The Last Commandment

Written by Scott Shepherd

Narrated by Shaun Grindell

A Scotland Yard detective tracks a serial killer from London to New York City



Christmastime in London. When three seemingly unconnected victims are murdered with matching sequential Roman numerals carved into their foreheads, Metropolitan Police Commander Austin Grant finds his answer in one of the last places he'd expect: the Holy Bible. Each of the deaths correspond to a transgression of one of the Ten Commandments, and Grant must find the killer before the remaining Commandments are commemorated with homicides.



Unfortunately for Grant, the next victim with a number on their forehead turns up not in London, but across the pond at the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, turning this English murder case into a transatlantic manhunt spanning two global metropolises, each with its own rich history and culture. Commander Grant must team up with a charming NYPD detective named John Frankel, as well as his own estranged daughter Rachel—a cunning investigative reporter with conflicting feelings about her father.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Highbridge Company
• Release date: Jul 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781696604550

Scott Shepherd

Scott Shepherd is a veteran writer/producer/show-runner with years of experience running network series; his production and screenwriting credits include The Equalizer, Miami Vice, and Quantum Leap. Born in New York City and raised in Los Angeles, he studied English at Stanford University and currently teaches television writing at the University of Texas in Austin. Follow Scott at scottshepherdauthor.com and @MyWritersLife.

Reviews for The Last Commandment

[booklover1801 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In Scott Shepherd's "The Last Commandment," Commander Grant Austin is looking forward to his approaching retirement. After putting in more than three decades in Scotland Yard, he is ready to leave his stressful job. Life has not been easy for Austin, who still grieves for his late wife, Alison. In addition, Grant's adored only child, Rachel, rarely speaks to him. He has always treated her with love and kindness, and he cannot understand why she does not reciprocate his affection. Ironically, a hunt for a serial killer brings father and daughter together.

It is the holiday season and Londoners will soon be ringing in the New Year. Unfortunately, Commander Austin cannot enjoy the festivities, since he still has a tough case to solve. An unidentified individual has decided to execute various individuals who, he believes, have committed grave transgressions. When the villain claims a victim in New York City, Grant joins forces with Detective John Frankel of the NYPD, and reunites with Rachel, who is a Manhattan-based journalist. After conferring with Grant, Rachel becomes an informal member of his investigative team. Frankel, Grant, and Rachel proceed with their inquiry but make little headway. Shortly thereafter, they fly back to England, where they continue their search for the elusive killer.

Initially, the seriocomic plot, with its scenes of droll humor and passages of deep sorrow, is intriguing and entertaining. The mystery is perplexing at first, since whoever is behind these crimes is a master of misdirection. The murderer makes a point of taunting Austin, implying that the detective is the ultimate target of his wrath. Shepherd livens up matters with a budding romance, and we eagerly await the revelation that will explain why Rachel has given her dad the cold shoulder for so long. Alas, the conclusion, which most savvy readers will see coming, is clumsily executed. "The Last Commandment" is occasionally diverting, but as it proceeds, it becomes cliché-ridden and wildly implausible.

[brianewilliams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a terrific story.
Commander Austin Grant is finishing a thirty plus year career at Scotland Yard, when he gets swept up in an investigation of a serial killing spree. It takes him from London to New York City and back again. It comes to a shocking and suspenseful conclusion in Zermatt Switzerland in a desperate chase involving an aerial cable car.
There's wonderful characters and the local colour of London and New York is excellent. The plot plays out at a well measured pace that keeps you reading to find out what happens next.
A great read and therefore it's highly recommended.

[fredreeca · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a story which has you captivated all the way through. It all begins with the murder of a rock star in England and is quickly followed by two more. But the killer does not stay there. He travels across the pond to continue his agenda with a murder in NYC. His agenda…The Ten Commandments!

Scotland Yard Detective Austin Grant is on his last case. He is retiring at the end of the year. So he fully intends to wrap up this case quickly. But, he must team up with NYC detective John Frankel.

I love the characters in this tale, especially Austin Grant. He is humble and that comes across well. Not every author can create a character like this and maintain him all the way through. But Scott Shepherd did! I cannot wait for his next book! I am anxious to see what kind of twisted story he comes up with next!

Need a good murder mystery…OH BOY! This is it! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.