“Beautifully wrought story of two women artists outrunning their demons. “

—Booklife/Publisher’s Weekly (Editor’s Pick)

"Fresh, imaginative, and gorgeously written. Moore is a virtuoso storyteller, and this is her best work yet."

--Nancy Crochiere, bestselling author of Graceland

Escape to paradise. Find trouble instead!

Last Bets, by award-winning author of the bestseller, A Woman's Guide to Search & Rescue, is a fast-paced suspense novel that will appeal to fans of The Queen's Gambit and The White Lotus. In Mary Carroll Moore's must-read new book, female ambition and morality collide in the darkness of a gambling underworld on the idyllic, exotic island of Bonaire.

As a child, Elly Sorensen's gambler father drafted his daughter to use her paranormal gift of second sight to help him win big at gambling tables. After nearly getting killed back then, Elly vowed never again.

Now she secretly uses her visions to paint portraits with startling authenticity. Celebrities seek out Elly for her rare talent at capturing their essence. She's at the height of her artistic career.

Then Elly's estranged husband suddenly dies, leaving her with massive debts that must be paid right away. To quickly make the amount of money she needs, Elly flees to the Caribbean island of Bonaire to finish a commission for a wealthy man.

There, she meets Australian teenager and kindred spirit Rosie Ryan. Rosie's father also uses his daughter to scout information that nefariously helps him win at gambling. Rosie reminds Elly of her sister Lily, a girl she failed to rescue long ago.

Rosie's emotional needs and deceptions, along with a deadly hurricane racing toward the island, draw Elly back into the gambling world to win the fast money she desperately needs.

Even though Elly can barely rescue herself, will she use her paranormal powers again? Can she fully trust the grifter, Rosie? Underestimated by the men around them, what would happen if Rosie and Elly teamed up to conquer forces they never imagined? Will they fight for a future that promises real freedom?

“A thrilling, unstoppable read—a gorgeous journey about love, loss, and the very literal magic of the artistic eye.” —Rachel Moulton, author of The Insatiable Volt Sisters

This book started as an exploration of second chances and moral choices—can we legitimately get another chance? Are there gray areas to our decisions, even if they seem wrong?

I write about women heroes, not obvious ones and not immediate ones, but women who are searching for freedom and worth in their lives, despite complicated, risky circumstances or a difficult past.

Women artists are one of my hero groups; in this novel, two artists of different generations risk personal freedom to rescue each other and learn about their own potential.