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Her Last Move
Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
She’s chasing a killer. He’s watching her every move.
He hides in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment. Each kill is calculated, planned and executed like clockwork.
Struggling to balance her personal and professional life, young DS Becca Vincent has landed the biggest case of her career—and she knows that it will make or break her. But she can’t catch the culprit alone. Together with facial recognition expert Joe Russell, she strives to get a lead on the elusive murderer, who is always one step ahead of them.
Time is not on their side. The body count is rising, and the attacks are striking closer and closer to home. Can Becca and Joe uncover the connection between the murders before the killer strikes the last name from his list?
She’s chasing a killer. He’s watching her every move.
He hides in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment. Each kill is calculated, planned and executed like clockwork.
Struggling to balance her personal and professional life, young DS Becca Vincent has landed the biggest case of her career—and she knows that it will make or break her. But she can’t catch the culprit alone. Together with facial recognition expert Joe Russell, she strives to get a lead on the elusive murderer, who is always one step ahead of them.
Time is not on their side. The body count is rising, and the attacks are striking closer and closer to home. Can Becca and Joe uncover the connection between the murders before the killer strikes the last name from his list?
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 8, 2018
5988 people are currently reading
36394 people want to read
About the author
John Marrs
29 books26.2k followersJohn Marrs is the author of #1 bestsellers including The One, The Good Samaritan, When You Disappeared, The Family Experiment, The Marriage Act, The Passengers, What Lies Between Us, Keep It In The Family and The Stranger In Her House. His next book, You Killed Me First, is out in March 2025.
What Lies won the International Thriller Writers' Best Paperback of 2021 award.
The One is a million-copy seller and has been translated into 35 different languages. It was also a Number One Netflix series.
After working as a journalist for 25-years interviewing celebrities from the world of television, film and music for national newspapers and magazines, he is now a full-time writer.
Follow him on Twitter @johnmarrs1 Facebook: @johnmarrsauthor Instagram: @johnmarrs.author website: johnmarrsauthor.co.uk
What Lies won the International Thriller Writers' Best Paperback of 2021 award.
The One is a million-copy seller and has been translated into 35 different languages. It was also a Number One Netflix series.
After working as a journalist for 25-years interviewing celebrities from the world of television, film and music for national newspapers and magazines, he is now a full-time writer.
Follow him on Twitter @johnmarrs1 Facebook: @johnmarrsauthor Instagram: @johnmarrs.author website: johnmarrsauthor.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,847 reviews
September 8, 2019
What an absolute corker of a book! It starts with a bang and never lets up until the final page.
A serial killer is at work in London, with several bodies turning up in a matter of days, each death more vicious and depraved than the last. But what has sent the killer on his spree? And what links the victims? Luckily DS Becca Vincent and DS Joe Russell are on the case, each with their own points to prove. Becca is a young detective out to make a name for herself and Joe is a facial recognition expert that's been assigned to the taskforce. But how do they hunt for a killer who is as meticulous as he is cunning?
This book is a real nail biter, you find yourself racing through it long into the night, while you absorb the twists and turns as the story slowly reveals itself. This is the first John Marrs book I've read, but it definitely wont be my last. I recommend this book 100%.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A serial killer is at work in London, with several bodies turning up in a matter of days, each death more vicious and depraved than the last. But what has sent the killer on his spree? And what links the victims? Luckily DS Becca Vincent and DS Joe Russell are on the case, each with their own points to prove. Becca is a young detective out to make a name for herself and Joe is a facial recognition expert that's been assigned to the taskforce. But how do they hunt for a killer who is as meticulous as he is cunning?
This book is a real nail biter, you find yourself racing through it long into the night, while you absorb the twists and turns as the story slowly reveals itself. This is the first John Marrs book I've read, but it definitely wont be my last. I recommend this book 100%.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2018
3.5*
Two murders within hours of each other. Both victims have identical tattoos on their hands. Both live at the same address. And…both died a horrific death, but in very different ways. Soon after, reports begin flooding in of yet more gruesome deaths. Sure gives the appearance of being related…unless you don’t believe in coincidences. So, are they all related? Is there a serial killer on the loose? Is there a reason they’re being targeted?
“Everyone has their secrets”
Detective sergeant Becca Vincent. Single mother driven to prove herself by immersing herself into this investigation.
Detective sergeant Joe Russell a “super-recognizer.” (Yes...that term actually exists!)
Described as someone who has a photographic memory for faces. Quite a handy talent for police work. Working out of a special division, Joe has been brought in to assist Becca with this very difficult case.
Let me start by saying how excited I was to see a new release by John Marrs! I adored his previous book The One. In fact it’s sitting on my favorites shelf right now! Unfortunately, this book lacked the magic of his previous release. I’m in the minority on this as there are some fantastic four and five star reviews. But somehow I lacked a connection with the characters. Just not the best fit for me.
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon UK Publishing for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Two murders within hours of each other. Both victims have identical tattoos on their hands. Both live at the same address. And…both died a horrific death, but in very different ways. Soon after, reports begin flooding in of yet more gruesome deaths. Sure gives the appearance of being related…unless you don’t believe in coincidences. So, are they all related? Is there a serial killer on the loose? Is there a reason they’re being targeted?
“Everyone has their secrets”
Detective sergeant Becca Vincent. Single mother driven to prove herself by immersing herself into this investigation.
Detective sergeant Joe Russell a “super-recognizer.” (Yes...that term actually exists!)
Described as someone who has a photographic memory for faces. Quite a handy talent for police work. Working out of a special division, Joe has been brought in to assist Becca with this very difficult case.
Let me start by saying how excited I was to see a new release by John Marrs! I adored his previous book The One. In fact it’s sitting on my favorites shelf right now! Unfortunately, this book lacked the magic of his previous release. I’m in the minority on this as there are some fantastic four and five star reviews. But somehow I lacked a connection with the characters. Just not the best fit for me.
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon UK Publishing for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2018
3.5 Stars* (rounded up).
The body count keeps rising and neither DS Becca Vincent or the rest of her team are able to work fast enough to track the killer. Knowing that time is of the essence, Becca calls in the help of super facial recognition expert Joe Russell. If Joe can’t find this guy, well then, all bets are off. One by one, the murders get more gruesome and more personal with Becca and Joe racing to try and figure out what their connection is.
As the tension mounted in this crazy mystery / suspense, so did my anxiety. "Her Last Move" is one John Marrs novel that improves as it goes on. Recommended for fans of police procedurals.
This was another great buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGallley, Amazon Publishing UK and John Marrs for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 10.22.18.
The body count keeps rising and neither DS Becca Vincent or the rest of her team are able to work fast enough to track the killer. Knowing that time is of the essence, Becca calls in the help of super facial recognition expert Joe Russell. If Joe can’t find this guy, well then, all bets are off. One by one, the murders get more gruesome and more personal with Becca and Joe racing to try and figure out what their connection is.
As the tension mounted in this crazy mystery / suspense, so did my anxiety. "Her Last Move" is one John Marrs novel that improves as it goes on. Recommended for fans of police procedurals.
This was another great buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGallley, Amazon Publishing UK and John Marrs for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 10.22.18.
December 13, 2018
2.5 Stars— I have made no secret that John Marrs is one of my favorite authors. He always writes in a fast paced style and keeps you guessing with surprises throughout his books. Therefore, the first book I decided to read when I rejoined Kindle Unlimited was “Her Last Move”, the only Marrs’ book I hadn’t read. “Her Last Move” was different from Marrs’ other books in that it took some time for the plot to grab me. After thinking back, I believe this was because Marrs doesn’t give you any information about the killer or his motive before random acts of violence start occurring throughout Britain. When the killer is slowly introduced, he is not named and is so shrouded in mystery that it is hard to get a grip on the entire plot until two thirds of the way through the book. The book does go on to explain the killer’s motives and how all of the murders are tied together but it was almost like Marrs couldn’t decide whether to make him totally psychotic or just a normal guy pushed over the edge by the actions of others. Because of the inconsistencies, the book is just never as enjoyable as his other novels. I did enjoy following the main detective, Becca, throughout her investigation but her actions towards the end were not consistent with her career first philosophy and didn’t ring true when she ultimately confronted the killer. I’m hoping Marrs rebounds with a better plot and more interesting characters in his next novel and maybe I have seen the last book with a plot based on police super-recognizers who walk through the community looking for suspects based on memorized facial features ... boring.
June 28, 2025
John Marrs has once again proven that he's a master of the slow-burn thriller that lingers long after the final page. Her Last Move doesn’t just follow a killer — it shadows the emotional wreckage left in his wake, blending gritty crime drama with smart psychological suspense. What unfolds is a game of strategy and timing between a detective fighting for professional validation and a murderer who’s always one breath ahead.
The story hooked me from the start with its chilling premise: a meticulous killer stalking London, striking with almost mechanical precision. At first, the case seems like a web of coincidences, but as more bodies surface, the connections begin to emerge… and they are personal. At the center of it all is DS Becca Vincent, a detective juggling the weight of career ambition and single motherhood. She’s flawed, emotionally driven, sometimes rash — but that’s what makes her feel real. Pairing her with Joe Russell, a so-called "super recognizer" with an almost uncanny ability to remember faces, was a brilliant move. Their contrasting styles and unspoken respect made for a dynamic investigative duo.
What really worked for me was the structure — shifting POVs that gave insight into not just Becca and Joe’s inner struggles, but also the chillingly calm, calculated mind of the killer. Marrs walks that delicate line of revealing just enough without deflating the tension too soon. While the killer’s identity becomes clear earlier than expected, the why remains an unsettling mystery that kept me engaged to the final chapter.
There were moments I found Becca’s decisions frustrating, and the emotional beats between chapters could have landed harder, but overall, the depth of character building made up for it. I especially appreciated how the plot never sacrificed development for action — the pace is deliberate, never frantic, but always compelling. And when the final pieces fall into place, the payoff is worth it.
Dark, compelling, and full of psychological bite, Her Last Move is a cleverly layered procedural that reminds us even in a crowd of thousands, someone is always watching.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Big thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK / Thomas & Mercer for sharing this addictive thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!
The story hooked me from the start with its chilling premise: a meticulous killer stalking London, striking with almost mechanical precision. At first, the case seems like a web of coincidences, but as more bodies surface, the connections begin to emerge… and they are personal. At the center of it all is DS Becca Vincent, a detective juggling the weight of career ambition and single motherhood. She’s flawed, emotionally driven, sometimes rash — but that’s what makes her feel real. Pairing her with Joe Russell, a so-called "super recognizer" with an almost uncanny ability to remember faces, was a brilliant move. Their contrasting styles and unspoken respect made for a dynamic investigative duo.
What really worked for me was the structure — shifting POVs that gave insight into not just Becca and Joe’s inner struggles, but also the chillingly calm, calculated mind of the killer. Marrs walks that delicate line of revealing just enough without deflating the tension too soon. While the killer’s identity becomes clear earlier than expected, the why remains an unsettling mystery that kept me engaged to the final chapter.
There were moments I found Becca’s decisions frustrating, and the emotional beats between chapters could have landed harder, but overall, the depth of character building made up for it. I especially appreciated how the plot never sacrificed development for action — the pace is deliberate, never frantic, but always compelling. And when the final pieces fall into place, the payoff is worth it.
Dark, compelling, and full of psychological bite, Her Last Move is a cleverly layered procedural that reminds us even in a crowd of thousands, someone is always watching.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Big thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK / Thomas & Mercer for sharing this addictive thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!
November 7, 2018
She's chasing a killer. He's watching her every move. Each kill is calculated, planned and executed like clockwork. DS Becca Vincent has landed the biggest case of her career. With a list of people he wants to kill, he knows everyone will understand why they had to die. It's personal, but what connections are there between the victims?
This story is told alternately between DS Becca Vincent, super recogniser, Joe and the villain. There,are twists galore in this action packed book from the start. Some of the killings are quite violent and graphic so this won't suit every reader. Becca is not a very likeable character, she's a bit self centred and jumps to conclusions. The killers identity is revealed quite early on in this story which I don't really like as it cas spoil the read and I do prefer to guess who it is. This is quite a dark read. With its fast pace this is a gripping read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author John Marrs for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told alternately between DS Becca Vincent, super recogniser, Joe and the villain. There,are twists galore in this action packed book from the start. Some of the killings are quite violent and graphic so this won't suit every reader. Becca is not a very likeable character, she's a bit self centred and jumps to conclusions. The killers identity is revealed quite early on in this story which I don't really like as it cas spoil the read and I do prefer to guess who it is. This is quite a dark read. With its fast pace this is a gripping read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author John Marrs for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
December 7, 2018DNF - no rating
I loved The Good Samaritan by this author and was eager and excited to receive an arc of his latest work, Her Last Move. Sadly, this book wasn't nearly as compelling as The Good Samaritan.
Overwritten, drawn out, and never held my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved The Good Samaritan by this author and was eager and excited to receive an arc of his latest work, Her Last Move. Sadly, this book wasn't nearly as compelling as The Good Samaritan.
Overwritten, drawn out, and never held my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2025
I really enjoy John Marrs books and was delighted to receive an ARC of his latest book Her Last Move. I really enjoyed this thriller and was hooked from the first page to the last. The characters were very well written and each one had an interesting story.
There is a serial killer working in London and the detective working on the case is Becca who is trying to find him before he strikes again. She is helped by Joe a super recogniser of faces who is assigned to her department temporarily.
I think that this author just gets better and better and I can't wait for his next book.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
There is a serial killer working in London and the detective working on the case is Becca who is trying to find him before he strikes again. She is helped by Joe a super recogniser of faces who is assigned to her department temporarily.
I think that this author just gets better and better and I can't wait for his next book.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2025
Some people really do be making the stupidest choices
Her Last move is following DC Becca who has just landed the biggest case of her career. She needs to find an unknown man who is going around Britain killing people for no reason. Struggling to balance her work and personal life she gets help from Police Super Recognizer Joe Russell and both try to catch the attacker. But is the perpetrator closer to them than they think and are they about to walk straight into his trap?
Hmm this was a bit of a tricky one for me because I had to really adjust to the story. With John Marrs books I am used to being hooked from the get-go and feeling like I am getting whiplash from his fast-paced plots. Her Last Move from me differ from his others as it was a slow burn, and it took me a while to get into the story because I knew not a lot about the killer other than the little information that they would provide. It didn’t give off the ominous vibes I wanted, and I just found myself being irritated and annoyed behind their motives.
The FMC was an absolute pain my ass and I really did loathe her for a hot minute. I understand wanting to work hard for your career, but she has a special needs daughter at home screaming for her attention and times when she could have left work early and gone and spent time with her she was choosing other matters that clearly could have waited instead. I will say that along the lines she does redeem herself majorly, so its now turned to a love hate relationship.
Joe Russell’s chapters were interesting to read, and I enjoyed hearing about his own domestic issues he had going on. He was a very intelligent man, and I would love for him to be introduce in more of Johns novels.
The reasoning behind the mad attackers killing spree was not justifiable enough for me and I really must just be a psychopath and not a wronged individual trying to get ‘revenge’.
Although different from what I am used to with this author I did enjoy this tale but his other books definitely performed way much better than this one.
3.5 ⭐
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Two more books and I've completed his backlist!🎉🎉
This man does Speculative Fiction like no other!
Cant wait to get lost in this story! 🖤🤍🖤
Her Last move is following DC Becca who has just landed the biggest case of her career. She needs to find an unknown man who is going around Britain killing people for no reason. Struggling to balance her work and personal life she gets help from Police Super Recognizer Joe Russell and both try to catch the attacker. But is the perpetrator closer to them than they think and are they about to walk straight into his trap?
Hmm this was a bit of a tricky one for me because I had to really adjust to the story. With John Marrs books I am used to being hooked from the get-go and feeling like I am getting whiplash from his fast-paced plots. Her Last Move from me differ from his others as it was a slow burn, and it took me a while to get into the story because I knew not a lot about the killer other than the little information that they would provide. It didn’t give off the ominous vibes I wanted, and I just found myself being irritated and annoyed behind their motives.
The FMC was an absolute pain my ass and I really did loathe her for a hot minute. I understand wanting to work hard for your career, but she has a special needs daughter at home screaming for her attention and times when she could have left work early and gone and spent time with her she was choosing other matters that clearly could have waited instead. I will say that along the lines she does redeem herself majorly, so its now turned to a love hate relationship.
Joe Russell’s chapters were interesting to read, and I enjoyed hearing about his own domestic issues he had going on. He was a very intelligent man, and I would love for him to be introduce in more of Johns novels.
The reasoning behind the mad attackers killing spree was not justifiable enough for me and I really must just be a psychopath and not a wronged individual trying to get ‘revenge’.
Although different from what I am used to with this author I did enjoy this tale but his other books definitely performed way much better than this one.
3.5 ⭐
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Two more books and I've completed his backlist!🎉🎉
This man does Speculative Fiction like no other!
Cant wait to get lost in this story! 🖤🤍🖤
September 6, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
I don’t know why I thought this was going to be a serial killer “thriller”… I mean, in some ways it is. There is a serial killer. And cops. And stuff is happening.
But, shit, this might be the most depressing crime fiction novel I’ve ever read. John Marrs are you OKAY? Blink twice! This just hit me dead centre in all my sad feels like a British episode of This Is Us or some shit.
One of the main reasons I love crime fiction is that the good guys win and the bad guys lose. The world is shitty enough and bad guys seem to win a lot, especially lately. So, it’s nice to be able to immerse yourself in a world where the bad guy is going to lose, sooner or later. I love to know - no, I need to know - that despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, good will triumph over evil.
And for that to not happen in a way that feels satisfying is a bit of a punch in the gut.
Kudos to John Marrs for bringing everyone down, I guess.
Typically, I’d like to see a balance between the two aspects of crime fiction – the personal and the grotesque. Beauty and the Beast, if you’re feeling fancy. Knowing what to pull back on and what to turn the volume up on is an art in and of itself.
This book focussed pretty heavily on the characters and their home lives, so there was some imbalance in the story for me. By the 50% mark, things started to pick up, but I still found the chapters too wordy and the POV of Dominic to be a little too self-indulgent, which became boring.
Overall, there was a very emotionally heavy theme running through this book. Having a deceased sister and raising her Downs Syndrome daughter, how that sister died, an unstoppable degenerative disease, and the motive for the murders that kind of had me feeling sorry for the killer.
And then there was the ending. Sure, it was a fucking serious boob punch of a shocker, but it was also depressing as all hell. I had to go back and read it again just to make sure that shit was real. It was a 'that couldn’t actually be a two-headed sheep’ kind of double-take.
I did not leave this reading experience with any kind of satisfaction even though there were no loose threads in the end. Rather, I had a feeling of being down and mopey. Was there an ending and the killer was no longer killing? Yes. But it came with a side of that real-life “the bad guys always win” bullshit and I think it was just a little too real for me at this juncture in my life.
This was less of an escapist exercise, which I tend to use books for in general, and more of a baseball bat to the face of bad shit that makes the world suck most of the time. And I don’t think I liked that.
I get it. But I don’t like it.
A bad book? No. The killer was interesting, albeit occasionally annoying, and his motivation for his evil deeds was believable – it was tangible and brimming with emotions. But I found the important points that brought the whole story together so depressing that any suspense or thrills were lost on me.
I’m going to have to really do some book nerd soul-searching on whether or not I can handle such sad shit when I’m already drowning in bad news and anxiety every day of my life.
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded down
book source: Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I don’t know why I thought this was going to be a serial killer “thriller”… I mean, in some ways it is. There is a serial killer. And cops. And stuff is happening.
But, shit, this might be the most depressing crime fiction novel I’ve ever read. John Marrs are you OKAY? Blink twice! This just hit me dead centre in all my sad feels like a British episode of This Is Us or some shit.
One of the main reasons I love crime fiction is that the good guys win and the bad guys lose. The world is shitty enough and bad guys seem to win a lot, especially lately. So, it’s nice to be able to immerse yourself in a world where the bad guy is going to lose, sooner or later. I love to know - no, I need to know - that despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, good will triumph over evil.
And for that to not happen in a way that feels satisfying is a bit of a punch in the gut.
Kudos to John Marrs for bringing everyone down, I guess.
Typically, I’d like to see a balance between the two aspects of crime fiction – the personal and the grotesque. Beauty and the Beast, if you’re feeling fancy. Knowing what to pull back on and what to turn the volume up on is an art in and of itself.
This book focussed pretty heavily on the characters and their home lives, so there was some imbalance in the story for me. By the 50% mark, things started to pick up, but I still found the chapters too wordy and the POV of Dominic to be a little too self-indulgent, which became boring.
Overall, there was a very emotionally heavy theme running through this book. Having a deceased sister and raising her Downs Syndrome daughter, how that sister died, an unstoppable degenerative disease, and the motive for the murders that kind of had me feeling sorry for the killer.
And then there was the ending. Sure, it was a fucking serious boob punch of a shocker, but it was also depressing as all hell. I had to go back and read it again just to make sure that shit was real. It was a 'that couldn’t actually be a two-headed sheep’ kind of double-take.
I did not leave this reading experience with any kind of satisfaction even though there were no loose threads in the end. Rather, I had a feeling of being down and mopey. Was there an ending and the killer was no longer killing? Yes. But it came with a side of that real-life “the bad guys always win” bullshit and I think it was just a little too real for me at this juncture in my life.
This was less of an escapist exercise, which I tend to use books for in general, and more of a baseball bat to the face of bad shit that makes the world suck most of the time. And I don’t think I liked that.
I get it. But I don’t like it.
A bad book? No. The killer was interesting, albeit occasionally annoying, and his motivation for his evil deeds was believable – it was tangible and brimming with emotions. But I found the important points that brought the whole story together so depressing that any suspense or thrills were lost on me.
I’m going to have to really do some book nerd soul-searching on whether or not I can handle such sad shit when I’m already drowning in bad news and anxiety every day of my life.
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded down
book source: Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
December 12, 2019
John Marrs is an auto-buy author for me, meaning I'll read anything he writes. When I found out he had a new book, Her Last Move, coming out, I couldn't wait to request it on Netgalley! Regular readers of my blog and reviews know by now that I love books that involve some element of stalking, and this one did, and I loved it.
The book alternates between three POVs - our protagonist Becca, who is a detective hoping to have her big career break on this case, Joe, a "super-recognizer" that works for the police, and our unnamed killer. I really enjoyed the killer's chapters and getting that creepy insight into his twisted mind. I was constantly trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together, and while I was able to figure out part of the mystery, there were other pieces that I didn't see coming, so I really enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the story.
I feel like Marrs did an excellent job of developing all three of our POV characters. I felt like I could feel Becca's internal struggle as she fails to balance a career that the loves with her home life. I loved Joe's character - he was one of my favorites. His knack for remembering faces can be both a blessing and a curse. Lastly, the killer. He was dark, and twisted, and it was clear that he had a motive, but unclear what that motive was until later in the book.
All in all, I loved the book, and I loved the ending. It started off with a bang, and kept up its momentum throughout the book. If you're a fan of Marrs' other books, or if you enjoy reading police procedurals, I think this will be a winner for you! I'd like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of the book. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review. Her Last Move is out November 8, so be sure to pick up your copy!
The book alternates between three POVs - our protagonist Becca, who is a detective hoping to have her big career break on this case, Joe, a "super-recognizer" that works for the police, and our unnamed killer. I really enjoyed the killer's chapters and getting that creepy insight into his twisted mind. I was constantly trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together, and while I was able to figure out part of the mystery, there were other pieces that I didn't see coming, so I really enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the story.
I feel like Marrs did an excellent job of developing all three of our POV characters. I felt like I could feel Becca's internal struggle as she fails to balance a career that the loves with her home life. I loved Joe's character - he was one of my favorites. His knack for remembering faces can be both a blessing and a curse. Lastly, the killer. He was dark, and twisted, and it was clear that he had a motive, but unclear what that motive was until later in the book.
All in all, I loved the book, and I loved the ending. It started off with a bang, and kept up its momentum throughout the book. If you're a fan of Marrs' other books, or if you enjoy reading police procedurals, I think this will be a winner for you! I'd like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of the book. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review. Her Last Move is out November 8, so be sure to pick up your copy!
August 5, 2019
Twisty and terrifying! This is not your standard detective vs killer story!
Prologue:
We are in the shoes of an unknown individual (I will use 'he' for simplicity). He's weaving through the packed crowds of the tube station, following a large man named Demitru. He has been stalking Demitru for some time and he knows his daily movements, which is what he's counting on. He closes in, closer and closer, using the crowd to remain unnoticed. Standing directly behind Demitru he stabs him with a syringe. What happens next is the beginning of his quest to eliminate the people on his list, one by one.
******
Detective Becca Vincent has put nearly everything into her career, now she's landed a place on a high profile murder case and she wants nothing more than to solve it. But what price will she pay at home?
The description sounds like the standard detective storyline, I know. But hold on....
It's not! Her Last Move by John Marrs is loaded with unusual twists throughout the entire storyline, with all three elements, the characters, the killer, and the victims.
I've never read a book like it. So is that a good thing?
For me it's a very good thing! I loved it!
I was completely unprepared all the shocking events that occur throughout the entire story,
Highly
This is my first book by John Marrs but it won't be my last!
Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and author,John Marrs, for my uncorrected advanced digital copy in return for my honest review.
Prologue:
We are in the shoes of an unknown individual (I will use 'he' for simplicity). He's weaving through the packed crowds of the tube station, following a large man named Demitru. He has been stalking Demitru for some time and he knows his daily movements, which is what he's counting on. He closes in, closer and closer, using the crowd to remain unnoticed. Standing directly behind Demitru he stabs him with a syringe. What happens next is the beginning of his quest to eliminate the people on his list, one by one.
******
Detective Becca Vincent has put nearly everything into her career, now she's landed a place on a high profile murder case and she wants nothing more than to solve it. But what price will she pay at home?
The description sounds like the standard detective storyline, I know. But hold on....
It's not! Her Last Move by John Marrs is loaded with unusual twists throughout the entire storyline, with all three elements, the characters, the killer, and the victims.
I've never read a book like it. So is that a good thing?
For me it's a very good thing! I loved it!
I was completely unprepared all the shocking events that occur throughout the entire story,
Highly
This is my first book by John Marrs but it won't be my last!
Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and author,John Marrs, for my uncorrected advanced digital copy in return for my honest review.
September 25, 2020
Hmmmm.
This is my fifth John Marrs novel, and of those five, TWO were given 5-star ratings : The Good Samaritan and The One. Now, anybody who knows me is very much aware that I give very few 5-star ratings. I just don't. A book has to be beyond extraordinary for that to happen...a plot I've never read before; an amazing twist I didn't see coming; words which make me laugh out loud, or sob until my eyes are swollen shut; or maybe just something new and totally innovative. Two of his books met at least one of those requirements--that's impressive.
Unfortunately, Her Last Move didn't.
This book is all over the place, with so many competing story lines, it never really came together for me. Sure, the ending is nicely wrapped up and tied with bright red bow, but as a reader, the implausibility became tiresome.
I'd classify Her Last Move as more a police procedural/suspense. There really aren't any major twists...at least none that you can't see coming a mile away. I was mildly shocked, and pleasantly surprised, by one thread , but I sincerely doubt this particular "twist" will sit well with the majority of readers.
Overall, this book simply didn't resonate with me, but at the end of the day, a mediocre John Marrs book is still better than most authors' great books.
3.5 stars
This is my fifth John Marrs novel, and of those five, TWO were given 5-star ratings : The Good Samaritan and The One. Now, anybody who knows me is very much aware that I give very few 5-star ratings. I just don't. A book has to be beyond extraordinary for that to happen...a plot I've never read before; an amazing twist I didn't see coming; words which make me laugh out loud, or sob until my eyes are swollen shut; or maybe just something new and totally innovative. Two of his books met at least one of those requirements--that's impressive.
Unfortunately, Her Last Move didn't.
This book is all over the place, with so many competing story lines, it never really came together for me. Sure, the ending is nicely wrapped up and tied with bright red bow, but as a reader, the implausibility became tiresome.
I'd classify Her Last Move as more a police procedural/suspense. There really aren't any major twists...at least none that you can't see coming a mile away. I was mildly shocked, and pleasantly surprised, by one thread , but I sincerely doubt this particular "twist" will sit well with the majority of readers.
Overall, this book simply didn't resonate with me, but at the end of the day, a mediocre John Marrs book is still better than most authors' great books.
3.5 stars
October 23, 2018
3.5 stars (rounded up)
“HE” has a list of people that he plans to kill. And, he just knows that everyone will understand WHY each victim had to die, once he explains his reasons....
Yes, it’s personal.
BUT what is the connection between the victims?
Tasked with solving this mystery are DS Becca Vincent and Joe Russell, a member of the Super Recognizer task force (yes, I googled it, and there IS such a department! 🤓)
Each of them has lost a sibling, and neither has fully recovered from their loss.
And, each is also battling a “personal demon”, which will affect their judgment at times.
But will these things, become twists in the story?
Are they just “red herrings” the author used to try to throw his readers off track?
Perhaps it’s just his way of developing characters that we can relate to, imperfect people just trying to do their best in an imperfect world??
These are the things that John Marrs excels at doing, and I will never tell! 🤫
Although I did not enjoy this book as much as his previous books, “The One” or “The Good Samaritan”, I would still recommend it for readers who enjoy police procedurals, and I will always eagerly await his next book!
Also of interest are the articles (links provided) about the real life facial recognition experts being used in the field today...
I would like to thank Netgalley, John Marrs, and Amazon Publishing, UK for the ARC provided in exchange for a candid review. This title will be available on Nov 8, 2018 so you don’t have to wait long to receive your copy!!
“HE” has a list of people that he plans to kill. And, he just knows that everyone will understand WHY each victim had to die, once he explains his reasons....
Yes, it’s personal.
BUT what is the connection between the victims?
Tasked with solving this mystery are DS Becca Vincent and Joe Russell, a member of the Super Recognizer task force (yes, I googled it, and there IS such a department! 🤓)
Each of them has lost a sibling, and neither has fully recovered from their loss.
And, each is also battling a “personal demon”, which will affect their judgment at times.
But will these things, become twists in the story?
Are they just “red herrings” the author used to try to throw his readers off track?
Perhaps it’s just his way of developing characters that we can relate to, imperfect people just trying to do their best in an imperfect world??
These are the things that John Marrs excels at doing, and I will never tell! 🤫
Although I did not enjoy this book as much as his previous books, “The One” or “The Good Samaritan”, I would still recommend it for readers who enjoy police procedurals, and I will always eagerly await his next book!
Also of interest are the articles (links provided) about the real life facial recognition experts being used in the field today...
I would like to thank Netgalley, John Marrs, and Amazon Publishing, UK for the ARC provided in exchange for a candid review. This title will be available on Nov 8, 2018 so you don’t have to wait long to receive your copy!!
June 29, 2025
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the buddy read tour hosted by Tandem Collective UK.
*This is the new bonus chapter book I have read and reviewed*
Her Last Move is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that is fast-paced and pulls you in from the first chapter.
When DS Becca Vincent is present at the scene of a suicide on the London underground, then manages to land the case when it is discovered the victim was, in fact, pushed, she can't believe her luck. This case could be the breakthrough she needs to get on in her career. When Becca teams up with Police Super Recogniser Joe Russel, the pair find themselves chasing down a serial killer and try desperately to track him down and stop his final kill. As the cases start to align, and they start to close in on the killer, personal circumstances begin distracting both Becca and Joe from their focus and the killer prowls even closer to home than they could have guessed.
This was honestly such a pulse-pounding read from start to finish with clever twists I never saw coming. John is so clever with his twists and believable characters, and I really enjoyed Becca and Joe's characters and their work as a team. I found myself grasping onto thoughts and theories of the direction this book was going but never guessed the ending and thought the bonus chapter was a great addition to the book.
*This is the new bonus chapter book I have read and reviewed*
Her Last Move is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that is fast-paced and pulls you in from the first chapter.
When DS Becca Vincent is present at the scene of a suicide on the London underground, then manages to land the case when it is discovered the victim was, in fact, pushed, she can't believe her luck. This case could be the breakthrough she needs to get on in her career. When Becca teams up with Police Super Recogniser Joe Russel, the pair find themselves chasing down a serial killer and try desperately to track him down and stop his final kill. As the cases start to align, and they start to close in on the killer, personal circumstances begin distracting both Becca and Joe from their focus and the killer prowls even closer to home than they could have guessed.
This was honestly such a pulse-pounding read from start to finish with clever twists I never saw coming. John is so clever with his twists and believable characters, and I really enjoyed Becca and Joe's characters and their work as a team. I found myself grasping onto thoughts and theories of the direction this book was going but never guessed the ending and thought the bonus chapter was a great addition to the book.
November 29, 2022
A man is murdered by an elusive killer who drugged his victim and then watched as he fell in front of a subway car. Hours later his roommate is murdered via waterboarding with alcohol. As more people die in unusual and brutal ways, two detectives rush to catch the killer before he reaches the end of his list. How many people will die before the murderer is caught? And will the detectives become victims before that happens?
On Detective Sergeant Becca Vincent’s way home from work she witnesses the tragic death of Stefan Dumitru who falls in front of a subway car. Unbeknownst to her, he was murdered right before her eyes. When she arrives at the Metropolitan Police CID office the next morning she encounters Detective Inspector Nikhat Odedra investigating a waterboarding death that also occurred the night before. Looking at the crime scene pictures, Becca is suddenly aware that the victim from Nikhat’s murder has the exact same tattoo as the man who she saw die in the subway station. Who are these two men? Does this mean the man in the subway was murdered as well? And how are their deaths connected?
Later that day, Nikhat and Becca learn that both men were drugged revealing that they are now faced with two murders. In order to identify both who the victims were and who could have been responsible for the subway murder, Becca is told to work with Detective Sergeant Joe Russell, a facial recognition expert. Together, Becca and Joe begin to hunt down the sadistic murderer. But can they make the connection between the victims before the killer has reached the end of his list? And before either one of them is in jeopardy?
While this may sound like an excellent, fast-paced, twist-filled book, I found it anything but. The gratuitous descriptions of violence were more than what I felt was necessary to get the point across that the killer had experienced horrible things in his past (and did dreadful things even before murdering anyone). To be frank, I didn’t really find any of the characters extremely likable (I just barely rooted for Becca and Joe). I do have to say that the first major twist was brilliant (which went a long way towards me giving this book 3 stars).
This book, however, left me rather depressed by the end. Was the killer stopped and everything nicely wrapped up? Sure, but it hardly left me satisfied. And it came with too much of “the bad guy always wins” feeling. While I know that the plot contained a very realistic scenario, it wasn’t a good ending for me.
After all of the rave reviews about this author, I’m thoroughly disappointed. This was the first John Marrs book that I’ve read, so I will give another book by him a shot before deciding whether it is simply this author’s writing style I don’t enjoy. I certainly didn’t have a taste for the subject matter or the level of violence that runs through this one (maybe I’m just a wimp). Rating of 3 stars (barely).
Trigger warning: spousal abuse, gratuitous violence, cocaine use
On Detective Sergeant Becca Vincent’s way home from work she witnesses the tragic death of Stefan Dumitru who falls in front of a subway car. Unbeknownst to her, he was murdered right before her eyes. When she arrives at the Metropolitan Police CID office the next morning she encounters Detective Inspector Nikhat Odedra investigating a waterboarding death that also occurred the night before. Looking at the crime scene pictures, Becca is suddenly aware that the victim from Nikhat’s murder has the exact same tattoo as the man who she saw die in the subway station. Who are these two men? Does this mean the man in the subway was murdered as well? And how are their deaths connected?
Later that day, Nikhat and Becca learn that both men were drugged revealing that they are now faced with two murders. In order to identify both who the victims were and who could have been responsible for the subway murder, Becca is told to work with Detective Sergeant Joe Russell, a facial recognition expert. Together, Becca and Joe begin to hunt down the sadistic murderer. But can they make the connection between the victims before the killer has reached the end of his list? And before either one of them is in jeopardy?
While this may sound like an excellent, fast-paced, twist-filled book, I found it anything but. The gratuitous descriptions of violence were more than what I felt was necessary to get the point across that the killer had experienced horrible things in his past (and did dreadful things even before murdering anyone). To be frank, I didn’t really find any of the characters extremely likable (I just barely rooted for Becca and Joe). I do have to say that the first major twist was brilliant (which went a long way towards me giving this book 3 stars).
This book, however, left me rather depressed by the end. Was the killer stopped and everything nicely wrapped up? Sure, but it hardly left me satisfied. And it came with too much of “the bad guy always wins” feeling. While I know that the plot contained a very realistic scenario, it wasn’t a good ending for me.
After all of the rave reviews about this author, I’m thoroughly disappointed. This was the first John Marrs book that I’ve read, so I will give another book by him a shot before deciding whether it is simply this author’s writing style I don’t enjoy. I certainly didn’t have a taste for the subject matter or the level of violence that runs through this one (maybe I’m just a wimp). Rating of 3 stars (barely).
Trigger warning: spousal abuse, gratuitous violence, cocaine use
February 19, 2020
This book packs a punch, a vindictive, vengeful serial killer is on the loose in London.
The bodies are piling up, the murders are brutal, evil and calculated. DS Becca Vincent and DS Joe Russell are tasked to examine the evidence and find the links to why these victims. The character development of Becca and Joe are what makes this book. Becca is a young detective keen to make a name for herself whilst trying to balance time at home with her 6-year-old daughter. Joe is assigned to the taskforce with his niche set of skills, he is a facial recognition expert.
We follow along with Becca and Joe as they connect the dots, this book had me flipping the pages so quickly. The serial killer is cunning and is always several steps ahead, this book it a bit of a slow burn as there is a lot of character development which I really enjoyed. The reveal is so good, right down to the last sentence it did not disappoint.
This is the second book I have read from John Marrs (The Passengers I read first)
I’m keen to read more. This one is a solid 4 stars
The bodies are piling up, the murders are brutal, evil and calculated. DS Becca Vincent and DS Joe Russell are tasked to examine the evidence and find the links to why these victims. The character development of Becca and Joe are what makes this book. Becca is a young detective keen to make a name for herself whilst trying to balance time at home with her 6-year-old daughter. Joe is assigned to the taskforce with his niche set of skills, he is a facial recognition expert.
We follow along with Becca and Joe as they connect the dots, this book had me flipping the pages so quickly. The serial killer is cunning and is always several steps ahead, this book it a bit of a slow burn as there is a lot of character development which I really enjoyed. The reveal is so good, right down to the last sentence it did not disappoint.
This is the second book I have read from John Marrs (The Passengers I read first)
I’m keen to read more. This one is a solid 4 stars
July 25, 2018
So, with much excitement I started John Marrs 5th book having loved the previous 4 and ‘The One’ being one of my favourite books EVER!....one of the things I love about this author is his ability to surprise and the different writing styles he adopts and with that the range of stories he tells, never predictable and this book is completely different to any of his others...
The story is set around ( and I don’t want to give too much away) a man on a killing spree to ‘right a set of perceived wrongs’ and the characters who are tasked to find him....the killer is no ordinary killer ( if there is such a thing!!! ) but has gone to great lengths to make ‘the punishment fit the crime’ and what a set of punishments he has decided on!!!! The killer has zero remorse and his only focus is the job in hand, he is chilling, ruthless, scary and fascinating!
The Police who have the unenviable task to catch him include Joe a ‘super recogniser’, a little known dept of the Met who work with facial recognition and Becca a young DS trying to make her mark in the Met, both come with their problems and ‘pasts’ and both back stories are well integrated into the main story, I loved them both and their quirkiness and zeal! ( great word )
I enjoyed the London setting and especially the fact London was going through a heatwave in the book!!!
As with all John Marrs’ books their is a wide range of people woven into the story, and they all have revelations to make about their lives, no one is quite as they seem!!!
The story is fast paced and generous in its twists, turns and OOOOOOO moments and the ending, well in this books case, various endings were tense, sad and touching
So I guess you can tell although this was a very different read as I started by saying its a great read and is hard to define as it could come under thriller, mystery, psychological, suspense, action, drama and police procedural but take all that, shake it up and start to read and it all comes out as one fantastic read that had me from page one
Lovers of John’s previous books will again love this and I think a whole new set of readers will come to appreciate one of our finest story tellers
10/10 5 Stars
March 5, 2022
Geschafft - Alle John Marrs Thriller habe ich nun gelesen und dieser hat mich wieder begeistert. Spannend, temporeich und fesselnd geht es um einen Serienmörder, welcher mit seiner „kranken“ Denkweise ein faszinierendes Motiv hat. Dies baut sich nach und nach auf und John Marrs schafft es wieder einzelne Puzzleteile aufzulösen, um neue hinzuzufügen und am Ende doch alles zusammenzuführen. Für mich auch zufriedenstellend. Tatsächlich mal ein John Marrs Ende, welches für mich nicht „Over the Top“ wirkte.
Trotz Erzählerstimme kommt man den Charakteren sehr nahe, da die Sichtweisen zwischen zwei Ermittelnden und dem Täter hin- und herspringen. Wir erfahren viel Persönliches: Becca als Mutter, Joe als Bruder und der Täter als Psychopath :)
Becca war mir nicht immer sympathisch und nicht alle Handlungen nachvollziehbar. Für 5* fehlte das „Lebenshighlight-„Gefühl, aber es war ein sehr solider und guter Thriller, den ich bedenkenlos empfehlen kann. Wer Probleme mit etwas zu „fitzekartigem Draufhalten“ bei brutalen Szenen hat, der könnte hier Abstriche machen. Aber die ziehen sich nicht auf jeder Seite durch das Buch und mich störten sie zum Beispiel nicht.
„Ich vergesse nie“ ist auch super für Leserunden und zum Mitraten geeignet, da John Marrs durchaus Hinweise gibt und man hier und da auf Einzellösungen kommen kann. Trotzdem hat er mich mit diversen Twists immer wieder überrascht beim Lesen. Das macht einfach Spaß!
PS: Durch Joe als „Super Recognizer“ habe ich mal wieder etwas dazugelernt. Diese Spezialeinheit mit Menschen, welche extrem gut Gesichter wieder erkennen gibt es nämlich tatsächlich.
Trotz Erzählerstimme kommt man den Charakteren sehr nahe, da die Sichtweisen zwischen zwei Ermittelnden und dem Täter hin- und herspringen. Wir erfahren viel Persönliches: Becca als Mutter, Joe als Bruder und der Täter als Psychopath :)
Becca war mir nicht immer sympathisch und nicht alle Handlungen nachvollziehbar. Für 5* fehlte das „Lebenshighlight-„Gefühl, aber es war ein sehr solider und guter Thriller, den ich bedenkenlos empfehlen kann. Wer Probleme mit etwas zu „fitzekartigem Draufhalten“ bei brutalen Szenen hat, der könnte hier Abstriche machen. Aber die ziehen sich nicht auf jeder Seite durch das Buch und mich störten sie zum Beispiel nicht.
„Ich vergesse nie“ ist auch super für Leserunden und zum Mitraten geeignet, da John Marrs durchaus Hinweise gibt und man hier und da auf Einzellösungen kommen kann. Trotzdem hat er mich mit diversen Twists immer wieder überrascht beim Lesen. Das macht einfach Spaß!
PS: Durch Joe als „Super Recognizer“ habe ich mal wieder etwas dazugelernt. Diese Spezialeinheit mit Menschen, welche extrem gut Gesichter wieder erkennen gibt es nämlich tatsächlich.
October 14, 2024
This is my sixth John Marrs book, so it goes without saying that I'm quite the fan, and once again, he has produced another solid pager turner.
When a man falls under a London Underground train and within hours his flat mate is water boarded with vodka, the local police CID are suspicious.
From there, we follow a dark path to a man on a mission. It's a very dark mission.
As with most thrillers, there are some plot holes on reflection, but nothing too glaring to ruin the overall plot. On the whole, this was gripping, and I enjoyed the twists and turns.
Four stars.
When a man falls under a London Underground train and within hours his flat mate is water boarded with vodka, the local police CID are suspicious.
From there, we follow a dark path to a man on a mission. It's a very dark mission.
As with most thrillers, there are some plot holes on reflection, but nothing too glaring to ruin the overall plot. On the whole, this was gripping, and I enjoyed the twists and turns.
Four stars.
November 8, 2024
“Her Last Move”, by John Marrs (his 5th book, released in 2018).
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
TW: violence, gory, animal cruelty, alcohol and drugs abuse, spousal abuse… There was no mercy.
Yes, this one was brutal and I do have mixed feelings about this work.
It took me longer than the usual to finish reading.
It is quite different from the other 9 books that I have read by this author.
I didn’t think he could be so evil.
It’s quite violent and there are some gory details. There is also a single act of animal cruelty.
The writing is good and the dialogues and interactions between the characters are well executed.
Just the storytelling was not that gripping for the first 70% of the book.
There was a section that the killer went religious and completely out of character, such as that I thought I had picked up the wrong book. It was later explained, so I accepted.
There are lots of personal drama within the characters.
The explanation for the killings comes very late. We know that the killings are a kind of o revenge but there are no clues. We are only told over and over that “they will suffer as I did” (something like that).
And the author gives us plenty of red herrings.
Between 70% and 82% the action picked up and it was quite riveting, but it was also brutal.
The conclusion was what I expected, so no disappointment here.
But I wasn’t totally taken by the development of the story. It wasn’t fascinating and thought provoking like his other books.
And I didn’t care for the characters, except for one, Joe, a policeman with super recogniser abilities (yes, they do exist).
The serial killer was over the top delusional.
Anyways… I did think that the author tried too hard with this one.
Sometimes less is better.
But there are plenty of 5 stars, so don’t mind me.
Paperback: 351 pages (65 chapters, including epilogue)
Kindle: 386 pages
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
TW: violence, gory, animal cruelty, alcohol and drugs abuse, spousal abuse… There was no mercy.
Yes, this one was brutal and I do have mixed feelings about this work.
It took me longer than the usual to finish reading.
It is quite different from the other 9 books that I have read by this author.
I didn’t think he could be so evil.
It’s quite violent and there are some gory details. There is also a single act of animal cruelty.
The writing is good and the dialogues and interactions between the characters are well executed.
Just the storytelling was not that gripping for the first 70% of the book.
There was a section that the killer went religious and completely out of character, such as that I thought I had picked up the wrong book. It was later explained, so I accepted.
There are lots of personal drama within the characters.
The explanation for the killings comes very late. We know that the killings are a kind of o revenge but there are no clues. We are only told over and over that “they will suffer as I did” (something like that).
And the author gives us plenty of red herrings.
Between 70% and 82% the action picked up and it was quite riveting, but it was also brutal.
The conclusion was what I expected, so no disappointment here.
But I wasn’t totally taken by the development of the story. It wasn’t fascinating and thought provoking like his other books.
And I didn’t care for the characters, except for one, Joe, a policeman with super recogniser abilities (yes, they do exist).
The serial killer was over the top delusional.
Anyways… I did think that the author tried too hard with this one.
Sometimes less is better.
But there are plenty of 5 stars, so don’t mind me.
Paperback: 351 pages (65 chapters, including epilogue)
Kindle: 386 pages
July 14, 2025
Another amazing book by the author!
This thriller is a little different than the other Marrs’ books I’ve read but amazing!
The story centers around Becca, Joe, and the killer. All three are dealing with issues impacting their lives. Becca is trying to balance her home and work life and feels like she’s failing her daughter. Joe has been searching for his missing sister his entire life. He’s the only person that won’t accept the fact that she’s likely dead. And the killer is seeking revenge.
A common plot that is filled with stunning twists and complex characters created with the author’s expertise! The narration of the audiobook was fantastic and raised the tension. A Kindle Unlimited that I highly recommend!
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
🎧👀AudioBook Review👀🎧
Her Last Move by John Marrs
A killer’s got a to-do list and murder’s at the top!
The first time I read "Her Last Move," it was via Kindle Unlimited. Flash forward a few years (and a few hundred thrillers later), I hit play on the audiobook, courtesy of Brilliance Audio and NetGalley. I didn’t realize I was revisiting familiar ground until several chapters in. Bookworm problems!
This crime thriller is classic Marrs, with its concoction of morally complex characters, lightning-fast pacing, and a plot that twists and turns like it’s in a high-speed chase. We’re following the lives of three individuals whose stories are as tangled as those old phone cords we used to wrestle with in the kitchen while chatting away! DS Becca Vincent is a detective balancing ambition and motherhood. Joe Russell, a Super Recogniser, has unique abilities that both empower and burden him, and the killer who’s hell-bent on settling a vendetta. The concept of a Super Recogniser adds an intriguing twist to the narrative—it's a fascinating element that kept me on the edge of my seat!
Listening to the audiobook brought a fresh edge to the story. As the characters grapple with their struggles, the tension intensifies. Joe’s search for his long-lost sister hits hard in audio, and Becca’s inner turmoil feels more emotional.
This story is tense, twisty, and emotionally layered. Beware, the killings are pretty graphic, so brace yourself!
📚 Already read it? Still worth revisiting in audio.
🎧 First time diving in? Buckle up.
This thriller is a little different than the other Marrs’ books I’ve read but amazing!
The story centers around Becca, Joe, and the killer. All three are dealing with issues impacting their lives. Becca is trying to balance her home and work life and feels like she’s failing her daughter. Joe has been searching for his missing sister his entire life. He’s the only person that won’t accept the fact that she’s likely dead. And the killer is seeking revenge.
A common plot that is filled with stunning twists and complex characters created with the author’s expertise! The narration of the audiobook was fantastic and raised the tension. A Kindle Unlimited that I highly recommend!
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
🎧👀AudioBook Review👀🎧
Her Last Move by John Marrs
A killer’s got a to-do list and murder’s at the top!
The first time I read "Her Last Move," it was via Kindle Unlimited. Flash forward a few years (and a few hundred thrillers later), I hit play on the audiobook, courtesy of Brilliance Audio and NetGalley. I didn’t realize I was revisiting familiar ground until several chapters in. Bookworm problems!
This crime thriller is classic Marrs, with its concoction of morally complex characters, lightning-fast pacing, and a plot that twists and turns like it’s in a high-speed chase. We’re following the lives of three individuals whose stories are as tangled as those old phone cords we used to wrestle with in the kitchen while chatting away! DS Becca Vincent is a detective balancing ambition and motherhood. Joe Russell, a Super Recogniser, has unique abilities that both empower and burden him, and the killer who’s hell-bent on settling a vendetta. The concept of a Super Recogniser adds an intriguing twist to the narrative—it's a fascinating element that kept me on the edge of my seat!
Listening to the audiobook brought a fresh edge to the story. As the characters grapple with their struggles, the tension intensifies. Joe’s search for his long-lost sister hits hard in audio, and Becca’s inner turmoil feels more emotional.
This story is tense, twisty, and emotionally layered. Beware, the killings are pretty graphic, so brace yourself!
📚 Already read it? Still worth revisiting in audio.
🎧 First time diving in? Buckle up.
November 15, 2018
Holy cannoli this was one hell of a read you guys! I was a huge fan of Marrs last book, The Good Samaritan and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. The wait was well worth it and one of the many things that made this a standout for me was that it was SO vastly different from his previous work but still outstanding, it’s so impressive when an author pushes the boundaries and shakes things up with each new book release.
This follows Becca, a police officer working on the case, Joe, another cop, but in a different department and then you hear from the elusive killer as well. All three were fascinating in their own way, Becca is trying to balance her work and home life, but her issues aren’t typical and were a new set of circumstances from the norm in a police procedural. Joe is what’s called a super recognizer, something I didn’t even realized I existed but I read several articles and was blown away. (Look it up, so cool!) The chapters from the killer were chilling, insight into a murderers motivations and thought processes always interests me and his were at once original and scary. All three were so very well developed, they were complex, deep and had interesting secrets.
While the tension throughout was great, a steady buildup for the most part, by the end my heart was in my throat and then something HUGE happened and let’s just say I was stunned. Not the direction I expected at all, but I respect the author so much for so many ballsy moves, I love nothing more than a bold story with risks and Marrs proves with this book that he is a force to be reckoned with. Highly recommended for thriller lovers but especially those who like a good police procedural as well.
Her Last Move in three words: Shocking, Intricate and Intense.
This follows Becca, a police officer working on the case, Joe, another cop, but in a different department and then you hear from the elusive killer as well. All three were fascinating in their own way, Becca is trying to balance her work and home life, but her issues aren’t typical and were a new set of circumstances from the norm in a police procedural. Joe is what’s called a super recognizer, something I didn’t even realized I existed but I read several articles and was blown away. (Look it up, so cool!) The chapters from the killer were chilling, insight into a murderers motivations and thought processes always interests me and his were at once original and scary. All three were so very well developed, they were complex, deep and had interesting secrets.
While the tension throughout was great, a steady buildup for the most part, by the end my heart was in my throat and then something HUGE happened and let’s just say I was stunned. Not the direction I expected at all, but I respect the author so much for so many ballsy moves, I love nothing more than a bold story with risks and Marrs proves with this book that he is a force to be reckoned with. Highly recommended for thriller lovers but especially those who like a good police procedural as well.
Her Last Move in three words: Shocking, Intricate and Intense.
July 1, 2023
3,5 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
September 8, 2024
أول قراءة لكتابات جون مارس
اسلوبه خفيف ويشد بشكل كبير جدا وحبيت الرواية دي اوي
تركيبة الحبكة والشخصيات ما نسيش تفاصيل كتير وكانت الاحداث واضحة حقيقي
جريمة وعقد كتير رغم اننا عارفين المجرم من بدري بس الطريقة اللي بتمشي بيها الاحداث وطريقة اختفاء القاتل نفسه وتخفيه كانت كويسة جدا
هي نقطة واحدة اللي قفلتني من الرواية الحقيقة وهي وضع الشذوذ في شكل منمق وعائلي وجميل وحب وزواج بين اتنين من الرجال
لولا كدا مش بعيد كانت الرواية تاخد الخمس نجوم كاملين .. مش قادرة اقول يمكن حد غيري يتقبلها ويقيمها اكتر من كدا لان دا مش المفروض نتقبله حتى لو التقييم عالي بس دي اساسيات بديهية دينية ما قدرتش اتغاضى عنها ابدا الحقيقة
والنقطة دي لوحدها كفيلة تخليني انزل نجمتين من التقييم لأفكار الكاتب في النقطة دي وميولة والاجندة التقليدية المفروضة علينا من العالم الغربي في الوقت الحالي
شكرا صديقة القراءة بسمة عمر على القراءة البوليسية المميزة جدا جدا رغم النقطة اللي ضايقتني لكن حقيقي كانت ممتعة ويارب تعجبك للآخر 🩷🥰
اسلوبه خفيف ويشد بشكل كبير جدا وحبيت الرواية دي اوي
تركيبة الحبكة والشخصيات ما نسيش تفاصيل كتير وكانت الاحداث واضحة حقيقي
جريمة وعقد كتير رغم اننا عارفين المجرم من بدري بس الطريقة اللي بتمشي بيها الاحداث وطريقة اختفاء القاتل نفسه وتخفيه كانت كويسة جدا
هي نقطة واحدة اللي قفلتني من الرواية الحقيقة وهي وضع الشذوذ في شكل منمق وعائلي وجميل وحب وزواج بين اتنين من الرجال
لولا كدا مش بعيد كانت الرواية تاخد الخمس نجوم كاملين .. مش قادرة اقول يمكن حد غيري يتقبلها ويقيمها اكتر من كدا لان دا مش المفروض نتقبله حتى لو التقييم عالي بس دي اساسيات بديهية دينية ما قدرتش اتغاضى عنها ابدا الحقيقة
والنقطة دي لوحدها كفيلة تخليني انزل نجمتين من التقييم لأفكار الكاتب في النقطة دي وميولة والاجندة التقليدية المفروضة علينا من العالم الغربي في الوقت الحالي
شكرا صديقة القراءة بسمة عمر على القراءة البوليسية المميزة جدا جدا رغم النقطة اللي ضايقتني لكن حقيقي كانت ممتعة ويارب تعجبك للآخر 🩷🥰
dnf
November 11, 2018I managed to reach 35% and after the author unexpectedly cut off every possible romantic involvement between MCs, I paused and went to read the epilogue.
Sorry, but not sorry - when they kill a main character, in this case the heroine, who raised her niece with down syndrome, it's not a story I would enjoy. Reality is cruel, no doubt, but there is still a bit of hope in books...
And who kills the main character, especially with such life situation as a sick child???!!!!
Sorry, but not sorry - when they kill a main character, in this case the heroine, who raised her niece with down syndrome, it's not a story I would enjoy. Reality is cruel, no doubt, but there is still a bit of hope in books...
And who kills the main character, especially with such life situation as a sick child???!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
Marrs never disappoint, not even when he tries something new. I held my breath while reading it, and felt so emotionally connected to the characters.
November 8, 2018
This is my third Marrs book and ding ding ding, it's another winner!! I love how intricately different each book was - The Good Samaritan, The One and now Her Last Move. I will say that this one took me a little longer to connect with but when it did... BAM - I was hooked and that was IT - goodbye productivity!
Told in three different POVs, we get the views of Joe, Becca and Dominic. Becca and Joe are working together to catch the serial killer that is Dominic who has been methodical and elusive. Not only do we get to go on this journey with them but we also get a glimpse into their lives. Each one having their own personal problems and demons to fight. Now... there was one part that surprised me. John, you WENT THERE... and I loved it! I don't want to delve into it as to not spoil anything for anyone but I do love it when a book surprises me...
I did feel for each of these characters. I can't imagine how hard being in their line of work is and how it can deeply affect their personal lives. Balance is hard when you're basically married to your job. Add a side of even more background and uff.. these poor guys. I even felt for Dominic and his psychotic ways - there's always a reason.
Fun fact - Oscar made a cameo - that's the name of the author's dog!
Marrs has become an autobuy author for me and I look forward to everything he has coming our way. I highly recommend any of the three books I've read of his so far and one day I'll get to the others that have already published.
Thanks so much to the author for this copy <3
Told in three different POVs, we get the views of Joe, Becca and Dominic. Becca and Joe are working together to catch the serial killer that is Dominic who has been methodical and elusive. Not only do we get to go on this journey with them but we also get a glimpse into their lives. Each one having their own personal problems and demons to fight. Now... there was one part that surprised me. John, you WENT THERE... and I loved it! I don't want to delve into it as to not spoil anything for anyone but I do love it when a book surprises me...
I did feel for each of these characters. I can't imagine how hard being in their line of work is and how it can deeply affect their personal lives. Balance is hard when you're basically married to your job. Add a side of even more background and uff.. these poor guys. I even felt for Dominic and his psychotic ways - there's always a reason.
Fun fact - Oscar made a cameo - that's the name of the author's dog!
Marrs has become an autobuy author for me and I look forward to everything he has coming our way. I highly recommend any of the three books I've read of his so far and one day I'll get to the others that have already published.
Thanks so much to the author for this copy <3
January 12, 2020
This is a tough 1 to review. I do love this author but while I can totally appreciate the skill it takes for him to weave together a story like this, it wasn’t my personal favorite. First off let me say that I was just as completely engrossed in this as I was in his previous books (that I adored start to finish.) I love how complicated his characters are, although this 1 comes heavy with seriously depressing back stories. Still I loved some, despised others & sympathized with most.. The warning I want to give is for people who enjoy happy endings. I mean, who doesn’t right? But I’m talking to you if you’ll walk away from an excellent movie thoroughly dissatisfied because Harry & Sally missed each other again.😂 Now have no fear, there are multiple storylines going on- so there is no spoiler in me warning you that although there is indeed a satisfactory ending with several bows tied, there are certain aspects that do not end the way we would have wanted. So you decide.. It’s a great book, but be honest with yourself about whether you can enjoy it even if that cute kid falls off a cliff & no trick, he’s really dead! (Not at all what happens, but you get the drift.) All in all though, I’m still glad I read it.. He’s got balls, I’ll give him that. Can’t wait to see where he goes next..
August 27, 2024
3.75 rounded up
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNvnAR7h/
John Marrs book ranking video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNwAnH5n/
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNvnAR7h/
John Marrs book ranking video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNwAnH5n/
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