I have love/hate feelings about Nora Roberts’ new thriller, The Final Target. I hate women in jeopardy novels, and hate reading books that include the villain’s point of view. I seldom read either. However, Nora Roberts creates wonderful characters, including the gay artist next door to the heroine. I just love Jamie Stewart, and want him for my neighbor.
At twenty-four, Arden Bowie’s thriller has been published, and she’s doing speaking events in Columbus, Ohio where she works and lives. The book is proving to be popular, but one fan has Arden a little spooked. Dustin Dubecki shows up at all her events, and she thinks she sees him at places where he shouldn’t be. He claims he wants to be a writer, and she agrees to give him fifteen minutes at a coffeeshop to talk about writing. When she pushes him away, he’s angry, and shows up at her apartment with flowers. She says no, but he pushes his way in, beats her and sexually attacks her. If her neighbors hadn’t heard and rushed in, she’s convinced she’d be dead. And, Dustin’s wealthy mother buys his way through the justice system so he only has to spend five years in a psychiatric unit.
It takes time for Arden to feel safe, and that includes a move to Oregon to be near family. No matter how much she loves her new home and her new dog, she’s keeping an eye on the calendar, and she knows when Dustin Dubecki will get out. But, she’s trying to create a new life, with new neighbors, her close-knit family, and even a possible romance with Gideon Riley, an ex-LAPD detective.That calendar date is hanging over her head, though. Then, Dustin Dubecki is released early. And, it’s not hard for an obsessive stalker and predator to learn where an author lives.
I found this a difficult book to read, although, as always, Roberts alleviates the tension in the middle of the book. However Dustin Dubecki is always a presence in the story. I skimmed some of the parts about him because I have a hard time reading them. Yes, Roberts’ heroines always find a way to survive, but there’s a great deal of tension in the book. However, I love the characters who are Arden’s friends and family.
Looking for other books about women authors with stalkers? Try Paige Shelton’s Alaska Wild mysteries or Hank Phillippi Ryan’s All This Could Be Yours.
Nora Roberts’ website is https://noraroberts.com/
The Final Target by Nora Roberts. St. Martin’s Press, 2026. 432p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher through NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
