The Last King: A Maceo Redfield Novel

by Nichelle D. Tramble

"After two years of drifting I finally knew there was only one place that could offer me a shot at peace, and that was my hometown. The city was my crossroads, the crooked man with the slanted grin,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375758828
• ISBN13: 9780375758829
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: One World/Strivers Row
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

THE LAST KING- a crime read with conscience and guts

I just finished the last king. beautifully done. it actually made me weepy-hard-boiled, cynical me. It went deeper- I got more great existential depth, back-story that pinned but did not bog down the action/events-just a super poetic, deep look into the hearts, souls, and characters in this landscape. I take issue with the reviewer for the Washington Post's criticism- Tramble takes on all the social, political and cultural elements associated with Oakland (Evelyn waugh, Graham greene, Dickens, Balzac, Haley, Sartre, Marquez all did the same, mind you, it's the mark of a seriously good writer), and anchors her story in social criticism while keeping it all about the action--and she succeeds at this task-- so it's discouraging to see her being knocked for something that's most appropriate- a cultural, political and social context for her art. At no point did I feel like the existential exposition slowed the action or took me out of the energy of the tale. On the contrary I saw Maceo as one of the archetypal "lone cowboy" figures, haunted, driven by his demons, forced by circumstances to return to his roots and face his demons-wherever they may have been. And that's an eminently human task, regardless of who we are, where we're from-we've all got to go back to the roots, or suffer the consequences.Tramble dares depict a dirty, beautiful and complex world, and invites us to wander it with her. A great read. I hope we see more of Sonny Boston in books to come as well. She's a real pistol!

5 Stars For The Last King!!!!

I, along with my previous reviewers, agree that Ms. Tramble has done a wonderful job with The Last King as a sequel to The Dying Ground. I came upon The Dying Groud by accident and discovered a treasure.In The Last King we are reunited with Maceo Redfield who has grown as a man. His exterior is tougher but you still feel his vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface. I really enjoyed revisiting old characters as well as being introduced to new ones. I feel like I know these people and will readily admit that I missed Daddy Al, Gra'mere, and the aunts being more involved in this sequel but I understand their absence. This novel to me was more about Maceo coming to grips with past actions that deeply affected his friends and family. I'm sure his family will play a more prominent role in future novels.Ms. Tramble has not lost her "pitching arm" in continuing to describe the city of Oakland at the time period that this novel is placed. In reading the descriptions of the city and it's surroundings you feel like you're riding along in the truck with Maceo and Kiros.If you haven't already had the pleasure of experiencing this author's writing and enjoy books that make you feel for the characters, please start with The Dying Ground. After you have taken that book trip continue on your journey with The Last King. You will not be disappointed.Hats off to you Ms. Tramble. The Last King was worth the wait and I look forward to the next novel in this series. May you have continued success.

How to tell a tale:

Nichelle Tramble once again takes hold of the reader's attention and never lets it go until the tale is fully told. She captures the feel of a city, Oakland, California and turns it into the conductor allowing you to travel in the mind and heart of Maceo, his family, his friends and foes. Maceo's search for redemption and forgiveness is challenged and tested by the chaos that overwhelms the lives of those he cannot forget. This writer not only knows how to tell a great story but does it with style and flair. I loved the writing as much the story it told. I strongly recommend both of Ms. Tramble's books, The Dying Ground and The Last King.

Stayed up all night to read

This is just a great story, tightly plotted and heartbreaking. I cried twice while reading this in one night. The hardboiled classification can be a little off-putting but beneath the toughness of this genre beats a soft heart. The lead character, Maceo Redfield, is a man plagued by guilt and he returns to Oakland, California to make amends for past deeds. The author gets so deep inside Maceo's head that I felt like I was making the decisions along with him, and, frankly, I don't know how a woman pulled this off so well. A nod to the writers skill. I learned about The Last King after reading an article in a northern California newspaper. Now I can't wait to go back to The Dying Ground. I hope the next book in the series is just as engaging. I am an avid mystery fan and I will make sure to follow this writer. Don't miss out.

Well done sequel!

Tramble has delivered on the promises she made in THE DYING GROUND. This a beautifully written mystery that just might make you cry once or twice. Well done, can't wait for the third book.