A series ends: The Last Hope (Susan Elia Macneal)

#TheLastHope #NetGalley

As a reader, I have been on quite a journey with this author and her character Maggie Hope, sometimes known as Paige Kelly. This title is the last and eleventh in the series that began with Mr. Churchill’s Secretary. Over the course of the novels, Maggie has taken on new jobs, new relationships, new challenges and also has experienced risks and loss. She feels like a friend to me and I will miss her. (or maybe I will just begin again with book one and keep going).

In many of these titles, real people intersect with the fictional ones in the story. This time, Coco Chanel is just one of those real people along with her German lover. Anyone who watched the Apple series on Chanel and Dior will recognize the way that she is portrayed here. How will her life intersect with Maggie’s this time? The two have history from an earlier book.

Maggie is tasked with going to Spain by none other than Kim Philby. People who know their history may have some idea about what this might mean. Maggie is told to assassinate a prominent German scientist to prevent his work on atomic bombs going forward. Will she do what is expected of her?

Just one person Maggie meets along the way is a famous bullfighter. There are people from the embassy and a rich and full cast of characters here.

In addition, there are developments in Maggie’s personal life in this story. No spoilers so no more to be said.

All in all, the author has ended the series in a most satisfying way. Nonetheless, I am sorry to say good-bye.

I recommend this title highly but note that readers may want to enjoy some of the earlier title first.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 21 May 2024