Last One To Lie

'The Family' Psychological Thriller Trilogy #3

by Jack Stainton

Fear and dread fill Matt Walker’s veins as he returns to his West London apartment. He promised himself things would be different this time, yet here he was again - haunted by the same demons and sins of his past.

Before long, Lisa and baby George join him in the idyllic village they so hoped would be their fresh start. But all is not as it seems; shadows lurk behind closed doors and Matt is convinced he is being watched.

Then Lisa makes a discovery which throws her life into turmoil, her world spinning out of control. Little does she know how far-reaching its consequences will be.

Hannah and Tom Wells, the local neighbourhood watch co-ordinators, were supposed to be their saviours, but it soon becomes clear that danger lurks in their friendly welcome - could their deepest fears be coming true?

And to their horror, the family they thought they had escaped appeared to be coming back into their lives…

Did they ever really leave?

Read ‘LAST ONE TO LIE’ Now! The final gripping part of 'The Family' Psychological Thriller Trilogy

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2023

About the author

Jack Stainton is a writer of everyday psychological thrillers. Stories which could happen to anybody at any time.

After thirty years working as a professional consultant, he has now put pen to paper to realise a lifetime ambition.

His debut novel, ‘A GUEST TO DIE FOR’ was released in September 2020.
The second novel, 'YOU'RE FAMILY NOW' is available now in eBook and print.

Jack loves to hear from readers and always responds. Contact him directly in any of the following ways:

Email: info@jackstainton.com
Twitter: @jack_stainton
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jackstaintonbooks

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t completely thrilled by the end of this series, so many characters were introduced throughout the three books it was hard to see the plot through the chaos. Much of this book is just the inner monologue of Lisa or Matt. There’s so little police involvement it’s hard to believe, given all of the murder happening. The ending wasn’t wrapped up in a pretty bow for me. If Amelia was George’s mother, why was Lisa locked in the shed to begin with? Why is there no actual conclusion to that? Also, hard to believe that the neighbor was so obsessed with Lisa he would commit multiple murders just to sleep with her. Then for her to just end up killing everyone and running off with some girl??? Also much of this book was repeating pages worth of storyline from the previous books. It’s safe to assume if someone is reading this one, they’ve read the previous two. So why reprint, word for word, whole scenes? This was a page turner and I did blow through the book because I was so eager to find answers that just never came.

[Hannah Nowak · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 rounded down* Rounded down mostly because I wanted more from Katrina and explanation about why she was the was she was. I thought this wrapped up the series nicely and the final twists were good. Again, a few twists were obvious and this one was a little long, but overall an entertaining trilogy!

[Michelle McQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it but perhaps too many unbelievable twists and turns in the series of books

[ms jane etheridge · Rating 1 out of 5]

Typos, tense changes (sometimes mid-sentence) and highly unbelievable plot made for uncomfortable reading I'm afraid. I read the first in the series and wanted to find out what happened next. Sadly the second book wasn't anywhere near as good as the first but, by then, I was invested and felt I had to finish the set. Hoping for the best I was very disappointed. Could have been great but it wasn't..... Such poor proof reading. It constantly amazes me how so many errors get through.

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A year after Matt and Lisa escape the family, they move back to the little village they first met, knowing that most of the family are in prison and Amelia has disappeared. Lisa wants them to be a happy family with their son George, but pretty soon she realises that Matt is up to his old games. Once a cheat, always a cheat after all. Only this time, she has her new friends to help her deal with Matts lies.

This was a great ending to the trilogy and it perfectly wrapped everything up. Nothing was left unanswered, which is always a bonus when reading a series. There were some great twists, although I figured some of them out. That final twist made me question everything I'd read in all three books. I do love unreliable narrators. Definitely a must read series.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic series!

I've Raul sad all three books and they are fantastic! Matt married into the crazy family home of his wife, Amelia. This conclusion is perfect since the only person left at the end is a formerly minor character from book 1.

[Rhonda Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being this was a trilogy I had to read and finish the last book. I felt like it was pretty predictable and I was fast becoming annoyed with how stupid the main character, Matt, was to keep going back. Fast read but I just wanted it to be over.

[Samantha Spence · Rating 2 out of 5]

The one and only reason this book is getting more than one star is simply due to the fact that the other two in the trilogy weren’t quite so terrible.

Did it have twists? Yes. Did it keep you guessing? Absolutely. Did I care by the time I was 1/4 of the way through this book how it ended? Not in the slightest. All I wanted were some plot points to finally click and they did not.

The first book in the series I feel personally could have been faster paced but I did still get through really quick and was desperate to know what creepy voodoo black magic shit was going on with that family. It definitely made me look forward to reading book two, which I actually thought was better. But by book three, there’s still a good few things I really wanted concluded and tied up with a pretty little bow that just weren’t? It’s not really a twist that Lisa hates that family and wants them dead so I also thought that was pretty fucking lazy. It maybe would have landed better too if this wasn’t split into dual POV and you weren’t inside Lisa’s head half the time with her inner monologue as it then contradicts itself a bit too.

And WHAT was the deal with Katrina??? I was hoping for something bordering more on paranormal based on all the spooky dookie descriptions of her and then just nothing?! All the foreboding about her spine chilling appearance, mannerisms, the way she creeped about… I really thought the “personality disorder” would have been a cover up for something much more sinister and would have certainly enjoyed it more if it had been. Maybe it’s because I read a lot of fantasy and horror novels I expected something more supernatural and it’s just me, but I was so disappointed in the endings for pretty much every character.

Also the books are meant to be “the family” trilogy and by the last book they weren’t really involved much at all… they were mentioned, obviously, but I felt they were more of an afterthought to ensure the series kept going. This series should have been two books and the unnecessary introductions of characters throughout, one of which is actually who then end up being the one who kills this untouchable family just because he’s got the hots for his neighbour??? Nah I’m not buying it. I’ve not hated the ending of something this much in a really long time, almost to the point I’m annoyed for wasting my time reading these at all.

There are hundreds of better concluded twisty thrillers out there that mean you shouldn’t have to waste your time on these… UGH

[Jim Stennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe more of a 3.5 or 3.75 star review. If you’ve read the first 2 you need to read this one to finish the tale. This one is a bit of a slow burn until the last 100 pages when it takes off. The end has good twists and turns - some you can see coming, others not so much. I’m not thrilled with the ending; I think somethings are just swept under the “cops are happy so they don’t ask questions” rug, but it’s a very entertaining read. And yes, you scream at all the characters especially the protagonist “Are you a moron?!” throughout the series especially this entry, but it moves the plot along.

[Karen T Churchill · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are some stories that should know when to end, and for me book 3 was one too many.
The book constantly regurgitated the previous 2 and then pulled in a contrived twist at the end.
Life is too short to read bad books but I stuck with it as I'd enjoyed books one and two.
Everyone is their own critic. Read for yourself and hopefully you will enjoy.
There's opening for a fourth but I won't be reading it.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Last One To Lie is the long awaited finale of Jack Stainton’s The Family trilogy. The author notes at the beginning that the books could be read in order, or each as a standalone novel; which I thought was very clever as it provided the widest readership base possible. It also gave me confidence early on, that not completing remembering the detail of books 1 and 2 would not be a hindrance. And I was proven correct as a seamless summary was interwoven into the first few chapters. However, I did feel that the reader may not experience the full emotional reaction based on the summary as opposed to reading the previous 2 books. My main emotion reading LOtL was frustration with Matt.

Protagonist Matt hasn’t developed at all throughout the series and in book 3 his actions frustratingly counteract everything he has been through, leaving me shouting at my kindle. By chapter 12, he deserves everything he gets. I was just hoping the author wasn’t about to go down the Stockholm Syndrome route. Yes, I was routing for the bad guys. All of them.

I thought I had this book all figured out, I had some theories about where it was going to go. But that twist at the end was *chef’s kiss*. The perfect ending to the trilogy. Well done Mr Stainton.

[Dianne McMahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Last a Perfect Ending to a Family Trilogy !

Excellent end to quite an edge of your seat psychological trilogy thriller.
Matt was a player in all three novels & in this third one,he was played himself.
Lisa,was the mother of his child ? & someone he thought he could trust explicitly, since he never believed she could or would hurt another soul.
You will certainly be glad,your not in this family,but will enjoy reading about all of them.
A great group of three books to read this summer.

[Jeanne Garringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! I thought the first book in the trilogy started out slow. I get it...Matt was obsessed with Amelia, but after you sort through all of this infatuation, things took off! I read where another reviewer said that she ended up not liking any other the characters, and I would agree with her. When an author can evoke such distaste for all the characters, but still craft a well-written story then it must be a success! Lots of twists and turns....I couldn't put the books in this trilogy down!

[Melissa Pickeral · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trilogy comprising "You’re Family Now," "Mother," and "The Last One To Lie" is exceptionally well-crafted. It's challenging to discern who among the characters is the most unstable, deceitful, or culpable, yet by the conclusion of "The Last One To Lie," it's clear that innocence is elusive and sanity is fragile. I'm eager to discover what lies ahead for Lisa and Sophie; perhaps a fourth installment in the series? Jack Stainton, with these novels, has undoubtedly secured a place among my favorite authors.

[Karen Troutner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping Trilogy!

This trilogy, "You're Family Now", "Mother", and "Last One to Lie" is so eerily well done that I read all three books in three days! Absolutely could not figure out which character was creepier, who was lying, who was actually innocent (if anyone). Wow. I'm almost relieved there isn't another book in this series, I don't think I could handle much more of these characters. But I will certainly keep reading any of Jack Stainton's books! What a writer!

[Tracy Silver]

I had no problem with the writing, but a ton of problem with how the story developed and he was inexplicably drawn back to people that did all that craziness and had some kind of ESP that was never explained… if they had turned out to be witches with mesmerizing enchantment powers… it would have made more sense. I read all the books just because I started it and I’m not a quitter. You know, like the character who absolutely WAS a quitter, but couldn’t quit that insane family.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Number three in the series. I really have come to dislike Matthew, as the main character. He has no self control. He lies to everyone, he cheats and he drinks to excess. The only thing he seems to care about is his son....or is he? I finished the 3 part series just to see if there was a explanation for all of the story. A lot of repetition and repeating of the previous two stories to bring the reader up to date. It didn't seem to make a difference.

[Helen Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a totally messed up read! Not sure I liked any of the characters by the end - but had liked Matt & Lisa in the first two books - they seemed to totally change. Was heading for 3 stars but the ending pushed it up to 4. Probably my least favourite of the three books but glad I could read them one after each other.

[Tina Faust · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good plot twist but story was too long. Started losing interest about 3/4 into book. Also, since the character named Francis is a girl, her name should have been spelled with an e (Frances), not an i. Francis is the spelling for a male name. And last, but not least...if I never hear or read the word "whilst" it couldn't be too soon!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling read with secrets lies and twists

Book 3 of this psychological thriller had me hooked again! More secrets more lies and more twists!
Jack Staintons imagination is just brilliant. The way this story concluded and how all the bits were all pieced together was just fantastic. There was so much I wasn’t expecting !
Absolutely brilliant read, all 3 of the books were.

[Sheryl Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just When You Think It Couldn't Get Any Better....WOW!

This is such an outstanding author. This is the 3 and last book of this series. I loved reading this plot to conclusion. The development of the characters grew in each book. And you will never see the end coming. Can't wait to read more by Jack Stainton.

[Micki Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last One To Lie is Book #3 in this series!

A year after getting away from Amelia’s family, Matthew finds himself pulled back into their world. Why would he put himself anywhere near that family again? This book has a lot of twists and turns and several questions are answered. The ending took a surprising turn! You will have to read to find out.

[Robin Ofsonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all 3 in 2 days

This story is about Matthew Walker. A man who does just enough to survive in life and love. That is until he meets Amelia and the Reid family. Then he becomes love struck and paranoid as strange events begin to take place.
OMG, read this trilogy from book one to book 3. It is awesome. The end will blow your mind.

[Manana Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last book of series wasn't as strong


First two books of series were very good, very interesting and thrilling, this book was same at the beginning but last part was confusing and and not so strong.
Overall rating is good.

[Louise Waldrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need sleep!!!!!

Ok, left me guessing at a few things. So much fun reading this trilogy. So I had whose baby George was wrong. Now I can get some sleep. Absolutely could not stop
Reading

[Marianne Dusold · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Trilogy, is probably one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read in a while. Three books that need to be read in order. Multiple crazy characters that all have secrets. But the final chapters of the third book bring it all together in a real twisty turn.

[Jan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowie !!!

I loved the twist at the end of this book that wrapped up questions about every member of this very crazy family!!!! And my hunch about their questionable neighbors proved right.

Great trilogy!!

[Denise J, Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uninterested

After having read book 1 and 2, I felt this book boring and convoluted. I did not enjoy the characters. However, after completing this book I did not suspect the killer and or the last few chapters. I'm glad I'm done reading this and can choose a new book

[Jo Woodcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was the last book of this trilogy and it didn't disappoint. Again all the characters had their twists in the storyline and you thought you had it worked out and then Jack throws another one in. Ive really enjoyed this series and looking forward to reading more of Jack Stainton Books

[Freda Eastabrook McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Trilogy

A shocking story begins in Volume 1 and it leaves you wanting to see how it ends. Had to read Book 3 to get the full..unbelievable story.
I was fooled up to the very end...very unusual for me.
Buy all 3 books so you don't miss a page of this terrific page turner!!