About the Book

Book: The Last Gasp

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale

Release date: December, 2021

At the pinnacle of his Hollywood career, Garrison Prince’s reign ends tonight.

As plain old Gary Prinz, he can pursue his Bible education, buy a bungalow in Pasadena, acquire a few chickens, and marry the girl of his dreams. He just never imagined trading the silver screen for a pulpit would wreak such havoc.

A cigarillo girl, Lucinda Ashton spends her days with her boyfriend, Gary, and her evenings selling candy and “gaspers” to the Hollywood elite at the Taj Mahal Theater.

However, when gunshots ring out just as intermission begins, Lucinda finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a brouhaha that leaves three dead, and no one has a clue why.

All the police know is that the evidence points to Lucinda as the killer and Gary as the intended target.

Four new friends, one young orphan, and a potluck of clues that don’t seem to fit anywhere leave the police baffled, Lucinda in fear for her freedom, and Gary ready to trade in his acting shoes for gumshoes if it’ll save his “Cinda.”

The first book in the Ever After Mysteries combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries, The Last Gasp. This Cinderella retelling blends a murder with enough crime and story clues to keep you on the edge of your seat.

MY REVIEW 

I have previously reviewed this book but I wanted to add a bit more since I have had the pleasure of listening to the audio. When you find a gifted person who can bring a story to life by their voice you know that it is going to be special. I knew what the story was about, but to hear Christa narrate it made it even more spectacular. She has this special talent to grab  readers attention  with her smooth voice and make each character distinctive. 

Let’s journey back to the 1920’s as the author pens a retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales. I could see the movie theater as actors were greeted with smiles and adorations. The cigarillo girls parading up and down the aisles with candy and cigarettes were fun to read about. It is hard to think about a time where someone would bring you refreshments as you sat in your seat ready for the picture to begin.

I began to wonder with the mystery taking center stage how the story of Cinderella would tie in. Oh but I needed not to wait long as the author crafts a web of twists that feature a shoe and a young woman who learns to believe in herself. Cinda finds herself behind bars and trapped as she tries to prove her innocence. Here is where I started piecing together fairy tale and story as I remembered Cinda’s landlord. Oh what an evil woman she was trying to get favors for the other girls by having Cinda do something that would get her in trouble.

I loved how the author made the story historically accurate with her intensive research and details. It is easy to place yourself there as the murders were committed and the chaos that followed. I really tried to figure who the guilty person was and why they did it but was unable too. The author gives us a twist on a fairy tale in a very clever way with mystery, danger and characters that come to life. As I finished the book I thought about what the story meant to me. I witnessed people idolizing others and belittling those who seemed not as important. However the best lesson I received was how faith can give us hope. He sees past our imperfections and lovingly gives us grace.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

 

 

 

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

 

More from Christa

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 16

For Him and My Family, March 17

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, March 17

Inklings and notions, March 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 19

Texas Book-aholic, March 20

Connie’s History Classroom, March 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 24

Book Looks by Lisa, March 24

Just Your Average reviews, March 25

Sodbuster Living, March 26

Books I’ve Read, March 26

Vicarious Living, March 27

Rachael’s Inkwell, March 28

Vicky Sluiter, March 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in the winner’s preferred format!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1bc93/the-last-gasp-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway