The Final Target by Nora Roberts

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire―and rage―in the gripping new thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature.

He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.

Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…

An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude―but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden’s purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

Twisted Obsession Done Right

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷💚❤️💙
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😋🙂😁😎☺️
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Solo Narration

Audiobook Review: The Final Target

Author: Nora Roberts
Genre: Romance/Thriller
Narrator(s): January LaVoy

Characters and Story Dynamics

Arden’s journey begins with the kind of milestone many book lovers dream about: after years of working in a bookstore and pouring herself into her writing, she’s finally celebrating the publication of her debut novel. Her family—who took her in after she lost her parents as a teen—are there to support her, making the moment even more meaningful.

The excitement of her first signing is interrupted by a man named Dustin, a new resident in town who claims to be an aspiring writer. His comments and behavior cross subtle boundaries from the start, and as Arden continues to encounter him in the days that follow, his fixation becomes increasingly unsettling. What begins as awkward admiration gradually shifts into something far more intrusive, and the tension builds as Arden tries to navigate the growing discomfort of her interactions with Dustin, who has created an entirely fictional relationship in his mind.

The story balances this creeping suspense with warmth from Arden’s circle—her family, her coworkers, her neighbors, and the people who become part of her life as she tries to move forward. These relationships give the book emotional grounding and contrast, making the darker elements hit even harder.

Highlights

• A chillingly effective antagonist. Dustin’s worldview—rooted in rigid, outdated beliefs about gender roles and entitlement—makes him a deeply unsettling presence. His certainty in his own imagined narrative adds a psychological edge that heightens the suspense without relying on graphic detail.
• Emotionally resonant themes. The book taps into real-world frustrations about power, privilege, and the ways the system can fail victims. Those emotions feel intentional rather than manipulative, and they add weight to the story’s tension.
• A strong supporting cast. Arden’s friends, family, Gideon – her love interest, and even her dog bring warmth and personality to the narrative. They help create a sense of community that contrasts beautifully with the isolation and fear Dustin represents.
• Rich world-building. The details of Arden’s life—her work, her creative process, her new home, even the small joys of decorating—add texture and comfort to the story. These quieter moments make the suspense more impactful.
• Multiple perspectives that deepen the tension. Seeing glimpses of Dustin’s internal logic (without veering into spoilers) adds psychological depth and helps the reader understand the danger Arden is facing long before she does.

Limitations

• Some character decisions feel questionable. Arden’s choice to relocate to a more isolated setting, given her fears, may feel counterintuitive to some readers. While it serves the plot, it can be hard to reconcile with what someone in her situation might realistically choose.
• Narration format may limit immersion. January LaVoy’s performance is expressive and polished, but the decision to use a single narrator for a multi‑POV story feels like a missed opportunity. A dual or duet narration would likely have enhanced the emotional and psychological contrast between characters.

Final Assessment

This audiobook delivers a gripping blend of psychological tension, emotional depth, and richly drawn characters. While not perfect—particularly in some character choices and the limitations of solo narration—it’s a compelling, immersive story that kept me invested throughout. The antagonist is disturbingly believable, the supporting cast is memorable, and the world-building adds warmth and texture that balance the darker elements.

A strong 4+ star listen that lingers long after it ends.

I voluntarily listened to & reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

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