Final Exit

by Laurie Breton

Ten years ago tragedy tore them apart...

But when FBI special agent Carolyn Monahan walks back into the life of homicide lieutenant Conor Rafferty, the sizzle is undeniable. They are back together, albeit reluctantly, to find the serial killer who is terrorizing Boston.

Caro has made a successful career of putting homicidal maniacs behind bars, and Rafferty is a good cop who's been handed the case of a lifetime. Amid bureaucratic red tape and a mounting body count, they uncover evidence that points to a decade-old unsolved homicide. The tension escalates when the killer develops a psychotic preoccupation with Caro herself.

As the pressure builds to solve the murders, so does the attraction between Caro and Rafferty. But the question remains: Who will get to Caro first, the killer or the cop?

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery

376 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Laurie Breton is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic suspense and women's fiction. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her two grown children and with her two grandchildren, who are the light of her life. If you went looking, you might find her at the beach, or attending a sidewalk art festival, or walking the streets of Boston. Laurie lives in a small town in Maine with her husband and two adorable dogs named River and Jasmine.

Reviews

[Paula]

FBI Special Agent Carolyn Monahan returns to Boston after ten years to help local police hunt down the serial killer who is killing young women. Caro’s sister was the victim of an unsolved murder ten years ago, so Caro’s memories of home are not good and her family relations are strained. On top of that, she’s now working with homicide lieutenant Conor Rafferty, who just happens to be her ex-boyfriend.

This was such an enjoyable romantic suspense/police procedural novel. It had a great cast of characters. I especially liked Caro’s and Conor’s good friend (who is a priest) who later became their number one suspect, Father Clancy Donovan. I really enjoyed the investigation into the murders and the interactions between the cops and detectives working the case. I thought I had the killer pegged and I ended up being so wrong. The story had a good mix of suspense and romance in this very entertaining read.

[Carol]

First time reader of Breton and I enjoyed the heck out of this romantic/mystery. Fast paced, page turner. We got FBI special agent Carolyn Monahan working with her ex lover from her past, homicide lieutenant Conor Rafferty, looking for a serial killer terrorizing Boston. What's not to like? Breton is one fine writer.

[Emma Smith]

Everything thing in this book was predictable from the "who dun it" to the relationship up and downs. Was thoroughly disappointed in this.

Also who loves a job that constantly gives them tension headaches? Or was this just a ploy so the handsome love interest could have an excuse to touch his work collegue? Hmm..

[Sheila]

Good book. Love this author!

[Nancee]

Skimmed through.. killer surprised me.. swearing.

[Donna Covell]

The hunt for a serial killer - ending took me by surprise.

[Terri Bain]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book- great romantic thriller - perfect quick summer read

[Patti K]

4.5 stars. I must confess, this is not my usual genre. I don't dislike horror, mysteries or crime novels (with or without romance), I'm just not generally drawn to them. Part of that is because I've got a vivid imagination and, well, that stuff sometimes scares the bejesus out of me. That being said, if I'm going to read those genres, I like the stories to be well-written and, preferably, to have strong characters. Not that it's any different than usual for me, except that a story with a great plot and weak characters might get me to keep reading if the plot is really compelling. In those genres, I hate to keep reading about gore, etc, if there isn't anyone worthy of my support. In other words, if I don't give a rats behind about the characters, I don't care what happens to them and it's not worth it for me to keep reading; I'll just have nightmares for no good reason.

Keeping that in mind, I couldn't put this book down! Well, after the first couple chapters; it was hard, at first, to read about the murders, but that was because I didn't know the characters, yet. And if I hadn't started it right before bed, I would have kept going. But once I started the next day, it was a lot easier on my sensitive mind. Why? Because I loved Caro and Conor and desperately wanted to know what happened to them/with them in this story. I'd already read Mortal Sin, so I was slightly spoiled re: Clancy, Caro and Conor. But that didn't prevent me from wanting to take this journey with them. And given what I said above, that says a lot about the story and especially, the characters in it. The scenes, details and characters are exactly what I've come to expect of Laurie Breton, which is to say they are fantastic. What is a big change for me in this particular novel is the plot.

This story is an excellent example of how a plot can really make a story great. The general plot - serial killer strikes a big city, there is something personal in it for the investigator - that could have been just mediocre, been there, done that. The plot being rounded out by themes of complicated relationships, first loves and prodigal children makes for a more interesting story. By themselves, those themes could be stale. By itself, a serial killer plot could be stale. But combine the plot and themes and you get a dynamic narrative. Add into all that the possibility that multiple people could be the killer and you have a narrative that compels right up to the final 5 pages.

Overall, if you like Laurie's writing, you might find yourself really enjoying this, even if crime novels aren't your thing. Be forewarned, however; while Mortal Sin is more a character story and less a romantic suspense novel, this absolutely falls into that genre. If you can't stomach blood, guts or crime, skip this. If you can look past that part, underneath you'll find a great romance, with interesting, empathetic characters.

[Natalie]

I really enjoyed this story.This was the first book I've read by ths author and would like to read more by her.The main couple in this one were together ten years ago,and then they separated.One became an FBI profiler,and the other a detective.So they were both put on the same case.So part of this was easy to see coming but some parts not so much.I was not able to figure out who the killer was,and to me that made this a great book.I would recommend this book to anyone who likes FBI/Police type books!!

[Stacey Coyer]

Final Exit

I absolutely loved this book!! This book, also takes place where I live and I remember when the "big dig" was being done. I was back and forth the whole book trying to figure out who the bad guy was.....what a HUGE surprise when this person was revealed!! I'm usually pretty good at figuring it out, but not this time..... well played, Laurie, well played

[Between My BookEndz]

Wow....I never read this author before and am now wondering why I didn't! Excellent read....well-written, characters you are drawn into and an engrossing plot. I could not figure out who did it, which is rare for me. The red-herrings thrown out by the author were well-done, not at all annoying. Definitely will read more by Ms. Breton!

[Pamela(AllHoney)]

Good suspenseful read. I did not figure out the "who done it" til the end.

[Tania]

I picked this book up at Kinloch when D was doing the race... it is an ex Wellington Public Library one.

[Maura]

I liked this story. I was invested in story and could understand plot twist's and turn's. Loved the priest and his background and relationship to the hero. I recommend.

[Andra]

keeps your interest, hard for me to put it down

[Cathleen]

Good read. I recommend this read if you enjoy Detective/FBI stories.

[Debra Jauss]

I like books like this. Semi-predictable. There's always a romance and a bad guy and a twist you don't quite see coming till the end. But filled with action and heart that makes it enjoyable to read.

[Mary Allen]

Great book Couldn't put down