- Format: Kindle Edition
- File Size: 489 KB
- Print Length: 300 pages
- Publisher: ORENDA BOOKS; None edition (9 Jun. 2019)
- Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07MWXBTV8
Synopsis
At the peak of her career as lead singer of a legendary 1980s indie band, Meredith Vincent was driven off the international stage by a horrific incident. Now living a quiet existence in a cottage on the grounds of an old stately home, she has put her past behind her and come to terms with her new life.
When a body is found in the manicured gardens of her home, and a series of inexplicable and unsettling events begins to occur, it becomes clear that someone is watching, someone who knows who she is … Someone who wants vengeance.
And this is only the beginning…
Review
I read reviewed The Old You last year and was impressed by her skill in storytelling and the plot that I jumped at the chance to review her latest book. The Last Stage, like her previous books is an intricately plotted psychological thriller, that will get under your skin. Meredith Vincent is leading a quiet life, living in her cottage on the estate of Minstead House, where she works in the souvenir shop. This is a far cry from her previous life as the lead singer of rock band Cohen in the 1990’s, a life she left behind an doesn’t want to revisit. When a the body of a friend is found on the estate, and strange events start to happen again Meredith may have to accept that the past may want to catch up with her.
Louise Voss captures the essence of a thriller perfectly in her writing. There is the slow burner of a plot, a prologue that hooks you in with its sense of fear without giving anything away, and the dark and chilling conclusion. The book is narrated mainly by Meredith, Pete, Meredith’s brother, Emad and Gemma who are police officers and Graeme, who we don’t know much about. Parts of the book are set in Meredith’s youth and Louise Voss captures the 1980’s brilliantly, the feeling around Greenham Common, the changing feminist movement and of course the music of the time.
As a character Meredith is deeply scarred both mentally and physically by past events that still haunt her in the present. In the 1990’s she was Merry Heather, a leather clad rocker, writing songs about the state of the country and politics. Now she lives in the country, a recluse with no one knowing her past life. Meredith’s biggest fear is someone finding her, recognising her which could bring someone into her life who could destroy it. She is perfect as the central character with her secrets, interesting history and paranoia adding to the tension.
The Last Stage is a spine tingling and atmospheric thriller. It may start as a slow burner, but then picks up pace as the different threads come together to make a deliciously dark conclusion. An intelligent psychological thriller with a damaged heroin, combines with secrets and murder, what more could you want; a tense and addictive read.
I would like to thank Orenda and Anne Cater for asking me to be part of the blog tour for The Last Stage. If hope you enjoyed my review and will consider sharing across social media.
