This book is not for the feint hearted. From the slow building tension and shock factor of the opening chapter to the blend of heart-thumping action and heart-breaking emotion, it really does have it all. There are very serious themes at play here - racism, domestic terrorism and child abuse, albeit not explicit - but all are dealt with in an authentic, absorbing and sympathetic way, still eliciting strong emotions within the reader without alienating them.

The early chapters are told from both Sara and Will's point of view, giving the reader all perspectives in what turns out to be one of the most traumatic times in Will's life. It's not so great for Sara either, to be fair ... The loved up couple are spending a little quiet time together when they feel the earth move, quite literally, the sound of two loud explosions breaking the silence and turning a day with family into a day that sees a family torn apart. Racing to see how they can help our intrepid pair find themselves in grave danger. Sara is taken and Will is left broken - physically and emotionally. But how far will he go to save the woman he loves?

I really do enjoy this series. It has the perfect mix of brilliant characters, strong roots and vividly described setting and always, always, features a storyline which will have readers on the edge of their seat. The Last Widow is no exception, although the heart-stopping, breath stealing moments will often come as a result of the intense sense of jeopardy for our characters, than for any necessary action scenes. Don't get me wrong - there are some very hectic, all to play for sequences in this book, particularly towards the end. But this book will floor you because of the depth of the emotion, both between Will and Sara, and the heart-breaking scenes that unfold as the story progresses.

As I said, this is not an easy read. There are certain scenes which will leave you feeling cold and perhaps even angry. In amongst it all there are still moments that will make you smile and maybe feel a little hopeful, if only for that smile to be stolen a few pages later as Sara makes her final, most distressing discovery. The bad guys in this book, if you have any soul at all, will make your skin crawl and you have to applaud the author for being able to create such objectionable characters without making the reader switch off. If anything I became more invested, just to ensure that they got their comeuppance, smiling occasionally at the fate that befell some of them. Dash is perhaps the ultimate portrayal of a bad guy. Outwardly charming, able to convince others to follow in his wake no matter how dark his intent, without ever once telling them what his true plan would be. And yet, like Sara, the reader is able to glimpse beneath that slick veneer and see the evil beneath. That is a man I'm not even sure a mother could truly love.

What I probably loved most though is seeing Will and Sara at their most vulnerable. I don't mean that to sound harsh, although it probably does, but there was something so beautiful about the blend of fear and determination that Sara displayed, making her seem a touch more human than I've perhaps seen her before, and more so in seeing Will so lost without her. This is a man on the edge, so close to broken it is almost painful to watch and yet impossible to look away from. He is so lost, so bereft at the thought he allowed Sara to be taken, and yet still able to find the fire within him, he becomes even more of a perfect hero. It's almost sickening. Almost ...

If you love this series, even if you have a moderate liking with a bit of a thing for Will Trent (and who doesn't love Will Trent?), you are going to love The Last Widow. Just be prepared to have your emotions thrown into turmoil and your balance tested as you move closer and closer to the edge of your seat. Can they find a happy ending? Well that really depends on your definition of happy. I'll say one thing. I'm one pretty happy reader right now and can't wait to see what Karin Slaughter offers us next.

Another installment in the series featuring Dr Sara Linton and Will Trent. In this book, they are drawn into a supremacist terrorism plot. A young mother is kidnapped and goes missing for a month but the FBI seem determined to keep the case under wraps. An all-too realistic reflection of recent atrocities. A great read.

I am new to this series and I thought this was a fantastic story with a modern, gripping and realistic theme. It was so good I had difficulty putting it down until the end. Although the start was fairly slow, the intensity soon increased. The story-line was well portrayed and for me, this was a well thought out and descriptive novel with shades of humour, love and also horror.

I certainly have a few past instalments to read in order to bring myself up to speed with the series!

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from HarperCollins UK/ HarperFiction via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

How I’ve loved reading this excellent book!!! It feels like reconnecting with an old friend again, as I’ve been reading the Sarah Linton books since the very beginning. Although it has obviously changed, with the demise of Sarah’s husband Jeffrey, and her new relationship with the rather lovely FBI Agent, Will, a lot of the original characters are still present and ten story is as fresh and exciting as ever.

The Last Widow is an action packed, fast paced thriller that will keep you reading “just one more chapter” because you simply can’t put it down.

Honestly, this really is what sets Karin Slaughter apart from other authors, and shows she still has what it takes to grip hold of the reader and make them devour every single word with relish!!

Fast-paced, political and grizzly, ‘The Last Widow’, starts with a seemingly perfect abduction, as a missing scientist has disappeared without a trace. Then, the crime becomes personal when Sara- medical examiner from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is abducted, after responding to an apparent major incident.

The resurgence of neo-nazism is explored in this riveting, often graphically violent novel, its contemporary relevance adds to the story’s menacing quality. The thriller unfolds on two levels, the threat to society and democracy and the more personal threat of not finding Sara alive. The emotion in this story is as important, as the crime and action-filled scenes, and makes it a believable, albeit terrifying read.

I haven’t read any of the Will Trent series previously, but this reads well as a standalone. It does make you want to read the previous books in the series to find out more about Will and Sara.

This is not comfortable reading, but that doesn’t detract from the gripping plot, the relentless pace and the realistic characters that won’t let you put the book down. If you enjoy your crime thrillers focused on contemporary issues, without filters this story will appeal.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins - Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Even though I have read books by Karin Slaughter before I have never read one from the Will Trent series. I had no problems following the storyline though. Despite knowing nothing about any of the characters.

The action starts immediately with the abduction of a mother who is out shopping with her daughter. Whilst this is unexpected, you would expect it to be the daughter, it isn’t the main focus of the storyline. What is, starts when Sara and Will are just about to have a family meal and are interrupted by an emergency situation. And it is one of the most convincing, terrifying and sickening that I have ever read.

There are three points of view. Sara’s, Will’s and Faith, his partner and good friend to both of them. It was Sara’s I preferred, mainly because she was the one who was in the midst, but also because I understood her story a lot more. There is a lot to understand about white supremacy groups and I did find some of the terminology a little confusing at times. But as the story progressed and the danger levels increased I struggled to put the book down.

It is a series I need to catch up on. I want to know more about Will and how he turned his life around and how he met Sara. And I want to know more about Faith and her brilliant and sometimes witty approach to being a mother.

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Last Widow’ by Karin Slaughter in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t aware when I requested this novel that it was part of her Will Trent series though I would expect it would work fine as a stand-alone given that she provides enough background on the characters for new readers. I have read all of her Grant County and Will Trent series to date bar one and so was very excited to have this opportunity to read her latest in advance.

I am not going to say anything about its amazing plot because it’s too easy to give accidental spoilers. I will say that it begins with a jaw-dropping scene and the tension doesn’t relent until the final chapter before a reflective Epilogue. I will note (because for some readers it is an issue) that Slaughter’s writing is often disturbing in terms of graphic violence.

Slaughter has also never been shy about incorporating political and social issues into her narrative. Here she draws upon recent events in the USA, such as the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville and the rise of self-professed neo-Nazis and White Supremacists, to inform the plot. Scary stuff that doesn’t make comfortable reading but raises important points.

Karin Slaughter is an author whose writing I rate very highly. Her characters are complex and compelling. Just top notch crime fiction. Highly recommended.

Gripping and enthralling. This book will have you captivated right from the very first words. Definitely one of my new favourite authors.

Will and Sara have both been through hard relationships in the past but have now found each other.

One day an explosion happens at the hospital and they go to help. Will being a police office Sara a doctor.

They get caught up in another world of radical extremists who are trying to change the world and remove anyone who is ‘different’.

A story which feels not so far from the scary world we live in.

Love all of the will trent books and this one was no exception. Fast paced with a gripping storyline, whilst still taking the time to further develop the characters throughout.

The Last Widow, the ninth novel to feature Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and his girlfriend, medical examiner Dr Sarah Linton, is nothing short of a riveting read which is so much more than the sum of its parts. Michelle Spivey is kidnapped and despite searching high and low for evidence that may lead to her discovery there is none. A month passes and the case goes cold; that is until Sarah Linton is also kidnapped and so begins an intensive, highly emotional search. This is a high stakes thriller with non-stop action but it does not neglect the emotional side of the case as, of course, Sarah has been by Will's side for many a long case and the whole team are determined to find her - ALIVE.

The whole story is superbly plotted for maximum tension, and I found it one of the most heart-pounding crime thrillers I've read this year. It had me turning the pages feverishly and long into the night with not a care in the world about being exhausted the following day. And it was indeed worth it! Slaughter's descriptive prose is so vivid that you actually feel as though you are there and can picture everything she depicts very easily in your mind. A rare gift. The different perspectives worked well here as we get a fully rounded story from it and see things through different eyes. It drives at a fast pace but never feels rushed - something that can often happen with this genre. It's a dark, twisted and often gory read. Highly entertaining and warmly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.

The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter is a 5 star read.
The author knows how to write books that keep you interested from the first page til the last, you become invested in the characters and their lives.
A kidnapping with no clues leaves a town stumped, when a month later the woman shows up in the middle of another crime that ends with Sara being kidnapped and Will on the hunt to find her. This story will leave you on the edge of your seats, nail biters beware you will have no nails left by the end of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley.

Karin Slaughter has done it again, kept me away all night to finish her book.

A woman is abducted while at the shopping mall and every effort to trace her has failed. A month later on a sunny Sunday afternoon Will and Sara hear sirens going off and run out to see what is happening………Sara is kidnapped by armed men in front of Will and he is forced undercover to find her.

The story is very cleverly played out in time segments, moving between Will and Sara and also the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and, as always, the author pays very close attention to every little detail.

Her intelligent and honest portrayal of the shocking events unfolding left me gasping for breath. Her in-depth knowledge not only on police and medical procedures, but world events in general, takes her stratospherically heads and shoulders above other crime writers.

The ongoing love story between Sara and Will is sublime and my only fear is that Karin might think they have run their course. Please don’t let this be the case! I also get the feeling that Faith’s story is about to move up a notch!

With thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and Pigeonhole for the ARC, the storyline was excellent and well written.
The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter was a totally engrossing book with a phenomenal storyline. Will and Sara were tremendous in this storyline, each character playing their own part that was integral to the story. This was a masterclass in storytelling created by a mistress of her craft.
Highly recommended

# The Last Widow # Netgalley
Yessss this is what I call a bloody fantastic read. It’s fast paced that takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride. Another brilliant storyline, but then again it’s to be expected being a Karen Slaughter novel. This lady can write a novel with such a good storyline that I am on the edge of my seat, almost biting my nails to see what the next twist is going to be, and you ding see them coming. All I can say is I am definitely glad I don’t bite my nails if I did identify wouldn’t have any left at all. This is definitely a book to read, even if it’s the only book you read this year. Its got to be this one.

No one does heart-in-mouth, fast paced thrillers quite like Karin Slaughter, and this return to the world of Sara Linton and Will Trent is no exception. Her social conscience - especially noticeable in her last two standalone novels - is again to the fore in The Last Widow, and the final showdown is brilliantly, terrifyingly tense. Highly recommended.

Will and Sarah are back - Will is still insular and lacking self-belief and Sarah is still needy and treated like a child by her mother!
This book takes off from the Prologue and covers a three day period of twists and turns, death and intrigue. The subject is very current and the beliefs of the IPA abhorrent and uncomfortable to read about. Karin Slaughter has yet again written a book that it is hard to put down.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Karin Slaughter/Harper Collins for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an advance copy of The Last Widow, the ninth novel to feature Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and his girlfriend, medical examiner Dr Sarah Linton.

When Michelle Spivey is kidnapped the police follow their usual protocols but find no trace of her. A month later a series of criminal events leads to Sarah Linton being kidnapped and clues to what happened to Michelle. Will engages in a heart stopping hunt for Sarah.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Widow which is a pulse pounding, addictive read that had me turning the pages rapidly to see what was coming next. The novel is told from various points of view and is initially a bit confusing as the timeline slips back to the same events told from a different perspective so the reader gets a feeling of déjà vu when the same dialogue is repeated. It is, however, surprisingly successful, giving the reader a more rounded view of events. I think the novel is well paced as it switches mostly between Will and Sarah. They have different experiences which again rounds out the reader’s knowledge but both have the same sense of fear and lack of knowledge. It makes for a tense read.

The plot is very American in its ideas and motivations so, as a British reader you tend to think it’s fairly unbelievable albeit engrossing until you look at the political situation and suddenly it doesn’t seem quite so far fetched. It might still push the boundaries in the detail but the mindset is all too believable.

The Last Widow is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

This is the kind of book that will increase your heart beat and if the world was ending, you might notice it, but you will keep reading because you will want to know how the book ends! Having said that, this book might not appeal to faint-hearted as it gets dark and gory in places.

The Last Widow is #9 in Will Trent series but my first one and it felt absolutely fine to read it as a standalone.

The Last Widow is action-packed and it made me feel as if I was seeing the scenes rather than just reading them. I won't go into the plot details but will just say that the plot is clever and gripping, the characters are well developed on both fronts - good guys are likeable and the bad guys are so twisted and sick that you just want them dead asap.

My first Karin Slaughter book and I am hooked! 😍

Many thanks to HarperCollins UK for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Karin Slaughter is one of those crime writers that always manages to amaze me. I loved returning to the characters of Sara and Will (though if you haven’t read any other Karin Slaughter books, I think they can all be read as standalone stories) and I thought this storyline was fascinating and heartbreaking. The Last Widow takes the reader to the Appalachian Mountains, through an undercover operation, and to a radical group who have a terrible plan. My only criticism is that the story is told from several different perspectives, which is fine, but especially at the beginning, the same few minutes are told over and over – I understand why its done like this, and it does paint a much fuller picture, but it did get a little repetitive at first. As with all the other Karin Slaughter books I’ve read, The Last Widow isn’t a particularly easy read, it’s very graphic at times, and there are some quite upsetting moments, but it is an excellent book, and perfect for anyone who loves crime thrillers.