Book 3 in this police procedural series featuring Birmingham based DCI Robin Lyons. Key witness Ben Renshaw is murdered after the conviction of Alistair Heywood, the son of a rich influential family, in a rape trial. Was this an act of revenge? A sad and brutal tale.

Last Witness by Lucie Whitehouse is an enjoyable crime novel. The story kicks off with the shocking death of 18-year-old Ben Renshaw, found in the woods in Birmingham. DCI Robin Lyons is thrust into a controversial case that brings up painful memories and personal dilemmas. I received a copy from Orion Publishing Group via Netgalley.

The backdrop of the murder is tied to a traumatic trial that Ben and his best friend were involved in, where their testimony sent a privileged classmate, Alistair Heywood, to prison for a brutal sexual assault. The aftermath was a series of violent threats and intimidation from the influential Heywood family, who, rather than facing consequences, vowed revenge. The story poses a chilling question: Was Ben's murder a result of this threat, or is there a darker truth lurking beneath the surface?

Whitehouse skillfully weaves together themes of loyalty and the corrupting influence of power. The novel's pacing is decent, and the suspense builds steadily toward an ending that keeps you questioning until the final page.

4/5 ⭐️

I was eager to enjoy this book. The plot should have been great, but I couldn't connect with it and found it rather drawn out.

When an 18-year-old boy is found dead in a wood, it’s immediately obvious the case will be high profile. A couple of years ago, Ben Renshaw and his friend Theo Gillespie had been witnesses in a rape trial that led to the conviction of one of their schoolmates, Alistair Heywood. In the run-up to the trial and afterwards, both Ben and Theo had been the victims of a series of incidents which looked like witness intimidation, but the police hadn’t been able to prove the involvement of the Heywood family. Since then, Ben, Theo and the victim of the original rape, Molly, have been running a website, StrengthInNumbers, to support victims of sexual assault, and have become well-known campaigners. So the question is, was Ben killed by the Heywoods in revenge, or was his murder the result of something he’d found out in the course of his campaigning work? The press are going to be all over it, so DCS Samir Jafferi puts his best officer on the job, Detective Chief Inspector Robin Lyons…

This is the third book in the Robin Lyons series, and it’s settling down to be one of the best and most credible police procedurals around at the moment. In book 2, Risk of Harm, I was concerned that Whitehouse was allowing Robin’s family and personal relationships to gain too much prominence at the expense of the plot, but in this one she pulls back from that and the balance is much better. There is a story arc relating to her family going on in the background, and I feel I can’t say much about it without giving away spoilers for the earlier books. But although it plays an important role here it is very much secondary to the main story, and completely separate (last time I was also rather annoyed by the fact that Robin’s family issues and the plot were getting tangled up together).

The plot in this one is excellent, and she deploys misdirection well – I trotted off down more than one rabbit-hole, only to discover the rabbit was elsewhere. It all revolves around Ben and Theo. Ben we only know from what other people say about him, and their accounts vary. Some see him as a dedicated campaigner, selflessly devoting his time to helping victims for no reward. Others see him as having been seduced by the celebrity that comes with high profile campaigning, and of using the campaign to feed his own ego. He reminded me very much of a specific campaigner who became a celebrity after a school shooting in the US a few years ago, who started out as a rightfully angry voice speaking for young people, but who gradually came to be seen by some people (though not everyone) as having morphed into someone carving out a career for himself on the back of the victims. Whitehouse doesn’t ‘make points’, thank goodness, but she raises ambiguities that allow the reader to make her own judgements about the characters.

Theo and Molly aren’t quite so driven. They think the campaign is important, but they’d like to get their normal lives back too, to some extent. This has caused some friction between the three friends, as Theo has stepped back a bit to concentrate on getting the grades he needs for university. The Heywoods start out as the suspected baddies – a rich and well connected family who refuse to accept Alistair’s guilt, and who might have killed Ben as revenge. But gradually they become more nuanced as we get to know them better. Are they really a kind of crime family, ready to use violence against anyone who gets in their way? Or are they just angry – angry that Alistair is in jail for a crime they’ve convinced themselves he didn’t commit, angry that his crime has affected their reputation and therefore their business, angry that the police clearly hold them responsible for every bad thing that has happened to Ben and Theo?

The story underlying the plot is dark, although Whitehouse avoids any gratuitousness. Despite all the talk of rape there are no graphic descriptions – she concentrates more on the emotional impact. And there’s no gore or gruesomeness in the violence, no stomach-churning autopsy scenes. Instead the investigation is carried out mostly in the traditional way – detectives questioning the people involved, and looking for gaps and inaccuracies. Of course, there’s modern stuff too, like checking CCTV footage and tracing people’s social media accounts. But mostly it’s a people-centred investigation, where motive is the primary factor in solving the case – my favourite kind!

If Whitehouse can maintain this delicate balance, of having enough of Robin’s personal life to make her interesting and likeable while keeping the plot front and centre, then she’ll be hard to beat. Her characterisation and writing are great, and I love the way she shows Birmingham as a vibrant, multi-cultural city without feeling the need to bang on constantly about race and gender issues. An excellent entry in what is turning into a very strong series. I do recommend that you read them in order though, starting with Critical Incidents.

I found this book to be a little over-populated with characters and at times it just seemed too confusing. I did not enjoy it as much as previous books by this author. I felt it dragged the story on just too long.

When a young man is found dead in the woods, DCI Robin Lyons discovers that he & his friend Theo had been involved in reporting a serious sexual assault on a lad from a very influential local family Alistair Heywood was eventually given a prison sentence but before the trial the boys had suffered a lot of threats & intimidation by the Heywood family. Theo is already handicapped after a hit & run- suspected to be by the Heywoods. Have they got to Ben as well.

I didn't realise that this was the third in the series but it didn't stop me enjoying the tale. The characters were interesting. The plot kept me guessing. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read this book.

Highly entertaining and strongly written
I read the first two books in the series before starting this one. while it can be read easily as a stand alone, I liked having the background and I do feel like it added a lot to the novel!

Last Witness by Lucie Whitehouse is the third book in the Robin Lyons series.
In short, DCI Robin Lyons finds herself at the heart of one of the most contentious cases in Birmingham’s recent history when 18 year old Ben Renshaw is found dead and he was a key witness whose testimony resulted in the conviction of the son of a powerful family! Is it a vengeance killing?
This is simply a great crime series, full of pace, tension and emotion…just great storytelling. Although Last Witness could be read as a standalone I would definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series first as the series is definitely character driven with the story effectively rolling into the next book. I’m looking forward to reading more from Lucie.
Big thanks to Lucie Whitehouse, Orion and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

Lucie Whitehouse is an author who always holds my interest despite the fact that she loves a lot of characters in her books. I love a really well developed plot and this book is a great example of that. No rushing of situations and always a pull at your heart strings. Happy to recommend this book its excellent.

This was the third book in the Robin Lyons series and I’ve loved every single one, definitely read them in order as although you can read them as three standalone, watching her relationships (especially with her daughter) and her career develop is significant in how she deals with cases and is an ongoing story line I found fascinating.
This book was the same as the others in terms of its twistiness and intrigue, it’s a slightly more slow burn thriller but I really enjoyed it and can’t recommend it enough. You get answers to a couple of things you question in the previous books in the series and I genuinely hope there will be more to come from Robin Lyons!
If you like crime books and police procedural you won’t regret picking up this series!

I felt Last Witness stood out from the crime fiction crowd for two main reasons: the backstory of lead character Robin Lyons, which as a newcomer to the series (I will be going back to read the other two titles featuring her!) was intriguing and developed well alongside her working life; and, the case itself which took a fascinating look at the world of victimhood and how to build something from a traumatic experience for which you may not receive justice. I read it over a weekend - extremely pacey and twisty.

We’re now at book three in this series…

And I’m pretty gutted that that’s it thus far, until Lucie Whitehouse continues the series! (Let’s hope she’s a fast writer!) It’s another great, complex storyline with an ending that knocked me for six – I’m generally not bad at seeing what’s coming, but this book was full of surprises!

The murder victim is a young man, Ben Renshaw,. He left his home the evening before his body was discovered, and he’s found in sprawling woods which are generally deserted in the evening, apart from drug dealers meeting customers, and romantic assignations. He’s known to the police, not because he’s been in trouble, but because he and his best friend Theo gave evidence in a case against a fellow student at their prestigious private school called Alistair Heywood. As a result he was found guilty of raping their friend Molly and given a lengthy prison sentence. DCI Robin Lyons lands the job of finding his killer.

Ben and Theo’s brave decision resulted in a campaign of terrifying violence against them and their families, resulting in Theo being a victim of a hit-and-run, leaving his leg badly damaged. As the Heywoods are a powerful and rich family, the assumption is that they are responsible – but proof is impossible to find. Ben, Theo and Molly set up an online campaign, StrengthInNumbers.com, and give talks encouraging other victims of sexual violence to speak about their experiences on their supportive website. Ben’s charisma makes him the natural leader, and their forum gets plenty of media attention – something he clearly enjoys.

So is his murder a case of the Heywoods getting the ultimate revenge? Or is there more to this murder? When another death occurs, and that case is also given to Robin, she quickly feels the pressure to make arrests.

However, as is always the case with Robin, her family life is difficult – her brother Luke is on remand for a crime committed in the previous book, and her daughter Lennie is becoming increasingly withdrawn (I’m trying to avoid spoilers for those who haven’t read the previous book – but I do urge you to read them all, although this can be read as a standalone novel.) One of the strengths of this series is the attention given to the family, as well as the investigation. Every character is well-drawn and believable. Robin still has the complication of her feelings for Samir, her first love who is now her immediate superior. When she doubts herself, he encourages her to believe in her skills as a detective, which is something she – and her team -have in spades.

The investigation naturally leads them in unexpected directions, without feeling forced or inauthentic. It’s a fantastically original series, and Robin is a likeable but realistically flawed lead character. It also has plenty of amusing lines, to lighten the atmosphere. This series deserves – albeit based on just three books so far – to be as successful as any detective series I’ve ever read. It’s one of those books one rushes to return to, and I read it all within two or three days. The pace never flags – it’s compelling throughout. As for the ending – well, let’s just say I had a very late night, unable to put it down until I knew the full story! Please, Lucie, may we have some more…?

crimeworm Verdict: An absolute must-read for fans of quality police procedurals!

Nothing keeps a crime hidden like fear.

Months after Ben Renshaw gives evidence in a high profile case his body his found in the woods. It’s Robins job to navigate this sensitive case whilst at the same time battling another case in her private life.

I did something I never do and read this book out of sequence as I didn’t realise it was part of a series but it didn’t matter. At times it felt like two separate books with the different stories but it all made complete sense. An enjoyable read but far too many characters, and that’s with my little book where I wrote them all down to keep track 🤣 thanks to @netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I received a free copy of, Last Witness, by Lucie Whitehouse, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 of The Robin Lyons book series. DCI Robin Lyons has a murder to solve, a teenager has been murdered. People have a lot of secrets in this book. This is such a sad story, brutal at times to read.

A charged, highly emotional read.

Lucie Whitehouse writes three dimensional characters with a real ear for dialogue. Even in the darkest moments, Whitehouse manages to convey true humanity.

Another great book from this talented author. The characters are well rounded and totally credible. A police procedural which has a human touch. Can’t wait to read the next one.

The third book in the series and one that could be read as a standalone, but I would say start from the beginning with book 1. I always think this with a series like this, Robin Lyons is a character that you really get to know over the series, and the reader does themselves a disservice not reading all.

Last Witness picks up from the end of Risk of Harm, and we see Robin dealing with the mirder of a 16 year old boy who was a key witness to a sexual assault case previously. This resulted in the conviction of the son of a family who are pretty powerful and not so nice (understatement of the year!) In the aftermath of the case arson attacks,assaults and a host of nasty things happened with no perpetrator found.

This is another dark and gripping story that kept me intrigued. The fact that we see Robin attempting to deal with the case and her home life together while the pressure mounts from all angles made me turn the pages just a little quicker the more I read.

Lucie Whitehouse brings great characters that stand out so well. Robin, I am truly invested in. I felt for her as the story unfolded. The detailed police procedure gave me a sense of understanding how the police have to go over every little thing and how they deal with the media, too.

With such skilled storytelling, the author has woven a multi-stranded story that is dealt with so sensitively. I felt every emotion that ran through the book, and that is down to the quality of the writing. Another amazing instalment!
Thanks to Tracy Fenton, the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ebook to take part in the #TeamLyons blogathon

I was delighted to catch up with DCI Robin Lyons , her teenage daughter Lenni, and the hectic world of Birmingham policing. She's as wonderful as ever, stretched in every direction and keeping multiple plates spinning at all times, work, motherhood, relationships, with the additional complication of having a brother who is about to go to court and faces significant jail time.

Robin's latest case involves the discovery of 18 year old Ben's body in some woodland. Ben had recently been a witness in a SA trial that had ended in the suspect Alistair Heywood, a former classmate, being found guilty and going to jail. Alistair's family, the Heywoods, are very well connected and put pressure on the police not to take it further, but despite their influence and connections, Alistair was found guilty and sentenced to several years in jail. The Heywoods have not taken it well, and Ben and Theo, the other key witness, have experienced some significant intimidation and 'accidents' since then, which the Heywoods have denied.

No-one expected it to end with a dead body though. Ben's family are distraught at what has happened to Ben and point the finger at the Heywoods. They are not happy about being interviewed about Ben's case. Again, they use all their connections to try and keep Robin in her place, and she has to stay strong against them to try and find out what has happened to Ben.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series of books - Robin Lyons is such interesting human character, with mum guilt, work guilt, family guilt and any other sort of guilt driving her on at all times. Her relationship with Leni is so fragile and so important to them both, the slightest wrong word can send things spiralling.

The three books together are a must read for crime fiction fans,

Last Witness is the 3rd (and final?) book in the Robin Lyons series by Lucie Whitehouse and is published today, 25 April 2024. I am delighted by part of a mini “blogathon” with 24 other bloggers who have all read and reviewed this series hoping to spread some book love and get some new readers for this wonderful crime series.

As this is book 3, I would recommend starting at book 1 Critical Incidents, followed by book 2 Risk of Harm because whilst Last Witness can be read as a standalone, you really need to read more about who Robin Lyons is and why she finds herself back in Birmingham working for the man who broke her heart and trying to juggle motherhood plus a series of violent crimes at the same time.

Last Witness follows on from Risk of Harm and Robin is now investigating the murder of a 16 year old boy called Ben Renshaw found in the city woodland. This case is highly controversial because Ben was one of the key witnesses to a sexual assault case the previous year which led to the conviction of one of the sons of a ruthless and powerful family. What followed after the verdict was intense witness intimidation, assault and arson attacks but the culprits were never found.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the police procedural parts were fascinating, with several crimes overlapping, it was refreshing to see how the police coped with the media scrutiny, the public backlash and the reluctant or hostile witnesses.

Watching Robin navigate her personal life as a mother, daughter, sister and lover and growing through each book was really interesting and I felt like I understood her and why she often behaved the way she did.

I would definitely recommend this series.

This the last stop in the #TeamLyons blog tour that review all the books in this series.
This is a book you can read as a stand-alone but reading them in order will make you appreciate the evolution of Robin, a single mother and homicide investigator who moved from London to Birmingham, and of the main characters in this series.
The author deals with some very sensitive issues like sexual abuse, entitlement, misogyny. It brings you to dark places and into the centre of human darkness.
I started it while I was travelling and I was so engrossed that only the name of the stations made me understand time was passing.
Robin’s life is as complex as usual: she’s a woman part of a complex family, she’s attracted to her boss who’s married and a former lover. Her daughter is a teenager who is involved in the trial of her uncle and not very happy.
This the behind-the-scene of a complex and highly political investigation. There are twists, red herrings, a possible culprit related to the victim social activity.
The author is an excellent storytelling and I was kept turning pages and guessing.
Loved it, highly recommended
Many thanks to Orion and Compulsive Readers for this arc, all opinions are mine.