When reading The Last Commandment, it’s obvious author Scott Shepherd wrote for TV shows such as The Equalizer and Miami Vice. Although it’s labeled “An Austin Grant of Scotland Yard Novel”, a story about a man’s final case, even the cover appears to say there could be an ongoing series that covers Grant’s career. It’s a fast-paced, episodic novel with a made-for-television conclusion. And, the London and New York settings, along with a vividly described final setting, are atmospheric. Perfect for television.

Commander Austin Grant has just several weeks left in his career with Scotland Yard. His last case is a terrible concluding one. There have been three murders in a week, and each victim has a mark carved in their forehead. They’re keeping that from the press and public, but, in his weekly chess game with his younger brother, Everett, Grant tells him about the latest case. Everett, an Oxford professor, is the one who suggests the killer might be using the Ten Commandments as a text. While the Metropolitan Police can warn priests and shut down churches in London, no one is prepared when Detective John Frankel from the NYPD calls to tell them of a murder at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Grant flies to New York, hoping to help with the investigation and reunite with his journalist daughter, Rachel. The two have been estranged since the death of Grant’s beloved wife a year earlier. Grant, Rachel, and Frankel form a team, failing to prevent another New York death, but returning to London together in time for Christmas and a tragic personal loss.

As the twisted killer counts through the Commandments, it’s obvious the story will lead to a confrontational conclusion. For those of us who read enough mysteries or watch crime dramas, the killer eventually becomes the obvious suspect as well.

As wth any good crime drama made for television, the characters are interesting individuals. I had a problem with Rachel’s motivation and reasoning for keeping a dramatic secret from her father, but it serves a purpose in the book. However, I found it unreasonable.

Scott Shepherd’s The Last Commandment might reflect Commander Austin Grant’s final case before retirement. I just wonder if it’s actually Grant’s last appearance.

Scott Shepherd’s website is https://scottshepherdauthor.com/

The Last Commandment by Scott Shepherd. Mysterious Press, 2021. ISBN 9781613162286 (hardcover), 336p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a .PDF to review for a journal.