Description

The Last Guest

In The Last Guest when Elspeth Bell reluctantly attends her ex-husband Richard Bryant’s fiftieth birthday party in the Hollywood Hills, she never expected the night to end in tragedy. Surrounded by a select group of guests in Richard’s lavish mansion, the atmosphere quickly turns surreal as the evening progresses.

With only seven other attendees and Richard’s peculiar pet octopus, Persephone, observing from her tank, the party turns dark when Richard is found dead the next morning. Suddenly, everyone present becomes a suspect in this twisted tale of betrayal and deception.

As the investigation unfolds, each guest, including Elspeth herself, is scrutinized. The dynamics between the school friend, studio producer, actress, actor, new partner, manager, and cinematographer are examined closely, revealing hidden tensions and long-buried secrets. What initially appears to be a classic locked-room mystery soon evolves into a complex web of interconnected relationships and conflicting motives. Elspeth is forced to confront her past with Richard, unearthing painful memories and questioning the true nature of their tumultuous marriage.

The Last Guest delves into the intricate power dynamics at play within the glamorous world of Hollywood, exploring themes of memory, perception, and control. As Elspeth delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Richard’s death, she uncovers a sinister undercurrent that challenges her understanding of the people around her. With the enigmatic presence of Persephone looming in the background, the true nature of Richard’s character and the motivations behind his actions come into question. The novel offers a blend of suspense and psychological intrigue, drawing readers into a dark, cinematic world where nothing is as it seems.

Tess Little

About The Author

Meet Tess Little, a remarkable individual who wears two hats – that of a writer and a historian. Born and raised in the charming city of Norwich, Norfolk, Tess’s passion for history led her to pursue her studies at Oxford and Cambridge. While at these prestigious institutions, she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the subject.

At twenty-two, Tess’s exceptional talent and dedication were recognized when she was elected as a fellow of All Souls College, University of Oxford. This remarkable achievement showcased her intellectual prowess and opened doors to opportunities. During her time at Oxford, Tess went on an ambitious expedition to explore and shed light on the feminist activism of the 1970s in the UK, France, and the United States.

Tess’s passion for storytelling extends beyond the realm of academia. Her captivating short stories and thought-provoking nonfiction pieces have graced the pages of esteemed publications such as Words and Women: Two, The Mays Anthology, The Belleville Park Pages, and The White Review. In a unique twist, her work has even been displayed on posters adorning the walls of a bustling London tube station, gaining the attention of passersby. Now, Tess is ready to venture into a new chapter in her career as she unveils her very first novel, a testament to her creativity and literary prowess. With her wealth of knowledge and talent, there is no doubt that Tess Little will continue to significantly impact the world of literature and history.

“With skewering intensity and taut, unsettling prose, Tess Little plunges us into the kaleidoscopic glamour of Hollywood, where the eccentric birthday party of a brilliant, sadistic director forces the eruption of long-buried pain. The Last Guest is a sharp, unshrinking look at the costs of submission—to power and control, to ambition and desire, even to the wish to protect those we love by forcing memory underground. It’s timely, smart, and satisfying.”—Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife and When the Stars Go Dark

“Little intercuts the party’s aftermath with flashbacks to Elspeth’s past and the soiree itself, imparting tension, heft, and drive. . . . Elspeth’s emotional journey both grips and gratifies. Little is a writer to watch.”—Publishers Weekly