Review: The Final Act Of Juliette Willoughby
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If someone had told me that a thriller involving surrealist art, missing paintings, and 1930s Paris would end up being one of my favorite reads of the year, I might’ve raised a skeptical eyebrow. Because surrealist art is just not my thing. But, The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby had me hooked from page one.
Key Takeaways: The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby
Publisher’s Synopsis of The Final Act Of Juliette Willoughby
The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby is a richly layered literary mystery that spans decades, continents, and the hidden corners of the art world. Told across three timelines — 1930s Paris, 1990s Cambridge, and modern-day Dubai — the story begins with a cold open: someone is about to be arrested for murder. But whose murder? And how does it all trace back to Juliette Willoughby, a surrealist artist whose final painting vanished along with her?
Everybody knows that in 1938, runaway heiress artist Juliette Willoughby perished in an accidental studio fire in Paris, alongside her masterpiece Self-Portrait As Sphinx.
Fifty years later, two Cambridge art history students are confounded when they stumble across proof that the fire was no accident but something more sinister. Their journey leads them to the Willoughby estate — and to secrets buried deep in both family legacy and artistic ambition. What they uncover threatens the very foundation of Juliette’s aristocratic family and revives rumors of the infamous curse that has haunted the Willoughbys for generations.
But what does their discovery mean? And how is it connected to a brutal murder in present-day Dubai?
A tale of love and madness, obsession and revenge, The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby unravels the riddle posed by a Sphinx who refuses to reveal her secrets . . .
What I Liked
The Setting:
From the surrealist backdrop of 1930s Paris to the stark modernity of Dubai and the cloistered academic world of 1990s Cambridge, this novel’s settings are richly imagined and distinct. Each location feels atmospheric and purposeful—not just a backdrop, but a driver of mood and meaning. The transitions across time and geography are seamless and contribute to the slow build of suspense.
And on a personal note, this book struck a personal chord — especially since I’ve spent so many winters in Catalonia, Spain, and visited the places that inspired the legacy of Salvador Dalí, who features prominently in the background of this mystery. It added an unexpected personal layer that made the story even more engaging for me.
The Characters:
Caroline and Patrick are not your typical academic duo. Their dynamic—equal parts tension, chemistry, and mistrust—makes for a compelling ride. Caroline’s backstory adds emotional depth, while Patrick’s ambition creates friction that feels believable.
Juliette Willoughby, though glimpsed mostly through diaries and memories, is vivid and fully realized. Her vulnerability, paranoia, and artistic brilliance are captured with nuance. The supporting cast – especially those tied to the secretive society – are slippery and suspicious in just the right ways.
The Plot and Storyline:
This book is a masterclass in layering mystery. Told across three timelines, the story peels back the layers slowly, revealing secrets, betrayals, and hidden agendas with just the right pacing. I was particularly drawn to how each “act” aligned with a piece of the truth, using structure as a storytelling tool.
There’s a real elegance to how Ellery Lloyd holds back just enough—giving the reader breadcrumbs but never the full picture until the final pages. And while some twists were expected, others hit with a jolt. It’s the kind of mystery that leaves you thinking, “Wait—how did I miss that?”
What I Didn’t Like
Honestly? Not much. If I had to find a flaw, I’d say the opening chapters felt a bit slow—but that might have been more about me than the book. Once the timelines started weaving together and the mystery deepened, I was completely hooked. And by the halfway mark, I wasn’t putting it down for anything.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Final Act Of Juliette Willoughby
What is The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby about?
It’s a dual- (actually triple-) timeline mystery involving a long-lost surrealist painting, a missing artist, and a modern-day murder investigation. The story travels through 1930s Paris, 1990s Cambridge, and present-day Dubai.
Is Salvador Dalí a character in the book?
Dalí himself doesn’t appear as a character, but his influence and legacy are deeply woven into the plot, especially through the surrealist art world and references to his life in Catalonia, Spain.
Is this a standalone novel or part of a series?
This is a standalone novel by the writing duo Ellery Lloyd.
What genre is The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby?
It’s a literary mystery with strong elements of suspense, historical fiction, and psychological drama.
Who would enjoy this book?
Readers who enjoy dual-timeline mysteries, novels with art-world intrigue, or atmospheric literary thrillers like The Paris Library or The Goldfinch would likely love this.
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Dive into another author known for weaving timelines, mystery, and emotion.
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Conclusion: A Twisted Final Act You Won’t Soon Forget
If you enjoy layered mysteries that span decades, feature flawed but compelling characters, and immerse you in the murky world of art, legacy, and ambition — The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby is one to move to the top of your list. With its shifting timelines, nods to real-life surrealism, and clever unraveling of long-buried secrets, this book kept me turning pages late into the night.
And check out our roundup of art-themed thrillers here.
Ellery Lloyd has delivered a story that’s smart, moody, and deeply satisfying — and if you’ve ever stood in front of a surrealist painting and wondered what secrets it might be hiding… well, prepare for that feeling to escalate.
Have you read this one yet? Or do you have a favorite mystery set in the art world? Let’s discuss it.
And if you’re not sure what type of mysteries you prefer check out this discussion of finding your favorite mystery.
