Here in the Dark

Vivian Parry is a theatre critic by night and a drug addict by day. She agrees to an interview with David Adler, a graduate student who later disappears. Vivian becomes obsessed with investigating his disappearance and discovers that the boundaries between theatre and reality are blurred.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

By night, Vivian Parry takes on the role of Manhattan's most discerning theatre critic, fully immersing herself in every show she sees. By day, she employs a combination of work, sex, and psychotropic drugs to maintain a comfortable numbness. Driven by her desperation for a promotion and under the pressure of her editor, she reluctantly agrees to an interview with David Adler, an enigmatic graduate student. However, when he suddenly vanishes, Vivian discovers from his devastated fiancée that she was the last person to have seen him alive. Despite her repeated attempts to persuade the police to investigate his disappearance, they refuse, leaving Vivian to take matters into her own hands and assume the role of an amateur investigator. As she delves deeper into the case, Vivian gradually realizes that the boundaries between theatre and reality are more blurred than she could have imagined.

An impressive debut, "The Last Person to See Me" has received critical acclaim from various publications. The Financial Times praised it as a "sharp, funny, and pacy slice of Manhattan noir," while the Guardian described it as "a sharp, funny, and pacy slice of Manhattan noir." The novel's engaging plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting have captivated readers and critics alike.

Vivian Parry, the protagonist of the story, is a talented theatre critic who has sacrificed her personal life for her career. She is driven by her desire for recognition and success and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. However, her obsession with the truth about David Adler's disappearance leads her down a dangerous path, where she crosses lines and risks everything she has worked for.

One of the novel's strengths is its portrayal of Manhattan. The author vividly describes the city's streets, buildings, and inhabitants, creating a vivid and immersive setting that adds to the tension and intrigue of the story. Vivian's interactions with the various characters in the novel, from her editor to the police officers to the theatregoers, also provide insight into the complex social dynamics of the city.

Another notable aspect of the novel is its exploration of the boundaries between theatre and reality. Vivian's job as a theatre critic requires her to be critical and analytical, but her obsession with the truth about David Adler's disappearance leads her to question the reliability of her own perceptions and the motivations of those around her. This theme adds depth and complexity to the story, as Vivian struggles to distinguish between what is real and what is staged.

Overall, "The Last Person to See Me" is an impressive debut that offers a fresh and compelling take on the mystery genre. With its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and atmospheric setting, the novel has already gained a loyal following and is sure to continue to impress readers in the future. Whether you are a fan of mystery novels or simply looking for a compelling story that challenges your perceptions of reality, this book is worth a read.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526661210