Cassie Morgan was just 17 years old when she died at the hands of a sadistic killer.Homicide Detective Harry Starke caught the case and he knew right from the beginning that it was going to be a bad one, and he was right. Too many clues, too many suspects, too many bodies and a police chief more interested in his career than justice for the victims. For Harry, it was the last straw, and it had been a long time coming. Part of a standalone novel series
Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
This book is the result of a great many questions I received asking why Harry quit the police force. I hope you enjoy it. So, what's it about? Well... it's Harry's own story about the last straw, the one that broke the camel's back... his back.
Cassie Morgan was only 17 when she died at the hands of a serial killer and Harry caught the case. He didn't know then that she was latest of three to die but it didn't take him long to find out. And then internal politics took over and he and Kate were put on notice to wrap it up ASAP. Forty-eight hours later, the head of TBI's vice squad warned them off their most promising lead. The victims were, after all, just hookers. Nobody cared... except Harry and Kate. And Harry... well Harry always was a "loose cannon," right?
One of my Beta readers said that The Last Straw is the best Harry Starke novel by far. I hope you agree with him.
This was the story about why Harry Stark resigned from the Chattanooga Police. Sounds simple doesn’t it? Well it is anything but. A young prostitute is murdered execution style. Harry and Kate Gazzara are assigned and told to clear it in a couple of days. They do not generally work that way. They dig into all the background and evidence they can find and look for truth and proof. The plot is, as always, well done, complex and contains enough twists to keep fans involved. The characters are well developed and, being a Howard fan, mostly familiar and living up to expectations. The politics in the Police Department are quite possibly reprehensible. Upper echelon officers are obviously more concerned with their perceived status than crime solving. All in all another winner from Mr. Howard. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
THE LAST STRAW...Blair Howard Kate and Harry are called out, a young girl seventeen was found. The address. lead them to a sister and other young girls living together. A. boyfriend who had his car ready for a quick get away at his job. Harry saying the innocent don’t run. The victim had powder in her purse, and sawdust on her clothing., and it was a planned killing An unusual case, and the chief wants it solved pronto. Kate and Harry still together after seven years, the thoughts they share. About the case, and keeping Harry from sounding off to his boss, always wanting a case solved ASAP. Interesting plot which flowed and keep are interest to figure out why she was so young to be killed. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
This is book five of the Harry Starke Genesis series and this story finally tells all readers the story behind why Harry Starke quit his job in the police force and what case finally made him break. Harry and Kate catch the case of a young seventeen year old girl called Cassie Morgan, who has been found shot dead, but her manner of dress makes it fairly obvious that she was working as a prostitute. Harry knows right away that there is something odd about the bullet wound and the case itself. He and Kate are hassled by their chief to get the case solved asap. The only other clue they have are some footprints, the type of casual trainer and size quite easily identified, but not giving them much, as they could be from anyone and not even connected to the crime itself.
They start interviewing family and associates of the dead girl and the case soon gets overloaded with more clues, loads of suspects and even lots of similar cases to confuse the case. Their chief doesn’t like Harry’s way of investigating cases and is happy for any reason to pull Harry up and a complaint by a man who ran from both him and Kate, before they even got close to him, soon has Harry in trouble. That’s not even the first problem for Harry during this case. His chief almost goes ballistic when the pair ask for information on any similar cases from the nearby forces, this in the time when computerised records where just in their infancy! Once they find more cases, the news of a possible serial killer, is not something the chief will take well and Kate tries to deter Harry from passing that information on until they have more details.
A case with links to some organised crime and prostitution of especially younger women and those that look like school girls. Some sickening scenes uncovered in this investigation and unfortunately it seems that those in charge and even a former partner of Harry’s are more concerned with getting results and putting aside any cases that are unlikely to be solved quickly. All to get the stats to look good for those higher up and for the politics of the job, to help make the chief look good at his job. When the final nail hits Harry between the eyes, it is too much and he hands in his badge before the chief can try and chew him out again, even though he managed to solve a spate of cases, all in one, with Kate. He knows Kate can manage to work with the politics in the force, but he has no need to do a job that he is stopped from doing his way, ok sometimes with a bit of leeway on the exact letter of the law, but he always get results and once he has his teeth into a case, he will never give up. A fantastic read that finally puts to rest the questions about why Harry gave up his job with the police and why he started doing what he did next. Definitely a book that all who have read any books in the Harry Strake or Kate Gazzara series will want to read! A sad look at society, with a type of crime that it seems has never stopped and only gotten more widespread. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The beginning of Harry Starke. This is really the beginning told through Harry; the early years about how detective Harry Starke quit his job as a detective and why in the end he became the “Private eye” we all know and love. Harry and Kate Gazzara his partner are called to a murder of a really very young prostitute found on the banks of Chickamauga Creek. The only clue they have on site being a size 11 Nike shoe print near the dead body. Harry’s boss Chief Johnston dislikes Harry nearly as much as the assistant chief Henry Finkle both of whom has always been on his Harry’s case and is more interested in stats and closures than finding the killer orders Harry to “wrap the case up quickly!” As always Harry doesn’t take any notice and immediately has Internal Affairs threats regarding complaints but soon finds out whoever killed Cassie Morgan the prostitute was a carried out by a professional hit. Two more linked kills soon come to light all linked by the way they were killed being a double shot entry wound to the chest execution style the drugging and with traces of the hands being bound.
With Pimps, Prostitutes, possible Mafia involvement people starting to be bumped off Harry’s life is getting tough. To cap all of this when Harry’s is finally starting to get somewhere, he is warned off a hotel linked to the case somehow by undercover agents and his boss. Meanwhile Kate suddenly gets toothache and requires some urgent dental treatment so Harry’s X-partner Jeremiah “Jerry” Hemingway who was involved in one of the previous unsolved cases which was closed as he didn’t follow through the lends fully and closed the case quickly to wrap up as this was requested. So Jerry agrees to help and make amends to do right this time around.
With the pressure of to either find the killer or close the case and unable to solve both this case and old killings makes Harry even more determined to get to the truth and put the serial killer behind bars. Little does he know at what cost?
Harry has a sharp sense of humour and a good eye and detective skills and has a particular skill set which is his second sight. As with all the books in this series it is set mainly around Chattanooga with all the other usual folk scattered through the book and not for the first time Harry not only puts his life but the lives of others in jeopardy. Oh and did I say what a “Great Ending” Another enjoyable well written convincing story as always from Blair. Once started you really cannot put the book down until the ending! I really love these books written by Blair and would highly recommend you to read this book and enjoy a great story.
Oh Wow, another great book in the Harry Starke series. This is a standalone book but for anyone who has read the Harry Starke series it ties up loose ends......this is the story of why Harry left the Chattanooga PD. A young prostitute had been murdered, Harry and Kate Gazarra, his partner, were on the case but Chief Johnson wanted the case clearing quickly as usual, it seems that anyone would do as long as it was a result and that he, and the department looked good to the powers that be. Harry wasn't a "yes" man but he was teamed with his ex partner Jeremiah Hemmingway who was, Harry didn't know how this would pan out although they had been a good partnership. The body count was rising, they were stepping on the toes of the vice squad, Henry Finkle, Harry's nemesis, gloated, Chief Johnson fumed but Harry carried on regardless. This story has everything, murder , prostitution, kidnapping. mafia connections, it twists and turns like a corkscrew, nothing is as it seems and the suspense is palpable. Harry was fed up with the red tape, the bureaucracy and number crunching, how many people in high office were involved ? was it time to go ? This book is a real page turner and I was reluctant to put it down. A well deserved five stars
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. I swear this story had more twists and turns than a sackful of rattlesnakes. About the time I thought I had a clue what was going on, Mr. Howard would throw another kink in the works and I'd be confused again, but it was such an enjoyable confusion. It was a lot of fun seeing Harry and Kate back together and remembering all the things I love about their relationship. They made such a great team and seeing Harry trying to interact with Finkle and Johnston just reminded me again why he is so much better off being the boss and not dealing with bureaucracy. If it sounds like these are real people that I spend time with, that's how good Mr. Howard is. I do forget at times that Harry and Kate are just characters on the pages and when I close my Kindle they no longer exist. But, boy, do I enjoy the time I get to spend with them. If you haven't read any of the Harry Starke/Kate Gazzara books, you need to. They don't have to be read in order, to be enjoyed. Pick one up and see what all the talk is about. You won't be sorry. Oh, but don't make any important plans for when you're reading. You'll only be mad at yourself when you have to put the book down.
Have you ever wondered why Harry Starke left the police department? The case of Cassie Morgan, a young woman horrifically murdered at the hands of a sadist was the beginning of the end for Harry. It was a tough case, clues were everywhere with no apparent way to connect the dots. The police chief was impatient, he wanted the case cleared, NOW. Harry’s partner Kate was sidelined by a root canal so he was re-connected with his old partner, Jerry, to solve the murder. Jerry had screwed up on a similar previous investigation and now he is going full-steam ahead to solve this case quickly. But as it turns out, nothing was what it seemed to be.
A wonderful look back to a time when Harry and Kate were together. We get another look at the comradery that made the department work so well at solving crimes. But they say all good things must end, and in this story the unexpected ending tells the rest of the story. A must read for Harry Starke fans. I received an advance review copy of this book, this is my honest review of the story.
If you read the Harry Starke/Kate Gazzara books by Blair Howard, you know that Harry is an ex-cop who started his own PI business. Until now, we didn’t know why he left his job with the Chattanooga Police Department. The Last Straw tells that story. As usual, the Harry Starke books are packed with action that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end of the book. So many surprises – every time you think you know what will happen next, the story twists and everything you thought you knew changes. It’s hard to say too much about this story without giving away spoilers, so I’ll just end by saying that this is one of Blair Howard’s best! He’s one writer that gets better and better with each new book.
It was great to finally hear the story of why Harry left the police department, and what a story it is. A tale of hookers, mafia, politics, and betrayal. Kate and Harry work to solve the case of a murdered prostitute. There is lots of pressure from up above to solve it fast. Finkle is his usual thorn in the side self as well. Vice is throwing up roadblocks too. Kate and Harry welcome the assistance of Harry's old, very much by the book, partner Jeremiah. There are lots of twists and turns that keep you rethinking how this case will end. Another fabulous read book by Blair Howard!
Mr. Howard has done it again! He has written a story that will grab a hold of you and won't let you go until that last page and even then you will have to stop and give your head a shake and say Wow! At the end you will totally understand why Harry did what he did and you will cheer him on for the stories that are yet to come. This story goes around in circles, trying to solve this case just keeps getting harder to understand, but when the cards are all laid out on the table you won't believe what happened! A really truly great ending to this amazing series and I'm so glad a new series begins for Harry, I think people would have missed him too much for Mr. Howard to have stopped Harry's life right then. I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion of an amazing story.
I knew it!!! And I’m yelling at him “Don’t do that!” I hope my neighbors didn’t hear me cause it was 2 am. You get so caught up in the story you become a part of it. Mr. Blair is a master story teller; he weaves a story you get lost in. With believable characters that you want to get into the car and share the ride. So now we know the story behind why Harry quit the force. Wow!!! There were so many twists and turns in this story you had to read every word to keep up. Well worth it too. I love this series!!!
This book answered the question of why Harry quit the force. Harry Starke is my favorite cop. He doesn't follow all the rules but he does what is morally right forgetting the politics involved. Who cares about the murder of a hooker? Harry does. He fights 'the system' to bring justice to Cassie and others that have fallen along the way. But it costs him. Is the price he pays worth the fight? I love how easy it is to get wrapped up in the lives of Blair and Kate. Blair Howard makes the reader feel like you are part of the story.
Author Blair Howard has written quite a few Harry Starke books, and all have been excellent reads. The Genesis series takes you back in time and you get a better picture of the many different characters you meet in Harry's books. The Last Straw was even more riveting than the previous books because it takes you back to Harry's last days as a Chattanooga Police Officer, which gives you more insight into Harry himself. Another well written, enthralling, Harry Starke mystery. Great characters, fantastic descriptions, and a killer plot (as usual). As an ARC reader for this author I have been provided with an advanced copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
I enjoyed this immensely. I have read several of the Harry Starke books and often wondered what had led him to leave the police force to start up on his own as private detective. All the usual elements made this an exciting book and I couldn't read it fast enough to find out why. I won't spoil the ending for those of you who have not read it yet but be assured it is worth every penny of the cost of the book. Readers enjoy it - and keep them coming, Blair so we can continue to be enthralled with Harry Starke's adventures.
Classic Harry Stark and Kate Gazzara. Go back to when Harry is still in the force partnered with Kate. Plenty of action, well written, and full of characters that just refuse to be put in a mold.
As Harry and Kate investigate the murder of an underage prostitute they find their efforts undermined by departmental politics and case closing statistics. Harry’s on track for the most complaints lodged against him in a week but refuses to stop until his case is solved.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Another great book by Blair Howard. This book goes into the details as to why Harry Starke quit the police department as he is telling us about his last case which turns into more than one murder. His partner, Kate Gazzara is out of commission due to a dental emergency and Harry teams up with a previous partner, Jeremiah, and they work together to solve several similar murders. I was suspicious of one particular character in the book and my suspicions turned out to be true. I’m amazed by Harry’s intuition, reasoning abilities and strength. Great ending! I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, Harry Starke is quite the character. In this book we get to read what caused him to leave the police force. As always Harry becomes involved deeper in a crime than he needs to be. Murder is always a sad and usually brutal way to die. This time it involves barely legal teen prostitution. Kate is a major player in his life and his work. Always entertaining cast of characters, non stop action/intrigue and am awesome story line will keep you on the edge of your seat. You’ll love the twist at the end !
Recent books in the new Genesis series explore Harry's start as a PI. I always wondered why he left the police force since he and Kate were such a good team. Of course it is rather obvious that Harry doesn't like to play by the rules. The case of Cassie Morgan, the 17 year old prostitute killed at point blank range, really emphasizes that. All Harry wants to do is find who killed this poor girl and stop it from happening again. He doesn't care about the politics of the case. With too many suspects, an increasing number of bodies, and the possible involvement of the mob, the case continues to ratchet up but Harry's boss continually puts roadblocks in his way. It finally becomes Harry's last straw. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and feel like I understand Harry Starke a lot better now. I love all Blair Howard's books about Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara. The characters feel like old friends. Harry isn't your perfect macho man. He gets in trouble a lot and needs help from his friends to bail him out, and he isn't ashamed to admit it. The cases are plausible and the plots have aenough twists to keep them interesting. It has been nice revisiting his earlier days. Thank you Mr Howard for another excellent book.
A young prostitute is murdered and Harry and Kate start their investigation. There is so much in this book, lots of action, an ex-partner returns, more murders uncovered, mafia and mob connections and even a root canal. Harry and Kate use their best detective skills to uncover what is happening and find a murderer. Can they do it before he kills again and just who is the killer? Another Harry Starke book that you can't put done once you start reading. I received an ARC and would definitely recommend this book.
An excellent mystery with a great storyline and a cast of fantastic realistic characters. Very well written with lots of action, suspense, and several twists. Quite enjoyable read that was hard to put down. Great to find out about the Harry Starke early years. Highly recommended book in the great Harry Starke Genesis Series. Blair Howard writes another winner. A must read!
Finally, my questions have been answered. And I did find that Harry was right in his decision. I knew from the start of the novel he was beginning he was becoming disgruntled about something but I couldn't put my finger on exactly what, now I know. And for the first time ever in my reading of anything Harry Starke related I was able to say "I know who did it!"
This book is a page turner. Just when you think you know who is guilty it turns a different direction. Kate has some dental issues and Harry gets to work with his old partner as well as Kate. They try to find the killer of a young girl. I think this is the best Harry Starke book yet! The action is great and you won't know how it ends until your have read it. Enjoy the read its a great book.
Another great read in this series. Harry is still partner with Kate Gazzara. A young girl is murdered she is working as a prostitute Harry and Kate are assigned to the case but Chief Johnson wants the case solved quickly so the department will look good. Harry was also teamed with his ex partner Jeremiah Hemmingway. The body count grows quickly and the pressure to close this case grows Harry is no yes man and looks into the case more thoroughly and carries on regardless of the trouble he finds himself in. Something just does not feel right to him and he is right. Harry must find a way to get justice for these girls and this leads to him resigning from the police department. A great reading experience highly recommend.
This book keeps you guessing right to the end. Harry and Kate work together and as you read you begin to understand why it is the last straw for Harry. The dynamic between Kate and Harry adds a humorous yet poignant dimension to the story. The plot line is intriguing and it isn’t until Harry begins to “ trust his gut” that things start to fall in place....sort of....and then in the last few chapters, It all becomes clear for him. Wow! Another great book by Blair Howard.
Another brilliant read from Blair Howard. Finally we find out why Harry Starke left the CPD. He gets very involved in his cases. Every victim is personal to him and we understand how unimportant the politics is within the job. There is a serious twist to this one and no doubt the perp, because of his relationship with Harry, leaves a lasting effect on him and understandably is the last straw for Harry and the CPD especially after being treated in such a way by this senior officers. I really couldn't wait to finish this one to see what happened at the end.
The Last Straw (Harry Starke Genesis Book 5)), my eighteenth read from author Blair Howard and the fifth in the Harry Stark Genesis series. Well-written and enjoyable, edge of your seat detective fiction. I was given a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. I look forward to The Lolita Conspiracy: Harry Starke Genesis, Book 4. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
The Last Straw is another truly great read by Blair Howard. I only put it down to get some sleep. I think you will find that the murderer is a surprise. Read and enjoy!
A very entertaining book, with great characters, story and plot. This is maybe the last police procedural for Harry, but there's nothing boring with his procedures.
Excellent read. Well developed story lines, credible police procedural with believable character interpersonal interactions. Relatable and immersive dialogue between the characters that engages the reader in the unfolding events. Cannot wait for the sequel to learn how the main characters develop and change their relationships.