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The Last Message #3
The Final Cipher
One last code. One final choice.
Rumours say Lionel Gage is dead. The truth is far more dangerous.
When Maya Dalton receives a mysterious thumb drive labelled ‘THE FINAL CIPHER,’ she and Alex are thrust back into the shadows of their past. The file is tied to ‘Nightfall,’ the off-books MI5 programme that trained Alex Rennie—and it reveals a chilling ‘Nightfall’ never ended. It evolved.
Their search leads to a forgotten Cold War island turned digital fortress, run by ‘The Architects,’ the hidden founders of global surveillance. And now, they’re ready to unleash OBSIDIAN, a sentient system that will control the world under the guise of security.
As a storm rages, Alex and Maya infiltrate the island, facing traps, betrayal, and a gut-wrenching destroy OBSIDIAN and risk global collapse, or let it live—and watch freedom die. But Maya has one last move.
A final patch. A fading signal. A system undone.
The truth gets out. But the cost is everything.
The Last Cipher is a heart-pounding conclusion about power, privacy, and the price of choice in a connected world.
Rumours say Lionel Gage is dead. The truth is far more dangerous.
When Maya Dalton receives a mysterious thumb drive labelled ‘THE FINAL CIPHER,’ she and Alex are thrust back into the shadows of their past. The file is tied to ‘Nightfall,’ the off-books MI5 programme that trained Alex Rennie—and it reveals a chilling ‘Nightfall’ never ended. It evolved.
Their search leads to a forgotten Cold War island turned digital fortress, run by ‘The Architects,’ the hidden founders of global surveillance. And now, they’re ready to unleash OBSIDIAN, a sentient system that will control the world under the guise of security.
As a storm rages, Alex and Maya infiltrate the island, facing traps, betrayal, and a gut-wrenching destroy OBSIDIAN and risk global collapse, or let it live—and watch freedom die. But Maya has one last move.
A final patch. A fading signal. A system undone.
The truth gets out. But the cost is everything.
The Last Cipher is a heart-pounding conclusion about power, privacy, and the price of choice in a connected world.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2025
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Bentley
54 books269 followersStephen Bentley is an award-winning author. Of his Operation Julie true crime book, screenwriter and novelist, writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama, Rob Gittins, said, "The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there.”
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 14, 2025
A Thrilling and Timely Finale to a Smart Spy Trilogy
The Final Cipher delivers a gripping and intelligent conclusion to Stephen Bentley’s Last Message Trilogy. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, the story thrusts Maya and Alex into a high-stakes battle against a sentient surveillance system that threatens global freedom. With strong characters, tense action, and timely themes of privacy and power, this final installment is both thrilling and deeply relevant. It is a satisfying end to a compelling series. Thank you to Stephen Bentley for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Final Cipher delivers a gripping and intelligent conclusion to Stephen Bentley’s Last Message Trilogy. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, the story thrusts Maya and Alex into a high-stakes battle against a sentient surveillance system that threatens global freedom. With strong characters, tense action, and timely themes of privacy and power, this final installment is both thrilling and deeply relevant. It is a satisfying end to a compelling series. Thank you to Stephen Bentley for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2025
Action packed , scary and once more the final instalment in this series packed a serious punch. So realistic in these days of ‘Big Brother’ and the erosion of our freedoms and privacy but with super talented people willing to go above and beyond, you root for all to end well. Shocking but exceptional ending which I definitely enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2025
The excitement starts from the very first page; and continues to mount - breathlessly. The world thrown into chaos. The sacrifices deep and painful. Until the final page when you can breathe again. Exceedingly good. Highly Recommended.
July 1, 2025
Audiobook: I was as entertained by this third book as I was by the first two books in the series. I applauded the actions of Alex and Maya as they worked to overcome almost impossible odds. I was on-the-edge of my seat as the story unfolded to its combustible ending. I liked that the story was contemporary and something that could come about in the not too distant future. I thought the digital voice narration by Archie G was clear and easy to follow. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
June 7, 2025
NO SPOILERS in this review, here's what you need to know: Great finale to an excellent trilogy...action packed with plenty of nail biting moments, a real page turner to say the least. Maya and Alex are like a hand-in-glove team, fast-paced and with an absolutely satisfying conclusion. If you haven't read the first two, go back and do that first; they are all relatively quick reads, and I think you'll agree, it's all tied up nicely and leaves the reader satisfied.
June 27, 2025
The Final Cipher, my twentieth read from author Stephen Bentley, an action-packed technothriller and the conclusion to The Last Message Trilogy . From the opening introduction you could tell this was going to be a nail-biter. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 27, 2025
A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. Interesting, pulse-pounding plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 31, 2025
Another winner by author Stephen Bentley, and a fabulous end to the trilogy. Alex and Maya finally faced the people who were behind the whole mystery, could relax, and get some much-needed sleep. A page-turner worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2025
Terrifying!
An eye opener and terrifying story of a global surveillance system. Gripping, fast paced and a book that makes one wonder about the future,
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
An eye opener and terrifying story of a global surveillance system. Gripping, fast paced and a book that makes one wonder about the future,
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
June 27, 2025
I enjoyed reading this final book of three. Although short in length the book had excellent characters and a good storyline. Plenty of action.
Stephen you have done it again producing an excellent book.
Stephen you have done it again producing an excellent book.
January 16, 2026
Audiobook review: Narration was done by AI and it was ok.
Story review: I liked the storyline. This is the third book of the series. It deals with a real threat in today's world.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Story review: I liked the storyline. This is the third book of the series. It deals with a real threat in today's world.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 15, 2025
This book was action packed. Maya and Alex race through a storm to get to a complex located on an island. They fight guards, face betrayal, and have to make tough decisions. Time stands still for no one, each second is precious, and tough decisions are made to teither stop the madness or let it run amuck and ruin many lives.
Alex has to be convinced that they are headed in the right path after meeting up with people who betrayed him. Will his decision be the right one? Only time that is too precious will tell.
This story made me wonder if technology the best thing that could have happened or does it contribute to sinister intentions. I’ll let you decide after reading this exciting book.
I would recommend this book to my family and friends.
Alex has to be convinced that they are headed in the right path after meeting up with people who betrayed him. Will his decision be the right one? Only time that is too precious will tell.
This story made me wonder if technology the best thing that could have happened or does it contribute to sinister intentions. I’ll let you decide after reading this exciting book.
I would recommend this book to my family and friends.
June 22, 2025
So, the last book in the trilogy. And it’s as good as the other two. Alex and Maya’s final effort, will they succeed or not. I liked it I have to say. Recommended read.
June 27, 2025
This was a good ending to this exciting series. The story is paced well with a good plot.
June 28, 2025
The Final Cipher is the final book in The Last Message trilogy. This book is a great ending to this set of cyber thrillers. I highly recommend this trilogy.
June 29, 2025
there is rarely a final anything in worlds of power, deceit and lies.
power struggles beyond repeat.
power struggles beyond repeat.
July 1, 2025
As always, Stephen Bentley has written a gripping and exciting story. I found the book to be both powerful and chilling, perfect for a hot summer night with all the lights on. Highly recommended!
August 3, 2025
Enjoyed the book and looking forward to more books soon and keep up the great writing. Thanks again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2025
A very tense chapter in this trilogy. Lots of twists, action galore, and continually elevating tension. An absolute must read about the dangers of uncontrolled AI.
June 29, 2025
Maya and Alex are still watching and being watched .Keeping ahead of the curve the swerve and the conspiracy stretched far . The fast paced danger and risk of their lives is all too real and they have lots of strife. It’s very edge of your seat cutting action this last in series round up but are they found and destroyed this network they’re hunting that’s haunting them . The danger is very real and they need to keep ahead as well as a cool head. Maya tracks the news real time and Alex the clues in the cipher ,the text ,the context ,the code . There’s no time to sleep or get bored. This is overload ,overlord even . It’s that sort of feel .It all feels very real and you believe it could happen as you read along with angst and dread. This investigative reporter and the computer code cracker . Who’s watching who and do they have an ally/allies or is he/she or they even playing both sides . There’s nowhere to run ,nowhere to hide . But woe betide anyone who stands in Maya’s way because she’s having a heck of a bad day! The type of things that can get one killed is what these people have honed their skills at . Staying alive ,ahead without sleep for their upkeep is stat. Brilliantly immersing and you’ll be cursing along while biting your tongue at this intense action packed cyber attack conspiracy feel book . The last in series round up,how will it all turn out? Read and find the conclusion…Forgive the intrusion but I just have to say ,as always with Stephen Bentley’s writing ,I was blown away. And the descriptors ,the visual imagery and the intense ,goosebump evoking smoking gun is A number one . Top of the heap and no sleep is what this book does . It’s sublime ,it’s cyber crime and it could be happening right now. Who would be there to stop such an event ? Makes you think this intense book does ,told with great eye for details and has guts ,meat and grips your attention so neatly and completely takes over your thought. Even has you overwrought and overwhelmed with emotion the storytelling is a compelling devotion. I was very much edge of my seat engaged in this whole series ,none such as this final book . I kept hoping for one outcome ,then another ,are they going to end up being enemies or lovers or not even acknowledge each other when the story hits The End I couldn’t comprehend my turmoil of emotions as I read lying in my bed. Well I wasn’t putting this book down for a minute ,all the immersive attention grabbing things in it ! No sir ,I was in for the long game . I needed to know how it would go. Was I sated ,satisfied with the outcome after my investment in this awesome series? Did it turn my thoughts a kilter ,or racing or even my heart embracing?Well I’ll tell you this ,I’m spent ,listless and in awe once more of Stephen Bentley’s brilliance again and again. And that telling information? You won’t get from me . I’ll refrain .You’ll just have to buy the books …sorry…. Jane
June 27, 2025
The final part of this exciting trilogy.
This short book follows the relentless pace of the previous books. Another strange, cryptic message prompts investigative journalist Maya Dalton and ex MI 5 agent ant white hat hacker Adam back into action against the unseen forces behind the AI system that is about to be unleashed onto this unsuspecting world.
The story is written almost in a series of notes rather than sentences in some parts, which enhances the tension that Stephen Bentley. has created this race against time against huge odds. Not everyone will like the format, but it worked for me.
This short book follows the relentless pace of the previous books. Another strange, cryptic message prompts investigative journalist Maya Dalton and ex MI 5 agent ant white hat hacker Adam back into action against the unseen forces behind the AI system that is about to be unleashed onto this unsuspecting world.
The story is written almost in a series of notes rather than sentences in some parts, which enhances the tension that Stephen Bentley. has created this race against time against huge odds. Not everyone will like the format, but it worked for me.
June 6, 2025
Maya and Alex are involved in a high profile case which is a dangerous journey for them . Full of suspense and fast-pace action which keeps you on the edge of your seat .I received this ARC copy which is a great conclusion to this series and I recommend this book to other readers .
May 15, 2025
I liked this book. It was a fast-paced read and the action started on page one.
July 4, 2025
Last in the series, short, sharp and sweet?
Fast paced cyber thriller that outshines most others that I've read before.
It's exciting, intriguing and dangerous.
Fast paced cyber thriller that outshines most others that I've read before.
It's exciting, intriguing and dangerous.
May 17, 2025
Book 3 in the trilogy finished and my only disappointment is that there's not going to be any more of these books.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews