Last Day

Written by Luanne Rice

Narrated by Nicol Zanzarella

From celebrated New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice comes a riveting story of a seaside community shaken by a violent crime and a tragic loss.

Years ago, Beth Lathrop and her sister Kate suffered what they thought would be the worst tragedy of their lives the night both the famous painting Moonlight and their mother were taken. The detective assigned to the case, Conor Reid, swore to protect the sisters from then on.

Beth moved on, throwing herself fully into the art world, running the family gallery, and raising a beautiful daughter with her husband Pete. Kate, instead, retreated into herself and took to the skies as a pilot, always on the run. When Beth is found strangled in her home, and Moonlight goes missing again, Detective Reid can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu.

Reid immediately suspects Beth’s husband, whose affair is a poorly kept secret. He has an airtight alibi—but he also has a motive, and the evidence seems to point to him. Kate and Reid, along with the sisters’ closest childhood friends, struggle to make sense of Beth’s death, but they only find more questions: Who else would have wanted Beth dead? What’s the significance of Moonlight?

Twenty years ago, Reid vowed to protect Beth and Kate—and he’s failed. Now solving the case is turning into an obsession…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Feb 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781799749806

Luanne Rice

Luanne Rice is the author of Secrets of Paris, Stone Heart, Blue Moon, Home Fires and Crazy in Love. Originally from Connecticut, she now lives in New York City with her husband.

Reviews for Last Day

[Robin LaChance · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Great book/story. But narration just ruins the book. I just had to stop listening. I will read it instead

[lindaloretz · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I don't usually read the books that Amazon Prime offers free, but I needed something mindless during this pandemic. I was able to read the whole book while listening to newscasts, and I didn't miss anything from either. I am familiar with the Old Lyme, New London, and Groton areas of the Connecticut shore, and the descriptions of those settings did bring some comfort to me during these trying times.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I can't remember if I've read this author before. I agree with other reviewers in that the book did feel long to me and there were parts that probably could have been edited out without much affecting the story. I also agree that once "dead beth" became a narrator, the book became a bit weird for me. The perpetrator was not who I thought. I'm not so good at figuring out "whodunit" so other readers may have a different experience.

[cjordan916 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Years ago, Beth Lathrop and her sister Kate suffered what they thought would be the worst tragedy of their lives the night both the famous painting Moonlight and their mother were taken. The detective assigned to the case, Conor Reid, swore to protect the sisters from then on.

[lorikboyd · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

“Murder didn’t just take one life, it stole the essence, will, and ease from everyone it touched. It took their old lives and left them to make their way in a completely new and uncertain world.”

Family. Friends. Secrets. Murder. This book has it all, and then some. Beth Lathrop and her sister Kate are victims in a horrific crime that leaves their mother dead. Fast forward approximately 20 years and now Beth is found dead in an equally horrific way. First detective on the scene is Conor Reid, who was a newbie on the first case. This becomes something personal as he works the case and follows all leads.

This is a typical murder mystery with a lot of family drama and secrets thrown in. Four childhood friends consider themselves as a Compass Rose. This story delves into the complexities of this friendship, and the secrets they all hold. Characters are semi-likeable, although a few I found to be quite shallow. Story line moves at a fairly quick pace but parts seemed to be to drawn out for my liking. Where I thought the story might go, just seems to drop off and is never fully explained or revisited. I did like Beth’s point of view that was added towards the end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

[simplykelina · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I was sent this book from the publisher/publicity team. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.It is always the husband! Or is it? This one started off with a bang! It will leave you wanting to know what happens from the very first chapter. There was also things happening around the back story of the characters that made me want to keep reading.This story does have triggers for murder, children being involved in the crimes, mental health, cutting, and infidelity. I was a little disappointed as I kept reading. There were secrets revealed throughout, but nothing else really happened. I found myself being bored with the story and only pushed through to find out exactly what happened. There was so many repetitive scenes and unnecessary storylines. Overall, it was ok but I needed more.