Cover Image: Her Last Move

Her Last Move

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Member Reviews

This is yet another incredible read by John Marrs. This is a tale of a serial killer, a DS called Becca Vincent and Joe the super recogniser. Becca is a single mum bringing up her ‘special’ daughter Maisie with her mother’s help. As the bodies build and Becca is deep into her most important case what will she choose to focus on her job or her child ? And when she finally chooses will there be a relationship or job to choose.

This is an edge of your seat, unputdownable novel .. If you like a good psychological thriller or police procedural novel this has everything you’re looking for and more. Even the very final page leaves you wanting more. I’m ready for the next novel from this great author.
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My first John Marrs book and definitely not my last! I’d heard many many fantastic things about John’s books and wondered if they’d live up to the hype. For someone as fussy with what I read as I am, it had to be one hella book to hold my interest and this book exceeded all my expectations and did not disappoint!

This book had me on the edge of my seat. I became invested in Beccs and Joe while they hunted a serial killer and I was so enthralled with the story I felt like I was part of the investigation myself! As the story unfolded, I was aware I was holding my breath and my hands were covering my open mouth as the storyline became so real it was impossible to tear my eyes away! Johns twists left me gobsmacked, incredulous and utterly speechless but what I most loved was the closure of the storyline. Even after the crucial twist I NEVER saw coming, the book proceeded to ensure the readers questions were answered that were raised along the way and I appreciate that John took the extra time to end the book completely.

I’m so thrilled to know John has 4 other books to read (which I own) and I can’t wait to see where this incredible authors talent will take me next!

A brilliant 5⭐️ from me!
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Marrs never fails to disappoint. I’ve been waiting for a thriller to keep me guessing till the end. Excellent story following  Becca who for her own tragic reasons wanted to help those around her. A definite page turner that I couldn’t put down.
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I could not get into this book, I will try again another time.  I have a lot going on at this time and my moms nd keeps drifting, and more books keep appearing that I want to read as well!
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A spate of murders, but is it a serial killer?  The victims die horribly and all in a short space of time, so what is the connection?  A huge problem for the police.  Joe and Becca from two different departments work together to solve the case.  On one hand I loved this book but on the other was irritated by the actions of some of the characters who were never 100% focused on what they were meant to be doing and it began to get very tiresome! That niggle aside, it was a great story and hard to put down.  Started with plenty of oomph and finished in the same manner.  Plenty of thrills and spills to keep the reader intrigued.
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Thank you Netgalley for the copy of the book. 
It’s really hard for me to review this book. I love John Marrs’ books - “The One” and “Good Samaritan” are still Masterpieces for me. And when I got that book, I was full of hope, excited and with high expectations. If I haven’t known John Marrs is the author, I would have never guessed. It seems different to his other books. The plot is ok, not too bad... even good I’d say. But just good. The book lacks twists and never really surprised me. I waited for “something” to happen, something that would make me say “wow!!! I would have never thought!” Chapter after chapter I was losing hope, but deep down I KNEW there’d come up something in the end that would prove John’s Marrs books are the best and never fail. Sadly - nothing happened. Book finished, mystery solved. Next. 
I’m quite disappointed, because I expected much more from this author’s book.
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With all John Marrs books you are gripped from page one. His writing style lets you connect with each and everyone of his characters. I loved his first step into writing a thrilling serial killer novel. Hoping it won't be his last. A very worth 5 star read.
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Once again, Marrs is back with another addictive disturbing novel. There is a lovely thing about John Marrs’ books – fully fleshed characters and crazy twisted, complex plots! Always enjoy the characters, plots, and twists and turns.
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Wow wow wow.. you’ve  done it again Mr Marrs !!! Absoloutely love this book and the characters ! Fast paced ,short,sharp chapters and twists and turns I hosnerlt didn’t expect ! Easy 5 out of 5. My thanks to the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this
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Holy cannoli this was one hell of a read you guys! I was a huge fan of Marrs last book, The Good Samaritan and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. The wait was well worth it and one of the many things that made this a standout for me was that it was SO vastly different from his previous work but still outstanding, it’s so impressive when an author pushes the boundaries and shakes things up with each new book release.

This follows Becca, a police officer working on the case, Joe, another cop, but in a different department and then you hear from the elusive killer as well. All three were fascinating in their own way, Becca is trying to balance her work and home life, but her issues aren’t typical and were a new set of circumstances from the norm in a police procedural. Joe is what’s called a super recognizer, something I didn’t even realized I existed but I read several articles and was blown away. (Look it up, so cool!) The chapters from the killer were chilling, insight into a murderers motivations and thought processes always interests me and his were at once original and scary. All three were so very well developed, they were complex, deep and had interesting secrets.

While the tension throughout was great, a steady buildup for the most part, by the end my heart was in my throat and then something HUGE happened and let’s just say I was stunned. Not the direction I expected at all, but I respect the author so much for so many ballsy moves, I love nothing more than a bold story with risks and Marrs proves with this book that he is a force to be reckoned with. Highly recommended for thriller lovers but especially those who like a good police procedural as well.

Her Last Move in three words: Shocking, Intricate and Intense.
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There is nothing quite like a complex crime novel with a myriad of plot twists and turns to curl up with on a cool Autumn evening. Her Last Move had it all, an increasingly dangerous psychopath, a detective constable torn between being the best detective she could be and a Mum and, a detective with a difference, a super recogniser who could memorise faces.

They each had a past, a secret, one they wanted to remain hidden, but as we all know a good crime novelist doesn’t allow secrets to be buried for long, and Marrs really did put me through the proverbial mill as he told their stories.

I loved that each of the characters were so different, particularly Joe and Becca. Becca, had two distinct sides, that of a police officer desperate to make her mark as a detective,  and that of a mother attempting to balance the two roles. She had masses of determination and tenacity and if at first she appeared dismissive of Joe and his talents she soon learnt to appreciate his skills as the investigation evolved.

Joe, was just lovely, a man who you knew would be loyal, who you could trust, a man who battled his own demons, yet immersed himself in the investigation to the detriment of his own health.

As for the killer, he was evil personified, a man who you hated more and more as you read, even if his motives had a tinge of human emotion attached to them. His quest for revenge, was one of torture and violence and definitely not for the faint hearted, yet you had to admire his inventiveness and thorough planning and preparation!  

Marr’s didn’t let the reader rest as the stakes were raised for all those involved and, you wondered just how Becca and Joe would finally snag their prey.

Their pasts slowly tumbled out and this only made me like Joe and Becca even more and I was hoping that they would be triumphant in their quest to catch the killer.

We all know that the course of a good thriller never runs as we would like or predict and Marrs excelled on the surprise front, throwing in a few curve balls that took me completely by surprise.

There was fantastic tension and drama throughout, the pace unrelenting, the descriptive narrative, almost too much too bear at one point, as you kept your fingers crossed for a happy ending. He definitely had me on the edge of my seat at times, an element that I love in a good thriller.

It was a thriller with a palpable air of menace, of evil, but also a reminder of the capacity us humans have for hurting others and how it can affect our futures. 

It couldn’t be more different from Marr’s previous novel, The One, showcasing his wonderful ability to be more than a one genre author. Roll on the next novel!!
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Oh wow. Put some time away for this book. It has all the ingredients for a terrific psychological thriller.

No spoilers from me.  Book is great with lots of lies, deception, tragedy, and twists. Also, loved the unpredictable ending.  Can't say enough great about this. Read it today!!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this fabulous book.
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This fast-paced thriller was a quick read, and the gradual release of information throughout the story keeps the reading wanting to come back for more. Although the story was a little predictable at times, I kept wanting to read on to get to the end. For some, the ending will not be satisfying, but sometimes it's better to end in a realistic manner. I've enjoyed John Marrs writing, and I will continue to read books by this author. 

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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I had heard lots about John Marrs books but until now I haven't read any so thought I would give this a go and I was not disappointed.
DS Becca Vincent was on the platform when someone fell under the train and when it turns out to be more than a fall she has the opportunity to show her worth as a detective, this is the opening she has been waiting for. When more bodies are added on to the case she finds herself a little out of her depth and is introduced to a super recogniser Joe Russell who can pick out a face in a crowd with no problem. Both the characters have great personal stories that are woven in without distracting from the initial story line. I found myself not wanting it to end but as usual all good things have to end but the ending was as explosive as the beginning. 
Great book, thank you NetGalley for my copy
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You can always rely on John Marrs to write something with a darkness leeching from the pages, and if the thrilling darkness wasn’t enough, there is a twisted and thought provoking tale to delight readers.

Usually penning psychological thrillers, Her Last Move marks a change for Marrs. This foray into the world of police procedurals is a good move for Marrs, he makes use of his trademark tense and enthralling writing to make this a pacy read with some incredibly well crafted characters.

The characters in this are particularly interesting, facial recognition expert Joe Russell is one that I enjoyed getting to know. His backstory adds another layer to this fascinating creation, and provides means and explanations for the quirks of the character. His use of this “gift” really gives readers something to think about and appreciate.
DS Becca Vincent needs to solve this case, stopping the gruesome murderer could be the case that makes her career, gives her a foothold on the ladder and means that she will be taken seriously professionally. As always, this author has a way of making you take his characters into your heart, makes you care about them and their fates and Becca is one that I found I wanted a good outcome for. The more I read about her, the more invested I became, watching her struggles and the complexities of her personal life unfolding gave me a greater appreciation for her. 

There are murders aplenty in the opening quarter of the book, this is a skilled and inventive murderer, which makes for a thrilling and exciting read. The pace then slows somewhat as the focus turns to the investigation by the police. This is a different type of tension, the buzz as the investigation uncovers the clues behind the identity of the killer.
Marrs keeps readers on the back foot as he increases the tension again and brings to a conclusion this dark and thrilling read.
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I'm a huge John Marrs fan and have read all his books and, although they're not really comparable against each other, as they're all very different, Her Last Move may be my new favourite. I love the concept of using that under appreciated police department of the super-identifiers. Unusual and clever. Becca is a superb character, I completely bought in to her back story and ongoing predicaments. The relationship between her and Joe, which turned out to be even better than originally intimated, was just divine. The story was very different to usual psychological thriller fare, and I was impressed with Mr Marrs taking a risk with an individual and atypical story. The fast pace of the killer was matched by the fast pace of the book, and I found myself staying up until 4am because I simply had to find out what happened in the end. 5 stars and a very highly recommended from me.
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knew what to expect from him, but this one was a bit different. I love police procedural stories, so this proved to be right up my street. 

I have read a lot of this kind of story, but have not come across super-recognisers before. It definitely brought a whole new element to the story for me. Joe as a character is a bit of an enigma, and I loved reading about him. The final two lines in the book gave us a hint of what could come next and I am already desperate to know more.

A great read for fans of the author and new readers alike. Many thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy.
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Reaction:  First thought, "John Marrs? Why does that name sound familiar to me?". So I went back and looked at older entries and saw they I had reviewed one of his books before.  While I didn't like this one as much as I did that one, I can honestly say his books stick with you.  I could be at the grocery store and I'm suddenly thinking "I wonder what's going on with Joe and Becca".  I did not see the end coming at all, which is nice, as long as it makes sense.  You don't want something that comes completely out of left field.

Courtesies:  Thank you to John Marrs (quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I don't suspect I'll draw a blank next time I see his name on a book) and Thomas & Mercer, for making this ARC available to read.
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Detective Becca Vincent has placed her career on the back burner most of her adult life, but when bodies start showing up, murdered in very gruesome, strategic ways she decides this case is the perfect time to step out from the shadows and take center stage for her own. Except, she isn't alone, this killer has his sights set on her and he's willing to face the odds to snare her in his game. One the hunter, the other the pray and it's a race against time to see who remains standing at the end of this chest match.

Her Last Move was not a book I would pick off the shelf for myself, however I am beyond thrilled that I chose to request this for an Advanced Reader Copy. This is one of may favorite reads in all of 2018. It leaves you feeling so disturbed your stomach feels uneasy and you'll keep one eye open at night, even in your own house. Truly this book would be a 5/5 based on deception, horrific murders, and dialogue alone, but Marrs doesn't stop there. Each character is developed in such a way that their own stories take you down another path, so indulging and gripping. This doesn't leave you guessing for lack of content, on no Marrs gives you everything you want, then some, and then more than you may have wished to have ever read, but in the greatest way. You'll want to close your eyes, except you can't because the words drag you down into its depths and won't let go until every last word is read.
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I always find myself checking in on when John's next book is out, how long I have to wait and scheduling my reading around his releases and this is not something I do with every author, John is also the only author I have rated all books 5 star and this is no exception, so pleased that I was given an advance copy via Netgalley on this occasion. Ever since a friend recommended 'The One' I have been hooked by John's writing style and characters. 

Her Last Move does not disappoint. Gripped from the start, it twists and turns at a fast rate and I did not want it too end. I felt that I shouldn't I liked all the characters, but I did and I could sympathize with each of their situations but at the same time each character made me angry at some point throughout the book. The connections between the characters is ingenious very well thought out thriller.

Thanks John for another fantastic book, and I am looking forward the adaptation of 'The One' on Netflix too!
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