Book Review: The Final Score by Carys Jones

I’m excited to be welcoming Carys Jones to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, The Final Score.

It’s never too late for revenge…

Connie Winchester was once a celebrated music prodigy… but those days are long behind her. So when Daniel Layton shows up on her doorstep to interview her about her career, Connie Winchester is flattered to be remembered.

But as he moves through her story, it all comes back. Robin. Her friends. The drugs. What happened that final night. The lies she told.

Connie has been running from her past for years. But now there’s nowhere left to run…

*****

Connie Winchester has led an illustrious life as a world leading violin player but feels like the world has all but forgotten her. Now in her 80’s, she agrees to be interviewed. As she begins to talk about her life, it comes back to haunt her. 

I was intrigued to read this novel from Carys Jones and pleased to be invited onto the blog tour for The Final Score. 

Connie Winchester is an interesting enigma. It wasn’t hard to fall into this novel simply because her story is a fascinating one. As it’s gradually unwound throughout the narrative and you learn more about her, her life is one that has seen many things. Ooh, I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to give it away. 

The plot was skilfully revealed  with heart breaking moments along the way and one more page quickly turned into one more chapter. 

I’m not going to lie, there are some heavy themes covered including domestic and sexual violence, drug use, mental health and PTSD. It’s a good study as to how these kinds of trauma can affect a person and what happens when you don’t get the appropriate help. It also looks at the  effect generational trauma can have. 

Carys Jones does a great job of presenting flawed characters that you both root for and don’t trust all at the same time. 

The Final Score is a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing all the way through. It’s one of the best of its genre I’ve read this year. If you’re going on that last minute summer getaway or want a thrilling tale, this book is for you. 

About Carys Jones –

Carys Jones is a thriller writer based in Shropshire where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog.

When she’s not writing she can often be found indulging two of her greatest passions; either walking round the local woodland or catching up on all things Disney related.

Carys’ next book, Always On My Mind, will be released Spring 2025 in hardback with Harvill Secker.

Her favourite authors are Megan Abbott, Amy Engel and Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Say hello to Carys on X. 

The Final Score was released by Orion on 25th July 2024. Click to buy on Amazon and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.