The Last Thing He Told Me

Rating:
(4.07)
A gripping domestic thriller, The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave tells the story of a woman who unravels the secrets of her husband’s past after he mysteriously disappears. In this review, we delve into the intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and the emotional rollercoaster this novel takes its readers on.

The Last Thing He Told Me

The Last Thing He Told Me
LanguagefROM $0.00
Release DateMay 4, 2021
GenreMystery
AuthorLaura Dave
File SizeSimon & Schuster
Rating
(4.07)
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Plot Summary:

The Disappearance

The story begins when Hannah Hall’s husband, Owen, suddenly disappears, leaving behind only a cryptic message: “Protect her.” Hannah quickly realizes that the “her” in question is Owen’s teenage daughter, Bailey, with whom Hannah has a somewhat strained relationship.

The Search for Answers

As Hannah and Bailey begin to investigate Owen’s disappearance, they uncover a web of lies and deception that goes deeper than they ever imagined. From discovering Owen’s true identity to unearthing shocking family secrets, Hannah and Bailey’s journey takes them on a thrilling and emotional adventure.

The Truth Revealed

In the end, the truth about Owen’s past and the reasons behind his disappearance come to light, forcing Hannah and Bailey to confront their own feelings of betrayal, forgiveness, and the true meaning of family.

Characters:

Hannah Hall

Hannah is a talented woodworker and a devoted wife, who finds herself in the midst of a dangerous and emotional quest to uncover the truth about her husband. She’s a strong, resourceful, and determined character, making her an easy protagonist to root for.

Bailey Miller

As Owen’s teenage daughter, Bailey is initially resistant to Hannah’s efforts to protect her. However, as they begin to unravel the mystery together, Bailey evolves into a brave and fiercely loyal ally. Her growth and developing relationship with Hannah are one of the highlights of the novel.

Owen Michaels

Although Owen is absent for much of the novel, his presence is felt throughout. Through flashbacks and revelations, Owen’s character is slowly unraveled, revealing a complex and flawed individual whose actions have far-reaching consequences for those he loves.

Themes:

Trust and Deception

The novel explores the concept of trust and the consequences of deception, as Hannah and Bailey grapple with the lies and secrets that have defined their family relationships.

Family and Relationships

At its core, The Last Thing He Told Me is a story about family and the bonds that tie us together. Throughout the novel, the characters learn the importance of honesty, loyalty, and forgiveness in forging strong relationships.

Redemption and Forgiveness

The journey of the characters is not just about uncovering the truth, but also about finding redemption and forgiveness. As Hannah and Bailey confront their own feelings of betrayal, they must learn to forgive and move forward.

Writing Style and Pacing:

Dave’s Engaging Prose

Laura Dave’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy to get lost in the story. Her prose is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the characters and their surroundings.

Suspense and Tension

Dave expertly builds suspense and tension throughout the novel, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the mystery unfolds. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of introspection and character development without sacrificing the thrilling aspects of the plot.

The Balancing Act

The author manages to balance the emotional and thrilling elements of the story, creating a novel that is both heart-wrenching and exciting.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations:

Pros and Cons

The Last Thing He Told Me is a well-written and engaging domestic thriller with strong characters and an intriguing plot. However, some readers may find certain plot twists to be predictable or the ending to be somewhat rushed.

Similar Books

Readers who enjoyed The Last Thing He Told Me may also enjoy Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, and The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.

References:

  • Dave, Laura. The Last Thing He Told Me. Simon & Schuster, 2021.
  • Goodreads. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave – Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists.

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