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Tara Mills Mystery #1
Un dernier pas
ONE LAST STEP (A Tara Mills Mystery—Book One) is the debut novel in a new FBI mystery series by debut author Sarah Sutton.
Two hikers go missing along the Appalachian Trail, leaving only a bloodstained forest behind them, and when another hiker collapses on someone’s porch in New Hampshire, murdered by crossbow, the local police realize they have a serial killer on their hands––and need to call in the FBI.
FBI Agent Tara Mills is young, brilliant and new to the force. With a promising career in front of her, she faces the ultimate test when she is assigned the case. It soon proves to be more challenging than she ever could have imagined––an impossible riddle that leaves even her seasoned partner stumped.
Meanwhile, something about the case stirs a darkness within her––a tortured past that even her long-term boyfriend doesn’t fully understand. As nightmares consume her, she only hopes that her past will not come back to ruin her once again.
As more hikers go missing, and with her job on the line, Tara finds herself on a race against time as she combs through the forest’s trails. Peeling back each layer, she soon realizes that she is up against a true diabolical mastermind. And just when she thinks she has it all figured out, her instincts lead her to the most shocking truth of all.
Book #2 in the series––ONE LAST BREATH––is also now available for pre-order!
Two hikers go missing along the Appalachian Trail, leaving only a bloodstained forest behind them, and when another hiker collapses on someone’s porch in New Hampshire, murdered by crossbow, the local police realize they have a serial killer on their hands––and need to call in the FBI.
FBI Agent Tara Mills is young, brilliant and new to the force. With a promising career in front of her, she faces the ultimate test when she is assigned the case. It soon proves to be more challenging than she ever could have imagined––an impossible riddle that leaves even her seasoned partner stumped.
Meanwhile, something about the case stirs a darkness within her––a tortured past that even her long-term boyfriend doesn’t fully understand. As nightmares consume her, she only hopes that her past will not come back to ruin her once again.
As more hikers go missing, and with her job on the line, Tara finds herself on a race against time as she combs through the forest’s trails. Peeling back each layer, she soon realizes that she is up against a true diabolical mastermind. And just when she thinks she has it all figured out, her instincts lead her to the most shocking truth of all.
Book #2 in the series––ONE LAST BREATH––is also now available for pre-order!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2020
2708 people are currently reading
3637 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Sutton
5 books122 followersDebut author Sarah Sutton is author of the TARA MILLS mystery series, which includes ONE LAST STEP (Book #1) ONE LAST BREATH (Book #2), and ONE LAST UNVEIL (Book #3).
Sarah has always been fascinated by the mystery genre and loves to write suspenseful books with complex characters. Sarah would love to hear from you, so please visit www.sarahsuttonauthor.com to email her, to join the mailing list, to hear the latest news, and to stay in touch!
Sarah has always been fascinated by the mystery genre and loves to write suspenseful books with complex characters. Sarah would love to hear from you, so please visit www.sarahsuttonauthor.com to email her, to join the mailing list, to hear the latest news, and to stay in touch!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 425 reviews
May 25, 2020
ONE LAST STEP (A Tara Mills Mystery—Book One) is the debut crime fiction mystery novel in a new FBI mystery series by debut author Sarah Sutton.
The Series Includes:
One Last Step (A Tara Mills Mystery––Book One)
One Last Breath (A Tara Mills Mystery––Book Two)- Expected publication: February 9th 2021
Two hikers go missing along the Appalachian Trail, leaving only a bloodstained forest behind them, and when another hiker collapses on someone’s porch in New Hampshire, murdered by crossbow, the local police realize they have a serial killer on their hands––and need to call in the FBI.
FBI Agent Tara Mills is young, brilliant and new to the force. She moves with her boyfriend, John, in a new apartment, in In Washington, D.C. But she also comes with a troubling past and one that has her suffering from recurring nightmares. With a promising career in front of her, she faces the ultimate test when she is assigned the case, with her new partner, FBI Agent Warren, FBI’s most skilled veteran. This is Tara’s first real case…her first serial killer case. She had to prove herself, and do whatever it took to solve the case. It soon proves to be more challenging than she ever could have imagined.
The pair are sent to the Appalachian Trail where hikers were reported missing.
“Three days ago, a young couple went missing in Hanover, New Hampshire. They were hikers, hiking the Appalachian Trail. No bodies found, except for some blood believed to be the couples.”
Then another hiker was found dead on someone’s porch, shot with two crossbow arrows.
A serial killer? Random killings?
As more hikers go missing, and with her job on the line, Tara finds herself on a race against time to discover the killer.
This debut novel shows a promising start to a new series, with engaging characters with a suspenseful woven plot. Love the dynamics between Tara and Warren. This novel will keep you enticed right to the twisted end. Looking forward to following this series.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club for my digital copy.
The Series Includes:
One Last Step (A Tara Mills Mystery––Book One)
One Last Breath (A Tara Mills Mystery––Book Two)- Expected publication: February 9th 2021
Two hikers go missing along the Appalachian Trail, leaving only a bloodstained forest behind them, and when another hiker collapses on someone’s porch in New Hampshire, murdered by crossbow, the local police realize they have a serial killer on their hands––and need to call in the FBI.
FBI Agent Tara Mills is young, brilliant and new to the force. She moves with her boyfriend, John, in a new apartment, in In Washington, D.C. But she also comes with a troubling past and one that has her suffering from recurring nightmares. With a promising career in front of her, she faces the ultimate test when she is assigned the case, with her new partner, FBI Agent Warren, FBI’s most skilled veteran. This is Tara’s first real case…her first serial killer case. She had to prove herself, and do whatever it took to solve the case. It soon proves to be more challenging than she ever could have imagined.
The pair are sent to the Appalachian Trail where hikers were reported missing.
“Three days ago, a young couple went missing in Hanover, New Hampshire. They were hikers, hiking the Appalachian Trail. No bodies found, except for some blood believed to be the couples.”
Then another hiker was found dead on someone’s porch, shot with two crossbow arrows.
A serial killer? Random killings?
As more hikers go missing, and with her job on the line, Tara finds herself on a race against time to discover the killer.
This debut novel shows a promising start to a new series, with engaging characters with a suspenseful woven plot. Love the dynamics between Tara and Warren. This novel will keep you enticed right to the twisted end. Looking forward to following this series.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club for my digital copy.
May 7, 2020
FBI Agent Tara Mills is one of the newest recruits and has a promising future ahead of her ... maybe.
She's partnered with FBI Agent Warren, a distinguished agent with a lot of years and experience behind him. They are sent to the Appalachian Trail, as hikers have gone missing from the area.
They find the crime scenes ,... but no bodies. Except for one. A young woman somehow escaped and made it to a local's house ... with two crossbow arrows stuck in her body. She didn't survive. And this not the only missing bodies.
What's even more challenging for Tara is her nightmares have started coming almost nightly. As a child she saw her mother murdered ...and her father standing over her body. He is now is prison for life. This case is bringing those memories to the forefront from her ... and could be damaging to her new found career.
Book Blurb: As more hikers go missing, and with her job on the line, Tara finds herself on a race against time as she combs through the forest’s trails. Peeling back each layer, she soon realizes that she is up against a true diabolical mastermind. And just when she thinks she has it all figured out, her instincts lead her to the most shocking truth of all.
This is a debut novel by this author. I'm really looking forward to reading more about the intriguing character of Tara Mills and her partner. She's smart, she's gutsy, and she's not above going outside the lines when she knows she's right. I enjoyed how the relationship developed between her and Warren .. he's older, presumably wiser. There's a lot she can learn from him ... but that goes both ways.
Suspense starts from the very first page and doesn't end until the explosive climatic conclusion. There are twists and turns and more than one suspect to watch. This is a fast read .... mainly because it's hard to put down once started.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 30, 2021
This has really high reviews currently, and I’m not quite sure why. A lot of the writing is pretty cheesy. And some of it is just nonsense. “Maybe this case was finally getting to her” on day two. “Maybe they were finally going to crack this case” on day three. And the entire dialogue the senior FBI agent doesn’t say a word. This new FBI agent with her freshly minted badge is selected to be on this case because of her “great instinct” but she’s never been on a case before? So yeah there’s nothing egregiously bad about the book but it just wasn’t very good.
November 15, 2021
The ending...
I might have a love-hate relationship with this book..
If only the first few chapters would have been like the ending ones.. I might have had a change of heart.
**Minor spoilers**
The thing that stole all the glamour was Tara, the protagonist herself.😔
She is basically dealing with her own dark past, while working on her first mission of a serial killer.🕵🏻♀️😶
Okay, all cool, but then, the way the author continously brought up Tara's past and showed how miserable and tormenting her life was, it kind of got on my nerves. Mostly because, the whole suspense of the case was then, shifted towards an unneccesary sympathetic situation.🤡
Coming to Warren, Tara's partner and a senior FBI agent, he was too good to be true.
Experience, intelligence and a level-headed mind is the perfect sum up of this character.💜🕵
I enjoyed this story, I admit.
But this is only true for the ending, as it was that exact point of the story where I had a pecular gut feeling.
My hands started to sweat and I was like, SHIT- THIS IS DAMN FINE..🤩🤩
And I appreciate the author, who gave Tara a much needed glow-up in the end.💜😊
🔎 Who was the killer? What was his motive? Were all the clues just a trap to set them up? Will the killings on the Alpachein Trail ever end? What was the meaning behind those compasses? What would happen next..? 🔍
An average read with a fantabulous end! [I'm happy that I didn't really DNF it in the middle chapters]
Nice work by the author for her debut novel.. just some flaws which were the only disturbing point in the whole story.
Final rating- 2.5/5
Recommended [Though, I'd advice to be a little patient in the begining]
I might have a love-hate relationship with this book..
If only the first few chapters would have been like the ending ones.. I might have had a change of heart.
**Minor spoilers**
The thing that stole all the glamour was Tara, the protagonist herself.😔
She is basically dealing with her own dark past, while working on her first mission of a serial killer.🕵🏻♀️😶
Okay, all cool, but then, the way the author continously brought up Tara's past and showed how miserable and tormenting her life was, it kind of got on my nerves. Mostly because, the whole suspense of the case was then, shifted towards an unneccesary sympathetic situation.🤡
Coming to Warren, Tara's partner and a senior FBI agent, he was too good to be true.
Experience, intelligence and a level-headed mind is the perfect sum up of this character.💜🕵
I enjoyed this story, I admit.
But this is only true for the ending, as it was that exact point of the story where I had a pecular gut feeling.
My hands started to sweat and I was like, SHIT- THIS IS DAMN FINE..🤩🤩
And I appreciate the author, who gave Tara a much needed glow-up in the end.💜😊
🔎 Who was the killer? What was his motive? Were all the clues just a trap to set them up? Will the killings on the Alpachein Trail ever end? What was the meaning behind those compasses? What would happen next..? 🔍
An average read with a fantabulous end! [I'm happy that I didn't really DNF it in the middle chapters]
Nice work by the author for her debut novel.. just some flaws which were the only disturbing point in the whole story.
Final rating- 2.5/5
Recommended [Though, I'd advice to be a little patient in the begining]
July 11, 2020
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
I know I'm in the minority here with my rating, but, honestly, I can't quite figure out why this book is getting such high reviews. It was okay, but not very earth-shattering, in my opinion. And, I found the writing a little meh in places.
I know this was Tara's first big case with the FBI, but her behaviour felt very amateurish and eyebrow-raising at times. And, I couldn't quite understand why Warren, who was supposedly a top-notch, brilliant agent and the lead on the case, seemed to partake very little in any of the questioning of witnesses or suspects. At times, I almost forgot that he was with Tara because he stayed in the background so much. And, for him to express such pessimism and disappointment in the case after only a few days didn't make a lot of sense to me coming from a seasoned agent, who, I'm sure, knew only too well from experience that it wasn't going to be solved in such a short time.
The book wasn't totally bad and had some fast-paced, tense action, but, otherwise, it didn't make a great impression on me. I really don't think I will be continuing on with this series, but other readers may find it much more to their liking than I did.
I know I'm in the minority here with my rating, but, honestly, I can't quite figure out why this book is getting such high reviews. It was okay, but not very earth-shattering, in my opinion. And, I found the writing a little meh in places.
I know this was Tara's first big case with the FBI, but her behaviour felt very amateurish and eyebrow-raising at times. And, I couldn't quite understand why Warren, who was supposedly a top-notch, brilliant agent and the lead on the case, seemed to partake very little in any of the questioning of witnesses or suspects. At times, I almost forgot that he was with Tara because he stayed in the background so much. And, for him to express such pessimism and disappointment in the case after only a few days didn't make a lot of sense to me coming from a seasoned agent, who, I'm sure, knew only too well from experience that it wasn't going to be solved in such a short time.
The book wasn't totally bad and had some fast-paced, tense action, but, otherwise, it didn't make a great impression on me. I really don't think I will be continuing on with this series, but other readers may find it much more to their liking than I did.
April 26, 2021
It might be only me but I honestly don't understand why this book has such high ratings. It's not bad, just not that good.
The whole time I was reading it I felt like I was watching a crime TV show. Which, I guess, is not bad but not good either. I don't like watching TV shows, I get easily bored and that's what happened to me with this book.
The story was ok, the characters also ok. I can't say anything more. Pretty mediocre read. Not sure if I'll read the next one in the series.
(if you think you'd enjoy this book
it's still free on Amazon so make sure to grab it)
May 21, 2020
A rocking debut by author Sarah Sutton, the story captured the essence of a woman and an FBI agent who had to prove not only to her superiors but to herself.
Someone was killing the trekkers down the trails of Appalachian using crossbow and arrows. The case was assigned to rookie agent Tara Mills partnered with Agent Warren who went on the prowl for getting this crafty killer.
My first book by this author, I was quickly trapped in the snares laid out by the author, pulling me into the story. Agent Tara Mills had a past quite different from the rest which still gave her panic attacks and nightmares. It was inspiring to see her make mistakes, then learn from them. I loved her determination and courage to see the case through right up to the end. Her character was truly etched well to the point I would eager lap up the next book.
The story of the serial killer went its routine merry way killing more women and taking sadistic joy in torture. Luckily the author did not go into graphic details, but gave the vibe of something nasty happening on these trails.
I liked the way the clues were pieces together, instincts ran high in this book. The author gave due justice to her characters in this 200 pages book. Emotions ranged from helplessness to desperation. Empathy to grief made me love Tara a bit more.
Overall, a fun fast breakfast read.
Someone was killing the trekkers down the trails of Appalachian using crossbow and arrows. The case was assigned to rookie agent Tara Mills partnered with Agent Warren who went on the prowl for getting this crafty killer.
My first book by this author, I was quickly trapped in the snares laid out by the author, pulling me into the story. Agent Tara Mills had a past quite different from the rest which still gave her panic attacks and nightmares. It was inspiring to see her make mistakes, then learn from them. I loved her determination and courage to see the case through right up to the end. Her character was truly etched well to the point I would eager lap up the next book.
The story of the serial killer went its routine merry way killing more women and taking sadistic joy in torture. Luckily the author did not go into graphic details, but gave the vibe of something nasty happening on these trails.
I liked the way the clues were pieces together, instincts ran high in this book. The author gave due justice to her characters in this 200 pages book. Emotions ranged from helplessness to desperation. Empathy to grief made me love Tara a bit more.
Overall, a fun fast breakfast read.
July 7, 2020
I took a chance with this author since it seemed like it might be a good story, I gave it 3 stars on the dot it just squeaked out of the 2 star rating. I t was an easy read and the story for the most part made sense. Some problems I had with the story it lacked tension at times. I could not believe the senior FBI agent in the story was a senior highly rated agent,---you have to walk the walk it just was not there. The dialogue was ok. The ending for the most part was very cookie cutter predictable meah. The bad guy was meah. I would love to see a serial killer who was a nasty smart ass woman. The back story for the junior agent been there and done it multiple times meah. I say if you have nothing to read and our bored it is ok to give it a spin but if that is not the case you can skip it.
January 12, 2023
9,000+ Amazon reviews 4.4 out of 5 People love it!
It was very good with a young woman starting at the FBI and getting assigned with an experienced agent to investigate a serial killer on the Appalachian Trail.
What I liked:
-Loved the setting on the Appalachian Trail. I felt like I was there.
-It was interesting watching her start from scratch at the FBI.
-She is flawed with anxiety... realistic.
What I didn't like:
-Felt her superiors might have taken her more seriously than portrayed.
Excellent...strongly recommend it.
It was very good with a young woman starting at the FBI and getting assigned with an experienced agent to investigate a serial killer on the Appalachian Trail.
What I liked:
-Loved the setting on the Appalachian Trail. I felt like I was there.
-It was interesting watching her start from scratch at the FBI.
-She is flawed with anxiety... realistic.
What I didn't like:
-Felt her superiors might have taken her more seriously than portrayed.
Excellent...strongly recommend it.
May 16, 2021
One star. Someone please tell me why this book has such a high rating on Goodreads? Maybe it was meant for a much younger reader bracket. I just found the writing to be really superficial, with a lot of predictable lines, very little character development and no sense of mystery at all. The FBI has been made to sound like a joke, their agents reduced to rubble. Sample this- the main protagonist (FBI Agent) is assigned her first case (really complicated, so to say) solely on the assumption that she has great instincts, whereas her much more experienced, able partner, who's been running investigations since 30 years, has been reduced to a mere side kick! It appears that the book was written in a rush, and to summarise, it felt too juvenile, for the lack of a better adjective.
May 1, 2020
One Last Step by Sarah Sutton is the first book in a series following Tara Mills. Tara suffers from the loss of her mother while she was a child. She is a new FBI agent setting out on her first case with partner Warren. I enjoy the dynamic between the main characters and am excited to learn more about Tara's mother's murder. Excited to read One last Breath when it comes out!
Thank you to BookSirens for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to BookSirens for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2024
Nice fast paced story. Story really drew me in and kept me captivated from beginning to end.
Love the development of the MFC in this story. I felt like I was watching a movie (or I guess listening lol). Definitely want to continue with this series and see more of the MFC’s backstory.
Love the development of the MFC in this story. I felt like I was watching a movie (or I guess listening lol). Definitely want to continue with this series and see more of the MFC’s backstory.
June 13, 2020
This book was not very well written. Very unbelievable story line with poor character development.
July 4, 2020
Terrible writing.
May 19, 2020
I had a very hard time putting this book down. I started this book on Sunday and finished it after midnight. I was very impressed by the story and construction. Miss Sutton is following in her grandmother's footsteps. Margaret Sutton, Sarah's grandmother, wrote the Judy Bolton Mysteries which were and still are my favorite girl's series books to read. Tara Mills is an FBI agent (as was Judy's husband, Peter) who is teamed up with an experienced agent as she is assigned to her first case. There is a serial killer on the Appalachian Trail. I am not a hiker, but I have eaten in a restaurant that is on the trial. Miss Mills has nightmares of the time when her mother was killed. Her experience due to the trauma causes her to freeze at a critical time. I would and have recommended this book to any mystery lover. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 3, 2021
One Last Step is the first in a series featuring newly minted FBI agent Tara Mills. There is a serial killer loose on the Appalachian trails and Mills is paired with one of the most seasoned agents in an attempt to find the killer. This is a very short book, a quick read and was perfect for a rainy day when I didn't want to think too heavily. It doesn't have a lot of depth to it but it's still a good piece of crime fiction.
September 14, 2024
I got to 90% of the way through this book and it was inhaled but it was also quite predictable and I did lose interest about halfway through. If you want a spooky night read, I recommend this. I think it has a lot of grief and certain triggers that are unpleasant as well though, like the therapy sessions and the protagonists mental reactions can be a lot for a reader currently struggling. I went into this book thinking it would be more about the urban legends surrounding the trail, as that seems to be what it's known for, but the killer used a bow and arrow. Maybe I am ignorant, but from what I have heard, the urban legend is feral scream and pull you in and then you're dead or feral.
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I believe this is like an annoying urban legend, but this is a book, so I was hoping through the name it would be connected. This is much more of an FBI mystery with a serial killer, which I am at this point trying to avoid as the story is the same each time. Murder, suspect, some sort of lead, talk to the suspect, get caught, plot twist, done. It can only be written so many times before it becomes boring an unoriginal. The plot itself unfortunately was almost there. The writer is skilled enough to still make this book interesting - I did gobble it up in 3 hours, it was a quick read.
My favorite part by far was the writing style. This is weirdly important to me as someone who has struggled with reading comprehension and needs to use additional brain energy to make sure I can process what I'm reading properly. This writer is incredibly talented in the way they show things happening, and in character development.
I would definitely check out other books written by this author!
Link To TikTok Videos
I believe this is like an annoying urban legend, but this is a book, so I was hoping through the name it would be connected. This is much more of an FBI mystery with a serial killer, which I am at this point trying to avoid as the story is the same each time. Murder, suspect, some sort of lead, talk to the suspect, get caught, plot twist, done. It can only be written so many times before it becomes boring an unoriginal. The plot itself unfortunately was almost there. The writer is skilled enough to still make this book interesting - I did gobble it up in 3 hours, it was a quick read.
My favorite part by far was the writing style. This is weirdly important to me as someone who has struggled with reading comprehension and needs to use additional brain energy to make sure I can process what I'm reading properly. This writer is incredibly talented in the way they show things happening, and in character development.
I would definitely check out other books written by this author!
June 3, 2023
I was unsure about this book since it’s hard to put a good crime/mystery novel together in less than 250 pages without it seeming rushed (this book is a little less than 200 pages) but I read it anyway…and while well-written it was kind of rushed and the end on how she figured out where to go and who it was seemed a bit far-fetched to me since she had next to nothing to go on but it was the way the author wanted the protagonist to end up with the glory to which she deserved.
There were intermittent flashbacks to the protagonist’s past which I found annoying since they had nothing to do with the main storyline and didn’t seem to add much to anything - like watered-down soup. The book would have been fine without the frequent flashbacks to a completely different situation.
I feel this author has the potential to write some good novels and I realize this one is among her first.
There were intermittent flashbacks to the protagonist’s past which I found annoying since they had nothing to do with the main storyline and didn’t seem to add much to anything - like watered-down soup. The book would have been fine without the frequent flashbacks to a completely different situation.
I feel this author has the potential to write some good novels and I realize this one is among her first.
July 26, 2020
Primo libro di una serie mystery che ha per protagonista una agente del FBI dal passato tormentato, come capita spesso ultimamente. Mi è piaciuta l'ambientazione lungo l'Appalachian Trail e il presentarsi di volta in volta di vari possibili colpevoli, ma non c'è modo per il lettore di riuscire a dedurre la soluzione giusta. Nonostante ciò ho apprezzato la lettura e mi sarebbe piaciuto che il libro fosse un attimino più lungo.
May 24, 2020
This is a pretty amazing book for a debut!
Tara Mills is a brand new FBI agent who is paired up with Warren, an older man who seems a little tired. At first, he isn't too sure about Tara but she proves herself to him, bit by bit.
The case which brings these two together is a case of a serial killer stalking hikers along the Appalachian Trail and the murderer's actions are quite chilling! Luckily, Tara listens to her gut which is something people talk about but then ignore. She doesn't do that which is lucky for all concerned.
I think I would have liked to have gotten a bit more depth about Tara as a person (other than what happened with her parents) and the relationship with her partner John wasn't really gone into in any great detail. Those kinds of things matter to me. I can be TOLD that her partner is supportive but what do I really know about him? How did this young woman become an FBI agent in the first place? I would have liked to have had a bit more background etc.
Nevertheless, this was a solid book and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
4 stars from me.
Tara Mills is a brand new FBI agent who is paired up with Warren, an older man who seems a little tired. At first, he isn't too sure about Tara but she proves herself to him, bit by bit.
The case which brings these two together is a case of a serial killer stalking hikers along the Appalachian Trail and the murderer's actions are quite chilling! Luckily, Tara listens to her gut which is something people talk about but then ignore. She doesn't do that which is lucky for all concerned.
I think I would have liked to have gotten a bit more depth about Tara as a person (other than what happened with her parents) and the relationship with her partner John wasn't really gone into in any great detail. Those kinds of things matter to me. I can be TOLD that her partner is supportive but what do I really know about him? How did this young woman become an FBI agent in the first place? I would have liked to have had a bit more background etc.
Nevertheless, this was a solid book and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
4 stars from me.
June 20, 2024
3.5
Book source ~ Purchased audio at Chirp
Tara Mills is a bright and shiny new agent at the FBI when she gets assigned a high profile case with a veteran agent as her partner. Hikers are going missing and being murdered on the Appalachian Trail and they have to catch whoever is doing it. In a massive search area. With virtually no leads. This case sounds dead before it even starts. But the agents persevere.
This story is not bad, but it’s also not great. There are times when it gets bogged down in Tara’s traumatic past. We get it. She’s got issues and is taking steps to heal. We do not need beat over the head with that information. I almost gave up halfway through the book because of the repetition. More case solving and less wallowing, please.
The dialogue in some areas is stilted and plot points are sometimes too convenient. However, it’s a decent plot overall. Especially the ending. Though there was one glaring mistake that really should be rectified regarding Tara’s cell phone. Overall though this is a decent read by a debut author. I’m willing to take a chance on book 2, to see if the writing improves.
Special shout out to the narrator for a great performance.
Book source ~ Purchased audio at Chirp
Tara Mills is a bright and shiny new agent at the FBI when she gets assigned a high profile case with a veteran agent as her partner. Hikers are going missing and being murdered on the Appalachian Trail and they have to catch whoever is doing it. In a massive search area. With virtually no leads. This case sounds dead before it even starts. But the agents persevere.
This story is not bad, but it’s also not great. There are times when it gets bogged down in Tara’s traumatic past. We get it. She’s got issues and is taking steps to heal. We do not need beat over the head with that information. I almost gave up halfway through the book because of the repetition. More case solving and less wallowing, please.
The dialogue in some areas is stilted and plot points are sometimes too convenient. However, it’s a decent plot overall. Especially the ending. Though there was one glaring mistake that really should be rectified regarding Tara’s cell phone. Overall though this is a decent read by a debut author. I’m willing to take a chance on book 2, to see if the writing improves.
Special shout out to the narrator for a great performance.
May 1, 2020
First read by this new upcoming author and she has a winner with this series. Suspenseful from beginning to end. Who and why is someone killing hikers on the Appalachian Trail? Can Tara and Warren figure it out before it is to late? Tara, the new agent, and Warren, the seasoned agent, make a great team. Tara has nightmares from her past, which she feels may hinder her in doing her job but Warren helps her try to understand her emotions. They compliment each other. Your heart will go out to Tara and hope she can overcome her demons. A great beginning to this series. Recommend.
March 22, 2021
This was a good first book by this author. The story flowed well, just enough about the main character’s personal life without it overtaking the main story.
It isn’t the goriest or twisted serial killer story I’ve ever read but I enjoyed it all the same. And I had no idea who the killer was right up until the time the agents realised which is always a bonus for me.
I will definitely be reading the other in the series.
It isn’t the goriest or twisted serial killer story I’ve ever read but I enjoyed it all the same. And I had no idea who the killer was right up until the time the agents realised which is always a bonus for me.
I will definitely be reading the other in the series.
May 16, 2020
One last Step by Sarah Sutton.
Two hikers go missing along the Appalachian Trail, leaving only a bloodstained forest behind them, and when another hiker collapses on someone’s porch in New Hampshire, murdered by crossbow.
Really enjoyable read. Good story. Some good characters. I loved mills character. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
Two hikers go missing along the Appalachian Trail, leaving only a bloodstained forest behind them, and when another hiker collapses on someone’s porch in New Hampshire, murdered by crossbow.
Really enjoyable read. Good story. Some good characters. I loved mills character. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
June 5, 2021
The only comment I made in my diary when I finished this book, was "pathetic".
November 18, 2024
4.5
Provavelmente o melhor thriller que já li.
Provavelmente o melhor thriller que já li.
January 14, 2026
Great, Super Series Starter!
Having loaded up my Kindle at start of year with every free mystery/suspense series starter on Book Bub, I have had some hits and misses. This is a winner! If in fact an FBI agent has a traumatic history, then lean in to the back story as current story unfolds. Let the agent’s strengths shine never allowing back story to eclipse present drama. Check! Check!
And if lucky, create a partnership, strong enough to weather friction, awkward bumps, and even confrontation. Tara Miles is so far from perfect, but so excellent in processing signs, reading people, and listening to her gut instincts. Leave the reader wanting more knowing the older senior party has a back story too, knowing the shared respect, trust, and connections link them in that rare partnership bond. Know they have each other’s backs. Check! Check! Check!
Incredible scary and possible real danger of and for hikers on the Appalachian trail. Captures readers from first chapter. Red herrings and multiple suspects lead agents and local authorities at odds. Holds attention.
Impressive, could be a stand alone, but the test is a good series starter is you will race to continue the series. Well done!
Having loaded up my Kindle at start of year with every free mystery/suspense series starter on Book Bub, I have had some hits and misses. This is a winner! If in fact an FBI agent has a traumatic history, then lean in to the back story as current story unfolds. Let the agent’s strengths shine never allowing back story to eclipse present drama. Check! Check!
And if lucky, create a partnership, strong enough to weather friction, awkward bumps, and even confrontation. Tara Miles is so far from perfect, but so excellent in processing signs, reading people, and listening to her gut instincts. Leave the reader wanting more knowing the older senior party has a back story too, knowing the shared respect, trust, and connections link them in that rare partnership bond. Know they have each other’s backs. Check! Check! Check!
Incredible scary and possible real danger of and for hikers on the Appalachian trail. Captures readers from first chapter. Red herrings and multiple suspects lead agents and local authorities at odds. Holds attention.
Impressive, could be a stand alone, but the test is a good series starter is you will race to continue the series. Well done!
July 7, 2023
One Last Step was pulse pounding from the very start. It starts with a murder that turns into a serial killer case and that's when veteran FBI Agent Warren and new FBI agent Tara Mills is tapped to solve the case. Tara is young and new but she's brilliant and has some great insights that lead them closer and closer to the killer who shows no sign of stopping his killing spree on travelers of the Appalachian Trail.
I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book. Not only was there a killer on the loose but from our main FMC we have a dark past that haunts her and come to find out what she thought happened when she was little might not be what actually happened. Loved!
I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book. Not only was there a killer on the loose but from our main FMC we have a dark past that haunts her and come to find out what she thought happened when she was little might not be what actually happened. Loved!
May 2, 2020
I was really looking forward to starting this debut novel and it didn't disappoint. Tara is a newly qualified FBI agent, and green around the gills. She's partnered with the very experienced Warren on a difficult time sensitive case - as it's her first it's important she does well and proves herself in the role. This is quite fast paced, and the story develops quickly which is great ( I hate it when some books are slow burners and take ages to develop). I'll be looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 3, 2020
Thanks to TBC for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Absolutely loved this first in the series from start to finish. Fast paced and easy to follow with a storyline that was tense and exciting, I found it hard to put down. Really looking forward to reading the next in the series and learning more about Tara’s past.
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