I truly enjoyed the pacing of the story and the well written characters. This book took me by surprise. It kept me interested throughout the story and I needed to see what was going to happen. I would recommend this story to all thriller and who-done it lovers.

An absolute master at story telling. I can never get enough of Nary Burton. I usually save up a few then binge her.

Always a delight to read Mary Burton. This book was a little different and I had to concentrate as the book switched backwards and forwards between the time of the kidnapping and the present day. Good characters, this time Kaitlin was the flawed one because of her wild past, but all in all a riveting read. The author is never afraid to give gritty details, but they are always pertinent to the story, and not just put there to add bulk. A good read, thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to Mary and Joan for my pre-publication copy in return for an honest review.

The shift in time frame was confusing at times and it was easy to predict who the murderer was but an enjoyable romp nonetheless.

Great thrilling novel which kept me turning the pages, would highly recommend to others. Brilliant writing, plot and characters.

This book was gripping. I very much enjoy reading any Mary Burton novel, she has the ability to write really authentic bad guys and “Her Last Word” was no exception. She kept the reader guessing for most of the book. I liked the slow “heat up” between Kaitlin and Adler, both were wounded souls and they were understandably wary of each other. I would have liked more closure regarding the “bad guy(s)” disposition(s) and it was a little distracting the way the chapters jumped between narrative and first person but all in all this was a great read. I can see the possibilities for future novels featuring any number of the secondary characters….please, please give Logan and Quinn their own novels.

Montlake Romance and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Her Last Word. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Kaitlin Roe was just a child when she witnessed the abduction of her cousin Gina. The years that ensue after the case goes cold are difficult to Kaitlin, especially as the sting of suspicion lingers. When Kaitlin decides to interview friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, trying to solve the long since cold case, will the trouble that her investigation stirs up lead to danger? Will the detective assigned to a current case uncover a connection to the past?

Her Last Word is a mixed bag for me, due to the fact that the ending was transparent and certain plot points seemed forced. I liked the idea of a woman, suffering the ill effects of a childhood trauma, decides to take matters into her own hands in an effort to gain closure. Detective John Adler is a good character with an interesting back story, but the romance that ensues does not seem all that realistic. Adler seems to have integrity and I found it unlikely that he would jeopardize his badge. I like suspense thrillers because of the intensity, but Her Last Word was a bit lacking in that department. The romance aspect gets in the way for me, placing the novel in the average read category.

Not my favorite Burton. Had a hard time keeping focused on the story. The back and forth between then and now and the format of now and interviews kind of threw me off. I absolutely love Burton's books, but maybe this one was just a rare fluke

Thank you Netgalley/Publisher for an early copy

An interesting read that makes me want to check out more from Mary Burton. I recommend those who enjoy crime thrillers to check out this novel.

Another great Mary Burton book! As always, it was full of twists and a plot that keeps you guessing. I really liked this book and it was hard to put down,

Kaitlin Roe believes she has found a way to slay the demons haunting her past. The reformed bad-girl teenager hopes that creating a podcast regarding her good-girl cousin’s unsolved murder 10 years ago will give her, and the case closure. But this road to redemption is paved with dangerous emotions and villains…..

Once again, this author creates a story filled with intense suspense, chilling evil and well-developed characters, both heroes and villains, that leave an imprint. In an unusual writing-style twist (at least for this author), the story alternates between present-day events and Kaitlin’s interview notes for her podcast. Although I initially was disconcerted by this, I quickly got into a “reading rhythm” with this style. By the conclusion of the book, I realized that this format actually enhanced the suspense and plot for me. I was so sucked into the story, could so hear the characters thoughts in my head, that emerging from the book was like coming out of a dark movie theater after watching a long, intense film. Your senses are on overload from what you just experienced in the pages.

Though not written in her usual style, do not be put off by that! Ms. Burton is a master storyteller in the genre of romantic suspense, and although the romance here is not as intense as the suspense, it was still a terrific read from a must-read author.

This is the first book of Mary Burton's that I have read but it will definitely not be the last! This book was a great thriller/suspense read. I truly enjoyed it! #herlastword #netgalley

Four teenaged girls go down to the river to party. While two of them are walking home, one of them gets abducted. Gina is missing and Kaitlin, her cousin, watched her cousin was grabbed by a man wearing a clown mask. The case grows cold and all the girls go on with their lives. Fourteen years later, Kaitlin decides to make a podcast and interview all those related to the case (Up and Vanished, anyone??) Many years later, old wounds are opened and Kaitlin realizes that there were a lot of cover-ups way back when.
This was another win by Burton. You can always count on Mary to deliver a great story, a good mystery and a little bit of romance (without gagging). I really enjoy her books.

I haven't read anything by Burton before, so I was interested in giving her a shot. The premise was intriguing enough...a woman's podcast reopens the case of her cousin's disappearance, only to incite a new string of murders related to the victim. Each chapter definitely held my attention, but I completely guessed who the killer was about halfway through the book. There was also a side story of romance that didn't seem to fit the characters or plot at all. When I got to the end, I just felt frustrated. Guess that means I most likely won't be checking out any more titles by Burton after all.

Another page turning whodunit from one of my favorite authors! Thriller, mystery, crime drama and a splash of romance make this a riveting read. I am so happy I discovered this author last year via Goodreads. You just can't go wrong with one of her books!

Mary Burton is one of my favorite writers. This was just as good as anything else of hers that I have read. I will admit that I did not figure it out until the very end, so well done! I liked John Alder, I liked Logan, I hope we see him again. I liked Quinn as well. I do find it interesting how some people feel they have to cover for someone even if they know what an evil person they are, Randy's mom. Read this, you will not be disappointed!

Layers, this story is weaved with layers and just when you think you know the whole story and the guilty, realize you don't. Spanning time and places, evil and angst, Mary Burton continues to excel in her craft of story-telling. A fast-paced thrill ride with lead characters strong in their convictions to bring justice.

This was very well written (as Burton's books always are) with a gripping plot and strong characters. The story was a bit too dark for me though and this definitely affected my enjoyment.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*

Kaitlin is desperate to find out what happened to her cousin. Fourteen long years have passed since her cousin was abducted and Kaitlin is searching for answers. Conducting interviews she hope details will shed light on what actually happened that fateful night. When an old friend is murdered Detective Adler stands by her side to protect her. Nerve racking tension will consume you as you read every page as the suspense continues.

Her Last Word is a fast-paced, suspenseful, mystery that not only investigates a 14-year-old cold-case involving an abducted teenager, but takes you on a hunt for an obsessed serial killer consumed with revenge. When Kaitlyn Roe returns to Virginia to try and get closure into the abduction and presumed death of her cousin Gina, she opens a can of worms that brings more than she bargained for.

The characters are flawed, scarred, and tenacious. Kaitlyn and the other two girls who spent the last night with Gina are all suffering from Gina's disappearance. They don't want to talk to Kaitlyn and it seems they might be hiding things. Detective John Adler has his own issues to deal with, but has an attraction to Kaitlyn that he doesn't understand. When it seems she might be in danger, he steps up their relationship to protect her. He is smart, tenacious and loyal. The plot is complex and is told through a mixture of narration and interviews for Kaitlyn's blog. They mesh well together to give a compelling story with lots of twists, turns, red herrings, violence, sexual attraction, and murder. Mary Burton has written an entertaining suspenseful mystery with just a bit of romance thrown in to lighten the story a bit. As I have come to expect from this author, this was story that I had a hard time putting down, it did not disappoint. The publisher, Montlake Romance, provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions are my own.