Officer Lloyd McNeil just got the worst news imaginable: he has an inoperable brain tumor with just months left to live. Not sure how to break it to his 13-year-old kid, Lloyd happens across a childhood friend who went on to law school thanks to the insurance money from his cop dad who died on the job. From there comes the perfect plan: die on the job so his kid is set for life.

Despite the bleak prognosis, this is a surprising humorous read. Lloyd throwing himself into danger only ends up making him a TikTok hero known as "Happy Cop" due to his disarming smile and quips he uses whenever people start recording him. (As an aside, that is a super smart plan: people with cameras want to get a reaction out of you, so if you're boring or cheerful it disarms them).

Sprinkled throughout are his "gentle edicts" to his son. Some are humorous, some make sense as these are notes to his son but I personally found random and a little boring (he gives shaving tips, apologizes for ruining the planet, and gives his opinions about religion).

That said, this was a wild ride! I may have been a bit choked up at the ending. Also, I highly recommend the narrator as he did a great job infusing the emotion and getting into Lloyd's head. My only slight quibble was why did everyone else around him have a Southern accent, but not Lloyd, when he was from the area?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

Another great book from Will Leitch that sees a recently diagnosed brain tumor patient slash police officer determined to kill himself before the tumour can so his young son can inherit his life insurance payoff. This was full of humor, heart and great disability rep. I really enjoyed it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Harper Audio for the gifted Audiobook!

Title: Lloyd McNeil's Last Ride
Author: Will Leitch
Pub Date: May 20, 2025
Audiobook Length: 8hrs, 59mins
Audiobook Narrator: Chris Andrew Ciulla

Oh Lloyd!

I really enjoyed this one! This one came after a major reading slump where nothing was grabbing my attention and this one gripped me from the very first chapter!

Lloyd McNeil receives life-changing news that he has a brain tumor and only a short time left to live. Lloyd is heartbroken thinking about leaving behind his young son, especially since he doesn't have the financial means to set him up for success after his death. As a police offer, Lloyd comes up with a brilliant (?) plan: just simply die in the line of duty so he can set his son up for success with his police benefits. Makes perfect sense, right?

Things get even crazier from there!

While so much of this book was fun and crazy, there were also extremely tender portions where we read Lloyd's letters to his son called "The Ten Gentle Edicts of Lloyd McNeil" where he shares his best life tips :( They were so moving to read!

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what Will does next!

Chris Andrew Ciulla absolutely nailed this audiobook narration! He was the perfect choice!

This was such a heartfelt story of the love of a father for his son. I paired the audio and print versions of this book for an immersive experience and have to say this is the way to go if you are able. The narration really brings the story to life. I love the humor and heart in these pages and found it to be quite a good read.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.