The Last Toll Collector is the surprising tale of a woman who's had enough of not feeling good enough to compete with AI & of not feeling worthy of her place in society as a result.

- Nominated for the 2025 Booker Prize,
- Nominated for the 2025 Prime Minister's Literary Award,
- Winner of the Book of the Earth Award,
​- Winner of the Beyond Boundaries Book Award.

"A combination of Lord of the Flies meets Life of Pi meets the Simpsons episode where Lisa creates an entire civilization in a petri dish, this is a riveting, modern take on the classic hero’s journey ... a true page-turner.” — To Make Much of Time
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What would you do if AI outcompeted you so completely that it negated your role in society? 

Welcome to Valerie Tobruk’s life. Her job as a toll collector on the Golden Gate Bridge was made redundant when toll collection was automated in 2013. Since then, she’s struggled to find a job which AI can’t do better than her. She feels useless and lost.

To escape from her life, Valerie travels to the Westfjords, a remote part of Iceland where people go to disappear and nature reigns supreme. Once there, she discovers an abandoned herring factory where she decides to reside as the founder of a new independent nation called Tobruk where people are valued for their humanness.

Valerie doesn’t remain alone for long. A cast of lost souls descend upon Tobruk, as do a series of perplexing challenges presented by the outside world. But there’s worse to come. When the darkness of winter descends, the citizens of Tobruk must face up to their deepest fears if they are to survive.

Join Valerie for a gripping, bewitching, inspirational journey that will stay with you long after you finish the book.

Critic reviews of The Last Toll Collector...

​"The Last Toll Collector stands as a thought-provoking meditation on what it means to retain one’s humanity in an increasingly mechanized world. Its vivid imagery and deeply empathetic portrayal of Valerie’s struggles remind us that the human spirit thrives most when allowed to connect with authenticity and the natural world. This is a novel that does not merely tell a story but lingers in the mind long after, inviting readers to reflect on their place in a rapidly changing world." Chrysalis Brew Project

"This novel is riveting, smart, and thought-provoking and was a true page-turner, as I was curious to see where it would take me next!" To Make Much of Time

"With humor, heartbreak, and hope, The Last Toll Collector is a poignant reminder of what makes us human. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration in an increasingly automated world." Beyond Boundaries

"Does it deserve the Words of the Earth Book of the Earth Award? Absolutely. By intertwining the fight for authenticity with a deep appreciation of Earth’s majesty, The Last Toll Collector reminds us of our shared belonging—to the planet and the universe it calls home. This intricate dance between human struggles and the natural world cements its place as a quintessential candidate, worthy of the spotlight for its timeless, transformative message." Words of the Earth

"I highly recommend The Last Toll Collector as a worthwhile read." Reedsy

"This was a surprisingly gripping tale. We give this book 5 paws up." Storey Book Reviews