The Final Target

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: January LaVoy

A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire—and rage—in the gripping thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature. This program is read by January LaVoy, seven-time Audie Award–winner, Grammy nominee and AudioFile Golden Voice.

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?

"Narrator January LaVoy draws listeners into this story...and captures the terror that Arden experiences as well as her journey toward regaining control." — Kirkus

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

Critic reviews

"This romantic suspense is perfect for Roberts’s many fans, as well as avid readers of Lisa Gardner and Freida McFadden." —Library Journal

Fantastic... Old School Nora Roberts...

Be prepared before you start The Final Target because this is one of those rare books that will keep you up far later than you intended. This is a true, old-school Nora Roberts suspense novel...the kind where you tell yourself "just one more chapter" and suddenly it's 2 a.m.

The story weaves together romance, danger, and a deeply unsettling look into a killer's mind. The suspense builds layer upon layer, creating a richly developed storyline that pulls you in completely. The characters feel real enough that you'll find yourself thinking about them when you're not reading, and even after the final chapter, they tend to linger in your thoughts.

What I loved most was how seamlessly Nora Roberts balances the tension with emotional depth. The mystery keeps you guessing, while the relationships keep you invested. It's the kind of book that reminds you why she remains one of the best in the genre.

And then there's January LaVoy. Her narration takes an already excellent story and elevates it even further. She brings each character to life with distinct voices and emotions, adding an extra layer of intensity to the suspense and making the listening experience completely immersive.

If you enjoy romantic suspense, compelling characters, and stories that refuse to let go, don't hesitate. Buy it. Listen to it. Enjoy it. Just don't expect to get much sleep until you're finished.

So good, so creepy!

Wow. I love Nora, but I could not stop reading this one. I was so tense and so wound up by the end. I love the main character, Arden. What a story of coming back after a horrible attack. Of a woman who works so hard to rebuild her life. The romance is secondary. This book is pulse pounding and continues to build until the end. I absolutely loved this book.

Gripping

So good. I couldn’t put it down!! My heart was pounding the entire time I read this book. Outstanding

solid entertainment

I enjoyed this latest release from Roberts - it’s solid as is almost all her work. Not her best or greatest, but I got my time & money’s worth.
LaVoy always delivers on narration.

Great

This was an excellent listen. I would recommend this to all. Even though the bad guy is known from the beginning, you can't help but dislike him. He reminds me a lot of some certain people that are currently in power.