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The Last Victim: A Novel
Unavailable
The Last Victim: A Novel
Unavailable
The Last Victim: A Novel
Audiobook13 hours

The Last Victim: A Novel

Written by Karen Robards

Narrated by Ann Marie Lee

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

3.5/5

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Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

Electrifying suspense, cutting-edge psychological insight, and an unforgettably sensuous love story-these are the trademarks of Karen Robards's sizzling novels. Now the New York Times bestselling author launches a red-hot new paranormal romantic thriller series featuring the fascinating Dr. Charlotte Stone, a serial killer expert whose extraordinary powers lead her from ecstasy to terror.

Dr. Charlotte Stone sees what others do not.

A sought-after expert in criminal pathology, Charlie regularly sits face-to-face with madmen. Obsessed with learning what makes human monsters commit terrible crimes, Charlie desires little else from life-no doubt because when she was sixteen, she herself survived a serial killer's bloodbath: A man butchered the family of Charlie's best friend, Holly, then left the girl's body on a seaside boardwalk one week later.

Because of the information Charlie gave police, the Boardwalk Killer went underground. She kept to herself her eerie postmortem visions of Holly and her mother. And even years later, knowing her contact with ghosts might undermine her credibility as a psychological expert, Charlie tells no one about the visits she gets from the spirit world.

Now all-too-handsome FBI agent Tony Bartoli is telling Charlie that a teenage girl is missing, her family slaughtered. Bartoli suspects that after fifteen years, the Boardwalk Killer-or a sick copycat with his M.O.-is back. Time is running short for an innocent, kidnapped girl, and Bartoli pleads for Charlie's help.

This is the one case Charlie shouldn't go near. But she also knows that she may be the one person in the world who can stop this vicious killer. For Charlie-whose good looks disguise a world of hurt, vulnerability, and potent psychic gifts-a frantic hunt for a madman soon becomes a complex test of cunning, passions, and secrets. Aiding Dr. Stone on her quest to catch a madman is a ghostly presence with bad intentions: the fiery spirit of seductive bad boy Michael Garland who refuses to be ignored, though in his cat and mouse game they may both lose their hearts.

Dr. Charlotte Stone sees what others do not. And she sees the Boardwalk Killer coming for her.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateAug 7, 2012
ISBN9780449012246
Unavailable
The Last Victim: A Novel
Author

Karen Robards

Karen Robards is the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than fifty books and one novella. Karen published her first novel at age twenty-four and has won multiple awards throughout her career, including six Silver Pens for favorite author. Karen was described by The Daily Mail as “one of the most reliable thriller...writers in the world.” She is the mother of three boys and lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Reviews for The Last Victim

Rating: 3.6017964071856285 out of 5 stars
3.5/5

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Last Victim
    3.5 Stars

    While not as good as Robards' earlier works, The Last Victim is an enjoyable read despite some of its more discomforting elements.

    Charlie is an intriguing heroine and her insights into the minds of serial killers makes for an excellent premise.

    Although paranormal elements in mysteries and romantic suspense often add an extra dimension, they are both unnecessary and distracting in this book. That said, the actual murder mystery is compelling and there are some intense and exciting moments.

    In terms of the romance, Charlie's relationship with Michael Garland is cringeworthy to say the least, and the hint at some sort of strange love-triangle with the FBI agent contributes little to the story or the characterization. Not a fan of this at all!

    All in all, my issues with the character relationships has me less than enthusiastic about continuing the series. I'll definitely have to be in the mood for it.


  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Charlie has a gift...or a curse depending on how you look at it. She can see people right after they die. While it helps with Charlie's job of helping the FBI track serial killers...it can sometimes backfire...which it has now. Michael Garland who she was profiling in prison has attached himself to her and is actively haunting her. He refuses to be ignored... but is willing to help Charlie out in any way he can. Here's where the book runs into some difficulty. it's suspenseful...it's creepy...and it has a fairly good ghost story started... and a serial killer. You would think that would have been enough. For some unknown reason...perhaps an editor or an agent told Ms. Robards "Hey we have to have a romance thrown in here." It doesn't work!!! A few shared kisses with the FBI agent was okay and acceptable but come on. The real romance was between Charlie and Michael Garland...yes...the serial killer that had brutally slaughtered who knows how many women and was very proud of it. Beyond sick! Parts of the story are very good but I'm not at all sure I could actually recommend this book to anyone.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Received book thru Goodreads reviewers. Thoroughly enjoyed the book, especially the relationship between Charlie and the ghost. Look forward to reading more of this series (DR. Charlette Stone) and Karen Robards novels in general.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Robards books are always great. This book centers on a ghost. The beginning opens up with a murder happening, and it centers on the teenager who witnessed this. Overall, this book wasn't one of my favorite by this author.R
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I won this book through LTER. When it first arrived I thought "how nice, the publisher sent two copies ". Then I thought I MUST read descriptions more carefully. What I read was something about a psychological profiler who helps the FBI hunt a serial killer from her past (my kind of book.) What I did not read was something about a ghost helping her (not at all my kind of book) .So I did something I never do with a LTER book, I put it aside until I could face it.It seemed like a good summer read so I finally read it this week and found it wasn't bad. I know that sounds like damning with faint praise, but I just couldn't get past the ghost sex. And honestly there is a world of difference between a bad boy as a romantic hero and a serial killer as a romantic hero.That said it was an easy enough read. Just the kind of fluff I sometimes crave in summer. So if you can tolerate ghost sex (with a serial killer) pick it up.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This book kept me just interested enough to finish reading but I will not be continuing this series. The romantic relationship between Dr. Stone and the ghost is ridiculous to me. Without that, the storyline would've been much better. The unexpected twist at the end earned it the third star.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    If you are a romantic suspense fan then I say this is a must read book!! I really enjoyed it and did not want to put it down. I loved the interaction between Charlie and Michael and cannot wait for the next book to come out in August!!!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    First off, I won a copy through the First Reads giveaway on Goodreads.

    I don't quite know how to classify this one? Is it paranormal? Is it romantic suspense? I wouldn't call it paranormal romance. Heavy on the suspense light on the romance.

    I'm not always a fan of romantic suspense because of peculiar pacing issues within a book. To me, within quite a few romantic suspense novels, the pacing seems almost frenetic with slow bits here and there. This book didn't have that problem. It kept up a brisk pace throughout most of the book, and I didn't find myself getting bored or flipping to the end to see what had happened.

    The beginning scenes open with Dr. Charlotte Stone just barely escaping a killer that's to become known as "The Boardwalk Killer," when she's a mere 17(?) years old. The second chapter establishes her as a grownup and working as a psychiatrist who studies serial killers. She's interviewing Michael Allen Garland, a serial killer who'd been convicted of murdering 7 women after picking them up in bars. She asks him to identify inkblot pictures and most of the internal dialogue focuses on Charlotte noticing Garland's animal magnetism. Sigh. Then while she's still at the prison, Garland (for a mysterious reason presumably) is murdered and his ghost comes back to haunt her.

    The FBI is also on hand, asking Charlotte for her help, (at the prison no less incidentally) when they discover a killer who may, or may not be, the Boardwalk Killer.

    I'll just go into several things I took exception to. The first is there's a couple of crime scene boo-boos. Now most folks probably don't give a damn.. but it took me out of the book as my face went all scrunchy and my internal voice went THAT WOULD NOT HAPPEN. IT WOULD CONTAMINATE/ FUCK UP THE CRIME SCENE. THE POLICE KNOW BETTER THAN TO DO THAT.

    Okay, most people don't care about crime scene boo-boos! Onward ho! I can't get over how Charlotte managed to "Poof - Be Gone" with the ghost of Garland. By using some incense and jasmine, we're told that she's learned how to do this from her ghost busting gurus. Yes. It says that, no, I'm not kidding. She's used this before (when? WHY? nope, it's not explained) It apparently opens some portal to the other side? The explanations are pretty poor. (She only does this poof be gone thing once, and I'm left to wonder why.. but maybe I'm a little odd to hone in on a detail like that, but hey!) But fear not, dear reader, he comes & goes. It's all very random.

    After agreeing to help the FBI.. the ghost of this convicted serial killer starts showing up more & more. Charlotte, instead of lusting after the handsome FBI agent, goes for the ghost of the serial killer. At this point, I'm just like FINE. I'M GOING WITH IT. BECAUSE IT TOTALLY MAKES SENSE A PSYCHIATRIST WHO STUDIES SERIAL KILLERS AND SAW HER FRIENDS MURDERED BY ONE WOULD TOTALLY GET THE HOTS FOR ONE. Smexy times are had. And I actually think the smexy was pretty well written, I just didn't care too much about the people that were having them.

    Tepid explanations abound in this book. The ending kind of leaves it on that note as well. I had many issues with the romance & paranormal elements within the book... it left me going "huh?" quite a few times within the span of the novel.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoyed "The Last Victim" by Karen Robards. The premise was very intriguing to me: FBI profiler who was a survivor of a serial killer that can see ghosts of people who have died violently. I believe this is the beginning of a trilogy. While I enjoyed it, there were a few bits that grated on me. The love triangle between Charlie (profiler), Tony (FBI agent) and Michael (ghost of a serial killer) seemed a little hokey. The story was good. I will be interested in seeing where this trilogy goes next.Thanks for the Early Reviewers copy Librarything!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Criminal psychologist Dr. Charlotte Stone makes her living studying the behavior of serial killers probably because when she was a teenager, she watched her best friend's family get murdered while she hid in a closet. Now, 15 years later, she's been asked by the FBI to help profile a serial killer who has been terrorizing small towns along the North Carolina Coast. It doesn't take Charlie long to realize that the crimes are extremely similar to the one she had witnessed when she was 16 years old. It's urgent that they figure out who the killer is so they can save the most recent victim. While Charlie's expertise and knowledge is crucial to solving the case, Charlie has another talent unknown to the FBI...she sees ghosts! When visiting the scene of the most recent crime, Charlie sees the victims which give her clues to help solve the case. Unfortunately, she gets violently ill everytime this happens. To complicate matters further, she realizes that one particular ghost has attached himself to her. His name is Michael Garland and he was the serial killer she was interviewing right before the FBI called and who was viciously killed in the prison right before she left for North Carolina. Improbably, she is attracted to him which is not good, because he is dead! She is also attracted to Tony, the FBI agent she is working with to solve the case. Tony is definitely a catch, but she can't seem to warm up to him the way she does with Michael. As Charlie works her way through all of the obstacles being thrown in her path, she begins to realize that she has become a target herself since this might be the same man who killed her best friend years ago. Karen Robards is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and The Last Victim delivers her trademark excellence at plotting, pacing and character development. The romance is steamy. but I'm not a fan of paranormal romance, especially with a ghost! The romance with Michael seems out of place and totally implausible in an otherwise well-written suspense novel. That's why I gave the book a #3 rating.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Won from Library Thing Early ReviewersOverall Rating 3.75Story Rating 4.25Character Rating 3.25First thought when finished: The Last Victim had a really good thriller aspect to the story but I could have done without the strange love "triangle".What I Thought of the Story: The Last Victim had a very intriguing case that looped together the past and the present. I actually really enjoyed the case aspect of this story. Karen Robards did a great job of keeping us guessing. Were we looking for the same guy from the earlier case? Were we looking for someone new? How were the two tied together? As we worked our way through the new cases while figuring out what was the same as the older cases, we learned a lot about Charlotte Stone (the lead character) and her past.What I Thought of the Characters: Love Triangle=UGH! I am just not a fan of love triangles and in this case it was just downright creepy! Charlotte was an interesting leading character and while I liked her, I felt that her personal life choices made her hard to relate too. She has a special gift, she can see ghosts of people who died suddenly and horribly. It is more of a curse to her and she doesn't handle it very well at all. I can't quite figure out why she hasn't tried to learn to get more comfortable with her gift but she just doesn't want too. I do have a theory about one of the two people involved in the triangle but can't talk about it without giving something away. Let's just say that I don't think he is what he appears but as it stands, him being involved (with her current knowledge of him) is just not understandable to me at all. Yes, this made me think less of Charlotte and not enjoy the character arc of the story.Final Thought: Despite what I said about the love triangle, if this turns into a series I will be reading it! I think Karen writes an excellent thriller. Plus, I am curious to see if my theory pans out.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    In review of this book, my rating of it was really up in the air. On the one hand, the storyline kept my interest and I wanted to finish listening to it. On the other, I was a bit put-off by the underlying premise of the book: can a psychiatrist justify their ethereal attraction to a former client/serial killer?I'm still not sure about my rating. However, if Ms. Robards writes a sequel, I would read it, soooo... make of that, what you will!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I have read Ms. Robards books in the past and enjoyed them. Figured this would good too. It took me a bit to get into the story, but once I was there I hated having to put the book down. If you like your basic serial killer/paranormal story this is for you. I was thrilled to read at the end that there will be more stories with Dr. Stone and MIchael.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Wow, there are so many reasons why I should have hated this book. So many reasons that made me wonder why in the world I ever requested the ARC of this book. When I saw this was listed as a paranormal novel, and a romance, I was totally sure I was going to hate it. The cover is even one of the sort of book that I don't really like. When I saw the very mixed reviews on Amazon, I thought this was going to be bad. Bad.And ya know what?I was wrong! No, I actually though it was a very good book, totally enjoyed it and whipped right through it to it's exciting conclusion. Regarding most of those bad reviews...I think they totally missed one HUGE point that makes all the difference to their issues with this story. One huge point which I can totally not explain to you without giving away the whole story. Sorry, but if you read this book, and I do recommend that you do so, you will know what I mean. Is that confusing enough?The paranormal was not what I expected, the romance was not what I expected and the whole book turned out quite differently than I expected with a clever little twist at the very end that I loved.Yes, it is about a serial killer and a bit scary and dark, but parts of it, especially Charlotte's conversations with herself and her conversations with her ghostly companion are very funny at times. And the investigation, with a few clues Charlotte picks up from her own brand of witness, is smart and face paced.Have you ever started a book, sure that you would dislike it, sure you would hate it, and then just the opposite ended up being true.Well, The Last Victim is such a book and if there is a sequel..and I feel a sequel coming on...I will be grabbing it up.For me, that is the best recommendation you can get.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As any potential reader can see, Karen Robards' "The Last Victim" seems to draw strong - and opposing - opinions from readers.The readers' review copy that I received mentions that as a paranormal romantic suspense it is intended to compete with the best selling series of Iris Johansen, Kay Hooper, and Jayne Ann Krentz. If judged in that light, with the same potential readers, "The Last Victim" is a five star novel. Dr. Charlotte Stone, the protagonist, is the sole survivor of a serial killer who struck when she was in her mid-teens. Charlie has become an authority on serial killers and, as the novel opens, is asked by the FBI to aid in a current case that has striking similarities to her own.In order to move from just 'suspense' to 'paranormal' Charlie is given the power to see dead people. So we have aserial killer researcher who can, perhaps, communicate with his victims.Now to add the 'romantic' (erotic) element. When Charlie is interviewing her last serial killer before joining the FBI team, he is killed by another inmate. His spirit latches on to Charlie, and he comes along on the manhunt, although no one but Charlie can see him. Any astute romance reader knows in her bones that bad boys have their appeal. And Charlie's new spirit buddy has plenty. Unfortunately he also has been found guilty of killing seven women.And we come to the crux of the critical review conflict. Charlie KNOWS he's BAD. But he's so HOT. Add to that he's a ghost."The Last Victim" is highly recommended to those who enjoy paranormal romantic suspense novels. It should have many of the elements that you're seeking - suspense, mild erotica, an interesting heroine, a well-developed plot, and that sense of danger that comes from 'dating' a serial killer.However, "The Last Victim" is not recommended for all. It requires great suspension of disbelief. Believing in the ghosts is the easy part. The sex with a dead convicted serial killer may be a deal breaker for some.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I haven't read many Karen Robards books, but the one's I have read, I thoroughly enjoyed. This one is probably my favorite so far. I used to read a lot of romance novels, but as I've grown up, I've grown out of reading them. This book brought back some of the fun of reading romance novels for me. The paranormal aspect surprised me. It was a risk to make the ghost Charlotte saw a serial killer, but I for one think it was what made the book so interesting. You could tell from the tone of the story, and the fact that this book is the start of a series, that Michael may NOT be the serial killer he was convicted as. I thought the book was amazing. I read it in about 2 days because I literally could not put it down. Here's looking forward to the 2nd book in the Charlotte Stone series!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A strange but fascinating book, exciting and dangerous as it takes you into the world of serial killers and personal tragedy. Leaves you with more questions than answers. The characters are strongly drawn, but unsettling in their choices.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    Only finished reading this because I bought it, I had to force myself to finish it. I've read all Karen Robards romantic suspense but I won't be buying any more in advance on my kindle. Will not be reading the sequel.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I received a copy of this book as part of the Goodreads first-reads program. I was not a huge fan of this book from the get-go as I'm more of a thriller genre reader. This book is first and foremost a romance which happens to take place in the context of a thriller. For you to like or dislike this story, it really depends on the types of books you enjoy reading.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    I jumped at the chance to read the first book in Karen Robard's newest series with its intriguing premise. Dr Charlie Stone studies serial killers, the motivation her own narrow escape from the Boardwalk Killer as a teenager. It has been 15 years since that terrible night but it seems the Boardwalk Killer, or a copycat, has surfaced and the FBI need Charlie's help if they hope to save his latest victim. Using her expertise in profiling, and her hidden ability to see the spirits of the newly dead, Charlie assists the FBI team to piece together the clues that may end up leading her right into her worst nightmare.I have no way of justifying my assessment of this novel without possibly revealing a spoiler related to the romantic element of the story, so read on at your own risk...There was a lot that I enjoyed about this novel but within the first few pages when Dr Charlie Stone describes a serial killer, Michael Garland, sitting across from her during a clinical assessment, as 'hot' I was taken aback. Despite being jarred by what seemed to me to be a totally inappropriate descriptor, I dismissed it and kept reading. A few pages later and Garland is stabbed as he returns to his cell and despite her best efforts, Charlie is unable to save him. While I admired Charlie's determined effort to save Garland despite his obvious fatal wound, I was a bit disturbed by the depth of her pity for a man convicted of murdering seven women as she witnesses his spirit being pulled into a purple mist, but again I chose to brush it aside. Yet from there the relationship between Charlie and Garland took a path I was even less comfortable with as Garland's spirit attaches itself to her. Between Charlie's repeated admiration of the dead man's physique, charm and her inexplicable sympathy for him I was incredulous, however I held on, thinking that we would discover that in fact Garland wasn't responsible for the murders after all, he was wrongly accused or framed or something. Garland certainly denies his guilt, but the lack of 'the light' and the presence of the 'screaming mist' seems to at least confirm the man has done something unsavoury and by the end of the novel there is no evidence that Garland was anything but a serial killer, abusive childhood non withstanding.I just couldn't deal with this relationship, especially when it becomes sexually intimate, which I thought was wrong on so many levels. Even if the author reveals in later books of the series that Garland is innocent of the crimes for which he was convicted, it will be too late for me.It's a shame because there were other elements of the story I enjoyed yet I can't get past the romantic relationship and I can't recommend The Last Victim for that very reason, though others seem happy to overlook it, given its average 4 star rating on Goodreads. It's not for me though, you will have to make up your own mind.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Charlie Stone is a psychiatrist who studies serial killers. When she was seventeen, she saw the Boardwalk Killer kill a new friend and the friend's family but managed to hide and escape with her life. The Boardwalk Killer was never caught. Charlie also sees the ghosts of some people who died violent deaths which she has to keep a secret. She had two reasons to go into psychiatry. First, she would seldom be around they dying. And, second, the could learn how to survive the trauma her own brush with death left on her.Charlie is studying serial killers at a prison in Virginia. She is focusing on Michael Allen Garland - handsome, charismatic, and convicted of killing 7 young women - when the FBI comes to her for help. It looks like the Boardwalk Killer has resurfaced and is killing again. Despite her terror at the thought of being involved, she has to agree to help. On their way out of the prison, Charlie is called to a medical emergency. Another inmate has stabbed Garland in the heart. Charlie can do little but watch him bleed out. She watches him die and then watches his spirit form above his body. Garland is back and only Charlie can see him.Charlie is not happy to have Garland with her. She wants to send him to the light; he wants her to find a way that he can stay. In Charlie's experience, ghosts only stay for about a week before going on to the next world. So, besides being deeply involved in tracking down the new killer, she has to deal with a sexy, charismatic, serial killer ghost of her very own. I loved the byplay between Charlie and Michael. I loved that she knew he was completely "Mr. Wrong" but she wanted him so much. I loved how he tried to help her. And I loved finding out more about Michael Garland. Meanwhile, Charlie is also developing a relationship with Tony Bartoli who is the FBI agent she should want. They have a lot more in common, including that he is alive, than she and Michael do. Unfortunately, her heart and body want Michael no matter how much her mind is saying Tony. This was an excellent police procedural about the search for a serial killer. Watching Tony and his team work the case was very interesting. It was also an excellent, unconventional romance. Bartoli offers her a job with his team. Since Baroli doesn't mix business with pleasure, any chance of a romance between he and Charlie would end if she took the job. Charlie refuses but does agree to consult as needed. I will be looking forward to more books in this series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was kind of weary about reading this especially after hearing about the sex between Charlotte Stone and a Ghost. I didn't have any problem with it. As for the rest of the book I was hooked from the first page. There was nothing I didn't like about the book. It had great characters and a good storyline. The ending leaves you hanging until the next book. I can't wait to read it!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ever since Charlie Stone was a little girl, she has seen spirits. Usually the ghosts of those who have recently died violently. When she was a teenager, she escaped the Boardwalk Killer, but not until she had seen the mother of her best friend murdered. Now she is a psychiatrist who studies serial killers. She is working out of a prison when the FBI approaches her needing help with a case. Could the boardwalk killer be back? Oh, and Charlie can't seem to shake the spirit of a serial killer who died recently.I enjoyed this book. It was the sort of book you should take to the beach and just enjoy. I like Charlie even with all her damage. And the FBI guy was nice too. But the real hottie in the book is the ghost, Granger. Please don't let him really be a serial killer. Anyway, I thought the book wrapped up a bit fast. But maybe I missed a few clues along the way. At any rate, I will be reading the next in the series. Got to find out what happens.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Karen Robards latest novel, The Last Victim, is as compelling a page-turner as any I have ever read! A volatile, sensuous mix of murder, the paranormal & romance, this book is thrilling!

    I love this quote "You know your life has serious problems when having a serial killer ghost nearby makes you feel safe"

    I know my life has problems when ending a story about a serial killer ghost makes me feel a loss because I've grown very attached to said fictional ghost!

    This is an exciting, gripping novel from first page to last. Charlie's character is believable, deep, and engaging. The plot is exciting and unpredictable. The ghost, well the ghost is just plain sexy and charming, and perhaps a little bit dangerous, but that only adds to the thrill...
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Great read! Surprise threads surprise killer! Can't wait to read more.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Not up to Karen Robards usual standards. I found the writing to be terrible and couldn't get into the story. I'm usually a huge fan so I was disappointed.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    It was good i just wish the Garland wasn't a ghost cause it was a little weird...
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Well this is my first book by Karen Robards and I am surprised by this book. The Last Victim starts in the past. Charlie Stone is with her friend Holly's family when everyone is brutally murdered but her. She has seen the murderer who they have called The Boardwalk Killer. Then you are in the present with Dr. Stone as she is evaluating a serial murderer at a prison when the FBI comes to her wanting her help on recent murders that are similar to the murder 15 years ago. While she is talking with the FBI the serial killer that she was interviewing is murdered. She goes with the FBI and this is when you learn that she is also a psychic. She sees dead people. That didn't bother me. What bothered me about this book is the fact that the serial murderer that was killed becomes a love interest for her. Reading that she had an out of body experience during a dream didn't bother me as much as the love scene. Her spirit and the spirit of the serial murderer (Garland) dance, smooch and have sex. That was the part that just didn't click for me in this book.I enjoyed the other part of the story which is the boardwalk murderer. This book was just like watching a Criminal Minds episode minus the spirits having sex. I don't know if I will continue with this series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Fantastic novel. the characters are well made and just delightful. That is saying an awful lot as most serial killers don't shine in that light. Sexy, possibly dangerous, and very dead. This book will leave you wondering where you'll end up and enjoying the journey.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Kind of lame, though it had its moments, they were few and far between. Features a ghost whispering expert on serial killers who as a teenager survived a serial killer's attack. Also features a bunch of serial killers, one of whom is a ghost with whom she develops a tendre. Seriously? I usually like paranormal romances/mysteries/fantasies, but this was just not my kind of book. Also, I found the heroine annoying. I gave it 3 stars, though, because it was an interesting premise and there were a few good parts, and I managed to get through it.