Clare Mackintosh, the internationally acclaimed author of I Let You Go and Hostage, delivers a suspenseful, atmospheric thriller in The Last Party, the first book in the DC Morgan series. This novel introduces us to DC Ffion Morgan, a tough and enigmatic detective from North Wales, who is forced to navigate a deeply personal case when a local celebrity, Rhys Lloyd, is found dead in Mirror Lake. Blending rich character studies with intricate plotting, Mackintosh crafts a slow-burning mystery laced with deception, hidden grudges, and a community steeped in long-buried secrets.
With its evocative setting, morally complex characters, and dual timelines, The Last Party keeps readers on edge as it unravels the truth behind the murder. However, while the novel has its strengths, there are also weaknesses that prevent it from reaching the heights of Mackintosh’s best work.
Plot Summary: A Murder on the Border
The novel is set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Mirror Lake, which straddles the border between England and Wales. Rhys Lloyd, an opera singer-turned-entrepreneur, has built a high-end resort, The Shore, which is deeply resented by the local Welsh villagers. On New Year’s Eve, Lloyd throws an extravagant party, inviting both his wealthy, English investors and the skeptical locals. But by midnight, he is found floating in the icy waters of the lake, dead.
The case falls under the jurisdiction of both England and Wales, leading to an uneasy partnership between DC Ffion Morgan, a no-nonsense detective with secrets of her own, and DC Leo Brady, a by-the-book officer from Cheshire Major Crime. As they dig into Lloyd’s past, it becomes evident that almost everyone at the party had a reason to want him dead. The deeper they investigate, the more they realize that the lake is filled with more than just water—it holds a village’s worth of lies, betrayals, and revenge.
Main Character Analysis: A Dynamic Duo of Detectives
DC Ffion Morgan: A Tough and Flawed Protagonist
Ffion is the heart of this novel—fiercely independent, sharp-witted, and deeply tied to the local community. Her reluctance to work alongside an English detective stems not just from professional differences but from personal wounds. Her backstory unfolds gradually, revealing an emotionally guarded woman who has learned to navigate small-town politics while keeping her own past hidden. What makes Ffion stand out as a protagonist is her authenticity—she is flawed yet competent, strong yet vulnerable, and deeply relatable.
DC Leo Brady: The Outsider with His Own Demons
Leo Brady is a compelling contrast to Ffion. Coming from a structured English police unit, Leo is methodical, disciplined, and by-the-book—until we learn of his own troubled history. His estranged relationship with his son and his struggles with his controlling boss add layers to his character, making him more than just a procedural cop. His interactions with Ffion range from tense to humorous, and their professional partnership is one of the novel’s highlights.
Writing Style and Pacing: A Mix of Strengths and Weaknesses
Mackintosh’s writing is richly descriptive, immersing readers in the chilly, atmospheric setting of Mirror Lake. The narrative structure is split between multiple perspectives and dual timelines, which keeps the tension high. However, this also slows the pacing in certain sections. The book’s first half takes its time setting up the dynamics between the villagers and The Shore residents, which some readers may find overly detailed. The second half, however, moves at breakneck speed, delivering twists that redefine the entire mystery.
The dialogue is crisp and realistic, laced with sharp humor, especially in the exchanges between Ffion and Leo. Mackintosh excels at creating tension, whether it’s through the mounting distrust in the village, the subtle power plays at The Shore, or the simmering attraction between the two detectives.
Themes: Class, Privilege, and Community Resentment
The Divide Between the Wealthy and the Working-Class
At the core of The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh is a sharp critique of class tensions. The Shore, a luxury development, represents the gentrification that threatens traditional communities. The wealthy outsiders view the locals as simple and provincial, while the villagers see the newcomers as arrogant interlopers. This clash of cultures fuels much of the novel’s tension and ultimately plays a role in the murder.
Revenge, Secrets, and Personal Justice
Every character in the novel harbors secrets, and Mackintosh masterfully peels back their layers one by one. The book explores themes of past mistakes and how far people will go to hide them. Justice, both legal and personal, is a recurring motif—while the police seek the truth, many villagers feel that Lloyd’s death is a form of delayed reckoning.
Critique: Where The Last Party Falls Short
While The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh is an engaging read, it does have its flaws:
- Slow Start – The first half of the book spends too much time setting up relationships and conflicts, making the pacing feel sluggish. It takes a while before the murder investigation picks up momentum.
- Too Many Characters – The book features a sprawling cast, and while this adds depth to the community, it also makes it difficult to keep track of everyone’s motivations. Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped.
- A Predictable Culprit – While Mackintosh is known for her jaw-dropping twists (I Let You Go had one of the most shocking mid-book revelations in recent crime fiction), The Last Party’s final reveal lacks the same impact. Though the resolution is satisfying, some seasoned mystery readers may predict the murderer before the climax.
- Romantic Subplot Feels Rushed – The chemistry between Ffion and Leo is intriguing, but the romantic tension feels underdeveloped. Their growing partnership is compelling, but the hints of romance lack depth.
The DC Morgan Series: What’s Next?
The Last Party is just the beginning of Ffion Morgan’s journey. Clare Mackintosh continues her story with:
- Book 2: A Game of Lies – In this follow-up, Ffion is pulled into another high-profile case, testing her investigative skills and pushing her closer to confronting her past.
- Book 3: Other People’s Houses (Upcoming) – A mystery surrounding a seemingly perfect home, hinting at more personal stakes for Ffion.
With a character as compelling as Ffion, the series has strong potential to become a staple in modern crime fiction.
Final Verdict: Should You Read The Last Party?
If you enjoy character-driven crime novels that explore the social dynamics of small communities, The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh is a solid pick. The novel delivers a richly woven mystery, with well-drawn characters and a satisfyingly intricate plot. While it suffers from some pacing issues and an overly large cast, it remains a gripping, atmospheric read.
Recommended For:
- Fans of Louise Penny’s Three Pines series
- Readers who enjoy British crime fiction with a psychological edge
- Anyone who likes slow-burning mysteries with multiple perspectives
While not Clare Mackintosh’s best work, The Last Party is a promising start to the DC Morgan series. It sets up a fascinating detective in Ffion Morgan and leaves plenty of room for growth in future books. If you’re looking for a well-crafted police procedural with a strong sense of place, this book is worth your time.
Further Reading Recommendations
If you enjoyed The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh, consider these titles:
- The Searcher by Tana French (for atmospheric small-town mystery)
- The Dry by Jane Harper (for crime fiction set in an isolated setting)
- The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins (for multi-perspective crime narratives)
Would I read the next book in the series? Absolutely—Ffion Morgan is a character with depth, and I’m eager to see where Clare Mackintosh takes her next.
