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Tracy Crosswhite #8.5
The Last Line
A newbie Seattle detective gets an education in corruption in a short story by Robert Dugoni, the Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite series.
His old life in the rearview, Del Castigliano has left Wisconsin to work homicide for the Seattle PD. Breaking him in is veteran detective Moss Gunderson, and he’s handing Del a big catch: the bodies of two unidentified men fished from Lake Union. It’s a major opportunity for the new detective, and Del runs with it, chasing every lead—to every dead end. Despite the help of another section rookie, Vic Fazzio, Del is going nowhere fast. Until one shotgun theory looks to be dead right: the victims are casualties of a drug smuggling operation. But critical information is missing—or purposely hidden. It’s forcing Del into a crisis of character and duty that not even the people he trusts can help him resolve.
His old life in the rearview, Del Castigliano has left Wisconsin to work homicide for the Seattle PD. Breaking him in is veteran detective Moss Gunderson, and he’s handing Del a big catch: the bodies of two unidentified men fished from Lake Union. It’s a major opportunity for the new detective, and Del runs with it, chasing every lead—to every dead end. Despite the help of another section rookie, Vic Fazzio, Del is going nowhere fast. Until one shotgun theory looks to be dead right: the victims are casualties of a drug smuggling operation. But critical information is missing—or purposely hidden. It’s forcing Del into a crisis of character and duty that not even the people he trusts can help him resolve.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2021
1753 people are currently reading
3071 people want to read
About the author
Robert Dugoni
51 books33k followersRobert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series set in Seattle, which has sold more than 11 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, and The Keera Duggan legal thriller series. He has written several stand-alone novels including the historical novels A Killing on the Hill and Hold Strong, as well as the suspense novel The 7th Canon, and Damage Control. He has written the literary novels, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell - one of Newsweek Magazine's Best Books of All-Time and Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, for which Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also written the critically acclaimed novel, The World Played Chess; as well as the nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. His novels have been optioned for movies and television series. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Award for Fiction and a four-time winner of the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has also been a finalist for many other awards including the International Thriller Award, the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, the Silver Falchion Award for mystery, and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award.
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
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October 6, 2023
The Last Line (Tracy Crosswhite #8.5)
Written and narrated by Robert Dugoni
This short story takes us back twenty five years, when Tracy Crosswhite's teammate, Del Castigliano, worked his first homicide case for Seattle PD. He was a brand new detective, new to the state, and wanting to make a good impression. His future best friend and partner, Vic Fazzio, is also new to the department and already hounding Del to come eat with him and his wife, Vera.
Del is surprised when his veteran, close to retiring partner, turns the homicide case over to him. It stalls for two weeks until Del makes a breakthrough which will lead him to know he must tread carefully, that the enemy is sometimes us. Del and Vic can carry a story on their own although we didn't get to see much of Vic in this short story. It's obvious that both men were already covering each others backs, all those years ago.
Pub October 21, 2021
This was a Kindle Unlimited selection.
Written and narrated by Robert Dugoni
This short story takes us back twenty five years, when Tracy Crosswhite's teammate, Del Castigliano, worked his first homicide case for Seattle PD. He was a brand new detective, new to the state, and wanting to make a good impression. His future best friend and partner, Vic Fazzio, is also new to the department and already hounding Del to come eat with him and his wife, Vera.
Del is surprised when his veteran, close to retiring partner, turns the homicide case over to him. It stalls for two weeks until Del makes a breakthrough which will lead him to know he must tread carefully, that the enemy is sometimes us. Del and Vic can carry a story on their own although we didn't get to see much of Vic in this short story. It's obvious that both men were already covering each others backs, all those years ago.
Pub October 21, 2021
This was a Kindle Unlimited selection.
October 20, 2021
Delmo (Del) Castigliano leaves Madison, Wisconsin and heartbreak behind to start fresh as a homicide detective with the Seattle Police Department. He’s assigned to work his first case with veteran Moss Gunderson who immediately places him as the lead. As Del works the case, he gradually realizes he’s taken on much more than solving two murders.
I agreed to review this gem of a short story before I realized its connection to the author’s Tracy Crosswhite series, which I’m starting as a Goodreads group read in January. Del is a continuing character in that series but this is more like his own private prequel. Yes, it’s short but I got hooked about five minutes in and didn’t stop until I was finished. Now, I’m more than anxious to get started because it ended in such a way that I need more.
This was a delicious little bite and the author as narrator worked just fine. I can’t wait to see how this case impacted Del’s future self. As an appetizer, this went beyond preparing me for the main course.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I agreed to review this gem of a short story before I realized its connection to the author’s Tracy Crosswhite series, which I’m starting as a Goodreads group read in January. Del is a continuing character in that series but this is more like his own private prequel. Yes, it’s short but I got hooked about five minutes in and didn’t stop until I was finished. Now, I’m more than anxious to get started because it ended in such a way that I need more.
This was a delicious little bite and the author as narrator worked just fine. I can’t wait to see how this case impacted Del’s future self. As an appetizer, this went beyond preparing me for the main course.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
October 22, 2021
Indifference is the enabler of corruption.
Robert Dugoni has gifted us with a lead-in short story serving as a prequel to the Tracy Crosswhite Series. No worries. If you haven't engaged in this series as of yet, Dugoni has served up quite the standalone in a little over 50 pages.
We're taken back to the 1990's and introduced to the start-up of two favorite characters whose friendship is just melding. Del Castigliano is leaving Madison, Wisconsin in his rearview mirror. After a romance that turned South on him and a police career that was limited, Del decides to head to Seattle where the police department is hiring and the pay is far better.
He's under the wing of a veteran detective, Moss Gunderson. Crime hits before sun-up and Moss and Del find themselves at the harbor at Lake Union with two near frozen bodies laying on the dock. The harbor master and another boat owner hauled the bodies out of the water. Even the dead are not assisting Del on his first Seattle crime scene. Neither body has identification or bullet wounds. Nobody seems to have witnessed anything in the aftermath.
Moss hands the case over to Del immediately. Del feels like he's being tested. He seeks the advice of rookie and new friend, Vic "Faz" Fazzio. Both newbies have a sense that something is out of whack when the internal paperwork just doesn't add up. What exactly will Del do next?
The Last Line is a nice little golden nugget rolling out from the superb writing of Robert Dugoni. He never disappoints. It's now available at Amazon and with one click you'll become an instant fan.
Robert Dugoni has gifted us with a lead-in short story serving as a prequel to the Tracy Crosswhite Series. No worries. If you haven't engaged in this series as of yet, Dugoni has served up quite the standalone in a little over 50 pages.
We're taken back to the 1990's and introduced to the start-up of two favorite characters whose friendship is just melding. Del Castigliano is leaving Madison, Wisconsin in his rearview mirror. After a romance that turned South on him and a police career that was limited, Del decides to head to Seattle where the police department is hiring and the pay is far better.
He's under the wing of a veteran detective, Moss Gunderson. Crime hits before sun-up and Moss and Del find themselves at the harbor at Lake Union with two near frozen bodies laying on the dock. The harbor master and another boat owner hauled the bodies out of the water. Even the dead are not assisting Del on his first Seattle crime scene. Neither body has identification or bullet wounds. Nobody seems to have witnessed anything in the aftermath.
Moss hands the case over to Del immediately. Del feels like he's being tested. He seeks the advice of rookie and new friend, Vic "Faz" Fazzio. Both newbies have a sense that something is out of whack when the internal paperwork just doesn't add up. What exactly will Del do next?
The Last Line is a nice little golden nugget rolling out from the superb writing of Robert Dugoni. He never disappoints. It's now available at Amazon and with one click you'll become an instant fan.
October 24, 2021
An Introduction Into Homicide For A New Detective
A longtime Detective in Seattle Homicide offers a tough intro to a new to the force cop. His first case the Detective, Moss, offers him the lead, only he has his own reasons for doing that and they are not good! A great short story that has you wanting more!
A longtime Detective in Seattle Homicide offers a tough intro to a new to the force cop. His first case the Detective, Moss, offers him the lead, only he has his own reasons for doing that and they are not good! A great short story that has you wanting more!
October 23, 2021
A longtime fan of Robert Dugoni, I was pleasantly surprised to see this short story emerge in his latest series. A prequel of sorts that offers series fans a closer look of another of the SPD Homicide detectives, this piece offers a great tale that is sure to entertain. While Tracy Crosswhite is front and centre in the series, the work of Del Castigliano and Vic Fazzio gets some of the spotlight here. Both rookies, they work through a case that could open up more than a simple motive and cause significant issues for those in their own squad.
Del Castigliano has moved to Seattle for a new start in 1995. His life is in shambles and all he wants is to climb the ranks of the SPD. When he arrives at the scene where two men were found floating in the harbour, Del cannot help but wonder if there is more to the story than a simple drowning. However, his senior partner dismisses it as much of anything and tosses the background investigating to Del.
When something doesn’t add up, Del turns to fellow rookie detective, Vic Fazzio, for some help. Together, they poke around and learn that the two victims have ties to some drug running, but that there may be more to it. As Del and Fazzio try to piece it all together, they realise that they could be sitting on a powder keg that might explode if what they are hearing from interviews comes to light. It’s time to make some serious choices. A great short piece that proves Dugoni is a master, even when constrained by a page limit.
The Tracy Crosswhite series has been one I have come to love for many years, though it is not only the protagonist that pulls me in. The entire team has quirks and great aspects that make each of the eight novels highly exciting. Not only does Dugoni take us back in this piece, but he offers some great backstory on two of the members who work alongside Crosswhite regularly. This masterful short story has all the elements I need for a single sitting read.
Del Castigliano is surely the central actor in this piece, offering up some great backstory that helps put his time on SPD into perspective. Alongside his growth is that of Vic Fazzio, another familiar face to series fans. Some of his own backstory comes to life in this piece, which allows readers to see how they forged a connection that would eventually lead to a strong partnership.
Dugoni offers up an intriguing case that can be digested in short order, offering up just enough drama and controversy to keep it exciting. Great writing, paired with a strong plot and decent character development, kept me flipping pages for thirty minutes to get to the end in a single sitting. Now, while I have to wait for more Tracy Crosswhite, I feel as though I got my dose until the next novel emerges soon!
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for a great filler piece. How you keep up the stories with such high quality, I will never know. Don’t stop now!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Del Castigliano has moved to Seattle for a new start in 1995. His life is in shambles and all he wants is to climb the ranks of the SPD. When he arrives at the scene where two men were found floating in the harbour, Del cannot help but wonder if there is more to the story than a simple drowning. However, his senior partner dismisses it as much of anything and tosses the background investigating to Del.
When something doesn’t add up, Del turns to fellow rookie detective, Vic Fazzio, for some help. Together, they poke around and learn that the two victims have ties to some drug running, but that there may be more to it. As Del and Fazzio try to piece it all together, they realise that they could be sitting on a powder keg that might explode if what they are hearing from interviews comes to light. It’s time to make some serious choices. A great short piece that proves Dugoni is a master, even when constrained by a page limit.
The Tracy Crosswhite series has been one I have come to love for many years, though it is not only the protagonist that pulls me in. The entire team has quirks and great aspects that make each of the eight novels highly exciting. Not only does Dugoni take us back in this piece, but he offers some great backstory on two of the members who work alongside Crosswhite regularly. This masterful short story has all the elements I need for a single sitting read.
Del Castigliano is surely the central actor in this piece, offering up some great backstory that helps put his time on SPD into perspective. Alongside his growth is that of Vic Fazzio, another familiar face to series fans. Some of his own backstory comes to life in this piece, which allows readers to see how they forged a connection that would eventually lead to a strong partnership.
Dugoni offers up an intriguing case that can be digested in short order, offering up just enough drama and controversy to keep it exciting. Great writing, paired with a strong plot and decent character development, kept me flipping pages for thirty minutes to get to the end in a single sitting. Now, while I have to wait for more Tracy Crosswhite, I feel as though I got my dose until the next novel emerges soon!
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for a great filler piece. How you keep up the stories with such high quality, I will never know. Don’t stop now!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 18, 2023
I've read all of Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite novels, but this is a 53-page novella that I only recently come across. It's a story that is set in the 1990s and introduces many of the characters that have become old friends in the longer books. What I enjoyed about this is that it very quickly goes from "new detective" on the block to a much darker and bleaker tale of someone arriving in a city where many secrets live and thrive. Helping achieve this is Del, a bright but personally bruised new Detective seeking a fresh start. He comes across as honest and bright and initially the group he joins seems welcoming but the potential murder by drowning of two unnamed men seems a little too convenient to wrap up very quickly. He meets another officer, Vic Fazzio, and they bond with a common sense of doing the right thing and also a shared Italian American heritage. This friendship produces some warmth in a story that is cold and not just through Robert Dugoni’s description of Seattle in a bone shivering winter...but a wider story where it suddenly feels we are in deeper waters as the facts get unearthed by Del’s patient examination of witnesses and clues. That feeling in particular really makes the story work and always impressed when a crime author also attends to the issue of the police service itself not always making a place better. If you've never read any of this series this is a good, short story to begin with.
October 28, 2021
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE LAST LINE (Tracy Crosswhite Book #8.5) by Robert Dugoni is a short story which takes us back in time to when Delmo Castigliano first becomes a homicide detective for the Seattle PD. This is a prequel that features Del’s first lead on a homicide case and the beginning of his friendship with another rookie detective, Vic Fazzio.
Del is paired with veteran detective Moss Gunderson and they are called out to investigate two bodies fished out of Lake Union. Moss gives Del the lead, but every trail is a dead end until he reinterviews the harbormaster that Moss interviewed alone. Information is missing and Del goes to Vic for advice and assistance. Everyone does not have Del’s back, and he learns a valuable lesson.
I was immediately hooked. This short story has familiar characters from the Tracy Crosswhite series in an intriguing case from their pasts that is quickly read. This 1990’s case cements Del and Faz’s friendship and I am looking forward to how it impacts Del in the present.
THE LAST LINE (Tracy Crosswhite Book #8.5) by Robert Dugoni is a short story which takes us back in time to when Delmo Castigliano first becomes a homicide detective for the Seattle PD. This is a prequel that features Del’s first lead on a homicide case and the beginning of his friendship with another rookie detective, Vic Fazzio.
Del is paired with veteran detective Moss Gunderson and they are called out to investigate two bodies fished out of Lake Union. Moss gives Del the lead, but every trail is a dead end until he reinterviews the harbormaster that Moss interviewed alone. Information is missing and Del goes to Vic for advice and assistance. Everyone does not have Del’s back, and he learns a valuable lesson.
I was immediately hooked. This short story has familiar characters from the Tracy Crosswhite series in an intriguing case from their pasts that is quickly read. This 1990’s case cements Del and Faz’s friendship and I am looking forward to how it impacts Del in the present.
March 29, 2025
disappointing
I refuse to believe that this short story was written by Mr. Dugoni.
Fortunately it was only 53 pages.
And this was definitely a teaser for the next book.
I refuse to believe that this short story was written by Mr. Dugoni.
Fortunately it was only 53 pages.
And this was definitely a teaser for the next book.
May 12, 2023
Del Castigliano moved to Seattle becoming a homicide detective in SPD. A veteran detective Moss Gunderson is helping him to break into the new job. Their fist case as partners brings two bodies found in the water.
Del Castigliano tries hard to solve the case, but is met by deception from Moss Gunderson.
The end of story shows that the life, as usual, is not always fair.
Del Castigliano tries hard to solve the case, but is met by deception from Moss Gunderson.
The end of story shows that the life, as usual, is not always fair.
February 7, 2025
Loved this, but wish it was a bit longer.
May 29, 2022
The Last Line is a short story prequel in the Tracy Crosswhite series by best-selling award-winning American author, Robert Dugoni. It’s late 1995, and newly-arrived at Seattle PD, Del Castigliano is eager to solve a case. In the Homicide section, he’s a rookie, but his partner, Moss Gunderson gives him the lead: two drowning victims at the marina on Lake Union. Moss confidently predicts the men are illegals, off a drug-running boat from Canada. But Del is diligent, and his hunches lead him to an uncomfortable conclusion for which he has no proof. He learns a hard lesson.
As well as providing a back story for an established character in the Tracy Crosswhite series, this story mentions several regular series characters and makes mention of a key character for the next full-length book in the series, What She Found.
As well as providing a back story for an established character in the Tracy Crosswhite series, this story mentions several regular series characters and makes mention of a key character for the next full-length book in the series, What She Found.
October 23, 2021
A very good short back story of one of the characters in the Tracy Crosswhite universe.
October 19, 2021
I read the first book of the Tracy Crosswhite series a number of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've always meant to continue with the series, but have never gotten back to it. When the opportunity presented itself for me to read this short story, I had no trouble accepting because at last I could revisit Mr. Dugoni's writing.
This was a great short story and quite frankly the ending left me wanting a lot more. The characters were well developed, it was atmospheric and interesting. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Dugoni's work in the future. Perfect for a quick commute read or something to tie you over if you're waiting for his next book!
Review Date: 10/19/2021
Publication Date: 10/21/2021
This was a great short story and quite frankly the ending left me wanting a lot more. The characters were well developed, it was atmospheric and interesting. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Dugoni's work in the future. Perfect for a quick commute read or something to tie you over if you're waiting for his next book!
Review Date: 10/19/2021
Publication Date: 10/21/2021
November 23, 2023
A newbie Seattle detective gets an education in corruption in a short story that explores Detective Castigliano’s origins in the Seattle PD by Robert Dugoni, the Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite series.
His old life in the rearview, Del Castigliano has left Wisconsin to work homicide for the Seattle PD. Breaking him in is veteran detective Moss Gunderson, and he’s handing Del a big catch: the bodies of two unidentified men fished from Lake Union. It’s a major opportunity for the new detective, and Del runs with it, chasing every lead—to every dead end. Despite the help of another section rookie, Vic Fazzio, Del is going nowhere fast. Until one shotgun theory looks to be dead right: the victims are casualties of a drug smuggling operation. But critical information is missing—or purposely hidden. It’s forcing Del into a crisis of character and duty that not even the people he trusts can help him resolve.
Interesting new character, good story, but why marketed as 8.5 Tracy Crosswhite ?? Who is not mentioned in this short story.
Three stars
His old life in the rearview, Del Castigliano has left Wisconsin to work homicide for the Seattle PD. Breaking him in is veteran detective Moss Gunderson, and he’s handing Del a big catch: the bodies of two unidentified men fished from Lake Union. It’s a major opportunity for the new detective, and Del runs with it, chasing every lead—to every dead end. Despite the help of another section rookie, Vic Fazzio, Del is going nowhere fast. Until one shotgun theory looks to be dead right: the victims are casualties of a drug smuggling operation. But critical information is missing—or purposely hidden. It’s forcing Del into a crisis of character and duty that not even the people he trusts can help him resolve.
Interesting new character, good story, but why marketed as 8.5 Tracy Crosswhite ?? Who is not mentioned in this short story.
Three stars
October 6, 2022
Detective Del Castigliano has taken a new job with the Seattle Police Department and left his old life behind after a bitter break-up. Paired with veteran Detective Moss Gunderson, Del is called out on his first big case. Two bodies were discovered floating in Lake Union. Neither has identification. Moss tells Del that he can take the lead on the case. After two weeks of investigating, Del is no closer to learning exactly what happened. He decides to start over and reinterview everyone. When the Harbormaster gives him important information that wasn't in Moss's original report, Del starts questioning why he would leave it out.
This novella is part of the Tracy Crosswhite series. Del is a seasoned detective in that series. This tells about his beginnings with the Seattle Police Department in 1995. I liked this story right up until the end. Then it just ended abruptly, and I was dissatisfied. This felt like the first couple chapters of a very good book. I hope we learn more about the outcome of the situation in the next book. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This novella is part of the Tracy Crosswhite series. Del is a seasoned detective in that series. This tells about his beginnings with the Seattle Police Department in 1995. I liked this story right up until the end. Then it just ended abruptly, and I was dissatisfied. This felt like the first couple chapters of a very good book. I hope we learn more about the outcome of the situation in the next book. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
February 24, 2022
Nice background story for one of our favourite characters from the Tracey Crosswhite series.
October 29, 2021
I've been a huge fan of Robert Dugoni since I read The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell (fabulous book). I was looking forward to trying some of his other books.
And yes, I realize this was a novella.
But...that ending. I mean...it just STOPS.
I see that it's #8.5 in the series, so I'm going to blame this dissatisfaction on myself and not on the author. I need to get to reading. I did very much like his writing style as well as his characters. It's just, that ending ...
Recommend (with the series)
And yes, I realize this was a novella.
But...that ending. I mean...it just STOPS.
I see that it's #8.5 in the series, so I'm going to blame this dissatisfaction on myself and not on the author. I need to get to reading. I did very much like his writing style as well as his characters. It's just, that ending ...
Recommend (with the series)
March 10, 2023
The Last Line is a prequel novella featuring one of the main support characters from the exceptional Tracy Crosswhite series, Del Castigliano. The events here are referenced in book 9, What She Found, which I read last year, and I bought it then, but didn’t get round to reading it at the time, which is unfortunate as I’ve now forgotten most of what happens. I do recall that Del’s regrets over his actions are a major theme which is finally resolved. It would’ve been preferable to read this first. I’m not sure it works as a stand-alone if you haven’t read the other books.
In the early winter of 1995, rookie Detective Del moves to Seattle after a relationship breakdown to join the homicide squad. His first case involves two dead bodies found at a marina, with possible links to a drug dealing operation. He’s surprised to be put in charge by his partner, Moss Gundberg, but then he makes no progress on the case and goes looking for answers, involving his other new colleague, Vincent Fazzio.
I enjoyed this trip back in time to the origins of the friendship between Del and Faz. Having already read What She Found, I knew the ending would not be a happy one, but it’s important in shaping Del’s attitudes through the rest of his career. This was a short read - about 30 minutes, but a worthwhile addition to one of my favourite series.
In the early winter of 1995, rookie Detective Del moves to Seattle after a relationship breakdown to join the homicide squad. His first case involves two dead bodies found at a marina, with possible links to a drug dealing operation. He’s surprised to be put in charge by his partner, Moss Gundberg, but then he makes no progress on the case and goes looking for answers, involving his other new colleague, Vincent Fazzio.
I enjoyed this trip back in time to the origins of the friendship between Del and Faz. Having already read What She Found, I knew the ending would not be a happy one, but it’s important in shaping Del’s attitudes through the rest of his career. This was a short read - about 30 minutes, but a worthwhile addition to one of my favourite series.
October 21, 2021
The Story:
Looking for a fresh start, Del Castigliano leaves Wisconsin to work for Seattle Police Department Homicide Unit. When two unidentified bodies were found at a marina at Lake Union, he is assigned as the lead detective in this case. But the more he investigates, the more he realizes that he is getting nowhere with the investigation and it seems that someone does not want him to solve this case.
My thoughts: I usually steer away from short stories as they are usually a miss for me. But I am glad that I took a chance on this book! It was good!
This story centers around two secondary characters from the Tracy Crosswhite universe (which I have not read but want to now!) - Seattle PD detectives Delmo “Del” Castigliano and Vic “Faz” Fazzio. For a short story, the plot and character development were good! I liked the fast pace, suspense and the investigation part in this story. The writing was engaging too! Although the ending did leave me wanting more, I am totally okay with that! I am hoping that this is a prequel to a new series as I really like the character Del.
Pub. Date: Oct 21st, 2021
***Thank you Amazon Original Stories for this gifted reading copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
My thoughts: I usually steer away from short stories as they are usually a miss for me. But I am glad that I took a chance on this book! It was good!
This story centers around two secondary characters from the Tracy Crosswhite universe (which I have not read but want to now!) - Seattle PD detectives Delmo “Del” Castigliano and Vic “Faz” Fazzio. For a short story, the plot and character development were good! I liked the fast pace, suspense and the investigation part in this story. The writing was engaging too! Although the ending did leave me wanting more, I am totally okay with that! I am hoping that this is a prequel to a new series as I really like the character Del.
Pub. Date: Oct 21st, 2021
***Thank you Amazon Original Stories for this gifted reading copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
November 30, 2021
3.5 Stars
What a great peek back into time - back to when Del and Faz first became homicide detectives. I have enjoyed reading about them throughout the Tracy Crosswhite series and it was fun to read of their start. Excellent short story but it left me saying to myself: "Wait. That was it?? I need to know what happened next!!!"
What a great peek back into time - back to when Del and Faz first became homicide detectives. I have enjoyed reading about them throughout the Tracy Crosswhite series and it was fun to read of their start. Excellent short story but it left me saying to myself: "Wait. That was it?? I need to know what happened next!!!"
April 13, 2024
A decent addition to the Tracy Crosswhite series. All of the books by Dugoni are ones that keep you engaged and hooked til the end.
January 13, 2022
This short story should be be #0.25 or #0.75 in series as it's introducing us to the early days on the force of Delmo 'Del' Castigliano.
#0.25: it's set a year earlier than The Academy - current #0.25.
#0.75: it's dealing with a very different set of characters than the other two short stories and not told from the POV of the series main character.
An interesting short story with an unsatisfactory open ending that looks like a prequel to the last book in series (so far: What She Found). For the first time reading a book by this author I thought the story is too short and lacking some vital information. I whish we got more information how the relationship between Del & his parter developed from that point out and how come he had a different partner in the first book in series (set more than ten years later). I really hope we get some answers in the following novel.
I appreciate very much to learn how the friendship between the two italian homicide detectives started but overall am for the very first time dissapointed with Robert Dugoni's work. I still plan to re-read the books in this series I already read and read the other ones though now I'm no more sure if I'm willing to buy those I'm not owning yet. Luckily I have some time - while reading the first six novels - to make up my mind and worst case I can join KU for a short while to read those I'm still missing.
#0.25: it's set a year earlier than The Academy - current #0.25.
#0.75: it's dealing with a very different set of characters than the other two short stories and not told from the POV of the series main character.
An interesting short story with an unsatisfactory open ending that looks like a prequel to the last book in series (so far: What She Found). For the first time reading a book by this author I thought the story is too short and lacking some vital information. I whish we got more information how the relationship between Del & his parter developed from that point out and how come he had a different partner in the first book in series (set more than ten years later). I really hope we get some answers in the following novel.
I appreciate very much to learn how the friendship between the two italian homicide detectives started but overall am for the very first time dissapointed with Robert Dugoni's work. I still plan to re-read the books in this series I already read and read the other ones though now I'm no more sure if I'm willing to buy those I'm not owning yet. Luckily I have some time - while reading the first six novels - to make up my mind and worst case I can join KU for a short while to read those I'm still missing.
November 8, 2021
I love it when an author writes these short stories where we get a glimpse of some previous unknown facts about his characters. The Last Line by Robert Dugoni is just that. Even though it is in the Tracy Crosswhite series she is not in this story at all. This is all about Del Castigliano and how he moves to Seattle and meets Vic Fazzio. Two of my favorite characters. The story revolves around a suspicious death and is a dark story indeed.
May 26, 2024
Outstanding Novella!
The Last Line is a novella featuring supporting characters in the Tracy Crosswhite series. It's a quick read, narrated by the author, intense with corruption and betrayal, that provides interesting background information.
The Last Line is a novella featuring supporting characters in the Tracy Crosswhite series. It's a quick read, narrated by the author, intense with corruption and betrayal, that provides interesting background information.
March 8, 2022
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT??????!!!!!????
OH NO YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT TO ME ROBERT DUGONI!
Dirty pool.
Dirty, dirty pool.
DIRTY POOL!!!
Dammit, The Last Line was a good, solid read, and although it wasn't as riveting as the other two short story prequels that complement the Tracy Crosswhite series, I was leaning toward 4 stars.
Until. That. Ending.
Really, really want to use some paper mill-appropriate language here to more fully express My Extreme Displeasure at beinging left hanging.
Ugh.
PS
Not being a complete and total idiot, I know that things will get worked out, because, umm, DUH--this is another prequel and, having read all the books in the series, I know the main characters in this story are still Seattle PD Homicide detectives years later. But, still, y'all.
Still.
OH NO YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT TO ME ROBERT DUGONI!
Dirty pool.
Dirty, dirty pool.
DIRTY POOL!!!
Dammit, The Last Line was a good, solid read, and although it wasn't as riveting as the other two short story prequels that complement the Tracy Crosswhite series, I was leaning toward 4 stars.
Until. That. Ending.
Really, really want to use some paper mill-appropriate language here to more fully express My Extreme Displeasure at beinging left hanging.
Ugh.
PS
Not being a complete and total idiot, I know that things will get worked out, because, umm, DUH--this is another prequel and, having read all the books in the series, I know the main characters in this story are still Seattle PD Homicide detectives years later. But, still, y'all.
Still.
April 18, 2024
This is a short story with a young homicide detective, Del Castigliano, as the main character. The story doesn’t seem to have a final conclusion, so I am hoping Dugoni goes back to this character, of whom I would like to hear more.
October 28, 2021
I like this set up to a side characters introduction to to the team.
November 10, 2021
It was nice to get some backstory on the side characters. Short but enjoyable.
November 4, 2021
The ending left me scratching my head. But it was fun to see how Del ended up in Seattle!
October 28, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This novella is related to supporting characters in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Del and Faz are mainstays on her team and in her life. The Last Line is set back in time to when Del first arrived in Seattle from Madison WI as a new homicide detective.
Del is excited to be offered to lead on the homicide case, even though Gunderson wants everything run through him. But by consulting Faz when he hits dead ends, he makes a great new friend. He learns quickly that things aren't adding up. He's caught in a web of corruption without enough evidence to prove he isn't part of it.
The Last Line is very short but a good, additional background on two favorite characters. They are intelligent, hard-working and honest cops, that have to make difficult choices without clear cut evidence. I enjoyed seeing the beginning of this friendship.
Narration:
I always find it interesting when the author narrates their own story. I think they have the best knowledge of the character's emotions. Since literally all the characters here were male, it fit well for the voices. I was listened a bit more slowly at 1.25x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
COYER # 26 water/ ocean on the cover
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This novella is related to supporting characters in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Del and Faz are mainstays on her team and in her life. The Last Line is set back in time to when Del first arrived in Seattle from Madison WI as a new homicide detective.
Del is excited to be offered to lead on the homicide case, even though Gunderson wants everything run through him. But by consulting Faz when he hits dead ends, he makes a great new friend. He learns quickly that things aren't adding up. He's caught in a web of corruption without enough evidence to prove he isn't part of it.
The Last Line is very short but a good, additional background on two favorite characters. They are intelligent, hard-working and honest cops, that have to make difficult choices without clear cut evidence. I enjoyed seeing the beginning of this friendship.
Narration:
I always find it interesting when the author narrates their own story. I think they have the best knowledge of the character's emotions. Since literally all the characters here were male, it fit well for the voices. I was listened a bit more slowly at 1.25x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
COYER # 26 water/ ocean on the cover
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