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The Eyes Die Last
What happens in Vegas—Could be Murder…The Las Vegas Mayoral race is heating up, and the incumbent doesn’t have a prayer. Wealthy real estate speculator Nick Campenelli, who wants to legalize prostitution in Clark County, and former pastor Louis St. Louis, running on a ‘clean-up-Vegas-by-getting-rid-of-the-whores’ platform, are the front runners.They’re also front runners on the suspect list for a string of murders. Kennedy O’Brien, four-year detective with cop blood running in her veins, and her partner Wilder “Wild Thing” James, a veteran, are determined to find the man who’s murdering prostitutes who work the wrong side of the street, and they don’t care how important or politically active he is.The killer is a man with a mission. He stalks the women before he kills them, leaving a “BEFORE” photo on their bodies, and sending an “AFTER” shot to the local news hound. Ed Hershey, an aging newscaster is determined to turn this story into a network gig, and his interference, along with the LVTVS legal team, are making Kennedy and Wilder look bad. Campenelli’s good looks and charm, and St. Louis’ vitriolic hatred of prostitutes are muddying the waters too, and now the killer seems to have taken a liking to Kennedy.Can Kennedy stop the killer before he stops her? “This author knows how to keep you guessing all the way to the end.”J.L.O., Amazon reviewer“I enjoyed the ride and will be adding more of Teri’s work to my reading list.”Sherry Fundin, Amazon ReviewerDON’T MISS BOOK TWOTHE EYES OF VENGEANCE
366 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2011
22 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Teri Riggs
35 books289 followers Teri Riggs was destined to be a writer. As a small girl she didn’t read bedtime stories, she made up her own. Who needed Little Red Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs when there were so many great tales bouncing around in her head? When she grew up and became a mother to three little girls, she continued the tradition of making up bedtime stories. On the occasions she chose to tell conventional fairytales, Teri usually gave them a bit of tweaking here and there or added a new ending. Her girls loved it.
After her daughters had the nerve to actually grow up and leave home, Teri discovered she had a passion for writing and jumped right in. It came as no surprise she chose to write mysteries and happily-ever-after’s since that’s the genres she loves to read.
Teri lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, one of her daughters and two dogs that seem to think they rule the world. And some days Teri thinks maybe they do.
Teri still frequently tells herself stories as she falls asleep. The only difference now is she wakes up the next morning and turns her bedtime stories into books.
After her daughters had the nerve to actually grow up and leave home, Teri discovered she had a passion for writing and jumped right in. It came as no surprise she chose to write mysteries and happily-ever-after’s since that’s the genres she loves to read.
Teri lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, one of her daughters and two dogs that seem to think they rule the world. And some days Teri thinks maybe they do.
Teri still frequently tells herself stories as she falls asleep. The only difference now is she wakes up the next morning and turns her bedtime stories into books.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 1, 2014
The Eyes Die Last by Teri Riggs is a 2011 Amazon Digital Services publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
“ Before turning to leave he took a lingering last look at her body. Her eyes, frozen in death,stared blankly up at him. Could she still see him? Strangely fascinated, he leaned in to closer look, ' I'll be damned', he said. 'The eyes die last'.
Prostitutes get murdered all the time ...who cares? That's pretty much the consensus. But, when one, then two, then three get murdered, well, the not only are the cops interested but the media too.
The hot Las Vegas heat compounds an investigation into the death of a prostitute. Kennedy comes from a long line of cops and her partner Wilder “Wild Thing” James is veteran on the force. This killer is intent on drawing attention to himself by taking “before and after” photos, proving he had planned out the murders by first stalking the victims.
With a heated mayoral race going on and a bitter newspaper journalist thrown into the mix and more victims piling up, Las Vegas has just about reached it's boiling point.
This good old fashioned police procedural puts me in mind of the thrillers I grew up reading and the cop shows I loved to watch in the 1990's. The dialogue is even a little old school and the story is pretty much straight to the point with personal lives of the detectives kept at a low key and the focus squarely on the investigation, not that there isn't just a little romance going on, it's just not the focal point. This is not romantic suspense.
I love these types of no nonsense thrillers that do not rely upon shootouts, explosions and other bells and whistles to capture the readers attention. I felt like I was along for the ride as Kennedy and Wilder search for the killer. Ed Hershey is out for a story that will put him back in the spotlightse after he covered a murder investigation a few years back and had really enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame. So, he has decided to insinuate himself into the investigation, much to Kennedy's annoyance.
But, these murders couldn't have come at a worse time, as the legalization of prostitution is a heated debate in the mayoral campaign, with one candidate for it and the other vehemently opposed.
Anytime a prostitute is murdered the list of suspects could be long, but in this case some of the suspects are rather notable citizens of Las Vegas.
While the murders are solved by using old fashioned police work, and healthy dose of luck, there is just the fainted touch of paranormal elements in the really vivid dreams Kennedy has from time to time. These dreams feel like a warning or a premonition is some ways. The banter between Kennedy and Wilder is hilarious and real, which I enjoyed. Real people don't walk around throwing out brilliant, zany, and sarcastic remarks like we see in the movies or on TV. ( if they do, we usually don't find it all that charming and it evokes an eye roll) This made the characters seem more real to me and therefore easier to relate to.
Now, if you read procedural novels you will not be disappointed. There may be some serious crime readers that will find the story formulaic or predictable and they would make a valid point. But, to me there are not enough of these types of stories out there right now.
This one gets four stars.
“ Before turning to leave he took a lingering last look at her body. Her eyes, frozen in death,stared blankly up at him. Could she still see him? Strangely fascinated, he leaned in to closer look, ' I'll be damned', he said. 'The eyes die last'.
Prostitutes get murdered all the time ...who cares? That's pretty much the consensus. But, when one, then two, then three get murdered, well, the not only are the cops interested but the media too.
The hot Las Vegas heat compounds an investigation into the death of a prostitute. Kennedy comes from a long line of cops and her partner Wilder “Wild Thing” James is veteran on the force. This killer is intent on drawing attention to himself by taking “before and after” photos, proving he had planned out the murders by first stalking the victims.
With a heated mayoral race going on and a bitter newspaper journalist thrown into the mix and more victims piling up, Las Vegas has just about reached it's boiling point.
This good old fashioned police procedural puts me in mind of the thrillers I grew up reading and the cop shows I loved to watch in the 1990's. The dialogue is even a little old school and the story is pretty much straight to the point with personal lives of the detectives kept at a low key and the focus squarely on the investigation, not that there isn't just a little romance going on, it's just not the focal point. This is not romantic suspense.
I love these types of no nonsense thrillers that do not rely upon shootouts, explosions and other bells and whistles to capture the readers attention. I felt like I was along for the ride as Kennedy and Wilder search for the killer. Ed Hershey is out for a story that will put him back in the spotlightse after he covered a murder investigation a few years back and had really enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame. So, he has decided to insinuate himself into the investigation, much to Kennedy's annoyance.
But, these murders couldn't have come at a worse time, as the legalization of prostitution is a heated debate in the mayoral campaign, with one candidate for it and the other vehemently opposed.
Anytime a prostitute is murdered the list of suspects could be long, but in this case some of the suspects are rather notable citizens of Las Vegas.
While the murders are solved by using old fashioned police work, and healthy dose of luck, there is just the fainted touch of paranormal elements in the really vivid dreams Kennedy has from time to time. These dreams feel like a warning or a premonition is some ways. The banter between Kennedy and Wilder is hilarious and real, which I enjoyed. Real people don't walk around throwing out brilliant, zany, and sarcastic remarks like we see in the movies or on TV. ( if they do, we usually don't find it all that charming and it evokes an eye roll) This made the characters seem more real to me and therefore easier to relate to.
Now, if you read procedural novels you will not be disappointed. There may be some serious crime readers that will find the story formulaic or predictable and they would make a valid point. But, to me there are not enough of these types of stories out there right now.
This one gets four stars.
August 12, 2014
The title made me think murder and then I saw the cover. Awesome. Yeah, it’s murder all right, but so much more than that.
A serial killer is on the loose in Las Vegas. I have spent many vacations in Vegas and love when a novel takes me there. I can walk the streets with the killer or the cop.
Let’s not forget the politician. All of a sudden, I’m thinking there may be some romance in someone’s future.
Prostitutes are the killers target. Will the investigation be done differently because they are “disposable” people? Not with Kennedy O’Brien on the job. Her and her partner, Wilder “Wild Thing” James will stop at nothing to find the killer. A crime is a crime and they do not discriminate between those with money and those without.
I love the characters and connected to them quickly. The dialogue between Kennedy and Nick Campenelli, one of her prime suspects, is sharp and filled with sexual innuendo. I like that.
When Kennedy becomes the killer’s target, who will be the hero that saves her?
The book and story is predictable and I felt the “love” story happened very quickly and I’m not sure if a character like Kennedy would let someone in so fast. But, life has a funny way of working the wiles of sexual attraction and making us unable to forget that certain person, even after just meeting them once.
The Eyes Die Last is a murder mystery that has all the elements for a great read – a serial killer, suspense, of course the mystery and some romance to top it off. I enjoyed the ride and will be adding more of Terri’s work to my reading list.
I received this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.
July 16, 2014
it was easy reading and very predictable- the humor was kinda lame...although the author plays it off because the characters call it such themselves, so if you have a relative that's always interjecting that old lame humor you might relate.
I didn't think I would even finish the book, but I did find myself wanting to know if I was right and wanting the Detective(Kennedy) and the mayoral candidate Nick to get together so i kept reading, the author gave enough misleading details to make it possible another character may have been the culprit
I did like how things never quite worked out exactly according to plan, it was kind of realistic in that fashion...police work could be tedious and stake outs are not glamorous or always work the way they are meant to... by the middle of the book I was drawn in and wanted to see the main character Kennedy solve the crime.
love that it was a female who was known as much for her brains as her beauty. I was worried that it would all be sick sex/violence by the killer...but only the first crime was graphically described in length but not too long, the rest were much shorter scenes -I also liked that Kennedy could control herself around an incredibly handsome guy, even if she thought about being naughty.
she did not just lose all control like so many women do in movies and books these days. The author leaves many loose ends...like she (Kennedy) picked up the old case files from her dad's murder so i don't know if it was intentional(as in there will be another book) or just couldn't decide how to wrap them all up
3 out of 5 so not sure if i would recommend
*Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock*
I didn't think I would even finish the book, but I did find myself wanting to know if I was right and wanting the Detective(Kennedy) and the mayoral candidate Nick to get together so i kept reading, the author gave enough misleading details to make it possible another character may have been the culprit
I did like how things never quite worked out exactly according to plan, it was kind of realistic in that fashion...police work could be tedious and stake outs are not glamorous or always work the way they are meant to... by the middle of the book I was drawn in and wanted to see the main character Kennedy solve the crime.
love that it was a female who was known as much for her brains as her beauty. I was worried that it would all be sick sex/violence by the killer...but only the first crime was graphically described in length but not too long, the rest were much shorter scenes -I also liked that Kennedy could control herself around an incredibly handsome guy, even if she thought about being naughty.
she did not just lose all control like so many women do in movies and books these days. The author leaves many loose ends...like she (Kennedy) picked up the old case files from her dad's murder so i don't know if it was intentional(as in there will be another book) or just couldn't decide how to wrap them all up
3 out of 5 so not sure if i would recommend
*Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock*
June 19, 2014
I absolutely loved The Eyes Die Last by amazing author Teri Riggs! She kept me on my feet throughout the entire book. The story was great from page one and I was so caught up in the lives of the characters that I hated when it ended. Can't wait to read her next book!
May 21, 2015
A friend recommended this book to me and I'm glad she did! I love Kennedy O'Brien's foul mouth and foul temper. This is a great start to a series that has just become a must read for me.
February 12, 2023
Book: The Eyes Die Last (Kennedy O'Brien Mystery Book 1)
Author: Teri Riggs
My Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
I enjoyed this story. I like a good murder mystery that keeps you hanging on till the end to figure out who did it.
Someone is killing off prostitutes in Vegas why...and who?
Kennedy and her partner Wilder have to figure it out and soon.
And Kennedy refuses to date, and doesn't do relationships but one Nick Campanelli puts it on hot!
But work awaits, and work they will get! and oh my gosh the who dunit
I never saw coming!
I was really hoping for Kennedy and Nick to get together but... they have great chemistry.
**I read this book via Kindle Unlimited and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
Teri Riggs
Author: Teri Riggs
My Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
I enjoyed this story. I like a good murder mystery that keeps you hanging on till the end to figure out who did it.
Someone is killing off prostitutes in Vegas why...and who?
Kennedy and her partner Wilder have to figure it out and soon.
And Kennedy refuses to date, and doesn't do relationships but one Nick Campanelli puts it on hot!
But work awaits, and work they will get! and oh my gosh the who dunit
I never saw coming!
I was really hoping for Kennedy and Nick to get together but... they have great chemistry.
**I read this book via Kindle Unlimited and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
Teri Riggs
July 23, 2018
Interesting crime novel
This story is a typical crime story, however there is a love connection thrown in to keep the story interesting. I did enjoy reading the book and I recommend it to others. However there are many typos throughout.
This story is a typical crime story, however there is a love connection thrown in to keep the story interesting. I did enjoy reading the book and I recommend it to others. However there are many typos throughout.
May 21, 2023
Found it fascinating.
Such an intriguing story. Detectives James and Wilder are instantly likeable and you are quickly invested in their hunt for a murderer.
Such an intriguing story. Detectives James and Wilder are instantly likeable and you are quickly invested in their hunt for a murderer.
November 18, 2017
Ms. Riggs popped Kennedy O’Brien from the same mold many writers of female detective/PI main characters use: a driven, swearing, distant from others, high achiever on the job and a loner slob with no food in her fridge in her private life. This type of MC has become so common, it’s nearing cliché status – if it isn’t there already.
Ms. Riggs also got many little things wrong. Like calling the top of a car a hood. It’s a roof (or top when the car is a convertible). Or calling a car seat a chair. Yes, these are petty things but when I spot things I know the author got wrong (like things relating to cars), I wonder how many things I know nothing about did the author get wrong, too? It’s especially galling to see errors like this when a few seconds research could have prevented them.
Ms. Riggs handled the mystery plotline well, playing fair with the reader regarding revealing clues to the killer. She didn’t do as good a job with the romance plotline. It lurches forward step by limping step instead of flowing smoothly like the murder story.
This e-book had a host of production errors, too – mostly in layout. Come on, Amazon. Things like this shouldn’t be happening after all this time.
I’ll read more in this series, but only if I run across them. I won’t actively seek them.
Ms. Riggs also got many little things wrong. Like calling the top of a car a hood. It’s a roof (or top when the car is a convertible). Or calling a car seat a chair. Yes, these are petty things but when I spot things I know the author got wrong (like things relating to cars), I wonder how many things I know nothing about did the author get wrong, too? It’s especially galling to see errors like this when a few seconds research could have prevented them.
Ms. Riggs handled the mystery plotline well, playing fair with the reader regarding revealing clues to the killer. She didn’t do as good a job with the romance plotline. It lurches forward step by limping step instead of flowing smoothly like the murder story.
This e-book had a host of production errors, too – mostly in layout. Come on, Amazon. Things like this shouldn’t be happening after all this time.
I’ll read more in this series, but only if I run across them. I won’t actively seek them.
November 20, 2015
"The Eyes Die Last" is a suspenseful read that takes place in Las Vegas. During a high profile Mayoral election between two former best friends, Nick and Louis, someone decides to start killing prostitutes and forwarding the "after" pictures to a local tv station. The main topic of the election just so happens to be prostitution: Nick wants to legalize it so the city can regulate it and make a profit from it, and Louis wants to abolish its disgusting practice. Kennedy and Wilder are put on the case to solve the murders but the main suspects are the candidates themselves. She also has to deal with the growing attraction she has for Nick while trying to prove her case for murder. The pressure builds more and more as more bodies appear, and the city knows it has a serial killer on its hands.
This was such a page turning addicting read! The characters are well defined and interesting enough that you want to really get in to the story and solve the murders before someone else gets hurt. There were more details that threw you off the killers trail, so that the murderer was a surprise in the end.
Here's the link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Die-Last-T...
This was such a page turning addicting read! The characters are well defined and interesting enough that you want to really get in to the story and solve the murders before someone else gets hurt. There were more details that threw you off the killers trail, so that the murderer was a surprise in the end.
Here's the link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Die-Last-T...
August 13, 2016
Very interesting read!! Thrilling adventure mixed with some
romance. The plot has as many twists and turns as it does viable
suspects. This is keeping veteran Detective Wilder “ Wild Thing”
James and his partner Detective Kennedy O’Brien very busy
following all the subtle clues. These two work well together and
you will enjoy their back and forth their bantering. The suspense
keeps you page turning so you will want to make time to be able
read in one sitting.
The two detectives would make a great series plus some of the
secondary characters Teri Riggs has in this book. Great read!!!
romance. The plot has as many twists and turns as it does viable
suspects. This is keeping veteran Detective Wilder “ Wild Thing”
James and his partner Detective Kennedy O’Brien very busy
following all the subtle clues. These two work well together and
you will enjoy their back and forth their bantering. The suspense
keeps you page turning so you will want to make time to be able
read in one sitting.
The two detectives would make a great series plus some of the
secondary characters Teri Riggs has in this book. Great read!!!
December 1, 2015
Great thriller!!!
I actually started reading this book because the cover intrigued me. The murder of prostitutes was interesting and her was committing these murders kept me rehashing for the book each night. I never was able to figure out who was killing these prostitutes. Detectives Kennedy and Wilder made a great and funny duo. The last few chapters kept me up. I couldn't wait to find out who the murderer was and why he committed them. I was surprised at the end! Love the writing and would definitely read another book by this author.
I actually started reading this book because the cover intrigued me. The murder of prostitutes was interesting and her was committing these murders kept me rehashing for the book each night. I never was able to figure out who was killing these prostitutes. Detectives Kennedy and Wilder made a great and funny duo. The last few chapters kept me up. I couldn't wait to find out who the murderer was and why he committed them. I was surprised at the end! Love the writing and would definitely read another book by this author.
December 27, 2013
Awesome!!
July 6, 2015
Should have reviewed this one right away, because now I don't remember much about it other than... it was a thriller with all the right ingredients.
May 17, 2015
Gripping story line
Similar to J.D. Robb's series, with a slightly different twist. One of those books you can't put down until you turn the final page.
Similar to J.D. Robb's series, with a slightly different twist. One of those books you can't put down until you turn the final page.
June 21, 2015
This is a very good read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews