I read the first book in the Bentz/Montoya series and decided not to continue with the series due to a few issues that I chalked up to the book being written years ago. However, I had requested and been approved for an ARC of The Last Sinner before I read the first book. This book is the 9th and final book in the series and I expected that Lisa Jackson would have made some improvements, but unfortunately, I was disappointed. The first thing is that this book is about 150 pages too long, given the storyline. The book is unnecessarily repetitious and drags on at certain points. I do not feel like going in to more details on why i rated it a 2-stars because the same critiques have been giving on book 1 down to book 8 and there seemed to be no growth in book 9


Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington publishing for the ARC of this book.

Kristi Bentz is a writer of true life killer books. When she and her husband are attacked one night, he dies and she is left coping and trying to move on with her life. NO Investigators Montoya and Bentz, (Kristi's dad) back from their last Jackson story, are working the case of what might be a copycat of a killer that Kristi wrote a book about years ago, called the"Rosary Killer" , All of a sudden, their investigation and her attack become part of the same search for the killer today. Coming into scrutiny are other books she wrote about past accused killers and how they may or may not fit into the big picture.
And it takes off from there.
With two parallel storylines happening simultaneously, the real plot became a bit confusing at times. And the characters, particularly Kristi , were just not strong enough and, actually, a little too wishy washy for me.
I really like Lisa Jackson's books and the previous Bentz/Montoya stiry , but this one just did not hit a bulls eye with me.

The Last Sinner is a good mystery thriller and a classic who-dun-it story. I thought I figured it out but I was wrong and even if I had I would have kept on reading. I enjoyed the twists and turns and multiple overlapping stories of the characters. The pacing is good and it's a great read for a rainy day which is the kind of day(s) going on here.

Thank you Lisa Jackson, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this review.

I’ve waited it seems forever for the latest installment in Lisa Jackson’s New Orleans series and it didn’t disappoint. There was actually two stories in this book with plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night to see what was going to happen next. Thanks Netgalley and Kensington for this arc.

Lisa Jackson's novel, "The Last Sinner," is the ninth installment in the thrilling series that features the dynamic duo of New Orleans Homicide detectives Benz and Montoya. The series has been captivating from the beginning and can be described as dark and gothic. The character development is skillfully crafted, and the setting of New Orleans is so vividly described that it feels like you are there.

From the very beginning, I was hooked by the perfectly portrayed atmosphere of the story, the well-developed characters, and the vivid descriptions of New Orleans. Lisa Jackson started the book with a bang and kept the momentum going throughout the entire story.

The plot centers around Kristi, the daughter of detective Bentz, who is being stalked and taunted by a killer who leaves behind Bible verses. As I read through the book, I found myself constantly guessing and wondering who the killer might be. The detectives soon discovered that the killer could be Father John, a serial killer they thought they had caught years ago, or a copycat.

Throughout the book, I was also intrigued by the personal struggles of the characters, particularly Kristi, who was dealing with a devastating loss while also being tormented by a killer. The character development was well-done, adding to the tension and suspense of the story.

As the story unfolded, the detectives were in a race against time to catch the killer, or perhaps, killers. The plot twists and turns kept me engaged and eager to turn the page. Jackson's writing style is fast-paced and action-packed, and I enjoyed the way she kept me guessing until the very end.

Overall, "The Last Sinner" is a gripping and enthralling page-turner that I would highly recommend to fans of crime thrillers. I was impressed by Lisa Jackson's ability to weave a complex plot while also developing the characters in a way that made them relatable and sympathetic. I am looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.

My full-length review will be posted online and links will be provided closer to the release date.

Having read the rest of the series, this was just like catching up with old friends and I was so excited to see what the next installment had in store! Being an existing reader, I was invested from the start and it wad everything I had expected. I loved the twists and turns, I loved the characters and that they've stayed true to who they are but also still show growth and never get stale or just repeat the same actions over and over again. It's a really original plot line and it felt fresh and not like dragging out a dying series. A must read for fans of the series and newbies alike

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book has so many twists and turns! An excellent crime thriller with one mystery after another. Detectives Benz and Montoya find themselves in a race against time to catch a serial killer or is it two? True Crime writer Kristi Benz faces the most devastating loss of her husband Jay and has to decide her future all the while being tormented by a killer. This is a gripping page turner.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for honest review.

"Detectives Rick Bentz and Ruben Montoya return in the long-awaited installment in the New Orleans-set series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author—paired against a fan-favorite villain in a deeply satisfying and thrilling novel of suspense.

There are killers so savage, so twisted, that they leave a mark not just on their victims, but on everyone who crosses their path. For Detectives Bentz and Montoya, Father John, a fake priest who used the sharpened beads of a rosary to strangle prostitutes, is one such monster.

Bentz thought he’d ended that horror years ago when he killed Father John deep in the swamp. But now there are chilling signs he may have been wrong. A new victim has surfaced, her ruined body staged in deliberate, unmistakable detail. Either it’s a terrifying copycat, or Father John, the detective’s own recurring nightmare, has come back to haunt New Orleans.

Another death, and another. Bentz is growing convinced that Father John isn’t just back. He’s circling closer, targeting those Bentz loves most.

And this time, he won’t be stopped until the last sinner has paid the ultimate price . . ."

There was a lot going on in this book. I haven't read any other books in the series, but that did not detract from the story for me. Want a book that keeps you guessing until the end, this is it.

I had been waiting for this! And it was so worth the wait! This was so good. I love Lisa Jackson's writing style and she is an auto buy author for me, it's because her books are so good. I was completely engrossed in this. I can't wait to see what comes next!!
I just reviewed The Last Sinner by Lisa Jackson. #TheLastSinner #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

This was a decent read. The plot was excellent and the charters were well done. It had a unique and creative story line. I did find it a little long and drawn out and more of a slow simmer but overall it was engaging and held my interest. I enjoyed it even though it was somewhat slower

This book was a long time coming but worth the wait. Was great to catch up with Bentz and Montoya again. Has Father John (the priest who strangles sex workers with rosary beads) come back or is there a copycat murdering people? Sorry, but you need to read the book to find out. It is one very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it. This Author is phenomenal. Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.

Lisa Jackson brings us another story with Bentz and Montoya. When tragedy strikes, the detectives are back on the case! When similar murders start popping up again, they are convinced that the killer known as Father John is back. Or, is it someone who admired his work and is actually a copycat. At the same time, Kristi Bentz is getting messages not knowing who is sending them nor why she is receiving them. Are these notes from someone she wrote about, or does it have to do with her dad's case? Bentz, Montoya, and Kristi have to work against the clock to catch whoever is targeting them while figuring out if they are all connected, or they are dealing with multiple killers.

Lisa Jackson brings us an action packed story filled with twists and turns. You are constantly left guessing as you turn the page and learn a little bit more. You want to know what happens next and when you think you know what is going on, she throws something else into the mix. I look forward to reading the next case with Bentz and Montoya.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this privilege.

This is part of a series but I was happy that it worked as a stand alon. Bentz and Montoya are back in New Orleans trying to find a serial killer. Kristi Bentz escaped alive but her husband was brutally stabbed to death. She isn't sure if she was the intended target or if it is retaliation against her dad for being a cop.

Kristi writes true crime books. The night of the attack she was fighting with her husband over it as he wanted her to quit writing as it was putting her in harms way. She didn't believe that for a second but now that Jay is dead, maybe he was right? Jay died protecting her and you can feel the guilt she carries around radiate off the pages.

They believe Father John is back because someone is tormenting Kristi and leaving bible verses in her home. Dead bodies pile up pretty quickly and some strangled with rosary beads so this isn't for the faint of heart. It was creepy but so much fun to read this gothic southern thriller.

The Last Sinner
#9 New Orleans
Pub Date: June 27, 2023
Kensington
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts on the book.
Lisa Jackson’s New York Times bestselling series featuring New Orleans homicide detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya began with a strangled prostitute in a seedy French Quarter hotel room and a demented killer disguised as a priest. Now evil comes full circle, as Father John returns to terrorize The Big Easy in this highly anticipated series finale!
This was my favorite book in the series. It could be read alone, but I think it is better if you read the others in the series. Two mysteries in one book kept me guessing! This was a very suspenseful read and it kept me guessing.
I recommend it.
5 stars

This was a strong book from start to finish. It brought back favorite characters from Lisa Jackson’s New Orleans series and drew then back into the action. Two mysteries in one story kept me guessing the whole time. It was a great book.

3.75.5 stars! This is the 9th book in the "New Orleans" series by author Lisa Jackson. I loved the descriptions of New Orleans. I felt like I could picture the swamps and the sewers and visualize the crowded back streets. As always, Lisa did a great job of bringing the snarky attitudes with her main characters, which personally, I enjoy. I read this book as a standalone, which worked, but I'd recommend going back and reading the series as a whole.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Bentz and Montoya are back only this time Bentz lost his son-in-law and almost lost his daughter. This book is a page turner that you won't be able to stop reading. I stayed up way later than I should have to read it. It kept me guessing until the end. Lisa Jackson is, hands down, one of my favorite authors. She knows how to tell a story. I've read more of her books than I can count and this book does not disappoint. You do not have to read the previous Bentz and Montoya books to know what is going on, though, they are great books to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Lisa Jackson for the opportunity to read this ARC.

“The Last Sinner,” by Lisa Jackson is the 9th novel featuring New Orleans Homicide detectives Benz/Montoya. This has been an incredible series from the get go. I would describe this series as seedy and gothic! The character development is well done, and you can close your eyes and picture NOLA. Jackson, starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up!

It has been a few years for the wait for this latest installment. I was very appreciative to receive an eARC of this book.

This story centers around Kristy, Benz’s daughter, who is being stalked and taunted by a killer who likes to leave Bible verses behind. His first victim was a Prostitute strangled in a hotel room. Of course, anyone who has read the series will immediately wonder if Father John has returned? In addition, previous characters from the series make a return.

This series is so worth it. You can read this novel as a stand alone, however, you’d be doing yourself a favor if you start at the beginning.

I held off giving 5 stars to this novel because the ending was abrupt and seemed harried. Also, I still had questions, so if this is the finale, I’m not 100% satisfied. Please don’t let that stop you from reading this series, or even this novel.

Thank you NetGalley, and Kensington Books for the fantastic opportunity to receive an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC that will be released June 27, 2023!
Bentz and Montoya are back in the ninth installment in this New Orleans southern gothic mystery series. I was so excited to get selected for this arc. This is one of my most favorite series of all time. I just love the southern gothic theme.
This book brings back lots of great characters in the other books. In this story Kristi, Bentzs daughter, is being stalked by a psycho leaving her bible verses. Could it be Father John back for revenge? I raced through this book in one day. It was a very suspenseful read! This can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the others first. I give 5 stars to the whole series.

I’d like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I’ve always been a fan of Lisa Jackson and this book did not disappoint, it’s a story that fans have been waiting years for. I enjoyed how all the characters were tied together and the hint for Father John is still on but with that being said, I thought the ending was a bit rushed and loose ended so I do hope she writes another book. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.