One Last Smile: The Governess, Book 2

The Governess #2

by Blake Pierce, Elizabeth Pease (Narrator)

In the lush, rolling hills of the Cotswolds, governess Mary Wilcox finds her latest the Carlton family. With wealth and elegance that could rival royalty, the Carltons are the epitome of modern aristocracy.

But beneath their polished exterior lies a tangle of silent grudges and family secrets.

And one of them may lead to murder.

Someone in this household harbors a sinister story, cloaked in aristocratic civility—a story that could turn her into the confidant of a troubled soul--or the next unsuspecting victim.

As Mary digs deeper, she encounters inexplicable occurrences that mirror her own sister's disappearance, causing her to question if she's uncovering truths--or falling prey to her own haunted psyche.

In a house full of masters and secrets, who can she truly trust?

ONE LAST SMILE (THE BOOK 2) is the second book in a long-anticipated new psychological thriller series by #1 bestseller and USA Today bestselling author Blake Pierce, whose bestseller The Perfect Wife (a free download) has received over 20,000 five star reviews.

Future books in the series are also available!

Audible Audio

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Blake Pierce is author of the bestselling RILEY PAGE mystery series, which includes seven books (and counting). Blake Pierce is also the author of the MACKENZIE WHITE mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); of the AVERY BLACK mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); and of the new KERI LOCKE mystery series.

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Blake loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.blakepierceauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

Reviews

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

One Last Smile turned out to be a decent commute audiobook. The story kept me interested enough to listen on the drive to and from work, but it never quite rose above "just okay" for me.

Mary, the governess, spends much of the book inserting herself into situations where common sense would suggest backing away slowly, all while repeatedly reminding herself that she is not a detective. Unfortunately, that realization never seems to stop her. I rolled my eyes more than once at her decisions.

The psychological thriller elements were engaging enough to keep me listening, and the pacing worked well in audiobook format, but it isn't one I'd go out of my way to recommend. Entertaining enough for a commute, forgettable enough that I won't be thinking about it a month from now. I will be picking up the next one in the series for my next few commutes.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary is back in England to tutor a 17 years old boy with a family that seems to be more receptive than that in her previous job. She's still being haunted by her actions in the past and discovers a mystery that she'll be determined to solve. A girl has disappeared after being seen leaving the house, is she dead? Was she kidnapped? Is the family involved? No stone will be left unturned and she'll find unexpected help to solve the case. Good plot, engaging, and easy to read. The book could've been better proofread.
I thank Ms. Pierce for this ARC.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting mystery

Mary with her inquisitive nature finds herself in the middle of suspense and tries to solve the murder of a young girl who reminds her of her missing sister. Getting involved in the family dynamics is necessary and she soon finds out who can be trusted or better yet how many cannot.
She plays her hand carefully knowing how dangerous her actions can make her the next victim.

[Debbie Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary's second governess job is to tutor a 17 year old in his final year of school before he goes to Oxford. There seems to be a mysterious disappearance of a young lady who was a neighbor. Mary knows she needs to let it go but because she let her sister's disappearance go so long ago she feels she has to find out what happened. Great read with a good plot.

[Brandy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book of this series and I love how the main character can not find a governess position that does not involve a previous crimes with in the home. Constantly telling herself to mind her own business like who are we kidding you about to do everything but your job. I am here for it. Maybe it’s the readers accent that makes funny. Over all a good read and a fun series to listen too.

[Rosie Cordier · Rating 1 out of 5]

action beaucoup trop lente à arriver, bizarrement pas fan de l’écriture, incompréhensible dans le sens où c’est censé être la “suite” de la gouvernante mais je n’y vois ni lien niveau histoire ni niveau plume ??

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

I didn’t dislike this book, but I also didn’t love it either, so middle of the road rating for me.

[Kimberly Blaha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I am still trying to figure out why I like this series. Everything is a bit overdone and far-fetched, but for some reason I get hooked anyway.