The Last Party, the first instalment in the DC Morgan series, unravels an edge-of-the-seat crime mystery staged in the terrains of North Wales. Detective Ffion Morgan must align her skills with Detective Leo Brady. Their case ignites when Rhys Lloyd, a past maestro of the opera, is found lifeless in the waters of Mirror Lake. As they delve into the investigation, secrets tumble out, framing Lloyd as a potential recipient of ill-fate, betrayal, and retribution. Conversely, a more ominous picture starts to emerge, suggesting that Lloyd himself may have been a hidden menace, exploiting the vulnerable ones around him throughout his life.

With the dawn of the New Year, Ffion Morgan faces an unsettling scenario. The tranquil village she calls home has suddenly transformed into a complex puzzle, its pieces made up of familiar faces – friends, neighbours, even relatives. As Ffion navigates this labyrinth of suspicion, she simultaneously wrestles with her own secrets, desperate to keep them in the shadows.

My thoughts…

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Clare’s books, so, naturally I would say I love this book… but I genuinely loved this book! Clare’s uncanny ability to delve into the intricate psyches and motivations of her characters is unparalleled.

The narrative is character-driven, a feature I find particularly captivating. The book was populated with a variety of characters, something that could easily lead to confusion, yet Clare expertly wove each storyline together into a harmonious symphony. The protagonist, Ffion Morgan, is such an impeccably crafted character that it felt as though I’d known her for years. She radiates authenticity, humanity, and relatability.

The authenticity of the book’s setting was another highlight. Having been to North Wales a handful of times, I felt transported back there while reading. Clare’s knack for natural and engaging dialogue further augmented this experience, adding an extra layer of reality to the narrative.

Now, let’s talk about the plot and its unexpected twists – utterly mind-blowing. Clare’s talent for intricately plotted narrative turns is beyond impressive. I’ve yet to find anyone who managed to guess the ending accurately. Clare’s clever technique of scattering hints throughout the story, all the while keeping my focus averted, kept me on my toes right up until the end.

This book is prime Netflix material; any streaming service would be missing out if they didn’t snap it up!

An effortless five-star rating. A thoroughly absorbing read, a brilliant way to spend four hours. The anticipation for “A Game of Lies” is killing me, and despite my best efforts, I’m yet to secure an advance copy. Rest assured, the moment it lands in my hands, it will leap to the top of my to-be-read pile. Stay tuned!

Clare Mackintosh is a renowned British author, celebrated for her gripping works of psychological suspense. Before embarking on her writing career, Mackintosh spent over a decade serving in the police force, a background which undoubtedly influences the realistic, detailed crime scenes depicted in her books.

Mackintosh’s debut novel, “I Let You Go”, published in 2014, took the literary world by storm and secured her place as a leading voice in psychological thrillers. This book’s unexpected twists and emotional depth won widespread acclaim, and it even claimed the title of the fastest selling title by a new crime writer in 2015.

The author’s subsequent novels, such as “I See You” and “Let Me Lie”, have continued to mesmerize readers with their intense plotlines, intricate character development, and page-turning suspense.

Despite her success in the thriller genre, Mackintosh is not a one-trick pony. Her 2019 novel, “After the End”, marked a departure from her usual thrillers, instead exploring the emotional journey of a family in crisis. This only cemented her reputation as a versatile and gifted storyteller.