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Robert F Barker
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LAST GASP A gripping serial killer thriller with a stunning twist: Book #1 of The Detective Jamie Carver Series (DCI Jamie Carver) Kindle Edition

by Robert F Barker (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 12,778 ratings

When serial killer, Edmund Hart, hanged himself in prison, DCI Jamie Carver thought the darkest episode of his career was finally over. He was wrong. It was the start of something far worse.

The last time Carver let a would-be murder victim act as 'bait', it ended badly. Now there's a new killer abroad - ‘The Worshipper Killer’ - and they want him to do it again.

Megan Crane is beautiful, darkly mysterious, and prefers to keep her unconventional private life just that, private. But her interests mirror those of the victims, and she inhabits the same, strange world where they lived and died. If anyone can help Carver lure the killer, she can.

But what if Carver has it all wrong? What if the killer’s motivations are nothing to do with his victims, but something he can't begin to imagine? And what if Megan Crane has an agenda of her own, one that will take the investigation in a wholly unexpected direction? These are just some of the questions Carver must answer in this gripping first outing for the detective who knows his reputation as 'Britain's Foremost Serial Killer Investigator', is built on sand.

When the killer strikes at the heart of the investigation, and Carver uncovers evidence that appears to link the Worshipper Killer with the past he would rather forget, Carver knows that to solve the mystery and protect those he loves, he must confront what he most fears - his own failings.

LAST GASP is the acclaimed, debut novel and first of a new series from thirty-year British police detective, Robert F Barker, an exciting new voice in the world of crime fiction, Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, Angela Marsons, Mark Billingham, Rachel McLean, Alex Smith and J M Dalgliesh.

5* Praise from Amazon readers for The DCI Jamie Carver Series

"A gripping read about an exceptional detective and the complexities in his life" (Last Gasp)

"Fabulous writer and solid knowledge of police procedures. Can't wait for more from this writer" -Last Gasp

"A fantastic page turner with a hugely sinister and disturbing villain at its heart" - Family Reunion

"As exciting and ‘real’ as anything I have read in a police detective novel in a long time" - Family Reunion

"Well written and fast paced.... a great read for crime-thriller fans" - Final Breath

"Loved, loved, LOVED this book! Couldn't put it down. Always left on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next!" (Last Gasp)

"A very well crafted mystery that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat" (Final Breath)

"Jamie Carver is a mix of genius... and emotional wreck!" - Out Of Air

"So compelling and well written that I can't wait to read the next in the series" (Final Breath)

"Brilliant rounding off of a stunning trilogy" (Out Of Air)

"My preference for fiction is procedural crime thrillers... and I can say that these are the very best example of the genre that I have ever come across. More please as soon as you can!" (Out Of Air)

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  1. Book 1 of 7
    DCI Jamie Carver
  2. Print length
    456 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 23, 2015
  6. Reading age
    16 - 18 years
  7. File size
    3.3 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 7 books in this series.

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  1. When it comes to painting scary scenarios, the past provides a rich palette.
    Highlighted by 67 Kindle readers
  2. The threshold where people are so conflicted their cognitive abilities cease to function is different for everyone. Some people never reach it. But when it happens, what you need to be able to do is switch off, and walk away.
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From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born in Liverpool, England, Robert F Barker served thirty years as a police officer and detective, most of it working in and around some of Northwest UK's grittiest towns and cities. He likes to write stories that are dark and edgy, but credible enough for the reader to believe they may be based on some sort of reality, which of course they often are. (Names changed to protect the innocent.. etc.). As a police officer, he learned that no matter where people live, whatever their position, they are never far from places where darkness dwells. Those places may be inner city sink estates where drugs are dealt and violence rules, or leafy suburbs where neat gardens and lace curtains conceal the sort of evil that no one ever imagines - until the worst happens. 
As both a former Senior Investigating Officer and a Firearms Incident Commander, he knows all about the pressures police officers face, as well as what it means to have to make life-and-death decisions in the heat of live operations. Given his extensive experience, his stories are as authentic a portrayal of crime and policing as in any modern crime fiction. He splits his writing-time between his family home in Cheshire, and the beautiful island of Cyprus, where he gains inspiration for a series of Cyprus-based thrillers which he intends will compliment his UK novels.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B018H5D9Z2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Read All Night Thrillers
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 23, 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 4th
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 456 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1522933144
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 7 ‏ : ‎ DCI Jamie Carver
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 16 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 12,778 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Robert F Barker

Robert F Barker

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Born in Liverpool, England, Robert F Barker served thirty years as a police officer and detective, most of it working in and around some of Northwest UK's grittiest towns and cities. He writes stories that are dark and edgy, but credible enough for the reader to believe they may be based on some sort of reality, which of course they sometimes are. (Names changed to protect the innocent.. etc.). During his service, he learned that no matter where people live, whatever their position in society, they are never far from places where darkness dwells. Those places may be inner city sink estates where drugs are dealt and violence rules, or leafy suburbs where neat gardens and lace curtains conceal the sort of evil that no one ever imagines - until the worst happens.

As a former Senior Investigating Officer and Firearms Incident Commander, he knows all about the pressures police officers face, as well as what it means to have to make life-and-death decisions in the heat of live operations. Given his background, his stories are as authentic a portrayal of crime and policing as can be found anywhere in today's crime fiction.

He splits his writing-time between his family home in Cheshire, UK, and the beautiful island of Cyprus, where he gains inspiration for a series of Cyprus-based thrillers which he intends will compliment his crime novels.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
12,778 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this British police procedural for its interesting plot with twists and turns that keep readers guessing throughout. The book features compelling characters, particularly the best villains ever, and is well-written with no grammar or typo errors. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it fast-paced while others say it's too slow.

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StorylineCharacter developmentBritish police proceduralStory qualityPacing
81 customers mention "Storyline"78 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, praising its interesting plot with twists and turns that keep readers guessing throughout.

"...This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars...." Read more

"...with BDSM weren’t salacious at all, but were well-written, and germane to the plot...." Read more

"...The story was kept interesting by feeding bits here and there and also leaving a few scenes unfinished and left to the imagination...did it or did..." Read more

"It's an okay read, it kept my interest up to the 50% mark, when my eyes started to glaze over. Then a new twist perked up my interest...." Read more

29 customers mention "Character development"26 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the best villains ever and the emotional connection with the characters.

"...Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of...." Read more

"...Carver’s team and co-workers were well-drawn, and had distinct personalities, rather than just being a backdrop for the “great detective.”..." Read more

"...time you already have a fair measure of the man, who has a real depth of character...." Read more

"...Both and the Killer and some other characters are well fleshed out...." Read more

3 customers mention "British police procedural"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the British police procedural elements of the book, with one mentioning the experienced detective chief inspector character.

"...fond of dark, gritty, disturbing (but ultimately satisfying) British police procedurals, I would give this one a go." Read more

"...He is a very capable and experienced detective chief inspector; yet struggles with his emotions, past inner turmoil and overwhelming feelings of..." Read more

"This was an excellent British police procedural that kept you guessing all through the story and providing twists and more twists to through..." Read more

16 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive10 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the story quality of the book, with some praising its well-crafted narrative and unexpected ending, while others find it repetitive and note issues with unfinished scenes.

"...kept interesting by feeding bits here and there and also leaving a few scenes unfinished and left to the imagination...did it or did it not have..." Read more

"...I really like Jamie a strong man that has faults but he is willing to do the right thing...." Read more

"...I gave it four stars only because I felt like the side story was a bit forced, as if it did not belong with this particular book at all, and that..." Read more

"...But picked up speed about mid way through. Last fourth of the story had some shocks." Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced while others say it's too slow.

"Many twists and turns in this book. A little slow at times, but overall a good suspenseful read. Will be following this author" Read more

"Well written and fast paced police procedural...." Read more

"just could not get into this book, pace to slow!" Read more

"...A great read, fast paced and with well developed minor characters...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Tony Parsons
    5.0 out of 5 stars Corinne Anderson (44) is the Kubu’s owner which buys/sells fine porcelain. Evelyn Merryweather (Kubu’s buyer)
    Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    DCI Jamie Carver (Warrington PD) & DS Jess Greylake (Warrington PD) went to see Mrs. Megan Crane (40+, Edmund’s lover).
    The 2 were enquiring about what she might know about Operation Kerry (The Worshipper Murders).

    Corinne Anderson (44) is the Kubu’s owner which buys/sells fine porcelain.
    Evelyn Merryweather (Kubu’s buyer), & James Ollerenshaw (Kubu's sales-mgr.) are her employees.
    Megan’s DOM journal seemed to be a link to the serial killer’s murders.
    Detective Superintendent John “The Duke” Morrison was having the daily meeting.
    Dr. Ewan Cleeves (U of Manchester Professor; Forensic Psychology) gave his input.
    Corinne Anderson (Dominatrix) found out she enjoyed BDSM. Something her ex-husband Michael didn’t.
    DS Paul Hill (night-CID), & PC Russell Lee were at the crime scene.
    Kayleigh Lee (daughter/sister) had stabbed Stuart Lee (husband/father).

    Corinne was the next victim.
    Howard Gladding Sr. Pathologist & Robin Knight Sr. (CSMgr./photographer) were at/on the crime scene.
    The media coined the individual “Worshipper Killer.”
    Operation Chaperone had gone down the garbage disposal.
    DCI Gary Shepherd has disappeared.
    Regina v Hart. Edmund “Eddie” Hart (aka the Worshipper) was on trial for the murder of 7 high-class Female escorts.
    What happened to Tracy Redmond (Edmund’s lover) & William Cosworth (photographer)?

    Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

    I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

    A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

    Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
    Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
    3 people found this helpful
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  • D. Zendel
    4.0 out of 5 stars Editing problems, but great plot and compelling characters
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    English DCI Jamie Carver, “the UK’s foremost serial sex crime investigator” (a designation he hates) is hunting a serial killer who appears to be targeting those who participate in the BDSM lifestyle. He and his team are under increasing professional and public pressure to solve the case. The current serial killer case may have ties to the case that made him famous, and might have massive impact on an area of his past he’d really prefer to keep under wraps. He’s also plagued by horrendous nightmares, a co-worker who’s out to get him, and a family rehabilitation project where the oldest child has a huge crush on him.

    Minuses: Some of the chapters are in present tense, while others are written in past tense, and that annoyed me. I can’t pinpoint why, except that the shifts took me out of the story. It was almost annoying enough to make me ditch the book, but I was curious to see what happened, so I kept reading. Also, the editing could have been better – I saw misplaced apostrophes, weird use of commas, and random capitalization. I think the book could have benefitted from a competent copy editor.

    Pluses: Carver is a flawed, tortured soul who simply wants to do the best job possible. He’s a rule follower, but sometimes solving a case depends on bending those rules, and he doesn’t shy away from that. He might agonize over violating procedure, but his drive is to protect people and catch criminals, so he does what he deems best and stands tall to take his lumps. Carver’s father is a famous retired DCI, and his shadow looms large over Carver. They have a complicated, real relationship. The storylines (old serial killer case, new serial killer case, and family in trouble) were all interesting, and held my attention throughout the book. The portions dealing with BDSM weren’t salacious at all, but were well-written, and germane to the plot. Carver’s team and co-workers were well-drawn, and had distinct personalities, rather than just being a backdrop for the “great detective.” And the ending – filled with tension, action, things happening all over the place, and I didn’t expect the outcome at all.

    The action and office politics seemed very real to me, not like some books where I am left wondering how many hours of citizen police academy the author sat through before deciding to try and squeeze out a book. The author is a former British senior police detective, so knows what he’s talking about.

    In this book, the media have dubbed the dominatrix killer “The Worshipper,” and the series is referred to as the “Worshipper Tribology,” causing me to think this is going to only be three books long. But I’ve also seen it referred to as the Carver series, implying maybe it will be longer than three books. I have a personal bias for series, because if I’m going to make an emotional investment in a character, I want that character to be around for a while. I’m hoping there will be more than three books to read because I made an emotional connection with these characters and I’d like to spend more time with them. I liked this book enough that I immediately purchased book 2 in the series when I finished this. If you are fond of dark, gritty, disturbing (but ultimately satisfying) British police procedurals, I would give this one a go.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • TR6Rider
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely gripping
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Choosing a crime fiction novel from the vast array on offer is difficult, especially if, like me, you are not familiar with the gendre. Quite why I selected Robert Barker's 'Last Gasp' I don't recall but it is an absolutely compelling story of grusome murders and detectives struggling to form the few clues they have into a workable theory let alone a suspect. This is not helped by a senior detective having his own agenda and another struggling to come to terms with the emotional damage from his previous serial sex killing case.

    The story is compelling, taking you into the murky world of the BDSM dominatrix and submissives and has more twists than a cheap garden hose. Compelling or not, I had to stop reading frequently, just to take on board what just happened and think where the story was going. I needn't have bothered, the denouement, though not entirely a surprise, pivoted on an incidental character with absolutely no part in the investigation or horrific series of crimes. Brilliant stuff, well drawn characters, a diabolical plot and well written . . . and the first of a trilogy.
    Report
  • Elouise
    5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it. Caught my attention from the very start ...
    Reviewed in Canada on June 12, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved it. Caught my attention from the very start and kept it right through. All the terrifying stages of the investigation kept me enthralled all the way through. I could not believe how captivating writing can be. Good job Robert Barker.
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  • Indy Dog
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in France on May 16, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Good opening book and introduction to new characters. Quite depraved storyline but gutsy and no doubt very truthful of a world we know nothing of. Did guess what was going on but the Reader sees everything as opposed to the good guys who see only When the writer is ready. Will definately read the follow up
    Report
  • laura
    4.0 out of 5 stars interesting
    Reviewed in Italy on January 3, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    you keep guessing how the story ends, but you'll never imaginewho the serialkiller is. I lied the plot and the characters
    Report
  • Palmchord
    4.0 out of 5 stars I liked it
    Reviewed in Germany on September 10, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I liked the characters and the story as such. I already downloaded the next book of the series.
    Report

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