I see this book is doing well and that is fantastic. I did finish and know that I will be recommending to a type of reader. This book started out 5 stars- unique premise, complex characters, thrilling writing and them boom- instalove romance. Why?! It was like reading two different books. The ending was so rushed and anticlimactic.

I thought the premise was interesting. However, I unfortunately did not care for the main characters.

So this book was a 5-star the first 3/4 of the book. It lost a star near the end because of all the coincidences. I mean, some of them were just too convenient for my liking. The plot itself was really good though. I was enraptured from beginning to end. Hope to read more by this author.

"The Cabin Is Unlocked, but There’s No Escape" is an electrifying thriller that grips from the first page and never lets go. The novel plunges readers into the harrowing world of Brooke, who has spent a decade trapped in a remote Oregon cabin under the relentless control of her kidnappers. Her existence is a tense blend of fear and survival, meticulously following her captors' demands to stay

This book is a masterclass in psychological suspense, with twists that keep readers on edge and a storyline that explores the limits of endurance and hope. "The Cabin Is Unlocked, but There’s No Escape" is a thrilling read that will captivate fans of intense, edge-of-your-seat narratives, leaving them eager for more from this talented author.

The Final Scene by Steph Nelson is an intense thriller that delivers a gripping narrative filled with suspense and emotional depth. Here’s my take on it:

Nelson’s storytelling prowess shines through in her intricate plot and well-developed characters. The protagonist, Brooke, is compelling and relatable. Her journey of facing her traumatic past while navigating new dangers keeps the reader engaged. Nelson skillfully balances Brooke’s vulnerability with her resilience, making her a character you can’t help but root for.

The pacing of the novel is another strong point. Nelson maintains a relentless pace, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have the plot figured out, another twist is thrown in, maintaining the suspense throughout. The isolated cabin setting adds to the eerie atmosphere, enhancing the tension and making the stakes feel incredibly high.

One aspect that stands out is Nelson’s handling of themes such as survival and female empowerment. Brooke's evolution from a victim to a fighter is depicted with nuance and sensitivity, making her journey both inspiring and satisfying. The climax of the novel is particularly intense, tying up the narrative threads in a way that is both unexpected and gratifying.

Overall, The Final Scene is a thrilling read that combines strong characters, a fast-paced plot, and a rich emotional undercurrent. If you’re a fan of high-stakes thrillers with a strong, relatable protagonist, this book is definitely worth your time.

Wow! This was such a dark and twisted story! The idea was as amazing as it was scary but the book wasn't quite up to earning the full five stars. I felt like the romance between the two characters was not necessary and felt a bit forced and tagged on. The ending, which I won't give away, was a little anti-climatic and disappointing. It just left me wanting more. I'd still like to read more from Steph Nelson though.
Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to read this ARC.

Steph Nelson’s The Final Scene is a riveting psychological thriller that delves into the harrowing experience of Brooke, a woman kidnapped and held captive for ten years in an isolated cabin on the Oregon coast. Nelson’s storytelling prowess is on full display in this novel, which masterfully combines suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists.

The plot begins with Brooke, who has been following her captor's twisted rules for a decade to stay alive. Her world is turned upside down when a new victim arrives, changing the dynamics of survival and forcing Brooke to confront her worst fears and consider breaking the rules to escape. The tension is palpable from the first page, and Nelson expertly keeps readers on the edge of their seats with her fast-paced narrative and well-timed revelations.

Nelson excels at creating multi-dimensional characters, each with a rich backstory that adds layers of complexity to the plot. Brooke's character is particularly compelling, showcasing her resilience and psychological struggles as she navigates the horrors of her captivity. The interactions between Brooke and the other victims are fraught with tension and intrigue, making the narrative even more engaging.

The novel’s exploration of themes such as survival, trust, and the human psyche under extreme duress is both thought-provoking and chilling. Nelson’s writing is crisp and evocative, capturing the claustrophobic atmosphere of the cabin and the psychological torment of the characters. The plot twists are cleverly executed, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

One of the standout aspects of The Final Scene is its relentless pacing and the way it blends high-stakes drama with deep emotional resonance. Nelson doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal realities of captivity, but she also infuses the story with moments of hope and empowerment, particularly through Brooke’s character arc.

In conclusion, The Final Scene is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Steph Nelson has crafted a novel that is as thrilling as it is emotionally engaging, with a plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. This book is a testament to Nelson’s ability to create compelling, character-driven stories that linger long after the final page.

I really enjoyed this book! I have enjoyed all of this author’s books. I would love to see this book adapted to film and would love to read more but it’s like this one.

I really liked the plot on this one, but unfortunately I didnt connect with the characters. It was the romance part it just didnt feel genuine.

Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours!
Brooke was abducted, and has spent the last decade held captive in a cabin somewhere in remote Oregon, living out a crazy lady’s nightmare dreamscape day after day. She’s stayed alive this long because she’s followed the rules, but she’s going to have to break those rules if she wants any chance of surviving.
A quick, exciting read! Tore through this in a day!

Steph Nelson is becoming one of my new favorite authors. I really enjoyed The Vein as well as this story (Sawtooth is next on my tbr). This story checks so many boxes for me: thriller, horror, fast paced, well written, and set in the PNW. I normally do not enjoy romance in books, but this had just enough to keep me interested and not get turned off. The plot twists were gripping and very fun to read. Thank you very much for allowing me to read and review this story.

If you want a different sick and twisted story then you need to read this book.

I’m not real sure how I feel about this story. I liked the main characters but felt they were somewhat weak. The whole story was sick and twisted where the children were concerned.

I would encourage others to read this book and give a review on what they think.
I liked this story but at the same time hated it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC to read for an unbiased review of this new Thriller
THE FINAL SCENE by Steph Nelson that is now available in Kindle ebook, paperback, and audiobook

The Oregon Coast has stunning sites and is beautiful with plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path wonders to discover.  Who would think there could be anything nefarious lurking on the outskirts of a small town?  Brooke, a young single mother certainly didn't one late night after her shift from work.  Silently stalked by a stranger, she was captured and brought to a remote cabin in the woods to play a game.  One she wasn't a willing participant.

"This is it. This is how I die." That was 10 years ago.

The dated cabin is tucked far away from other houses or businesses and you wouldn't know it was there unless someone told you.  It is unlocked and she can roam the surrounding yard, however, if she goes too far it could cost her life. The cabin is monitored for most of the day by video, and the cast plays silent roles since there is no audio.  It's like Groundhog Day set in the 1960's. Step out of line or go out of character, the collar around your neck will let you know.

Brooke is the longest player in this twisted reenactment of her captor's story.  Many other unwilling people have been captured to come and play the other two characters in this live-action tale, but have failed by not following the rules.  Failure equals death and a new cast member replaces you.  Brooke is smart, she plays the game well, but The Final Scene is coming for them all.  


I enjoyed this suspenseful tale. The premise was new to me and it hit the thriller aspect well. I thought this was an interesting concept and a terrifying way to live for a decade. I found it a quick read and entertaining. If you like thrillers, I recommend giving this a try.

This book was a 5 star read all the way up until the last couple of chapters which brought it to a 4.

The good:
- A very creative premise that was unlike anything I have read. It was definitely a twist on your normal thriller. It did have a similar premise to two TV shows I've seen: An episode of American Horror Stories and a season of Search Party. None had been completely like this though.
- I caught onto part of the twist but didn't catch in on the whole thing until it was revealed.
- I really loved the story and was very invested in it. It kept me thinking about it even when I put the book down.

The bad:
- The ending was exceptionally rushed compared to the story. I really wanted it to last a little longer and be a little more.
- The "why" of it all is never revealed. It doesn't have to be but I wanted a bit more on Grace.
- The bonus epilogue I found pointless, it didn't add much to the story.

I would highly recommend this though if you love a good horror/thriller and are tired of the same plot. This was eerie and different. The ending isn't perfect but it also does wrap up, which is important to me.

"The Final Scene" by Steph Nelson is a compelling mystery novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Nelson's intricate plot weaves together suspense, drama, and unexpected twists, keeping you hooked from the first page to the last. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motives, adding layers of complexity to the story. With its fast-paced narrative and cleverly crafted suspense, this book kept me captivated until the end and couldn’t be put down.

Interesting story of kidnapping and getting psychological clarity however the premise of the restraining devices was unbelievable and the playing of the scenes as well. The connections between players seemed forced.

This was a pretty quick and easy thriller. Not really a twisty one but still pretty edge-of-the-seat. The characters were good and the writing was great.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

This book was so gripping and I flew through it!

I really loved the premise, but I wish we got more backstory on Grace, Mitch, and this weird torturous acting thing she’s been running for decades. It was unique, but I felt like we needed to know WHY it was happening to connect more with the characters.

I felt as though the writing was confusing at times because it seemed like points of view would switch within a paragraph and I didn’t know who I was listening to at any given time. I figured out that there was a lot of shifting going on and was able to navigate it, but I didn’t love that.

I also felt that we needed more information on why the cast members were selected. There was a general, “oh, revenge” type explanation, but that wasn’t quite enough for me.

Honestly I’m probably being nit picky because I really enjoyed this book but just wish it was a little more polished and provided more backstory.

Definitely adding this author to my list so I can read more of her work!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC 🫶🏼

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is pretty unique given it's a hostage/kidnapping storyline. The writing is strong and I was unable to predict. I did not enjoy the romance sections of it, but I'm sure there are plenty that will. Overall, wonderful thriller!

“Enticing. Grip-taking. Heartbreaking. Will leave you holding on for the characters’ struggle for survival.”

Wow. I love when a story just grabs you from the first chapter and keeps that hold on the reader until the final page. And that’s what this book gives you exactly. A haunting thriller where you see from different perspectives of different victims.

When we first open up, we hear the heartbreaking kidnapping of Brooke, who was walking home from work one day when a man followed her and drugged her unconscious. The creepy factor in this first chapter is the ten year time skip from the day she was taken to the present. Brooke had been kidnapped for ten years, watching people come and go from being killed and replaced in the hell she had called home.

Her kidnappers have chosen a handful of people to reenact an elderly woman’s, named Grace, childhood experience, up til her wedding night. She has emotional damage as she gets her abductees to portray herself and immediate family around her in order to please Grace.

After one of the deaths causes a pit in her chest to enlarge from fear, Brooke is determined not to see anyone else die in the house. The whole story is a whirlwind of traumatic events and heartaches as the real truth to why they were chosen comes to light.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Thrilling. Captivating. Everything you’d want in a book to make your heart beat rapidly in suspense on if these people are going to make it out alive or not. I look forward for future releases from Nelson, as this one has already made me a fan.