The Last Celebrity: A Novel

by Madeleine Henry

A mysterious vigilante group hunts down celebrities in a ruthless effort to promote equality, in this harrowing thriller by the author of My Favorite Terrible Thing.

In front of a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden, a pop star is kidnapped by a new vigilante group called the Nomen. They leave behind a chilling manifesto leveled against the cult of celebrity, and the names of forty-nine other rising stars about to disappear forever. Bestselling author Fiona Hart is on the list.

One by one, targets vanish without a trace. Fiona can’t shake the feeling that her every move—on a public street or even in the privacy of her own apartment—is being watched. Though the world may be gripped by fear, Fiona refuses to let it destroy her. Then her friend, popular shoe designer Gwen Gordon, goes among the missing. And time is running out for Fiona.

As she unravels the Nomen’s true and twisted motivations, the last celebrity in hiding will risk anything to save herself and those she loves.

269 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 10, 2026

About the author

Madeleine Henry is the author of five novels, including Name Not Taken and My Favorite Terrible Thing. Her work has featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the New York Post, and Entertainment Weekly. She lives with her husband in New York, where she is at work on her next book. You can find her on Instagram @MadeleineHenryYoga.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published March 10, 2026.

1 star - DNF at 52%

Suspend disbelief, all ye who enter here, because this is a doozy, a decent idea that fails utterly in the execution.

Author Fiona Hart and her best friend Gwen Gordon, (perfect name for a superhero sidekick or girlfriend) are both put on a list of up and coming celebrities who are kidnapped by an anti-fame group called the Nomen (allow me to become famous while protesting fame? Please? Pretty please?). This all happens in ridiculous fashion and, naturally, our plucky heroine escapes along with a horror writer, Cole. Gwen is taken, of course. She’s the girlfriend/sidekick, people, there is no room for her in what is certain to be inst-love one of my least favorite tropes.

And, of course, these two writers decide they can just solve the case of these dozens of missing famous people, since they have absolutely no skills for doing soon and they come up with The Worst Plan Ever (patent pending.). Hey, Nomen? I wouldn’t bother with Fiona and Cole because they are so dumb they are surely going to blow themselves up or get sideswiped by a bus and save you the trouble. Their chance of finding you looks to be about negative 78%. Or, in fact, 100% but I didn’t get that far

Despite Cole ACTUALLY SAYING, “there are professionals out there, with every known tool, whose sole focus is to find that group. You and I are not among them,” these two go off skipping to solve the case and probably get to know each other over several pricey bottles of Pinot, I don’t know.

Since I made it more than halfway through it was clearly hard for me to cut the cord on this one but I’ve been trying to get better about doing that. As I said, in the right hands this might have gone somewhere mildly entertaining, but here it just lands with a flat floop in the mud. And you could see it all happening with the 318 plot holes in the first half. Cannot recommend this at all.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a binge worthy thriller that was hard to put down! I loved this book’s unique concept and fast pace. I liked following the main character, Fiona, in this story as she worked to figure out the Nomen’s plan and tried avoiding being the next celebrity victim. I found this book to be very interesting and it had some unexpected twists and turns. Overall this was a great, thrilling read.

Read this if you like:

📖 Fast pacing
📖 Unique concepts
📖 Found family

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.

[Amanda Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from page one.

The Last Celebrity is a gripping, immersive novel that kept me on edge the whole time. The story is rich with ideas about celebrities and their influence on society. The Nomen, the group who has set out for a "reckoning" with celebrity culture, were surprisingly philosophical. I found their manifesto really thought-provoking and immediately wanted to talk about it with someone to hear what they thought!

I was really invested in Fiona. The plot twists were unique and scarier than I expected, almost horror lite. Overall, it’s smart, engaging, and a worthwhile ride.

Recommend!

[Sacha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Here in contemporary society, everyone seems to be struggling in some way, though for the laypeople among us, it's sometimes harder to identify that struggle we experience in celebrities' lives. By documenting their first class travel adventures, high fashion extravaganzas, and constant displays of extreme wealth, this elite group of folks also shines a light on how much they have and how much others do not. It can be easy for some to focus more on those displays than the many horrors associated with this level of fame, and that hero worship is at the center of the creation of a dangerous cult: Nomen.

This novel centers on the interplay between Nomen and celebrities and the rest of us, and Fiona, a famous author, is the vehicle through which most of this action occurs. She's a likable character - at times too likable to be believable - which makes her an interesting connundrum: a thoughtful and empathetic celebrity. Can such a thing exist? The questions I asked myself while reading were at least as fun as the read itself.

I found myself really rooting for Fiona and growing more attached to some of the other characters throughout, but I also wanted more mystery and thrills overall. I'd be interested in reading more from this author based on this first experience, but I'll definitely hope for a little more in the surprise and twists department in the next one.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Little A for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group called the Nomen is railing against celebrity and fame. They created a list of fifty up-and-coming celebrities that they are going to make disappear. The media doesn’t do much about it at first, but then, stars on the list start being taken. Fiona is an author on the list who’s determined to keep herself and her close friend (also on the list) safe from danger.

I wanted to like the story more, but it just didn’t hold my interest. I couldn't care less about fame and celebrities, I don’t follow any of that or watch entertainment shows, so it really was not relevant to me. There was just too much about artists and their work and how important it is for society, etc. And the one big turning point early on in the plot just didn’t seem realistic. The fear for the people on the list seemed too dramatic - it’s not like they were being shot at by snipers and could die at any minute. That’s true terror for your life.

Maybe if there had been more mystery to it, more suspense, then it would have been more captivating. And you know who’s responsible for the crimes, so it’s just about will they be saved or not. They’re not going to die if it’s 50 of the so-called most important/influential celebrities because that would be a horror novel, which this isn’t.

I hope the author returns to her previous style of engaging mysteries, because I enjoyed her previous works. This one just wasn’t the same.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are enough levels to what is happening here that it's difficult to describe how...there were things that worked in an overall context which were less successful in specific ways? For example: Parts of this are predicated on celebrity not being a meritocracy and thusly having undue influence, but it's also extremely specific about the chosen celebrities all being artists in one way or another. While I can agree that art isn't always consumed soley for the sake of merit, I do feel that is a more common reason for consumption than it is with, say, influencer trends, or politicians, or those who attain notoriety for criminal behavior. There is quite a bit to unpack there before we even get into the mildly ironic and deeply cyclical nature of the plot.

I will say it has given me something to think about, so a whole extra star awarded for that.

[Red Bianchi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Despite being very excited about the premise, I am sorry to say that I truly did not like this book. The short version of the reason why is that it simply read like a first draft. In theory, the premise is good, but upon any closer inspection, the book is disjointed and underdeveloped. SPOILERS AHEAD!

The concept of the Nomen, for example, is logically unsound. If the Nomen’s goal is “a shift to talent over fame…" and “a Renaissance for lesser-known creatives” according to chapter 3, then why are they targeting newer or fringe celebrities? Don’t most people get famous because of their talent? Isn’t their talent what draws them into the spotlight? And wouldn’t focusing on talented new individuals make them, in turn, famous?

Here's an itemized list of other things I really did not like...
- Misplaced inner monologues of emotional reflection to try and force a connection between reader and narrator. I didn't like Fiona. She didn't feel relatable. She was too "imperfectly perfect;" like... her only flaws were caring too much and being too selfless. She also had a pseudo-religious view of her dead parents that really didn't sit well with me.
- There are a couple of places where the characters take one piece of evidence and jump to an insanely specific conclusion with no extra evidence leading them to that conclusion. I'll give two examples:
1. When Fiona and Gwen receive the invitations to the dinner, the only information on the invite was where to go, when to go, and what to wear. They received these invitations the day after (?) the Nomen released a list of celebrities that they were actively hunting. Gwen and Fiona were on that list. The invites did not say who was hosting the dinner. And you're telling me that Gwen, Fiona, and Logan ALL agreed that there was no way the invites were from the Nomen trying to round up the targeted celebrities? They were all three just certain that whoever anonymously organized the dinner was just trying to get everyone to make a plan against the Nomen? And not only did those three come to that conclusion and go to the dinner, but EVERY OTHER CELEBRITY ON THE LIST? Girl that does not logically add up. If I knew for a fact I was being hunted, I would not go to some anonymous dinner.
2. When Cole and Fiona realize that the Nomen had shot blanks, they immediately jumped to the conclusion that that means Tony was working with the Nomen and had struck up a deal. If I had discovered blank rounds, my mind would be drawn immediately to the Nomen's intentions; that they shot Tony to stun and not kill. I can see how I might be the dumb one here, but I don't think so.
- the dialogue all seems incredibly unrealistic. pseudo-emotional moments, heavy dramatic pauses, deep discussions about each other's personality traits at random times, etc... it gave me the ick.
- fiona randomly acting like she knows rex intimately? she instantly recognizes him even through the nomen disguise by his voice and body language? girl you've never met him be so for real.
- OKAY I LIKED THIS PART: Cole being the one who wrote Rotator, the founding text of the Nomen, was kind of incredible. well done.
- BUT... when he reveals that to the Nomen and their first reaction is to start fighting each other?? sorry what on God's green earth. Their first reaction should be confusion, maybe laying down arms, maybe even fighting against Rex for deceiving them. but each other? i do not get it.
- the idea that Rex coped with the loss of his parents by hating on famous people also makes no sense. like they didn't get murdered by the famous elite soooo what do you mean.
- lots of little moments where the sentence structure and grammar weren't correct. Example from the last chapter cause that's all I have energy for: "Heading back to my room, the hallway's crowded with police." You're using a gerund phrase to modify the hallway? The hallway is heading back to your room? Huh. Weird.

Thanks for the ARC but I simply have to be a hater for this one. Okay, I am done with this book. Goodbye.

[Jennifer Kleut · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most unique thrillers I've read in a long time, with a completely fresh premise that would also make a great movie.

Fiona Hart is a successful author - not mega-super-famous like TJR but successful enough that her books sell plenty of copies, get great reviews, and her oceanic fantasy series, The Redfins, is now a TV show. But most of the time, Fiona can walk the streets of her Manhattan neighborhood without being recognized.

This book reminded me so much of the TV show Mr. Robot in that, all of a sudden, one day, a group of vigilantes decide they've had enough of the world being run by "the famous elite," and they decide to rebel. They say they're tired of seeing the same 50 or so faces blasted all over TV and social media everyday, with society worshipping them like gods. They issue a public manifesto: if things don't change, they will take matters into their own hands and rid the world of celebrities.

They call themselves "The Nomen," which is Latin for "No Name," and wear all-white clothes with masks that have only two black dots for eyes and a big U for a smile.

One day, they kidnap one of the world's most famous pop stars in the middle of her concert in Madison Square Garden, and broadcast a hit list of 50 celebrities who they vow to take and punish as a message to all - fame is dead. Fiona's face is one of the 50.

In quick succession, two more celebrities from the list are kidnapped over the next few days - one of them being Fiona's best friend, shoe designer Gwen, who just found out she is pregnant. Fiona is determined to find her, save her, and take down The Nomen, whatever the cost.

This book was equal parts thought-provoking and heart-pounding, exploring themes like fame, found family, kindness, sacrifice, and public image, in between frightening action scenes.

I can easily see something like this happening in real life, and it's terrifying! When you don't know who to trust, the only person you can trust is yourself. The Nomen are everywhere and everyone, from your dry cleaner, to the police.

I highly recommend!

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I also had high hopes for this book and was also a bit disappointed with it.

The premise of this sounded like so much and I was so excited to read this. But I didn't find it as fascinating and gripping as it should've/could've been.

This follows a group of people (like an organization) who hate the idea of celebrity as a whole, so they have gathered a list of them (more up and coming than already super duper established) to take care of. If ya know what I mean. You follow the people on the list and kind of the whole situation.

I wanted a lot more suspense to this. I wanted it to be a thrilling thriller. But this story just sort of happened. It read as a bit monotone. Maybe it would come across better in a different format, like a movie. When I first read the premise of this book, my mind when to a celebrity version of Ready or Not or something like that.

I have heard great things about this author, so I will be reading some of her other stuff because I'm guessing that this book not hitting was a fluke.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Edens Book Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Celebrity drops you into a world where fame becomes a dangerous liability, and the tension of being watched, followed, and hunted shadows everything.

What I loved most is how boldly it explores the shifting nature of visibility-how public attention rises, reshapes, and sometimes fractures under pressure. The author makes you think about the expectations tied to fame…those placed on the people in the spotlight, and the ones the spotlight reflects back. She simply cracks open the tension between admiration and intrusion.

The concept drew me in right away and kept the pages moving. Even though some emotional beats didn’t click for me, I truly appreciated how bold, inventive, and timely this story is. It’s a premise designed to spark conversation, and I know it will connect deeply with a lot of readers. A thriller with attitude and a distinct take on fame’s undercurrent…it makes for a compelling read.

[Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona and Rex both lost their parents at a young age but dealt with their losses very differently.

The Last Celebrity presents itself as a horror novel and indeed the book opens with a singer having been abducted from her sold out concert at MSG by a group of masked men who litter the streets of the city with their creepy manifesto.

Instead, the book is really about found family (good and bad), trust and empathy. Fiona always leads with empathy and is motivated to go on when things get scary because of the love she has for her friends. Cole, a fellow author and potential victim of the Nomen, points out that they take turns saving each other because they chose to trust each other.

Yes, it falls apart at the end with the reveal to the Nomen about Rotator but it was still an unexpectedly touching story overall.

[McKenzie Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Celebrity pulled me in quickly. The first half of the novel was engaging and atmospheric, and I found myself genuinely invested in the premise and characters. Madeleine Henry does a nice job setting the stage, and I was eager to see where the story would land.

That said, once the resolution began, the pacing shifted noticeably. The ending wrapped up very quickly, and the tone veered into something a bit kitschy, which caused the story to lose some of the luster it had built earlier on. While I didn’t see the main “twist” coming, the book overall didn’t feel especially twisty or surprising—more gently revealing than truly shocking.

Ultimately, this was an interesting read, but a somewhat forgettable one. I’m glad I picked it up, even if it’s not a book I’ll be thinking about long after finishing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little A Publishing for the ARC.

[Elly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horror/thrillers aren’t usually my thing, but that was good. Novel premise, though when I was part way through, when things were just getting interesting. I had to pause. Fiona is way more trusting than I am, because that was fucked up. Also, the “we can’t hand this over to be people we don’t absolutely trust”, yes, agree knowing that the police are compromised. “We should see this place for ourselves” NO. What you should do is go hire some of those ex-marine special force type people with the gobbs of money you have and keep your behinds safe? (I imagine there would be no book if the characters were going to be sensible, but this is the moment where in a horror film, the person about to be killed goes upstairs instead of out the front door).

The booked moved forward pretty quickly from this point, though if I’m honest I expected the ending to be more grim than it was, so that was a delightful surprise.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting take on a thriller novel, one that I had not yet seen until reading this book. In today’s society, authors, actors, celebrities, etc. are always in the spotlight and subject to all kinds of hateful things, sometimes even leading up to the extreme like in this book.

I was intrigued by the concept and was on the roller coaster ride all the way from beginning to end. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and I am so fortunate I got the opportunity to get an advanced copy of this book.

[Belle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted so badly for the lackluster reviews to be wrong about this book. It's such a great idea. I wanted to love it so bad!

Unfortunately, it was nothing like I'd hoped. The cover makes it seem like it will be a dark thriller, but it's actually really light.

The dinner party scene was so good, I thought, yes! Things are heating up!.. Only for the pacing to crash and die immediately after, never to be revived again.

Nothing happens. It is painfully unexciting.

[Jenny Cone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mystery group targets celebrities in order to put an end to fame. This plot was very intriguing and I had to keep reading to find out how it would end. I felt like the writing was subpar. I needed more from the character and relationship development throughout the story. It felt like the ending was sort of rushed. Overall enjoyed this concept!

[Angelynn23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A great story! This was a gripping and immersive book that I got hooked from start to finished. The plot twist was unique and scary that made me enjoyed this book more.

With so much thanks to NetGalley and to publisher Little A for the incredible ARC.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Little A, for providing the copy of The Last Celebrity by Madeleine Henry. I’m not sure if it was the writing style or the story, and there were bits I enjoyed, but I found it difficult to follow and understand the point of what was going on. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

[Cathryn Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bling Ring, but make it scary.

[Gabrielle James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive, dark, and crazy in a good way.

The Nomen have kidnapped a rising pop star and put 49 other celebrities on their list. Fiona, a bestselling author, finds herself targeted by the new group, who are fighting the class differences created by fame.

I loved how unique this story was. The writing was intelligent. The plot twists weren't "twists" as much as they were unexpected directions. Will look for more by Henry.

[Rebecca Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

In a crowded literary landscape, it takes a rare kind of courage to tackle a plot concept as original as the one displayed in The Last Celebrity. I’ve never read a book quite like this one before and I could visualize what the author intended. However, there are several issues regarding the Normen ideology which are hard to dismiss as the group is the central driving focus of this story. Examples of these issues include the desire to uproot fame without acknowledging that it only exists with worship, and the lack of a plan to prevent fame from reappearing again in the long-run. This leads the reader to the conclusion that the group’s mission isn’t truly about preventing fame, but rather a retaliatory effort to punish celebrities who they blame for their own lifelong suffering and feelings of powerlessness… yet if this were the case, would it not make more sense to solely target the currently famous instead of those who have potential to be?

Another flaw in this story would be the fact that the Normens are capable of condoning a mass-kidnapping of 50 celebrities, yet struggle to recapture Fiona and Cole who have not done anything to make themselves particularly untraceable. Not to mention the complete lack of public backlash and unrest from not just regular civilians, but fans as well.
The novel presents itself as a thriller, but does not really go through with it nor take the necessary measures to impose a feeling of disturbance from the reader. And though this is more of a personal opinion, I feel that the “plot twist” would have been far more impactful and shocking if it had come from another character (and would have also caused much more emotional turbulence).

The untapped greatness and potential of this book can be felt beneath its surface. This is a clear instance of an author having a visionary idea that, unfortunately, was not fully developed and realized in the final draft.

Nonetheless, thank you very much Little A Publishing for the chance to experience this refreshing read.

**𝘕𝘖𝘛𝘌: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊.