Cover Image: One Last Kill

One Last Kill

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

The Tracy Crosswhite series is still one of my favorites. She continues to be an incredible detective and genuine person. I love the personal element within the series; it truly humanizes her character.

This case was incredible as always. Dugoni writes amazing story lines with intriguing twists that keep you hooked.

(I’m glad this isn’t the last of Tracy Crosswhite. I could read this series forever.)

Was this review helpful?

One Last Kill by Robert Dugoni is the 10th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Tracy had angered her Chief and found herself working alone in the cold case department. She scrolls through the cases and selects the ones to reopen in most cases, but not this time. She has been told to reopen the Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer case. It is coming up to the tenth anniversary and the newspaper is planning to print a series of articles. Not only does she have to open a case she didn't select, but she is being forced to work with Captain Johnny Nolasco, her nemesis beginning with her cadet days. Nolasco was the lead investigator on the original case and he dares Tracy to close it, this time. They form an uneasy truce and revisit old leads and pursue new evidence only to unearth high-level corruption and cover-ups. What will the guilty parties do to protect themselves? Will Nolasco and Crosswhite be able to finally close this case?

This was an excellent addition to the Tracy Crosswhite series. I loved seeing how Tracy and Nolasco were going to put their differences aside and work together, the sign of a good professional. I really miss camaraderie of Tracy, Kins, Faz and Del working homicide together like they did in the first books of this series, but we do see them pop in and out of this story, in fact, Faz plays an important role. This is a fast-paced, tense story that didn’t disappoint. As police corruption continues to play a role in these stories, I hope that the Police Chief will get her comeuppance soon. It was a perfect blend of mystery, suspense and twists that I have come to enjoy from Robert Dugoni. As with the other books in this series, Kindle Unlimited offers the read/listen option which I took advantage of. Emily Sutton-Smith does a wonderful job with this series and she is the voice of Tracy Crosswhite for me.

Was this review helpful?

Once again Tracy Crosswhite is working on a Seattle cold case. With tensions high at work after uncovering some unsavory behavior, Tracy is not at all comfortable working with her nemesis, Johnny Nolasco. The two of them are looking for the the Route 99 Killer. A case that Nolasco was in charge of twenty five years ago. To get anywhere the two have to put animosity’s aside and work together to have a chance at solving the case, but will this be the case that breaks the camels back for Tracy? Fast paced and completely addictive, Dugoni is a master at the police procedural. This series just keeps getting better with each new book. Keep them coming! Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

The tenth book of the Tracy Crosswhite series is here with her being a badass again. Last we had seen, Tracy, in her investigation into the disappearance of a investigative journalist Lisa Childress, had found that her boss Chief of Police Marcella Weber was a part of a corrupt drug task force back in the 1990s. She is back at after a short holiday and is immediately assigned the case of a serial killer who was active between 1993 to 1995.

Forced to partner with her work nemesis Chief Johnny Nolasco, Tracy begins her foray into the past to find the killer who has eluded the police successfully all these years. She has her work cut out for her with the not-very-helpful Weber and abrasive Nolascco throwing in a series of obstacles along her way. The investigation soon becomes a quagmire, with leads pointing to various suspects that fizzle out to be false leads.

Of course, read through the book to know who is the killer and how he is caught.

As always, author Robert Dugoni has managed to create a complex situation out of an investigation, so much so that, even the reader begins to wonder if the case will ever be solved. Despite it being a cold case, Dugoni has infused a sense of urgency into the story through the circumstances around the case, particularly the kind of pressure the police department usually has to put up with while handling high profile cases, and the dynamics of the people who work together to help people get justice. That is a very clever way of story telling.

One best aspect of Dugoni's story telling according to me, is the varied shades he manages to give his characters; no one is completely good nor completely bad. Everyone has their own reasons for being the way they are; it might be something very trivial (eg. inflated ego) or something very serious to them, but these characters always feel justified in doing what they did/do. In fact, the book is a rather unique insight into the various personalities and attitudes that form the police department and how these characteristics affect their work and the dynamics of their work space. The reader is forced to look at them as the flawed individual they are rather than the greater than life people they are usually projected to be.

This book also provides a satisfying and real conclusion to the case which started in the previous book "What She Found". Even though I have only read the 9th and 10th book of the series as of now, I was still able to follow the many high points of Tracy's life and career; Dugoni deserves a big kudos for that. It is not an easy task to do, in a long series of books, which involves several cases that are and people who are interconnected.

This book is a solid police investigative thriller which will grip you totally and entertain you undoubtedly. I loved it and can't wait to see where the story travels next.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a page turner from beginning to end. Always a fan of Tracy crosswhite series. This time she is up against a corrupt part of the police force while investigating a cold case. Would highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

I do enjoy my police procedurals so One Last Kill got my interest. This would also be my first Robert Dugoni novel so I wasn't sure on what to expect.

I enjoyed the book well enough. The dual timeline was done well and I think the overall plot and case was intriguing. There were moments that can get a bit heavy and a little dark so the bits of humor included was a good breather in between.

The way the tension ramped up until the end was nerve-wracking though I found the ending a bit unsatisfying. I wasn't really invested with the main character but considering this was the 10th installment for this series, I guess I missed a good deal of development in the previous books.

Some chapters were a bit of a sludge to get through and I had to stop to take breaks during those chapters just to get myself enough energy to power through them.

Still, I did like most of what I read and I just might go back to the earlier books in the series.

3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

One Last Kill is the 10th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Even though it would be best to read the previous books first, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

I miss the camaraderie of Tracy, Kins, Faz and Del working homicide together. Tracy is now working solo in the cold case unit. With a twenty-fifth anniversary coming up on the last killing of a serial killer cold case, Tracy is thrown together with her nemesis, Johnny Nolasco, to solve the killings.

This is a fast-paced, intense read that didn’t disappoint. It was a perfect mix of mystery and suspense. I love this series. Can't wait to read the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Robert Dugoni for an ARC of "One Last Kill".

Was this review helpful?

In “One Last Kill” (Tracy Crosswhite) by Robert Dugoni we are brought back into the life of detective Ttracy Crosswhite. This time her superior asks her to reopen a nearly three decade old cold case to help redeem the reputation of the Seattle PD.

Little does she know that the new assignment will have her working with a long-time nemesis and bring her closer to a deranged serial killer then before.

All the best characters are back and add their two cents in as usual to make the story.

I received an ARC of this book, but this is my honest review

Was this review helpful?

“I know my place very well, sir. I am a servant for the people of King County, Washington, tasked with solving fourteen murders and maybe saving lives in the process."
Once again, Tracy Crosswhite shows how completely BA she is. It took a lot to replace the In Death books as my favorite crime/mystery series (still love them, don't come at me lol), but the Tracy Crosswhite series has managed it. In book 10, of the series, Tracy is partnered with Nolasco, the Captain that I absolutely love to hate. Robert Dugoni didn't quite manage to make me like him, but the flashbacks for the original Route 99 taskforce really gave more insight into some of why he is the jerk he is and I am able to empathize with him more. I'd love to get more of Nolasco's backstory as he is definitely a multi-faceted character. Really, all the characters in this series are well written and dynamic. Some, I'd love to be friends with and some I am truly itching to see come to justice. I love that Tracy's homicide team is still playing a role even though she is in the cold case division. I think she's perfect for the job because Tracy truly doesn't give up on achieving justice for the victims and their families. One of the things that I love about this series is you can truly pick up any book in the series and start there, though it really is better if you read them in order. At this point, honestly, I'd read anything by Robert Dugoni. He is very thorough and you can tell that he does a lot of research into his books.

Was this review helpful?

Technically, I believe that this book could be read as a stand-alone. There is just enough background given throughout the book that you aren't lost on the plot points that happened previously. And while yes, the story-line given here is technically the final part of a trilogy of events within the other books, it is still unique to this story.

Having been a fan of this series from the beginning, and understanding the animosity between Tracy and Nolasco, I was curious to see not only how these two would get along having to work together, but if my opinion of Nolasco would change at all considering what I knew about him. Interestingly enough, I felt that this story was able to stay true to the characters and how they had been throughout the other nine novels, while allowing for the growth that was needed for this novel. And while I don't think they will ever be friends, I'm curious to see what does happen next with them.

I enjoyed the hunt as Tracy and Nolasco go back over every detail of the case, looking for something that may have been missed (or in another instance a detail not followed up on), and while I had my suspicions as to who was behind the murders, I was still surprised not only by the culprit, but for the reasoning behind them.

Sadly, what killed this one for me was the ending. After everything that happened, one of the key players in the game was allowed to walk away and move on with their life as if their choices in the past weren't the catalyst for everything that happened after. When that happened, it not only left a bad taste in my mouth, but I felt it cast a shadow over the entire story. Sure the killer was stopped, but that doesn't mean that true justice was served.


DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Was this review helpful?

Tracy Crosswhite is on the tail of a serial killer. She is tasked with solving a case from years back that never solved the mystery. Her boss, demanding and harsh pairs her with the former lead detective on the case. He distrusts Crosswhite and is a bit jealous of her successes. It is not an easy pairing. By using some critical thinking, not going straight to the obvious the killer eventually comes to light but it is a journey full of danger and treachery for both Crosswhite and those she is tasked to work with. The truth is eventually opened up but it is a startling conclusion that puts both Tracy and others in danger as they try to unravel the past. Thanks to #netGalley#OneLast Kill for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

Oh man, this one was fun! It was also dark and twisty. But man….if you have read the other books in this series you are in for a treat! As someone who is fully invested in these characters, i loved seeing Tracy and Nolasco forced to work together in this one. Their banter was fun and the case was so interesting. I love that Tracey is now doing cold cases and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC. I really enjoy cold case stories. You always hope something comes up that a killer is brought to justice. I haven't read the other books in the series and i don't think you have to read in order. I enjoyed this one alot!

Was this review helpful?

In book ten in the Tracy Crosswhite series, Seattle detective Tracy investigates the cold case of Seattle, Washington's Route 99 serial killer. She is paired with Captain Johnny Nolasco, lead investigator of the case three decades ago. Since the two have quite the strained professional relationship, Dugoni's builds character depth through the match up. The story unfolds over two time periods.
I am drawn to Dugoni's writing, including this series, for his well-paced, intriguing plots and rich character development. He gives readers the back stories of his characters and immerses them into the present time period as well, all the while building suspense.
Tracy is a smart, compassionate woman who is highly skilled in her job. Upon finishing this book, I am already anticipating her next cold case and chapter in her family life as a wife and mother. One Last Kill is perfect reading in the chilly days of autumn, leading up to winter.
Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance reader's copy. My review is my own.

Was this review helpful?

Detective Tracy Crosswhite investigates cold cases for Seattle PD. Tracy is tasked with investigating a 20-year-old serial killer and finally put the case to rest, also while being partnered with her captain, who she doesn’t necessarily care for. Just when they think they’ve finally solved the case and have the killer behind bars, they are proven wrong. Tracy must continue her investigation and hope the killer doesn’t strike again before she does.

Was this review helpful?

One Last Kill is another thriller in a series by Robert Dugoni. Tracy Crosswhite is determined to find a serial killer than murdered 13 people before disappearing. Follow the twists and turns as a decades old cold case is reopen with the hope that the killer will finally be revealed.

The storyline is engaging. Any person who enjoys cold case mystery thrillers will enjoy reading this book.

Was this review helpful?

Robert Dugoni's ONE LAST KILL is another satisfying thriller in his long-running series. Detective Tracy Crosswhite's efforts to draw out a serial killer draw her deeper into the department's politicking and bureaucracy, putting her career on the line as she struggles to bring justice to victims. Fans will be pleased with this latest installment.

Was this review helpful?

NYT bestselling author Robert Dugoni returns following Her Deadly Game with his popular Tracy Crosswhite Series #10, ONE LAST KILL —from murders past and present, a long-dormant serial killer is drawn out of hiding in this latest riveting crime thriller.

Detective Tracy Crosswhite is reopening the investigation into Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer. After thirteen victims, he stopped, and the trail went cold—thirteen families who wanted closure for their lost daughters and wives.

Now, decades after his first kill, Tracy wants to bring closure to the victim's families and redeem Seattle PD's standing. However, to do so, she must work with her nemesis, Captain Johnny Nolasco.

Johnny was the lead investigator 25 years ago and finally came to a dead end. The killings stopped, and the cases were sent to the Cold Case Unit. Tracy is the head of the unit under the Chief.

When they announce they are reopening the case, will the serial killer come out again?

Together, they revisit old leads and look at new evidence to unearth corruption and cover-ups. What is more dangerous, the killer or those wanting to bury their secrets?

Things have changed in 25 years with DNA evidence, and they hope to find the killer. They make good use of the advances that have changed significantly in 25 years, which they hope will help find the killer.

With many twists and turns, red herrings, suspense, and superb character development, fans of the series will enjoy catching up with characters from the past. However, this can be read as a standalone.

ONE LAST KILL is an excellent addition to the popular Tracy Crosswhite series! A blending of cop procedural and crime thriller for fans of Michael Connelly.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 3, 2023
Oct 2023 Must-Read Books

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars rounded up

One Last Kill by Robert Dugoni is an excellent police procedural, and the 10th entry in his Tracy Crosswhite series. He is such a well-regarded, prolific writer, and unbelievably, this is the first of the series that I have read. I found it easy to follow as a stand-alone, but I would probably have understood more of the nuances of the characters’ relationships if I had read the previous books in this series first.
In this story, Tracy is a Seattle detective assigned to the cold case division, and she is very good at looking at such cases, since she has an ability to sympathize with families who need closure about their loved ones’ fates at the hands of criminals. It is the 25th anniversary of the unsolved Route 99 serial killer cases, and the police chief asks Tracy to reopen the investigation and to work side-by-side with her nemesis in the department, Johnny Nolasco (who had been part of the original police team investigating the murders in 1993).
The plot unfolds in dual timelines, 1993 and 2020, in early chapters, then the tension ramps up in all present time as Tracy and Nolasco close in on identifying the killer.
Dugoni is such a skillful writer the characters really come alive as he describes their physical attributes and personalities. It is interesting to see how the relationship between Tracy and Nolasco goes from adversarial to collegial, as they develop trust in each other and an easy repartee. The story line is engaging, and absolutely compelling as a serious criminal investigation. Accurate descriptions of the city of Seattle and its suburbs add to the realism and atmospheric setting for the action.
Now I understand why the Tracy Crosswhite novels are so popular, and I plan to go back to book one and immerse myself in this excellent detective series!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is an update to my original review from April 2023. I received my purchased ebook of this book as well as the Audible a week ago. Because I now had the Audible, I re-read the book this time with the Audible. It was even better with the wonderful Audible. This is definitely the best Tracy Cross white book. Can't wait for the next one. (Hint, hint!😁😁)

What an excellent book. This book continues the storyline started in the novella "The Last Line", and continued by popular demand by readers, in "What She Found (Tracy Crosswhite Book 9)". I have already preordered the book but it was hard waiting nearly a year to October 2023. Thankfully, due to Netgally, I didn't have to. This trio of books is the best of an already extremely well written series. I intend to read all three back to back as soon as I recuperate from this thrilling read.

I miss Tracy in Major Cases with Kin, Del and Faz but I do enjoy her in Cold Cases. In this book she is working to find the Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer, who has been quiet for the last 25 years. Until Chief Weber holds a press conference announcing that she has reopened the case with Crosswhite and Nolasco, yes, Nolasco, investigating it. This wakes up the long dormant killer. This book has so many twists and turns I nearly got whiplash. But I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to rereading the book with the Audible. I really love the books but the Audible really makes it so much more enthralling.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. Now begins another dry spell till the next book is released in 2024 or, sob, 2025.

Was this review helpful?