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Last Seen Leaving
Syd Shaeffer used to be so much: ambitious and fearless, a stellar New York District Attorney, and fiancée to love of her life, Frank Spinelli.
A viral eye infection changed all that. Now she's blind and runs a failing law practice out in the burbs.
But when Frank goes missing in New Zealand and the ransom note tells his mother not to call the police, Syd just may be the only one who can find him.
Is Syd just driven by honor? Or is she trying to prove that she's still good enough? And when the first dead body turns up, can a blind woman see what everyone else has overlooked?
Or will she be next on the killer’s list?
A gripping thriller that will have the pages turning into the wee hours.
A viral eye infection changed all that. Now she's blind and runs a failing law practice out in the burbs.
But when Frank goes missing in New Zealand and the ransom note tells his mother not to call the police, Syd just may be the only one who can find him.
Is Syd just driven by honor? Or is she trying to prove that she's still good enough? And when the first dead body turns up, can a blind woman see what everyone else has overlooked?
Or will she be next on the killer’s list?
A gripping thriller that will have the pages turning into the wee hours.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2018
671 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Lea
13 books78 followersCatherine lives with a rescue dog who's the love of her life. In past lives, she has sold international satellite capacity, worked in IT recruitment, and run her own communications store.
When Catherine isn't writing, she's dog-wrangling, wrestling with technology, or going crazy trying to maintain control of the yard.
THE CANDIDATE'S DAUGHTER is her first published work, followed by the sequel in the Elizabeth McClaine series, CHILD OF THE STATE, and A STOLEN WOMAN.
Her latest book in the DI NYREE BRADSHAW SERIES, set in the beautiful Far North of New Zealand, is THE DEEPER THE DEAD: A DI Nyree Bradshaw Crime Thriller, out now.
She also writes gritty thrillers under the pen name C.J. Lea.
When Catherine isn't writing, she's dog-wrangling, wrestling with technology, or going crazy trying to maintain control of the yard.
THE CANDIDATE'S DAUGHTER is her first published work, followed by the sequel in the Elizabeth McClaine series, CHILD OF THE STATE, and A STOLEN WOMAN.
Her latest book in the DI NYREE BRADSHAW SERIES, set in the beautiful Far North of New Zealand, is THE DEEPER THE DEAD: A DI Nyree Bradshaw Crime Thriller, out now.
She also writes gritty thrillers under the pen name C.J. Lea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 16, 2022
A talented DA contracts a virus that renders her blind, but that doesn't seem to stop her from getting herself into all sorts of tricky situations. Like travelling halfway around the world from the USA to New Zealand by herself to track down her missing ex-fiance. It all seems just a tad unbelievable, esp. Syd's attitude.
August 23, 2018
I can’t really rate this because at 7% in I’m calling it quits. I am starting to realize the warning signs when something’s not for me. This may turn out to be great but when I read that a mother receives her son’s finger delivered to her and she throws it out, after wrestling the ring off, because she “doesn’t want that thing in her house” I need to stop. I don’t mind a quirky character but is there anyone that would seriously be so stupid? If there is then I don’t want to read about them. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2019
I love when books grab me from the first page and wont let go. This book did that for me. It starts with Syd Shaeffer and her career as NY District Attorney. And then spins off to her losing her sight and trying to run a law office after her fiance leaves her.
Things get worse when she finds out her fiance goes missing in New Zealand and is called upon to find him. Dont get the police involve she is told, and so she goes off to find him. Things get complicated and a bit difficult for her but she doesn't let anything get in her way.
An interesting read and many twists and turns with an ending that will surprise you. Sometimes I got mad but mostly I was intrigued with the way Syd was able to handle this case. Looking forward to reading more books by Ms Lea.
Things get worse when she finds out her fiance goes missing in New Zealand and is called upon to find him. Dont get the police involve she is told, and so she goes off to find him. Things get complicated and a bit difficult for her but she doesn't let anything get in her way.
An interesting read and many twists and turns with an ending that will surprise you. Sometimes I got mad but mostly I was intrigued with the way Syd was able to handle this case. Looking forward to reading more books by Ms Lea.
July 19, 2019
Yet another book I've downloaded that's full of errors ! It's becoming a real issue in the digital e-book format lately.....I even find myself remarking upon how pleased I am when I read one with no errors !! THAT shouldn't be a thing. Her last book I tried I didn't enjoy but I did note that it had no mistakes before I deleted it. I really liked The Candidate's Daughter, though.
I was enjoying this story and especially the fact that Syd was blind as that made it a little different and more interesting. I just can't be bothered keeping on highlighting errors. It then becomes a real chore instead of a pleasurable experience.
The first error was when someone was sitting with "her legs cross," then ring encrusted fingers needed a hyphen, "I have a meeting at airbase" loses a word as does "I got plenty information."
There was some atrocious English with, "Don't they know how many foreign accents we already got here ? We hardly got any Americans here anymore."
On page 41 we're informed that Graeme had said that Frank was withdrawn yet she didn't encounter Graeme till we were a few more chapters ahead, so that was very confusing, then when we meet Nelson he tells Syd that the receptionist had informed him she'd gone off hunting for her ex-fiance. So how she knew is anyone's business as Syd hadn't mentioned it to her. Then at the conclusion of an interview with a policeman, Syd thinks that "If she mentioned her own abduction, she'd be tied up for hours" yet she'd only just mentioned said abduction to him on the previous page !! So a proper editing process should really have picked up these dubious continuity errors if I did.
This sentence I found pretty bizarre when a detective says, "According to our information Mr Spinelli left the country Monday just over a month ago for New Zealand"......then speechmarks were missing and I finally sighed loudly and gave up with "It was a lie the truth wasn't going to help."
I'm just hoping I'll find a better edited read very soon ! It shouldn't be TOO much to ask for after all.
I was enjoying this story and especially the fact that Syd was blind as that made it a little different and more interesting. I just can't be bothered keeping on highlighting errors. It then becomes a real chore instead of a pleasurable experience.
The first error was when someone was sitting with "her legs cross," then ring encrusted fingers needed a hyphen, "I have a meeting at airbase" loses a word as does "I got plenty information."
There was some atrocious English with, "Don't they know how many foreign accents we already got here ? We hardly got any Americans here anymore."
On page 41 we're informed that Graeme had said that Frank was withdrawn yet she didn't encounter Graeme till we were a few more chapters ahead, so that was very confusing, then when we meet Nelson he tells Syd that the receptionist had informed him she'd gone off hunting for her ex-fiance. So how she knew is anyone's business as Syd hadn't mentioned it to her. Then at the conclusion of an interview with a policeman, Syd thinks that "If she mentioned her own abduction, she'd be tied up for hours" yet she'd only just mentioned said abduction to him on the previous page !! So a proper editing process should really have picked up these dubious continuity errors if I did.
This sentence I found pretty bizarre when a detective says, "According to our information Mr Spinelli left the country Monday just over a month ago for New Zealand"......then speechmarks were missing and I finally sighed loudly and gave up with "It was a lie the truth wasn't going to help."
I'm just hoping I'll find a better edited read very soon ! It shouldn't be TOO much to ask for after all.
November 14, 2018
I was extremely disappointed in this book. I had loved a previous book from Ms. Lea and was excited to see what she didn't with the concept of a blind attorney doing some investigating. So many of the characters were caricatures: the mother-in-law was a consummate bimbo, Syd had such a huge chip on her shoulder I was amazed she didn't fall over. There was no depth, just surface stereotypical characters. Even Walt, the gruff police detective was a comic book version of a cop. And then there is the plot. No real set-up for Syd and her situation. Sure it comes in through bits and pieces throughout the story but by then it feels like an after thought. At one point, I decided that this book tried to be two different contrasting genres: a nice cozy with the struggling newly-blind attorney and a hardened spy thriller with international espionage. But, just like Miss Marple would never jet off at a moment's notice to New Zealand, neither should Ms. Shaeffer!
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Catherine Lea in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Catherine Lea in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2019
a blind attorney flies off to New Zealand to locate her sleazy ex. I was not impressed with this book. the plot is imporbably and the hcaracters cartoonish. I am not a fan oif dramady and the moib wife mother and the handsome, slimy exwere more offensive than humorous. Syd is far from gracious and her investigative experience is not all that impressive. the cops and villains are all one dimensional. Way too much time is spent jabbering about packing old planes for transport. Boring and didn't do much in furthering the plot. still there is potential here. However other than using a cane and holding people's arms to be guided there isn't much about being blind.this is an area that should and cold be explored. I used to read to the blind and how a previously sighted person learns to function is fascinating and amazing. but my recommendation is to be seen leaving this one on the shelf.
November 6, 2018
Innervision
Can a previously sighted highly intelligent extremely intuitive beautiful young woman continue using her other senses to solve several mysteries in the unfamiliar environment of a foreign country?
Last Seen Leaving presents us with the seen and unseen possibilities and limitations that an overly ambitious Syd Schaeffer has to overcome to reach her goal-find her untrustworthy and unreliable missing ex-fiancé Frank Spinelli.
Having read and loved several Catherine Lea's novels, this one seemed not to meet my expectations. Perhaps if we were introduced to Syd from the beginning of her journey to blindness, things would have had more depth for me.
Can a previously sighted highly intelligent extremely intuitive beautiful young woman continue using her other senses to solve several mysteries in the unfamiliar environment of a foreign country?
Last Seen Leaving presents us with the seen and unseen possibilities and limitations that an overly ambitious Syd Schaeffer has to overcome to reach her goal-find her untrustworthy and unreliable missing ex-fiancé Frank Spinelli.
Having read and loved several Catherine Lea's novels, this one seemed not to meet my expectations. Perhaps if we were introduced to Syd from the beginning of her journey to blindness, things would have had more depth for me.
October 28, 2018
I received an advance copy of Last Seen Leaving from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. I loved Syd the main character. She is a blind district attorney on the case to find her missing ex-fiance. Syd is a strong and charismatic main character.
I can usually figure out who the killer or the bad guy is but I wasn't able to with this book.
I hope Lea writes more books with Syd.
I loved this book. I loved Syd the main character. She is a blind district attorney on the case to find her missing ex-fiance. Syd is a strong and charismatic main character.
I can usually figure out who the killer or the bad guy is but I wasn't able to with this book.
I hope Lea writes more books with Syd.
January 13, 2019
Last Seen Leaving
A very complicated and unlikely tale. Syd, a blind P.I. flies to New ZEaland to find her ex fiancee who had mysteriously disappeared. Lots of crazy circumstances take plaCe. Walt a dectective friend sends Stucky to help her. Bunch of characters are involved to complicate things even further. Turns out the ex was at the center of this complicated scheme. Because of the unusual way tbis ztory unfolded, I would only give it 3 stars
A very complicated and unlikely tale. Syd, a blind P.I. flies to New ZEaland to find her ex fiancee who had mysteriously disappeared. Lots of crazy circumstances take plaCe. Walt a dectective friend sends Stucky to help her. Bunch of characters are involved to complicate things even further. Turns out the ex was at the center of this complicated scheme. Because of the unusual way tbis ztory unfolded, I would only give it 3 stars
August 12, 2018
Excellent, fast paced read with more twists and turns than a room full of rattlesnakes!!
I have given this a 5 rating because of the fast paced and ever changing possible villians.
The final reveal was not one that i had considered ( even though i think of myself as a bit of a sleuth)
Thoroughly recommend
I have given this a 5 rating because of the fast paced and ever changing possible villians.
The final reveal was not one that i had considered ( even though i think of myself as a bit of a sleuth)
Thoroughly recommend
January 20, 2019
A different kind of detective
I like a book that keeps you thinking and the storyline keeps moving along in such a way that you want to keep reading. Sydney Schaeffer is a tenacious detective and I felt I was right there with her in her pursuit of finding Frank and figuring out the truth behind his kidnapping
I like a book that keeps you thinking and the storyline keeps moving along in such a way that you want to keep reading. Sydney Schaeffer is a tenacious detective and I felt I was right there with her in her pursuit of finding Frank and figuring out the truth behind his kidnapping
May 6, 2019
Last seen leaving
Just feel there was too many chapters in this and if it had been condensed than I might have enjoyed it more. Too drawn out especially when the main character believes she knows whose guilty on at least 3 occasions. Frustrating.
The one thing I did like was raising awareness of impairments as being impaired doesn't mean you can't still complete tasks
Just feel there was too many chapters in this and if it had been condensed than I might have enjoyed it more. Too drawn out especially when the main character believes she knows whose guilty on at least 3 occasions. Frustrating.
The one thing I did like was raising awareness of impairments as being impaired doesn't mean you can't still complete tasks
September 26, 2021
A military airplane is missing, as well as the buyer. A blind attorney is hired to figure out. This is an exciting thriller, a real page turner. The story is well crafted and the characters are well placed in the plot. Catherine's writing style is captivating, detailed and yet, not boring. If you're like me who enjoys mystery and detective stories this is a must-read!
February 12, 2019
Great read!
This was a complicated story with plenty of twists and turns. It was an interesting approach with the PI being blind. Sydney was determined not to let her blindness hold her back and sometimes it got her in deep trouble.
This was a complicated story with plenty of twists and turns. It was an interesting approach with the PI being blind. Sydney was determined not to let her blindness hold her back and sometimes it got her in deep trouble.
February 28, 2019
A true who done it in great fashion.
A blind attorney, her crooked ex, a cop friend, and two stories spinning at the same time on opposite sides of the world. Now that is a fun read.
A blind attorney, her crooked ex, a cop friend, and two stories spinning at the same time on opposite sides of the world. Now that is a fun read.
October 3, 2019
It took me sometime to get through this one. The story was impressive & it had a few surprises. The large number of detailed scenarios did make it difficult to maintain attentive for an extended period of time.
November 17, 2019
This book had a good idea for a story.... a good idea for characters.... somehow didn't quite meet my expectations. I liked it for awhile, but it just drug out too long and didn't quite hit the mark for me.
July 28, 2020
I loved this book however it made me just a bit sad to truly grasp the fact that such awful behavior can occur out of a man this book was very good couldn’t put it down didn’t leave my bed until it was finished I highly suggest you read this book.
August 14, 2021
Twists and turns in a good story
When I first started reading I thought the whole premise was implausible, but I got past that as I got into it more. Syd is a formidable character and I enjoyed her adventure.
When I first started reading I thought the whole premise was implausible, but I got past that as I got into it more. Syd is a formidable character and I enjoyed her adventure.
January 13, 2022
an average crime mystery
A good mystery but not on my top ten list. The main character is blind but solves a crime using her skills and the investigative skills she had before she was blind.
A good mystery but not on my top ten list. The main character is blind but solves a crime using her skills and the investigative skills she had before she was blind.
February 20, 2023
A very enjoyable read. The characters were very relatable. Just when I thought I had worked out the “who done it” there was more than one twist to the story. I will read other books by Catherine. Thanks. Cathy R
February 14, 2025
Loved the beginning...got confused about the aircraft lingo
Some parts made my heart pound as the main character, Syd, got into some dangerous situations as a blind former district attorney. I loved her tenacity and determination to find a kidnapped ex fiancée.
I got lost in the aircraft lingo and the characters around switching airplane parts and code numbers. Good enough read for men and women.
Some parts made my heart pound as the main character, Syd, got into some dangerous situations as a blind former district attorney. I loved her tenacity and determination to find a kidnapped ex fiancée.
I got lost in the aircraft lingo and the characters around switching airplane parts and code numbers. Good enough read for men and women.
August 12, 2018
Twister
Like a tornado moving along slowly but sucking everything up hints it's path , this story moves along slowly until you can't put it down! Loved it!
Like a tornado moving along slowly but sucking everything up hints it's path , this story moves along slowly until you can't put it down! Loved it!
January 7, 2019
Boring
Reminded me of a poor 1930's movie with two bit actors. TOO much attitude and unbelievable. Enuff said by me
Reminded me of a poor 1930's movie with two bit actors. TOO much attitude and unbelievable. Enuff said by me
January 14, 2019
Back and forth
There was a tendency to ramble. As it seemed progress was being made, every thing started all over. It ended ok.
There was a tendency to ramble. As it seemed progress was being made, every thing started all over. It ended ok.
January 18, 2019
very good
January 18, 2019
A good read. First book read from this author but enjoyable
January 27, 2019
For a smart lady...
This character was not very bright. I co.e from a long line of stubborn but her pigheadedness has no logic.
This character was not very bright. I co.e from a long line of stubborn but her pigheadedness has no logic.
February 11, 2019
Kidnap solved
This is a suspense novel. At times I had trouble keeping all the characters straight. A!l in all it was a fairly good read.
This is a suspense novel. At times I had trouble keeping all the characters straight. A!l in all it was a fairly good read.
July 3, 2019
this book was ok but really predictable as well. It has some good parts to it. It is a crime mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews