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Final Descent

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At 30,000 feet, the danger isn’t turbulence—it’s him.

After suffering a breakdown from her brutal divorce, airline pilot Claire Winslow is rebuilding her life with her five-year-old daughter. Just as she’s finding her footing, an online romance spirals into a chilling nightmare. Her first date with Evan goes terribly wrong, and he soon begins stalking her, showing up outside her home and even her daughter’s school.

After nearly a week of no sightings of him, Claire dares to believe maybe he’s moved on. Relieved, she puts her focus on her upcoming flight—the first chance she’s had to prove herself since she was put on leave. Then, on a layover in Boston, Claire spots Evan at her hotel. She goes to the police, but with no real name and nothing traceable online, they say there’s nothing they can do.

When Evan boards her flight wearing a pilot uniform and takes the jump seat just before takeoff, Claire is convinced he’s there to kill her—or take the plane down. But after her recent breakdown, the question becomes: is she right…or unraveling all over again?

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

105 people are currently reading
2737 people want to read

About the author

Audrey J. Cole

21 books1,165 followers
Audrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.

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5 stars
247 (21%)
4 stars
383 (33%)
3 stars
363 (31%)
2 stars
127 (11%)
1 star
17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
Profile Image for Jayme.
1,548 reviews4,498 followers
November 5, 2025
“At 30,000 feet, the danger isn’t turbulence-it’s him”

Don’t read the book blurb past that first line-it just about summarizes the whole story, which isn’t something we want when we are going to read a book-especially a novella that is only 90 pages long.

Claire Winslow is an airline pilot returning to work for the first time since being cleared from a court ordered rehab program following a difficult divorce.

Although her rehab had nothing to do with her flying skills, she stills feels like she has to prove herself again. And, then, to test her even further, her STALKER boards as a jumpseat rider from another airline and he will be sitting behind her in the cockpit during the flight.

Talk about PRESSURE!

As a flight attendant with well over 25 years of flight experience-I know that author Audrey Cole always takes some creative license with the facts for the sake of a good thriller, but as a Pilot’s daughter-she usually gets enough of the details right to make for a plausible story…

But, not this time.

Unfortunately this story is completely FAR-FETCHED. (Sorry, Audrey)

I enjoyed her books “Missing in Flight” and “The Pilot’s Daughter” despite having to suspend some belief but this one went too far and was a BIG MISS for me.

Available Now!

Thank You to Rainier Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
Profile Image for Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme).
844 reviews894 followers
November 16, 2025
Woooeee! Hold on to your hats! Fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled, and packed with action, Final Descent had my attention from the very first page. But it wasn’t just the high-stakes feel that won me over completely. Oh no. The underlying themes to this immersive story were solid gold. I can’t say much more without revealing a spoiler, but I will add that there was an unexpected amount of depth for this quick, easy read. Coming in at under one hundred pages, this unputdownable novella had everything I could want in a story despite its short length. And let me tell you, that means a lot coming from me, as I’m not usually a fan of novellas or short stories. This one, however, felt shockingly complete with a full backstory, a genuine narrator who leaned towards unreliable, and an awe-inspiring arc that I utterly loved.

All said and done, I was beyond impressed by the newest work of thrills and chills by one of my favorite authors. A psychological thriller complete with a touch of well-drawn domestic drama, it was perfect for fans of tense standoffs and thoroughly creepy vibes. You see, it was online dating-gone-wrong in the best possible way. The small, compelling cast of characters was my favorite part, though. With believable motives and personas I could relate to, they each lent a realistic feel to the entire suspense-laden tale. That’s not to say that the storyline didn’t win me over as well. With razor-sharp pacing, a claustrophobic atmosphere, and tight, twisty plotting, my fingers simply flew through the pages. All I can say is that there wasn’t a thing not to love about this one, so be sure to grab a copy today. Rating of 5+ stars.

SYNOPSIS:

Please oh please go into this one as blind as possible! While the synopsis is riveting, not knowing much will set you up for an even better time. All you need to know is that Claire Winslow is having a tough go of life as a newly single mom. Recovering from a tumultuous divorce, she has finally started to date once again after being pressured to join a dating site by her best friend. When Claire meets her first suitor for dinner, though, she wasn’t expecting for the evening to not only become a nightmare, but upend her life as well. As her world starts to spiral, she knows it all links back to the gorgeous man she went out with. Unless, of course, she’s losing her grip on her sanity—again.

Thank you to Audrey J. Cole and Rainier Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: November 4, 2025

Content warning: stalking, gaslighting, violence, mention of: infidelity, divorce, blackmail
Profile Image for Debra- semi hiatus due to a loved ones health.
3,261 reviews36.5k followers
November 3, 2025
Final Descent is a fast-paced mystery thriller that takes place on land and at 30,000 feet in the air! I listened to the audiobook and felt the narrator did a wonderful job of bringing this book to life. It's entertaining, gripping, and riveting; however, it is also a bit far-fetched!

Claire Winslow is trying to rebuild her life after a not so cordial divorce. She is ready to dip her feet into the dating pool once again but her first date is well, not so pleasant. Plus, her bad date seems to be popping up here, there, and everywhere! What is pleasant is the time spent with her five-year-old daughter and her friends.

Flying is what she does, but things take a turn for worse on her most recent flight......

As I mentioned Final Descent is an entertaining fast paced read. The audiobook and novella can easily be enjoyed in one sitting. I did enjoy that even thought this was short, the author did manage to throw in some twists and turns along with the turbulence! That kept my fully invested and enjoying the book. As I mentioned, this is a bit far-fetched but if you can overlook some things, you may find this to be an enjoyable book which won't take up too much of your time!

Thank you to Spotify Audiobook Selects and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,593 reviews1,325 followers
December 11, 2025
the setup…
Airline pilot Claire Winslow is putting her life back together again following a nasty divorce, a breakdown, rehab and custody issues with her ex over their five-year old daughter. Best friend Becca convinces her to try online dating so she agrees to dinner with a man named Evan. When he exhibits anger issues early on, Claire ends the date amicably and hurries home, thankful she’s dodged the proverbial bullet…but has she? Claire starts to see Evan everywhere…outside her house, at her daughter’s school and at her hotel during an overnight cross country flight. Is she imagining it or is someone gaslighting her?

the heart of the story…
I tried to be objective but even Claire doesn’t trust her own instincts. Is Evan even real? Are her fears and insecurities making her imagine the sightings? Or is she being played? I formed my own opinion about it early on.

the narration…
Zura Johnson did a wonderful job of voicing Claire’s self doubt and her back and forth about it. She owned the character.

the bottom line…
You’re gonna have to decide on which side of the fence you’ll sit early on…mental instability or gaslighting. I thought I had this nailed and still bumped into a twist. This moves quickly so make sure to take it all in and have a good time. I did.

Posted on Blue Mood Café
Profile Image for Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill.
800 reviews583 followers
November 14, 2025
I absolutely LOVE all of @audreyjcole books!! This novella was a total blast!! It hit the ground running and never let up! Hands down 5 stars!! ⭐️

I love a good stalker book!! This was so intense and creepy!! I wanted to scream run 🏃 Claire…. but we all know.. there was no place to run…because her stalker was EVERYWHERE! 😳 OR was he? 🤔

If you are wondering if @audreyjcole managed to wrap it up in 80 pages.. she did. It was clever, twisted and crazy!! I loved it!!
Profile Image for Jamele (BookswithJams).
2,036 reviews95 followers
November 3, 2025
This novella packed a punch, and Zura Johnson did a fantastic job with the audiobook narration. I was on the edge of my seat, this builds and culminates on a flight that quickly delves into chaos, and there was a twist that I could not see coming nor even try to guess. This was suspenseful, intense, and very well done, and I am so glad I got to listen to an early release. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to pack this all into such a short length, but Audrey knocked it out of the park yet again. This one needs to be on your list when it publishes November 4th, it is SO GOOD!

Thank you to @TLCBookTours, @audreyjcole and @spotify for having me on this tour.
Profile Image for Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm).
634 reviews21 followers
October 17, 2025
You either love or hate novellas, but I absolutely love them. I can only imagine the challenge of packing an entire story into under 100 pages! I think more authors should give it a shot!

Claire Winslow, an airline pilot recovering from a divorce, faces a stalker named Evan after a disastrous first date. Although she feels relieved after a week without sightings, she spots him at her hotel during a layover. When he boards her flight in a pilot uniform, Claire fears for her life and questions her mental stability after a recent breakdown.

In this novella, Claire provides us with a brief glimpse into her life and the events that unfolded. Once I learned what happened to her, I had a nagging feeling that I knew the outcome—I just wasn’t sure how or why it all came together. It seems like sometimes authors want us to guess at least one twist while keeping the rest under wraps until the end. I can’t stand it when characters are driven to madness, and no one believes them; that always frustrates me. Yet, if it’s done with finesse, I’m all in!

This is a short read—being a novella, it’s essential to understand that before diving in and complaining about its length. As a fan of this author, I was thrilled to get my hands on this piece. It’s concise, fast-paced, and straight to the point. This novella is perfect for anyone who can appreciate a satirical take, complete with an unexpected ending and plenty of twists to keep you engaged. I bet it’ll leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page. It is pretty clever! If it doesn’t resonate with you, that’s okay, but be sure to explore other works by this incredible author—you wouldn’t want to miss out on some fantastic reads!

Thank you, BooksGoSocial, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for BiblioPeeks.
320 reviews54 followers
December 9, 2025
Well this was a fun, fast and adrenaline fueled trip! I gotta be honest here, if Audrey J. Cole writes it, I'm gonna read it. She never ceases to write suspense filled stories that hook me right away and keep me locked in. This was no different and for being about 80 pages, it manages to pack a significant punch complete with a main character who is fully fleshed out and relatable. I mean, who HASN'T had a bad date?

It's best to go into this one as blind as possible to have the most fun. Trust me, don't even read the synopsis. You can expect an unreliable narrator, the unease of a stalker and the intensity of trouble aboard an airplane! Sure, it may be a tad predictable and go a little over the top, but who cares? FINAL DESCENT is a quick hit of popcorn thrills with buttery delight that is sure to captivate you! For a romping good time this is a flight you want to take!
Profile Image for Lia Reads.
536 reviews460 followers
November 12, 2025
I saw what was happening from a mile away, still a good novella I just wanted more of a shock factor.
Profile Image for Yvonne (It's All About Books).
2,691 reviews316 followers
October 17, 2025

Finished reading: October 16th 2025


"I study him in stunned silence. Is he feeding his own curiosity now, or something else?"

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Rainier Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

Profile Image for Jackie.
1,320 reviews
October 18, 2025
I’m such a big fan of Audrey J. Cole’s thrillers! I’ve read seven of her books so far, and every single one has pulled me in right away—each delivering the suspense, twists, and intensity I always look for in a solid psychological thriller.

Final Descent follows an airline pilot whose online romance takes a dark turn when her admirer becomes a stalker—one who seems to appear everywhere she goes, even on her flight. Trapped midair, she’s forced to question her safety and her sanity.

I especially loved the unique aviation setting—it added so much tension and originality. The strong female lead brought real emotional depth, making her easy to root for. And, as always with Cole’s writing, the short, fast-paced chapters kept the suspense tight and made this an easy, binge-worthy read. Can’t wait to read her next release, Only the Hunt Will Tell, in January 2026!

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Mandy K .
316 reviews39 followers
November 4, 2025
Final Descent 3.5⭐️

Audrey Cole is an auto-read author for me. I was excited to get my hands on her latest, a novella. This is a super quick read at under 100 pages. Some parts made me chuckle at the over-the-topness and assumed the underlining cause of the main character’s troubles, but regardless, I was entertained. This is for you if you want a quick read, like airplane plots/settings, 1 POV, and extravagant action.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Nov 4 2025
Profile Image for Krissy (books_and_biceps9155).
1,321 reviews76 followers
November 12, 2025
It takes some sort of talent to write an entire suspense story WITH BACKGROUND in 86 pages…This novel is concise, fast paced and great entertainment to fit in between books or an hour. I love Cole’s novels. They are always incredibly easy to read, bingey and just FUN. Was it a bit “far fetched” ….yes but it is like watching an action movie. A great little escape from life. Thank you @audreyjcole for another immersive read!
Profile Image for ♡ Tkay!.
131 reviews10 followers
December 8, 2025
Final Descent - Audrey J. Cole
Rating: 3.5/5!

Perfect read for a flight attendant on her way to work.🤪

This was a fast-paced thriller that was extremely enjoyable, however it was definitely out there and I cannot ever imagine this happening in the real world. I do have to give props though, fitting all this into 100 pages is pretty impressive.

Thanks NetGalley for the e-arc!
Profile Image for Delaney.
624 reviews477 followers
November 16, 2025
I would definitely read a full length novel of this story! Such a fast paced, intriguing concept. The stakes are high and the tension is real. I sped right through this book and would recommend it for something quick and thrilling.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy
Profile Image for Lu thrillskillsandchills.
155 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2025
Final Descent by Audrey J. Cole is a compact, high-stakes thriller that wastes no time getting to the tension.

Claire Winslow, an airline pilot and single mum, is finally finding her feet again after a difficult divorce — until her online relationship takes a turn for the terrifying. When her stalker starts appearing everywhere she goes, including the airport, she realises nowhere feels safe.

I loved the aviation setting — the pressure of being responsible for hundreds of passengers while feeling hunted adds a really sharp layer of tension. The pacing is quick, the stakes are clear, and the “is it paranoia or danger?” question keeps you hooked.

Because it’s a novella, the ending comes quickly and there’s less time to connect deeply with the characters, but I still found myself invested in how it would play out. Audrey J. Cole knows how to write tension that creeps under your skin.

If you’re after a fast, addictive thriller you can tear through in one sitting, this one delivers.
474 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2025
This quick read had it all action, romance, mystery. Well written plot and characters had me questioning throughout what was real and what was in her head. The main action came about 50% in when it switched to being set on a plane, which appealed to my mayday urge. There was just enough info about planes etc to make it real . This could have easily been made into a bigger novel exploring more . The twist at the end felt a bit predictable but a perfect close.. Perfect as an escape reader to get lost in. Thank you netgallery, publisher and author for this 4 star read.
Profile Image for Alysia Leonardo.
11 reviews
November 7, 2025
I wanted to like this book more. The premise was so thrilling and it had its moments where I was on edge waiting to see what would happen all for it to fall short. The ending/ epilogue is what really resulted in this rating. It was very unbelievable, too easy and in my opinion very rushed. I’m glad I gave it a shot but I don’t think I’ll read this one again.
Profile Image for Jeanie ~ MyFairytaleLibrary.
630 reviews76 followers
December 2, 2025
At 90 pages this is a quick read or listen. It may be far fetched, but it’s also entertaining and intense. In a novella it can be difficult to get both enough character development and a satisfying storyline. The author managed to do both here. Zura Johnson narration on the audiobook production is excellent.

3.5/5
Profile Image for Jessica Webber.
175 reviews41 followers
November 15, 2025
This was an entertaining, quick read. I do think I would’ve enjoyed a little better as a longer novel so there could’ve been some more back story. But overall I still really enjoyed it! I predicted part of the ending, but there was still a surprise in there I didn’t see coming!
Profile Image for Donna Mallery.
958 reviews89 followers
October 31, 2025
I read all of Cole’s books, and I love her attention to details! You get this creepy vibe and really feel like you are on the flight. While a novella, the author still manages to build a solid story! I was on the edge of my seat wondering how the protagonist was going to get out of the horrible predicament. The twist was a bit of a surprise and definitely added to the horror of the story. As always, there is a satisfying ending. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this ARC!
Profile Image for Sacha.
1,916 reviews
October 18, 2025
4 stars

My best advice for prospective readers is to really take the fact that this is a novella into account before you crack the cover. You're not going to find the same kind of character and plot development here that you get in a typical Cole novel because there just isn't space for it. That noted, you ARE going to have an absolute blast, just in this shorter read.

Cole has a knack for revealing the seedy underbelly of certain soured relationships, and this is a perfect example of that. Claire's marriage disolved, and then her husband's sense of compassion and personhood seemed to shoot down the drain, too. He's less than kind when Claire makes mistakes, experiences mental health struggles, or generally disagrees with him. She's finally ready to move on romantically and demonstrates this by meeting up with a new app generated fella...who is the actual worst. What's more terrible than a bad date? One that absolutely will not end. Claire starts feeling as though she's being stalked and begins to question her own stability. What ensues is truly wild.

I really enjoy Cole's novels, and this is my first experience with a shorter work from her. I do think it's a MUST to take the shorter format into account, but those prepared for a quicker read will find this fast paced and fun. I did!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
994 reviews52 followers
October 27, 2025
This novella had me gasping for air from beginning to end!

Commercial pilot, Claire, is having a rough year. After divorcing her husband, she is involved in a car accident that nearly kills her young daughter. She’s taking the proper medications to deal with her anxiety but her ex husband, Steven, is trying for full custody of their daughter claiming she is not mentally stable. And after a strange first date with a man named Evan, who she keeps running into after the date, she is beginning to wonder about her mental well being as well. Is she losing her mind? Or is there something more sinister going on?

If you are looking for an adrenaline fueled thriller, then don’t miss this one!

Thank you Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on November 4, 2025
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