When photojournalist and war correspondent Eugenia “Janey” Everett begins writing a biography about famous pilot Sam Mallory, she doesn't realize that she's embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. After years of frantic searching and uncovering a rumor that he had joined the loyalist forces during the Spanish Civil War, an unexpected source leads Janey to Sam's remains in a Spanish desert. Determined to learn more about his mysterious disappearance and his last fateful moments, Janey relentlessly tries to track down Sam's student, co-pilot and rumored lover Irene Foster, who also vanished around the same time period.

"As always, Beatriz Williams’ signature writing style paired with strong, independent, vibrant female characters drew me into the story and didn’t let go until the surprising and satisfying conclusion."

What started out as a slow burn soon turned riveting as the history of aviation (a subject that I never thought I’d care much about!) was brought to life in this suspenseful, heartbreaking and hopeful mystery. The reader is invited along on an unforgettable journey as the story alternates between Irene in 1928 and Janey in 1947, spanning the globe from California to Hawaii to Spain and back again. As if I were seated in the airplane alongside Irene and Sam, my heart often was in my throat as they participated in various races around the world and other dangerous, gravity-defying tricks to thrill the crowds. And, as Janey is dying to know, did they or didn’t they have an affair while spending so much time together? Did Sam remain loyal to his wife, Bertha, and their daughter, Pixie?

Oh, and I can’t forget Sandy the cat, who Sam found on the beach the same day he met Irene. I appreciated that a beloved pet was so thoroughly and lovingly woven into the novel.

As always, Beatriz Williams’ signature writing style paired with strong, independent, vibrant female characters drew me into the story and didn’t let go until the surprising and satisfying conclusion. After all, “the emancipated woman, she’s the spirit of the age” and, in my opinion, is infinitely intriguing and admirable no matter the time period. HER LAST FLIGHT is definitely the extreme opposite of a “crack up,” the term aviators use for an airplane crash. In fact, I'd call it a rip-roaring, soaring success!

If, after reading this book, you'd like to learn more about female aviators, I'd highly recommend THE HUNTRESS by Kate Quinn and DAUGHTERS OF THE NIGHT SKY by Aimie K. Runyan. If you'd like to learn more about Spain's complicated history, I'd suggest THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE by Ruta Sepetys.

Last but not least, be sure to check out Williams’ previous works, including THE WICKED CITY and THE WICKED REDHEAD, as well as her seamless collaborations with Lauren Willig and Karen White: THE FORGOTTEN ROOM, THE GLASS OCEAN and, my favorite, ALL THE WAYS WE SAID GOODBYE. Just like HER LAST FLIGHT, the latter is chock-full of fabulous characters, adventure, intrigue, suspense and, of course, romance.