madzior57's review
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
leannaaker's review
5.0
Great read!! Typical Tess Gerritsen...riveting story of 3 children repeatedly the victims of horrible things, and the reason why is finally revealed in the end.
laurenjodi's review
4.0
Last to Die
4 Stars
Synopsis: Three children survive the annihilation of their families only to be victims for a second time. What is the connection between them and who has targeted them for death? Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles must face their most determined adversary yet.
Review: An improvement on the last two books in the series. The mystery is fast-paced and thrilling with some clever twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.
The secondary characters are well-developed, particularly the children, Teddy, Will and Claire, which makes it easy to sympathize with their predicament and become engrossed in the plot. Moreover, the Evensong school serves as an intriguing backdrop and the descriptions of classes, teachers and student dynamics provides an extra dimension to the story. The subplot involving Julian "Rat" Perkins and the Jackals seems to suggest that Gerritsen is planning a YA spin-off.
The weakest aspect of the book is the development of Jane and Maura's characters. It seems that Gerritsen has reached a plateau in this area and has nowhere to go with it. Maura is at a crossroads in both her personal and professional life and her story lacks closure. Jane is happily married and her only issue is dealing with her obnoxious family (the Rizzolis in the TV series are much more likable bunch).
All in all, a gripping read although the main characters need more direction.
4 Stars
Synopsis: Three children survive the annihilation of their families only to be victims for a second time. What is the connection between them and who has targeted them for death? Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles must face their most determined adversary yet.
Review: An improvement on the last two books in the series. The mystery is fast-paced and thrilling with some clever twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.
The secondary characters are well-developed, particularly the children, Teddy, Will and Claire, which makes it easy to sympathize with their predicament and become engrossed in the plot. Moreover, the Evensong school serves as an intriguing backdrop and the descriptions of classes, teachers and student dynamics provides an extra dimension to the story. The subplot involving Julian "Rat" Perkins and the Jackals seems to suggest that Gerritsen is planning a YA spin-off.
The weakest aspect of the book is the development of Jane and Maura's characters. It seems that Gerritsen has reached a plateau in this area and has nowhere to go with it. Maura is at a crossroads in both her personal and professional life and her story lacks closure. Jane is happily married and her only issue is dealing with her obnoxious family (the Rizzolis in the TV series are much more likable bunch).
All in all, a gripping read although the main characters need more direction.
sovier's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
thegeekyblogger's review
4.0
Listened for Review
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought When Finished: I love Rizzoli & Isles! This was a great case and the school was a fantastic twist!
My Thoughts on the Case: Last to Die served up my favorite kind of Rizzoli & Isles case, the ones that involve everyone on an equal scale. There was plenty of nose to the ground police work done and enough forensics to keep you guessing. The case itself was very interesting and disturbing. I will warn you that the case(s) involved children or more accurately teenagers. Each of the teenagers in Last to Die had survived an earlier incident in which their entire families had been killed. Now they are all going to the same "very special" school and it appears that someone is after them. The case is chilling at times and emotionally enduring. The Jackals (which you will just have to read to find out whom I am referring too) are going to win you over. They were my favorite part!
My Thoughts on the Characters: Last to Die finally brought Rizzoli and Isles closer to being BFFs again. I was thrilled to see all the characters that I have grown to love over the series have their time to shine. The addition of the Jackals was a great addition and I hope they are in future books. Tess Gerritsen writes really good characters and fans of the series won't be disappointed in Last to Die.
Audio Thoughts: Narrated by Tanya Eby with a running time of 10 hrs and 28 mins this is one of my favorite series on audio. I have listened to each of them through the narration and haven't been disappointed once. The pacing and characterization is spot-on.
Final Thoughts: Fans of the Rizzoli and Isles series will not want to miss this latest addition.
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought When Finished: I love Rizzoli & Isles! This was a great case and the school was a fantastic twist!
My Thoughts on the Case: Last to Die served up my favorite kind of Rizzoli & Isles case, the ones that involve everyone on an equal scale. There was plenty of nose to the ground police work done and enough forensics to keep you guessing. The case itself was very interesting and disturbing. I will warn you that the case(s) involved children or more accurately teenagers. Each of the teenagers in Last to Die had survived an earlier incident in which their entire families had been killed. Now they are all going to the same "very special" school and it appears that someone is after them. The case is chilling at times and emotionally enduring. The Jackals (which you will just have to read to find out whom I am referring too) are going to win you over. They were my favorite part!
My Thoughts on the Characters: Last to Die finally brought Rizzoli and Isles closer to being BFFs again. I was thrilled to see all the characters that I have grown to love over the series have their time to shine. The addition of the Jackals was a great addition and I hope they are in future books. Tess Gerritsen writes really good characters and fans of the series won't be disappointed in Last to Die.
Audio Thoughts: Narrated by Tanya Eby with a running time of 10 hrs and 28 mins this is one of my favorite series on audio. I have listened to each of them through the narration and haven't been disappointed once. The pacing and characterization is spot-on.
Final Thoughts: Fans of the Rizzoli and Isles series will not want to miss this latest addition.
poorlenore's review
4.0
This is the first I have read of the Rizzoli and Isles series and I rather enjoyed it. It differs greatly from the show, but I like that fact. That way it does not hurt the show or the book.
hunterstuck_'s review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
rda1025's review
5.0
This book will not disappoint!!! All of her books are great and keep you guessing just when you think you have it figured out!
amykearney11's review
4.0
I loved all the different stories in this one. It was really dark but soooo interesting! Lots of twists I didn’t see coming as always, never disappointed with these books <3