Last Night at the Disco - a woman looks back on her life in the 1970s and wants to set the record straight.

When we meet Lynda Boyle, it's 2019, and she is writing an email to Jann Wenner, the founder of Rolling Stone. Following singer/songwriter Aura Lockhart's induction of Johnny Engel into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Lynda, now 67 years old, wants to set the record straight about her true role in their history and success after a recent article in the magazine. The story takes us back to 1977. Lynda, who has yet to achieve success as a poet, lives in New Jersey, working as an English teacher at a junior high school. Aura Lockart is one of her students, and Lynda takes the young girl, who shows promise as a songwriter, under her wing. At a local club, they are both captivated by Johnny Engel, whose musical style is a blend of glam-rock and punk. Lynda wants to help make Johnny a star, and she also wants him in her bed. Through Lynda's email to Wenner, her journey unfolds, including the disastrous end of her relationships with Johnny and Aura. As we learn more about Lynda, it becomes clear that she is a troubled, narcissistic young woman. When the story shifts back to the present day, a mystery lingers about Lynda's whereabouts, as she appears to be in hiding with her unnamed husband. 

Author Lisa Border did an excellent job in her research for Last Night at the Disco. It truly captures the nightlife of the era, featuring New York City's Studio 54 and the gritty punk rock scene at CBGB (if you'd ever been there, you probably still remember the smell). Anti-hero Lynda, although an intriguing person, became increasingly difficult to root for. While the story includes humor, particularly in Lynda's ongoing assessment of her beauty and poetic talent, I felt a sense of sadness for her. My heart went out to her parents. Aura and Johnny were great characters, and I wish more focus had been given to their careers. Overall, this nostalgic trip back in time was appealing. 

Many thanks to Regal House Publishing for the advance.

Rated 3.75 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction.

Publication Date: October 7, 2025.

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