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Maddie Ives #7
Last One Alive
Edge-of-Your-Seat Suspense With Twist After Twist.
Daisy-Mae wakes up cold, alone and in pain, her wrists bound tight. She has no idea where she is or how she got there. Too weak to sit up, she turns her head to the wall.
Then she sees it.
Three words, scrawled in large, black letters: DON’T WAKE UP.
Detective Maddie Ives is on the case. Daisy-Mae was reported missing by her friend Megan when she didn’t turn up for work at the coffee shop.
Megan disappears the next day.
New Year’s Eve, 1999. Twenty-two years ago, two young women set off home from the nightclub where they worked. Their battered bodies were found five days later. The killer was never caught.
The night club became a coffee shop where Megan and Daisy-Mae now work.
Is history repeating itself?
Maddie is in a desperate race against time to find Daisy-Mae and Megan before they suffer the cruellest fate. Because when they do wake up, that’s when the nightmare begins . . .
Daisy-Mae wakes up cold, alone and in pain, her wrists bound tight. She has no idea where she is or how she got there. Too weak to sit up, she turns her head to the wall.
Then she sees it.
Three words, scrawled in large, black letters: DON’T WAKE UP.
Detective Maddie Ives is on the case. Daisy-Mae was reported missing by her friend Megan when she didn’t turn up for work at the coffee shop.
Megan disappears the next day.
New Year’s Eve, 1999. Twenty-two years ago, two young women set off home from the nightclub where they worked. Their battered bodies were found five days later. The killer was never caught.
The night club became a coffee shop where Megan and Daisy-Mae now work.
Is history repeating itself?
Maddie is in a desperate race against time to find Daisy-Mae and Megan before they suffer the cruellest fate. Because when they do wake up, that’s when the nightmare begins . . .
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2022
458 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
26 books601 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 12, 2022
Maddie Ives #7
Daisy-Mae wakes up cold, alone and in pain, her wrists are bound tight. She has no idea where she is or how she got there. too weak to sit up, she turns her head to the wall. Then she sees it. Three words, scrawled in large, back letters: DON'T WAKE UP. Detective Maddie Ives is on the case. Daisy-Mae was reported missing by her friend Megan when she didn't turn up for work at the coffee shop. Megan disappeared the next day.
New Year's Eve, 1999. twenty-two years ago, two young women set off for home from the nightclub where they worked. Their battered bodies were found five days later. The killer was never caught. The nightclub has become a coffee shop where Megan and Daisy-Mae now work. Is history repeating itself?
There are quite a lot of characters to keep track off. We also have a dual timeline - twenty-two years ago and the present day. The two crimes were similar, and they both has a connection to the coffee shop building. This is a well written series and I think this is my favourite book, so far. The story is told from multiple points of view. I was holding my breath and on the edge of my seat on several occasions. Filled with suspense, it had me guessing throughout. This book could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #JoffeBooks and the author #CharlieGallagher for my ARC of #LastOneAlive in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy-Mae wakes up cold, alone and in pain, her wrists are bound tight. She has no idea where she is or how she got there. too weak to sit up, she turns her head to the wall. Then she sees it. Three words, scrawled in large, back letters: DON'T WAKE UP. Detective Maddie Ives is on the case. Daisy-Mae was reported missing by her friend Megan when she didn't turn up for work at the coffee shop. Megan disappeared the next day.
New Year's Eve, 1999. twenty-two years ago, two young women set off for home from the nightclub where they worked. Their battered bodies were found five days later. The killer was never caught. The nightclub has become a coffee shop where Megan and Daisy-Mae now work. Is history repeating itself?
There are quite a lot of characters to keep track off. We also have a dual timeline - twenty-two years ago and the present day. The two crimes were similar, and they both has a connection to the coffee shop building. This is a well written series and I think this is my favourite book, so far. The story is told from multiple points of view. I was holding my breath and on the edge of my seat on several occasions. Filled with suspense, it had me guessing throughout. This book could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #JoffeBooks and the author #CharlieGallagher for my ARC of #LastOneAlive in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2022
This is book seven in this wonderful series, our main character Maddie Ives is now a Detective Inspector, she has worked hard to get to this point and is now heading the Domestic Violence Investigation Unit. Charlie Gallagher is definitely one of my top go to authors, he never disappoints.
Daisy-May and her friend Megan work together in a coffee shop but the shop has history as it was
once the site of an infamous mystery where two young girls were taken and murdered, their killer never found. Even though this book is slower in pace than the rest of this series it is still intriguing and a darn good read. From the beginning we meet a character narrating the story down of what really happened in the club back in 1999. Daisy-May wakes up alone in a room with the words "Don't Wake Up" written on the walls. She is in a world of pain having been restrained and has no idea where she is or why this has happened to her, she is terrified. I loved the twist of this narrator telling this part of the story, who are they and how reliable is their version of events, we just do not know, all we do is follow along to see where this is going.
Great to meet a new character in Eileen Homes and also so good to see Maddie's old boss make an appearance. As I said, this story is not as fast paced as some of the previous books but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It is wonderful to see Maddie not only grow in character but also in the police force, this is the job she was born for. If you have not read this series I strongly recommend that you do but I would also suggest starting at the beginning so that you see the character development from the beginning, it is just like getting to know a new friend.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Charlie Gallagher for providing me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unbiased review. Eagerly now awaiting book 8, no pressure Charlie.
Daisy-May and her friend Megan work together in a coffee shop but the shop has history as it was
once the site of an infamous mystery where two young girls were taken and murdered, their killer never found. Even though this book is slower in pace than the rest of this series it is still intriguing and a darn good read. From the beginning we meet a character narrating the story down of what really happened in the club back in 1999. Daisy-May wakes up alone in a room with the words "Don't Wake Up" written on the walls. She is in a world of pain having been restrained and has no idea where she is or why this has happened to her, she is terrified. I loved the twist of this narrator telling this part of the story, who are they and how reliable is their version of events, we just do not know, all we do is follow along to see where this is going.
Great to meet a new character in Eileen Homes and also so good to see Maddie's old boss make an appearance. As I said, this story is not as fast paced as some of the previous books but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It is wonderful to see Maddie not only grow in character but also in the police force, this is the job she was born for. If you have not read this series I strongly recommend that you do but I would also suggest starting at the beginning so that you see the character development from the beginning, it is just like getting to know a new friend.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Charlie Gallagher for providing me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unbiased review. Eagerly now awaiting book 8, no pressure Charlie.
November 21, 2022
Another of my favourite authors and another real page turner which this author always delivers in spades. Hooked from the first to the last page and so many twists and turns and quite a few surprises. A real heart stopping crime thriller that gave me chills and I literally have no nails left. Another cancel everything and tuck into this fantastic five star read from one of my favourite authors I promise that you will not be disappointed. Brutal, disturbing and so good!!!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 20, 2024
Strong female protagonist!
A bit of a slower burning book but Maddie Ives is definitely becoming a more enjoyable protagonist, coming into her own as a character and officer. That said, even though it’s Book Seven, this could be read as a standalone,
The crime is horrific, as per normal for Gallagher. The motives and blindside very good.
Read the series.
A bit of a slower burning book but Maddie Ives is definitely becoming a more enjoyable protagonist, coming into her own as a character and officer. That said, even though it’s Book Seven, this could be read as a standalone,
The crime is horrific, as per normal for Gallagher. The motives and blindside very good.
Read the series.
October 19, 2022
In this, the seventh book of the series, Maddie Ives has now been promoted from Detective Sergeant to Detective Inspector, thanks in part to the wishes of the retiring Detective Inspector, but because of an internal re-shuffle instead of heading Major Crime, she is now head of the Domestic Violence Investigation Unit.
This book, for me, is different to most of Charlie Gallagher’s previous books as it is a slow burner. It begins with an unknown person starting to get his ‘story’ down on paper - almost in the style of the narration that goes with the Shawshank Redemption. We then hear from Daisy-Mae, a young waitress, who wakes up or comes to in pain and restrained in an unknown place with a message written on the wall. Then we flip to Maddie’s department and a job coming in about a missing person who had previously reported domestic violence.
I have to be honest and say that this is not my favourite Charlie Gallagher book. I simply wasn’t gripped by this one in the way I have been by almost every one of the others. His usual style is an explosive first chapter which hooks you in and doesn’t let you go to a high tension, high action ending and inevitably has me staying awake till the wee small hours reading far longer than I intended! This one started slowly and although it’s a good, if complex, story line, it just never had me page-turning and the ending seemed like a spoken summary of what had happened by Maddie explaining to the ex-wife of the perpetrator.
I was delighted to see Harry, Maddie’s old boss, back in this book! He’s a great character and Maddie & he have a great working relationship! I hope he sticks around! I also enjoyed the new addition of Eileen Holmes, an Intelligence Analyst who has come to join their team from Major Crime. She’s an older lady with personality and pretty impressive skills, who wears slippers to work in! I like her!
Would I recommend it, yes, for sure….. but not as your first Charlie Gallagher experience. Read the others first would be my recommendation. Will I keep reading this author’s books……..absolutely!!! He’s a first class writer but this one just wasn’t my favourite, sorry Charlie!
Although, this is book 7 in the Maddie Ives series, I do think that you could read it as a standalone, however, if you haven’t read any (you’re in for a treat) much better to start from Book 1 and work your way through.
My thanks go to Charlie Gallagher for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. The review is entirely my own honest opinion.
This book, for me, is different to most of Charlie Gallagher’s previous books as it is a slow burner. It begins with an unknown person starting to get his ‘story’ down on paper - almost in the style of the narration that goes with the Shawshank Redemption. We then hear from Daisy-Mae, a young waitress, who wakes up or comes to in pain and restrained in an unknown place with a message written on the wall. Then we flip to Maddie’s department and a job coming in about a missing person who had previously reported domestic violence.
I have to be honest and say that this is not my favourite Charlie Gallagher book. I simply wasn’t gripped by this one in the way I have been by almost every one of the others. His usual style is an explosive first chapter which hooks you in and doesn’t let you go to a high tension, high action ending and inevitably has me staying awake till the wee small hours reading far longer than I intended! This one started slowly and although it’s a good, if complex, story line, it just never had me page-turning and the ending seemed like a spoken summary of what had happened by Maddie explaining to the ex-wife of the perpetrator.
I was delighted to see Harry, Maddie’s old boss, back in this book! He’s a great character and Maddie & he have a great working relationship! I hope he sticks around! I also enjoyed the new addition of Eileen Holmes, an Intelligence Analyst who has come to join their team from Major Crime. She’s an older lady with personality and pretty impressive skills, who wears slippers to work in! I like her!
Would I recommend it, yes, for sure….. but not as your first Charlie Gallagher experience. Read the others first would be my recommendation. Will I keep reading this author’s books……..absolutely!!! He’s a first class writer but this one just wasn’t my favourite, sorry Charlie!
Although, this is book 7 in the Maddie Ives series, I do think that you could read it as a standalone, however, if you haven’t read any (you’re in for a treat) much better to start from Book 1 and work your way through.
My thanks go to Charlie Gallagher for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. The review is entirely my own honest opinion.
October 16, 2022
Maddie Ives book seven
Don't wake up scrawled in black letters what a chilling read this was.
When Daisy-Mae is reported missing by her friend Megan and the friend goes missing the day after both work in the coffee shop that was once a nightclub with an incident that happened back in 1999 is history repeating itself a killer never caught for killing two girls.
Maddie is one tough cookie and I have love love loved this series from book one. A fantastic police procedural that you don't ever want to put down.
Mind blowing, flutters in your tummy, and you just want to jump in there with the gritty story chapter after chapter what an ending this book was so well worth waiting for from the author. I hope a lot more books up his sleeve to write are in the pipeline with new characters to love.
Truly amazing 10/10 5 stars from me.
Don't wake up scrawled in black letters what a chilling read this was.
When Daisy-Mae is reported missing by her friend Megan and the friend goes missing the day after both work in the coffee shop that was once a nightclub with an incident that happened back in 1999 is history repeating itself a killer never caught for killing two girls.
Maddie is one tough cookie and I have love love loved this series from book one. A fantastic police procedural that you don't ever want to put down.
Mind blowing, flutters in your tummy, and you just want to jump in there with the gritty story chapter after chapter what an ending this book was so well worth waiting for from the author. I hope a lot more books up his sleeve to write are in the pipeline with new characters to love.
Truly amazing 10/10 5 stars from me.
November 23, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I was surprised when I realised this is book 7 in the Maddie Ives series. That said, this did not hamper my enjoyment of the tale as the author recaps just enough from the previous books to ensure there are no glaring gaps.
The characters are well rounded and believable, which really helps as the story is told from multiple viewpoints: we have chapters taken a handwritten confession, which also includes details of the original abductions, accounts from Daisy-Mae - the woman who has been abducted in the present day, and also that of Maddie Ives and her team. I have to point out here that I loved Eileen, and her slippers!
I initially found the chapters based on the confession to be slightly confusing, however, we are reassured from the off that all will be disclosed in order and with great detail, so I let myself go with it, and I am so glad I did, this is a particularly clever piece of writing, which helped the story to evolve to such an extent that I didn’t see the end coming AT ALL!
Given my 5-star review, it won’t come as a shock that this won’t be the last book I read by this author, in fact I am excited to go back to the beginning of Maddie’s journey by reading book one in the very near future.
The characters are well rounded and believable, which really helps as the story is told from multiple viewpoints: we have chapters taken a handwritten confession, which also includes details of the original abductions, accounts from Daisy-Mae - the woman who has been abducted in the present day, and also that of Maddie Ives and her team. I have to point out here that I loved Eileen, and her slippers!
I initially found the chapters based on the confession to be slightly confusing, however, we are reassured from the off that all will be disclosed in order and with great detail, so I let myself go with it, and I am so glad I did, this is a particularly clever piece of writing, which helped the story to evolve to such an extent that I didn’t see the end coming AT ALL!
Given my 5-star review, it won’t come as a shock that this won’t be the last book I read by this author, in fact I am excited to go back to the beginning of Maddie’s journey by reading book one in the very near future.
October 20, 2022
Detective Maddie Ives is a sparkly new Acting Inspector although as she is no longer in Major Crimes, or with her old partner, she’s got a lot to get used to. Now leading the Domestic Violence Investigation Unit, her small team is as invested as she is in their new cases.
When Daisy-Mae Adams is reported missing it is passed to the DVIU as details were logged of an abusive ex-boyfriend. Concerned about the nineteen-year-old, Maddie visits her workplace to get the details she needs and speaks to café manager, Megan. When she also disappears the very next day the investigation becomes far more worrying but it isn't until it is linked to an unsolved case from 22 years ago that Maddie realises just how little time they have to find the missing women and a suspect who has evaded justice since the beginning of the new millennium!
Detective Maddie Ives is an excellent main protagonist and all the books so far have been entertainingly brilliant but in book seven the author has outdone himself. The case is seen from Maddie's perspective as well as others involved in both investigations and is an immediate page turner with lots of twists and red herrings to leave you breathless.
I found myself warming to the characters from the first case as much as those from the present day and the way everything gradually intertwined was really well done. The final chapters, for me at least, ensured everything was addressed and all the lose threads came together in a very satisfying way.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I love this series and book seven only added to my enjoyment. Highly recommended, especially if you like to be totally immersed in a story from start to finish.
When Daisy-Mae Adams is reported missing it is passed to the DVIU as details were logged of an abusive ex-boyfriend. Concerned about the nineteen-year-old, Maddie visits her workplace to get the details she needs and speaks to café manager, Megan. When she also disappears the very next day the investigation becomes far more worrying but it isn't until it is linked to an unsolved case from 22 years ago that Maddie realises just how little time they have to find the missing women and a suspect who has evaded justice since the beginning of the new millennium!
Detective Maddie Ives is an excellent main protagonist and all the books so far have been entertainingly brilliant but in book seven the author has outdone himself. The case is seen from Maddie's perspective as well as others involved in both investigations and is an immediate page turner with lots of twists and red herrings to leave you breathless.
I found myself warming to the characters from the first case as much as those from the present day and the way everything gradually intertwined was really well done. The final chapters, for me at least, ensured everything was addressed and all the lose threads came together in a very satisfying way.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I love this series and book seven only added to my enjoyment. Highly recommended, especially if you like to be totally immersed in a story from start to finish.
October 23, 2022
What more could you want for a winter evening than the latest Maddie Ives thriller from the brilliant Charlie Gallagher? I was totally immersed in both plot and characters, although a change of pace from previous books in the series it is a terrific read. So pleased when Eileen Holmes an analyst from one of Charlie's previous books Lethal Game was transferred to Maddie's team. Hand knitted cardigans and carpet slippers on the office? Why not! I don't do plot spoilers, just want to say this is a very clever whodunnit with many twists, turns and red herrings to enjoy. I'm so grateful for an advanced copy of Last One Alive, certainly a must read.
November 13, 2022
This was an engrossing read, not a fast-paced one but quite mesmerising. It took a while for me to get to grips with things. You have Maddie and her team investigating the disappearance of Daisy-Mae, and there are 2 other separate threads going on at the same time. 1 is the perspective of Paul and his written records, and the other is from Daisy-Mae. I found this quite complex for a good length of time but once I got used to things, everything flowed fine.
I was hooked throughout , much as you would when you have a puzzle to solve and that is what this felt like - a methodical unravelling of clues to figure things out. There was an underlying sadness throughout the book which will stay with me for a while.
I really enjoy this series and hope there's many more to come.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy of this and this is my honest review.
I was hooked throughout , much as you would when you have a puzzle to solve and that is what this felt like - a methodical unravelling of clues to figure things out. There was an underlying sadness throughout the book which will stay with me for a while.
I really enjoy this series and hope there's many more to come.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy of this and this is my honest review.
November 14, 2022
4-4.25⭐️
#7 Maddie Ives
Gores score 3.5/5
I have read book 6, which I loved then went back and read book 1, so there’s a gap of books that I haven’t read. Guess that’s nothing new for me 😂
The location is Folkstone in the UK.
We are introduced to the narrator Paul Morgan who is telling us about writing his journal. He was previously a night club owner, and knew 2 of the victims. The night club is now the ugly jug cafe where other victims are last seen. We also get the story from Maddie’s POV, and Daisy-Mae.
There’s a lot of characters, the time frame moves around at the start. I found it a slower start. It took me until about a third of the way in to settle into it. A lot of people enjoy a slower start with a big build up, so if that’s you then pay no heed. I made a list of names to keep track.
It’s quite dark and gritty which I love,a lot of the violence is implied rather than described graphically, but still gets a decent gore score rating.
When it all starts coming together it develops some brilliant psychological content in conjunction with the crimes. The antagonist is one sick individual.
There is so much interlinked, the links are gradually revealed throughout. I enjoyed it as another link was made in the puzzle. I was convinced half way in that I knew who the antagonist was, I was so wrong 😂 good job no one is relying on me to solve crimes.
As for the characters, they are well crafted, there are plenty who really tug on your emotions. Maddie is very likeable, caring and compassionate, and I love her relationship with her old gruff Boss Harry they make a great team. I just loved the mega efficient but quirky intelligence analyst Eileen Holmans.
Oh my towards the end the tension is ramped so high!
Once I was hooked I really enjoyed it. It’s a dark slow burn until it turns up those burners. I’m sure Charlie Gallagher fans are going to love this.
#7 Maddie Ives
Gores score 3.5/5
I have read book 6, which I loved then went back and read book 1, so there’s a gap of books that I haven’t read. Guess that’s nothing new for me 😂
The location is Folkstone in the UK.
We are introduced to the narrator Paul Morgan who is telling us about writing his journal. He was previously a night club owner, and knew 2 of the victims. The night club is now the ugly jug cafe where other victims are last seen. We also get the story from Maddie’s POV, and Daisy-Mae.
There’s a lot of characters, the time frame moves around at the start. I found it a slower start. It took me until about a third of the way in to settle into it. A lot of people enjoy a slower start with a big build up, so if that’s you then pay no heed. I made a list of names to keep track.
It’s quite dark and gritty which I love,a lot of the violence is implied rather than described graphically, but still gets a decent gore score rating.
When it all starts coming together it develops some brilliant psychological content in conjunction with the crimes. The antagonist is one sick individual.
There is so much interlinked, the links are gradually revealed throughout. I enjoyed it as another link was made in the puzzle. I was convinced half way in that I knew who the antagonist was, I was so wrong 😂 good job no one is relying on me to solve crimes.
As for the characters, they are well crafted, there are plenty who really tug on your emotions. Maddie is very likeable, caring and compassionate, and I love her relationship with her old gruff Boss Harry they make a great team. I just loved the mega efficient but quirky intelligence analyst Eileen Holmans.
Oh my towards the end the tension is ramped so high!
Once I was hooked I really enjoyed it. It’s a dark slow burn until it turns up those burners. I’m sure Charlie Gallagher fans are going to love this.
March 11, 2023
Really struggled to get through this, kept getting confused. Normally a fan of this series, but this one wasn’t for me.
November 16, 2022
Last One Alive by Charlie Gallagher is the seventh book in the Brilliant Detective Maddie Ives series from start to finish especially as this series is so good. When Daisy-Mae wakes up cold, all alone and in pain, her wrists are bound tight. She has no idea or memory on how she got there. She is now to weak to sit up and when she tries to look around where she is, she sees a message.......Written boldly just three words! in large black letters on the wall.
"DON'T WAKE UP"
Daisy-Mae has been reported missing by her friend Megan to Detective Maddie Ives when she didn't turn up for work at the coffee shop. Then, Megan disappeared the next day.
Where are they?
Who has taken then?
Back in 1999, on New Year's Eve, which was Twenty-two years ago, two young women set off for home from the nightclub where they worked. They never came home! However, their battered bodies were found five days later.
The killer was never caught.
Now, the nightclub has become a popular coffee shop this is where Megan and Daisy-Mae now work.
Is history repeating itself?
Is the Killer a local?
This book was another 5 star read and I highly recommend all these books in the brilliant Detective Maddie Ives series.
Big Thank you to Netgalley, Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC of Last One Alive in exchange for an honest review.
"DON'T WAKE UP"
Daisy-Mae has been reported missing by her friend Megan to Detective Maddie Ives when she didn't turn up for work at the coffee shop. Then, Megan disappeared the next day.
Where are they?
Who has taken then?
Back in 1999, on New Year's Eve, which was Twenty-two years ago, two young women set off for home from the nightclub where they worked. They never came home! However, their battered bodies were found five days later.
The killer was never caught.
Now, the nightclub has become a popular coffee shop this is where Megan and Daisy-Mae now work.
Is history repeating itself?
Is the Killer a local?
This book was another 5 star read and I highly recommend all these books in the brilliant Detective Maddie Ives series.
Big Thank you to Netgalley, Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC of Last One Alive in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2022
MADDIE RETURNS!
In this latest offering from Charlie Gallagher Maddie Ives returns in the 7th book of this gripping series.
Following the retirement of her partner and mentor Harry Blaker, Maddie has been promoted to Detective Inspector but is now
Working in Domestic Violence unit rather than Major Crime.
The disappearance of a young girl, swiftly followed by her work colleague who reported her missing, bears alarming similarities to an unsolved case from more than 20 years ago where 2 young women died, which the reader learns about from a journal being written by the neighbour if the now deceased SIO from the original case.
What does the message for the victims "DONT' WAKE UP" mean, will Maddie be able to save the current abductees, and how will she find leading the investigation without the support of Harry?
All these questions are answered in this slow burn of a thriller that will have you
gripped as it races to it's conclusion.
In this latest offering from Charlie Gallagher Maddie Ives returns in the 7th book of this gripping series.
Following the retirement of her partner and mentor Harry Blaker, Maddie has been promoted to Detective Inspector but is now
Working in Domestic Violence unit rather than Major Crime.
The disappearance of a young girl, swiftly followed by her work colleague who reported her missing, bears alarming similarities to an unsolved case from more than 20 years ago where 2 young women died, which the reader learns about from a journal being written by the neighbour if the now deceased SIO from the original case.
What does the message for the victims "DONT' WAKE UP" mean, will Maddie be able to save the current abductees, and how will she find leading the investigation without the support of Harry?
All these questions are answered in this slow burn of a thriller that will have you
gripped as it races to it's conclusion.
November 8, 2022
Engrossing Last One Alive is the seventh in the Maddie Ives series. It is dark, disturbing, claustrophobic, taut and clever and so suspenseful I caught myself practically holding my breath a few times. The back and forthing is a wee bit confusing at first but quickly grows into a followable rhythm.
DI Maddie Ives is now the head of the Domestic Violence unit, finding her footing in the new position. Daisie-Mae goes missing and co-worker Megan suffers the same fate shortly after. These are no straightforward disappearances. Written "DON'T WAKE UP" is unsettling and goosebump inducing for the characters...and this reader. But what happens next is even worse. Not only that but the year 1999 comes back to haunt Maddie and her team. Danger is an understatement.
Thriller fans, especially those who enjoy police procedurals, do add this book to your list. Characters are well written and though not likeable fascinate. Author Charlie Gallagher draws on his experience as a police officer which adds that touch of reality which anchors the story. Do know that domestic violence and torture are mentioned.
My sincere thank you to Joffe Books for providing me with an early digital copy of this transfixing book!
DI Maddie Ives is now the head of the Domestic Violence unit, finding her footing in the new position. Daisie-Mae goes missing and co-worker Megan suffers the same fate shortly after. These are no straightforward disappearances. Written "DON'T WAKE UP" is unsettling and goosebump inducing for the characters...and this reader. But what happens next is even worse. Not only that but the year 1999 comes back to haunt Maddie and her team. Danger is an understatement.
Thriller fans, especially those who enjoy police procedurals, do add this book to your list. Characters are well written and though not likeable fascinate. Author Charlie Gallagher draws on his experience as a police officer which adds that touch of reality which anchors the story. Do know that domestic violence and torture are mentioned.
My sincere thank you to Joffe Books for providing me with an early digital copy of this transfixing book!
November 26, 2022
Wow that was an epic read!
I’ve never read anything by this author before but wow! I loved it. I was absolutely caught up in all of the tension and mystery surrounding these cases that happen 20 years apart.
Written from multiple view points; hand written confession, Daisy-Mae and the investigating officer Maddie. This book is a real twister of a tale that should (and does) give a total 360 degree view of the situation but it’s written in such a way that the misdirection is pretty well hidden.
The writing of the confession is done in such a way that it is an absolute puzzle to read. Even though you’re told from the start that it will be revealed in order and with all detail. Clearly, looking back at what I’ve read there is such a cleverness to that particular part of writing because without realising it, it’s gives away a lot when considering their state of mind. At first it took me awhile to get into the rhythm of this particular section of writing but it was done so well and totally rules the plot!
The book is edgy, has tremendous pace and feels very current. Whilst I’ve not read any of the books that came before I didn’t feel for one moment that I was left out or playing catch up. There are scant details to Maddie’s backstory and the characters that surround her. But to be honest you don’t need them. This narrative holds it own and every page is just packed full of adrenaline pumping terror.
Needless to say this won’t be the last book I will be seeking out by this author and I would genuinely encourage anyone considering reading this book to just go for it! It’s everything a crime fiction lover will enjoy and written brilliantly.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve never read anything by this author before but wow! I loved it. I was absolutely caught up in all of the tension and mystery surrounding these cases that happen 20 years apart.
Written from multiple view points; hand written confession, Daisy-Mae and the investigating officer Maddie. This book is a real twister of a tale that should (and does) give a total 360 degree view of the situation but it’s written in such a way that the misdirection is pretty well hidden.
The writing of the confession is done in such a way that it is an absolute puzzle to read. Even though you’re told from the start that it will be revealed in order and with all detail. Clearly, looking back at what I’ve read there is such a cleverness to that particular part of writing because without realising it, it’s gives away a lot when considering their state of mind. At first it took me awhile to get into the rhythm of this particular section of writing but it was done so well and totally rules the plot!
The book is edgy, has tremendous pace and feels very current. Whilst I’ve not read any of the books that came before I didn’t feel for one moment that I was left out or playing catch up. There are scant details to Maddie’s backstory and the characters that surround her. But to be honest you don’t need them. This narrative holds it own and every page is just packed full of adrenaline pumping terror.
Needless to say this won’t be the last book I will be seeking out by this author and I would genuinely encourage anyone considering reading this book to just go for it! It’s everything a crime fiction lover will enjoy and written brilliantly.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2022
Huge thanks to JOFFE Books for allowing me to read this Advance Reader Copy prior to publication. I’ve read all of them and they are fantastic! This is the 7th in the series with Maddie Ives now acting DCI after her boss retired at the end of the previous book that led us a very grim dance through twists and turns to an extremely dark ending. This book sees Maddie missing the action of her previous roles, and perhaps seeing more than she should in the Domestic Violence Unit she is now leading, or does she…
The strength of this series is the utterly rigorous maintenance of realistic Police procedure, we know it’s authentic, because the author is a real expert. Charlie Gallagher does not look down on his readers, he only explains when it helps the story, but you feel totally engaged with characters and events.
The power of this narrative is the alternating voices, all well defined, particularly the written record of a key player in the story who describes past and present events. You are again left guessing until the end. A triumph.
The strength of this series is the utterly rigorous maintenance of realistic Police procedure, we know it’s authentic, because the author is a real expert. Charlie Gallagher does not look down on his readers, he only explains when it helps the story, but you feel totally engaged with characters and events.
The power of this narrative is the alternating voices, all well defined, particularly the written record of a key player in the story who describes past and present events. You are again left guessing until the end. A triumph.
October 25, 2022
I was delighted to be offered this book as an ARC by Charlie, as Maddie is one of my favourite characters.
Maddie has just gone back in the job after a traumatic event (in the last book) and it was great to see her back with her old team in the line of fire again. She also has received promotion.
The story starts off with a girl Daisy-Mae going missing, she is being held somewhere and no-one knows where. Then her friend, Megan, whom she works with at the coffee shop goes missing the next day.
These missing girls are similar to a previous case twenty years ago, when the coffee shop was a nightclub. Now it’s up to Maddie and her team to find the girls before it’s too late.
It was also great to see that Maddie enlists the help of her old boss, Harry, now retired to help out. Love this character with his brusque ways, it was good to see him back. Together the whole gang make a formidable team in their search for the girls.
Will they be found, you’ll have to read it to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was well thought out and kept me interested and as a big fan of Maddie I hope Charlie will continue with her, and maybe bring Harry back again.
My thanks to Charlie for the ARC.
Maddie has just gone back in the job after a traumatic event (in the last book) and it was great to see her back with her old team in the line of fire again. She also has received promotion.
The story starts off with a girl Daisy-Mae going missing, she is being held somewhere and no-one knows where. Then her friend, Megan, whom she works with at the coffee shop goes missing the next day.
These missing girls are similar to a previous case twenty years ago, when the coffee shop was a nightclub. Now it’s up to Maddie and her team to find the girls before it’s too late.
It was also great to see that Maddie enlists the help of her old boss, Harry, now retired to help out. Love this character with his brusque ways, it was good to see him back. Together the whole gang make a formidable team in their search for the girls.
Will they be found, you’ll have to read it to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was well thought out and kept me interested and as a big fan of Maddie I hope Charlie will continue with her, and maybe bring Harry back again.
My thanks to Charlie for the ARC.
October 31, 2022
Very grateful, as ever, to be offered an early reader opportunity. Charlie Gallagher is top of his game in this genre. This book is back with the now DI Maddie Ives, accompanied by her old DI Harry. Eileen and her carpet slippers are back along with Vince (the Labrador reference is hilariously accurate.) Multiple view points in this intense story, where past and present are intertwined. A cracking read and one I will certainly be reading again, as I have with all Charlie’s books. If the characters are an integral part of the story for you, and drama and suspense are a must then you will love this episode in the Maddie series. Congratulations Charlie.
November 24, 2022
I have to say this is Charlie Gallagher's best book yet! Welcome back (now) DI Maddie Ives! She is now in the Domestic Violence Investigation Unit with a new team, and we even get to see another old favorite! Her old retired DI comes along to help in this Investigation. All I will say about this storyline is that it's fast paced, I have never read this kind of plot, and it grabbed me from the first chapter. I'm excited to see the author take some chances with his writing style, and I look forward to more about Maddie and Harry and team in the future! The only thing I didn't like about those book? There wasn't another new one to read immediately after! I highly recommend this book
Thank you to Net Galley, Joffe books, and the author for this ARC.
Thank you to Net Galley, Joffe books, and the author for this ARC.
October 23, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
When two girls go missing detective inspector Maddie Ives is on the case. Officially investigating cases of domestic violence, Maddie has a tenuous link to of of the girls. Then when a link to an old case is brought up Maddie has to bring back her old boss Harry in order to keep investigating.
The book is told from 3 points of view, Maddie, the victims and Paul-bonus journaling the case from the past, slowly teasing out the back story.
This was my first Detective Maddie Ives book, and I can’t wait to go back and read the rest. Loved everything about this book!
When two girls go missing detective inspector Maddie Ives is on the case. Officially investigating cases of domestic violence, Maddie has a tenuous link to of of the girls. Then when a link to an old case is brought up Maddie has to bring back her old boss Harry in order to keep investigating.
The book is told from 3 points of view, Maddie, the victims and Paul-bonus journaling the case from the past, slowly teasing out the back story.
This was my first Detective Maddie Ives book, and I can’t wait to go back and read the rest. Loved everything about this book!
October 23, 2022
LAST ONE ALIVE Creates apprehensive anticipation from the start leading up to a spine-tingling tale. Chilling words jump off the page and come to life. A shocking labyrinthine rollercoaster ride of events that feel terrifyingly real. The mind-boggling mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the dynamite conclusion you'll never see coming.
LAST ONE ALIVE IS A ONE SITTING SENSATIONAL READ
LAST ONE ALIVE IS A ONE SITTING SENSATIONAL READ
October 19, 2022
It's good to see newly appointed Detective Inspector Maddie Ives heading up a team investigating domestic violence, with an especially harrowing case.
I just love the intrigue and suspense that is created when the story is told by a narrator. Something terrible has/will happen, though the reader has no idea what and is the narrator's account reliable? It's also a nice touch giving the narrator "titled" chapters.
Thoroughly enjoyable. An excellent read and a little bit different from the other books in the series.
I just love the intrigue and suspense that is created when the story is told by a narrator. Something terrible has/will happen, though the reader has no idea what and is the narrator's account reliable? It's also a nice touch giving the narrator "titled" chapters.
Thoroughly enjoyable. An excellent read and a little bit different from the other books in the series.
October 20, 2022
This book crawled along at a slow pace with several twists and turns that while enjoyable were also pretty easy to see. There was one twist that caught me by surprise and that was satisfying. Unfortunately most of the characters in this novel are quite unlikable and that definitely takes away from my personal enjoyment. But if you enjoy crime investigation thrillers, this will definitely hit the spot! Thank you to Joffe Books for the ARC of this title!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
It's great to have Maddie back in a new story. Her long-standing boss DI Harry Blaker has retired and she has moved from Major Crimes to the Domestic Violence unit after her gruelling last case. At least her relationship with PC Vince Arnold is flourishing as they search for a home together. Paul Morgan, a tormented man, narrates half the chapters, starting in 1999 when he was part owner of The Ugly Sisters nightclub and two girls, Christine who he thought of as a daughter and Denise, who both worked for him disappeared after leaving the club on New Year’s Eve. Their bodies were discovered battered and tortured five days later. His next-door neighbour and friend Inspector Charles Snow, who was in charge of the case, confided in him that there had been other victims and he knew who was responsible. No one was ever brought to justice for the deaths but Paul learns more about the horrors inflicted by the killer when visits and talks one of the two survivors. The Ugly Jug coffee shop sits on the old nightclub site and history seems to be repeating itself as first young Daisy-Mae, someone already known to Maddie in her new role, and then her manager Megan both vanish. The reader also hears how the women find themselves snatched by force and kept prisoner, beaten if they make a sound. As Paul continues his journal, he discloses that other people had terrible secrets to hide about that time twenty-two years ago. Following the missing persons reports, Maddie learns about the Ugly Sisters Murders and wonders if the killer is back. Now an Inspector, together with DC Rhiannon Davis and the very likeable slipper-clad Intelligence Analyst Eileen Holmans and with Harry’s help, will she find the missing women in time?
As always in this series, the plot is clever, twisted and exciting with a thrilling conclusion. It’s certainly another excellent and gripping read from a very knowledgeable author and I do hope there will be more to come for Maddie. Highly recommended. 5*
As always in this series, the plot is clever, twisted and exciting with a thrilling conclusion. It’s certainly another excellent and gripping read from a very knowledgeable author and I do hope there will be more to come for Maddie. Highly recommended. 5*
November 12, 2022
The story must have looked interesting in the early draft stages, but the execution is utterly horrible. Too many characters and with almost each chapter the viewpoint of a different character without explaining who it is first. This is so confusing that it takes away the flow and fun of reading. And then the story, so excruciatingly slow and, quite frankly, boring. Such a terrible waste of time.
Definitely won't recommend it to anyone.
Definitely won't recommend it to anyone.
December 6, 2022
A tense read
I love this series, however this one was a little different and it did take me awhile to get into it which is not the case with previous books. I persevered though as I know how good this writer is. The story is told very differently to previous books in this series but it all makes sense in the end. Great to see Harry Blaker back from retirement and can't wait to read the next one, especially after reading the intro.
I love this series, however this one was a little different and it did take me awhile to get into it which is not the case with previous books. I persevered though as I know how good this writer is. The story is told very differently to previous books in this series but it all makes sense in the end. Great to see Harry Blaker back from retirement and can't wait to read the next one, especially after reading the intro.
October 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
This was my first read of this series and perhaps if I was more familiar with the series and the team I would have found it more enjoyable than I did.
I did enjoy parts and I liked Maddie, she’s an interesting character. Plenty of twists and surprises too.
However, it was a bit too slow and with the introduction of so many characters, I found it difficult to follow the plot at times.
This was my first read of this series and perhaps if I was more familiar with the series and the team I would have found it more enjoyable than I did.
I did enjoy parts and I liked Maddie, she’s an interesting character. Plenty of twists and surprises too.
However, it was a bit too slow and with the introduction of so many characters, I found it difficult to follow the plot at times.
November 16, 2022
Detective Maddie Ives is back with a case like one twenty years earlier has the killer returned. Good characters and pacing, love seeing the characters progressing.
I received this book from Joffe books and Netgalley for a review.
I received this book from Joffe books and Netgalley for a review.
November 27, 2022
This book was awful, I have read a lot of this author’s books, but this was disjointed and boring
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