Format: Hardback
Published by: Hodder & Stoughton
Published 02/11/23
Synopsis:
May 1940.
With Nazi forces sweeping across France, invasion seems imminent. The English Channel has never felt so narrow.
In rural Sussex, war veteran John Cook has been tasked with preparing the resistance effort, should the worst happen.
But even as the foreign threat looms, it’s rumours of a missing child that are troubling Cook. A twelve-year-old girl was evacuated from London and never seen again, and she’s just the tip of the iceberg – countless evacuees haven’t made it to their host families.
As Cook investigates, he uncovers a dark conspiracy that reaches to the highest ranks of society. He will do whatever it takes to make the culprits pay. There are some lines you just don’t cross.
My Thoughts (spoiler free)
Firstly many thanks to the author and to the publisher for kindly sending a proof copy
Whenever I read a debut novel I do so with a little trepidation about what to expect, however, I do have a strong love for books set during both WW1 and WW2 so that had already piqued my interest.
The Last Line does not read like a debut novel, such is the quality of the writing and storytelling.
From the opening pages I was hooked and drawn in, there is an ease (doubt it felt like that to the author) to the way the story flows
A noir thriller, delivered with real flair and feel for the period
The setting of the book in the countryside is idyllic, though you get that sense of unease within the community as the the threat of invasion looms strong. It is this setting though that in someways makes the read more enjoyable than had it been set in a city location. The author gives you real sense of place and of the times in which the book is set
A book is nothing though without characters and the author provides us a cast of characters who you can believe in and relate to which ever side of the law they are on.
John Cook is an interesting character, fair to say you different sides of his personality, but you understand which side he is on. Margaret is another strong female character fearless in the face of danger, strong willed and independent
It is a well thought out constructed plot, and your’e never quite as to what the outcome will be, wonderfully paced with plenty of action, mixed with moments where you see a more human caring side, there are surprises and twists along the way, The narrative keeps the drama flowing in a way that keeps you turning the pages
You also get a real sense that the author has researched the period and location in depth and then translates that into a pulsating suspenseful read
It is a read which pulls no punches, and John Cook is a no nonsense type of man prepared to do whatever is necessary to see justice served, it is also a read which tackles difficult subjects but not in a gloryfying way, without giving anything away there is a scene early on featuring a pilot and it shows how some thought at the time and how the human mind works when confronted with choices
This was a highly engaging read from first to last, the writing draws you in, and one I found hard to put down, terrifically thrilling from first to last
5* one which I would definetely recommend, I eagerly await more by Stephen Ronson
About the Author:
Stephen Ronson grew up in Sussex, and spent a large part of his childhood exploring the woods and fields around Uckfield, many of which were still dotted with reminders of WW2 – pill boxes, tank traps, nissen huts, and graffiti left by soldiers awaiting D-Day. He is a passionate student of local history, and when he learnt about Auxiliary Units – groups of men who were instructed to lay low during the predicted nazi invasion and lead the fight back, he knew he had to write about a Sussex farmer, one with a love of the land, and a natural desire and ability to get the job done. Many of the locations and characters in the John Cook series are inspired by real places and real people. In particular, Stephen was inspired by his grandparents, Eric, Bessie, Peter and Vera, each of whom did their bit on the home front.
Nowadays, Stephen divides his time between Vermont, USA, and Uckfield, East Sussex. When he’s not writing, he can be found renovating his house, or walking the woods and the fields.
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