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Detective Finnegan Beck #3
Her Last Goodnight
Eddie stands at his door anxiously waiting for the woman to arrive, touching the engagement ring box in his pocket for luck. He doesn’t hear the footsteps behind him until it’s too late…
Detective Finnegan Beck is called to a crime scene – a remote house near the rural Irish town of Cross Beg – where a dog lies whimpering beside his beloved owner’s body.
At first it looks like a burglary gone wrong. But Beck spots something his colleagues didn’t. The victim – Eddie Kavanagh – was wearing his smartest clothes. He’d brushed his hair. And, on closer inspection, a small velvet box containing an engagement ring is discovered in his pocket, along with a letter to a nameless woman, which seems to suggest she’s in danger.
Those who knew Eddie have no idea about a female friend though – there’s been no one in his life since a girl who he’d loved and who’d broken his heart decades before. Now Eddie leads a quiet, solitary existence, rarely going further than the fields behind his house to walk his sheepdog Max.
So who was the woman Eddie was waiting for? And did his connection with her ultimately lead to his murder? When a beautiful young woman is then found beaten to death – murdered exactly as Eddie had been, Beck has to ask – is the danger over? Or is just beginning?
An absolutely addictive and atmospheric crime novel that will leave you gasping for breath. If you love gripping thrillers from Rachel Caine, Robert Dugoni and Kendra Elliot, you won’t be able to put this one down.
Readers love Michael Scanlon:
‘Bloody brilliant... Oh my goodness me... one seriously, fantastically and brilliantly written book with cracking characters and cracking storylines. I was hooked… Simply unputdownable!’ Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars
‘A page-turning, don't-put-it-down, yes-you-will-be-up-all-night kind of read… amazing!’ SPW Writes, 5 stars
‘Omg!! What an amazing and thrilling story!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘An amazing book… Lots of twists and turns throughout… full of surprises. I thought I knew who the killer was halfway through, but I was totally wrong… I thoroughly enjoyed this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘So many twists and turns throughout the whole book. You never knew what surprise was going to happen next. This book had me holding my breath up till the end.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Gripping... Keeps you guessing till the end... The needle of suspicion keeps moving from one suspect to another... If you loved the detective series of Harry Bosch or Cormoran Strike, you will enjoy.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Powerful… riveting... stunning.’ Plucked from the Stacks, 5 stars
‘If you like the Harry Hole Series by Jo Nesbø, you shouldn't miss this one... Gripping.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Cracking... made me tear through the pages... I thought I knew whodunnit it. I wasn’t even close!... Gripping.’ Between My Lines
‘Tense, powerful and emotional... Gripped my attention from the very first page and I couldn’t tear my eyes away.
Detective Finnegan Beck is called to a crime scene – a remote house near the rural Irish town of Cross Beg – where a dog lies whimpering beside his beloved owner’s body.
At first it looks like a burglary gone wrong. But Beck spots something his colleagues didn’t. The victim – Eddie Kavanagh – was wearing his smartest clothes. He’d brushed his hair. And, on closer inspection, a small velvet box containing an engagement ring is discovered in his pocket, along with a letter to a nameless woman, which seems to suggest she’s in danger.
Those who knew Eddie have no idea about a female friend though – there’s been no one in his life since a girl who he’d loved and who’d broken his heart decades before. Now Eddie leads a quiet, solitary existence, rarely going further than the fields behind his house to walk his sheepdog Max.
So who was the woman Eddie was waiting for? And did his connection with her ultimately lead to his murder? When a beautiful young woman is then found beaten to death – murdered exactly as Eddie had been, Beck has to ask – is the danger over? Or is just beginning?
An absolutely addictive and atmospheric crime novel that will leave you gasping for breath. If you love gripping thrillers from Rachel Caine, Robert Dugoni and Kendra Elliot, you won’t be able to put this one down.
Readers love Michael Scanlon:
‘Bloody brilliant... Oh my goodness me... one seriously, fantastically and brilliantly written book with cracking characters and cracking storylines. I was hooked… Simply unputdownable!’ Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars
‘A page-turning, don't-put-it-down, yes-you-will-be-up-all-night kind of read… amazing!’ SPW Writes, 5 stars
‘Omg!! What an amazing and thrilling story!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘An amazing book… Lots of twists and turns throughout… full of surprises. I thought I knew who the killer was halfway through, but I was totally wrong… I thoroughly enjoyed this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘So many twists and turns throughout the whole book. You never knew what surprise was going to happen next. This book had me holding my breath up till the end.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Gripping... Keeps you guessing till the end... The needle of suspicion keeps moving from one suspect to another... If you loved the detective series of Harry Bosch or Cormoran Strike, you will enjoy.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Powerful… riveting... stunning.’ Plucked from the Stacks, 5 stars
‘If you like the Harry Hole Series by Jo Nesbø, you shouldn't miss this one... Gripping.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Cracking... made me tear through the pages... I thought I knew whodunnit it. I wasn’t even close!... Gripping.’ Between My Lines
‘Tense, powerful and emotional... Gripped my attention from the very first page and I couldn’t tear my eyes away.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2020
122 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 16, 2020
Her Last Goodnight is the third book in the Detective Inspector Finnegan Beck series set against the backdrop of the wild and beautiful countryside of the Emerald Isle and set in the fictitious town of Cross Beg, Ireland. Due to the standalone nature of the plot of each novel, it is not necessary to have read any of the previous instalments in order to enjoy this one so new readers can safely jump right on in. When the affable Eddie Kavanagh, an elderly man with no known enemies, is found savagely slain everyone in the vicinity of Cross Beg is completely lost as to a motive or as to who would brutally beat to death a seemingly harmless old man. Enter Finn Beck who has been called in to investigate his most puzzling and difficult case yet and he understands exactly where baffled residents are coming from as he is struggling to find anyone with a bad word to say about the respected, popular and well-liked resident. Things become even stranger given he was dressed up to the nines and in possession of an engagement ring at the time of his untimely demise despite no-one ever seeing him with a lady. And then more people are targeted...
This is a cracking read and even more enjoyable than the first two books. There is plenty of action and a solid and addictive mystery to the goings-on in the small town with many twists, turns and red herrings I failed to predict; this is quite unusual for me as I oftentimes have a handle on the direction in which a thriller is heading, but not here. It makes for engrossing and compulsive reading when you literally have no idea as to the perpetrator, as they are concealed so well within a slew of suspects, or a possible motive for the murder of the supposed mild-mannered gent. There is more than a sufficient amount of developments and reveals to propel the story forward and the pace at which it travels is spot on. Finn is a rather unlikely protagonist who leads a somewhat troubled life, sadly, much like many other crime fiction investigators. It's an entertaining and cleverly told tale which is every bit the page-turner and there's even some humour thrown in intermittently for good measure. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
This is a cracking read and even more enjoyable than the first two books. There is plenty of action and a solid and addictive mystery to the goings-on in the small town with many twists, turns and red herrings I failed to predict; this is quite unusual for me as I oftentimes have a handle on the direction in which a thriller is heading, but not here. It makes for engrossing and compulsive reading when you literally have no idea as to the perpetrator, as they are concealed so well within a slew of suspects, or a possible motive for the murder of the supposed mild-mannered gent. There is more than a sufficient amount of developments and reveals to propel the story forward and the pace at which it travels is spot on. Finn is a rather unlikely protagonist who leads a somewhat troubled life, sadly, much like many other crime fiction investigators. It's an entertaining and cleverly told tale which is every bit the page-turner and there's even some humour thrown in intermittently for good measure. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
January 13, 2020
Detective Finnegan Beck #3
This is a complex case involving Eddie Kavanagh. No one has a bad word to say against him. But his body has just been found. He's been bludgeoned to death. But this is just the start for Beck as soon the death toll rises.
Finn Beck is still coming to terms with what had happened in his past. With a double murder and a killer to track down, Beck has his work cut out. I like the authors style in writing this series. He know how to set up and develop the plotline perfectly. I also like Becks partner Claire Somers and the way they work together. But with Beck finding his past and present colliding, and his life is unravelling before him, he once again starts making all the wrong choices. I'm really liking this series. The books an be read as a standalone but I do advise you read, if you can, a series in the order that they are written in. You wont be disappointed.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Michael Scanlon for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a complex case involving Eddie Kavanagh. No one has a bad word to say against him. But his body has just been found. He's been bludgeoned to death. But this is just the start for Beck as soon the death toll rises.
Finn Beck is still coming to terms with what had happened in his past. With a double murder and a killer to track down, Beck has his work cut out. I like the authors style in writing this series. He know how to set up and develop the plotline perfectly. I also like Becks partner Claire Somers and the way they work together. But with Beck finding his past and present colliding, and his life is unravelling before him, he once again starts making all the wrong choices. I'm really liking this series. The books an be read as a standalone but I do advise you read, if you can, a series in the order that they are written in. You wont be disappointed.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Michael Scanlon for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2020
Wow!! Convoluted, dark, and quite a freaky read.
An elderly man was found dead, bashed on his head multiple times, with a diamond ring in his pocket. Detective Inspector Fennigan Beck was called in with his team to investigate.
My first book by author Michael Scanlon, though the third in the series, I was left quite breathless at the inroads this book made with its dark subplots into the depths of human psyche. The killer was a shocker and quite cringe worthy. I had a weird feeling in my stomach at the ruthlessness shown.
The main character Beck was quite foolhardy at times, taking unnecessary risks, but quite intelligent in finding subtle clues. I loved his keen eye of observation. A complex past and a need to solve the case at any cost made him one of the outstanding main characters.
Overall, the book kept me gripped with its plots, and surprisingly enough, it was an easy and fast read.
An elderly man was found dead, bashed on his head multiple times, with a diamond ring in his pocket. Detective Inspector Fennigan Beck was called in with his team to investigate.
My first book by author Michael Scanlon, though the third in the series, I was left quite breathless at the inroads this book made with its dark subplots into the depths of human psyche. The killer was a shocker and quite cringe worthy. I had a weird feeling in my stomach at the ruthlessness shown.
The main character Beck was quite foolhardy at times, taking unnecessary risks, but quite intelligent in finding subtle clues. I loved his keen eye of observation. A complex past and a need to solve the case at any cost made him one of the outstanding main characters.
Overall, the book kept me gripped with its plots, and surprisingly enough, it was an easy and fast read.
January 5, 2020
I discovered Michael Scanlon's Finnegan Beck series in early 2019. interestingly, I started with the second book, loved it, got excited enough to buy the first! So when I discovered Her Last Goodnight on NetGalley, I immediately knew I had to read it! The book begins with a prologue dark and creepy that hooked me right in. I found Her Last Goodnight to be his best one! Its compelling, dark and has many interesting and surprising twists.
Detective Finnegan Beck is called to a crime scene where an elderly man, Eddie is found brutally murdered. His faithful sheepdog Max lies whimpering next to Eddie's body covered in his blood. The scene immediately reminds Beck of a person close to him murdered long ago. Struggling with past demons Beck leads the case of Eddie's murder to discover an ugly secret plaguing the small town men. Soon the body count starts to rise, pushing Beck to work the clues and bring the killer to justice. When Beck finds himself in the crosshairs of the killer, will it be too late for Beck himself escape their clutches?
I have always liked Detective Finnegan Beck and this book continues to cement that feeling about him. Yes, he's obstinate and at times makes infuriatingly dumb moves, but he's intelligent, empathetic and gets the case solved. Other characters in this book too are great. I do not agree with some of Beck's life choices, so I'm not sure what draws me this character. The plot is twisted and very intelligent; it kept me turning pages into the night. Overall I loved the book and its a good addition to the series.
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture and Michael Scanlon for an arc!
Detective Finnegan Beck is called to a crime scene where an elderly man, Eddie is found brutally murdered. His faithful sheepdog Max lies whimpering next to Eddie's body covered in his blood. The scene immediately reminds Beck of a person close to him murdered long ago. Struggling with past demons Beck leads the case of Eddie's murder to discover an ugly secret plaguing the small town men. Soon the body count starts to rise, pushing Beck to work the clues and bring the killer to justice. When Beck finds himself in the crosshairs of the killer, will it be too late for Beck himself escape their clutches?
I have always liked Detective Finnegan Beck and this book continues to cement that feeling about him. Yes, he's obstinate and at times makes infuriatingly dumb moves, but he's intelligent, empathetic and gets the case solved. Other characters in this book too are great. I do not agree with some of Beck's life choices, so I'm not sure what draws me this character. The plot is twisted and very intelligent; it kept me turning pages into the night. Overall I loved the book and its a good addition to the series.
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture and Michael Scanlon for an arc!
January 15, 2020
Her Last Goodnight is the third book in the Inspector Finnegan Beck series set in the (presumably) fictional town of Cross Beg in rural Ireland. This could however easily be read as a stand-alone as each mystery is separate, there are no significant spoilers for the previous books, and this one finally reveals the reasons behind Beck’s alcoholism and screwed up psyche. I enjoyed this more than the previous book, as Scanlon has reined in the elaborate descriptions of every scene that bogged that one down, and tightened up the plot.
Beck investigates the brutal murder of an elderly man, who was liked by all, found with an antique engagement ring in his pocket - but no one knew of him having a partner. The scene brings flashbacks of the unexplained death of Beck’s own father, when he was a child, pushing him back to the solace of the bottle. How does this murder connect to the subsequent deaths at a local brothel, owned by a wealthy real-estate agent, and a mysterious motor home seen driving around town?
I definitely like this author’s writing and found I was rapidly pulled into the plot. Midway through, though, I decided I’d be giving up on this series as I really don’t enjoy reading about yet another emotionally stunted detective falling off the wagon. Fortunately (minor spoiler alert) Beck is able to pull himself back together through the love of a good dog and the support of a kind colleague, so I am now keen to read more of his adventures, even if I still don’t like him much.
The Irish police system is just different enough from the more familiar UK one to keep this interesting. I was confused at times as to how an inspector who has been in town long enough for two previous cases is still so unfamiliar to most of his colleagues, as Cross Beg is portrayed as quite a small town.
There’s a subplot about sex-trafficking, an issue which has been rather overdone recently in crime fiction, and no great surprises in the denouement but I didn’t predict who the killer would be, but neither was I surprised, if that makes sense.
Overall I would recommend this series to anyone who likes darkish murder mysteries with a strong sense of place, as long as you’re not looking for something new or original. My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Her Last Goodnight is available now.
Beck investigates the brutal murder of an elderly man, who was liked by all, found with an antique engagement ring in his pocket - but no one knew of him having a partner. The scene brings flashbacks of the unexplained death of Beck’s own father, when he was a child, pushing him back to the solace of the bottle. How does this murder connect to the subsequent deaths at a local brothel, owned by a wealthy real-estate agent, and a mysterious motor home seen driving around town?
I definitely like this author’s writing and found I was rapidly pulled into the plot. Midway through, though, I decided I’d be giving up on this series as I really don’t enjoy reading about yet another emotionally stunted detective falling off the wagon. Fortunately (minor spoiler alert) Beck is able to pull himself back together through the love of a good dog and the support of a kind colleague, so I am now keen to read more of his adventures, even if I still don’t like him much.
The Irish police system is just different enough from the more familiar UK one to keep this interesting. I was confused at times as to how an inspector who has been in town long enough for two previous cases is still so unfamiliar to most of his colleagues, as Cross Beg is portrayed as quite a small town.
There’s a subplot about sex-trafficking, an issue which has been rather overdone recently in crime fiction, and no great surprises in the denouement but I didn’t predict who the killer would be, but neither was I surprised, if that makes sense.
Overall I would recommend this series to anyone who likes darkish murder mysteries with a strong sense of place, as long as you’re not looking for something new or original. My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Her Last Goodnight is available now.
January 14, 2020
A solid mystery thriller.
"Death, a vast empty expanse of nothingness, no dreams, no memories, nothing. An eternity."
Eddie Kavanagh lost the live of his life, Emily Tuffy because he was too slow in asking her to marry him but he has a second chance at love......his body is found the next day with the engagement ring still tucked in his pocket. He was killed in a vicious attack that seems very personal. What happened and who was the mysterious woman the ring was meant for?
Detective Finnegan Beck must figure out what is going on. He is fighting his own demons and the body triggers a lot of memories from his childhood and his fathers death.
Will Beck be able to solve this murder and move on or will this case be his downfall?
Here and there I found some scenes unnecessary but overall it was a very enjoyable read.
Thank you to #netgalley and #bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
"Death, a vast empty expanse of nothingness, no dreams, no memories, nothing. An eternity."
Eddie Kavanagh lost the live of his life, Emily Tuffy because he was too slow in asking her to marry him but he has a second chance at love......his body is found the next day with the engagement ring still tucked in his pocket. He was killed in a vicious attack that seems very personal. What happened and who was the mysterious woman the ring was meant for?
Detective Finnegan Beck must figure out what is going on. He is fighting his own demons and the body triggers a lot of memories from his childhood and his fathers death.
Will Beck be able to solve this murder and move on or will this case be his downfall?
Here and there I found some scenes unnecessary but overall it was a very enjoyable read.
Thank you to #netgalley and #bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 22, 2019
Flawed Detective Finnegan Beck and his partner, Claire, work together to solve a string of violent murders in the town of Cross Beg, Ireland. I really enjoyed this book and it had me hooked from the very beginning. There was a lot of action in this book as well as twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this very exciting book in exchange for an honest review. If you love a good detective story, this is the book for you.
March 10, 2020
The third installment of the Detective Finnegan Beck series, HER LAST GOODNIGHT is a little different from the first two in that Beck is forced to confront his past with various flashbacks reminding him of what he would rather forget. All while investigating the murder of a well-liked man in a small Irish community. What also makes it different is that can also be read as a standalone...with the ending hopefully bringing an end to one part of Beck's destructive behaviour.
When Beck is called to the scene of a brutal murder, the obvious question is what motive did anyone have to kill kindly old Eddie Kavanagh? The answer is, no one. Eddie was well-liked, kind-hearted and not a bad word could be said about him. So why would someone bash his head in so brutally and leave him to die?
Eddie Kavanagh lived a solitary existence on his farm in rather non-descript Irish town. He had lost the love of his life - Emily Tuffy - 50 years before as he had been too slow in proposing...and Emily got tired of waiting so she upped and left for America. But now, Eddie has a second chance at love...complete with engagement ring and the promise of a better life. But then Eddie is found dead the following day...the ring still in his pocket. What happened to Eddie and who was his mysterious new woman?
Beck and his partner Claire Somers investigate this brutal murder and are soon put on the trail of some rather questionable goings-on which indicate sex trafficking, kidnapping, prostitution and a travelling brothel! However, it takes several more murders before the pieces finally come together as Beck almost loses his life in the process. If not for one rather timely companion.
Which brings me to the show stealer of the story for me. He doesn't feature a whole lot but his presence is always there and very often felt. Max, a sheepdog, who has become Beck's constant companion. Before finding love with Beck, Max belonged to Eddie Kavanagh...and the scene where Max is found beside Eddie's body, pining for his dead master, is heartwrenching for me. Animal Services had no room in the shelter for Max, so Beck offered him a home in the interim. That is, until Max saves his life as well as from himself. So Beck decides to keep him. A far better match than a bottle of Jameson, in my opinion.
As we've seen over the course of the series, Beck has had his demons...one of them is alcohol. And his friend and colleague, Dr Gumbell, doesn't help by perpetuating the problem and shoving yet another pint or a whiskey chaser in front of him. Thankfully, he didn't feature as he was away at a conference but I think Beck would be better off without Gumbell's influence. I was quite proud of Beck for turning away the invitation for a drink only to have that shattered when he bought a bottle and downed it before attending a post mortem. I felt like screaming at him!
Sadly Beck has not had the best of upbringings, with estranged parents and the death of his father, now battling alcoholism and constant nightmares rooted deep within his past. He is a complex character and utterly infuriating at times, but also somewhat likable.
While Beck is a flawed character with too many demons to mention, I am a little tired of the stereotypical police detective battling the demon drink. And as likable as I found Beck in the first book, by this one he irritated me. He did show some promise at the end when instead of turning to the bottle, he cuddled up with Max.
With a promising premise, I felt HER LAST GOODNIGHT was lacking in excitement and intrigue. Although it was complex, dark and disturbing, Beck's constant to-ing and fro-ing with the bottle just gave me the s***!
HER LAST GOODNIGHT is atmospheric and can be read as a standalone as Beck tries to deal with the memories of his past.
Fairly enjoyable, but I don't think I will continue with the series myself. However, good luck to Beck and I hope Max continues as his constant companion. Whatever you do, Mr Scanlon, please don't kill Max off!!
I would like to thank #MichaelScanlon, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerLastGoodnight in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
When Beck is called to the scene of a brutal murder, the obvious question is what motive did anyone have to kill kindly old Eddie Kavanagh? The answer is, no one. Eddie was well-liked, kind-hearted and not a bad word could be said about him. So why would someone bash his head in so brutally and leave him to die?
Eddie Kavanagh lived a solitary existence on his farm in rather non-descript Irish town. He had lost the love of his life - Emily Tuffy - 50 years before as he had been too slow in proposing...and Emily got tired of waiting so she upped and left for America. But now, Eddie has a second chance at love...complete with engagement ring and the promise of a better life. But then Eddie is found dead the following day...the ring still in his pocket. What happened to Eddie and who was his mysterious new woman?
Beck and his partner Claire Somers investigate this brutal murder and are soon put on the trail of some rather questionable goings-on which indicate sex trafficking, kidnapping, prostitution and a travelling brothel! However, it takes several more murders before the pieces finally come together as Beck almost loses his life in the process. If not for one rather timely companion.
Which brings me to the show stealer of the story for me. He doesn't feature a whole lot but his presence is always there and very often felt. Max, a sheepdog, who has become Beck's constant companion. Before finding love with Beck, Max belonged to Eddie Kavanagh...and the scene where Max is found beside Eddie's body, pining for his dead master, is heartwrenching for me. Animal Services had no room in the shelter for Max, so Beck offered him a home in the interim. That is, until Max saves his life as well as from himself. So Beck decides to keep him. A far better match than a bottle of Jameson, in my opinion.
As we've seen over the course of the series, Beck has had his demons...one of them is alcohol. And his friend and colleague, Dr Gumbell, doesn't help by perpetuating the problem and shoving yet another pint or a whiskey chaser in front of him. Thankfully, he didn't feature as he was away at a conference but I think Beck would be better off without Gumbell's influence. I was quite proud of Beck for turning away the invitation for a drink only to have that shattered when he bought a bottle and downed it before attending a post mortem. I felt like screaming at him!
Sadly Beck has not had the best of upbringings, with estranged parents and the death of his father, now battling alcoholism and constant nightmares rooted deep within his past. He is a complex character and utterly infuriating at times, but also somewhat likable.
While Beck is a flawed character with too many demons to mention, I am a little tired of the stereotypical police detective battling the demon drink. And as likable as I found Beck in the first book, by this one he irritated me. He did show some promise at the end when instead of turning to the bottle, he cuddled up with Max.
With a promising premise, I felt HER LAST GOODNIGHT was lacking in excitement and intrigue. Although it was complex, dark and disturbing, Beck's constant to-ing and fro-ing with the bottle just gave me the s***!
HER LAST GOODNIGHT is atmospheric and can be read as a standalone as Beck tries to deal with the memories of his past.
Fairly enjoyable, but I don't think I will continue with the series myself. However, good luck to Beck and I hope Max continues as his constant companion. Whatever you do, Mr Scanlon, please don't kill Max off!!
I would like to thank #MichaelScanlon, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerLastGoodnight in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 22, 2025
Set once again in the small town of Cross Beg, "Her Last Goodnight" is the third in the Detective Finnegan Beck series. He's once again investigating a local murder. A particularly gruesome one which stirs up events of the past for Detective Beck. While actively working on the case, he continues to wrestle with his own personal demons.
Detective Claire Somers is back as his partner. I've really enjoyed getting to know them both. How they have grown as partners and dare say friends. How they learn from each other. Support each other. Add to them a new incredible character in Max, but I won't say anything more about him until you meet him yourself.
Will Detective Finnegan Beck solve this murder before those internal demons of his catch up with him? Read on and find out. It's an intense ride. Hard to put down. 5 full stars.
Detective Claire Somers is back as his partner. I've really enjoyed getting to know them both. How they have grown as partners and dare say friends. How they learn from each other. Support each other. Add to them a new incredible character in Max, but I won't say anything more about him until you meet him yourself.
Will Detective Finnegan Beck solve this murder before those internal demons of his catch up with him? Read on and find out. It's an intense ride. Hard to put down. 5 full stars.
December 22, 2019
Her Last Goodnight is the third book in the Finn Beck series, but it can easily be read as a standalone, so don't let that stop you if you haven't read the first two. Beck is a flawed character, but a very likable one--I find myself rooting for him to not just solve the case, but to make progress on his own personal journey. While his struggles are extreme, they're still easy to relate to, and that's not an easy feat to accomplish.
In this installment, a neighborhood man is found beaten to death. As Beck investigates, he finds there are more nefarious goings-on than he'd suspected, and has to dig deep into both the present and the past to catch the killer.
This is a classic mystery in the sense that there is good, old-fashioned police work investigating one lead after another in a way that builds--my very favorite type, so I found the story deeply satisfying, the sort of book I linger over and don't want to end. And I'm very invested in seeing where Beck goes from here.
Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Michael Scanlon for the opportunity to review this ARC.
In this installment, a neighborhood man is found beaten to death. As Beck investigates, he finds there are more nefarious goings-on than he'd suspected, and has to dig deep into both the present and the past to catch the killer.
This is a classic mystery in the sense that there is good, old-fashioned police work investigating one lead after another in a way that builds--my very favorite type, so I found the story deeply satisfying, the sort of book I linger over and don't want to end. And I'm very invested in seeing where Beck goes from here.
Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Michael Scanlon for the opportunity to review this ARC.
January 6, 2020
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 334
Publisher - Bookouture
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Eddie stands at his door anxiously waiting for the woman to arrive, touching the engagement ring box in his pocket for luck. He doesn’t hear the footsteps behind him until it’s too late…
Detective Finnegan Beck is called to a crime scene – a remote house near the rural Irish town of Cross Beg – where a dog lies whimpering beside his beloved owner’s body.
At first it looks like a burglary gone wrong. But Beck spots something his colleagues didn’t. The victim – Eddie Kavanagh – was wearing his smartest clothes. He’d brushed his hair. And, on closer inspection, a small velvet box containing an engagement ring is discovered in his pocket, along with a letter to a nameless woman, which seems to suggest she’s in danger.
Those who knew Eddie have no idea about a female friend though – there’s been no one in his life since a girl who he’d loved and who’d broken his heart decades before. Now Eddie leads a quiet, solitary existence, rarely going further than the fields behind his house to walk his sheepdog Max.
So who was the woman Eddie was waiting for? And did his connection with her ultimately lead to his murder? When a beautiful young woman is then found beaten to death – murdered exactly as Eddie had been, Beck has to ask – is the danger over? Or is just beginning?
My Review
Eddie is a gentleman, loved by all so when he is found brutally murdered the police have a time of it trying to discover a suspect let alone a motive. Detective Finnegan Beck and his partner Claire are on the case, chatting to the locals, Eddie's brother, his neighbour anyone who can shed light on who may have wanted Eddie dead. Inbetween the investigation we get to know more about Beck, flawed, battling an alcohol addiction, having an affair with a married woman very close to home and his own demons from him childhood, tis a busy wee book.
So this is book three I believe but the first book I have read by this author, I don't feel I missed anything by starting here as we get a lot of insight and background into the main character, Beck. If you like a telling where a lot of focus is on your character(s) then this is a winner, there is a lot of meat on the character personal level as well as the ongoing murder investigation.
Beck is a bit of a character, has a complex past that I am not sure if it is addressed in the previous books or this is the first it is acknowledged. A lot of it impacts of his current issues, his attitude, life choices and it reflects the old actions and consequences.
I have to mention the wee show stealer, he isn't in the book a whole lot but when he is I loved it. I am talking about Max, the dog, who doesn't love animals and there is something about Max that just makes any of the scenes he is in. Take just about any story, add a loyal set of paws into it and it just makes that which is good = awesome. I hope that for however long this series may go on that Max makes more and more appearances, I loved him. A good book with a splash of just about everything, murder, investigation, police, infidelity, friendship, family, secrets and skulduggery, 4/5 for me this time. Whilst this was my first time reading this author it won't be my last, I also need to message the author about Max, PLEASE let him be in more books!
Pages - 334
Publisher - Bookouture
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Eddie stands at his door anxiously waiting for the woman to arrive, touching the engagement ring box in his pocket for luck. He doesn’t hear the footsteps behind him until it’s too late…
Detective Finnegan Beck is called to a crime scene – a remote house near the rural Irish town of Cross Beg – where a dog lies whimpering beside his beloved owner’s body.
At first it looks like a burglary gone wrong. But Beck spots something his colleagues didn’t. The victim – Eddie Kavanagh – was wearing his smartest clothes. He’d brushed his hair. And, on closer inspection, a small velvet box containing an engagement ring is discovered in his pocket, along with a letter to a nameless woman, which seems to suggest she’s in danger.
Those who knew Eddie have no idea about a female friend though – there’s been no one in his life since a girl who he’d loved and who’d broken his heart decades before. Now Eddie leads a quiet, solitary existence, rarely going further than the fields behind his house to walk his sheepdog Max.
So who was the woman Eddie was waiting for? And did his connection with her ultimately lead to his murder? When a beautiful young woman is then found beaten to death – murdered exactly as Eddie had been, Beck has to ask – is the danger over? Or is just beginning?
My Review
Eddie is a gentleman, loved by all so when he is found brutally murdered the police have a time of it trying to discover a suspect let alone a motive. Detective Finnegan Beck and his partner Claire are on the case, chatting to the locals, Eddie's brother, his neighbour anyone who can shed light on who may have wanted Eddie dead. Inbetween the investigation we get to know more about Beck, flawed, battling an alcohol addiction, having an affair with a married woman very close to home and his own demons from him childhood, tis a busy wee book.
So this is book three I believe but the first book I have read by this author, I don't feel I missed anything by starting here as we get a lot of insight and background into the main character, Beck. If you like a telling where a lot of focus is on your character(s) then this is a winner, there is a lot of meat on the character personal level as well as the ongoing murder investigation.
Beck is a bit of a character, has a complex past that I am not sure if it is addressed in the previous books or this is the first it is acknowledged. A lot of it impacts of his current issues, his attitude, life choices and it reflects the old actions and consequences.
I have to mention the wee show stealer, he isn't in the book a whole lot but when he is I loved it. I am talking about Max, the dog, who doesn't love animals and there is something about Max that just makes any of the scenes he is in. Take just about any story, add a loyal set of paws into it and it just makes that which is good = awesome. I hope that for however long this series may go on that Max makes more and more appearances, I loved him. A good book with a splash of just about everything, murder, investigation, police, infidelity, friendship, family, secrets and skulduggery, 4/5 for me this time. Whilst this was my first time reading this author it won't be my last, I also need to message the author about Max, PLEASE let him be in more books!
December 22, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Her Last Goodnight, the third novel to feature DI Finnegan Beck, set in the fictional Irish town of Cross Beg.
DI Beck is called out to the scene of Eddie Gallagher’s murder and it’s a conundrum. Eddie was a harmless, likeable old man so who would want to savagely beat him to death? And why was he all dressed up with an engagement ring in his pocket when no one has heard of a lady friend? The mystery deepens when more people are attacked.
I thoroughly enjoyed Her Last Goodnight which is an absorbing read with a good plot and a troubled protagonist. The novel is mostly told from Beck’s point of view so the reader is able to guess along with him as he works through the evidence. Personally I was clueless but it all makes sense when explained. I really liked the main plot with its well concealed perpetrator and motive. It seems well paced with plenty of developments and reveals so it held my attention from start to finish. I also liked the small details of life in rural Ireland with one in particular making me laugh out loud - no, I’m not going to describe it but it’s ingenious, if not Irish in conception.
I was less keen on the mental travails of DI Finnegan Beck. He is an alcoholic, haunted by the death of his father, probably at his mother’s hand. He is also having an affair with a married woman. This latter I couldn’t grasp at all as it has some kind of ambiguous subtext running through it and I’m too thick to get it. I just found it totally confusing. I just feel that there is too much angst and it detracts to some extent from an interesting murder plot.
Her Last Goodnight is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
DI Beck is called out to the scene of Eddie Gallagher’s murder and it’s a conundrum. Eddie was a harmless, likeable old man so who would want to savagely beat him to death? And why was he all dressed up with an engagement ring in his pocket when no one has heard of a lady friend? The mystery deepens when more people are attacked.
I thoroughly enjoyed Her Last Goodnight which is an absorbing read with a good plot and a troubled protagonist. The novel is mostly told from Beck’s point of view so the reader is able to guess along with him as he works through the evidence. Personally I was clueless but it all makes sense when explained. I really liked the main plot with its well concealed perpetrator and motive. It seems well paced with plenty of developments and reveals so it held my attention from start to finish. I also liked the small details of life in rural Ireland with one in particular making me laugh out loud - no, I’m not going to describe it but it’s ingenious, if not Irish in conception.
I was less keen on the mental travails of DI Finnegan Beck. He is an alcoholic, haunted by the death of his father, probably at his mother’s hand. He is also having an affair with a married woman. This latter I couldn’t grasp at all as it has some kind of ambiguous subtext running through it and I’m too thick to get it. I just found it totally confusing. I just feel that there is too much angst and it detracts to some extent from an interesting murder plot.
Her Last Goodnight is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 17, 2020
"Secrets: something kept unknown or unseen by others."
This is the third book in a series featuring Detective Inspector Finnegan Beck. For earl assigned in Dublin, Beck has been posted to Cross Beg due to indiscretions of a romantic nature up in The Smoke. He's in bad shape and suffers from nightmares and a tendency toward alcoholism because of unresolved issues in his family and personal life.
This installment brings Beck a complicated case that begins with the bludgeoning murder of an old man, Edward Kavanagh. Since he was respected and esteemed by most of the old-timers, no on can figure out why anyone would want to kill him. He's found with an old engagement ring in his pocket and the gossip is that he'd loved and lost a girl in his youth. Beck and his colleague, Detective Garda Claire Somers, question neighbors and other locals but can't find a motive. Then some interesting details come to light that indicate a connection to a traveling brothel, prostitution, kidnapping and sex trafficking. NO SPOILERS.
This was a book that I read in a couple of hours in a single sitting but it wasn't particularly action-packed or fast-paced. Although the elements were there for an exciting crime thriller, the focus on Beck and his "issues" took up too much page time. Although we're supposed to believe he's a brilliant detective, all I could see were the symptoms of a mental illness crisis. Why can't genre detectives be of sound mind and body? That aside, the premise was good but the execution was pedantic and I wasn't surprised at any turn nor did I find this suspenseful. It was a police procedural with Beck "mentoring" Claire about how those procedures are great in books but not in real life. I'll give this series another go, but this one was rather ho-hum. I'm also left wondering how this title relates in any way to the content of the book?
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the third book in a series featuring Detective Inspector Finnegan Beck. For earl assigned in Dublin, Beck has been posted to Cross Beg due to indiscretions of a romantic nature up in The Smoke. He's in bad shape and suffers from nightmares and a tendency toward alcoholism because of unresolved issues in his family and personal life.
This installment brings Beck a complicated case that begins with the bludgeoning murder of an old man, Edward Kavanagh. Since he was respected and esteemed by most of the old-timers, no on can figure out why anyone would want to kill him. He's found with an old engagement ring in his pocket and the gossip is that he'd loved and lost a girl in his youth. Beck and his colleague, Detective Garda Claire Somers, question neighbors and other locals but can't find a motive. Then some interesting details come to light that indicate a connection to a traveling brothel, prostitution, kidnapping and sex trafficking. NO SPOILERS.
This was a book that I read in a couple of hours in a single sitting but it wasn't particularly action-packed or fast-paced. Although the elements were there for an exciting crime thriller, the focus on Beck and his "issues" took up too much page time. Although we're supposed to believe he's a brilliant detective, all I could see were the symptoms of a mental illness crisis. Why can't genre detectives be of sound mind and body? That aside, the premise was good but the execution was pedantic and I wasn't surprised at any turn nor did I find this suspenseful. It was a police procedural with Beck "mentoring" Claire about how those procedures are great in books but not in real life. I'll give this series another go, but this one was rather ho-hum. I'm also left wondering how this title relates in any way to the content of the book?
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
December 18, 2019
This is one of those mystery thriller titles that although it kept me guessing until the very end. It wasn't anything new. The characters were subpar and the writing style wasn't to my liking. The story itself was ok. I hadn't read the first two books in this series but I didn't feel like I needed to. I think that a new title might want to be given to this as I didn't see where it tied into the story. Overall, I don't think I will try this author's titles again.
December 22, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Her Last Goodbye” is Michael Scanlon’s third book in the Finnegan Beck series. Detective Inspector Beck was demoted from his position as An Garda Síochána member in Dublin and relocated to the small Irish town of Cross Beg. He still doesn’t seem to fit in and yearns to return to the big city.
Things are anything but boring in Cross Beg. Beck and his partner Detective Garda Claire Somers are called out to investigate the brutal murder of Edward Kavanagh. He lives alone on an isolated farm and the clues to what happened to him are few and far between.
The best way to describe this book is the ghosts of the past coming back to haunt the characters. Finnegan Beck spends a good deal of the book dealing with the memories of his childhood that the murder of Edward Cavanagh have brought to the surface.
For Edward it was a past love that brought about his downfall. His brother Tommy spent his entire life searching for love and blaming his brother for losing the love of Emily Tuffy, who only had eyes for Edward. Where is Emily and what happened to her? Their neighbour Dermot Healy also figures prominently in the storyline. It takes several more murders for the pieces to come together for Beck and he very nearly loses his life if not for his new constant companion, Max. Max is a sheepdog that belonged to Edward Kavanagh. Beck thought that he would watch the dog until Animal Services could come for him but when Max saves not only his life but saves him from himself as well, Beck decides to keep Max.
I very much enjoyed this third installation of the Finnegan Beck series and hope that there will be more as there is still so much to tell, I feel. If more stars were available, I would be giving this one more than five.
“Her Last Goodbye” is Michael Scanlon’s third book in the Finnegan Beck series. Detective Inspector Beck was demoted from his position as An Garda Síochána member in Dublin and relocated to the small Irish town of Cross Beg. He still doesn’t seem to fit in and yearns to return to the big city.
Things are anything but boring in Cross Beg. Beck and his partner Detective Garda Claire Somers are called out to investigate the brutal murder of Edward Kavanagh. He lives alone on an isolated farm and the clues to what happened to him are few and far between.
The best way to describe this book is the ghosts of the past coming back to haunt the characters. Finnegan Beck spends a good deal of the book dealing with the memories of his childhood that the murder of Edward Cavanagh have brought to the surface.
For Edward it was a past love that brought about his downfall. His brother Tommy spent his entire life searching for love and blaming his brother for losing the love of Emily Tuffy, who only had eyes for Edward. Where is Emily and what happened to her? Their neighbour Dermot Healy also figures prominently in the storyline. It takes several more murders for the pieces to come together for Beck and he very nearly loses his life if not for his new constant companion, Max. Max is a sheepdog that belonged to Edward Kavanagh. Beck thought that he would watch the dog until Animal Services could come for him but when Max saves not only his life but saves him from himself as well, Beck decides to keep Max.
I very much enjoyed this third installation of the Finnegan Beck series and hope that there will be more as there is still so much to tell, I feel. If more stars were available, I would be giving this one more than five.
January 22, 2020
Fantastic, thrilling, edge of your seat read! Michael Scanlon has outdone himself with his latest book, the third in his Detective Finnegan Beck series. Brilliantly twisted and keeps you hooked until the end. Can't wait for next installment!
January 15, 2020
'Her Last Goodnight' is the third book to feature the intriguing character of Detective Finnegan Beck. I have read, loved and reviewed the first two books in the series and I couldn't wait to read the third book. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because 'Her Last Goodnight' was released on 14th January 2020. 'Her Last Goodnight' is a blooming brilliant addition to the series and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Finnegan Beck? He is a bit of a troubled soul. He didn't have the best of upbringings and it's safe to say that his family was dysfunctional in a sense. His parents became estranged from each other and used to pass messages to the other via Beck and his sister. Beck and his sister suffered the loss of their mother and there is some suggestion that Beck's father killed Beck's mother. Beck is also an alcoholic and I did wonder if he used alcohol as a coping mechanism. In other words, he drinks to forget his past and to help him cope with the horrors that his work brings to his door. Beck has a history of inappropriate relationships. His most recent relationship is with a woman married to one of his superiors which hasn't gone down well with the powers that be. Beck has been exiled to Cross Beg as a sort of punishment although Beck is hoping that when the fuss dies down he will be able to return to Dublin. I felt that I learnt more about what makes Beck tick and why he is the way he is in this book.
It's no word of a lie when I say that I was addicted to this book from the moment I glimpsed the title of the book. Yes I know that sounds a tad superficial or silly but I absolutely LOVE the Detective Beck series and as soon as I knew that another book in the series was imminent, I started counting down the days. As soon as I began to read, I was back with Beck and I just knew that I was going to be in for one hell of a read. I binge read the book over the course of two days, which is good going for me. The length of time it took me to read the book gave me an appreciation of the intensity of the police investigation. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat but not when I am reunited with Detective Finnegan Beck. When I read another book in the Beck series, I find I am able to concentrate more and read for longer periods of time than usual. I was most disappointed when I got to the end of the story as it meant that I had to say goodbye to Detective Finnegan Beck.
'Her Last Goodnight' is excellently written but then I wouldn't expect anything else from Michael Scanlon. He has a way of grabbing your attention from the start with a crime so horrific that it has stayed with me for quite a while after I finished reading the book. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained the fast pace throughout. I was gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout. Michael uses such vivid and powerful descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that I was helping Beck with his investigation! I even found that I was trying to interact with the book as if the different characters could hear me. Before anybody says anything, yes I know that this is a work of fiction but I find that if I enjoy a book to the extent that I enjoyed reading 'Her Last Goodnight', then I tend to live the story as if it were real.
Reading 'Her Last Goodnight' was much like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could take a moment to gather your thoughts, to reclaim your stomach and allow your blood pressure to go back to normal then off the action would go again. 'Her Last Goodnight' certainly kept me guessing and some of the twists and turns took my breath away.
In short, 'Her Last Goodnight' was a blooming brilliant read from the blooming brilliant Michael Scanlon. I definitely recommend that you read the Detective Finnegan Beck series. I will definitely be reading more of Michael's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
What can I say about Detective Finnegan Beck? He is a bit of a troubled soul. He didn't have the best of upbringings and it's safe to say that his family was dysfunctional in a sense. His parents became estranged from each other and used to pass messages to the other via Beck and his sister. Beck and his sister suffered the loss of their mother and there is some suggestion that Beck's father killed Beck's mother. Beck is also an alcoholic and I did wonder if he used alcohol as a coping mechanism. In other words, he drinks to forget his past and to help him cope with the horrors that his work brings to his door. Beck has a history of inappropriate relationships. His most recent relationship is with a woman married to one of his superiors which hasn't gone down well with the powers that be. Beck has been exiled to Cross Beg as a sort of punishment although Beck is hoping that when the fuss dies down he will be able to return to Dublin. I felt that I learnt more about what makes Beck tick and why he is the way he is in this book.
It's no word of a lie when I say that I was addicted to this book from the moment I glimpsed the title of the book. Yes I know that sounds a tad superficial or silly but I absolutely LOVE the Detective Beck series and as soon as I knew that another book in the series was imminent, I started counting down the days. As soon as I began to read, I was back with Beck and I just knew that I was going to be in for one hell of a read. I binge read the book over the course of two days, which is good going for me. The length of time it took me to read the book gave me an appreciation of the intensity of the police investigation. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat but not when I am reunited with Detective Finnegan Beck. When I read another book in the Beck series, I find I am able to concentrate more and read for longer periods of time than usual. I was most disappointed when I got to the end of the story as it meant that I had to say goodbye to Detective Finnegan Beck.
'Her Last Goodnight' is excellently written but then I wouldn't expect anything else from Michael Scanlon. He has a way of grabbing your attention from the start with a crime so horrific that it has stayed with me for quite a while after I finished reading the book. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained the fast pace throughout. I was gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout. Michael uses such vivid and powerful descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that I was helping Beck with his investigation! I even found that I was trying to interact with the book as if the different characters could hear me. Before anybody says anything, yes I know that this is a work of fiction but I find that if I enjoy a book to the extent that I enjoyed reading 'Her Last Goodnight', then I tend to live the story as if it were real.
Reading 'Her Last Goodnight' was much like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could take a moment to gather your thoughts, to reclaim your stomach and allow your blood pressure to go back to normal then off the action would go again. 'Her Last Goodnight' certainly kept me guessing and some of the twists and turns took my breath away.
In short, 'Her Last Goodnight' was a blooming brilliant read from the blooming brilliant Michael Scanlon. I definitely recommend that you read the Detective Finnegan Beck series. I will definitely be reading more of Michael's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
January 17, 2020
Her Last Goodnight is the third novel to feature Irish detective Finnegan Beck.
Even though I haven't read the first books in the series - Where She Lies and The Child Before - I was looking forward to reading this, so I was happy to dive straight in, without feeling as though I had suffered from any lack of continuity.
In the normally quiet town of a Cross Beg, Ireland, a local is found murdered and is identified as the body of Eddie Kavanagh. DI Finnegan Beck, and his partner-in-crime Detective Garda Claire Somers are called upon to investigate what appears to be a bungled burglary at Kavanagh's remote rural house, where his dog lies whimpering beside his body. But Finnegan notices that Kavanagh was well-dressed and finds an antique engagement ring in his pocket, but no one knew that Kavanagh had a partner. As the body count starts to rise, Finnegan has to follow all leads and bring the killer to justice. But will it be too late for Finnegan himself to escape the murderer's clutches?
Intuitive Finnegan Beck is in a bad place mentally as he didn't have the best of upbringings. His parents became estranged from each other and he also suffers from alcoholism, as well as having a history of inappropriate relationships. In spite of all of this I really warmed to Finn, finding him imperfect and fallible, both in his personal life and professionally, but this makes him more believable and genuine.
The beginning of this novel perfectly set the mood and atmosphere for the rest of the story. With excellent writing, there was an abundance of clever touches and plenty of action, along with many twists, turns and red herrings that I failed to foresee. With an ever-present darkness to this story, the book never felt depressing and the action moved swiftly, keeping me enthralled throughout.
Her Last Goodnight is unsettling, imaginative and well written with characters that feel real, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Even though I haven't read the first books in the series - Where She Lies and The Child Before - I was looking forward to reading this, so I was happy to dive straight in, without feeling as though I had suffered from any lack of continuity.
In the normally quiet town of a Cross Beg, Ireland, a local is found murdered and is identified as the body of Eddie Kavanagh. DI Finnegan Beck, and his partner-in-crime Detective Garda Claire Somers are called upon to investigate what appears to be a bungled burglary at Kavanagh's remote rural house, where his dog lies whimpering beside his body. But Finnegan notices that Kavanagh was well-dressed and finds an antique engagement ring in his pocket, but no one knew that Kavanagh had a partner. As the body count starts to rise, Finnegan has to follow all leads and bring the killer to justice. But will it be too late for Finnegan himself to escape the murderer's clutches?
Intuitive Finnegan Beck is in a bad place mentally as he didn't have the best of upbringings. His parents became estranged from each other and he also suffers from alcoholism, as well as having a history of inappropriate relationships. In spite of all of this I really warmed to Finn, finding him imperfect and fallible, both in his personal life and professionally, but this makes him more believable and genuine.
The beginning of this novel perfectly set the mood and atmosphere for the rest of the story. With excellent writing, there was an abundance of clever touches and plenty of action, along with many twists, turns and red herrings that I failed to foresee. With an ever-present darkness to this story, the book never felt depressing and the action moved swiftly, keeping me enthralled throughout.
Her Last Goodnight is unsettling, imaginative and well written with characters that feel real, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 23, 2019
Just as Detective Finnegan Beck thinks he's getting his life back on track, he's even taken up jogging, something happens to send him hurtling back towards the darkness of his past. Eddie Kavanagh, described by those who knew him as a good man, is found beaten to death but all Beck can see is a long forgotten image from his childhood of his own father's body.
As Beck and his partner Claire Somers try to solve their case, he finds the past and present colliding in ways he can't even begin to understand. With his life unravelling Beck jeopardises everything by once again making bad choices similar to those which have almost destroyed him before.
I am a big fan of this series of books and look forward to each new instalment. Beck is a seriously flawed character, weak and self-loathing on the one hand while determined and focused on the other. The superhuman effort he makes to discover what happened in all his cases do seem to be pushed to the max and, this time, as the case rushed towards its explosive end, I felt it was a little unrealistic. Apart from that I enjoyed this immensely, the rest of the book was excellent and Michael Scanlon's work gets better with each outing.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed this series so far, wants an original, well written read or likes their heroes a lot less than perfect; in all cases this book delivers.
As Beck and his partner Claire Somers try to solve their case, he finds the past and present colliding in ways he can't even begin to understand. With his life unravelling Beck jeopardises everything by once again making bad choices similar to those which have almost destroyed him before.
I am a big fan of this series of books and look forward to each new instalment. Beck is a seriously flawed character, weak and self-loathing on the one hand while determined and focused on the other. The superhuman effort he makes to discover what happened in all his cases do seem to be pushed to the max and, this time, as the case rushed towards its explosive end, I felt it was a little unrealistic. Apart from that I enjoyed this immensely, the rest of the book was excellent and Michael Scanlon's work gets better with each outing.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed this series so far, wants an original, well written read or likes their heroes a lot less than perfect; in all cases this book delivers.
January 14, 2020
There was only one regret that I had about this book and that was that I hadn’t read the first two in the series. This can be read as a standalone but crikey it is such a darn good read I just want more.
When the body of an older gentleman is found brutally beaten in his home no-one can seem to find a bad word against him but there have been some really weird clues left behind. He had been dressed smartly, had an engagement ring in his pocket and a letter declaring his love to a woman.
DI Finnegan Beck who has been demoted and transferred from Dublin to Cross Beg, a small town where everyone knows their neighbours is soon on the case. Beck certainly has his problems but he really is a character that I found myself rooting for at work and at home. He is partnered up with Detective Garda Claire Somers. There is plenty of background info on Beck and the reasons why he is where he is now. The partnership between the two blossoms as mutual respect as the book goes on.
Loved Max’s part in this book, Max was the first victim’s dog and Beck ended up with him. They have a real connection beautifully written. Beck can run circles round the local police, which doesn’t always go down well. This is a fast-paced read, a brilliant storyline, a really sad story of the past, many heart in my mouth moments and loved the round-up at the end.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this e-book which I have reviewed honestly.
When the body of an older gentleman is found brutally beaten in his home no-one can seem to find a bad word against him but there have been some really weird clues left behind. He had been dressed smartly, had an engagement ring in his pocket and a letter declaring his love to a woman.
DI Finnegan Beck who has been demoted and transferred from Dublin to Cross Beg, a small town where everyone knows their neighbours is soon on the case. Beck certainly has his problems but he really is a character that I found myself rooting for at work and at home. He is partnered up with Detective Garda Claire Somers. There is plenty of background info on Beck and the reasons why he is where he is now. The partnership between the two blossoms as mutual respect as the book goes on.
Loved Max’s part in this book, Max was the first victim’s dog and Beck ended up with him. They have a real connection beautifully written. Beck can run circles round the local police, which doesn’t always go down well. This is a fast-paced read, a brilliant storyline, a really sad story of the past, many heart in my mouth moments and loved the round-up at the end.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this e-book which I have reviewed honestly.
January 15, 2020
It’s time to be reunited with DI Beck. I like him a lot. He is not that typical police officer but follows his heart even when it means breaking a few rules.
Although he is struggling with things happening to him in the past, he does stay focussed on the case he is investigating. While others do not look beyond what’s in front of them and come to conclusions that are not satisfying DI Beck, he keeps on digging deeper until he unearths the roots of the problem.
Murders have been commited, but how are they linked together and more importantly who is behind them?
The author shows us that there is a very thin line between high intelligence and mental illness. Those culprits know exactly how to fool everybody.
I had a different suspect in mind. All kudos to the author for keeping me in the dark until the end. 4 stars.
Thank you, Michael Scanlon and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Although he is struggling with things happening to him in the past, he does stay focussed on the case he is investigating. While others do not look beyond what’s in front of them and come to conclusions that are not satisfying DI Beck, he keeps on digging deeper until he unearths the roots of the problem.
Murders have been commited, but how are they linked together and more importantly who is behind them?
The author shows us that there is a very thin line between high intelligence and mental illness. Those culprits know exactly how to fool everybody.
I had a different suspect in mind. All kudos to the author for keeping me in the dark until the end. 4 stars.
Thank you, Michael Scanlon and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
December 9, 2019
This is the third book in the Detective Finnegan Beck series and can be read as a stand-alone. Author Michael Scanlon does an excellent job at providing contextual information to those new to the series. His overall writing, scene setting and plot development were captivating. While the trope is familiar, Scanlon provides a moderately paced suspense with intriguing characterization that helps pull away from that familiarity. In addition, the charming Irish town setting gives the storyline another aspect of appeal. Good read. 4 stars.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #HerLastGoodnight which was read and reviewed voluntarily by Tarrah Marie (@wayward_readers)
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #HerLastGoodnight which was read and reviewed voluntarily by Tarrah Marie (@wayward_readers)
January 22, 2020
Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.
DI Finnegan Beck is called in to unravel the murder of Eddie Kavanagh, an elderly man who is found dead in his own home. The case gets more puzzling when the man is found to have no known enemies and the initial thought of a burglary is dismissed.
This is a fast paced read that has you guessing all the way through. DI Beck is a complicated protagonist but his troubles add to the story. I really like him as a character and look forward to going back and reading the other books in the series.
DI Finnegan Beck is called in to unravel the murder of Eddie Kavanagh, an elderly man who is found dead in his own home. The case gets more puzzling when the man is found to have no known enemies and the initial thought of a burglary is dismissed.
This is a fast paced read that has you guessing all the way through. DI Beck is a complicated protagonist but his troubles add to the story. I really like him as a character and look forward to going back and reading the other books in the series.
December 9, 2019
This is a very good series of books by Michael Scanlon. Set in a quiet Irish town and featuring detective Finn Beck, who is investigating the murder of an elderly man. It was a good solid read which kept me interested to the end. I liked the writing style and the interesting characters. I hope there is another one to come in this series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
January 22, 2020
This is the third fabulously cracking read in the Det. Finnegan Beck series. Beck would rather be living back in the city of Dublin but he is still in the rural town of Cross Beg. It is coming up to Christmas, the time of year Beck really struggles with but he must investigate the brutal murder of Eddie who was found outside his own home by the local postman. During the investigation the detective is definitely put through the wringer so I found this quite sad in parts. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book that kept me guessing and ensured I was kept captivated until the very end.
We are given a greater insight into Beck's childhood and it becomes much more apparent as to why this messed up but very likeable detective has his flaws. There is also the welcome addition of a helpful new 'friend' for Beck which I hope we see in the next book.
We are given a greater insight into Beck's childhood and it becomes much more apparent as to why this messed up but very likeable detective has his flaws. There is also the welcome addition of a helpful new 'friend' for Beck which I hope we see in the next book.
January 15, 2020
Third book in the series. I've loved each one. It may be a little cliched with a troubled, alcoholic lead detective, but a cliche is a cliche for good reason - because it works. As it does here. Atmospheric, thoughtful and insightful into the human psyche with an original plot line, odd ball but believable characters, an absorbing, thriller of a read. A definite 5 stars from me.
December 3, 2019
Very descriptive writing style. Typical murder mystery book that leaves you guessing until the very end. Wasn’t super exciting but wasn’t terrible either.
December 21, 2019
More in my next Good Reads blog at https://www.sandiwallace.com/blog/. Advance review copy received with thanks to publisher and NetGalley.
December 23, 2019
Number 3 in the series and Beck is as wonderfully complex and flawed as before. I enjoy this series but I must admit I found number two a little hard going so was not sure how I’d find this but I needn’t have worried. Beck appears to be in a better place - or is he? Brilliant plot. Small town Ireland in all its claustrophobic glory but with modern day crimes. The subplots continue to delight as do the characters, it’s like helplessly watching a train crash - great stuff!
January 29, 2020
The third book to feature Detective Finnegan Beck but my introduction to the series. It’s always a bit of a worry to jump into a series and not be sure if you need to know the background of the characters to enjoy the newest title. Having not read the first two books I can honestly say I didn’t feel there were aspects of the stories where I had no idea what was going on. Important facts and characters were introduced in what felt a natural way so I didn’t feel detail was being shoe-horned into the plot to ensure newbies like me could keep up. Naturally I will expect there are some subtle or less critical details which will slip by unnoticed and I have no doubt a returning reader will pick up on them.
Her Last Goodnight opens with a violent killing of an elderly man. He is in his good clothes, has an engagement ring in a box in his pocket and police find a letter to a lady-friend which suggests the victim (Eddie) was hoping to save someone from a life he did not feel she should be leading. Eddie’s friends are bemused – they had no idea he had a companion and the manner of his death is deeply shocking to the whole community.
Beck is an experienced police officer but Eddie’s death leaves him deeply troubled and Beck isn’t going to be on top of his game during this investigation. The reasons for his discomfort are revealed through the story and as Beck turns to a bottle to help him cope with events the author handles his situation very well. I found Beck’s situation upsetting and the support his colleagues tried to offer was heartening.
While trying to find a murderer Beck uncovers a seedier side to his small town and I was highly amused by the revelation of how two local residents would supplement their income. Their information led to a peek behind the curtains of a quiet suburban house where all was not as it seems.
But for Beck the real mission was to track down a murderer. For the murderer the stakes have been raised and more proactive action is required to keep their secrets safe. The one thing you can count on in a crime thriller – secrets will out.
I read Her Last Goodnight over 2 days, thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to a new series and will be picking up the earlier books to catch up. That’s a sure sign this was a hit with me – I want more.
Her Last Goodnight opens with a violent killing of an elderly man. He is in his good clothes, has an engagement ring in a box in his pocket and police find a letter to a lady-friend which suggests the victim (Eddie) was hoping to save someone from a life he did not feel she should be leading. Eddie’s friends are bemused – they had no idea he had a companion and the manner of his death is deeply shocking to the whole community.
Beck is an experienced police officer but Eddie’s death leaves him deeply troubled and Beck isn’t going to be on top of his game during this investigation. The reasons for his discomfort are revealed through the story and as Beck turns to a bottle to help him cope with events the author handles his situation very well. I found Beck’s situation upsetting and the support his colleagues tried to offer was heartening.
While trying to find a murderer Beck uncovers a seedier side to his small town and I was highly amused by the revelation of how two local residents would supplement their income. Their information led to a peek behind the curtains of a quiet suburban house where all was not as it seems.
But for Beck the real mission was to track down a murderer. For the murderer the stakes have been raised and more proactive action is required to keep their secrets safe. The one thing you can count on in a crime thriller – secrets will out.
I read Her Last Goodnight over 2 days, thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to a new series and will be picking up the earlier books to catch up. That’s a sure sign this was a hit with me – I want more.
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