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Detective Katie Scott #4
Last Girls Alive
Half-buried in the muddy earth and surrounded by puddles of water lies the naked body of a beautiful young girl. Her pale skin looks like porcelain in the early morning light. Her fragile arms bent and crooked like a broken doll.
When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace.
The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back – a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.
Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them – but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.
The next day, as second girl’s body is found down by the creek at high water, the same words etched into her skin. Katie’s worst fear is confirmed: someone is picking off the last of the Elm Hill girls one by one. But what does the tattoo mean? And what monster would target these innocent girls who have already been through so much?
Katie must dig deep to confront her own fears and protect the vulnerable – but as the body count rises further, will there be anyone left to save?
When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace.
The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back – a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.
Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them – but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.
The next day, as second girl’s body is found down by the creek at high water, the same words etched into her skin. Katie’s worst fear is confirmed: someone is picking off the last of the Elm Hill girls one by one. But what does the tattoo mean? And what monster would target these innocent girls who have already been through so much?
Katie must dig deep to confront her own fears and protect the vulnerable – but as the body count rises further, will there be anyone left to save?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2020
3023 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Chase
33 books588 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. She has written the popular Detective Katie Scott Series and the Emily Stone Thriller Series.
Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.
She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers. www.authorjenniferchase.com
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. She has written the popular Detective Katie Scott Series and the Emily Stone Thriller Series.
Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.
She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers. www.authorjenniferchase.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
September 10, 2020
This was a decent police procedural. The body of a young woman is unearthed at the demolition of Elm Hill Manor, the site of a former foster home for teenaged girls. She has Italian words carved into her back - translated these words mean ‘hunter gatherer’. What does it all mean? The case is given to Detective Katie Scott of the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department cold case unit because it is thought the body is that of Candace Harlan who was reported missing from the home five years ago.
Another death follows. Again the victim is a former resident of the home and has the same message carved into her back. Katie and her partner, Deputy McGaven, believe that the ill fated home is central to this case and they set about trying to locate the last six girls of the home, well, those that are still alive as well as trying to tie the killer to the home. Somehow! We also learn a lot more about Katie, her two military tours of Afghanistan, her PTSD and panic attacks which all helps to humanise the character. And Cisco, her former IED sniffing dog partner, was a delight as usual.
Look, it was a good story, no doubt, but I didn’t find it as gripping or thrilling as it could have been. Maybe I read too many thrillers. I also thought the reveal of the killer was a bit out of left field rather than a twist in my opinion. It was all a bit convenient and seemed to be just kind of thrown in there. It was certainly not down to any detective work. In summary - a good story that could have been better but will appeal to readers who don’t like their books too edgy or dark. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Jennifer Chase for my copy. My opinions are my own.
Another death follows. Again the victim is a former resident of the home and has the same message carved into her back. Katie and her partner, Deputy McGaven, believe that the ill fated home is central to this case and they set about trying to locate the last six girls of the home, well, those that are still alive as well as trying to tie the killer to the home. Somehow! We also learn a lot more about Katie, her two military tours of Afghanistan, her PTSD and panic attacks which all helps to humanise the character. And Cisco, her former IED sniffing dog partner, was a delight as usual.
Look, it was a good story, no doubt, but I didn’t find it as gripping or thrilling as it could have been. Maybe I read too many thrillers. I also thought the reveal of the killer was a bit out of left field rather than a twist in my opinion. It was all a bit convenient and seemed to be just kind of thrown in there. It was certainly not down to any detective work. In summary - a good story that could have been better but will appeal to readers who don’t like their books too edgy or dark. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Jennifer Chase for my copy. My opinions are my own.
October 7, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Cold-Case Detective Katie Scott is back in the fourth instalment of her series. This time a body of a young woman is found at the demolition site of an ex children’s home. The girl looks identical to one of the residents who went missing five years ago. Etched into her skin are the words ‘raccoglitorre di cacciatori’ meaning ‘hunter-gatherer in Italian. However, tests confirm that it isn’t the missing girl but her sister.
Katie is sure that the young woman’s body won’t be the last and sure enough, another body is found with the same words etched into her skin. She is also an ex-resident of the children’s home. Someone is picking off the girls one by one, but who would want to murder these girls who have been through so much in their short lives already?
Having read the first three books in the series and thoroughly enjoying them, I couldn’t wait to start on this book. Detective Katie Scott is ex-army and saw a lot of deaths, including those close to her. As such she has been left suffering from PTSD which seems to have escalated in this story, possibly due to the events in her last book ‘Flowers on Her Grave‘ which included her Aunt being murdered and her Uncle arrest for it.
Katie has some coping techniques as well as a wonderful partners McGaven. She has been warned though by powers higher up that this time she follows the rules and no going off on her own to solve the cases as she has done in the past.
What I love about this series is that you get to read chapters from the killer point of view and get an insight into why they kill. Being able to connect with the killer in my opinion always makes the chase and the case that bit more exciting.
The plot was well researched and executed. The pace felt fast throughout and I was left intrigued at the end of each chapter enough to want to continue onto the next. It was hard to put it down at times. Plus I’m a believer that short chapters heighten the atmosphere of thrillers.
Last Girls Alive was enjoyable, though I would have liked to have seen more Cisco (Katie’s dog) and her Uncle. It is a fascinating police procedural novel that had me second-guessing every clue. It is suspenseful and exhilarating and I now can’t wait for book five.
Cold-Case Detective Katie Scott is back in the fourth instalment of her series. This time a body of a young woman is found at the demolition site of an ex children’s home. The girl looks identical to one of the residents who went missing five years ago. Etched into her skin are the words ‘raccoglitorre di cacciatori’ meaning ‘hunter-gatherer in Italian. However, tests confirm that it isn’t the missing girl but her sister.
Katie is sure that the young woman’s body won’t be the last and sure enough, another body is found with the same words etched into her skin. She is also an ex-resident of the children’s home. Someone is picking off the girls one by one, but who would want to murder these girls who have been through so much in their short lives already?
Having read the first three books in the series and thoroughly enjoying them, I couldn’t wait to start on this book. Detective Katie Scott is ex-army and saw a lot of deaths, including those close to her. As such she has been left suffering from PTSD which seems to have escalated in this story, possibly due to the events in her last book ‘Flowers on Her Grave‘ which included her Aunt being murdered and her Uncle arrest for it.
Katie has some coping techniques as well as a wonderful partners McGaven. She has been warned though by powers higher up that this time she follows the rules and no going off on her own to solve the cases as she has done in the past.
What I love about this series is that you get to read chapters from the killer point of view and get an insight into why they kill. Being able to connect with the killer in my opinion always makes the chase and the case that bit more exciting.
The plot was well researched and executed. The pace felt fast throughout and I was left intrigued at the end of each chapter enough to want to continue onto the next. It was hard to put it down at times. Plus I’m a believer that short chapters heighten the atmosphere of thrillers.
Last Girls Alive was enjoyable, though I would have liked to have seen more Cisco (Katie’s dog) and her Uncle. It is a fascinating police procedural novel that had me second-guessing every clue. It is suspenseful and exhilarating and I now can’t wait for book five.
September 26, 2020
A new Luxury housing development starts by excavating the site of a former girl’s home and when a body is found, they assume at first that it is the body of runaway teenager Candace Harlan. On her back are carved the words ‘raccoglitorre di cacciatori’, Italian for ‘hunter-gatherer’. But the body is just a few months old. Why would she return to a place that she ran away from? Because this is clearly a cold case, detective Katie Scott and deputy Sean Mc Gaven get to investigate this strange discovery, even when it turns out that the victim is not Candace but her sister. Detective Hamilton who was the lead detective in the murder of her aunt makes up with her and they have to work together when another girl that lived in the home is found murdered with the same markings. There are several leads and just as many red herrings that complicate the investigation. On top of all this, there’s a new undersheriff who has her eye firmly on Katie.
Katie still struggles with her anxiety and PTSD but sees a psychologist who helps her cope with this. The problem has the unpleasant habit to pop up at the worst possible times. She’s also in trouble for her lack of procedure and endangerment during the previous case. If you haven’t read the previous book, it may be a little difficult to place those events but for the rest, you can read this as a standalone. What’s nice is to see how Katie and Mc Gaven bond and have each other’s back when sometimes they have to rely heavily on the other.
Something I think strange is how Katie is always referred to by her first name, but Sean and the other male persons are called by their surname. I don’t know why this is done, is that a language rule or a social concept? Enlighten me please, if you can.
The story is filled with suspense and repeated danger and I thought it better than the last previous book. It’s an excellent police procedural and whodunit. The story is entertaining and engaging. I couldn’t guess the perpetrator this time. Most characters are easy to like and Cisco plays a major role in this volume. That’s something I like. The author has clearly thought about issues as the mental condition of working dogs that are retired. In my own experience, dogs do enjoy to work, regardless if they’re sniffer-, guard-, busking, or sheepdogs. I can imagine very easily that they miss their job when they’re pensioned off.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the free ARC they provided me with and this is my unbiased, honest review of it.
Katie still struggles with her anxiety and PTSD but sees a psychologist who helps her cope with this. The problem has the unpleasant habit to pop up at the worst possible times. She’s also in trouble for her lack of procedure and endangerment during the previous case. If you haven’t read the previous book, it may be a little difficult to place those events but for the rest, you can read this as a standalone. What’s nice is to see how Katie and Mc Gaven bond and have each other’s back when sometimes they have to rely heavily on the other.
Something I think strange is how Katie is always referred to by her first name, but Sean and the other male persons are called by their surname. I don’t know why this is done, is that a language rule or a social concept? Enlighten me please, if you can.
The story is filled with suspense and repeated danger and I thought it better than the last previous book. It’s an excellent police procedural and whodunit. The story is entertaining and engaging. I couldn’t guess the perpetrator this time. Most characters are easy to like and Cisco plays a major role in this volume. That’s something I like. The author has clearly thought about issues as the mental condition of working dogs that are retired. In my own experience, dogs do enjoy to work, regardless if they’re sniffer-, guard-, busking, or sheepdogs. I can imagine very easily that they miss their job when they’re pensioned off.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the free ARC they provided me with and this is my unbiased, honest review of it.
February 2, 2021
Detective Katie Scott and Deputy Sean McGaven are working a case of a missing girl, case gone cold, when they get a call saying a body has been found buried on the grounds of a former home for children. Katie assumes they have found the body of missing teen, Candace Harlan who's been gone for 5 years.
Surprisingly, the body is not that of Candace. When the medical examiner finds a tattoo across the victim's back, the message seems to be that of a hunter stalking his prey.
The next day, another girl's body is found, with the same message across her back. Both girls had been residents of the children's home.
What did they know .. or see ... that would have someone hunting them down one by one? These two girls will not be the only victims ... more bodies will fall.
The twists and turns encountered resemble a roller coaster ride, going first one way and then the other. Characters are soldily defined and there are multiple suspects to watch. Who has a secret big enough to kill to keep it secret?
Katie is a wonderful character. She did two tours in Afghanistan and now suffers from PTSD when stressed .. and these days she's stressed to the max. Add to that stress, a new undersheriff watching her every move in the hopes that Katie messes up to justify closing down the cold case unit.
It's full of action, especially when both Katie and Sean are targeted by the killer. All roads lead to an explosive conclusion. Although 4th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Surprisingly, the body is not that of Candace. When the medical examiner finds a tattoo across the victim's back, the message seems to be that of a hunter stalking his prey.
The next day, another girl's body is found, with the same message across her back. Both girls had been residents of the children's home.
What did they know .. or see ... that would have someone hunting them down one by one? These two girls will not be the only victims ... more bodies will fall.
The twists and turns encountered resemble a roller coaster ride, going first one way and then the other. Characters are soldily defined and there are multiple suspects to watch. Who has a secret big enough to kill to keep it secret?
Katie is a wonderful character. She did two tours in Afghanistan and now suffers from PTSD when stressed .. and these days she's stressed to the max. Add to that stress, a new undersheriff watching her every move in the hopes that Katie messes up to justify closing down the cold case unit.
It's full of action, especially when both Katie and Sean are targeted by the killer. All roads lead to an explosive conclusion. Although 4th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 4, 2021
Last Girls Alive by Jennifer Chase is the 4th book in the Det. Katie Scott series. Its a series that has grown on me & this book too like the previous three was as amazing it gets! I like that these books explore cold cases although the timeline in this was a bit confusing to me at times. Its always interesting to see cases solved that would otherwise have gone unsolved. However in most cases she encounters Katie almost always has had a connection to a present case or incident. It would be very interesting to see Katie solve a case that has gone truly cold. As for characters Katie has always had the most interesting background of being in the military & this has held a fascination for me right from the start. Her battles with PTSD & her journey to calming those battlefield demons is what makes her character so believable & strong. It will be interesting to watch her as the story progresses. I love that there is a sense of mystery when it comes to the love of her life & I'm never quite sure if & when there will be a twist in there. But that makes this series all the more interesting!
I look forward to reading the next!
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture & Jennifer Chase for an arc!
I look forward to reading the next!
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture & Jennifer Chase for an arc!
November 23, 2021
My thanks to Bookoutre, Jennifer Chase and Netgalley. I loved this book! Sure, I did have a few quibbles about it. But, nothing I could sink my teeth into. I must confess that I adored Katie. Personally, for someone who gets into a bind as much as she does, I'd keep Cisco "her trained" dog, constantly at my back! Luckily, she's got a fairly awesome partner, who should immediately be given a promotion! Katie and Cisco searched for I.E.D's in Afghanistan. I can't even imagine the stress. Also, dead and blown up bits? No. She's dealing. She's also gung ho. I like that! When I like a story enough to search out others in this series, that means something. I liked and searched! I'll read more of this series!
October 18, 2020
Another police procedural with a raised body count. This brought Katie and her trained dog Cisco to investigate when bodies of girls started turning up.
With a past in Katie’s life about a disappearing friend, she took each case personally and worked hard at it. This too had her determination stamped on every page. With PTSD and other problems, she managed to work hard to get to the killer.
This book had more about her personal life and backstory rather than the investigation which slowed the pace quite a bit. More suspense and twists would have made it thrilling. Nevertheless, with Deputy McGaven by her side, she was soon brought to track, and they raced to get to the killer.
Overall, the story was interesting and quite a quick read. My favorite was Cisco, I loved him. He captured my heart.
With a past in Katie’s life about a disappearing friend, she took each case personally and worked hard at it. This too had her determination stamped on every page. With PTSD and other problems, she managed to work hard to get to the killer.
This book had more about her personal life and backstory rather than the investigation which slowed the pace quite a bit. More suspense and twists would have made it thrilling. Nevertheless, with Deputy McGaven by her side, she was soon brought to track, and they raced to get to the killer.
Overall, the story was interesting and quite a quick read. My favorite was Cisco, I loved him. He captured my heart.
September 16, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Last Girls Alive, the fourth novel to feature Detective Katie Scott of the Pine Valley, California Sheriff’s Office.
Cold case detective Katie Scott is called out to a building site at Elm House where a body has been found, a body that looks like Candace Harlan who disappeared from the same Elm House when it was a foster home five years earlier and is one of Katie’s cold cases. Katie can’t help but think that the location and the message etched on the victim’s back link back to the foster home. A second body found the next day confirms it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Last Girls Alive which is another exciting hunt for a twisted serial killer. The novel is mostly told from Katie’s point of view with the odd chapter from the unnamed killer’s childhood. Nothing new to report there, just the usual psycho mum and suffering child, so I don’t really see the point and I would go as far as to say it’s useless as there is no exploration of the adult killer’s psyche to link it to. Other than that the novel holds the attention with a convoluted plot, plenty of action and a satisfying conclusion. Katie and her partner, Deputy Sean McGaven, spend much of their time fighting off physical attacks, which I enjoyed as imaginative and tense, and trying to identify both the killer and a motive, which involves obscure texts and references. Mmm.
Katie is not doing too well emotionally in this novel with her PTSD threatening to overwhelm her. The good news is that she’s starting to share so hopefully it will recede in future novels.
Last Girls Alive is a good read that I can recommend.
Cold case detective Katie Scott is called out to a building site at Elm House where a body has been found, a body that looks like Candace Harlan who disappeared from the same Elm House when it was a foster home five years earlier and is one of Katie’s cold cases. Katie can’t help but think that the location and the message etched on the victim’s back link back to the foster home. A second body found the next day confirms it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Last Girls Alive which is another exciting hunt for a twisted serial killer. The novel is mostly told from Katie’s point of view with the odd chapter from the unnamed killer’s childhood. Nothing new to report there, just the usual psycho mum and suffering child, so I don’t really see the point and I would go as far as to say it’s useless as there is no exploration of the adult killer’s psyche to link it to. Other than that the novel holds the attention with a convoluted plot, plenty of action and a satisfying conclusion. Katie and her partner, Deputy Sean McGaven, spend much of their time fighting off physical attacks, which I enjoyed as imaginative and tense, and trying to identify both the killer and a motive, which involves obscure texts and references. Mmm.
Katie is not doing too well emotionally in this novel with her PTSD threatening to overwhelm her. The good news is that she’s starting to share so hopefully it will recede in future novels.
Last Girls Alive is a good read that I can recommend.
September 26, 2020
To be honest, I was a bit conflicted about this book. I have read books 2 and 3 in the series and really enjoyed both. This one, however, came up a bit short somehow and I can't quite put my finger on it.
Katie Scott is a dedicated detective who works with Sean McGaven, an equally dedicated police officer, and together they make a formidable team. They are also good friends, which helps (and also hinders, when they get into trouble) but I really like the dynamic between them. I also loved the relationship Katie has with Cisco, her dog. I found the references to her previous career in the Army and the issues she has with PTSD quite interesting to read about.
The case of the girls from Elm Hill Manor is a concerning one and I found myself wondering how it was all going to go. Most of the storyline concerning this case was good, but the revelation of who the murderer was, felt a bit rushed. A bit of time was spent mentioning what kind of background the killer came from, but probably not quite enough detail. The relationship between Chad and Katie wasn't as deep either as it probably should have been - I felt more emotionally attached to her dog than to the story of their relationship. Katie's uncle was barely mentioned. The Elm Hill girls stories also could have had a bit more depth to them, especially Candace's. That was downright odd, in parts.
All in all, this story just felt a bit rushed/unfinished....not sure what really? I wish I could have liked it a little more, but I need to give it a 3.5, rounded down to 3.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Katie Scott is a dedicated detective who works with Sean McGaven, an equally dedicated police officer, and together they make a formidable team. They are also good friends, which helps (and also hinders, when they get into trouble) but I really like the dynamic between them. I also loved the relationship Katie has with Cisco, her dog. I found the references to her previous career in the Army and the issues she has with PTSD quite interesting to read about.
The case of the girls from Elm Hill Manor is a concerning one and I found myself wondering how it was all going to go. Most of the storyline concerning this case was good, but the revelation of who the murderer was, felt a bit rushed. A bit of time was spent mentioning what kind of background the killer came from, but probably not quite enough detail. The relationship between Chad and Katie wasn't as deep either as it probably should have been - I felt more emotionally attached to her dog than to the story of their relationship. Katie's uncle was barely mentioned. The Elm Hill girls stories also could have had a bit more depth to them, especially Candace's. That was downright odd, in parts.
All in all, this story just felt a bit rushed/unfinished....not sure what really? I wish I could have liked it a little more, but I need to give it a 3.5, rounded down to 3.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
October 16, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the fourth book in the Detective Katie Scott series by Jennifer Chase.
Detective Katie is back! They begin to investigate a dead body on the grounds of a former children’s home. They think that this body is related to a cold case she and her partner are working on.
This case really triggers Katie as she reflects on the death of her parents and how she is still conflicted about committing to a relationship to her fireman beau.
This is definitely a great mystery. It turns you up and down many roads and puts a ton of red herrings into our path. Plus, you learn a lot more about her partner, Sean McGaven and I feel like he is expanded greatly in this book. As always, Cisco the dog is just a wonder to behold. Love all the scenes where he is featured.
This is a story you need to pay attention to. Remain focused and you will love this book too. If you need more of a backstory, go back and read the first three books in this series. That won’t be wasted time since all those books are wonderfully written, especially book three that features Katie’s uncle.
Great series worth digging into!
If you like police procedural/detective fiction, mystery, or thriller, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the fourth book in the Detective Katie Scott series by Jennifer Chase.
Detective Katie is back! They begin to investigate a dead body on the grounds of a former children’s home. They think that this body is related to a cold case she and her partner are working on.
This case really triggers Katie as she reflects on the death of her parents and how she is still conflicted about committing to a relationship to her fireman beau.
This is definitely a great mystery. It turns you up and down many roads and puts a ton of red herrings into our path. Plus, you learn a lot more about her partner, Sean McGaven and I feel like he is expanded greatly in this book. As always, Cisco the dog is just a wonder to behold. Love all the scenes where he is featured.
This is a story you need to pay attention to. Remain focused and you will love this book too. If you need more of a backstory, go back and read the first three books in this series. That won’t be wasted time since all those books are wonderfully written, especially book three that features Katie’s uncle.
Great series worth digging into!
If you like police procedural/detective fiction, mystery, or thriller, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
October 6, 2020
Another great book in the Detective Katie Scott series.
A girls body is found during some building work near a former children’s home.
At first Katie thinks it’s a girl whose case she has been looking into from a few years before but the forensics don’t match.
Another girl is then discovered and it seems they both had links to the children’s home.
Katie is struggling with this case and also her past and it soon all catches up with her. Chad is there for her and tries to get her to take it easy but soon Katie and McGaven are in danger again.
This is an action packed crime thriller with lots of different threads that all come together brilliantly in the end.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
A girls body is found during some building work near a former children’s home.
At first Katie thinks it’s a girl whose case she has been looking into from a few years before but the forensics don’t match.
Another girl is then discovered and it seems they both had links to the children’s home.
Katie is struggling with this case and also her past and it soon all catches up with her. Chad is there for her and tries to get her to take it easy but soon Katie and McGaven are in danger again.
This is an action packed crime thriller with lots of different threads that all come together brilliantly in the end.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 9, 2020
Book Description:
Half-buried in the muddy earth and surrounded by puddles of water lies the naked body of a beautiful young girl. Her pale skin looks like porcelain in the early morning light. Her fragile arms bent and crooked like a broken doll.
When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace.
The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back—a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.
Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them—but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.
The next day, as second girl’s body is found down by the creek at high water, the same words etched into her skin. Katie’s worst fear is confirmed: someone is picking off the last of the Elm Hill girls one by one. But what does the tattoo mean? And what monster would target these innocent girls who have already been through so much?
Katie must dig deep to confront her own fears and protect the vulnerable—but as the body count rises further, will there be anyone left to save?
An absolutely gripping, dark, and totally unputdownable serial killer thriller that will keep you racing through the pages all night long. Fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh will read in one sitting!
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Last Girls Alive ' by Jennifer Chase.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 7th October 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is the fourth book in the 'Detective Katie Scott' series. Although this is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone although I will probably read the previous books to get to know Katie's past more.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing colourful cover and interesting sounding blurb. I was also drawn to the the book as the write up read that fans of Melinda Leigh will read in one sitting. I'm a big fan of Melinda Leigh so wanted to see if it loved up to the promise. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 57 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Katie. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
This book is based in California, US 🇺🇸.
Wow!!! What can I say about this page turning, nail biting crime thriller!! It was absolutely fantastically written and had me completely hooked from the first page until the cliffhanger (of sorts) ending that leaves you wanting more. Fantastic descriptions that really painted the picture throughout and put me in the book.
The storyline itself was unique, fast paced and filled with nail biting suspension. It was packed with action and very importantly the storyline was believable. I loved the twist at about 80% and I would never have guessed the perp so definitely bonus points there, nothing worse than working out the perp and you're not even half way through the book!! It kept me hooked throughout and I cannot wait to read more in this series, not only the ones after but the ones I have yet to read. I have found another top author to follow for sure!!
The characters were well defined and realistic. I loved the fact that there was a strong female role model, being female myself. Katie is definitely a very likeable character who is suffering ptsd and is a force to be reckoned with. I loved her relationship with her partner Gav who is also another great character. I cannot wait to read more about the them all and follow their relationships!!
Overall a nail biting, suspense packed action crammed thriller that keeps you on edge.
Genres covered include Romance novel, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Crime Fiction, Hardboiled, Noir Fiction, Psychological Fiction and Police Procedural.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Melinda Leigh, C. Taylor, Carol Wyer and Angela Marsons.
364 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED IT!!! ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#LastGirlsAlive #JenniferChase #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JenniferChase @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and best-selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells.
In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.
@JChaseNovelist
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/36fgQok
Apple: https://apple.co/2W0Vhly
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3gHgkS1
Google: https://bit.ly/2Ck152u
Half-buried in the muddy earth and surrounded by puddles of water lies the naked body of a beautiful young girl. Her pale skin looks like porcelain in the early morning light. Her fragile arms bent and crooked like a broken doll.
When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace.
The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back—a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.
Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them—but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.
The next day, as second girl’s body is found down by the creek at high water, the same words etched into her skin. Katie’s worst fear is confirmed: someone is picking off the last of the Elm Hill girls one by one. But what does the tattoo mean? And what monster would target these innocent girls who have already been through so much?
Katie must dig deep to confront her own fears and protect the vulnerable—but as the body count rises further, will there be anyone left to save?
An absolutely gripping, dark, and totally unputdownable serial killer thriller that will keep you racing through the pages all night long. Fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh will read in one sitting!
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Last Girls Alive ' by Jennifer Chase.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 7th October 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is the fourth book in the 'Detective Katie Scott' series. Although this is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone although I will probably read the previous books to get to know Katie's past more.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing colourful cover and interesting sounding blurb. I was also drawn to the the book as the write up read that fans of Melinda Leigh will read in one sitting. I'm a big fan of Melinda Leigh so wanted to see if it loved up to the promise. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 57 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Katie. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
This book is based in California, US 🇺🇸.
Wow!!! What can I say about this page turning, nail biting crime thriller!! It was absolutely fantastically written and had me completely hooked from the first page until the cliffhanger (of sorts) ending that leaves you wanting more. Fantastic descriptions that really painted the picture throughout and put me in the book.
The storyline itself was unique, fast paced and filled with nail biting suspension. It was packed with action and very importantly the storyline was believable. I loved the twist at about 80% and I would never have guessed the perp so definitely bonus points there, nothing worse than working out the perp and you're not even half way through the book!! It kept me hooked throughout and I cannot wait to read more in this series, not only the ones after but the ones I have yet to read. I have found another top author to follow for sure!!
The characters were well defined and realistic. I loved the fact that there was a strong female role model, being female myself. Katie is definitely a very likeable character who is suffering ptsd and is a force to be reckoned with. I loved her relationship with her partner Gav who is also another great character. I cannot wait to read more about the them all and follow their relationships!!
Overall a nail biting, suspense packed action crammed thriller that keeps you on edge.
Genres covered include Romance novel, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Crime Fiction, Hardboiled, Noir Fiction, Psychological Fiction and Police Procedural.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Melinda Leigh, C. Taylor, Carol Wyer and Angela Marsons.
364 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED IT!!! ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#LastGirlsAlive #JenniferChase #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JenniferChase @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and best-selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells.
In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.
@JChaseNovelist
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/36fgQok
Apple: https://apple.co/2W0Vhly
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3gHgkS1
Google: https://bit.ly/2Ck152u
September 2, 2020
A fairly good crime novel. Plenty of suspense and twists and turns in the plot. Interesting enough to keep your interest .Written from the viewpoint of Katie, a detective who previously served in Afghanistan and who has PTSS because of that. 4 stars instead of 5 because parts of the story could have been better , there were moments that I could see problems arising from the actions of the detectives which were elementary mistakes.... No matter, it did not really spoil my reading enjoyment. I will definitely look out for more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 29, 2020
Detective Katie Scott has her hands full when she begins an investigation after the body of a young girl is found. Along with being the niece of the sheriff and involved in a relationship, as well as dealing with the effects of serving tours in Afghanistan, Katie is juggling a lot of balls. Fighting off anxiety attacks with everything on her plate, while hoping to catch an elusive killer before another body is found hardly leaves Katie any time to even sleep.
Clues are difficult to follow, but things point back to a time when there was a home for wayward teen girls. What happened when those girls were in residence and how does that play into the murders happening now? Katie and partner Deputy McGaven are working feverishly to turn over any clues and interview any potential suspects all while looking for any of the other girls who were once at the home.
The killer is leaving a very specific clue. Katie and McGaven are certain that this clue is the answer to everything. Whether or not they find answers before another life is taken proves to be quite the challenge. All the while Katie is fighting her own battles and must struggle past this in order to give her all to the case at hand.
What a thrilling book and an excellent addition to this series. All while the story is focused on Katie and her investigation, the killer's point of view is peppered within certain chapters, thus pushing a chilling agenda forward while eliminating those poor girls. I felt for Katie throughout while she searched for the killer and felt her pain and the effects of PTSD. Often accompanied by her war dog Cisco, who was a strong emotional support to Katie as well as the love of firefighter boyfriend Chad offered a bit of levity to the difficult and sad story of the lives of girls being lost.
I am a fan of police procedurals so I loved the investigative process as well as the personal moments this book offered. Suspense and danger play hand in hand in this exciting book. I love this series and am truly looking forward to the next book in the series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Clues are difficult to follow, but things point back to a time when there was a home for wayward teen girls. What happened when those girls were in residence and how does that play into the murders happening now? Katie and partner Deputy McGaven are working feverishly to turn over any clues and interview any potential suspects all while looking for any of the other girls who were once at the home.
The killer is leaving a very specific clue. Katie and McGaven are certain that this clue is the answer to everything. Whether or not they find answers before another life is taken proves to be quite the challenge. All the while Katie is fighting her own battles and must struggle past this in order to give her all to the case at hand.
What a thrilling book and an excellent addition to this series. All while the story is focused on Katie and her investigation, the killer's point of view is peppered within certain chapters, thus pushing a chilling agenda forward while eliminating those poor girls. I felt for Katie throughout while she searched for the killer and felt her pain and the effects of PTSD. Often accompanied by her war dog Cisco, who was a strong emotional support to Katie as well as the love of firefighter boyfriend Chad offered a bit of levity to the difficult and sad story of the lives of girls being lost.
I am a fan of police procedurals so I loved the investigative process as well as the personal moments this book offered. Suspense and danger play hand in hand in this exciting book. I love this series and am truly looking forward to the next book in the series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 7, 2020
Last Girls Alive is the 4th instalment in the police procedural series featuring Detective Katie Scott. Having followed this compelling series from the start I was keen to jump straight in and read this next superb instalment.
The book starts with a chilling prologue that immediately had me hooked. In Pine Valley, California, Katie is working on a cold case when she is called to the grounds of a former children’s home. When Katie arrives at the former Elm Hill Manor site she finds the body of a young girl there, but it does not seem to be linked to her cold case. Candace Harlan ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago but the girl in the ground is not Candace although the victim is almost identical to her, down to the inked message tattooed on her back. Following another death, and now certain that Elm Hill Manor is central to the cold case, Katie and her partner, Deputy Sean McGaven set about finding the killer.
Once again, Katie brings her warming and personable attributes to this thrilling story, though she remains troubled. This novel was a fantastic, solid and well-balanced police procedural that had me glued to the pages and I didn't want to put it down as I was desperate to know the outcome of the story. The exciting plot was clever, gripping, and wonderfully paced, as Katie embarked on an exhilarating mission to solve the case. I continued to be impressed by Jennifer Chase’s stylish writing and masterful prose that elevated the novel above that of traditional police procedurals. A spellbinding, highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The book starts with a chilling prologue that immediately had me hooked. In Pine Valley, California, Katie is working on a cold case when she is called to the grounds of a former children’s home. When Katie arrives at the former Elm Hill Manor site she finds the body of a young girl there, but it does not seem to be linked to her cold case. Candace Harlan ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago but the girl in the ground is not Candace although the victim is almost identical to her, down to the inked message tattooed on her back. Following another death, and now certain that Elm Hill Manor is central to the cold case, Katie and her partner, Deputy Sean McGaven set about finding the killer.
Once again, Katie brings her warming and personable attributes to this thrilling story, though she remains troubled. This novel was a fantastic, solid and well-balanced police procedural that had me glued to the pages and I didn't want to put it down as I was desperate to know the outcome of the story. The exciting plot was clever, gripping, and wonderfully paced, as Katie embarked on an exhilarating mission to solve the case. I continued to be impressed by Jennifer Chase’s stylish writing and masterful prose that elevated the novel above that of traditional police procedurals. A spellbinding, highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 24, 2020
This is the fourth book in a series, but the first one that I have read and I had no difficulty jumping right into the story and the lives of the characters. The protagonist is Detective Katie Scott, a kick-butt, take-no-prisoners kind of policeman who wants to do her job to the best of her ability, even if it means skirting on the edges of what her uncle, the sheriff, wants her to do. As a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, Katie has nightmares to contend with and a service dog Cisco who rarely leaves her side. I fell in love with the trustworthiness of Cisco. I also liked Katie’s partner McCaven who had to be quick to keep Katie out of all of the many dangerous situations that she was determined to throw herself into. The basis storyline was one of young girls turning up murdered with a tattoo on their backs and all of them have a foster home in town in common. The home itself, Elm Hill, is creepy and adds to the mystery of the story, especially since we find the former head of the home in prison at the beginning of the tale. With plenty of twists that made my head spin at times, this book is among my favorite suspense thrillers that I have read this year. I did want the loose end tied up about the new deputy chief who came in and warned Katie that she was on probation and could lose her job. So, what’s up with introducing her character and then...??? Maybe I have to read the next book to find out, but that’s the reason for the four stars instead of five. All in all, this was a fantastic addition to books that I highly recommend to fans of suspense thrillers who don’t mind a little bit of gore and a ton of fast action.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookoutoure via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookoutoure via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
October 7, 2020
Katie is back. Together with her partner McGaven she tries to solve cold cases and this time it appears to be a hard nut to crack.
An ice cold case suddenly seems to turn into a red hot one and Katie and her partner don’t seem to find any clues. Witnesses are rather tight lipped or just don’t have the information the police needs.
And Katie is still being Katie. She often acts before she thinks and finds herself (and others) in dangerous situations. Her only goal is to bring justice to the victims. Following the rules is not always her first option. She does what she has to do: solve the cases.
Now time is running out and Katie finds herself, more than once, looking death in the eyes. Cisko also this time has a smaller role, but a very important one in the end.
A very good story where Katie reminds me of a cat. They also have nine lives… 5 stars for this intriguing book.
Thank you, Jennifer Chase and Bookouture
An ice cold case suddenly seems to turn into a red hot one and Katie and her partner don’t seem to find any clues. Witnesses are rather tight lipped or just don’t have the information the police needs.
And Katie is still being Katie. She often acts before she thinks and finds herself (and others) in dangerous situations. Her only goal is to bring justice to the victims. Following the rules is not always her first option. She does what she has to do: solve the cases.
Now time is running out and Katie finds herself, more than once, looking death in the eyes. Cisko also this time has a smaller role, but a very important one in the end.
A very good story where Katie reminds me of a cat. They also have nine lives… 5 stars for this intriguing book.
Thank you, Jennifer Chase and Bookouture
October 6, 2020
This is a police procedural, and the 4th book in a series, though you will not be lost if you don't read the others. It centers on Katie, who is a detective working cold cases in CA, and chased by her own ghosts from her 2 military tours. This story centers on the body of a young woman that is found on the grounds of an old mansion that is getting ready to be torn down- in investigating the case, Katie and her partner find that someone has a vendetta against the girls that lived in the mansion when it was a foster home for girls.
This was a decent story and a pretty straightforward police procedural, though I think the author could have done a better job helping the readers get to know the characters. While Katie was scrappy and likeable and there was some time spent on her personal story, I didn't get much on the victims or the other secondary characters and I think I would have cared about the story more if I had had that. When the villain is revealed, I also wish I had a little more of that person's backstory in order to understand their intentions.
I read an advanced copy so likely this was fixed later, but early in the book it described the mansion as having "2,000 square feet of livable space". Obviously this was a typo, as that is not very much space and the rest of the book regularly calls out how vastly huge the house is. I had trouble getting past this as I kept trying to decide how big it really was. 12,000, or 20,000 maybe? I'll have to read the final version to find out!
Overall, decent book but lack of characterization and intentions dulled it a bit for me. I liked Katie overall, though, and would be interested in reading another book about her. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a decent story and a pretty straightforward police procedural, though I think the author could have done a better job helping the readers get to know the characters. While Katie was scrappy and likeable and there was some time spent on her personal story, I didn't get much on the victims or the other secondary characters and I think I would have cared about the story more if I had had that. When the villain is revealed, I also wish I had a little more of that person's backstory in order to understand their intentions.
I read an advanced copy so likely this was fixed later, but early in the book it described the mansion as having "2,000 square feet of livable space". Obviously this was a typo, as that is not very much space and the rest of the book regularly calls out how vastly huge the house is. I had trouble getting past this as I kept trying to decide how big it really was. 12,000, or 20,000 maybe? I'll have to read the final version to find out!
Overall, decent book but lack of characterization and intentions dulled it a bit for me. I liked Katie overall, though, and would be interested in reading another book about her. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2020
After enjoying the previous books this was a disappointment. There is more of the personal lives of the detectives and the pace slows down that I had to skip pages. The back story felt incomplete.
October 10, 2020
Last Girls Alive by Jennifer Chase
Detective Katie Scott #4
Katie Scott is a cold case detective that seems to find herself working current murder cases…or so it seems in this book. She is called to see if the body found is the person she was looking for and though the body resembles the missing woman it is not her. Since she is already on the case, she is tasked with continuing the investigation. One dead body leads to another which suggests a serial killer, perhaps, and an interesting police procedural begins. Will Katie and her partner find the killer?
What I liked:
* Katie: an army vet, K-9 handler, human of Cisco – her K-9 partner, PTSD sufferer, excellent detective, a bit of a loose cannon, dedicated to finding the bad guys, girlfriend of Chad and niece of the boss.
* McGaven: a good man, dedicated to his job, boyfriend of Denise, Katie’s work partner, cares about people, dedicated to his work and those he cares about.
* Chad: did not see much of him but seems a strong support, loving partner, good listener, excellent person and perfect for Katie
* The story, plot and writing
* Wondering about how Dorothy Sullivan will impact the police team as she takes on her new job as undersheriff.
* Having a look at the killer’s backstory and motivation
* That the killer is eventually caught
* Wondering what will happen in book 5
What I did not like:
* The corrupt cop, foster care manager, and killer – all were slimy, wicked, evil people
* Knowing that young women are taken advantage of by those that are supposed to protect them
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Detective Katie Scott #4
Katie Scott is a cold case detective that seems to find herself working current murder cases…or so it seems in this book. She is called to see if the body found is the person she was looking for and though the body resembles the missing woman it is not her. Since she is already on the case, she is tasked with continuing the investigation. One dead body leads to another which suggests a serial killer, perhaps, and an interesting police procedural begins. Will Katie and her partner find the killer?
What I liked:
* Katie: an army vet, K-9 handler, human of Cisco – her K-9 partner, PTSD sufferer, excellent detective, a bit of a loose cannon, dedicated to finding the bad guys, girlfriend of Chad and niece of the boss.
* McGaven: a good man, dedicated to his job, boyfriend of Denise, Katie’s work partner, cares about people, dedicated to his work and those he cares about.
* Chad: did not see much of him but seems a strong support, loving partner, good listener, excellent person and perfect for Katie
* The story, plot and writing
* Wondering about how Dorothy Sullivan will impact the police team as she takes on her new job as undersheriff.
* Having a look at the killer’s backstory and motivation
* That the killer is eventually caught
* Wondering what will happen in book 5
What I did not like:
* The corrupt cop, foster care manager, and killer – all were slimy, wicked, evil people
* Knowing that young women are taken advantage of by those that are supposed to protect them
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
September 5, 2020
Last Girls Alive (Detective Katie Scott #4) by Jennifer Chase Is another fast-paced suspense. I enjoy reading the Detective Katie Scott series with her partner Deputy Sean McGaven. They are the perfect team for solving murder and crime in Pine Valley, California. Katie can sometimes be impulsive in her attempts to find answers and this leads to some conflict, but she has the best intentions.
Katie and Sean's investigation in this story centers around a home for foster girls, Elm Hill Mansion. The building is in the process of being torn down due to it's crumbling conditions. Within two days another body of one of the former residents is found. Could someone from the past be targeting these young women? Katie and Sean uncover lots of information about the staff and people connected with the six young girls who lived at the home, but nothing really points to a guilty suspect.
During the investigation, Katie and Sean will face attempts on their lives as they get closer to apprehending the killer! They both sustain injuries as the case progresses. I am looking forward to reading more of this series. Maybe Katie and Chad will move their relationship forward.
Publication Date: October 7, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Katie and Sean's investigation in this story centers around a home for foster girls, Elm Hill Mansion. The building is in the process of being torn down due to it's crumbling conditions. Within two days another body of one of the former residents is found. Could someone from the past be targeting these young women? Katie and Sean uncover lots of information about the staff and people connected with the six young girls who lived at the home, but nothing really points to a guilty suspect.
During the investigation, Katie and Sean will face attempts on their lives as they get closer to apprehending the killer! They both sustain injuries as the case progresses. I am looking forward to reading more of this series. Maybe Katie and Chad will move their relationship forward.
Publication Date: October 7, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 13, 2020
This novel is about Detective Kati Scott, Kati is a detective for the Pine Valley department. Her and partner work on solving cold cases together.
Kati hasn't had an easy life but things will be getting worst for her before getting any better. Kati has a lot of anxiety but she makes it work. She and her partner are put on a case where a girl from the past is found on the property of a former children's home in Pine Valley. and it's up to her and her partner to figure out who the killer is.
This novel was so good. I was hooked from the start, I couldn't stop reading I just need to find out what happens next with Katie and the case. Katie is a total badass. She is one strong lady. She is a very good female lead. I loved the story soo much it was full of suspense and mystery. I loved how it wasn't very predictable. Things could change at any time and the ending was perfectly full of action. I really enjoyed this book. The writing was perfect and it flowed very well. This is my first Jennifer Chase book, I will definitely be looking for more. This book had everything I like action/mystery/romance/ suspense.
I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving the change to read and review this awesome book.
I recommend it to everyone that loves the dark/mystery/suspense kinda books.
https://mamabearsbookself.wixsite.com...
Kati hasn't had an easy life but things will be getting worst for her before getting any better. Kati has a lot of anxiety but she makes it work. She and her partner are put on a case where a girl from the past is found on the property of a former children's home in Pine Valley. and it's up to her and her partner to figure out who the killer is.
This novel was so good. I was hooked from the start, I couldn't stop reading I just need to find out what happens next with Katie and the case. Katie is a total badass. She is one strong lady. She is a very good female lead. I loved the story soo much it was full of suspense and mystery. I loved how it wasn't very predictable. Things could change at any time and the ending was perfectly full of action. I really enjoyed this book. The writing was perfect and it flowed very well. This is my first Jennifer Chase book, I will definitely be looking for more. This book had everything I like action/mystery/romance/ suspense.
I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving the change to read and review this awesome book.
I recommend it to everyone that loves the dark/mystery/suspense kinda books.
https://mamabearsbookself.wixsite.com...
December 10, 2020
Last Girls Alive is a gripping mystery. This book is like a good bag of chips - you can't stop once you start. Katie is such a compelling heroine, she has her rough spots, but her heart is in the right place and her perseverance is second to none. You'll be just as keen as Katie to find the killer and put a stop to the murders before you reach the end. A must-read for mystery lovers!
March 12, 2023
This series just keeps getting better and better I loved this one I can’t wait for what’s to come!
February 12, 2024
Started out very slow, but the ending was really intense.
August 27, 2020
Body of a young girl is found, partially buried in puddles of muddy waters at a construction site. But that’s only the first one in a series of murders, all young girls, with a message carved in ink by the murderer on their backs.
The blurb is so interesting I couldn’t stop myself from jumping into this one. It did not live up to the expectations sadly, but that’s probably just me, I’ve read too many thrillers. Lol. It just did not turn out to be the gripping page-turner I was anticipating. This is a straightforward police procedural, with the story focused more on the detective’s life and her relationships, work and personal, which was heartwarming to read nevertheless. I really liked how the author has added a war dog into the story, really enjoyed the mentions of German commands for the dog.
But that said, it did keep me turning the pages to get to the end and find out who the murderer was, despite the frequent lulls in the story. I think the plot was great, and it could have been better if the atmosphere of the story was a bit more tense and gritty to suit the plot. Oh, and by the way, I loved the cover, it was the first thing that caught my attention.
Thanks to Netgalley, author, and publishers for the eARC
The blurb is so interesting I couldn’t stop myself from jumping into this one. It did not live up to the expectations sadly, but that’s probably just me, I’ve read too many thrillers. Lol. It just did not turn out to be the gripping page-turner I was anticipating. This is a straightforward police procedural, with the story focused more on the detective’s life and her relationships, work and personal, which was heartwarming to read nevertheless. I really liked how the author has added a war dog into the story, really enjoyed the mentions of German commands for the dog.
But that said, it did keep me turning the pages to get to the end and find out who the murderer was, despite the frequent lulls in the story. I think the plot was great, and it could have been better if the atmosphere of the story was a bit more tense and gritty to suit the plot. Oh, and by the way, I loved the cover, it was the first thing that caught my attention.
Thanks to Netgalley, author, and publishers for the eARC
July 22, 2024
Having read a fair few thrillers/police detective books in my time, this isn’t the worst but it certainly wasn’t the best.
It wasn’t until I started reading it that I also realised it’s part of a series. Thankfully it didn’t really take me out off the story now knowing Katie’s background - despite it being mentioned a fair few times.
With regards to the actual plot, it wasn’t bad, it could’ve been made so much better though, the premise was good, with a body being found at a demolition of a mansion that was used as a foster home in the past.
Sadly I think the writing got a bit lazy and sloppy. It’s like things were mentioned, but never then worked on, mentioned again or seemed to be any affect in the story.
Candace being forced to have sex with people - it was brought up. Made to be an awful part off the story, but then is never mentioned again - even when Candace is found. It’s never brought up for questioning, no actions are taken from this - so a child is forced to have sex with adults and it’s mentioned as a way to explain how the girls life was in this foster home but that’s it?
Then you have Hugh Keller, he’s the police officer who visits the foster home routinely because of calls and stuff, it’s implied he had sex with Candace, he’s arrested for something unrelated and then he’s never mentioned again?
Then there’s a piece of paper which is “left” in Detective Scott’s locker, they don’t use if, don’t send it for analysing. Don’t do anything with it, but there’s a big story about this bit of paper with these container initials on and then it’s just tied up by another police officer accidentally slipped it in to the wrong locker? Like wtf you’ve made a massive deal out off it for what?
The killer is so left field. It’s basically unbelievable, then through the story you are given these “memories”
Which I assume is the killers background/childhood but again it’s never mentioned again, you have this underlying POV. And for what? It doesn’t lead anywhere it doesn’t follow through, it’s never mentioned again. He doesn’t bring it up when confronted by the police, they basically just say ohh let me guess you had a bad childhood.
Candace is then re-united a WEEK after the whole incident, killer is caught a WEEK after she’s now had a DNA test and it’s come back positive that this posh rich lady that the detective met at a gala…. Drops on her lap she thinks the murdered girl and Candace is hers and then suddenly a week later Candace is turning up with this lady, apparently all cosied up to her “mum on a week?
It doesnt add ip, feels rushed and just makes the writing seem like it’s there for the sake of a word count.
Sadly the story/plot was quite amateur at times which is a shame as it started out so well, but just got worse and worse the further you went in to the story.
It wasn’t until I started reading it that I also realised it’s part of a series. Thankfully it didn’t really take me out off the story now knowing Katie’s background - despite it being mentioned a fair few times.
With regards to the actual plot, it wasn’t bad, it could’ve been made so much better though, the premise was good, with a body being found at a demolition of a mansion that was used as a foster home in the past.
Sadly I think the writing got a bit lazy and sloppy. It’s like things were mentioned, but never then worked on, mentioned again or seemed to be any affect in the story.
Candace being forced to have sex with people - it was brought up. Made to be an awful part off the story, but then is never mentioned again - even when Candace is found. It’s never brought up for questioning, no actions are taken from this - so a child is forced to have sex with adults and it’s mentioned as a way to explain how the girls life was in this foster home but that’s it?
Then you have Hugh Keller, he’s the police officer who visits the foster home routinely because of calls and stuff, it’s implied he had sex with Candace, he’s arrested for something unrelated and then he’s never mentioned again?
Then there’s a piece of paper which is “left” in Detective Scott’s locker, they don’t use if, don’t send it for analysing. Don’t do anything with it, but there’s a big story about this bit of paper with these container initials on and then it’s just tied up by another police officer accidentally slipped it in to the wrong locker? Like wtf you’ve made a massive deal out off it for what?
The killer is so left field. It’s basically unbelievable, then through the story you are given these “memories”
Which I assume is the killers background/childhood but again it’s never mentioned again, you have this underlying POV. And for what? It doesn’t lead anywhere it doesn’t follow through, it’s never mentioned again. He doesn’t bring it up when confronted by the police, they basically just say ohh let me guess you had a bad childhood.
Candace is then re-united a WEEK after the whole incident, killer is caught a WEEK after she’s now had a DNA test and it’s come back positive that this posh rich lady that the detective met at a gala…. Drops on her lap she thinks the murdered girl and Candace is hers and then suddenly a week later Candace is turning up with this lady, apparently all cosied up to her “mum on a week?
It doesnt add ip, feels rushed and just makes the writing seem like it’s there for the sake of a word count.
Sadly the story/plot was quite amateur at times which is a shame as it started out so well, but just got worse and worse the further you went in to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2022
Last Girls Alive is the fourth book in the Detective Katie Scott series by Jennifer Chase.
Katie and her partner Sean McGaven are used to working primarily cold cases. So it's absolutely new territory when their current case turns into a homicide.
Elm Hill Mansion has been a historic feature in Pine Valley, California for more than a century. Once a stately estate, most recently it had served as a children's home. The property is in the middle of delimitation when work suddenly halts early one morning.
The body of a naked young woman is discovered in a pit on the grounds. It's immediately assumed that the victim is former resident Candace Harlan, who ran away from the abusive home five years previously. Just as Katie and Gav get going, another former resident is found murdered. And it's looking very likely that their killer won't stop at just two...
Six girls. Six rare books that the killer is inspired by. And who exactly is this Ray that keeps popping up in conversation? Not only is this formidable team under pressure from their new undersheriff, Katie and Gav are willing to risk everything to bring this assailant down.
As always, I'm here for all the action that Chase always delivers in this series. However, I've also found myself shipping Katie and firefighter Chad hard. Just make a permanent commitment already you two (that's getting closer though!)
Gosh the partnership/friendship that Katie and Gav have is top notch. Their banter never fails to make me smile, and the sheer respect they have for each other gives me all the feels. Never let anything too traumatic happen to either of them please Jennifer, because I wouldn't be able to cope!
A deserving 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
Katie and her partner Sean McGaven are used to working primarily cold cases. So it's absolutely new territory when their current case turns into a homicide.
Elm Hill Mansion has been a historic feature in Pine Valley, California for more than a century. Once a stately estate, most recently it had served as a children's home. The property is in the middle of delimitation when work suddenly halts early one morning.
The body of a naked young woman is discovered in a pit on the grounds. It's immediately assumed that the victim is former resident Candace Harlan, who ran away from the abusive home five years previously. Just as Katie and Gav get going, another former resident is found murdered. And it's looking very likely that their killer won't stop at just two...
Six girls. Six rare books that the killer is inspired by. And who exactly is this Ray that keeps popping up in conversation? Not only is this formidable team under pressure from their new undersheriff, Katie and Gav are willing to risk everything to bring this assailant down.
As always, I'm here for all the action that Chase always delivers in this series. However, I've also found myself shipping Katie and firefighter Chad hard. Just make a permanent commitment already you two (that's getting closer though!)
Gosh the partnership/friendship that Katie and Gav have is top notch. Their banter never fails to make me smile, and the sheer respect they have for each other gives me all the feels. Never let anything too traumatic happen to either of them please Jennifer, because I wouldn't be able to cope!
A deserving 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
September 28, 2020
Elm Hill Mansion used to be a family home, then it was a home for foster children and now it is a shell, waiting for its final ignominy, demolition. That is before a shout alerts the foreman and he knows to shut the site down immediately; a body has been found, a young girl the age of the last residents who lived there just two years earlier.
Detective Katie Scott works cold cases with partner Deputy Sean McGaven and they are looking for a missing girl who ran off one night, from Elm Hill, never to be seen again. The following day another girl is found who is also linked to the children's home and Katie finds herself working a double murder while still grieving a close personal loss just a few months earlier.
Stressed to the max, with her PTSD trying to control her once again, and a new undersheriff watching her every move, Katie has to work fast to prevent more deaths whilst giving no one any excuses to relieve her of duty. Then another girl disappears.
This was an excellent read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had no idea who was responsible for the deaths and found the whole storyline enthralling from the start. Katie is a great main protagonist and is ably supported by both colleagues and family in this great series. For the most part though they took more of a back seat this time with the secondary focus being on her relationships with partner McGaven and boyfriend, Chad.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this author's work or likes well written crime novels. I hope there is more to come from Katie in the near future.
Detective Katie Scott works cold cases with partner Deputy Sean McGaven and they are looking for a missing girl who ran off one night, from Elm Hill, never to be seen again. The following day another girl is found who is also linked to the children's home and Katie finds herself working a double murder while still grieving a close personal loss just a few months earlier.
Stressed to the max, with her PTSD trying to control her once again, and a new undersheriff watching her every move, Katie has to work fast to prevent more deaths whilst giving no one any excuses to relieve her of duty. Then another girl disappears.
This was an excellent read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had no idea who was responsible for the deaths and found the whole storyline enthralling from the start. Katie is a great main protagonist and is ably supported by both colleagues and family in this great series. For the most part though they took more of a back seat this time with the secondary focus being on her relationships with partner McGaven and boyfriend, Chad.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this author's work or likes well written crime novels. I hope there is more to come from Katie in the near future.
October 8, 2020
My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Last Girls Alive’ by Jennifer Chase in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth in her Detective Katie Scott series set in Pine Valley, California. I read the first two books in the series though still need to read Book 3. Yet there wasn’t any problem as I was soon up to speed.
When the body of a young woman is discovered in the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, Detective Katie Scott is hopeful that it’s the end to a devastating cold case that she’s been working on. It’s been five years since Candace Harlan ran away from Elm Hill Manor and while her death would be a tragedy, it will also bring closure. However, it turns out that the victim is not Candace, even if almost identical. In a sinister twist words have been etched onto her back.
Kate starts to dig into the tragic history of Elm Hill Manor and seeks to track down its last six residents along with the staff who cared for them. Yet no one wants to talk, let alone remember. Then the body of another former resident of the Manor is found with the same words etched into her skin....
This was another solid police procedural from Jennifer Chase providing a compelling mystery and plenty of nail biting action. Katie is an appealing lead, fighting the ghosts of her past while seeking justice for the victims. Adding to my enjoyment of this series, is Cisco, her loyal dog that had served with her in a K-9 team in Afghanistan.
I plan to read Book 3, ‘Flowers on Her Grave’, while waiting patiently for Book 5.
This is the fourth in her Detective Katie Scott series set in Pine Valley, California. I read the first two books in the series though still need to read Book 3. Yet there wasn’t any problem as I was soon up to speed.
When the body of a young woman is discovered in the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, Detective Katie Scott is hopeful that it’s the end to a devastating cold case that she’s been working on. It’s been five years since Candace Harlan ran away from Elm Hill Manor and while her death would be a tragedy, it will also bring closure. However, it turns out that the victim is not Candace, even if almost identical. In a sinister twist words have been etched onto her back.
Kate starts to dig into the tragic history of Elm Hill Manor and seeks to track down its last six residents along with the staff who cared for them. Yet no one wants to talk, let alone remember. Then the body of another former resident of the Manor is found with the same words etched into her skin....
This was another solid police procedural from Jennifer Chase providing a compelling mystery and plenty of nail biting action. Katie is an appealing lead, fighting the ghosts of her past while seeking justice for the victims. Adding to my enjoyment of this series, is Cisco, her loyal dog that had served with her in a K-9 team in Afghanistan.
I plan to read Book 3, ‘Flowers on Her Grave’, while waiting patiently for Book 5.
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