The Last Attempt: The true story of freediving champion Audrey Mestre and the mystery of her death

Fascinating but sad, and informative reading about freedivers and the dangers.

I loved this book. Oh, there are some grammatical errors, but that's to be expected, and certainly doesn't deflect from the story line. Serra's use of colorful adjectives is just delightful to read, and adds much to understanding the people involved. The story builds and builds and you know where it's going, but he goes at his own pace. He doesn't rush anything. I am so glad that I didn't read Pipin's book; that would have been full of self-serving lies. Serra wrote a fantastic, detailed account of the tragedy. I'm glad he finally saw the light about Pipin's true nature. I might just have to read the book again...... it was that good. I didn't want it to end. I just wish Audrey was still around, as I'm sure Carlos Serra would surely agree. Her death was cruel and senseless, but it was refreshing to read a true account of what probably really went down that day, so long ago.....

Fascinating story!

I have to say that I hardly leave reviews but this book was so exception that I just had to. It has its flaws; it's not well-edited and grammar errors abound. But the writing is absolutely captivating and the sincerity and thoroughness that Serra applies to his investigation makes for an incredible journey for the reader. I knew the story of Audrey and Pipin and read The Dive, though I found it totally self-serving to Pipin's agenda, and ignoring his part in her death. This book gives great insight into the dark side of the seemingly "fairy-tale" love story that Pipin tries so hard to project, and explains, with real hard evidence, all of Pipin's extremely dubious behavior prior to the "accident" and all his possible motivations for wanting to sabotage Audrey's dive. The story of Audrey's death haunted me for some time, and with Serra's account of what really happened, I am shaken to the core and feel so sad for her. I applaud Serra for having the courage and determination to write this story despite Pipin being lauded in the media. This is an excellent book anyone would find thrilling, not just those with an interest in diving.

I saw a special on ESPN about this incident and wanted to learn more.I'm glad I read this book. It is very sad though.However, it could have been edited better (if it was at all).Lots of unanswered questions remain. I would like to learn more about why the authorities did not follow-up.SamMarquette, MI

A devastating account of a sports tragedy that ends up being arguably stranger than fiction. It’s a shame that this book isn’t more widely distributed. The book has several pictures documenting nearly everything before and during the fateful event. It's a heartfelt tribute, and appears to be well-researched. Since Serra breaks down the moments leading up to the titular attempt (even hour-by-hour at times), there's a fear of the details getting too redundant, but take heart---everything's in there for a reason. The read was well worth my time, and I highly recommend it.It’s rife with spelling errors, but you should be able to look past all of that. I suppose that the idea was to preserve Serra's voice in the book, since English is not his first language.

Excellent book, very good read and very sad.

I read Pipin Ferreras' account of his wife's drowning death: a romantic but tragic love story between two extreme athletes and soul mates. Then I read THE LAST ATTEMPT: a horrific true crime story. I am absolutely persuaded by Mr. Serra's account of what happened. How sad that no real investigation has ever been conducted. I think Pipin is in the same category as O. J. Simpson - they both murdered the woman they supposedly loved and walked away free men.As detailed and compelling as the story is, Mr. Serra should have used an editor. Mr. Serra clearly does not have a working command of the English language. This book is poorly written (main reason for 3 star rating.) However, the story should read.

I learned a lot about freediving, and the importance to stay as far away as possible from narcissistic personalities. Sadly, the death of Audrey was never really clarified nor was a culpable person found and accused. However, through this book, the suspicion that this was a premeditated murder, is very strong. This is an important and honest book, which I think everyone should read. it's not a high litterary art of work, and the English language is not impressive as being translated directly from a sort of Spanish, but if you can bear with that - read the book

If you are interested in the tragedy to Audrey Mestre, what really happend in detail, then this is the recommend book for you.

Bel libro...

This book is incredible. It made me understand what really happened on that terrible day. It gave great insight prior to the event and immediately afterwards. I read Pipins book prior to this one and it’s amazing how different they are. I know which one I believe and who is telling the truth! I recommend this book for everyone. Non swimmers, freedivers, ocean lovers will still ‘enjoy’ this book, through all of its tragedy. An official investigation has still never been conducted but by getting the truth out there perhaps justice will be served, perhaps this book will fall into the hands of the right person one day!

I read Serra's book after reading Pipin's book. Ten pages into "The Last Attempt" I realized how self-serving Pipin's book was. Serra's book is rich in detail and interviews, places and dates are given. Other people are brought into the narrative as witness's to events and give their impressions. Serra's book comes across as credible. Rated as a scuba diving Course Director, and certified to train Scuba Instructors, gives his text more weight. If you have any interest in free-diving or scuba diving, I highly recommend this book. It also comes across as a really good book about a man working to solve a death he feels does not have a clear cause. That it is all fact, makes it more cutting.