Review: The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Last Echo

Series: The Body Finder #3

Author: Kimberly Derting

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 29 March 2012

Source: Review Copy

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

In the end, all that’s left is an echo.

Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet’s talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it’s Violet’s job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice.

When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by “the girlfriend collector” she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new “relationship” and Violet may have caught his eye....

REVIEW

Please bear in mind that this is the third book in the series and may therefore contain spoilers to the previous two books. The Body Finder (review HERE) and Desires of the Dead (review HERE)

I seriously thought that this series couldn't get any better, this book proved me wrong in spades, character development, serious tension, sizzling chemistry then throw in conspiracy theory and I am totally in love.

The story continues with Violet settling into her new 'job' within the secret division of the FBI run by Sarah Priest. Violet questions here ability to actually help people as her 'gift' is only helpful in locating dead bodies rather than preventing the actual murders. however, Violet soon comes to realize that she is helping others by identify the imprints left behind on the person responsible for the death. Her 'gift' often leads her into danger as it is a compulsion to Violet to follow these impulses, something that she has to learn to control.

Insight into the other members of the team is provided by inserts told from their own point of view. Bringing insight and understanding to their actions and relationships. The connections were fascinating as they unfolded within the plot.The dynamics of the group as a whole was easier to picture with this added insight.

Although Jay doesn't feature as much as I would have liked his presence can be felt in the background. As a general rule I don't like love triangles however I have to say that this one works. (Please don't hate me). The way the story progressed made me question who would be the best person for Violet to be with. Don't get me wrong I adore Jay but he can be overprotective of Violet. Making Violet feel that she cant share all of the details of her 'abilities' or the work she does with the team with him. Violet thinks she is interfering with his life, things are not 'normal' and all she wants is his happiness. Rafe, on the other hand, understands Violet in a way that Jay never will, to a degree he understands her better than she understands herself. There is a tangible connection between them. I can literally picture her with Rafe (sorry).

The way in which Kimberly Derting gets into the mind of a serial killer is quite unnerving. the insight it provides to the plot is quite literally chilling.

Without revealing anything I will tell you that at there is a jaw-dropping twist that has left me quite desperate to know what happens next. I don't think I can wait an entire year *begs, pleads for quicker release*

Serial killers, romance, paranormal abilities, secret government departments and conspiracy theories. OH MY!!!!!!