Set on the hauntingly beautiful Isle of Mull, The Last Girl to Die is a suspenseful thrillery novel loaded with delectable twists, legends, folklore and superstition. It is weird and wonderful, descriptive and memorable.

Private Inspector Canadian Sadie Levesque is called upon to fly to Mull to investigate a particularly disturbing murder. Adrian and her family are Americans, outsiders encroaching upon the fiercely loyal and close-knit community. When Adrian's body is found with odd effects even the police would prefer to let sleeping dogs lie and are reluctant to help. But independent and tenacious Sadie leaves no stone unturned as she sifts through nightmare after nightmare to find justice. Crimes do not just stop with one murder, however, and the past rears its ugly head and superstition wriggles in.

My favourite aspect of the book is the setting. The Isle of Mull is an unforgettable and raw place steeped in rugged beauty, history and legend where one can believe anything could happen. Author Helen Fields mentions her inspiration in her notes which I really appreciate. Parts of the story are a wee bit fanciful and over the top for my taste but that is a personal preference. I did not connect with any of the characters so did not find myself fully immersed. However, the rollercoaster ride of a plot is well worth it. Thriller readers hankering for some darkness and grit will find it here.

My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this stellar thriller.

Set on the beautiful island of Mull in the Inner HebridesScotland this is a brilliant mystery thriller full red herrings and twists. Canadian Sadie Levesque is private investigator who specialises in missing teenagers and is hired by a family who have recently moved to Mull from America to try and find their missing daughter Adriana but this is not going to be an easy case at all for Sadie as she meets with hostility everywhere she turns and when she finds the dead body of Adriana things go from bad to worse. The book completely captures the atmosphere of remoteness and as Sadie is repeatedly threatened the story becomes darker by the minute as she battles to find the truth of what is really going on on this remote island.
I really enjoyed this book I loved the character Sadie she was one feisty lady who just never gives up. Time and again I changed my mind whilst reading as I thought I knew what was going on only to find how wrong I was and I loved that!
Helen Fields really captures the feeling of isolation that Sadie faces and at times the overpowering feeling of menace that’s present throughout the book , such superb writing. I also loved that Lance Proudfoot a character from another series was included in the story that really made my day!
So a fabulous read that kept me gripped and a book I would highly recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rounded to 4.5 stars.

CONTENT WARNING: murder, sexual assault, gore, death of a minor, off-page death of a wild animal, torture, blood, misogyny, mention of domestic violence, violence, bullying

I randomly stumbled upon Helen Fields books in my library a few years back, and have been hooked ever since. Each time I see one of her newer books pop up on NetGalley, it’s like a compulsion to request them, and I’m never sorry after reading them. Although they do make it difficult to sleep while I’m in the middle of reading them at times, and I NEVER learn my lesson, always starting them late at night.

While this was a standalone, there was one character that featured in the DI Callanach series, and I was so happy to see him again! It’s set on the remote Scottish Isle of Mull, portrayed as an insulated community that isn’t exactly welcoming to outsiders. This pertains not only to private investigator Sadie, but as she quickly discovers, also to the newly relocated Clark family.

Sadie realizes that the place force isn’t doing a very good job of searching for missing teen Adriana Clark. She’s hired by the Clark family to do a job, and it’s clear that she’s tough, focused, and not one to scare easily. However, she steps on more than a few toes right away, which doesn’t earn her any friends in a town that is already set against her. But the deeper she digs into the circumstances of Adriana’s death and the history of Mull, the further into danger she finds herself. And the more determined she becomes to solve the mysteries she encounters.

There’s an overall sense of tension throughout the book, but it continues building as the story goes on. Fields ratchets up the tension beautifully, especially towards the end, making this book impossible to put down. And while the plot twists were slow to appear in the beginning, they started appearing faster the further I read, surprising me from all sides. In addition, there were a few chapters told from the POV of the island itself, adding an unusual element of sinister sentience from something that we don’t usually even consider, but somehow it worked perfectly in this setting.

I loved the way that this story combined modern life with history and ancient lore in a setting that felt both modern and far removed from the present day, both at the same time. The overall tone is quite different from the other Fields books that I’ve read, but I loved it even more, if that’s possible, and it allowed me the time to connect to Sadie, even with her shortcomings, since it humanized her yet highlighted her strengths and her devotion to justice in her own way. This is an incredible story and showcases the immense talent that Fields has.

I never repeat the blurb. I'm usually such a fan of this writer's books, but the story and characters just didn't appeal at all. Keep things real. Myths and legends only really have meaning to locals.

I have only recently discovered Helen Fields as an author, but I absolutely adore her books; I am pleased to report that this book was no exception!

The Last Girl To Die is a standalone novel set on the Isle of Mull, which is the perfect setting for this kind of book - remote, atmospheric and bleak. The story follows Canadian private investigator, Sadie, who is hired by the family of a murdered teenager to find out what happened to her. The islanders aren't happy to have a 'non-local' poking around and make life very difficult for Sadie. The conclusion was breathtakingly shocking and I had to re-read parts of it to make sure I'd got it right.


This book is incredibly well written and perfectly paced to keep the reader intrigued. There were several times I thought I had it all figured out, only to be proved completely wrong!

The best kind of thriller and one of the best books I've read this year.

My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.

I love books set in UK settings and this was another fantastic setting for suspense. The island community, the way they cling together while suspicious of outsiders made it a fascinating environment for when the murders take place and the hired detective arrives to chase the clues. The images are haunting with the seaweed crown and the folklore behind how the bodies are left behind. Great writing too!

I have read and enjoyed several of Helen Field’s Edinburgh based crime novels, but #thelastgirltodie is not part of the Callanach series. Instead it is a thrilling standalone novel that evokes the Scottish Isle of Mull as a place of mist, mystery and the setting of murder. Canadian PI Sadie Levesque visits the island to search for a missing teenager, and the rollercoaster of twists and turns that follow will leave you astonished. The final denouement is a triumph.

I enjoyed all the elements of this read. It kept me guessing until the end and I loved it. Sadie is a private investigator specializing in missing teenagers who comes to the island of Mull to find Adriana Clark. What Sadie finds throughout the course of this story is likely far more than she signed on for. Tales of witchcraft and dislike of outsiders leading to additional missing persons. I felt like I was always looking for the bad guy in the wrong person and not looking in the right places.
I won’t talk about the details of the ending but it broke me in all the right ways.

WOW!!!! It started off as a pleasant read as Sadie a private investigator flies in from Canada to help find a missing teenager on Mull. It progressed into a four star read then an ultimate FIVE STARS!!! Twisty Turny whodunnit to perfection.
Thank you Netgalley & Helen Fields for an advanced copy of this book. I certainly never give high scores when a book doesn’t deserve them & just because I got it for free. This however definitely deserves it.

Helen Field's book The Last Girl to Die pulls readers into a thrilling tale with red herrings and cliffhangers. In this intricate mystery, Fields focuses on the strong development of the main character who serves as the narrative eyes of the story.

Synopsis:
Private investigator Sadie Levesque is dedicated to solving teen crimes. She is called to the Isle of Mull in Scotland to search for Adriana Clark, a missing sixteen year old. Sadie discovers Adriana's brutally murdered body in a cliffside cave. After following cryptic clues, Sadie uncovers dangerous secrets the hostile islanders do not wish to be revealed. Will Adriana be the last girl to die?

The Last Girl to Die is a well researched and highly detailed novel. Helen Fields uses the island setting to enhance the action and intrigue. A sense of ominous unknown danger permeates the plot making it a gripping read. Although I figured out the ending, it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book.

The Last Girl to Die by Helen Fields is available on September 1st.
(4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫)

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, (Avon), for allowing me to review this thrilling novel by the mega talented Helen Fields. Your kindness is appreciated.

#LastGirlToDie #HelenFields

Another fabulous read from Fields. I raced through this in one sitting. Very different to the two other books I’ve read by this author. Dark, compelling narrative and a blistering main character that I’ll have difficulty forgetting. Utter brilliance between the covers!!!!

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good thriller!!
Absolutely loved the characters, the plot, the tension - impossible to put it down.
Certainly recommended!

When an American girl goes missing while living on the island of mall off of Scotland Sadie is called in to help the family find answers, but when the family themselves are really reluctant to give any clues to their past and neither one of their teenagers have a social media presents it may make her job harder and Sadie mistrustful of the family. Not to mention the sheriff on the Little Island has an ego the size of the United States And his told the locus not to cooperate with her. Everywhere Sadie turns someone is making her job harder but you didn’t become the best at what she does by giving up and although the more she uncovers the more questions she has her intentions are to find the savage killer an OMG does she! When I first started reading the book I thought it was a rinse lather and repeat scenario, but I was wrong this was a great mystery and it’s all the authors book so like this Count me in. I truly wasn’t expecting the ending I got an oh what an ending it was.
I highly recommend the spot I receive it from netGally and the author but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.

Nearly a week after finishing 'The Last Girl To Die' and the storyline is still swirling around in my head - I just can't get over the ending. I've read the hugely enjoyable DI Callanch (and DI Ava!) from books one to seven so I'm am familiar with the author's ability to write a compelling story that sucks you into the world and also the twists you don't see coming.
Our protaganist is Sadie Levesque, a tough and feisty Canadian PI who specialises in runaway teens. Sadie has been tasked with an American family to investigate the disappearance of their daughter. The family are newcomers to the island of Mull and have been struggling to settle into the community. Now, they feel like outsiders more than ever and are concerned that the local police are not taking Adriana's disappearance seriously. Sadie soon finds herself at odds with the locals and in particular the police and then the situation takes a particular nasty turn when she finds a body.
The mix of genuine mythology with fiction creates a fascinating sense of eeriness and adds a dimension of fear to the tale.

This is a wonderfully written, sophisticated, clever drama that weaves island folklore, evil spirits, village life and secrets into a gripping, and also somewhat philosophical, thriller that will hold you tight until the very end. Private investigator Sadie Levesque is hired to look into the disappearance of a 17-year old American girl living on the Isle of Mull, west of the Scottish mainland. Her discovery of the girl’s defiled body marks just the beginning of a series of sinister events that unfold on the island. Sadie finds herself at odds with the local police, and then becomes a target, forced to hide. Helen Fields doesn’t skimp on the gory details. This is a hard-hitting story of murders most foul, awash with a number of interesting, totally believable characters. A great read.

The Clarkes from the USA decide to start a new life in the town of Tobermory on the Scottish island of Mull. The islanders are a close-knit group of people and not always that forthcoming when outsiders come to live of the island.
When their daughter Adrianna goes missing, they call on the help of Canadian investigator Sadie Levesque who is known being an expert on finding missing people especially teenagers. As the family thinks that the local police are not taking her death as seriously as they would like.
When Adrianna’s body is found in a nearby cave, bad mutilated and with a seaweed crown on her head. It’s Sadie’s task to find out why was Adrianna killed and what is the motive. Whilst investigating the evidence on the way she was killed dates years of old murders and fairy and folklore and witches on the island. When another girl is found dead by Sadie. She worries there is a serial killer on the island, but the Police also thinks that she has something to do with the deaths as she keeps finding the bodies.
Thank you, Avon, for a copy of ‘The Last girl to die’. I really enjoyed this standalone book from Helen Fields. This was a more intense, atmospheric thriller than her previous books. In parts quite creepy too to regards to the islanders and practicing of witchcraft. The author is quite a storyteller writing and describing the beautiful descriptions of the island and the satisfying ending. 5 stars from me.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Avon Books UK and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I didn’t want to put this one down.

Received a free copy from Netgalley to review, below is the blurb

"In search of a new life, seventeen-year-old Adriana Clark’s family moves to the ancient, ocean-battered Isle of Mull, far off the coast of Scotland. Then she goes missing. Faced with hostile locals and indifferent police, her desperate parents turn to private investigator Sadie Levesque.

Sadie is the best at what she does. But when she finds Adriana’s body in a cliffside cave, a seaweed crown carefully arranged on her head, she knows she’s dealing with something she’s never encountered before.

The deeper she digs into the island’s secrets, the closer danger creeps – and the more urgent her quest to find the killer grows. Because what if Adriana is not the last girl to die?"

Not come across this author before and was pleasantly surprised.. It story didn't take the supernatural path I was expecting but was an enjoyable read that kept me guessing. The characters were developed well and were easy to visualise mainly from how they spoke. Will definitely be looking for more books from this author.

A unique story fraught with legend and atmosphere and bursting with suspense. Darkness envelopes this small town. Well written character, a great story line. The main character is written so well she has flaws and fears and that was amazing to read. I live down to earth fictional people.
This was full of suspense and terror. You could literally feel this small town tearing apart over the crimes. The suspects all made sense which left me guessing until the end.

Great

At the very start, I loved this book. In the opening Acknowledgments, the author, Helen Fields, thanked readers. Thanking them for bucking the trend of binge watching streaming services, and social media scrolling.

The Last Girl to Die starts sadly with the discovery of Adriana, a 17 year old who had been missing for 17 days. Sadie Levesque is a Canadian private investigator, hired by Adriana’s family, to search for their missing daughter, as the local police don’t seem to be very interested. Sergeant Eggo and his colleagues, are not keen on the Clark family, newcomers to the island. This manifests as a distinctly “them and us” situation, with the locals not believing that one of their own could possibly be responsible.

The opening chapter graphically describes the situation Adriana’s body is discovered in. Graphic descriptions of murder victims and the surrounding scenes feature strongly, so this is not a book for cosy crime fans.

Helen’s writing, really helps you to see the book in your mind. Her description of Sergeant Eggo’s appearance was unique, and raised a smile. I could feel and see the remote landscape of Mull in my mind, through the writing.

I’m afraid to say that the further the book progressed, my brain wandered whilst reading. My attention wasn’t being held, and constantly drifted. Whether this was down to the folklore element of the story, or maybe that I felt Sadie’s decisions were questionable. Which made the storyline somewhat predictable in certain parts.
I feel a little guilty writing this, as I thoroughly enjoy Helen Fields’ books, but sadly this just didn’t grab me personally. Having said that, the very last chapter is incredibly beautiful, moving, in a non sentimental way. 3.5, rounded up to 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️