Cover Image: The Last Straw

The Last Straw

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Member Reviews

Okay, Sharon Sala just stretched her literary creativity to its max with her newest, and may I say, most riveting book - THE LAST STRAW. Sharon Sala’s writing mojo has reached its peak with this one. There’s quite a cadre of characters, most of them very nasty which of course is the reason why you will not be able to put this book down. Be prepared to carry it everywhere till you get to its conclusion.

Missing woman, no clues where or who. No motive. Nada. But she knows who this guy is, we are kept in the dark. Just as she is. Her sister has hired on a duo that has an amazing track record of finding lost people. But time is definitely not on their side.

Dodge Investigations is on the case to find Rachel Dean. Charlie Dodge is a PI. Wyrick is his partner, so to speak. Interesting relationship. Those that have read this Jigsaw series are well versed into the unique bond these two have. It is what makes them an incredibly successful team. And exactly what Rachel Dean’s sister needs if they are to find her sister, hopefully still alive.

Wyrick has a rather shall we say odd past. Her birth and creation had its start in rather unorthodox medical practices which has made her a target for some unsavory foes. Wyrick is now firmly under the protection of Dodge as well as his partner in solving missing people cases. Their goal is to find their people alive and hopefully not in awful shape.

As we follow their investigation the story jumps back and forth to the investigation and to the cellar where Rachel Dean is being held and abused by someone unknown to us for most of the book. We see her flight through her eyes and intelligence.

Parallel to her story is a reintroduction to Wyrick and the battles she faces with keeping alive and safe from those that have painted a target on her back.

THE LAST STRAW is a well written, cleverly designed crime novel that deserves a second and third reading for sure. Not to worry if this is your first foray into the Jigsaw Files. Sharon Sala makes sure you have all the info you need on her amazing characters and their relationships. Have you ever felt tears build up from reading a scene. In THE LAST STRAW Sharon Sala holds our attention and our hearts while we follow in the steps of Wyrick and Dodge. Just enough literary license mixed with suspension of belief for any armchair detective. Truly a testament to this authors talent. Sharon Sala’s fans are going to love this one. Guaranteed to make new fans.

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I didn't notice that this was #4 in a series, so any confusion is my own fault. I really hoped the author would give me a few tidbits on anything I needed to know, but I came up short on the relationship between the two main characters. The mystery, though, was a different story - or maybe a new story within the series? However you look at it, I was able to follow that part of the book. There are some twists along the way, and the mystery held my interest. I do wish I'd felt more of a connection with Charlie and Wyrick, but there's no denying their detective skills.

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Another book from Sharon Sala. Charlie Dodge and Jade Wyrick have several mysteries to solve, made harder now that people recognize her. They will do most any5ing to find a kidnapped woman ARC from NetGalley.

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I think that Sharon Sala cannot write a book that won't keep me hooked and this one is no exception.
A gripping and entertaining story, I loved the characters and the solid plot kept me hooked.
The mystery is full of twists and turns, I couldn't guess the solution
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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This was a delicious read and a wonderful ending to a perfect storyline that lasted for four action packed stand alone books that I devoured as soon as they were published. Only Sharon Sala could weave the threads that make me want to read on forever!!!!

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A sister’s love can be fierce and if you get taken, you want Millie as your sister.

The Last Straw is an exciting mix of science fiction and mystery. PI Charlie Dodge is back in the fourth and final installment of the “Jigsaw Files”. Along for the ride is his computer genius Wyrick who is still managing to surprise him and herself.

Sharon Sala gives readers an interesting mystery and eerie if you live in an apartment building. Sala keeps the pace fast. We get everyone’s voices including the killer’s. It makes for a head rush of excitement.

I am totally crushing on Wyrick. She is a badass to the ult. Pair an amazing skill set with an equally thrilling look and she is the heroine you want at your back.

Sala brings the “Jigsaw Files” series to a close with an inferno of mystery. If you have never read any of the books in the series - don’t worry this can be read as a standalone. The Last Straw is your mystery beach read.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

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I have been provided with a review copy of The Last Straw from NetGalley for an impartial review. This is the fourth book in The Jigsaw Files series and I just loved getting to reenter this amazing world. This book was just so easy to get lost in. I completely got lost in the story and I just loved getting to see these new characters come together. I just absolutely love this story and I just didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

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This is the 4th book in the Jigsaw Files series. I would definitely recommend reading the others before this one because they closely tie in together. i found this book to be highly engaging and well written. This is definitely a darker series than I normally read but it's very enjoyable. Nice mystery and intrigue.

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I wanted to like this book more than I could.

I think a lot of that stemmed from not having read the others prior to getting this ARC, so that was a shame on me. The romance was hot, but I still had a lot of questions at the end of it all. I think once I go back and read the other books, I might have a clearer idea and will reread this baby with a fresh mind intact.

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Another favorite by a great and favorite author of mine. The plot of the story was very well written. The author really draws the reader in as you read. I felt like I was an unnamed character in the story.

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Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary advance reader copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

This is the fourth book in the jigsaw file series, I have not read any of the prior books but found this book easy to read as a standalone. That being said, when I first started this book, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. I had a hard time getting into the first few chapters, but I’m so happy I stuck with it because I really enjoyed this book. The main characters, Jade Wyrick and Charlie Dodge were so well written and their storyline so interesting and captivating.

When Rachel Dean goes missing from her apartment and there is no sign of her leaving, the police do not know what to do. When Wyrick and Dodge get brought into the case by the missing woman’s sister, things finally start to make themselves known due to Wyrick’s special abilities. The story kept my attention and I found the ending of this book very satisfying. I will definitely be reading the prior books in this series.

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Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

My Bad. I know better than to pick up a book that in #4 in a series. What was I thinking??? Call it a brain fart while trolling on NetGalley, I guess. Anyway, here I am and let's see if Sharon Sala is a good enough author to engage me in a story that has been ongoing for three books already. If I feel lost, don't blame it on me, I'm just the innocent reader. The plot has a split focus. One part is the ongoing relationship of Charlie and Wyrick, and yes, I definitely feel lost in their storyline, which has been ongoing for the whole series. We also have missing person case for Charlie and Wyrick and that one is a new storyline.

Jade Wyrick is a very interesting character. She appears to be a millionaire, yet works for Charlie as his assistant in the Dodge Investigations. She is an out there personality with her style and personality. She is also psychic and got headlines in the last book for this ability, which has brought the wrath of a group of religious fanatics down on her head. Apparently, live and let live is not in this groups creed and their leader wants her dead because she is an abomination to God.

Charlie Dodge lost his wife to Alzheimer's and he is grieving her loss. But, Hey, he's just a red blooded guy after all and Wyrick is in trouble. It's hard for a guy like Charlie to ignore feelings for a woman he admires and swears to protect. The missing person case is just the diversion he needs to put aside his growing feelings for Wyrick and the danger she is facing.

Rachel Dean is an up and coming ad executive who is on the path to success at a top Dallas, TX advertising agency when she goes missing without a clue. The police are stumped and Rachel's sister turns to the Dodge Investigations. The locked room mystery is just the first of the twists in this case.

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*4.5 stars*

Mystery, romance and that little bit extra…

I started this book party at the very end and I’m kicking myself for not starting a lot earlier. Charlie and Wyrick’s relationship and its progression was a long, winding one and, while the conclusion was satisfying, I know it would have been better with all that came before this read.

Charlie investigated and Wyrick, as his partner, meant they were a force to be reckoned with. They were smart and used every talent, whether tangible or other worldly, to help their cases. This story was suspenseful, intriguing and full of the evil and good that lives in man.

Told with the honest and forthright voice of this author, these characters shined in their ability to keep going no matter what was thrown in their way. I always finish a Sharon Sala with equal parts happiness and a sense of melancholy. After all, life isn’t easy. Thank goodness there is love and stories like this to remind me there is always hope…

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The Last Straw is the fourth and final book in Sharon Sala’s the Jigsaw Files series. This is a contemporary romantic suspense series which features private investigator Charlie Dodge and his assistant Jade Wyrick.

Dodge Investigations has been hired the investigate the unexplainable disappearance of Rachel Dean from her locked-from-the-inside Dallas apartment. The trail has grown cold and time is running out. Together Charlie and Wyrick work to find Rachel, deal with the consequences of previous devastating events and the new threats to Wyrick’s life. Will all their skills and hard work lead to happily ever after for all involved? Read it to find out!

This was the first book of Sharon Sala’s that I have read, and even though it was the last in the series, Sala’s does such a great job reviewing events from previous books, I was able to follow along and thoroughly enjoy this amazing book. I love Wyrick and Charlie how their relationship has obviously grown and involved throughout the series. I think it can be read as a standalone, but reading it in order will give you a better appreciation for the characters and the series itself.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy fro Netgalley.

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This has been an amazing series and it's hard to say goodbye but I can definitely appreciate an author who knows better than her fans on when to bring something to a satisfactory end. How did Rachel Dean disappear from a locked apartment with no sign of foul play? Whodunit? How?  is a wonderful mystery that will keep readers on their toes along with ace investigators Charlie Dodd and his assistant Wyrick. For me the additional threads of the story are an unwanted distraction.
Wyrick has picked up her share of enemies along the way. She has been hunted most of her life by Universal Theorem as those of you who have read the earlier books in the series know, but her final confrontation has come at a huge personal price. Now she has the crazies coming out of the woodwork wanting to do away with her.  Its not surprising that the pastor of a southern ministry of god is pointing the finger at her and denouncing her in order to grow his flock but his subsequent actions seem to be an overkill given everything else that he has to lose. This part of the story is a distraction from the main theme which I personally found very distracting.  Also the subsequent role reversal on public perception. I feel that the author wanted a good reason to retire the couple into obscurity and end the series but frankly it just stretched my imagination a bit too far.
The mystery of the disappearance of Rachel Dean and the desperate race against time to find and rescue the young woman is well plotted and executed. The story is told from Charlie and Wyrick's viewpoint as they chase down the sparse clues and leverage Wyrick's psychic senses constantly coming up empty. These alternate with Rachel and her trials and travails at the mercy of a master criminal who has done this and gotten away with it for years.  An excellent story line, well designed and executed.
At the end this leaves me with the dilemma on how I would rate this book.  Overall I felt that it was an average read given some of my disappointment but because of who the author is I'm going to give it one extra star.  Ms. Sala you still write some of the best romantic suspense that I've read and I hope to continue to read many more of them from your pen.

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Sala is a phenomenal storyteller and this is a great addition to the series. There are plenty of twists and turns in the mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat. I also loved seeing the progression of the relationship between Dean and Wyrwick. All round great read, thank you for allowing me to review it.

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This is the perfect wrap up to the series! Charlie and Wyrick are called into a case to find a missing woman. The disappearance is baffling. The scenes involved are dark. This fearsome twosome are challenged in ways they haven't been before.
This one wraps things up in a satisfying conclusion. All the little pieces are covered. The development of these characters has been engaging. I love the way the author puts things together. I shed a few tears this go around. The ending was beautiful and perfect. It left me with a smile. I'm going to miss these characters!

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I think I was at a loss as I had not read any of the previous books in the series. With that said, I highly recommend you read the previous books in the series. I did do a quick reading of the synopsis of the previous books which helped me understand who the characters were and what they were trying to do.
A creepy story that kept my interest. Full of twists and turns that keeps you enthralled.
Mystery thriller about tracking down missing individuals.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

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What happened to Rachel Dean? That's the question Charlie and Wyrick have been hired to answer. They are experts at finding missing people but this one- this one is tough because Rachel seems to have gone up in a poof from her apartment which was locked from the inside and she doesn't appear on any CC tv. That's the least of their worries, though, because Universal Theorem, a cult, is after Wyrick. If you haven't read this series, know that Wyrick is one awesome woman- she's smart, she's tough, and she's the person you would want by your side. And that's what Charlie wants. He lost his wife to early onset Alzheimers; his relationship with Wyrick has changed over time as he's healed from that. This melds two plot lines really well - it's a page turner. Sala's a good storyteller who created two really wonderful characters. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I truly hope this isn't the last of the series.

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The Last Straw
Sharon Sala
February 23, 2021

In this 4th of The Jigsaw Files series we find PI Charlie Dodge trying to keep his assistant, Jade Wyrick safe from the radical organization, Universal Theorem. In order to get them out of her life she discovers that among those who find her a human born by the devil himself. Many of the group belong to a religious sector called the Church of the Righteous. Charlie was spending time trying to find the leader and those hired to kill Wyrick. Just settling down in the office,they receive a call for hire regarding the disappearance of Rachel Dean.
After returning home to an apartment in the Detter House, an old mansion redeveloped into rental suites for singles and married couples without children. Her sister, Millie Chriss was called by Rachel’s employer hoping that she had heard from her. Surprised and concerned she placed a call to Detter House office requesting that the manager check on her sister. He returned the call after he had phoned police. Rachel was not there however, it was as if she just disappeared. Fearing she had been abducted, Millie put in a call to Charlie Dodge. He is famous for locating missing persons. After visiting her flat, Wyrick was certain that the woman was kidnapped. Wyrick’s inner visions felt the pain and suffering that happened at the time of the attack. She knew time could be running out for Rachel Dean.
I have read several books by Sharon Sala but they have all fallen under the romance genre. This suspense/mystery I found interesting in that Sala’s writing was not comforting as I read previously. This was a good mystery however I should have done a bit of author research before I began . The Last Straw is #4 in the series and I felt like I began viewing a film an hour in. If you are an avid Sala mystery scholar jumping right into this latest adventure will make your day. If not, it might be advisable to read the synopsis of the 3 prior novels in the series to help get your feet wet.
The Last Straw by Sharon Sala will be published by Harlequin Books SA on February 23, 2021. The Last Straw is well written and gripping to read. I appreciate Harlequin allowing me to read and review Sala’s latest suspense feature.

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