Book Review: Her last day by T.R. Ragan
A Mystery/Thriller Novel
**Advanced Readers Copy provided by the author for an honest review**
Rated it
Ten years ago, PI Jessie Cole and reporter Ben Morrison each suffered a tragedy that changed their lives—and now these two strangers are about to share a nightmare.
For Jessie, who makes her living finding missing persons, no case has consumed her more than the disappearance of her younger sister, Sophie. But left alone to raise Sophie’s daughter, she realizes that solving the case has become an unhealthy obsession.
For Jessie, who makes her living finding missing persons, no case has consumed her more than the disappearance of her younger sister, Sophie. But left alone to raise Sophie’s daughter, she realizes that solving the case has become an unhealthy obsession.
Jessie Cole, a private investor in Sacramento, CA with a sad past. Driven by her missing sister, she seeks justice for the families in and around Sacramento.
Meanwhile, Sacramento is haunted by a serial killer named the “Heartless Killer” and his MO has everyone at risk. The heartless killer doesn't have a “type” he goes for and the police are at a loss as to when or where he will strike.
During an investigation of a missing teenager, Jessie is plagued by her sisters past once more from the likes of an amnesic newspaper reporter, is fighting a murder rap, and unbeknownst to her, stumbles on the case of a lifetime. Stick around to find out what this mystery thriller is all about!
Jessie Cole grew up with a loving family, mom, dad, and sister. Until her sister disappeared some ten years ago, then her world fell apart. Leaving behind a baby, Jessie is forced to grow up fast due to her mother's passing and her father's alcoholism. Her mission was clear, and ten years later it never wavered. The Sacramento setting in the story hit close to home for this reader, being as I grew up there. I found myself playing the story in my head like a movie, which in turn brought the story to life for me. My connection with Jessie was quick, and I fell hard for her story. It seemed like every turn she took, it only lead to disappointment and heartbreak. Which brings me to Colin. Colin is a detective and Jessie's ex-boyfriend. The love never died between them, but Jessie is having a hard time with her trust issues. The possibility of them getting back together gave me hope that Jessie could find happiness in the near future.
The heartless killer was outstandingly played by the author. He truly scared the shit out of me! He did not discriminate when it came to his victims. He would take men, woman, both young and old. But he clearly had an agenda, and as a reader had me both feeling sorry for him, and loathing him. What doesn't break you, makes you...right? That is what happened here, and the thrill of the hunt, the horrific torture of the victims, and the strength of one Jessie Cole is what kept me glued to this book. And when Ben Morrison, a newspaper reporter, entered the picture, well that just fucked me all up! Ben had his own story to tell, so how could you have a story within a story? This character Ben set me on a path I have never experienced before. I mean really, his story entwined with Jessie's but yet his own made for a whole other book! The way the two danced together but separately was flawless. I was cheering for Ben all the way baby! In the end I was still left with some questions. No doubt they will be answered in books to come, and man I can't wait! Her Last Day was a thrill a minute, an emotional journey to which I will be sure to follow.
