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The Final Act
All she wanted was to see her name in lights. Now, her disappearance has made her front-page news.
It’s been twenty years since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. Now she’s disappeared and a TikTok sleuth has found her purse discarded in a Los Angeles park. The news spreads like wildfire across a nation hungry for celebrity tragedy, and the struggling actress’s mysterious disappearance quickly becomes a national obsession.
Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case. But truth is a rare commodity in Tinseltown; some people will stop at nothing to get what they want and Delaney and Moreno soon find themselves mired in Hollywood’s dark underbelly with little in the way of clues.
As revelations from the past emerge, it becomes apparent there is more going on than meets the eye. With an obsessive public watching every step of the investigation, can the police find Madison before she becomes more than just missing?
It’s been twenty years since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. Now she’s disappeared and a TikTok sleuth has found her purse discarded in a Los Angeles park. The news spreads like wildfire across a nation hungry for celebrity tragedy, and the struggling actress’s mysterious disappearance quickly becomes a national obsession.
Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case. But truth is a rare commodity in Tinseltown; some people will stop at nothing to get what they want and Delaney and Moreno soon find themselves mired in Hollywood’s dark underbelly with little in the way of clues.
As revelations from the past emerge, it becomes apparent there is more going on than meets the eye. With an obsessive public watching every step of the investigation, can the police find Madison before she becomes more than just missing?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2024
1194 people are currently reading
6764 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Gray
9 books1,169 followersLisa Gray is an Amazon #1, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and has sold over one million books. She has been longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize and an ITW Thriller Awards finalist. Lisa previously worked as the chief Scottish soccer writer at the Press Association and the books columnist at the Daily Record Saturday Magazine. She is the author of the bestselling Jessica Shaw series and standalone thrillers The Dark Room, To Die For, and The Final Act. Lisa lives in Glasgow and writes full time. Learn more at www.lisagraywriter.com and connect with Lisa on social media @lisagraywriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
July 10, 2024
It’s been twenty years since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. Now she’s disappeared and a TikTok sleuth has found her purse discarded in a Los Angeles park. The news spreads like wildfire across a nation hungry for celebrity tragedy, and the struggling actress’s mysterious disappearance quickly becomes a national obsession.
Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case. But truth is a rare commodity in Tinseltown; some people will stop at nothing to get what they want and Delaney and Moreno soon find themselves mired in Hollywood’s dark underbelly with little in the way of clues.
As revelations from the past emerge, it becomes apparent there is more going on than meets the eye. With an obsessive public watching every step of the investigation, can the police find Madison before she becomes more than just missing?
An addictive, fast-paced plot with definite Hollywood vibes, The Final Act had my attention right from start with quite the spellbinding prologue. From the twisty, twisty premise to the dynamite characters who came alive on the page, this popcorn thriller won me over hook, line, and sinker. Believe me when I say that while I might have had an inkling about what lay in store, the multiple blind twists kept me guessing all the same. There was even one surprising turn, in fact, that totally turned the whole plot on its head.
As for the characters, from a few truly unlikeable individuals to the realistic winners front and center with the narration, I was a fan of them all. Told via the dual POVs of Madison and Sarah, we were blessed with both the past and present timelines throughout the failed actress’s career and disappearance. Even better, however, was how fully fleshed out Madison felt. But it was Detective Sarah Delaney for whom I’d love a second helping. Please say it’s so, Ms. Gray. A sequel would put me over the moon.
All said and done, this quick, easy read was truly unputdownable. Coming in at only 270 pages, I flew through it in just a single sitting. But it was the well-written dark side of Hollywood and the serious topics it brought to mind that really nailed this in one. That’s not to say that the crime fiction edge to this thriller wasn’t just as alluring. Trust me, it was. Ultimately, I had a blast speeding through this fun rollercoaster ride of suspense. So if you have yet to read anything by Lisa Gray, take this as your call to duty. After all, those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse are utterly head over heels. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Lisa Gray, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 1, 2024
Trigger warning: sexual harassment, stalking, strangulation, mention of: getting drugged, rape
Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case. But truth is a rare commodity in Tinseltown; some people will stop at nothing to get what they want and Delaney and Moreno soon find themselves mired in Hollywood’s dark underbelly with little in the way of clues.
As revelations from the past emerge, it becomes apparent there is more going on than meets the eye. With an obsessive public watching every step of the investigation, can the police find Madison before she becomes more than just missing?
An addictive, fast-paced plot with definite Hollywood vibes, The Final Act had my attention right from start with quite the spellbinding prologue. From the twisty, twisty premise to the dynamite characters who came alive on the page, this popcorn thriller won me over hook, line, and sinker. Believe me when I say that while I might have had an inkling about what lay in store, the multiple blind twists kept me guessing all the same. There was even one surprising turn, in fact, that totally turned the whole plot on its head.
As for the characters, from a few truly unlikeable individuals to the realistic winners front and center with the narration, I was a fan of them all. Told via the dual POVs of Madison and Sarah, we were blessed with both the past and present timelines throughout the failed actress’s career and disappearance. Even better, however, was how fully fleshed out Madison felt. But it was Detective Sarah Delaney for whom I’d love a second helping. Please say it’s so, Ms. Gray. A sequel would put me over the moon.
All said and done, this quick, easy read was truly unputdownable. Coming in at only 270 pages, I flew through it in just a single sitting. But it was the well-written dark side of Hollywood and the serious topics it brought to mind that really nailed this in one. That’s not to say that the crime fiction edge to this thriller wasn’t just as alluring. Trust me, it was. Ultimately, I had a blast speeding through this fun rollercoaster ride of suspense. So if you have yet to read anything by Lisa Gray, take this as your call to duty. After all, those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse are utterly head over heels. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Lisa Gray, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 1, 2024
Trigger warning: sexual harassment, stalking, strangulation, mention of: getting drugged, rape
December 3, 2024
the setup…
Detective Sarah Delaney was preparing for her first day in the LAPD Missing Persons Unit, transferring from the elite Robbery Homicide Division (RHD), coming in on the weekend to move her things. She learns that her new partner Rob Delaney is at Griffith Park where the purse of one of his missing persons was just discovered and decides to join him. Madison James, a long struggling actress who found fame twenty years ago as a scream queen is missing and this discovery makes the case more serious. When the young woman who found the purse posts a video on TikTok, the search for James becomes a national obsession.
the heart of the story…
The story is told from two points of view, Sarah Delaney’s in the present and Madison James’s from twenty years earlier when she was cast in her first scream movie. Both gave me deep insights into the sordid part of Hollywood where directors and producers take advantage of young women’s hopes and dreams. I like dual time lines and this one was exceptional where the past was juxtaposed against the present and, sadly, not much had changed.
the narration…
I’m a fan of Vivienne Leheny and her storytelling here was outstanding. She gave Dana and Madison distinctive voice, seeming to capture the essence of each’s personality.
the bottom line…
It reminiscent of old Hollywood casting couches but updated in more modern terms since it never really went away. Dana and Rob are challenged to find anyone willing to be truthful as they searched for Madison, even those who were supposed to have her interests at heart. I had my suspicions as to what was going on and was partly right but still missed the big reveal. It’s a cleverly written story that kept me engaged through the end, which had the best epilogue. And, it feels like it could be the start of more to come.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Detective Sarah Delaney was preparing for her first day in the LAPD Missing Persons Unit, transferring from the elite Robbery Homicide Division (RHD), coming in on the weekend to move her things. She learns that her new partner Rob Delaney is at Griffith Park where the purse of one of his missing persons was just discovered and decides to join him. Madison James, a long struggling actress who found fame twenty years ago as a scream queen is missing and this discovery makes the case more serious. When the young woman who found the purse posts a video on TikTok, the search for James becomes a national obsession.
the heart of the story…
The story is told from two points of view, Sarah Delaney’s in the present and Madison James’s from twenty years earlier when she was cast in her first scream movie. Both gave me deep insights into the sordid part of Hollywood where directors and producers take advantage of young women’s hopes and dreams. I like dual time lines and this one was exceptional where the past was juxtaposed against the present and, sadly, not much had changed.
the narration…
I’m a fan of Vivienne Leheny and her storytelling here was outstanding. She gave Dana and Madison distinctive voice, seeming to capture the essence of each’s personality.
the bottom line…
It reminiscent of old Hollywood casting couches but updated in more modern terms since it never really went away. Dana and Rob are challenged to find anyone willing to be truthful as they searched for Madison, even those who were supposed to have her interests at heart. I had my suspicions as to what was going on and was partly right but still missed the big reveal. It’s a cleverly written story that kept me engaged through the end, which had the best epilogue. And, it feels like it could be the start of more to come.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 15, 2024
Madison James has ALWAYS wanted to be … a FINAL GIRL 😳… This girl breezed into LA and landed a role in a horror film 🎥… she was dubbed to be the next hot 🔥🔥 star. Move over Neve Campbell… 😉… there is a new girl in town… BUT…Twenty… yes Twenty years later… she is STILL trying to become a Final Girl ..😳🙄 No matter what it takes.. and then… she disappeared.. without a trace… POOF 💥 … Where is Madison James?? 🥺
This was a fast paced thriller that I totally binged!! I didn’t want to put it down!! I loved the past and present POV’s!! So addictive!!👏👏
This was a fast paced thriller that I totally binged!! I didn’t want to put it down!! I loved the past and present POV’s!! So addictive!!👏👏
January 16, 2026
The Final Act by Lisa Gray –Review
The Final Act by Lisa Gray is a taut and twist‑filled thriller set against the glitzy yet shadowy backdrop of Hollywood, following the baffling disappearance of once‑promising actress Madison James, whose purse is found in a Los Angeles park and instantly becomes viral fodder. Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno from the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case, uncovering layers of secrets and power plays in Tinseltown’s underbelly as the public’s obsession grows and old truths about Madison’s past resurface in unexpected ways. Gray’s narrative captures both the hunger for fame and the price that often lurks beneath it.
Some moments left me contemplating how ambition and exploitation intertwine in Hollywood, and I appreciated the way Delaney’s resolve felt gritty and real amid the sensationalism of the case; the pacing drove me forward without overwhelming the emotional depth.
Rating: 4 out of 5 because its cinematic setting and sharp suspense kept me engrossed from start to finish.
The Final Act by Lisa Gray is a taut and twist‑filled thriller set against the glitzy yet shadowy backdrop of Hollywood, following the baffling disappearance of once‑promising actress Madison James, whose purse is found in a Los Angeles park and instantly becomes viral fodder. Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno from the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case, uncovering layers of secrets and power plays in Tinseltown’s underbelly as the public’s obsession grows and old truths about Madison’s past resurface in unexpected ways. Gray’s narrative captures both the hunger for fame and the price that often lurks beneath it.
Some moments left me contemplating how ambition and exploitation intertwine in Hollywood, and I appreciated the way Delaney’s resolve felt gritty and real amid the sensationalism of the case; the pacing drove me forward without overwhelming the emotional depth.
Rating: 4 out of 5 because its cinematic setting and sharp suspense kept me engrossed from start to finish.
July 5, 2024
OUTLIER ALERT:
This "casting couch thriller" was a total miss for me.
The book's premise was strong:
A Hollywood has-been goes missing. Is she dead or alive?
Overall, the book suffered from too much repetitive text and a lack of thrills.
I listened to the 7-hour audiobook that easily could have been a 5-hour audiobook.
Narrator Vivienne Leheny did a fine job with the narration.
SPOILER ALERT:
The book's "happily ever after" ending was contrived and disappointing.
1.5 stars, rounded up.
July 1, 2024
When aging actress Madison goes missing, a TikTok sleuth finds something that belongs to her. Could Madison have been kidnapped, left Hollywood or is something more sinister happening? This story takes over the media and everyone wants to know what happened to Madison.
WE know in Hollywood that actresses come and go, but this new piece of evidence leads to an investigation. Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno lead the investigation as part of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit. Lots of people want their 15 minutes of fame as clues come to the surface.
I was invested in this page turner to see if Madison was alive and would happened to her
WE know in Hollywood that actresses come and go, but this new piece of evidence leads to an investigation. Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno lead the investigation as part of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit. Lots of people want their 15 minutes of fame as clues come to the surface.
I was invested in this page turner to see if Madison was alive and would happened to her
September 13, 2024
Aging actress Madison James who hasn’t had any success in Hollywood for decades goes missing. Detectives Delaney and Moreno of the LAPD are in race against time to find her before its roo late …
This was a such a propulsive and addictive read. Clever writing and a fantastic audiobook narrated by Vivienne Leheny - highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance publishing for an ALC.
This was a such a propulsive and addictive read. Clever writing and a fantastic audiobook narrated by Vivienne Leheny - highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance publishing for an ALC.
April 23, 2024
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer along with #Netgalley for allowing me early access to #TheFinalAct
"All she wanted was to see her name in lights. Now, her disappearance has made her front-page news."
I really liked this read. Lisa Gray has a way of making the story move along without feeling rushed, giving just enough to keep you turning the page. Her twists in the plot were unpredictable and believable. If you like reading about messy characters who get what they deserve, then The Final Act by Lisa Grey is definitely going to be for you.
This book would be perfect for a beach day read. ❤️
"All she wanted was to see her name in lights. Now, her disappearance has made her front-page news."
I really liked this read. Lisa Gray has a way of making the story move along without feeling rushed, giving just enough to keep you turning the page. Her twists in the plot were unpredictable and believable. If you like reading about messy characters who get what they deserve, then The Final Act by Lisa Grey is definitely going to be for you.
This book would be perfect for a beach day read. ❤️
November 15, 2024
3.5 stars rounding down on Goodreads.
Having not wrote my review until months after listening to the audiobook, I remember nothing! It did not leave a mark on my brain and I was putting off the review because I felt it was just ok after finishing it.
I definitely want to give Lisa Gray another try though.
****Many thanks to Brilliance Audio for my gifted audiobook.
Having not wrote my review until months after listening to the audiobook, I remember nothing! It did not leave a mark on my brain and I was putting off the review because I felt it was just ok after finishing it.
I definitely want to give Lisa Gray another try though.
****Many thanks to Brilliance Audio for my gifted audiobook.
June 10, 2024
Madison moved to LA to become a star. After a few flops and minor parts in movies she hasn’t lived up to her dream. One day she goes missing and the police are looking into her disappearance. Where did she go? Is she safe?
I enjoy stories that revolve around Hollywood and fame! The good, the bad and the ugly! This book had all of that and more! I guessed the big reveal what happened to Madison about 2/3 of the way in, but this book had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down! I love an easy read and this was a popcorn thriller through and through (which I always enjoy!)
It is told through Madison’s POV in the past and present, as well as the detective’s present day POV. I enjoyed the sprinkling of news articles throughout the story!
This was my first Lisa Gray book (how?) but I have had my eyes on some of her books for awhile now. This one comes out July 1 and would be a fab pool side read!
I enjoy stories that revolve around Hollywood and fame! The good, the bad and the ugly! This book had all of that and more! I guessed the big reveal what happened to Madison about 2/3 of the way in, but this book had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down! I love an easy read and this was a popcorn thriller through and through (which I always enjoy!)
It is told through Madison’s POV in the past and present, as well as the detective’s present day POV. I enjoyed the sprinkling of news articles throughout the story!
This was my first Lisa Gray book (how?) but I have had my eyes on some of her books for awhile now. This one comes out July 1 and would be a fab pool side read!
July 25, 2024
I love thrillers like this one. A washed up actress goes missing and ends up in the spotlight and detectives are trying to piece together what happened.
Detective thrillers have to be done right for me and I usually don't like books with many time lines but the author keep the storyline tight and I really enjoyed the book and the narration.
There is so much going on but every thread is there for a reason and it all comes together in a crashing cresendo right at the end.
I didn't see the ending coming and that earned an extra star!
Really clever writing and entertaining as all heck!
5 stars
Detective thrillers have to be done right for me and I usually don't like books with many time lines but the author keep the storyline tight and I really enjoyed the book and the narration.
There is so much going on but every thread is there for a reason and it all comes together in a crashing cresendo right at the end.
I didn't see the ending coming and that earned an extra star!
Really clever writing and entertaining as all heck!
5 stars
May 2, 2024
Madison James was on the brink of major success as an actor when her career suddenly tanked and she vanished from the spotlight. Fast-forward twenty years, and Madison has vanished for real. Her purse is found near a hiking trail; her car has been abandoned behind her job; her friends and neighbors haven’t seen her in days…
This is my first book by Lisa Gray, and I’ve been missing out! I love books that dig into the gross, seamy parts of Hollywood glamour, and while this is a very different story, there were some Hurricane Blonde-ish vibes that I really enjoyed. This was twisty and super fast-paced — I read it in basically one sitting! And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s maybe the start of a series…?!? I’d really like to read more books about the Missing Persons Unit detectives (please and thank you)
* Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the early review copy. The Final Act publishes July 1.
Keep an eye out for a ton of glowing reviews for this one - the Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse crew is reading this now, and it’s so good — it’s going to be EVERYWHERE 🔥
This is my first book by Lisa Gray, and I’ve been missing out! I love books that dig into the gross, seamy parts of Hollywood glamour, and while this is a very different story, there were some Hurricane Blonde-ish vibes that I really enjoyed. This was twisty and super fast-paced — I read it in basically one sitting! And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s maybe the start of a series…?!? I’d really like to read more books about the Missing Persons Unit detectives (please and thank you)
* Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the early review copy. The Final Act publishes July 1.
Keep an eye out for a ton of glowing reviews for this one - the Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse crew is reading this now, and it’s so good — it’s going to be EVERYWHERE 🔥
June 17, 2024
4.4 ⭐️ This was a fun, fast, entertaining popcorn thriller
In 2002 Madison James is about to break into Hollywood, but 10 years later she’s gone missing
The story is told from Detective Sarah Daleney’s perspective in 2022 when she investigates Madison’s disappearance
Simultaneously, flashbacks lead up to the disappearance, plus we get various multimedia stories
This was a fun, popcorn thriller without the heaviness of a procedural. Detective Sarah is smart, sassy with just the right amount of backstory
Meanwhile, Madison is empathetic, driven and honest
As Madison’s adventures unfolds, the #metoo movement is highlighted. Although this isn’t a particularly original story, it is moving, entertaining and gripping
I really enjoyed the reveal and felt truly satisfied and entertained
Great audiobook, narrated by Vivienne Leheny who’s audios always draw me in with her honey voice
Thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
In 2002 Madison James is about to break into Hollywood, but 10 years later she’s gone missing
The story is told from Detective Sarah Daleney’s perspective in 2022 when she investigates Madison’s disappearance
Simultaneously, flashbacks lead up to the disappearance, plus we get various multimedia stories
This was a fun, popcorn thriller without the heaviness of a procedural. Detective Sarah is smart, sassy with just the right amount of backstory
Meanwhile, Madison is empathetic, driven and honest
As Madison’s adventures unfolds, the #metoo movement is highlighted. Although this isn’t a particularly original story, it is moving, entertaining and gripping
I really enjoyed the reveal and felt truly satisfied and entertained
Great audiobook, narrated by Vivienne Leheny who’s audios always draw me in with her honey voice
Thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
June 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!! I finished it in less than 24 hours and I felt invested from the start. Told in multiple POV’s between past and present, we learn the story of former actress Madison James and her mysterious disappearance.
I loved the Hollywood vibes, the stories of Madison’s break into Hollywood, her friendship with Taylor Rose, the detective’s hard work to solve the mystery and the reveals of what happened. This was a great story and very well written to captivate the reader’s attention and keep them wanting more.
Thank you to the author (Lisa Gray), the publisher (Thomas & Mercer) and Thriller Book Lovers - The Pulse for the opportunity to read this upcoming thriller. The Final Act will be hitting shelves on July 1st.
I loved the Hollywood vibes, the stories of Madison’s break into Hollywood, her friendship with Taylor Rose, the detective’s hard work to solve the mystery and the reveals of what happened. This was a great story and very well written to captivate the reader’s attention and keep them wanting more.
Thank you to the author (Lisa Gray), the publisher (Thomas & Mercer) and Thriller Book Lovers - The Pulse for the opportunity to read this upcoming thriller. The Final Act will be hitting shelves on July 1st.
June 4, 2024
How is this my first book by Lisa Gray?
The Final Act is a page turning thriller that takes place in Hollywood when a has-been actress disappears. Told in multiple timelines including present time, 20 years ago and the days leading up to the disappearance, the story was completely addictive.
I seriously could not put this one down and completely devoured it. I loved the Hollywood backdrop with shady characters mixed in with amazing characters.
The main detective Sarah was superb and I think this could be a start of a new series, hopefully 🙏 There is so much more to unpack about her backstory and I hope I get to hear from her again.
The Final Act is a page turning thriller that takes place in Hollywood when a has-been actress disappears. Told in multiple timelines including present time, 20 years ago and the days leading up to the disappearance, the story was completely addictive.
I seriously could not put this one down and completely devoured it. I loved the Hollywood backdrop with shady characters mixed in with amazing characters.
The main detective Sarah was superb and I think this could be a start of a new series, hopefully 🙏 There is so much more to unpack about her backstory and I hope I get to hear from her again.
April 22, 2024
Twenty years ago, it looked as if Madison James was all set to become one of the brightest stars in the Hollywood film industry. However, after three movie roles she dropped off the scene and didn’t appear in any more film productions. Now she works as a waitress at The Jones restaurant and tries to get by. One day she heads out to an audition and disappears, her purse found by a hiker on a trail in the Laurel Canyon. Detectives Delaney and Moreno are assigned to the case from Missing Persons, sifting through tips from wannabe detectives and examining Madison’s past to find clues to her whereabouts. What has happened to Madison James and is she still alive?
The Final Act tells Madison’s story from two periods – her early days in Hollywood in 2004 and her current reality in 2024. The reader experiences all the excitement and promise of Madison’s introduction into the movie industry and her dreams of landing a good role in the next audition. This is contrasted with the darker side of the industry that takes Madison’s innocence away – the drug use, cutthroat competition, and sexual exploitation of young women. There is also a macabre fascination around young women that are assaulted and murdered in Hollywood, in which their deaths are fetishized and glorified as entertainment.
This novel had me in its grip! I turned pages feverishly all day and could not stop until I knew what happened. I love the way that Lisa Gray was able to peel away the layers and show the dark side of Tinseltown and the showbiz dream, without dimming its perpetual sparkle. A fantastic thriller and destined to be one of my top reads in 2024. Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the digital ARC. I am thrilled to be a part of @ThrillerBookLoversThePulse and tell you that this should be on your list when it is published on 1 July 2024!
The Final Act tells Madison’s story from two periods – her early days in Hollywood in 2004 and her current reality in 2024. The reader experiences all the excitement and promise of Madison’s introduction into the movie industry and her dreams of landing a good role in the next audition. This is contrasted with the darker side of the industry that takes Madison’s innocence away – the drug use, cutthroat competition, and sexual exploitation of young women. There is also a macabre fascination around young women that are assaulted and murdered in Hollywood, in which their deaths are fetishized and glorified as entertainment.
This novel had me in its grip! I turned pages feverishly all day and could not stop until I knew what happened. I love the way that Lisa Gray was able to peel away the layers and show the dark side of Tinseltown and the showbiz dream, without dimming its perpetual sparkle. A fantastic thriller and destined to be one of my top reads in 2024. Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the digital ARC. I am thrilled to be a part of @ThrillerBookLoversThePulse and tell you that this should be on your list when it is published on 1 July 2024!
June 17, 2024
Title- The Final Act by @lisagraywriter
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Get ready for a ton of praise for this book - the Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse team is currently reading it and it’s receiving nothing but positive feedback. It’s going to be huge and you don’t want to miss out.😮💨
The plot was engaging, and I enjoyed how the chapters alternated between past and present. The perspective shifted between Madison, a young woman with dreams of stardom, and Sarah, a former homicide detective working her first case in the Missing Persons Unit. Both characters were strong female leads.
Synopsis-
All she wanted was to see her name in lights. Now, her disappearance has made her front-page news.
It’s been twenty years since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. Now she’s disappeared and a TikTok sleuth has found her purse discarded in a Los Angeles park. The news spreads like wildfire across a nation hungry for celebrity tragedy, and the struggling actress’s mysterious disappearance quickly becomes a national obsession.
Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case. But truth is a rare commodity in Tinseltown; some people will stop at nothing to get what they want and Delaney and Moreno soon find themselves mired in Hollywood’s dark underbelly with little in the way of clues.
As revelations from the past emerge, it becomes apparent there is more going on than meets the eye. With an obsessive public watching every step of the investigation, can the police find Madison before she becomes more than just missing?
This will be available on kindle unlimited July 1, 2024.
Thanks to @amazonpublishing @lisagraywriter and @netgalley for the early review copy.
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Get ready for a ton of praise for this book - the Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse team is currently reading it and it’s receiving nothing but positive feedback. It’s going to be huge and you don’t want to miss out.😮💨
The plot was engaging, and I enjoyed how the chapters alternated between past and present. The perspective shifted between Madison, a young woman with dreams of stardom, and Sarah, a former homicide detective working her first case in the Missing Persons Unit. Both characters were strong female leads.
Synopsis-
All she wanted was to see her name in lights. Now, her disappearance has made her front-page news.
It’s been twenty years since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. Now she’s disappeared and a TikTok sleuth has found her purse discarded in a Los Angeles park. The news spreads like wildfire across a nation hungry for celebrity tragedy, and the struggling actress’s mysterious disappearance quickly becomes a national obsession.
Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case. But truth is a rare commodity in Tinseltown; some people will stop at nothing to get what they want and Delaney and Moreno soon find themselves mired in Hollywood’s dark underbelly with little in the way of clues.
As revelations from the past emerge, it becomes apparent there is more going on than meets the eye. With an obsessive public watching every step of the investigation, can the police find Madison before she becomes more than just missing?
This will be available on kindle unlimited July 1, 2024.
Thanks to @amazonpublishing @lisagraywriter and @netgalley for the early review copy.
June 11, 2024
A bingeable Hollywood mystery with a great cast of characters, including a few you'll love to hate. After her career fizzles out, Madison James becomes front-page news when her purse is found in the park by a Tiktok amateur sleuth. I liked the picture the author paints of the dark side of fame through dual timelines in the past and the present. I also loved Detectives Delaney and Moreno who work the missing persons unit at the LAPD. Having never been to Hollywood, I enjoyed feeling immersed in the culture of this unique city.
May 31, 2024
This gripping mystery thriller had me hooked into the story really fast which makes putting it down is the last thing I want to do!
A well-written story that alternates between the past and the present through Madison’s POV(the missing woman).
Not just through Madison's POV, readers will get to follow Det. Delaney and her team investigate Madison’s disappearance.
Through Madison’s POV the readers will get to see the glamorous and dark side of the movie industry as Madison climbs her way to get to be an A-list actress.
I admire Madison’s bravery for seeking justice and her determination for never giving up despite having her hopes and dreams slowly fell away.
Overall, this was such a page turner!
I have to say the title definitely fits the whole story! (I can’t go to more details or I’ll spoiled the whole story).
I’m looking forward to read more books from this author in the future!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Netgalley, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: physical abuse, sexual assault, rape, murder, drug use, addiction
A well-written story that alternates between the past and the present through Madison’s POV(the missing woman).
Not just through Madison's POV, readers will get to follow Det. Delaney and her team investigate Madison’s disappearance.
Through Madison’s POV the readers will get to see the glamorous and dark side of the movie industry as Madison climbs her way to get to be an A-list actress.
I admire Madison’s bravery for seeking justice and her determination for never giving up despite having her hopes and dreams slowly fell away.
Overall, this was such a page turner!
I have to say the title definitely fits the whole story! (I can’t go to more details or I’ll spoiled the whole story).
I’m looking forward to read more books from this author in the future!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Netgalley, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: physical abuse, sexual assault, rape, murder, drug use, addiction
June 6, 2024
“The Final Act” is the current buzz amongst The Pulse, where my thriller friends and I have alll been loving it!
It’s been decades since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. After living out her dream of becoming an actress, when her purse is found by a TikTok personality, Madison is reported missing. Her disappearance makes national news in a tabloid and media frenzy, in a nation hungry for celebrity gossip. Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons department get the case, but in Hollywood, the truth often isn’t what it seems. As more evidence emerges for the past, it becomes clear that there is more to Madison’s story.
I have loved every book I have read by Lisa Grey and “The Final Act” is no different! I started this book and finished it in one day - after staying up way too late reading - LOL! It’s fast pace and the backdrop of Hollywood made it quite the page-turner. Told in dual timelines (both Madison’s past rise to fame and her present day life), I was fully invested in the search for Madison. I love detective stories and this dark exploration into Hollywood was really quite gripping.
I can’t wait to see what Lisa Gray writes next! After loving her three previous books, I will definitely be grabbing that too!
”The Final Act” releases July 1, 2024! Thanks to Thomas and Mercer for the ARC!
It’s been decades since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. After living out her dream of becoming an actress, when her purse is found by a TikTok personality, Madison is reported missing. Her disappearance makes national news in a tabloid and media frenzy, in a nation hungry for celebrity gossip. Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons department get the case, but in Hollywood, the truth often isn’t what it seems. As more evidence emerges for the past, it becomes clear that there is more to Madison’s story.
I have loved every book I have read by Lisa Grey and “The Final Act” is no different! I started this book and finished it in one day - after staying up way too late reading - LOL! It’s fast pace and the backdrop of Hollywood made it quite the page-turner. Told in dual timelines (both Madison’s past rise to fame and her present day life), I was fully invested in the search for Madison. I love detective stories and this dark exploration into Hollywood was really quite gripping.
I can’t wait to see what Lisa Gray writes next! After loving her three previous books, I will definitely be grabbing that too!
”The Final Act” releases July 1, 2024! Thanks to Thomas and Mercer for the ARC!
April 21, 2024
Sarah's first case in her new position is a missing woman named Madison. Madison has dreamed of making it big as an actress and is excited about her next audition. This book kept me guessing.
July 12, 2024
** This book was provided to me on NetGalley for an honest review**
Oh man, this was an insane book from start to finish. I went in, expecting a story just about finding a missing woman, but instead got something 10x better.
Madison James had only 3 movie roles before her career fizzed out, thanks to a horrible man. 20 years later, she’s missing and her purse has just been found.
The story started out pretty on track for what I expected, and then the plot twists started and it became an even more enthralling story. I really enjoyed having chapters of Detective Sarah Delaney working the case, but I also loved the chapters from Madison’s POV that told the story of her career’s start (and subsequent end). Brilliant writing.
Other than a few grammar errors that I was pretty much able to read through, this book was an incredible read!
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend? Absolutely
Oh man, this was an insane book from start to finish. I went in, expecting a story just about finding a missing woman, but instead got something 10x better.
Madison James had only 3 movie roles before her career fizzed out, thanks to a horrible man. 20 years later, she’s missing and her purse has just been found.
The story started out pretty on track for what I expected, and then the plot twists started and it became an even more enthralling story. I really enjoyed having chapters of Detective Sarah Delaney working the case, but I also loved the chapters from Madison’s POV that told the story of her career’s start (and subsequent end). Brilliant writing.
Other than a few grammar errors that I was pretty much able to read through, this book was an incredible read!
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend? Absolutely
May 12, 2024
Fast paced and suspenseful. This one shows the dangers of being obsessed with being famous and the lengths people will go through to get there. Definitely a page turner and would highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this book, and I thought the story was pretty original and relevant with it taking place mostly in 2022 - which was interesting to see how a more “modern” thriller / mystery would take place in Hollywood.
I found the pacing overall was pretty good, however I found I wasn’t really into the story / plot until around 60% of the way in. After that, I found the story started to develop a lot more and I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
A minor critique, is I found that acronyms were used in this book pretty frequently, with never explaining what they stood for. Some of them you can easily decipher on your own, but there were a couple that I found myself thinking “I have no clue what that means”.
I enjoyed this book, and I thought the story was pretty original and relevant with it taking place mostly in 2022 - which was interesting to see how a more “modern” thriller / mystery would take place in Hollywood.
I found the pacing overall was pretty good, however I found I wasn’t really into the story / plot until around 60% of the way in. After that, I found the story started to develop a lot more and I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
A minor critique, is I found that acronyms were used in this book pretty frequently, with never explaining what they stood for. Some of them you can easily decipher on your own, but there were a couple that I found myself thinking “I have no clue what that means”.
April 28, 2024
It’s so frustrating when life gets in the way of a good book. I could have read The Final Act by Lisa Gray in one sitting, but unfortunately I had to be a responsible adult 😋
I really enjoyed the plot and the way the chapters alternated between past and present. The POV also went back and forth between our main characters: Madison, a beautiful young woman with hopes and dreams of becoming a star. Then there’s Sarah, a former homicide detective working her first case in the Missing Persons Unit. Both strong female characters.
This was my first Lisa Gray book, but I’ll definitely be checking out more!
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for an e-copy of this ARC.
I really enjoyed the plot and the way the chapters alternated between past and present. The POV also went back and forth between our main characters: Madison, a beautiful young woman with hopes and dreams of becoming a star. Then there’s Sarah, a former homicide detective working her first case in the Missing Persons Unit. Both strong female characters.
This was my first Lisa Gray book, but I’ll definitely be checking out more!
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for an e-copy of this ARC.
May 11, 2024
Thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the #gifted copy.
I am not sure how I have missed ever reading a book by Lisa Gray, but I can assure you I will be reading her backlist now! Madison was supposed to be a star, but things didn’t pan out and she is missing. I love to see the good and bad sides of Hollywood and this book had all those elements plus the twists and turns of a good thriller! I loved it!
Don’t miss this book. It is out July 1, 2024!
I am not sure how I have missed ever reading a book by Lisa Gray, but I can assure you I will be reading her backlist now! Madison was supposed to be a star, but things didn’t pan out and she is missing. I love to see the good and bad sides of Hollywood and this book had all those elements plus the twists and turns of a good thriller! I loved it!
Don’t miss this book. It is out July 1, 2024!
June 5, 2024
After 20 Years, An Audition Does Not Go Well
The novel opens with filming a slasher movie, Survive the Night. A new actress, Madison James, makes her debut. After two more movies, James returned to waitressing. Twenty years later, she has an audition for a new film. She leaves for the audition and disappears. From this start, the novel starts.
This novel consists of two main storylines. First is the investigation of the missing actress. The protagonist and narrator is Detective Sarah Delaney. Her difficulty, which she does not want to address, is that she is being transferred from Robbery-Homicide to Missing Persons. This problem occurs when there is a jurisdictional issue, in this case, with a detective in Robbery-Homicide. The major obstacle for Delaney is common with police procedures, i.e., all the persons interviewed seem to withhold important information. The second thread centers mainly on events related to Madison James's career in the movie industry. She is the narrator for this thread. This thread provides much background on Madison James and many of the characters in the other thread. This thread provides information pertinent to the investigative thread. The holes in Delaney's understanding of the events leading up to her disappearance led to twists, turns, and red herrings in the investigative thread. The way these two threads interacted piqued my interest and kept it to the end of the novel.
The character development of Delaney was the only aspect I did not find in what I had seen this author has done in previous novels. Her actions surprised me in several instances and did not seem consistent with how I expected her to act. Madison James had much more background and a well-rounded character.
Some aspects that can cause some readers to stop reading are present in this novel. There are no intimate scenes but references to trips to the director for private interviews and one with the events before and after. Vulgar and rude language are noticeable but not excessive for me. The only violence is infrequent but one with detail, but it isn’t more than what can be seen in prime-would time police procedurals. Lastly, in this category, this novel appears to be a standalone, so no worries about missing something from the previous novel, although I think I would like to read a follow-on novel.
The aspect of this novel I most liked was the use of flashbacks to Madison James’s early career that complemented what was happening in the investigative thread. I was most disappointed with Detective Delaney’s not wanting to explain her transfer from the Robbery-Homicide to her new role with the Missing Persons unit. The apparent answer appears later in the novel, and the reason does not have any stigma that it needs to be hidden from her new partner.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel. I finished this novel in five days, the fastest of the previous six of her novels. She has maintained my rating as a Must-Read author. I look forward to reading any further novels or series by this author. I rate this novel with four stars.
I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
The novel opens with filming a slasher movie, Survive the Night. A new actress, Madison James, makes her debut. After two more movies, James returned to waitressing. Twenty years later, she has an audition for a new film. She leaves for the audition and disappears. From this start, the novel starts.
This novel consists of two main storylines. First is the investigation of the missing actress. The protagonist and narrator is Detective Sarah Delaney. Her difficulty, which she does not want to address, is that she is being transferred from Robbery-Homicide to Missing Persons. This problem occurs when there is a jurisdictional issue, in this case, with a detective in Robbery-Homicide. The major obstacle for Delaney is common with police procedures, i.e., all the persons interviewed seem to withhold important information. The second thread centers mainly on events related to Madison James's career in the movie industry. She is the narrator for this thread. This thread provides much background on Madison James and many of the characters in the other thread. This thread provides information pertinent to the investigative thread. The holes in Delaney's understanding of the events leading up to her disappearance led to twists, turns, and red herrings in the investigative thread. The way these two threads interacted piqued my interest and kept it to the end of the novel.
The character development of Delaney was the only aspect I did not find in what I had seen this author has done in previous novels. Her actions surprised me in several instances and did not seem consistent with how I expected her to act. Madison James had much more background and a well-rounded character.
Some aspects that can cause some readers to stop reading are present in this novel. There are no intimate scenes but references to trips to the director for private interviews and one with the events before and after. Vulgar and rude language are noticeable but not excessive for me. The only violence is infrequent but one with detail, but it isn’t more than what can be seen in prime-would time police procedurals. Lastly, in this category, this novel appears to be a standalone, so no worries about missing something from the previous novel, although I think I would like to read a follow-on novel.
The aspect of this novel I most liked was the use of flashbacks to Madison James’s early career that complemented what was happening in the investigative thread. I was most disappointed with Detective Delaney’s not wanting to explain her transfer from the Robbery-Homicide to her new role with the Missing Persons unit. The apparent answer appears later in the novel, and the reason does not have any stigma that it needs to be hidden from her new partner.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel. I finished this novel in five days, the fastest of the previous six of her novels. She has maintained my rating as a Must-Read author. I look forward to reading any further novels or series by this author. I rate this novel with four stars.
I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
January 20, 2026
Vor zwanzig Jahren war Madison James ein Star, jetzt ist sie spurlos verschwunden. Als eine TikTokerin ihre Handtasche in einem Park in L.A. findet, wird ihr Fall über Nacht zur nationalen Obsession. Die Detectives Sarah Delaney und Rob Moreno tauchen tief in die dunkle Schattenseite der Traumfabrik ein, um herauszufinden, was wirklich mit Madison passiert ist. Doch in Hollywood ist die Wahrheit ein rares Gut... 🕶️✨
Mir hat der Einstieg in die Geschichte richtig gut gefallen! Besonders spannend fand ich die Rückblenden aus Madisons Sicht. Die Autorin zeigt hier – wenn auch etwas oberflächlich – die hässliche Fratze Hollywoods: Was Frauen alles tun müssen, um Rollen zu bekommen, wie Männer ihre Macht ausnutzen und wie sich Frauen im Konkurrenzkampf gegenseitig sabotieren. Diese Einblicke waren für mich das Highlight und ich hätte mir gewünscht, dass die Story noch tiefer in diese Richtung geht. 🎥💔
Die eigentlichen Ermittlungen im Hier und Jetzt waren für mich „okay“ – solide Polizeiarbeit, aber leider nicht so packend, wie ich es mir erhofft hatte. Den Twist um Madisons Schicksal am Ende habe ich zwar kommen sehen, aber das endgültige Ergebnis hat mich dann doch negativ schockiert. Es ist eine harte Auflösung, die aber leider die traurige Realität vieler Schicksale widerspiegelt.
Fazit: Ein solider Thriller mit starken Momenten und einer interessanten Thematik, der mich aber nicht in jeder Sekunde an die Seiten fesseln konnte
3,5 von 5 Ottis
Mir hat der Einstieg in die Geschichte richtig gut gefallen! Besonders spannend fand ich die Rückblenden aus Madisons Sicht. Die Autorin zeigt hier – wenn auch etwas oberflächlich – die hässliche Fratze Hollywoods: Was Frauen alles tun müssen, um Rollen zu bekommen, wie Männer ihre Macht ausnutzen und wie sich Frauen im Konkurrenzkampf gegenseitig sabotieren. Diese Einblicke waren für mich das Highlight und ich hätte mir gewünscht, dass die Story noch tiefer in diese Richtung geht. 🎥💔
Die eigentlichen Ermittlungen im Hier und Jetzt waren für mich „okay“ – solide Polizeiarbeit, aber leider nicht so packend, wie ich es mir erhofft hatte. Den Twist um Madisons Schicksal am Ende habe ich zwar kommen sehen, aber das endgültige Ergebnis hat mich dann doch negativ schockiert. Es ist eine harte Auflösung, die aber leider die traurige Realität vieler Schicksale widerspiegelt.
Fazit: Ein solider Thriller mit starken Momenten und einer interessanten Thematik, der mich aber nicht in jeder Sekunde an die Seiten fesseln konnte
3,5 von 5 Ottis
June 10, 2024
✨️ The team at @thrillerbookloversthepulse are reviewing The Final Act and it is so fun!! It's definitely one you'll want to add to your TBR 😍
#pulsepoint #thepulse
The Final Act was an extremely fast paced, engaging, addictive and super entertaining read. As soon as I started this one I knew it would be a one sitting read. This was the perfect popcorn thriller.
The multiple POV’s and dual timeline truly helped make the story so much more engaging. It was the perfect way to expose the plot little by little with twists and turns slowly being revealed. I truly loved the Hollywood backdrop and seeing the toxicity of how it can be. The shady characters also added to the intrigue.
This was a well fleshed out book. The plot was perfectly done and undercovered to keep the reader hooked without ever letting go. Great popcorn thriller, definitely worth a read!
🎧 The narration by Vivienne Leheny was great. I love her voice for thrillers, she truly keeps the intrigue and suspense building. I love how she portrays all the emotions of the characters. Truly stellar performance.
✨️Thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse, @thomasandmercer, Brilliance Publishing & @lisagray for my gifted ARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.
#pulsepoint #thepulse
The Final Act was an extremely fast paced, engaging, addictive and super entertaining read. As soon as I started this one I knew it would be a one sitting read. This was the perfect popcorn thriller.
The multiple POV’s and dual timeline truly helped make the story so much more engaging. It was the perfect way to expose the plot little by little with twists and turns slowly being revealed. I truly loved the Hollywood backdrop and seeing the toxicity of how it can be. The shady characters also added to the intrigue.
This was a well fleshed out book. The plot was perfectly done and undercovered to keep the reader hooked without ever letting go. Great popcorn thriller, definitely worth a read!
🎧 The narration by Vivienne Leheny was great. I love her voice for thrillers, she truly keeps the intrigue and suspense building. I love how she portrays all the emotions of the characters. Truly stellar performance.
✨️Thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse, @thomasandmercer, Brilliance Publishing & @lisagray for my gifted ARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2024
Madison James will do anything to be famous… but will her disappearance make her infamous?
Madison James was going to be the next big thing in Hollywood but her career tanked and she disappeared into obscurity. Even missing the world doesn’t take notice, until her purse is found discarded in a place Madison would never go by a wannabe TikTok influencer. Can the media that’s been an influential player in Madison’s downfall save her in time? Or will ex-homicide detective Sarah Delaney be too late in solving her first missing persons case?
The final act focuses on the cut throat Hollywood industry and is a riveting, fast paced thriller with twists and turns that will keep you guessing everyone’s motives. Seeped with real life references from pop culture, movies, actors and the Me Too movement, the writing focuses attention in a way that aligns the reader into the storyline itself. The clever use of media clippings further situates the audience within the story, divulging salacious gossip about Madison at every plot twist.
Alternating between Madison’s POV and that of detective Sarah Delaney, the reader follows the police work that is involved in uncovering a missing person, while simultaneously learning pieces of Madison’s past that influence those around her and showing that anyone could be the person responsible for Madison’s disappearance.
Lisa Gray anticipates the readers thought processes and coordinates plot twists that you will never see coming. The final act will not disappoint.
Madison James was going to be the next big thing in Hollywood but her career tanked and she disappeared into obscurity. Even missing the world doesn’t take notice, until her purse is found discarded in a place Madison would never go by a wannabe TikTok influencer. Can the media that’s been an influential player in Madison’s downfall save her in time? Or will ex-homicide detective Sarah Delaney be too late in solving her first missing persons case?
The final act focuses on the cut throat Hollywood industry and is a riveting, fast paced thriller with twists and turns that will keep you guessing everyone’s motives. Seeped with real life references from pop culture, movies, actors and the Me Too movement, the writing focuses attention in a way that aligns the reader into the storyline itself. The clever use of media clippings further situates the audience within the story, divulging salacious gossip about Madison at every plot twist.
Alternating between Madison’s POV and that of detective Sarah Delaney, the reader follows the police work that is involved in uncovering a missing person, while simultaneously learning pieces of Madison’s past that influence those around her and showing that anyone could be the person responsible for Madison’s disappearance.
Lisa Gray anticipates the readers thought processes and coordinates plot twists that you will never see coming. The final act will not disappoint.
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