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The Last Line
Featuring a neurodiverse lead living with Tourette's syndrome, Ellie Marlowe is ready for a curtain call as her latest production sells out, but when the starring male lead drops dead, and everyone in the cast is a potential suspect or the next victim, she must catch a killer before they pull another show-stopping murder.
The new production at Ellie Marlowe’s community theater could save her from financial ruin, but her overbearing lead, Reginald Thornton IV, is determined to antagonize every cast member. Nervous and with her Tourette’s syndrome flaring, Ellie is relieved when opening night seems to be going well. But then Reginald’s death scene at the end of the play turns out to be all too real.
The state police write the death off as a heart attack, but several things don't add up and Ellie and her childhood friend, Bill Starlin, the local chief of police, begin investigating. When another person linked to the theater is attacked, they’re convinced a killer is on the loose.
As Ellie and Bill reveal connections between cast members, they uncover dark secrets and must race to find the killer before it’s curtains for someone else.
The new production at Ellie Marlowe’s community theater could save her from financial ruin, but her overbearing lead, Reginald Thornton IV, is determined to antagonize every cast member. Nervous and with her Tourette’s syndrome flaring, Ellie is relieved when opening night seems to be going well. But then Reginald’s death scene at the end of the play turns out to be all too real.
The state police write the death off as a heart attack, but several things don't add up and Ellie and her childhood friend, Bill Starlin, the local chief of police, begin investigating. When another person linked to the theater is attacked, they’re convinced a killer is on the loose.
As Ellie and Bill reveal connections between cast members, they uncover dark secrets and must race to find the killer before it’s curtains for someone else.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published July 23, 2024
10 people are currently reading
3355 people want to read
About the author
Scott Lyerly
3 books28 followersScott Lyerly was born in Washington DC, and grew up just over the line in Silver Spring, Maryland. He attended school at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. He worked for nearly a decade as a bookseller before moving into information technology. He currently works as an IT Manager for a large retail company. He lives in central Massachusetts with his family.
Scott’s previously publications include short fiction in the anthologies Ignition, and Thank You, Death Robot, both published by Silverthought Press. His debut novel, THE LAST LINE, published by Crooked Lane Books, will be available in 2024.
Scott’s previously publications include short fiction in the anthologies Ignition, and Thank You, Death Robot, both published by Silverthought Press. His debut novel, THE LAST LINE, published by Crooked Lane Books, will be available in 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 7, 2025
Ellie is neurodiverse. She is our main protagonist who owns a community theater. What makes her also unique in this role is that she handles her responsibility even as she battles Tourette’s Syndrome (TS).
According to the Tourette Association of America, Tourette Syndrome “is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children, adolescents and adults. The condition is characterized by sudden, involuntary movements and/or sounds called tics. Tics can range from mild/inconsequential to moderate and severe, and are disabling in some cases.”
Ellie: “I would take stress-eating over stress-ticcing any day.”
The author even shares in his acknowledgments…
“…Ellie, …has Tourette Syndrome, as I do. And while it was important to me for my lead character to have TS, it was equally important that it be one aspect of who she is, not the all-consuming trait that drives the story. We see a lot of ridiculous portrayals of Tourette syndrome in the media. I wanted to show you a different side of it. I hope I did.”
Yes, he did.
As readers, we come to see that for Ellie, it is people like ‘thespian’ Reginald Thorton IV who can easily set off her tics. He is unlikable, bombastic and conceited. As star of this latest community theatre production, even as much as Ellie may find herself frustrated by Reginald, she also needs his ‘star-power’ to bring in the much-needed funds to keep her community theater in business.
So, what happens when Reginald dies in the closing scene of the latest production? Was it natural causes or unnatural intervention?
And, considering that Reginald “thrived on being mean-spirited and vindictive” it is no surprise that everyone in the cast, and perhaps even others, would wish for his demise.
Ellie has been long-time friends with Bill Starlin, the local chief of police. Will she be helpful in solving this suspicious death in her secondary role as an amateur sleuth, or will she be considered one of the many suspects?
The chapters take us in and out of scenes with different characters, thus overlapping the same scene with a different point of view per character. What will readers like or dislike about this form of storytelling? And, what will readers learn along the way? Who will we suspect? And, what will be the final revelation?
Readers will most likely be enchanted by and empathetic to Ellie and her challenges. Which makes this a nice beginning to a potential new twisty, cozy mystery series by debut author Lyerly. And, even if it ends here, it was a fairly satisfying stand-a-lone.
The story features the beautiful scenic backdrop of Massachusetts. And, a cast of quirky, engaging characters that are spotlighted at the beginning of the book as a list, ‘in order of appearance.’
According to the Tourette Association of America, Tourette Syndrome “is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children, adolescents and adults. The condition is characterized by sudden, involuntary movements and/or sounds called tics. Tics can range from mild/inconsequential to moderate and severe, and are disabling in some cases.”
Ellie: “I would take stress-eating over stress-ticcing any day.”
The author even shares in his acknowledgments…
“…Ellie, …has Tourette Syndrome, as I do. And while it was important to me for my lead character to have TS, it was equally important that it be one aspect of who she is, not the all-consuming trait that drives the story. We see a lot of ridiculous portrayals of Tourette syndrome in the media. I wanted to show you a different side of it. I hope I did.”
Yes, he did.
As readers, we come to see that for Ellie, it is people like ‘thespian’ Reginald Thorton IV who can easily set off her tics. He is unlikable, bombastic and conceited. As star of this latest community theatre production, even as much as Ellie may find herself frustrated by Reginald, she also needs his ‘star-power’ to bring in the much-needed funds to keep her community theater in business.
So, what happens when Reginald dies in the closing scene of the latest production? Was it natural causes or unnatural intervention?
And, considering that Reginald “thrived on being mean-spirited and vindictive” it is no surprise that everyone in the cast, and perhaps even others, would wish for his demise.
Ellie has been long-time friends with Bill Starlin, the local chief of police. Will she be helpful in solving this suspicious death in her secondary role as an amateur sleuth, or will she be considered one of the many suspects?
The chapters take us in and out of scenes with different characters, thus overlapping the same scene with a different point of view per character. What will readers like or dislike about this form of storytelling? And, what will readers learn along the way? Who will we suspect? And, what will be the final revelation?
Readers will most likely be enchanted by and empathetic to Ellie and her challenges. Which makes this a nice beginning to a potential new twisty, cozy mystery series by debut author Lyerly. And, even if it ends here, it was a fairly satisfying stand-a-lone.
The story features the beautiful scenic backdrop of Massachusetts. And, a cast of quirky, engaging characters that are spotlighted at the beginning of the book as a list, ‘in order of appearance.’
December 1, 2024
3.5 bumped up. The Tourette Syndrome representation was excellent.
January 30, 2025
Ellie’s Tourette syndrome causes her to do things like blink, nod, and grunt, especially when she’s tense or anxious, but this is just a small part of who Ellie is. What I appreciated about the way this condition was written into the story was not just that Ellie didn’t try to hide it, but that almost everyone around her just accepted it as a normal thing and didn’t really draw attention to it. It’s just normal – and that’s exactly how it should be. It’s such a small, simple way to incorporate differences, but it makes such an impact with how subtle it is that I found it authentic and very well done.
After reading Scott Lyerly’s bio, I discovered that he was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of nineteen, and I think the author’s own lived experience went a long way into making Ellie’s character more realistic.
I also really enjoyed the friendship between Ellie and local police chief Bill Starlin. They’re childhood friends and both share the bond of loving Ellie’s sister, who died years before. I think it’s great to have a relationship like this where there’s no chance of a romance – they are friends and both are married to other people.
The friendship creates a nice, solid partnership and there isn’t any worry of love triangles or dragged out will-they, won’t-they scenarios present in many other mysteries (not that I’m complaining, sometimes they’re done well, but many times they aren’t.)
Ellie and Bill are also surrounded by some interesting side characters that kept the pace moving along and I hope we’ll get a sequel so that we can get to know more of some of these supporting characters.
The mystery itself is well paced and the action is driven along nicely by the characters. I was never bored and had a blast trying to figure out who the killer was. All in all, this was a fantastic debut mystery and I hope that there will be more adventures for Ellie and Bill in the future.
*** Thank you to the author, Scott Lyerly, for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.
After reading Scott Lyerly’s bio, I discovered that he was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of nineteen, and I think the author’s own lived experience went a long way into making Ellie’s character more realistic.
I also really enjoyed the friendship between Ellie and local police chief Bill Starlin. They’re childhood friends and both share the bond of loving Ellie’s sister, who died years before. I think it’s great to have a relationship like this where there’s no chance of a romance – they are friends and both are married to other people.
The friendship creates a nice, solid partnership and there isn’t any worry of love triangles or dragged out will-they, won’t-they scenarios present in many other mysteries (not that I’m complaining, sometimes they’re done well, but many times they aren’t.)
Ellie and Bill are also surrounded by some interesting side characters that kept the pace moving along and I hope we’ll get a sequel so that we can get to know more of some of these supporting characters.
The mystery itself is well paced and the action is driven along nicely by the characters. I was never bored and had a blast trying to figure out who the killer was. All in all, this was a fantastic debut mystery and I hope that there will be more adventures for Ellie and Bill in the future.
*** Thank you to the author, Scott Lyerly, for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.
January 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC to review.
A local theater’s production takes an unexpected turn when its leading man dies during the final act. Was his sudden demise due to natural causes or is something darker at play? It’s up to theater owner Ellie Marlowe and her childhood friend (and local chief of police) Bill Stalin to uncover the truth.
The book primarily alternates viewpoints between Ellie and Bill. Both are decent characters, though the background of their relationship feels like an unnecessary addition. It is also hard to buy how much Bill includes Ellie in his investigations without facing repercussions, especially given she is a civilian.
Regarding the other characters, had there been more viewpoints from them throughout the book, it would have added more depth to the mystery. It was a bit challenging to keep track of why certain characters were relevant because they simply were not featured enough.
As far as the plot, it was a good premise overall. However, there were a few odd choices for the style of the book. With how closed-door some of the romance in the book is, having porn and prostitution play into it so heavily felt like a disconnect; it ended up reading like a cozy mystery wanting to be a darker thriller.
While some elements could have been better explored and characters more developed, this was ultimately a fun read. It will make a good selection for those wanting a lighter mystery to pass the time.
A local theater’s production takes an unexpected turn when its leading man dies during the final act. Was his sudden demise due to natural causes or is something darker at play? It’s up to theater owner Ellie Marlowe and her childhood friend (and local chief of police) Bill Stalin to uncover the truth.
The book primarily alternates viewpoints between Ellie and Bill. Both are decent characters, though the background of their relationship feels like an unnecessary addition. It is also hard to buy how much Bill includes Ellie in his investigations without facing repercussions, especially given she is a civilian.
Regarding the other characters, had there been more viewpoints from them throughout the book, it would have added more depth to the mystery. It was a bit challenging to keep track of why certain characters were relevant because they simply were not featured enough.
As far as the plot, it was a good premise overall. However, there were a few odd choices for the style of the book. With how closed-door some of the romance in the book is, having porn and prostitution play into it so heavily felt like a disconnect; it ended up reading like a cozy mystery wanting to be a darker thriller.
While some elements could have been better explored and characters more developed, this was ultimately a fun read. It will make a good selection for those wanting a lighter mystery to pass the time.
February 7, 2025
WOW! I am so particular when it comes to mystery/thrillers but The Last Line kept me guessing. I love a classic whodunnit plot but what keeps this interesting is that at almost every turn in the book more and more is uncovered- which you would think leads to loose ends by the end of the book? NOPE, there was no loose ends that left me frustrated and questioning why they were introduced. Lastly as well, I get skeptical when authors introduce character after character and they seem like they are never connected or are doing their own side quest, this did not happen!! There was a handful characters that were all intertwined (with and without knowledge of if) and they all came together so nicely at the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 24, 2024
Ellie Marlowe has given up her high stress job and returned to the town where she grew up to open a theater. She lives with Tourette's syndrome. Her new theater is in danger of going under if she doesn't have some financially successful performances soon.
When the star of her latest production dies in the final act, she fears that will be the end for her theater. No one liked the leading man, but Ellie needs to find out who of a host of possibilities murdered him. She is assisted by her childhood friend Bill who is now the Chief of Police. They are pretty much on their own because Bill left the State Police after exposing a scam and many of the investigators there are holding a grudge.
As Ellie and Bill look into Reginald Thornton IV's life, they find that he had many enemies and a lot of them are working on the theater's current production Murder in a Teacup. The director, who is dying of cancer, was being blackmailed by Thornton. The lead actress had been assaulted by him and was being harassed by him. Thornton had argued and belittled most of the cast and crew of the production.
Meanwhile, Ellie and Bill are dealing with other problems too. Bill's wife is jealous of his relationship with Ellie who was his sister's best friend. And Ellie and her husband are having some marital problems relating to their desire to have a child which adds more pressure to Ellie.
This was an entertaining story with interesting characters. I don't think I've ever read a story where the main character had Tourette's and appreciated the way the author included details of that syndrome.
When the star of her latest production dies in the final act, she fears that will be the end for her theater. No one liked the leading man, but Ellie needs to find out who of a host of possibilities murdered him. She is assisted by her childhood friend Bill who is now the Chief of Police. They are pretty much on their own because Bill left the State Police after exposing a scam and many of the investigators there are holding a grudge.
As Ellie and Bill look into Reginald Thornton IV's life, they find that he had many enemies and a lot of them are working on the theater's current production Murder in a Teacup. The director, who is dying of cancer, was being blackmailed by Thornton. The lead actress had been assaulted by him and was being harassed by him. Thornton had argued and belittled most of the cast and crew of the production.
Meanwhile, Ellie and Bill are dealing with other problems too. Bill's wife is jealous of his relationship with Ellie who was his sister's best friend. And Ellie and her husband are having some marital problems relating to their desire to have a child which adds more pressure to Ellie.
This was an entertaining story with interesting characters. I don't think I've ever read a story where the main character had Tourette's and appreciated the way the author included details of that syndrome.
June 2, 2025
Scott Lyerly gives readers authenticity in many forms in The Last Line. Protagonist Ellie Marlowe owns small town Kaleidoscope theater. She is tenacious as any theater owner must be, but her tenacity became so obsessive during her non-profit career in New York City that she and her very devoted husband had to retrench to Avalon, Massachusetts, her hometown. Ellie has Tourette syndrome, but this has not inhibited her popularity with neighbors, Kaleidoscope's cast and crew, and childhood friend Bill Starlin who is now Avalon's chief of police.
The stage is set. Literally. The premiere of Kaleidoscope's production of Murder in a Teacup ends with the lead collapsing just before the curtain call. That lead, Reginald Thornton IV, was more than a pompous ass. Cruel and manipulative, readers know he has alienated the cast, crew, family and former associates before Ellie and Bill realize it.
Lyerly gives readers lots of suspects and several red herrings. He also uses Massachusetts' sprinkling of fiercely independent villages and towns superbly. Five stars for this debut, which I hope will have several sequels.
The stage is set. Literally. The premiere of Kaleidoscope's production of Murder in a Teacup ends with the lead collapsing just before the curtain call. That lead, Reginald Thornton IV, was more than a pompous ass. Cruel and manipulative, readers know he has alienated the cast, crew, family and former associates before Ellie and Bill realize it.
Lyerly gives readers lots of suspects and several red herrings. He also uses Massachusetts' sprinkling of fiercely independent villages and towns superbly. Five stars for this debut, which I hope will have several sequels.
March 25, 2024
The Last Line is about a theater owner named Ellie and a a death of one of her actors that happened at one of her productions. When the death is considered a heart attack, she sets off to figure out what really happened with the help of her police chief friend Bill.
I liked the story and it wrapped up well with the epilogue. It was nice to have a main character be neurodiverse. I found the main characters likable and some of the supporting cast likable too.
It would have been nice to see more perspectives than just the two main characters to understand what the others might’ve been thinking as suspects. For me there wasn’t really a much of a mystery aspect to it, besides the death and trying to figure out who did it. I think that it could have a little more mystery to it.
If you like books with a lighter mystery to it and neurodiverse characters, I think this book could be for you.
I liked the story and it wrapped up well with the epilogue. It was nice to have a main character be neurodiverse. I found the main characters likable and some of the supporting cast likable too.
It would have been nice to see more perspectives than just the two main characters to understand what the others might’ve been thinking as suspects. For me there wasn’t really a much of a mystery aspect to it, besides the death and trying to figure out who did it. I think that it could have a little more mystery to it.
If you like books with a lighter mystery to it and neurodiverse characters, I think this book could be for you.
July 4, 2024
This dark theatre cozy is set in Avalon, Massachusetts, in the tiny Kaleidoscope Theater. Theater owner and producer Ellie Marlowe, our main character, is opening a solid sounding show titled Murder in a Teacup. The attendance numbers look good and the show looks to be a success, with just one problem: the leading man is not a nice guy. In the first few scenes, in encounter after encounter, the reader is shown (not told) of the man’s arrogant, demeaning, and downright rude behavior to basically all other humans in his orbit. Since this is a murder mystery, he is quickly dispatched, though the question remains: did he simply have a heart attack? Again, this is a murder mystery.
Ellie is a wonderfully drawn character, who happens to have Tourette’s. While she doesn’t have the type that causes reflexive swearing, her Tourettes takes the form of blinking, nodding and grunting, especially when she’s tense. I was interested in the author’s choice here and even more interested in that not only was Ellie quite matter of fact about her condition, so was everyone around her. When I checked, I found the author had the same syndrome, and the simple authenticity he brings to his portrayal of Ellie is an extremely strong element of her character.
While this is an unusual trait, there’s much more to Ellie. She loves her theatre, for one thing, and because one of her theatre family has died on her watch, she’s determined to get to the bottom of things. Her partner in crime, so to speak, is her old family friend, Bill, now the Avalon police chief, who is being squeezed out of the death investigation. He used to be in the State police but exposed some corruption there and made his way to Avalon. The Staties taking over the case are full of resentment and dismissive of his suggestions, though allowing him to conduct some interviews if he feels the need to do so. He feels the need, and he and Ellie set out to sleuth.
Both are married to others and while they have a strong bond, it’s one of friendship; both of them had loved Ellie’s sister, who died in a drowning accident many years before. The shared trauma (and love for the same person) has created a powerful and lasting friendship. While Ellie’s husband fears she’ll become overly involved in the investigation, it’s refreshing to see that she listens to him, and does pay attention to both her marriage and her job. Among other things, she has to replace her leading man.
While this is a book I would consider a cozy, with a classic murder-in-the-theatre set up – a plot type that has a long, long history in mystery fiction - many of the issues uncovered in the course of Ellie and Bill’s investigation are not so cozy. There’s also the very serious and advanced cancer of the play’s director. She’s a pivotal witness, as she’s known many of the players in the drama for decades.
That said, I liked Ellie and Bill’s fairly drama free collaboration and their intelligent investigation of the, ultimately, crimes (plural) in the novel. I liked Ellie herself and I thought newbie Lyerly has a good way with all the side bar characters, the characters that bring a book to life in so many ways. I was interested in all of them. The story is well paced and well told, and in cozy fashion, the ending provides justice and a bit of hope for the main players in the drama. Order is restored, as it must be in a true cozy. This is a lovely debut.
Ellie is a wonderfully drawn character, who happens to have Tourette’s. While she doesn’t have the type that causes reflexive swearing, her Tourettes takes the form of blinking, nodding and grunting, especially when she’s tense. I was interested in the author’s choice here and even more interested in that not only was Ellie quite matter of fact about her condition, so was everyone around her. When I checked, I found the author had the same syndrome, and the simple authenticity he brings to his portrayal of Ellie is an extremely strong element of her character.
While this is an unusual trait, there’s much more to Ellie. She loves her theatre, for one thing, and because one of her theatre family has died on her watch, she’s determined to get to the bottom of things. Her partner in crime, so to speak, is her old family friend, Bill, now the Avalon police chief, who is being squeezed out of the death investigation. He used to be in the State police but exposed some corruption there and made his way to Avalon. The Staties taking over the case are full of resentment and dismissive of his suggestions, though allowing him to conduct some interviews if he feels the need to do so. He feels the need, and he and Ellie set out to sleuth.
Both are married to others and while they have a strong bond, it’s one of friendship; both of them had loved Ellie’s sister, who died in a drowning accident many years before. The shared trauma (and love for the same person) has created a powerful and lasting friendship. While Ellie’s husband fears she’ll become overly involved in the investigation, it’s refreshing to see that she listens to him, and does pay attention to both her marriage and her job. Among other things, she has to replace her leading man.
While this is a book I would consider a cozy, with a classic murder-in-the-theatre set up – a plot type that has a long, long history in mystery fiction - many of the issues uncovered in the course of Ellie and Bill’s investigation are not so cozy. There’s also the very serious and advanced cancer of the play’s director. She’s a pivotal witness, as she’s known many of the players in the drama for decades.
That said, I liked Ellie and Bill’s fairly drama free collaboration and their intelligent investigation of the, ultimately, crimes (plural) in the novel. I liked Ellie herself and I thought newbie Lyerly has a good way with all the side bar characters, the characters that bring a book to life in so many ways. I was interested in all of them. The story is well paced and well told, and in cozy fashion, the ending provides justice and a bit of hope for the main players in the drama. Order is restored, as it must be in a true cozy. This is a lovely debut.
August 15, 2025
The latest production at the theater Ellie Marlow owns is Murder in a Teacup. Unfortunately, the lead is Reginald Thornton IV, who seems to be going out of his way to alienate everyone. His character is supposed to die as part of the play, but opening night, he really dies. While the state detectives are quick to judge it natural, something doesn’t sit right with Ellie. Can she figure out what happened?
I picked this book up expecting a cozy, but it quickly became evident this is a bit more of a traditional than a lighter cozy. As long as you know this going in, you should be fine. The mystery is good, and I was fooled until the end. Ellie has Tourette’s, something that overwhelms at times and proves to be a distraction. On the whole, I did love her character and the co-lead as well, as well as how their marriages were shown. The story is told from several points of view, but at times, we have some head hopping. This feels like a standalone instead of a series opener, but if we get a sequel, I’d be interested in revisiting the characters.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I picked this book up expecting a cozy, but it quickly became evident this is a bit more of a traditional than a lighter cozy. As long as you know this going in, you should be fine. The mystery is good, and I was fooled until the end. Ellie has Tourette’s, something that overwhelms at times and proves to be a distraction. On the whole, I did love her character and the co-lead as well, as well as how their marriages were shown. The story is told from several points of view, but at times, we have some head hopping. This feels like a standalone instead of a series opener, but if we get a sequel, I’d be interested in revisiting the characters.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 11, 2026
A clever, heartfelt, and utterly captivating mystery with a truly refreshing protagonist. Scott Lyerly’s The Last Line delivers everything a great whodunit should a clever plot, a closed circle of suspects, and delightful small town charm while giving us something even more special: Ellie Marlowe.
Ellie isn't your typical amateur sleuth. As a theater manager living with Tourette’s syndrome, she brings a unique perspective, resilience, and wit to every page. Her determination to save her theater and solve the murder of her insufferable leading man makes her not just relatable, but truly inspiring. Lyerly writes Ellie with such authenticity and warmth that you root for her from the very first scene.
With a well-paced plot, charming chemistry between Ellie and police chief Bill, and a backstage full of secrets, The Last Line is a must read for fans of cozy mysteries with depth, diversity, and heart. Engaging, empathetic, and thoroughly entertaining this is a show you won’t want to miss. Bravo!
Ellie isn't your typical amateur sleuth. As a theater manager living with Tourette’s syndrome, she brings a unique perspective, resilience, and wit to every page. Her determination to save her theater and solve the murder of her insufferable leading man makes her not just relatable, but truly inspiring. Lyerly writes Ellie with such authenticity and warmth that you root for her from the very first scene.
With a well-paced plot, charming chemistry between Ellie and police chief Bill, and a backstage full of secrets, The Last Line is a must read for fans of cozy mysteries with depth, diversity, and heart. Engaging, empathetic, and thoroughly entertaining this is a show you won’t want to miss. Bravo!
July 12, 2024
An interesting start to what could be a new series that walks the line between cozy and a little darker. Thematically, it's cozy-with Ellie having returned home to open a community theater only to have one of Reginald, one of the key players murdered, a murder she works with her old pal Bill, now the chief of police to solve. And like a cozy, more than one person disliked the victim but for far more heinous reasons than usual. Add in that there isn't a romance between Ellie and Bill-both of whom are married to other people and indeed have some issues in their marriages-and you've walked into a story that's more serious. I liked the characters, the story was twisty enough and then there's the fact that Ellie is neurodiverse. Lylerly incorporates Ellie's Tourette's seamlessly and makes it an aspect of and not the sum of her being. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
September 1, 2024
3.5 stars - This was an interesting mystery with a few unexpected twists and turns, and with a killer, that I wasn't expecting it to be. I felt like something was missing, though. I did enjoy the setting and the nod to Agatha Christie's novels, and that the book featured a female main character with Tourette Syndrome, but still something was missing. I'm not sure what, but it held me back from liking the book even more. I appreciated the small town theater vibe and all the interesting characters in the book. I was happy that each of the main characters had separate marriages and that there was no romance involved. Their friendship made the book even better. (I received a free ARC from the author)
November 20, 2025
I love a book set in the world of community theater, as my daughter is really involved in that. Ellie, the main character and owner of Kaleidoscope Theater, is close to financial ruin, and she needs her latest production to be successful. So the mysterious death of the leading man, Reginald Thornton IV, is not ideal. Love the characterization of this jerk. He's one of those narcissists who makes everyone else miserable. Even though Ellie is not too sorry he's dead, she's afraid she'll lose everything now, and her struggles make her really relatable.
I loved the characterization of the cast of characters from the theater. The mystery unfolds in surprising ways (great twists) and the conclusion is completely satisfying. A five-star read for me. I'm looking forward to the next book!
I loved the characterization of the cast of characters from the theater. The mystery unfolds in surprising ways (great twists) and the conclusion is completely satisfying. A five-star read for me. I'm looking forward to the next book!
July 12, 2025
Ellie owns a small community theater, but the current production--which she hopes will save the theater financially--is the most contentious she's put on, largely due to the leading man, who has antagonized the rest of the cast. When the play ends with his death on stage, Ellie and her friend, the local police chief, suspect foul play, but the State Police refuse to investigate. Cue Ellie interviewing the cast and crew! Like the author, Ellie has Tourette's Syndrome, which adds another layer of difficulty to her life. This is an accomplished and enjoyable first novel, perhaps with too many plot lines, but it keeps the reader in suspense about who the culprit is.
October 18, 2024
Well if you are big on community theater, then this might be your favorite book this year.
Play is opening and the main actor dies during the final act! HOW REALISTIC!!!
The cause of death seems questionable, but nobody is really interested except the theater manager and her best friend, the Chief of police. The state police, not so much..
It is a bit out there for police procedures, but I read it for fun and enjoyment, not procedures. But it was cute enough.
3.5 stars
Happy Reading!
May 3, 2025
First time ever seing Tourette Syndrome rep so was highly intrigued - cant say much about the quality of the portrayal but it was interesting
Appreciated the short chapter style that made it fast and easy to read but i did found the mystery to be a bit boring and i had a hard time understanding Eli’s motivations (at the beginning.
So many side « plots » felt very out of place when in context like the main character unfertility ?? And Eli and the detective’s relationship (both of them had a « what if » internal monologue) when they were both married
Appreciated the short chapter style that made it fast and easy to read but i did found the mystery to be a bit boring and i had a hard time understanding Eli’s motivations (at the beginning.
So many side « plots » felt very out of place when in context like the main character unfertility ?? And Eli and the detective’s relationship (both of them had a « what if » internal monologue) when they were both married
May 28, 2024
This book was just ok. I didn't love it, but I also didn't hate it. I didn't find the characters to be particularly exciting or sympathetic, and I struggled to get into the book. I did finish, and I found the solution to the mystery to be ok enough that I don't feel like I wasted my life finishing, but I don't think I would have missed out on anything if I didn't pick this book up.
I received an advanced copy of this book from netgalley. Opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book from netgalley. Opinions are my own.
August 20, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author kept me guessing until the very end, when I was convinced whodunit and was completely wrong :) I love the small town setting and cast of characters (loved the nosy neighbor, very New England!) I would love to see more stories set in Avalon and hear about Ned's Diner :D
P.S. Love Phelps' collection and his line - "Cause we're not buddies, and we don't live together."
(im)patiently waiting for book 2.
P.S. Love Phelps' collection and his line - "Cause we're not buddies, and we don't live together."
(im)patiently waiting for book 2.
August 30, 2024
This was a great mystery and a fun read overall. Great pacing, definitely a page turner. A good mix of characters with complex relationships, enough to keep you guessing until the final pages without being confusing. The community theater setting added some fun and unique details, and the two main characters trade off with different but complimentary voices. Really well written and compelling, whether you're a seasoned mystery reader or just dabbling in the genre.
October 26, 2024
A cozy mystery with just the right amount of grit. Mr. Lyerly nails the small-town setting and I suspect he gets the community theater world just right as well. The characters are interesting, the mystery is twisty, and the ending is satisfying. I especially liked the relationship between the two main characters—platonic, but grounded in shared tragedy. Recommended as a fast read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
November 7, 2024
A very cliché premise - egotistical bully is lead actor in a small town community play and does on stage. Everyone hates him and has ac reason to kill book. Could easily be an episode of Murder She Wrote.
But I liked the characters and the story was well plotted. I kind of guessed the killer but I wouldn’t say it was obvious - I just read too many mysteries.
I would read more of this author.
3.5 stars
But I liked the characters and the story was well plotted. I kind of guessed the killer but I wouldn’t say it was obvious - I just read too many mysteries.
I would read more of this author.
3.5 stars
December 8, 2024
A fast and nice little read; the plot trotted on at a good pace, and I felt myself compelled to sit and keep reading. The author did a good job of fleshing out a varied cast of characters (except, of course, the final perp), but unfortunately many of them were forgotten by mid-book. Small town murder kind of plot, nothing extravagant and ended quite neatly to be honest. Didn't have any expectations going in, so no major complaints. I liked reading it.
June 18, 2025
2.75 stars
I was ready to give this a three, but sadly I couldn’t. The amount of sobbing everyone did was way too much, and this reaction from the numerous characters who performed it, didn’t feel proportional to why they were crying most of the time.
Some parts were written in a way that I think was supposed to be cinematic, but just felt cheesy.
The mystery itself was kind of a no brainer.
I think someone who is new to mysteries could find this enjoyable!
I was ready to give this a three, but sadly I couldn’t. The amount of sobbing everyone did was way too much, and this reaction from the numerous characters who performed it, didn’t feel proportional to why they were crying most of the time.
Some parts were written in a way that I think was supposed to be cinematic, but just felt cheesy.
The mystery itself was kind of a no brainer.
I think someone who is new to mysteries could find this enjoyable!
August 22, 2024
The Last Line by Scott Lyerly is an engaging mystery, with plenty of suspects and characters you love and a few you love to hate. As you learn more and more, you are pulled in and cannot help by try to solve this puzzle. Did I solve it? I have to say YES. (That’s MY story and I’m sticking to it).
September 21, 2024
The mystery and suspicion was so amazing! I wanted more and more every page I read. I didn’t expect this book to be so good but yet my eyes were glued!
From start to finish it left nothing but surprise and suspicion. I loved how this author wrote and kept the mystery alive till the very last page!
From start to finish it left nothing but surprise and suspicion. I loved how this author wrote and kept the mystery alive till the very last page!
abandoned
July 26, 2024Had to abandon the audiobook version of this book since the "reader" was exactly that. You can really tell the difference between someone performs a narration and one who just reads the words on the page.
August 6, 2024
A multilayered, well plotted and gripping mystery that I enjoyed. It's a sort of dark cozy and I loved Ellie and the sheriff.
The plot is solid, surpring and it kept me guessing.
Well done.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The plot is solid, surpring and it kept me guessing.
Well done.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 21, 2024
Nice mystery with a number of good hooks and an immensely sympathetic protagonist who gets the job done solving the crime (even if she did what they all do - confront the suspect alone...) Good start to a promising series.
August 2, 2024
Sequel, please!!!!!
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