The Perfect Murder (The Last Stand)

All brenda's books have been an easy & interesting read. I hope you will try her.

Jane Burke has been through a lot, but the `survivor' tattoo on her hand says it all. Jane's ex-husband was a serial rapist and murderer who almost killed her. She never thought she'd be able to pick up the pieces and get on with life again. Now, Jane works for The Last Stand, a charity organization that fights for victims. Jane is desperate to prove that she is ready to become an investigator, so when two young women go missing, she gets her chance. Jane's investigation leads her to Sebastian Costas. Sebastian is convinced that his ex-wife and son - Emily and Colton - were killed by Emily's second husband, Malcolm Turner. It looks like Malcolm may be involved in Jane's kidnapping case. Sebastian wants a shot at the man who destroyed his life and got away with it. In the process, he may get an unexpected start at love with Jane. The Perfect Murder is an excellent edge-of-your-seat story. There are lots of twists and turns and the suspense is intense from beginning to end. I highly recommend reading Trust Me, book one in The Last Stand series before The Perfect Murder. Otherwise, your opinion of Jane and understanding of her past may be affected. Malcolm is a revenge seeking sociopath. It's scary how easily he fools everyone around him. His insanity and his twisted relationship with one of his captives is fascinating. The psychological effects of her ordeal are scary, realistic, and intense. I was as riveted to Malcolm and his captive as I was to the story and Jane and Sebastian's romance. Jane is strong and capable with a hard edge that only a person who suffered a traumatic and painful past could have. I like Jane and Sebastian as a couple very much. Sebastian is sexy and charming. He's a very personable character. Brenda Novak has penned another exciting and intense novel with The Perfect Murder. I can't wait to see what twisted villain she comes up with next! Nannette Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I whole-heartedly disagree with Sara B.'s review. I think THE PERFECT MURDER was an excellent book to end her 'Last Stand' series. I'm glad she went full circle. TRUST ME was the first book of Brenda Novak's that I read and loved the not knowing of where the book was going. I revisited the book as I read MURDER to get a feel for Jane. Jane is a complicated character. In TRUST ME, it was easy not to like her personal choices and demeanor. She blamed others for what she had lost. I felt her pain when her lover revealed to his family their affair, the realization that her husband was a killer, and the fear for her daughters safety. I believe people can change and deserve redemption. MURDER allowes Jane to love and be loved. Sebastian is a good fit. Malcolm, her villain, also blames others for his circumstances. He believes that he's still a "good cop". It makes me wonder how many people in this world fool themselves by justifying bad behavior. Would I drop everything to find my ex's and son's killer? What would I have done if I was Latisha? Brenda Novak makes you think outside the book. That is why I keep reading. She provokes emotion. This book deserves a read.

Loved the book!!!! Revisiting old friends, catching up on their lives -- a great way to spend "me time". Ms. Novak has what it takes to capture the imagination as well as the heart. Always look forward to more!

Another great book from Brenda Novak! I loved the characters and the pacing...I didn't have any problem with Jane redeeming herself. I loved how the romance developed between her and Sebastian. One of the best books I've read this year!