The Final Podcast

by C.K. Smith, Dina Ezzeddine

Dominic thought the darkness was behind him, but when Hana’s daughter disappears without a trace, something inside him awakens. Reverting to his vigilante persona, Ethan Cole is back behind the microphone of Whispers in the Dark, using his podcast as both bait and weapon to uncover the truth.

Every caller, every secret, every slip of information brings him closer to the kidnapper—and closer to the edge. With the city watching, time running out, and lives on the line, Ethan must navigate a deadly game where justice isn’t given—it’s taken.

Prepare yourself for a psychological thriller that will grip your mind, twist your nerves, and keep you guessing until the very last call.

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

About the author

Author also writes as Dina Ezzeddine

C.K. Smith is a Canadian writer and the celebrated author of The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor series, a chilling collection that promises to leave readers breathless with suspense and captivated by dark romance. Blending spine-tingling horror with irresistible spicy romance, C.K. Smith creates stories that haunt the mind and stir the soul.

Her latest work, The Aberdeen Manor trilogy, is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Each book in the series is crafted to send shivers down your spine, perfect for horror enthusiasts who crave a touch of the forbidden in their reads. From eerie halls to forbidden desires, this series is an unmissable journey into the depths of fear and passion.

Drawing inspiration from literary legends like Stephen King, C.K. Smith has a unique gift for weaving intricate tales that explore the shadows of human emotion. Her work is a testament to her love for storytelling, delivering an experience that lingers long after the final page.

When she isn’t crafting her next haunting narrative, C.K. Smith enjoys immersing herself in the beauty of Canadian landscapes and discovering the extraordinary in everyday life. With every story, she invites readers to step into her world of thrilling terror and sizzling romance—where the line between fear and desire blurs.

Discover the world of C.K. Smith, where every book is an unforgettable escape. Follow for updates on her latest releases and insights into her creative process. For fans of Stephen King, dark romance, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is an author you don’t want to miss!

Reviews

[iain jones uk 🇬🇧 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.. couldn’t put the kindle down!!

Ethan is back, ready to bring corruption down in his own way.
This time someone has gotten to close to home and this has released the fire in Ethan’s belly.
The podcast has now reopened, his followers are still there at his side willing to help.. he is torn between starting over again and the safety of his family.. but when his family is targeted.. justice is served.

This author is great, such suspense.. a great thriller.
Go on everyone give her a go !! You won’t be disappointed.

Always my views

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better than the first one! I'm seriously sad that it's over. I love these characters and the way everything panned out. This is the kind of book that makes you nervous to read anything else because you know it won't live up to what you just read. I can't wait to read more by this author. If you haven't read The Podcast Killer, definitely read it first!

[AmBer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing twisty tale of revenge and justice. With a dash of a love story or two. Perfectly written!

[Jenée · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took a while different turn than I was expecting. I was expecting more of the podcasts Ethan Cole did in the first book. What I got was a different side, the family name who would climb to Mount Everest on his last breath to save the people he loved and protect them. The surprise extra chapter at the end makes me wonder what’s next for the podcast.

[Marin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:

"The Final Podcast" follows Dominic Graves, who thought he’d left his dark past behind after the events of the first book. But when Hana Kwon’s teenage daughter disappears, Dominic is pulled back into chaos. To investigate and seek justice, he resurrects his vigilante alter ego — now known on air as Ethan Cole — using his true-crime podcast Whispers in the Dark as a tool to uncover clues and draw in listeners who might help solve the mystery.

Review:
"The Final Podcast" is a tense, emotionally charged thriller that completely pulled me in from the first chapter. C.K. Smith takes everything that worked in the first book and raises the stakes — the danger feels more personal, the emotions hit harder, and the psychological tension is relentless.
What really stands out is Dominic as a protagonist. He’s flawed, conflicted, and morally complicated, which makes his decisions feel real rather than convenient. The story isn’t just about solving a crime — it’s about obsession, justice, and the cost of playing hero. The podcast element adds a modern edge and keeps the narrative feeling fresh and cinematic.
The pacing is sharp, with short chapters that make it very easy to say “just one more.” There are twists, but they don’t feel forced — they grow naturally from the characters and the situation. By the time I reached the ending, I felt genuinely invested in how everything would resolve.
If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers with high stakes and morally grey characters, this is definitely worth your time. A strong sequel that delivers suspense and emotional depth in equal measure.

[Stormi Nightroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.K. Smith pulls no punches in The Final Podcast, a gripping psychological thriller that drags readers deep into the shadows of truth, obsession, and vengeance. When Hana’s daughter vanishes without a trace, Dominic thought his dark past was behind him—but the call of the hunt is louder than ever.

Reborn as Ethan Cole, the enigmatic voice behind Whispers in the Dark, he uses his podcast as both bait and weapon in a desperate race against time. Each caller, each whispered secret, each moment on air inches him closer to the kidnapper—and closer to the edge of his own sanity.

Smith’s storytelling is taut, unflinching, and cinematic. The tension builds like static before a storm, charging every scene with dread and urgency. With razor-sharp pacing and characters that bleed authenticity, The Final Podcast doesn’t just tell a story—it traps you in it.

Fans of dark thrillers like Gone Girl and You will find themselves haunted by this one long after the final broadcast fades.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one doesn’t just pull you in—it locks the door behind you.

Dominic thought he left the darkness buried… but the moment Hana’s daughter vanishes, that old version of him claws its way back to the surface. And honestly? You feel every second of that shift. The tension is immediate, sharp, and doesn’t let up.

Ethan Cole behind the mic again? Chilling. The podcast angle isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a weapon. Every call, every whispered clue, every unraveling thread had me leaning in like I was part of the investigation.

What really hit? The way the line between justice and obsession just… disappears. This isn’t clean heroism. It’s messy, desperate, and dangerously addictive to watch unfold.

Dark, gripping, and full of those “just one more chapter” lies you tell yourself at 2AM. By the final call, I was wrecked—in the best way.

If you love psychological thrillers that play mind games and refuse to play nice… don’t skip this one

[Jine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god this was so good’! If you liked book 1 you’re gonna love this one! Book 2 picks up right where 1 left off Ethan Cole is back and he’s ready to burn it all down once again! What I didn’t expect in this book is to cry oh my god it got me truly did’! Dominic is back with his team trying to find his gfs daughter Sora’ what I loved was some events that happened in book 1 was explained not to be true we got
To see the true evil kingpin who was running everything! You will enjoy this book because it has a little bit of everything high drama emotional moments justice and a bittersweet ending!

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a book.
I received an ARC, and when I say C.K. Smith dropped the mic — I mean literally and metaphorically. This is easily one of the best sequel endings I’ve ever read.

The Podcast Killer was fantastic, but The Final Podcast is on a whole different level — 10x better, hands down.
A perfect conclusion to both books.

If C.K. Smith keeps writing thrillers and horror like this, I’ll read every single one.

Five stars from me — I absolutely loved The Final Podcast.

— Sophie

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book. As soon as I started reading it I knew that there would be no putting it down. I had to keep reading until I finished the last page. It mvoes along at a really great pace which was a perfect fit for the flow of the story. The caracters are so realistic that you believe that they are real. This book will not disappoint and needs to be at the top of your TBR list. No doubt about it.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Final Podcast” by C.K. Smith is a fast-paced, intense finale that pulls you in from the start and never lets up. When a child goes missing, Dominic returns as Ethan Cole, turning the search into a tense psychological game where every moment matters. The twists keep coming, the tension is constant, and the ending hits hard. A gripping conclusion that’s hard to put down.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Final Podcast by C.K. Smith is sharp, tense, and relentlessly gripping. It doesn’t just build suspense—it weaponizes it, pulling you into a dark spiral where every clue feels dangerous. The lines between justice and obsession blur fast, and the stakes never let up. Gritty, addictive, and charged with urgency—this one doesn’t just whisper… it demands your attention.

[Cheryl Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Once I was able to sit down and really read, I found i couldn't put it down! I found myself getting invested in the characters and really feeling their feelings. This book is a must read. Especially if you liked the first one

[Terri Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it just as much as I loved the first one. I will continue to read any books by this author. C.K Smith knows how to pack a punch and knows the true meaning of a psychological thriller.

[Amy Lismore · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing it had -me hooked,from the beginning and I loved Ethan Cole he is amazing and I love Hana she is amazing. I love this book so much I love every second of it

[Philip Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

Loved the first book. Great concept and story. Really good characters. Loved everything about this book. No spoilers from me. Just read it you won't be disappointed.