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The Last Thing You'll Hear - after this summer, nothing will ever be the same again
Have you ever been so obsessed with someone that you start to lose yourself? Wren and Lark are rivals first and sisters second, so when mysterious music producer, Adam, and his DJ prodigy, Spinner, come to their small town, the game is on to impress.
Lark is soon taken under Adam's wing, but as she's pulled deeper into his web, distancing herself from friends and family, Wren starts to suspect that there's a more sinister side to Adam. And when the sisters get a chance to perform at Enrapture the most talked-about festival of the summer, suddenly there is a lot to lose...
Can Wren put her own ambitions aside to save her sisters life?
One thing's for after this summer, nothing will ever be the same again.
A tense summer thriller perfect for those who like their festival season a little darker A modern Pied Piper meets Sleeping Beauty with Glastonbury vibes With themes of toxic masculinity, obsessive fandom and sibling rivalry, this is a rich and clever novel about deciding who and what to believe in Featuring a #friendstolovers romance between Wren and her best friend Danny, who is deaf Perfect for fans of Cynthia Murphy and Daisy Jones and the Six
"A stylish summer thriller. Fast paced, compulsive reading... A fabulous five stars." Sue Cunningham, author of Totally Deceased
"A deliciously disturbing and unique exploration of the power of music, sisterhood, and finding your voice (literally!)" Tess James-Mackey, author of You Wouldn't Catch Me Dead
Praise for Jan Dunning's debut novel, Mirror Me, winner of the Oxfordshire Children's Book Award 2024
"An original and layered fairy-tale thriller that explores the dark side of the fashion world - slick and entertaining." Ravena Guron, author of This Book Kills
"Fast-paced and accessible." Irish Times
Lark is soon taken under Adam's wing, but as she's pulled deeper into his web, distancing herself from friends and family, Wren starts to suspect that there's a more sinister side to Adam. And when the sisters get a chance to perform at Enrapture the most talked-about festival of the summer, suddenly there is a lot to lose...
Can Wren put her own ambitions aside to save her sisters life?
One thing's for after this summer, nothing will ever be the same again.
A tense summer thriller perfect for those who like their festival season a little darker A modern Pied Piper meets Sleeping Beauty with Glastonbury vibes With themes of toxic masculinity, obsessive fandom and sibling rivalry, this is a rich and clever novel about deciding who and what to believe in Featuring a #friendstolovers romance between Wren and her best friend Danny, who is deaf Perfect for fans of Cynthia Murphy and Daisy Jones and the Six
"A stylish summer thriller. Fast paced, compulsive reading... A fabulous five stars." Sue Cunningham, author of Totally Deceased
"A deliciously disturbing and unique exploration of the power of music, sisterhood, and finding your voice (literally!)" Tess James-Mackey, author of You Wouldn't Catch Me Dead
Praise for Jan Dunning's debut novel, Mirror Me, winner of the Oxfordshire Children's Book Award 2024
"An original and layered fairy-tale thriller that explores the dark side of the fashion world - slick and entertaining." Ravena Guron, author of This Book Kills
"Fast-paced and accessible." Irish Times
- GenresYoung Adult
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2024
4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 28, 2024
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
Wren and Lark’s sisterly relationship is non-existent. Wren is jealous of Lark’s natural singing talent and annoyed by her lack of drive to become a singer whereas Wren is a gifted musician and finding melodies and is actively chasing a music career. Wren is in love with her best friend Danny who is deaf, but she thinks he loves Lark which just adds more tension between the siblings.
When a local DJ prodigy called Spinner and Adam his mysterious Music Producer come into their lives, everything goes from bad to worse. Adam launches a music festival called Enrapture and asks Wren and Lark to audition. What follows is a dark and twisting series of events that leaves Wren and Danny reeling from what they uncover about Adam and the music for Enrapture. Lark becomes trapped in a trance like existence, changing herself into what Adam and Spinner want while they isolate her from her friends and family.
Adam creates an app that lulls the town into becoming obsessed with his music and attending Enrapture. What is Adam’s ulterior motive with sharing his music? As Danny and Wren try to expose Adam, Wren must decide if she is willing to risk her chance to debut at Enrapture to save Lark and possibly the entire town? Will Lark and Wren ever get a chance to settle their differences and have a future as sisters again?
This took a little time to get into as it was a slow start but once the plot starts to develop and the menacing/more creepier sides of Adam/Spinner and Enrapture start to appear I was totally hooked into the book. The tension and rivalry between Lark and Wren were emotional to read as it felt realistic and raw at times. I was intrigued by how powerful/charismatic people can consume and take over even the strongest of personalities and you can certainly see how cult leaders gather their flock by reading this book. I liked Danny and how his deafness was a trigger for him being immune from Adam’s grasp and a catalyst for Wren seeing the truth. Overall, it was a thrilling, disturbing but satisfying read.
Wren and Lark’s sisterly relationship is non-existent. Wren is jealous of Lark’s natural singing talent and annoyed by her lack of drive to become a singer whereas Wren is a gifted musician and finding melodies and is actively chasing a music career. Wren is in love with her best friend Danny who is deaf, but she thinks he loves Lark which just adds more tension between the siblings.
When a local DJ prodigy called Spinner and Adam his mysterious Music Producer come into their lives, everything goes from bad to worse. Adam launches a music festival called Enrapture and asks Wren and Lark to audition. What follows is a dark and twisting series of events that leaves Wren and Danny reeling from what they uncover about Adam and the music for Enrapture. Lark becomes trapped in a trance like existence, changing herself into what Adam and Spinner want while they isolate her from her friends and family.
Adam creates an app that lulls the town into becoming obsessed with his music and attending Enrapture. What is Adam’s ulterior motive with sharing his music? As Danny and Wren try to expose Adam, Wren must decide if she is willing to risk her chance to debut at Enrapture to save Lark and possibly the entire town? Will Lark and Wren ever get a chance to settle their differences and have a future as sisters again?
This took a little time to get into as it was a slow start but once the plot starts to develop and the menacing/more creepier sides of Adam/Spinner and Enrapture start to appear I was totally hooked into the book. The tension and rivalry between Lark and Wren were emotional to read as it felt realistic and raw at times. I was intrigued by how powerful/charismatic people can consume and take over even the strongest of personalities and you can certainly see how cult leaders gather their flock by reading this book. I liked Danny and how his deafness was a trigger for him being immune from Adam’s grasp and a catalyst for Wren seeing the truth. Overall, it was a thrilling, disturbing but satisfying read.
August 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this - if you like YA thrillers you'll love this
August 15, 2024
Firstly a huge thank you to @scholastic_uk
for an early copy of #thelastthingyoullhear and to @jandunningbooks - your writing is something else, and please know you're an auto buy author for me! Love you and your incredible work!
Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Meet Wren-a wannabe composer of music, and lifelong little sister, morose in the shadow of her older sibling, Lark.
When mysterious Spinner and Adam find their way to Wren and Lark's small town, suddenly Spinner's music is all anyone can talk about. Wren, like everyone else gets pulled into the mysterious sound of "Lullaby" but soon comes to see that something sinister might be at play, especially as it's effecting her sister the most.
This story takes the power of music to the next level. The concept is errie and haunting and dare I say, frightening believable. It gave me Invasion of the Body Snatcher feels alongside 90s tastic The Faculty.
The sibling dymamic is relatable and creates a strong story from the offset and I particularly enjoyed Wren's character ARC. The challenges she faces in the story will be very relatable for young people today.
Like Mirror Me, I loved the retelling element, whilst keeping contemporary and grounded in reality.
Danny was my hero, his part was executed in the absolute best way. I loved his character, he was real and had incredible depth. I loved how he represented balance in the complexities of sibling rivalry.
If you like a chilling tale with a side of creep, then this is your next winner. 💯 Highly recommend this read!
for an early copy of #thelastthingyoullhear and to @jandunningbooks - your writing is something else, and please know you're an auto buy author for me! Love you and your incredible work!
Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Meet Wren-a wannabe composer of music, and lifelong little sister, morose in the shadow of her older sibling, Lark.
When mysterious Spinner and Adam find their way to Wren and Lark's small town, suddenly Spinner's music is all anyone can talk about. Wren, like everyone else gets pulled into the mysterious sound of "Lullaby" but soon comes to see that something sinister might be at play, especially as it's effecting her sister the most.
This story takes the power of music to the next level. The concept is errie and haunting and dare I say, frightening believable. It gave me Invasion of the Body Snatcher feels alongside 90s tastic The Faculty.
The sibling dymamic is relatable and creates a strong story from the offset and I particularly enjoyed Wren's character ARC. The challenges she faces in the story will be very relatable for young people today.
Like Mirror Me, I loved the retelling element, whilst keeping contemporary and grounded in reality.
Danny was my hero, his part was executed in the absolute best way. I loved his character, he was real and had incredible depth. I loved how he represented balance in the complexities of sibling rivalry.
If you like a chilling tale with a side of creep, then this is your next winner. 💯 Highly recommend this read!
July 6, 2024
From the moment I read the notes… ’A tense summer thriller perfect for those who like their festival season a little darker’… ‘A modern Pied Piper meets Sleeping Beauty with Glastonbury vibes,’ I was ENRAPTURED!
The Last Thing You’ll Hear is a light YA thriller following Wren and Lark, rivals and sisters, and Wren’s best friend Danny as they, along with all of the young people of their town, become swept up in the build up to ENRAPTURE, the most talked about festival of the summer. Music producer Adam and his DJ prodigy, Spinner have everyone wrapped up, especially Lark. But when Lark seems to begin to lose herself and Danny senses danger, can Wren see past her own obsession and ambition to save her sister. The power of music is strong, but is the power of sisterhood and friendship stronger?
This was a fast paced and compulsive read! I couldn’t put it down, read it in a couple of sittings and found myself staying up far too late just to keep reading! I loved the side #friendstolovers storyline between Wren and Danny and also really liked the character of Danny and the detail that the author put into his storyline of being a deaf musician. I did see the twist coming but that did not deter from the build up to it!
Overall a deliciously disturbing story which brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, ‘lost in the music’!
The Last Thing You’ll Hear is a light YA thriller following Wren and Lark, rivals and sisters, and Wren’s best friend Danny as they, along with all of the young people of their town, become swept up in the build up to ENRAPTURE, the most talked about festival of the summer. Music producer Adam and his DJ prodigy, Spinner have everyone wrapped up, especially Lark. But when Lark seems to begin to lose herself and Danny senses danger, can Wren see past her own obsession and ambition to save her sister. The power of music is strong, but is the power of sisterhood and friendship stronger?
This was a fast paced and compulsive read! I couldn’t put it down, read it in a couple of sittings and found myself staying up far too late just to keep reading! I loved the side #friendstolovers storyline between Wren and Danny and also really liked the character of Danny and the detail that the author put into his storyline of being a deaf musician. I did see the twist coming but that did not deter from the build up to it!
Overall a deliciously disturbing story which brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, ‘lost in the music’!
July 22, 2024
This was a unique take on the thriller genre with music at centre stage.
Wren and Lark are super talented sisters who are constantly fighting and jealous of the other and when Spinner, a DJ and Adam, a music producer comes to town, they will do everything they can to get a spot in the music festival.
But not everything is as it seems as the music seems to be affecting people's brains and making them obsessed with the DJ Spinner. Wren and her best friend Danny discover that something isn't right and what ensues is a race against time to protect her sister and the whole town from Adam's sinister intentions.
This is a fast paced novel and I really enjoyed the fresh thriller vibes it provides as I wonder what is happening. There are a few twists and turns that further amp up the pressure and I love how music is used to create an intriguing plot that kept me interested.
Thanks to Scholastic for the arc and I leave this review voluntarily.
Wren and Lark are super talented sisters who are constantly fighting and jealous of the other and when Spinner, a DJ and Adam, a music producer comes to town, they will do everything they can to get a spot in the music festival.
But not everything is as it seems as the music seems to be affecting people's brains and making them obsessed with the DJ Spinner. Wren and her best friend Danny discover that something isn't right and what ensues is a race against time to protect her sister and the whole town from Adam's sinister intentions.
This is a fast paced novel and I really enjoyed the fresh thriller vibes it provides as I wonder what is happening. There are a few twists and turns that further amp up the pressure and I love how music is used to create an intriguing plot that kept me interested.
Thanks to Scholastic for the arc and I leave this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2024
Prepare to be enraptured!
Wren dreams of becoming a singer songwriter but feels trapped under the shadow of her perfect and super talented older sister, Lark. So when she has the opportunity to perform with her band on the emerging artists stage at the new festival, Enrapture she jumps at the chance. But things start to get weird. Her sister becomes infatuated with a young DJ and begins to act strangely, girls are going missing in the town and every one at school's obsessed with Enrapture.
Will Wren find her voice in all the noise or will she have to choose between saving her sister and realising her dreams?
Pacy and twisty, the story explores sibling rivalry, toxic masculinity and the power of music and will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It's the perfect summer read!
Wren dreams of becoming a singer songwriter but feels trapped under the shadow of her perfect and super talented older sister, Lark. So when she has the opportunity to perform with her band on the emerging artists stage at the new festival, Enrapture she jumps at the chance. But things start to get weird. Her sister becomes infatuated with a young DJ and begins to act strangely, girls are going missing in the town and every one at school's obsessed with Enrapture.
Will Wren find her voice in all the noise or will she have to choose between saving her sister and realising her dreams?
Pacy and twisty, the story explores sibling rivalry, toxic masculinity and the power of music and will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It's the perfect summer read!
March 25, 2025
Okay, I didn’T hate this book. I genuinely thought I was going to DNF this, because it tells like every other story that involves twins. Twin rivalry, blah blah blah, uptight sister, go with the flow sister. Same boring setting with a different plot. But no, this was….actually pretty much okay. Like I didn’t hate it. Like yeah sure, it played out like every other book with twins that is a thriller. I didn’t like the plot. I loved the setting. I didn’t like the romance mainly because Dunning didn’t write it in a sense that I think she decided to write the relationship last minute because those feelings seemed to came out of nowhere. So overall, an okay read. I wouldn’t recommend because it did not blow my mind but it was okay
April 27, 2024
A stylish summer thriller with sinister fairytale undertones, this is the perfect read for festival season.
Wren has always felt overshadowed by talented older sister Lark but their rivalry escalates out of control when charismatic DJ Spinner and his music producer mentor arrive in town. Local girls are going missing but all anyone can talk about is the upcoming Enrapture festival.
As the temperature soars, tempers flare when Wren and Lark compete for the opportunity to perform but Wren begins to suspect a hidden agenda to the DJ's interest in her sister.
Fast paced, compulsive reading with a clever original plot, this kept me turning pages into the early hours. A fabulous five stars.
Wren has always felt overshadowed by talented older sister Lark but their rivalry escalates out of control when charismatic DJ Spinner and his music producer mentor arrive in town. Local girls are going missing but all anyone can talk about is the upcoming Enrapture festival.
As the temperature soars, tempers flare when Wren and Lark compete for the opportunity to perform but Wren begins to suspect a hidden agenda to the DJ's interest in her sister.
Fast paced, compulsive reading with a clever original plot, this kept me turning pages into the early hours. A fabulous five stars.
September 11, 2024
I went into this blind, only really expecting a thriller, and what I got was a unique nearly dystopian storyline.
It's amazing how the plot was a festival that hypnotises teenagers and makes them lose their minds essentially, and I felt that way myself, reading this so fast and not wanting to put it down.
I have to say though, I was disappointed in the characters, I didn't like any of them, maybe only Danny. I found Wren to be whiney and didn't care for anyone.
I enjoyed the concept but also felt it fell flat and was rushed with little explanation at times.
Overall a really easy read, but it could've been executed better I think.
It's amazing how the plot was a festival that hypnotises teenagers and makes them lose their minds essentially, and I felt that way myself, reading this so fast and not wanting to put it down.
I have to say though, I was disappointed in the characters, I didn't like any of them, maybe only Danny. I found Wren to be whiney and didn't care for anyone.
I enjoyed the concept but also felt it fell flat and was rushed with little explanation at times.
Overall a really easy read, but it could've been executed better I think.
July 15, 2024
The story is set around music and two sisters who are rivals. When music producer Adam comes into their lives, both sisters are keen to impress him but who is he more interested in? the sister he chooses her life is about to change but will it be for the better or worse. A major gig is set for the sisters to perform at but can they reunite and put their grievances aside. I kind of felt as though I was at Glastonbury reading this story but it was a slightly dark thriller that set me on edge. You didn’t really trust anyone and I was suspicious of Adam. It was a good and well told story.
January 23, 2025
I loved everything about this book. It hooks you right from the first page. There's a menacing vibe running through it as we follow the story of Wren and Lark, two musical sisters vying for a chance to perform in a new festival. The rivalry between the two girls, and Wren's friendship with the lovely Danny feels very real and the tension builds as they become closer to the sinister Spinner and Adam.
It's pacy and twisty with characters you really care about - definitely one of those books you can sit down and read and not get up until you've finished.
Really recommend.
It's pacy and twisty with characters you really care about - definitely one of those books you can sit down and read and not get up until you've finished.
Really recommend.
April 30, 2024
Such a creepy cultish story with a clever musical murder mystery twist. Losing yourself in a melody has never been so dangerous! The obsessive fandom and immersive landscape which felt very familiar really dropped me deep into this fast-paced and very original story. Can't wait for more from Jan Dunning!
July 25, 2024
A modern mystery for young adults that also has a nostalgic edge and some great characters.
Comes with a playlist that enhances the read and also has a wonderful feel to it, that addictive quality that keeps you reading.
Overall very good. I was sorry to leave it behind but the playlist will definitely stay on my music feed.
Recommended.
Comes with a playlist that enhances the read and also has a wonderful feel to it, that addictive quality that keeps you reading.
Overall very good. I was sorry to leave it behind but the playlist will definitely stay on my music feed.
Recommended.
August 17, 2024
Contemporary story beautifully woven with fairytale references. Gave me Midsummer meets sleeping beauty vibes driven along by a pied piper style Svengali Excellent writing as expected after reading Jan Dunning’s first book ‘Mirror Me’
January 11, 2025
Great!!!! full of twists and turns to keep you guessing! There are a few unanswered questions and parts that are not needed but do not take away from the storey. A heartfelt chilling story about music and sisterhood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 26, 2024
An astoundingly powerful ballad of the roller-coaster of sisterhood with some fantasy thrown in to make it interesting
Read
October 8, 2024Was very intriguing and a real page turner
January 11, 2025
Beautiful
February 21, 2025
This book wasn’t what I was expecting I did enjoy it but felt it dragged on hence the 3 stars. If you like thrillers and YA this would be right up your street.
June 21, 2024
It took me a while to become fully immersed into the story, but once I had I binged it in one sitting. It certainly adds a whole new spin on 'Lost in Music' doesn't it?
I love a festival setting, I found it reminded me more of a 1960's festival ie Woodstock rather than a modern day one.
The sibling rivalry between the girls characters was real, relatable and came with the timely reminder that blood will always be thicker than water.
A moderately paced, modern day murder mystery that's not to be missed!
I love a festival setting, I found it reminded me more of a 1960's festival ie Woodstock rather than a modern day one.
The sibling rivalry between the girls characters was real, relatable and came with the timely reminder that blood will always be thicker than water.
A moderately paced, modern day murder mystery that's not to be missed!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews