The Last Thing to Burn is a novel by bestselling author Will Dean.
The stor follows Thanh Dao, a woman held captive on a remote farm in the English countryside by a man named Lenn, who has taken everything from her, including her freedom, her name, and her identity.
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Book Blurb
Her husband calls her Jane. That is not her name.
She lives in a small farm cottage, surrounded by vast, open fields. Everywhere she looks, there is space. But she is trapped. No one knows how she got to the UK: no one knows she is there. Visitors rarely come to the farm; if they do, she is never seen.
Her husband records her every movement during the day. If he doesn’t like what he sees, she is punished.
For a long time, escape seemed impossible. But now, something has changed. She has a reason to live and a reason to fight. Now, she is watching him, and waiting . . .
The Last Thing to Burn Review
Wow. What a book. The Last Thing to Burn is a claustrophobic, heart-pounding thriller that left me holding my breath. It’s so hard to say I enjoyed it as I found myself feeling so stressed while reading it! I was completely hooked from the very first page.
The story follows Thanh Dao, held captive by a man named Lenn on a remote farm in the English countryside. He’s taken everything from her, including her name, her freedom, and her identity. The dread builds slowly but relentlessly as we follow her desperate attempts to survive, while Lenn’s control tightens. The sense of isolation, surrounded by vast fields yet so utterly trapped, is haunting.
The opening chapter features an escape attempt and I was expecting a shift in time as is so common in a lot of books I’ve read lately. However the story is told in a straightforward, linear forward and we learn about Thanh Dao’s past through her memories and thoughts. The simplicity of the structure keeps the focus on the tension and the relentless sense of dread.
The novel explores terrifying themes like human trafficking and the loss of self, and it’s harrowing in its portrayal of Thanh Dao’s situation. It’s all about survival, control, and fighting to hold onto her sense of self, even when it feels impossible.
What really makes this book stand out is how Dean focuses not on plot twists, but on Thanh Dao’s internal struggle. Her thoughts and emotions are so raw and real, you can feel every ounce of her fear, frustration and determination. I was constantly on edge, wondering if she’ll ever escape and how she’ll manage it.
Lenn is a chilling villain, calculated in his cruelty and utterly unsettling. He’s one of the most disturbing antagonists I’ve come across, and the dynamic between him and Thanh Dao is horrifying yet gripping.
Overall, The Last Thing to Burn is a masterclass in tension and psychological suspense. It’s a tense, emotionally charged story about survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable cruelty.