EXCERPT: Prologue - ten years ago

Three go into the forest.

Two squint against the lash of rain, grunt with the effort it takes to half carry, half drag the third through the claw of branches and brambles. Mud already slick beneath their boots. Feet already sodden.

One of them wishing to be anywhere but here.

The other just wishing it done.

Their burden is not yet sixteen. Easier to haul than a full-grown adult, but . . .

Dead weight.

Dead.

ABOUT 'THE LAST TIME SHE DIED': She came back on the day of her father’s funeral, ten years after she vanished. But she can’t be who she says she is…

When Blake disappeared as a teenager, on a cold dark night, her father never reported her missing. She is presumed dead.

Now, ten years later, a young woman with white-blonde hair sits comfortably in the family living room and smiles at the shocked faces around her.

“Don’t you recognise me?” she says. “I’m Blake.”

Detective John Byron isn’t sure whether she’s telling the truth. But as he investigates, he soon realises no one is happy to see her.

And the people who should be welcoming her back with open arms know she can’t be Blake. Because they killed her the night she vanished…

Didn’t they?

MY THOUGHTS: It is not often that I agree with the statement, bandied about so often on book covers, mostly undeserved, that the book contained within is “A totally unputdownable crime thriller with a mind-blowing twist.”, but in this case I do. Wholeheartedly.

Full of tension and suspense, The Last Time She Died had me jamming my buds into my ears or picking up my Kindle at every opportunity. After the enticing prologue, the book begins at a funeral. What's not to love?

And it just keeps on getting better, and better - there's a family fortune to be inherited, and a second wife. But is everything quite as straightforward as it seems? Especially if the stranger at the funeral does indeed prove to be Blake, the dead man's daughter who disappeared ten years earlier and was presumed, if not actually declared dead; something the second wife Virginia was intent on taking care of the minute she had Gideon's funeral out of the way.

Other than an old neighbour, no one is convinced Blake is who she says she is, including John Byron, a detective on recuperative medical leave who, strictly speaking, shouldn't even be there.

There are many twists and turns in this book, but all work well and keep the reader guessing and off balance. And while there is plenty of action in The Last Time She Died, it is really the amazing cast of characters that Sharp has created that carry the plot.

Blake is a chameleon. She is Blake. She isn't Blake. She may be Blake. Whoever she is, her presence is a danger, and there's more than one person who wants her out of the picture, completely.

Byron is an astute and more than competent detective. But has he hooked his wagon to the wrong horse in believing in Blake?

Even Gideon's death in a motor accident may not be quite as straightforward as it seemed. That's what Byron is there to find out - unofficially. There is just a hint of scandal in his past and the possibility that someone may have killed him to prevent it coming to light. Or, the car accident could just be . . . a car accident.

Virginia and her children Lily and Tom (not Gideon's children); Underhill- a bent cop; Roger Flint - Virginia's brother, Gideon's right hand man, and a compulsive gambler; the Hardings, with whom Blake often took refuge after the death of her mother; and a delightfully nosy pub landlady are some of the other characters who people this novel.

Tamsin Kennard, narrator of the audiobook, had me completely entranced and believing in her characters. I will be looking for more books using this narrator.

I was totally riveted by The Last Time She Died; from the title - that is definitely an attention grabbing title! - to the very last word. Sharp hasn't put a word wrong.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#TheLastTimeSheDied #NetGalley

I: @authorzoesharp @bookouture

T: @authorzoesharp @Bookouture

#fivestarread #contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #familydrama #mystery #suspense #thriller

THE AUTHOR: Zoë Sharp spent most of her formative years living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at the age of twelve and wrote her first novel at fifteen. She became a freelance photojournalist in 1988 and started writing her Charlie Fox crime thriller series after receiving death-threats in the course of her work.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture and Bookouture Audio via Netgalley for providing both a digital and an audio ARC of The Last Time She Died by Zoë Sharp for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage

I love catching a series right from the start. Following her father’s death, Blake comes back home for the first time since she disappeared ten years ago. Is she who she claims she is? Why come home now? Was her father’s accident really an accident?

I liked this fast moving book with twists and turns. The cast of characters is well developed and interesting. I really like the pairing of Blake and Byron. Both have elements of good and bad. And he is a cop and she is a con woman makes me intrigued to see where this series will go.

Tamsin Kennard narrated the audiobook and does a great job.

I’d recommend this book for those looking for a slight twist in the crime procedural.

I didn't realize going into this that it was the first in a new series from this author, who I haven't read anything from in the past. After finishing it, it makes a lot of sense that its just the first in the series because I felt like it was missing a lot of background and character development, but I guess this will be further developed in the next books. Overall though, I did enjoy all of the characters and found their relationships to be intriguing. I love a thriller set amongst a wealthy, savage family and this book definitely delivered that. The audiobook narration is very good and kept me interested in the story. I'm not sure if I will read the next book in this series but did enjoy the blossoming relationship between Blake and Byron. If I were to read the next one, it would be to unearth the backstories on these two that we didn't get much of. Overall, I found this to be pretty good but was not entirely satisfied with the ending (I never am when its a series). I don't expect this one will stick with me but I did enjoy it and think its worth the read.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Blake Claremont is back from the dead or so it seems to those that could have sworn they killed her. Returned after disappearing years ago she Arrives in time attends her fathers funeral and throws a wrench into the reading of the will. But why is she back and why now and is she who she says she is?

I absolutely loved this new mystery and can’t wait to continue reading about Blake and Byron (clever names). The mystery element kept you guessing to the very end. The dynamic between the two main characters was electric. Their chemistry was tangible and I really look forward to where they go next.

Check trigger warnings for the content of the story. There is discussion of sexual assault, incest, corruption of a minor, and other forms of abuse.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Last Time She Died,

I really enjoyed this book it has the making of a good series the ending did leave you hanging a bit too much but hungry for more

Byron a detective is on sick leave and in Derbyshire from London looking into the death of former MP Gideon Fitzroy, who died in a car crash. Byron knows the local police woman Jane from London where she was based before taking on the rural role , When a call comes through when an alarm is triggered in the Fitzroy home Jane and Byron go and investigate the intruder is waiting to be found and claims to be Blake, the daughter who vanished ten years earlier.
The story unfolds and involves child grooming, murder and danger to all involved I don't want to spoil it for you so give it a read its fast moving, has got some great twists and suspense what more do you need for a good mystery
The Last Time She Died is a good read/listen that I have no hesitation in recommending.

It’s Gideon Fitzroy’s funeral and everyone in the small town of Derbyshire has shown up—including his daughter, Blake, who disappeared ten years ago. If this really is Blake, where has she been the past ten years?

This was a strong start to a new thriller series by Zoe Sharp. Fast paced and full of twists and turns to keep you engaged at all times. I never had a huge “wow” moment or shocking twist, but I really enjoyed the fast pace and getting to know each member of the duo this series is based upon.

I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the Blake & Byron series!

Big thanks to @netgalley and @bookouture for the audio ARC!

⚠️ As with many thrillers there is violence, abuse, and other difficult elements, so please research and make sure this is the right fit for you.

The Last Time She Died by Zoe Sharp

The sun is shining as the Fitzroy family gather to mourn the death of their beloved husband and stepfather. No one but Byron sees the young woman with the white-blonde hair hiding in the shadows. She watches them for a moment, then she is gone.

While the family is at the funeral, the woman breaks into their home. She waits for them to come home, for the police to be called. When she is arrested, she smiles calmly at the outraged people around her and says she has every right to be there. She is Blake Claremont, the late Mr Fitzroy’s daughter.

But Blake vanished ten years ago!! She is presumed dead.

A fun past-paced suspense story!! I couldn't stop listening to it!!

Thank you Zoe Sharp, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio to listen to this book in return for my honest review!

A gripping mystery that creeps under your skin with each passing chapter. A story of Hope, Blake and a dead person: Fitzroy whose life have been intermingled with detective Byron
There are plots within plots and twists after twists making it a perfect fast-paced read for all Agatha Christie fans.
#crime #thriller #mystery

Highlights:
You may think you have put all the pieces of puzzles together but noooooo. There is always another question added to the list of mysterious events
Fast-paced so you never get bored. Something is always happening
This is the 1st book in the Blake & Byron Thrillers ( so certainly more awesomeness coming)😁
95 bloody chapters- and you don't even realize how smoothly they pass!

Lowlights :
A little confusing if you don't pay enough attention
Too many cops (I named them past, present & sideline 😅 to make it easier to understand)

The Last Time She Died is why I keep reading and trudging through mounds of books. I loved this. I wish to state I had only the audiobook. Typically I like to read along. This is so well performed by Tamsin Kennard and written so well I didn't miss the physical book. Also, of note I don't repeat the synopses or give spoilers. This is a text book mystery thriller with 100% class.

While if I had my way in the publishing world I would give this four stars. I did find it a tad too long, and the ending while I was satisfied was a little rushed. I am happily and proudly giving this five stars. Much respect to Zoe Sharp for not using profanity telling an adult story. I wish other authors and publishers would take note.

I hope The Blake and Byron Series follows the standards set in The Last Time She Died.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookoutre Audio for accepting my request to read and review this book.

#NetGalley
#ZoeSharp
#NarratorTamsinKennard
#BookoutureAudio
#TheLastTimeSheDied

Surprising, clever and fast-paced!

Full of suspense, secrets and family drama, with short and easy to read chapters, this story kept me engaged and guessing from start to finish. This is the first book in a series and I can’t wait to keep reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ALC.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

Zoe Sharp has created a fun, engaging mystery with this, the first in a new series. It's interesting that the series is named Blake and Byron. Because at least to start, these two seem more on opposite sides of the spectrum than partners.
Twenty five year old Blake returns home on the day of her father’s funeral, after having been missing for 10 years. Her father never reported her missing and she’s been presumed dead. She’s now an orphan, as her mother died when she was young. Her father’s second wife and her children are less than thrilled by her sudden appearance and question that she is who she says.
Byron, despite being on medical leave from the Met, attends the funeral and is drawn into the drama.
Watching Byron and Blake interact is like watching a tennis volley. Both are sharp and it’s a game of who can learn what without disclosing anything to the other. They obviously don’t trust each other, at least in the beginning.
The book employs multiple POV to keep things moving at a brisk pace. All the characters were interesting, as almost everyone is hiding something. I felt so sorry for little Lily, too young to understand what is happening around her. I saw some of the twists coming, but others threw me for a loop. It was one of those books I kept listening to one more chapter, and then one more, wanting to see how it ended.
I had no clue Zoe Sharpe was such a prolific author. I will definitely check her other series along with waiting for the next book in this series.
Kudos to Tamsin Kannard as the narrator. She did a great job with both the voices and the tension underlying the story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for an advance copy of this book.

A great book. Not my normal choice of genre. This book had me hooked, the is mystery at every turn. So many of the characters have secret and this alone make you want to see it to the end, let alone the strong plot. It has you guessing and trying to work out what’s going on.. the characters are intriguing and grow more and more as you get deeper in to the story.
If you like mystery and crime this is definitely the story for you
Loved the narrator found her easy to listen to, which I think is very important, she brings the characters to life

3.5 ⭐️‘S
On the day of her fathers funeral, Blake shows up at the family home after having been missing for the past ten years. But someone knows it can’t possibly be Blake. After all they killed her on the night she left, or did they? Byron, a detective that’s on leave from the force isn’t quite sure who Blake is, but he’s willing to team up with her to find out what she’s up to and to crack the mystery of her disappearance. Nicely narrated and with some good twists and some great new characters in Blake and Byron ... this book is a nice start in a new series. Looking forward to Blake and Byron’s next case!

It's a sad day for the Fitzroy family as they rest their beloved husband/stepfather to rest following a tragic car accident. To make matters worse, someone broke into their house. The family is shocked when they learned the identity of the woman who broke into the house. She claimed to be none other that the late Mr Fitzroy's daughter, Blake Clairmont. How is that even possible? Blake went missing ten years ago and was presumed at that point to be dead.
When Detective John Byron is brought in from his medical leave to investigate the death of Mr Fitzroy, he decides to dig a bit deeper to see if Blake is really who she says she is. Detective Byron isn't the only one questioning the identity of the supposed Blake Claremont. Blake seems to know an awful lot about the family to be an outsider. So much so, that she is shot at. Mr Fitzroy may be gone, but the family secrets most certainly didn't follow him to the grave. Was Mr Fitzroy's accident really an accident? Is Blake Clairmont really who she says she is?
Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture Audio, and Zoë Sharp for the opportunity to read and review this book. I honestly have to say that this review was difficult to write as it was so hard not to spill any spoilers. I didn't want to give too much away! This was an audiobook, narrated by Tamsin Kennard. I absolutely loved this book! This was one "who done it" that had me guessing all the way to the end. Though it was a bit slow to start, once it got going, it had all my attention and I had the hardest time putting it down. So many twists in this one it will give you whiplash! I would definitely recommend this book! I rate this ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

What kind of intruder breaks into a home during a funeral and makes sure the police catch her? Blake claims she is the deceased politician’s daughter who has been missing for ten years. DS Byron, unofficially checking that the man’s death was accidental, the intruder is an intriguing puzzle.

Sharp’s new series is off to a twisty start. The story winds through several points of view - Byron, Blake, the widow, the young stepdaughter, a new police officer - each adding a piece to the puzzle. Where that piece fits? I had to revise my theory several times. Streetwise Blake and homicide detective prodigy Blake, both wounded in different ways, have an interesting tension. I enjoyed learning some of their background and look forward to the next in this series.

Trigger warning: Byron is checking that a rumor the deceased was going to reveal information about MPs involved in pedophilia didn’t cause the man’s death. Sharp doesn’t get dark and gritty, but the topic is there.

I split my reading between ebook and audio. The narrator does a nice job voicing the characters in the audio version and I was able to switch seamlessly between formats. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a great beginning to a crime thriller series. There were plenty of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Blake, daughter of Gideon Fitzroy, went missing years ago and was presumed dead. After her father’s death she comes back. Is it really Blake? Her father’s new wife and two kids are skeptical because if it really is Blake, she inherits a lot of money. The characters were great, there was some mystery and vengeance, and it was fast paced. All things that lead to a great story. I listened to the audio version of this and the narrator did a great job. I am looking forward to see what is revealed in the second book when it comes out.

The Missing Daughter

A mystery filled with danger and suspense. The story draws you in from the beginning to the end. The narrator is very good and the characters are well developed and suited to the story.

Fifteen year old Blake disappears without a trace, her father never reports her missing. Now years later her father dies and here she is in the living room of her father's house. Her stepmother and stepbrother do not want to believe she is really Blake and claim she in an imposter, that the real Blake that disappeared ten years ago is dead.

Inspector John Byron is on medical leave from service but he takes and interest in the case and tries to help Blake.

Someone wants Blake to remain dead. Old secrets resurface about Gideon, Blake's father and they very much pertain to the case. A necklace, a crooked policeman by the name of Underwood and her step brother Tom feature prominently into the story.

After an attempt on Blake's life, the kidnapping of her stepsister, and the betrayal of an old friend the mystery is solved, but not without a few twists and turns and secrets.

I really enjoyed this audio book, just recently discovering audio books. It was easy to listen to , and the story was absorbing and engaging. I would recommend this story.

Thanks to Zoe Sharp, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a complimentary copy of the audio book for my honest review.

I was practically dizzy from those twists and turns. What an incredibly build up and ending. Highly recommend.
The death of Gideon Fitzroy disrupts the sleepy village of Derbyshire. Lily and Tom were in the car with Gideon when he died - both lucky to escape. But Commander Daud has asked Detective Superintendent Byron to look closer - something does feel right.
Especially after Blake returns - ten years after she went missing. Is she really Blake? Several villagers know this is impossible - ten years earlier three went into the woods but only two came out.
While Byron quietly investigates, Blake performs her own inquiries. The funeral, reading of the will, tense family relationships - all create an intense plot you can't walk away from.
Perfectly timed gasp out loud twists, family truths and dark secrets revealed.
I listened to the audiobook - excellent narration, tones well done and well placed. I had too rewind a few places to be sure I heard the twists correctly, didn't confuse the characters. This definitely not only held my attention but also did not allow for distractions.
Zoe Sharp has become an author I will follow.

Narrator 5 stars
Great voice and did a fantastic job playing all the characters

Story 3 stars

Very interesting story with lots of twists and turns. While I enjoyed it, it didn't leave me needing or wanting to know more at the end of each chapter.

This is the first of a series, evidently, the Blake and Byron thrillers, so it was interesting to see how these two meet. It is certainly not your usual two detectives assigned to a case plot. The major part of the storyline is the intertwining of these two characters, each of who has an agenda.

Our story starts when a young woman's body is being lowered surreptitiously into a grave. In the next chapter we have family gathering for the funeral of Gideon Fitzroy, a former Parliament member and owner of a large landed estate. Things are thrown into turmoil when his daughter Blake, missing for ten years and presumed dead by some, shows up for the reading of the will. The family begrudgingly accept her into the house, but it is obvious that many do not believe her.

Meanwhile, Detective John Byron is looking at the case in an unofficial capacity. He is on medical leave. He is immediately curious about the recently returned Blake, and in delving into her story, many lies are uncovered.

This story felt a little like a modern day Agatha Christie to me, minus the cozy factor. The people in the family and their motives are closely examined, and we get some insight into their characters. This book starts off a little slow but quickly grabbed my interest. There are twists, some of which I saw coming and some not. The story ends literally on a bit of a cliffhanger, which will be a good opening into the next installment. I will be interested in reading the next Blake and Byron mystery!

I listened to an audio version and enjoyed the artist's clipped British accent and soothing tone.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookoutre Audio, and author Zoe Sharp for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.