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The Final Alibi
A jailed killer. A new string of murders. Copycat or something worse?Jim Lawson spent decades trying to forget the monster he put behind bars. Labelled the man who captured the Devil, a desperate police chief calls on him a second time, to lend his expertise on tracking a new killer. When a fresh string of murders hits a small community, each resembling an evil long thought locked up, terror grips a town still bearing the scars from the original slaughter. As the body count rises, many believe Jim the only one capable of ending the murderous spree.Together with a young constable, Jim races to uncover the truth behind a tormented copycat, ruthlessly slaughtering innocent victims with the same ferocity as the original Devil. But this is no ordinary killer and Jim will have to face some old demons if he’s to have any chance of ending the murders. Will he uncover the truth in time to save another victim, or has the Devil fooled them all, hellbent on the town’s ultimate destruction?The Final Alibi is the first book in the Lawson Chronicles. If you enjoy psychological thrillers like The Silence of the Lambs and Mr. Mercedes, then you’ll love the thrills and chills of this series.Buy the Final Alibi now and prepare to keep the lights on long after it’s finished.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
220 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Simon King
62 books45 followersSimon King is the author of more than 40 books, spanning 5 series, and writes with a voracious appetite that includes both hard-hitting thrillers and confronting true crime.
His personal experiences inside a maximum-security prison have given rise to his popular Prison Days books, which ultimately led to the raw and nail-biting world of MAX, his ongoing prison-based crime thriller series.
With his latest saga, the Sam Rader Thrillers, Simon once again weaves intricate worlds that ultimately shock and consume readers within their pages, leading them through to nail-biting climaxes that leave most craving more.
Start your journey today and find out why Simon King is rapidly growing in popularity amongst thriller circles the world over.
His personal experiences inside a maximum-security prison have given rise to his popular Prison Days books, which ultimately led to the raw and nail-biting world of MAX, his ongoing prison-based crime thriller series.
With his latest saga, the Sam Rader Thrillers, Simon once again weaves intricate worlds that ultimately shock and consume readers within their pages, leading them through to nail-biting climaxes that leave most craving more.
Start your journey today and find out why Simon King is rapidly growing in popularity amongst thriller circles the world over.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 24, 2022
You know, I completely understand that the market out there is competitive and securing one’s place in it through series of various sorts is an obvious and easy way to go and yet…there are other ways of doing it. Nicer ways.
Which is to say if you’re doing a series or, as is the case here, a trilogy that’s fine, but, at the very least, book one of it should work as a standalone. The idea (ideally) is that the quality of the work will be high enough to entice the readers into continuing with the series.
The not-so-ideal version of draw the readers in is what Simon King did, which is to just pretty much abruptly end the book saying, Aha. Gotcha. You wanna know what’s next? Go buy book 2.
Which I just don’t appreciate. Which brought an otherwise fairly decent serial killer thriller down from an average rating. Which tends to have the opposite effect one me as in I don't care to ever read more of this.
Did the book work until the ending? Yeah, mostly. A few typos here and there, nothing egregious. Some cheese in the romantic department but overall, the plotting was pretty tight, the characters were compelling enough. The Aussie setting of 1930s and 50s was a nice addition.
But that ending? Total poop. Not at all what one might expect or want in the final plot twist department.
Also, a side note…can a man with a bitten-off penis conceive a child through conventional means? I’m questioning this, but it isn’t the sort of thing to go look up either. Don’t want to make Google blush.
Anyway, at least it read pretty quickly.
Which is to say if you’re doing a series or, as is the case here, a trilogy that’s fine, but, at the very least, book one of it should work as a standalone. The idea (ideally) is that the quality of the work will be high enough to entice the readers into continuing with the series.
The not-so-ideal version of draw the readers in is what Simon King did, which is to just pretty much abruptly end the book saying, Aha. Gotcha. You wanna know what’s next? Go buy book 2.
Which I just don’t appreciate. Which brought an otherwise fairly decent serial killer thriller down from an average rating. Which tends to have the opposite effect one me as in I don't care to ever read more of this.
Did the book work until the ending? Yeah, mostly. A few typos here and there, nothing egregious. Some cheese in the romantic department but overall, the plotting was pretty tight, the characters were compelling enough. The Aussie setting of 1930s and 50s was a nice addition.
But that ending? Total poop. Not at all what one might expect or want in the final plot twist department.
Also, a side note…can a man with a bitten-off penis conceive a child through conventional means? I’m questioning this, but it isn’t the sort of thing to go look up either. Don’t want to make Google blush.
Anyway, at least it read pretty quickly.
October 15, 2021
It’s going to be hard to write a review of this book and not have spoilers. I was flicking through my ebooks, and I landed on this one.
It is very dark….there is a madman in the loose, who kills women and eats chunks out of their bodies. The setting is in the 1950s so the crime is solved without technology and just good old fashioned police work.
The author brings it nearly all together in the end, just enough to make you go Noooooo! And now you have to read the rest of the series.
It is very dark….there is a madman in the loose, who kills women and eats chunks out of their bodies. The setting is in the 1950s so the crime is solved without technology and just good old fashioned police work.
The author brings it nearly all together in the end, just enough to make you go Noooooo! And now you have to read the rest of the series.
June 8, 2022
I was enormously disappointed in the ending of this book, because the ending of this book is not the ending of the story. We are left completely up in the air about the outcome of an extremely stressful issue concerning one of the main characters in the story, and are told that we will have to buy the next book to see what happens. I'm sorry, if you're going to do that then warn the reader before they start the book. I'm familiar with the concept of a series of books involving the same character(s), but usually each book is also a stand-alone story. Not in this case. Otherwise, it wasn't a bad yarn, but I won't be reading any further books. I feel a bit used and manipulated by the author.
May 20, 2022
Very much enjoyed this writer. First time reading one of King's books. However, I was disappointed at the very end to find out that this was another book that left you hanging - that is, it one of a series. If I had known that I wouldn't have downloaded the book. I always prefer a complete story, not being forced to have to continue in a series to find out how it all ends. Definitely a good read if that aspect doesn't bother you.
September 11, 2023
A book hard to stop reading. But …
I would NEVER have begun this book had I known it would end in the middle requiring the acquisition of one or more sequels to see how it all ends. It did keep my attention.
I would NEVER have begun this book had I known it would end in the middle requiring the acquisition of one or more sequels to see how it all ends. It did keep my attention.
December 30, 2023
This was, to say the least, a gruesome story that, at times, stretched my incredulity to breaking pont! However, as with so many modern authors, this writer appears not to understand the difference between a "series" and a "serial". The former uses the same characters, same location, etc, but each story is complete in itself. The latter uses a "cliffhanger" ending to an episode in order to encourage readers/viewers/listeners to read/watch/listen to the next instalment. It doesn't work with me! As an author, myself (non-fiction), I have written - and continue to write - a series. However, each volume is complete in itself. One does not have to make another purchase in order to find answers to questions!
I cannot find a note of my comments, but if anyone can advise me how to be reminded of them when they are not mentioned in the GOODREADS e-mail, I would be happy to make them visible! They will provide a review on their own! Have now accessed them - all are visible. This author needs a good proofreader. Some of the linguistic errors are very basic! Some real "howlers" as well!
I cannot find a note of my comments, but if anyone can advise me how to be reminded of them when they are not mentioned in the GOODREADS e-mail, I would be happy to make them visible! They will provide a review on their own! Have now accessed them - all are visible. This author needs a good proofreader. Some of the linguistic errors are very basic! Some real "howlers" as well!
July 19, 2022
Gripping
The story gripped me throughout, I enjoyed the plot and was intrigued to know what would happen. The ending definitely made me want to read on. At times it was a bit difficult to read because of small copyediting issues, a change in tense in a dream scene, an apostrophised plural. Not necessarily an issue for some but personally it took me out of the story a couple of times. I also felt Tami's response to Jim was unrealistic after 20 years. Overall an enjoyable read and I will be getting the second one.
The story gripped me throughout, I enjoyed the plot and was intrigued to know what would happen. The ending definitely made me want to read on. At times it was a bit difficult to read because of small copyediting issues, a change in tense in a dream scene, an apostrophised plural. Not necessarily an issue for some but personally it took me out of the story a couple of times. I also felt Tami's response to Jim was unrealistic after 20 years. Overall an enjoyable read and I will be getting the second one.
May 18, 2022
A dark and gruesome story with a copy cat killer is not what it seems when Jim and Steph investigate a cannibal who is still behind bars where Jim put him years earlier but seems to be back in action taking victims who matter to Jim. They finally find out how but it's too late and his pardon sets him free to start all over again. Some of it is a bit dragged out but the conclusion leaves it open for them to keep pursuing Lucifer in whatever psyche he is inhabiting at the time.
March 31, 2020
Not for the faint of heart...
This tale is not for the faint of heart. It takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions from beginning to end. Note that this book is the first in a trilogy and that while this book ends at at a good break in the story, the story is far from over.
This tale is not for the faint of heart. It takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions from beginning to end. Note that this book is the first in a trilogy and that while this book ends at at a good break in the story, the story is far from over.
May 20, 2022
Above the system
What a thriller reading The Final Alibi was. It had my interest from beginning to end. A man with split personality committed hideous crimes. After spending 20 years in prison, he was able to turn the legal system in his favor. He was released to continue his killing spree. I can hardly wait to read the next installment.
What a thriller reading The Final Alibi was. It had my interest from beginning to end. A man with split personality committed hideous crimes. After spending 20 years in prison, he was able to turn the legal system in his favor. He was released to continue his killing spree. I can hardly wait to read the next installment.
March 31, 2020
This tale is not for the faint of heart. It takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions from beginning to end. Note that this book is the first in a trilogy and that while this book ends at at a good break in the story, the story is far from over.
October 11, 2020
Real page turner
This is a fast moving story that draws you in right from the start. Mr King does a great job of painting a picture with his words so you feel like you are right there in the moment.
This is a fast moving story that draws you in right from the start. Mr King does a great job of painting a picture with his words so you feel like you are right there in the moment.
May 13, 2022
Horror from down under
Maybe tortured and partly eaten alive murder victims killed by a serial killer over a period of years in the same area even after a man is sent to prison for the earliest deaths is not your Cup of tea?
Maybe tortured and partly eaten alive murder victims killed by a serial killer over a period of years in the same area even after a man is sent to prison for the earliest deaths is not your Cup of tea?
May 25, 2024
Bizarre police thriller
This story was so strange and sometimes hard to follow. The mystery part of it was good. Would like to know what happens to the child. Might have to read the next book!
This story was so strange and sometimes hard to follow. The mystery part of it was good. Would like to know what happens to the child. Might have to read the next book!
August 6, 2020
Whoosh!!!
What a frightening tale. Excellently written very graphical. This will definitely be on the best seller list for a long time.
What a frightening tale. Excellently written very graphical. This will definitely be on the best seller list for a long time.
January 4, 2021
Excellent!
What a fast moving story which held me right through to the end. I bought the next two books in the series straight away and can’t wait to read them!
What a fast moving story which held me right through to the end. I bought the next two books in the series straight away and can’t wait to read them!
May 15, 2022
A nicely written, nail biting thriller that had me reading to the last page. Well worth reading.
May 15, 2022
Fantast
Thoroughly enjoyed this book but was sad that it ended the way it did. I will possibly follow the series though
Thoroughly enjoyed this book but was sad that it ended the way it did. I will possibly follow the series though
June 8, 2022
Hard To Put Down!
This truly was a fast paced psychological thriller. The plot twists kept coming. I will most definitely be reading the next one!
This truly was a fast paced psychological thriller. The plot twists kept coming. I will most definitely be reading the next one!
July 30, 2022
Pretty well written with good characters. Instead of it being part 1 of a trilogy, I would prefer one longer complete book. The story is grusomely good. Pacing is excellent.
November 9, 2022
Sorry I didn't know this was part of a trilogy when I started reading it. May or may not get back to reading book 2 or 3 to see how it all ends.
January 22, 2023
Wow what a book!! This is a first time author for me. This book had it all,suspense, edge of the seat thrills, and a mystery.
Loved it but now I have to read book #2. This book was awesome.
Loved it but now I have to read book #2. This book was awesome.
May 24, 2023
Jim Lawson captured the serial killer known as The Devil. The crimes were so brutal, hes spent decades trying to forget. But now the murders have started again.
August 26, 2023
Good read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews