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Mike Brody #1
The Last Track
Mike Brody, the man you want when the one you love is missing. After an asthmatic boy witnesses a murder and goes missing in the Montana wilderness, police turn to Mike Brody, a former Special Forces operative and master tracker with psychic abilities. But as Mike and a local officer follow their elusive quarry deeper into the woods, the killer begins a hunt of his own… Some say his gift is supernatural, others consider it a curse. To Mike Brody, it’s a penance. From the back “A good mix of mystery and adventure, The Last Track will appeal to any thriller reader. A good yarn, not to be missed . . . highly entertaining and extremely difficult to put down.” ~John A. Dunay, Police Lieutenant (Ret. ‘06) ~Police Advisor to Department of Justice, Dinwanyah and Kurdistan, Iraq ‘08 “The Last Track, by Sam Hilliard, is full of mystery and suspense to intrigue the mind. The story captures the thrill of the chase and the fear of the unknown. What kept my interest was the struggle for that we desire most in the form of love, success, money, and complete control. This book will keep your reading lamp on in the wee hours of the night!” ~Spc Amanda Daigle, Jan-Dec 09, Kirkuk, Iraq. ~Purple Heart, Feb 09 “The Last Track is one of the best thrillers our book club has ever read. Chock full of unexpected twists and turns, this well-crafted mystery kept us guessing up until the very last page. A natural storyteller, Hilliard knows how to build suspense and create compelling characters. We can’t wait to go on another adventure with Mike Brody!” ~Revolution Reading Club
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
114 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Sam Hilliard
4 books30 followersFor seven years Sam Hilliard served as the IT Director at an all-girls boarding school, where he learned world class drama first hand, as well as the proper role of martial arts in secondary education and the need for a very strong deadbolt on his office door.
Currently he lives at an undisclosed location in New Jersey with his wife and Cat Army. On the long dark nights, he works on the sequel to The Last Track, which despite allowing the manuscript sufficient breathing space at times, is not, in fact, writing itself. He also works at Princeton University.
Currently he lives at an undisclosed location in New Jersey with his wife and Cat Army. On the long dark nights, he works on the sequel to The Last Track, which despite allowing the manuscript sufficient breathing space at times, is not, in fact, writing itself. He also works at Princeton University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 25, 2023
I was scrolling through my books to be read and came across The Last Track by Sam Hilliard. The cover and title made me curious and when I saw that we had a mystery with a paranormal twist and a young man with asthma, alone, lost in the woods, running for his life, I had to know more.
Mike Brody is a former Special Forces operative and a master tracker, with psychic abilities that enhance his tracking talents. When he learns an asthmatic, young boy is lost in the woods, maybe being chased by those who he saw commit a murder, he knew he had to find him.
Mike has his own demons, nightmares from his past that haunt him. And it is a horrid past that no child should have to go through. That is what motivates him.
A murder, sure, but a mystery that goes so far much farther than the loss of one life. I had my sites on several as the villain, but Sam Hilliard does not make it easy to commit to one or eliminate another. Danger surrounds Mike Brody and his family. Threatening phone calls, people creeping in their rooms, makes ME nervous, so why doesn’t Jessica hold her cards closer to her vest. They have traveled together, even though Jessica and Mike are separated. They still have a good relationship and a child that they love. She is an investigative reporter, with resources that will come into play, but I worry that she isn’t more careful about her person, her room, her child.
As we track the boy, the murder starts to take a backseat to the complex mystery of what is really going on in the town and who is behind it. I love that I had the villain(s) in site, but could never make up my mind if it was them or not. There are so many of them and some others that could be and could not be ruled out..until Sam made it official. I love when I say yeah, its him, no, it’s not…..
Mike Brody is a former Special Forces operative and a master tracker, with psychic abilities that enhance his tracking talents. When he learns an asthmatic, young boy is lost in the woods, maybe being chased by those who he saw commit a murder, he knew he had to find him.
Mike has his own demons, nightmares from his past that haunt him. And it is a horrid past that no child should have to go through. That is what motivates him.
A murder, sure, but a mystery that goes so far much farther than the loss of one life. I had my sites on several as the villain, but Sam Hilliard does not make it easy to commit to one or eliminate another. Danger surrounds Mike Brody and his family. Threatening phone calls, people creeping in their rooms, makes ME nervous, so why doesn’t Jessica hold her cards closer to her vest. They have traveled together, even though Jessica and Mike are separated. They still have a good relationship and a child that they love. She is an investigative reporter, with resources that will come into play, but I worry that she isn’t more careful about her person, her room, her child.
As we track the boy, the murder starts to take a backseat to the complex mystery of what is really going on in the town and who is behind it. I love that I had the villain(s) in site, but could never make up my mind if it was them or not. There are so many of them and some others that could be and could not be ruled out..until Sam made it official. I love when I say yeah, its him, no, it’s not…..
February 13, 2010
Mike Brody, the expert tracker, is enlisted to search for a missing teenage murder witness lost in the woods of Montana. Aside from his vast skill set, Brody also possesses a unique ability to see beyond physical evidence left behind from those he’s searching for. But those responsible for the murder counter his actions at every end, threatening the safety of his loved ones while an asthmatic boy’s life lies in the balance,
From the very start The Last Track captivates with a frenetic pace, keeping the reader engaged in a series of suspenseful events. The story itself spans across four days and rather than use traditional chapters, the author chronicles each section by the incremental passage of time much like an episode of 24. As time itself is the enemy, every moment proves important and each event becomes crucial in some manner. It's a different and unique approach and serves to push the suspense aspect of the mystery as the reader is often even more aware of the passage of time than the characters. Hilliard's true skill is definitely in the details because even though quite a lot happens in a very short amount of time, none of it feels rushed or forced thanks to a stunning narrative that is easy to follow and richly descriptive.
By extension the characters are easy to empathize with, appearing as three-dimensional and wholly realized entities. As the main protagonist, Brody is primarily focused on and much is learned throughout the novel of him, in particular his specific motivations for the life he has chosen. Hilliard vividly explores the sacrifices Brody has made and how these choices have impacted his family. A good portion of the novel is also given to fleshing out the villains and weaving an intricate network of nefarious subplots. In fact, there is so much going on at once that keeping track of it all can be a might confusing. Daunting as the vast amount of information dispensed can be, though, it isn't so severe as to alienate. Rather the numerous details themselves are the major draw into this story.
Often the downfall of a mystery is the simplicity with which it is built, making a story so predictable that it's hardly worth the effort of reading. But The Last Track manages to keep the reader guessing right up until the very last page by constantly presenting evidence against one person and simultaneously providing clear proof towards others. I won't spoil the mystery by admitting whether my initial suspect was the Big Bad or not because either way the ending was a delightful surprise; one that most certainly lends itself to a sequel.
[Originally posted at my website.]
From the very start The Last Track captivates with a frenetic pace, keeping the reader engaged in a series of suspenseful events. The story itself spans across four days and rather than use traditional chapters, the author chronicles each section by the incremental passage of time much like an episode of 24. As time itself is the enemy, every moment proves important and each event becomes crucial in some manner. It's a different and unique approach and serves to push the suspense aspect of the mystery as the reader is often even more aware of the passage of time than the characters. Hilliard's true skill is definitely in the details because even though quite a lot happens in a very short amount of time, none of it feels rushed or forced thanks to a stunning narrative that is easy to follow and richly descriptive.
By extension the characters are easy to empathize with, appearing as three-dimensional and wholly realized entities. As the main protagonist, Brody is primarily focused on and much is learned throughout the novel of him, in particular his specific motivations for the life he has chosen. Hilliard vividly explores the sacrifices Brody has made and how these choices have impacted his family. A good portion of the novel is also given to fleshing out the villains and weaving an intricate network of nefarious subplots. In fact, there is so much going on at once that keeping track of it all can be a might confusing. Daunting as the vast amount of information dispensed can be, though, it isn't so severe as to alienate. Rather the numerous details themselves are the major draw into this story.
Often the downfall of a mystery is the simplicity with which it is built, making a story so predictable that it's hardly worth the effort of reading. But The Last Track manages to keep the reader guessing right up until the very last page by constantly presenting evidence against one person and simultaneously providing clear proof towards others. I won't spoil the mystery by admitting whether my initial suspect was the Big Bad or not because either way the ending was a delightful surprise; one that most certainly lends itself to a sequel.
[Originally posted at my website.]
February 20, 2010
This is a great read with a surprise ending which will make you question many of the scenes throughout the book and see them from a completely different angle after finishing it. In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that I designed the cover and read the manuscript at an early stage before editing, SO, I am sure that the book is even better now than when I read it.
Mike Brody is a very believable character even though he has the ability to sense people and places when he places his hand in the tracks of a person who is missing. All the characters are described in a way which will really let you imagine what they look like, who they are, and how they might behave in a variety of situations. You feel that you get to know them and that they come alive. The story is so gripping in several places that you will not be able to put it down until the scenes are finished.
This is a great book to read on your vacation at the beach this coming summer! Or anywhere else for that matter. And I hope that there will be a Mike Brody Book #2 down the line!
Enjoy!
Mike Brody is a very believable character even though he has the ability to sense people and places when he places his hand in the tracks of a person who is missing. All the characters are described in a way which will really let you imagine what they look like, who they are, and how they might behave in a variety of situations. You feel that you get to know them and that they come alive. The story is so gripping in several places that you will not be able to put it down until the scenes are finished.
This is a great book to read on your vacation at the beach this coming summer! Or anywhere else for that matter. And I hope that there will be a Mike Brody Book #2 down the line!
Enjoy!
February 23, 2010
Based on a couple of strong reviews here, I gave The Last Track a chance, and I'm glad I did. Hilliard is new on the mystery/thriller scene but he writes like a well-practiced pro. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right to the end.
His characters, including Mike Brody, are believable and well thought out. In fact, Hilliard gives you just enough background to suck you in, but not quite enough to completely slack your thirst for Brody. (NOTE: I am a major Robert Parker fan and love Spenser.) This book demands a sequel.
The dialogue throughout keeps the story moving and the "24" style time breaks that the author used in place of chapter breaks adds to the suspense. This is made for book groups (I'm recommending it to mine), plane trips, beach reading, or anytime you just want to curl up with a great read
His characters, including Mike Brody, are believable and well thought out. In fact, Hilliard gives you just enough background to suck you in, but not quite enough to completely slack your thirst for Brody. (NOTE: I am a major Robert Parker fan and love Spenser.) This book demands a sequel.
The dialogue throughout keeps the story moving and the "24" style time breaks that the author used in place of chapter breaks adds to the suspense. This is made for book groups (I'm recommending it to mine), plane trips, beach reading, or anytime you just want to curl up with a great read
February 22, 2010
Good read,page turner. Highly recommend and easy read.
July 26, 2010
Mike Brody has led an adventurous life. Formerly a special forces operative, upon leaving the military he worked as a smoke jumper - a firefighter who parachutes into remote areas to fight wildfires - until a catastrophic knee injury forced him to give up the job. Now working as a guide for extreme adventure tours, Brody is trying to take a break from his hectic life by traveling with his son and ex-wife for a relaxing vacation at a dude ranch in Montana. Fortunately for the reader, it's not in the cards for Brody to lead a life of relaxation.
Shortly after their arrival Brody is contacted by the local sheriff and enlisted in the search for a boy who's gone missing in the forest surrounding the ranch. It turns out Brody has a special talent for tracking people, and a few high profile cases have made him the "go to" guy for law enforcement when all else fails. Complicating matters in the current situation is that the boy didn't just wander off, but is actively on the run because he witnessed a murder.
Before Brody knows it he's deep in the wilderness searching for the boy, saddled with a deputy he's not sure he trusts, and receiving threatening phone calls from a mysterious figure called "The Partner" who says they'll harm Brody's family unless he tips The Partner to the boy's location once he finds him... before he tells the police. It all makes for a thrilling, multilayered plot that will have you turning pages late into the night.
Debut author Sam Hilliard has created an immensely likable reluctant hero in Mike Brody, and he's only scratched the surface of the character's potential. Though we know Brody's ability to track people borders on the supernatural, how he first discovered his talent and the inner demons that compel him to answer every request for help are only hinted at. Given the undoubtedly rich backstory available for Hilliard to mine, it's exciting to know that a second book featuring Brody is already in the works. It's clear that both Sam Hilliard and Mike Brody have very bright futures ahead of them.
Shortly after their arrival Brody is contacted by the local sheriff and enlisted in the search for a boy who's gone missing in the forest surrounding the ranch. It turns out Brody has a special talent for tracking people, and a few high profile cases have made him the "go to" guy for law enforcement when all else fails. Complicating matters in the current situation is that the boy didn't just wander off, but is actively on the run because he witnessed a murder.
Before Brody knows it he's deep in the wilderness searching for the boy, saddled with a deputy he's not sure he trusts, and receiving threatening phone calls from a mysterious figure called "The Partner" who says they'll harm Brody's family unless he tips The Partner to the boy's location once he finds him... before he tells the police. It all makes for a thrilling, multilayered plot that will have you turning pages late into the night.
Debut author Sam Hilliard has created an immensely likable reluctant hero in Mike Brody, and he's only scratched the surface of the character's potential. Though we know Brody's ability to track people borders on the supernatural, how he first discovered his talent and the inner demons that compel him to answer every request for help are only hinted at. Given the undoubtedly rich backstory available for Hilliard to mine, it's exciting to know that a second book featuring Brody is already in the works. It's clear that both Sam Hilliard and Mike Brody have very bright futures ahead of them.
March 21, 2010
This one was different and interesting! I normally don't give my own summary of a book in my reviews, but I feel like I just want to explain this one a little.
Basically, Mike Brody (an ex super guy) goes on vacation and gets snared into a search for a missing boy. What Mike doesn't know is that he just stepped into a huge pile of trouble by agreeing to help.
Now, I liked Mike, although flawed like everyone else, he has a good heart and wants to help others. He was a really likable character in my opinion.
The story itself was also very good. I'll admit that it took me a little bit to understand the full depth of the situation and how things were connected, but once I got into it, things started to fall together for me. The story picked up a quick, almost urgent pace as you waited to find out what would happen. The plot was great, and the scheming and conniving characters kept the story going in unexpected directions.
I was kept guessing throughout this whole novel on who was really the good/bad guy. Appearances are deceiving! The end of this one came together nicely. I was satisfied that this story was closed out, while leaving room for future books. (which I must say i would like to read)
Basically, Mike Brody (an ex super guy) goes on vacation and gets snared into a search for a missing boy. What Mike doesn't know is that he just stepped into a huge pile of trouble by agreeing to help.
Now, I liked Mike, although flawed like everyone else, he has a good heart and wants to help others. He was a really likable character in my opinion.
The story itself was also very good. I'll admit that it took me a little bit to understand the full depth of the situation and how things were connected, but once I got into it, things started to fall together for me. The story picked up a quick, almost urgent pace as you waited to find out what would happen. The plot was great, and the scheming and conniving characters kept the story going in unexpected directions.
I was kept guessing throughout this whole novel on who was really the good/bad guy. Appearances are deceiving! The end of this one came together nicely. I was satisfied that this story was closed out, while leaving room for future books. (which I must say i would like to read)
April 26, 2013
Mike Brody has an uncanny ability to track lost individuals through the images left behind by their emotional charges. He's also a man with a past, as are most of us, but his drives him to find those he seeks no matter what the cost to him. His current, Sean Jackson, tests Mike's limits, but Mike never gives up.
Sam Hilliard's mystery is one of the best I've read recently. Each paragraph, each sentence is crafted in such a way to not only reveal information, but also to entice the reader to keep going, to make more discoveries, to follow through to the end, no matter how it ends. Hilliard's flawed hero, Mike Brody, appeals to everyone, to their sense of justice, to their realization they're only human, but they will hang in there until the very end. Rarely have I read a mystery with such a depth of characterization, nor have I found many who can match Hilliard for his enviable skills. I'd definitely recommend this book for everyone.
Sam Hilliard's mystery is one of the best I've read recently. Each paragraph, each sentence is crafted in such a way to not only reveal information, but also to entice the reader to keep going, to make more discoveries, to follow through to the end, no matter how it ends. Hilliard's flawed hero, Mike Brody, appeals to everyone, to their sense of justice, to their realization they're only human, but they will hang in there until the very end. Rarely have I read a mystery with such a depth of characterization, nor have I found many who can match Hilliard for his enviable skills. I'd definitely recommend this book for everyone.
July 17, 2017
I got this as a Goodreads giveaway book. I had not heard of this author before so was not sure what to expect. I found that the plot moved along with lots of twists and turns, just fast enough to keep me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I fell asleep last night with the book in my hands because I couldn’t put it down. The main characters were well described and had just enough back ground to give you an idea of how they fit together. I will have to check out the next book in this series to see what kind of trouble Mike Brody will get into next.
May 16, 2010
Mike Brody has a knack for tracking the lost. In The Last Track, Brody gets tangled with murder and unknown enemies, as he races against time and nature to save a missing boy. The characters are well-developed and Brody is a likable and imperfect hero. This story has a good pace and will keep you guessing right up to the twist at the end.
August 7, 2015
This was a page turner for me. Very good read. Great storyline and intriguing characters. Worth the time for sure.
March 22, 2017
Nicely done!
Plots within plots within plots. You never know who you can trust. Although I admit to not trusting certain key characters in this story from the get-go and being right about it. I guess my Spidey-Sense was tingling just right.
This was a well crafted story with more twists than a bowl of spaghetti. As it happens, I love spaghetti so this was a good thing. I think the character, Mike Brody, has got a few miles left in him. Will he get back with Jessica, his sort-of ex-wife? I guess we'll find out in the sequel. I'd like to know more about his tracking skills and the back-story behind them.
Plots within plots within plots. You never know who you can trust. Although I admit to not trusting certain key characters in this story from the get-go and being right about it. I guess my Spidey-Sense was tingling just right.
This was a well crafted story with more twists than a bowl of spaghetti. As it happens, I love spaghetti so this was a good thing. I think the character, Mike Brody, has got a few miles left in him. Will he get back with Jessica, his sort-of ex-wife? I guess we'll find out in the sequel. I'd like to know more about his tracking skills and the back-story behind them.
December 5, 2017
Suspense and Intrigue
Suspense and intrigue fill this action packed story. A family vacation at a rugged dude ranch bring Mike Brody and his family into the middle of a murder and a missing boy. Can Mike and ex-wife Jessica, along with son Andy survive the intrigue when local law enforcement ask for Mike's help? A real page turning mystery.
Suspense and intrigue fill this action packed story. A family vacation at a rugged dude ranch bring Mike Brody and his family into the middle of a murder and a missing boy. Can Mike and ex-wife Jessica, along with son Andy survive the intrigue when local law enforcement ask for Mike's help? A real page turning mystery.
September 18, 2020
This was a great book; loved the excitementm but I still get upset at the amount of corruption that takes place at every turn. The amount of greed among people in power is very disheartening. I know this is fiction, but the same news is happening in real life; the tv news is loaded with it.
It's no wonder that people have lost trust in mankind.
It's no wonder that people have lost trust in mankind.
February 8, 2020
First class drama. Held my attention from the very beginning to the unexpected ending.
Excellent read. Kept one's interest from the beginning to the very unexpected ending. Am waiting for the sequel to hit the shelves.
Excellent read. Kept one's interest from the beginning to the very unexpected ending. Am waiting for the sequel to hit the shelves.
May 25, 2018
Good Read
I enjoyed this book very much. I was astonished at the end nd that is unusual. Consequently, a fun read.
I enjoyed this book very much. I was astonished at the end nd that is unusual. Consequently, a fun read.
July 17, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
June 29, 2023
More than meets the eye! Lots of twists and turns.
June 19, 2010
As a starter novel, Sam Hillard has a fantastic beginning in the first of (what I hope) will be a series of books about Mike Brody, a tracker who uses somewhat unconventional methods to track missing people.
Mike Brody is somewhat apprehensively looking forward to a vacation on a dude ranch with his ex-wife and son Andy, setting aside (hopefully) their disagreements for the sake of their son. But nothing turns out as well as we wish it would on a vacation and Mike is no different than the rest of us. He is soon sought out by Lizbeth McCarthy, detective who knows Mike's tracking past and wants him to put his talents to work to find an asthmatic boy who somehow disappeared in the woods around their dude ranch.
During The Last Track, we see Mike with a variety of people, all so different in personalities and lifestyles that quite frankly are as mysterious as they are fascinating, it is hard for the reader to say "I know who dunnit" until the very last bit of the novel. For me, an avid suspense reader, this is what makes Sam's book a hit! There is nothing quite so annoying as figuring out the storyline during the first few chapters yet feeling you must finish the book to make sure.
To be sure, Sam doesn't fully explain all the characters but in the first book of a series that is to be expected as I am sure many of these self same characters will appear again and again, revealing bits about themselves as they evolve within Sam's book.
Sam, throughout the book, does not want to talk about his "gift" which to some may seem supernatural but to this reader, I see it as a gift given to help him to go to the aid of others when they need it more quickly than in perhaps the use of more traditional methods of tracking. I find this aspect of Mike to be appealing and endearing while I also see an inner strength in him through his gift. Though he seems like a regular guy, nothing about Mike's past is ordinary. Mike is also an ex-Special Forces operative, a smoke jumper, and at this time, an extreme adventure tour guide, so fear is not in his vocabulary. But because he is such a private person he keeps his gift of having an extra ordinary ability to "feel and see" the memories and emotional state of those he is pursuing.
But a teen from a nearby campsite is missing and Mike has been asked to help find Sean who has inexplicably disappeared without a trace. Here is where the reader must place himself/herself in the shoes of Sean's parents. Suddenly they discover their son is missing. The last time they saw him, he was safely near their campsite and was happy. Then mere hours later, without a trace he was gone. Add to that the fear that Sean's asthma requires him to take medication on a regular basis and you have a suspenseful book with a clock you can almost hear in the background. It is a matter of life or death for Sean when it comes to his asthma and running through the trees, does nothing but worsen this problem for Sean.
But Sean must run. He saw something transpire that he knows if he is caught by the wrong person or persons, he is as good as dead, so despite his weariness and declining health, Sean runs on from an unseen pursuer bent on finding him before Mike does. His love of running and stamina is of utmost importance as the reader finds out soon that Sean is capable of pushing himself far beyond what his limits should be.
As Mike works in the woods, behind the scenes is his ex-wife, who just happens to be a well-connected journalist who has endless contacts of which she uses to unravel the truth behind the murder. Undoggedly Jessica digs and digs until the ace reporter in her shines and she finds the information through a maze of leads and contacts, that searchers and Mike so desperately need.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any and all who love suspense novels with a bit of the unusual and a lot of tension combined. Author Sam Hilliard has done all that and more and in my honest opinion, has a firm start to what could be an exciting series starring Mike Brody ahead!
Mike Brody is somewhat apprehensively looking forward to a vacation on a dude ranch with his ex-wife and son Andy, setting aside (hopefully) their disagreements for the sake of their son. But nothing turns out as well as we wish it would on a vacation and Mike is no different than the rest of us. He is soon sought out by Lizbeth McCarthy, detective who knows Mike's tracking past and wants him to put his talents to work to find an asthmatic boy who somehow disappeared in the woods around their dude ranch.
During The Last Track, we see Mike with a variety of people, all so different in personalities and lifestyles that quite frankly are as mysterious as they are fascinating, it is hard for the reader to say "I know who dunnit" until the very last bit of the novel. For me, an avid suspense reader, this is what makes Sam's book a hit! There is nothing quite so annoying as figuring out the storyline during the first few chapters yet feeling you must finish the book to make sure.
To be sure, Sam doesn't fully explain all the characters but in the first book of a series that is to be expected as I am sure many of these self same characters will appear again and again, revealing bits about themselves as they evolve within Sam's book.
Sam, throughout the book, does not want to talk about his "gift" which to some may seem supernatural but to this reader, I see it as a gift given to help him to go to the aid of others when they need it more quickly than in perhaps the use of more traditional methods of tracking. I find this aspect of Mike to be appealing and endearing while I also see an inner strength in him through his gift. Though he seems like a regular guy, nothing about Mike's past is ordinary. Mike is also an ex-Special Forces operative, a smoke jumper, and at this time, an extreme adventure tour guide, so fear is not in his vocabulary. But because he is such a private person he keeps his gift of having an extra ordinary ability to "feel and see" the memories and emotional state of those he is pursuing.
But a teen from a nearby campsite is missing and Mike has been asked to help find Sean who has inexplicably disappeared without a trace. Here is where the reader must place himself/herself in the shoes of Sean's parents. Suddenly they discover their son is missing. The last time they saw him, he was safely near their campsite and was happy. Then mere hours later, without a trace he was gone. Add to that the fear that Sean's asthma requires him to take medication on a regular basis and you have a suspenseful book with a clock you can almost hear in the background. It is a matter of life or death for Sean when it comes to his asthma and running through the trees, does nothing but worsen this problem for Sean.
But Sean must run. He saw something transpire that he knows if he is caught by the wrong person or persons, he is as good as dead, so despite his weariness and declining health, Sean runs on from an unseen pursuer bent on finding him before Mike does. His love of running and stamina is of utmost importance as the reader finds out soon that Sean is capable of pushing himself far beyond what his limits should be.
As Mike works in the woods, behind the scenes is his ex-wife, who just happens to be a well-connected journalist who has endless contacts of which she uses to unravel the truth behind the murder. Undoggedly Jessica digs and digs until the ace reporter in her shines and she finds the information through a maze of leads and contacts, that searchers and Mike so desperately need.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any and all who love suspense novels with a bit of the unusual and a lot of tension combined. Author Sam Hilliard has done all that and more and in my honest opinion, has a firm start to what could be an exciting series starring Mike Brody ahead!
March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011"The Last Track" ~ New Suspense Author: Sam Hilliard!
About the Author: Sam lives outside of NYC with his girlfriend and an army of four cats--one feline under the legal limit. Working at an all-girls boarding school, he knows world-class drama firsthand. It's also the reason he studies Krav Maga and Tai Chi.
Book Summary from Cover:
Mike Brody--the man you want, when the one you love is missing.
More than just a master tracker, Mike is a former Special Forces operative, smoke jumper, and now extreme adventure tour guide who can tap into the memory and emotional state of those he pursues.
In The Last Track, Mike is recruited to find an asthmatic boy lost in the dense woods surrounding a dude ranch in Montana. An unwitting murder witness, the boy burrows ever deeper into the rugged terrain, fearful of being found by the killer.
While Mike tracks the boy, his ex-wife, a journalist, uses her contacts to unravel the truth behind the murder. Her discoveries threaten to snare them all in a treacherous conspiracy...
My Review:
Sam Hilliard needs to quit his day job and write full time. He's a born writer of the first caliber. "Get out of prep school," as my preppie, grown children say, Sam, and go for your true profession. You have what it takes.
In "The Last Track," Mr. Hilliard introduces us to a cast of unforgettable characters. If he isn't writing a series of books about his main character, Mike Brody, the infamous tracker in question, I'm liable to send out a posse to track him!
With all the panache of a seasoned, gripping suspense writer, new author Sam Hilliard scores a direct hit with this book. Character development and His creation of an environment for them is at it's height. I actually saw myself there and felt the angst.
His tracker, Mike Brody, is a complex, infinitely intriguing man displaying a keen ability to track the lost in wilderness situations. He also is an apparent student of how to handle people, include those in positions of authority. His military background lends itself to his tracker abilities.
Using a sort of sixth sense that guides him, comes from an unknown source, and that he keeps close to the vest, Mike Brody is a quietly capable, and virtually unknown man. Personally, I loved this twist on an otherwise familiar protagonist. One not necessarily psychic, but just the right amount of odd. We never quite get a bead on this ability and I'm thinking that leads to another book.
Much could be said about the insights we gain into advanced computer espionage, wilderness survival and law enforcement cooperation, but these things play in accompaniment to the human story of the lost boy and Mike's connection to his family. His spicey ex-wife is an asset to Mike and the story overall. This balance of story lines renders a wealth of knowledge that keeps the entire piece flowing. "The Last Track" is a page-turner.
Self discovery, coming of age, awareness of womens' issues, and loyalty are themes, as well, in this book. It is a mark of excellence that Sam Hilliard manages to get so much value into his novel without spoiling it. What an accomplishment, particularly for a first time writer.
If I were to give a black-eyed critique of the book, I would say this one thing: it starts off too slowly to capture the average reader. Having said that, I can only encourage readers to persevere. Believe me when I say that this book is worth the effort.
Given Sam's astuteness and his obvious writing skills, we can only believe there are more Mike Brody tracker books in the future. He's left too many unanswered mysteries. We are left begging for more explanations. This is one of the great things about this book.
Who amongst us doesn't love anticipation?
Recommended for all lovers of mystery and suspense novels. For all who love Jeffrey Deaver, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell and Michael Connelly. Yes, Sam Hilliard is that good!
Deborah/TheBookishDame
About the Author: Sam lives outside of NYC with his girlfriend and an army of four cats--one feline under the legal limit. Working at an all-girls boarding school, he knows world-class drama firsthand. It's also the reason he studies Krav Maga and Tai Chi.
Book Summary from Cover:
Mike Brody--the man you want, when the one you love is missing.
More than just a master tracker, Mike is a former Special Forces operative, smoke jumper, and now extreme adventure tour guide who can tap into the memory and emotional state of those he pursues.
In The Last Track, Mike is recruited to find an asthmatic boy lost in the dense woods surrounding a dude ranch in Montana. An unwitting murder witness, the boy burrows ever deeper into the rugged terrain, fearful of being found by the killer.
While Mike tracks the boy, his ex-wife, a journalist, uses her contacts to unravel the truth behind the murder. Her discoveries threaten to snare them all in a treacherous conspiracy...
My Review:
Sam Hilliard needs to quit his day job and write full time. He's a born writer of the first caliber. "Get out of prep school," as my preppie, grown children say, Sam, and go for your true profession. You have what it takes.
In "The Last Track," Mr. Hilliard introduces us to a cast of unforgettable characters. If he isn't writing a series of books about his main character, Mike Brody, the infamous tracker in question, I'm liable to send out a posse to track him!
With all the panache of a seasoned, gripping suspense writer, new author Sam Hilliard scores a direct hit with this book. Character development and His creation of an environment for them is at it's height. I actually saw myself there and felt the angst.
His tracker, Mike Brody, is a complex, infinitely intriguing man displaying a keen ability to track the lost in wilderness situations. He also is an apparent student of how to handle people, include those in positions of authority. His military background lends itself to his tracker abilities.
Using a sort of sixth sense that guides him, comes from an unknown source, and that he keeps close to the vest, Mike Brody is a quietly capable, and virtually unknown man. Personally, I loved this twist on an otherwise familiar protagonist. One not necessarily psychic, but just the right amount of odd. We never quite get a bead on this ability and I'm thinking that leads to another book.
Much could be said about the insights we gain into advanced computer espionage, wilderness survival and law enforcement cooperation, but these things play in accompaniment to the human story of the lost boy and Mike's connection to his family. His spicey ex-wife is an asset to Mike and the story overall. This balance of story lines renders a wealth of knowledge that keeps the entire piece flowing. "The Last Track" is a page-turner.
Self discovery, coming of age, awareness of womens' issues, and loyalty are themes, as well, in this book. It is a mark of excellence that Sam Hilliard manages to get so much value into his novel without spoiling it. What an accomplishment, particularly for a first time writer.
If I were to give a black-eyed critique of the book, I would say this one thing: it starts off too slowly to capture the average reader. Having said that, I can only encourage readers to persevere. Believe me when I say that this book is worth the effort.
Given Sam's astuteness and his obvious writing skills, we can only believe there are more Mike Brody tracker books in the future. He's left too many unanswered mysteries. We are left begging for more explanations. This is one of the great things about this book.
Who amongst us doesn't love anticipation?
Recommended for all lovers of mystery and suspense novels. For all who love Jeffrey Deaver, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell and Michael Connelly. Yes, Sam Hilliard is that good!
Deborah/TheBookishDame
April 20, 2010
Mike is on a vacation at a modern-day dude ranch with his ex-wife and eight year old son, as promised some time ago (before divorce) - the family vacation. When they arrive at the ranch something is going on, with all the red and blue flashing lights around. Detective Lisbeth MaCarthy recognizes Mike and tells him she would like to talk to him after he has checked in. Mike has a record of being able to find lost people. His special ability is what makes him an amazing tracker for lost loved ones. And there is a boy missing from the ranch, now lost in the woods. Mike who can't pass on helping lost people agrees to track the boy, even at the disappointment and hurt of his own family.
I found myself liking this read. This book was a good mystery read for me. It did take me about eighty pages to figure out what had happened and what was going on, but once on the right track liked the read. I found myself liking the characters and even when questioning the characters as to why they acted the way they did, I thought at the same time - I could see people actually saying these things to their family members or each other.
The book did have a few twists in it I was not expecting, in the end of the book when the truth played out. But, through the mystery and the hints dropped I found I figured out most of the mystery. What helps give you all the clues is the story telling is from different view points. You get a section of the read from the lost boy, from Mike, from Jessica (Mike's ex-wife), and even from the killer.
I did find at times the story started to drag for me. In this meaning, I remember one part where we are being explained the way Homeland Security has surveillance on all the computers phones and knows everything everyone is doing at all times, yet there is one computer that does not have the surveillance on it. I started to stray with all the details of the surveillance in Homeland Security. I understand the author is sharing the details to let us know the setup and how that person had to do things to get around being seen, but I just started to lose interest with all the details. There were just a few areas with the same issue for me.
But, over all I enjoyed the read and had to see what the author had in store for me in the end. After I read the ending and who was who I thought back to all the clues that where dropped through the book, yes the clues where all there for me.
I found myself liking this read. This book was a good mystery read for me. It did take me about eighty pages to figure out what had happened and what was going on, but once on the right track liked the read. I found myself liking the characters and even when questioning the characters as to why they acted the way they did, I thought at the same time - I could see people actually saying these things to their family members or each other.
The book did have a few twists in it I was not expecting, in the end of the book when the truth played out. But, through the mystery and the hints dropped I found I figured out most of the mystery. What helps give you all the clues is the story telling is from different view points. You get a section of the read from the lost boy, from Mike, from Jessica (Mike's ex-wife), and even from the killer.
I did find at times the story started to drag for me. In this meaning, I remember one part where we are being explained the way Homeland Security has surveillance on all the computers phones and knows everything everyone is doing at all times, yet there is one computer that does not have the surveillance on it. I started to stray with all the details of the surveillance in Homeland Security. I understand the author is sharing the details to let us know the setup and how that person had to do things to get around being seen, but I just started to lose interest with all the details. There were just a few areas with the same issue for me.
But, over all I enjoyed the read and had to see what the author had in store for me in the end. After I read the ending and who was who I thought back to all the clues that where dropped through the book, yes the clues where all there for me.
June 18, 2010
The Last Track by Sam Hilliard starts off with a bang and never lets up. I was completely engrossed from the first page. Not only did the storyline intrigue me, but the character of Mike Brody fascinated me as well.
The book has a great suspense plot, but that is not the sole focus. It also focuses on Mike as a person and how he feels about what he does and about his life. I liked his talent, it's different and very useful, but you can also see the stress it puts on him. He wants to do his best for everyone, but he can't do it all and he struggles with this in some ways and has control in others. I found him interesting because he pretty much says what he thinks and doesn't let social graces get in the way of finding someone. His ex-wife, Jessica is also an integral part of the story. Between the two intersecting storylines, there is never a dull moment in this book.
There is so much going on in this book at times I found myself a little confused, but I would quickly figure it out and move right along with the plot. I really found myself wishing this was not a busy week and I could have sat down and read this from start to finish in one sitting and really enjoyed it. It breaks up well too though since each day is divided into times and the viewpoint varies between Sean (the missing boy), Mike, Jessica and the bad guys. With these varied viewpoints I really felt like I got to see this story from all sides, yet there was still plenty that was left to figure out. In fact, during most of the book, I kept wondering if that person or this person was in cahoots with Crotty (the known bad guy). But it was kept tense right up until the end.
Mr. Hilliard does a wonderful job with characters and plot making this a fast and enjoyable read. I hope the Mike Brody series continues because I really enjoyed this first installment and hope to learn even more about Mike during further books.
The book has a great suspense plot, but that is not the sole focus. It also focuses on Mike as a person and how he feels about what he does and about his life. I liked his talent, it's different and very useful, but you can also see the stress it puts on him. He wants to do his best for everyone, but he can't do it all and he struggles with this in some ways and has control in others. I found him interesting because he pretty much says what he thinks and doesn't let social graces get in the way of finding someone. His ex-wife, Jessica is also an integral part of the story. Between the two intersecting storylines, there is never a dull moment in this book.
There is so much going on in this book at times I found myself a little confused, but I would quickly figure it out and move right along with the plot. I really found myself wishing this was not a busy week and I could have sat down and read this from start to finish in one sitting and really enjoyed it. It breaks up well too though since each day is divided into times and the viewpoint varies between Sean (the missing boy), Mike, Jessica and the bad guys. With these varied viewpoints I really felt like I got to see this story from all sides, yet there was still plenty that was left to figure out. In fact, during most of the book, I kept wondering if that person or this person was in cahoots with Crotty (the known bad guy). But it was kept tense right up until the end.
Mr. Hilliard does a wonderful job with characters and plot making this a fast and enjoyable read. I hope the Mike Brody series continues because I really enjoyed this first installment and hope to learn even more about Mike during further books.
June 15, 2010
Mike Brody is driving to Montana for a dude ranch vacation with his ex-wife and their son, something promised before the divorce, and is looking forward to a fun trip. Not long after arriving at the ranch, Mike is enlisted to help search for a missing boy who witnessed a murder and, while running away from the perpetrator, got lost in the woods. Mike is ex-special forces and a current adventure tour guide who has an expertise in tracking so he is the best man for the job. It doesn’t take long for Mike to realize that this is no ordinary tracking job, the murder the boy witnessed is just a small piece of a larger crime and soon Mike isn’t sure who to trust.
“The Last Track” by Sam Hilliard is a gripping mystery with so many twists and turns that I didn’t know who was a criminal and who was on Mike’s side. The author not only kept me engrossed in the story but he kept me interested in the characters as well. Mr. Hilliard tells the story from the point of view of several characters over a span of 4 days, which made the narrative more suspenseful and allowed the characters to develop at a more reasonable pace . Characters should evolve throughout the story just like people evolve throughout their lives; it gives the story a sense of realism and keeps me, as a reader, more involved.
This novel is an excellent first installment in what I hope will be a long running series of stories featuring Mike Brody. I would recommend it to mystery lovers, those who enjoy outdoor adventure, book clubs or for those who enjoy a good read while on vacation. My only problem with this book is, now that I am finished, I have to wait for the next one to be published so I can see what is next for Mike Brody.
“The Last Track” by Sam Hilliard is a gripping mystery with so many twists and turns that I didn’t know who was a criminal and who was on Mike’s side. The author not only kept me engrossed in the story but he kept me interested in the characters as well. Mr. Hilliard tells the story from the point of view of several characters over a span of 4 days, which made the narrative more suspenseful and allowed the characters to develop at a more reasonable pace . Characters should evolve throughout the story just like people evolve throughout their lives; it gives the story a sense of realism and keeps me, as a reader, more involved.
This novel is an excellent first installment in what I hope will be a long running series of stories featuring Mike Brody. I would recommend it to mystery lovers, those who enjoy outdoor adventure, book clubs or for those who enjoy a good read while on vacation. My only problem with this book is, now that I am finished, I have to wait for the next one to be published so I can see what is next for Mike Brody.
June 3, 2010
From My Blog...[return][return][return]Somewhere in the woods near Pine Woods Ranch in Montana a fourteen-year-old boy is not only missing, but is also an eyewitness to a murder. The first of the Mike Brody series, The Last Track by Sam Hilliard is an emotionally charged mystery thriller. After an emotionally exhausting 14 hour drive to Montana with his ex-wife and 8-year-old son, Mike Brody is ready to begin the week-long vacation at the dude ranch. What he does not expect is a sea of police cruisers and to be approached by a detective Lisbeth McCarthy who recognizes Mike Brody and asks for his expertise in being able to sense things others cannot. This is not the first time Mike Brody has been called in to help find a missing person, yet his partner in the search, Officer Dagget, takes an instant dislike to Brody and at best believes him to be a fraud. Hilliard's debut novel is well crafted in a believable scenario with thrilling plot twists, turns, and deceptions. His characters are so well written the reader will definitely need to stay on their toes while reading this novel as Hilliard does an excellent job keeping the reader guessing just who is who. The Last Track takes place over a four-day period with each chapter sectioned off by time and told by several different characters, each with their own agendas, some good, some nefarious, yet all intriguing. The Last Track flows well and offers up just enough plot twists to delight any mystery thriller fan. I recommend The Last Track to anyone looking for a good mystery thriller and personally look forward to future Mike Brody mysteries.
April 20, 2010
I am glad that I did. I really enjoyed this book. I usually don't read mysteries, although I used to back when I was younger, but I very much liked this one and here is why:
Everyone was a suspect and you kept going back and fourth wondering who it was and then in the end you kinda knew it but it was a total shocker anyway!
This story was about a young boy, about 15, who witnessed a murder and ran into the woods and the police called in Mike Brody who is an expert in finding people and the events are of him and a police officer who are sent out into the woods to track him down and bring him safely home. The killer is in constant check with Brody to make sure that he is doing as told and had even threatened him if he did not give up the boy Sean, when and if found. Now, Mike was on vacation with him ex-wife and son so it was unexpected to do such a case but who can turn that down? A kid is missing. Anyway the story unfold scandals and truths and you are always going crazy thinking you know who the killer is but you really don't. I am so glad I entered this contest because this is such a great read and apparently there are more to come. So look out for the Mike Bordy books!
Everyone was a suspect and you kept going back and fourth wondering who it was and then in the end you kinda knew it but it was a total shocker anyway!
This story was about a young boy, about 15, who witnessed a murder and ran into the woods and the police called in Mike Brody who is an expert in finding people and the events are of him and a police officer who are sent out into the woods to track him down and bring him safely home. The killer is in constant check with Brody to make sure that he is doing as told and had even threatened him if he did not give up the boy Sean, when and if found. Now, Mike was on vacation with him ex-wife and son so it was unexpected to do such a case but who can turn that down? A kid is missing. Anyway the story unfold scandals and truths and you are always going crazy thinking you know who the killer is but you really don't. I am so glad I entered this contest because this is such a great read and apparently there are more to come. So look out for the Mike Bordy books!
July 16, 2010
I enjoyed this read even though I really didn't know what to expect. I thumbed through it first and noticed it all takes place in a few days and then was wondering how can you get this much book in a few days and keep my attention? I was surprised to say the least. I found that this book was very interesting and I really liked Mike Brody as he turned out to be a great character. I found that I liked the way the book was laid out by the days and minutes it makes it all come together pretty good. This was a great story and had good characters with nice details, just enough to keep you reading on and not too much to over do it I thought that it was a nice mix. The story had several twists and turns and a couple times I thought I new who was doing what and I was wrong. I like that in a book. One other thing I thought was good was the cover design which is done by Elynn Cohen I thought it fit perfect as I was reading along and came to the part where Mike Brody is placing his hand in the footprint with the details and the picture it just fit together nicely. This book was well written and put together nicely. If you like a good mystery and one that is believable then you should try this one. I will be waiting for the next one.
June 14, 2010
Gripping mystery with a paranormal twist.
What is going on in the forested hills surrounding Pine Woods Ranch? Who is involved and how far will they go? These are the questions I continually asked myself while reading The Last Track. I had originally thought that the focus of this novel would be on Mike Brody's unusual paranormal talent, however, the suspense of the mysterious events that unfold during this story overshadow the paranormal aspects of this book. This is not, in my opinion, a negative. Filled with interesting real-world characters and laced with a tangled web of lies, deceit, treachery and greed The Last Track will ensnare your imagination and keep you turning pages hunting for clues and eager to learn what happens next!
I recommend The Last Track to readers of suspense thrillers and mysteries, especially to fans of mysteries with paranormal or supernatural elements. This is a wonderful debut of the Mike Brody series. I look forward to reading more of Mike Brody's adventures in the future.
** This review first published on my blog: www.FromTheShadows.info **
What is going on in the forested hills surrounding Pine Woods Ranch? Who is involved and how far will they go? These are the questions I continually asked myself while reading The Last Track. I had originally thought that the focus of this novel would be on Mike Brody's unusual paranormal talent, however, the suspense of the mysterious events that unfold during this story overshadow the paranormal aspects of this book. This is not, in my opinion, a negative. Filled with interesting real-world characters and laced with a tangled web of lies, deceit, treachery and greed The Last Track will ensnare your imagination and keep you turning pages hunting for clues and eager to learn what happens next!
I recommend The Last Track to readers of suspense thrillers and mysteries, especially to fans of mysteries with paranormal or supernatural elements. This is a wonderful debut of the Mike Brody series. I look forward to reading more of Mike Brody's adventures in the future.
** This review first published on my blog: www.FromTheShadows.info **
Read
November 8, 2011Mike Brody is a tracker. When he and his family go to Montana to spend the holiday, he is enlisted to search for a missing boy who witness a murder. He and Dagget, a police officer, are sent to the wood to save the boy. But they are not the only one who want the missing boy. Mike has to struggle to save the missing boy and keep his family safe.
The Last Track is a great suspense/thriller book. It has a great plot. It can keep my attention once I got into it (It took a while for me to enjoy the book). The story make me guess what would happen next and who the is the partner. The twist and turn in the story make it more interesting. The ending of the book is really unexpected. If you love to read suspense novel, you would definitely love this book.
I give The Last Track 3 out of 5 stars.
The Last Track is a great suspense/thriller book. It has a great plot. It can keep my attention once I got into it (It took a while for me to enjoy the book). The story make me guess what would happen next and who the is the partner. The twist and turn in the story make it more interesting. The ending of the book is really unexpected. If you love to read suspense novel, you would definitely love this book.
I give The Last Track 3 out of 5 stars.
January 3, 2015
I had a hard time reading this book, starting right from the beginning which I found very confusing. I didn't understand that there was two different people that were being talked about. These sections were separated by times which I skipped over. Turns out that I shouldn't have done that. I had to go back to figure out if the guy was walking or driving until I realized the boy was walking and the man was driving.
I did like Mike Brody and the part of the story about him tracking Sean but didn't like the part with Crotty, the Partner and the company. I found it boring and confusing so I skimmed most of this part. I didn't like not knowing what the business was.
I looked at some of the other reviews and I am so glad that many people enjoyed this book since I know that authors put so much into writing them. Just because this book wasn't for me doesn't mean you wouldn't enjoy it.
I did like Mike Brody and the part of the story about him tracking Sean but didn't like the part with Crotty, the Partner and the company. I found it boring and confusing so I skimmed most of this part. I didn't like not knowing what the business was.
I looked at some of the other reviews and I am so glad that many people enjoyed this book since I know that authors put so much into writing them. Just because this book wasn't for me doesn't mean you wouldn't enjoy it.
June 5, 2010
Mike is the perfect person to have on your side during a crisis. He has Special Forces training and is a tour guide for adventure. When he is tracking someone he has special abilities that aid him in his tracking endeavors which saves lives. A boy who has watched a murder take place is now lost in the woods. A police detective turns to Mike for help. But when the two start their search for the missing boy, they learn that they are not the only ones following a trail in the woods.
This book is full of suspense and thrills that grab you from cover to cover. Sam is a very talented writer who delivers.
This book is full of suspense and thrills that grab you from cover to cover. Sam is a very talented writer who delivers.
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