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Sydney's Last Night: A Romantic Mystery
Pierce Watkins' sister died in a tragic accident. Or was it? As Pierce attempts to uncover the truth, she reconnects with her sister's high school boyfriend. The more she digs, the more secrets come out, however, Pierce may not like the answers she finds.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2021
8 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Emily Camp
31 books199 followersEmily is the author of several young adult, new adult, mystery and romance novels. She lives in a small town in Ohio similar to the towns in her stories. Her favorite place to read is in her pool.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 12, 2021
*ARC received in exchange of an honest review*
◾This is the second book I've read of Emily Camp and I can say she hasn't disappointed me again.
The way she created the whole scene is amazing. I was really shocked with the conclusion in the end.
◾Sydney's sister, her aunt and David were the really determined people here. Even after three years of Sydney's death they didn't let go the matter. And finally got to the murderer.
◾The character building is also good. We got to know in detail about the mindset of all the people involved.
◾Story' pace is upto the mark. Nothing felt too rushed or way too slow.
◾The romantic angle thrown in the story made it look a bit more positive.
◾This is the second book I've read of Emily Camp and I can say she hasn't disappointed me again.
The way she created the whole scene is amazing. I was really shocked with the conclusion in the end.
◾Sydney's sister, her aunt and David were the really determined people here. Even after three years of Sydney's death they didn't let go the matter. And finally got to the murderer.
◾The character building is also good. We got to know in detail about the mindset of all the people involved.
◾Story' pace is upto the mark. Nothing felt too rushed or way too slow.
◾The romantic angle thrown in the story made it look a bit more positive.
June 20, 2021
4.5⭐ rounded up.
Pierce is a wonderful MC, and I was 100% turning pages as fast as I could.
If you haven't read anything by Lady Camp yet, this would be a fantastic place to start!
Much love to Emily Camp for my signed paperback.
Pierce is a wonderful MC, and I was 100% turning pages as fast as I could.
If you haven't read anything by Lady Camp yet, this would be a fantastic place to start!
Much love to Emily Camp for my signed paperback.
February 11, 2021
This story opens with our protagonist starring at a red flower painting hanging on her bedroom wall. This painting connects in more ways than one throughout our story but on this morning our twenty-year-old protagonist can only see blood.
Pierce Watkin's older sister Sydney died in a tragic accident three years ago. But was it an accident? That is what the police ruled it, but Pierce, her friends and the family she has left think otherwise.
Pierce dives into finding out what really happened to her sister that Halloween night. She and a local police officer, that her best friend calls "Officer Hottie" decide to team up and they discover things about Sydney that Pierce never knew. Pierce starts to question if she even knew her sister at all.
One thing Pierce did not want to happen was the attraction she gets with the one person she told herself not to feel. The hot police officer. Because he's the twin of the person her family thinks murder Sydney that night.
I was given this unedited ARC copy of "Sydney's Last Night" by author Emily Camp. Emily found me on @goodreads last year and gave me an ARC copy of her book "Boy of the Week" that review is on my page also.
I was so happy when she messaged me and wanted to give me this new story that was unedited & un-proof read. This young adult read is short and easy. I just flew through it. It touches base with everything from young love, to grief and of course mystery. I fully connected with the characters and enjoyed reading how they were all connected. I will be honest that I did guess the killer ahead of time but there were parts in me that had me wondering maybe I am wrong. At the end I was not. However, this did not hurt the story in anyway because there were no actual clues whatsoever it was just more of my own feeling honestly.
I urge you to pre-order your copy now $2.99 @amazonkindle pre-order.
"Sydney's Last Night" Releases April 6th 2021.
Pierce Watkin's older sister Sydney died in a tragic accident three years ago. But was it an accident? That is what the police ruled it, but Pierce, her friends and the family she has left think otherwise.
Pierce dives into finding out what really happened to her sister that Halloween night. She and a local police officer, that her best friend calls "Officer Hottie" decide to team up and they discover things about Sydney that Pierce never knew. Pierce starts to question if she even knew her sister at all.
One thing Pierce did not want to happen was the attraction she gets with the one person she told herself not to feel. The hot police officer. Because he's the twin of the person her family thinks murder Sydney that night.
I was given this unedited ARC copy of "Sydney's Last Night" by author Emily Camp. Emily found me on @goodreads last year and gave me an ARC copy of her book "Boy of the Week" that review is on my page also.
I was so happy when she messaged me and wanted to give me this new story that was unedited & un-proof read. This young adult read is short and easy. I just flew through it. It touches base with everything from young love, to grief and of course mystery. I fully connected with the characters and enjoyed reading how they were all connected. I will be honest that I did guess the killer ahead of time but there were parts in me that had me wondering maybe I am wrong. At the end I was not. However, this did not hurt the story in anyway because there were no actual clues whatsoever it was just more of my own feeling honestly.
I urge you to pre-order your copy now $2.99 @amazonkindle pre-order.
"Sydney's Last Night" Releases April 6th 2021.
January 20, 2021
If you are looking for a book that will keep you on your toes, take you on an emotional roller coaster and have you blindsided by the ending then this is definitely a book that you need to pick up.
This book threw so many curveballs that I was not expecting the ending. There was times where I got butterflies in my stomach, there was times where I was pissed off, there was times where I was screaming at my tablet screen, and there was times where I was absolutely in love things that were said from one character to another.
the author of this book is definitely one of my favorite authors because she keeps you engulfed in the world that is inside the pages. the characters always feel like they are lifelike and they are people that I could walk down the street and accidentally bump into.
This book threw so many curveballs that I was not expecting the ending. There was times where I got butterflies in my stomach, there was times where I was pissed off, there was times where I was screaming at my tablet screen, and there was times where I was absolutely in love things that were said from one character to another.
the author of this book is definitely one of my favorite authors because she keeps you engulfed in the world that is inside the pages. the characters always feel like they are lifelike and they are people that I could walk down the street and accidentally bump into.
January 24, 2021
OMG! This book kept me up all night, I couldn't put it down! It is an whodunit that will keep you absorbed as Paige tries to piece together her sister's last night on earth. She knows it wasn't an accident, but who could have killed her sister? Every time I switched my mind about who did it, it was later ruled out- all the way to the end! This book gripped me from the very beginning. Well, written and intense, this book is good for teens and adults alike. Emily Camp writes good compelling books, but I think this has to be her best yet and I look forward to see more from her!
March 15, 2025
What a great YA mystery! Sluething is fun to listen to as I did the audiobook. Very intriguing to know it is inspired by a true story. Loved every minute of it!
November 21, 2024
If you haven’t read this book! please do! it was so good! definitely didn’t expect the ending!!!!
July 20, 2021
If you want to read it in it's original place - myaffairwithlife.weebly.com
*ARC received in exchange for a honest review.
A signed ARC might I add! And not just a silly paperback but one of those more solid paperbacks with weight to the cover. Something that not even my two year old could do much damage to in 2.5 seconds that she got her chubby little hands on it.
4 **** - Yep, we're just getting right to it.
It took me way too long to finally begin this book, probably because it's easier to read on my phone or Kindle even though, I LOVE the feel of a book so much more. That's how I know corporeal books will never really go extinct. Like I mentioned above, the presentation of the book is fantastic. The cover fits perfectly with the symbolism that Piece uses to describe seeing her sister's blood surrounding her body. Plus it actually shows you the picture on the wall that is talked about constantly. This is actually a consistent reminder that I enjoy because it's giving you small clues and snide remarks that you (the reader) don't even understand until later. That is one of the geniuses of this book. The juxtaposition between Sydney and this painting seem unrelated but ultimately go hand in hand throughout the story.
The story of this book is really good. I started reading it yesterday and finished today. It's an easy read, not overly complex or long. There definitely wasn't an unnecessary scenes...every encounter seemed to push the story along. I actually would have liked it to be a bit longer, focus a little more on WHO Pierce is when she's not trying to be her sister. Maybe why she's trying to be her sister? She sleeps in the same bedroom, hasn't moved an furniture, wears her hair the same, and uses her clothes. I do find it to be a bit creepy and yet, I understand the comfort in this. The idea that our loved one lives on in us or as long as we keep using their things, seeing their life in front of us, maintaining the same existence they would have had. Still...a bit creepy. Especially the Zach thing. I'll let you read it though. It does seem awkward that everyone seemed to have a crush on Sydney and at least this is acknowledged in the story. But we learn that there are different kinds of crushes, likes, and loves especially based on who is feeling those things. These are the details that make all the difference.
I liked the best friend. I liked the dialogue between Pierce and all her friends, boss, etc...but not as much with Ian, Zach, or Surfer douche. Sorry can't remember anything but his nickname which is amazing by the way. I love the time spent with Ian in the patrol car. By the way, cops do not have to give tickets. They do have a quota to fill each month but a warning WILL fulfill that quota. I love cops. I hate tickets. So, I feel that whoever reads this should have the necessary information to move forward.
The story itself. As I mentioned before, there isn't a wasted scene, it all seems to be heading toward the case or character building or at the very least, just necessary. I love that. The story. It did, in fact, take me by almost complete surprise. During the last scene with the girl from the hospital (for all you non spoil sports), I began to suspect. The why was both perfect and frustrating. Perfectly frustrating. This type of why happens so so often but as humans we always want to more detailed or obvious answer. This answer is almost always connected to the grief and subsequent closure from the victims family. It was nice? (wrong word) to know that the family was able to move on regardless.
Speaking of italics, from above, which I now will specify. There seemed to be so many lines in which something felt like it was supposed to be emphasized but wasn't. Italics will do this for you in a sentence. There was none in this book and I found that it sometimes made the conversations, awkward or confusing. Let's go into this a bit. As I mentioned earlier, Pierces conversations and interactions with everyone but a boy she likes...make sense and are great. The other conversations? At times it felt as if a sentence or two was missing or cut out, or something wasn't emphasized that should have been, or if it would have translated better in person than on the page. This really is my own big drawback from this novel. At certain points, especially during dialogue, the story didn't always flow correctly. Flow is such a writer's word that is confusing and not definitive in any way. I wanted everyone to understand what I mean and this blog, explains its perfectly. I really hope it's legal to do this...haha...no but really...is this legal? Click below for a much better in-depth explanation that I just did above...about flow specifically.
THE FOUR LEVELS OF FLOW IN WRITING
To continue. Now that you have a reasonable explanation on what I mean when I say flow, you'll know that sometimes this story lacks it. Again, mostly with the dialogue but also with the chapter breaks. There were some small issues that I hope will be worked out before mass release. One time in the book a part of the dialogue was re written on accident. I hope it was on accident. Some minor descriptions that I felt could have had more time spent on them. There was a specific example in which Pierce was describing Ian. It was very early on in the novel and of course now I can't find it. It just mentioned something about Ian's shoulders being broad and that's what was getting her into him. A little more time could have made the scene more impactful. To continue along the impactful route, it would have been nice to know WHY Pierce kept jumping around from guy to guy. It my mind, Pierce was in a slow cycle of self destruction because she kept ignoring that Sydney was really gone. To be fair, you totally piece this together through the scenes. Pierce still wears Sydney's clothes, still goes from boyfriend to boyfriend jumping into different sexual relationships, refuses to go through the case files, etc. At the end you see that she mental turns things around but it would have been nice to see more of Pierce's acknowledgement of the behavior. Maybe it's because she's twenty and I'm 30...ish. Accountability is a big deal to me but I digress.
All in all, this book is a solid four stars. The storyline is magnificently created. The novel definitely needs some better flow but maybe that is because it's still one of the author's first few. That is genuinely my only criticism of the book. Don't get it twisted, it doesn't make the story unfollowable or unreadable, it just makes you reread some of the paragraphs at certain points.
Would I recommend this book? Yep.
To read for free? If you have that option, abso-fucking-lutely
Would I buy this book? I would actually.
Also no need for hardcover because her paperback is the expensive amazing type. Good on you Emily Camp.
*ARC received in exchange for a honest review.
A signed ARC might I add! And not just a silly paperback but one of those more solid paperbacks with weight to the cover. Something that not even my two year old could do much damage to in 2.5 seconds that she got her chubby little hands on it.
4 **** - Yep, we're just getting right to it.
It took me way too long to finally begin this book, probably because it's easier to read on my phone or Kindle even though, I LOVE the feel of a book so much more. That's how I know corporeal books will never really go extinct. Like I mentioned above, the presentation of the book is fantastic. The cover fits perfectly with the symbolism that Piece uses to describe seeing her sister's blood surrounding her body. Plus it actually shows you the picture on the wall that is talked about constantly. This is actually a consistent reminder that I enjoy because it's giving you small clues and snide remarks that you (the reader) don't even understand until later. That is one of the geniuses of this book. The juxtaposition between Sydney and this painting seem unrelated but ultimately go hand in hand throughout the story.
The story of this book is really good. I started reading it yesterday and finished today. It's an easy read, not overly complex or long. There definitely wasn't an unnecessary scenes...every encounter seemed to push the story along. I actually would have liked it to be a bit longer, focus a little more on WHO Pierce is when she's not trying to be her sister. Maybe why she's trying to be her sister? She sleeps in the same bedroom, hasn't moved an furniture, wears her hair the same, and uses her clothes. I do find it to be a bit creepy and yet, I understand the comfort in this. The idea that our loved one lives on in us or as long as we keep using their things, seeing their life in front of us, maintaining the same existence they would have had. Still...a bit creepy. Especially the Zach thing. I'll let you read it though. It does seem awkward that everyone seemed to have a crush on Sydney and at least this is acknowledged in the story. But we learn that there are different kinds of crushes, likes, and loves especially based on who is feeling those things. These are the details that make all the difference.
I liked the best friend. I liked the dialogue between Pierce and all her friends, boss, etc...but not as much with Ian, Zach, or Surfer douche. Sorry can't remember anything but his nickname which is amazing by the way. I love the time spent with Ian in the patrol car. By the way, cops do not have to give tickets. They do have a quota to fill each month but a warning WILL fulfill that quota. I love cops. I hate tickets. So, I feel that whoever reads this should have the necessary information to move forward.
The story itself. As I mentioned before, there isn't a wasted scene, it all seems to be heading toward the case or character building or at the very least, just necessary. I love that. The story. It did, in fact, take me by almost complete surprise. During the last scene with the girl from the hospital (for all you non spoil sports), I began to suspect. The why was both perfect and frustrating. Perfectly frustrating. This type of why happens so so often but as humans we always want to more detailed or obvious answer. This answer is almost always connected to the grief and subsequent closure from the victims family. It was nice? (wrong word) to know that the family was able to move on regardless.
Speaking of italics, from above, which I now will specify. There seemed to be so many lines in which something felt like it was supposed to be emphasized but wasn't. Italics will do this for you in a sentence. There was none in this book and I found that it sometimes made the conversations, awkward or confusing. Let's go into this a bit. As I mentioned earlier, Pierces conversations and interactions with everyone but a boy she likes...make sense and are great. The other conversations? At times it felt as if a sentence or two was missing or cut out, or something wasn't emphasized that should have been, or if it would have translated better in person than on the page. This really is my own big drawback from this novel. At certain points, especially during dialogue, the story didn't always flow correctly. Flow is such a writer's word that is confusing and not definitive in any way. I wanted everyone to understand what I mean and this blog, explains its perfectly. I really hope it's legal to do this...haha...no but really...is this legal? Click below for a much better in-depth explanation that I just did above...about flow specifically.
THE FOUR LEVELS OF FLOW IN WRITING
To continue. Now that you have a reasonable explanation on what I mean when I say flow, you'll know that sometimes this story lacks it. Again, mostly with the dialogue but also with the chapter breaks. There were some small issues that I hope will be worked out before mass release. One time in the book a part of the dialogue was re written on accident. I hope it was on accident. Some minor descriptions that I felt could have had more time spent on them. There was a specific example in which Pierce was describing Ian. It was very early on in the novel and of course now I can't find it. It just mentioned something about Ian's shoulders being broad and that's what was getting her into him. A little more time could have made the scene more impactful. To continue along the impactful route, it would have been nice to know WHY Pierce kept jumping around from guy to guy. It my mind, Pierce was in a slow cycle of self destruction because she kept ignoring that Sydney was really gone. To be fair, you totally piece this together through the scenes. Pierce still wears Sydney's clothes, still goes from boyfriend to boyfriend jumping into different sexual relationships, refuses to go through the case files, etc. At the end you see that she mental turns things around but it would have been nice to see more of Pierce's acknowledgement of the behavior. Maybe it's because she's twenty and I'm 30...ish. Accountability is a big deal to me but I digress.
All in all, this book is a solid four stars. The storyline is magnificently created. The novel definitely needs some better flow but maybe that is because it's still one of the author's first few. That is genuinely my only criticism of the book. Don't get it twisted, it doesn't make the story unfollowable or unreadable, it just makes you reread some of the paragraphs at certain points.
Would I recommend this book? Yep.
To read for free? If you have that option, abso-fucking-lutely
Would I buy this book? I would actually.
Also no need for hardcover because her paperback is the expensive amazing type. Good on you Emily Camp.
April 2, 2021
I don’t usually read this sort of book but I love this authors work so much I decided to give it a try. This is a well written book with believable characters that I truly loved! Sydney was killed on Halloween, the police ruled it an accident, but her family thinks there was a lot more to it! There is a hottie police officer, a best friend, an enemy and various other characters, a definite must read! The best thing I can say about this book is I loved it!
March 15, 2021
*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This is my second book from Emily Camp and I really liked it!
I love a good mystery and even though some things may have seemed predictable (or maybe just for me?) it was really good with some really nice plottwists to keep you on your toes!
The story development is very good as well, not too fast, not too slow. A real page turner! I can’t wait to read more of her books! :)
This is my second book from Emily Camp and I really liked it!
I love a good mystery and even though some things may have seemed predictable (or maybe just for me?) it was really good with some really nice plottwists to keep you on your toes!
The story development is very good as well, not too fast, not too slow. A real page turner! I can’t wait to read more of her books! :)
January 4, 2022
SYDNEY'S LAST NIGHT offers a unique perspective on a grieving sister and a small town of suspects. Emily Camp has written a good new adult mystery.
Pierce Watkins and her aunt are still haunted by the death of Pierce's older sister, Sydney. Even though it happened three years ago, and it was ruled an accident, Sydney's aunt has kept the mysterious details around Sydney's death present in the minds of the townspeople with an ongoing thread titled "Sydney's Last Night" and a podcast.
Pierce seems to have taken over her sister's life, sleeping in her room, wearing her clothes, and adopting her major in college. She distanced herself from the case, to keep from reawakening her grief, but events unfold that cause her to form her own investigation with the help of an area police officer (who just happens to be the twin brother of the woman Pierce thinks killed her sister). Could Sydney's death have been murder, like Pierce and her aunt assumed all along? And is the murderer the person they thought, or someone else?
It was a good story. I enjoyed the mystery and the ties to characters who were brief suspects. The actual problems new adults face were present in the story, but they didn't overshadow the plot.
I listened to the audiobook, but the option was not available on Goodreads.
I recommend the book to new adults and experienced readers, as there is a bit of mature content.
Pierce Watkins and her aunt are still haunted by the death of Pierce's older sister, Sydney. Even though it happened three years ago, and it was ruled an accident, Sydney's aunt has kept the mysterious details around Sydney's death present in the minds of the townspeople with an ongoing thread titled "Sydney's Last Night" and a podcast.
Pierce seems to have taken over her sister's life, sleeping in her room, wearing her clothes, and adopting her major in college. She distanced herself from the case, to keep from reawakening her grief, but events unfold that cause her to form her own investigation with the help of an area police officer (who just happens to be the twin brother of the woman Pierce thinks killed her sister). Could Sydney's death have been murder, like Pierce and her aunt assumed all along? And is the murderer the person they thought, or someone else?
It was a good story. I enjoyed the mystery and the ties to characters who were brief suspects. The actual problems new adults face were present in the story, but they didn't overshadow the plot.
I listened to the audiobook, but the option was not available on Goodreads.
I recommend the book to new adults and experienced readers, as there is a bit of mature content.
September 22, 2021
Sydney’s Last Night: ✰✰✰✰
≻ Intro ≺
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m so excited for this opportunity.
≻ Plot Evaluation ≺
I was on the edge of my seat waiting for this book to arrive because the plot sounded so interesting to me. This book is a whole new experience for me.
Here’s a quick explanation of the plot: Pierce is on a mission to find out what happened to her sister, Sydney. The plot reminds me of House of Salt and Sorrows in the way that not everyone believes that the death is anything more than an accident.
≻ Extra Notes ≺
This is a super quick read that you could get done in a day or two!
≻ Intro ≺
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m so excited for this opportunity.
≻ Plot Evaluation ≺
I was on the edge of my seat waiting for this book to arrive because the plot sounded so interesting to me. This book is a whole new experience for me.
Here’s a quick explanation of the plot: Pierce is on a mission to find out what happened to her sister, Sydney. The plot reminds me of House of Salt and Sorrows in the way that not everyone believes that the death is anything more than an accident.
≻ Extra Notes ≺
This is a super quick read that you could get done in a day or two!
July 4, 2024
Good Mystery Romance
Although, this author's books tend to be on the younger side that I don't read as much, they still always keep me interested in the story itself. This book is about Pierce trying to get closure for her sister's, Sydney, possible murder. Pierce needs to learn who she can trust, including herself. Sydney died 3 years earlier and now there is a podcast happening in order to get the case re-opened. The problem is, how much did Pierce really know about her older sister and all her friends and relationships? Can Pierce trust the people around her to get to the bottom of everything so she can finally move on with her life?
Although, this author's books tend to be on the younger side that I don't read as much, they still always keep me interested in the story itself. This book is about Pierce trying to get closure for her sister's, Sydney, possible murder. Pierce needs to learn who she can trust, including herself. Sydney died 3 years earlier and now there is a podcast happening in order to get the case re-opened. The problem is, how much did Pierce really know about her older sister and all her friends and relationships? Can Pierce trust the people around her to get to the bottom of everything so she can finally move on with her life?
June 28, 2024
Really fast read & there are a good bit of cons, but somehow the storyline outweighs the bad for me and ended up with 3.5/4 stars. Needs some serious editing. The MC is about as daft as a doorknob most of the time and the way she speaks about her sister at the beginning really does not match the middle to almost end of the book…it made her unlikable at times. But I devoured the book, couldn’t put it down and read it in nearly one sitting. It was still really good somehow 😂
February 11, 2022
I thought this was YA when I bought it. It feels like a little older. People actually drink and have sex. So, it's more about 20 somethings. It was a very fast read. I suspected everyone at one point. I kinda figured out the killer two thirds in. But. After suspecting all the creepy dudes, it was just process of elimination.
October 7, 2021
This book is a page turner. I just had to know what really happened along with Pierce. I enjoyed the mystery and the romance as well.
October 2, 2023
Excellent!!
I loved how well written this book is. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, there was another twist.
I loved how well written this book is. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, there was another twist.
January 4, 2025
Usually I can spot the killer easily, this one had my guessing a few times. I was so happy for that. I enjoyed the story and I enjoyed the writing style as well.
June 22, 2024
gripping story
I couldn’t put it down! I needed to know about Sydney’s last night. And the romance was spot on!
I read this book in one sitting! Enjoyed every second.
I couldn’t put it down! I needed to know about Sydney’s last night. And the romance was spot on!
I read this book in one sitting! Enjoyed every second.
February 28, 2025
Emily, this was a great book. I definitely didn’t not see the twist coming. I totally thought I had known who did it! I love how you write stories that still suck me in without needing to smut it up. You are so talented.
October 2, 2024
Oh my goodness with this one! Sydney's Last Night was a mystery I didn't know I needed. Some things flowed well and just when you think you know, there's a twist. Pierce and her aunt think Sydney was murdered, but can it be proved? There is a series of events that, while living as a "new adult" figuring things out, stand out suspiciously as pieces fall into place that could help solve how Sydney died. I love how Emily didn't lose the plot while allowing these characters to grow.
Another one amazingly written and I cannot wait for more!
Another one amazingly written and I cannot wait for more!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews