3.75 rounded up to 4

Holy moly! What just happened? This book was so twisted and ruthless. The story is about several characters that don’t seem to know each other but their lives are still tied together. It’s a very six-degrees of separation. There is some decent character development, I really found myself rooting for Brooke and Derek. The writing style isn’t super deep, but it is entertaining. I really liked the end but wish I could’ve known more about what happened with Brooke and Derek afterward-the QR code don’t work in my copy. There’s so much blood and gore! If that’s your thing, this is the one for you! There are triggers in this one, so do check into that before reading.

I was hooked by the first few pages of this book with the kidnapping right off the bat! We're following Brook who was snatched up and has survived as a captive for ten years by playing her role and following the rules. The premise of the kidnapping and why the captives are being held is twisty, weird and unique. I was intrigued to see how it was going to play out. I was finding myself a little bored throughout the middle of the book as we follow along with the captives as they figure out how they're going to escape. There is a romance aspect in this that I really just wasn't a fan of as well as another physical scene that seemed unnecessary and cringy. My enjoyment with this book fizzled off but I did like the last part of the book, the "Final Scene" if you will. Things do come full circle and there are coincidences that the captives didn't see coming. This book really didn't deliver the thriller punch that I was hoping for. It was just ok for me.

Thank you NetGalley & author for an ARC of this book! #TheFinalScene #NetGalley

I knew from the moment I read the premise of this that I was going to want to sit down and devour this from front to end.

The fact that Noelle W. Ihli is also on the cover praising it and was mentioned in the acknowledgements also cemented that for me. She’s one of my favourite authors so I knew that this was going to have me hooked.

The Final Scene follows Brooke who was kidnapped on her way home from work ten years ago. The door to the cabin that she is kept in is unlocked but there’s no way for her and her fellow captives to escape. They are forced to play the roles that their kidnappers have given them. Break the rules? Break the scene? That can lead to deadly consequences.

Brooke has long given up on the thought of escape and the idea that she will one day be reunited with her daughter. That’s until a new victim arrives and everything changes.

This was truly so fantastic and had me on the edge of my seat. There was so much to love about this book. I loved how everything came together at the end and everything was tied up in a nice little bow.

Each character is unique and complex which is exactly what you want and expect in a book like this. You should be expecting to have characters that aren’t two-dimensional and have someone you want to root for. That’s exactly what you get.

I will definitely be adding this author to my “to watch” list because I already know that I’m going to enjoy whatever comes next from them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ticking Clock Press, LLC for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a DNF for me. Not due to the writing or story, I just was having a hard time focusing on it due to external factors. I will be trying again later though.

This was such a suspenseful read! This book had such an interesting concept, and it reminded me a lot of a criminal minds plot. The plot twists were fantastic and the chapters short. However, the romance between the two main characters was off-putting to me. Although I don’t mind smut, I don’t think a smut scene in the midst of a hostage situation is necessary and it really took away from the plot for me. I also wanted to know more about the victims’ captor since she’s such an unusual villain. I want to know why she did what she did! I think the QR code in the back of the book that scans to an epilogue is unique. I’m excited to read it in a few weeks and I hope it gives some more context! I give this 3.5 stars.

Steph Nelson wasted no time throwing you into a story that was not only disturbing but a train wreck you can’t turn away from. I read this book in one sitting because I had to know how it was going to end. I will definitely be looking out for any more books by Nelson in the future. What a wild ride.

3/5 ⭐️

It is very rare to find a book that provides a different take on a classic trope. This had that. "The cabin in the middle of the woods" but nothing went where I expected it to go. It was refreshing to see and I enjoyed the plot. It made me reconsider how we should see a "final girl."
My favorite part of this book was how we were dropped in directly in the middle of the plot line. I do think it is better to go into the book without too much context because that made it a more enjoyable experience.

However, I did not like the romantic aspects. I thought they were thrown together randomly and did not add to the story. I felt myself wanting all of the romantic scenes to end. Editing that out, while including more information on the kidnapping, would have kept my attention longer.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Should you read this?
Yes, if… you love a seemingly disconnected plot coming together in the end
No, if… “unrealistic” twists or unusual pacing (quick, then slooooow, then quick again) will ruin it for you
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you Netgalley and Ticking Clock Press, LLC, for this gifted copy, in exchange for an honest review!

I am all for kidnapping and hostage situations in books. This one seemed pretty unique, so I was so excited to give it a try. The Final Scene was a 2.25/5 stars for me! Oh man, this one got under my nerves a little bit. The plot had a lot going for it, but it was pretty slow and repetitive. Also, I don't know, there seemed to be a whole lot of lusting and sex for characters who were about to die. It just seemed unrealistic and too much for me in the situation they were in. Overall, I just thought that this was very slow and the characters were annoying. I did like the whole plot though and I thought the Mastermind behind the whole thing was very messed up.

Brooke was kidnapped ten years ago. She's been held hostage in an isolated cabin. The main reason that she has remained alive all these years is that she follows her kidnappers weird and twisty instructions perfectly. Other victims have come and gone throughout the years. When a new victim shows up to the cabin, it is finally time for Brooke to break the rules in order to survive.

I don't want to give away much more about this book, because it is best to go in blind. In the thriller genre, it is often difficult to come up with fresh and novel (no pun intended) ideas. Steph Nelson DELIVERED! What a unique storyline. I have never read anything remotely similar and I read A LOT of thrillers.

The story was super intense from start to finish. I could not put it down! It is a fun and quick read. The plot is SO twisted and the character development is excellent. Each character brings a different dynamic to the table. Definitely recommend for any thriller fans. Cannot wait to read more by Steph Nelson!

Thank you to Ticking Clock Press, LLC and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ticking Clock Press for this ARC of ‘The Final Scene’ by Steph Nelson.

Such a unique and exciting story! Had me hooked from the very beginning. Definitely Recommend if you want to be kept up reading all night!

Freaking amazing. Such a unique story and the twists and turns were wild. Kept me up reading. Highly recommend this one

Steph Nelson's The Final Scene is a taut and entertaining thriller that's easy to read in one sitting. After being kidnapped and trapped for over ten years, Brooke has little hope of escape and lives to survive. The somewhat easy flow and predictability of her routine is interrupted by a new arrival to their isolated cabin and "cast", and the rules she's lived by begin to change. Of the three POVs, Brooke was my favorite. I found her inner strength and self-preservation refreshing in contrast to Derek's macho displays and aggression. Grace Wakefield was a fun villain, and I liked that readers knew who she was and her motivations from the beginning. That lack of mystery increases the tension anytime she's in the scene. At first, I thought Mina's plot was going to be a meta-commentary on writing or trauma, like that she was writing "The Final Scene" during her chapters, but I wasn't let down when her plotline connected with our main one. Nelson's portrayal of anxiety, especially how women are trained to be hypervigilant and, yet, not overthink danger, was fantastic. Overall, this was a fun read and I recommend it for fans of Criminal Minds, readers who prefer their crimes to be a different version of 'especially heinous', and anyone looking for something quick and easy (but still creepy).

You can find an in-depth review on my blog.

-extremely unique premise
-had me thinking, "could i live this way if i was kidnapped?" and idk i think i might unalive myself
-author really nails how it is to be hyper aware and vigilant as a woman when out on your own esp at night
-wish the villains were a lil more sinister, but then again i guess a crazy rich old lady with a hunting knife who has people kidnapped so they can relive out parts of her life for years and years is pretty bad
-the chemistry between brooke and derek seemed a little forced but hullo when you're kidnapped i'm sure you can get pretty desperate
-did NOT expect a spicy scene but there was one and it was satisfying
-the ending was intense and chaotic but that's what i like in my thrillers

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

From the thriller perspective, this was a wild ride from start to finish. I really enjoyed the story, and I found that this was really something interesting. The plot was great, although I did feel like more of the motive on Grace's side of things could have been explained a lot better. The concept was really strong, and just the right level of demented.

The romance aspect of this, however, felt really forced. There wasn't much that I liked about the main characters having their relationship going, and it wasn't well done. I do feel a bit like there was a shaky premise there, and it felt a little bit like the whole crux of the book was the romance facet of it, which was not what I was hoping for at all.

If this book had dedicated a little more to development and a little more focus on the thriller aspect, I would have been all over it like a rash. Unfortunately, I do wish there was just a little more substance.

This chilling debut kidnapping thriller was twisty and had just enough moving parts to keep me interested! As a true crime fan, I was super excited to see how this played out.

I also enjoyed how the author wove in tidbits of the character’s pasts throughout the story - something to keep me reading and wanting more. I wasn’t jazzed about the ending, since it felt kind of jumbled and like it was trying *too* hard to be dramatic.

All in all, a pretty good read! Thank you to #NetGalley for this #arc in exchange for my honest review. The Final Scene releases 2/27!

"The Final Scene" by Steph Nelson is a riveting and suspenseful thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Nelson, with her skillful plotting and expert pacing, delivers a gripping narrative that combines heart-pounding action with unexpected twists and turns.

At the heart of "The Final Scene" is protagonist Sarah Reynolds, a determined investigative journalist whose relentless pursuit of the truth leads her into a web of danger and deception. As Sarah delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of a beloved actress, she uncovers dark secrets and hidden agendas that threaten to unravel the fabric of Hollywood itself. Nelson expertly crafts a complex and multi-layered plot, keeping readers guessing as Sarah races against the clock to uncover the truth and save the day.

Nelson's writing style is fast-paced and immersive, with crisp prose and vivid descriptions that bring the glamorous world of Hollywood to life. From the glitzy red carpet events to the gritty back alleys of Los Angeles, Nelson captures the essence of Tinseltown with authenticity and flair. Her attention to detail and atmospheric storytelling create a sense of urgency and tension that propels the story forward, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages.

Moreover, "The Final Scene" is not just a thrilling mystery—it's also a thought-provoking exploration of fame, ambition, and the price of success. Nelson deftly navigates the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, shining a light on the pressures and pitfalls faced by those who dare to chase their dreams in the spotlight. Through Sarah's eyes, readers are given a glimpse behind the curtain, where glamour and glitz often mask a world of greed, corruption, and betrayal.

The novel is also notable for its well-developed cast of characters and intricate plot twists. Nelson populates her story with a colorful array of suspects and potential allies, each one with their own motives and secrets to uncover. As Sarah races to untangle the web of lies surrounding the actress's disappearance, she must navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit and danger, where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide.

In conclusion, "The Final Scene" by Steph Nelson is a must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers and Hollywood intrigue. With its engaging characters, twisty plot, and atmospheric setting, it's a book that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Nelson has crafted a gripping and unforgettable novel that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they've turned the final page.

3/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

This book was AMAZING. A unique storyline, an interesting cast of characters, and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat.

There were a couple things I felt could've been tied up a bit but honestly, still 5 stars. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. While The Final Scene kept my interest when I picked it up, it wasn't as gripping as I normally like my books to be. Not saying that the story is bad or boring, but it was definitely a slow burn for me. I could see people devouring it in one sitting though.

The Final Scene is a story of a woman, Grace, and her accomplice, Mitch, who set up a living reenactment of Grace's life as a child. Brooke plays her mother and has been held captive for 10 years. The other "members" of Grace's family have been switched out (killed) over the years to get more willing participants or older participants. One day they are told that this is going to be the final scene before they all die. Brooke decides it is now or never to get out.

It is told mainly from the captives POV and what are they going to do next. I did not guess the ending, which was a huge plus. The characters are mostly likeable and I was sympathetic towards them. It was a decent book.

I have attempted to start this one a few times, but I just cannot get into it unfortunately. It is just a weird concept and something it missing to keep me engaged. I had to DNF.