did not expect the final showdown, so I applaud her for that piece of drama, even though, again, the situation seemed rather unrealistic – perhaps like a TV script – which some people love.

If you love lies, half-truths, romantic teases, twists and turns, and age-old stereotypes about cops and doughnuts, The Last Good Place will keep you hanging onto your seat as if you’re on a high-speed chase up and down the famed hilly streets of San Francisco.

Overall, I give The Last Good Place 3.5 stars.

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading works by writers who are picking up the character bandwagon that halted when the original authors died (Robert B. Parker's Spenser and Jesse Stone and Ian Fleming's James Bond come to mind immediately) has always been a bit of a bittersweet experience for me. In those instances, it's almost impossible not to compare the new with the old (although in some respects, that's as it should be; after all, they're writing about the same characters and, intentionally, in a similar style).

This one, to which I was given access by the publisher through Netgalley, continues the work of the late Carolyn Weston, whose characters Sgt. Al Krug and his partner Casey Kellog became the basis for the TV show The Streets of San Francisco. To that end, I'm at a disadvantage; I've never read any of Weston's books. I was, however, a big fan of the TV show - which aired from 1972 to 1977 - and in particular of a very young and very talented Michael Douglas. So whether the author managed to capture the essence of Weston's books I can't say, but I do think it's reminiscent of the show and is an excellent police procedural in its own right.

It begins as Krug and Kellog - the latter new to the San Francisco Homicide team and mismatched with his partner in age, experience and attitude toward the job - investigate a series of murders by the "Landmark Strangler" (so named because the victims are found near well-known city landmarks). But when they take a look at the most recent, the fourth in just four months, something just doesn't seem right even though the body was found near the Presidio. Then, a nosy reporter with her eye on a Pulitzer questions the relationship of much-earlier murders to those of the strangler, adding a potentially new dimension to the investigation. When more clues lead to the office of a prominent politician, though, things really start to heat up: Krug and Kellog not only are under the gun to solve the cases, but under orders to avoid ruffling feathers of the powers that be.

The story held my interest from beginning to end, and for sure I'll be in line when and if the next edition is published. Meanwhile, I plan to check out some of the other books the accomplished Ms. Burcell has written!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Casey grabbed his radio then bolted from the car, not even bothering to shut the door. He ran out of the garage onto Bush Street, then turned left toward the bridge, hearing nothing but the whoosh of the cars below as they emerged from the tunnel. Casey's mind raced, Everything he knew about the Strangler was that he'd never strike out here in the open. The stair's he thought. Twin staircases led from the end of the tunnel on both sides of Stockton Street on up to Bush. The perfect place to assault someone. Or kill someone..... "

Books written by Carolyn Weston were the basis for the television show "The Streets of San Francisco." This author has continued the tradition with this book, "The Last Good Place." Based on Carolyn Weston's characters, Sgt. Al Krug and his partner Casey Kellog. Since the original series took place in the 70's this author chose to update the characters and situations to make them more timely.

Kellog and Krug are investigating what's known as the Landmark Strangler. Women being murdered and left near landmarks around the city. The latest victim, Trudy, works for a congressman who is up for reelection. Could politics be playing a role in the newest case or is this the work of the serial killer? They hope not, involving politicians in a murder investigation could make or break a police career.

When there is a violent incident at the scene of the latest victim they feel they may be on the verge of wrapping up the case. Then again maybe everything is not as it seems. Of course they are under pressure to come up with results yesterday. They also need to find away to make their styles mesh as they are both such different kind of detectives.

As they go about their business they find that more than one person has been lying to them. Every time they interview a witness they get a different story on their take on Trudy. Nothing adds up, from the time Trudy left her house to whom she may be involved with. Steady pace and good characters that feel familiar. Old cop, old ways up against young cop and technological thinking. Together they make a great team , when they aren't running opposite of each other that is.

The twists were well written. Not what you'd see coming. I always appreciate that in a writer. The ability to surprise me. Can Kellog and Krug wrap this up, find a killer, or maybe more than one killer, and keep their jobs? You'll have to pick this one up and find out.

It was fun and interesting to see the new take on the characters from the old television series. Something most likely you'll remember if you're over a certain age. This book is not dated though and even if you don't remember "The Streets of San Francisco" you will still enjoy this police procedural story.

"She wanted that to be her final thought. The trees behind her house. "The Last Good Place..."


Thank you to Netgalley and Brash Books for the ARC

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marcie Valentine is a young housewife who often jogs with her neighbour Trudy Salvatori. On this particular morning, she has something else in mind….finally acting on suspicions that her husband Devin & Trudy are more than neighbourly. But when she gets to their pre-arranged running path, all Marcie finds is Trudy’s dead body.

Sgt. Al Krug & partner Sgt. Casey Kellog get the call & their first thought is the Landmark Strangler has struck again. Someone has been killing young women near popular sites around the city. Despite countless man hours, the detectives have nothing & Trudy’s death fits the MO.

But as Al & Casey start to dig they run into conflicting evidence, dodgey witnesses & outright lies. And that’s before a congressman running for reelection gets involved. It’s the kind of case that can make or break a career, something very much on the mind of the ambitious Casey.

Al is an old style cop in his 50’s. He’s unimpressed by young cops with plenty of book learning but no practical experience. He’s been saddled with new recruit Casey & is trying to teach him the ropes. Meanwhile, Casey is more concerned with how catching the Strangler could help him with the next promotion.

This is a police procedural that follows the relationship between the 2 MC’s as they deal with several murders. It’s not clear if the cases are all related or if they’re searching for multiple killers. Chapters alternate between different characters’ POV’s & some are unreliable narrators, at best. As the story progresses, hidden alliances & secret agendas are gradually revealed that make you rethink what you thought you knew.

Characters range from law enforcement personnel & their families to nosy neighbours & reporters. Initially, I thought Casey’s character was the weakest of the bunch. He comes across as very young for his age, particularly in his private life where he alternates between chasing anything in heels & being firmly entangled in his mother’s apron strings. But like the story itself, he matures in the last quarter of the book as the pace picks up & multiple plot lines converge. There are a couple of nice twists that may catch you off guard before the tense final scenes.

It’s the first in a series that shows promise & although the cases are wrapped up, there are a few loose threads left dangling for the next instalment.

[L.A. Starks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad this was a pick of the Good Thriller group. The pace of the story pulled me right along.

Burcell introduces sympathetic characters, and the SF setting is a pleasure--easy to visualize.

People who like this book may also like House of Sand and Fog, by Andre Dubus III.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book a lot. There were definitely a lot of suspects and while I figured out who killed Trudy, it was almost at the end of the book.

I really liked the characters in the book as well. Although, I was glad when Casey decided to forego the Lieutenant thing and just be a homicide cop. I was really getting tired of all the barbs and the hounding.

There were several twists in here that I really liked and did not see coming at all which just made for that much more of an interesting read for me. Unfortunately, I started reading this book too near bedtime and yes, while you were having breakfast this morning, I was reading this book. Ugh, I hate when that happens, but not really, that means it was a great read and I just couldn't put it down!!

Thanks to Brash Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for a honest review. I definitely recommend this, but start reading it earlier in the day. Your body will love you for it. HA!

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a procedural in which the protagonists are a pair of San Francisco homicide detectives working on two separate cases. One is an experienced homicide cop with the street smarts that can only come from extensive experience. The other is relatively young and college educated. (This series of novels was the basis of the television show, Streets of San Francisco.). It is possibly one of the best procedurals I have read in years. The reader is hooked from the onset and never let loose.

Thanks to Net Galley and Brash for an ARC for an honest review.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid police procedural that got better as it progressed. There were a few twists to liven things up but the book was not what I would call a real page-turner. I will probably try another one from this author though.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"Be careful what you wish for.""
Young Casey Kellogg is ambitious. Already a homicide detective at an unprecedented young age, he has studied hard for his lieutenant's badge, passing the examination easily and is scheduled for the interview soon. He will be competing against much more experienced officers so really wants to prove himself by solving a high profile case - like that of the Landmark Strangler. And it seems like luck is favouring him when another victim is found close by the Golden Gate Bridge.

Trudy and Marcie had been neighbours and friends for a long time and often ran together in the morning. But not this day, and now one of them was dead, strangled. She, her husband and the victim's spouse are understandably upset. It looks like the Strangler had struck again and it's just possible that, through this death, the police have caught him. But interviews have to be made, statements taken and, as always, Casey is impressed by the easy technique of his partner and mentor, Al, in gaining the trust and responses from those he speaks with. Unlike Casey, Al is not P.C., seems to act more on instinct and he gets results when more modern technics seem to fail.

This is an entertaining 'partnership' police procedural story: the old timer, easy and instinctive, working with the enthusiastic but still naïve younger man, looking to make a name for himself. And it works. The murder they are first investigating segues into so much more and the book is packed with incidents, investigations, twists and turns. The characterisations are very well done, not only for the two main protagonist but for almost everyone appearing, giving a realistic alive presence throughout. A little joshing between the cops in conversation and very visual in the brief descriptions of places and people, but not a blood and gore focus. Instead it is the living, not the dead, who take centre place.

The book is well narrated by Travis Baldree, his very pleasant-on-the-ear reading perfectly mirroring the text in pace and emotion. The dialogue of the characters is superb, each being given a distinctive and appropriately personalised voice, which further brings them to life for the listener. An example of best pairing of author and narrator.

The time spent listening to this excellent detective mystery passed all too quickly for me and I will most definitely be looking forward to more from author, Robin Burcell, with whom I was previously unfamiliar. My deep thanks, therefore, to the rights holder who freely gifted me my copy of The Last Good Place, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. It was a real pleasure to hear and a book I have no hesitation in recommending to all who enjoy good detective stories where the focus is on character and procedural rather than anatomical dissection. Well worth reading.

[HornFan2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley.com, Robin Burcell and Brash Books for the advance ARC for my honest review and no spoilers.

'The Last Good Place' is an edge of your seat, roller coaster of a read, that twists and turns through the streets of San Francisco, has you riding shotgun with too lovable Detectives, shocked full of believable characters and a mess of whodunit mixed.

Than look no further than Robin Burcell's latest, as she continues Carolyn's Weston's groundbreaking the Krug and Kellog Thriller Series, that became the basis for the hit TV show, 'The Streets of San Francisco'.

If you love the Police Procedural genre or watch all the Police TV shows, than this one's a must read for you and get introduced to one of the best authors in the genre.

It seems like it's the norm now. Where we see late beloved author's work continued posthumously be it by the author's estate or a publisher. I've kept reading several legendary author's beloved characters, due to it being simply to hard not to.

The opposite happened getting introduced to Al Krug and Casey Kellog, by finding myself at 50% of this book, purchasing all three of Weston's books. Never had a reaction to a book like that before, that's just how good 'The Last Best Place' is and it's one of my favorite reads of this year so far.

Only Burcell could take two likable detectives, add a plain jane reporter, have multiple murders cleverly intertwined, a dash of humor, dash of romance, having a politician being a politician, sprinkle in red herrings, smoking guns and pull it off perfectly.

Sgts Al Krug and Casey Kellog, basically take you through a murder investigation, that finds the murderer being killed while flee them, goes through every plausible explanation, trying to find whodunit and follows police procedural by the book.

I liked all the characters in this one, especially Krug and Kellog, really liked that this reads like a movie and can't wait for the their next adventurer.

I highly recommend Robin Burcell's writing, you'll find yourself having a bookshelf or collection on your ereader of her books. Both her Kate Gillespie and Sydney Fitzpatrick Series are two favorites of mine.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Robin Burcell has worked as a cop, hostage negotiator, and as an FBI-trained, forensic artist . She’s also the author of award-winning thrillers. Now she uses that unparalleled experience to continue Carolyn Weston’s groundbreaking series of books, which were the basis for the hit TV show The Streets of San Francisco. (from NetGalley description)

Trudi Salvatori goes for a morning run...and ends up strangled. A series of murders near important landmarks leads the investigators to suspect that the killer has added another notch in his belt. The reader, however, has other suspicions about Trudi's death.

Full of red herrings and intriguing twists. (Remember Karl Malden & Michael Douglas in the television series? This took me back, but it is definitely an updated version)

NetGalley/Brash Books

Police Procedural/Mystery. Nov. 3, 2015. Print length: 289 pages.

[Marla Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good storyline, the author expertly combines two cases. One, two couples who live next door to each other whose lives are intimately interwoven. When one of the women is killed in a way that is similar to a serial killer operating in the area, the police are challenged to discover if the murder is a copycat or some other motive for the woman's death is at work.
Very entertaining suspense read.

[Mary L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was very well done with both the characters and action ringing true clear to the end. Perhaps the fact that the author had spent many years on a police force helped. I noted at the end that they had two authors listed but the only one on the cover was Robin Burcell. If you like a good mystery that will hold you to the end, then this book is one for you. However, it is # 5 in the series so I am going to have to go back and find the first one and read them all.

[Lynn Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot.
It is well written full of twists.
Robin Burcell uses her knowledge of Police procedures in this book making it a great read.

Thank you to the Author, Brash books and Netgalley.

[Kathy Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

This is the first book I've read by Robin Burcell. I'm definitely going to be grabbing books one through three,and any others by her. The story was fascinating and the ending was a total surprise.

[Donna Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a treat! They say all stories have already been told once, but I’m telling you, this one hasn’t. Oh, trust me! And my thanks go to Net Galley and Brash Books for a wonderful DRC. This one will be up for sale November 3.

Some may recall the TV series “The Streets of San Francisco”; the show was based on a set of police procedurals by Carolyn Weston. Characters Casey Kellog and Al Krug became TV characters Steve Keller and Mike Stone. In bringing the series back to us in the twenty-first century, new co-author Robin Burcell was asked to update it, since some of the over-the-top methods used originally could get a cop fired these days, and the old methods would not resonate with the public. Burcell has a lengthy background in law enforcement, and now I know that she is also a capable novelist. The pages flew by, and I enjoyed her improvement of the old series.

As the story commences, there have been a series of murders at famous landmarks in San Francisco, and it has been inferred by the media that tourists are at risk. While sometimes life may be cheap, the tourist industry is key to the local economy, and there’s heavy political pressure set to find someone and solve this crime, preferably accurately, but if not…just get someone, haul them in, and charge them.

So when Marcie’s neighbor and good friend Trudy turns up dead, there is speculation. Has she been a victim of this killer, or is it a copycat killing?

We find out right at the get go that Marcie knows a thing or two. For example, she knows that Trudy and her husband are getting a divorce; they are no longer in love. And Marcie also knows that her buddy has been spending some private time with Marcie’s husband. And so while Trudy and her soon-to-be-ex are going to sell their house as part of dividing the spoils of a marriage gone bad, Marcie won’t sell her house. Because it is her house, along with the eucalyptus grove out in the backyard. Her grandfather left her the house, and he left her the trees. He used to tell her that this humble, quiet spot out back was “the last good place”, and Marcie won’t part with it. Not ever. Not even to increase the property’s value—for herself and also for friend Trudy—by making their homes bay view property. Her grandfather preferred the trees to the water view, and so does Marcie.

It’s time to go jogging with Trudy, but Marcie hangs back and hides for a bit. We aren’t quite sure why, apart from the fact that she is suspicious that things are not what they seem to be. Trudy’s been a little strange toward her lately. And what do you know…Trudy dies on the morning jog before Marcie catches up to her.

This is a really accessible story, and I thought I ought to be able to solve the mystery. Goodness knows I read enough of them! And yet, I really didn’t get it. The author doesn’t pull the rug from beneath the reader by introducing a lot of new information at the end, or any of the other unfair devices writers occasionally use in order to make their story’s ending a certain surprise; I had a reasonable shot at it, but I didn’t get it. And I loved the ending!

The characters—the experienced, fatherly, crafty interrogator Al Krug, and his ambitious partner, Casey Kellog, are well developed and personable, but their personal lives don’t distract from the problems at hand. There are a couple of red herrings, but the plot is essentially linear and easy to follow.

All told, this one is a humdinger, and you should read it!

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a slightly altered version of the review of the book I posted on Audible:

This was my first book by Robin Burcell so I started listening to it without any prior expectations.
The blurb mentions "The Streets of San Francisco" and I must say the book does have the feel of that series as well as other good TV police series you can think of:) - and that's one of the many things that made me like it a lot.
It has a couple of detectives you get to like from their first appearance (even if you haven't read/listened to the first three books in the series, like me), a murder investigation - or two, rather - with a lot of clues and as many misguiding trails, and you have quite a bit of action, too... And it all described so vividly that you really have a feeling of watching a movie, not listening to a book:)
But that's not surprising taking into account the author's experience with the police work:) - it really shows in the best possible way...

The plot is very well developed; it moves fast, but still there is time for a few of Kellog's inner monologues that allow us to get to know his character closer - which I personally liked a lot, as it made me relate to him better. I also think it was a good idea to have two murder investigations go on simultaneously, with some elements that intertwined them, as that made the story more gripping and action-packed. And although at some point I realized the who and the why (before the detectives did) it really didn't bother me as the author was able to keep my interest in how they will come up with the solution and how they will approach the murderer:)

Now for the interpretatin of the book by Travis Baldree:
Mr Baldree's narration helped me visualise the story. I like his voicing of Al Krug especially; in this interpretation Al has all the qualities a good mentor should have: he is supportive, sometimes a little bit sarcastic, but never overpowering... He's been written this way by Ms Burcell but comes to life excellently in Mr Baldree's interpretation.
I generally liked all the male voices, no problems there; as for female voices, most of their parts were very well done, with only a few (really few) instances where I thought the woman sounded a little strange, but as these instances were few and apart, no star deduction for that:)
Generally, it's a great police procedural by Ms Burcell very well read by Mr Baldree:)

DISCLAIMER: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

[Kristine (The Writer's Inkwell) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted originally on my blog:
The Writer's Inkwell
So it's not an easy bar to set, but I have to say this is by far the best mystery I have read all year. I wasn't sure exactly where everything was going to go as I began the book. I really do try to avoid reading even the description of a book before I read and I had selected to request this book based on the cover.

Robin Burcell does a fantastic job twisting around all the facts of the case at hand. As Casey and Al try to figure out if Trudy's death is in connection to string of strangulation kills, they also realize that even though both have different styles, backgrounds and knowledge, they can learn a lot from one another. Casey's a fast rising star who is already testing for Lieutenant after only six months in homicide. Solving a big case will only help further his career. But what he doesn't realize is his ambitions are going to send him on a crash course with a highly ambitious reporter who is desperate to bring to light the fact there may be more murders than the police and press are willing to admit.

This book has everything, theft, deception, betrayal and of course, sex... as in Casey's sexual attraction to Jenn, the reporter and Becca, a fellow police officer. From the beginning, you feel as if you have at least a good idea of who all is involved, but by the end, you realize everything was just smoke and mirrors. The person you think is responsible for Trudy's death is not who you believe and those you thought to be completely innocent, were in fact, extremely involved, but not in what you think.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries and can appreciate the fact things don't move as fast in the world of police work as television shows like to make it seem.

Reviewer's note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Hampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a modern day continuation of Carolyn Weston's crime series Krug and Kellog, which was made into the t.v. show The Streets of San Francisco back in the 70's. Author Robin Burcell does this admirably in keeping with the essence of the original but also puts her own stamp on this book.
When the strangled body of wealthy Trudy Salvatori is found in the park, after she had gone out on a morning jog, Krug and Kellog jump at the chance to take the case. Sergeant Casey Kellog, at 29, is the youngest in the department. He has fast tracked to his position in the force through his university education, unlike his partner Sergeant Al Krug. Al, much older than Casey, earned his position through doing years on the beat along with his other colleagues in the department. Casey needs to prove his worth to his peers and solving the case could just be his ticket. If the murder of Trudy is the latest in a series of murders by the Landmark killer and he and Al can solve the case he could make his name and gain respect.
The story line is very good and I loved all the red herrings that the author created. I was constantly changing my mind about the killer and I was blown off my feet at the end of the book.
I felt that the book would be more suited to a mature reader as although it has been brought up to modern times the content seemed a little old fashioned. Violence in this book is minimal but on the couple of occasions it happens it does have more of an impact. It would also appeal to anyone that does not like bad language in a book. I would read more of this author's books. Loved the twists and turns in it.
I wish to thank Netgalley and Brash Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Elite Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent complex murder plot.

Sergeants Casey Kellog and Al Krug are called to the scene of a murder when the body of a woman jogger is found at the Golden Gate Bridge. On first appearances it looks like another murder committed by the serial killer that the papers have nicknamed “The Landmark Strangler”. The body is that of Trudy Salvatori but it soon becomes apparent that this has not been committed by the Landmark Strangler but by someone hoping to throw the police off track.

Not only must the team solve this murder which sees them locking horns with a congressman threatening to destroy their careers, but Casey Kellog discovers that the real Landmark Strangler’s identity may be known to a journalist who will stoop to any length to get him to listen to her theory; that originally this strangler had killed prostitutes and their murders had all been put on the back burner because of their profession.

Robin Burchell was approached by Brash Books to continue Carolyn Weston’s Krug & Kellog series. The original author’s books were the basis for a TV series in the seventies called The Streets of San Francisco, a hugely popular TV series. I can’t imagine how one author manages to step into another’s shoes to continue a series, but Robin Burchell has done a superb job of bringing us these well-known characters in a present-day environment. The characters are real. The murders are plausible. The confusion of facts and the methods used to finally solve the crimes bring us some brilliant police work.

I sincerely hope that we will see more of Robin Burchell’s re-discovery of these two brilliant, very likeable police sergeants and the rest of their team, solving some more complex cases.

Treebeard

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Robin Burcell’s suspense novels, so I was intrigued when I saw this new book by Burcell. This time, Burcell has written a police procedural based on a series by Carolyn Weston, on which the television series, “The Streets of San Francisco” was based. I hadn’t read any of Weston’s books and I have only a vague memory of some of the old television episodes starring a young Michael Douglas. Burcell says she has merged some aspects of the original books with the television show and I think the result is a success! I really enjoyed this book which pairs veteran detective Sgt. Al Krug with the younger Casey Kellog, who is eager to put what he studied in school into practice. The two work very differently, but are ultimately a good fit. They each learn to be more flexible in their crime-solving methods and bring out the best in each other.

The characters are appealing and the procedural elements are both believable and interesting. Descriptions and dialogue in which Krug and Kellog are on the job make excellent reading. On the other hand, while it is tied into the novel’s main plot, Kellog’s love life isn’t as interesting to read about, partially because one of his potential love interests wasn’t that likeable. I was eager to find out how things turned out in the case, which had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing about the solution. I enjoyed the rapport between Krug and Kellog and hope Burcell keeps this wonderful series going.

I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Brash Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

[A Reader's Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Sgt. Al Krug and his younger, college-educated partner Casey Kellog are investigating a string of strangulation killings when another victim is found at the Presidio…but a surprising, violent incident at the crime scene makes them wonder if everything is what it seems. The two miss-matched cops, with sharply conflicting approaches to detective work, are under intense pressure to get results. It’s a race-against-the-clock investigation that propels them into the deadly intersection of politics, real estate, media and vice… the fertile, fog-shrouded killing field of a ruthless murderer.

What a very good opening story to a new series of mystery / police procedural novels. Former cop, hostage negotiator, and FBI-trained, forensic artist, Robin Burcell has written a story that parallels those of Carolyn Weston’s groundbreaking series of books that were used as a basis for the TV show, The Streets of San Francisco.

What works really well here are the characters. The first thing to get right when doing something like this is to get the characters right, and the author has done this very well. Al and Casey were near perfect for me as the old cop/rookie combination. The plot itself had all the hallmarks of both the classic 70s story-telling, as well as modern sophistication. The final thing that was a real standout for me was the development of Casey's character - although Al shows a lot of the tricks of the trade throughout the story, the real lessons are learned by Casey throughout this mystery novel. And that was a real pleasure...


Paul
ARH

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read the Carolyn Weston original series of these characters. I do remember watching The Streets of San Francisco as a child but don't really remember much about it. Therefore, I read and am reviewing this book based solely on itself rather than its heritage.
I read this book in only two sittings in two days, it gripped me from the start and kept my attention throughout.The book is your bulk standard Police Procedural. But it is a good example of the genre. The story was tight and well crafted with enough dead ends & twists and turns to keep me on my toes. I did work out who dunnit early. Early enough to feel smug but not too early as to spoil my overall enjoyment of the book though. Pacing was good, and there was also a good balance between description and story.
I enjoyed the relationship between Krug and Kellog, especially its development during the book - how they started off being polar opposites - chalk and cheese - and then, as the book went on, they picked up things from each other whilst at the same time each retaining their own individuality. Other characters were just as well defined, even if they only played a small part. That shows the level of attention to detail this author goes to to produce a quality story. I will definitely look out for more in this series and maybe even go back to the original to see how it does compare.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A plot as twisty as Lombard Street

I still remember the television show THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO that ran from 1972-1977. I loved Karl Malden's character especially as Lt. Mike Stone. I also loved that the show was almost entirely filmed on location in San Francisco, one of my favorite cities.

The names were changed for the TV show but the essence of the show stayed pretty true to author Carolyn Weston's series of books.

And this new addition to the series stays pretty darned true to Weston's books, even though brought forward into current times. I could definitely tell that author Robin Burcell has a law enforcement background. This is a true-reading police procedural (except for the fedora that Krug wears - just a BIT out of date IMO).

Sergeant Al Krug and Sergeant Casey Kellog, San Francisco Police Department, are hot on the trail of the Landmark Strangler. Then a female jogger gets killed that doesn't quite fit the profile. And this mismatched pair of partners are chasing down clues and being led on a twisty, turny road to the culprit.

This was a fun read that kept me guessing up to the final pages.

NOTE: I received this book from Brash Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an electronic copy by Brash Books and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Good Place is the reboot of the classic Carolyn Weston series of books, which were the basis for the television hit "The Streets of San Francisco." Sergeant Al Krug and his young partner Casey Kellog are called in on an investigation of a strangled woman. Discovered on a jogging path near the Golden Gate Bridge, the murder is possibly tied to a string of deaths that were perpetrated by the Landmark Strangler. When questions pop up that are unrelated to the murders, the partners are surprised to find where it all leads.

A fast paced crime thriller, this book definitely reads like it could easily be at home on the small screen. Al Krug, the old school partner who is rough around the edges and Kellog, the young and enthusiastic partner, create a great team upon which this book is built. The characters in The Last Good Place are interesting, but the book itself was unremarkable. It is a good crime novel, but not very compelling. It reads well and has some suspenseful moments, but there is really nothing that sets it apart from other good crime novels. The Last Good Place is a good beach read for those who like police procedural or crime thrillers.