Intriguing, thought provoking excellent mystery. This is **not** like the Mercy Kilpatrick series, Widows Island series nor the Bone series. This is book one in the Columbia RIver series and brings back Ava and Zander from the Callahan and Mclane series, and Mason pops up too. This takes place in Oregon as Emily finds a hanging, bringing back memories of her father's hanging. While Zander and Ava are called (by Emily) to investigate the reader finds out the hanging was of a history teacher, who is black, and married to a white woman, who was murdered the same night, stabbed. This is a true mystery with information from Oregon's actual past woven into the story, the KKK, Shanghai, etc. It's not really a romance, there is a connection, one that fits the book completely, and it is limited. This book shows family connections, interwoven with murder, kkk, and striving to protect loved ones. I was flabbergasted with the culprit. Did you guess who? Thank you Montlake, Kendra Elliott and NetGalley for the arc. I voluntarily leave this review. All opinions are my own and were unsolicited.

Columbia River Book 1
Twenty year ago Emily Mills' father was murdered and she found his body hanging in the backyard. Emily's younger sister was asleep in her room and her older sister was out with friends. The killer was caught and the case was closed. The tragedy drove Emily's mother to suicide and Emily' older sister Tara to leave town permanently.
Emily and her sister Madison have tried to forget what happened that night but a disturbingly similar murder brings it all back along with FBI Agent Zander Wells who arrives to investigate.
Small towns carry big secrets and Zander wonders who knows what and who took their secrets with them. Everyone in the town thinks they know everyone else but do they really?
This is a great story, dark and intriguing and a great back story to the characters. Kendra Elliot has become once of my favourite authors and this new series is off to a great start.
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“The Last Sister” is Kendra Elliot’s latest novel in her new Columbia River series and it is as masterfully written as any other novel by this talented writer. Emily has spent most of her life keeping a devastating secret about her older sister Tara who disappeared shortly after her parent’s deaths and when she stumbles across the murder of her co-worker and her spouse she feels as if her life has come full circle. FBI agent Ava McLane and her partner Zander Wells are called upon to the murder scene in Bartonville, Oregon at Emily’s insistence due to the condition of one of the bodies, and they soon find a connection between the murder scene and Emily’s father’s murder. As Zander digs deeper into the past, he sees that Emily is in great danger of being the next to die. Ms. Elliot is a prolific writer whose talent supersedes more than this reviewer can put into words. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really do love this author...

I received an ARC for an honest review. And to be honest I didn’t remember the character but now I do. And I have to say at first I was having trouble getting into the book but once I did...boom.

So much death in the past as well as the present. And so many characters trying to protect each other. I’m looking forward to see where the author is taking this series.

The Last Sister by Kendra Elliot is a stand alone suspense novel and book five in her Callahan and McLane Series.
Every book is about another couple and can be read as stand alones. The previous books are Vanished, Bridged, Spiraled and Targeted.
Zander Wells is a FBI agent and his last case is an intriguing one. He was called by the witness, not the law enforcement and when he meets Emily Mills, he's even more intrigued.
Emily is one of three sisters and they're already through he double sticks and back. They lost their parents to an atrocious crime and now there's a rpeat , it seems.
The Last Sister is not a fluffy , witty and sunny read. It's a raw and gritty story, full of suspense, excellent written and had me captivated form the start.
I read the book, cover to cover, in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happens to the characters.
I loved the story, the writing and the characters. 5 stars.

If you're a mystery reader who steers clear of romance novels, don't be put off by the fact that The Last Sister is published by Montlake Romance. The author Kendra Elliot -- while known as a mystery-romance writer -- does a good job in this book (just as she does in her Mercy Kilpatrick "prepper" series) at using the romantic thread of the narrative only as the spice to the story. It is one of the lesser ingredients, perhaps in the proportion that romance actually occurs in most of our lives.

In fact, some other readers who reviewed this book have lodged just that complaint: In effect, "You call this a romance novel? There was barely even one kiss!"

Ah, but the mystery was well-plotted and well executed, with the budding relationship between Emily Mills (manager of a family-owned diner on the forbidding northern coast of Oregon), and Zander Wells (an FBI agent who has appeared in some of Elliot's other books) simmering quietly in the background.

The FBI has been called to remote Clatsop County, Oregon, because of an apparent suicide that seems, on second look, like a possible hate crime. The first complication is that it is eerily similar to a 20-year-old murder in the same town. The second complication is that Emily discovered both bodies.

The author does a stellar job of constructing the mystery and developing the characters.(I LOVED Auntie Dory!) Another standout feature of her writing is the sense of place, both in the "prepper" series -- Deschutes County, Oregon -- and in this launch of the new "Columbia River" series -- Clatsop County. They are both actual counties (although the primary town in each series is fictional), and in both cases, Kilpatrick "nailed it" with the geography, climate and demographics of each area. (Full disclosure: I've lived in both counties.)

What didn't work so well in this book was quite a bit of emotional repetition, both in the narrative, the dialogue, and in some characters' interior monologue (particularly Emily's sister Madison.) I've never noticed this in other Elliot books, so it won't discourage me from following her career (as it might have if this were the first of her books I'd read.)

So -- 5 stars for many of the elements of this boo, but an overall 3 stars because it's not quite up to par for the author. Thanks to NetGalley and the editor for an advance readers copy.

This story peaked my interest from start to finish. I’m a fan of this author and she did not disappoint. I really enjoyed how she incorporated the past and present into this suspenseful mystery. The characters were developed and flowed along with the storyline. It was a puzzle that fit perfectly once all the pieces fell into place. Looking forward to more from her.

When Emily Mills goes to an employee's home to see why she is late for work, she isn't expecting to find her employee murdered and her black husband also murdered and hanging from a tree in their backyard. This brings backs horrible memories for Emily whose own father was hanged twenty years earlier. When the local sheriff looks like he's going to call it a murder-suicide, Emily decides to call in the FBI.

Zander Wells and his partner Ava McLane come to begin their investigation since it could be a hate crime. Zander and Ava find themselves investigating in a town filled with secrets. Emily has secrets of her own because she has never told anyone what happened when her father died and her older sister disappeared.

Emily has her hands full running the diner that supports her family including the three great-aunts who took Emily and her sister Madison in when her father died and her mother committed suicide. She is also dealing with an ex-husband who just can't seem to accept that their relationship is over. It certainly isn't time to fall for one of the FBI agents who have come to work on the case.

Zander isn't looking for a new relationship either. He is still grieving the loss of his wife and unborn daughter. Falling for a witness, or possibly a suspect, isn't anywhere in the FBI manual.

I enjoyed this story which talks about Oregon's racists past which might not be as far in the past as most people would like.

Very well written. I love these types of books because having been in law enforcement for many years, I'm always trying to use my skills to figure out who the perp is. This book kept me guessing. The aunt's were a hoot and gave some nice chuckles to break up the mystery and Psychological aspects that can make a reader tense.

Many thanks to Net Galley , Montlake Romance and Kendra Elliot for this awesome book.

This is my first book by Kendra Elliot even though her books have been popping up on my recommendations list for a while now and am more than happy that her book did deliver the goods. The Last Sister is partly a family drama and partly a murder mystery. There's a dash of romance too that adds brilliantly into the story.

3 sisters, Tara, Emily and Madison are victims of a crime nearly 20 years ago that destroyed the whole family into bits. Their father was found hanging from the woods and their home burnt down. Tara as the eldest runs away and has had no contact with the family ever since. After losing their mom to depression, Emily takes the responsibility of her younger sister Madison but they are wholeheartedly welcomed into the Barton mansion by the 3 aging aunts Vina, Thea and Dory. The past has however reared its ugly head as there has been another murder in the town reminiscent of Emily's father's hanging and coincidentally she's the person to discover the crime. Each sisters are hiding things from the night of their father's murder. FBI Detectives Ava and Zander are painstakingly going thru the clues finding a motive but soon discovers that there are more secrets in the past to be unearthed before the current murder begins to make any sense.

The author has written a thoroughly enjoyable mystery that is riveting and absorbing. I loved the aunts for their quirky ways and their love for Emily and Madison. The truth when it is revealed is much more uglier than anyone's imagination as racism also makes and unwelcome appearance in this small town.

Brilliant!

My Rating: 4.5 Stars!

Small town secrets can be deadly, especially if they are left to fester for twenty years and history repeats itself. A closed case may not be closed after all and a new double homicide may be linked to the dirty little secrets that hide in plain sight as racial hatred rears its ugly head, once again.

The murder of Emily’s father destroyed her family and a man was punished, but two new racially motivated murders will bring FBI agent Zander Wells to Oregon. Together, Emily and Zander will bat at a hornet’s nest and unleash a swarm of intrigue, lies and ugly secrets, but at what cost?

THE LAST SISTER by Kendra Elliot is dark, edgy and even quirky at times as we visit a small Oregon town where everybody thinks they know everybody else’s business, but do they or could they all know just enough to keep from being stung?

One family, torn apart, three sisters torn apart until one great truth is revealed that could shred the fabric of lies this town has been built on. Excellent reading, wonderfully unique characters and a twist at the end that ties everything together, even a budding romance!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Montlake Romance! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Columbia River - Book 1
Publisher: Montlake (January 14, 2020)
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Genre: Thriller | Mystery | Romance
Print Length: 336 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Finding a dead body is something that stays with you, especially if, as a child, it was your father who died. Emily Mills had tried, successfully for the most part, to keep the dark memories from that day hidden but when she discovers a second body twenty years later everything rushes back at her. She has always known her family had secrets, secrets she had never tried to discover but now everything is different and the past is about to catch up to her.

Special Agent Zander Wells and his partner Ava McLane are sent to investigate after being contacted by Emily and find a family in peril, a town in denial and a case with links to a sordid past which envelops both. As they get dragged deeper into the history of the region they know the present and past have begun to collide in a way that spells danger for everyone involved and knowing who to trust becomes imperative.

I love the way Kendra Elliot weaves murder, romance, tension and tenderness together drawing the reader in so successfully as to to make it seem effortless. This time Zander takes centre stage and his past, which has been described only once in previous appearances, adds to the complexity of the emotions he experiences during this case.

This is the first book described as the Columbia River Series and I am already looking forward to reading the next one later in the year; as always with Kendra Elliot's recurring characters it is like visiting with old friends.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who loves this author or wants to find a new favourite, her back catalogue as well as this new book won't disappoint on any level.

I love Kendra Elliot's books and this one was no exception! I especially enjoyed the characters - my favorites were Emily's quirky great aunts! The story was well thought out and kept my attention and the ending caught me completely by surprise (I love when endings aren't obvious). The connection between the murder of Emily's father over 20 years ago and the recent murder of a local couple was intriguing.

After reading this book, I will be reading Kendra's Callahan & McLane series to learn more of FBI Agent Ava McLane's story.

Thank you to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

THE LAST SISTER...........Kendra Elliott
This is more of a thriller, then her usual romantic suspense books. A case. that looks like a racial hate crime. Similar to one 20 years ago of Emily’s father’s murder. that draws the FBI in Her mother who committed suicide, a sister ran away, the other 2 lived with an aunt.. Agent Eva.and Zander’s are sent to Bartonville, Oregon to investigate. A small town that held secrets, was prejudice and now justice needed to be served. A good tense plot, keeps. one Intrigue, as to what is uncovered, and why a crime this many years later
happened. One can count on the author’s book always to be a winner,
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley andMontlake.

What a brilliant mystery! The characters are wonderfully portrayed. The ending does justice to all the suspense and tension built throughout the story.
An unsolved murder case, racism, KKK in Portland and family secrets - all weaved together to form a brilliant mystery.
I recommend this book to all mystery lovers.

From page 1 sentence 1 I was hooked. This was a real page turner. The author painted a very vibrant picture of the characters, the town, the family it was all so well written and the storyline kept me hooked until the end.

I will leave a review on Amazon or B&N Jan 14, 2020

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review The Last Sister by Kendra Elliot this is my fair and honest review.

This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride. Things never stay buried forever, and this book does its best to prove that fact. This is a very well written book, action packed touching on several different issues that are still prevelant in todays day and time. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

All I can say is I never saw this coming. The Dynamics and twist and turn in this book was simply amazing. I was on the edge of my seat and also found myself cursing at the book while reading it on a plane. I'm so happy that Zander finally got his story and has potential for a very happy ending with Emily and I can't wait to hear more on how this works out in the future.

I received an A R C from netgallery and I am providing this voluntary review.

3.5 stars

I would categorize Kendra Elliot’s ‘The Last Sister’ as a more of a mystery/thriller, and not a romantic suspense novel. This is not a bad thing in my mind, but I think those who have read previous Elliot novels (which I have not) might be surprised by the lack of romantic exposition in this particular book.

When Emily Mills happens upon a horrendous murder in her small Oregonian town, she immediately recognizes the similarities with her father’s murder 20 years prior. When her fears trigger an FBI investigation (which includes the arrival of compelling FBI agent, Zander Wells), the ghosts of prior and current misdeeds will be revealed.

I enjoyed the fact that this book kept me guessing throughout the narrative arc. It was an interesting story, with timely subject matter. I appreciated Elliot’s willingness to delve into the horrors of Oregon’s racist origins, and the continuing presence of white supremacy today, especially given our current political climate. I did appreciate the presence of a romantic-ish secondary storyline between Emily and Zander, but felt that the novel was strongest in its portrayal of the female relationships amongst the Mills family, as well as the partnership between agents Wells and McLane. While this novel reads well as a standalone, I feel like knowing Zander’s and Ava’s backstories would have enriched the plot even more.

In all, I think this is a good mystery and an important work in a larger conversation about how the concealment of the past can harm the present (and the future).

**Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

I am sadly in the minority on this one.

Kendra Elliot is an author I'd been wanting to read for a while. I'd heard great things about her and have read a lot of books from Montlake. Perhaps my expectations set the bar too high, but I found The Last Sister to be a low 3-star for me.

The Romance: We only know there's a romance because we're told they're attracted to each other. We don't really see it and they're barely on the page together. This would be much more strongly suited to a WF read.

The Mystery was interesting. It wasn't one you were going to guess ahead of time as the pieces came to you as you needed them.

The Writing - this is where it really fell down for me. I found myself getting frustrated and wondering if the author didn't trust her writing or thought that we weren't smart enough to keep up. The writing was really simplistic, which is fine. I wasn't looking to work to enjoy the story, but the habit of "tell, tell, then tell in dialogue, then also tell in internal dialogue" had me wanting to cross out huge chunks of repeat information. It created a slow read and made me wonder about the author's lack of trust in me as a reader.

She has a great reputation and I will be trying one more book, but sadly, this was not for me.

Thank you to Montlake for the preview read. I wish I could give a stronger review for the release.