The Last Secret of Lily Adams

A Novel

By: Sara Blaydes

Narrated by: Erin Bennett, Soneela Nankani

The death of a legendary actress reveals a wealth of Hollywood secrets in a breathtaking novel about betrayal, rivalry, and the punishing brutality of fame.

One of the brightest stars of Hollywood’s golden age was Lily Adams, the beloved picture of all-American innocence. Why she suddenly vanished from the spotlight was a mystery even to those closest to her.

Upon Lily’s death seventy years later, her granddaughter, Carolyn Prior, struggles to understand a woman she loved but never really knew. Then, sifting through the memorabilia of a once-glamorous career, Carolyn comes across a letter from her grandmother. It’s the trembling admission of a secret life and a story that begins and ends with superstar Stella Lane, Lily’s archrival of the silver screen—a bombshell who was brutally murdered.

As Carolyn unearths her grandmother’s connection to the notorious unsolved slaying, her life collides with Lily’s in the most shocking ways. And with each stunning new revelation, Carolyn must decide how much she is willing to risk to unlock the truth.

©2024 Sara Blaydes (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Sara Blaydes’ novel is a wonderfully satisfying mix of mystery, romance, and family drama, alternating between the present day and the Golden Age of Hollywood…This is a perfect read for film buffs who enjoy uncovering secrets.”—Historical Novels Review

Loved This Book Did Not Like The Narrator

I read this because it was mentioned alongside a similar book that I did not like. This was much better. I guessed the twist about halfway through, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment. I still gasped because of how it was laid out and presented.

The present-day mother/daughter storyline didn’t work for me. I found it annoying and unnecessary, and it didn’t add anything to the story. The daughter needed to tone it down and the mother needed a backbone.

I went back and forth between reading and listening, and I didn’t enjoy the present-day narrator. Her delivery had a hesitant, vocal fry rhythm that made every statement sound unsure. I initially thought this might be a character choice, but after listening to another book with the same narrator, I realized it’s simply her narration style and it’s not for me. I’ll be skipping audiobooks narrated by her in the future.

That said, I’m a new fan of the author.

Brilliant

Amazing story! I enjoyed it very much! From start to finish it was well written and very told.

Great first book

What a great story! Loved the back and forth of the times and the characters and story line. Enjoyed this book!!!

Excellent Read!

This book held my attention from beginning to end. Great listen. Read superbly. I never wanted to stop listening

Old Hollywood drama

Randomly chose this book to listen to and so glad I did! Reminds me of Evelyn Hugo and great big beautiful life with the back and forth of old Hollywood and present day. Really enjoyed!