Final Truth
Mariah Stewart
Ballantine, June 2006, $19.95, 250 pp.
ISBN: 0345483839

Lester Ray Barnes is eight weeks away from lethal injection after his he was convicted of raping and torturing a woman who is in an irreversible coma. When the owner of the Fremont Lab used to test DNA found at crime scenes gave false testimony, another inmate was freed as the lab workers could not match his DNA to the crime. The lab owner admits he committed perjury; many convicts are going to be freed as the DA lacks any other substantial evidence.

Famous true crime writer Regan Landry becomes interested in the Barnes case, and soon discovers that the prosecution witness who identified Barnes as being at the crime scene was coerced by the police to give false testimony. The state is forced to free Barnes. Afterward Regan meets Barnes to interview him. However, a series of murders of young women occur with Barnes as the prime suspect. Regan risks her life to bring down Barnes, while her FBI boyfriend Mitch Peyton panics over her safety.

Mariah Stewart brings her Truth series to a delightful close with a fantastic suspense thriller that will appeal to mystery and romance fans. The romance between the heroine and the Fed serves as a strong background to the fast-paced storyline. FINAL TRUTH is a superb exciting finish starring a believable courageous woman.