Thomas McMullan’s "The Last Good Man" presents a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, masterfully set against the stark and desolate backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Britain. The audiobook draws listeners into a world stripped of its former vibrancy, where the remnants of a once-thriving society are concentrated in a remote village that clings desperately to a twisted semblance of order and normalcy.

McMullan’s talent for crafting a profoundly unsettling atmosphere is evident throughout the narrative. His vivid and often poetic descriptions bring the village to life, illustrating the decay of crumbling buildings that stand as ghosts of the past, and a landscape sparsely populated with vegetation that hints at the struggle for survival. The omnipresent Wall towers over the village, its imposing structure casting a long shadow that reflects the pervasive sense of foreboding. The narrator skillfully captures the unease that seeps into every corner of this world, enhancing the emotional stakes for the characters who navigate this landscape fraught with danger and despair.

Central to the story is the concept of the Wall, which emerges as a chilling focal point within the village. It functions as a public forum where citizens gather to voice their grievances and accusations, transforming personal conflicts into public spectacles. This often leads to swift and brutal acts of so-called "justice," laying bare the darker impulses of humanity. The Wall symbolizes not only the fragility of trust and truth but also the terrifying potential of mob mentality. As the villagers engage in these acts of retribution, listeners are left both fascinated and horrified by the implications of such a system, forcing a critical reflection on the nature of morality in a society teetering on the brink of collapse.

Through emotional depth and rich imagery, McMullan invites listeners to contemplate the complexities of human behavior, evoking a chilling sense of the unpredictable yet intrinsic darkness that resides within us all.

I listened to the Audio book of The Last Good Man and was hooked from the beginning. This is a dark dystopian story set in the beautiful wilds of Dartmoor. Duncan Peck has travelled from his home in London, where food is running out, to the refuge of a small village where his cousin lives. Here at first glance it is the Good life, community, food and purpose. This is a dark story though shadowed by the writing on the wall and Duncan is soon to realise not is all as it first seemed.
I thought the ideas presented in this story were really interesting and I would recommend it to fans of this genre.