Last Breath

Renowned, but unattached archeologist Daria McGowan has been retained by a little known university to design an exhibit of artifacts discovered by one of her ancestors. Those items are proof of a legendary lost civilization which will both rock the archeology world and put the university’s finances back in the black. Discovering that some of the most significant artifacts are missing, she enlists the aide of an FBI agent she met briefly and cannot get out of her thoughts. As the feeling is mutual, Connor Shields does not hesitate to become her partner in solving the mystery. As these two bright and appealing characters unravel a hundred year old mystery, Daria becomes the target of maniacal killers. Her relationship with Connor deepens as they mystery is finally resolved and the killers identified.

This is the final installment in the “Last” trilogy by Mariah Stewart, but no reader should shy away from LAST BREATH for fear of being unable to catch on. . This work certainly stands alone, as this reviewer was unfamiliar with Ms. Stewart’s previous works and thoroughly enjoyed LAST BREATH. The archeological and geographical details are well researched and accurate, but not so detailed as to overwhelm. Daria and Connor are intelligent people who have full and seemingly satisfying lives who have an instant, but impractical attraction. As their adventure develops, so do their feelings for one another. The story is a page turner, as the suspense builds and, although it may be predictable that the main characters end up safe and in love, one cannot easily predict who is behind the killings which are at the heart of the mystery.

This reviewer heartily recommends LAST BREATH as it is a page turner with a satisfactory ending and will look forward to and future offerings by Mariah Stewart.

September 2007