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The Last Cold Case #2
Last Fall's Hunted
Homicide Detective Rachel Hood and FBI Agent Nick Draven hunt for a serial killer harvesting kidneys from his victims’ corpses during the fall equinox.
A dismembered body is found in Kill Buck Wildlife area in Snug Harbor, Ohio, andthe discovery of two more victims within a twelve mile radius suggests a sadistic killer's return. Homicide Detective Rachel Hood, a psychic empath, joins forces with psychic FBI Agent Nick Draven to hunt for a killer who harvests kidneys from his victims' corpses. But, why strike twenty years later? They draw a parallel between his first crime and the recent murders. His first victim was murdered in 1991 during the rare occurrence of the super harvest moon, an event that will happen this year and fuel his blood lust to kill again.
Time is not on their side. Hood and Draven have five days to find the killer before the next full moon rises and another teenage girl is found murdered and missing her kidneys.
Drawn into a hunt for a serial killer, more deranged and dangerous than any other she’s tracked and captured before, Hood finds herself unable to control her psychic empathy, and Draven must work fast to help her catch this human hunter before she becomes his next casualty.
A dismembered body is found in Kill Buck Wildlife area in Snug Harbor, Ohio, andthe discovery of two more victims within a twelve mile radius suggests a sadistic killer's return. Homicide Detective Rachel Hood, a psychic empath, joins forces with psychic FBI Agent Nick Draven to hunt for a killer who harvests kidneys from his victims' corpses. But, why strike twenty years later? They draw a parallel between his first crime and the recent murders. His first victim was murdered in 1991 during the rare occurrence of the super harvest moon, an event that will happen this year and fuel his blood lust to kill again.
Time is not on their side. Hood and Draven have five days to find the killer before the next full moon rises and another teenage girl is found murdered and missing her kidneys.
Drawn into a hunt for a serial killer, more deranged and dangerous than any other she’s tracked and captured before, Hood finds herself unable to control her psychic empathy, and Draven must work fast to help her catch this human hunter before she becomes his next casualty.
599 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2017
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
M.J. LaBeff
6 books29 followersM.J. LaBeff is an American author best described as the girl-next-door with a dark side. She's drawn to writing suspense novels, featuring complicated characters and twisted plot lines that will keep readers turning page after page. When she's not writing or plotting her next novel, MJ enjoys reading, running, lifting weights, and volunteering for the American Cancer Society. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband, Jeff, and their two big dogs, Samson and Wally.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 10, 2018
Last Fall's Hunted (Book #2 in The Last Cold Case series) finds the two leads Hood and Draven investigating another unsavory serial killer with the, um, taste for gathering his (or her) victims' kidneys. Why is the big question and LaBeff masterfully keeps the reader off-guard and guessing as to the who and what up until the conclusion. There's a lot going on in LaBeff's book including subplots furthering the psychic nature and on-again-off-again romance (which drives me nuts, but that sorta thing always does) of the two leads. But forget all that. Come for the compelling nature of LaBeff's serial killer thriller. And wonder--as I do--how LaBeff gets into the heads of her serial killers so well. Recommended for serial killer, mystery and thriller buffs.
January 20, 2018
In a Small Community there are many secrets- some seemingly innocent and some simply gruesome!
I was eagerly awaiting the release of MJ LaBeff’s “Last Fall’s Hunted” as this title is the second in LaBeff’s The Last Cold Case Series. When I read the first book in the series, I knew I had found not only a great crime thriller author, but just as importantly, this reader had found an excellent crime thriller series!
“Last Fall’s Hunted” has the finest ingredients of a great psychological crime thriller, and LaBeff has, once again, created a great jaw-dropping, edge of your seat read that is entirely believable. And it is the haunting realism in the plot of “Last Fall’s Hunted” that brings the crescendo of the mystery into a stunning and creepy wallop. The reader, with gaining momentum of fear and suspense, realizes that this macabre situation could in fact take place in reality in any town.
A psychologically tortured killer with a closet full of tormented past and a crime plot with twists and turns, LaBeff artfully weaves a convincing scenario that gains intensity and suspense. As the murderer’s unusual and seemingly unquenchable motive is revealed, the reader, with each page read, develops an insatiable desire to bond with the investigating team's purpose to find the killer and all the answers.
MJ LaBeff has knack for portraying seemingly ordinary characters with increasing depth and substance so that the reader becomes one with the idea that everyone has history and secrets, and some of the darkest secrets are hidden right before our eyes.
I was eagerly awaiting the release of MJ LaBeff’s “Last Fall’s Hunted” as this title is the second in LaBeff’s The Last Cold Case Series. When I read the first book in the series, I knew I had found not only a great crime thriller author, but just as importantly, this reader had found an excellent crime thriller series!
“Last Fall’s Hunted” has the finest ingredients of a great psychological crime thriller, and LaBeff has, once again, created a great jaw-dropping, edge of your seat read that is entirely believable. And it is the haunting realism in the plot of “Last Fall’s Hunted” that brings the crescendo of the mystery into a stunning and creepy wallop. The reader, with gaining momentum of fear and suspense, realizes that this macabre situation could in fact take place in reality in any town.
A psychologically tortured killer with a closet full of tormented past and a crime plot with twists and turns, LaBeff artfully weaves a convincing scenario that gains intensity and suspense. As the murderer’s unusual and seemingly unquenchable motive is revealed, the reader, with each page read, develops an insatiable desire to bond with the investigating team's purpose to find the killer and all the answers.
MJ LaBeff has knack for portraying seemingly ordinary characters with increasing depth and substance so that the reader becomes one with the idea that everyone has history and secrets, and some of the darkest secrets are hidden right before our eyes.
January 27, 2018
Hood and Draven are back, and just in time to take on a creepy new serial killer!
I love these characters, not because of their special abilities, but rather because even with those abilities, they are every bit as screwed up as the rest of us. You'd think psychics and empaths would have a leg up when skirting the edges of a relationship, but apparently they don't, and that does my heart good.
But of course, the relationship is secondary. The meat of this story is the killings, and once again, LaBeff shows that she knows her way around a lunatic's mind. This time, though, we get to rattle around inside the killer's head for a while, and we get a serious look at how the villainous 'Dead Eye' came to be. No spoilers here, but Dead Eye's story is tragic, and I came away feeling a real sympathy for the killer. It's a strange place to find one's self when random victims are being gunned down and gutted, but such is the power of MJ LaBeff's words.
As with Last Summer's Evil, it would have been so easy to give one of our heroes a psychic flash out of nowhere to solve the killings, but it is pure detective work that gets the job done, and I once again applaud the author for not taking the easy way out. Rachel Hood is smart and she's capable, and there's no way that she should have to rely on her 'abilities' to catch the killer. She is better than that, and so is MJ LaBeff.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and just as it was when I closed the cover on the first book of this series, I can't wait to see what comes next!
I love these characters, not because of their special abilities, but rather because even with those abilities, they are every bit as screwed up as the rest of us. You'd think psychics and empaths would have a leg up when skirting the edges of a relationship, but apparently they don't, and that does my heart good.
But of course, the relationship is secondary. The meat of this story is the killings, and once again, LaBeff shows that she knows her way around a lunatic's mind. This time, though, we get to rattle around inside the killer's head for a while, and we get a serious look at how the villainous 'Dead Eye' came to be. No spoilers here, but Dead Eye's story is tragic, and I came away feeling a real sympathy for the killer. It's a strange place to find one's self when random victims are being gunned down and gutted, but such is the power of MJ LaBeff's words.
As with Last Summer's Evil, it would have been so easy to give one of our heroes a psychic flash out of nowhere to solve the killings, but it is pure detective work that gets the job done, and I once again applaud the author for not taking the easy way out. Rachel Hood is smart and she's capable, and there's no way that she should have to rely on her 'abilities' to catch the killer. She is better than that, and so is MJ LaBeff.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and just as it was when I closed the cover on the first book of this series, I can't wait to see what comes next!
March 24, 2020
This is another very well written book from M.J LaBeff. A nail biting murder mystery that will have you hating to put it down. Her investigation into hunting and rifles used came out perfectly as the story unfolds. The fact that the killer used my favorite rifle to hunt young women was kind of un nerving, but I can understand the reason for choosing it. The fact that this investigation spans two generations of homicide detectives before it's finally solved is mind boggling. The pairing of Rachel and Nick again and their psychic abilities work well together to finally unravel a 20 year cold case tuned active with new victims being discovered. As Rachel is leaning how to safely use her newly discovered psychic empathic ability without being killed by the experience, Dead Eye continues his main mission of killing young women for their kidney's. Here again the ending of this book will blow your mind with a unexpected twist. I have gotten so hooked on M.J.'s writing style I hate to put her books down to go to sleep. I have already gotten book 3 in the series and am looking forward to starting it. It was hard to do this book review justice without spoiling it for others, all I can say is this is a must read book if you love murder mysteries with a psychic side added in.
October 24, 2018
The suspense just ramps up! What a great follow up in the series. The descriptions are impeccable, the dialogue is crisp and the story takes on a new life. Most interestingly, LaBeff evolves the characters into a deeper, darker direction which were caused by the after effects of the first book. In fact, the main character, Rachael, becomes even more strung out while attempting to finding the sinister killer who has malevolent agenda. It is this unique dynamic brings forth the true mystical element of the story itself, which is a wonderful backdrop to everything else that takes place. It is a beautifully done yet subtle segue for the next one. Yep no spoilers here because you need to pick up LaBeff’s series. Can not wait for the next one!
March 4, 2022
Last Fall's Hunted, written by M.J. LaBeff, takes us down the haunting path of a serial killer, "Dead-eye" whose incredible tortured life leads him to do despicable deeds. LaBeff has crawled into the serial killer's mind and presents in such a way, it actually stirs compassion for him despite his horrifying acts.
Protagonists Hood and Draven have their work cut out for them as they try to find the killer and why, after shooting his victims, he removes their kidneys. This is a phycological thriller that holds you glued to your seat, the suspense mounting with each page. LaBeff pens this story expertly as she draws you into the dark world of a sinister killer.
Working alongside Nick Draven pulls at Rachel's core. The sexual tension flowing between them demands fulfillment. LaBeff masterfully ties suspense, chilling reality, and romance into one enormous crime thriller package you won't want to miss out on. One of the top thriller writers that I highly recommend. 5 thrilling stars!
Protagonists Hood and Draven have their work cut out for them as they try to find the killer and why, after shooting his victims, he removes their kidneys. This is a phycological thriller that holds you glued to your seat, the suspense mounting with each page. LaBeff pens this story expertly as she draws you into the dark world of a sinister killer.
Working alongside Nick Draven pulls at Rachel's core. The sexual tension flowing between them demands fulfillment. LaBeff masterfully ties suspense, chilling reality, and romance into one enormous crime thriller package you won't want to miss out on. One of the top thriller writers that I highly recommend. 5 thrilling stars!
June 5, 2020
Book one in the series had me looking for more and Last Fall's Hunted did not let me down. LaBeff weaves an intriguing tale of murder and mystery. Hood and Draven are two of my favorite characters and they are definitely not run-of-the-mill detectives. The love interest was a nice addition. I know it's a cliché, but this novel is a must read for anyone that enjoys a thriller and/or a mystery. LaBeff may have a dark side - lucky for us!
December 11, 2022
As usual MJ LaBeff doesn't disappoint, Last Fall's Hunted (The Last Cold Case Series).
The main character Rachel Hood is a strong female, who is incredibly stubborn and proud. She's her own worst enemy, and extremely empathetic.
The psychic powers she possess add a nice twist for a crime series, and adds to the over all story.
I will continue to read the The Last Cold Case series. I enjoy the author's writing style, her characters, and her unique story lines.
The main character Rachel Hood is a strong female, who is incredibly stubborn and proud. She's her own worst enemy, and extremely empathetic.
The psychic powers she possess add a nice twist for a crime series, and adds to the over all story.
I will continue to read the The Last Cold Case series. I enjoy the author's writing style, her characters, and her unique story lines.
October 6, 2019
Hoods good read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews