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Last Orders #1
Last Orders
When you play with fire, you risk being burned...
When pub owner Debra is with staff member Jay, she feels like a woman half her age. She’s entitled to some ‘harmless fun’ to distract her from boredom and her newly acquired empty nest status. Especially as the days are ticking by until Jay will be leaving for good.
The sudden uplift in her mood is being observed by those who know her, particularly her husband, Bryn, who will do anything in his power to prevent Debra from leaving with Jay.
Time is called on New Year’s Eve, and everyone around Debra and Bryn hold their breath at what’s in store, as the old year gives way to the new…
When pub owner Debra is with staff member Jay, she feels like a woman half her age. She’s entitled to some ‘harmless fun’ to distract her from boredom and her newly acquired empty nest status. Especially as the days are ticking by until Jay will be leaving for good.
The sudden uplift in her mood is being observed by those who know her, particularly her husband, Bryn, who will do anything in his power to prevent Debra from leaving with Jay.
Time is called on New Year’s Eve, and everyone around Debra and Bryn hold their breath at what’s in store, as the old year gives way to the new…
268 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2023
279 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Maria Frankland
99 books553 followersMaria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 4, 2026
What a great way to start the New Year! My first 5 ⭐️ read of 2026 that’s actually a thriller surrounding the New Year holiday. This story had many layers to unfold, many in which I did not see coming!
Bryn & Debra hasn’t been happy for a while and now that Debra has her new boy toy Jay, the decision to end her marriage is much easier for her to make. But Bryn… Well basically he said over his dead body 🤷🏽♀️.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. Jenny Myers magnified every tense filled moment! The ending of this story left me speechless and I can’t wait to dive into Book 2!
Bryn & Debra hasn’t been happy for a while and now that Debra has her new boy toy Jay, the decision to end her marriage is much easier for her to make. But Bryn… Well basically he said over his dead body 🤷🏽♀️.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. Jenny Myers magnified every tense filled moment! The ending of this story left me speechless and I can’t wait to dive into Book 2!
April 30, 2023
Well, Maria Frankland keeps getting better and better. From the start, I was getting White Lotus vibes and and I needed to know how that would be resolved. I knew that there would be twists, and yes, there were . I'm never disappoints I'm so glad I read
Updated for audible version
Maria Frankland always delivers domestic thrillers and the narrator really suited the story (first time listening to this narrator). I listened to the story over a few afternoons - loved the ending as always as she always throws in a twist.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
Updated for audible version
Maria Frankland always delivers domestic thrillers and the narrator really suited the story (first time listening to this narrator). I listened to the story over a few afternoons - loved the ending as always as she always throws in a twist.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
October 4, 2023
Maria is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her writing style is easy to read yet she also develops her stories nicely. This story was interesting as it is all centered on one event with each chapter spelling out the hours before and after said event. At about 70% the big reveal occurs. Then, I was wondering what the remaining 30% would tell me. It is a book about revenge, selfishness and what can happen if we become overly committed to do the wrong thing. I enjoyed it, so hence, my 5 stars!
June 2, 2023
Oh wow. This one threw me for a loop. We read about Bryn and Debra. She owns a bar but quickly falls for the bartender, Jay who will be leaving. Debra wants to go with him. But what to do with her drunken husband? And then the plot thickens when the bar catches fire (or was it set?) and Bryn gets caught in it.
There are unexpected twists and turns and the ending with throw a curve at you. New author for me and will definitely look into her other books.
There are unexpected twists and turns and the ending with throw a curve at you. New author for me and will definitely look into her other books.
February 11, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Not exactly what I expected, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about that ending. Full RTC!
Not exactly what I expected, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about that ending. Full RTC!
April 26, 2024
Fast becoming a favourite author, if you like a good thriller, you'll enjoy this
January 1, 2023
Thanks so much to Maria for this ARC
Set to publish 3/1/23
Set to publish 3/1/23
March 6, 2025
Last Orders by Maria Frankland
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an excellent domestic thriller.
Debra a pub owner, falls in love with a co-worker, Jay, whom she just hired. The problem is that she’s still married. Husband Bryan catches Debra & Jay in the act at work and wants Jay out of the picture to try and win his wife back.
The story is very entertaining and has lots of twists and turns. The ending was a great surprise!!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did fantastic!
*It’s out now!!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an excellent domestic thriller.
Debra a pub owner, falls in love with a co-worker, Jay, whom she just hired. The problem is that she’s still married. Husband Bryan catches Debra & Jay in the act at work and wants Jay out of the picture to try and win his wife back.
The story is very entertaining and has lots of twists and turns. The ending was a great surprise!!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did fantastic!
*It’s out now!!*
July 10, 2025
Loved this! Fast paced great book looking forward to next next in the series:)
January 27, 2025
Not what I would call a thrilling read and slow in a lot of parts. I didn’t like any of the main characters really except the kids. Intrigued to read the next book but only to see where the story leads.
February 1, 2025
Not sure if id give this a 3 or 3.5! Fist read of this author.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book and wanted to finish, but there wasn't really a "huge twist". Didn't really like any of the characters but it was an easy read. I'll defo try another of her books :)
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book and wanted to finish, but there wasn't really a "huge twist". Didn't really like any of the characters but it was an easy read. I'll defo try another of her books :)
January 6, 2024
Maria Frankland is great at domestic thrillers and Last Orders is no exception as we meet Debra who is about to turn 50 and owns a pub with her bullying husband Bryn. Having recently started a new "friendship" with a younger member of staff, Debra feels its time for a new start in her life, however Bryn has other ideas!
Set around New Year, this is told exclusively from the viewpoints of Debra, Bryn and their daughter Hayley and its interesting to read the different views from the same scenarios although you only really feel any sympathy for Hayley (and their son Lance). From a prologue that is intriguing enough to hook you in, through a New Year's Eve in the pub where the marriage situation really comes to a head, resulting in a shocking New Years Day, this rattles along at a fast pace and although i guessed the ending (admittedly at about 90% in!), you are kept wondering about the truth throughout. I've read quite a few of Maria Frankland's books and she has a great knack of creating unlikeable characters in seemingly normal situations that spiral rapidly out of control and that's very much in evidence here. Highly recommended.
Set around New Year, this is told exclusively from the viewpoints of Debra, Bryn and their daughter Hayley and its interesting to read the different views from the same scenarios although you only really feel any sympathy for Hayley (and their son Lance). From a prologue that is intriguing enough to hook you in, through a New Year's Eve in the pub where the marriage situation really comes to a head, resulting in a shocking New Years Day, this rattles along at a fast pace and although i guessed the ending (admittedly at about 90% in!), you are kept wondering about the truth throughout. I've read quite a few of Maria Frankland's books and she has a great knack of creating unlikeable characters in seemingly normal situations that spiral rapidly out of control and that's very much in evidence here. Highly recommended.
January 1, 2023
What a twisted tale of betrayal. It starts with an unhappy pub owner who spills her story to a stranger on a train. The story is told in time chapters of before and after. Debra and Bryn are approaching their 25th anniversary and are empty nesters. Debra is approaching 50 and is restless and yearning for something more until she hires Jay as pub manager. Jay is a much younger man who Debra finds irresistible and when he responds favorably she asks Bryn for a divorce. Bryn doesn't take her seriously and when he catches them together on New Years Eve he sets a plan in motion to break up the relationship and win Debra back. But Debra has plans of her own and they don't include Bryn. After an alcohol induced tirade on NY Eve by Bryn both seem to get their plans in place. A fire at the pub changes everything for Hailey and Lance as they realize that one or both of their parents might be the body pulled from the fire. Once revealed the lies keep mounting until the wonderfully twisted ending. It's A 5 star story to start off 2023.
February 19, 2025
This was a new author for me and I am so excited to discover a new author that is so good! I was immediately drawn into her story. The book is told from various points of view- mainly Debra the wife and Bryn the husband for most of the book. The story follows a mother who is about to turn 50 who is struggling with her empty nest syndrome as well as her unhappy marriage while running her pub. Debra hires a much younger bar manager who she develops feelings for. The characters were interesting and I found myself wanting to know more about them, especially Debra. The author's writing style is easy going and moves quickly with pages that fly by! I found myself lost in the story so much that by the time I looked up at the clock, my 3 noisy pets had missed their feeding time by 45 minutes and I hadn't even heard them crying! Seriously! That's how immersed I was! And the twists were fantastic. A 5 star read for me. The best part of all... there is a book 2! I just ordered it on Amazon. It's called Last One Standing. I'll definitely be reading more from this author!
April 8, 2025
Last Orders by Maria Frankland is an addictive domestic thriller that will capture your interest from the start and you will struggle to turn the pages fast enough to find out what the hell was happening.
This was an unbelievable journey. I loved the set dynamics and characters, I loved the storyline and the twist that took me by surprise.
This book has several parts and each part is presented from a different point of view. It starts with a 24-hour countdown... so we know something is gonna happen and this keeps your interest as you try to build ideas.
Debra and Bryn have been married for nearly 25 years but this marriage is about to end. Debra is ready for a new start but Bryn is not ready to let her go... He has a plan and he is ready to take what he feels belongs to him!
This is the first book in the Last Orders Series and yes I will be heading to read the second one as the epilogue left me with an open mouth!
This was an unbelievable journey. I loved the set dynamics and characters, I loved the storyline and the twist that took me by surprise.
This book has several parts and each part is presented from a different point of view. It starts with a 24-hour countdown... so we know something is gonna happen and this keeps your interest as you try to build ideas.
Debra and Bryn have been married for nearly 25 years but this marriage is about to end. Debra is ready for a new start but Bryn is not ready to let her go... He has a plan and he is ready to take what he feels belongs to him!
This is the first book in the Last Orders Series and yes I will be heading to read the second one as the epilogue left me with an open mouth!
November 17, 2024
Debra has been married for 25 years to Bryn, but she feels unappreciated and unhappy in her marriage. So when she hires Jay as the new bar manager for her pub, things change for her. Jay flirts and makes Debra feel beautiful and special. When Bryn accidently finds out about Debra's affair, he threatens Jay and makes a drunken public speech to everyone at the pub about "Watch this space" and "I'll give you something to gossip about". Then something tragic happens which changes Debra's family's lives forever. This book had me at the edge of my seat where I really wanted to know who the victim was. The plot twists at the end just blew me away! Just shows don't trust anyone and do not make your revenge plans public. It could just come back to haunt you. A mind-blowing psychological thriller!
March 5, 2023
Last Orders is a tightly woven psychological thriller of the highest standard. Maria Frankland writes the most suspense driven stories and never lets me down when she releases a new book.
I started reading this after my tea, big mistake! I couldn't go to bed until I discovered everything!
Characters that are well developed and a plot that feels so real transported me there. I almost inhaled this book, The story was that good. And the twists! Well, you will find out when you read it yourself!
Another brilliant release from Maria Frankland, and now I wait for the next!
Thanks to the author for the copy of the book for my honest review.
I started reading this after my tea, big mistake! I couldn't go to bed until I discovered everything!
Characters that are well developed and a plot that feels so real transported me there. I almost inhaled this book, The story was that good. And the twists! Well, you will find out when you read it yourself!
Another brilliant release from Maria Frankland, and now I wait for the next!
Thanks to the author for the copy of the book for my honest review.
January 26, 2025
Maria Frankland’s Last Order is a slow burn that takes its time building the story, but it does reward you with a satisfying and intriguing payoff. The plot kept me guessing for the majority of the book, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged. That said, I did manage to piece everything together just before the final reveal, which slightly lessened the impact of the conclusion, hence the 4 stars.
Despite that, the journey was well worth it. The pacing might not be for everyone, but if you enjoy thrillers that gradually build tension before delivering a gripping finale, Last Order is a solid choice.
Despite that, the journey was well worth it. The pacing might not be for everyone, but if you enjoy thrillers that gradually build tension before delivering a gripping finale, Last Order is a solid choice.
November 5, 2025
Last Orders - Maria Frankland.
When you play with fire, you risk being burned …
When pub owner Debra is with staff member Jay , she feels like a woman half her age. She’s entitled to some harmless fun to distract her from boredom and her newly gained empty nest status.Especially as the days are ticking by until Jay will leave for good .
The sudden uplift in her mood is being observed by those who know her, particularly her husband , Bryn, who will do anything in his power to prevent Debra from leaving with Jay .
Time is called on New Year’s Eve, and everyone around Debra and Bryn holds their breath at what’s in store, as the old year gives way to the new …
When you play with fire, you risk being burned …
When pub owner Debra is with staff member Jay , she feels like a woman half her age. She’s entitled to some harmless fun to distract her from boredom and her newly gained empty nest status.Especially as the days are ticking by until Jay will leave for good .
The sudden uplift in her mood is being observed by those who know her, particularly her husband , Bryn, who will do anything in his power to prevent Debra from leaving with Jay .
Time is called on New Year’s Eve, and everyone around Debra and Bryn holds their breath at what’s in store, as the old year gives way to the new …
January 29, 2025
"Last Orders" takes place around New Year's Day, which makes it a perfect January read! The chapters take you through the hours "before" and "after" as well as multiple POVs.
Debra, owner of a successful bar, has started a fling with her much younger bar manager. Bryn, her husband, finds out and vows to do anything to hold on to his marriage.
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, a twist came along that proved me wrong. This book was a fast read that kept me hanging on to the end.
Debra, owner of a successful bar, has started a fling with her much younger bar manager. Bryn, her husband, finds out and vows to do anything to hold on to his marriage.
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, a twist came along that proved me wrong. This book was a fast read that kept me hanging on to the end.
April 25, 2023
This is a new author to me and a new narrator too but not likely to be the last. I enjoyed the story from start to finish, well written with a good pace and great narration. The characters were believable though not all are likeable. Not quite my usual type of novel but definitely well worth a listen.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
May 8, 2023
I loved the narration of Jenny Myers, who brings out the suspense and trills.
This a psychological thriller, with great suspense. Debra, is hitting 50 and menopausal. Married to Bryn and is unhappy in the marriage of 24 years. Wanting to leave with Jay, her bar manger. Jay is young enough to be her son. Bryn does not sit back and he starts planning back against Debra and Jay. This is a wild ride! I did not see that ending coming
This a psychological thriller, with great suspense. Debra, is hitting 50 and menopausal. Married to Bryn and is unhappy in the marriage of 24 years. Wanting to leave with Jay, her bar manger. Jay is young enough to be her son. Bryn does not sit back and he starts planning back against Debra and Jay. This is a wild ride! I did not see that ending coming
April 28, 2024
good read
really enjoyed this ! read in a couple of sittings . slow burn but keeps you hooked as it gradually builds up and up .
I was just a little disappointed at the end . i don’t want to give away any spoilers so I won’t name names but i’d like to have known how things panned out for a certain character and how they dealt with some stuff , as things hadn’t quite turned out for them . overall though it was a good read .
really enjoyed this ! read in a couple of sittings . slow burn but keeps you hooked as it gradually builds up and up .
I was just a little disappointed at the end . i don’t want to give away any spoilers so I won’t name names but i’d like to have known how things panned out for a certain character and how they dealt with some stuff , as things hadn’t quite turned out for them . overall though it was a good read .
September 29, 2024
Last orders by Maria Frankland, when you play with fire, you risk being burned. Debra pub owner, married to Bryn about to turn 50 employed Jay pub manager. He gives her a reason to get up and look forward. Bryn discovers the affair and hatches a plan. The characters draw on your emotions and you have your favourites and in your head you know how you want the story to pan out and you change your mind . read in one sitting 4* kindle.
December 31, 2024
I figured out some of the things before I should have but maybe I was supposed to. Some cringe worthy moments. How could an almost 50 year old woman believe that an amazing young man would want to be her partner but then I thin, men do this all the time and it's okay for them. About time a woman did it too. Consequences to be paid. I liked that she was the owner of a local pub too. As soon as I finished I ordered the second in the series and am reading it now.
May 30, 2025
I love Maria Frankland's writing and I'm slowly working my way through her many books. If you haven't read any yet, go and grab one! She has a knack of drawing you into her characters' lives from the beginning and keeps you engaged throughout. The story is a slow burn about the characters' relationships, but it all heats up (literally!) towards the end, with some good twists which I especially enjoyed. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job.
March 3, 2023
First off I would like to thank my friend Julie Cornelius for reccomminding this brilliant written book with twists and turns I never saw coming that's pure genius on the Author's part so congratulations. I Absolutely enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me.
March 13, 2024
Devious wife.
A great read. You get engrossed into the story. It's very hard to put it down. I was shocked at the twist, but I didn't see that coming! I had to read that part again. 😂 The wife had it all planned.
I knew what was going to happen with the manager it was plain to see when she sent him off with the details of the bank.
A great read. You get engrossed into the story. It's very hard to put it down. I was shocked at the twist, but I didn't see that coming! I had to read that part again. 😂 The wife had it all planned.
I knew what was going to happen with the manager it was plain to see when she sent him off with the details of the bank.
December 26, 2024
Maria Frankland’s book, ‘Last Orders’ is an engaging read. A couple, Debra and Bryn, who own a pub. The regulars. The staff, each with their stories.And the handsome bar manager Jay. Debra falls in love with Jay, and the whole world knows.Ensues the tug-of-war between the husband and the lover, and Debra makes up her mind, once and for all. But does Bryan win? Or is Jay the victor?
4 Stars
4 Stars
January 3, 2026
“Last Orders” by Maria Frankland is a dark, intense thriller that holds nothing back. Tense, disturbing, and heart-pounding, the story kept me on edge from start to finish. Frankland delivers a chilling examination of cruelty, survival, and the lengths people will go to when pushed to their limits. A fast, brutal read that fans of hard-hitting psychological thrillers won’t forget.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews