I had a stepfather once. It was awful. Which is why this book felt so relatable – in part – and also hard to get through. The summer I was eight years old, my granny died and we abruptly moved into a new house with my mom’s soon-to-be husband. At the time, it was a lot to handle all at once, and I can definitely relate to a character who isn’t a big fan of her step-parent.
You won’t have to wait long for the action to start – the book is fast-paced and filled with lies, twists, and so much drama. I wouldn’t say it’s totally original, but it’s a book you won’t want to put down until you’ve read the very last page. And yeah, it kind of has a happyish ending.
Title: The Last Thing He Told Me
Author: Laura Dave
Rating: A Gripping Read
Genre: Thriller
Page Count: 320
Published: 2021
Hannah Michaels is just going about her day when she receives a note with the words “protect her” scribbled in her husband’s handwriting. Disturbed by this, she frantically tries to call Owen, but is unable to reach him. Later that day, Bailey, Owen’s teenage daughter from a previous marriage, finds a bag of money and a brief note in her locker. The gravity of the situation starts to set in: Owen’s not coming home. But why?
The next couple of weeks involve the highly publicized arrest of Owen’s boss, a spur-of-the-moment trip to Texas, random visits from U.S. Marshalls and FBI Agents, and the discovery of Bailey’s long-lost relatives. One thing is certain: Owen wasn’t the perfect man Hannah thought she knew.
As Hannah and Bailey try to uncover the truth behind Owen’s true identity and whereabouts, they also try to navigate their clunky and disjointed relationship. What starts out rough has a beautiful ending – at least for the two women. You’ll just have to read the book to find out what happens to Owen. Sorry, friends, no spoilers today.
TL;DR
This is the book you reach for when you have a few hours to kill – because you won’t want to put it down. It’s packed with action, family drama, and so many lies. Can we please get Liam Neeson to play Owen in the movie adaptation that just HAS to be made? I’m so here for it.
If you liked this book, you might enjoy: The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle.
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