For readers of thrillers, The Last Word is a wild, tense, hold-your-breath ride from beginning to end. For writers, it’s a masterclass in the use of red herrings, misdirections, and unexpected twists and turns.

Honestly, by the time I reached the end—dizzy from the number of twists in the last few pages—I was still expecting another one to come out of nowhere and sucker punch me. 

Amazing. 

It has all the elements of a good thriller: Emma Carpenter, a lone woman running from a tragic past with suicide on her mind; a desolate, lonely beach; a quirky neighbour, Deek, with whom she plays hangman using a telescope; Jules, the beach house owner; and Laika, Emma’s faithful dog. 

After reading a poorly written novel, Emma writes a scathing review—her first mistake. The author responds and demands she take it down. She doesn’t, of course—her second mistake. And that’s when the fun and games begin. 

The mysterious author of several serial killer novels is now trying to kill her—but how did he find her? Desperate to save her dog, Laika, Emma rediscovers the will to live and fight back, outsmarting her would-be murderer in a tense showdown.

I honestly can’t remember when I last enjoyed a thriller this much. The Last Word is a must-read—both for the adrenalin rush and for the brilliance of its construction.