‘CB Everett is a master of fiendishly plotted, intelligent mysteries’ MARK EDWARDS

A missing author. A lost manuscript. A final chapter that could reveal the truth.

Ten years ago, bestselling literary novelist Jonathan Durward vanished without a trace - leaving behind no body, no answers, and no final book.

Now that missing manuscript has finally surfaced. But it isn’t the masterpiece anyone expected. It’s a spy novel: pulpy, outlandish, and packed with clichés, tradecraft and Bond-style twists.

Jonathan’s former publisher asks his closest friend, fellow author C. B. Everett, to annotate the novel and separate fact from fiction. But as C. B. reads, he begins to spot unsettling echoes of real people, real events - and perhaps the truth about Jonathan’s disappearance.

Because hidden inside this strange, slippery thriller may be a confession. Or a clue. Or a trap.

As C. B. is drawn deeper into the mystery, one question becomes impossible to ignore: did Jonathan vanish - or was he written out of the story?

Clever, twisty and irresistibly readable, The Final Chapter is a brilliantly meta mystery about friendship, identity and the stories we tell ourselves - perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz and Janice Hallett.

'A metafictional tour de force’ THE GUARDIAN 

‘A clever piece of crime-fiction, crime is concealed within this intriguing novel within a novel’ THE TIMES

‘A fiendishly clever thriller with a brilliant sting in the tail. Highly recommended’ CASS GREEN