Last Man Alive

Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harris #9

by John Dean

It is lonely on the hills, alive or dead…

On the trail of a missing man whom he suspects of having dementia and being at grave risk, DCI Jack Harris makes a terrible discovery.

In a tent, nestled within the windy hills of the northern Pennines, lies another man. He has been shot dead.

The detectives soon establish that the victim was not a random camper but an investigative journalist.

Yet as Harris tries to work out what brought the victim to his area, Special Branch, under the advice of a foreign government, block the veteran detective from investigating further.

But Harris smells a rat. And he isn’t one to give others free rein over his patch. Nor lose a man who thinks he is the last person alive.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2021

About the author

John Dean is a freelance journalist who has runs his own business and draws heavily on his years as a crime reporter for newspapers and magazines to create his novels.

He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and cites Sherlock Holmes as his all-time favorite detective. He lives in the South West of Scotland.

(Also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley)

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[David Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by John Dean. I follow this author, and he never disappoints. This one is a cracker! Full of unexpected twists and turns that only his main character Harris has any chance of unravelling.

If you like a good page turner - look no further!

Highly recommended.

[Gerard Saltmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very unrealistic in parts. Police officers don't talk the way the characters do. And detectives with sidearms, come on!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I follow this author and have read the Blizzard series and all nine books that feature DCI Jack Harris(Hawk). Harris is one of my favorite literary characters. This novel has an intricate and very interesting storyline as well as some surprising twists. Very well written and engaging from the first page. Recommended if you enjoy police procedural done the right way.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Another great story in the DCI Jack Harris series,a police inspector who has his own way of doing things and doesn't appreciate those who get in his way. A gripping story with lots of twists and turns and an unexpected and interesting ending. More please.

[ESTON MAYFIELD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Author tells a good story by keeping the reader interested all the way to the end. Interesting subjects and story line takes place in England with a touch of English mannerisms

[Karen Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking read with enough twists and turns to make your head spin! DCI Jack 'Hawk' Harris is at his best again. Defying the rules and going his own way. When a body in a tent is found on the hills, Harris and his team find themselves treading on the toes of Special Branch and a foreign government and told to step down. Obviously this goes against everything Jack believes in and the ensuing arguments fly as usual. With a vulnerable man with dementia added to the mix, anything can happen. But is he vulnerable or is he a suspect? Enjoyable read that keeps you guessing!

[Sebastian Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking read from this stable. A death in a remote cottage, another in a tent, Special Branch and German Intelligence are all roped into this case. Plenty of red herrings to get to the bottom of a manuscript that could have serious repercussions.
Have now finished this brilliant set and looking for the next two books.

[Kathy Piehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. I'm obviously on a Jack Harris binge. This one was particularly complex because of the uncertainty about the possible dementia of a man who left behind a strange note before disappearing. Could he have been the murderer, or is he a potential victim? Does he even know where he is? International involvement complicates the case.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the last story in the box set I have and it involved widespread interests.

Harris and his team investigate a murder but there is more than one possibility. I liked the mystery and the twists and the relationships between the team.

Well-written with a good sense of humour despite the seriousness of the subject.

Engaging and enjoyable.

[David Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by John Dean. I follow this author, and he never disappoints. This one is a cracker! Full of unexpected twists and turns that only his main character Harris has any chance of unravelling.

If you like a good page turner - look no further!

Highly recommended.

[K Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

Can't best a bit of DCI Jack Harris and his side kick Matty lad. Great characters, just love the humour between the pair. Always a good read, interesting story and lots of humour.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another solid story

Kept me interested and entertained. I enjoy the characters, although I'd like to see them developed more. I'd like to see Hawk grow as a person. But still a really good series.

[Peter AvillEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable novel

As usual I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of his work. My friends and have become followers of this author and look forward to reading the next book.

[Erik Empson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing tale in a great series. Interesting themes of bewilderment and memory. Always a great Harris punch in the end.

[A D MYERTHALL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Man Aljve

Another good read from John Dean, he never lets you down, I really enjoyed this easy to read book and Jack Harris is a very believable character.

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red herrings. Always check your sources is good advice.

[Alon Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy enjoyable read. First of John Dean’s that I have read. Look forward to reading others.
Alon

[alex jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last man alive

Another great Jack Harris story author(John dean) has got a great mind for it a must read I have enjoyed the Jack Harris books

[Jill Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Susan Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books about intuitive DCI's. Jack is the best and has a very loyal and dedicated team. This was another fascinating investigation.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A missing man from the remote Seaview Cottage, and a dead man in a tent near by. Is there a connection and if so what. DCI Jack Harris and his team investigate. But who can they trust.
An enjoyable modern mystery

[Andrena M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Good story lots of twists and turn to keep you guessing, good characters to follow through the series of books

[Susan Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good, different

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

another Great Story and Jack and His Team Deliver every time

[Margaret McHardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

last man standing

Another great read. Loved all the characters the descriptive text is superb . I look forward to reading much more of the author.