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Meg Dawson #3
Her Final Truth
A collection of bones. A cold case. A ruthless killer.
When the body of Meg’s best friend Noah Parker’s body is discovered, Meg begs police to reopen the case and her editor to greenlight a series. But just as Meg begins to make headway, the body of a beloved activist washes ashore on nearby Spencer Island. As Meg digs into the drowning, a disturbing set of circumstances about the woman and the truth she may have been protecting casts the crime in a new light. One the local police seem determined to stonewall.
When a key witness vanishes and more bodies are found, the case spirals into a race against time, with Meg taking increasingly risky moves to solve it. As the mystery’s layers peel back, Meg discovers a shocking clue linked to Noah’s disappearance. Could the cases be related? And can Meg solve them before the killer silences the truth forever?
When the body of Meg’s best friend Noah Parker’s body is discovered, Meg begs police to reopen the case and her editor to greenlight a series. But just as Meg begins to make headway, the body of a beloved activist washes ashore on nearby Spencer Island. As Meg digs into the drowning, a disturbing set of circumstances about the woman and the truth she may have been protecting casts the crime in a new light. One the local police seem determined to stonewall.
When a key witness vanishes and more bodies are found, the case spirals into a race against time, with Meg taking increasingly risky moves to solve it. As the mystery’s layers peel back, Meg discovers a shocking clue linked to Noah’s disappearance. Could the cases be related? And can Meg solve them before the killer silences the truth forever?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2022
About the author
Amy Waeschle
36 books83 followersAMY WAESCHLE is the author of the bestselling Cassidy Kincaid mystery series, the Meg Dawson Murder Mystery series, and the standalone books Going Over the Falls, Feeding the Fire, and the surf memoir Chasing Waves.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and after a career in outdoor education and traditional teaching, she dedicated her energy to writing. As a fan of mysteries since childhood, creating sassy, brilliant female characters solving crimes has been a natural fit.
Amy likes to surf, run mountain trails, travel, and spend time with her family. She and her husband live in Poulsbo, Washington with their two daughters.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and after a career in outdoor education and traditional teaching, she dedicated her energy to writing. As a fan of mysteries since childhood, creating sassy, brilliant female characters solving crimes has been a natural fit.
Amy likes to surf, run mountain trails, travel, and spend time with her family. She and her husband live in Poulsbo, Washington with their two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 6, 2026
Bones, believed to be those of her best friend, Noah, have been found, but before she can jump into writing an investigative piece, Meg's editor sends her to report on the death of a woman drowned in the Sound.
This, the third novel in the Meg Dawson stories, is as thrilling and tautly written as its predecessors. Meg's character comes to the fore, her anxiety and feeling of being a failure (because she didn't get into the police force), her desire to be self-sufficient (yet wanting more with Rob), and her determination to uncover crimes (which puts her in danger.)
Brilliant.
This, the third novel in the Meg Dawson stories, is as thrilling and tautly written as its predecessors. Meg's character comes to the fore, her anxiety and feeling of being a failure (because she didn't get into the police force), her desire to be self-sufficient (yet wanting more with Rob), and her determination to uncover crimes (which puts her in danger.)
Brilliant.
January 6, 2023
Who killed Allison and Nick and Noah and why??? It is a cycle, isn't it??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
November 11, 2022
This is the third book in Amy Waeschle's brilliant "Meg Dawson" series, with a promise of more to come.
"When You're in the moment and about to do something reckless think about me", that's what Rob had said to Meg, and she did think about him but when she was on a mission to find the truth..........
Meg Dawson wanted to be a police officer like her father but she had failed the final exam despite encouragement from fellow trainee Rob Jackson. If she couldn't be a cop Meg would do the next best thing and become a journalist and work for the Puget Sound Journal, she would put all the skills learned at the Police Academy to good use. Meg was good at her job but she had a habit of pushing too far and putting her life in danger despite Rob's pleas.
When Alison Swiftwater's body turned up in suspicious circumstances Meg was on the case, Alison ran a woman's refuge with the money that she earned from harvesting crabs off Spencer Island, why would someone want Alison out of the way ? as Meg dug deeper many suspects came to light, some with the power to affect a cover up, Rob feared for Meg's safety and with good reason.
Meg is also jolted back ten years as she watched in the shadows as bones were being excavated....Meg instinctively knew who those bones belonged to. Noah Parker was to pick Meg up to take her to the prom, he was her best friend, when he didn't turn up Meg knew that something had happened to him, she had been searching for clues ever since.
This roller coaster, action packed story shows the authors descriptive powers at her best, I could feel the cold, damp fog, the freezing water and the fear, it tells of Meg following the murder of Alison, of the body count escalating, of long suffering Rob trying to rein Meg in and keep her safe, of the blossoming love between Meg and Rob and Meg's uncertainties, a well deserved five stars.
"When You're in the moment and about to do something reckless think about me", that's what Rob had said to Meg, and she did think about him but when she was on a mission to find the truth..........
Meg Dawson wanted to be a police officer like her father but she had failed the final exam despite encouragement from fellow trainee Rob Jackson. If she couldn't be a cop Meg would do the next best thing and become a journalist and work for the Puget Sound Journal, she would put all the skills learned at the Police Academy to good use. Meg was good at her job but she had a habit of pushing too far and putting her life in danger despite Rob's pleas.
When Alison Swiftwater's body turned up in suspicious circumstances Meg was on the case, Alison ran a woman's refuge with the money that she earned from harvesting crabs off Spencer Island, why would someone want Alison out of the way ? as Meg dug deeper many suspects came to light, some with the power to affect a cover up, Rob feared for Meg's safety and with good reason.
Meg is also jolted back ten years as she watched in the shadows as bones were being excavated....Meg instinctively knew who those bones belonged to. Noah Parker was to pick Meg up to take her to the prom, he was her best friend, when he didn't turn up Meg knew that something had happened to him, she had been searching for clues ever since.
This roller coaster, action packed story shows the authors descriptive powers at her best, I could feel the cold, damp fog, the freezing water and the fear, it tells of Meg following the murder of Alison, of the body count escalating, of long suffering Rob trying to rein Meg in and keep her safe, of the blossoming love between Meg and Rob and Meg's uncertainties, a well deserved five stars.
December 6, 2022
This is the third book in the Meg Dawson series and Amy Waeschle did not disappoint.
We start out meeting a woman named Allison Swiftwater. She runs a womans shelter on Spencer Island. Shes out helping one of the ladies that live in the shelter with some boat trouble on the water. She tells Brooklyn to take her boat back to shore and she will stay and fix the other boat. As soon as Brooklyn pulls off and Allison is working on the boat, she hears another engine and realizes that it's another boat coming straight for her. The next we hear about her they are recovering her body from the water. Meg is sent by her editor to do some investigating on her case.
At the same time that this is going on, Meg has been informed that a body has been found and it is most likely the body of her long-lost best friend, Noah. Sure enough, she arrives at the crime scene just in time to see them excavating some bones from a large grave. Even worse, they discover he was not the only body in the grave.
Now with two cases to investigate, Meg will not only be busy, but she will get herself, yet again, into some deep trouble with the chance of death on the line. This book is action packed and a true page turner. I love the character of Meg. Nosy, fierce and adventurous. I'm really hoping things work out for her and Rob, a cop she often turns to. The author teases two more books after this one and I have to admit that I am very excited and interested in finding out what happened to Noah. I received this book free from the author for an honest review.
We start out meeting a woman named Allison Swiftwater. She runs a womans shelter on Spencer Island. Shes out helping one of the ladies that live in the shelter with some boat trouble on the water. She tells Brooklyn to take her boat back to shore and she will stay and fix the other boat. As soon as Brooklyn pulls off and Allison is working on the boat, she hears another engine and realizes that it's another boat coming straight for her. The next we hear about her they are recovering her body from the water. Meg is sent by her editor to do some investigating on her case.
At the same time that this is going on, Meg has been informed that a body has been found and it is most likely the body of her long-lost best friend, Noah. Sure enough, she arrives at the crime scene just in time to see them excavating some bones from a large grave. Even worse, they discover he was not the only body in the grave.
Now with two cases to investigate, Meg will not only be busy, but she will get herself, yet again, into some deep trouble with the chance of death on the line. This book is action packed and a true page turner. I love the character of Meg. Nosy, fierce and adventurous. I'm really hoping things work out for her and Rob, a cop she often turns to. The author teases two more books after this one and I have to admit that I am very excited and interested in finding out what happened to Noah. I received this book free from the author for an honest review.
November 8, 2022
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest.
The story begins with Allison receiving a distress call from Brooklyn, one of the people in her shelter, advising that the boat is having engine problems and needs help. Allison gets dressed and heads out to the boat. When she arrived, she told Brooklyn to head back with the boat that Allison came in own. Once Brooklyn left, Allison started trying to fix the engine. She didn't get far before she sensed danger.
Later, Meg was trying to hide when she got to the scene where the police were recovering a body which she believed was Noah, a friend that had disappeared 10 years earlier. When she left this scene, she received a call from her boss, Nina, to go to a scene where another body had been found. She along with her photographer Koby. They took the Ferry over to Dawson Head. The body was believed to be Allison.
Now Meg had two bodies to look into. She had strong feelings for Noah's, but her boss wanted more on Allison. Meg began looking into Allison's death and uncovered information which ultimately led her to discover her killer. Along the way Meg had to overcome several obstacles in her quest.
To learn who the killer was, why Allison was killed, what events happened that put Meg in danger, then you need to read this book. It is well worth it.
The story begins with Allison receiving a distress call from Brooklyn, one of the people in her shelter, advising that the boat is having engine problems and needs help. Allison gets dressed and heads out to the boat. When she arrived, she told Brooklyn to head back with the boat that Allison came in own. Once Brooklyn left, Allison started trying to fix the engine. She didn't get far before she sensed danger.
Later, Meg was trying to hide when she got to the scene where the police were recovering a body which she believed was Noah, a friend that had disappeared 10 years earlier. When she left this scene, she received a call from her boss, Nina, to go to a scene where another body had been found. She along with her photographer Koby. They took the Ferry over to Dawson Head. The body was believed to be Allison.
Now Meg had two bodies to look into. She had strong feelings for Noah's, but her boss wanted more on Allison. Meg began looking into Allison's death and uncovered information which ultimately led her to discover her killer. Along the way Meg had to overcome several obstacles in her quest.
To learn who the killer was, why Allison was killed, what events happened that put Meg in danger, then you need to read this book. It is well worth it.
November 13, 2022
HER FINAL TRUTH is the third Book in the Meg Dawson Mystery Series by Amy Waeschle. The characters are well developed and the plot is fast moving. A page-turning murder mystery that is hard to put down.
Meg Dawson gave up her dream of being in law enforcement, but not crime solving. Now she's using her inquisitive mind and sometimes risky courage into a successful investigative journalist.
When the operator of a local womens' shelter drowns it's called an accident, but Meg thinks it looks suspicious. At the same time, bones have been found. Could they belong to Noah, her high school friend who vanished ten years ago? Pulled to two crime scenes, she decides to focus on the drowning for now, As she starts investigating she finds herself drawn into some risky situations that seem to get more dangerous the more she searches for the truth. Her friend, Detective Rob Jackson swears she will be the death of him, yet.
If you like murder mysteries, this is an action packed, page turner you won't want to miss. Now for the next installment and maybe Noah's story will finally be resolved.
I did receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the above is my freely given review.
Meg Dawson gave up her dream of being in law enforcement, but not crime solving. Now she's using her inquisitive mind and sometimes risky courage into a successful investigative journalist.
When the operator of a local womens' shelter drowns it's called an accident, but Meg thinks it looks suspicious. At the same time, bones have been found. Could they belong to Noah, her high school friend who vanished ten years ago? Pulled to two crime scenes, she decides to focus on the drowning for now, As she starts investigating she finds herself drawn into some risky situations that seem to get more dangerous the more she searches for the truth. Her friend, Detective Rob Jackson swears she will be the death of him, yet.
If you like murder mysteries, this is an action packed, page turner you won't want to miss. Now for the next installment and maybe Noah's story will finally be resolved.
I did receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the above is my freely given review.
April 12, 2026
When I started reading this book, I was a little confused in the first couple of chapters. I didn't know who they were talking about or whose perspective was being used. I admit I thought this is too crazy and almost quit reading, but things soon cleared up. Then the "fun" began. The story revolves around Meg Dawson, writer for an online news journal. She has quite a reputation for uncovering and exposing crime. As we eventually find out she freely takes risks to get the background on her story and do her best to solve the case.
There are numerous crimes that take place in the story and Meg becomes obsessed with solving them. She has her contacts that help her, and some people wish she would stay out of things. She definitely empathizes with victims and their friends and families. She gets wrapped up on each case. To some extent this makes the story difficult to follow because she has multiple cases going on simultaneously. Fortunately she has several close friends to confide in and a very good friend who is a member of one of the police forces that she deals with.
Overall, the story is much too complicated to try to describe what happens. You must read the book for youself. The only other thing I have to say is "be patient". Things will work thenselves out.
There are numerous crimes that take place in the story and Meg becomes obsessed with solving them. She has her contacts that help her, and some people wish she would stay out of things. She definitely empathizes with victims and their friends and families. She gets wrapped up on each case. To some extent this makes the story difficult to follow because she has multiple cases going on simultaneously. Fortunately she has several close friends to confide in and a very good friend who is a member of one of the police forces that she deals with.
Overall, the story is much too complicated to try to describe what happens. You must read the book for youself. The only other thing I have to say is "be patient". Things will work thenselves out.
November 14, 2022
Her Final Truth, #3 - Another interesting, intriguing addition to the series, which starts a month after Her Final Goodbye ends. Hard to put down with interesting characters and well written blending of the old with the new story lines. While a good read on it's own, the books should be read sequentially since there is a foundation continually being constructed with each story. I like the fact that Meg does not have a battling, disrespectful relationship with the law and that she does stop to think about consequences. Of course, sometimes it is just a thought. 5*
Her Final Goodbye, Meg Dawson #2 - Interesting with intense moments. Good characters and many storylines. While not necessary, I recommend reading the first book in this series for greater enjoyment. 4*
Her Final Mistake, Meg Dawson #1 - Interesting with good: characters; good dialog; and storylines. I was pleasantly surprised. 4*
Rescuing Reeve, Cassidy Kincaid #1 - Interesting with plenty of surfing for those who hang ten. The rest of the story held my attention, and it was easy to finish. Another pass at editing would benefit the reader. 4*
Her Final Goodbye, Meg Dawson #2 - Interesting with intense moments. Good characters and many storylines. While not necessary, I recommend reading the first book in this series for greater enjoyment. 4*
Her Final Mistake, Meg Dawson #1 - Interesting with good: characters; good dialog; and storylines. I was pleasantly surprised. 4*
Rescuing Reeve, Cassidy Kincaid #1 - Interesting with plenty of surfing for those who hang ten. The rest of the story held my attention, and it was easy to finish. Another pass at editing would benefit the reader. 4*
November 10, 2022
Suspense, thrills and danger abound in this second book of the Meg Dawson series. While there is a continuity of characters and always the backstory creating a looming sense of the loss of Meg’s best friend Noah disappearing without a trace in High School, the current storyline is fresh and topical featuring a woman’s shelter and of course murder. To sweeten the sadness and tension the plot includes a side story about a wonderful dog, who surprisingly might serve as a emotional therapy dog to the reader. Meg dropped out of the police academy and reinvented herself as an investigative journalist where with her courage and sharp mind she continues her pursuit of truth and seems driven to impulsively put herself into serious life-threatening harms way…………and it is this that draws me in and captivates me. I can live vicariously through Megs thrilling and dangerous adventures from the safety of my armchair.
January 5, 2023
Meg Dawson is an investigative reporter who loves chasing down clues and trying to solve mysteries and murders! This is book 3 in the series, but you don’t need to have read books 1 & 2 to read it, as it will stand alone. Meg certainly has a nose for trouble and a healthy, or unhealthy, dose of daring which can really wind up getting her into tight and dangerous scrapes and situations. Her friend Rob gets exasperated trying to warn her off and rescue her, along with other officers of the law, including her brother and Dad. This story involves an old murder of her school friend Noah and two newer murders of women from Haida, the women’s shelter. So many twists and turns and surprises that you need to work to keep up with them all! I have always enjoyed Waeschle’s books, this one included. I received a free ARC of this book and write this review voluntarily.
November 11, 2022
Brooklyn is harvesting crabs and when she runs into boat problems, she calls in Allison for help. Allison sends Brooklyn home and dies in the darkness and cold water.
Meg witnesses her best friend's body being exhumed, 10 years after his mysterious disappearance.
Meg is a journalist and an unauthorized sleuth. She is investigating both of these cases. Both have become personal. She puts herself in danger to dig out the answers. And she's really clever.
This is the third book in the series and I think Meg is great. She really goes above and beyond, not only to get her story, but to satisfy her own curiosity. Exciting book, but will she solve all the questions?
I received an advance reader copy of the book. This is my honest review.
Meg witnesses her best friend's body being exhumed, 10 years after his mysterious disappearance.
Meg is a journalist and an unauthorized sleuth. She is investigating both of these cases. Both have become personal. She puts herself in danger to dig out the answers. And she's really clever.
This is the third book in the series and I think Meg is great. She really goes above and beyond, not only to get her story, but to satisfy her own curiosity. Exciting book, but will she solve all the questions?
I received an advance reader copy of the book. This is my honest review.
November 9, 2022
Meg is all about curiosity. Remember how it killed the cat? Meg hopes she isn't the cat. Her curiosity takes her places she should never go. However it reveals history and truth about a murder. She gets pulled in, almost like an irresistible force like a moth to the flame. The author allows us to unpeel more of Meg - who she and what drives her! Meg also learns more about herself. She discovers that there is more to life and it's time to recognize that.
November 10, 2022
A prom date that became a disappearance, and she still questions what happened. When the body is found she begs to have the case reopened
Had she known the avalanche that would follow with more murders.
She is risking her job, her love interest , finding secrets that the killer wants kept quiet. A good flowing plot, the setting of wearing wet clothes, yet doing her job. gives insight of who Meg is. Readers will enjoy this series.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Had she known the avalanche that would follow with more murders.
She is risking her job, her love interest , finding secrets that the killer wants kept quiet. A good flowing plot, the setting of wearing wet clothes, yet doing her job. gives insight of who Meg is. Readers will enjoy this series.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
November 11, 2022
What a read! Living dangerously through Meg’s activities, the reader is on a wild and dangerous ride. This is another page turner in the Meg Dawson series and well worth reading if you enjoy books with a strong female character. Meg finds herself in increasing risky and dangerous situations while working to find the truth. Gripping read! Thanks to the author, I received a copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
November 26, 2022
Amy keeps getting into danger when she follows her gut or a new lead but she helps the Police to discover who was killing on the islands as well as to get closure on the case of Noah's disappearance. She is a great investigative reporter always meddling in someone else's affairs. Good entertainment!
December 25, 2022
Great continuation of the Meg Dawson series. It is a continuation of prior book but you don't need to have had read it. I really enjoyed this book. This story has lots of twists and turns. The ending was good but leaves " hints" that makes me want to read the next one in series as soon as I can. Thank you for ARC from author Amy Waeschle in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 29, 2022
WOW! Talk about suspense, this story is captivating and interesting. Multiple deaths, danger, oh so much danger for Meg and definitely curiosity. Will Meg help solve the murders or get in the way? She seems to find trouble no matter where she goes or what she does. I can’t wait for the next book. A must read series!
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 8, 2022
This book was gifted to me by the author. The review is solely mine.
I loved the book. This is a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. Great plot and serious intrigue! I recommend not only this book but the whole series!
I loved the book. This is a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. Great plot and serious intrigue! I recommend not only this book but the whole series!
November 8, 2022
Meg has her hands full as she refuses to give up on finding Noah - and the other disturbingly murdered victim. Is this a serial killer? Meg will do all she can to unravel these mysteries. Spot-on characters; perfectly written. Highly Recommended.
November 9, 2022
This is a very intriguing mystery. There is a cold case murder/disappearance in the background and a current murder/accident playing Meg Dawson. The intricacies and the action keep the interest level high and make this one excellent read.
November 8, 2022
An extremely well written book, action from start to finish. An edge of the seat page turner.
November 16, 2022
This was a brilliant book with a fast-pace storyline and wonderfully crafted characters. The plot takes you on a ride that is unforgettable. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews