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The Last Child

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The Last Child

By: John Hart
Narrated by: John Chancer
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About this listen

Thirteen-year-old Johnny Merrimon has to face things no boy his age should face. In the year since his twin sister's abduction his world has fallen apart: his father has disappeared, and his fragile mother is spiralling into ever deeper despair. Johnny keeps strong. Armed with a map, a bike and a flashlight, he stalks the bad men of Raven County. The police might have given up on Alyssa; he never will. Someone, somewhere, knows something they're not telling.

Only one person looks out for Johnny. Detective Clyde Hunt shares his obsession with the case. But when Johnny witnesses a hit-and-run and insists the victim was killed because he'd found Alyssa, even Hunt thinks he's lost it. And then another young girl goes missing....

2009, CWA Silver Dagger Award, Winner

©2009 John Hart (P)2010 Oakhill Publishing Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction
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Most relevant

If you could sum up The Last Child in three words, what would they be?

Extraordinary, suspenseful and addictive

Who was your favorite character and why?

Johnny Merrimon was my favourite character. He demonstrated Incredible devotion, both to his sister and his mum and great courage and persistence looking out for both.

Have you listened to any of John Chancer’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This is the first John Chancer performance I have listened to. I was mildly irritated with some of the (what I thought were) exaggerated accents in the dialogue - but this may have just been my Australian ear!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Go with Johnny on his breathtaking journey as he searches for his missing twin sister.

Any additional comments?

Night after night I kept listening to this book way past when I should. Just kept telling myself "just one more chapter!"

Must Read

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This is a really enjoyable story of the search by young Johnny for his missing twin sister when everyone else has given up. Whilst some of the story plots and characters were 'unbelievable' I was more than happy to suspend any disbelief because the portrayal of Johnny, his life, his family and friendships and his quest were so compelling. This turned into quite an addictive book and I finished it very quickly. I found the ending very satisfying and was sad to say goodbye to Johnny.

Johnny's Search

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I loved the story and Johnny was an incredibly engaging character. Great book great narrator.

Very engaging

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After reading Redemption Road I was keen to get into Last Child. Immediately I realised I’d started this before but couldn’t stand the narrator and retuned the book (I love audible!!!) so here I was again and I tried... I really did... but Mr Hart should not write in the voice of a young boy. Kids don’t think about redemption and faith. He gave this child a voice so old and jaded that it lacked all authenticity. I found it tedious and unlistenable after a couple of chapters. Very disappointed but soon back in the groove as I returned this book again and downloaded the next in my wish list.
I’ve pliers through more than 30 books over the last 6 months and only disliked 3. And of course replaced these with others at no charge. Listening on audible has become a glorious addiction and I’m so hooked!!!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.