The Last Spiral

Kealoha Island Thrillers Book 3

Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 10/05/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In The Last Spiral: Kealoha Island Thrillers Book 3 by Chuck Morgan, Detective Leilani Kealoha is called to a crime scene marked as the third attack in just two months, with a spiral symbol painted on the wall. The pattern points to the Mastermind, a mysterious criminal who intertwines crime with elements of ancient Hawaiian culture. These criminals were looking for something else, and the money was their last thought. FBI agent Isaac Torres, who had previously been assigned to assist Leilani, boards a plane after receiving her urgent call for help. Leilani’s mother warns her that the Mastermind has long-standing ties and that some boundaries should never be crossed. As the case unfolds, Leilani and Torres realize it is far more complex than they imagined, forcing them into a race against time to stop the Mastermind. 

The Last Spiral by Chuck Morgan was gripping and intriguing. I was pulled in from the very first page until the last. Mystery, suspense, and emotional depth were woven into the plot. The secrets and revelations kept me eager to know what would happen next. The pacing is excellent, and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what to expect next and was surprised every time. Themes of fate, choices, secrets, and the consequences of decisions were handled with utmost care. The characters are relatable and authentic. Each had their unique struggles, and their interactions felt natural. The book was well-written, and the captivating writing style kept my attention throughout. This was an exciting read, and it lingered with me long after I finished the book.

Stefan Vucak

In The Last Spiral, Chuck Morgan introduces Honolulu Police Detective Leilani Kealoha and her FBI partner, Isaac Torres, investigating a series of armored car robberies. At each scene, the perpetrators leave a painted spiral, the call sign of the Mastermind. At the Correctional Facility, Leilani interviews a former Chief of Police who reveals the ‘Host’, the brain behind the Mastermind and the spiral’s activities that have spread through the whole island in an elaborate money laundering operation that involves corrupt police and city officials. Leilani is shattered to find out that her mother had a deep involvement with the spiral. Then come the threats to drop her investigation, or the spiral will go after her son. Leilani’s dead husband suddenly surfaces, and everything is not as it seems. Can she unravel the spiral and clean up the city?

With The Last Spiral: Kealoha Island Thrillers Book 3, Chuck Morgan gives readers an interesting look into unorthodox police procedures practiced by Leilani Kealoha to crack a case that has literally entangled the whole island. Along the way, the author provides an entertaining glimpse into Hawaiian culture. Leilani is a strong character determined to push her investigation regardless of personal cost and murky family history, supported by her FBI partner Torres. Both face departmental problems, but are willing to risk their careers to close down the spiral. Chuck Morgan lets action and mystery carry the story. The Last Spiral is nicely written and easy to read, and a definite draw for lovers of simple detective novels and hard-charging characters.

Stephen Christopher

It’s a regular morning at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu except for one thing. An armored car carrying over two million dollars was hit by professionals, and all the money was taken. When Detective Leilani Kealoha arrives on the scene, she discovers a spiral image painted on a wall nearby. She knows immediately what this means. The Mastermind is back, and they’ve upped the stakes. Leilani feels this time that the message is personal, and she’s about to be proven correct, in ways she couldn’t bear to imagine. Who is the Mastermind, and can she stop them before more crimes are committed or more lives are lost? Read The Last Spiral by Chuck Morgan to find out.

Chuck Morgan is the author of numerous series, and Leilani Kealoha is one of his toughest female protagonists. She needs to be able to deal with everything that’s thrown at her. There’s a hand-to-hand combat scene that lasts an entire chapter, which had me gasping and cheering, then gasping again. There’s plenty to absorb from this book, from the shock reveal of the Mastermind to the extent of the corruption inside the Hawaiian Police Department (HPD). Additionally, any readers wanting to understand more about traditional Hawaiian customs will enjoy the ceremonies that are detailed throughout the narrative. The Last Spiral is the third in the Leilani Kealoha Hawaiian thriller series, but like all of Chuck Morgan’s books, it can be read as a standalone. I’m excited for book four. Action-based thriller lovers will enjoy The Last Spiral as much as I did. Once again, a fantastic book.