Johnny Merrimon - The 13-year-old protagonist and narrator. A year ago, his twin sister Alyssa disappeared, shattering his family. His father left, his mother became an addict, and Johnny is obsessively searching for Alyssa, skipping school and following any lead he can find. He is brave, intelligent, and determined despite the trauma he has endured.

Katherine Merrimon - Johnny's mother, who has descended into drug and alcohol abuse after Alyssa's disappearance. She is in an abusive relationship with the wealthy Ken Holloway.

Clyde Hunt - A detective who was in charge of the investigation into Alyssa's disappearance. He looks out for Johnny and admires the boy's courage and dedication to finding his sister, even as Hunt's own family has fallen apart over the case.

Ken Holloway - A rich and powerful man who forces an abusive relationship on the vulnerable Katherine Merrimon, taking advantage of her grief.

Jack - Johnny's friend who helps him search for Alyssa. Jack has one useless arm and an abusive police officer father.

Levi Freemantle - A towering, simple-minded black man who becomes an unlikely ally to Johnny after hearing God's voice tell him to help the boy.

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Family and Loss
The story centers around 13-year-old Johnny Merrimon's desperate search for his missing twin sister Alyssa. It delves into the devastating impact of her disappearance on the family, capturing the grief, guilt, and fracturing of relationships.

Innocence vs. Harsh Reality
Johnny's journey forces him to confront the harsh realities of the adult world, shattering his innocence. His transition from a naive child to a hardened truth-seeker is poignantly portrayed.

Faith and Perseverance
Despite overwhelming odds and lack of support, Johnny's unwavering faith in finding Alyssa and his perseverance in the face of adversity are inspiring.

Guilt and Redemption
Detective Clyde Hunt's guilt over failing to find Alyssa drives his obsessive involvement in the case. His quest becomes one of personal redemption.

The novel masterfully blends a gripping mystery plot with rich character development and explorations of profound human experiences like loss, guilt, faith, and the harsh realities that can shatter innocence.

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Critics praised Hart for his ability to weave a gripping narrative filled with emotional depth and tension. The writing was often highlighted for its eloquence and the skillful way it blends literary quality with the pace and intrigue of a thriller.

The novel's plot is described as tightly woven and full of twists and turns, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end. The pacing is another strong point, balancing moments of high tension with deeper, more reflective passages.

Readers generally responded very positively, often highlighting the book's ability to keep them hooked and its satisfying, though sometimes heartbreaking, conclusion. The blend of mystery, action, and emotional weight made it a standout read for many.

Overall, "The Last Child" is viewed as a significant work in John Hart's career, solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller in the crime fiction genre.