The Last Good Place By Robin Burcell Brash Books November 2015

Review by Cynthia Chow

Beginning in the 1970s, Carolyn Weston began writing crime novels featuring San Francisco Police Sergeants Al Krug and Casey Kellog. These novels would become the basis for the television series The Streets of San Francisco starring Michael Douglas and Karl Malden. Now Robin Burcell skillfully continues the original three-novel series, albeit with a few modern updates. Cell phones, social media, and computer surveillance are introduced, and Burcell very wisely softens Al Krug's character just enough to make him less likely to be sued, fired, or arrested.

For the past four months, San Francisco has been plagued by four strangulation murders attributed to the Landmark Strangler. The latest possible serial killing could be that of Trudy Salvatori, the estranged wife of a wealthy construction business owner. That she was also the finance director for Congressman Parnell, a representative up for reelection, ensures that this will be a political nightmare that could either make or break careers.

The one with the most at stake is ambitious Sergeant Casey Kellog, the newest and youngest homicide detective on the force. While he may have the education and degrees, his partner Al Krug has over thirty years of detective experience. Following honed instincts, Al may not always operate by the books but it's hard to argue with the results. Casey, on the other hand, is realizing that he may be in over his head and unprepared on how to build a personal life around such a demanding job. No one is more surprised than Casey himself by how much he can learn from his dryly acerbic partner.

This is a fun, well-plotted police procedural that delves into the inner workings of a police department and its detectives. Readers may be reminded of the writings of Ed McBain, who mastered the craft of building relationships between officers, utilizing black humor banter, and keeping his novels timeless. Burcell's own experience as a police officer, as well as her own numerous suspense and mystery novels, make her the perfect candidate to continue this series. Alternating chapters narrated by a journalist with her own agenda, as well as ones by the individuals whose secrets will be forced out into the open by the investigation, are as compelling as those by the detectives. This is a riveting and very entertaining mystery that deftly recreates and updates the atmosphere of noir detective novels.

This race against the clock description is accurate for this book. It moved at a fast clip and the terminology was on point. I felt as if the cops were very realistic and the background of the story even more so. This book was thrilling and left me wanting more. I did not guess the ending at all which is unusual for me!

San Francisco detectives Al Kruger and Casey Kellog are as different as two people can be, but they have to work together to solve a series of crimes. What at first appears to be a serial strangler, morphs into something else. A murder scene at the Presidio, points the case in a whole new direction and Kruger and Kellogg are racing against time to catch a killer. Burcell’s real life background is very evident in this excellent police procedural

Detective Krug and his partner had to investigate a series of violent deaths and when they have to deal with yet another death, they realise that there.might be another reason behind the murders. The book is written is a very quick fashion and the way the plot unfolds leave you with a wow feeling and makes you wishing for more. Thanks netgalley!

Al Krug and Casey Kellog, two San Francisco detective sergeants, get involved in the investigation of a murder that could well have been undertaken by a serial killer who their department is also after.

The plot runs at a good pace with not too much procedural detail, yet appears realistic. I am a British reader, but I have been to San Francisco, so many of the better known locations were moderately familiar to me, and I enjoyed revisiting them. I understand that Klug and Kellog are the investigators behind the Streets of San Francisco TV Series, but I have not seen this, but the book does have a ‘scenic quality’ that makes it easy to see it as a movie or TV episode.

I found it a well written and very enjoyable read. Recommended for crime readers!

Sgts Al Krug and Casey Kellog are called to the scen of a murder at the Presidio in San Francisco. At first it seems it might be connected to the Landmark Strangler Case, a series of murders that have been carried out near famous landmarks in the city. The further they get into the case the more questions are raised. The killer is dead, but they don't think he is the Strangler. The case soon turns towards the local political scene and Al and Casey have to tread lightly. If they are wrong it could have them back on patrol and out of the murder squad. Al and Casey have very different investigating styles. Casey is the new guy and it is interesting watching him learn from Al, the veteran. Betrayal and suspense will keep you reading as the detectives try to solve 2 cases.

Carolyn Weston started a series of novels that became the basis for the TV series “The Streets of San Francisco”. Carolyn unfortunately passed on some years back and Robin Burcell was recruited to carry on the work, her having extensive law enforcement background and judging by this book an excellent writer the story plays out like any great crime novel with perp discovery only at the very end. Fast paced action through-out but I was unable to rid myself of the image of Karl Malden, more specifically Johnny Carson imitating Karl doing a commercial. Those of the younger set who know nothing of the TV show or of Karl Malden should find this an enjoyable fast paced adventure, a good crime mystery displaying excellent writing skills. Definitely recommended as the book has been set to present day realities of technology that were not present during the 1970’s TV series. I will definitely seek more works by this author.

What a treat! They say all stories have already been told once, but I’m telling you, this one hasn’t. Oh, trust me! And my thanks go to Net Galley and Brash Books for a wonderful DRC. This one will be up for sale November 3.

Some may recall the TV series “The Streets of San Francisco”; the show was based on a set of police procedurals by Carolyn Weston. Characters Casey Kellog and Al Krug became TV characters Steve Keller and Mike Stone. In bringing the series back to us in the twenty-first century, new co-author Robin Burcell was asked to update it, since some of the over-the-top methods used originally could get a cop fired these days, and the old methods would not resonate with the public. Burcell has a lengthy background in law enforcement, and now I know that she is also a capable novelist. The pages flew by, and I enjoyed her improvement of the old series.

As the story commences, there have been a series of murders at famous landmarks in San Francisco, and it has been inferred by the media that tourists are at risk. While sometimes life may be cheap, the tourist industry is key to the local economy, and there’s heavy political pressure set to find someone and solve this crime, preferably accurately, but if not…just get someone, haul them in, and charge them.

So when Marcie’s neighbor and good friend Trudy turns up dead, there is speculation. Has she been a victim of this killer, or is it a copycat killing?

We find out right at the get go that Marcie knows a thing or two. For example, she knows that Trudy and her husband are getting a divorce; they are no longer in love. And Marcie also knows that her buddy has been spending some private time with Marcie’s husband. And so while Trudy and her soon-to-be-ex are going to sell their house as part of dividing the spoils of a marriage gone bad, Marcie won’t sell her house. Because it is her house, along with the eucalyptus grove out in the backyard. Her grandfather left her the house, and he left her the trees. He used to tell her that this humble, quiet spot out back was “the last good place”, and Marcie won’t part with it. Not ever. Not even to increase the property’s value—for herself and also for friend Trudy—by making their homes bay view property. Her grandfather preferred the trees to the water view, and so does Marcie.

It’s time to go jogging with Trudy, but Marcie hangs back and hides for a bit. We aren’t quite sure why, apart from the fact that she is suspicious that things are not what they seem to be. Trudy’s been a little strange toward her lately. And what do you know…Trudy dies on the morning jog before Marcie catches up to her.

This is a really accessible story, and I thought I ought to be able to solve the mystery. Goodness knows I read enough of them! And yet, I really didn’t get it. The author doesn’t pull the rug from beneath the reader by introducing a lot of new information at the end, or any of the other unfair devices writers occasionally use in order to make their story’s ending a certain surprise; I had a reasonable shot at it, but I didn’t get it. And I loved the ending!

The characters—the experienced, fatherly, crafty interrogator Al Krug, and his ambitious partner, Casey Kellog, are well developed and personable, but their personal lives don’t distract from the problems at hand. There are a couple of red herrings, but the plot is essentially linear and easy to follow.

All told, this one is a humdinger, and you should read it!

This book is a modern day continuation of Carolyn Weston's crime series Krug and Kellog, which was made into the t.v. show The Streets of San Francisco back in the 70's. Author Robin Burcell does this admirably in keeping with the essence of the original but also puts her own stamp on this book.
When the strangled body of wealthy Trudy Salvatori is found in the park, after she had gone out on a morning jog, Krug and Kellog jump at the chance to take the case. Sergeant Casey Kellog, at 29, is the youngest in the department. He has fast tracked to his position in the force through his university education, unlike his partner Sergeant Al Krug. Al, much older than Casey, earned his position through doing years on the beat along with his other colleagues in the department. Casey needs to prove his worth to his peers and solving the case could just be the ticket. If the murder of Trudy is the latest in a series of murders by the Landmark killer and he and Al can solve the case he could make his name and gain respect.
The story line is very good and I loved all the red herrings that the author created. I was constantly changing my mind about the killer and I was blown off my feet at the end of the book.
I felt that the book would be more suited to a mature reader as although it has been brought up to modern times the content seemed a little old fashioned to me.
Violence in this book is minimal but on the couple of occasions it happens it does have more of an impact. It would also appeal to anyone that does not like bad language in a book.I would read more of this series as I loved the twists and turns. I wish to thank Netgalley and Brash Books for allowing me to read this book.

totally readable, and even better actually once i got the Streets of San Francisco casting out of my mind - Al is worldy wise, and we want him to be 'better' than his younger upstart partner - but we like him too, and sometimes his college-educated cognitive tests etc work - but we're glad the more instinctive policeman is best - and, for example, even though we think we know who done it right from the start, it is the brilliance of this writer that we are confounded as much as the police are - and somehow Al just knows it. really cool, really adept smart writing with sympathetic characters and recognisable dilemmas. genius, actually

This is a continuation of the series from which the 1960s TV Show, The Streets of San Francisco was drawn. EVen though I was of the right age, I didn't watch that show. If the stories are all as good as this one, I should have. This kept my interest. It follows detective partners-one older, hardened and one young and ambitious-as they attempt to solve a murder and also work on a serial killing.

Well-written with no language issues. I really enjoyed this book.

The Last Good Place is a great police procedural. It was a mystery in a mystery, a great big cast of police characters, and believable crime(s). Plus I loved Al and Casey: the homicide veteran and his eager, college-educated, on-the-fast-track-up young hotshot partner. The dynamic between them is great, as is watching Casey maneuver his way into trouble and ultimately back out.

I almost didn't read it, however. This novel identifies itself with The Streets of San Francisco, a cop show that once featured a young Michael Douglas. Yes, it's that old. It made me wonder if I was going to get an old-fashioned story -- but was happily pleased that it was all 21st century. Ignore the poor choice of marketing (or marketing to a very specific demographic) and read this book..

Thank You very much to Net Galley, the publishers, and Robin Burcell, for the opportunity to read this great book.

Robin Burcell has worked as a cop, hostage negotiator, and as an FBI-trained, forensic artist . She’s also the author of award-winning thrillers. Now she uses that unparalleled experience to continue Carolyn Weston’s groundbreaking series of books, which were the basis for the hit TV show "The Streets of San Francisco."

Sgt. Al Krug and his younger, college-educated partner Casey Kellog are investigating a string of strangulation killings when another victim is found at the Presidio…but a surprising, violent incident at the crime scene makes them wonder if everything is what it seems. The two miss-matched cops, with sharply conflicting approaches to detective work, are under intense pressure to get results. It’s a race-against-the-clock investigation that propels them into the deadly intersection of politics, real estate, media and vice… the fertile, fog-shrouded killing field of a ruthless murderer.

This is a very enjoyable, easy reading, great story with plenty of characters, two great lead characters and different detectives, and Karl Malden and Michael Douglas faces kept coming into my head.

A very well written to me a real classic type police procedure, from an author will all the experience and knowledge.

Kept as a great pace with strong supporting characters, keep you guessing to the very last pages.

I am very keen to read more from this author, as I like her writing style.

A good four stars for me.

Thanks to netgalley.com, Robin Burcell and Brash Books for the advance ARC for my honest review and no spoilers.

'The Last Good Place' is an edge of your seat, roller coaster of a read, that twists and turns through the streets of San Francisco, has you riding shotgun with too lovable Detectives, shocked full of believable characters and a mess of whodunit mixed.

If you love the Police Procedural genre or watch all the Police TV shows, than this one's a must read for you and get introduced to one of the best authors in the genre.

Than look no further than Robin Burcell's latest, as she continues Carolyn's Weston's groundbreaking the Krug and Kellog Thriller Series, that became the basis for the hit TV show, 'The Streets of San Francisco'.

It seems like it's the norm now. Where we see late beloved author's work continued posthumously be it by the author's estate or a publisher. I've kept reading several legendary author's beloved characters, due to it being simply to hard not to.

The opposite happened getting introduced to Al Krug and Casey Kellog, by finding myself at 50% of this book, purchasing all three of Weston's books. Never had a reaction to a book like that before, that's just how good 'The Last Best Place' is and it's one of my favorite reads of this year so far.

Only Burcell could take two likable detectives, add a plain jane reporter, have multiple murders cleverly intertwined, a dash of humor, dash of romance, having a politician being a politician, sprinkle in red herrings, smoking guns and pull it off perfectly.

Sgts Al Krug and Casey Kellog, basically take you through a murder investigation, that finds the murderer being killed while flee them, goes through every plausible explanation, trying to find whodunit and follows police procedural by the book.

I liked all the characters in this one, especially Krug and Kellog, really liked that this reads like a movie and can't wait for the their next adventure..

I highly recommend Robin Burcell's writing, you'll find yourself having a bookshelf or collection on your ereader of her books. Both her Kate Gillespie and Sydney Fitzpatrick Series are two favorites of mine.

A plot as twisty as Lombard Street

I still remember the television show THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO that ran from 1972-1977. I loved Karl Malden's character especially as Lt. Mike Stone. I also loved that the show was almost entirely filmed on location in San Francisco, one of my favorite cities.

The names were changed for the TV show but the essence of the show stayed pretty true to author Carolyn Weston's series of books.

And this new addition to the series stays pretty darned true to Weston's books, even though brought forward into current times. I could definitely tell that author Robin Burcell has a law enforcement background. This is a true-reading police procedural (except for the fedora that Krug wears - just a BIT out of date IMO).

Sergeant Al Krug and Sergeant Casey Kellog, San Francisco Police Department, are hot on the trail of the Landmark Strangler. Then a female jogger gets killed that doesn't quite fit the profile. And this mismatched pair of partners are chasing down clues and being led on a twisty, turny road to the culprit.

This was a fun read that kept me guessing up to the final pages.

NOTE: I received this book from Brash Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

Murders are happening at landmarks in San Francisco. Two unlikely partnered policemen (old school Al Kruger and college boy Casey Kellog) investigate the murder of Trudy Salvatori who was attacked and killed while jogging. Marcie went jogging five minutes after Trudy and finds out that Trudy is lying dead where a couple and their dog are looking at the body. Trudy was Marcie's best friend. As the police investigate, they get a description of who might be the murderer by the couple's wife. Casey sees him and gives chase. Will Casey catch him? As the investigation continues, there are clues that twists and turns making at times for Casey if he knows what he is doing.

I enjoyed this fast paced mystery. The characters are described so well that I saw them in my mind's eye. The writing let me involved in the story. There are so many suspects that it was difficult for me to decide who did it. So I was surprised to find out who killed Trudy.

You can always tell when an author REALLY knows their stuff, so to speak, and this book is a perfect case of 'YES, she does!". Fans of the old TV show will have a sense of deja vu, as Robin so easily steps in and continues the series, yet brings a modern touch to it, to update it, yet keep its true essence. You will read it and see the TV series in your head, which means she has done her job! It is classic police procedural, in the perfect setting, and really shows why the series was the basis for 'cop-buddy' series and movies, and why they work so well. This is a classic mystery, that will leave the reader guessing wrongly, and then seeing the clues for what they are. A real page turner, be sure to pick this one up, if you like authentic mysteries that could be ripped from the head lines!

This novel is a procedural in which the protagonists are a pair of San Francisco homicide detectives working on two separate cases. One is an experienced homicide cop with the street smarts that can only come from extensive experience. The other is relatively young and college educated. (This series of novels was the basis of the television show, Streets of San Francisco.). It is possibly one of the best procedurals I have read in years. The reader is hooked from the onset and never let loose.

Thanks to Net Galley and Brash for an ARC for an honest review.

So it's not an easy bar to set, but I have to say this is by far the best mystery I have read all year. I wasn't sure exactly where everything was going to go as I began the book. I really do try to avoid reading even the description of a book before I read and I had selected to request this book based on the cover.

Robin Burcell does a fantastic job twisting around all the facts of the case at hand. As Casey and Al try to figure out if Trudy's death is in connection to string of strangulation kills, they also realize that even though both have different styles, backgrounds and knowledge, they can learn a lot from one another. Casey's a fast rising star who is already testing for Lieutenant after only six months in homicide. Solving a big case will only help further his career. But what he doesn't realize is his ambitions are going to send him on a crash course with a highly ambitious reporter who is desperate to bring to light the fact there may be more murders than the police and press are willing to admit.

This book has everything, theft, deception, betrayal and of course, sex... as in Casey's sexual attraction to Jenn, the reporter and Becca, a fellow police officer. From the beginning, you feel as if you have at least a good idea of who all is involved, but by the end, you realize everything was just smoke and mirrors. The person you think is responsible for Trudy's death is not who you believe and those you thought to be completely innocent, were in fact, extremely involved, but not in what you think.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries and can appreciate the fact things don't move as fast in the world of police work as television shows like to make it seem.

I am a fan of Robin Burcell’s suspense novels, so I was intrigued when I saw this new book by Burcell. This time, Burcell has written a police procedural based on a series by Carolyn Weston, on which the television series, “The Streets of San Francisco” was based. I hadn’t read any of Weston’s books and I have only a vague memory of some of the old television episodes starring a young Michael Douglas. Burcell says she has merged some aspects of the original books with the television show and I think the result is a success! I really enjoyed this book which pairs veteran detective Sgt. Al Krug with the younger Casey Kellog, who is eager to put what he studied in school into practice. The two work very differently, but are ultimately a good fit. They each learn to be more flexible in their crime-solving methods and bring out the best in each other.

The characters are appealing and the procedural elements are both believable and interesting. Descriptions and dialogue in which Krug and Kellog are on the job make excellent reading. On the other hand, while it is tied into the novel’s main plot, Kellog’s love life isn’t as interesting to read about, partially because one of his potential love interests wasn’t that likeable. I was eager to find out how things turned out in the case, which had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing about the solution. I enjoyed the rapport between Krug and Kellog and hope Burcell keeps this wonderful series going.

I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Brash Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it!! Great read from start to finish. Definitely a page turner that will keep you guessing. I intend to read other books by this author.

I approached this book with no expectations, finding out later about its pedigree. It is simply a great story. The interaction between the old street-wise detective and the younger college-educated detective added interest and kept the reader interested. Subplots on many levels made for an interesting and engrossing read. I finished the book in one setting. I couldn't put it down. Although many clues appeared along the way, the ending was both surprising and satisfying. The story is as much about individual development as it is about solving murder mysteries. I finished with the hope I would be seeing more of Al Krug and Casey Kellog.

Wow! I really enjoyed reading this book. I haven't seen a single episode of the TV show that I remember and I never picked up any of the original books in the series so this was all new for me. I enjoyed every page of it. I don't read police procedurals very often but every once in a while this kind of book is the perfect choice. This book hooked me right away and I had a very hard time putting it down. I actually ended up reading the entire novel in a single day which is really unusual for me right now.

I was impressed by the complexity of the cases in this story. This was a deeply layered story that kept me guessing almost until the very end of the book. The fact that I couldn't figure out the mystery was a huge plus for me. All the pieces to the mystery were there but I just couldn't see how everything would eventually fit together. The story read with the same level of excitement that you would expect in a police drama.

I didn't fall in love with any of the characters but they all felt very real to me. Every single character in this story felt authentic which is pretty amazing. All of the characters were somewhat flawed and there were a few individuals that I found to be hard to figure out which added to the appeal for me. The detectives in this story were regular people just trying to piece everything together to stop a criminal and solve a mystery.

The writing in this book was very well done. I thought the pacing of the story was excellent with the story progressing at a great pace. I never felt like the story was rushed and there was never any part of the book that seemed too slow. Every scene in the book helped to build the story and the characters.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of police procedural novels. This is the first book by Robin Burcell that I have had a chance to read but I do plan to look for some of her other work in the future.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Brash Books via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

This review was posted in the following locations:

My blog (Post Date 11/2/15): http://carolesrandomlife.blogspot.com/2015/11/review-last-good-place-by-robin-burcell.html

Goodreads (Post Date 11/2/15): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1421450695?book_show_action=false

I will also post this review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and LibraryThing.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Brash Books, and Robin Burcell for a copy of The Last Good Place in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.

This is my first reading of this author, who has worked as a police officer, hostage negotiator, and as an FBI-trained forensic artist. In this book, she carries on the series started by the late Carolyn Weston, upon which the 1970s American television series The Streets of San Francisco was based.

The Last Good Place is set in 21st Century San Francisco. It features an unlikely duo consisting of the experienced, street-wise Sgt. Al Krug and his young new detective partner, Casey Kellog, whom Krug gruffly, albeit affectionately refers to as “College Boy.” The department is in the throes of a tough serial murder case dubbed by the press as “the Landmark Strangler” when another victim is found at the Presidio. The plot focuses on both cases, but Krug and Kellog are assigned the Presidio case.

The victim turns out to be a woman named Trudy Salvatori, who just happened to be a volunteer staffer for a prominent politician’s re-election campaign. Does that matter? I knew from the beginning who was behind her murder and why. Then for the rest of the book, Ms. Burcell did everything in her power to confuse me and make me doubt the truth. Everyone whom Kellog and Krug interviewed was lying. Lies, lies, and more lies. Why? Everyone had something to hide, but not everyone was guilty of murder or conspiracy, of course. The second half of the book got much more interesting as the cops pieced together one set of crimes and struggled with another.

I didn’t love the author’s style, and throughout the first half of the story, I was feeling rather unexcited about the plot and the characters. Even though it is a police procedural, I would like to see more character development and also more detail. There was not enough depth to the investigators, the suspects drew neither my sympathy nor my contempt, and Casey’s dalliances with the young women he encountered during his workday were, at times, unbelievable. As the book went on, he did grow to be more likable, perhaps even more credible. Overall, he seemed to me to be a little too good to be true.

As for the plot, I think that Ms. Burcell rescued this novel with the second half. There were a couple of things that I had to go back and check from the beginning, however, when I got confused; I’m not sure that those things actually happened the way she wrote them. However, she did have some shrewd clues that could be easy to overlook. I did not expect the final showdown, so I applaud her for that piece of drama, even though, again, the situation seemed rather unrealistic – perhaps like a TV script – which some people love.

If you love lies, half-truths, romantic teases, twists and turns, and age-old stereotypes about cops and doughnuts, The Last Good Place will keep you hanging onto your seat as if you’re on a high-speed chase up and down the famed hilly streets of San Francisco.

Overall, I give The Last Good Place 3.5 stars.

I would like to thank Robin Burcell, Brash Books and Net Galley for gifting me a copy of The Last Good Place in exchange for an unbiased review.

I have had Ms. Burcell’s books on my to-read list for over a year, but this is the first one I have actually read. Based on my experience, I definitely plan to give her Sydney Fitzpatrick series and Kate Gillespie series a go as well.

I was attracted to The Last Good Place for several reasons. First I had heard several people talk about this author in glowing terms. Second, though I have never seen The Streets of San Francisco, the television show that was inspired by these characters (first written by Carolyn Weston), I have been to San Francisco a number of times and especially enjoy novels set in locales I am familiar with. In addition, the cover is fabulous—who could pass that up?

I loved this book. The characters are for the most part likeable, especially the protags Al Krug and Casey Kellog (Mike Stone and Steve Keller on TV). Al is the experienced veteran homicide cop and Casey is the young college-trained new wave law enforcement officer on a fast track to rise through the ranks. I thought their relationship was well done. The plot is complex with lots of twists and surprises. If you are trying to solve the case along with the police, you need to pay attention—no skimming allowed! I thought the pace was great and was engrossed from the start. There are a few instances where the situation is just a titch over the top or stretches believability a bit, but this didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story.

Ms. Burcell’s 30-year career as a police officer, hostage negotiator, criminal investigator, and FBI-trained forensic artist clearly shines through. As a police procedural, the story is extremely well done. Also interestingly portrayed is the political interplay between the cops and a powerful local politico. I also loved the little tricks of the trade that Al passes to Casey and Casey’s evolution to being a better homicide detective. It’s clear you can’t learn everything in school.

There is a dash of romance thrown in for good measure, but not enough to turn romance haters away.

I would have liked a little more character development, particularly in terms of more back story for Casey and Al, but that may have been done in the Weston books (which I have not read yet) or may be coming up in future installments of the updated series by Ms. Burcell’s.

All in all, I found The Last Good Place to be a clever, pacy, and compelling police procedural. I recommend it for all thriller/crime/mystery fans. I am delighted to have found an exciting new author (to me) in Ms. Burcell, and will certainly be reading more of her novels. Congratulations to Ms. Burcell for taking on the difficult project of continuing another author’s series and coming through with such an outstanding effort.

I have never read the Carolyn Weston original series of these characters. I do remember watching The Streets of San Francisco as a child but don't really remember much about it. Therefore, I read and am reviewing this book based solely on itself rather than its heritage.
I read this book in only two sittings in two days, it gripped me from the start and kept my attention throughout.The book is your bulk standard Police Procedural. But it is a good example of the genre. The story was tight and well crafted with enough dead ends & twists and turns to keep me on my toes. I did work out who dunnit early. Early enough to feel smug but not too early as to spoil my overall enjoyment of the book though. Pacing was good, and there was also a good balance between description and story.
I enjoyed the relationship between Krug and Kellog, especially its development during the book - how they started off being polar opposites - chalk and cheese - and then, as the book went on, they picked up things from each other whilst at the same time each retaining their own individuality. Other characters were just as well defined, even if they only played a small part. That shows the level of attention to detail this author goes to to produce a quality story. I will definitely look out for more in this series and maybe even go back to the original to see how it does compare.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

When I read that Robin Burcell was picking up where Carolyn Weston left off with her "'Streets of San Fransico"' series, I was a bit skeptical on how I would like this. One-I hadn't ready anything by Ms Burcell before, so I knew nothing of her writing style, and two-Weston's series is iconic! Whether you were of fan of her books or the TV series when it aired, Burcell had some big shoes to fill.

I'm happy to say that she did just that!

Right from the first chapter I was drawn in and the pace kept me interested all the way through to the end. The main characters were really strong. Smart, seasoned Sgt. Al Krug holds court with his book smart, less experienced partner Casey Kellogg. I really enjoyed the repertoire between these two, as well as the rest of the investigative team. It all felt real, not forced. There is also just the right amount of police procedural activity that makes you feel like you are solving the case along with them. While there are 2 murder investigations underway throughout the book, there is one that had me completely guessing and baffled until the big reveal.

With a strong cast of supporting characters and well written storylines, this is a must read for anyone who likes a good who-dun-nit and police procedural. I look forward to what's in store for my 2 new favorite detectives and kudos to Burcell for taking on this venture and doing it such justice.
ARC provided by NetGalley

An excellent murder, mystery which was very well structured. Various different homicides being dealt with but all progressing well with great descriptions and detections. I loved the characters and the interactions between them. I felt I knew them by the end of the book. Great conclusion.

An excellent complex murder plot.

Sergeants Casey Kellog and Al Krug are called to the scene of a murder when the body of a woman jogger is found at the Golden Gate Bridge. On first appearances it looks like another murder committed by the serial killer that the papers have nicknamed “The Landmark Strangler”. The body is that of Trudy Salvatori but it soon becomes apparent that this has not been committed by the Landmark Strangler but by someone hoping to throw the police off track.

Not only must the team solve this murder which sees them locking horns with a congressman threatening to destroy their careers, but Casey Kellog discovers that the real Landmark Strangler’s identity may be known to a journalist who will stoop to any length to get him to listen to her theory; that originally this strangler had killed prostitutes and their murders had all been put on the back burner because of their profession.

Robin Burchell was approached by Brash Books to continue Carolyn Weston’s Krug & Kellog series. The original author’s books were the basis for a TV series in the seventies called The Streets of San Francisco, a hugely popular TV series. I can’t imagine how one author manages to step into another’s shoes to continue a series, but Robin Burchell has done a superb job of bringing us these well-known characters in a present-day environment. The characters are real. The murders are plausible. The confusion of facts and the methods used to finally solve the crimes bring us some brilliant police work.

I sincerely hope that we will see more of Robin Burchell’s re-discovery of these two brilliant, very likeable police sergeants and the rest of their team, solving some more complex cases.

Treebeard

Well written Streets of San Francisco episode. I really enjoyed this book

The Last Good Place is a "definitive suspense thriller" with all the right elements. Robin Burcell is a highly skilled suspense police procedural writer. I found this enjoyable from beginning to end. As a first time reader of Burcell I will definitely be reading her other books and any future editions. This book is a great old fashioned police thriller set in San Francisco. it is reminiscent of Streets of San Francisco in quality and procedure. The main characters are completely different. One is a veteran cop and the other is a college-educated newbie. They work together bringing different skills to their partnership.
This has all the elements of a good thriller, twists and turns with a few red herrings thrown in to keep you guessing along the way. The story is well crafted, the suspense and crimes are well developed and I loved the unique outstanding characterization. Thank you with gratitude to Brash Books for providing me this advance reading copy for a honest review. I highly recommend Robin Burcell and The Last Good Place for all those that enjoy find police procedural thrillers. .