This book opens in London, with an unknown perpetrator preparing to kill the first person on his list, before moving on to his next target. Within hours, two men are dead in two completely different, yet equally gruesome manners, and their only connection is they have the same tattoo and they were room mates.

DS Becca Vincent happens to be present to witness the aftermath of the first death, and steps in to assist. As a single mom, she feels that younger, less experienced colleagues are getting promoted over her, and following the discovery of the second murder, she believes this is the kind of case that will highlight her skills and cement her standing within the department, so she fights her way onto the investigation. DS Joe Russell, a facial recognition expert, is brought in to review the CCTV footage to help identify the perpetrator, but not before he strikes again. It appears London has a serial killer on their hands, and the authorities must work quickly to determine the connection between the victims if they have any hope of stopping him.

The novel initially unfolds from the POV of Becca, Joe, and the killer, but unexpectedly drops to two. As the motives of the killer are slowly revealed, the reader may find they sympathize with aspects of his life, but cannot deny his mind is deeply fractured and his methods are disturbing. While it concludes with a not-quite unexpected ending, the rest of the book is good, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys police procedurals. And the links to articles about facial recognition experts is a nice bonus!

NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer kindly provided me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

DS Becca Vincent is struggling to balance motherhood and move on her career in the police force when she witnesses the death of a man at a tube station, without realising it she’d just stumbled onto the biggest case of her career.

A second body turns up Becca sees a link with the body and the man in the tube station, she’s tasked to liaise with Joe Russell, a facial recognition expert otherwise known as a super recogniser.

More bodies start to turn up, each more gruesome than the next, the team are struggling. How will they catch a killer who’s always one step ahead of them?

So John Marrs has been on my radar for a while now, in fact I have two of his other books languishing unread on my kindle (I know I have a problem, I really need to stop buying books and not reading them!) and I’m kicking myself that I haven’t gotten round to reading his books sooner!

Now I love police procedural but I’m always on the look out for something with a bit different or unusual, so I jumped at the chance to read this specifically as it has super recognisers in it. I’ve been fascinated with them since I watched a program about them last year. Their job must be quite hard trawling through hours of CCTV footage looking at criminals faces.

I felt for Joe. He wants to find his sister Linzi so badly after she went missing when they were just children, he’s taken to searching for her wherever and whenever he can yet his super recogniser skills seem to be letting him down.

Becca is another good character, although I didn’t like her quite as much as Joe. At first I thought she was a bit selfish, putting her career before her disabled child but the reasons for this become apparent as you’re reading, it’s tear worthy is all I’m saying on that!

We also get inside really get inside the head of a twist and deranged serial killer, hell-bent on revenge but as we go on you see the more human side of him trying to get out. Weirdly, I actually felt kind of sorry for him!

Her Last Move is a real rollercoaster of a book, with so much tension, twists and shocks, I raced through it. It’s absolutely addictive!

This is the 5th of John Marrs’ books. And wow what an amazing read it is. A serial killer is on the loose. Random people are being targeted but why? Told from the viewpoint of the killer and Becca and Joe - police - we find out why.

I loved this book. And amazing read.

I do love a good thriller which takes a dark and twisted turn, and with Her Last Move I got that and then some. The story begins with an accident on the underground line, a man falling to his death beneath a train just moments after arguing with a fellow commuter. Only things are never quite that simple and this was no accident. What follows, is a series of gruesome murders which leads DS Becca Vincent and her colleague, so called 'super recogniser', Joe Russell on a chase to stop an increasingly violent murderer before it is too late.

This book marks a change of direction for Mr Marrs, whose last few books have been psychological thrillers which I have really enjoyed. The good news is, that with this book, a police procedural, with a somewhat unique protagonist in Joe Russell, he has created another thrilling and exciting story, one which will keep readers engrossed from start to finish. I really loved the blend of the psychological aspects which still featured in the book as we entered the mind of the killer, but also the more police investigation based elements which saw Becca and Joe pushed to the limits. I do admit, I like a more unusual, sometimes grotesque murder, and there were some very interesting modes of dispatch employed throughout the book. Aside from the first murder, none of it was carried out on the page so if you are squeamish, you need not worry, but there is still enough divulged to give those with an active imagination a clear picture of what has occurred. 

I really enjoyed getting to know the central characters of Becca and Joe. Becca has a very complicated personal life which is gradually revealed throughout the book but she was a character I actually warmed to very quickly. She can be prickly, quickly jumping to conclusions, especially where Joe was concerned, but she was determined and ambitious. Yes, her priorities maybe needed a little upending but she drew me into her story and I really cared about her. Joe also has things he is hiding, some of which hinder his performance and certainly affect his actions throughout the book. From the very first time we meet him though, as he recognises an offender and sets off in chase, there was just something really engaging about him. He seemed aloof at times, largely oblivious to those around him on a personal level and yet highly in tune with every aspect of a persons appearance. It was fab getting to know a little more about this mostly unspoken of group of Officers who can play such a key role in crime detection and would certainly be something I'd be keen to see explored further.

Now this is a pretty fast paced book, at least in the first half where the murders come in quick succession. it slows just after the mid way point as the focus becomes more about the investigation and the things that the police uncover. It also begins to take a very sinister turn and as we move towards the final quarter of the book, we are thrown into a renewed sense of urgency, tension mounting and setting your pulse racing. There is a real sense of jeopardy and to be honest, I was pretty thrown by events which took place. John Marrs certainly has a talent for creating scenes which both thrill you and leave you with a real sense of sadness.

So yes. I'd recommend this book. Im kind of hoping there will be more to come in a very similar vein. Tense, engrossing and with a great blend of darkness and light, this looks set to be another big hit. Good stuff.

When a string of grisly murders take place around London, DC Becca Vincent is assigned the task of identifying the killer. She is determined to prove her worth to her superiors and climb the ranks. Now is her time and nothing is going to get in her way. With a little bit of determination, a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work, the mother of one will succeed. Teaming up with Joe Russell, a super-recogniser in a small yet integral department of the police, Becca and he are faced with a tough road ahead finding the killer. The body count rises. And the risk to their own safety is mighty.







The antagonist in this book is quite something to behold. He is determined to take his revenge, not matter what. Throughout the book, you can really sense his ruthlessness - it leaps off the page. He is someone with no limits whatsoever. The author subtly hints at his past and and gradually we are given a clear portrait of what happened to him - how he came to be the way he is and how his plight for revenge first began.







Becca and Joe are two very interesting characters. They both harbour secrets, pasts that each of them are struggling with. Becca is a mother to a young girl, she is dedicated to the job and desperate to prove herself. When she meets Joe, a charming, intelligent man extraordinarily adept at recognising facial features, she is surprised that a department like his exists. But exist is does. He and his team succeed where others can't, their talent enabling them to track down and capture criminals. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book as it's something I haven't come across before.







Her Last Move is a twisty, compulsive new read that will have you gasping come the last page! Another belter from John Marrs!!





Slick. Twisty. Smart.

Brilliant. This book had me reeled in from the start. The drama is at full speed throughout and the shocks keep coming. This book had taken me through a rollercoaster of emotions. This story will stay in my head for a long time. Brilliant characters, brilliant writing and a mind blowing plot. This is a superb thriller.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for my copy.

The One and The Good Samaritan by John Marrs are two of my favourite books of all time. I was so happy to receive a copy of his latest book, Her Last Move, in exchange for an honest review.

DS Becca Vincent is on the hunt for a sadistic serial killer with the help of facial recognition expert Joe Russell. You follow different perspectives as they move around London searching for, and evading, each other. The story never gets dull and in fact the book gets better and better the further you get into it. This is one of the few books that had a genuinely shocking moment for me and I was gripped.

I can't wait to read more from Marrs and will be impatiently working my way through his other two books until his next one is released!

4,5 Stars

„Her Last Move“ is a fast-paced and addictive read. He brings fresh ideas to a plot which seems on the first look like something you read before. There are some surprising twists and turns and –for me- one shocking one.

I did not know anything about “Super-recognizer” and I enjoyed this new aspect very much. Although there is nothing really new about the story – a lot of police work and revealing the killer early on – it is very entertaining and the tension is mounting from chapter to chapter.

DS Becca Vincent is struggling to keep the balance between being a single mother and her work. But when she spots a connection between two murder cases she is adamant to catch the killer. Becca teams up with Joe Russell, a face super-recognizer. Becca and Joe are very strong characters. They have both lost loved ones in the past and they still suffer from this. I must admit that I did not like Becca very much. She really annoyed me but she is also a very lifelike character. But I was very intrigued by Joe and his ability as a face-recognizer. I pride myself in saying that I never forget a face but I am a world away from this special talent. The story itself is dark and sometimes unsettling and the fast pace kept me reading and reading.

John Marrs is a very talented writer. I enjoyed all of his books I read and he made it very quickly to the list of my favorite authors. He knows how to tell a story and he does not fail to come up with fresh idea. This is my third book from him and everyone was different. I am already looking forward to his next book.

It was with trepidation that I started John Marrs’ new novel. I’m mad about his previous books, especially The One, which is clever, different and compelling. I was nervous his first attempt at a crime thriller/police procedural would not live up to my expectations. Well, I needn’t have worried! He creates incredible suspense right from the start – and then ups the ante right away with the chilling final sentence of the prologue. I was hooked! John Marrs has yet again produced a cleverly plotted, well-written, intriguing novel with plenty of surprises. He takes us into the lives of his characters, even the most minor of them such as the young car accident victim who becomes caught in the crosshairs of the drama. He really ‘gets’ people - their motivations and foibles - and ensures we get to know them too. I found learning about the Met’s super-recognisers fascinating. I was unsure if the author had imagined them - until I read his acknowledgements and learnt they were real. Like all his books, Her Last Move is beautifully architected and the numerous strands are satisfactorily (and definitely not predictably) tied up. He does, however, hit us with a surprise, which I’m hoping he’ll use to segue into a second book… If you’re squeamish, note that this author doesn’t shy away from blood and gore - and he’s not definitely not scared to shock. In my opinion he just gets better and better.

Once again, Marrs is back with another addictive disturbing novel.

I don’t know how he does it, but he manages to hook his readers from the first page to the last page. I’m never disappointed when I’m reading one of his novels because I know it’s always great.

This novel was very dark and I’m not ashamed to say that I loved it. The story was told in 3 different perspectives, two detectives and the killer. It’s very interesting to read because although this move serves as a thriller and most of the novel is the detectives trying to find the killer, we still get a glimpse of their lives and their past.

I loved reading about each one of their lives, especially Becca. She’s such an interesting person and the life she lives and the struggles she encountered is what made me enjoy her perspective the most. I think Marrs balances the emotional and thriller aspects of this novel very well.

We also get an answer as to why the killer is doing what they is doing and their his targets are who they are. Readers might sympathize or the might not, I think that is what makes this book a lot more interesting. It’s definitely a topic hat could discussed at a book club because if I talked about it here I wouldn’t be able to stop!

I didn’t really like one part of the novel and how it ended, but it wrapped up quite nicely after that. Another job well done by Marrs!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Unexpected and addictive.
It's really hard to review this without giving away some of the things that make it so special. The main one being the three different perspectives, we actually get inside the killer's head, finding out his motivations and the two detectives are not your typical pairing.
If you enjoy fast paced and exciting thrillers, with an inventive body count and interesting, layered characters then this is for you.

John Marrs has done it again. Fantastic story, I was totally gripped and didn’t want to put it down. Can’t wait to read his next one. Hope I don’t have to wait too long.

3.5*
Two murders within hours of each other. Both victims have identical tattoos on their hands. Both live at the same address. And…both died a horrific death, but in very different ways. Soon after, reports begin flooding in of yet more gruesome deaths. Sure gives the appearance of being related…unless you don’t believe in coincidences. So, are they all related? Is there a serial killer on the loose? Is there a reason they’re being targeted?

“Everyone has their secrets”

Detective sergeant Becca Vincent. Single mother driven to prove herself by immersing herself into this investigation.
Detective sergeant Joe Russell a “super-recognizer.” (Yes...that term actually exists!)
Described as someone who has a photographic memory for faces. Quite a handy talent for police work. Working out of a special division, Joe has been brought in to assist Becca with this very difficult case.

Let me start by saying how excited I was to see a new release by John Marrs! I adored his previous book The One. In fact it’s sitting on my favorites shelf right now! Unfortunately, this book lacked the magic of his previous release. I’m in the minority on this as there are some fantastic four and five star reviews. But somehow I lacked a connection with the characters. Just not the best fit for me.

A buddy read with Susanne!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon UK Publishing for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

I have read some of John Marrs’ previous books and I loved them all, so I was hoping this one would be just as good. I was not disappointed !!

DS Becca Vincent has just been assigned to her biggest case so far, that has the potential to make or break her career. She is also struggling as a single parent, there just isn’t the time to spend at home when people are being murdered. To help with the case she finds herself working along side Joe Russell, part of the super recogniser team. Will they find the murderer before he murders again ?

This is not your normal detective thriller, it is so much more. Plenty of twists and turns with some very gruesome murders !! A definite book to add to your reading list, one to move to the top of the pile.

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

An amazing book with a twist I did not see coming!

Police officers Becca and Joe team up to try and stop a serial killer who is ending the lives of a number of professionals (in very gruesome ways) and seemingly will stop at nothing to get 'justice'. This was an action-packed, genuine page-turner as the killer seemed to always be a step ahead and had clearly meticulously planned his kills. For me this book wasn't just about who the killer was but more about why he was on a killing spree as the story indicated he felt he had been wronged and was punishing those who punished him.

I raced through this book as felt the storyline was gripping and literally every chapter had some fresh action and insight into the killer. Can Becca and Joe find the culprit before he seeks full revenge? If you like crime novels then you absolutely need this book on your shelf!

My thanks to Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had high hopes for this newest thriller, both because of the fascinating blurb and the fact that fellow bloggers seemed to have enjoyed it. There is no doubt that those expectations were met. Her Last Move has a well crafted, complex and interesting plot, where we follow three different POVs that each has its own subplot apart from the main investigation. This isn't just another detective thriller, as we get a look inside a serial killer with a very twisted sense of justice as well as a new investigation angle with facial recognition expert Joe Russell. Both DS Becca Vincent and Joe have complicated backgrounds that might be considered cliche (the whole damaged detective angle). But while those backgrounds didn't add anything sustantial to the plot and might distract from the main story at times, it did help making it easier to relate to them. The suspense and amount of information available about the ongoing investigation are well distributed, giving you just enough to try and guess what is happening without revealing its secrets. There are a few twists that will no doubt surprise you! The character development is excellent and it was fascinating to learn more not only about the how, but also about the why behind it all. If you are looking for a well constructed, elaborate and intriguing detective thriller with an original twist, Her Last Move is a great choice.

I really like how Her Last Move isn't just another detective thriller, and adds its original twist to it. The plot itself is quite complicated with three different POVs to consider as well as various background stories. But it all just worked for me, and both the suspense and plot twists are well handled. The story also has a few surprises in store, and the character development is very well done. Plus, getting to look inside the head of another twisted serial killer is always a bonus, right? Fans of the genre will enjoy this one.

This was the third book of John Matt’s that I read and found it more difficult to get into. The Good Samairtan had me hooked on papragraph one and I couldn’t get enough of it. The One has me hooked pretty quickly as well. This one took awhile. I found the characters to be a bit annoying and the story took awhile to get going. Although overall I enjoyed it and look forward to more books by John Marrs. Thank you for the ARC copy!

I love the fact that all John Marrs books are really quite different and you never know what to expect apart from a great gripping story.
John has done that again in Her Last Move. It’s easy to read and a great page turner. You don’t know what’s going to happen next. I found the super recogniser really interesting angle. I’d never heard of them before and did find myself googling them in the middle of the book.
Just loved it. Highly recommend you go and read this too.

Read in almost one sitting a fabulous book. I really enjoyed the whole of this book and look forward to reading more from John Marrs.

John Marrs is one of my favourite authors and he did not disappoint with this latest offering. The characters are all well rounded and likeable and most importantly believable. There was chemistry between Joe and Becca that had me rooting for their friendship and there were a few good back stories going on alongside the main thread. The story kept me gripped and twisted and turned throughout and was generally just brilliant. Can’t wait to share it with my book group when it’s published. Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.