The Last Encore by Rebecca Heath (Read as an ARC - Atmospheric, emotionally sharp and deeply engaging)

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⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

Book First published January 22, 2026

Blurb

A REMOTE ISLAND

It's been eighteen years since the accidental explosion that killed The Cedrics Band lead singer Jonny Rake, and a special documentary is bringing the rest of the band back to play together for the first time. With Jonny's daughter, Monet, stepping into her father's role, and a private island secured as the perfect reunion backdrop, it's set to be a special occasion.


A REUNION CONCERT

But everyone remembers what happened on that fatal night differently, and as questions are asked about the band's rise and sudden tragic fall, not everyone likes the answers. Old wounds reopen and tempers flare… Then a body is found.


A KILLER ON STAGE

They're trapped on the island together until help arrives, but that might be too late. Because Jonny's death wasn't an accident, and someone wants revenge.



The Last Encore Book Review

I received the Review Copy of this book and my thanks to the team of NetGalley, the publisher Aria & Aries and the author Rebecca Heath for access to this copy.

All views expressed in this review are my own and based on my reading of this book. Some of the initial comments were made as I progressed in this book and I have not tried editing them as it expresses my contiguous thoughts as I proceeded with the story.



I am giving The Last Encore four and a half stars. It is atmospheric, emotionally sharp and deeply engaging. Fans of character focused mysteries with a dark glamorous edge should absolutely put this on their radar.

I read The Last Encore as an advanced review copy from NetGalley and this one completely pulled me in once it found its rhythm. The premise alone is irresistible. A legendary band reunites years after the tragic death of its lead singer, gathering on a remote island to film a documentary and stage one final performance, now led by the singer’s daughter. What should be a nostalgic comeback quickly turns tense as long buried secrets and resentments rise to the surface.

What really worked for me was the character driven nature of the story. Every perspective feels layered and unreliable in just the right way. No one is purely innocent and no one is entirely trustworthy, which kept me constantly reassessing what I thought I knew. The emotional weight of grief, jealousy, and unresolved guilt runs underneath the mystery and gives it depth beyond the central question of what really happened then and what is happening now.

The pacing starts slightly measured, but once the tension locks in it does not let go. The isolated setting adds a claustrophobic edge that heightens every confrontation and revelation. By the time the story reaches its final act, I was fully invested and genuinely surprised by how things unfolded.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

Recommended


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Goodreads Review here -

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8261712159

Amazon Review here -

https://www.amazon.in/review/R1JIRYVRE43RS8


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