The Last Encore by Rebecca Heath

It’s been 18 years since The Cedrics Band lost their lead singer, Jonny Rake, in what was ruled an accidental explosion. Now a documentary crew is bringing the band back together for the first time, with a reunion gig on a private island. Jonny’s daughter, Monet, is stepping up to the microphone, creating an emotional hook and a ready-made story for the cameras.

But it doesn’t take long for things to get awkward. Everyone remembers that night differently, and soon old grudges and half-buried secrets come to the surface. Then a body is found, and the reunion turns into something much darker.

Rebecca keeps the pace moving and makes great use of the island setting. They’re stuck together, the tension ramps up fast, and you get that closed-circle feeling where anyone could be hiding something. It’s a fun, gripping read with plenty of backstage drama, sharp twists and the realisation that Jonny’s death may not have been an accident after all.

If you like your thrillers with backstage drama, messy motivations, and a sense that the past is not finished with anyone, this one will hit the spot.

Rebecca lives in Adelaide, Australia, with her family, and this is her fourth novel. Follow Rebecca Heath online.

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

Bloomsbury