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The Last Invitation: A Novel
Darby Kane, the author of the critically acclaimed and #1 International Bestseller Pretty Little Wife, has crafted another gripping and twisty suspense about an invitation to an exclusive club that comes with deadly consequences.
They meet the second Tuesday of every month and vote…and then someone dies.
Over the last few years, prominent people—a retired diplomat, beloved basketball coach, the CEO of an empire—have died in a series of fluke accidents and shocking suicides. There’s no apparent connection, no signs of foul play. Behind it all is a powerful group of women, the Sophie Foundation, who meet over wine and cheese to review files of men who behave very, very badly, and then mete out justice.
Jessa Hall jumped at the mysterious, exclusive invitation to this secret club. The invite comes when she’s at her lowest, aching for a way to take back control. After years of fighting and scratching to get ahead, she’s ready for a chance to make the “bad guys” lose. Jessa soon realizes, though, just how far she’s willing to go and how dangerous this game has become.
Once in the group, it’s impossible to get out. She has nowhere to turn except former friend Gabby Fielding who is investigating the mysterious death of her ex-husband. Aligned in their goal to take down the Foundation, Gabby and Jessa need each other but working together doesn’t mean they trust each other…or that either will survive to tell the truth.
They meet the second Tuesday of every month and vote…and then someone dies.
Over the last few years, prominent people—a retired diplomat, beloved basketball coach, the CEO of an empire—have died in a series of fluke accidents and shocking suicides. There’s no apparent connection, no signs of foul play. Behind it all is a powerful group of women, the Sophie Foundation, who meet over wine and cheese to review files of men who behave very, very badly, and then mete out justice.
Jessa Hall jumped at the mysterious, exclusive invitation to this secret club. The invite comes when she’s at her lowest, aching for a way to take back control. After years of fighting and scratching to get ahead, she’s ready for a chance to make the “bad guys” lose. Jessa soon realizes, though, just how far she’s willing to go and how dangerous this game has become.
Once in the group, it’s impossible to get out. She has nowhere to turn except former friend Gabby Fielding who is investigating the mysterious death of her ex-husband. Aligned in their goal to take down the Foundation, Gabby and Jessa need each other but working together doesn’t mean they trust each other…or that either will survive to tell the truth.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published December 6, 2022
343 people are currently reading
19205 people want to read
About the author
Darby Kane
11 books1,861 followersDarby Kane is a former divorce lawyer with a dual writing personality. Her debut thriller, PRETTY LITTLE WIFE, was a Book Of The Month pick, #1 international bestseller, and has been optioned for a television series. She also writes romantic suspense and romantic mysteries as HelenKay Dimon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 947 reviews
December 6, 2022
HAPPY PUB DAY TO THIS FUN GIRLIES GETTING REVENGE THRILLER!
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are ALWAYS honest.
One sentence review:
Ocean's 8 + Blacklist but ladies only.
THE PLOT
Rich abusers are dying all thanks to a group of baddies aka the Sophie Foundation. But shit hits the fan when an invitation is extended to Jessa, a woman willing to do anything to get ahead, due to her ties to Gabby—who's ex-husband may or may not be the latest victim of the Foundation.
MY OPINION
Darby Kane's Pretty Little Wife was a sneaky surprise that I loved, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this upcoming release. Although I've been played (many) times recently by big name authors delivering crappola books, Kane came through. THIS is a Honda Civic reliable thriller packed with entertainment value and also some solid social commentary.
The premise? Juicy j. Yes, you obviously need to suspend your disbelief for this to work, but the Foundation is more of a literary device to push the overall message: is the justice system capable of protecting women? Or do we need to take justice into our own hands sometimes?
The pace? Lance Armstrong hopped up on drugs at the Tour de France.
The chapters? Short. Action-packed.
The characters? Bad bitches link up.
The ending? I may have guessed it early, but it didn't take away from how it was revealed. No "catching up with a friend over coffee" type of epilogue... it was "realistic" in a way.
My fave part of this book was the dialogue between Gabby and Jessa. It was sassy but intelligently so. The scene at the Sophie Foundation charity event was straight out of a movie—in a good way. You could feel the tension and picture exactly how the scene would unfold. Loved the showdown between Gabby and Retta, who reminded me of a RBG who crossed over to the dark side. Also I literally LOL-ed when Jessa was running for her life and screamed "NOT TODAY!!" #mood
Lastly, the plot had me thinking: would I join the Sophie Foundation? Would you? It's an interesting concept (like the cabal in Blacklist but run by all women) and I'm sure many of us would love to step outside the lines to get a lil revenge on the worst of the worst. Allegedly.
A near perfect popcorn thriller. Not a literary masterpiece, but I was entertained throughout and there was minimal closed caption ass writing so that's a win.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: GREAT pace, baby bombshells and tons of action throughout, minimal CC writing, the tapas of thriller tropes (tapas = good because you get a lil nom nom without being too full), loved the dialogue between all the female MCs especially Gabby and Jessa, good life lessons (friendship, parenting) and thought-provoking scenarios
Cons: the writing quality was so-so if I'm being picky (which I always am)
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are ALWAYS honest.
One sentence review:
Ocean's 8 + Blacklist but ladies only.
THE PLOT
Rich abusers are dying all thanks to a group of baddies aka the Sophie Foundation. But shit hits the fan when an invitation is extended to Jessa, a woman willing to do anything to get ahead, due to her ties to Gabby—who's ex-husband may or may not be the latest victim of the Foundation.
MY OPINION
Darby Kane's Pretty Little Wife was a sneaky surprise that I loved, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this upcoming release. Although I've been played (many) times recently by big name authors delivering crappola books, Kane came through. THIS is a Honda Civic reliable thriller packed with entertainment value and also some solid social commentary.
The premise? Juicy j. Yes, you obviously need to suspend your disbelief for this to work, but the Foundation is more of a literary device to push the overall message: is the justice system capable of protecting women? Or do we need to take justice into our own hands sometimes?
The pace? Lance Armstrong hopped up on drugs at the Tour de France.
The chapters? Short. Action-packed.
The characters? Bad bitches link up.
The ending? I may have guessed it early, but it didn't take away from how it was revealed. No "catching up with a friend over coffee" type of epilogue... it was "realistic" in a way.
My fave part of this book was the dialogue between Gabby and Jessa. It was sassy but intelligently so. The scene at the Sophie Foundation charity event was straight out of a movie—in a good way. You could feel the tension and picture exactly how the scene would unfold. Loved the showdown between Gabby and Retta, who reminded me of a RBG who crossed over to the dark side. Also I literally LOL-ed when Jessa was running for her life and screamed "NOT TODAY!!" #mood
Lastly, the plot had me thinking: would I join the Sophie Foundation? Would you? It's an interesting concept (like the cabal in Blacklist but run by all women) and I'm sure many of us would love to step outside the lines to get a lil revenge on the worst of the worst. Allegedly.
A near perfect popcorn thriller. Not a literary masterpiece, but I was entertained throughout and there was minimal closed caption ass writing so that's a win.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: GREAT pace, baby bombshells and tons of action throughout, minimal CC writing, the tapas of thriller tropes (tapas = good because you get a lil nom nom without being too full), loved the dialogue between all the female MCs especially Gabby and Jessa, good life lessons (friendship, parenting) and thought-provoking scenarios
Cons: the writing quality was so-so if I'm being picky (which I always am)
January 15, 2023
This was a “tip the ⚖️ scales” book! 😉
After loving Darby Kane’s suspense debut, “Pretty Little Wife”, but being disappointed with her OTT sophomore effort, “The Replacement Wife”, I decided to wait until publication day to read this one-
If I enjoyed it, I would request an early copy of the next, and if not, I would know that she wasn’t an author for me…
Her dedication page: “For every woman who has been ignored, belittled, dismissed, forgotten, overlooked, or abused. This one’s for you.”
and
Her epigraph: Most people say they want justice. But, they don’t really want justice. They want revenge. They want to see the pain spread around equally. “ David Gerrold
These two pages set the tone PERFECTLY! 🥊 Off to a great start…
The Sophie Foundation is a group of SEVEN powerful women, who must vote unanimously on the decisions they make. The public persona is one of a charitable organization. The REAL agenda is justice-in the form of revenge-and they have the means to make this happen.
The story alternates between the narratives of “The Foundation” and those of the two women caught in their web 🕸 for very different reasons….
Jessa Hall jumped at the chance to join this exclusive, secret Club, without really understanding what she was getting herself into.
Gabby Fielding, who was once a friend of Jessa’s from Law School, may have a dead ex-husband, because of “The Foundation”. She doesn’t believe it was Suicide-her ex loved himself too much-and when a reporter approaches her with proof of a pattern-she sets out to help him prove it.
They become unlikely accomplices.
The pace is lightening fast, ⚡️and despite the premise, realistic characters and dialogue actually make this seem plausible! BONUS: The ending surprised me not once, but twice.
I don’t always enjoy vigilante justice, but I did this time! Pop the popcorn 🍿 and grab yourself a copy!
And, YES-I will be hoping to get an early copy of her next!
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to check out her thoughts as well!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan!
After loving Darby Kane’s suspense debut, “Pretty Little Wife”, but being disappointed with her OTT sophomore effort, “The Replacement Wife”, I decided to wait until publication day to read this one-
If I enjoyed it, I would request an early copy of the next, and if not, I would know that she wasn’t an author for me…
Her dedication page: “For every woman who has been ignored, belittled, dismissed, forgotten, overlooked, or abused. This one’s for you.”
and
Her epigraph: Most people say they want justice. But, they don’t really want justice. They want revenge. They want to see the pain spread around equally. “ David Gerrold
These two pages set the tone PERFECTLY! 🥊 Off to a great start…
The Sophie Foundation is a group of SEVEN powerful women, who must vote unanimously on the decisions they make. The public persona is one of a charitable organization. The REAL agenda is justice-in the form of revenge-and they have the means to make this happen.
The story alternates between the narratives of “The Foundation” and those of the two women caught in their web 🕸 for very different reasons….
Jessa Hall jumped at the chance to join this exclusive, secret Club, without really understanding what she was getting herself into.
Gabby Fielding, who was once a friend of Jessa’s from Law School, may have a dead ex-husband, because of “The Foundation”. She doesn’t believe it was Suicide-her ex loved himself too much-and when a reporter approaches her with proof of a pattern-she sets out to help him prove it.
They become unlikely accomplices.
The pace is lightening fast, ⚡️and despite the premise, realistic characters and dialogue actually make this seem plausible! BONUS: The ending surprised me not once, but twice.
I don’t always enjoy vigilante justice, but I did this time! Pop the popcorn 🍿 and grab yourself a copy!
And, YES-I will be hoping to get an early copy of her next!
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to check out her thoughts as well!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan!
November 6, 2022
These people are rule enforcers. A secret group.
Once you're in, you ARE IN.
Don't look back.
These group members are important, powerful women who may have an ax or two to grind. For some it could be a way to get ahead and right a wrong, for others it may be revenge. Something goes terribly wrong, wasn't supposed to happen and someone has to pay!
The suspense, realistic characters, and cliffy hanging chapters kept me turning the pages.
When the walls start to close in, a cascade of jaw dropping, oh no what just happened events, start to rain down.
This is my favorite from this author. While reading, I thought of a few older books I've read about controlling and secretive groups.
A suspenseful, pull you in type of book that moves at an even pace. Then, the last third is when things accelerate. Some very predictable outcomes, but also some that were gasp worthy.
P.S. Am I the only one who sees a cat behind the door on the cover? Well, it isn't a cat. Its like one of those pictures where two people may see different things. 🐱
Thanks to my GR friend who sent me an arc! OUT Dec 6, 2022
Once you're in, you ARE IN.
Don't look back.
These group members are important, powerful women who may have an ax or two to grind. For some it could be a way to get ahead and right a wrong, for others it may be revenge. Something goes terribly wrong, wasn't supposed to happen and someone has to pay!
The suspense, realistic characters, and cliffy hanging chapters kept me turning the pages.
When the walls start to close in, a cascade of jaw dropping, oh no what just happened events, start to rain down.
This is my favorite from this author. While reading, I thought of a few older books I've read about controlling and secretive groups.
A suspenseful, pull you in type of book that moves at an even pace. Then, the last third is when things accelerate. Some very predictable outcomes, but also some that were gasp worthy.
P.S. Am I the only one who sees a cat behind the door on the cover? Well, it isn't a cat. Its like one of those pictures where two people may see different things. 🐱
Thanks to my GR friend who sent me an arc! OUT Dec 6, 2022
October 17, 2022
RATING: 4.25 stars and 2 thumbs UP
THE LAST INVITATION serves up the heat and delivers the tension in this latest suspenseful offering from Darby Kane.
Gabby, a newly divorced mother of Kennedy, is navigating a horrendous divorce from an angry ex-husband when she is suddenly confronted with an unimaginable situation that may cost her everything. Gabby’s core beliefs are continuously questioned and she has serious decisions to make.
Jessa, a family law attorney, is swimming through her own travails at firm Covington, Irving and Bach when, at her lowest moment, Jessa receives an invitation to consider joining Sophie Foundation co-founded by her quasi-mentor the Honorable Loretta Swain, Senior Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals. The invitation to join this exclusive charity foundation immediately lifts up Jessa as she contemplates all the good it can do her career. Little does she know the process for joining is fraught with diligent scrutiny and rigorous tests.
When Gabby and Jessa cross paths a chain reaction begins. How will these two women respond? Will their interaction create chaos; or, will their contact change things for the better?
This story delivers the emotions, the suspense and the twists and turns. However, with each chapter (85 OF THEM!) encompassing no more than 4-5 pages and the chapters constantly alternating between Gabby and Jessa, for the most part, I could not rate this more than 4.25 stars. It was like trying to really get into a television program, but every 5 minutes a commercial interrupted the flow—maddening.
Prior to the first chapter, the following statement is presented:
“For every woman who has been ignored, belittled, dismissed, forgotten, overlooked,
or abused. This one’s for you.”
THE LAST INVITATION is definitely RECOMMENDED. My thanks to author, Darby Kane, HarperCollins and William Morrow for the receipt of this ARC to read and give my unbiased review.
THE LAST INVITATION serves up the heat and delivers the tension in this latest suspenseful offering from Darby Kane.
Gabby, a newly divorced mother of Kennedy, is navigating a horrendous divorce from an angry ex-husband when she is suddenly confronted with an unimaginable situation that may cost her everything. Gabby’s core beliefs are continuously questioned and she has serious decisions to make.
Jessa, a family law attorney, is swimming through her own travails at firm Covington, Irving and Bach when, at her lowest moment, Jessa receives an invitation to consider joining Sophie Foundation co-founded by her quasi-mentor the Honorable Loretta Swain, Senior Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals. The invitation to join this exclusive charity foundation immediately lifts up Jessa as she contemplates all the good it can do her career. Little does she know the process for joining is fraught with diligent scrutiny and rigorous tests.
When Gabby and Jessa cross paths a chain reaction begins. How will these two women respond? Will their interaction create chaos; or, will their contact change things for the better?
This story delivers the emotions, the suspense and the twists and turns. However, with each chapter (85 OF THEM!) encompassing no more than 4-5 pages and the chapters constantly alternating between Gabby and Jessa, for the most part, I could not rate this more than 4.25 stars. It was like trying to really get into a television program, but every 5 minutes a commercial interrupted the flow—maddening.
Prior to the first chapter, the following statement is presented:
“For every woman who has been ignored, belittled, dismissed, forgotten, overlooked,
or abused. This one’s for you.”
THE LAST INVITATION is definitely RECOMMENDED. My thanks to author, Darby Kane, HarperCollins and William Morrow for the receipt of this ARC to read and give my unbiased review.
December 23, 2022
Oh, Darby Kane, I’m so glad you rebounded from your sophomore slump and created another memorable and suspenseful tale.
I am a HUGE fan of Kane’s debut novel, Pretty Little Wife. Her second left me wanting so much more. This book, her third, gave me exactly what I was looking for.
There’s a secret group of women that right the wrongs of men by any means necessary. If their newest possible recruit doesn’t follow along, will she be able to get out of it safely?
This is suspenseful, fast-paced, a bit complicated, and has the perfect amount of surprises. I found myself stressed out due to the dangerous twists. Highly recommended, and now I can’t wait for Kane’s next book.
I am a HUGE fan of Kane’s debut novel, Pretty Little Wife. Her second left me wanting so much more. This book, her third, gave me exactly what I was looking for.
There’s a secret group of women that right the wrongs of men by any means necessary. If their newest possible recruit doesn’t follow along, will she be able to get out of it safely?
This is suspenseful, fast-paced, a bit complicated, and has the perfect amount of surprises. I found myself stressed out due to the dangerous twists. Highly recommended, and now I can’t wait for Kane’s next book.
July 20, 2023
I skipped Darby Kane’s second thriller after the general consensus seemed to be that it wasn't of the same caliber as her debut, Pretty Little Wife. I loved Kane’s first novel – it’s smart, suspenseful, and compelling – but my reading time is too precious. I’m not about to waste it on a sophomore slump.
Yet I wasn’t ready to give up on her, either. And after seeing that many of my trusty reviewer friends enjoyed her 2022 release, The Last Invitation, I thought it’d be another good Kane to try. Plus, the story promises more Pretty Little Wife feministic fun – a secret women's club doles out justice, righting the wrongs of men. I’m all for it.
And this time I went the audio route, as I’m finding that many thrillers seem to be made for audio. A lot of what often irritates me about the genre isn’t as bothersome when I’m listening rather than reading.
But the audiobook wasn’t a great choice. There are three narrators, all female, and their performances are mediocre at best. I’ve heard worse, but I’m used to better.
That I still enjoyed the story, however, is a testament to its entertainment factor. The book moves at a quick clip, the characters are interesting, and the story features intelligent women working hard to outwit each other. I could listen to their face-offs all day.
I don’t know if I’ll be back for Kane’s fourth novel, The Engagement Party, which is set to be published in December 2023. I’ll see how the early reviews look. But I know one thing – I’m glad I didn’t miss The Last Invitation.
Yet I wasn’t ready to give up on her, either. And after seeing that many of my trusty reviewer friends enjoyed her 2022 release, The Last Invitation, I thought it’d be another good Kane to try. Plus, the story promises more Pretty Little Wife feministic fun – a secret women's club doles out justice, righting the wrongs of men. I’m all for it.
And this time I went the audio route, as I’m finding that many thrillers seem to be made for audio. A lot of what often irritates me about the genre isn’t as bothersome when I’m listening rather than reading.
But the audiobook wasn’t a great choice. There are three narrators, all female, and their performances are mediocre at best. I’ve heard worse, but I’m used to better.
That I still enjoyed the story, however, is a testament to its entertainment factor. The book moves at a quick clip, the characters are interesting, and the story features intelligent women working hard to outwit each other. I could listen to their face-offs all day.
I don’t know if I’ll be back for Kane’s fourth novel, The Engagement Party, which is set to be published in December 2023. I’ll see how the early reviews look. But I know one thing – I’m glad I didn’t miss The Last Invitation.
December 2, 2022
Hired killers. Could she really mean that? This was more than evening the playing field and eliminating technicalities. This hubris allowed for death sentences. Sitting in judgment of other humans and deciding their fate based on information in a file.
The underlying concept of the Sophie Foundation in this new release from Darby Kane is downright chilling. A small group of women sit in judgment on men they find to be "repeat offenders" and take action with vast resources at their disposal. These punishments do not take place in a vacuum. There are women and children who get caught in the undertow. One of those women is Gabby. When her ex-husband is found dead in his study, the cause of death is declared to be suicide. Gabby does not agree and finds getting answers to be an uphill battle. Meanwhile her former law school contemporary/frenemy, Jessa, is on the fast track for membership. Kane alternates the narrative between the POVs of the two women. Can Gabby and Jessa find a way to work together and save each other? The short chapters keep the pages turning and serious issues are examined. So many who work within the real-life justice system have wished for an alternative -- a way to make sure the right people are punished. This story reminds that mere men and women are not wise enough to have such a massive responsibility rest on such a relative few. A thorny read about justice and vigilantes --a compelling read!
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
The underlying concept of the Sophie Foundation in this new release from Darby Kane is downright chilling. A small group of women sit in judgment on men they find to be "repeat offenders" and take action with vast resources at their disposal. These punishments do not take place in a vacuum. There are women and children who get caught in the undertow. One of those women is Gabby. When her ex-husband is found dead in his study, the cause of death is declared to be suicide. Gabby does not agree and finds getting answers to be an uphill battle. Meanwhile her former law school contemporary/frenemy, Jessa, is on the fast track for membership. Kane alternates the narrative between the POVs of the two women. Can Gabby and Jessa find a way to work together and save each other? The short chapters keep the pages turning and serious issues are examined. So many who work within the real-life justice system have wished for an alternative -- a way to make sure the right people are punished. This story reminds that mere men and women are not wise enough to have such a massive responsibility rest on such a relative few. A thorny read about justice and vigilantes --a compelling read!
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2023
The Sophie Foundation is thought highly of in the charity world. It is known as a champion of women’s health and empowerment. And perhaps the larger charity does just that. But the seven woman committee who meet on the second Tuesday of every month…they have an rather more extreme stance on the type of help they administer. Seeing themselves as jury, judge, and executioner all wrapped up into one, they take justice into their own hands, making sure appallingly behaved men finally pay for their actions.
Jessa Hall is a high-priced divorce attorney for the wealthy movers and shakers of the D.C. Metro area. And, while she doesn’t love her job, she does believe the system works properly majority of the time. So when she’s asked to act as guardian ad litem for Curtis Bartholomew, she takes her position seriously. She doesn’t, however, realize just how different the rules are for someone like Curtis’s father, Darren. Until it’s too late.
As the walls begin to close in around her, Jessa is invited to join The Sophie Foundation. And, while she understands that what she’s signing up for is far from legal, she is willing to try almost anything to take her power back from a situation that is both unfair and unfounded. And tied tightly to the boy’s club who runs the city, specifically Darren Bartholomew.
Agreeing to the terms, she finds herself a probationary member. Once she is on the inside, however, Jessa realizes just how much danger she’s in…and how impossible it is to get out. So she turns to the one individual who might be able to help her. Former friend turned enemy, Gabby Fielding. Gabby herself has focused her attention on the Sophie Foundation as she has dug around in the death of her ex-husband Baines, another wealthy, influential man who died suddenly. Just like a handful of others. A death Gabby is sure wasn’t suicide. Together, they decide to do what neither can do alone. To take down the foundation. Just because they need each other, however, hardly means either one trusts the other. Or that both will live to tell the tale.
I keep wondering when my streak of phenomenal books is going to end. Well, it certainly won’t be with The Last Invitation. Centering around revenge, justice, men behaving badly, and female empowerment (albeit done in an abhorrent, illegal way), nothing is missing from this novel. And there’s nothing that is gratuitous. From the opening quote, I was in love with the newest work from Darby Kane and, throughout this nearly 400 page book, that admiration only grew. I mean, even the last chapter didn’t disappoint, finally wrapping everything up with a neat, satisfying, little bow.
One of the most interesting aspects of the plot was my constantly switching allegiances that changed just as many times as there were twists (big, gigantic twists). In the beginning, my antipathy was with fired squarely at the Sophie Foundation and the vigilante squad in the background. But as the storyline evolved, becoming more complex and elaborate (have no fear, at no point is it confusing), I found myself both supporting them as well as finding myself disturbed by their actions. Both can easily also be said for Jessa and Gabby’s characters as well. What a certainly pleasant “problem” to have.
Now onto the subject matter of the book. Despite tackling some truly heavy topics of divorce, sexual assault, molestation, spousal abuse, and the men behaving badly behind it all (please see the trigger warning), it was easy to love this book. As, especially since the “Me Too” movement, it was nice reading about women who stand up for both themselves and their beliefs. Even if it is in a slightly (ok, very) illegal manner…and fictional.
To be blunt, this was a damn good novel. One that I already wish I could read again for the first time. Fast-paced and compulsively addictive, it reminded me of a cross between All Her Little Secrets (the law aspect) and Please Join Us (the women’s empowerment angle). And comparison to either is high praise. If you haven’t read Kane’s newest yet, put it on your TBR. Now. Rating of 5+ starts.
Trigger warning: divorce, death of a parent, infidelity, spousal abuse, mention of: grooming, molestation, sexual assault
Jessa Hall is a high-priced divorce attorney for the wealthy movers and shakers of the D.C. Metro area. And, while she doesn’t love her job, she does believe the system works properly majority of the time. So when she’s asked to act as guardian ad litem for Curtis Bartholomew, she takes her position seriously. She doesn’t, however, realize just how different the rules are for someone like Curtis’s father, Darren. Until it’s too late.
As the walls begin to close in around her, Jessa is invited to join The Sophie Foundation. And, while she understands that what she’s signing up for is far from legal, she is willing to try almost anything to take her power back from a situation that is both unfair and unfounded. And tied tightly to the boy’s club who runs the city, specifically Darren Bartholomew.
Agreeing to the terms, she finds herself a probationary member. Once she is on the inside, however, Jessa realizes just how much danger she’s in…and how impossible it is to get out. So she turns to the one individual who might be able to help her. Former friend turned enemy, Gabby Fielding. Gabby herself has focused her attention on the Sophie Foundation as she has dug around in the death of her ex-husband Baines, another wealthy, influential man who died suddenly. Just like a handful of others. A death Gabby is sure wasn’t suicide. Together, they decide to do what neither can do alone. To take down the foundation. Just because they need each other, however, hardly means either one trusts the other. Or that both will live to tell the tale.
I keep wondering when my streak of phenomenal books is going to end. Well, it certainly won’t be with The Last Invitation. Centering around revenge, justice, men behaving badly, and female empowerment (albeit done in an abhorrent, illegal way), nothing is missing from this novel. And there’s nothing that is gratuitous. From the opening quote, I was in love with the newest work from Darby Kane and, throughout this nearly 400 page book, that admiration only grew. I mean, even the last chapter didn’t disappoint, finally wrapping everything up with a neat, satisfying, little bow.
One of the most interesting aspects of the plot was my constantly switching allegiances that changed just as many times as there were twists (big, gigantic twists). In the beginning, my antipathy was with fired squarely at the Sophie Foundation and the vigilante squad in the background. But as the storyline evolved, becoming more complex and elaborate (have no fear, at no point is it confusing), I found myself both supporting them as well as finding myself disturbed by their actions. Both can easily also be said for Jessa and Gabby’s characters as well. What a certainly pleasant “problem” to have.
Now onto the subject matter of the book. Despite tackling some truly heavy topics of divorce, sexual assault, molestation, spousal abuse, and the men behaving badly behind it all (please see the trigger warning), it was easy to love this book. As, especially since the “Me Too” movement, it was nice reading about women who stand up for both themselves and their beliefs. Even if it is in a slightly (ok, very) illegal manner…and fictional.
To be blunt, this was a damn good novel. One that I already wish I could read again for the first time. Fast-paced and compulsively addictive, it reminded me of a cross between All Her Little Secrets (the law aspect) and Please Join Us (the women’s empowerment angle). And comparison to either is high praise. If you haven’t read Kane’s newest yet, put it on your TBR. Now. Rating of 5+ starts.
Trigger warning: divorce, death of a parent, infidelity, spousal abuse, mention of: grooming, molestation, sexual assault
December 3, 2022
I really liked Pretty Little Wife, but wasn't as thrilled by The Replacement Wife. This one took me back to the twisty vibe of the former and I was very intrigued by the storyline.
I saw a review comparing this to The Blacklist, and it's got very similar theming. Horrible men have been dying in what seem to be accidents or suicides. There's a mysterious foundation behind what is happening. They operate in the shadows and involve a group of powerful women. They have brought attorney Jessa Hall up for potential membership.
When Gabby encounters her ex-husband's apparent suicide, she isn't buying it, her ex was too conceited to kill himself. Then Gabby comes under suspicion for his death, and her brother-in-law Liam and her daughter Kennedy become involved as well. Gabby is approached by a reporter who thinks there is something suspicious about the deaths and anyone who questions them is soon implicated.
The setup for the tale is fairly complicated with the ins and outs of the various people, but once it is laid out I was suspicious of every character--are they involved with the group or are they an innocent bystander? The book also brings up some interesting dilemmas--how much should we take the law into our own hands if justice isn't being served and people are being hurt?
The pacing of the novel is great and there are reveals until the very end, which kept me filled with anxiety and tension--were the characters going to survive? I generally hate books where people are set up and wrongly accused, but this one doesn't drag those parts out for endless chapters, it's fleeting and then we move on (sometimes positively and sometimes negatively).
Lots of female empowerment here with another excellent thriller from Darby Kane.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I saw a review comparing this to The Blacklist, and it's got very similar theming. Horrible men have been dying in what seem to be accidents or suicides. There's a mysterious foundation behind what is happening. They operate in the shadows and involve a group of powerful women. They have brought attorney Jessa Hall up for potential membership.
When Gabby encounters her ex-husband's apparent suicide, she isn't buying it, her ex was too conceited to kill himself. Then Gabby comes under suspicion for his death, and her brother-in-law Liam and her daughter Kennedy become involved as well. Gabby is approached by a reporter who thinks there is something suspicious about the deaths and anyone who questions them is soon implicated.
The setup for the tale is fairly complicated with the ins and outs of the various people, but once it is laid out I was suspicious of every character--are they involved with the group or are they an innocent bystander? The book also brings up some interesting dilemmas--how much should we take the law into our own hands if justice isn't being served and people are being hurt?
The pacing of the novel is great and there are reveals until the very end, which kept me filled with anxiety and tension--were the characters going to survive? I generally hate books where people are set up and wrongly accused, but this one doesn't drag those parts out for endless chapters, it's fleeting and then we move on (sometimes positively and sometimes negatively).
Lots of female empowerment here with another excellent thriller from Darby Kane.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 8, 2023
Count Me In.
A plot centered around dynamic career women taking their power back. Combine these main characters with their conniving partners and unbalanced marriages and then add renegade wife elements.
Conspiracy theories? I’m there for that too.
Apparently I can’t get enough of these tropes because I loved reading this.
I’ve mentioned in other reviews how much I love lawyers in books, however don’t expect many courtroom scenes in this one. I would have preferred a little more showing than telling but that’s a small tick in an otherwise fantastic book.
From the author of Pretty Little Wife, a 2021 favorite for me, I RSVP’d and pre-ordered this before I knew of the themes and got lucky.
Hardback copy purchased from The Book Depository.
A plot centered around dynamic career women taking their power back. Combine these main characters with their conniving partners and unbalanced marriages and then add renegade wife elements.
Conspiracy theories? I’m there for that too.
Apparently I can’t get enough of these tropes because I loved reading this.
I’ve mentioned in other reviews how much I love lawyers in books, however don’t expect many courtroom scenes in this one. I would have preferred a little more showing than telling but that’s a small tick in an otherwise fantastic book.
From the author of Pretty Little Wife, a 2021 favorite for me, I RSVP’d and pre-ordered this before I knew of the themes and got lucky.
Hardback copy purchased from The Book Depository.
October 15, 2022
I was excited to win this in a Goodreads Giveaway. I hadn't yet read a Darby Kane book, so I grabbed Pretty Little Wife that turned out to be a 5-star favorite. I think reading the two books back-to-back did The Last Invitation injustice.
Kane tries to recapture the cat-and-mouse magic that made PLW so popular. Instead of smart and witty, the dialogue between Gabby and Jessa is more like teen squabbling.
Then there's this secret society of powerful women that murders bad men. Misandry afoot up in here. This is very similar to The Collective released this summer, but not nearly as well executed. We're constantly told how smart all these women are, but the choices they made suggested otherwise.
All is not bad, however. The pace is lightning fast and the suspense had me turning the pages. I was invested in resolving all the little mysteries and storylines. For me, it was missing that little something special that made me go wow like I had just read in PLW.
2.5 stars, rounding up. Cheers!
Publication Date: 12/6/2022
Thank you to author Darby Kane and William Morrow & Company for this ARC via a Goodreads Giveaway.
Kane tries to recapture the cat-and-mouse magic that made PLW so popular. Instead of smart and witty, the dialogue between Gabby and Jessa is more like teen squabbling.
Then there's this secret society of powerful women that murders bad men. Misandry afoot up in here. This is very similar to The Collective released this summer, but not nearly as well executed. We're constantly told how smart all these women are, but the choices they made suggested otherwise.
All is not bad, however. The pace is lightning fast and the suspense had me turning the pages. I was invested in resolving all the little mysteries and storylines. For me, it was missing that little something special that made me go wow like I had just read in PLW.
2.5 stars, rounding up. Cheers!
Publication Date: 12/6/2022
Thank you to author Darby Kane and William Morrow & Company for this ARC via a Goodreads Giveaway.
January 13, 2023
3.5⭐
Featuring ~ multiple 3rd person POV, lawyers, revenge, secret club, mysterious deaths
Our narrators are
Jessa ~ divorce lawyer invited into The Foundation
Gabby ~ a lawyer whose ex husband died mysteriously
The Foundation ~ a secret society run by women
This was super fast paced with plenty of suspenseful moments that kept me intrigued. Per usual the last 3rd or so is where it really amps up. I can't say I was blown away, but it definitely held my attention throughout. Not many characters were likable either.
Whoop whoop for 3 narrators! I was quite pleased with the narration by Lindsey Dorcus, Abby Craden and Alyssa Bresnahan for 9 hours and 44 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x.
*quick Libby loan review*
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Featuring ~ multiple 3rd person POV, lawyers, revenge, secret club, mysterious deaths
Our narrators are
Jessa ~ divorce lawyer invited into The Foundation
Gabby ~ a lawyer whose ex husband died mysteriously
The Foundation ~ a secret society run by women
This was super fast paced with plenty of suspenseful moments that kept me intrigued. Per usual the last 3rd or so is where it really amps up. I can't say I was blown away, but it definitely held my attention throughout. Not many characters were likable either.
Whoop whoop for 3 narrators! I was quite pleased with the narration by Lindsey Dorcus, Abby Craden and Alyssa Bresnahan for 9 hours and 44 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x.
*quick Libby loan review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
January 16, 2023
4 vigilante justice stars
How do you feel about the legal and criminal system? Are the bad guys always put away and punished and do the innocent go free? Are there times when other methods need to be deployed? Do women need extra protection from men who take advantage?
The Sophie Foundation has two sides: a charitable, completely above-board side that raises money to help women and children. The other side operates in a gray area, behind closed doors, secretive, but very powerful.
The two main characters in this one -- Jessa and Gabby -- know each other from law school. Both came from humble roots. Jessa is on the partner track at work while Gabby chose to get married and start a family. They have excellent scenes in this book with spot-on dialogue!
A reporter has started to investigate a string of suicides by prominent men with questionable activities in their personal lives. Now he's trying to talk to Gabby.
Jessa has been invited to join the Foundation, but she really doesn't know what she signed up for. Things take some tense turns and the twists really escalated. It becomes clear that she can never leave.
This book featured short and action-packed chapters. I rooted for both women in different ways and wondered what I would do in their situations. This was one where I went along for the ride, and suspended belief here and there!
This was another great buddy read with Jayme!
How do you feel about the legal and criminal system? Are the bad guys always put away and punished and do the innocent go free? Are there times when other methods need to be deployed? Do women need extra protection from men who take advantage?
The Sophie Foundation has two sides: a charitable, completely above-board side that raises money to help women and children. The other side operates in a gray area, behind closed doors, secretive, but very powerful.
The two main characters in this one -- Jessa and Gabby -- know each other from law school. Both came from humble roots. Jessa is on the partner track at work while Gabby chose to get married and start a family. They have excellent scenes in this book with spot-on dialogue!
A reporter has started to investigate a string of suicides by prominent men with questionable activities in their personal lives. Now he's trying to talk to Gabby.
Jessa has been invited to join the Foundation, but she really doesn't know what she signed up for. Things take some tense turns and the twists really escalated. It becomes clear that she can never leave.
This book featured short and action-packed chapters. I rooted for both women in different ways and wondered what I would do in their situations. This was one where I went along for the ride, and suspended belief here and there!
This was another great buddy read with Jayme!
February 15, 2024
This one was ok, I liked it, but some narrative gaps detracted from greater enjoyment.
I didn't really like any of the characters, and it got a bit confusing with the back-and-forth narration and the timeline jumps in the beginning until the storytelling evened out.
Another psych thriller where everyone is dislikable.
The exclusive club is a good story premise, but it has been done before and in much better ways. The club itself was never fleshed out very well. There is a vague statement about the start of the club, but no details about it, other than they break their own rules and have a lot of infighting between founders. They are mostly catty women who only work well together when they fight against a mutual target. It doesn't seem like a group that would stick together for long; they would all end up dead, on the run, or in prison together.
Jessa is a biatch and the latest invitee to the club who has already voted no on her twice before. Most people seem to vote no on her in life because she is out for numero uno.
Gabby is a former "friend." They were terrible friends and really more just in college together, so the entire friend thing was hard to sell for me. While Gabby is a bit more likable, the entire ex-husband scenario was far-fetched from the beginning and rapidly went downhill.
A lot of telling and not showing doesn't amp up the psych factor in a psych thriller. I didn't see many twists, as they were mostly easy to predict.
My least favorite so far, while Pretty Little Wife remains my favorite Darby Kane novel.
2-2.5 Stars for me.
I didn't really like any of the characters, and it got a bit confusing with the back-and-forth narration and the timeline jumps in the beginning until the storytelling evened out.
Another psych thriller where everyone is dislikable.
The exclusive club is a good story premise, but it has been done before and in much better ways. The club itself was never fleshed out very well. There is a vague statement about the start of the club, but no details about it, other than they break their own rules and have a lot of infighting between founders. They are mostly catty women who only work well together when they fight against a mutual target. It doesn't seem like a group that would stick together for long; they would all end up dead, on the run, or in prison together.
Jessa is a biatch and the latest invitee to the club who has already voted no on her twice before. Most people seem to vote no on her in life because she is out for numero uno.
Gabby is a former "friend." They were terrible friends and really more just in college together, so the entire friend thing was hard to sell for me. While Gabby is a bit more likable, the entire ex-husband scenario was far-fetched from the beginning and rapidly went downhill.
A lot of telling and not showing doesn't amp up the psych factor in a psych thriller. I didn't see many twists, as they were mostly easy to predict.
My least favorite so far, while Pretty Little Wife remains my favorite Darby Kane novel.
2-2.5 Stars for me.
December 30, 2022
^^^Oh look, it’s an image of me with my Currently Reading stack. At this point I’m afraid to even look and see how many things I’m supposedly still trying to finish. (In case you don’t know me – I only read one book at a time, but at this point in the year it usually says I’m reading 50 or 60 at once because I suck at posting timely reviews).
I’m going to keep this one short and sweet. It’s been two years since the Sophie Foundation added a new member to their elite rankings, but Jessa might be just what the club is looking for. Gabby can’t leave the suspicious “suicide” of her husband alone – which is making her the prime suspect by the police in what would have been a closed case. Eventually these two former college classmates’ paths will cross again.
Okay, so I’ll be the first to admit that revenge stories just really aren’t my jam. That being said, I thought this was one of the better ones I’ve read. The very obvious motive could have been disclosed about a billion pages sooner and I could always live without soap opera drama (in this case the daughter that was simply thrown in for a *gasp* twist and everything that had anything to do with that part of the storyline). I previously gave this author a 1 Star so I’m glad I enjoyed this one. I’ll eventually get around to Pretty Little Wife.
December 25, 2022
Over the past several years, various prominent men with reputations for being terrible humans, have died under mysterious circumstances. Behind these deaths is a secret society of women called The Sophie Foundation.
Jessa Hall received an invite to join this elusive organization and jumped at the opportunity. Jessa soon realizes that the society plays a very dangerous game but once you're in the Sophia Foundation, there's no leaving.
This is my first read by Darby Kane and it won’t be my last! The story hooked me from page one. I loved the fact pacing and the suspenseful atmosphere. I love a story about strong and powerful women but The Last Invitation takes this concept to a totally different level.
This story had me asking myself at several points who is the villain. I really enjoyed the short chapters that left me wanting more. I speed through The Last Invitation in less than 24 hours and I thought the ending was pure perfection.
I highly recommend this sensational story to fans of action packed with thrillers. The Last Invitation by Darby Kane was published on December 6, 2022, so it is available now. Many thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy!
Jessa Hall received an invite to join this elusive organization and jumped at the opportunity. Jessa soon realizes that the society plays a very dangerous game but once you're in the Sophia Foundation, there's no leaving.
This is my first read by Darby Kane and it won’t be my last! The story hooked me from page one. I loved the fact pacing and the suspenseful atmosphere. I love a story about strong and powerful women but The Last Invitation takes this concept to a totally different level.
This story had me asking myself at several points who is the villain. I really enjoyed the short chapters that left me wanting more. I speed through The Last Invitation in less than 24 hours and I thought the ending was pure perfection.
I highly recommend this sensational story to fans of action packed with thrillers. The Last Invitation by Darby Kane was published on December 6, 2022, so it is available now. Many thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy!
December 8, 2022
The premise is delicious and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into a story of a group of women taking justice into their own hands. However this one struggled in execution and ended up falling a bit flat.
The story follows Jessa, a divorce attorney, and Gabby, a woman whose husband has just been found dead in an apparent suicide. Jessa is being recruited into a shadowy foundation of women who take it upon themselves to mete out justice to men who have otherwise escaped. Gabby’s husband looks to be one of these murders and when she gets wind of this secret group she decides to find out more and take them down. As these two women come together with a common cause, they realize that the foundation may be larger and stronger than they ever suspected.
I think the problem is that I wanted to be on the side of the foundation. I wanted the story to be about the creative ways they take down these slimy predators. When it became apparent that was not how this story was going to go, I at least wanted it to be a story of strong female kick assery and friendship. When that too didn’t manifest I was just left with a bunch of women running around making poor decisions (the foundation included). It was disappointing.
The story follows Jessa, a divorce attorney, and Gabby, a woman whose husband has just been found dead in an apparent suicide. Jessa is being recruited into a shadowy foundation of women who take it upon themselves to mete out justice to men who have otherwise escaped. Gabby’s husband looks to be one of these murders and when she gets wind of this secret group she decides to find out more and take them down. As these two women come together with a common cause, they realize that the foundation may be larger and stronger than they ever suspected.
I think the problem is that I wanted to be on the side of the foundation. I wanted the story to be about the creative ways they take down these slimy predators. When it became apparent that was not how this story was going to go, I at least wanted it to be a story of strong female kick assery and friendship. When that too didn’t manifest I was just left with a bunch of women running around making poor decisions (the foundation included). It was disappointing.
March 12, 2023
4.5 Stars
I'm loving Darby Kanes books.
This story evoles around a secret group of women who control the wrongdoings of men and what the penalty should be.
When Gabbys ex-husband dies unexpectedly she's determined to find out why.
After her ex is killed, men start dying in bizarre accidents.
Jessa, who was Gabbys former friend wants to join this secret group but knows about the group really does. She just wants to advance her career.
The twists in this book made it worth reading.
I'm loving Darby Kanes books.
This story evoles around a secret group of women who control the wrongdoings of men and what the penalty should be.
When Gabbys ex-husband dies unexpectedly she's determined to find out why.
After her ex is killed, men start dying in bizarre accidents.
Jessa, who was Gabbys former friend wants to join this secret group but knows about the group really does. She just wants to advance her career.
The twists in this book made it worth reading.
December 19, 2022
There is a lot to be said about this book. None of it good. Jessa and Gabby are two women who are both lawyers but that’s about all you learn about them except they both seem awful and just morally bankrupt completely. Gabby was married to the unfortunately named Baines who commits suicide and she is doubtful it’s a suicide which leads to the FOUNDATION. Ohhhhhhhhhh the FOUNDATION. Which is women in high levels of power (scorn) who do their own vigilante justice on bad men. Hey, I believe woman and I have read plenty of newspapers stories where I think some guy should be made to die by being shot out of a cannon into a field of cactus and devoured by lions. I get the anger women feel over violence that can be done to them BY men. But do I think that vigilante justice by women who also kill anyone who thinks they see a connection between high powered men deaths and these women I assume swilling champagne and twirling their fake moustaches and calling their extensive list of hit men on speed dial? No. This plot is so absurd it’s like an old Sweet Valley High I read when I was a preteen where someone wanted to impersonate and take over one of the twins lives and did so by DYEING HER HAIR.
Plot holes out of the way. I cared so little about the whole love hate fest that was Jessa and Gabby written like I hate you! You were better in law school then me! You represented my ex husband! Monster! I think there’s a secret FOUNDATION! They are grooming you this FOUNDATION! Omg I found evidence on the FOUNDATION let’s meet and like look at it because it was super poorly hidden and are we BFF now? Omg yes let’s take down the FOUNDATION. And then one dies. It really doesn’t matter which one cause she crossed that evil FOUNDATION and well it’s so evil it does what it wants.
On top of all this I found not one not two but THREE cases where the editing missed that gabby was Jessa and vice versa so even the person editing this disliked this book so much they couldn’t be bothered to fix it.
I give it .75 stars for this writer getting me to buy it. The cover looks nice.
Plot holes out of the way. I cared so little about the whole love hate fest that was Jessa and Gabby written like I hate you! You were better in law school then me! You represented my ex husband! Monster! I think there’s a secret FOUNDATION! They are grooming you this FOUNDATION! Omg I found evidence on the FOUNDATION let’s meet and like look at it because it was super poorly hidden and are we BFF now? Omg yes let’s take down the FOUNDATION. And then one dies. It really doesn’t matter which one cause she crossed that evil FOUNDATION and well it’s so evil it does what it wants.
On top of all this I found not one not two but THREE cases where the editing missed that gabby was Jessa and vice versa so even the person editing this disliked this book so much they couldn’t be bothered to fix it.
I give it .75 stars for this writer getting me to buy it. The cover looks nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2023
A middle-of-the-road thriller for me, unfortunately!
This was just an alright read for me. I think it was similar to The Collective, by Alison Gaylin, but not near as thrilling for me. I think the idea was intriguing, but somewhere along the line the overall execution fell short. I felt like there was a lot of unnecessary detail, which made this one a bit dull for the first half. The second half was much more intriguing but when all's said and done, this one just didn't do a ton for me. I hate having to say that about a talented author, but I have to be honest. I may take a break from this author, as I didn't enjoy her previous novel either. I'm sure I'm in the minority on this one, but it is what it is! You win some, you lose some! Moving on!
This was just an alright read for me. I think it was similar to The Collective, by Alison Gaylin, but not near as thrilling for me. I think the idea was intriguing, but somewhere along the line the overall execution fell short. I felt like there was a lot of unnecessary detail, which made this one a bit dull for the first half. The second half was much more intriguing but when all's said and done, this one just didn't do a ton for me. I hate having to say that about a talented author, but I have to be honest. I may take a break from this author, as I didn't enjoy her previous novel either. I'm sure I'm in the minority on this one, but it is what it is! You win some, you lose some! Moving on!
January 8, 2023
Oh, the drama and suspense! After Darby Kane's previous book was a bit of a disappointment for me, I was thrilled that The Last Invitation turned that around and completely blew me away! I have read all 3 of Kane’s books under this pseudonym now and this is probably my favorite to date. I loved how quickly the pacing moved and not only are there multiple viewpoints but the fact that the foundation was one was just brilliant. I think sometimes having extra POVs can be unnecessary and give things away, but the blend of the foundation, Jessa, and Gabby didn't do that at all, and there were lots of surprises and twists along the way. I love when there are jaw-dropping moments in books, and I definitely got a couple of those in this story. It may have taken me a couple of days to get through it, but don't let that fool you because I was super into it and would have finished in one if I could have.
Another fantastic thing about The Last Invitation is how awesome the audiobook is, and I loved loved LOVED Lindsey Dorcus, Abby Craden & Alyssa Bresnahan as the narrators. A different narrator for each of the viewpoints was exactly what this book needed and all 3 of them did the best job. This book reminded me a bit of The Collective by Alison Gaylin with a twist and it gives new meaning to vigilante justice and taking the law into your own hands. I enjoyed the way everything wrapped up, and I felt delightfully on edge the entire time I was reading. Evasion and judgment are the names of this game and it’s all wrapped up into one delicious and suspenseful read. If you love reading about vigilante justice especially when it goes off the rails, The Last Invitation is for you!
Another fantastic thing about The Last Invitation is how awesome the audiobook is, and I loved loved LOVED Lindsey Dorcus, Abby Craden & Alyssa Bresnahan as the narrators. A different narrator for each of the viewpoints was exactly what this book needed and all 3 of them did the best job. This book reminded me a bit of The Collective by Alison Gaylin with a twist and it gives new meaning to vigilante justice and taking the law into your own hands. I enjoyed the way everything wrapped up, and I felt delightfully on edge the entire time I was reading. Evasion and judgment are the names of this game and it’s all wrapped up into one delicious and suspenseful read. If you love reading about vigilante justice especially when it goes off the rails, The Last Invitation is for you!
February 3, 2023
This was an engaging read that kept me intrigued throughout. however, I am not sure how I feel about vigilante justice and especially how it was approached in this book. liked the alternating perspectives and how that unfolded, but I definitely favored one character over the other. was this my favorite thriller ever? No, but it is definitely worth a read.
March 8, 2023
This was an addictive read and a major page turner! I LOVED every page and could not stop reading. I have loved Darby Kane’s books since Pretty Little Wife and I have loved everyone since! I have found that secret woman’s club themes are my jam and this book was just so thrilling! I cannot wait to see what Kane comes up with next.
Add this book to your TBR if you haven’t already read it.
4.5 stars rounding up to 5 stars on Goodreads.
Add this book to your TBR if you haven’t already read it.
4.5 stars rounding up to 5 stars on Goodreads.
September 28, 2022
When former friends Jessa Hall and Gabby Fielding find themselves unwittingly connected to a group of high-powered professionals who dole out their own brand of justice to wrongdoing men, they discover that revenge can be deadly. Darby Kane has established herself as a leader in the domestic suspense genre, penning one chilling page-turner after another, and THE LAST INVITATION is no exception. A thought-provoking, high-stakes thriller for fans of THE FIRM, this is a must-read story about sacrifice, survival, and the perilous nature of trust.
August 28, 2022
Jessa Hall was looking for a way to take back control of her life when an interesting invitation came her way. The Sophie Foundation it turns out is a powerful group of women that meet over wine and cheese and decide the fate of men that behave very badly. They meet once a month and have a vote, and then someone ends up dead.
What a great concept for a book. I have read all of Darby Kane’s books and this is my favorite so far. The writing is excellent and the short chapters made it fly by in no time (even though it is a longer book). All of my die hard thriller fans will love this one!
Thanks to the author for my book copy that I won in a giveaway.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
What a great concept for a book. I have read all of Darby Kane’s books and this is my favorite so far. The writing is excellent and the short chapters made it fly by in no time (even though it is a longer book). All of my die hard thriller fans will love this one!
Thanks to the author for my book copy that I won in a giveaway.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
June 4, 2023
Although I guessed the twist, this book was so much fun to read! It’s my first time reading any book by Darby Kane but now I’m a fan. Can’t wait to read her other books!
December 21, 2022
This could be a situation where I struggled a bit with the audio version. The book was all right, story was ok. Didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped.
October 14, 2022
Gabby Fielding is shocked to find her ex-husband dead in his house with no sign of a struggle. But she just can’t let go of the feeling that this wasn’t suicide. Then her family life implodes and looking for answers, turns to an old acquaintance from law school, Jessa. Tired of always seeing the bad guys win, Jessa recently has been associating with a charity group called The Sophie Foundation. But behind the scenes, the female members of the foundation meet every few weeks to engage their own form of Justice on bad guys who have slipped through the cracks. Gabby and Jessa truly have no idea what they are up against or just how deep loyalty for the foundation runs.
This was an exciting page turner! Told in alternating viewpoints, we get to see the events unfold from Gabby’s, Jessa’s and The Foundation’s perspectives. The author made the characters so relatable, it wasn’t hard to see why they felt the way they did. And considering some of the questionable decisions they made and activities they engaged in, that wasn’t an easy feat. I could not figure out how it was going to end up and I love when a book has twists that I can’t see coming. I also got some major Annalise Keating vibes (from one of my favorite shows, How to Get Away with Murder”).
“The Last Invitation” will be released December 1st!
This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly 😊
This was an exciting page turner! Told in alternating viewpoints, we get to see the events unfold from Gabby’s, Jessa’s and The Foundation’s perspectives. The author made the characters so relatable, it wasn’t hard to see why they felt the way they did. And considering some of the questionable decisions they made and activities they engaged in, that wasn’t an easy feat. I could not figure out how it was going to end up and I love when a book has twists that I can’t see coming. I also got some major Annalise Keating vibes (from one of my favorite shows, How to Get Away with Murder”).
“The Last Invitation” will be released December 1st!
This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly 😊
December 28, 2022
2.5 stars
This book frustrated me so much. The story itself is entertaining but the characters infuriated me. First of all, none of the characters have any depth and Jessa and Gabby could have essentially been the same person. Both make some incredibly idiotic decisions and aren’t that likable. The men in this book were just your stereotypical toxic rich men who always get what they want. There was no nuance to any of them. The book attempts to comment on the toxic masculinity the women confront in their work and personal lives but it fails because it’s told in such broad and cliched strokes.
I am also flabbergasted that no one in the world (apart from one person) was a least bit suspicious about seven wealthy and powerful men dying so suspiciously. There’s no way this would have gone unnoticed in the real world or let alone happen, because no sane woman would agree to be a part of The Foundation. And honestly, the women of The Foundation were awful and had absolutely no moral code. There was a twist at the end, but it was fairly obvious and not very impactful. Overall, this is an entertaining thriller but it lacked the depth that was needed to address the inequity between men and women and the institutional systems that protect these men.
This book frustrated me so much. The story itself is entertaining but the characters infuriated me. First of all, none of the characters have any depth and Jessa and Gabby could have essentially been the same person. Both make some incredibly idiotic decisions and aren’t that likable. The men in this book were just your stereotypical toxic rich men who always get what they want. There was no nuance to any of them. The book attempts to comment on the toxic masculinity the women confront in their work and personal lives but it fails because it’s told in such broad and cliched strokes.
I am also flabbergasted that no one in the world (apart from one person) was a least bit suspicious about seven wealthy and powerful men dying so suspiciously. There’s no way this would have gone unnoticed in the real world or let alone happen, because no sane woman would agree to be a part of The Foundation. And honestly, the women of The Foundation were awful and had absolutely no moral code. There was a twist at the end, but it was fairly obvious and not very impactful. Overall, this is an entertaining thriller but it lacked the depth that was needed to address the inequity between men and women and the institutional systems that protect these men.
June 14, 2022
I loved the premise of The Last Invitation. Jessa Hall jumps at the invitation to join the exclusive Sophie Foundation, lead by her law school mentor, Loretta. But behind the Foundation lies another secret group who do vigilante work against prominent men in the community, and serves justice to them by any means necessary, including murder. Of course, no one knows about the secret group and the high-powered women behind it who can fake evidence, make false accusations (anonymously, of course), and fake suicides.
Gabby's husband is one of those "suicides", but she knows there's something else going on, especially once a reporter gives her his files about all the men who have died under mysterious circumstances. Gabby turns to her law school frenemy Jessa and involves her in the takedown of the Foundation.
I really wanted to like this, but it fell flat for me. I didn't connect with anyone and felt character development could have been improved. I don't see how the Foundation would have wanted Jessa in their group (except for Retta's insistence). The co-leader "mystery" was seen a mile away.
Disappointing.
Gabby's husband is one of those "suicides", but she knows there's something else going on, especially once a reporter gives her his files about all the men who have died under mysterious circumstances. Gabby turns to her law school frenemy Jessa and involves her in the takedown of the Foundation.
I really wanted to like this, but it fell flat for me. I didn't connect with anyone and felt character development could have been improved. I don't see how the Foundation would have wanted Jessa in their group (except for Retta's insistence). The co-leader "mystery" was seen a mile away.
Disappointing.
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