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Detective Gina Harte #6
Her Last Mistake
Dressed in a sage green bridesmaid dress, and smiling for pictures, Holly is the happiest she’s ever been. Hours later, Holly is dead.
People love to hate Holly Long. Smart, beautiful and a woman who men find it hard to say no to, she’s the town’s most gossiped about resident.
Now Holly’s body lies in her hotel room, strangled at her best friend’s wedding party. And the gossip has stopped, because nobody wants to look like they did it.
When police search Holly’s immaculate apartment, amongst her stylish furnishings and expensive jewellery, they discover a different side to Holly. Orderly and precise, she wasn’t the chaotic party girl everyone thought her to be. In fact, Holly was a planner, and her next plan was to come out and tell her biggest secret – something she had been hiding for months, something that had the potential to ruin the lives of more than one wedding guest.
There are plenty of people who might have wanted to kill Holly, but only one who has finally made good on their promise.
An unputdownable crime thriller with an ending you will never see coming, this is the latest gripping novel from bestselling author Carla Kovach. If you like Angela Marsons, Cara Hunter and Clare Mackintosh, you’ll love Her Last Mistake.
People love to hate Holly Long. Smart, beautiful and a woman who men find it hard to say no to, she’s the town’s most gossiped about resident.
Now Holly’s body lies in her hotel room, strangled at her best friend’s wedding party. And the gossip has stopped, because nobody wants to look like they did it.
When police search Holly’s immaculate apartment, amongst her stylish furnishings and expensive jewellery, they discover a different side to Holly. Orderly and precise, she wasn’t the chaotic party girl everyone thought her to be. In fact, Holly was a planner, and her next plan was to come out and tell her biggest secret – something she had been hiding for months, something that had the potential to ruin the lives of more than one wedding guest.
There are plenty of people who might have wanted to kill Holly, but only one who has finally made good on their promise.
An unputdownable crime thriller with an ending you will never see coming, this is the latest gripping novel from bestselling author Carla Kovach. If you like Angela Marsons, Cara Hunter and Clare Mackintosh, you’ll love Her Last Mistake.
330 pages, ebook
First published May 10, 2020
About the author
Carla Kovach
32 books850 followersCarla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. Author of supernatural drama 'Flame,' psychological thriller 'To Let,' crime thriller 'Whispers Beneath the Pines, and romantic comedy 'Meet Me at Marmaris Castle.' Carla also writes stage and screen plays, some of which have been produced in the Worcestershire area.
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
April 6, 2020
This is the sixth book in the author’s Gina Harte series and was another blockbuster from Kovach. DI Gina Harte is stretched to her limits this time - no sleep, worries over her daughter and someone is killing bridesmaids from a wedding just held.
Gina and her team are run ragged chasing the clues in this one but something doesn’t quite add up. There are too many suspects, and while none of them seem ideal, none of them seems to have a good alibi. The police are worried the killer will strike again - there is one bridesmaid left. A former close friend of the bride is unwittingly drawn into this dark drama and by the time police realise she is in danger it may very well be too late. There is a neat twist at the end which I wasn’t expecting. All in all a very satisfying book, perfect for Coronavirus lockdown. Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my review copy.
Gina and her team are run ragged chasing the clues in this one but something doesn’t quite add up. There are too many suspects, and while none of them seem ideal, none of them seems to have a good alibi. The police are worried the killer will strike again - there is one bridesmaid left. A former close friend of the bride is unwittingly drawn into this dark drama and by the time police realise she is in danger it may very well be too late. There is a neat twist at the end which I wasn’t expecting. All in all a very satisfying book, perfect for Coronavirus lockdown. Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my review copy.
April 26, 2020
Gina Harte is back! I really do love this series, having read them all and they just keep getting better. This is book 6 and to really get the most out of it you should read these ones in order. Gina is character like no other and you really need to understand her past to understand her.
Her Last Mistake was another addictive read that I powered through. It is twisty and surprising, especially with the big reveal. I did not see that coming.
Gina is called back from leave, much to the disgust of her daughter Hannah, who she is meant to be spending time with. Given no choice, Gina and her team are set to work to find the killer of a bridesmaid at her best friends wedding. Holly is murdered in her hotel room at the reception. As they look into the woman’s life closer they realise that any number of people could have wanted her dead to keep their secrets.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Her Last Mistake was another addictive read that I powered through. It is twisty and surprising, especially with the big reveal. I did not see that coming.
Gina is called back from leave, much to the disgust of her daughter Hannah, who she is meant to be spending time with. Given no choice, Gina and her team are set to work to find the killer of a bridesmaid at her best friends wedding. Holly is murdered in her hotel room at the reception. As they look into the woman’s life closer they realise that any number of people could have wanted her dead to keep their secrets.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
May 7, 2023
Slim, mooi en een vrouw waar mannen moeilijk nee tegen kunnen zeggen. Holly is de meest besproken inwoner van de stad. Nu ligt haar gewurgde lichaam in een hotelkamer, vermoord op het huwelijksfeest van haar beste vriendin.
Wanneer de politie Holly’s smetteloze appartement doorzoekt, vol met stijlvolle meubels en dure sieraden, ontdekken ze een andere kant van Holly. Ze blijkt ordelijk en precies – was ze dan geen chaotische feestmeisje, zoals iedereen dacht? Holly was zelfs een planner, en haar volgende stap was om naar buiten te komen met haar grootste geheim, dat ze al maanden verborgen hield. Iets wat het leven van meer dan één bruiloftsgast zou ruïneren.
Er zijn genoeg mensen die Holly dood wilden hebben, maar er is er maar één die haar heeft vermoord.
Ik word altijd zo blij als ik zie dat er weer een nieuw boek van Carla Kovach verschijnt! 'Haar laatste fout' is inmiddels het zesde deel en het was weer genieten.
Dit verhaal begint meteen met een spannende inleiding over Holly. Vervolgens leer je haar wat beter kennen. Ze is op een huwelijksfeest en alles lijkt oké te gaan... Lijkt, want niet veel later wordt het dode lichaam van Holly op de slaapkamer gevonden. Vervolgens leer je de vriendinnen van Holly ook beter kennen. Er zijn verschillende verhaallijnen en dat maakte het verhaal weer heel erg interessant.
Elk personage is namelijk boeiend en lijkt zo zijn of haar motief te hebben om Holly te vermoorden. Maar dan valt er een tweede slachtoffer en het lijkt erop dat dat niet de laatste gaat zijn...
Ook detective Gina Harte is weer een heel fijn personage in dit deel. Zelfs haar dochter speelt nu een erg grote rol en hierdoor leer je ook weer het privéleven van Gina beter kennen. Binnenkort komt het zevende deel uit en ik kan niet wachten! Heel veel zin in!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
Wanneer de politie Holly’s smetteloze appartement doorzoekt, vol met stijlvolle meubels en dure sieraden, ontdekken ze een andere kant van Holly. Ze blijkt ordelijk en precies – was ze dan geen chaotische feestmeisje, zoals iedereen dacht? Holly was zelfs een planner, en haar volgende stap was om naar buiten te komen met haar grootste geheim, dat ze al maanden verborgen hield. Iets wat het leven van meer dan één bruiloftsgast zou ruïneren.
Er zijn genoeg mensen die Holly dood wilden hebben, maar er is er maar één die haar heeft vermoord.
Ik word altijd zo blij als ik zie dat er weer een nieuw boek van Carla Kovach verschijnt! 'Haar laatste fout' is inmiddels het zesde deel en het was weer genieten.
Dit verhaal begint meteen met een spannende inleiding over Holly. Vervolgens leer je haar wat beter kennen. Ze is op een huwelijksfeest en alles lijkt oké te gaan... Lijkt, want niet veel later wordt het dode lichaam van Holly op de slaapkamer gevonden. Vervolgens leer je de vriendinnen van Holly ook beter kennen. Er zijn verschillende verhaallijnen en dat maakte het verhaal weer heel erg interessant.
Elk personage is namelijk boeiend en lijkt zo zijn of haar motief te hebben om Holly te vermoorden. Maar dan valt er een tweede slachtoffer en het lijkt erop dat dat niet de laatste gaat zijn...
Ook detective Gina Harte is weer een heel fijn personage in dit deel. Zelfs haar dochter speelt nu een erg grote rol en hierdoor leer je ook weer het privéleven van Gina beter kennen. Binnenkort komt het zevende deel uit en ik kan niet wachten! Heel veel zin in!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
May 10, 2020
I have read many police procedurals in the past 6 months, and I have to solemnly declare that author Carla Kovach's Gina Harte series is one of the best. The vibe it gave me was so welcoming that I never had a problem following the story from the previous book. Gina's writing is something different, there is magic in it. It is friendly yet suspenseful. It takes a truly talented writer to achieve that balance.
A murder or two of the bridesmaid got DI Gina Harte back from her holiday and her team to the investigation. Double trouble soon started when the professional life intersected with her daughter's.
The sixth book in the series, the murder investigation done by the team was still as enthusiastic and committed as the first book. The dark human psyche was explored, which made it all the more thrilling. Author Carla Kovach was brilliant. She could keep the pulse of the book palpable. I could feel the intensity as the team got closer to truth.
Emotions were felt right through I loved when DI Gina worked through it, staying committed to her job. Every corpse needed someone fighting for it, telling its story, revealing the truth. And I loved it when the author could achieve that via her characters. Truly a gripping read which kept me stuck to my kindle until I finished it.
A murder or two of the bridesmaid got DI Gina Harte back from her holiday and her team to the investigation. Double trouble soon started when the professional life intersected with her daughter's.
The sixth book in the series, the murder investigation done by the team was still as enthusiastic and committed as the first book. The dark human psyche was explored, which made it all the more thrilling. Author Carla Kovach was brilliant. She could keep the pulse of the book palpable. I could feel the intensity as the team got closer to truth.
Emotions were felt right through I loved when DI Gina worked through it, staying committed to her job. Every corpse needed someone fighting for it, telling its story, revealing the truth. And I loved it when the author could achieve that via her characters. Truly a gripping read which kept me stuck to my kindle until I finished it.
April 16, 2020
Her Last Mistake is the 6th book in the Detective Gina Harte and it is coming one of my favourites.
Once again, Gina is trying to juggle her life between investigating the murder of Holly Long who was murdered dressed in a bridesmaid dress at her friend’s wedding. Stressing about her daughter Hannah involved with someone who is a suspect in the murder and basically doing the normal things in life just eating and sleeping and keeping herself healthy.
Holly Long who is popular and a lot of people in her town want to be like her was found strangled. Who would want to kill her? As Gina investigates, she founds at that Holly was pregnant. Was it the father that killed her? Also, several shady characters come out the woodwork during the investigation that does not show the life that Holly portrays.
This is another brilliant episode in this series which I loved. A bit darker than the others in the story, which draws you in from the first page. I like how the author gives us the personal life of Gina even though she has so much on her plate, with her determination she tries to keep everyone happy. But it doesn’t always end well. It makes the character and the story more believable in what challenges the police have today. There was a lot of twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout. And WOW I didn’t see the ending coming. Five stars from me.
Once again, Gina is trying to juggle her life between investigating the murder of Holly Long who was murdered dressed in a bridesmaid dress at her friend’s wedding. Stressing about her daughter Hannah involved with someone who is a suspect in the murder and basically doing the normal things in life just eating and sleeping and keeping herself healthy.
Holly Long who is popular and a lot of people in her town want to be like her was found strangled. Who would want to kill her? As Gina investigates, she founds at that Holly was pregnant. Was it the father that killed her? Also, several shady characters come out the woodwork during the investigation that does not show the life that Holly portrays.
This is another brilliant episode in this series which I loved. A bit darker than the others in the story, which draws you in from the first page. I like how the author gives us the personal life of Gina even though she has so much on her plate, with her determination she tries to keep everyone happy. But it doesn’t always end well. It makes the character and the story more believable in what challenges the police have today. There was a lot of twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout. And WOW I didn’t see the ending coming. Five stars from me.
May 6, 2020
Carla Kovach continues to outshine herself with every new installment of the Gina Harte series! Her Last Mistake is the sixth brilliant Gina Harte book I've read & I continue to be in awe of her & of course Gina too. I found this book to be descriptive enough to paint a vivid picture of events in the book - I really loved that in this book. Her Last Mistake is a highly twisted & compelling page-turner you won't want to keep down.
Holly Long, bridesmaid to her best friend Kerry is plagued by a secret she can't share with anyone. Choosing to be happy despite an obvious setback Holly smiles for her friend's wedding. On the day of the party, Holly is found dead in her bridesmaid gown by one of the other bridesmaids. Everyone at the wedding is shocked beyond comprehension as to who would want sweet & harmless Holly dead. Gina, who the case is assigned to wants more than anything to bring the killer to justice. Meeting with Holly's distraught mother, co-workers & friends Gina is convinced Holly's death might have something to do with the ruckus created at the wedding party a few moments earlier & orchestrated by none other than Samuel Avery. Following all leads diligently Gina uncovers some shocking truths about the people involved in the case. Just when she is frustrated about going around in circles, Kerry's other bridesmaid, Francesca is killed in her own home setting everyone to panic about a bridesmaid killer being on the loose. Who is killing Kerry's friends & why? Will Gina solve the case before the last remaining bridesmaid is killed?
As always, all characters in this book are brilliant. The plot too is very compelling - talk about a murder at a wedding!! I kept turning the pages way into the night. I'm also glad to see some kind of tangible action against Gina's old nemesis - Samuel Avery. Finally, I can see a very satisfying end for that sub-plot on the horizon! Overall, this was a great read and I cant wait to see what issue Gina tackles next!
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture & Carla Kovach for an arc!
Holly Long, bridesmaid to her best friend Kerry is plagued by a secret she can't share with anyone. Choosing to be happy despite an obvious setback Holly smiles for her friend's wedding. On the day of the party, Holly is found dead in her bridesmaid gown by one of the other bridesmaids. Everyone at the wedding is shocked beyond comprehension as to who would want sweet & harmless Holly dead. Gina, who the case is assigned to wants more than anything to bring the killer to justice. Meeting with Holly's distraught mother, co-workers & friends Gina is convinced Holly's death might have something to do with the ruckus created at the wedding party a few moments earlier & orchestrated by none other than Samuel Avery. Following all leads diligently Gina uncovers some shocking truths about the people involved in the case. Just when she is frustrated about going around in circles, Kerry's other bridesmaid, Francesca is killed in her own home setting everyone to panic about a bridesmaid killer being on the loose. Who is killing Kerry's friends & why? Will Gina solve the case before the last remaining bridesmaid is killed?
As always, all characters in this book are brilliant. The plot too is very compelling - talk about a murder at a wedding!! I kept turning the pages way into the night. I'm also glad to see some kind of tangible action against Gina's old nemesis - Samuel Avery. Finally, I can see a very satisfying end for that sub-plot on the horizon! Overall, this was a great read and I cant wait to see what issue Gina tackles next!
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture & Carla Kovach for an arc!
July 19, 2023
Nog steeds een reeks die erg vlot leest, in dit deel vond ik de verhaallijn net iets minder creatief dan in de vorige delen. Vandaar de 4 sterren. Het is wel spannend maar ik had geen wauw gevoel.
April 29, 2020
Detective Gina Harte must work hard to find out why a bridesmaid was killed shortly after a wedding reception. Upon further investigation, Gina discovers that there is a pattern that is starting to develop and it will end up costing more than one life. Meanwhile, not only is Gina trying to draw closer to her daughter Hannah, she is trying to examine her relationship with DCI Briggs, all while having painful memories of her past. To say that Gina has her hands full is an understatement.
During the post-mortem examination, there is something about Holly that was kept secret from everyone, even her three best friends - one of whom is the bride. There was another secret Holly was hiding along the way, and that just might end up with more than her life being taken. The question remains, why was Holly killed?
With Gina being thrust into a complicated case, quite a bit of friction arises between her and Hannah. Gina is forced to put her job first, and that includes interviewing more than one possible suspect. This book was excellent, because there is one character who stood out to me and waiting to see what would happen further garnered my attention. This book had plenty of surprises along the way. Her Last Mistake is the 6th book in the Detective Gina Harte series. It was a perfect addition to a compelling series. I look forward to reading the next installment.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
During the post-mortem examination, there is something about Holly that was kept secret from everyone, even her three best friends - one of whom is the bride. There was another secret Holly was hiding along the way, and that just might end up with more than her life being taken. The question remains, why was Holly killed?
With Gina being thrust into a complicated case, quite a bit of friction arises between her and Hannah. Gina is forced to put her job first, and that includes interviewing more than one possible suspect. This book was excellent, because there is one character who stood out to me and waiting to see what would happen further garnered my attention. This book had plenty of surprises along the way. Her Last Mistake is the 6th book in the Detective Gina Harte series. It was a perfect addition to a compelling series. I look forward to reading the next installment.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 13, 2020
Her Last Mistake opens to the wedding reception of Kerry and Ed Powell. Kerry is one of Holly’s closest friends, which also includes Lilly and Francesca. Together, the four girls have called themselves the “Awesome Foursome’ since school days. During the party, the man Holly has been secretly seeing tells her he wants to talk to her. She’s hoping he has finally come to terms with some news she has shared with him so she does as she’s asked and goes to the meeting place. The reader is never given the man’s name, so we have no idea who is approaching her when she is attacked and killed.
Detective Gina Harte’s daughter, Hannah, and granddaughter have recently come to visit for a little bit and have made plans for the week. But when DCI Chris Briggs calls Harte asking her to put her vacation on hold for the case the relationship that Gina was attempting to repair with Hannah becomes strained again.
During the course of the investigation, Holly’s three friends, their husbands, and families of Holly’s become a main focus to the police investigation. I found their dynamics to be very interesting and how envy and jealousy plays a part. As I read through the story, the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” continually entered my mind, which then reminded me of the politics of middle school. As I tossed over each of these characters in my mind, I began wondering if in the character’s complexities that there were parts of their emotional make-up that never matured past that age. But, there are additional players too – such as the party crashers that keep reappearing at odd places throughout the story and a girl named Cass who seems a bit uncertain about herself and obsessive too. In fact, a good amount of the story focuses on Cass as she tries to reconnect with a lost friend.
The story was a very pleasant read and a nice way to pass the time. What did bother me a little, however, is something surprised me and that I wanted to point out: The Description. The summary indicates that Holly was someone everyone hates. That they bad-talked her a lot behind her back and then completely stopped talking once the investigation began. As a result, I expected an over the top character that everyone hated for various reasons and was just someone they put up with due to connections or money or 100 other reasons. Upon reading the description, I thought to myself “Ohh… I can’t wait to find out what she’s done that makes everyone hate her so much.” But truthfully, I did not actually find this to be the case at all and I kind of felt a little deceived by the description. Holly dies too early in the story for you to ever get the sense that people hate her and gossip about her constantly. Then, when she dies I never had the overwhelming impression that individuals didn’t want to talk about the murder because they didn’t want to look guilty. I mean some, yes. But in my view, if they didn’t want to talk it was because they didn’t know who did it or weren’t really sure what they might be able to provide. They seemed to act like regular characters/individuals. If anything, they felt more unemotionally detached than I thought they should be, which again made me think about middle school politics and friendships at that age.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was one of those that went real fast once you started, which are definitely my preferred type of books. Nothing worse that struggling with a book and forcing yourself to read through it. I did have a general sense of who was responsible by the time the ending came around, but it didn’t stop my enjoyment of the story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
Detective Gina Harte’s daughter, Hannah, and granddaughter have recently come to visit for a little bit and have made plans for the week. But when DCI Chris Briggs calls Harte asking her to put her vacation on hold for the case the relationship that Gina was attempting to repair with Hannah becomes strained again.
During the course of the investigation, Holly’s three friends, their husbands, and families of Holly’s become a main focus to the police investigation. I found their dynamics to be very interesting and how envy and jealousy plays a part. As I read through the story, the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” continually entered my mind, which then reminded me of the politics of middle school. As I tossed over each of these characters in my mind, I began wondering if in the character’s complexities that there were parts of their emotional make-up that never matured past that age. But, there are additional players too – such as the party crashers that keep reappearing at odd places throughout the story and a girl named Cass who seems a bit uncertain about herself and obsessive too. In fact, a good amount of the story focuses on Cass as she tries to reconnect with a lost friend.
The story was a very pleasant read and a nice way to pass the time. What did bother me a little, however, is something surprised me and that I wanted to point out: The Description. The summary indicates that Holly was someone everyone hates. That they bad-talked her a lot behind her back and then completely stopped talking once the investigation began. As a result, I expected an over the top character that everyone hated for various reasons and was just someone they put up with due to connections or money or 100 other reasons. Upon reading the description, I thought to myself “Ohh… I can’t wait to find out what she’s done that makes everyone hate her so much.” But truthfully, I did not actually find this to be the case at all and I kind of felt a little deceived by the description. Holly dies too early in the story for you to ever get the sense that people hate her and gossip about her constantly. Then, when she dies I never had the overwhelming impression that individuals didn’t want to talk about the murder because they didn’t want to look guilty. I mean some, yes. But in my view, if they didn’t want to talk it was because they didn’t know who did it or weren’t really sure what they might be able to provide. They seemed to act like regular characters/individuals. If anything, they felt more unemotionally detached than I thought they should be, which again made me think about middle school politics and friendships at that age.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was one of those that went real fast once you started, which are definitely my preferred type of books. Nothing worse that struggling with a book and forcing yourself to read through it. I did have a general sense of who was responsible by the time the ending came around, but it didn’t stop my enjoyment of the story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
May 11, 2020
This is the sixth installment in the DI Gina Harte series, but you do not need to read the previous five in order to enjoy this story. I did not read the previous books before this one, and I felt that I was still able to fully integrate within in the story and not feel like I was missing key pieces of information.
From the first chapter, this book starts off with a bang. Holly Long is a twenty something in a clearly toxic relationship. When she finds out that she’s pregnant, rather than celebrate the joyous occasion, her significant other uses it as an opportunity to abuse her to show who is in power. One month later, Holly starts the day as a beautiful bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding and ends up asphyxiated in her hotel room.
DI Gina Harte is finally enjoying time off with her daughter and granddaughter. Gina’s leave is abruptly ended when she’s called onto Holly’s case since no one else is available. Tension is already at an all time high with her daughter, and to make matters worse, Gina has to work with her former lover on the case. As Gina starts to uncover the details surrounding Holly’s death, secrets that even her closest friends come to the surface, and Gina must hurry to contain everything before anyone else becomes a target.
Wow, what an incredible story. This was an utterly addictive page turner that had me hanging off the edge of my seat. There were so many twists and turns as well as a few red herrings as Gina learns more the investigation. I was guessing up to the very last pages, which I loved.
I loved Gina’s character. She’s strong willed, whip smart, and refuses to let anyone or anything harm those she loves. She also isn’t afraid to let the evidence lead her to the answers even if the trail is not a popular one for everyone else.
This was my first foray into Carla Kovach’s writing and it most certainly will not be my last. I can’t wait to see what is next for DI Gina Harte.
Thank you to Bookouture for providing a review copy through NetGalley. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
From the first chapter, this book starts off with a bang. Holly Long is a twenty something in a clearly toxic relationship. When she finds out that she’s pregnant, rather than celebrate the joyous occasion, her significant other uses it as an opportunity to abuse her to show who is in power. One month later, Holly starts the day as a beautiful bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding and ends up asphyxiated in her hotel room.
DI Gina Harte is finally enjoying time off with her daughter and granddaughter. Gina’s leave is abruptly ended when she’s called onto Holly’s case since no one else is available. Tension is already at an all time high with her daughter, and to make matters worse, Gina has to work with her former lover on the case. As Gina starts to uncover the details surrounding Holly’s death, secrets that even her closest friends come to the surface, and Gina must hurry to contain everything before anyone else becomes a target.
Wow, what an incredible story. This was an utterly addictive page turner that had me hanging off the edge of my seat. There were so many twists and turns as well as a few red herrings as Gina learns more the investigation. I was guessing up to the very last pages, which I loved.
I loved Gina’s character. She’s strong willed, whip smart, and refuses to let anyone or anything harm those she loves. She also isn’t afraid to let the evidence lead her to the answers even if the trail is not a popular one for everyone else.
This was my first foray into Carla Kovach’s writing and it most certainly will not be my last. I can’t wait to see what is next for DI Gina Harte.
Thank you to Bookouture for providing a review copy through NetGalley. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
November 14, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
This is my first read by this author. Even though it’s the 6th book in the Gina Harte series and there are brief references to previous events, this book can still be read on it’s own. I really enjoyed this book, I love police procedurals and it had everything in - murder, many suspects all with motive, glimpses into Detective Harts personal life and lots of twists and turns along the way. The book captured and held my attention from start to finish and I was shocked when I read who the murderer was, and why. I think this is a cleverly thought out and well written book by the author, and will look to read the previous books in this series. 4 stars
This is my first read by this author. Even though it’s the 6th book in the Gina Harte series and there are brief references to previous events, this book can still be read on it’s own. I really enjoyed this book, I love police procedurals and it had everything in - murder, many suspects all with motive, glimpses into Detective Harts personal life and lots of twists and turns along the way. The book captured and held my attention from start to finish and I was shocked when I read who the murderer was, and why. I think this is a cleverly thought out and well written book by the author, and will look to read the previous books in this series. 4 stars
May 11, 2020
Her Last Mistake by Carla Kovach is the 6th in the Detective Gina Harte series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Gina Harte works homicides. Her team consists of: DS Jacob Driscoll, DC Harry O’Connor and DC Paula Wyre, with a lot of assistance from PC Smith, and now PC Kapoor. Gina is a stubborn lady, and a determined detective. She has had a rough life, which has led to an uneasy relationship with her daughter and grand-daughter. It has also led to a lack of real friends, and an on-again/off-again relationship with her boss, DCI Chris Briggs. It is not common knowledge that her husband was abusive, and no one knows that she helped him fall to his death many years ago.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When a bridesmaid is murdered at her best friends wedding reception, Gina is called back from her brief holiday. She quickly finds that there there are many suspects, a few that she would like to lock behind bars for any reason. But there is no evidence.
Holly was part of the "Awesome Foursome", as they liked to be called. They had met in grade school, and their friendship lasted. Francisca, Lilly and Kerry don't understand who would want Holly dead. But Holly had a secret, and that secret got her killed.
Gina's relationship with her daughter Hannah is tested, as she was meant to be spending time with her family. It seems Hannah may never understand her mother's job. It also seems that Hannah's choice of friends does not ease her mothers concerns either.
My Opinions:
This is a really good police procedural. Gina has a past that she struggles with, and her relationship with her daughter suffers because of it. Well, that and the fact that every time they try to spend some quality time together, Gina's phone rings and she is called out on a case.
Gina is a very determined detective, and everything else gets set aside when she is on a case (see above). But she really cares about people.
The plot was a little dark, and talk about the games people play!
Kovach always adds a variety of characters, each which could be a suspect, and many of which I do not like. It makes it interesting, and this is the second book in a row that I didn't have a clue as to who killed Holly...or anyone else. My guess was sooooo wrong. I love that in a book.
Definitely recommend this series, but you have to read them in order.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 2, 2023
Wat was dit weer een gruwelijk spannend deel in de Gina Harte serie.
De ontknoping van de dader vond ik misschien een beetje te ver gezocht, maar verder heb ik geen minpunten!
De ontknoping van de dader vond ik misschien een beetje te ver gezocht, maar verder heb ik geen minpunten!
July 26, 2023
“Carla Kovach- Haar laatste fout”
👰♀️👰♀️👰♀️👰♀️👰♀️
Mensen lief! Wat een boek opnieuw! 🤯
Het verhaal? Ziek! 🫢
De schrijfstijl? Zalig! ♥️
Het slaaptekort? Immens! 🥱🥱🥱
Maar het zo hard waard! 🫣😬
👰♀️👰♀️👰♀️👰♀️👰♀️
Mensen lief! Wat een boek opnieuw! 🤯
Het verhaal? Ziek! 🫢
De schrijfstijl? Zalig! ♥️
Het slaaptekort? Immens! 🥱🥱🥱
Maar het zo hard waard! 🫣😬
May 7, 2020
Her Last Mistake is book six in the highly readable DI Gina Harte series, but as with the previous books, the mysteries all stand alone and the characters’ situations haven’t changed much so you get all the backstory you need, and she doesn’t spoil previous books by revealing too much about former cases either. There are recurring themes of misogyny and violence towards women but the plots have been different enough to stop them getting stale.
Bridesmaid Holly Long is hiding a secret when she is murdered at her best friend’s wedding, but now the killer can’t wait to do it again. Gina has a range of possible suspects - and to her horror, one of them is getting close to her irritable daughter Hannah, just when they seemed to be getting on better.
Driven by her unending guilt about her own dark past, Gina will once more push herself to the brink to catch a murderer.
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series but do get frustrated with Gina’s inability to move on from her issues, stand up to her whiny selfish daughter and accept that it would actually be OK to fall in love with the endlessly patient DCI Briggs. Six books, and she’s really no further forward. While I do love a driven detective, the way she insists on doing everything herself rather than trusting her team - who all seem pretty competent - makes her something of a liability. At least she’s stopped drinking!
The mystery aspect here was clever - I almost had it right but was once again shocked by the reveal, and was pleased by how it turned out for most of the characters. Once again, nearly all the men except who are not police are basically bastards, although there’s some pretty bad behaviour by the women too. Can’t someone in Gina’s world have a secure happy faithful relationship?
I guess that would be boring to read about...
Kovach writes well, and effectively balances the procedural aspects with character relationships and motivations, and this kept up a good pace. While murders are described it’s not excessively gruesome or sweary.
Whether you’re new to this series or have followed Gina’s adventures from the beginning, I can happily recommend it.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Her Last Mistake is published on May 11th.
Bridesmaid Holly Long is hiding a secret when she is murdered at her best friend’s wedding, but now the killer can’t wait to do it again. Gina has a range of possible suspects - and to her horror, one of them is getting close to her irritable daughter Hannah, just when they seemed to be getting on better.
Driven by her unending guilt about her own dark past, Gina will once more push herself to the brink to catch a murderer.
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series but do get frustrated with Gina’s inability to move on from her issues, stand up to her whiny selfish daughter and accept that it would actually be OK to fall in love with the endlessly patient DCI Briggs. Six books, and she’s really no further forward. While I do love a driven detective, the way she insists on doing everything herself rather than trusting her team - who all seem pretty competent - makes her something of a liability. At least she’s stopped drinking!
The mystery aspect here was clever - I almost had it right but was once again shocked by the reveal, and was pleased by how it turned out for most of the characters. Once again, nearly all the men except who are not police are basically bastards, although there’s some pretty bad behaviour by the women too. Can’t someone in Gina’s world have a secure happy faithful relationship?
I guess that would be boring to read about...
Kovach writes well, and effectively balances the procedural aspects with character relationships and motivations, and this kept up a good pace. While murders are described it’s not excessively gruesome or sweary.
Whether you’re new to this series or have followed Gina’s adventures from the beginning, I can happily recommend it.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Her Last Mistake is published on May 11th.
March 2, 2022
HER LAST MISTAKE is the sixth crime thriller novel in the Detective Gina Harte Series, by author Carla Kovach. Having enjoyed the first novels in the series, I move on to book 6. The story is set in Worcestershire England.
Even though this novel worked well as a stand-alone, I would recommend other readers to read the previous books as they will be given background information on the characters in this book. A solid police procedural with engaging characters.
Gina is back from her leave, and her daughter Hannah, is not very happy about this. Gina and her team are assigned to work a murder case to find the killer of a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding. Holly had been murdered in her hotel room at the reception, strangled at her best friend’s wedding party.
Who would do this and why? As they look further into Holly’s life closer, they see that many people could have wanted her dead to keep their secrets.
Now when police search Holly’s immaculate apartment, they discover a different side to Holly. Orderly and precise, she wasn’t the party girl everyone thought her to be. Holly was a planner, and her next plan was to come out and tell her biggest secret – something she had been hiding for months, something that had the potential to ruin the lives of more than one wedding guest.
There are plenty of people who might have wanted to kill Holly, but only one who has finally made good on their promise.
An unputdownable crime thriller with an ending you will never see coming.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Even though this novel worked well as a stand-alone, I would recommend other readers to read the previous books as they will be given background information on the characters in this book. A solid police procedural with engaging characters.
Gina is back from her leave, and her daughter Hannah, is not very happy about this. Gina and her team are assigned to work a murder case to find the killer of a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding. Holly had been murdered in her hotel room at the reception, strangled at her best friend’s wedding party.
Who would do this and why? As they look further into Holly’s life closer, they see that many people could have wanted her dead to keep their secrets.
Now when police search Holly’s immaculate apartment, they discover a different side to Holly. Orderly and precise, she wasn’t the party girl everyone thought her to be. Holly was a planner, and her next plan was to come out and tell her biggest secret – something she had been hiding for months, something that had the potential to ruin the lives of more than one wedding guest.
There are plenty of people who might have wanted to kill Holly, but only one who has finally made good on their promise.
An unputdownable crime thriller with an ending you will never see coming.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
June 18, 2023
Hoewel ik bij het eerste boek in de Gina Harte-serie niet omver geblazen was, heeft Carla Kovach met elk nieuw boek meer en meer mijn hart gewonnen voor deze serie. Intussen is het zelfs één van mijn favoriete thrillerseries geworden waar ik elk boek van wil lezen.
In dit verhaal wordt Holly dood teruggevonden op een trouwfeest. Ze is gestikt. Als later ook een ander bruidsmeisje van hetzelfde huwelijk vermoord wordt, vermoedt het team dat beide zaken met elkaar te maken hebben.
Naast het politie-onderzoek krijgen we nu ook weer meer te lezen over de relatie van Gina Harte met haar dochter, die met ups and downs verloopt. Telkens leren we Gina meer en meer kennen.
Wat de moorden betreft, is het toch wel even wachten tot je de dader zelf kan ontmaskeren. De auteur heeft een paar interessante plotwendingen in petto. Er valt veel te onderzoeken en bovenden is één van de verdachten ook gezien in het gezelschap van Hannah, de dochter van Gina. Daardoor wordt het voor haar redelijk persoonlijk.
Ook deze keer heeft Carla Kovach een vlotte, spannende politethriller neergezet! Je vliegt door de hoofdstukken heen en de personages worden goed uitgewerkt waardoor je als lezer zelf zin krijgt om mee te puzzelen aan het verhaal.
Op naar de volgende én we hoeven niet lang te wachten want volgende maand is het alweer zo ver.
In dit verhaal wordt Holly dood teruggevonden op een trouwfeest. Ze is gestikt. Als later ook een ander bruidsmeisje van hetzelfde huwelijk vermoord wordt, vermoedt het team dat beide zaken met elkaar te maken hebben.
Naast het politie-onderzoek krijgen we nu ook weer meer te lezen over de relatie van Gina Harte met haar dochter, die met ups and downs verloopt. Telkens leren we Gina meer en meer kennen.
Wat de moorden betreft, is het toch wel even wachten tot je de dader zelf kan ontmaskeren. De auteur heeft een paar interessante plotwendingen in petto. Er valt veel te onderzoeken en bovenden is één van de verdachten ook gezien in het gezelschap van Hannah, de dochter van Gina. Daardoor wordt het voor haar redelijk persoonlijk.
Ook deze keer heeft Carla Kovach een vlotte, spannende politethriller neergezet! Je vliegt door de hoofdstukken heen en de personages worden goed uitgewerkt waardoor je als lezer zelf zin krijgt om mee te puzzelen aan het verhaal.
Op naar de volgende én we hoeven niet lang te wachten want volgende maand is het alweer zo ver.
April 30, 2020
Another great read in this series.
Gina is spending some time with her daughter and granddaughter when she gets a call to say a body had been found.
Hannah is annoyed with her mum as in her mind, work comes before family, so Gina has some making up to do.
The murder becomes the centre of attention as a young woman was murdered at the wedding reception of a close friend.
Soon another woman is killed and Gina and the team have their hands full trying to work out who the killer is.
There are some chapters from the killer’s perspective but I didn’t have a clue who it was!
This is a fast paced crime thriller that had me hooked from the beginning to the end.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Gina is spending some time with her daughter and granddaughter when she gets a call to say a body had been found.
Hannah is annoyed with her mum as in her mind, work comes before family, so Gina has some making up to do.
The murder becomes the centre of attention as a young woman was murdered at the wedding reception of a close friend.
Soon another woman is killed and Gina and the team have their hands full trying to work out who the killer is.
There are some chapters from the killer’s perspective but I didn’t have a clue who it was!
This is a fast paced crime thriller that had me hooked from the beginning to the end.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 16, 2020
They were right - I really didn't see that ending coming! What an enthralling addition to the DI Gina Harte series this proved to be, it definitely keeps you guessing ..... yet all the clues are there once you know what to look for.
The 'Awesome Foursome' are four young women who have been close friends since their school days but at the wedding of one of them, Kerry, another is found murdered. The victim is Holly Long and this is the story of the investigation into her death by DI Gina Harte. Gina and her team are in a race against time to bring the perpetrator to justice but there will be more victims before they do so . . . and Gina's daughter is also in danger....
This is an intriguing story, with well developed characters, plenty of secrets and so many twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing. With drug dealers, liars, secrets and surprise revelations this is a superbly crafted crime thriller and highly entertaining read. If you enjoy crime thrillers, don't miss this brilliant series! I can't wait to read more from this talented author and to discover just what happens next in the life of DI Gina Harte, especially in her relationships with both her daughter and Briggs.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
The 'Awesome Foursome' are four young women who have been close friends since their school days but at the wedding of one of them, Kerry, another is found murdered. The victim is Holly Long and this is the story of the investigation into her death by DI Gina Harte. Gina and her team are in a race against time to bring the perpetrator to justice but there will be more victims before they do so . . . and Gina's daughter is also in danger....
This is an intriguing story, with well developed characters, plenty of secrets and so many twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing. With drug dealers, liars, secrets and surprise revelations this is a superbly crafted crime thriller and highly entertaining read. If you enjoy crime thrillers, don't miss this brilliant series! I can't wait to read more from this talented author and to discover just what happens next in the life of DI Gina Harte, especially in her relationships with both her daughter and Briggs.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
May 13, 2020
Someone is killing the bridesmaids! It all starts with the murder of 25-year-old Holly Long -- found dead in her room after the wedding reception at Cleevesford Manor.
This is the 6th in a long-running series featuring DI Gina Harte. The police have many suspects to chase down and they are kept very busy during this investigation. Lots of red herrings and quite a few characters to keep straight. Gina barely has time to deal with any of her personal issues, as always, and even Hannah, her daughter, finds her mother again unavailable. Will Harte and her team find the villain in time to prevent more deaths? NO SPOILERS
Fast paced and easy to read in a single sitting; I anticipated most of the twists but found a few surprises along the way. It's important to have read the previous installments as I feel you'd be a bit lost without knowing Gina's backstory. She's the typical female detective in this genre -- a messed up personal life but a good cop. I plan to continue with the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the 6th in a long-running series featuring DI Gina Harte. The police have many suspects to chase down and they are kept very busy during this investigation. Lots of red herrings and quite a few characters to keep straight. Gina barely has time to deal with any of her personal issues, as always, and even Hannah, her daughter, finds her mother again unavailable. Will Harte and her team find the villain in time to prevent more deaths? NO SPOILERS
Fast paced and easy to read in a single sitting; I anticipated most of the twists but found a few surprises along the way. It's important to have read the previous installments as I feel you'd be a bit lost without knowing Gina's backstory. She's the typical female detective in this genre -- a messed up personal life but a good cop. I plan to continue with the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
May 3, 2020
Publication Date: 11 May 2020
Publisher: Bookouture
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the first Carla Kovach book I have read so although this was book number six in the Gina Hartwell series, it read very well as a standalone. While it was evident there was history in the storyline I didn’t feel like I was missing any relevant information. In saying that, after reading this book I will certainly be going back to read the first five in the series because I loved it so much!
As the cover states this is “an absolutely unputdownable, addictive crime thriller”. I found it hard to put it down and honestly if I hadn’t started it so late last night, I would have read it in one sitting! I was drawn in instantly and just felt the need to keep turning pages. It was wonderfully fast paced with an easy read writing style.
Holly Long, Francesca Carter, Lily Hill and Kerry Powell, The Awesome Foursome, friends since school days are celebrating at Kerry's wedding reception. What should be a night of happiness and joy soon turns to tragedy and shock when Holly is found by one of her friends, dead in her hotel room.
What happens from here is you are taken into a thickening plot of figuring out who killed Holly. There are so many possibilities and motives that just when you think you have figured it out or suspects are eliminated, you are hit with a sucker-punch of new victims, leads and suspects!
That ending completely caught me unawares! I did not see that coming at all and honestly a book that can keep me blindsided right until the gobsmacking end deserves 5 stars!
Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture and Carla Kovach for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Publisher: Bookouture
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the first Carla Kovach book I have read so although this was book number six in the Gina Hartwell series, it read very well as a standalone. While it was evident there was history in the storyline I didn’t feel like I was missing any relevant information. In saying that, after reading this book I will certainly be going back to read the first five in the series because I loved it so much!
As the cover states this is “an absolutely unputdownable, addictive crime thriller”. I found it hard to put it down and honestly if I hadn’t started it so late last night, I would have read it in one sitting! I was drawn in instantly and just felt the need to keep turning pages. It was wonderfully fast paced with an easy read writing style.
Holly Long, Francesca Carter, Lily Hill and Kerry Powell, The Awesome Foursome, friends since school days are celebrating at Kerry's wedding reception. What should be a night of happiness and joy soon turns to tragedy and shock when Holly is found by one of her friends, dead in her hotel room.
What happens from here is you are taken into a thickening plot of figuring out who killed Holly. There are so many possibilities and motives that just when you think you have figured it out or suspects are eliminated, you are hit with a sucker-punch of new victims, leads and suspects!
That ending completely caught me unawares! I did not see that coming at all and honestly a book that can keep me blindsided right until the gobsmacking end deserves 5 stars!
Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture and Carla Kovach for the ARC in return for my honest review.
October 14, 2020
I have read many police procedurals over the years and I have to say that Carla Kovach's DI Gina Harte series is one of the best. Although I came late to the series with the third book
"Her Pretty Bones"
, I was immediately drawn to the unique style of writing and the completely likable characters Kovach had expertly drawn. Her prose has a friendly camaraderie about it as well as being suspenseful. I still intend to go back and read the first two at some point, but until then I will continue with the series where ever it takes me.
From the opening prologue, HER LAST MISTAKE starts off with an impressive ardour that continues throughout the course of the book. Holly Long is 25 and in a toxic relationship with someone who remains unknown till the story's climax. When she discovers she is pregnant, she is excited by the prospect that finally he will have to commit to her...whilst at the same time fearing his reaction. But rather than celebrating what would usually be a joyous occasion, her significant other uses the opportunity to abuse her and remind her who holds the power in their relationship. But now with a child to think about, Holly refuses to be treated with such disrespect and orders him out of her flat. He leaves but not before uttering a final threat. A month later, Holly starts the day as bridesmaid to her best friend Kerry's wedding and ends up suffocated to death in her hotel room.
It's no secret that Gina Harte has had a rocky relationship with her daughter Hannah. So when Hannah comes to stay with her daughter Gracie, Gina is finally enjoying some time off to spend with them. Curled up watching one of Hannah's childhood favourite films "The Neverending Story", mother and daughter are enjoying some quality time together. That is until Gina's phone rings...with a call to Cleevesford Manor and the site of Holly's murder and as no one else is available, as a senior ranking officer Gina must attend the scene. Tensions are already rife between mother and daughter, but Hannah takes this as another personal afront and storms from the room like a moody teenager in a huff.
At Cleevesford Manor, where the wedding reception took place, Gina finds the guests gathered in shock and crime scene cordoning off the hotel room. She and her team question each and every guest in turn, taking their statements, to try and get a handle on what had happened to Holly. She is aggrieved to recognise Samuel Avery, the sleazy owner and bartender at the Angel's Arms with whom she has had more than one run-in with, apparently hired to run the bar but more like flirting with the female guests was her opinion. With investigations likely to take her long into the night, Gina tries to juggle her relationship with Hannah as well as doing her job.
But when Hannah sends an abrupt text to insinuate that since Gina cares more for her job than them she and Gracie have left her house and have checked into a B&B...where at least she knows where she stands...Gina wants to reach out to her daughter but knows she must also focus on the case and get justice for Holly. Then to make matters worse, Samuel Avery has turned his attentions on her daughter and Hannah, with a rebellion usually seen in adolescents, ignores all her mother's warnings about him. Gina realises she can do nothing, as Hannah is an adult and more than capable of making her own decisions (whether they are right or wrong) so Gina resigns herself to leaving Hannah to Samuel's sleazy clutches while she goes back to investigating the case.
Then when it is revealed that Holly was pregnant, Gina starts to question whether the father of the baby could be the murderer or if they are two separate instances. But as she delves further into Holly's life and comes across possible suspects, Gina is haunted once again with memories of her own dark past, finding the manner of Holly's death particularly triggering for her. And then, a second bridesmaid is found drowned in her bathtub...the two deaths different but with eerily similar traits. Could this be the work of one or two murderers?
There is so much more to this book than the teaser I have given here with jealousy, betrayal, friendships to name a few. It was so good to revisit Gina and her team again - DS Jacob Driscoll, DC Paula Wyre and DC Harry O'Connor...though less focus was on Mrs O's baking in this book than in previous ones. It was also good to see PCs Kapoor and Smith again lending a hand. PC Kapoor has become such an invaluable assistance both now and in the past that I'm surprised she hasn't been promoted to Gina's team already. And then of course there is the unspoken sexual chemistry between Gina and her boss, DCI Chris Briggs. We know they share a past and we know they are both attracted to one another. I, for one, would wish they'd just say "to hell with it" and just get one with it. Admittedly, it wasn't as irritating as it had been in some of the earlier books. At least in this one Briggs was more of a help than a hindrance. And not to mention that he also shares her secret that she revealed to him at the end of the last book (which I had forgot about). The two are obviously close and are practically married in many ways I wish they would just hurry up and do something about it.
The bone of contention that has run through practically every book I've read in the series is that of Hannah, and not so much of Gina's relationship with her but more of Hannah's behaviour and constant tanties when her mother has to actually do her job. She carries on as if there is a choice to be made - her or the job - and that Gina chooses the job every time. She behaves like a spoilt moody teenager without a sparing thought for her mother and her feelings. Hannah's a mother now; surely she could begin to understand Gina's predicament at times. Or is she just too spoilt to see beyond her own helplessness? Honestly, Hannah is so whiny and selfish who thinks Gina's entire world must revolve around her and Gracie alone. And when she's put out by Gina having to work, she dangles Gracie as some kind of threat to get her mother to bend to her whim. Hannah is the only thing I don't like about the series and wish she would just grow up and stop blaming her mother for everything.
Compelling from the first page, HER LAST MISTAKE is the sixth installment of this brilliant series and, just like all the previous books, each one stands alone and can be read as such. There is enough backstory given in each book to keep the reader up to date without having missed anything. There are no spoilers relating to the cases in previous books either. Each book does have the recurring theme of misogyny and violence towards women but these themes are relevant to Gina's own personal history which is mentioned in each book. And yet they are different in every case enough to stop them from becoming monotonous.
As for the mystery, it was indeed very clever. For once it had me fooled. I was thinking one way and was almost right but was shocked to discover that it wasn't as I thought. I did, however, figure it out just before everything fell into place but by then Kovach had already hoodwinked me throughout. I was truly puzzled by this one.
The balance between procedural and thriller is brilliant making HER LAST MISTAKE a fantastic addition to an already exciting series. The pace is utterly addictive throughout with many twists and a few red herrings along the way to keep you guessing.
An engaging read from beginning to end, I have no hesitation in recommending HER LAST MISTAKE.
I would like to thank #CarlaKovach, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerLastMistake in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
From the opening prologue, HER LAST MISTAKE starts off with an impressive ardour that continues throughout the course of the book. Holly Long is 25 and in a toxic relationship with someone who remains unknown till the story's climax. When she discovers she is pregnant, she is excited by the prospect that finally he will have to commit to her...whilst at the same time fearing his reaction. But rather than celebrating what would usually be a joyous occasion, her significant other uses the opportunity to abuse her and remind her who holds the power in their relationship. But now with a child to think about, Holly refuses to be treated with such disrespect and orders him out of her flat. He leaves but not before uttering a final threat. A month later, Holly starts the day as bridesmaid to her best friend Kerry's wedding and ends up suffocated to death in her hotel room.
It's no secret that Gina Harte has had a rocky relationship with her daughter Hannah. So when Hannah comes to stay with her daughter Gracie, Gina is finally enjoying some time off to spend with them. Curled up watching one of Hannah's childhood favourite films "The Neverending Story", mother and daughter are enjoying some quality time together. That is until Gina's phone rings...with a call to Cleevesford Manor and the site of Holly's murder and as no one else is available, as a senior ranking officer Gina must attend the scene. Tensions are already rife between mother and daughter, but Hannah takes this as another personal afront and storms from the room like a moody teenager in a huff.
At Cleevesford Manor, where the wedding reception took place, Gina finds the guests gathered in shock and crime scene cordoning off the hotel room. She and her team question each and every guest in turn, taking their statements, to try and get a handle on what had happened to Holly. She is aggrieved to recognise Samuel Avery, the sleazy owner and bartender at the Angel's Arms with whom she has had more than one run-in with, apparently hired to run the bar but more like flirting with the female guests was her opinion. With investigations likely to take her long into the night, Gina tries to juggle her relationship with Hannah as well as doing her job.
But when Hannah sends an abrupt text to insinuate that since Gina cares more for her job than them she and Gracie have left her house and have checked into a B&B...where at least she knows where she stands...Gina wants to reach out to her daughter but knows she must also focus on the case and get justice for Holly. Then to make matters worse, Samuel Avery has turned his attentions on her daughter and Hannah, with a rebellion usually seen in adolescents, ignores all her mother's warnings about him. Gina realises she can do nothing, as Hannah is an adult and more than capable of making her own decisions (whether they are right or wrong) so Gina resigns herself to leaving Hannah to Samuel's sleazy clutches while she goes back to investigating the case.
Then when it is revealed that Holly was pregnant, Gina starts to question whether the father of the baby could be the murderer or if they are two separate instances. But as she delves further into Holly's life and comes across possible suspects, Gina is haunted once again with memories of her own dark past, finding the manner of Holly's death particularly triggering for her. And then, a second bridesmaid is found drowned in her bathtub...the two deaths different but with eerily similar traits. Could this be the work of one or two murderers?
There is so much more to this book than the teaser I have given here with jealousy, betrayal, friendships to name a few. It was so good to revisit Gina and her team again - DS Jacob Driscoll, DC Paula Wyre and DC Harry O'Connor...though less focus was on Mrs O's baking in this book than in previous ones. It was also good to see PCs Kapoor and Smith again lending a hand. PC Kapoor has become such an invaluable assistance both now and in the past that I'm surprised she hasn't been promoted to Gina's team already. And then of course there is the unspoken sexual chemistry between Gina and her boss, DCI Chris Briggs. We know they share a past and we know they are both attracted to one another. I, for one, would wish they'd just say "to hell with it" and just get one with it. Admittedly, it wasn't as irritating as it had been in some of the earlier books. At least in this one Briggs was more of a help than a hindrance. And not to mention that he also shares her secret that she revealed to him at the end of the last book (which I had forgot about). The two are obviously close and are practically married in many ways I wish they would just hurry up and do something about it.
The bone of contention that has run through practically every book I've read in the series is that of Hannah, and not so much of Gina's relationship with her but more of Hannah's behaviour and constant tanties when her mother has to actually do her job. She carries on as if there is a choice to be made - her or the job - and that Gina chooses the job every time. She behaves like a spoilt moody teenager without a sparing thought for her mother and her feelings. Hannah's a mother now; surely she could begin to understand Gina's predicament at times. Or is she just too spoilt to see beyond her own helplessness? Honestly, Hannah is so whiny and selfish who thinks Gina's entire world must revolve around her and Gracie alone. And when she's put out by Gina having to work, she dangles Gracie as some kind of threat to get her mother to bend to her whim. Hannah is the only thing I don't like about the series and wish she would just grow up and stop blaming her mother for everything.
Compelling from the first page, HER LAST MISTAKE is the sixth installment of this brilliant series and, just like all the previous books, each one stands alone and can be read as such. There is enough backstory given in each book to keep the reader up to date without having missed anything. There are no spoilers relating to the cases in previous books either. Each book does have the recurring theme of misogyny and violence towards women but these themes are relevant to Gina's own personal history which is mentioned in each book. And yet they are different in every case enough to stop them from becoming monotonous.
As for the mystery, it was indeed very clever. For once it had me fooled. I was thinking one way and was almost right but was shocked to discover that it wasn't as I thought. I did, however, figure it out just before everything fell into place but by then Kovach had already hoodwinked me throughout. I was truly puzzled by this one.
The balance between procedural and thriller is brilliant making HER LAST MISTAKE a fantastic addition to an already exciting series. The pace is utterly addictive throughout with many twists and a few red herrings along the way to keep you guessing.
An engaging read from beginning to end, I have no hesitation in recommending HER LAST MISTAKE.
I would like to thank #CarlaKovach, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerLastMistake in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 16, 2020
This is the second book in this series I have read (so clearly have not read them in order! In fact I have read number1 which I gave 4 stars and this is number 6). Anyhow, I have absolutely found an author and series I LOVE. The way I feel about these books I would automatically buy the next and the next and the next without reading the synopsis first.
But why? DI Gina Harte is a very likeable detective. With a tentative relationship with superior officer DCI Briggs, a very troubled relationship with daughter Hannah and a damaged past thanks to an abusive marriage, Gina is so clearly a real woman doing a good job but struggling with a work life balance.
The plot is fast paced, tense, and so so readable. I did actually twig who the culprit was but that is probably because I have become quite a seasoned reader of this genre. However I did NOT predict the ending so for me there was sufficient doubt throughout and enough of a surprise to keep me feverishly turning the pages.
I also enjoyed finding out more about the different personalities of the bride and her bridesmaids and the odious males in this story, Avery, landlord of Cleevesford public house The Angel Arms and wannabe Elvis singer Robin Dawkins.
I felt extremely sad for Cass, girlfriend of 'Elvis' who so desperately wants to be included but suffers from incredibly low self esteem. In fact that is very much a theme throughout the novel, that of our need to be loved and cherished but what can happen when we find ourselves mixed up with others who have a very different idea of what love is.
In some ways reading this book is a stark reminder for women everywhere to love themselves first and to get out of a relationship immediately if it feels wrong.
There was so much suspicion cast on the males in this book, husbands, a boss and those with previous convictions, all of which created a need to try and guess whose murky past or present behaviour was indicative of 'The Killer'.
I cannot recommend this book enough and if I wasn't such a scaredy cat I would love to be a part of DI Gina Harte's fabulous team.
But why? DI Gina Harte is a very likeable detective. With a tentative relationship with superior officer DCI Briggs, a very troubled relationship with daughter Hannah and a damaged past thanks to an abusive marriage, Gina is so clearly a real woman doing a good job but struggling with a work life balance.
The plot is fast paced, tense, and so so readable. I did actually twig who the culprit was but that is probably because I have become quite a seasoned reader of this genre. However I did NOT predict the ending so for me there was sufficient doubt throughout and enough of a surprise to keep me feverishly turning the pages.
I also enjoyed finding out more about the different personalities of the bride and her bridesmaids and the odious males in this story, Avery, landlord of Cleevesford public house The Angel Arms and wannabe Elvis singer Robin Dawkins.
I felt extremely sad for Cass, girlfriend of 'Elvis' who so desperately wants to be included but suffers from incredibly low self esteem. In fact that is very much a theme throughout the novel, that of our need to be loved and cherished but what can happen when we find ourselves mixed up with others who have a very different idea of what love is.
In some ways reading this book is a stark reminder for women everywhere to love themselves first and to get out of a relationship immediately if it feels wrong.
There was so much suspicion cast on the males in this book, husbands, a boss and those with previous convictions, all of which created a need to try and guess whose murky past or present behaviour was indicative of 'The Killer'.
I cannot recommend this book enough and if I wasn't such a scaredy cat I would love to be a part of DI Gina Harte's fabulous team.
May 7, 2020
This is book #6 in the Detective Gina Harte series. It can be read as a standalone book, although I would recommend reading the books in series order for better understanding of the characters previous stories. Having read all the other books in the series, I was familiar with Detective Inspector Gina Harte and her previous storylines. All the way through the previous books, I’ve liked Gina and have followed the trials and tribulations of not just the cases she has worked on, but of her personal life too. In this book, Gina is investigating the death of Holly Smart who is found dead whilst being a bridesmaid at her friend’s wedding. Holly was a woman who everyone talked about. Being smart and beautiful, everyone wanted to be like her and all the men wanted to be with her, but who would want to kill her?
Gina is a great character, and it was great to be back with her. As usual, she is trying to juggle work and home life, and I have to admit after 6 books of watching her relationship with her daughter, Hannah, I’ve finally decided that I don’t like Hannah!! I can completely understand that Hannah wants her daughter to have a good relationship with her grandmother, but she really does come across as an ungrateful and stroppy teenager!! I really cannot understand how she doesn’t get Gina’s job, and begrudges her actions every time she gets called out onto a case. I really feel for Gina having to deal with Hannah’s behaviour, especially in the middle of the kind of cases that Gina has to investigate.
As usual, this story starts right into the action with the death of Holly Smart at her friend’s wedding. With her usual team, Gina is left spinning around in circles trying to work out who would have murdered Holly and if another murder may be on the cards. The storyline is fast paced and full of suspense, giving you plenty of characters to suspect. The plot takes you down so many dead ends with lots of false clues and red herrings leaving you just as puzzled as Gina is.
This latest book has definitely taken a darker turn than what we have in previous stories, and I loved the new chilling storyline. Gina still remains a firm favourite in my world of female detectives, and I still continue to wish for a happy ending for her. If you’re looking for a suspense filled murder story that will get you thinking about who is involved and why, then you’ve definitely come to the right place! Would definitely recommend!
Gina is a great character, and it was great to be back with her. As usual, she is trying to juggle work and home life, and I have to admit after 6 books of watching her relationship with her daughter, Hannah, I’ve finally decided that I don’t like Hannah!! I can completely understand that Hannah wants her daughter to have a good relationship with her grandmother, but she really does come across as an ungrateful and stroppy teenager!! I really cannot understand how she doesn’t get Gina’s job, and begrudges her actions every time she gets called out onto a case. I really feel for Gina having to deal with Hannah’s behaviour, especially in the middle of the kind of cases that Gina has to investigate.
As usual, this story starts right into the action with the death of Holly Smart at her friend’s wedding. With her usual team, Gina is left spinning around in circles trying to work out who would have murdered Holly and if another murder may be on the cards. The storyline is fast paced and full of suspense, giving you plenty of characters to suspect. The plot takes you down so many dead ends with lots of false clues and red herrings leaving you just as puzzled as Gina is.
This latest book has definitely taken a darker turn than what we have in previous stories, and I loved the new chilling storyline. Gina still remains a firm favourite in my world of female detectives, and I still continue to wish for a happy ending for her. If you’re looking for a suspense filled murder story that will get you thinking about who is involved and why, then you’ve definitely come to the right place! Would definitely recommend!
July 28, 2024
Wat ik zo ontzettend goed vindt aan de boeken van deze serie, is de manier waarop Kovach geloofwaardig en wel de verdenking van personage naar personage weet te verleggen. Niets is te toevallig, het is realistisch in de obstakels die agenten tegenkomen en dat twee dingen met elkaar in verband worden gebracht, betekent nog niet dat het oorzaak en gevolg is.
Ook in dit boek kwamen deze sterke punten absoluut weer naar voren. Wanneer bruidsmeisje Holly Long dood wordt aangetroffen in haar hotelkamer tijdens de huwelijksreceptie, begint de zaak voor inspecteur Gina Harte en haar team. Uiteraard wederom op een moment dat Gina net met haar dochter is. Dat vond ik iets minder sterk. Het voelt als een plotaspect dat steeds terugkomt, terwijl er denk ik betere manieren zijn om ontwikkeling te creëren in de moeizame band tussen Gina en Hannah.
De privéplotlijn van dit boek is sowieso reden om dit boek geen 5 sterren te geven. Elementen herhalen zich naar mijn smaak net iets te lang. Gelukkig maakt de plotlijn van de zaak veel goed! Die hield me er absoluut bij en ik heb het boek in hoog tempo gelezen.
Sowieso is de schrijfstijl van Kovach echt heerlijk. Ik vlieg door haar verhalen en geniet van de opbouw tot de ontknoping, terwijl ik tegelijkertijd niet wil dat het afgelopen is. Ik heb nu direct het volgende deel uit de serie op schoot gelegd en ik denk dat dat wel iets zegt!
Ook in dit boek kwamen deze sterke punten absoluut weer naar voren. Wanneer bruidsmeisje Holly Long dood wordt aangetroffen in haar hotelkamer tijdens de huwelijksreceptie, begint de zaak voor inspecteur Gina Harte en haar team. Uiteraard wederom op een moment dat Gina net met haar dochter is. Dat vond ik iets minder sterk. Het voelt als een plotaspect dat steeds terugkomt, terwijl er denk ik betere manieren zijn om ontwikkeling te creëren in de moeizame band tussen Gina en Hannah.
De privéplotlijn van dit boek is sowieso reden om dit boek geen 5 sterren te geven. Elementen herhalen zich naar mijn smaak net iets te lang. Gelukkig maakt de plotlijn van de zaak veel goed! Die hield me er absoluut bij en ik heb het boek in hoog tempo gelezen.
Sowieso is de schrijfstijl van Kovach echt heerlijk. Ik vlieg door haar verhalen en geniet van de opbouw tot de ontknoping, terwijl ik tegelijkertijd niet wil dat het afgelopen is. Ik heb nu direct het volgende deel uit de serie op schoot gelegd en ik denk dat dat wel iets zegt!
April 21, 2020
Wow what a bloody fantastic book! I couldnt put this down I was so engrossed in it. I love this series and this book didn’t disappoint it was excellent. The characters are great, it was like meeting up with old friends, I enjoyed the storyline and the punches kept coming. Held my interest right from the first page and didn’t let me go until the end. A very well deserved 5 stars!
February 4, 2024
A great addition to the series. The time it took me to read was due to my ill-health rather than the quality of the book.
April 1, 2020
It's not often I stay up to this time of night to finish a book. But Gina Harte is an exception. There is something about Carla Kovach writing style that pulls you in from the get go and just will not let you stop until you have read every last word.
The dedications of her books are brilliant and always pull you in as you know it will relate to the story somewhere a long the line. But her brilliant talent of writing one breath taker of a prologue really hits the nail on the head.
What I absolutely love about this series is that there is such a web of suspicion woven throughout. There are little clues that make you think you could give any detective a run for their money. But how wrong are you by the time you get to the end?!
DI Gina Harte and her team are fast becoming some of my favourite book characters and I cant wait for the next installment. I NEED MORE!
The dedications of her books are brilliant and always pull you in as you know it will relate to the story somewhere a long the line. But her brilliant talent of writing one breath taker of a prologue really hits the nail on the head.
What I absolutely love about this series is that there is such a web of suspicion woven throughout. There are little clues that make you think you could give any detective a run for their money. But how wrong are you by the time you get to the end?!
DI Gina Harte and her team are fast becoming some of my favourite book characters and I cant wait for the next installment. I NEED MORE!
May 29, 2020
Meh. So this book didn't really do much for me. This is book 6 of the series and I didn't read the first 5, but the author did a decent job at not making the reader feel like they missed out on pertinent information.
The book bounced around a lot and it was confusing at times to figure out what was going on.
I liked the plot and what was happening, but it was a little too repetitive and bland in several parts.
With this being said, I give this book 3.5 starts, but will round down to a 3.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Merged review:
Meh. So this book didn't really do much for me. This is book 6 of the series and I didn't read the first 5, but the author did a decent job at not making the reader feel like they missed out on pertinent information.
The book bounced around a lot and it was confusing at times to figure out what was going on.
I liked the plot and what was happening, but it was a little too repetitive and bland in several parts.
With this being said, I give this book 3.5 starts, but will round down to a 3.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest review!
The book bounced around a lot and it was confusing at times to figure out what was going on.
I liked the plot and what was happening, but it was a little too repetitive and bland in several parts.
With this being said, I give this book 3.5 starts, but will round down to a 3.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Merged review:
Meh. So this book didn't really do much for me. This is book 6 of the series and I didn't read the first 5, but the author did a decent job at not making the reader feel like they missed out on pertinent information.
The book bounced around a lot and it was confusing at times to figure out what was going on.
I liked the plot and what was happening, but it was a little too repetitive and bland in several parts.
With this being said, I give this book 3.5 starts, but will round down to a 3.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest review!
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