Years ago, LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his German shepherd K-9 partner, Sirius, walked through fire to save Los Angeles from serial killer Ellis Haines, known as the Weatherman. Now, they prepare for a final showdown with their mortal foe.
It's been a year of change for Gideon and Sirius. Both are new parents, but for the two of them, the joys of fatherhood have to wait. After a few months of silence, the All-In Killer has begun his murderous spree again—and his latest victim died only miles from Gideon's doorstep. The All-In Killer has made it no secret that his homicidal countdown will end only with the deaths of Gideon and Sirius. When Gideon decides he can no longer hide the encroaching threat from his wife, they prepare together for the approaching storm.
While Gideon chases down a new lead that might prove his suspicion that the All-In Killer has been communicating with Ellis Haines, an ecoterrorist bomber strikes California, and a recently retired deputy US marshal and her bomb-sniffing dog go missing. Gideon and Sirius join in that manhunt, doing what they do best—saving lives.
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
Love this series. Complex and fast paced plots with well developed characters. This one though felt somewhat "rushed".... Gideon was almost too glib, and the "twist" was broadcast chapters ahead. Still a very good read.
It has been a long wait, almost 21 months, but I never doubted it would be worth it. When I consider the authors I hold dearest, almost without exception their offerings are typically 10 to 12 months apart, well quality can’t be hurried. My introduction to this author was “The Burning Man” which is the first in this series, then went straight onto books 2 and 3, since then I have read all his novels.
I don’t think there were as many music references as in the previous G&S novels, they often have me pausing my e-reading to dip into “Youtube” to reacquaint myself with a great tune I hadn’t heard in ages, but still lots of other interesting stuff prompting a quick internet search to find out more about something mentioned in passing. Alan Russell is evidently a man with a very diverse and interesting knowledge base and I love the way he throws in tidbits which add to the texture of the storytelling. His style suits me perfectly, and it is huge bonus that Gideon is not the lone detective battling with the bottle and a personal life in tatters, tackling a string of sordid cases filled with gruesome details of misogynistic atrocities perpetrated against women, “crime fiction” has in my opinion far too many of those.
And then of course there are the dogs. Even if you haven’t seen the images of him with his dogs, there is no way this series could have been written by anybody who doesn’t adore dogs (sadly no longer a dog owner) I so enjoy Gideon’s relationship with his four-legged pals, It certainly brings back fond memories of former times. In summary, another excellent book in this superb series.
I have read all of Russell's G&S books as well as a couple others. St Nick is my Christmas tradition. Along with the whodunit of these books is the jaunty dialogue and comical repartee . I grew up in So. California so I can picture many of his locals. The on going story with Ellis Haines keeps these books connected. Gideon is juggling a couple cases which all comes together nicely in the end. (I did guess the intagoness identify this time) the ending was neatly tied up with a satisfying bow at the end. I'm awaiting another of his books.
I love your G and S series because of the relationship between Gideon & Sirius!! You describe all of Gideons' dogs to the point we can picture them and feel them. I'm so glad you have seen the necessity of giving Gideon a girlfriend and you have wielded it altogether in your books seamlessly as usual. It would be wonderful if you continued this series, but please, please, please do not create a "tear jerker" book around Sirius. ( You know what I mean!) I dearly love your books & will continue to always be a faithful reader, (unless you mess with Sirius..........)
Series for Sirius is all but complete, except for guest appearances. Rosie needs a book & Star at least 2 as she learns to be a bomb, drug, corpse dog -"a super sniffer who can search for anything,but each skill is trained in a new language: Attack and drugs are always German; corpse is Latin or French or even Italian,for the obvious reasons, And bombs would then be either Spanish or pa Ruski. I've worked with a super sniffer at end of career: biggest animal I have ever seen that wasn't a wolfhound. His paws were ⁸ to 11 inches across, stood 44 inches at the shoulder seated -- a cross shepherd elephant, with the nose.
The Gideon and Sirius series always delivers an exciting and challenging mystery but I must confess to almost not wanting to read it because of the title. I was sure that Sirius was going to die but I powered thru what was another nail biter. The characters are wonderful and the dogs, of course, are very special. Perhaps because of the pandemic and increasing chaos of everyday life, and my aforementioned concern, this novel was more difficult for me but it was a good one for those stalwart souls out there.
The Gideon and Sirius mystery series by Alan Russell has been a quite enjoyable diversion for me over the last few years, and this, the sixth and final book, wraps up quite a few of the issues that have occupied our protagonists. Russell's love for dogs is abundantly clear throughout all of these books, and I've quite enjoyed his mix of intrigue and (sometimes campy) humor. Jeff Cummings completes his pitch perfect narration of the entire series in the audiobook edition. I'll miss this series, but I also plan to check out other things that Russell has written.
I sincerely hope this is not the last book for this series. I could envision Gideon and Seth partnering as private investigators / consultants on cases with occult influences in future books. But there must always be dogs in upcoming stories and the dogs cannot be allowed to die in the stories. [I only said what all of us readers are thinking.] Book 6 allowed Gideon's character arc to come to a nice resting point that felt right and well-deserved for the character. The mysteries wrapped up in a satisfying way. I've recommended this book series to friends.
I followed detective Gideon & Sirius through their burns and shots and PTSD that followed the detective. Through their sleuthing, solving murders, weird conference with the serial murderer Ellis, detective finding love, I was with them every step of the way and what a journey it has been! Thank you, Alan Russell, couldn't have done without you! All 6 books are highly and enthusiastically recommended!
THE LAST GOOD DOG, by Alan Russell, just didn't stack up to the other Gideon and Sirius novels. No flow. Sometimes a chapter would read like Russell was writing a different book, although in the long run they all tied together.
Ma, ma. Da, da and GIGI's first word was...what? Not enuf Seth, Gideon's sounding board. Murder memorbelia? Bombs? If I were a cook I'd say the book was over seasoned.
Enjoyed this one. I’ve read all the others, which I recommend to other readers. Russell writes a good plot, and his characters and love of dogs shine through. My only quibble was his frequent references to songs and movies that his readers might not “get,” so each reference requires an explanation. In most cases, explanations shouldn’t be necessary. If the reader misses it, that’s ok. Other readers will catch the references and appreciate them without having them explained.
It was really soothing to read about a man who loves his family, human and canine. The dialog was excellent, the really bad guy was evil all the way through. The not quite so bad guy was someone most of us can relate to even though we would never go there. I learned about things I had never even heard of but further research proved them to be true. And, lastly, Gigi’s first word was perfect!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire Gideon and Sirius novels. Russell has blended the perfect match of detective novel, dog lover, pop culture,and warped humor into these books,which keeps you guessing as Gideon solves mysteries while laughing out loud at his quips. I look forward to reading even more from this author. Thanks, Alan, for taking me on this fun journey!
I have to admit that I enjoy any story with dogs in them! The team of Gideon and Sirius is above the level of most. The story line keeps me turning page after page. Mystery, suspense and compassion with a dab of humor to make you smile. All six books were great.
Gigi is a nice addition to the family. It was good to see Lisbet displaying her talents. And Gideon is developing his own inner strength.
Not exactly a spoiler...one character has the name Macbride and another is McBride. This confused me because I thought there was a connection. I didn’t notice the different spellings til the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So enjoyable to read about Gideon and family, especially Sirius and his female 4 legged family members. This series is packed with action and twists and turns. If this turns out to be the last book in this series, it ended well. I plan to read other books by this author very soon.
Everything you could ever want in a new Gideon and Sirius. If this is the last book in the series, it is a satisfying ending. Nevertheless—pretty please with sugar on it Alan Russell—rest up then find some more stories to tell. If you're not wanting to write full length books, an occasional novella would make me happy!
I have loved this series,and this apparent last book is not at all slacking It is more serous (no pun intended but it sure is funny), though. Still humorous but toned down. And the danger is ratcheted up to compensate. No one is safe.
Russell keeps us turning the page with his plot twists involving old and new characters. But he mixed in just enough other themes to weave a brilliant tapestry even for someone who doesn't love the genre and is a cat not a dog person. At the end I also saw my dog in a different light.
This was quite a suspenseful ending to Gideon and Sirius’ case with the Weatherman. I enjoyed the tension mixed with the lightheartedness and love with Lisbet, Gigi, Emily and Star. Alan Russel has a fine sense of humor which makes its way into the story. As with Lisbet, sometimes it gets an eye roll but it’s fun just the same.
Thank you Alan Russell. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Gideon and Sirius series. I appreciate your sense of humor and laugh out loud at many of your quips. I am glad to hear that you are continuing the series, after a well earned break. I look forward to the next book. It will be like seeing a cherished old friend again.
I am not sure if a review can really capture the way this book made me feel. Alan Russell elevated this series with this installment. The book sucked me in, made me think and left me hopeful that good exists in our world. Quite a feat in the crazy world we live in these days. Thank you, Mr Russell, for this gift of a book.
Sirius and his partner in their last hurrah? was excellent! Mystery, heart pounding moments, and some good comeuppance, were some of the highlights. The co existence of their amazing family/pack could make a whole new series and I would read it happily!
I loved the tension, even whilst fearing what lay ahead. I have loved every book in the series of Gideon and Sirius, but I have to admit that I am glad that this was the last one; I cannot explain why without spoiling the ending. You'll have to read it for yourself and find out.
I have loved this series. I have read all the burning man books. They are well written and I love stories that feature dogs. I was a little afraid to read this one because I was afraid something would happen to Sirius because of the title. So glad it didn’t. I will read as many of these books as the author can write. Keep it going Mr. Russell.
Some day science will really learn the secret of the dog. We will be very surprised when we find out our Secret Angel's sent them to us, and "Alan" also as the interpetor, thank you !
As always a great story of loyalty, friendship and love. Dogs are wonderful friends. Sirius, Gideon, and family are family /friends to us loyal readers. Thank you Mr. Russel. Well done.