The Finalist - by Joan Long (Paperback)

About the Book

Five authors, each with their own secrets, are chosen to complete a deceased novelist's unfinished manuscript. When one of them turns up dead, theories and accusations abound.

Book Synopsis

Five authors, each with their own secrets, are chosen to complete a deceased novelist's unfinished manuscript. For single mom Risa Marr, the competition is the opportunity of a lifetime. At stake is a million dollars and a contract to continue the famous novelist's bestselling thriller series.

Transported to the tropical paradise of Key Island, the finalists are cut off from the world and given seven days to draft their best ending for the book. But when one of them turns up dead, theories and accusations abound. Accident? Suicide? Or Murder? To what lengths will competitors go to win? And who, if anyone, will leave the island alive?

Review Quotes

"What writer wouldn't jump at the chance to continue a best-selling author's legacy, especially if that chance comes with an all-expenses-paid trip to a remote tropical island? But all is not what it seems, as Joan Long proves she has a knack for intricate plotting in this thrilling debut that will keep you guessing till the final pages!"-Edwin Hill, Agatha- and Edgar-nominated author of The Secrets We Share

"Fascinating and foreboding, The Finalist is a gripping whodunnit set on an island paradise turned prison for five unsuspecting thriller writers."-Ellen Byron, USA Today Bestselling Author

"A twisty thriller on a remote island. Need I say more? Throw in a heartbreakingly lovable protagonist and intriguing suspects, and Long gives us a tense roller-coaster of a debut novel. A great read!"-Tammy Euliano, author of Fatal Intent

"I loved it! Masterfully paced with a relatable, resourceful protagonist, a gorgeous tropical setting, and a suspenseful, pulse-pounding ending, The Finalist is a debut novel you do not want to miss."-Connie Berry, USA Today best-selling author of The Kate Hamilton Series

"An invitation in a bottle, a writing competition, a life-changing prize. Five talented, ambitious finalists in search of the ultimate Best-Seller, cut off from the world on a beautiful tropical island. What could go wrong? Welcome to Joan Long's debut mystery, a dark and absorbing Locked-Room-Style-Whodunnit that kicks off with a harrowing death and doesn't let up. An intriguing mix of suspense, romance, secrets and revenge, this story offers a glimpse into the world of publishing and a cast of quirky, memorable characters-each with something to hide. The heartbeat of this story is Risa, a single mom haunted by loss, who will do anything not to lose her only child."-Helaine Mario, best-selling author of Shadow Music and the Maggie O'Shea Mystery Series