Ridley Brone returned to Hawthorne, Michigan after his parents were killed and their will left him a multimillion dollar legacy. Not only did he inherit a beautiful estate, but also a popular local karaoke bar called the High Note. He was a private eye in California, but set that career aside to manage the bar. Ridley was struggling with the idea of owning a bar, but was beginning to realize it was his parents dream, not his reality.

One particularly difficult night, he looked in the mirror and noticed a woman standing behind him. Autumn was the love of Ridley’s life years ago, before he moved to California, and now they were meeting up once again. Knowing he was a PI, she wanted him to investigate her husband who she believed was having an affair. Although initially he was reluctant to help her, he decided to take the case. When her husband turned up dead, Ridley found he had to prove Autumn was not the killer.

During the investigation, old friends and even older memories caused Ridley to wonder who really did commit the murder. Could it have been Autumn? As more deaths began to hit too close to home, Ridley realized he must stay alive if he wanted to find out the truth.

Last Call is a Ridley Brone Mystery written by Rob Cornell. He is the author of The Hustle, a second novel in the series, as well as The Lockman Chronicles. Last Call is a gritty fast-paced look at how people can change over the years.

What people remember of their childhood and high school years can greatly differ from reality once they reach adulthood. Even when they run into someone they knew intimately years ago, that does not mean they can start up again where they left off as much as both parties might like to.

The author also addresses the secrets and lies that are sometimes developed in the early years, and how they often shape who people later become. The keyword in this gripping novel is secrets, and it is up to Ridley to figure out the riddle before he becomes the next victim.

Along the way, Ridley comes of age as he realizes just what is most important to him. This book has one of the best endings I’ve read in a while. If you want an engrossing read, be sure to pick up a copy of Last Call.

This review was based on a book I purchased through the Amazon Kindle program. If you are interested in any of Rob Cornell’s books, check out Amazon.com.