Last to Die

Written by Tess Gerritsen

Narrated by Tanya Eby

For the second time in his short life, Teddy Clock has survived a massacre. Two years ago, he barely escaped when his entire family was slaughtered. Now, at fourteen, in a hideous echo of the past, Teddy is the lone survivor of his foster family’s mass murder. Orphaned once more, the traumatized teenager has nowhere to turn—until the Boston PD puts Detective Jane Rizzoli on the case. Determined to protect this young man, Jane discovers that what seemed like a coincidence is instead just one horrifying part of a relentless killer’s merciless mission.

Jane spirits Teddy to the exclusive Evensong boarding school, a sanctuary where young victims of violent crime learn the secrets and skills of survival in a dangerous world. But even behind locked gates, and surrounded by acres of sheltering Maine wilderness, Jane fears that Evensong’s mysterious benefactors aren’t the only ones watching. When strange blood-splattered dolls are found dangling from a tree, Jane knows that her instincts are dead on. And when she learns of Will Yablonski and Claire Ward, students whose tragic pasts bear a shocking resemblance to Teddy’s, it becomes chillingly clear that a circling predator has more than one victim in mind.

Joining forces with her trusted partner, medical examiner Maura Isles, Jane is determined to keep these orphans safe from harm. But an unspeakable secret dooms the children’s fate—unless Jane and Maura can finally put an end to an obsessed killer’s twisted quest.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Aug 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781423392217

Tess Gerritsen

Internationally bestselling author Tess Gerritsen is a graduate of Stanford University and went on to medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, where she was awarded her M.D. Since 1987, her books have been translated into 37 languages, and more than 25 million copies have been sold around the world. She has received the Nero Wolfe Award and the Rita Award, and she was a finalist for the Edgar award. Now retired from medicine, she writes full time. She lives in Maine.

Reviews for Last to Die

[curlupandread · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this installment of the Rizzoli & Isles series. I couldn't put it down it was a real page turner.

[knittingmomof3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Last to Die by Tess Gerritsen is a wonderfully character rich, fast paced psychological thriller and I highly recommend it, even if one is new to the series.

[Rani Wood · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great thriller duo adventure by Tess Gerritsen. Some great twists!

[Tatyana Nicole · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

suspense!!!!!!!! It had me on the edge of my bed!!

[tina1969_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

For the second time in his short life, Teddy Clock has survived a massacre. Two years ago, he barely escaped when his entire family was slaughtered. Now, at fourteen, in a hideous echo of the past, Teddy is the lone survivor of his foster family's mass murder. Orphaned once more, the traumatized teenager has nowhere to turn - until the Boston PD puts detective Jane Rizzoli on the case. But no sooner does her investigation begin than Teddy's life almost ends . . . again. Suddenly, what seemed like a grisly coincidence is unmasked as the mission of a relentless killer.My Thoughts:I have read all over the ‘Jane and Maura’ books and have enjoyed most of them. Just lately like the ‘Alex Cross’ novels I have found that they have lost their edge. This really bugs me as I loook forward to reading about my favourite people who over time I look on them as friends as I feel that I know them well.The story you could say is an average thriller with a few twists and turns with the ‘scooby doo’ moment at the end with the reveal. I really could have taken or left this one alone.This won’t stop me ordering these books from the library but I feel perhaps Jane and Maura need a break and perhaps come back to us with something a little bit more of a page tuner.If you have never read any of these books don’t be put off but do start at the beginning.

[kale.dyer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A thriller with a convoluted story because the CIA is involved. The CIA is always trouble when the police are involved.

[chaoticbooklover · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The plot is great, the characters are easily identifiable, the subject matter was a little difficult for me to read.
Last to Die is the story of three children who are connected in a very unique way: their parents had been killed some time ago, and recently their foster parents have met the same fate. This is the story of Claire, a girl of thirteen, whom took a bullet to the head and survived; of Teddy, who’s kind of weird; and of Will, who likes doing nothing more than looking at the night sky and searching to find a new comet.
These three children were hit by tragedy twice and somehow they survived, but it seems whoever is responsible for the murders will never rest until he kills them too.
In this story we have a blood-thirsty avenger, secret societies, brilliant kids, tortured psyches, secrets and lies and plenty of action, which keeps the reader’s interest alive from beginning to end, and it’s exactly then that it poses a question that more often than not arises into the readers minds too: Who is going to protect us from the so called protectors?
As the suspense builds, Gerritsen provides much needed comic relief. Boston PD homicide detective Jane Rizzoli’s mother, Angela, is involved in an unlikely love triangle. Her fiance, Vince, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Frank, are at each other’s throats, and Jane would like to strangle both of them. However, she is too preoccupied with the slaughter of Bernard and Cecilia Ackerman, who were in the process of adopting Teddy Clock when they were gunned down along with their three daughters. Maura and Jane eventually discover that there is a connection between Evensong and the massacres; the two women put their heads together to get to the bottom of this gigantic mess.
The author effectively captures the emotional pain of teenagers whose peers shun and tease them; the strain of trying to recover from harrowing experiences that leave a person emotionally scarred; and the terrible consequences of unfettered greed and the desire for revenge. The author is a skilled storyteller who keeps us engrossed and entertained. In addition, Maura and Jane are bright and engaged professionals who handle crises with aplomb. The pair get plenty of practice when they are forced to deal with a vicious and remorseless killer with a hidden agenda. “Last to Die” has strong dialog and exciting action sequences, but the plot unravels a bit during the over-the-top conclusion. In spite of its less than scintillating finale, “Last to Die” will keep readers engrossed while they try to figure out who done it and why.

[preston.kringle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great book that was hard to put down and kept you guessing until the very end.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Last to Die
4 Stars

Synopsis: Three children survive the annihilation of their families only to be victims for a second time. What is the connection between them and who has targeted them for death? Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles must face their most determined adversary yet.

Review: An improvement on the last two books in the series. The mystery is fast-paced and thrilling with some clever twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.

The secondary characters are well-developed, particularly the children, Teddy, Will and Claire, which makes it easy to sympathize with their predicament and become engrossed in the plot. Moreover, the Evensong school serves as an intriguing backdrop and the descriptions of classes, teachers and student dynamics provides an extra dimension to the story. The subplot involving Julian "Rat" Perkins and the Jackals seems to suggest that Gerritsen is planning a YA spin-off.

The weakest aspect of the book is the development of Jane and Maura's characters. It seems that Gerritsen has reached a plateau in this area and has nowhere to go with it. Maura is at a crossroads in both her personal and professional life and her story lacks closure. Jane is happily married and her only issue is dealing with her obnoxious family (the Rizzolis in the TV series are much more likable bunch).


All in all, a gripping read although the main characters need more direction.

[pamv-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a typical Tess Gerritsen Rizzoli & Isles book. There was murder. There was mystery. There was suspense. There was humor. I am never disappointed when I pick up one of these books. The characters that are supposed to be liked are well liked.

If you like murder, mystery and suspense you will like any of Gerritsen's books and this one is no exception. I recommend this to anyone that likes a quick read with lots of action.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for this advanced readers copy.

[blmyers-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Hard to put down!

[mhanover10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tess keeps getting better and better as a writer. This was really good. I didn't know why the parents were being killed. Didn't understand what was so significant about these three children. Didn't want to get out of the car because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Then I get to the last CD and Whoa! Didn't see that coming! VERY good book, very enjoyable, filled with twists and turns and a surprise at the end. Can't wait for the next one.

[brakketh-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A thriller with a convoluted story because the CIA is involved. The CIA is always trouble when the police are involved.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When Maura goes to visit Julian "Rat" Perkins, who she met in a previous book, during a previous case, she discovers that there are secrets in the school he's going to, all the students are survivors. One set of three have survived twice, their families and then their foster families died, what links them and who is trying to kill them?Maura and Jane have to find out and it won't be easy. There were a lot of twists and turns in it and Maura is questioning her career, and the Mephisto Club may have ideas how to give her another plan.

[daniexj · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Confusing. Not as much of a thriller as usual either. No Daniel Brophy. Those were the firs three thoughts I had after I finished this most recent entry into the Rizzoli and Isles series of books.It all starts with a couple of kids and the killing of their parents. And then the killing of the couples that were their adoptive parents. Even for a Tess Gerritsen novel that was a ton of killing, even before the reader got to Rizzoli and Isles.Rizzoli and Isles' subplot from the previous book is still there, and boy oh boy is it tense between the two. Of course, I do have a small problem with the 'who' story line because I've read every book in the series (some of them twice) and nowhere in the series have Rizzoli and Isles been anywhere near close friends, and all of a sudden they need to 're-become' friends again? In previous books I've been impressed with how Gerritsen kept her book characters from becoming the ones in the TV show (although in a lot of ways I like the show just a smidge more than the books). But, in this book they seemed to be much closer to the TV characters then ever before unfortunately.But, overall it wasn't a bad plot (although I did have to go back and read the italicized parts once I figured out what the heck was going on in them. That sort of thing is not my favorite story device at all).Still. For the most part the characters were still good, and I loved that there was no Daniel Brophy in it. And I also really liked the subplot that included Korsak and the rest of the Rizzoli clan, Mama, and wayward Dad. I do wish that that story line had had some closure in it, but, I get that it was a cliffhanger so that Gerritsen could continue the story line in the next book (I hope).

[stewi_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

dieses Buch war atmeberaubend spannend bis zur letzten Seite und hat einen regelrecht in diesen Sog hineingezogen. Genau das richtige für eingefleischte Fans der Serie.

[devenish_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles are once again teamed up in this tale of conspiracy and murder. A number of children whose parents have been killed in suspicious circumstances have been sent to 'Evensong' .This is a secret and highly guarded boarding school which is run by the 'Mephisto' group ( from earlier books)When suspicious deaths begin to happen in this supposedly safe environment,detective Rizzoli begins to investigate and soon makes some important connections.A fast-moving and very exciting story-line which stands up well along side her other books. My only slight caveat would be that a knowledge of the earlier books particularly 'The Mephisto Club' would help with understanding the plot of this one a lot.

[acorley84 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was given this title as an Advanced Reader's Copy to review as a NetGalley Read for Random House Publishing Group.

I am going to rate this as a 3/5 stars. I liked the story enough to continue reading it, however, I simply felt like I was going through the motions just to finish the story. I was finding myself having a hard time staying engaged with the story and just wanting to quickly finish it. That is until that last 10% of the book. Up until that point, I was determined that my review was going to be only 2/5 stars, because I just was not interested or invested in the story that I was being told, but once it started really diving into the investigation (which took entirely too long to get to, I felt), it was quite intricate and interesting. The ending was quite unique and definitely was not the ending that I would have ever suspected based on any part of the story. I would have preferred that the story moved along a little quicker than what it had. I did feel like the author did possess great writing skills and built great, solid characters throughout the story. Their stories were not quite as in depth as most stories one would read, however, I would merely chalk that up to this being book #10 in the Series!


I liked the fact that I could never guess the outcome from any point in the book other than once it was actually happening . I felt that the characters were pretty in depth and the story line was that of no other. I felt like they were likable, believable characters. I believe that the characters created were really able to be identified with and were really able to evoke many different emotions as I read about each of them. I believe that it had a good plot, with plenty of great antagonists, but I just wasn't excited about the story until the very end. I did feel like there were a lot of character's to keep up with at times, but that didn't interfere with the story too much.

This story didn't leave me dying to go out and buy another from this series, however, it is, by far, not the worst book that I've ever read either. It did keep my interests peaked enough to continue reading, but that's about as far as it was, peaked, not intrigued like I feel like I thought it would based on the description of the book. I felt as if I was merely watching a show that I knew would be over soon enough, so you keep watching just to finish it!

The book does correlate with the television series in some ways but not nearly as many as one may think. I love the television series, which is probably what generated as much excitement for me to pick up the book, and I don't think that after reading this book, that my opinion has changed. However, after reading this book, I must say that I wouldn't hesitate to read another story by this author, as, possibly a different story line, may be just the change that I need to thoroughly enjoy this book. I just wasn't thrilled with the story!

However, I would advise other reader's to consider their own likes/dislikes, as this book came highly recommended to me, it just may not have fit my particular set of preferences for this particular story line, but will not persuade me not to pursue future and/or previous stories from this author!

[dragonflydee1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's been a long time since I've read Tess Gerritsen, so I was thrilled to win a copy of her latest, Last To Die, as a Goodreads First Read. Smart, funny at times and captivating, it is a story of how pure greed can destroy so many lives particularly the lives of children. But it is much more than that--we are witness to the dynamics of a large Italian family, the loneliness of a single woman and the wonderful bond of female friendship between Jane and Maura. Their lives and this friendship seem to radiate a warmth in the midst of all the evil and death that these two witness. If you are a fan of the thriller, you will enjoy Last To Die, if nothing else you will love Jane and Maura!

[barb_h_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I won a copy through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. My new favorite in the series. This one was very suspenseful and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. I sure do look forward to more books in this series. I love this series and author!

[emigre_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Despite an intriguing premise about sole survivors of family massacres being targeted at a shadowy school, I just could not finish the book. But if you like Rizzoli & Isles, you might not mind the dragging middle.

[silversurfer_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great book from one of my Fave authors. Full of suspense and so many twists, my head was reeling by the final pages. Highly, highly recommended for anyone that loves the edge of your seat thrill read.

[brainella · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another well-done Rizzoli and Isles book. This one was pretty interesting. Espionage, bad guys, good guys, the CIA, the police, secrets, death, destruction. Dang, it's got it all. I like that this installment had Jane and Maura connecting more than the last one. Frost cracks me up sometimes, and the chase for the truth in this one was pretty good. Didn't see it coming. Then again, I never do.

[caitemaire · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First his parents were killed.Then his foster parents and their other children were horribly murdered in their Boston home.Young Teddy Clock is the only survivor.When Jane Rizzoli arrives to investigate, with her friend and colleague, coroner Maura Isles already on the case, it seems like it might be a robbery. It is a beautiful home, full of priceless items and quickly the housekeeper's boyfriend, an illegal alien, becomes a suspect. Well, at least in the eyes of Jane's new boss who is very concerned with quickly solving a front page crime and looking good in front of the news cameras.But Jane is not convinced, especially when two very similar cases in other states come to her attention. First their parents were killed and then the folks they went to live with also died. And the other thing all three cases have in common is that the three children who survived two sets of murdered caregivers are now all students at the rather mysterious Evensong, a boarding school deep in the woods of Maine. We have heard of Evensong before and the rather creepy group that run it, the Mephisto Society, in a previous Gerritsen book. And by coincidence, Maura is on her way up there to visit the young man Julian who she also met in another earlier book and is now also a student there. All the children at the school are survivors of violent crime in their pasts, but it seems that these three particular children may still be targets of the killer.Strange, bad things are happening in those dark Maine woods and Maura and Jane will be right in the midst of it all.Let me say, first of all, that I am a big Gerritsen fan.I have read all her books, even the ones before the Rizzoli/Isles series and I have enjoyed them all. Some I loved and some I liked...and this one is in the 'liked' group. It is a good book, but not the best she has written.Rizzoli and Isles are both great characters and their friendship and working relationship, not without it's ups and downs, has always been interesting. Happily, nothing like the gal pal and way too joke filled one of the TV show loosely based on this series. But in this book their interplay seemed to play an oddly small role. And the little subplot of the adventures of the always interesting Rizzoli family was just dropped with no conclusion. Not to mention the almost total lack of mention of Jane's FBI husband, a character that always adds a great twist, a calm grounding element, to the stories. I love their relationship and Jane's interaction with their daughter and I missed that in this book.But most of all, while good, the plot was not up to the very clever and very intricate level of many of Gerritsen books. It was good but not with all the dark twists and turns Gerritsen usually includes, the dark twists and turns I love. And as much as I hate to say it, because there is nothing I dislike as much as a bloated book, it seems rather short.Let me just repeat, Gerritsen is a great writer and the Rizzoli/Isles series is a very good one. If you have never read it, really, you should. But I have to think that maybe it is time for Gerritsen to take a break from the girls and treat us to a another freestanding book. Fans will, I think, enjoy this one but new readers should start with the earlier books in the series and watch the characters develop.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Yes, I am addicted to the Rizzoli and Isles series of mystery novels by Tess Gerritsen. I also adore the writing of Louise Penny and Elizabeth George. All three women write a detailed mystery, but each has a different method of writing. With Louise Penny, I feel at home and in no hurry to finish the novel. With Gerritsen, I feel rushed to solve the mystery, before evil catches me. In Last to Die, the story centers around three young children that have lost their parents and foster parents to murder. But what ties the three children to a frenzied killer still-hunting them? The story centers in a remote castle in Maine that houses a school for "special" children. Maura is spending a vacation at the castle with her special friend, Julian. The story is very compelling with the heartaches suffered by all abnormal children. I felt that in the end, a few issues were not completely resolved. Probably matter for another novel.

[thehistorychic · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read from August 28 to September 03, 2012Listened for ReviewOverall Rating: 4.25Story Rating: 4.50Character Rating: 4.00Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)First Thought When Finished: I love Rizzoli & Isles! This was a great case and the school was a fantastic twist!My Thoughts on the Case: Last to Die served up my favorite kind of Rizzoli & Isles case, the ones that involve everyone on an equal scale. There was plenty of nose to the ground police work done and enough forensics to keep you guessing. The case itself was very interesting and disturbing. I will warn you that the case(s) involved children or more accurately teenagers. Each of the teenagers in Last to Die had survived an earlier incident in which their entire families had been killed. Now they are all going to the same "very special" school and it appears that someone is after them. The case is chilling at times and emotionally enduring. The Jackals (which you will just have to read to find out whom I am referring too) are going to win you over. They were my favorite part!My Thoughts on the Characters: Last to Die finally brought Rizzoli and Isles closer to being BFFs again. I was thrilled to see all the characters that I have grown to love over the series have their time to shine. The addition of the Jackals was a great addition and I hope they are in future books. Tess Gerritsen writes really good characters and fans of the series won't be disappointed in Last to Die.Audio Thoughts: Narrated by Tanya Eby with a running time of 10 hrs and 28 mins this is one of my favorite series on audio. I have listened to each of them through the narration and haven't been disappointed once. The pacing and characterization is spot-on.Final Thoughts: Fans of the Rizzoli and Isles series will not want to miss this latest addition.

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another really good story from Gerritsen, with plenty of action and occasional drama from the Rizzoli family. It's kind of funny, but after you read a series for awhile it is like catching up with old friends. Interesting twist at the end, wonder if it could herald an additional part of her upcoming novels.

[readinggeek451 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A foster child whose entire family was murdered sees his foster family murdered, too. Then it happens again. And again. All three children end up at the fortress-like boarding school in Maine that Dr. Isles's young friend Julian attends. All of this has something to do with a kidnapping-gone-wrong in Italy some years ago.Creepy and suspenseful but a bit too convoluted for my taste.

[sable677 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had read one of Gerritsen's books before but it has been quite a while, and after reading Last to Die I wondered why I waited so long to read another one. Gerritsen delivers an emotionally powerful tale that has three orphans each who had faced tragedy twice in their lives caught in the sights of a killer. Luckily these three children have detective Jane Rizzoli and Medical Examiner Maura Isles on the case. Jane is called onto the case while in the middle of a family crisis (Jane's dad now wants his family reunited after her mom met someone else), but she is quickly taken by Teddy. Being a mom herself, Jane wants to protect this boy, and that leads them both into Maura's vacation turning what they thought was an isolated case into quite a mystery. Gerritsen does a great job at blending the suspense, thrills, family drama, action, and mystery while at the same time showing the strong friendship between Jane and Maura. Last to Die is book ten in the series, but I caught on right away although now I want to go back and read Rizzoli/Isles's previous adventures. Overall this was a great read, and I would most definitely recommend it if you enjoy a suspenseful tale, likeable and rootable characters, family drama, and page turning twists and turns mixed with your mystery.

[jreinhart_8 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Last to Die is a fantastic read. I think it is one of Tess Gerritsen's best pieces from the Rizzoli & Isles series. Well-paced, fascinating, full of unforseen twists and turns, engaging characters, beautifully set, and intriguing. This book was very enjoyable to read.