Publishers Weekly
02/14/2022
Barreling toward her big five-oh, Santa Monica esthetician Dawn Sanders, the protagonist of the pseudonymous Lucas’s entertaining sophomore effort (after 2020’s Santa Monica), is beyond surprised when long-estranged BFF, TV star Mia Meadows, throws her a birthday weekend at the idyllic Celestial Ranch atop Topanga Canyon. From the outset little goes according to Mia’s plan—nude footrace in the meadow at 10 a.m! DMT (a drug that “simply gives you access to your own deep consciousness for a few minutes”) under the full moon! psychic readings on demand!—for an event reuniting the once tightly knit members of a therapy group for parents of children with spectrum disorders, and that’s even before some memorable mayhem resulting from the escalating war between the husband and wife who own the isolated ranch. Feelings flare, tempers fray, power fails, and Dawn starts to get the alarming sense her erstwhile friends may be out to settle some long-simmering scores with her. Lucas builds tension through the skillful interweaving of a pair of subplots, and succeeds in satirizing characters who richly deserve it without losing sight of their humanity. Liane Moriarty fans will be pleased. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
"The Last Party is a pitch-perfect thriller with a heart of gold. Cassidy Lucas perfectly captures the soul-shattering anxiety of the pandemic and gorgeously dramatizes its ability to both bring people together and drive them, tragically, apart. I couldn't put it down." — Joanna Rakoff, author of the international bestselling memoir My Salinger Year and the novel A Fortunate Age
“Both a propulsive thriller and an exploration of toxic friendship, The Last Party seduces with its dangerous, wild setting, then goes for the jugular with its examination of our post-COVID culture wars. Smart, funny, and wickedly readable.” — Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, NYT-bestselling author of Fierce Little Thing, June & Bittersweet
Miranda Beverly-Whittemore
Both a propulsive thriller and an exploration of toxic friendship, The Last Party seduces with its dangerous, wild setting, then goes for the jugular with its examination of our post-COVID culture wars. Smart, funny, and wickedly readable.
Joanna Rakoff
"The Last Party is a pitch-perfect thriller with a heart of gold. Cassidy Lucas perfectly captures the soul-shattering anxiety of the pandemic and gorgeously dramatizes its ability to both bring people together and drive them, tragically, apart. I couldn't put it down."
Library Journal - Audio
09/01/2022
Lucas (Santa Monica), the pen name for writing duo Julia Fierro (Cutting Teeth) and Caeli Wolfson Widger (Real Happy Family), returns with a psychological thriller that brings new meaning to the "girls' weekend gone wrong" trope. Dani Sanders was once involved with a tight-knit group of parents who concocted a vaccination certificate forgery scheme in the belief that vaccinations caused disabilities. When the plot came to light, everyone except Dani was prosecuted. Twenty years later, the estranged group comes together to celebrate Dani's 50th birthday at a remote California ranch atop Topanga Canyon. Ostensibly, they mean to resolve old grievances and renew their friendship, but there are also more sinister motivations at play. The weekend takes a dark turn when Dani's friends turn up missing after a planned psychedelic drug trip. Dani begins to question everything and everyone she knows, but it may be too late. Kristen Potter gives voice to the many diverse characters that populate this novel, providing a window into the complex motives behind their actions. Potter's narration is vibrant and enthusiastic, with an especially convincing portrait of Dani. VERDICT Thriller fans will be intrigued. Recommend to readers of Gillian Flynn and Liane Moriarty.—Joanna M. Burkhardt
Library Journal
02/04/2022
Writing as Lucas, authors Julia Fierro and Caeli Wolfson Widger set their second contemporary novel (after Santa Monica) in trendy, bohemian Topanga, CA. Six formerly close friends who have drifted apart reunite for a 50th birthday party. The rural Airbnb they have booked is owned by an older woman who is desperate to hang on to her spa ranch despite her husband's desire to sell up. Add in a mysterious drifter living in a cave on the property and a discredited psychic hired for the stay. All have dark secrets that resurface during the wild, hallucinogen-enhanced weekend. The story unfolds in quick-moving chapters told from alternating viewpoints of various characters, but so many rapid shifts are disorienting. A confusing plot, far too many unsympathetic and shallow characters, and a fragmented style also make this book difficult to engage with. In addition, the conclusion seems unlikely, and may leave readers unsure of whether the many relational issues have been resolved. VERDICT Mostly for fans of Lucas's previous title or other "frenemy" novels such as those by Jennifer Donaldson or Sophie Littlefield and Lauren Gershell.—Melanie Kindrachuk
