
the setup…
Leewood Folcrum is an inmate at a California prison, jailed twenty-three years ago for murdering two young girls at a birthday party. About an hour away lives Perla Wultz who seems to be obsessed with him, the crime and setting things up to maybe get him free. She and her husband Grant and twelve-year old daughter Sophie live in an affluent community and enjoy the wealthy life. But, see…Perla has an agenda and it is dark! And who’s this guy suddenly visiting Leewood, a doctoral student desperately wanting details from him about what happened?
the heart of the story…
Let me be clear. Perla is a sociopath and you learn that a few minutes into the story. She’s got a diabolical plan and it’s a scary one. I spent my entire time trying to figure out how someone, anyone would be able to stop her. And, there are secrets I struggled to figure out that kinda opens up everything. I got there before the reveal but it didn’t change my enjoyment level.
the narration…
I loved the use of multiple narrators because Perla’s voice was deliciously evil in the most delightful way. And Leewood came across more than a bit scary. All of them were outstanding storytellers!
the bottom line…
This is dark but not the kind that buries you emotionally. Do yourself a favor and listen to it if you can because the narrators elevate the story and the characters. I was excited about this book as soon as I learned about it and boy did it far surpass my expectations. Perla will go down as one of my most diabolical fictional villains. Does she win?
Book Info
- Release Date: August 20, 2024
- Narrators: Amy Bentley, Will Damron, Neil Hellegers & Ellen Quay
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 43 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Audible
(Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

Wow you have me absolutely intrigued with your wonderful review Jonetta! I want to know what happens!
Thank you, Jodie💜 I know you don’t read a lot of thrillers but this one might be right for you.
Can’t wait to read it!!!
I hope you love it, too💜
If only I could read every book I want to read right away.
Anne
Just by snapping our fingers😏
Thanks for the recommendation, Jo. Have put the audio on my list. I missed out on the ARC, but some things are just meant to be, aren’t they!💖📚
You’re welcome, Sandy💜 Too bad you missed this one. I was on the hunt for it on the site for days😏
Wonderful review Jo, glad it lived up to your expectations!
Thanks, Nicki💜 This is a winner!
Fab review! You’ve made me curious about the audio now… I’m glad you loved The Last Party as well! Perla made for such a fantastic villain.
Thanks, Yvo💜 The audio was on a whole other level!
I have wanted to try an A.R. Torre book for awhile now and this sounds like a twisty, dark one. My library doesn’t have it yet, but I will keep watching. I definitely want to listen to it after reading this review, Jo.
Thanks, Carla💜 I became an instant fan after listening to A Fatal Affair. She’s SO good.