Title: Last Words
Author: Mariah Stewart
First published June 26, 2007
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780345492234 (ISBN10: 0345492234)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
Last Words is a thrilling romantic suspense novel from the talented Mariah Stewart. FBI special agent, Mia Shields, is a veteran in her field and has seen it all, or so she thinks.
When a killer strikes the picturesque bayside community of St. Dennis, Maryland, Mia is thrown into a world of terror that she never could have imagined. The body of an unidentified woman, wrapped in plastic, is found in the car of Chief of Police Gabriel Beck.
The victim’s dying words are captured on tape, and it’s clear that a sadistic madman is behind it all. As the body count rises, Beck and Mia team up to catch the killer, with Mia serving as bait.
But the closer they get to the killer, the more danger they find themselves in. Will they be able to stop the elusive serial killer before it’s too late?
This gripping novel will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
About the Author
Mariah Stewart is an accomplished author, having written forty-one novels and three novellas. She has been recognized in the Wall Street Journal and is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO Award for excellence in women’s fiction, and a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. Notably, she is a three-time winner of the Golden Leaf Award presented by the New Jersey Romance Writers and was recently awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award, which placed her in the Hall of Fame alongside Nora Roberts and Mary Jo Putney.
Stewart’s writing journey began with seven contemporary romance novels, but she found her passion in writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself fortunate to have the best job in the world, creating stories and getting paid for it.
Her writing process takes place at home, in comfortable sweats and J. Crew flip flops.
Life couldn’t be sweeter.
Editoral Review
Last Words by Mariah Stewart is a thrilling novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. This mystery novel was first published on June 26, 2007, and it has since become a fan favorite due to the author’s compelling storytelling style and gripping plot.
Stewart is a well-known American author who has written several other mystery and romance novels that have captured readers’ hearts. Last Words is one of her best works, as it combines the tension of a whodunit with the human drama of a love story.
With a combination of suspense, romance, and intricate characters, the novel appeals to a wide range of readers and will keep them engaged until the very end. The book is set in a small town called Harper’s Station, which is located on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland.
When the body of a local teenage girl is found in the woods, the residents of Harper’s Station become alarmed as they fear for their safety. The town sheriff, Nick Lassiter, is tasked with finding the killer while balancing his complicated relationship with his ex-girlfriend, who works for the local newspaper.
One of the book’s major strengths is in its character development. Stewart has created a cast of complex characters with backstories and motivations that are gradually revealed throughout the novel.
Each character has a purpose in the story, and all of them are connected in some way, which makes for a satisfying resolution. This helps to keep readers invested in the story because they become attached to the characters and their fates.
The pacing of the novel is another strong point. The plot moves at an even pace, with the right amount of suspense and twists to keep the reader guessing.
Stewart’s writing style is elegant and descriptive, which immerses readers in the setting and atmosphere of the story. The book includes historical and cultural elements that will appeal to readers who are interested in these topics, while also tackling contemporary issues such as mental health and sexual assault.
One of the book’s weaknesses is that some of the plot twists are predictable, which can take away from the suspense. Additionally, some of the character relationships feel forced and unnatural, which can be distracting for readers.
However, these flaws do not significantly impact the overall enjoyment of the book. Overall, Last Words is an excellent novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy mystery, romance, and suspense.
Readers who are interested in human drama and in-depth character development will also find much to enjoy in the book. With its intricate plot, elegant writing style, and compelling cast of characters, Last Words is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging novel.
Washington Post gives this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
