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The dead man on the Cravens House lawn is posed like a Civil War casualty. Hamilton County Sheriff's Lieutenant Roscoe Benteen recognizes the staging for what it is. He also recognizes the body.
Colonel Hayden Marsh called him twice in the three weeks before he died. Benteen never called back.
Now four bodies have turned up inside the national military park, each one arranged to recreate a battlefield photograph from 1863. The press is chasing a history-obsessed lunatic through the fog on Lookout Mountain.
Benteen knows better. The poses are a screen. The murders were never about the war. They're about land. Five holdouts. One corridor worth a fortune. And a killer who is almost finished.
The final name on his list belongs to a twenty-six-year-old woman who has no idea her father's church property is the last piece of the map. She's the only holdout still breathing, and the man hunting her is methodical, local, and nearly done.
Benteen has a case built from financial records, a witness ready to flip, and a debt to a dead man he can never repay. What he doesn't have is time.
The Last Casualty is the second novel in the Roscoe Benteen Mysteries, a hard-edged Southern crime series set in the hills and battlefields of southeast Tennessee. For readers who like their detectives quiet, their procedure sharp, and their killers hiding in plain sight.
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A second book in Blair Howard's excellent Roscoe Benteen series, a real page turner.
What Walter Boggs found, when walking his beagle, Trudy, on a freezing cold, foggy morning, in the Lookout Mountain National Battlefield Park, was to send shockwaves through three areas. On the site of the battle of Chickamauga, was what he thought was a member of a re enactment of the battle, a man was dressed in the uniform of a union soldier in the 1863 battle, but it wasn't a re enactment and the soldier was dead.
Lieutenant Roscoe Benteen was ridden with guilt, the body was that of his old commanding officer, an officer who he had greatly respected, an officer who had called him twice, calls that he never got round to returning.
As this story unfolds, more bodies begin to appear, all dressed in union and confederate uniforms, all posed like photographs in a book about the dead in the Chickamauga battle. These murders covered three different areas and the PDs from these areas agreed to form a coalition team led by Benteen.
Who was murdering these men ? Who placed them on the site of a battle ? who dressed and posed them ? and most importantly, Why ?
Benteen was perplexed, Vega, his sidekick, kept digging, every thread that they pulled seemed to lead to a dead end, nothing was unravelling until ..........
This is a great story, Blair Howard strives for historical accuracy, the story has nail biting suspense, building tension, it even has a cute stray dog, a dog that Benteen tries telling himself that he isn't keeping, and an adorable fourteen year old daughter, a daughter who can wind him round her little finger, a daughter who has already named the dog Ollie.
Harry Starke has always been one of my favourite cops, he and Benteen couldn't be more different but they are both equally likeable and readable characters. A well earned five stars and I look forward to reading book three.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is totally voluntary.
Bodies found in confederate and union uniforms posted in a federal park. Roscoe is head of the task force to investigate. The killer stays one step ahead. When I start a Blair Howard novel I cannot stop reading. This was one wild ride.
Book 2 in the Roscoe Benteen series. Roccoâs and his partner Maria Vega investigate dead bodies found in historic battlefields and National Parks. This investigation involves a tristate team due to the large area affected. Why are these bodies dressed in civil war uniforms and posed as pictures recorded of the dead from the war? Great teamwork between those involved in the investigation. The excitement builds as the suspect is about to be trapped. Vega is a workhorse and her skills gives the team their best evidence. She and Roscoe complement each other. Ollie, a stray dog, wanders into the story and Roscoe adopts him. It is nice to see his relationship develop with the dog. Great storyline.
First off I received this book as an ARC reader for an honest review.
The Last Casualty is the second book in a new series featuring Lt. Roscoe Benteen.
Roscoe is called to a murder scene where the victim is dressed and posed as a Civil War soldier. More dead bodies begin to accumulate in different national parks with battlefield histories. It just so happens that Roscoe knows the first victim- his former commanding officer.
As these other victims turn up dressed the same way, Roscoe and his partner Maria wonder how these murders are related.
Compliments to Blair Howard for another fantastic read! Already looking forward to book #3!
Another great novel by Blair Howard. Roscoe Benteen knows the first victim and he is determined to find the killer. Along the way he is adopted by a dog who provides him with the company he lacks at his home on the mountain. I look forward to more in this series.
Blair Howard knows how to weave a story, this book is no exception. Just when I think he can't improve on his last story he does. I am a Blair Howard fan and have enjoyed his writing, from his civil war books to Harry Starke and all his other series. I've read them all. Now I am enjoying this new series, it is great and I look forward to reading more about Benteen, Vega, and now Ollie. His books are always worth reading, they are well paced, and have lots of twists and turns. Grab a copy and get ready to enjoy yourself.
A creative murderer poses bodies for drama and deception. Benteen knows the first victim, making it personal, and he strives to find the killer with the help of his partner, Vega, who works quietly and diligently in the background, discovering ground breaking results. Well written, excellent storyline and highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blair Howard brings his love for the whodunnit, Civil War history and dogs together in another murder mystery. And this one feels personal, as heâs called to the murder scene and recognizes the victim as his old commanding officer back in Bagram. That fact helps him connect some dots and lead to those responsible. Another terrific story from Mr Blair!
Roscoe Benteen is back and when he is called out because of a body on a Civil War reserve, he recognizes the body has been posed but he also recognizes the body as that of a previous commanding officer from his time in the armed services. But then more bodies turn up in the military park and Roscoe identifies the posing of these bodies in Civil War military uniforms as a screen to something else. The location of the bodies causes problems as they are in different jurisdictions, but investigators from each agree to work together and Roscoe and his assistant, Maria Vega lead the investigations. They turn up the fact that all bodies had land in the vicinity and there is a developer planning a resort development on those lands. Dogged investigation into financial records and business ownerships leads to suspects and eventually perpetrators that are involved.
Although Roscoe sees the owner of the developer as the one behind all the deaths and land acquisitions, he is unable to prove the manâs involvement but the story ends when a PI, Frank Shavers, contracted by the first casualty, Roscoeâs old army commander, is found beaten up in a ditch, and Roscoe is contacted by someone from the Department of Justice. It looks like another intriguing story is yet to come.
Loved this book as I do all of Mr. Howard's writings! I think Benteen showed more personality in this book -- and it is easy to understand that he had been in the military. He wants things done NOW and done RIGHT! This was a great storyline, VERY creative!
Come on, Fellow Readers â don't you think Benteen and Harry Starke should work on a case together?! Blair Howard could make that happen!!
The Last Casualty is a sharp, atmospheric followâup in the Roscoe Benteen series. I enjoyed how Blair Howard blends modern crime with Civil War history â the staged battlefieldâstyle murders add a unique, eerie layer to the investigation. What really hooked me, though, was Benteen himself â the guilt he carries over ignoring Colonel Marshâs calls adds a personal urgency to the case. Benteenâs quiet determination and sense of unfinished business give the story emotional weight, and the pacing stays tight as the case expands into land deals, old debts, and a killer closing in on his final target. A solid, hardâedged procedural with a memorable Southern setting.
This book was amazing . I read cover to the end. I never give any more info but I will say this. Check out the WHY and read !
And there is a new murder waiting , my thoughts: bring it on
A new character is introduced to the readers. Detective Roscoe Benteen is notified of a body found in a park that is also the site of a civil war battle. The deceased is dressed in Civil War gear in a pose that mirrors a photograph of a body from the battlefield. Other bodies recreating old battle field casualties start occurring. It is up to Benteen and his Partner to investigate and uncover the motive and evil doers behind these bizarre murders. A very good read and more to come.
Roscoe Benteen is called out to a murder scene in a civil war battlefield and recognizes the victim right away. They served together in Afghanistan. He and his partner, Maria Vega start working the case when another body is found posed in a different manner and then another. They work hard to find who is responsible and it goes deeper than they expected. How many bodies will they find before they find the killer? Another great book by Blair Howard!
What have Civil War casualty photographs to do with a string of murders on Federal lands?
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2026
Format: Paperback
Detective Roscoe Benteen is called out to a Civil War battleground site when a body turns up, posed as a recreation of a war casualty photograph, and it turns out to be his former commanding officer from his Afghanistan deployment. This tale is woven expertly as other victims turn up in similar fashion, leading to the formation of a law enforcement task force that incorporates the efforts of many federal, state, and local agencies as the investigation straddles the Tennessee/Georgia border. Roscoe and his partner, Maria Vega, work to solve the case and along the way Roscoe befriends and ultimately adopts a local stray (he's not my dog!) who I am sure we will see in the next episode of Roscoe and Maria!
Roscoe is a detective, trying to find a murderer. He has multiple interruptions from his teen daughter. She's into horses and rodeo stuff which he hasn't kept up with. So he's a bit of a screw-up as a dad. Considering he only sees her on weekends, you can't expect perfection.
He gives complete attention to his job, like noting little things out of the ordinary. Who puts a hasp and padlock on the inside of a door at home? Or who notices a rug has recently been vacuumed,? (Actually, my mother would, and it better have all the pile going in the correct direction!)
As murders pile up, Roscoe's keen eye notes intracies of the staged settings at the crime scenes that eventually lead to the murderer.
The settings in National Parks in Georgia made me feel at home and I loved the author's attention to detail about the area.
I felt like Benteen could have done a great deal more to protect people on the probable kill list. Benteen is a great character but he could have done a better job stopping the murders.
Blair Howard does such a nice job building the characters, making them relatable and developing a story that keeps you engaged from start to finish....then have you ready for the next installment. This series feels comfortable as you run into locations and some characters that tie into Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara. Really like the dog that adopts him, his resistance and his daughter's insistance....makes it like someone that you know.
The book starts out with a murder that is obviously staged like a Civil War reenactment and appears to be based on old photographs. Following this lead Roscoe and his partner keep digging and another body is posed like an old photo. Still not sure the why's or whatever's, they keep following what leads they have and looking for connections between the two victims.
Very well written and I have read pretty much every book by Blair Howard so can honestly say I am really looking forward to the next mystery that Roscoe, Maris and of course, Ollie (who really is his dog) as assigned to solve.
Lt Bendeen is notified of a dead body on a civil war site in a national park. He actually knows the victim and served under him in the service. The body seems posed, which was unusual. Also the garb he was wearing was a reflection of the war. He and Vega (his partner) begin the investigation.
Meanwhile a stray dog decides to befriend Benteenthe Lt. Decides to bring him inside out of the cold, and feeds him. Benteen is a loner and has no intention of keeping the dog. Where will this relationship go?
The investigation has not progressed far when another body is discovered. Same mo is presented. Can they find the killerf? Determine the motive? Unravel the threads that tie everything together?
This is an enjoyable read. I really liked it.
Roscoe gets called to a scene on a Civil War battlefield. But why? Federal land, not his jurisdiction. When Roscoe sees the body his past crashes into the present. Roscoe and his partner Maria Vega call on the federal park ranger and local law enforcement from Georgia to form a task force. The case and bodies stretch 21 miles and two states. This case has twists at every turn. The Last Casualty was really hard to put down making for a few late nights of reading. âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
Blair is an amazing story teller. Grabs your attention and wonât let go til youâve turned every page! This one is second in a new series about Roscoe Benteen and his partner Maria Vega detectives that score really difficult cases and this one is no different! You wonât be disappointed, well except for the sleep you lose!
I donât believe this author can write a bad book. This is the second book in a new series and it was unbelievably good. The storyline is engaging and the mystery well plotted. The characters are dynamic and multifaceted. Canât wait for the next book in this series.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Roscoe and Vega - what a team!
Bodies turning up dressed in historic military uniforms? Why, and what's the connection?
Add a past connection between Roscoe and the first body discovered and you have the start of a really good story.
I'm really enjoying these new characters and can't wait for the next instalment!
I am never disappointed with Blair's books! I loved this story. It has interesting characters and a very puzzling mystery, I absolutely love the dog, he adds a lot to the personality of the main character. I highly recommend this book as well as all of Blair's books!
Great read. Benteen has a personal interest in this murder and he and the task force continue to gather clues and follow leads. Different suspects with what motive? Some twists and turns keep the reader guessing. Highly recommend. You will not be disappointed.
Mr. Howard is off to a great start with his new Roscoe Benteen series. The writing is excellent, the pace quick, the characters and dialog believable. An excellent read. Iâm already looking forward to the next installment in the series!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book but the opinion is my own and has not been influenced in any way.
A well written police procedural with a well written plot and an outstanding cast of characters. Page turning read with modern crime tied in with civil war history. Love the interaction between Benteen and Ollie (his new dog). Very enjoyable murder mystery and one that would I highly recommend. Bring on more adventures with Benteen and Ollie.
This is a great canât put it down book! There is lots of mystery and some Civil War history in this story. This is the second book in the series and once again Blair Howard has hit it out of the park! I highly recommend this book as well as all of the authorâs books - they are all superb!
Loved this second book in the Roscoe Benteen series. A series of bodies are found posed in civil war uniforms. Obviously linked but why. Because of location of finds, Benteen has to work with and coordinate several police forces. But reasons are not obvious of why. Eventually, the link is found and the murderer identified. Oh and along the way Roscoe adopts a dog!
Roscoe Benteen is called out to a bizarre murder scene; the victim is dressed in a Civil War uniform. This case will challenge all of Roscoeâs investigative talents. A great new series in the Harry Stark universe.
I am a Blair Howard fan. He builds charachters as a series progress, the pace of the story is great and there just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Other reviews can give you the gist of the story here. I will just say that I have always loved Harry Starke and Capt Kate. Yet, I think Roscoe Benteen (gotta love that name) might be my favorite character ever of his! Awesome read and a nice blend of today with Civil War intermixed. ENJOY!!!
The Last Casualty is the second novel in the Roscoe Benteen Mysteries. Sheriff's Lieutenant Roscoe Benteen is called to the Lookout Mountain National Battlefield Park to the scene of a dead body. Benteen recognizes the body as that of his old commanding officer from Afghanistan, Colonel Hayden Marsh. The Colonel is dressed in a Civil War uniform and posed to look exactly like one of the photographs from a book called âPhotographing the Dead,â which contains pictures from 1863 and the Battle of Chickamauga. The Colonel was murdered so Benteen and his partner Vega follow the leads to find other murders are occurring. Is there a link that ties the murders together or is something else going on? I think youâll enjoy this book and seeing where the investigation goes.
Benteen and Vega are assigned to a murder in a national park. Eventually 3 more murders, all dressed in period civil war costumes and posed identical to potos from the battle. great characters and a pleasure to read.
A great page turner of a book with multiple murders across TN and GA. Roscoe and Vega along with their GA counter parts and a US Park Ranger work to stop the killing and find who is murdering nearby property owners. You will like this complex story, along with Roscoe's new friend.
Sometimes, I feel Iâm being repetitive when I read a Blair Howard book and my initial feeling after finishing, is âhe knocked it out of the park â again!â BUT, it is true!
While Roscoe Benteen is a different personality from Kate Gazzara or Harry Starke and all of the other main characters, he has some similarities to them as well. He solves murders. His background is different as well, which makes his perspective on analyzing crime scenes, potential suspects and circumstances different.
It was nice to see Ollie become an important part of Roscoeâs life; he needed it (IMO). Make no mistake, Roscoe and his partner, Maria Vega, primarily, figure out who âdun it.â The path to doing that is not a straight line and he has to work with an interstate team this time to do so, but as lead of the task force, he gets it done. Itâs the path from the first murder to solving the case that is such an interesting and at times frustrating journey.
Be sure to read the Roscoe Benteen series â you wonât regret it!
