Member Reviews

I have a conflicted opinion about this series. I like the Covert Eyes characters and their allies. The main characters in this novel were well-developed and interesting. I particularly liked Kiera and Poppy. The plot was interesting and well-crafted. While the basic plotlines were not unique -- search for the Holy Grail, communication with aliens, and terrorist attack using a nuclear weapon (in this case, an EMP set off in low orbit), I am confident there has never been another book that combined all three together. The authors did a good job of weaving these disparate plots together into a coherent overarching plot. The story goes back and forth in time, revealing more of the backstory of Nevaeh Patel, former astronaut and now CEO of Galactus Space Enterprises, and how her plan radically to alter the world has developed. While US and British intelligence figure prominently in the series, I like that intelligence or military services in other countries are utilized as well.

However, as I said in a review of an earlier book in the series, the action scenes are way over the top, which detracts somewhat from the overall quality of the book. Yet, it is still a good read and a good addition to the series.

I received an e-galley via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Was this review helpful?

I love the collaboration of Nicholas and Michaela, FBI Special Agents. This particular case is a little more out there than previous books. Dr. Patel, an 'evil genius' really is pure evil in her quest to reunite with the Numen. Are they real or in her mind? As always, I love Coulter's books highlighting this group of characters. If you haven't experienced their adventures, you really should pick up the first book in the series, A Brit in the FBI.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this adventure and share my review.

Was this review helpful?

Another amazing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Interesting characters. Intriguing events happen with international and outer space catastrophes. You can't stop reading till you find out if all will end well.

Was this review helpful?

When these two ladies combine their talent and know-how, they are, indeed, a force to be reckoned with! I own most of Catherine Coulter's books and have really enjoyed every one. So I was thrilled when Net Galley gave me the opportunity to read this one early. Although I was very impressed with the vast knowledge and research that went into it, and even though I have a Mensa-IQ, I often felt that it was over my head. Maybe I should stick with the American FBI series!

Was this review helpful?

Um. Aliens.

Yeah, I wasn't sure I was going to like this one too much. I do love Coulter's outlandish plots, but this one seemed especially insane. The beginning of the book spent too much time leading up to the reveal of aliens and the Holy Grail. I was getting bored.

The second half of the book on the other hand was much more exciting. When Mike and Nick actually got going investigating, their banter really picked up the pace of the book.

Not my favorite, but still an entertaining read.

Was this review helpful?

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Very well written, fast paced, seemingly good science, and a well-written well fleshed-out antagonist.
Some insane people cannot function at all in society, some cannot only function at minimum they function to the point where they can head up International scientific corporations and keep the fact that they are trying to destroy the world hidden. The protagonist in this book is everything we should fear. An intelligent attractive woman who is completely insane with access to untold wealth, and wants revenge. This book was a book that will stick with me a long time.

Was this review helpful?

I must have missed something. Sci-fi and FBI/CIA don't really go together in one sentence. The EMP aspect of the book is plausible as well as the brilliant mind of Dr. Nevaeh Patel. I felt that the book did not fully develop the mental downfall of the doctor. The book was a quick read, good for sitting by the pool or just a lazy day at home. Maybe I need to read the previous books to fully understand the other characters such as Mike and Nicolas.

Was this review helpful?

The Last Second is the first book I've read by the authors. Aliens? It's a little out there. The EMP on the other hand is totally plausible. The two agents have a good reporie and respect for the other. I immediately liked the characters. There likeable, intelligent and engaging. The story is good for the most part. Very well written and action packed. It's tense, dramatic and thrilling from beginning to end. I will read more from the authors. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

As always, this series does not disappoint! I love the characters, the way the stories are told, though it was a bit shocking there was not a single Savich / Sherlock mention, since they always seem to have at least a small part in all of these books.

Anxiously awaiting the next book in this series :)

Was this review helpful?

Another great book by Catherine Coulter and J. T. Ellison! I have enjoyed all of the books in this series. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Was this review helpful?

If you are a fan of the authors and enjoy an excellent, rough and tumble, action adventure story you will not be disappointed in this offering. The action starts early in the story and continues to the end. The two main characters, male and female FBI agents, are battle hardened and do not know the meaning of the word defeat. When all seems lost and over they continue on to save the day and world. But that does not mean they are invincible as they suffer more than their share of injuries and hard knocks but persevere to the end.

I enjoyed this book and would purchase it for myself or someone else as a gift. I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Wow, what a concept. Put a nuclear EMP aboard a satellite and send it into low orbit so you can set it off to destroy all the other satellites in space and most electrical devices on earth, just so the space aliens you made contact with while you were on the Space Station can come be with you to rule the world. Oh, let’s not forget the Heaven Stone, i.e., the Holy Grail, which is supposed to cure all illness when it’s possesed by a righteous person. Whew, what a tale. But wait, there’s more, lots more. I’ll be honest, I did get caught up in this circus and was really rooting for the good guys in the end. But there’s a ton of story in the middle that all fits somehow. It’s really a tall tale, but you have to ask yourself “is this possible, even a little bit”? Just read it already!

Was this review helpful?

These ladies do not disappoint!

It's odd that I was reading a book about something that was to happen during a total lunar eclipse during.....a total lunar eclipse!

Excellent story; good concept and extremely thought-provoking. As always, Nicholas and Mike get right into the thick of things without even trying. I can't wait for their next adventure.

This book was gifted to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book but not as much as I enjoyed the previous books in this series. The premise is very good but some of the details of the story are a real stretch. I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Lou Jacobs's Reviews > The Last Second

The Last Second by Catherine Coulter
The Last Second (A Brit in the FBI, #6)
by Catherine Coulter (Goodreads Author), J.T. Ellison (Goodreads Author)
M 50x66
Lou Jacobs's review Jan 19, 2019 · edit
it was amazing

Is she crazy or devinely enlightened? Presented are two intersecting narratives that ultimately collide into a riveting standalone novel. Although apparently an entry into a series, "Brit In the FBI", this is a finely crafted novel by Coulter and Ellison, and this is my first foray into their oeuvre and felt very comfortable with this tale ... and needed no further preamble.
The narratives involve Dr. Nevaeh Patel and Special agents Michaela Caine and Nicholas Drummond. Nevaeh , a self proclaimed genius, with indeed an impressive resume of credentials that resulted in her entry into the NASA space program as astronaut and scientific space officer. During an exercise in deep space outside the International Space Station her tether accidentally snaps with her starting to drift out into the void. Somehow, unbeknownst to her colleagues she manages to save herself and successfully reengages with the space station. She insists during that contentious moment in space she was contacted by aliens .. the Numen... who spared her life by pushing her back to the station .. and delivered a message of peace to humanity. She will not relent in offering this scenario ... and insists she has accomplished the first goal of space exploration with contact by extraterrestrials. However NASA and it's psychiatrists see it another way which results in her being permanently grounded from the program. And, with that prospect being squashed it sets her motivations into a tailspin. Not to be deterred she becomes the corporate leader of Galactus, a private French space company. Her intentions are to insert a nuclear device aboard a launched satellite. When detonated the device will set off an electromagnetic pulse that will "silence" worldwide communications and virtually create chaos.
Pitted against Dr Nevaeh Patel is an international task force headed up by special FBI agents : Nicholas Drummond, previous of Scotland Yard, who has joined up with Special agent Michaela Caine to form the international arm of the FBi with formation of the "Covert Eyes" operation. What follows is a breathtaking and whirlwind narrative with extensive twists and turns. Peppered into the mix is involvement with CIA operatives and private security operative Grant Thornton from Blue Mountain. This compelling narrative drives to a relentless denouement. Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for providing an uncorrected ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison have delivered another super exciting installment in the "A Brit In the FBI" series! They really did let that timer get down to the last minute - it was nerve wracking! The psychological aspects made it even more entertaining, with the main antagonist turning completely crazy.

Or was she?? The Heaven Stone and events in the epilogue pointed my mind towards anything being possible - it would be terrible if Nevaeh had been right all along!

I do like the dynamic that has developed between the agents, except for how cheesy the dialogue got at times! I am also not sure if the average adult will know some of the slang, such as "certifiable" - I had to look it up but it didn't detract from the story.

Overall - a little romance, a giant rogue wave, tons of action, and just enough international intrigue combine in The Last Second to make it a total must read!!

I will come back in on March first to upload a blog link!

Was this review helpful?

This was the first book I read in the series so I think there were spots I was missing backstory but overall I loved the story. I couldn’t put it down and was kept spellbound. Thanks for such an epic read. I could totally see this happening.

Was this review helpful?

This is part of the Brit in the FBI series and once again did not disappoint. This book has Nicholas and Mike recuperating from their last escapade and immediately they are off to help a friend that has gone missing. There is plenty of action and adventure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Even if you have not read any other books in the series, readers can pick up this book and not be lost.

Was this review helpful?

After encountering space aliens with no one believing her, the brilliant Nevaek was kicked out of NASA. She is hired as CEO for a private Space program, Galactica. Angry, Nevaeh devises a plan to take over the world with her space friends. The owner of Galactus has been searching for the Holy Grail which he claims, if worthy, will bring immortality. Nevaeh decides she must have the Holy Grail for herself (but is she worthy?)..

Grant, a friend 0f FBI agents Michaela (Mike) and her partner, Nicholas, are hired by the owner of Galactus to protect him and the Holy Grail. Nevaeh puts her evil plan into action to claim the prize. Mike and Nicolas go to the rescue of their friend and are further alarmed to discover that Plutonium has been stolen with a connection to Galactus..

The story gets very tense as time begins to run out for earth and as the agents fight murder and insanity. They are pitted against two women who will do whatever it takes to attain their goal. Science fiction and technology make it interesting and exciting. The relationship between the agents, both funny and exciting, are very likeable. A good read! .

Was this review helpful?

I have read all the Brit in the FBI series. This one did not disappoint. Caine and Drummond are on vacation. When Grant goes missing, they spring into action which never stops. Grant is guarding a billionaire who finds the Holy Grail. His satellite company lost a satellite in space. His CEO is an ex astronaut who thinks she the chosen one for aliens she met in space. She has armed the satellite with an EMP to silence the world.
This book was very exciting. There are a lot of far fetched situations but that is what I love about these books, they save the day.
The writers, Coulter and Ellison, are excellent. I have read most of their books, the ones they write solo and the ones together. The action is fast and fun, with humor thrown in. Read this book! Thank you net galley for a copy of the book for an honest review

Was this review helpful?