Review of "Last Woman Standing: A Novel of Suspense" by Amy Gentry

Dana Diaz is struggling to make it as a stand-up comic and frequents open mike nights all over Austin, Texas. Part of Dana's schtick is to make fun of herself, joking about being a short Latina woman with 'double d's' (big boobs).



Unfortunately the double d's sometimes attract the wrong kind of attention, and Dana fled Los Angeles a year ago - after a famous comedian named Aaron Neely trapped her in the back of his chauffeur-driven car and masturbated. In fact Dana has experienced all kinds of sexual abuse - from lewd comments to wandering hands to assault - and she muses that every woman she knows 'has gone through something.'



Thus it may be kismet when Amanda Dorn attends one of Dana's stand-up shows. Dana's jokes are falling flat until beautiful blonde Amanda starts to laugh and draws in the crowd.



Afterwards, the two women chat over drinks, and the topic soon turns to 'men that done them wrong.' Amanda confides that she had to leave her software engineering job because of an abusive boss called Doug Branchik, and Dana mentions the humiliating experience in Aaron Neely's car.

Somewhat tipsy, Amanda comes up with an idea right out of 'Strangers on a Train.' Amanda suggests swapping acts of vengeance: that is, Amanda will retaliate against some of the men who have hurt Dana and vice versa. Dana doesn't take the suggestion seriously and goes about her business, preparing for the 'Funniest Person in Austin' competition.



As it happens Aaron Neely is in town to judge the 'Funniest Person' contest, and Dana would rather perform for the devil than the masturbator. Dana doesn't need to worry though, because Neely leaves town very suddenly.....after a 'visit' from Amanda.



Amanda then demands her quid pro quo, and Dana is reluctantly sucked into an elaborate revenge scheme. For this the comic dons a curly blonde wig and takes on the persona of 'Betty' - a tough-talking gal with attitude.



Things soon get out of hand and Dana, determined to cut ties with Amanda, heads for Los Angeles - where she has new job opportunities and old friends. In Los Angeles Dana renews her friendship with comedian Jason Murphy - who was her lifelong pal and writing partner until they had a huge falling out.



Vengeful Amanda isn't about to let things go, however, and uses her cyber skills to become the ultimate stalker. Dana's no slouch either, and takes measures to fight back. Secrets are revealed as the story unfolds, and there are some twists and surprises before the dramatic climax.

As one would expect, men come off rather badly in this book. Even the 'nice ones' make excuses for their compatriots' abusive behavior, contending that 'men will be men' and 'they didn't do anything THAT bad' (unless it's outright rape).

The clueless men should embrace the following aphorism:



I didn't find any of the main characters very sympathetic, but I did get a kick out of Dana - who considers almost every situation she encounters as material for a sitcom pilot. Some of her 'plot ideas' are unique and amusing.



The novel is well-written, though some of the surprises are too clearly foreshadowed (IMO). Still, this is a good story,  recommended to readers who like suspense.....as well as proponents of the #me too movement.



Rating: 3 stars