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Kate Reid #7

Last Word

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Someone is sending a message to Congressman Grant Copeland and bodies are turning up with striking similarities. A single shot to the head. A single word written on a piece of fabric left in the victims’ mouths. The BAU team at FBI’s Washington Field Office is asked to consult. Special Agent Kate Reid works under SSA Jameson now that Nick Scarborough has been transferred to Quantico. With Kate in the process of applying for a transfer to join him, this investigation is crucial as she is assessed by her potential new supervisor, SSA Noah Quinn. The case, however, is thrown into disarray when Detective Anthony Phelps, an unwitting participant in this joint investigation, attempts to shut out Kate and her team. Determined to get to the bottom of Phelps’ motivation, Kate begins to lose focus on the victims and instead shifts her resources to discovering what the detective is hiding and why he seems hell-bent on protecting the congressman. With leads running dry, Agent Jameson issues Kate an ultimatum. Back off the detective and return her attention to finding the killer, or risk denial for the highly-coveted position at Quantico. Will Kate listen to her head or her heart? Robin Mahle continues the action-packed and thrilling Kate Reid series with this latest installment. Book 7 promises to bring greater challenges for our heroine and a choice that could alter her future once again.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2017

829 people are currently reading
304 people want to read

About the author

Robin Mahle

57 books280 followers
Robin Mahle, Mystery and Suspense author, lives with her husband and two children in Virginia.

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5 stars
713 (58%)
4 stars
384 (31%)
3 stars
105 (8%)
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15 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2017
Suspenseful story.

Congressman Copeland has been having affairs for years. Young women worked for him turning up murdered. His most trusted campaign and office chief, doing what he can to keep it covered. And his loving, caring wife is there to help! Corrupt police, making this possible. Kate character is headstrong, stubborn and out spoken profiler. Love, revenge and money always the reason. Good ending to this story.
Profile Image for Judy Churchill.
2,567 reviews31 followers
November 4, 2017
Well, it seems that Kate has found her dream as an FBI Profiler. It’s been a long journey with horrific cases, personal loss and significant growth. In her new capacity within the Bureau she will continue to learn and develop her skills. I hope we will see more of Kate Reid. She has become a friend.
Profile Image for Vera mallard.
459 reviews12 followers
August 4, 2017
LAST WORD BY ROBIN MAHLE:

In Last Word, Book 7 of the Kate Reid series by author Robin Mahle, the reader finds Kate applying to the BAU. She's also involved in a high-profile murder case. Women, murdered by an unknown assailant, are found with a cloth note in their mouth. On the cloth written in lipstick they find the word Whore. Kate finds Congressman Grant Copeland the only link between the victims. Kate and the team must stop this killer before the bodies mount. Dealing with a high-profile congressman, a cop in charge of the investigation who's probably on the take and dirty, while waiting to hear from her application to the BAU, Kate has her hands full in this exciting book. My book review of Last Word follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

I must say, Last Word by author Robin Mahle's an action packed roller coaster ride of excitement. I was on the edge of my sit from the first page to the last. Filling this book with many twists and turns, intrigue, action, and suspense, Last Word's a great addition to the Kate Reid series. Just when I thought I had it all worked out another plot line appeared. Mahle had many threads to bring together in Last Word. Which she did with skill while keeping the suspense at high peak and the story flowing smoothly.

With a variety of characters, Mahle developed to their full potential, you'll not be disappointed in Last Word. I found Mahle's detailing of the FBI, profilers, and agents interesting and informative. Needless to say, a profile does not suddenly appear in thirty minutes as it does on television. It takes time to create an accurate profile of the suspect, long hours, a lot of investigation, and hard work. Mahle gave us a fascinating look inside the FBI, as well as, the territorial disrupts between agencies.

Mahle held the killer's identity close to her chest as she took us through this investigation. It would be an understand statement to say I was surprised by the killer's identity; my mouth fell open. This book's filled with strong characters with Kate the strongest. Kate's determined, hot-headed, and will not give up if she thinks she's on the right track; whether it will take down a congressman or a dirty cop, she doesn't care. I found Mahle's characterization of cops on the take realistic. You will love to hate Detective Phelps; what a poor excuse for an honorable law enforcement officer. Makes you wonder how he lasted so long on the job and how many criminals escaped justice due to his maneuvering.

With fast pacing, interesting characters, twists and turns, an intriguing story-line, and high-profile suspects, I found Last Word held my attention; while providing much enjoyment and entertainment. With a clear clean writing style and smooth transition between scenes, Mahle crafted a first-rate thriller. The action and suspense starts on the first pages and does not let up until the last pages. I look forward to the next installment in the Kate Reid series.

Although a stand alone read, I would recommend reading the earlier books, not only because of the quality, but also to further enhance your understanding of Kate and enjoyment of this book. If you like police procedurals, action packed stories with twist and turns, and suspense, Last Word fits the bill.

LAST WORD RECOMMENDED: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE
In addition, I received this book from the author. I chose to voluntarily reviewed this book with an honest book review. Furthermore, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book/novel reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary book review of Last Word.
Profile Image for Vickie Sarmina.
238 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2017
I have received a complimentary copy of this book. I will give my honest opinion on my review. What an incredible fast paced roller coaster ride this book was. What would the murders of 4 women and a Congressman have in common? This was a question for FBI Agent Kate Reid. Apparently Agent Reid is quite the rebel, going against FBI policy and protocol when she knows she is right. She and Agent Vasquez have been called to be consultants to both the Metro PD and the Baltimore PD, when a number of young women have been killed and left with a calling card of sorts. Agent Reid has been called to help develop a profile on the killer? However, Agent Reid goes head to head with Metro PD Phelps, since he doesn't really want the FBI involved in his case. This causes friction between the agencies and stalls the investigation of finding the killer. What does Congressman Copeland have to do with these deaths? What does Detective Phelps have to hide? Will Agent Reid finally get to the bottom of the killings? Will the agencies finally work together? Will Agent Reid's Senior Level Leaders stand with her or will they remove her from the case? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I especially enjoyed the inner workings of the FBI and the Behavioral Unit. The plot was brilliant. I really liked the character development, which could be quite complex at times. It enabled the readers to be able to sympathize with the various characters in the book. I didn't want to put this book down. The mystery and intrigue were prevalent throughout the book. The ending was surprising. I am looking forward reading to more books by this author.
590 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2019
I think Robin Mahle is one of the best story tellers. Gosh I have read three or four of the Kate Reid
mysteries and each one gets better.
Hero's have to have those traits that endear to the reader.
Kate Reid has gone through torture at the hand of a monster. She lost her best friend to the killer.
Her husband was murdered. Enough!!
Tutored by Nick Scarborough, one of the best LEAD INVESTIGATORS in the FBI. Kate has the instincts and merit to become a member an FBI profiler at Quantico.
It all started when Congressman Grant Copeland associate was found dead.And other women associated with the Congressman also met their end.The case was just a consulting one for the FBI .
Since it was a federal involvement with a Congressman. But the local police resented the FBI.
Kate realized something was suspicious when the head Detective was not forthcoming in
offering needed information.Kate has the chance to become a Profiler at the base FBI in Quantico.
And this case may do it. A great read!!!





7,742 reviews49 followers
July 24, 2017
LAST WORD. by Robin Mehle
Congressman Grant Copeland, searching the room till his eyes caught Janine, his latest interest. She's done a great job of running interference for him. The cost was deadly for her.
Nick and Katie taking the step of moving into his house. She has applied for a job under Noah a director of profiling. Highly qualified, and hoping she would get. A nice change for them to see each other daily.
Two bodies and both worked on Congressman campaign., the FBI has been brought in. Newspapers will have a field day when they find out he had affairs with both of them. Was Grant guilty, or is someone out to get him. A riviating plot, great characters we love , great edition to this series.all will love to read, and try to figure out the pieces. Given ARC my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
222 reviews
August 10, 2017
I'm glad Nick & Kate are together. The author did seem foreshadow troubles between the two that thankfully didn't end up happening, at least not in this book (ie the very legitimate question of her wanting to be a profiler vs. being a lead; does Kate end up buying the house she was renting?). There is still the question of Nick's drinking, but hopefully he will follow through with getting help. I really am rooting for this couple even though both of them have flaws that drive me crazy sometimes. I enjoyed the mystery of this one and the twists of the whodunnit. It's much easier to stomach than the crimes against children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
524 reviews6 followers
June 24, 2021
A roller coaster ride of emotions

A truly remarkable portrayal of emotional turmoil as Kate Reid and her close kniit team combine to find the killer of some for Is it possible omer ex lovers of a high profile government official. Is it possible that somebody is clearing away former indiscretions to assist in a surge for greater potential climbing on the corporate ladder, or is he being framed. Who are his true friends or is he being set up to take a fall. You won't believe the twists and turns of this unforgettable explosive episode in this series of highly emotive writings.
Profile Image for Kim.
701 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2017
I received this book as an ARC and I am voluntarily writing an honest review. Intense, riveting , addictive, frighteningly surreal are the words that I would use to describe this book about Kate Reid with the FBI BAU as she works to find a serial killer that is targeting the present and past lovers of a married US Congressman while battling a corrupt police detective that is working just as hard to cover up the Congressman's link to the victims.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,259 reviews97 followers
July 27, 2017
Kate Reid is assigned to a murder of several women who have been linked to a Congressman. Then what is suppose to be a joint investigation is not working out. Detective Anthony Phelps keeps trying to keep Kate and her group out of it. What is he hiding? Or is he protecting someone? Another great mystery from Robin Mahle with some very interesting twists and turns. I received ARC of this book the review is voluntary.
Profile Image for TE.
240 reviews3 followers
July 29, 2017
I thought Last Word is one of the better books in the Kate Reid series. The story line was more involved (a good thing) and the answer to the "who done it" wasn't as cut and dried as what you might first think. The main character has definitely grown up and was feeling her oats in this one. Not sure what to think about a Kate with anger issues. lol. Good read.

For those who want to know: Last Word has language and violence.
5 reviews
December 6, 2017
A very good book.

First of all, I want to say, I really enjoyed watching Agent Reed evolve into a lead investigator. I say watching because the way the story is described it is almost visible. This is not entirely captivating like some of the other Kate Reed novels but the plot and descriptions are real enough to lead a person through the process of investigating and discovery and keep you wanting to find what happens next. I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Margaret Heher.
62 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2019
Imperfect Kate once again dives into a case where the characters yield layers of power and disfunction .

Her relationships continue to grow although I believe her intimate relationship with her old boss seems to be a distraction in my opinion. The developing trust between Kate , Dwight and Angie appears to be on the wane given her potential move to Quantico; much to my despair.
I love reading stories of strong brilliant women written by women. I look forward to the next one.
68 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2023
Amateurish. The author assumes we’ve read previous books in the series because there is no character development. There is no reason to like any of these characters. The plot is simple and single-minded, not complex and thought-provoking. It is repetitive. Perhaps the sub plot is Kate’s interview to work with someone who is a subordinate to her boyfriend. It goes over and over and over this topic, and it is not even interesting. No one cares. I am really disappointed.
Profile Image for LooseBoots .
875 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2017
This series just gets better all the time. Whilst I missed the books after the book of Five it was more interesting for me to see how Katie had developed, personally and professionally. I wasn't disappointed. Lists of twists and turns and at least she is not being hunted now.i was literally up till the early hours to finish reading. Couldn't stop. Such a great story . Thank you Robin.
Profile Image for Dr. Simone J. Simone.
181 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2017
What a Roller Coaster!

I had great difficulty keeping my concentration on reading this book. That is, until the 72% mark which evidently the boarding place for the roller coaster. Just when I thought I had it figured out, things would be revealed. However, in a real-life case like this, it seems like the evidence would have been too sparse. Even so, it became a good read.
Profile Image for Velma Demaray.
26 reviews
March 11, 2018
Turn twisting

Just when the story seemed finished another curve came into being. Entertaining and enter twining, Ms. Mahle kept you reading to learn what would happen next. This is the 8th book by this author and I will recommend all of them to my friends who are looking for page turners.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
May 22, 2018
I’m always amazed at what this author brings

I honestly don’t know how this author comes up with all of these stories. They are always well plotted and written and so full of life and depth. The characters are not easy and seem to take the hard way in life but I truly enjoy reading each one.
24 reviews
June 22, 2018
Another good Kate Reid story

Robin Mahle is a terrific author! Where did she get such knowledge of the BAU? How did she develop the strong character named Kate Reid? Kate has been changing and growing in each book. Ready to start book 8 in the series and see where Robin takes us with Kate. A very enjoyable series.
319 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2021
FBI thriller

Serial killer is targeting women involved with a U.S. congressman. In an effort to keep the congressman out of the meds, so crooked cop take money to help cover it up. GBI agents must overcome the cop as well as the killer. Heroine is pushy, has a large ego and feels she's right about everything.
Profile Image for Sharon Buck.
Author 32 books30 followers
August 30, 2025
One of my favorite authors and Robin doesn't disappoint in Last Word. She has the unique ability to pull the reader right into the story from the get-go. I couldn't put it down until I read the very last page. Yes, this is called binge reading LOL The plot line teases you all along the way, the characters - totally believable - and she builds depth into the characters. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for DAN MCCLELLAN.
8 reviews
August 21, 2017
Great read. Didn't know until I read the last page, what would happen

Really enjoyed all of her books so far. I am a mystery junkie, but with these books the ending is always a mystery until the last page.
Profile Image for Marilyn Buehler.
93 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2018
I was so sorry to read the last book of this 7 book series. Heroine was dynamic, smart and very believable, as were the other characters in the book. Descriptions of places, people and scenarios wer right on point and not too wordy. I will miss Kate Reid.
Profile Image for Dee Cash.
563 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2021
Last Word

I really like the Kate Reid Thrillers I have read. I'm not sure how many I have read, none of them in any kind of order. Even though they would be better read in order I still have enjoyed reading them. Robin Mahle is a good writer.
213 reviews
June 17, 2021
Last Word

Feisty Kate Reid goes after a serial killer and also captures other criminals along the way. This book is built on previous stories. Kate also examines her desire to be a profiler.
31 reviews
June 25, 2021
Fascinating read

Definitely a page turner. The characters have fast paced action that keeps you interested and keeps the pages turning. Hard to put the book down. Very well written suspense.
Profile Image for Barbara R. Cady.
1,073 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2021
Another great book!

I love this series. The characters have real struggles, real emotions and are very relatable. Lots of action , plenty of twists to go around, and another winner for the series.
5 reviews
September 18, 2022
Great read!

Good suspense and character development. It is a page turner! This is a great series and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys female detectives and/or police procedurals.
1,471 reviews7 followers
May 20, 2023
Great FBI thriller

This story kept you on your toes until the end. Loved the main character Kate. What a feisty, go against the grain character. Never would have figured out who the killer was. Good twist.
184 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2023
Full with surprises from beginning to end. The game of the characters getting in the way of the others and the perfect way the real intention of their actions was kept a secret all the way to the end. Really like that Kate Reed is finally a strong character that takes matter with a lot of strengh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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