Last Call by Travis Tougaw

Marcotte and Collins are back with another action-packed thriller. Author Travis Tougaw caught my attention with the first chapter and its relation to the title. From there, he takes the reader on a non-stop ride as the private investigators are hired by an elderly woman to look into the twenty-year-old murder of her son. Suspecting evidence was planted, the team sets out to prove that the man serving time was wrongfully convicted. As the clues unfold, the pace quickens, building through to the final solving of the case.

I love the dynamics between the two lead characters, Vince and Hadley, as well as ex-cop Eddie who founded the agency, and newcomer Brad. Each has a unique backstory with their own issues to deal with as they seek justice for their clients. They have made a name for themselves by taking on difficult, nearly impossible-to-solve cases. In Last Call, Eddie comes out of retirement to assist in clearing wrongly-accused Dennis Heard. Eddie has a personal stake as he was one of the detectives who put him behind bars. Layers of the victim’s life and reasons behind his murder are slowly exposed, revealing the truth. Connections between Eddie and the victim come to light, causing his partners to question Eddie’s integrity as a former cop and current P.I. 

As they delve into the victim’s obscure history and past associations, the detectives place their own lives in danger. Author Tougaw creates intrigue by alternating chapters with the past and the present and by using various POVs. The setting adds to the suspense with the isolation of wooded areas and the claustrophobia of an old mine. You never know what’s behind the next corner or turn.

If you love action and suspense, the Marcotte and Collins series delivers a thrilling read with characters you’ll love getting to know. Champions of the truth and justice, Vince and Hadley aren’t afraid of going after the rich and powerful. Put them on your TBR list!