Last Looks

Listener Reviews

1. 3.0(1)

   Not very believable

   This book was sufficiently entertaining that I finished it, but overall I found it disappointing because the author strained believability in order to further a thin plot. I wish he had worked harder to make his story more reality-based. Here are the major points I had issues with: (spoilers ahead)

   The main character, a former LAPD detective failed to spot the difference between uniformed LAPD officers and actors dressed up as New Orleans police officers..twice. It seemed to me that he would have noticed if even the smallest detail of the uniform was not correct for the LAPD, but a quick Google confirmed that the two uniforms are nothing alike. Aside from the obvious color difference (dark navy vs. light blue shirts), the badges are totally different. I can’t think of a scenario where ANY cop would be so indifferent to police uniforms and insignia.
   Another important character, a life-long alcoholic, switched from drinking pitchers of vodka to bottles vitamin water overnight just by deciding to do it. No withdrawal symptoms, no professional support—not even a hangover. Apparently the author is unaware that alcoholism is a disease, not a casual lifestyle choice.
   And finally (BIG SPOILER), I don’t believe a coroner would give a dead body to a friend to burn up in someone else’s car—even a “Jane Doe” that was going to be cremated. I’m not a lawyer, but I’m pretty sure it’s a crime to violate a corpse, and arson is definitely a crime. Risking fines, prison time and their careers isn’t something coroners do for a casual favor. The author devoted only a couple sentences to this scenario, probably because there was no way to make it even remotely believable, so better to just gloss over it and move on. That would have been okay if this event wasn’t such an integral part of the mystery and a major influence on the main character.

   Cortney Rainey · September 10, 2023

2. 5.0(1)

   John Michael Higgins

   Good story but great narration. I hope that JMH will narrate many more books. I will listen to these regardless whether the book interests me.

   Carolina Vance · January 18, 2023

3. 5.0(1)

   Light hearted mystery

   With just enough of violence etc to enhance storyline. Enjoyed the eccentric main character and found the writing very funny. I will listen to his other books because I enjoyed this one so much.

   B. Appel · December 15, 2022

4. 4.0(1)

   it's a good book, although

   I got a bit lost in the beginning, too many characters Towards the end the plot becomes more interesting and has a few surprises for us Absolutely outstanding narrator

   Elisabeth Noble · June 14, 2022

5. 5.0(1)

   Terrific Book & Narrator

   Wonderful book and narration. The book has it all, action, interesting characters, and left me a very satisfied reader, except for the part where I want MORE! The narrator is amazing, seamlessly changing characters yet I never got confused as to who was speaking. Excellent book, and am glad it is a series.

   Ana Aguilar · November 5, 2019

6. 4.0(1)

   A pleasant mystery with soft turns.

   Last Looks is a serviceable who dunnit on its own, made more enjoyable if you work in or near Hollywood. Forgive the British accent and you'll enjoy this mystery without having to stop multitasking to pay close attention.

   Christin Marsh · May 12, 2019

7. 5.0(1)

   Enjoyed completely!

   Wonderful plot, very suspenseful, great development of characters, fun interactions! Great book! Howard Gould is a terrific writer!

   Olivia Berry · April 10, 2019

8. 3.0(1)

   Dialogue

   Unrealistic plot line. Protagonist has no like-minded characters.Trite, tough dialogue . Stereotypical characters. True to LA neighborhoods. Excellent reader.

   Shanequa Wade · December 28, 2018