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The Last Stage of Grief is Murder
The BRAND-NEW twisty, witty, lethally sharp thriller from Tam Barnett, author of How to Read a Killer's Mind! 🔪 Perfect for fans of Bella Mackie, Alice Feeney, CJ Skuse and Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train! 🩸💥 'Tam Barnett is a name to watch.' Daily Mail Time won't heal his broken heart, but revenge might...💔💀
Ivor has never loved anyone the way he loves Becky.
Then his world collapses – Becky is found dead.
Consumed by grief, Ivor is determined to find out what happened.
What he discovers is darker than controlling lies, family secrets and a past that refused to stay buried.
But Ivor has his own demons. And as his obsession with the truth deepens, his heartache for Becky curdles into something far more dangerous. Murder.
Praise for Tam
'A fast-paced, tension-building mystery with a shattering finale. Tam Barnett is a name to watch.' Daily Mail
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Clever, dark, and totally binge-worthy.' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Twisty, witty and just a little bit unhinged!' 5-star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'OMG! This kept me hooked the whole time.' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I would give this more than 5 stars if I could.' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Full of twists and turns, witty banter and compelling characters.' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'SO MUCH FUN!!' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Doesn't follow the same old who dunnit which is refreshing!' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Hands down, amazing read!' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Twisted, dark, gripping & unputdownable. The ending was jaw dropping.' Reader Review
Ivor has never loved anyone the way he loves Becky.
Then his world collapses – Becky is found dead.
Consumed by grief, Ivor is determined to find out what happened.
What he discovers is darker than controlling lies, family secrets and a past that refused to stay buried.
But Ivor has his own demons. And as his obsession with the truth deepens, his heartache for Becky curdles into something far more dangerous. Murder.
Praise for Tam
'A fast-paced, tension-building mystery with a shattering finale. Tam Barnett is a name to watch.' Daily Mail
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Clever, dark, and totally binge-worthy.' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Twisty, witty and just a little bit unhinged!' 5-star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'OMG! This kept me hooked the whole time.' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I would give this more than 5 stars if I could.' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Full of twists and turns, witty banter and compelling characters.' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'SO MUCH FUN!!' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Doesn't follow the same old who dunnit which is refreshing!' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Hands down, amazing read!' Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Twisted, dark, gripping & unputdownable. The ending was jaw dropping.' Reader Review
- GenresMystery ThrillerFiction
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2026
59 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 4, 2025
I have recently discovered Tam Barnett books and jumped at the chance to read the new one early.
This book is dark and serious but definitely has humour throughout as well. I love that these characters were so flawed, certainly not perfect, but death has a way of making a person an angel. This is how Ivor sees his ex girlfriend Becky, who has just been found dead early into the new year. He is grief stricken and doesn’t believe the police when they tell him that she took her own life. His life begins to unravel as he does his own investigation in what happened. Becky’s voice comes from her diary entries, allowing the reader to slowly learn about her and her relationship with Ivor.
A shocking ending that worked incredibly well. Another page turner from a new to me author. Thank you Boldwood Books for introducing me to Tams books. Out on January 4th.
This book is dark and serious but definitely has humour throughout as well. I love that these characters were so flawed, certainly not perfect, but death has a way of making a person an angel. This is how Ivor sees his ex girlfriend Becky, who has just been found dead early into the new year. He is grief stricken and doesn’t believe the police when they tell him that she took her own life. His life begins to unravel as he does his own investigation in what happened. Becky’s voice comes from her diary entries, allowing the reader to slowly learn about her and her relationship with Ivor.
A shocking ending that worked incredibly well. Another page turner from a new to me author. Thank you Boldwood Books for introducing me to Tams books. Out on January 4th.
December 10, 2025
If you’re in the mood for a dark, character-driven mystery with a sharp emotional edge, this one delivers. The story follows Ivor, a man who adored Becky with a kind of intensity that blinded him to everything else. When she’s suddenly found dead, the ground drops out from under him. The police rule it a suicide; Ivor can’t accept that. What follows is his spiralling hunt for answers, which drags him deep into the shadows of Becky’s past—and his own.
The structure is a standout. The novel moves between Ivor’s present-day unraveling and Becky’s diary entries, divided into five parts that echo the stages of grief. It’s clever, but more importantly, it feels honest. Ivor’s grief isn’t polished or dramatic; it’s jagged, unpredictable, and painfully human. Watching him stagger through revelations and collide with uncomfortable truths gives his arc a bittersweet weight.
Becky’s diary sections bring a whole different texture to the story. They give her dimension beyond the pedestal Ivor places her on, showing someone flawed, conflicted, and entirely real. Those chapters add a quiet emotional charge that balances the rawness of Ivor’s sections beautifully.
The pacing builds slowly but deliberately, tightening the plot while giving the emotional beats space to hit. There’s a vein of dry humour running through the writing too, which keeps the story from sinking under its own heaviness.
Ivor himself isn’t exactly a comforting narrator—he’s prickly, self-destructive, and frequently frustrating. Yet there’s a vulnerability underneath that keeps you invested, even as he makes choices that make you want to yell at the page.
Not everything lands perfectly. The central reveal around Amy’s death lacked the punch I expected, and some of the plot threads involving the Burrows and Montegues felt a touch tangled. But the emotional force of the story more than makes up for those bumps.
In the end, this is a novel that lingers. It’s heavy, sometimes uncomfortably honest, but deeply engaging. Flawed characters, layered storytelling, and a tone that blends sorrow with sly humour make it a compelling read well worth your time.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The structure is a standout. The novel moves between Ivor’s present-day unraveling and Becky’s diary entries, divided into five parts that echo the stages of grief. It’s clever, but more importantly, it feels honest. Ivor’s grief isn’t polished or dramatic; it’s jagged, unpredictable, and painfully human. Watching him stagger through revelations and collide with uncomfortable truths gives his arc a bittersweet weight.
Becky’s diary sections bring a whole different texture to the story. They give her dimension beyond the pedestal Ivor places her on, showing someone flawed, conflicted, and entirely real. Those chapters add a quiet emotional charge that balances the rawness of Ivor’s sections beautifully.
The pacing builds slowly but deliberately, tightening the plot while giving the emotional beats space to hit. There’s a vein of dry humour running through the writing too, which keeps the story from sinking under its own heaviness.
Ivor himself isn’t exactly a comforting narrator—he’s prickly, self-destructive, and frequently frustrating. Yet there’s a vulnerability underneath that keeps you invested, even as he makes choices that make you want to yell at the page.
Not everything lands perfectly. The central reveal around Amy’s death lacked the punch I expected, and some of the plot threads involving the Burrows and Montegues felt a touch tangled. But the emotional force of the story more than makes up for those bumps.
In the end, this is a novel that lingers. It’s heavy, sometimes uncomfortably honest, but deeply engaging. Flawed characters, layered storytelling, and a tone that blends sorrow with sly humour make it a compelling read well worth your time.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2026
This is a dark, emotionally charged psychological thriller that prioritises character and atmosphere over constant twists — and for the most part, it really works.
I found Ivor difficult to connect with initially. He’s sharp-edged, frustrating, and often makes choices that had me wanting to shake him. That said, as the story progressed, I began to understand him more, and by the end I was genuinely invested in his journey. His grief feels raw and unpredictable, which makes his unraveling unsettling but believable.
The standout for me was the dual narrative structure. The contrast between Ivor’s present-day POV and Becky’s diary entries adds depth and balance, giving Becky her own agency and emotional weight beyond Ivor’s perception of her. Those diary sections quietly ground the story and bring a different kind of tension — one rooted in truth rather than obsession.
The pacing is slow but intentional, allowing the emotional beats room to land. There’s also a vein of dry humour woven throughout, which helps lift the story when it threatens to become too heavy.
While not every reveal hit as hard as I expected, the emotional force of the novel carried it through. This is a reflective, character-driven thriller that lingers, asking uncomfortable questions about grief, love, and how far obsession can push us.
I found Ivor difficult to connect with initially. He’s sharp-edged, frustrating, and often makes choices that had me wanting to shake him. That said, as the story progressed, I began to understand him more, and by the end I was genuinely invested in his journey. His grief feels raw and unpredictable, which makes his unraveling unsettling but believable.
The standout for me was the dual narrative structure. The contrast between Ivor’s present-day POV and Becky’s diary entries adds depth and balance, giving Becky her own agency and emotional weight beyond Ivor’s perception of her. Those diary sections quietly ground the story and bring a different kind of tension — one rooted in truth rather than obsession.
The pacing is slow but intentional, allowing the emotional beats room to land. There’s also a vein of dry humour woven throughout, which helps lift the story when it threatens to become too heavy.
While not every reveal hit as hard as I expected, the emotional force of the novel carried it through. This is a reflective, character-driven thriller that lingers, asking uncomfortable questions about grief, love, and how far obsession can push us.
December 6, 2025
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book. Ive had this author on my radar since his previous two books with their stunning covers started popping up all over my instagram feed.
Lately, I’ve been deep into thrillers, but the humor woven throughout this story added an extra layer. I found myself laughing out loud at so many clever references.’Paul is taking the kids to their first Tottenham game. I offered to call child services’
I also loved the contemporary references sprinkled throughout, especially his obvious affection for Greggs.’Now I have to burn more calories to get inside! Joe Wicks would be struggling at this point’
The story follows Ivor’s determined quest to uncover the truth behind the death of his one true love, Becky. Told through the five stages of grief, it alternates between chapters from Ivor’s perspective and entries from Becky’s diary. Through her words, we begin to glimpse the shadows of her troubled childhood. I also appreciated that Becky’s and Ivor’s chapters were set in different fonts, I hadn’t seen that before, and it added an extra layer to the reading experience.
The supporting characters are exceptional, bringing richness and depth to the narrative—his loyal but hapless friend Noz, his bullying Tesco supervisor Trish, and his timid coworker Sophie.
I found the ending a little bitter sweet so would gladly revisit these characters if Tam decides to do a continuation.
Lately, I’ve been deep into thrillers, but the humor woven throughout this story added an extra layer. I found myself laughing out loud at so many clever references.’Paul is taking the kids to their first Tottenham game. I offered to call child services’
I also loved the contemporary references sprinkled throughout, especially his obvious affection for Greggs.’Now I have to burn more calories to get inside! Joe Wicks would be struggling at this point’
The story follows Ivor’s determined quest to uncover the truth behind the death of his one true love, Becky. Told through the five stages of grief, it alternates between chapters from Ivor’s perspective and entries from Becky’s diary. Through her words, we begin to glimpse the shadows of her troubled childhood. I also appreciated that Becky’s and Ivor’s chapters were set in different fonts, I hadn’t seen that before, and it added an extra layer to the reading experience.
The supporting characters are exceptional, bringing richness and depth to the narrative—his loyal but hapless friend Noz, his bullying Tesco supervisor Trish, and his timid coworker Sophie.
I found the ending a little bitter sweet so would gladly revisit these characters if Tam decides to do a continuation.
January 5, 2026
3.75 stars
My 3rd Tam Barnett book and i read this one very quickly so something must be said for having me hooked.
Reading this was like watching a train wreck happen infront of you. You know its going to happen but you watch it anyway.
Reading Ivor's chapters was exactly that. A naive alcoholic who can't seem to help himself. Who only sees what he wants to see. Sprinkle in rich people drama and scandal and its pretty entertaining even if the ending was pretty predictable and lacklustre. Thought it had more potential. Becky's diary entries here and there were quite refreshing to see the other point of view of what was going on even though i think was quite obvious were it was going.
Still quite entertaining. Tam Batnett is underrated. My favourite is still How to read a Killer's Mind.
Thank you Boldworld books for providing me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
My 3rd Tam Barnett book and i read this one very quickly so something must be said for having me hooked.
Reading this was like watching a train wreck happen infront of you. You know its going to happen but you watch it anyway.
Reading Ivor's chapters was exactly that. A naive alcoholic who can't seem to help himself. Who only sees what he wants to see. Sprinkle in rich people drama and scandal and its pretty entertaining even if the ending was pretty predictable and lacklustre. Thought it had more potential. Becky's diary entries here and there were quite refreshing to see the other point of view of what was going on even though i think was quite obvious were it was going.
Still quite entertaining. Tam Batnett is underrated. My favourite is still How to read a Killer's Mind.
Thank you Boldworld books for providing me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
December 30, 2025
While I did struggle, especially at first, to connect and care about Ivor, I did find myself warming to him eventually. This book is clever and well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the ending. I thought it was well done and poignant.
January 18, 2026
I was really disappointed in this one. Having enjoyed his previous books, I found this one quite repetitive and predictable. Admittedly, he still has a knack for building characters with flaws, who you still want to back, and I enjoyed the split narrative voices for unravelling the plot. Overall, it just felt too contrived and none of the bigger twists were much of a surprise.
December 10, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5
As I commented when I reviewed Tam Barnett's previous novel, "How to Read a Killer's Mind", I think his publishers need to give some serious thought to the cover designs of his books and the marketing blurb that accompanies them. I really don't think that either of these elements is doing the author any favours. His publishing team, or at least the marketing department within it, seem determined to sell Tam Barnetts books as "darkly comic crime thrillers" and position them as having similar appeal to the work of the likes of C.J. Skuse, Bella Mackie and Katy Brent. Now, I have no issue with the books written by these aforementioned authors - indeed I rate them highly - but Tam Barnett's work places less emphasis on the comedic element and is grounded in some quite serious themes. There are certainly comic moments, but they are well-executed asides rather than being the central thrust of the narrative style and the writing is underpinned by astute characterisation.
In "The Last Stage of Grief is Murder" the narrative is provided by Ivor, whose ex-girlfriend, Becky, is found dead. Ivor is grief-stricken and, dissatisfied with the police investigations, takes it upon himself to look into Becky's death himself. Further insight and background information is provided by historical extracts from Becky's diary. This mechanism of telling the story via the two key characters in the differing formats works very effectively and the reader gradually comes to know each of the protagonists intimately. This novel is a finely executed psychological drama with aspects of domestic noir and even Shakespearian tragedy. It also includes some well-observed social commentary along the way. There is no doubt that I will be back for more from Tam Barnett, but I do hope that his publishers give some serious thought to their marketing of this impressive author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
As I commented when I reviewed Tam Barnett's previous novel, "How to Read a Killer's Mind", I think his publishers need to give some serious thought to the cover designs of his books and the marketing blurb that accompanies them. I really don't think that either of these elements is doing the author any favours. His publishing team, or at least the marketing department within it, seem determined to sell Tam Barnetts books as "darkly comic crime thrillers" and position them as having similar appeal to the work of the likes of C.J. Skuse, Bella Mackie and Katy Brent. Now, I have no issue with the books written by these aforementioned authors - indeed I rate them highly - but Tam Barnett's work places less emphasis on the comedic element and is grounded in some quite serious themes. There are certainly comic moments, but they are well-executed asides rather than being the central thrust of the narrative style and the writing is underpinned by astute characterisation.
In "The Last Stage of Grief is Murder" the narrative is provided by Ivor, whose ex-girlfriend, Becky, is found dead. Ivor is grief-stricken and, dissatisfied with the police investigations, takes it upon himself to look into Becky's death himself. Further insight and background information is provided by historical extracts from Becky's diary. This mechanism of telling the story via the two key characters in the differing formats works very effectively and the reader gradually comes to know each of the protagonists intimately. This novel is a finely executed psychological drama with aspects of domestic noir and even Shakespearian tragedy. It also includes some well-observed social commentary along the way. There is no doubt that I will be back for more from Tam Barnett, but I do hope that his publishers give some serious thought to their marketing of this impressive author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
November 27, 2025
The Last Stage Of Grief Is Murder follows Ivor, whose whole world collapses when the love of his life, Becky, is found dead. Consumed by grief, Ivor is determined to find out what happened. But Ivor has his own demons, and what he discovers is darker than heartbreak. As his obsession with the truth deepens, Ivor’s heartache curdles into something far more dangerous. Murder.
If Tam writes it, I’m reading it, and this book is another five-star reminder of why I love his writing! This is a character-driven, powerful, compelling read, as much about healing as it is about suspense and mystery.
We follow Ivor’s perspective and Becky’s diary entries across five cleverly structured parts that mirror the stages of grief. Ivor’s grief doesn’t feel cold or melodramatic, it’s raw, honest and perfectly captures the messy, nonlinear reality of loss. Reading him navigate revelations, confront hard truths, and ultimately transform made for a bittersweet but fitting conclusion to his character.
The diary entries were a standout addition too, giving Becky real depth. She felt real, messy and authentic, and I felt a lot of sympathy for her. Tam’s ability to breathe life into characters, and to write convincingly from both male and female perspectives, is yet another reminder of what makes him such a phenomenal author.
The plot tightens gradually, and this pacing works beautifully, giving the emotional moments room to resonate whilst still maintaining a steady tension. And in true Tam fashion, the story is embedded with wit, a touch of humour, and a truly addictive narrative. As always, I can’t wait to see what Tam delivers next.
Thank you so much to Boldwood Books, The Murder List, and Tam Barnett for sending me this advanced copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
If Tam writes it, I’m reading it, and this book is another five-star reminder of why I love his writing! This is a character-driven, powerful, compelling read, as much about healing as it is about suspense and mystery.
We follow Ivor’s perspective and Becky’s diary entries across five cleverly structured parts that mirror the stages of grief. Ivor’s grief doesn’t feel cold or melodramatic, it’s raw, honest and perfectly captures the messy, nonlinear reality of loss. Reading him navigate revelations, confront hard truths, and ultimately transform made for a bittersweet but fitting conclusion to his character.
The diary entries were a standout addition too, giving Becky real depth. She felt real, messy and authentic, and I felt a lot of sympathy for her. Tam’s ability to breathe life into characters, and to write convincingly from both male and female perspectives, is yet another reminder of what makes him such a phenomenal author.
The plot tightens gradually, and this pacing works beautifully, giving the emotional moments room to resonate whilst still maintaining a steady tension. And in true Tam fashion, the story is embedded with wit, a touch of humour, and a truly addictive narrative. As always, I can’t wait to see what Tam delivers next.
Thank you so much to Boldwood Books, The Murder List, and Tam Barnett for sending me this advanced copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
The Last Stage of Grief Is Murder by Tam Barnett
I picked this one up because the title and cover grabbed me instantly and it absolutely paid off. This was my first book by Tam Barnett, and I really enjoyed the ride. I loved the way the narrative moved between Ivor’s perspective and Becky’s diary entries; the transitions felt seamless and kept the story moving at a great pace.
I had a hunch about the twist early on, but the book kept me second guessing myself all the way through. It’s a clever, tense story about the lengths someone will go to in order to avenge an ex-girlfriend’s death, and it kept me turning the pages.
A sharp, engaging read- I’ll definitely be picking up more from Barnett.
I picked this one up because the title and cover grabbed me instantly and it absolutely paid off. This was my first book by Tam Barnett, and I really enjoyed the ride. I loved the way the narrative moved between Ivor’s perspective and Becky’s diary entries; the transitions felt seamless and kept the story moving at a great pace.
I had a hunch about the twist early on, but the book kept me second guessing myself all the way through. It’s a clever, tense story about the lengths someone will go to in order to avenge an ex-girlfriend’s death, and it kept me turning the pages.
A sharp, engaging read- I’ll definitely be picking up more from Barnett.
January 24, 2026
I am a fan of Tam Barnett and have read his previous books! They're always quite darker than the covers look - so don't let them fool you into thinking they're a cozy mystery. I love the dual POV between Ivor and Becky. I love that Becky's POV are diary entries because it's one of my favorite forms of writing. I thought the plot was incredibly unique - Ivor's ex Becky visits him for coffee and he assumes they're getting back together. When he receives a cryptic text from her he goes to search for her and finds her dead. Ivor knows this must be murder and is determined to solve it. We see it play out through Becky's diary and Ivor isn't who he seems. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys darker thrillers! Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC.
January 6, 2026
It’s twisty and witty
Ivor has never loved anyone the way he loves Becky.
Then his world collapses – Becky is found dead.
Consumed by grief, Ivor is determined to find out what happened.
What he discovers is darker than heartbreak: controlling lies, family secrets and a past that refused to stay buried.
But Ivor has his own demons. And as his obsession with the truth deepens, his heartache for Becky curdles into something far more dangerous. Murder.
Ivor has never loved anyone the way he loves Becky.
Then his world collapses – Becky is found dead.
Consumed by grief, Ivor is determined to find out what happened.
What he discovers is darker than heartbreak: controlling lies, family secrets and a past that refused to stay buried.
But Ivor has his own demons. And as his obsession with the truth deepens, his heartache for Becky curdles into something far more dangerous. Murder.
January 19, 2026
The banter and comedy in here was great, but by half way through I was over it.
January 8, 2026
Whilst I enjoyed the story and concept of this book, I found all the characters annoying and unlikeable. We get it Ivor is an alcoholic and uses alcohol as his coping mechanism but there’s no need for every other page to inform is drinking Heineken. Also the whole emphasis on how he loved Greggs was annoying and very pointless.
December 26, 2025
The Last Stage of Grief is Murder ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
First off, thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!
This book features two main perspectives: Ivor - devoted boyfriend (ex?) of Becky - and Becky - who was recently found dead. Told from Ivor’s present-day perspective and Becky’s diary entries, we get a story of love, loss and secrets in middle-class England. Also major players in the game: Becky’s parents, family friends and Dillon - Becky’s ex (current?) boyfriend.
Ivor is distraught to find Becky dead, and calls an anonymous tip to the police. He becomes convinced that Becky’s parents murdered her “like what they did to her sister” 15 years ago. However, Ivor’s alcoholism makes him the ideal unreliable narrator, and left me guessing what was really happening until the last few chapters.
While the concept is what drew me into this book, the narrators’ tones grated on me quickly, and because every single character was unlikeable, it made it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, the alternating diary entries and present-day perspective felt repetitive and predictable at times. I would have liked to see more variety in this, similar to what the ending had. Additionally, the ending was a little rushed, but the epilogue helped remedy that - and gave a bit more of a character arc. All in all, it delivers on being a comedic read, though it would fit better under “mystery” instead of “thriller.”
First off, thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!
This book features two main perspectives: Ivor - devoted boyfriend (ex?) of Becky - and Becky - who was recently found dead. Told from Ivor’s present-day perspective and Becky’s diary entries, we get a story of love, loss and secrets in middle-class England. Also major players in the game: Becky’s parents, family friends and Dillon - Becky’s ex (current?) boyfriend.
Ivor is distraught to find Becky dead, and calls an anonymous tip to the police. He becomes convinced that Becky’s parents murdered her “like what they did to her sister” 15 years ago. However, Ivor’s alcoholism makes him the ideal unreliable narrator, and left me guessing what was really happening until the last few chapters.
While the concept is what drew me into this book, the narrators’ tones grated on me quickly, and because every single character was unlikeable, it made it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, the alternating diary entries and present-day perspective felt repetitive and predictable at times. I would have liked to see more variety in this, similar to what the ending had. Additionally, the ending was a little rushed, but the epilogue helped remedy that - and gave a bit more of a character arc. All in all, it delivers on being a comedic read, though it would fit better under “mystery” instead of “thriller.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2026
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this review copy.
The Last Stage of Grief Is Murder is a dark, emotionally charged thriller that leans heavily into the psychology of loss—and it does so with unsettling effectiveness.
From the opening pages, Ivor’s love for Becky is undeniable, which makes her sudden death hit hard. His grief feels raw, messy, and all-consuming, and Tam Barnett does a great job of showing how loss can warp a person’s sense of right and wrong. As Ivor becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Becky’s death, the story slips into darker territory filled with secrets, manipulation, and long-buried lies that refuse to stay hidden.
What stood out most for me was the psychological tension. This isn’t a fast-paced, action-heavy thriller—instead, it slowly tightens the screws as Ivor’s emotional state unravels. Watching his grief curdle into something dangerous was both fascinating and deeply uncomfortable, which I think was exactly the point. The author keeps you questioning Ivor’s reliability and motives, making it hard to fully trust anyone—including the narrator himself.
That said, the pacing does slow in places, particularly during the more introspective moments, which may not work for every reader. However, those quieter sections also add depth to Ivor’s character and make the final developments feel earned.
The Last Stage of Grief Is Murder is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and obsession, wrapped in a psychological thriller that lingers long after the final page. A solid and unsettling read that earns a strong four stars from me.
https://featzreviews.com/the-last-sta...
The Last Stage of Grief Is Murder is a dark, emotionally charged thriller that leans heavily into the psychology of loss—and it does so with unsettling effectiveness.
From the opening pages, Ivor’s love for Becky is undeniable, which makes her sudden death hit hard. His grief feels raw, messy, and all-consuming, and Tam Barnett does a great job of showing how loss can warp a person’s sense of right and wrong. As Ivor becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Becky’s death, the story slips into darker territory filled with secrets, manipulation, and long-buried lies that refuse to stay hidden.
What stood out most for me was the psychological tension. This isn’t a fast-paced, action-heavy thriller—instead, it slowly tightens the screws as Ivor’s emotional state unravels. Watching his grief curdle into something dangerous was both fascinating and deeply uncomfortable, which I think was exactly the point. The author keeps you questioning Ivor’s reliability and motives, making it hard to fully trust anyone—including the narrator himself.
That said, the pacing does slow in places, particularly during the more introspective moments, which may not work for every reader. However, those quieter sections also add depth to Ivor’s character and make the final developments feel earned.
The Last Stage of Grief Is Murder is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and obsession, wrapped in a psychological thriller that lingers long after the final page. A solid and unsettling read that earns a strong four stars from me.
https://featzreviews.com/the-last-sta...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I requested a copy of this book because it was described as a comedy thriller, and I enjoy comedy thrillers. It was amusing, and witty, but it wasn't much of a thriller. The plot was thin. I had guessed the big secret—how Amy died—by the time I had read 15% of the story.
Where THE LAST STAGE OF GRIEF IS MURDER excelled was in describing the thinking patterns of an addict, and how those around him react to his addiction. The story is told primarily from the viewpoint of Ivor, who is an addicted to alcohol, interspersed with diary entries by his ex-girlfriend, Becky, who has died before the narrative begins. In the hazy throes of his alcoholic reasoning, Ivor believes that Becky has been murdered, even though the police conclude that Becky committed suicide. Consequently, Ivor decides to discover who murdered Becky.
The narrative moves between the present, and the past—starting when Becky first met Ivor and became attracted to him. The trajectory of their romance moves from Becky's early attraction to Ivor's carefree nature (so unlike her dour parents), to her realization that he is an alcoholic who is not going to stop drinking. Ivor, on his part, realizes that he drinks too much but doesn't want to stop because he enjoys it. His alcoholic journey is enabled by his friend, Noz.
There is a subtle humour that runs throughout the narration, both when examining events from Ivor's point of view, and when seeing them from Becky's perspective (in terms of her diary entries). This part is extremely well done, as is the insight that came as I realized that Ivor was a hopeless alcoholic.
However, the pace slowed down in the middle, to the extent that it became boring. There was a bit of an uptick near the end, but it appeared to me that this part of the plot—the threads connecting Amy's death with the two families that it touched, and how and why money changed hands—was not well thought out.
I empathized with Ivor; I loved the dry humour. But the plot sagged.
* 4.5 stars for characterization
* 4.5 stars for humour
* 1.5 stars for plot
Overall 3.5 stars.
If you appreciate a good character study, you'll enjoy this book. If you want a plot that grips your attention, you'll dnf around the 30% mark.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
Where THE LAST STAGE OF GRIEF IS MURDER excelled was in describing the thinking patterns of an addict, and how those around him react to his addiction. The story is told primarily from the viewpoint of Ivor, who is an addicted to alcohol, interspersed with diary entries by his ex-girlfriend, Becky, who has died before the narrative begins. In the hazy throes of his alcoholic reasoning, Ivor believes that Becky has been murdered, even though the police conclude that Becky committed suicide. Consequently, Ivor decides to discover who murdered Becky.
The narrative moves between the present, and the past—starting when Becky first met Ivor and became attracted to him. The trajectory of their romance moves from Becky's early attraction to Ivor's carefree nature (so unlike her dour parents), to her realization that he is an alcoholic who is not going to stop drinking. Ivor, on his part, realizes that he drinks too much but doesn't want to stop because he enjoys it. His alcoholic journey is enabled by his friend, Noz.
There is a subtle humour that runs throughout the narration, both when examining events from Ivor's point of view, and when seeing them from Becky's perspective (in terms of her diary entries). This part is extremely well done, as is the insight that came as I realized that Ivor was a hopeless alcoholic.
However, the pace slowed down in the middle, to the extent that it became boring. There was a bit of an uptick near the end, but it appeared to me that this part of the plot—the threads connecting Amy's death with the two families that it touched, and how and why money changed hands—was not well thought out.
I empathized with Ivor; I loved the dry humour. But the plot sagged.
* 4.5 stars for characterization
* 4.5 stars for humour
* 1.5 stars for plot
Overall 3.5 stars.
If you appreciate a good character study, you'll enjoy this book. If you want a plot that grips your attention, you'll dnf around the 30% mark.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
December 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this. The writing style had an energy to it that pulled me straight in and made the whole book feel quick and effortless to get through. There’s a natural rhythm to the prose that meant I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” and suddenly I was halfway through without noticing. It’s one of those books where you don’t have to work hard to stay engaged, which I always appreciate.
Ivor himself is not what I’d call a comfortable character to follow. He’s prickly, evasive, and his drinking drove me absolutely mad. I found myself wanting to shake him more than once. Yet, despite all that, there’s a real sadness to him that crept up on me. You can see how grief has hollowed him out, and even when he’s making terrible choices, you still feel a pang of sympathy. Barnett did a great job of portraying someone barely holding himself together.
Becky’s diary entries were one of my favourite elements. They gave the story a quieter emotional depth and offered a completely different perspective on the events unfolding around Ivor. It felt like being let into a private space where the truth was allowed to breathe, and it balanced the heaviness of Ivor’s narrative nicely. Watching her voice slowly shape the story added layers that made me care more than I expected.
I will say the big reveal around Amy’s death wasn’t as shocking as I’d hoped, and the whole situation with the Burrows and the Montegues felt a little muddled. It didn’t quite land for me, but the overall experience was strong enough that I didn’t mind too much. The emotional thread carried it.
Despite those quirks, the emotional weight carried the story beautifully. What lingered most was the sadness that settled over everything. It isn’t a cheerful book by any stretch, and by the final chapters, I felt genuinely heavy-hearted. There’s something very honest about the way Barnett portrays grief — messy, repetitive, consuming — and although it left me feeling subdued, it also made the story far more memorable.
Overall, it was a compelling read that surprised me in several ways. Not perfect, but thoughtful, heartfelt, and well worth picking up. It’s one of those stories that stays with you long after you put it down, even if it doesn’t leave you smiling.
Ivor himself is not what I’d call a comfortable character to follow. He’s prickly, evasive, and his drinking drove me absolutely mad. I found myself wanting to shake him more than once. Yet, despite all that, there’s a real sadness to him that crept up on me. You can see how grief has hollowed him out, and even when he’s making terrible choices, you still feel a pang of sympathy. Barnett did a great job of portraying someone barely holding himself together.
Becky’s diary entries were one of my favourite elements. They gave the story a quieter emotional depth and offered a completely different perspective on the events unfolding around Ivor. It felt like being let into a private space where the truth was allowed to breathe, and it balanced the heaviness of Ivor’s narrative nicely. Watching her voice slowly shape the story added layers that made me care more than I expected.
I will say the big reveal around Amy’s death wasn’t as shocking as I’d hoped, and the whole situation with the Burrows and the Montegues felt a little muddled. It didn’t quite land for me, but the overall experience was strong enough that I didn’t mind too much. The emotional thread carried it.
Despite those quirks, the emotional weight carried the story beautifully. What lingered most was the sadness that settled over everything. It isn’t a cheerful book by any stretch, and by the final chapters, I felt genuinely heavy-hearted. There’s something very honest about the way Barnett portrays grief — messy, repetitive, consuming — and although it left me feeling subdued, it also made the story far more memorable.
Overall, it was a compelling read that surprised me in several ways. Not perfect, but thoughtful, heartfelt, and well worth picking up. It’s one of those stories that stays with you long after you put it down, even if it doesn’t leave you smiling.
January 12, 2026
I pre-ordered this off the back of How to Read a Killer's Mind which I enjoyed a great deal. However, I didn't get along with this one as well, sadly. Our hero of the tale, Ivor, drove me to utter distraction. He's a major pissartist (and I can't be around blokes like him at all-been there, done that and it ain't pretty) and I'd have walked out of his life if not for that but for the constant referral to plain old water as agua mineral, too. It was quirky and slightly amusing the first couple of times but he does it persistently and I'd have crowned him with a bottle of the stuff, I reckon !! Along with his constant imbibing-if he ain't doing it he's thinking about it or talking about it. It did get extremely tiresome.
I did like the way it's all laid out as he progresses through the 5 grief stages and the odd aside had me giggling, and the ending had me sobbing, especially THAT final line, but I still preferred the other book !!
I did like the little touch with the feathers-that was very sweet.
He did mention about putting coins in a phonebox to dial 999, which I didn't think you needed to do. He also described our present monarch's big old ears and it made me wonder, that, with all their money, why he never had them pinned back ? Just a thought......
Throughout there were mentions of mythical "things" along with Harry Potter references, which began to aggravate me-I'm not a fan of elves, dragons and pixies and the like in the least.
I spotted a missed comma that mattered-I threw up obviously......reads very different without it. There were a few missed-off question marks as well and he kept writing confidant not confidante. Clear thinking needed hyphenating and Prosecco capitalising as well. Becky also complained later on in her diary that Ivor had never bought a big enough duvet, but she'd also told us before that SHE'D bought one for his place in the end.....
I was highly impressed to read in his end-notes that he's a Formula 1 follower......I'm a massive fan and have been for decades now, so that made me smile. Good for him.
I'll definitely read his other one so I'm all a bit arse-about-face but these are standalones, thankfully.
I did like the way it's all laid out as he progresses through the 5 grief stages and the odd aside had me giggling, and the ending had me sobbing, especially THAT final line, but I still preferred the other book !!
I did like the little touch with the feathers-that was very sweet.
He did mention about putting coins in a phonebox to dial 999, which I didn't think you needed to do. He also described our present monarch's big old ears and it made me wonder, that, with all their money, why he never had them pinned back ? Just a thought......
Throughout there were mentions of mythical "things" along with Harry Potter references, which began to aggravate me-I'm not a fan of elves, dragons and pixies and the like in the least.
I spotted a missed comma that mattered-I threw up obviously......reads very different without it. There were a few missed-off question marks as well and he kept writing confidant not confidante. Clear thinking needed hyphenating and Prosecco capitalising as well. Becky also complained later on in her diary that Ivor had never bought a big enough duvet, but she'd also told us before that SHE'D bought one for his place in the end.....
I was highly impressed to read in his end-notes that he's a Formula 1 follower......I'm a massive fan and have been for decades now, so that made me smile. Good for him.
I'll definitely read his other one so I'm all a bit arse-about-face but these are standalones, thankfully.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The last Stage Of Grief Is Murder by Tam Barnett, The book starts with a man named Iver being over the moon that his girlfriend Rebecca wants to get back with him. Unfortunately we soon learn Rebecca is dead, Iver is an alcoholic and despite a suicide conclusion is set on finding out who murdered his beloved. Throughout the book we’re privy to Rebecca‘s diary entries and learn how she’s haunted by the death of her twin sister Amy and how her parents are so unloving and despite their show of wealth are a couple of cheapskates. at first Iver and Rebecca are blissfully in love, but soon rumors break them up in it devastates Iver. His drinking causes him to black out nightly and so he has no real ground to fight the rumors but after months of texting and calling Rebecca finally says she’ll meet him. this only encourages Iver and when he cannot find her and learns of her death after her next text it sent him on an investigation he will not be persuaded to stop. Throughout the whole book he has a friend named Nas who is always there to pop a pint and go on pub crawls but after the investigation he and Nas’s relationship will change absolutely as well as his life and everything he thought he loved about it. I was so rooting for Iver, being married to a man who has been sober for over two years I felt so bad for Iver and his alcoholism. I really did totally enjoy this book but just thought they were times the book dragged but maybe that is just me I do love books by Tam Barnett and would definitely recommend this one. The end was a total shocker but kinda not but kind of so… Lol! if you love darkly funny comedic thrillers with great people to root for and I’m not talking about Rebecca‘s parents or the Montags, but Iver himself then you definitely need to read this book. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #TamBarnett,#TheLastStageOfGriefIsMurder,
January 30, 2026
The story flicks between Ivor and Becky via her diary entries. It’s fair to say that Ivor has a drink problem. The only thing he loves more than alcohol is Becky. He is devasted when Becky dies and is consumed by finding out the truth. I have to say I really liked Ivor. He may have his demons but he is a genuinely lovely guy. Maybe a bit deluded at times but he is an absolute sweetheart. We are taken through his stages of grief and his unrelenting determination to find out what Becky’s family are hiding.
Becky’s parents are not the nicest of people and I felt for Becky who has always lived under her sister’s shadow. Neither Becky or Ivor have had the easiest of childhoods and in some ways are kindred spirits. At times though I did wonder if Becky had ever really loved Ivor or whether it was a way of escaping her family and her own demons. The closer that Ivor gets to the truth though, the more my heart broke a little bit more for him.
The story is steeped with secrets and lies. I wasn’t sure who or what to trust. Family dynamics play a big part in the story and all the drama that comes with it. It was certainly a dark read and the outcome was not at all what I had expected. It left me feeling shocked as well as wanting to give Ivor a big hug. He is a character that I know will stay with me for a long time to come as he has the right intentions but felt a bit like a lost cause.
The Last Stage of Grief is Murder was yet another wonderful read by the author. It was dark, gripping, humorous yet moving. It had me go through so many emotions and Ivor was a standout protagonist who had me wanting to take him under my wing. It shows how family and events can shape us and definitely not always for the better. The ending was so well done although not the one I found myself hoping for. A belter of a book!
Becky’s parents are not the nicest of people and I felt for Becky who has always lived under her sister’s shadow. Neither Becky or Ivor have had the easiest of childhoods and in some ways are kindred spirits. At times though I did wonder if Becky had ever really loved Ivor or whether it was a way of escaping her family and her own demons. The closer that Ivor gets to the truth though, the more my heart broke a little bit more for him.
The story is steeped with secrets and lies. I wasn’t sure who or what to trust. Family dynamics play a big part in the story and all the drama that comes with it. It was certainly a dark read and the outcome was not at all what I had expected. It left me feeling shocked as well as wanting to give Ivor a big hug. He is a character that I know will stay with me for a long time to come as he has the right intentions but felt a bit like a lost cause.
The Last Stage of Grief is Murder was yet another wonderful read by the author. It was dark, gripping, humorous yet moving. It had me go through so many emotions and Ivor was a standout protagonist who had me wanting to take him under my wing. It shows how family and events can shape us and definitely not always for the better. The ending was so well done although not the one I found myself hoping for. A belter of a book!
January 2, 2026
REVIEW- 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
It was promising, and the synopsis hooked me. I had never read anything like this, so I was eager to get into it. It had a very nice beginning and middle. But, the ending turned sour. The story featured an alcoholic boyfriend who's intent on discovering who killed the love of his life. I loved the dual POVs. They were necessary; Becky's through the form of her diary and Ivor's irl. I also liked Ivor's rambling attempts to solve the mystery. It was realistic. All in all, the storyline was okay until it got to the middle.
CHARACTERS:
We have two MCs, Ivor the alcoholic ex- con and Becky, the one who lost her twin in suspicious circumstances. Like the storyline, Becky and Ivor were okay until the ending. Ivor is the alcoholic loving boyfriend. Becky, the woman running away from her past and the secrets. To be honest, Ivor would have been perfect if not for his alcoholism. He definitely needed treatment for that. Becky just got annoying, and I just didn't like her. However, the side characters were okay. They were well written
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay. The storyline flowed perfectly, and the story was easy to follow despite the dual POVs and timelines. There was no room for confusion.
SETTINGS:
The book was set in England there were some locations distinct to the country like Greggs. It was really nice.
OVERALL:
I really liked this book in the beginning, it was really good and unique. I liked the personalities the characters had. But, I was really disappointed with the ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
It was promising, and the synopsis hooked me. I had never read anything like this, so I was eager to get into it. It had a very nice beginning and middle. But, the ending turned sour. The story featured an alcoholic boyfriend who's intent on discovering who killed the love of his life. I loved the dual POVs. They were necessary; Becky's through the form of her diary and Ivor's irl. I also liked Ivor's rambling attempts to solve the mystery. It was realistic. All in all, the storyline was okay until it got to the middle.
CHARACTERS:
We have two MCs, Ivor the alcoholic ex- con and Becky, the one who lost her twin in suspicious circumstances. Like the storyline, Becky and Ivor were okay until the ending. Ivor is the alcoholic loving boyfriend. Becky, the woman running away from her past and the secrets. To be honest, Ivor would have been perfect if not for his alcoholism. He definitely needed treatment for that. Becky just got annoying, and I just didn't like her. However, the side characters were okay. They were well written
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay. The storyline flowed perfectly, and the story was easy to follow despite the dual POVs and timelines. There was no room for confusion.
SETTINGS:
The book was set in England there were some locations distinct to the country like Greggs. It was really nice.
OVERALL:
I really liked this book in the beginning, it was really good and unique. I liked the personalities the characters had. But, I was really disappointed with the ending.
January 26, 2026
The Last Stage of Grief Is Murder by Tam Barnett felt very much like a tale of two stories for me, and my enjoyment depended heavily on which one I was reading at the time.
The present day sections narrated by Ivor were, unfortunately, the weaker part of the book for me. I found his chapters clunky and frustrating at times, and I often struggled to fully follow his thoughts and actions. Ivor is a deeply flawed character, and while that is clearly intentional, I had a hard time finding any real empathy for him. His perspective didn’t always hold my attention, and there were moments where it pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
In contrast, Becky’s diary entries were easily the highlight. These sections were far more engaging, emotionally resonant, and compelling. Through her voice, Becky felt real and layered, and I found myself rooting for her even though I knew how her story would end. The diary format worked incredibly well, offering insight into her relationship with Ivor and gradually revealing truths that the present day narrative often obscured. Every time the story returned to Becky’s perspective, I was immediately more invested.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, particularly the way it explored grief, obsession, and the unreliability of memory. While the dual narrative structure is a strong idea, the imbalance between the two voices held it back for me. The story itself is intriguing and dark, but certain aspects, especially Ivor’s narration, stopped it from fully living up to its potential. A solid read, with some very strong elements, even if it didn’t quite come together perfectly.
The present day sections narrated by Ivor were, unfortunately, the weaker part of the book for me. I found his chapters clunky and frustrating at times, and I often struggled to fully follow his thoughts and actions. Ivor is a deeply flawed character, and while that is clearly intentional, I had a hard time finding any real empathy for him. His perspective didn’t always hold my attention, and there were moments where it pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
In contrast, Becky’s diary entries were easily the highlight. These sections were far more engaging, emotionally resonant, and compelling. Through her voice, Becky felt real and layered, and I found myself rooting for her even though I knew how her story would end. The diary format worked incredibly well, offering insight into her relationship with Ivor and gradually revealing truths that the present day narrative often obscured. Every time the story returned to Becky’s perspective, I was immediately more invested.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, particularly the way it explored grief, obsession, and the unreliability of memory. While the dual narrative structure is a strong idea, the imbalance between the two voices held it back for me. The story itself is intriguing and dark, but certain aspects, especially Ivor’s narration, stopped it from fully living up to its potential. A solid read, with some very strong elements, even if it didn’t quite come together perfectly.
November 27, 2025
Tam Barnett’s The Last Stage of Grief is Murder is a darkly addictive thriller that pulses with wit, sharpness, and emotional depth. From the very first chapter, Barnett captures the raw ache of grief and twists it into something unexpected — a story of obsession, revenge, and the dangerous ways love can blur into something lethal.
What makes this novel stand out is its balance of tone: it is both razor-edged and slyly funny, a rare combination that keeps the reader unsettled yet entertained. Barnett’s prose is crisp and confident, weaving tension through every interaction while never losing sight of the humanity at its core. The characters feel vividly alive, flawed yet magnetic, and their choices echo the messy contradictions of real life.
At its heart, the book asks how far grief can push us, and whether the line between mourning and madness is thinner than we’d like to believe. The result is a story that is not only thrilling but also emotionally resonant — a reminder that even in the darkest corners of loss, there can be sparks of humour, resilience, and startling clarity.
Barnett has crafted a novel that lingers long after the final page, equal parts chilling and strangely cathartic. Readers who enjoy psychological suspense with bite will find themselves hooked, laughing nervously one moment and holding their breath the next.
With thanks to Tam Barnett, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What makes this novel stand out is its balance of tone: it is both razor-edged and slyly funny, a rare combination that keeps the reader unsettled yet entertained. Barnett’s prose is crisp and confident, weaving tension through every interaction while never losing sight of the humanity at its core. The characters feel vividly alive, flawed yet magnetic, and their choices echo the messy contradictions of real life.
At its heart, the book asks how far grief can push us, and whether the line between mourning and madness is thinner than we’d like to believe. The result is a story that is not only thrilling but also emotionally resonant — a reminder that even in the darkest corners of loss, there can be sparks of humour, resilience, and startling clarity.
Barnett has crafted a novel that lingers long after the final page, equal parts chilling and strangely cathartic. Readers who enjoy psychological suspense with bite will find themselves hooked, laughing nervously one moment and holding their breath the next.
With thanks to Tam Barnett, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
December 7, 2025
𝑾𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒖𝒔. 𝑰𝒇 𝑰'𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆.
We humans have a funny way of putting the deceased on a pedestal, remembering only their good points and none of their flaws. Ivor is fervently grieving the loss of his ex-girlfriend Becky--well, they were in the process of getting back together, so maybe the 'ex' is a little harsh? He is absolutely consumed with grief and doesn't believe the police reports that state she took her own life. He is so desperate to get to the bottom of what happened to her that he begins stalking the family home where she lived with her parents. He's sure that they are hiding something, especially based off the last text Becky sent him before she died.
He begins his own investigation, complete with breaking and entering, in an attempt to piece together Becky's final moments. Her POV is brought to life through journal entries that are interspersed throughout, which allow the reader some insight into the relationship she and Ivor shared. This was such a fun read with lots of darkly comical moments that prevented this book from veering into the 'too serious' category, and for that I'm glad. This was both an unexpectedly poignant journey into grief and a lighthearted mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early copy. This one will publish January 4, 2026.
We humans have a funny way of putting the deceased on a pedestal, remembering only their good points and none of their flaws. Ivor is fervently grieving the loss of his ex-girlfriend Becky--well, they were in the process of getting back together, so maybe the 'ex' is a little harsh? He is absolutely consumed with grief and doesn't believe the police reports that state she took her own life. He is so desperate to get to the bottom of what happened to her that he begins stalking the family home where she lived with her parents. He's sure that they are hiding something, especially based off the last text Becky sent him before she died.
He begins his own investigation, complete with breaking and entering, in an attempt to piece together Becky's final moments. Her POV is brought to life through journal entries that are interspersed throughout, which allow the reader some insight into the relationship she and Ivor shared. This was such a fun read with lots of darkly comical moments that prevented this book from veering into the 'too serious' category, and for that I'm glad. This was both an unexpectedly poignant journey into grief and a lighthearted mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early copy. This one will publish January 4, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
Becky is the love of Ivor's life. He was devastated when she broke up with him, and determined to win her back. His world collapses however, when she is found dead hours into the new year. He vows to find out what happened to her. He was unprepared for all of the decades of deceit and lies that he uncovered.
I really enjoyed this one. If you are familiar with books by Nick Spalding, the writing reminded me a lot of that, only murder mystery instead of general fiction. Poor Ivor - he was living in a completely different reality than Becky was. The book was told in alternating viewpoints, with her viewpoint being told in the form of diary entries. As much as Ivor drank, it wasn't too hard to know who to believe, even if her views weren't 100% accurate. Ivor really needed to go to rehab, or something, but he never felt like he had a drinking problem, but his drinking was a big issue for Becky.......the things like anniveraries that he forgot because he went out and got plastered, the amount of money he spent on booze that he could have been using to save up to move into a nicer place for them to live, etc. The mystery wasn't so much what happened to Becky, as it was, all of the events that led up to her death. Ivor was a trainwreck, and very determined to get answers - legally or not, usually not. If you enjoy a good mystery with a bit of a comedic edge to it, you should definitely check this out.
Becky is the love of Ivor's life. He was devastated when she broke up with him, and determined to win her back. His world collapses however, when she is found dead hours into the new year. He vows to find out what happened to her. He was unprepared for all of the decades of deceit and lies that he uncovered.
I really enjoyed this one. If you are familiar with books by Nick Spalding, the writing reminded me a lot of that, only murder mystery instead of general fiction. Poor Ivor - he was living in a completely different reality than Becky was. The book was told in alternating viewpoints, with her viewpoint being told in the form of diary entries. As much as Ivor drank, it wasn't too hard to know who to believe, even if her views weren't 100% accurate. Ivor really needed to go to rehab, or something, but he never felt like he had a drinking problem, but his drinking was a big issue for Becky.......the things like anniveraries that he forgot because he went out and got plastered, the amount of money he spent on booze that he could have been using to save up to move into a nicer place for them to live, etc. The mystery wasn't so much what happened to Becky, as it was, all of the events that led up to her death. Ivor was a trainwreck, and very determined to get answers - legally or not, usually not. If you enjoy a good mystery with a bit of a comedic edge to it, you should definitely check this out.
January 13, 2026
This is a book full of dark humor, with a main character you have to feel sorry for, even as his behavior gets more and more frustrating.
Ivor can't stop obsessing over Becky, whom he has decided is the love of his life. Only that won't be possible anymore because now he's at her funeral, and his grief is about to burst out at any minute. "𝘖𝘩 𝘯𝘰. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘍𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤���𝘴. 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘞𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨! "
The book is divided into chapters according to the stages of grief. 1. Denial 2. Anger 3. Bargaining 4. Depression. But instead of Stage 5: Acceptance, Ivor's 5th stage is: Murder. Because Ivor needs to avenge Becky's death, Becky's last text to Ivor before she died (was murdered?) convinces him they were meant to be together. Chapters are interspersed with Becky's diary entries, an accounting of her relationship with Ivor, and some of it was decidedly not pretty. His apartment had no working shower. A single duvet on the bed. It was a pigsty. And his over-the-top drinking meant not much of a love life, and no memory of his promises to her.
Even though the book bogged down at times, and Ivor was ridiculously obtuse at times, the writing style made me want to keep reading to discover what secrets the families in Becky's life were keeping. And why.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolwood Books for an advance reader's copy.
Ivor can't stop obsessing over Becky, whom he has decided is the love of his life. Only that won't be possible anymore because now he's at her funeral, and his grief is about to burst out at any minute. "𝘖𝘩 𝘯𝘰. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘍𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤���𝘴. 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘞𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨! "
The book is divided into chapters according to the stages of grief. 1. Denial 2. Anger 3. Bargaining 4. Depression. But instead of Stage 5: Acceptance, Ivor's 5th stage is: Murder. Because Ivor needs to avenge Becky's death, Becky's last text to Ivor before she died (was murdered?) convinces him they were meant to be together. Chapters are interspersed with Becky's diary entries, an accounting of her relationship with Ivor, and some of it was decidedly not pretty. His apartment had no working shower. A single duvet on the bed. It was a pigsty. And his over-the-top drinking meant not much of a love life, and no memory of his promises to her.
Even though the book bogged down at times, and Ivor was ridiculously obtuse at times, the writing style made me want to keep reading to discover what secrets the families in Becky's life were keeping. And why.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolwood Books for an advance reader's copy.
January 19, 2026
advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review
I’ve read several books by Tam Barnett before and really enjoyed them, which meant I went into The Last Stage of Grief Is Murder with fairly strong expectations about tone and direction. Unfortunately, those expectations worked against me a little here — particularly when it came to the ending, which didn’t land for me in the way I’d hoped.
That said, once I stepped back from what I thought the book was going to be, it’s clear this is a much more thoughtful and sensitive novel than I initially gave it credit for. Rather than leaning into shock or straightforward revenge, the story sits firmly in morally grey territory, asking uncomfortable questions about grief, justice, and how far pain can push someone before lines begin to blur.
This is a quieter, more introspective read than some of the author’s other work, and one that focuses heavily on emotional fallout rather than plot twists. While the ending wasn’t satisfying for me personally, I can appreciate what the book is trying to do — and I think readers who go in without fixed expectations may find it a powerful and unsettling exploration of loss.
Overall, this was a three-star read for me: not quite what I wanted, but still a considered and emotionally complex story that will likely resonate strongly with the right reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
I’ve read several books by Tam Barnett before and really enjoyed them, which meant I went into The Last Stage of Grief Is Murder with fairly strong expectations about tone and direction. Unfortunately, those expectations worked against me a little here — particularly when it came to the ending, which didn’t land for me in the way I’d hoped.
That said, once I stepped back from what I thought the book was going to be, it’s clear this is a much more thoughtful and sensitive novel than I initially gave it credit for. Rather than leaning into shock or straightforward revenge, the story sits firmly in morally grey territory, asking uncomfortable questions about grief, justice, and how far pain can push someone before lines begin to blur.
This is a quieter, more introspective read than some of the author’s other work, and one that focuses heavily on emotional fallout rather than plot twists. While the ending wasn’t satisfying for me personally, I can appreciate what the book is trying to do — and I think readers who go in without fixed expectations may find it a powerful and unsettling exploration of loss.
Overall, this was a three-star read for me: not quite what I wanted, but still a considered and emotionally complex story that will likely resonate strongly with the right reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my first read from Tam Barnett and it was a good and very emotionall one too.
The story is told from Ivor's perspective and from Becky's diary entries.
And everything starts after Ivor got a message from Becky on New Year's Eve, even though they were broken up. And later he finds out that she died by suicide.
But something seems odd to him and in his grief and drunken state he start to dig deeper and look for evidence. We also learn that Becky didn't have a good relationship with her parents, after her sister died at age seven.
Ivor was so in love with Becky and he thought they were getting back together and now he really wants to revenge her and to find the truth of what happened. But going deeper he uncovers a lot of secrets and hidden things from the family and thei friends, and also the truth behind his relationship with Becky.
The story was so good and gripping and a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions.
In the end I felt sorry for Ivor and was so sad for how he ends. But also surprised by the persons that choose to stay by his side.
I really recommend this book to you and to have some tissues also ( I needed them )
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the book in advance. This is my honest and only opinion.
The story is told from Ivor's perspective and from Becky's diary entries.
And everything starts after Ivor got a message from Becky on New Year's Eve, even though they were broken up. And later he finds out that she died by suicide.
But something seems odd to him and in his grief and drunken state he start to dig deeper and look for evidence. We also learn that Becky didn't have a good relationship with her parents, after her sister died at age seven.
Ivor was so in love with Becky and he thought they were getting back together and now he really wants to revenge her and to find the truth of what happened. But going deeper he uncovers a lot of secrets and hidden things from the family and thei friends, and also the truth behind his relationship with Becky.
The story was so good and gripping and a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions.
In the end I felt sorry for Ivor and was so sad for how he ends. But also surprised by the persons that choose to stay by his side.
I really recommend this book to you and to have some tissues also ( I needed them )
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the book in advance. This is my honest and only opinion.
January 10, 2026
Favorite Quotes:
The key to beating any hangover is not to underestimate it. Unzipping my backpack, I pull out a two-litre bottle of Evian and four ibuprofens. Agua mineral and anti-inflammatories– the breakfast of champions.
But what he lacks in maturity, he makes up for in waist circumference. I’m not saying he’s obese, but he cut his finger once and camembert oozed out.
You’re jealous coz your manhood’s so small women call it a childhood.
He sits, picking at his cuticles, looking about as comfortable as a teenager at his own parents’ sex therapy session.
She’s what Noz calls a T-rex in a tux– deep pockets, short arms.
I’m far less confident about hauling myself up solo like a marine these days. I’m no Commando– the only way I’ll earn that title is if my pants are caught on the way in and ripped clean off.
He said we should start going running together, and I laughed so hard I almost choked on my doughnut.
My Review:
Tam Barnett is a wily scribbler. He has mastered an ingenious balance between intriguing yet heinous family drama and witty dark humor. I gleefully devoured this original and authentic tale, which cleverly and deftly traversed multiple social issues, although Mr. Barnett’s emotive writing broke my heart several times during perusal. The man has mad skills.
The key to beating any hangover is not to underestimate it. Unzipping my backpack, I pull out a two-litre bottle of Evian and four ibuprofens. Agua mineral and anti-inflammatories– the breakfast of champions.
But what he lacks in maturity, he makes up for in waist circumference. I’m not saying he’s obese, but he cut his finger once and camembert oozed out.
You’re jealous coz your manhood’s so small women call it a childhood.
He sits, picking at his cuticles, looking about as comfortable as a teenager at his own parents’ sex therapy session.
She’s what Noz calls a T-rex in a tux– deep pockets, short arms.
I’m far less confident about hauling myself up solo like a marine these days. I’m no Commando– the only way I’ll earn that title is if my pants are caught on the way in and ripped clean off.
He said we should start going running together, and I laughed so hard I almost choked on my doughnut.
My Review:
Tam Barnett is a wily scribbler. He has mastered an ingenious balance between intriguing yet heinous family drama and witty dark humor. I gleefully devoured this original and authentic tale, which cleverly and deftly traversed multiple social issues, although Mr. Barnett’s emotive writing broke my heart several times during perusal. The man has mad skills.
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