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Tracy Crosswhite #10
One Last Kill
Detective Tracy Crosswhite draws a long-dormant serial killer out of hiding in a nerve-shattering novel by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.
Tracy Crosswhite is reopening the investigation into Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After thirteen victims, he stopped hunting and the trail went cold, stirring public outrage. Now, nearly three decades after his first kill, Tracy is expected to finally bring closure to the victims’ families and redeem the Seattle PD’s reputation. Even if it means working with her nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco.
Lead detective of the original task force, Nolasco dares Tracy to do what he failed to: close the case. Forming an uneasy alliance, Tracy and Nolasco revisit old leads and pursue new evidence only to unearth high-level corruption and cover-ups as dangerous as the elusive killer himself. At the risk of being exposed, such deadly and powerful forces will go to extremes to stay in the shadows.
That’s just where Tracy and Nolasco are headed—to find the twisted truth behind a killer’s motives, his disappearance, and his chilling comeback.
Tracy Crosswhite is reopening the investigation into Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After thirteen victims, he stopped hunting and the trail went cold, stirring public outrage. Now, nearly three decades after his first kill, Tracy is expected to finally bring closure to the victims’ families and redeem the Seattle PD’s reputation. Even if it means working with her nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco.
Lead detective of the original task force, Nolasco dares Tracy to do what he failed to: close the case. Forming an uneasy alliance, Tracy and Nolasco revisit old leads and pursue new evidence only to unearth high-level corruption and cover-ups as dangerous as the elusive killer himself. At the risk of being exposed, such deadly and powerful forces will go to extremes to stay in the shadows.
That’s just where Tracy and Nolasco are headed—to find the twisted truth behind a killer’s motives, his disappearance, and his chilling comeback.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
4128 people are currently reading
11203 people want to read
About the author
Robert Dugoni
74 books32.7k followersRobert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series set in Seattle, which has sold more than 11 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, and The Keera Duggan legal thriller series. He has written several stand-alone novels including the historical novels A Killing on the Hill and Hold Strong, as well as the suspense novel The 7th Canon, and Damage Control. He has written the literary novels, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell - one of Newsweek Magazine's Best Books of All-Time and Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, for which Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also written the critically acclaimed novel, The World Played Chess; as well as the nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. His novels have been optioned for movies and television series. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Award for Fiction and a four-time winner of the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has also been a finalist for many other awards including the International Thriller Award, the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, the Silver Falchion Award for mystery, and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award.
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,099 reviews
May 22, 2023
I will read anything this author writes!! I have loved this series as well as his incredible standalone novels.
Tracy has just come back from a much needed break, finally able to spend time with her husband and young daughter.
The chief of police has just found out that the newspaper is about to run a story on the 13 unsolved crimes committed by a serial killer 25 years in the past. She wants Tracy to try to stay ahead of the story, which obviously sheds a bad light on the department – there are 13 families who want closure for their lost daughters and wives.
Tracy is paired up with Johnny Nolasco who was her nemesis in past books. He was the lead investigator 25 years ago and spent countless hours following up leads only to finally come to a dead end. The killings stopped and the cases were sent to the Cold Case Unit, Tracy is the head of the unit but very much under the thumb of the Chief who is jealous of the attention and fame that Tracy has accrued from solving past cases.
We don’t see much of Del and Faz, her old partners from the Violent Crime Unit in this novel and that was a bit of a loss. Once they get going on the investigation she finds that Nolasco actually truly cared deeply about these killings and wants closure as much as Tracy does.They learn to appreciate each other's strengths and work well together.
There is less action in this installment and a lot more problem solving, which I enjoyed. They make good use of the advances in DNA evidence which has changed a lot in 25 years!! They do have a sample from one of the killings and they hope that will help find the killer.
This novel started a bit slow for me but the second half was stellar. There are several twists that I certainly didn’t see coming and the ending was excellent!!
Lovers of this series will not be disappointed and I highly recommend this novel to everyone. It can work as a standalone but it would be best to read them in order to understand the relationships and politics within the police department and the pressure that Tracy is under!!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
Tracy has just come back from a much needed break, finally able to spend time with her husband and young daughter.
The chief of police has just found out that the newspaper is about to run a story on the 13 unsolved crimes committed by a serial killer 25 years in the past. She wants Tracy to try to stay ahead of the story, which obviously sheds a bad light on the department – there are 13 families who want closure for their lost daughters and wives.
Tracy is paired up with Johnny Nolasco who was her nemesis in past books. He was the lead investigator 25 years ago and spent countless hours following up leads only to finally come to a dead end. The killings stopped and the cases were sent to the Cold Case Unit, Tracy is the head of the unit but very much under the thumb of the Chief who is jealous of the attention and fame that Tracy has accrued from solving past cases.
We don’t see much of Del and Faz, her old partners from the Violent Crime Unit in this novel and that was a bit of a loss. Once they get going on the investigation she finds that Nolasco actually truly cared deeply about these killings and wants closure as much as Tracy does.They learn to appreciate each other's strengths and work well together.
There is less action in this installment and a lot more problem solving, which I enjoyed. They make good use of the advances in DNA evidence which has changed a lot in 25 years!! They do have a sample from one of the killings and they hope that will help find the killer.
This novel started a bit slow for me but the second half was stellar. There are several twists that I certainly didn’t see coming and the ending was excellent!!
Lovers of this series will not be disappointed and I highly recommend this novel to everyone. It can work as a standalone but it would be best to read them in order to understand the relationships and politics within the police department and the pressure that Tracy is under!!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
April 25, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded down to 2 stars, because the ending ruined everything.
Good News!
You can fully read this book as a stand-alone, even though this is the 10th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series.
SUMMARY:
This is a story about Detective Tracy Crosswhite. One day she gets an assignment to solve a 25-year-old cold case file known as Seattle Route 99 serial killer, who had killed more than thirteen people in the past. All of his victims were women who were raped before he killed them. After being stopped for two and a half decades, he comes back to his hunting grounds. To solve this case, she's teamed up with her nemesis, detective Nolasco. The lead detective of the original task, and together they need to catch this killer that Nolasco failed to catch before, then bring closure and justice for the victims' families.
👁️🗨️ This story told in third person POV
🕰️ There is a Dual Timeline in here
-Past (1993-1996)
When the murder happened
-Present (2020)
When they reopen and reinvestigate the case.
MY THOUGHTS:
📌 Despite my low rating, In the future I still want to read the whole series, starting with the first one😋.
📌 I'm a sucker for serial killer theme books; I read a lot of them, whether they're fiction or non-fiction. Well, the synopsis of this book is right up my alley. So I picked this one, but as I read it, it failed to meet my expectations. I felt like I was too familiar with his MO, and I'd read it somewhere (nothing new).
📌 There is a character named Nolasco; he is Tracy's partner in solving this cold case. At first, I didn't really like him. His vibe was like a bad guy and totally corrupt police, but as I learned about him, his past, and how he changed at the end, somehow it warmed my heart. I found myself secretly rooting for him.
📌 This book is funny; some of the dialogue made me laugh. The humor portion was perfect for this book.
WHY IT DIDN'T WORK OUT FOR ME:
⚠️ There is mention of a famous case and the actual name of a criminal known as Ted Bundy (for people who don't know him, he is known as a cold-blooded serial killer who raped and killed many women, and this is a real case). To me, I don't think it is necessary to mention the actual criminal's name in a fiction crime book. I was a bit taken back when I read his name in this book.
⚠️ Some chapters were boring and slow.
⚠️ For other people, the twist might be unpredictable; however, to me, it's just NAH (very predictable). The reason behind his killings was just a family drama, which didn't hold up to my expectations. I thought it would be something more grand😂.
⚠️ But the main reason why it didn't work out and why I decided to give 2 stars when I actually wanted to give 3 stars is because of the ending.
⛔️⛔️SPOILER AHEAD, YOU BETTER BACK OFF!⛔️⛔️
At the end, our killer was dead, but a person who is the whole reason behind his killing was set free and allowed to walk away from this whole mess he caused. And they think it was the best decision because of one reason and that is FAMILY.
What kind of bullshit is that?
I mean, knock, knock, hey! You're the trigger, the cause, the reason—how could he just walk away like that? Family, my foot! This piece of sh** is every reason why people lost their families to another sick bastard!
That's why I gave it 2 stars.
Because....
CREDIT:
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🐥
Good News!
You can fully read this book as a stand-alone, even though this is the 10th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series.
SUMMARY:
This is a story about Detective Tracy Crosswhite. One day she gets an assignment to solve a 25-year-old cold case file known as Seattle Route 99 serial killer, who had killed more than thirteen people in the past. All of his victims were women who were raped before he killed them. After being stopped for two and a half decades, he comes back to his hunting grounds. To solve this case, she's teamed up with her nemesis, detective Nolasco. The lead detective of the original task, and together they need to catch this killer that Nolasco failed to catch before, then bring closure and justice for the victims' families.
👁️🗨️ This story told in third person POV
🕰️ There is a Dual Timeline in here
-Past (1993-1996)
When the murder happened
-Present (2020)
When they reopen and reinvestigate the case.
MY THOUGHTS:
📌 Despite my low rating, In the future I still want to read the whole series, starting with the first one😋.
📌 I'm a sucker for serial killer theme books; I read a lot of them, whether they're fiction or non-fiction. Well, the synopsis of this book is right up my alley. So I picked this one, but as I read it, it failed to meet my expectations. I felt like I was too familiar with his MO, and I'd read it somewhere (nothing new).
📌 There is a character named Nolasco; he is Tracy's partner in solving this cold case. At first, I didn't really like him. His vibe was like a bad guy and totally corrupt police, but as I learned about him, his past, and how he changed at the end, somehow it warmed my heart. I found myself secretly rooting for him.
📌 This book is funny; some of the dialogue made me laugh. The humor portion was perfect for this book.
WHY IT DIDN'T WORK OUT FOR ME:
⚠️ There is mention of a famous case and the actual name of a criminal known as Ted Bundy (for people who don't know him, he is known as a cold-blooded serial killer who raped and killed many women, and this is a real case). To me, I don't think it is necessary to mention the actual criminal's name in a fiction crime book. I was a bit taken back when I read his name in this book.
⚠️ Some chapters were boring and slow.
⚠️ For other people, the twist might be unpredictable; however, to me, it's just NAH (very predictable). The reason behind his killings was just a family drama, which didn't hold up to my expectations. I thought it would be something more grand😂.
⚠️ But the main reason why it didn't work out and why I decided to give 2 stars when I actually wanted to give 3 stars is because of the ending.
⛔️⛔️SPOILER AHEAD, YOU BETTER BACK OFF!⛔️⛔️
At the end, our killer was dead, but a person who is the whole reason behind his killing was set free and allowed to walk away from this whole mess he caused. And they think it was the best decision because of one reason and that is FAMILY.
What kind of bullshit is that?
I mean, knock, knock, hey! You're the trigger, the cause, the reason—how could he just walk away like that? Family, my foot! This piece of sh** is every reason why people lost their families to another sick bastard!
That's why I gave it 2 stars.
Because....
CREDIT:
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🐥
May 17, 2023
Tracy Crosswhite is back in another gripping addition to the Tracy Crosswhite series! In this book, she is tasked with looking at a cold case(s) involving the Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After killing 13 women, the killer stopped his killing spree. Now Tracy has vowed to bring closure to the families who are still waiting for answers. She has also been assigned a partner, Captain Johnny Nolasco, her nemesis and the man who investigated the killings all those years ago.
With all the cases Tracy investigates, there is more to this case than meets the eye. Plus, readers of the series have watched as Tracy and his nemesis have interacted over the years, but this time we watch them working together. For me, this made the book even more interesting. Not solving the case has bothered Nolasco for years and having to follow old leads and explore new ones with Tracy, puts a little salt in his wounds.
I was instantly drawn into the plot and did my own super sleuthing along with them. Tension mounts as they explore all the leads both old and new. Dugoni has the whole gang in this one, even if they are in minor roles. It was nice to see everyone and their banter.
Tracy is a strong woman and an intelligent investigator who does not leave any stones unturned. As the investigative duo gets closer to the truth, things get more dangerous and pulse pounding.
Another great addition to a hard to put down and engaging series!
Well written, gripping, and hard to put down!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
With all the cases Tracy investigates, there is more to this case than meets the eye. Plus, readers of the series have watched as Tracy and his nemesis have interacted over the years, but this time we watch them working together. For me, this made the book even more interesting. Not solving the case has bothered Nolasco for years and having to follow old leads and explore new ones with Tracy, puts a little salt in his wounds.
I was instantly drawn into the plot and did my own super sleuthing along with them. Tension mounts as they explore all the leads both old and new. Dugoni has the whole gang in this one, even if they are in minor roles. It was nice to see everyone and their banter.
Tracy is a strong woman and an intelligent investigator who does not leave any stones unturned. As the investigative duo gets closer to the truth, things get more dangerous and pulse pounding.
Another great addition to a hard to put down and engaging series!
Well written, gripping, and hard to put down!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 10, 2023
One Last Kill is the 10th in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Tracy is still working cold cases. The police chief learns that the newspaper is about to do an investigative report on the 25th anniversary of the still open Route 99 serial killer. In an effort to bolster the reputation of the SPD, she tells Tracy to reopen the investigation. Then, to add insult to injury, she forces Tracy to work with her captain and nemesis, Nolasco.
The story refers back to the investigation that Tracy worked on in the 9th book, What She Found. So, it should definitely not be read as a stand-alone. At the very least, read the prior book. It also helps if you’ve read the short story called “The Last Line”.
This is a strong police procedural, filled with plenty of red herrings and twists. It moves at a steady pace with nary a dull moment. I had figured the murderer but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment. It was fun watching Tracy and Nolasco attempt to work together. I liked the dark ending with its statement about justice.
There is a major one sentence mistake in the ARC I read that I hope gets removed prior to publication.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
The story refers back to the investigation that Tracy worked on in the 9th book, What She Found. So, it should definitely not be read as a stand-alone. At the very least, read the prior book. It also helps if you’ve read the short story called “The Last Line”.
This is a strong police procedural, filled with plenty of red herrings and twists. It moves at a steady pace with nary a dull moment. I had figured the murderer but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment. It was fun watching Tracy and Nolasco attempt to work together. I liked the dark ending with its statement about justice.
There is a major one sentence mistake in the ARC I read that I hope gets removed prior to publication.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
February 19, 2024
EXCERPT: 'What's going on?' Gibson said.
'This is the fourth woman we've found in this area in less than a year,' Laub said.
'And there's speculation that it's the same guy?' Gibson asked.
'The MO, strangulation,' and the disposing of the bodies in dumpsters is consistent, but that's not the main reason for the concern.'
'What is?' Faz asked.
'The brass is keeping this quiet for now, but the bodies were all cut in the same location, on the back of the left shoulder.'
'Cut?' Gibson said.
'Carved,' Laub said.
'What's the carving?' Faz said.
'That remains open to debate,' Laub said. 'The other three, it looks like two question marks facing one another, but I don't think that's it.'
'What do you think it is?'
Laub exhaled a breath. 'Between us? For now? To me it looks like angel's wings.'
ABOUT 'ONE LAST KILL': Tracy Crosswhite is reopening the investigation into Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After thirteen victims, he stopped hunting and the trail went cold, stirring public outrage. Now, nearly three decades after his first kill, Tracy is expected to finally bring closure to the victims’ families and redeem the Seattle PD’s reputation. Even if it means working with her nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco.
Lead detective of the original task force, Nolasco dares Tracy to do what he failed to: close the case. Forming an uneasy alliance, Tracy and Nolasco revisit old leads and pursue new evidence only to unearth high-level corruption and cover-ups as dangerous as the elusive killer himself. At the risk of being exposed, such deadly and powerful forces will go to extremes to stay in the shadows.
That’s just where Tracy and Nolasco are headed—to find the twisted truth behind a killer’s motives, his disappearance, and his chilling comeback.
MY THOUGHTS: I know I have probably said this before about this series, but each book just gets better and better. I read this in a tad over twenty-four hours because I couldn't bear to not be reading it! Everything else was shoved to one side and ignored. I loved every word!
Like a train pulling out of a station on an uphill gradient, One Last Kill slowly gathers pace until it is racing along at full speed towards a climactic ending. I loved the way Tracy uses advances in DNA technology to help solve the cold cases, and the revelations it provided in this case were stellar.
Tracy's bosses (superiors is definitely not the right word) were there for the glory and, afraid what a series of articles on the unsolved series of murders might mean for their funding, making fools of themselves by disclosing an unproven theory as fact.
I like Tracy's strength of character. She likes to be sure of her facts and stands up for what she believes to be right. I enjoyed seeing her and Nolasco working together on this case - they are generally about as compatible as oil and water - Dugoni did a brilliant job of describing their distrust and the uneasy truce they settled into before it moved into an easier working partnership.
The character that really stands out though, is Marilynn Edwards, wife of the ex-mayor of Seattle. She stood up for herself and for what is right and just refused to back down. Tracy admired and respected her and she caused Tracy to re-evaluate some of her own values.
Although this is a series and I do recommend you read them in order, because each book contains its own complete story it is possible to read these books as stand-alones. There are references to past cases, disputes and relationships, but not enough to affect your understanding of the storyline.
A definite recommendation.
I approached One Last Kill, #10 in the Tracy Crosswhite series, with both anticipation and trepidation. Dugoni was contracted to write ten books in this series, and here we are at #10. Are there going to be any more? I certainly hope so and there is no indication in the way this book ended that there won't be. Fingers crossed and fervent prayers to the Book Gods.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#OneLastKill #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: A writer turned lawyer turned writer.
Robert Dugoni was born in Idaho and raised in Northern California the middle child of a family of ten siblings. Dugoni jokes that he didn't get much of a chance to talk, so he wrote. By the seventh grade he knew he wanted to be a writer.
Dugoni wrote his way to Stanford University, receiving writing awards along the way, and majored in communications/journalism and creative writing while working as a reporter for the Stanford Daily. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and worked briefly as a reporter in the Metro Office and the San Gabriel Valley Office of the Los Angeles Times.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of One Last Kill by Robert Dugoni for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'This is the fourth woman we've found in this area in less than a year,' Laub said.
'And there's speculation that it's the same guy?' Gibson asked.
'The MO, strangulation,' and the disposing of the bodies in dumpsters is consistent, but that's not the main reason for the concern.'
'What is?' Faz asked.
'The brass is keeping this quiet for now, but the bodies were all cut in the same location, on the back of the left shoulder.'
'Cut?' Gibson said.
'Carved,' Laub said.
'What's the carving?' Faz said.
'That remains open to debate,' Laub said. 'The other three, it looks like two question marks facing one another, but I don't think that's it.'
'What do you think it is?'
Laub exhaled a breath. 'Between us? For now? To me it looks like angel's wings.'
ABOUT 'ONE LAST KILL': Tracy Crosswhite is reopening the investigation into Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After thirteen victims, he stopped hunting and the trail went cold, stirring public outrage. Now, nearly three decades after his first kill, Tracy is expected to finally bring closure to the victims’ families and redeem the Seattle PD’s reputation. Even if it means working with her nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco.
Lead detective of the original task force, Nolasco dares Tracy to do what he failed to: close the case. Forming an uneasy alliance, Tracy and Nolasco revisit old leads and pursue new evidence only to unearth high-level corruption and cover-ups as dangerous as the elusive killer himself. At the risk of being exposed, such deadly and powerful forces will go to extremes to stay in the shadows.
That’s just where Tracy and Nolasco are headed—to find the twisted truth behind a killer’s motives, his disappearance, and his chilling comeback.
MY THOUGHTS: I know I have probably said this before about this series, but each book just gets better and better. I read this in a tad over twenty-four hours because I couldn't bear to not be reading it! Everything else was shoved to one side and ignored. I loved every word!
Like a train pulling out of a station on an uphill gradient, One Last Kill slowly gathers pace until it is racing along at full speed towards a climactic ending. I loved the way Tracy uses advances in DNA technology to help solve the cold cases, and the revelations it provided in this case were stellar.
Tracy's bosses (superiors is definitely not the right word) were there for the glory and, afraid what a series of articles on the unsolved series of murders might mean for their funding, making fools of themselves by disclosing an unproven theory as fact.
I like Tracy's strength of character. She likes to be sure of her facts and stands up for what she believes to be right. I enjoyed seeing her and Nolasco working together on this case - they are generally about as compatible as oil and water - Dugoni did a brilliant job of describing their distrust and the uneasy truce they settled into before it moved into an easier working partnership.
The character that really stands out though, is Marilynn Edwards, wife of the ex-mayor of Seattle. She stood up for herself and for what is right and just refused to back down. Tracy admired and respected her and she caused Tracy to re-evaluate some of her own values.
Although this is a series and I do recommend you read them in order, because each book contains its own complete story it is possible to read these books as stand-alones. There are references to past cases, disputes and relationships, but not enough to affect your understanding of the storyline.
A definite recommendation.
I approached One Last Kill, #10 in the Tracy Crosswhite series, with both anticipation and trepidation. Dugoni was contracted to write ten books in this series, and here we are at #10. Are there going to be any more? I certainly hope so and there is no indication in the way this book ended that there won't be. Fingers crossed and fervent prayers to the Book Gods.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#OneLastKill #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: A writer turned lawyer turned writer.
Robert Dugoni was born in Idaho and raised in Northern California the middle child of a family of ten siblings. Dugoni jokes that he didn't get much of a chance to talk, so he wrote. By the seventh grade he knew he wanted to be a writer.
Dugoni wrote his way to Stanford University, receiving writing awards along the way, and majored in communications/journalism and creative writing while working as a reporter for the Stanford Daily. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and worked briefly as a reporter in the Metro Office and the San Gabriel Valley Office of the Los Angeles Times.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of One Last Kill by Robert Dugoni for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 12, 2023
the setup…
Detective Tracy Crosswhite, now head of the Cold Case Unit, returns to work following much needed time off after the trauma of her last case only to discover that the police chief is ready to wreak new havoc for her. She’s assigned the old Route 99 serial killer case, one that had a task force headed by none other than Captain Johnny Nolasco who failed to catch the murderer during his killing spree from 1993-1995. The killer went dormant after having killed thirteen women and Nolasco’s career went sideways because he never closed the case. Now he and Tracy are partnered to resurrect the case, now fraught with political minefields.
the heart of the story…
Some books in a series can stand alone pretty well but this isn’t that one. The preceding book is especially critical to understanding the dynamics, political and otherwise. The idea of Tracy and Nolasco partnering on anything was inconceivable but as they began their reluctant investigating, they found themselves in a political nightmare where they were going to be the losers. However, it offered Tracy an opportunity to reshape Nolasco’s opinion of her and she of him. The story transitions between the present and during the old task force in 1993-1995 and I found the historical aspects highly insightful, not only for the case but Nolasco. Surprisingly, he and Tracy made a good team, finding ways to avoid being brought down by the corruption they encountered.
the narration…
I’m sounding like a broken record but Sutton-Smith really is an exceptional storyteller and is the voice for this series, at least for me. I’ll always hold out for the audiobook because she’s that good.
the bottom line…
This case was a real puzzler but what was most interesting was how Tracy and Nolasco navigated the traps laid out by the police chief in setting them up to fail. Both had serious skills and they got to see each other in action, creating a different relationship and some level of trust and respect. As for the case, I honed in on the potential killer before the reveal but didn’t know the why. I loved everything about this story, even the unsettling ending that was laden with realism. Does this change things between Tracy and Nolasco? We will have to wait to find out and that’s a really big tease. 4.5 stars
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Detective Tracy Crosswhite, now head of the Cold Case Unit, returns to work following much needed time off after the trauma of her last case only to discover that the police chief is ready to wreak new havoc for her. She’s assigned the old Route 99 serial killer case, one that had a task force headed by none other than Captain Johnny Nolasco who failed to catch the murderer during his killing spree from 1993-1995. The killer went dormant after having killed thirteen women and Nolasco’s career went sideways because he never closed the case. Now he and Tracy are partnered to resurrect the case, now fraught with political minefields.
the heart of the story…
Some books in a series can stand alone pretty well but this isn’t that one. The preceding book is especially critical to understanding the dynamics, political and otherwise. The idea of Tracy and Nolasco partnering on anything was inconceivable but as they began their reluctant investigating, they found themselves in a political nightmare where they were going to be the losers. However, it offered Tracy an opportunity to reshape Nolasco’s opinion of her and she of him. The story transitions between the present and during the old task force in 1993-1995 and I found the historical aspects highly insightful, not only for the case but Nolasco. Surprisingly, he and Tracy made a good team, finding ways to avoid being brought down by the corruption they encountered.
the narration…
I’m sounding like a broken record but Sutton-Smith really is an exceptional storyteller and is the voice for this series, at least for me. I’ll always hold out for the audiobook because she’s that good.
the bottom line…
This case was a real puzzler but what was most interesting was how Tracy and Nolasco navigated the traps laid out by the police chief in setting them up to fail. Both had serious skills and they got to see each other in action, creating a different relationship and some level of trust and respect. As for the case, I honed in on the potential killer before the reveal but didn’t know the why. I loved everything about this story, even the unsettling ending that was laden with realism. Does this change things between Tracy and Nolasco? We will have to wait to find out and that’s a really big tease. 4.5 stars
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
June 27, 2023
This is the tenth book in the series featuring Detective Tracy Crosswhite who is remarkable in the genre for being happily married and without any particular hang ups or addictions.
Thirty years ago the Seattle Route 99 killer suddenly stopped after murdering thirteen people. For politically based reasons Tracy is instructed to reopen the cold case and finally discover who the killer was and why he did it. This is a story of police corruption and cover ups but Tracy is honest and unbending against all comers which makes for a very interesting read.
The book is rounded off nicely with a tense and exciting finale and, for me at least, a rather unexpected guilty party. Well written and well worth reading. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thirty years ago the Seattle Route 99 killer suddenly stopped after murdering thirteen people. For politically based reasons Tracy is instructed to reopen the cold case and finally discover who the killer was and why he did it. This is a story of police corruption and cover ups but Tracy is honest and unbending against all comers which makes for a very interesting read.
The book is rounded off nicely with a tense and exciting finale and, for me at least, a rather unexpected guilty party. Well written and well worth reading. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 19, 2023
Robert Dugoni is a great author I discovered earlier this year. After reading his ‘Her Deadly Game’ which I loved, I started on the Tracy Crosswhite series. But, jumped to this after book # 2. Interestingly, there are references to that story in this book. In the afterword, the author mentions that even though each story is standalone, he does try to carry a few threads/references from previous books. This was another great crime novel combining a strong plot, great characters and pace.
Over 25 years back, there were a series of murders of over 10 women – all strangled and marked with an angel wings symbol on their bodies. While the first few victims were prostitutes, the last 4 were women who had worked for the city at some point. Johnny Nolasco, now captain, was in-charge of the investigation then. The case was never solved.
As the 25th anniversary of the last murder approaches, Police Chief Weber decides to reopen the cold case after she learns there would be media coverage. She asks Tracy and Nolasco to lead the new investigation, a pair who never got along. Tracy is worried that if the murderer is still alive, it may prompt him/her to resurface and start killing again. She pores over the prior evidence, suspects, and other records. This is sensitive since Nolasco led the investigation then and is still sore that he could not crack the case. As she digs deeper, she finds aspects of the victims’ profile which should have been probed further. She also hopes advances in forensic science and technology will help.
I loved Tracy’s character, approach and the uneasy truce she reaches with Nolasco to work on this case. In contrast to the simplistic portrayal of Nolasco’s character in the first two books I read, this one has a nuanced characterisation. The police procedures and the development of the plot was excellent. I liked how Tracy tries to understand what kind of a person they are looking for – why the carving? why did he/she change the profile of the victims? Her dialogue with Santos, a profiler and the Cowboy serial killer (from book 2) made for engaging reading. The reasoning at the end could have been a little better.
My rating: 4.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a free electronic review copy.
Over 25 years back, there were a series of murders of over 10 women – all strangled and marked with an angel wings symbol on their bodies. While the first few victims were prostitutes, the last 4 were women who had worked for the city at some point. Johnny Nolasco, now captain, was in-charge of the investigation then. The case was never solved.
As the 25th anniversary of the last murder approaches, Police Chief Weber decides to reopen the cold case after she learns there would be media coverage. She asks Tracy and Nolasco to lead the new investigation, a pair who never got along. Tracy is worried that if the murderer is still alive, it may prompt him/her to resurface and start killing again. She pores over the prior evidence, suspects, and other records. This is sensitive since Nolasco led the investigation then and is still sore that he could not crack the case. As she digs deeper, she finds aspects of the victims’ profile which should have been probed further. She also hopes advances in forensic science and technology will help.
I loved Tracy’s character, approach and the uneasy truce she reaches with Nolasco to work on this case. In contrast to the simplistic portrayal of Nolasco’s character in the first two books I read, this one has a nuanced characterisation. The police procedures and the development of the plot was excellent. I liked how Tracy tries to understand what kind of a person they are looking for – why the carving? why did he/she change the profile of the victims? Her dialogue with Santos, a profiler and the Cowboy serial killer (from book 2) made for engaging reading. The reasoning at the end could have been a little better.
My rating: 4.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a free electronic review copy.
October 8, 2023
4 Stars
One Liner: A solid read
Chief Webber asks Tracy Crosswhite to reopen the Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer case. Tracy is expected to bring closure to the thirteen victims’ families almost twenty-five years later. When she has to work with Johnny Nolasco, Tracy knows it will be an uphill battle.
Nolasco was the lead detective working on the case back then, and somehow, he and Tracy manage to work together in the present time. However, Tracy follows her intuition, which yet again leads her to high-level corruption, cover-ups, and people in power who will do anything to prevent the news from coming out. Still, Tracy will not give up without a fight, especially when the killer strikes again.
The story comes in Tracy’s third-person POV, with a few chapters in the past timeline from Nolasco’s POV.
My Thoughts:
I haven’t read books 1 to 8 in the series but enjoyed the ninth installment. I even read #8.5, The Last Line (short story), which ties up with #9. This helped get a better picture of the context, as there are quite a few references to both in this one.
Tracy solves cold cases (by reopening the investigation and through DNA comparison). After being successful in three such cases, Chief Webber assigns her to another serial killer case. Tracy is a smart, capable, and efficient detective. She is thorough and knows when to follow her hunches.
Though this one doesn’t have much of Del and Faz, they do appear from time to time. Nolasco has a major role, given he was the chief of the investigation back then. I don’t know much about his animosity with Tracy, though there are enough hints to get an idea. Providing his POV from the past helped me consider things from his perspective. This made it easier to understand his actions and motivations.
The pacing is steady, neither slow nor fast. It may seem like not much happens in the first 50-60%, but that’s the thing with reopening cold cases. There is already enough information to go through before finding more. I like how Tracy uses different bits of information and various perspectives to bring everything together. Be it DNA advancement and profiling, she doesn’t ignore things that don’t align with her ideas. Instead, she thinks about how these perspectives can help her solve the case.
I’m waiting for Webber to get her due. Looks like I need to wait longer, and more names are being added to this list. Realistic endings are good, but I don’t mind if a touch of it is compromised to make the readers happy (we know it is not likely to happen in the real world; why not give us the satisfaction on-page). Still, I’m hopeful that justice will be served, one way or another. There will be more books in the series, so we’ll get to it (hopefully).
This should read well as a standalone. However, it will work better if you read at least the previous installment. Even the author calls books 8.5, 9, and 10 a sort of trilogy within the series.
To summarize, One Last Kill is a solid police procedural with relatively less action but a lot of problem-solving. There are enough twists to engage the reader. Looking forward to the next case!
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #OneLastKill
One Liner: A solid read
Chief Webber asks Tracy Crosswhite to reopen the Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer case. Tracy is expected to bring closure to the thirteen victims’ families almost twenty-five years later. When she has to work with Johnny Nolasco, Tracy knows it will be an uphill battle.
Nolasco was the lead detective working on the case back then, and somehow, he and Tracy manage to work together in the present time. However, Tracy follows her intuition, which yet again leads her to high-level corruption, cover-ups, and people in power who will do anything to prevent the news from coming out. Still, Tracy will not give up without a fight, especially when the killer strikes again.
The story comes in Tracy’s third-person POV, with a few chapters in the past timeline from Nolasco’s POV.
My Thoughts:
I haven’t read books 1 to 8 in the series but enjoyed the ninth installment. I even read #8.5, The Last Line (short story), which ties up with #9. This helped get a better picture of the context, as there are quite a few references to both in this one.
Tracy solves cold cases (by reopening the investigation and through DNA comparison). After being successful in three such cases, Chief Webber assigns her to another serial killer case. Tracy is a smart, capable, and efficient detective. She is thorough and knows when to follow her hunches.
Though this one doesn’t have much of Del and Faz, they do appear from time to time. Nolasco has a major role, given he was the chief of the investigation back then. I don’t know much about his animosity with Tracy, though there are enough hints to get an idea. Providing his POV from the past helped me consider things from his perspective. This made it easier to understand his actions and motivations.
The pacing is steady, neither slow nor fast. It may seem like not much happens in the first 50-60%, but that’s the thing with reopening cold cases. There is already enough information to go through before finding more. I like how Tracy uses different bits of information and various perspectives to bring everything together. Be it DNA advancement and profiling, she doesn’t ignore things that don’t align with her ideas. Instead, she thinks about how these perspectives can help her solve the case.
I’m waiting for Webber to get her due. Looks like I need to wait longer, and more names are being added to this list. Realistic endings are good, but I don’t mind if a touch of it is compromised to make the readers happy (we know it is not likely to happen in the real world; why not give us the satisfaction on-page). Still, I’m hopeful that justice will be served, one way or another. There will be more books in the series, so we’ll get to it (hopefully).
This should read well as a standalone. However, it will work better if you read at least the previous installment. Even the author calls books 8.5, 9, and 10 a sort of trilogy within the series.
To summarize, One Last Kill is a solid police procedural with relatively less action but a lot of problem-solving. There are enough twists to engage the reader. Looking forward to the next case!
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #OneLastKill
July 28, 2023
5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I think this one might be the best in the series!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
One Last Kill is the 10th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Robert Dugoni writes an excellent crime thriller with this one.
The police procedures and forensics are very realistic and gripping in this series. The tension and buildup in One Last Kill had me on the edge of my seat with wanting to find out who the Route 99 killer was.
Twenty-five years ago, Seattle had a serial killer targeting prostitutes on SR 99. After many women were killed, the killer aka the "Angel of Death" switches up his targets and starts killing women who are PTA moms or working professionals who live in nice neighborhoods.
Obviously the city and mayor cannot have this type of stain on the city (cue sarcasm) and puts pressure on SPD to put more focus on the killings.
In all honesty, I loved how Dugoni shows a light on how society does not have the same sense of urgency when a prostitute is killed. Well done sir!
The Seattle Police Department’s task force never finds the killer and then one day, the "Angel of Death" just stops.
It’s still one of the biggest cold cases for SPD.
Cue 25 years later.
Detective Tracy Crosswhite was put on cold cases for the last few years and she’s been informed by the chief of police that she's now working on this murder mystery.
SPD wants to get ahead of the bad publicity since Seattle Times is writing a 25-year anniversary article on how the serial killer was never caught.
Tracy ends up being paired up with her nemesis, Sergeant Detective Nolasco who was the original lead detective on the task force.
I loved all of the uneasiness between these two! I just couldn't look away because the drama was great between them. 😂🤣
I read One Last Kill in two days.
I couldn't put this one down due to excellent characters, the storyline is super strong, and the tension is fantastic.
If you are looking for a great crime detective thriller, check out this series.
Dugoni is an excellent writer and he makes you feel like you’re living a real-life case while flipping the pages.
I’m super excited for the next book in the series after plowing through this one!
I think this one might be the best in the series!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
One Last Kill is the 10th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Robert Dugoni writes an excellent crime thriller with this one.
The police procedures and forensics are very realistic and gripping in this series. The tension and buildup in One Last Kill had me on the edge of my seat with wanting to find out who the Route 99 killer was.
Twenty-five years ago, Seattle had a serial killer targeting prostitutes on SR 99. After many women were killed, the killer aka the "Angel of Death" switches up his targets and starts killing women who are PTA moms or working professionals who live in nice neighborhoods.
Obviously the city and mayor cannot have this type of stain on the city (cue sarcasm) and puts pressure on SPD to put more focus on the killings.
In all honesty, I loved how Dugoni shows a light on how society does not have the same sense of urgency when a prostitute is killed. Well done sir!
The Seattle Police Department’s task force never finds the killer and then one day, the "Angel of Death" just stops.
It’s still one of the biggest cold cases for SPD.
Cue 25 years later.
Detective Tracy Crosswhite was put on cold cases for the last few years and she’s been informed by the chief of police that she's now working on this murder mystery.
SPD wants to get ahead of the bad publicity since Seattle Times is writing a 25-year anniversary article on how the serial killer was never caught.
Tracy ends up being paired up with her nemesis, Sergeant Detective Nolasco who was the original lead detective on the task force.
I loved all of the uneasiness between these two! I just couldn't look away because the drama was great between them. 😂🤣
I read One Last Kill in two days.
I couldn't put this one down due to excellent characters, the storyline is super strong, and the tension is fantastic.
If you are looking for a great crime detective thriller, check out this series.
Dugoni is an excellent writer and he makes you feel like you’re living a real-life case while flipping the pages.
I’m super excited for the next book in the series after plowing through this one!
January 8, 2024
Not good. 1 of 10 stars
September 13, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Dugoni, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always happy to reach for another Robert Dugoni novel, I am especially pleased when it is the Tracy Crosswhite series. Dugoni has crafted a strong collection of novels, sure to interest those who enjoy police procedurals, moving from active cases, to cold one, and now delving into a long-ago serial killer who may have re-emerged. Crosswhite has grown throughout the series, as Dugoni puts her in many awkward positions. This novel helps explore some of the backstory of a superior and sworn enemy, Johnny Nolasco, including how his past has come to help shape the bitterness. In a race to find a long dormant serial Killer, Crosswhite and Nolasco will have to put their differences aside in order to find that missing piece of evidence. Dugoni dazzles once more and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Seattle was facing major panic in the 1990s when the Rout 99 serial killer was on the loose. Thirteen victims appear to be attributed to him, though he left only a mark on their left shoulder, something that was never released to the public. Outrage boiled over when four women who worked in the mayor’s office were slain, when the SPD finally took notice. When they could get nowhere, the case was shelved and left to gather dust.
Tracy Crosswhite is tasked with reopening the investigation, pressured by a Chief of Police who remains bitter for some recent accusations. While she would love to work with one of her former partners, she is pushed to work alongside another cop who cut his teeth on the hunt and task force, Captain Johnny Nolasco, Crosswhite’s largest nemesis , who has brought her nothing but pain and misery since she joined the SPD.
Nolasco is not yet ready to let bygones be bygones and challenges Crosswhite to close the case once and for all. The two are forced to revisit old clues and follow-up on some reports from an investigative journalist who blew the lid on another SPD scandal before she was kidnapped and left for dead in California. When Crosswhite thinks that she has found a solid lead, she presses it and reveals the likely killer, who has been lying low for decades. When the man is taken into custody, a new murder with the same marking occurs, leaving many to wonder if they have the wrong man. The pressure of the accusation and the obvious mess-up by SPD has many thinking that the police have dropped the ball once more.
When DNA shines light on a new possibility, Crosswhite and Nolasco will have to act quickly, as someone appears to be haunting them and trying to use their anonymity to their advantage. A killer is out there, and appears ready for one final kill, as Nolasco finally sees Crosswhite’s detective work as pure gold. This will be one case that must be solved in order to bring some form of respect back to the Seattle Police Department. Dugoni proves himself once more and keeps the reader guessing.
There’s noting like a Tracy’s Crosswhite book to get the blood pumping. Dugoni has built up the series over a number of years, adding just the right amount of spice to strong story foundations. The narrative flow guides the reader throughout this piece, leaving little to chance in a series that never turns towards the dull. With great characters, Dugoni has been able to set the groundwork for strong development and, in this case, turning a minor character into someone whose backstory is quite intriguing. Plot points emerge throughout the story, providing some surprises for the reader and keeping the novel from being too linear. Many will ask, should the series be read in order? Dugoni builds on themes and makes references to past novels, making reading the books in order an essential. I am eager to see what Robert Dugoni has to offer in the coming years, as Tracy Crosswhite appears far from done her work with the Seattle Police Department.
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for another great addition to the series that makes it even more enticing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/on...
Always happy to reach for another Robert Dugoni novel, I am especially pleased when it is the Tracy Crosswhite series. Dugoni has crafted a strong collection of novels, sure to interest those who enjoy police procedurals, moving from active cases, to cold one, and now delving into a long-ago serial killer who may have re-emerged. Crosswhite has grown throughout the series, as Dugoni puts her in many awkward positions. This novel helps explore some of the backstory of a superior and sworn enemy, Johnny Nolasco, including how his past has come to help shape the bitterness. In a race to find a long dormant serial Killer, Crosswhite and Nolasco will have to put their differences aside in order to find that missing piece of evidence. Dugoni dazzles once more and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Seattle was facing major panic in the 1990s when the Rout 99 serial killer was on the loose. Thirteen victims appear to be attributed to him, though he left only a mark on their left shoulder, something that was never released to the public. Outrage boiled over when four women who worked in the mayor’s office were slain, when the SPD finally took notice. When they could get nowhere, the case was shelved and left to gather dust.
Tracy Crosswhite is tasked with reopening the investigation, pressured by a Chief of Police who remains bitter for some recent accusations. While she would love to work with one of her former partners, she is pushed to work alongside another cop who cut his teeth on the hunt and task force, Captain Johnny Nolasco, Crosswhite’s largest nemesis , who has brought her nothing but pain and misery since she joined the SPD.
Nolasco is not yet ready to let bygones be bygones and challenges Crosswhite to close the case once and for all. The two are forced to revisit old clues and follow-up on some reports from an investigative journalist who blew the lid on another SPD scandal before she was kidnapped and left for dead in California. When Crosswhite thinks that she has found a solid lead, she presses it and reveals the likely killer, who has been lying low for decades. When the man is taken into custody, a new murder with the same marking occurs, leaving many to wonder if they have the wrong man. The pressure of the accusation and the obvious mess-up by SPD has many thinking that the police have dropped the ball once more.
When DNA shines light on a new possibility, Crosswhite and Nolasco will have to act quickly, as someone appears to be haunting them and trying to use their anonymity to their advantage. A killer is out there, and appears ready for one final kill, as Nolasco finally sees Crosswhite’s detective work as pure gold. This will be one case that must be solved in order to bring some form of respect back to the Seattle Police Department. Dugoni proves himself once more and keeps the reader guessing.
There’s noting like a Tracy’s Crosswhite book to get the blood pumping. Dugoni has built up the series over a number of years, adding just the right amount of spice to strong story foundations. The narrative flow guides the reader throughout this piece, leaving little to chance in a series that never turns towards the dull. With great characters, Dugoni has been able to set the groundwork for strong development and, in this case, turning a minor character into someone whose backstory is quite intriguing. Plot points emerge throughout the story, providing some surprises for the reader and keeping the novel from being too linear. Many will ask, should the series be read in order? Dugoni builds on themes and makes references to past novels, making reading the books in order an essential. I am eager to see what Robert Dugoni has to offer in the coming years, as Tracy Crosswhite appears far from done her work with the Seattle Police Department.
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for another great addition to the series that makes it even more enticing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/on...
November 7, 2023
Chief of Police Marcella Weber has ordered Detective Tracy Crosswhite to work on the Route 99 Serial Killer cold case. It's been nearly twenty-five years since thirteen women were killed over a two-year span. No arrests were ever made. A task force led by Captain Johnny Nolasco was disbanded when the murders stopped. Now Chief Webber has ordered Tracy to work this case and make an arrest. When Tracy asks for help, the Chief assigns Tracy's nemesis, Johnny Nolasco, as Tracy's partner. It has always bothered Nolasco that the killer was never found. He reluctantly joins Tracy in picking apart the case to see what was missed.
When I read that Tracy and Nolasco would be put together to work a case, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book. These two have despised each other since Nolasco was Tracy's training officer at the academy. I loved how they went from not trusting each other to learning that each of them has the skills of a good detective who wants to solve the case. This book had several twists and turns which kept me glued to the story.
This is the tenth book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. If you haven't tried this series, do not start with this book. Always start at the beginning of the series. But, if you can't, you must read book 9 which sets up the story and characters. My rating: 5 Stars.
When I read that Tracy and Nolasco would be put together to work a case, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book. These two have despised each other since Nolasco was Tracy's training officer at the academy. I loved how they went from not trusting each other to learning that each of them has the skills of a good detective who wants to solve the case. This book had several twists and turns which kept me glued to the story.
This is the tenth book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. If you haven't tried this series, do not start with this book. Always start at the beginning of the series. But, if you can't, you must read book 9 which sets up the story and characters. My rating: 5 Stars.
April 14, 2023
Huge thanks to both Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of One Last Kill!
This is Mr. Dugoni's 10th book in the Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite series. It's quite the page-turner in addition to a police procedural! The expected publication is October 3, 2023.
One Last Kill draws a long-dormant serial killer out of hiding in this riveting book. Tracy Crosswhite is reopening the investigation into Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After thirteen victims, he stopped hunting and the trail went cold. Why he stopped is a total mystery.
I very much enjoyed the uneasy alliance between Tracy and Captain Johnny Nolasco! They were both fantastic this time around. It was also nice to have Faz and Del show up, even though they played lesser parts. Although some readers may have guessed the killer's identity, I wasn't one of them...
Mr. Dugoni is one of my very favorite authors and I hope this series never ends!!!
This is Mr. Dugoni's 10th book in the Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite series. It's quite the page-turner in addition to a police procedural! The expected publication is October 3, 2023.
One Last Kill draws a long-dormant serial killer out of hiding in this riveting book. Tracy Crosswhite is reopening the investigation into Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After thirteen victims, he stopped hunting and the trail went cold. Why he stopped is a total mystery.
I very much enjoyed the uneasy alliance between Tracy and Captain Johnny Nolasco! They were both fantastic this time around. It was also nice to have Faz and Del show up, even though they played lesser parts. Although some readers may have guessed the killer's identity, I wasn't one of them...
Mr. Dugoni is one of my very favorite authors and I hope this series never ends!!!
October 5, 2023
This is the 10th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series and is as engrossing as the previous books. She's once again on the trail of a serial killer in a cold case.
Description:
Tracy Crosswhite is reopening the investigation into Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After thirteen victims, he stopped hunting and the trail went cold, stirring public outrage. Now, nearly three decades after his first kill, Tracy is expected to finally bring closure to the victims’ families and redeem the Seattle PD’s reputation. Even if it means working with her nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco.
Lead detective of the original task force, Nolasco dares Tracy to do what he failed to: close the case. Forming an uneasy alliance, Tracy and Nolasco revisit old leads and pursue new evidence only to unearth high-level corruption and cover-ups as dangerous as the elusive killer himself. At the risk of being exposed, such deadly and powerful forces will go to extremes to stay in the shadows.
That’s just where Tracy and Nolasco are headed—to find the twisted truth behind a killer’s motives, his disappearance, and his chilling comeback.
My Thoughts:
I'm a Tracy Crosswhite fan (and, of course, a Robert Dugoni fan)! I've followed this series from the start and I don't think I've missed any of the books. Tracy delves into corruption in her own department with a fearlessness that is admirable, no matter the cost to herself. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone, but it's always nice to have the history from earlier books to get the complete picture. Dugoni puts forward a good plot and I enjoyed it. The Crosswhite series are great police procedurals and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this type of book.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy. Publication date is October 3, 2
Description:
Tracy Crosswhite is reopening the investigation into Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After thirteen victims, he stopped hunting and the trail went cold, stirring public outrage. Now, nearly three decades after his first kill, Tracy is expected to finally bring closure to the victims’ families and redeem the Seattle PD’s reputation. Even if it means working with her nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco.
Lead detective of the original task force, Nolasco dares Tracy to do what he failed to: close the case. Forming an uneasy alliance, Tracy and Nolasco revisit old leads and pursue new evidence only to unearth high-level corruption and cover-ups as dangerous as the elusive killer himself. At the risk of being exposed, such deadly and powerful forces will go to extremes to stay in the shadows.
That’s just where Tracy and Nolasco are headed—to find the twisted truth behind a killer’s motives, his disappearance, and his chilling comeback.
My Thoughts:
I'm a Tracy Crosswhite fan (and, of course, a Robert Dugoni fan)! I've followed this series from the start and I don't think I've missed any of the books. Tracy delves into corruption in her own department with a fearlessness that is admirable, no matter the cost to herself. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone, but it's always nice to have the history from earlier books to get the complete picture. Dugoni puts forward a good plot and I enjoyed it. The Crosswhite series are great police procedurals and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this type of book.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy. Publication date is October 3, 2
May 19, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up! This was only my second title in the Tracy Crosswhite series, so I was concerned that missing some of the incoming storyline would affect my full understanding of the story and character relationships. However, Dugoni does a great job of laying everything out. There are a lot of characters and character backgrounds presented at the beginning which seemed a bit much, but once the story got going, it was smooth. yet exciting reading. It's obvious that Dugoni really understands the ins and outs of an urban police/detective workforce incorporating characters from many different teams and personalities into the storyline. He also touches on the current Seattle political climate of having to deal with the defunding of the police force, without being overbearing. This book contains crime and mystery, corruption, lies, danger, excitement, clashing personalities and family relationships. It can be read as a standalone; however, I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
July 22, 2023
When a local newspaper is about to print a series of stories about the 25 year old unsolved Route 99 murders, Seattle Chief of Police wants to solve the case before the department is embarrassed. That task is given to one woman cold case Detective Tracy Crosswhite. Assigned to help her is her nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco. As she feared, the publicity given to the murders results in a new killing by the long dormant perpetrator. As she follows the clues, they lead back to the department as well as City Hall.
I have a few go- to can’t miss series that I follow and one of them features prolific writer Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite. This is the tenth book in the series. It is also the third of a trilogy within that series. However, it reads well as a standalone. There is one problem with this series…whenever a new one is available, everything else in my life stops as I compulsively read it from cover to cover.
Well plotted, with great characterizations, twists, turns, red herrings, and a dual timeline, this is yet another worthy addition to the series. References to real life cases such as the Green River killer and Ted Bundy added authenticity to this fictional investigation. Although I thought it fairly easy to guess the killer’s identity at one point in the book, that did not take away from my enjoyment of it. Some may find the ending frustrating, other will find it quite realistic. For those who enjoy mysteries, crime thrillers, or police procedurals, especially those featuring a strong, capable female, I highly recommend this book and all the ones that came before it. I can’t wait for the next one. If you are not familiar with Robert Dugoni’s works, do acquaint become acquainted with them.
Thanks to #netgalley and #thomasandmercer for the ARC.
I have a few go- to can’t miss series that I follow and one of them features prolific writer Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite. This is the tenth book in the series. It is also the third of a trilogy within that series. However, it reads well as a standalone. There is one problem with this series…whenever a new one is available, everything else in my life stops as I compulsively read it from cover to cover.
Well plotted, with great characterizations, twists, turns, red herrings, and a dual timeline, this is yet another worthy addition to the series. References to real life cases such as the Green River killer and Ted Bundy added authenticity to this fictional investigation. Although I thought it fairly easy to guess the killer’s identity at one point in the book, that did not take away from my enjoyment of it. Some may find the ending frustrating, other will find it quite realistic. For those who enjoy mysteries, crime thrillers, or police procedurals, especially those featuring a strong, capable female, I highly recommend this book and all the ones that came before it. I can’t wait for the next one. If you are not familiar with Robert Dugoni’s works, do acquaint become acquainted with them.
Thanks to #netgalley and #thomasandmercer for the ARC.
October 28, 2023
another fast-paced Dugoni thriller ... as always, excellent character development and plot lines
October 3, 2023
**Happy Publication Day!!**
In this book's Acknowledgments, Robert Dugoni explains how he came to write a trilogy within the ten books of his Tracy Crosswhite series--one piggybacking off the other. This is the third in that set but it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel, as I have done.
Tracy Crosswhite IS the Seattle Police Department's entire Cold Case Unit and the Chief of Police, Marcella Weber, has assigned her a tough case to look into: the Route 99 Killer who murdered 13 women 25 years ago before disappearing. It seems the Seattle Times is planning to publish a special anniversary edition about the murders and Weber wants it to look like the police are currently on top of things, using all the latest tools science has to offer to find the killer and bring the families closure. Johnny Nolasco, current Violent Crimes section captain, will be working with Tracy. He had been the lead task force detective on the original case and is none too thrilled to have his team's methods picked apart and questioned.
This is a cracking good police procedural that keeps the reader guessing till the end with some nice twists along the way. Tracy is smart and tenacious, wanting to get at the truth even if it means her job. I will definitely look forward to reading the other books in this series now.
I received an arc of this thriller from the author and publisher via NetGalley, My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
In this book's Acknowledgments, Robert Dugoni explains how he came to write a trilogy within the ten books of his Tracy Crosswhite series--one piggybacking off the other. This is the third in that set but it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel, as I have done.
Tracy Crosswhite IS the Seattle Police Department's entire Cold Case Unit and the Chief of Police, Marcella Weber, has assigned her a tough case to look into: the Route 99 Killer who murdered 13 women 25 years ago before disappearing. It seems the Seattle Times is planning to publish a special anniversary edition about the murders and Weber wants it to look like the police are currently on top of things, using all the latest tools science has to offer to find the killer and bring the families closure. Johnny Nolasco, current Violent Crimes section captain, will be working with Tracy. He had been the lead task force detective on the original case and is none too thrilled to have his team's methods picked apart and questioned.
This is a cracking good police procedural that keeps the reader guessing till the end with some nice twists along the way. Tracy is smart and tenacious, wanting to get at the truth even if it means her job. I will definitely look forward to reading the other books in this series now.
I received an arc of this thriller from the author and publisher via NetGalley, My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 27, 2023
One Last Kill is the tenth book in the Tracy Crosswhite series by best-selling award-winning American author, Robert Dugoni. When Seattle PD’s corrupt Chief of Police, Marcella Weber sets Cold Case detective Tracy Crosswhite the task of solving a twenty-five-year-old serial killer case, Tracy knows it’s a political move: if she solves it, her Captain, Johnny Nolasco will get the credit; if she fails, it will underline the need for the city to inject more funds into the Police Department.
Back in 1993, Johnny Nolasco headed a task force trying to solve the Route 99 killings: thirteen women who were strangled, had a symbol carved into their backs, then dumped. The first nine were of lower socio-economic status; the last four were middleclass wives and mothers who worked for the City. When the killer stopped, in 1995, the task force was no closer to finding the perpetrator.
And while Vic Fazzio was part of that task force, Tracy is forced to work with her least favourite colleague, Johnny Nolasco, who is immediately resentful of having his performance questioned, and is less than forthcoming with what he knows.
And publicising Tracy’s role the way Chief Weber has? Several people believe that will push the killer to having another go, to prove his superiority. As well as asking the advice of an FBI profiler, Tracy’s lateral thinking leads her to seek out the insights of another serial killer. And whether the initial victims were practice runs, she can’t know, but concentrating on what the final four have in common makes the most sense.
Then one of the original suspects is detained for attempting to strangle a hooker. Will his DNA, after twenty-five years, confirm that he is the killer?
In this instalment, Tracy’s close work with her nemesis reveals that perhaps Nolasco is human under his reptile skin. Hungry for favourable publicity, their Chief of Police jumps the gun against Tracy’s better instincts, to their later cost. There are red herrings and distractions that keep most readers guessing up to the final reveal, a reveal that might need the donning of disbelief suspenders. The resolution, though, not at all neatly tied up in a bow, is realistic. Addictive crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer.
Back in 1993, Johnny Nolasco headed a task force trying to solve the Route 99 killings: thirteen women who were strangled, had a symbol carved into their backs, then dumped. The first nine were of lower socio-economic status; the last four were middleclass wives and mothers who worked for the City. When the killer stopped, in 1995, the task force was no closer to finding the perpetrator.
And while Vic Fazzio was part of that task force, Tracy is forced to work with her least favourite colleague, Johnny Nolasco, who is immediately resentful of having his performance questioned, and is less than forthcoming with what he knows.
And publicising Tracy’s role the way Chief Weber has? Several people believe that will push the killer to having another go, to prove his superiority. As well as asking the advice of an FBI profiler, Tracy’s lateral thinking leads her to seek out the insights of another serial killer. And whether the initial victims were practice runs, she can’t know, but concentrating on what the final four have in common makes the most sense.
Then one of the original suspects is detained for attempting to strangle a hooker. Will his DNA, after twenty-five years, confirm that he is the killer?
In this instalment, Tracy’s close work with her nemesis reveals that perhaps Nolasco is human under his reptile skin. Hungry for favourable publicity, their Chief of Police jumps the gun against Tracy’s better instincts, to their later cost. There are red herrings and distractions that keep most readers guessing up to the final reveal, a reveal that might need the donning of disbelief suspenders. The resolution, though, not at all neatly tied up in a bow, is realistic. Addictive crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer.
August 4, 2023
Book 10 in the series and boy what an addition.
Tracy is instructed to reopen an old case of a serial killer called the Route 99 killer. An unsolved case where the killer stopped killing many years ago, a local paper is running a series of stories on it leading up to its anniversary.
The task force set up to catch the killer never did and there was public outrage. Not wanting the negative press again and looking for an easy scapegoat, Tracy’s boss puts her on the case with her nemesis and superior Nolasco.
An unlikely partnership with plenty of history from previous books, their fractured relationship has to be put to one side as the killer starts killing again and they are under ever increasing pressure to find the culprit.
An utterly enthralling read that references past books aplenty, we have dirty cops, corrupt politicians and of course a serial killer.
Dugoni weaves you through the complex story and circumstances with ease as you turn another page in anticipation. A superbly crafted story, this series is one that just keeps giving thankfully.
Up there with, if not the strongest in the series so far. An absolute powerhouse of a book. Loved loved loved it.
Thanks for the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
Tracy is instructed to reopen an old case of a serial killer called the Route 99 killer. An unsolved case where the killer stopped killing many years ago, a local paper is running a series of stories on it leading up to its anniversary.
The task force set up to catch the killer never did and there was public outrage. Not wanting the negative press again and looking for an easy scapegoat, Tracy’s boss puts her on the case with her nemesis and superior Nolasco.
An unlikely partnership with plenty of history from previous books, their fractured relationship has to be put to one side as the killer starts killing again and they are under ever increasing pressure to find the culprit.
An utterly enthralling read that references past books aplenty, we have dirty cops, corrupt politicians and of course a serial killer.
Dugoni weaves you through the complex story and circumstances with ease as you turn another page in anticipation. A superbly crafted story, this series is one that just keeps giving thankfully.
Up there with, if not the strongest in the series so far. An absolute powerhouse of a book. Loved loved loved it.
Thanks for the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
October 11, 2023
The Tracy Crosswhite novels are one of the best police procedural series I have read. The characters are fully developed and relatable. The plots and stories are realistic. Most significantly, Robert Dugoni is a terrific writer. I have read everything he has published and enjoyed every single book.
February 18, 2024
4.5
I absolutely love this series. Robert Dugoni is a fantastic author who writes about law enforcement with more accuracy and respect than many.
I’m waiting for #11. 🙂🙏🏼
I absolutely love this series. Robert Dugoni is a fantastic author who writes about law enforcement with more accuracy and respect than many.
I’m waiting for #11. 🙂🙏🏼
October 30, 2023
This 10th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series delivers various challenges, one of which includes how to get along with one antagonistic boss. Some of the shenanigans are off the charts when it comes to plausibility, but the main chain of action headed by Tracy working with former nemesis is captivating -- ending in a successful conclusion. DNA is one of the main characters as Tracy and partner manage to come together in the joint cause of finding justice and preventing more murders.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
August 6, 2024
Another 5 stars for Dugoni. It was far-reaching enough to keep you entertained, but simple enough to be believable, like something you would see on the news. It held my attention throughout the book and there were only a few places where I skimmed, which is not unusual for me. Sometimes when I skim too much of the book, it means I hate it and cannot get into it at all, but in this case, this was a good skimming because I was anxious to get to the end. Great ending and did not see that coming. I find I have a similar writing style to Dugoni, and as the author of the first book in my series - Sutherland's Crossing - A Beau Crenshaw Detective Novel, when I realized this, I was quite happy with that comparison.
July 16, 2023
One Last Kill is the 10th entry in the popular Tracy Crosswhite series by author Robert Dugoni. This one can be read as standalone but I’d recommend reading the others to get the most enjoyment out of this. This book managed to pull off an incredible feat – it made me actually like Nolasco! I found I really enjoyed his POV sections and the character depth explored in this one. Overall, this one was an enjoyable, fun to read and fast-paced police procedural. Tracy and colleagues are investigating a serial killer cold case. This one had red herrings, twists and turns and intriguing mystery we have come to love and expect in this series. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for Tracy and her team.
October 2, 2023
4.5 STARS - Robert Dugoni is a must-read author for me. I have read 16 of his books in three out of his four series and have been impressed with every single one. One Last Kill is the tenth book in his Tracy Crosswhite suspense series, and it just keeps getting better and better.
You'd think that ten books in things would get stale, but Dugoni puts a little twist in this book by pairing Tracy with her professional nemesis - Captain Johnny Nolasco. I did not see that coming. And despite seeing less of Tracy's old partners Del and Faz (whose humour I enjoy), I loved the uneasy alliance between Tracy and Nolasco, two strong characters who have a very turbulent history.
The story starts off a bit slow but soon picks up steam with a plot that is tied to an earlier case Tracy worked on. I struggled a bit to remember some of the facts of the last book, but quickly got up to speed as Dugoni adds twists and red herrings to keep Tracy, Nolasco and the reader on their proverbial toes.
This is the third book of a trilogy within the larger Tracy Crosswhite series. I would highly recommend reading this series in order, but for this book specifically I think you'll get much more out of it if you've at least read the previous book (What She Found) because much of this book is connected to its storyline and characters that were introduced in that book.
If you're looking for an author who can keep you glued to the page, who can write a realistic legal/police procedural, wonderful characterizations and give you lots of good twists, you need to start reading Robert Dugoni pronto.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 29, 2023
Rtc closer to the pub day
April 20, 2023
I LOVE how this author weaves a story. His characters literally step off the pages. You know an author has done their job when they can make you feel so strongly about a story and it’s characters. I have never been one to reveal spoilers. I’m struggling with not revealing it here. But I will not.
Tracy Crosswhite is such a bada$$. I love how she digs in and gets to the root of the crime. And man I need Weber to get hers because I despise her. I didn’t think I could despise a character more than Nolasco but I was wrong. So wrong. Oh don’t worry I still find him to be an a$$ but Weber really is a creep.
Since the short story this story thread has been running through multiple books. And Dugoni did a great job pulling you deeper into it all in this book. The twisted webs, crooked characters and Tracy being forced to work with someone that has treated her so poorly made for a crazy epic story. I have to say I was mad how the end was twisted and left those who deserved to go down in a ball of flames once again go free.
I also love that she is so loyal to her I met circle. I can’t wait to see what’s next Snd fingers crossed that certain characters get what they deserve. If you love a great crime thriller like Lisa Regan, Debra Webb. Wendy Dranfield and Charly Cox…this author is a must read.
Tracy Crosswhite is such a bada$$. I love how she digs in and gets to the root of the crime. And man I need Weber to get hers because I despise her. I didn’t think I could despise a character more than Nolasco but I was wrong. So wrong. Oh don’t worry I still find him to be an a$$ but Weber really is a creep.
Since the short story this story thread has been running through multiple books. And Dugoni did a great job pulling you deeper into it all in this book. The twisted webs, crooked characters and Tracy being forced to work with someone that has treated her so poorly made for a crazy epic story. I have to say I was mad how the end was twisted and left those who deserved to go down in a ball of flames once again go free.
I also love that she is so loyal to her I met circle. I can’t wait to see what’s next Snd fingers crossed that certain characters get what they deserve. If you love a great crime thriller like Lisa Regan, Debra Webb. Wendy Dranfield and Charly Cox…this author is a must read.
August 16, 2023
Tracy Crosswhite book # 10
When I see a Robert Dugoni novel I have to put my hands on it, he is on the top of my favourite authors list. Although this latest is part of a series the story stands well on its own although it is a good idea to have read the previous installments to understands the politics within the police department and the pressure driving Tracy. This latest is an excellent addition to the series.
In a few words:
Hunting for a serial killer three decades later is not an easy task Tracy is just the person that could pull this through, she is expected to put all her attention on this cold case and bring the victim’s family closure.... even if it means working with her nemesis Captain Johnny Nolasco. Nolasco dares her to close the case...Revisiting old evidences and new .ones they unearth corruption and cover-ups...The illusive killer makes his chilling comeback.
My thoughts:
The chemistry between the two characters is interesting. Obvious, they don’t like each other even less working together, totally annoyed with every moves the other does. Nevertheless when they uncover a web of high level corruption and cover-ups Tracy and Nolasco pool they efforts and refused to give up.
I was immediately drawn into the plot which at first was rather slow to take sail and get going but when Tracy and Nolasco explored the leads and closer to the truth the got, danger lurked at every corner, tension mount and the story sets off into a pulse pounding mystery.
“One Last Kill” is well plotted, the characters play excellent roles, the many twist and turns give an excellent spin to be enjoyed. It is said in the third person narrative and in a dual timeline between the present when case was reopened and the 1993-1996 investigation into the first murder. It was very captivating to follow the different approaches. Although I loved the story mostly, the ending was a big disappointment... Justice wasn’t served here...
If you enjoy police procedurals and crime mysteries featuring a strong lead female investigator you may want to give this one a go.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this ARC
When I see a Robert Dugoni novel I have to put my hands on it, he is on the top of my favourite authors list. Although this latest is part of a series the story stands well on its own although it is a good idea to have read the previous installments to understands the politics within the police department and the pressure driving Tracy. This latest is an excellent addition to the series.
In a few words:
Hunting for a serial killer three decades later is not an easy task Tracy is just the person that could pull this through, she is expected to put all her attention on this cold case and bring the victim’s family closure.... even if it means working with her nemesis Captain Johnny Nolasco. Nolasco dares her to close the case...Revisiting old evidences and new .ones they unearth corruption and cover-ups...The illusive killer makes his chilling comeback.
My thoughts:
The chemistry between the two characters is interesting. Obvious, they don’t like each other even less working together, totally annoyed with every moves the other does. Nevertheless when they uncover a web of high level corruption and cover-ups Tracy and Nolasco pool they efforts and refused to give up.
I was immediately drawn into the plot which at first was rather slow to take sail and get going but when Tracy and Nolasco explored the leads and closer to the truth the got, danger lurked at every corner, tension mount and the story sets off into a pulse pounding mystery.
“One Last Kill” is well plotted, the characters play excellent roles, the many twist and turns give an excellent spin to be enjoyed. It is said in the third person narrative and in a dual timeline between the present when case was reopened and the 1993-1996 investigation into the first murder. It was very captivating to follow the different approaches. Although I loved the story mostly, the ending was a big disappointment... Justice wasn’t served here...
If you enjoy police procedurals and crime mysteries featuring a strong lead female investigator you may want to give this one a go.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this ARC
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