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Detective Zac Boateng #2
Last Witness
What if you made one mistake and it came back to kill you?
When Met Police Detective Troy McEwen, is found dead in his home. The official verdict is suicide. But his friend and fellow detective, Zac, believes it was murder. And he thinks he might be next on the killer’s list.
If Troy didn’t take his own life, then who did? As he investigates, Zac discovers a link to an incident from decades earlier. Mistakes were made that day. Lives were lost and secrets kept. Until now…
As more people who were there on that fateful day are found dead, Zac knows that the killer is closing in on him…
A tense crime thriller for fans of Lee Child, Mark Billingham and Mark Dawson. Last Witness is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that will have you hooked from the first page.
When Met Police Detective Troy McEwen, is found dead in his home. The official verdict is suicide. But his friend and fellow detective, Zac, believes it was murder. And he thinks he might be next on the killer’s list.
If Troy didn’t take his own life, then who did? As he investigates, Zac discovers a link to an incident from decades earlier. Mistakes were made that day. Lives were lost and secrets kept. Until now…
As more people who were there on that fateful day are found dead, Zac knows that the killer is closing in on him…
A tense crime thriller for fans of Lee Child, Mark Billingham and Mark Dawson. Last Witness is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that will have you hooked from the first page.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2018
870 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Chris Merritt
12 books184 followersHello! I'm a British author whose crime thrillers combine psychology, suspense, and characters you care about.
All my novels are set in London, where I live. My first trilogy starred Zac Boateng and Kat Jones, two detectives motivated by family, who tackle organised crime and police corruption. LAST WITNESS, the second Boateng and Jones book, reached #13 in the UK Kindle chart in 2019.
My second series features detective Dan Lockhart - an ex-soldier with a missing wife - and psychologist Dr Lexi Green, an American living in London. These novels are darker, more psychological serial-killer cases, with romantic relationships as a central theme.
I began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. I specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked my interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.
Now, I spend most of my time writing novels and drinking coffee while 'thinking' about writing novels. When I'm not writing, I love climbing and playing basketball.
All my novels are set in London, where I live. My first trilogy starred Zac Boateng and Kat Jones, two detectives motivated by family, who tackle organised crime and police corruption. LAST WITNESS, the second Boateng and Jones book, reached #13 in the UK Kindle chart in 2019.
My second series features detective Dan Lockhart - an ex-soldier with a missing wife - and psychologist Dr Lexi Green, an American living in London. These novels are darker, more psychological serial-killer cases, with romantic relationships as a central theme.
I began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. I specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked my interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.
Now, I spend most of my time writing novels and drinking coffee while 'thinking' about writing novels. When I'm not writing, I love climbing and playing basketball.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 29, 2018
4 Cracking Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the second book in the Zac Boateng police procedural series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone... I did not read the first book and I was not lost at any time... I’m sure I missed some character background, but it was not necessary to the story...
Sometimes I struggle with police procedurals, there is too much procedural and not enough character development... I thought this book had a really good balance of both... and bonus Zac is a healthy well-adjusted character without an addiction.... additionally he is married with children.... The one thing that does haunt him though is the murder of his daughter, and I would think anybody would be haunted by this police or not...
Zac’s longtime friend Troy is murdered... I always get excited when a character has the same name as one of my children, however not so much when he is the murder victim! The murder is made to look like a suicide, but Zac is not convinced and believes he might be next... what happened in 1998? And why are people being killed 20 years later? Well you will need to read this book to find that out!
This book was perfectly paste and well plotted with the perfect amount of twists to keep you guessing... and of course as in 94% of the books I read I did not see that ending coming, I really would be the world‘s worst detective ever!
Recommend to fans of the police procedural with a strong well developed male detective...
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
This is the second book in the Zac Boateng police procedural series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone... I did not read the first book and I was not lost at any time... I’m sure I missed some character background, but it was not necessary to the story...
Sometimes I struggle with police procedurals, there is too much procedural and not enough character development... I thought this book had a really good balance of both... and bonus Zac is a healthy well-adjusted character without an addiction.... additionally he is married with children.... The one thing that does haunt him though is the murder of his daughter, and I would think anybody would be haunted by this police or not...
Zac’s longtime friend Troy is murdered... I always get excited when a character has the same name as one of my children, however not so much when he is the murder victim! The murder is made to look like a suicide, but Zac is not convinced and believes he might be next... what happened in 1998? And why are people being killed 20 years later? Well you will need to read this book to find that out!
This book was perfectly paste and well plotted with the perfect amount of twists to keep you guessing... and of course as in 94% of the books I read I did not see that ending coming, I really would be the world‘s worst detective ever!
Recommend to fans of the police procedural with a strong well developed male detective...
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
June 29, 2018
I was sure i'd heard the name Chris Merritt before amongst my reading circle but I know that this is my first time reading a book by him. "Bring Her Back", the Detective Zac Boateng series opener must have eluded me when it was released at the end of March 2018. At that time I wasn't taking such an interest as I usually would in the latest new books due to personal circumstances, this also accounts for the plethora of reviews that I will be continuing to post for many months to come that I was unable to post at the time.
Okay, it's safe to say Merritt has a new fan! This was a majestic second title and was just what I needed in this hot and humid weather to sit, read and chillax for a while. As I always say, I am sure there are various aspects of the returning characters lives that I am not provy too having not read the first one but this works beautifully as a standalone; it is certainly not essential to have been reading right from the beginning of the series. That said, I will be going back to the first in order to catch up on the characters development before the next in the series is released.
Troy McEwen, an old friend of Detective Boateng is found dead is his home in an apparent suicide but Boateng refuses to believe the official conclusion and is adamant he was murdered. He also thinks he could be the killer's next target. He begins his own covert investigation into his friends death and discovers a link to an incident that occurred decades earlier. Things went wrong that day - lives were lost and secrets were kept. Not for much longer it seems! As more and more people who were present on that fateful day are found dead, will Boateng be able to solve the riddle before the killer closes in on him?
This was an epic read. Tense, suspenseful and thoroughly gripping from first page to last. I loved the plot which was taut and intricate but not overly so. The characters were great, I look forward to learning more about them in future books. There were several effective twists and the pace was ideal, in my opinion. Dark and full of intrigue, a simply fantastic novel.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Okay, it's safe to say Merritt has a new fan! This was a majestic second title and was just what I needed in this hot and humid weather to sit, read and chillax for a while. As I always say, I am sure there are various aspects of the returning characters lives that I am not provy too having not read the first one but this works beautifully as a standalone; it is certainly not essential to have been reading right from the beginning of the series. That said, I will be going back to the first in order to catch up on the characters development before the next in the series is released.
Troy McEwen, an old friend of Detective Boateng is found dead is his home in an apparent suicide but Boateng refuses to believe the official conclusion and is adamant he was murdered. He also thinks he could be the killer's next target. He begins his own covert investigation into his friends death and discovers a link to an incident that occurred decades earlier. Things went wrong that day - lives were lost and secrets were kept. Not for much longer it seems! As more and more people who were present on that fateful day are found dead, will Boateng be able to solve the riddle before the killer closes in on him?
This was an epic read. Tense, suspenseful and thoroughly gripping from first page to last. I loved the plot which was taut and intricate but not overly so. The characters were great, I look forward to learning more about them in future books. There were several effective twists and the pace was ideal, in my opinion. Dark and full of intrigue, a simply fantastic novel.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 6, 2018
EXCERPT: I didn't know people had so much blood inside them.
Hidden in the pantry, I watch through narrow slats, holding my breath. I'm so scared, I can't move - not even a millimeter. I don't think anyone has seen me, but I can see them. I saw what they did.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: What if you made one mistake and it came back to kill you?
Detective Zac Boateng’s old friend, Troy McEwen, is found dead in his home. The official verdict is suicide. But Boateng believes it was murder. And he thinks he might be next on the killer’s list.
If Troy didn’t take his own life, then who did? As he investigates, Boateng discovers a link to an incident from decades earlier. Mistakes were made that day. Lives were lost and secrets kept. Until now…
As more people who were there on that fateful day are found dead, Boateng knows that the killer is closing in on him…
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed meeting up with Zac Boateng, his team and family again. And while I didn't quite like Last Witness as much as Bring Her Back, it was still a fast paced and thrilling read.
The author strikes a good balance between the structure of a police procedural and the development of the characters, both in their professional and personal lives. An effective trail is laid, hinting at something sinister in Boateng’s past. Something he shared with a fellow officer who has just been found dead. Something bad enough that, if revealed, could end his career. Merritt creates a suspenseful setting with no shortage of possible suspects. I didn't know who to trust. And I am sure that we have not seen the last of some of the characters introduced here. . .
Another thing I like about this series is that the main characters are mostly 'normal' people. Yes they have pasts, and not always squeaky clean ones, but mostly they are well adjusted and lead relatively regular lives.
Although this is the second book in a series, it is perfectly able to be read as a stand-alone. But believe me, you will be missing out on a great read if you bypass Bring Her Back.
😍😍😍😍
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Last Witness by Chris Merritt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Hidden in the pantry, I watch through narrow slats, holding my breath. I'm so scared, I can't move - not even a millimeter. I don't think anyone has seen me, but I can see them. I saw what they did.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: What if you made one mistake and it came back to kill you?
Detective Zac Boateng’s old friend, Troy McEwen, is found dead in his home. The official verdict is suicide. But Boateng believes it was murder. And he thinks he might be next on the killer’s list.
If Troy didn’t take his own life, then who did? As he investigates, Boateng discovers a link to an incident from decades earlier. Mistakes were made that day. Lives were lost and secrets kept. Until now…
As more people who were there on that fateful day are found dead, Boateng knows that the killer is closing in on him…
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed meeting up with Zac Boateng, his team and family again. And while I didn't quite like Last Witness as much as Bring Her Back, it was still a fast paced and thrilling read.
The author strikes a good balance between the structure of a police procedural and the development of the characters, both in their professional and personal lives. An effective trail is laid, hinting at something sinister in Boateng’s past. Something he shared with a fellow officer who has just been found dead. Something bad enough that, if revealed, could end his career. Merritt creates a suspenseful setting with no shortage of possible suspects. I didn't know who to trust. And I am sure that we have not seen the last of some of the characters introduced here. . .
Another thing I like about this series is that the main characters are mostly 'normal' people. Yes they have pasts, and not always squeaky clean ones, but mostly they are well adjusted and lead relatively regular lives.
Although this is the second book in a series, it is perfectly able to be read as a stand-alone. But believe me, you will be missing out on a great read if you bypass Bring Her Back.
😍😍😍😍
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Last Witness by Chris Merritt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 27, 2018
What Can I say..... Thank you to my favourite publishers Bookouture, Net Galley and the author for a ARC Copy for an honest review....
What a great read ! Tense, suspenseful and thoroughly gripping from first page to last!
What if you made one mistake and it came back to kill you?
Detective Zac Boateng’s old friend, Troy McEwen, is found dead in his home. The official verdict is suicide. But Boateng believes it was murder. And he thinks he might be next on the killer’s list.
If Troy didn’t take his own life, then who did? As he investigates, Boateng discovers a link to an incident from decades earlier. Mistakes were made that day. Lives were lost and secrets kept. Until now…
As more people who were there on that fateful day are found dead, Boateng knows that the killer is closing in on him…
A tense, fast paced procedural full of mystery and several very good twists. It held my attention throughout and I raced through the pages, I was desperate to know the details of the 1998 incident…and also kept guessing the killer, a compelling and gripping thriller. The story and
characters are very realistic and police procedures are skilfully accurate, the pacing excellent and the twists unexpected, although I did guess correctly near the end....’
A great collection of characters, from the police officers to all the suspects... A very intelligent story
Thank you for a great book, do I wait for number three, or read number one ?
Another great Police Inspector to follow, alongside Angela Marsons and Robert Bryndza books.
What a great read ! Tense, suspenseful and thoroughly gripping from first page to last!
What if you made one mistake and it came back to kill you?
Detective Zac Boateng’s old friend, Troy McEwen, is found dead in his home. The official verdict is suicide. But Boateng believes it was murder. And he thinks he might be next on the killer’s list.
If Troy didn’t take his own life, then who did? As he investigates, Boateng discovers a link to an incident from decades earlier. Mistakes were made that day. Lives were lost and secrets kept. Until now…
As more people who were there on that fateful day are found dead, Boateng knows that the killer is closing in on him…
A tense, fast paced procedural full of mystery and several very good twists. It held my attention throughout and I raced through the pages, I was desperate to know the details of the 1998 incident…and also kept guessing the killer, a compelling and gripping thriller. The story and
characters are very realistic and police procedures are skilfully accurate, the pacing excellent and the twists unexpected, although I did guess correctly near the end....’
A great collection of characters, from the police officers to all the suspects... A very intelligent story
Thank you for a great book, do I wait for number three, or read number one ?
Another great Police Inspector to follow, alongside Angela Marsons and Robert Bryndza books.
July 4, 2018
Engrossing, fast-paced story - and maybe better still, a character who's a highly capable cop tinged with vulnerability (in fact, he and his wife remind me a bit of another favorite couple of mine, James Patterson's Alex Cross and his wife, Bree Stone). I missed the first book in this series, but trust me, I'll be at the head of the line when the next one comes out (reportedly in early 2019).
Detective Inspector Zachariah Boateng, who is South African, works for the Lewisham Major Investigative Team (U.K.) and is married to Etta, an attorney. Their young daughter Amelia was shot and killed five years ago (I presume that was detailed in the first book). Responding to an invitation from old friend and police colleague Troy McEwen to come talk about "back then," Zac walks in to find Troy dead - an apparent suicide. Zac thinks otherwise, believing that Troy's death is connected to some mistakes that happened during a case they worked some 20 years earlier that they buried under the paperwork.
If Zac is correct about Troy's death being a murder, he believes he could be a target as well - as could others involved in that long-ago incident. When a another one turns up dead, Zac is certain he's on the hit list as well. Problem is, he can't conduct an official investigation of Troy's death without revealing everything he knows about what really happened back then - details he's never shared with anyone, including Etta; putting the spotlight on them could, in all likelihood, cost him his career and his marriage. So amid his other duties, Zac tries to work in surreptitious investigation of Troy's death, with the assumption that there's a single killer with the singular purpose of evening up the score. But can he find that killer before the killer gets to him?
The path toward that end is filled with speed bumps, misdirections and dead ends as expected - and the ending leaves the door a little bit open for future stories (also as expected with a series). The ride at times seemed a bit choppy and disconnected, but my overall take is that I enjoyed it - in no small part because the driver is such an interesting character that I want to read more about him. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the advance review copy. Good job!
Detective Inspector Zachariah Boateng, who is South African, works for the Lewisham Major Investigative Team (U.K.) and is married to Etta, an attorney. Their young daughter Amelia was shot and killed five years ago (I presume that was detailed in the first book). Responding to an invitation from old friend and police colleague Troy McEwen to come talk about "back then," Zac walks in to find Troy dead - an apparent suicide. Zac thinks otherwise, believing that Troy's death is connected to some mistakes that happened during a case they worked some 20 years earlier that they buried under the paperwork.
If Zac is correct about Troy's death being a murder, he believes he could be a target as well - as could others involved in that long-ago incident. When a another one turns up dead, Zac is certain he's on the hit list as well. Problem is, he can't conduct an official investigation of Troy's death without revealing everything he knows about what really happened back then - details he's never shared with anyone, including Etta; putting the spotlight on them could, in all likelihood, cost him his career and his marriage. So amid his other duties, Zac tries to work in surreptitious investigation of Troy's death, with the assumption that there's a single killer with the singular purpose of evening up the score. But can he find that killer before the killer gets to him?
The path toward that end is filled with speed bumps, misdirections and dead ends as expected - and the ending leaves the door a little bit open for future stories (also as expected with a series). The ride at times seemed a bit choppy and disconnected, but my overall take is that I enjoyed it - in no small part because the driver is such an interesting character that I want to read more about him. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the advance review copy. Good job!
August 18, 2018
Last Witness is the second novel in the authors crime series. The author gives enough background so that anyone not having had the pleasure of reading the first one can dive right in. I do recommend reading the previous book though as it is a great book.
As with the authors first book, the first few pages had me hooked. He certainly knows how to get the readers attention from the off and doesn't let go until you get to the very last word.
This was such a gripping story line. I really enjoyed the story line of a past event coming back to haunt Zac. The author isn't in a rush to divulge just what though ensuring you keep turning those pages to see just what happened and it was worth the wait.
I enjoyed getting to know more of Zac's team and seeing how they all work together. I was totally with Zac with his gut instincts and couldn't wait to find out the how's and why's. I loved the shocks and surprises that were in store for me making this very much an adrenaline fueled read.
Last Witness is an edge of your seat thriller that had me well and truly gripped. With yet another killer prologue, this is one author to watch out for and get adding to your must read list. A dark and edgy read that will leave you desperate for more.
As with the authors first book, the first few pages had me hooked. He certainly knows how to get the readers attention from the off and doesn't let go until you get to the very last word.
This was such a gripping story line. I really enjoyed the story line of a past event coming back to haunt Zac. The author isn't in a rush to divulge just what though ensuring you keep turning those pages to see just what happened and it was worth the wait.
I enjoyed getting to know more of Zac's team and seeing how they all work together. I was totally with Zac with his gut instincts and couldn't wait to find out the how's and why's. I loved the shocks and surprises that were in store for me making this very much an adrenaline fueled read.
Last Witness is an edge of your seat thriller that had me well and truly gripped. With yet another killer prologue, this is one author to watch out for and get adding to your must read list. A dark and edgy read that will leave you desperate for more.
June 28, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Last Witness, the second novel to feature the Met's DI Zac Boateng.
Zac gets a call from his close friend, Troy McEwen, whom he hasn't seen for a while, asking for a visit and chat about "back then". When he gets to Troy's house he finds him dead from a gunshot wound. The death is ruled a suicide but Zac thinks murder and starts his own covert investigation. As he investigates events overtake him and convince him that the death is linked to an incident in 1998 which he can't bring himself to think about, never mind tell anyone else, and that this secret could be putting him in the same danger as Troy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Last Witness which is a tense, fast paced procedural full of mystery and several good twists. It held my attention throughout and I raced through the pages, desperate to know the details of the 1998 incident. I guessed the killer's identity early on from the way the novel is written, despite Mr Merritt's efforts at misdirection, which incidentally are very good and had me doubting myself a couple of times. This guesswork did not, in any way, mar my enjoyment of the novel as there is so much more to consider. As I mentioned, the 1998 incident (I sincerely hope these vague mentions in this review of it frustrate you and arouse your curiosity in equal measure because reading the novel is the same), which is the root cause of the killer's motivation, is shrouded in mystery until near the end of the novel and makes for a compelling read. There is never a dull moment as Zac and the team are pushed one way then the other as they try to get to grips with a killer who always seems one step ahead. The plotting is skilful, the pacing excellent and the twists unexpected.
Zac Boateng is an interesting character. He has a happy home life, is good at his job and seems like a decent, honourable man but he has a darker side, not just his actions in 1998 but he is still determined to hunt down the man who gunned down his daughter, Amelia, five years ago. This need for vengeance is not explored in Last Witness but it is an essential part of his character and will I'm sure be part of any future novels.
Last Witness is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Zac gets a call from his close friend, Troy McEwen, whom he hasn't seen for a while, asking for a visit and chat about "back then". When he gets to Troy's house he finds him dead from a gunshot wound. The death is ruled a suicide but Zac thinks murder and starts his own covert investigation. As he investigates events overtake him and convince him that the death is linked to an incident in 1998 which he can't bring himself to think about, never mind tell anyone else, and that this secret could be putting him in the same danger as Troy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Last Witness which is a tense, fast paced procedural full of mystery and several good twists. It held my attention throughout and I raced through the pages, desperate to know the details of the 1998 incident. I guessed the killer's identity early on from the way the novel is written, despite Mr Merritt's efforts at misdirection, which incidentally are very good and had me doubting myself a couple of times. This guesswork did not, in any way, mar my enjoyment of the novel as there is so much more to consider. As I mentioned, the 1998 incident (I sincerely hope these vague mentions in this review of it frustrate you and arouse your curiosity in equal measure because reading the novel is the same), which is the root cause of the killer's motivation, is shrouded in mystery until near the end of the novel and makes for a compelling read. There is never a dull moment as Zac and the team are pushed one way then the other as they try to get to grips with a killer who always seems one step ahead. The plotting is skilful, the pacing excellent and the twists unexpected.
Zac Boateng is an interesting character. He has a happy home life, is good at his job and seems like a decent, honourable man but he has a darker side, not just his actions in 1998 but he is still determined to hunt down the man who gunned down his daughter, Amelia, five years ago. This need for vengeance is not explored in Last Witness but it is an essential part of his character and will I'm sure be part of any future novels.
Last Witness is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 21, 2018
This is another gripping read from Chris Merrittt.
Zac gets a text from an old friend asking him to go and and see him. When he arrives he finds his friend dead, with a shotgun in his lap.
Zac knows that Troy would not kill himself but everyone else sees it as suicide so the case is closed.
Never one to give up easily, Zac pursues his own enquiries.
Soon another friend is found dead, again it was made to look like suicide, but still no-one will back him up.
We are told the deaths are to do with something that happened in 1998 but it isn’t until later in the story that we find out what happened.
I really felt Zac’s frustrations and when everything comes to a life or death situation, they have to listen.
The hunt is then on for the murderer and whilst I had my suspicions, I didn’t realise the reasons for the killer’s actions.
This is a great read and I look forward to the next one.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Zac gets a text from an old friend asking him to go and and see him. When he arrives he finds his friend dead, with a shotgun in his lap.
Zac knows that Troy would not kill himself but everyone else sees it as suicide so the case is closed.
Never one to give up easily, Zac pursues his own enquiries.
Soon another friend is found dead, again it was made to look like suicide, but still no-one will back him up.
We are told the deaths are to do with something that happened in 1998 but it isn’t until later in the story that we find out what happened.
I really felt Zac’s frustrations and when everything comes to a life or death situation, they have to listen.
The hunt is then on for the murderer and whilst I had my suspicions, I didn’t realise the reasons for the killer’s actions.
This is a great read and I look forward to the next one.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
July 2, 2018
I was a big fan of Chris Merritt’s debut novel The Murder List (since renamed to Bring Her Back) that introduced us to the character of Zac Boateng. I went into Last Witness with much excitement however I failed to engage with the main story, felt that certain things were a little bit cliched and I also didn’t enjoy the reveals and explanations that the author presented at the end.
I really liked Zac in The Murder List, especially when he went off the reservation a little bit in his quest to find out more about who killed his daughter. Here in Last Witness we once again see Zac having to go against his superiors, and also lie to his own wife. I felt that the overall story just wasn’t strong enough to warrant this kind of reaction from Zac. I became bored throughout and my eyes started to glaze over what I was reading and I just wanted to reach the end to see how everything tied together. It was an incredibly lacklustre ending. I found the policing element to be really lacking with plot hole after plot hole showing up as the story progressed. The stupidity and naivety from superior officers and also Zac’s team just had me rolling my eyes.
One of the highlights of The Murder List for me was Zac’s home life. Very rarely in this genre do we get a detective who can hold down a job and a happy marriage with a child. For the most part that’s what we get with Zac, a believable family set-up that makes him a likeable and believable character (most of the time). As the character we have come to see, I would have expected Zac to be more open and honest with his wife and not keep these secrets from her.
Unfortunately this seems to be yet another crime series that has a sub-plot that looks like it will be dragged out book after book before eventually giving us a resolution and that sub-plot is the death of Zac’s daughter with this book ending on a bit of a cliffhanger surrounding that. I am not a fan of books that drag these plots out for years on end but I feel invested enough in Zac’s story that I do want to read on and see what happens. Ultimately though I found this book to be rushed, lacking in suspense and believability and just feel there isn’t anything special about it to make it stand out in a crowded genre.
I really liked Zac in The Murder List, especially when he went off the reservation a little bit in his quest to find out more about who killed his daughter. Here in Last Witness we once again see Zac having to go against his superiors, and also lie to his own wife. I felt that the overall story just wasn’t strong enough to warrant this kind of reaction from Zac. I became bored throughout and my eyes started to glaze over what I was reading and I just wanted to reach the end to see how everything tied together. It was an incredibly lacklustre ending. I found the policing element to be really lacking with plot hole after plot hole showing up as the story progressed. The stupidity and naivety from superior officers and also Zac’s team just had me rolling my eyes.
One of the highlights of The Murder List for me was Zac’s home life. Very rarely in this genre do we get a detective who can hold down a job and a happy marriage with a child. For the most part that’s what we get with Zac, a believable family set-up that makes him a likeable and believable character (most of the time). As the character we have come to see, I would have expected Zac to be more open and honest with his wife and not keep these secrets from her.
Unfortunately this seems to be yet another crime series that has a sub-plot that looks like it will be dragged out book after book before eventually giving us a resolution and that sub-plot is the death of Zac’s daughter with this book ending on a bit of a cliffhanger surrounding that. I am not a fan of books that drag these plots out for years on end but I feel invested enough in Zac’s story that I do want to read on and see what happens. Ultimately though I found this book to be rushed, lacking in suspense and believability and just feel there isn’t anything special about it to make it stand out in a crowded genre.
September 13, 2018
When DI Zac Boateng visits an old pal from his early policing days and finds him dead from a shotgun blast in an apparent suicide he is quite discombobulated. He also doesn't believe it was suicide. As nobody else agrees with him, he has a quiet look into it himself. He visits an old villain that they both knew as he had heard on the grapevine that his mate may have had dealings with him. The villain denies it. But very soon after the villain dies in a shocking manner that cannot be mistaken for anything but murder. Strangely, the villain, who runs a scrap metal yard, made a last entry in his logbook of a particular vehicle being brought in. That vehicle is the property of another former colleague in the police force. Now Zac starts to get really worried. All these deaths appear to be related to an incident from 1998. An incident that the surviving police officers have something to hide about and have never spoken about. two names from that night remain. Another villain and Zac himself. How can Zac protect himself from an unknown enemy?
I thought this was a very good book. The plot had so much potential. The characters came across as 'real' and got well developed throughout the story. There were more suspects than you could poke a stick at and the plot was complex enough for the most die hard thriller fan. Those were the good bits.
Unfortunately it just didn't have the impact for me that it could have had, and apparently did have for others as its been highly rated by most. I thought the narrative lacked some drama, I just didn't feel what should have been creeping tension and accelerating suspense. It was all a little flat. But, dear readers, don't let me put you off. As I said, there was a lot to like about this book.
I thought this was a very good book. The plot had so much potential. The characters came across as 'real' and got well developed throughout the story. There were more suspects than you could poke a stick at and the plot was complex enough for the most die hard thriller fan. Those were the good bits.
Unfortunately it just didn't have the impact for me that it could have had, and apparently did have for others as its been highly rated by most. I thought the narrative lacked some drama, I just didn't feel what should have been creeping tension and accelerating suspense. It was all a little flat. But, dear readers, don't let me put you off. As I said, there was a lot to like about this book.
Read
July 31, 2018When your past comes back to haunt you...
Crime thriller and police procedural, the second in a series featuring Detective Inspector Zac Boateng of the Lewisham Major Investigation Team. An old colleague is found dead -- a suspected suicide. Then another. And yet another. Three dead cops, all from the team that had responded to a 999 call years ago when they were all new to the police force. Obviously the deaths are murders, and Zac knows that he's next on the list because he was there that night as well. Something happened inside that house years ago and someone wants them to pay for it.
This is rather slow moving and also involves a concurrent unrelated investigation into hate crime in the area. I knew almost immediately who was behind the killing of the cops, so the reveal came as no surprise. I had enjoyed the first book in this new series, BRING HER BACK, so had wanted to follow up. I know there's a third in the works. The character of DI Boateng is rather stereotypical of male detectives -- strong silent type family man. Zac carries a lot of guilt (from events related to the first book) and with what happened to cause a killer to come after him in this book. Some interesting themes in the book include police welfare (psychological counseling and all-t00-common problem of police suicide) and the unique use of the drug, succinylcholine, a paralyzing agent.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
Crime thriller and police procedural, the second in a series featuring Detective Inspector Zac Boateng of the Lewisham Major Investigation Team. An old colleague is found dead -- a suspected suicide. Then another. And yet another. Three dead cops, all from the team that had responded to a 999 call years ago when they were all new to the police force. Obviously the deaths are murders, and Zac knows that he's next on the list because he was there that night as well. Something happened inside that house years ago and someone wants them to pay for it.
This is rather slow moving and also involves a concurrent unrelated investigation into hate crime in the area. I knew almost immediately who was behind the killing of the cops, so the reveal came as no surprise. I had enjoyed the first book in this new series, BRING HER BACK, so had wanted to follow up. I know there's a third in the works. The character of DI Boateng is rather stereotypical of male detectives -- strong silent type family man. Zac carries a lot of guilt (from events related to the first book) and with what happened to cause a killer to come after him in this book. Some interesting themes in the book include police welfare (psychological counseling and all-t00-common problem of police suicide) and the unique use of the drug, succinylcholine, a paralyzing agent.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
Read
December 24, 2018Case n° 2018-104
Location: Chocolat’n’Waffles precinct
Date: Monday 24th, December 2018
Time: 7:00am
Interview n°1
Witness: Meggy Roussel
Police Officer
Are you comfortable?
Ms Roussel
As much as one can be when sitting in a lotus position while her mind is bursting with things to say.
Police Officer
Let’s cut to the chase then. Can you describe what you saw?
Ms Roussel
Everything.
Police Officer
Be more specific.
Ms Roussel
Police Officer
So, you admit to having read the novel?
Ms Roussel
There is no point in denying it, now. You caught me red-handed. But it’s okay. I would it again.
Police Officer.
You’re admitting you would do the exact same thing with the risk of being discovered again. Can you explain why?
Ms Roussel
Because you’d have to be crazy not to read this book!
Police Officer
Can you elaborate?
Ms Roussel
Police Officer
And does it explain your erratic behaviour?
Ms Roussel
I wouldn’t call yelling ‘I knew it!!!!!!’ at 2.07am an erratic behaviour.
Police Officer
Your neighbours disagree.
Ms Roussel
Because they haven’t read what I read. And they’re no fun.
Police Officer
Can you tell us what led you to this… situation, late at night?
Ms Roussel
Police Officer
I’m the one asking the questions here. So, you had fun with the beginning of a book.
Ms Roussel
Fun is NOT the word I would use for this opening. I was scared, my body was shivering with trepidation, my brain was sizzling, trying to get all the details in. Okay, yes. I loved it. I was breathless and stunned by the impact of each chosen word. That’s when I knew.
Police Officer
Knew what?
Ms Roussel
Police Officer
Was there a gun pointed at you to prevent you from putting said object on a table?
Ms Roussel
You don’t get it, do you? The book was the gun! I read as if my life depended on it. Nothing else mattered.
Police Officer
What made you feel this way?
Ms Roussel
Police Officer
I am getting worried about your mental state. Do all crimes have that effect on you?
Ms Roussel
Police Officer
So, you made up for your lack of real-life friends with book characters…
Ms Roussel
You make my life sound very dull.
Police officer
Isn’t it the truth? It still doesn’t explain the sudden screams and excitement.
Ms Roussel
Police Officer
You don’t fit the profile. Let’s go back to the crime.
Ms Roussel
Police Officer
Alright. Let’s pretend your reasons are valid. What happens next? Do you know?
Ms Roussel
I know I won’t be the Last Witness...
....
Okay, so I went a bit crazy with this review, but oh my, the novel is totally worth it!
Location: Chocolat’n’Waffles precinct
Date: Monday 24th, December 2018
Time: 7:00am
Interview n°1
Witness: Meggy Roussel
Officer Review to interview Ms Roussel regarding her activity of reading Last Witness by Chris Merritt. This is a formal interview. Ms Roussel has declined the right to be accompanied by a solicitor.
Police Officer
Are you comfortable?
Ms Roussel
As much as one can be when sitting in a lotus position while her mind is bursting with things to say.
Police Officer
Let’s cut to the chase then. Can you describe what you saw?
Ms Roussel
Everything.
Police Officer
Be more specific.
Ms Roussel
Okay, I’ll try. I… Saw a cover. I’ll admit I couldn’t resist. The train station image stuck with me. The darkness, the loneliness, the danger, I could feel it all. Now, I have learned to be patient, so I waited. I waited so long. Then one day I just gave in… I picked the book. I took a peak.
Police Officer
So, you admit to having read the novel?
Ms Roussel
There is no point in denying it, now. You caught me red-handed. But it’s okay. I would it again.
Police Officer.
You’re admitting you would do the exact same thing with the risk of being discovered again. Can you explain why?
Ms Roussel
Because you’d have to be crazy not to read this book!
Police Officer
Can you elaborate?
Ms Roussel
Do you know how hard it is to find a police procedural that keeps me up at night? I have insomnia, so I have a strict routine and it takes a lot, and I mean A LOT to make me forget about the rules and stay awake until two. Well, I’m usually awake but books are forbidden in case one is so good that my brain feeds off it and uses it as an excuse to get even less sleep than usual. That’s what happened with Last Witness.
Police Officer
And does it explain your erratic behaviour?
Ms Roussel
I wouldn’t call yelling ‘I knew it!!!!!!’ at 2.07am an erratic behaviour.
Police Officer
Your neighbours disagree.
Ms Roussel
Because they haven’t read what I read. And they’re no fun.
Police Officer
Can you tell us what led you to this… situation, late at night?
Ms Roussel
It is simple. I grabbed my Kindle at 4pm that day. I just wanted to chill. I wanted to tackle that frightening TBR and make a dent in this awful NetGalley backlog. The title appealed to me. I mean, witnesses, you never know if you can believe all they say, right? But also, they can be so dangerous… What can they do with the information they get? Often, they don’t ask for anything, and surely, the opening of Last Witness proved that being an unintentional witness can scar you for life. I mean... That opening? Did I tell you how good it was? How my blood went from regular to cold, to burning with adrenaline, to dead freezing?? If you start reading a book and it has this effect on you, don’t ever stop, do you hear me???
Police Officer
I’m the one asking the questions here. So, you had fun with the beginning of a book.
Ms Roussel
Fun is NOT the word I would use for this opening. I was scared, my body was shivering with trepidation, my brain was sizzling, trying to get all the details in. Okay, yes. I loved it. I was breathless and stunned by the impact of each chosen word. That’s when I knew.
Police Officer
Knew what?
Ms Roussel
That the author had won. I was hooked. His writing is razor-sharp, intense, and yet there is so much emotion coming and going, it’s bliss. Pure bliss. I know you’re gonna say anyone can write. No. No, you are so wrong. There are lots of amazing authors, I’ll give you that. But Chris Merritt? He knows how to get you hooked and unable to think of anything else than what’s awaiting you on the next page. I physically could not put the Kindle down!
Police Officer
Was there a gun pointed at you to prevent you from putting said object on a table?
Ms Roussel
You don’t get it, do you? The book was the gun! I read as if my life depended on it. Nothing else mattered.
Police Officer
What made you feel this way?
Ms Roussel
What, you’re a psychiatrist now? Sorry, officer. The plot. Obviously, it was the plot. You must be at the heart of the action on a daily basis but for my part, I get my action through books. Last Witness is taut, crazily good, mixing past and present in a way that makes your stomach churn. A sense of foreboding crept up on me. I don’t know when it happpened, probably right from the start, but I cared for the characters, all of them. Zac Boaten has seen a lot during his career as a police officer. And his early days are back to haunt him. He has to deal with losing a friend, connecting dots, fighting against people who won’t listen to him, just to get to the bottom of a deadly, outstanding scheme for revenge. I loved getting to know him through the man he is now, the things eating at him, his decisions, and his family. No Super Cop, just a family guy with death at his heels. Isn’t it exciting?
Police Officer
I am getting worried about your mental state. Do all crimes have that effect on you?
Ms Roussel
Only the best ones. And I haven’t told you about the rest of the team. Well, the other characters, because the author didn’t create a perfect paper world. No, he filled his novel with likeable and unlikeable characters. People you judge based on what you’re given, before something happens and your opinion changes. Once. Twice. Thrice… You see, they all have a face and a body language in my mind. Again, that’s the writing’s fault. They are not soulless sculptures, they are real life men and women. Some I’d like to chat to, like Jones, and others I’d avoid at all costs. But they made it so easy to imagine every interaction that I took a guilty pleasure in trying to figure out who to put in the good guys box, who to send to the bad place, whose arse to kick.
Police Officer
So, you made up for your lack of real-life friends with book characters…
Ms Roussel
You make my life sound very dull.
Police officer
Isn’t it the truth? It still doesn’t explain the sudden screams and excitement.
Ms Roussel
Have you ever played Cluedo? Don’t you throw your fist in the air and grin because you’ve found out who killed Mustard in the library? Don’t answer this, I know you’ve done it. We all have. It’s the same thing here! I was given suspects. Well, I suspected everyone. I had no choice but to follow Zac, try not to be freaked out by the weird chapters from an unknown narrator, and see evil close in on a good cop who had made a bad decision years back. Don’t you get it? How can our brain take so much tension and no release it when you think you’ve got the theory right? Because I had!!! I am a great detective, by the way. Do you take applications?
Police Officer
You don’t fit the profile. Let’s go back to the crime.
Ms Roussel
If you think waking up kids in the middle of the night is a crime, you don’t fit the profile to be a cop either! Hey, I have dealt with gruesome deaths, a million questions, and I made it out alive! I was never sure of anything until I neared the end, and even then, I was scared as hell about what was going to happen! Isn’t that brilliant??? There is a dark undertone to this series and I want more.
Police Officer
Alright. Let’s pretend your reasons are valid. What happens next? Do you know?
Ms Roussel
I know I won’t be the Last Witness...
7.49am End of interview. The witness is unstable and obviously still in shock. She keeps repeating the address of the website where you can get the book mentioned. She won’t apologize for having one of the best nights of her life. However, she doesn’t appear to be a danger to anyone except her neighbours…
....
Okay, so I went a bit crazy with this review, but oh my, the novel is totally worth it!
July 12, 2018
You may be certain that what happened in the past, will stay in the past and that you can sleep peacefully and enjoy your sweet dreams. But sometimes it can turn into your worst nightmare ...
During the whole book I kept thinking : aha, now I know who did it! Every time there was that little hint that put doubt in my mind once more and made me change direction. How I love that!
I constantly had the feeling that nobody could be trusted. The story contained some kind of current that pushed me forward and only let me go ashore when everything was revealed.
I have no idea how long my list of good authors is, but after reading this book, it became a bit longer, once again.
Thank you, Chris Merritt, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreviews.wordpress.com
During the whole book I kept thinking : aha, now I know who did it! Every time there was that little hint that put doubt in my mind once more and made me change direction. How I love that!
I constantly had the feeling that nobody could be trusted. The story contained some kind of current that pushed me forward and only let me go ashore when everything was revealed.
I have no idea how long my list of good authors is, but after reading this book, it became a bit longer, once again.
Thank you, Chris Merritt, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreviews.wordpress.com
April 19, 2022
I'm loving this series from author Chris Merritt.
Zac Boateng receives a text from an old friend asking him to visit. When he arrives, he finds his friend Troy dead, with a shotgun in his lap, having apparently committed suicide; however, Zac is not convinced (in the slightest)!
Then another friend is found dead, again it looks like suicide, again Boateng is unconvinced. As readers learn of events from 1998, which all start tying together with these deaths and Boateng's past.
Great character development, plot structure and excellent writing!
This is a great read and I look forward to the next one.
Zac Boateng receives a text from an old friend asking him to visit. When he arrives, he finds his friend Troy dead, with a shotgun in his lap, having apparently committed suicide; however, Zac is not convinced (in the slightest)!
Then another friend is found dead, again it looks like suicide, again Boateng is unconvinced. As readers learn of events from 1998, which all start tying together with these deaths and Boateng's past.
Great character development, plot structure and excellent writing!
This is a great read and I look forward to the next one.
July 26, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic opening!!! I have to say that my timing for reading 'Last Witness' was unbelievably shocking as the way which Troy was found deceased, was very close to home on a personal level. It probably should have done, but it didn't put me off continuing to read the book at all, in fact, it made me more intrigued about what was going to happen throughout the rest of the storyline.
'Last Witness' is such a heart in mouth, fast paced and chilling read which kept my jaw on the floor, and my bottom on the edge of my seat. I'm not even going to give my opinion on certain parts of the storyline, as I really do think that you should read this book with the least amount of information beforehand. Trust me, the shock factor is amplified big time.
Zac is such an extraordinarily complex character and to be honest, you can't really blame him for that. If you have read the first book in the series, you would be able to understand more. However if you haven't, don't worry though as 'Last Witness' can be read very well as a standalone. Zac's complexity is weirdly endearing, even though I don't think that we would ever be able to fully understand his personality, even if the author wrote another ten books with him at the forefront of the storyline. That isn't a bad thing by the way, at all!
'Last Witness' is definitely a read which will raise your heart rate, lower your oxygen levels, and make your skin crawl. Hell, I heard a noise outside and literally jumped off the bed!
Chris Merritt is an amazing author who creates such magnetic and well-rounded stories, paving the way for his readers to be able to lose themselves in and unknowingly become an extra in the book. I really enjoyed 'Last Witness' and I cannot wait to find out what happens in Zac's life next time - what a corker of a book this is!
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic opening!!! I have to say that my timing for reading 'Last Witness' was unbelievably shocking as the way which Troy was found deceased, was very close to home on a personal level. It probably should have done, but it didn't put me off continuing to read the book at all, in fact, it made me more intrigued about what was going to happen throughout the rest of the storyline.
'Last Witness' is such a heart in mouth, fast paced and chilling read which kept my jaw on the floor, and my bottom on the edge of my seat. I'm not even going to give my opinion on certain parts of the storyline, as I really do think that you should read this book with the least amount of information beforehand. Trust me, the shock factor is amplified big time.
Zac is such an extraordinarily complex character and to be honest, you can't really blame him for that. If you have read the first book in the series, you would be able to understand more. However if you haven't, don't worry though as 'Last Witness' can be read very well as a standalone. Zac's complexity is weirdly endearing, even though I don't think that we would ever be able to fully understand his personality, even if the author wrote another ten books with him at the forefront of the storyline. That isn't a bad thing by the way, at all!
'Last Witness' is definitely a read which will raise your heart rate, lower your oxygen levels, and make your skin crawl. Hell, I heard a noise outside and literally jumped off the bed!
Chris Merritt is an amazing author who creates such magnetic and well-rounded stories, paving the way for his readers to be able to lose themselves in and unknowingly become an extra in the book. I really enjoyed 'Last Witness' and I cannot wait to find out what happens in Zac's life next time - what a corker of a book this is!
August 2, 2018
“The only mistakes you make are the opportunities you don’t react to”
Zac Boateng is back and he’s policing in his own unique way again. And it’s another personal case he’s got to solve! Old friendships die hard and Zac has to open old wounds. Painful wounds and the old friends all have something to hide….but someone wants the secrets out in the open. Who can Zac trust?!
I’m one of those people who wants to solve the case before the grand reveal. Frequently I get it wrong or I can’t settle on a suspect. But with Last Witness, just before half way through I had my suspect….and despite the author’s efforts to change my mind, I didn’t waver from my choice which does make a change. Was I right? Now that would be a spoiler and there are #nospoilers here!
I was extremely intrigued who is Jim and who he works for?? How does he fit into this complex story? He was a man I needed to keep an eye on….and I’m glad I did!
“Your sin will find you out”
This is a very tense read from Chris Merritt which I thoroughly enjoyed. And the climax!! Oh my that was brilliant! This dark crime thriller is a cracker of a read. I can’t wait for Book 3! Mr Merritt, I can’t believe you left me hanging!! I need Book 3 right now!!!!
Zac Boateng is back and he’s policing in his own unique way again. And it’s another personal case he’s got to solve! Old friendships die hard and Zac has to open old wounds. Painful wounds and the old friends all have something to hide….but someone wants the secrets out in the open. Who can Zac trust?!
I’m one of those people who wants to solve the case before the grand reveal. Frequently I get it wrong or I can’t settle on a suspect. But with Last Witness, just before half way through I had my suspect….and despite the author’s efforts to change my mind, I didn’t waver from my choice which does make a change. Was I right? Now that would be a spoiler and there are #nospoilers here!
I was extremely intrigued who is Jim and who he works for?? How does he fit into this complex story? He was a man I needed to keep an eye on….and I’m glad I did!
“Your sin will find you out”
This is a very tense read from Chris Merritt which I thoroughly enjoyed. And the climax!! Oh my that was brilliant! This dark crime thriller is a cracker of a read. I can’t wait for Book 3! Mr Merritt, I can’t believe you left me hanging!! I need Book 3 right now!!!!
July 5, 2018
2nd book in Merritt's Zac Boateng series set in London and it was very good again. Things open with the apparent suicide of Zac's friend and former work partner Troy McEwen , shortly after Zac receives a text from Troy that states "Can you come over. We need to talk about back then." It soon becomes evident to Zac that "back then" refers to a police incident from 19 years ago that went sideways and lives were lost. When another person associated with that dark day meets their demise shortly thereafter, Zac knows the secrets of the past won't be secrets much longer. Not a new plot concept but the author really makes it work in this complex mystery with a slick finish. Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2018
The Prologue set the seen brilliantly leading me to want to read the book. It was an enjoyable read with an excellent ending. I read Last Witness fairly quickly intrigued to find the outcome of the investigations. Bookouture seems to have several crime/thriller writers who produce fabulous plots that are well written, believable, and page-turning.
July 24, 2018
Please see all of my reviews at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com
What happened in 1998 that is apparently causing deaths now? DI Zac Boateng certainly has his suspicions when good friend Troy McEwen is the victim of an apparent suicide. Boateng doesn't believe this for one minute. He is certain that it was murder. But, he is alone in his feelings, and as he goes about trying to prove that he is right, and to apprehend the murderer, other deaths begin happening. There are definite links, and Boateng is sure that it all relates back to 1998. He was involved then, so does that indeed put his very life at risk?
Boateng is flawed, although he is a wonderful family man. He does a superb job of going off the cuff when it comes to investigating what he is sure is murder. He goes even further with connecting it with other deaths that are suddenly occurring. Watching him work while Detective Sergeant Kat Jones works separately at first getting to the bottom of things captured my attention. Last Witness was chuck full of intrigue and kept me on my toes. There were twists and turns and a lot of confusion for me as a reader to try and identify the true killer. There were red herrings for sure and it was a true crime thriller written in a captivating way.
Although this is the second book in the Zac Boateng series, it read perfectly well as a standalone. There were references that I am sure related to the first book, but in no way did it affect the integrity of this title. I may have missed the first book in the series, but I definitely will be back for the next one, especially since the riveting conclusion has gotten me excited. So, in all, this was a thrilling mystery that was a terrific read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
What happened in 1998 that is apparently causing deaths now? DI Zac Boateng certainly has his suspicions when good friend Troy McEwen is the victim of an apparent suicide. Boateng doesn't believe this for one minute. He is certain that it was murder. But, he is alone in his feelings, and as he goes about trying to prove that he is right, and to apprehend the murderer, other deaths begin happening. There are definite links, and Boateng is sure that it all relates back to 1998. He was involved then, so does that indeed put his very life at risk?
Boateng is flawed, although he is a wonderful family man. He does a superb job of going off the cuff when it comes to investigating what he is sure is murder. He goes even further with connecting it with other deaths that are suddenly occurring. Watching him work while Detective Sergeant Kat Jones works separately at first getting to the bottom of things captured my attention. Last Witness was chuck full of intrigue and kept me on my toes. There were twists and turns and a lot of confusion for me as a reader to try and identify the true killer. There were red herrings for sure and it was a true crime thriller written in a captivating way.
Although this is the second book in the Zac Boateng series, it read perfectly well as a standalone. There were references that I am sure related to the first book, but in no way did it affect the integrity of this title. I may have missed the first book in the series, but I definitely will be back for the next one, especially since the riveting conclusion has gotten me excited. So, in all, this was a thrilling mystery that was a terrific read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 28, 2019
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This is the second book that I have read by this author and the second featuring DI Boateng and his team. I do enjoy their different personalities but I didn’t fully gel with Boateng in this book.
I enjoyed the plot, I felt that it slowed down towards the middle of the book so I was really pleased when the pace picked back up as I got past the half way stage. I enjoyed the writing style and DS Jones was really able to come out of her shell and I admired her spirit and determination to get the case solved despite the criticism and mocking from some of her male team members.
I did like that there were a number of potential suspects for me as to who was responsible and I was still guessing very near the end of the book. I liked that I got to see inside the killers mind and their thoughts – but I still couldn’t guess who it was – I did enjoy the ending and how it wrapped up all the loose ends.
Four stars from me – an enjoyable read!
This is the second book that I have read by this author and the second featuring DI Boateng and his team. I do enjoy their different personalities but I didn’t fully gel with Boateng in this book.
I enjoyed the plot, I felt that it slowed down towards the middle of the book so I was really pleased when the pace picked back up as I got past the half way stage. I enjoyed the writing style and DS Jones was really able to come out of her shell and I admired her spirit and determination to get the case solved despite the criticism and mocking from some of her male team members.
I did like that there were a number of potential suspects for me as to who was responsible and I was still guessing very near the end of the book. I liked that I got to see inside the killers mind and their thoughts – but I still couldn’t guess who it was – I did enjoy the ending and how it wrapped up all the loose ends.
Four stars from me – an enjoyable read!
June 3, 2021
The second book in the Detective Zac Boateng series. A gripping crime thriller.
July 25, 2018
It seems ages since I read the first book in the Detective Zac Boateng series, but really its only been a short time. Its been such a pleasure to walk through the pages of the Last Witness with Boateng, playing Detective through my own imagination, interpreting the secrets, the lies, the clues in my own fanciful way, occasionally becoming sullen when I get it wrong, but hey who doesn’t.
Okay so I have established that the Last Witness is a second book for Boateng, so how about we have a wee look into what Boateng got involved in this time.
Never the crime of the century but unbeholden to Zac the death of a old friend Troy McEwen, would embroil him and his family in a past investigation, which could ultimately cost him his life. Troy has apparently committed suicide but Zac believes that his friend was murdered, as the days pass more people he knew are being found dead, each one with a connection to the past, the lies that were told, the secrets covered up, the individuals who died that day. The past is hurtling towards Boateng at an almighty speed, he believes he is next to die, can he find out who is responsible before he is the next target and protect his family.
I still really like Boateng even if he has past misdemeanours which throw a different light on him, but at the end of the day we have all made mistakes, okay maybe not as serious as Boateng’s but they are there. There is something about Boateng as a character which warms we to him, he is cool, calm and collected to some extent but becomes a different man entirely when his family are involved, nothing will get in his way of protecting them.
As for some of the other characters, there was one I really wanted to punch, when you read Last Witness you will know who I mean, a self centred individual who thinks nothing of being a complete and utter (insert rude word here).
Well Chris you have definitely produced another exceptional piece of work, one I couldn’t let go of, the pages turned at a slower pace for me this time as I wanted to savour the story, read between the lines, trying to decipher where you were leading Boateng, to see if I came to the same conclusions. Detective work I just don’t think is for me, yeah I caught onto many of the clues but I still didn’t catch the bugger at he end, 1-0 to you Chris.
My thanks go to Bookouture, Chris Merritt and Noelle Holten for the advanced readers copy of the Last Witness in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. Been a pleasure to be part of the Blob Blitz today and I hope to welcome the next Detective Zac Boateng very soon.
Okay so I have established that the Last Witness is a second book for Boateng, so how about we have a wee look into what Boateng got involved in this time.
Never the crime of the century but unbeholden to Zac the death of a old friend Troy McEwen, would embroil him and his family in a past investigation, which could ultimately cost him his life. Troy has apparently committed suicide but Zac believes that his friend was murdered, as the days pass more people he knew are being found dead, each one with a connection to the past, the lies that were told, the secrets covered up, the individuals who died that day. The past is hurtling towards Boateng at an almighty speed, he believes he is next to die, can he find out who is responsible before he is the next target and protect his family.
I still really like Boateng even if he has past misdemeanours which throw a different light on him, but at the end of the day we have all made mistakes, okay maybe not as serious as Boateng’s but they are there. There is something about Boateng as a character which warms we to him, he is cool, calm and collected to some extent but becomes a different man entirely when his family are involved, nothing will get in his way of protecting them.
As for some of the other characters, there was one I really wanted to punch, when you read Last Witness you will know who I mean, a self centred individual who thinks nothing of being a complete and utter (insert rude word here).
Well Chris you have definitely produced another exceptional piece of work, one I couldn’t let go of, the pages turned at a slower pace for me this time as I wanted to savour the story, read between the lines, trying to decipher where you were leading Boateng, to see if I came to the same conclusions. Detective work I just don’t think is for me, yeah I caught onto many of the clues but I still didn’t catch the bugger at he end, 1-0 to you Chris.
My thanks go to Bookouture, Chris Merritt and Noelle Holten for the advanced readers copy of the Last Witness in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. Been a pleasure to be part of the Blob Blitz today and I hope to welcome the next Detective Zac Boateng very soon.
July 27, 2018
Well it is official, I think I have found a new detective that I might just love a little bit. Detective Zac Boateng is up there with Bosch, Cross to name some of the greats. One of thing that I did adore about him is that he is not your typical type of detective, in the fact he is happily married and has a family, albeit suffering a loss of his daughter, but he has a wife who supports and loves him dearly. I love this! (Not the loss, but the commitment to each other) He is however your typically flawed detective, with a lot of baggage he needs to let go off. So many secrets he is keeping, mainly the one that could get him killed…. what happened in 1998? Why are people dying because of it? Want to know…. well you will need to do something very special…you ready…. read the book 😊
Zac is restless, his friend has committed suicide, but Zac can’t accept it, especially as hours before Troy text him asking him to pop over to discuss “back then”. Seriously stop teasing me already especially with so many people in potential danger! What happened? In Zac’s mind it is murder and as he discovers more information to another case he is working on, it links back to Troy’s death. Someone is watching Zac, and watching him keep secrets…but who? Someone with invested interest with the case that is for sure.
I love Jones too, so naïve, still young in the teams’ eyes and apparently being a girl doesn’t help! She cares and worries about Boateng, whilst having to deal with some weirdo who happens to be working in their office, I mean seriously what do you want? Always watching…. because that wouldn’t freak anyone out would it!
I sound like a broken record lately, I keep picking up books, getting enticed by them, throwing everything at them to discover they ae part of a series! Doh! And then I tell you I am going to go back and read the others in the series…. guess what! I am telling you the same here. I wish I had read the first book in order, (it does my OCD no good!) because I would have learned Zac’s past encounters and friends, leading us to the present day. So, bear with me whilst I have more reading to do and more reviews to share with you!
Chris Merritt can add me to his list of fans, as I loved this book, the plot, characters and most of all his writing. I found it easy to follow and to read and I couldn’t put the book down, even when I was tired and wanted sleep, so sign of a terrific book!
So, when can I read the next one??
Zac is restless, his friend has committed suicide, but Zac can’t accept it, especially as hours before Troy text him asking him to pop over to discuss “back then”. Seriously stop teasing me already especially with so many people in potential danger! What happened? In Zac’s mind it is murder and as he discovers more information to another case he is working on, it links back to Troy’s death. Someone is watching Zac, and watching him keep secrets…but who? Someone with invested interest with the case that is for sure.
I love Jones too, so naïve, still young in the teams’ eyes and apparently being a girl doesn’t help! She cares and worries about Boateng, whilst having to deal with some weirdo who happens to be working in their office, I mean seriously what do you want? Always watching…. because that wouldn’t freak anyone out would it!
I sound like a broken record lately, I keep picking up books, getting enticed by them, throwing everything at them to discover they ae part of a series! Doh! And then I tell you I am going to go back and read the others in the series…. guess what! I am telling you the same here. I wish I had read the first book in order, (it does my OCD no good!) because I would have learned Zac’s past encounters and friends, leading us to the present day. So, bear with me whilst I have more reading to do and more reviews to share with you!
Chris Merritt can add me to his list of fans, as I loved this book, the plot, characters and most of all his writing. I found it easy to follow and to read and I couldn’t put the book down, even when I was tired and wanted sleep, so sign of a terrific book!
So, when can I read the next one??
July 29, 2018
Detective Inspector Zachariah Boateng gets a text from his old friend Troy McEwen wanting to talk about old times, Zac immediately goes to see him but finds him dead. It’s written off as a suicide due to Troy’s mental health issue but Zac knows the truth. There’s a secret he’s been carrying round with him for almost twenty years, a secret only a few people knew including Troy, and it looked like it was coming back to haunted him.
So this is the second in the DI Boateng series and can be easily read as a stand alone, something I can attest to having not read the first myself.
This is a really dark, fast paced and gripping read, with the tension never really lets up and will have you turning those pages!
There are two stories in the novel, the first is Troy’s suicide which leads Zac to encounter fiery journalist Faye Rix who accuses Troy of having ties to organised crime. The second and more minor of the storylines is to do with racially motivated killings which is what he’s supposed to be investigating.
Boateng is a really fascinating character to read. He’s tortured by the death of his young daughter Amelia, in a gangland shooting, he refuses to back down and will not give up which makes him bend the rules quite a bit. What was more unusual was he was happily married to Etta which frankly makes a change that the usual divorced/murdered and is looking for their killer back story you usually get.
I have to be honest I did figure out who the murderer was but Chris Merritt did have me doubting myself! There was also a little twist in the end that I would never have seen coming in a million years!
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a police procedural with a diverse cast of characters that doesn’t let up the pace throughout. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
So this is the second in the DI Boateng series and can be easily read as a stand alone, something I can attest to having not read the first myself.
This is a really dark, fast paced and gripping read, with the tension never really lets up and will have you turning those pages!
There are two stories in the novel, the first is Troy’s suicide which leads Zac to encounter fiery journalist Faye Rix who accuses Troy of having ties to organised crime. The second and more minor of the storylines is to do with racially motivated killings which is what he’s supposed to be investigating.
Boateng is a really fascinating character to read. He’s tortured by the death of his young daughter Amelia, in a gangland shooting, he refuses to back down and will not give up which makes him bend the rules quite a bit. What was more unusual was he was happily married to Etta which frankly makes a change that the usual divorced/murdered and is looking for their killer back story you usually get.
I have to be honest I did figure out who the murderer was but Chris Merritt did have me doubting myself! There was also a little twist in the end that I would never have seen coming in a million years!
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a police procedural with a diverse cast of characters that doesn’t let up the pace throughout. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
December 29, 2018
I went to start book 3 in this series and suddenly realised I hadn't read book 2, how bad of me is that. So over Christmas I decided while I had a little time off work, I could play catch up on some of the series I've gotten a little behind with. Starting with this bad boy.
What a brilliant read I picked. I was introduce to Zac Boateng in book one, Bring her back. That book opened with such a gripping start it was so difficult to put it down. This one was no different. Another brilliant start to a book, and a main character who is growing on me the more I read about him. What is it with Bookouture authors, they seem to crate some of the best fictional characters there is. Mainly detectives.
This book kicks off with Detective Inspector Zac Boateng receiving a call from an old friends, a long time friend, yet when he arrives at the house there is no answer. gaining entry to the house he discovers his friend, Troy McEwen is dead. It looks like suicide to anyone but Zac, Zac is convinced that his friend would not have committed suicide.
Zac has to investigate Troy's death off the record, there is no way he can leave it at a suicide verdict, he know's different. When other things start happening that seem to relate to something that had happened in Zac and Troys past, Zac knows he's on the right tracks.
But at what expense will Zac go to to prove himself right.
A brilliant nail biting read. Any crime thriller fans will enjoy this series. There is only one thing for me to do now and that is to start book 3.
What a brilliant read I picked. I was introduce to Zac Boateng in book one, Bring her back. That book opened with such a gripping start it was so difficult to put it down. This one was no different. Another brilliant start to a book, and a main character who is growing on me the more I read about him. What is it with Bookouture authors, they seem to crate some of the best fictional characters there is. Mainly detectives.
This book kicks off with Detective Inspector Zac Boateng receiving a call from an old friends, a long time friend, yet when he arrives at the house there is no answer. gaining entry to the house he discovers his friend, Troy McEwen is dead. It looks like suicide to anyone but Zac, Zac is convinced that his friend would not have committed suicide.
Zac has to investigate Troy's death off the record, there is no way he can leave it at a suicide verdict, he know's different. When other things start happening that seem to relate to something that had happened in Zac and Troys past, Zac knows he's on the right tracks.
But at what expense will Zac go to to prove himself right.
A brilliant nail biting read. Any crime thriller fans will enjoy this series. There is only one thing for me to do now and that is to start book 3.
July 1, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a copy of the book. As always, an honest review.
Overall I enjoyed Last Witness, but it didn't wow me. The premise is cliche, but it works. Supposed suicides that only a few people think might actually be murders. As I have found, cliches are cliches for a reason. Because they work. And it does work in this book. The story holds up and generally held my interest throughout. However it took me awhile to be completely pulled into the story. For it to really find it's footing. I think this might be since the story bounced around a lot at the beginning.
When the book found it's footing halfway through, I just kept reading to find out who was the killer. I appreciated that both male and female police are represented well. Also, the characters' family lives are well established and create believable characters. The story still focuses mostly on the mystery, but it's evident that there's an entire backstory for all the characters. The author gives them a depth and realness that rounds out the story.
In general, the book has a bit of an unsure start, but comes together to intrigue the reader.
Overall I enjoyed Last Witness, but it didn't wow me. The premise is cliche, but it works. Supposed suicides that only a few people think might actually be murders. As I have found, cliches are cliches for a reason. Because they work. And it does work in this book. The story holds up and generally held my interest throughout. However it took me awhile to be completely pulled into the story. For it to really find it's footing. I think this might be since the story bounced around a lot at the beginning.
When the book found it's footing halfway through, I just kept reading to find out who was the killer. I appreciated that both male and female police are represented well. Also, the characters' family lives are well established and create believable characters. The story still focuses mostly on the mystery, but it's evident that there's an entire backstory for all the characters. The author gives them a depth and realness that rounds out the story.
In general, the book has a bit of an unsure start, but comes together to intrigue the reader.
September 8, 2018
Violent death erase's more than the Somlance of Life..P..D.James.
When DI Zechariah Boaleng arrives at his friends house after a phone call, he is looking forward to shooting the breeze with him after not seeing him for some time.But Troy McEwen doesn't answer his door..and after a bit Zac finds a spare key and let's himself in...to be greeted with a scene that will stay with him for a long time..When Troy's death is ruled as suicide...Zac feels there is Something not right here..He has known Troy for 21 years...And then there is another death...Zac begins to make a connection...Over 20 years ago in a different place..people died violently..but who outside of their circle could possibly know the events that took place back then? And why now, ? This is a story of a killer with time, patience and a deep dark rage that runs through them...For now decades later...people are dying...As Zac begins to get closer to the truth...the small rivulets of Fear is coarsing through him....and the killer is much closer to him than he would ever begin to believe..A Riveting pageturner....Dark Compelling reading...Hooked from the first chapter...right to the end...
When DI Zechariah Boaleng arrives at his friends house after a phone call, he is looking forward to shooting the breeze with him after not seeing him for some time.But Troy McEwen doesn't answer his door..and after a bit Zac finds a spare key and let's himself in...to be greeted with a scene that will stay with him for a long time..When Troy's death is ruled as suicide...Zac feels there is Something not right here..He has known Troy for 21 years...And then there is another death...Zac begins to make a connection...Over 20 years ago in a different place..people died violently..but who outside of their circle could possibly know the events that took place back then? And why now, ? This is a story of a killer with time, patience and a deep dark rage that runs through them...For now decades later...people are dying...As Zac begins to get closer to the truth...the small rivulets of Fear is coarsing through him....and the killer is much closer to him than he would ever begin to believe..A Riveting pageturner....Dark Compelling reading...Hooked from the first chapter...right to the end...
December 3, 2018
Chris Merritt has followed up his debut with a very solid second book. Detective Zac Boateng finding a tragic incident in his past catching up both with him and people he knows. Merritt once again marries an excellent psychological approach to the police procedural genre. His lead and his family are easy to get behind and believe in as their difficult family life is threatened by events.
The London setting is brought to life by the combination of Merritt's direct, uncomplicated prose and Lynch's tough guy narration. Though it's worth noting that Lynch brings all of the characters to life nicely, he isn't just a hard man!
Plot-wise I didn't feel this flowed quite as well as the first book but it still generated plenty of tension and rather than the list of authors that Audible liken it to I would say it's more in Peter James's DI Grace or Tony Parsons's Max Wolfe than say Child's Jack Reacher.
This looks to be a more than decent series that's likely to be well worth following.
The London setting is brought to life by the combination of Merritt's direct, uncomplicated prose and Lynch's tough guy narration. Though it's worth noting that Lynch brings all of the characters to life nicely, he isn't just a hard man!
Plot-wise I didn't feel this flowed quite as well as the first book but it still generated plenty of tension and rather than the list of authors that Audible liken it to I would say it's more in Peter James's DI Grace or Tony Parsons's Max Wolfe than say Child's Jack Reacher.
This looks to be a more than decent series that's likely to be well worth following.
August 9, 2018
I hadn’t read the first book in this series featuring Detective Zak Boateng but it certainly didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this this book.
Zac has a text from an old friend Troy, who wants to see him. But when Zac arrives Troy is dead, apparently having committed suicide by shooting himself. The case is closed but Zak is convinced it is murder so he starts his own enquiries. More people that Zak now turn up dead and he realises that they are all connected to an incident in his past and believes that he will be the next victim. We learn, as the story progresses, about the incident in 1998 that went wrong and about all the lies and secrets that have been kept. This book was a gripping and tense read with a very intricate plot, plenty of twists and turns and a story full of intrigue. An excellent read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Zac has a text from an old friend Troy, who wants to see him. But when Zac arrives Troy is dead, apparently having committed suicide by shooting himself. The case is closed but Zak is convinced it is murder so he starts his own enquiries. More people that Zak now turn up dead and he realises that they are all connected to an incident in his past and believes that he will be the next victim. We learn, as the story progresses, about the incident in 1998 that went wrong and about all the lies and secrets that have been kept. This book was a gripping and tense read with a very intricate plot, plenty of twists and turns and a story full of intrigue. An excellent read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 13, 2018
It must be a demonstration of excellent characterisation when you read the next book in a series and meeting familiar characters is like reuniting with old friends. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with Zac Boateng, Etta and Kofi and Kat Jones and the team. The story line was good, but at times I did get muddled with Operation Spearhead and the investigation into Troy's death. I wasn't sure if they were meant to be running in parallel or intersecting at some point. I didn't think that Evans added much to the story, except to confuse matters even more. That aside, Zac's rogue behaviour was again absorbing. He spends so much time policing 'off piste' it's a wonder he ever gets anything done! The Cleaver Street aspect of the story was by far the superior component of the book, and the part I enjoyed the most. It was good to see Etta branching out a bit; she's a great character and I'd love to read more about her. A good story and I'll definitely read more by Chris Merritt.
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