3.5 Stars

I received an advanced copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours via NetGalley.

The story centers around Brooke, a woman who has spent the last decade of her life held captive by the enigmatic Grace, whose obsession with her past takes on a chilling form. Forced to reenact scenes from Grace's own history, Brooke finds herself entangled in a twisted game with other captives who come and go with alarming frequency.

Meanwhile, Mina, a woman renting an Airbnb, stumbles upon a distressing sight: a young girl in a neighboring house, desperately signaling for help. Determined to uncover the truth and save the girl, Mina's quest leads her on a collision course with Brooke, setting the stage for a gripping showdown.

From the outset, I was hooked. The first chapter plunged me headfirst into Brooke's harrowing ordeal, capturing the fear and intensity of her captivity with visceral clarity. It was an emotional experience that resonated deeply, setting the tone for what promised to be a dark and twisted tale.

The introduction of a romantic subplot felt somewhat detracting from the raw intensity of Brooke's struggle. While I understood the desire to explore her longing for connection after years of isolation, it felt like a hindrance from the heart of the story. That being said, it's a testament to the author's skill that even in these moments, the narrative remained compelling.

Where the story faltered for me was in its execution of the twist. While the premise held immense promise, the revelation fell flat, lacking the impact and depth I had hoped for. It felt like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the motivations of the kidnappers and explore the true extent of their depravity. There were elements of the story that felt unnecessary and out of place. Some character interactions felt forced, and I couldn't shake the feeling that certain plot points could have been omitted without sacrificing the overall narrative.

In the end, while I zoomed through the book with eager anticipation, I couldn't shake the feeling that it could have been more. With a little more depth and polish, this debut could have been a standout in the thriller genre. Nevertheless, it's a promising start, and I'll be eager to see what the author has in store next.

I rate this a 4.
It was a very twisted book indeed! It really blended the characters so well , the backstory of other characters on why they were doing what they were doing. I missed a star because of certain parts with derek , I feel it was just placed in really randomly

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of “The Final Scene” in exchange for an honest review. Brooke was kidnapped ten years ago and has remained in captivity, trapped in an isolated house under the cruel oversight of a deranged older woman (Grace) and her henchman (Mitch). Forced to act out bizarre scenes with Grace at her whim, Brooke has seen others arrive and tragically depart from the house over the years, and she fears ultimately meeting the same fate. As the potential end grows near, she prepares for a final stand with other recently arrived prisoners.

“The Final Scene” is deliciously twisted, with an interesting spin on the familiar kidnapping tale. A secondary storyline eventually weaves in nicely to the primary narrative, and leads to a satisfying conclusion. Overall, a quick and entertaining read. Four stars.

This book starts off by hitting the ground running- no really long world building, which I like. It was fast paced, well written, and overall very enticing on every page. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

This one was a WILD ride!!!

I loved the characters and the way their stories came together. This book has action, thrills, even a little *spice*. 'The Final Scene' was a fun read that kept my interest through to the very last page!

The Final Scene was really entertaining. It was tense and really made me not want to put it down. I liked the characters and I enjoyed the way the author wove Mina’s storyline into the main plot. I do wish the book was longer so that we could have gotten to know the main characters a bit more and to really understand Grace’s motivations. It was explained a little, but I could have used more. I would have also liked a little more out of the ending, even if it was a short epilogue to see Brooke and Derek back in their actual lives.

This was a good thriller! I wouldn't say it was great or that it stuck out to me as one of the best I've ever read. But it did keep me interested and entertained. It kept me guessing and it kept me reading. Sometimes that's all I'm looking for in a book!

I liked how the story was straightforward and immediately set us to the situation of Brooke & the others. I just found it too dragging in the part where Mina was introduced, I wished some parts were used for Grace as she is also an intriguing character. Overall, I had fun and enjoyed the suspense in reading it.

Absolutely loved this psychological thriller. If you are tired of the same old thriller story then this one is for you. A unique and haunting story that will keep you turning the pages long past when you should stop reading for the night. Wonderful character development that leaves you feeling for the protagonists even when they aren't perfect heroes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the copy of The Final Scene. This is the first book that I have read by Steph Nelson and it will not be my last. The Final Scene follows Brooke, who has been held captive for 10 years. She is forced to reenact scenes from her captors childhood. Some other characters are Derek, Kinsley, and Mina. It was a fast paced story, and I could not put it down.

This book is about a woman who was kidnapped ten years ago by a crazed woman who kidnaps people and forces them to act out scenes from her childhood. Brooke has lasted the longest but when the rules suddenly change her survival is more at risk than ever. This thriller really takes you on a ride but it is the kind where you need to leave reality at the door. As the book goes on it becomes more and more outlandish which only added to the fun for me. Sometimes when a thriller is so out there it helps me distance from the harsh subject matter and lets me just enjoy the story. This is a fun popcorn thriller that is the perfect one or two sitting read.

Ever need a creepy and wacko idea for a villain scheme, look no further than the character of Grace. Steph Nelson offers us an onion of a book; one with many layers, and as each layer is peeled open, we have an antagonist whose motives keep the pages turning and try to figure out what exactly is going on.

The story very much begins as a SIMPLE JACK/TRUMAN SHOW-type scenario, where Brooke, our protagonist, has survived 10 years in captivity, playing the same character over and over. The story twists and winds its way into becoming a ‘small-town-with-secrets’ horror, but getting there requires getting to know, and tolerate, the ‘protagonists,’ as they are irrational, ill tempered and flat out dangerous in their behaviour. Indeed, there may be parts where you just start cheering for Grace to accidentally butt-press a certain remote to save yourself from the attitude problems.

All in all, though, Steph Nelson does write well. The narration and pacing holds up, despite the unforgivable characters, yet Grace was a character I enjoyed, a villain with an interesting premise.

Title: The Final Scene

Author: Steph Nelson

Genre: Thriller/Horror

Rating: 4 Stars

Started: 2/22/24

Finished: 2/26/24

Page count: 248 pages

"The Final Scene" by Steph Nelson is a wild ride of twists and turns, entertwining stories and should be on the radar of Hollywood. When you start the story, it's nightime in a big city, and we first meet Brooke, a recently divorced, mom of an infant girl, Jessi. Any woman reading the first chapter of this book will recognize the stomach-dropping feeling of being followed. The hair standing up on the back of your neck, the urge to run but knowing if you do, this could put you more at risk. This first chapter does an amazing job of setting the scene of a single woman just minding her own business, on her way home from a day of work, when a shady man decides to make her their prey. Most of us women have witnessed a scene much like this and can feel the fear our main character is experiencing.

The nightmare begins so early in Brooke's story, being yanked by the hair inches from her front door, but this just a drop in the pond of misery about to unfold. At first it seems like your typical (I hate to call it that) kidnapper situation. Nab a pretty girl, lock her in a cabin, blah blah blah. But then you come to find out that the victims in the story have been chosen to play the part of our psychopath's mother Helen, father Albert, and a young, childlike version of Grace. Yes, that's right. Grace. The mastermind is a woman. (Not so typical now, eh?)

By breaking the mold of the sterotypical crazy kidnapper, Nelson only adds to the mystery and intrigue. What could possibly drive a woman to do these things? Why is she so set on recreating these moments fom her life? And while we never quite get the answer as to why Grace has gone down this path, it's very evident that whatever made her break, must revolve around this moment in her life that she so desperately wishes to relive.

As the story progresses, we have several other players introduced:

Mitch: Grace's henchman, the one that sources the "cast members" for this horrific production.

Kinsey: A young, pretty law student turned sex worker playing the part of Young Grace, when Old Grace is not around.

Derek: A hulking, former Portland PD officer, playing the part of Albert Hamilton

Mina: An author on a solo trip to the town she grew up in, trying to both solve her relationship issues with husband, Brady, and to deal with the pent up grief of losing her 4 year old daughter, Paxton years earlier. All under the guise of working her latest book.

That leaves Brooke, in the role of Helen Hamilton. She's had the most tenure of any former and current "cast member" and has resigned herself to just follow the rules and wait for the end to come. Once Derek arrives, we see the dynamic of the "cast" change. His fiery, at times overly aggressive, attitude spurs Brooke and Kinsey to work towards a plan of escape. Once Grace issues the verdict that the timeline is about to rapidly excelorate, it becomes a race against time for Brooke and Derek to seduce their respective captors, Mitch and Grace, in hopes they can overpower them and find a way past the perimeter and make it to freedom.

The action goes right down to the wire, as Mina has her own mystery to solve. Is the young girl across the street okay? Who is the rude man that she sees coming and going? Why won't the police help?!

Do our "cast members" escape with their lives? Does Mina help save the young girl with the red lips? Do we make it to The Final Scene?

If you love a great, page turning mystery, then you need to RUN don't walk, to get a copy of Steph Nelson's new book "The Final Scene"!

Early last year, I read Steph Nelson’s horror short story called ‘Into the Barn’ (Dark Matter’s 2022 Human Monsters Anthology) and immediately took note of her name - I knew I wanted to read more from her.

The Final Scene is something altogether different - it’s got TV mini series written all over it! I don’t want to give away any plot because it’s worth the blind read, but I will say this… our protagonist has been held captive for over ten years 😮 I love a good kidnapping story!

WOW. I loved this book so much and can’t wait to grab a copy for to keep on my shelf! I was hooked in the very beginning and could not put it down, reading it in just one day! I loved the short chapters and how Steph Nelson had them going back and forth with two different stories and having them come together at the end. Can’t wait to read more by this author!

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Steph Nelson taking readers hostage with her new kidnap novel however this is not your average kidnapping story, a pulse pounding page turner yes, but also an examination and insight into the very real fears women have, rooted in the truth makes this all the more terrifying and creepy, this was nerve shreddingly good, one of those thrillers that just *smacks book* HAS OOMF dya know what I mean? I thought the concept was utterly unique I've never come across another thriller like it, as the plot unfolds it becomes somewhat unbelievable but Nelson pulls it off rather convincingly, this was fast paced and rather fun, like doing yoga in the dark, I didn't see things coming and we had some unexpected twists, was that too weird an analogy? Promise I don't do my yoga in the dark 👀 A multi layered thriller with complex characters that shines a light on the resilience and strength of women and their will to survive, intense and chilling, loved it!

first of all, thank you netgalley and publisher for the chance to read and review!


the story follows a few individuals who were kidnapped and placed in a theatrical setting. the mastermind behind it all is very active in their lives, and cannot stand an anomaly.

i'm so obsessed with this book. it had creep factor, it had a crazy good plot, it had a touch of romance, it truly had everything i could want in a book. i read it in 2 sittings, i truly just couldn't put it down.

i think the pacing was perfect, and i thoroughly enjoyed the writing.

SOO GOOD.

The plot, the characters, the twist, the short chapters, and how everything comes together at the end -- love! This was a really great, easy read and I'm so glad I was given the opportunity! This book will do fantastic with its publication. 🖤

“The Final Scene” is an excellent thriller with perfectly planned twists and turns, and a beautifully crafted storyline that connects in an unexpected (to me) way. My only criticism is that the ending felt just a touch rushed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ticking Clock Press LLC, and Steph Nelson for allowing me to read an ARC of this wonderful book. Highly recommend!

🖤🖤🖤🖤
4/5

Back to my roots and reading my first thriller in a while! I enjoyed this one too! The plot was so unique and I thought it worked really well in this too. We start off with one of our main characters, Brooke. She is traveling home from her dream job that she just landed after her divorce and birth of her child, Jessi. A mysterious man follows her every move and then boom…just like that she finds herself kidnapped and stuck in a cabin with an electric collar around her neck. Fast forward ten years later and she is still there. While many others that have come and…mainly gone. I won’t say too much more than that so I don’t give away anything, but there’s so much more to the plot! The characters in this are so well written. I could really feel the realism in their character development. This was the first book I read by Steph Nelson. I would definitely give her other reads a try, as well!

Overall, I am a tough reviewer of thrillers and horror because I’ve read so many. If I can guess what’s going to happen, I get bored easily. I am so glad (and was surprised) that one of the twists I didn’t see coming at all! And afterwards I was like “wow how did I not see that coming? It was so obvious!” And I honestly feel that the way Nelson wrote this and the flow of each chapter with another character (usually) and a new scene really kept you distracted from thinking too much into what was going to happen next. I didn’t feel bored in this at all. But I feel the ending kinda left me wanting a little more. The epilogue link worked after a few tries (it wasn’t exactly user friendly), but I enjoyed that extra scene. But definitely wanted more!! I wasn’t sure if I could trust the ending and there wasn’t something behind it!

Thank you to net galley and Xpresso Reads for this ARC!!

The pub date for this is tomorrow, February 27th! Definitely grab yourself a copy if you’re up for a good thriller!