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Her Last Breath
From the critically acclaimed author of No Exit and The Last Word comes a story of two friends who embark on an ill-fated caving expedition—and the dark truth of what happens deep underground.
After years of excuses, Tess has finally agreed to go caving with her best friend Allie. Their lives have diverged sharply since high school—Allie is a self-made travel influencer, while Tess is a shy (and claustrophobic) legal assistant struggling to pay for law school. Maybe she’s a little jealous of Allie's globe-trotting life. Who wouldn’t be?
As Tess and Allie descend into the depths, they realize they’re not alone. A stranger who claims to be a fellow caver harasses them. Confident, take-no-shit Allie insults the guy—and he retaliates. Soon, Tess is trapped inside a narrow crawl space hundreds of feet underground, fighting to stay alive.
Twenty-four hours later, as a hospitalized Tess recounts her harrowing story of survival, the detective interviewing her shares new and shocking secrets about Allie's true past. Together, they begin to suspect the brutal attack wasn’t so random after all.
Who was Allie, really? Why did this man target them? And did Tess really leave the danger behind when she escaped the cave?
After years of excuses, Tess has finally agreed to go caving with her best friend Allie. Their lives have diverged sharply since high school—Allie is a self-made travel influencer, while Tess is a shy (and claustrophobic) legal assistant struggling to pay for law school. Maybe she’s a little jealous of Allie's globe-trotting life. Who wouldn’t be?
As Tess and Allie descend into the depths, they realize they’re not alone. A stranger who claims to be a fellow caver harasses them. Confident, take-no-shit Allie insults the guy—and he retaliates. Soon, Tess is trapped inside a narrow crawl space hundreds of feet underground, fighting to stay alive.
Twenty-four hours later, as a hospitalized Tess recounts her harrowing story of survival, the detective interviewing her shares new and shocking secrets about Allie's true past. Together, they begin to suspect the brutal attack wasn’t so random after all.
Who was Allie, really? Why did this man target them? And did Tess really leave the danger behind when she escaped the cave?
323 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2026
1277 people are currently reading
62928 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Adams
7 books5,530 followersTaylor Adams is the author of several acclaimed thrillers including No Exit and Hairpin Bridge. No Exit has been published in 32 languages and was recently released by 20th Century Studios as a Hulu Original Film. Adams lives in Washington State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,769 reviews
October 1, 2025
➳ 3.75/5 stars
okay so this book was definitely something because it had me hooked from page one, and honestly, i adored every single second of it. you know those books that just grip you so tight that you don’t even wanna put them down for a second? yeah, that was exactly the vibe here. i’ll admit, the pacing in the beginning felt a little slow, and that’s probably the only reason i didn’t end up giving it a full five stars. but then again, i’m someone who really lets the start of a book decide the whole vibe for me, so maybe that’s just a me thing.
but once i got past that, oh my god it felt so different from anything i’ve read recently. and not gonna lie, i went in with zero expectations because the last book i read by this author was ages ago, and i genuinely thought i wouldn’t connect with this one. turns out, i was so wrong, and i’ve never been happier to be wrong about a book.
also, let me be completely honest here I was in such a bad reading slump. my last two reads were straight-up disappointments, like nothing about them clicked for me, and i was this close to giving up for a while. so picking this one up and feeling that spark again… it legit felt like a breath of fresh air, like waking up early in the morning and stepping outside when the air feels crisp and alive. that’s why i think i loved this book even more it came to me at the perfect time.
➳ ABOUT THE BOOK
This book literally revolves around two besties, Allie and Tess, who’ve been ride-or-die since forever like genuinely inseparable, more like sisters than friends. they grew up glued at the hip, but as adulthood hit, their paths couldn’t have been more different. Allie built this whole glamorous life for herself as a travel influencer, collecting fame and money through her blog, while Tess, at 30, was still stuck in law school, struggling to figure things out. and as much as she loved allie, watching her best friend shine so bright started planting this little seed of envy in her heart.
now here’s where things get wild both of them decide to go on this hike inside one of the most terrifying caves ever (like seriously, why would you even??). and instead of a peaceful adventure, the moment they step in, they run into this man who immediately gives off the creepiest vibes. but instead of leaving like normal people, they choose to keep exploring. only later do they realize that creepy dude? yeah, he never actually left. he’d been following them the entire time.
What starts off as a hike between best friends quickly turns into their worst nightmare. when they finally decide to confront him, everything takes a horrifying turn, changing their lives forever. both of them come out scarred, not just physically but mentally.
This story is told from different povs and honestly, i feel like that made such a huge difference. it gave me such a close look into what was actually happening inside the cave, and it made the whole thing feel more real, almost like i was right there with them. now, i’ll admit the plot itself did feel a little predictable to me, probably because i’ve read a ton of thrillers (and i actually read a kinda similar one months ago like not similar in premise more like in characters and their behaviours so yeah that could also be a reason, just not by the same author). so yeah, the twist along the way didn’t totally shock me… but the ending? omg, that i did not see coming. like, i had a whole version in my head of how this would wrap up, and the book completely proved me wrong in the last stretch.
And here’s the thing even though i guessed parts of the plot, it honestly didn’t take away from the experience at all. because what really carried this book wasn’t just the storyline, it was the writing. the way it was executed was phenomenal. i found myself literally visualizing everything as if it was unfolding right in front of me not just words on a page, but an actual movie playing in my head. that’s how immersive it was. sure, the beginning was a bit slow for my taste, but once it found its rhythm, it completely gripped me and didn’t let go.
So yeah, maybe it wasn’t shocking at every turn, but the atmosphere, the tension, the writing all of it combined made this book such an amazing experience to read.
➳ FINAL THOUGHTS
I honestly feel like this book came to me at the perfect time because it pulled me right out of my slump, and maybe that’s why I ended up loving it even more. The plot twist itself didn't left me absolutely stunned, but what really made it stand out was the way everything was executed the tension, the atmosphere, the constant thrill. It was so immersive that I could actually feel every emotion the characters went through fear, rage, anger, sadness, empathy it all hit. The only tiny issue for me was the pacing at the start, but once it picked up, it became nothing short of a masterpiece in my eyes.
⚘ "Overall, if you’re on the hunt for a book that’ll grab you by the throat, make you forget about literally everything else, and just keep flipping pages this might be the perfect catch for you." 💌
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
୨ৎ pre-read:
⤿ started - 30 august, 2025
a good thriller is all I need to get me out of this shitty slump 🤌🏻
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't going away."
okay so this book was definitely something because it had me hooked from page one, and honestly, i adored every single second of it. you know those books that just grip you so tight that you don’t even wanna put them down for a second? yeah, that was exactly the vibe here. i’ll admit, the pacing in the beginning felt a little slow, and that’s probably the only reason i didn’t end up giving it a full five stars. but then again, i’m someone who really lets the start of a book decide the whole vibe for me, so maybe that’s just a me thing.
but once i got past that, oh my god it felt so different from anything i’ve read recently. and not gonna lie, i went in with zero expectations because the last book i read by this author was ages ago, and i genuinely thought i wouldn’t connect with this one. turns out, i was so wrong, and i’ve never been happier to be wrong about a book.
also, let me be completely honest here I was in such a bad reading slump. my last two reads were straight-up disappointments, like nothing about them clicked for me, and i was this close to giving up for a while. so picking this one up and feeling that spark again… it legit felt like a breath of fresh air, like waking up early in the morning and stepping outside when the air feels crisp and alive. that’s why i think i loved this book even more it came to me at the perfect time.
➳ ABOUT THE BOOK
This book literally revolves around two besties, Allie and Tess, who’ve been ride-or-die since forever like genuinely inseparable, more like sisters than friends. they grew up glued at the hip, but as adulthood hit, their paths couldn’t have been more different. Allie built this whole glamorous life for herself as a travel influencer, collecting fame and money through her blog, while Tess, at 30, was still stuck in law school, struggling to figure things out. and as much as she loved allie, watching her best friend shine so bright started planting this little seed of envy in her heart.
now here’s where things get wild both of them decide to go on this hike inside one of the most terrifying caves ever (like seriously, why would you even??). and instead of a peaceful adventure, the moment they step in, they run into this man who immediately gives off the creepiest vibes. but instead of leaving like normal people, they choose to keep exploring. only later do they realize that creepy dude? yeah, he never actually left. he’d been following them the entire time.
What starts off as a hike between best friends quickly turns into their worst nightmare. when they finally decide to confront him, everything takes a horrifying turn, changing their lives forever. both of them come out scarred, not just physically but mentally.
This story is told from different povs and honestly, i feel like that made such a huge difference. it gave me such a close look into what was actually happening inside the cave, and it made the whole thing feel more real, almost like i was right there with them. now, i’ll admit the plot itself did feel a little predictable to me, probably because i’ve read a ton of thrillers (and i actually read a kinda similar one months ago like not similar in premise more like in characters and their behaviours so yeah that could also be a reason, just not by the same author). so yeah, the twist along the way didn’t totally shock me… but the ending? omg, that i did not see coming. like, i had a whole version in my head of how this would wrap up, and the book completely proved me wrong in the last stretch.
And here’s the thing even though i guessed parts of the plot, it honestly didn’t take away from the experience at all. because what really carried this book wasn’t just the storyline, it was the writing. the way it was executed was phenomenal. i found myself literally visualizing everything as if it was unfolding right in front of me not just words on a page, but an actual movie playing in my head. that’s how immersive it was. sure, the beginning was a bit slow for my taste, but once it found its rhythm, it completely gripped me and didn’t let go.
So yeah, maybe it wasn’t shocking at every turn, but the atmosphere, the tension, the writing all of it combined made this book such an amazing experience to read.
➳ FINAL THOUGHTS
I honestly feel like this book came to me at the perfect time because it pulled me right out of my slump, and maybe that’s why I ended up loving it even more. The plot twist itself didn't left me absolutely stunned, but what really made it stand out was the way everything was executed the tension, the atmosphere, the constant thrill. It was so immersive that I could actually feel every emotion the characters went through fear, rage, anger, sadness, empathy it all hit. The only tiny issue for me was the pacing at the start, but once it picked up, it became nothing short of a masterpiece in my eyes.
⚘ "Overall, if you’re on the hunt for a book that’ll grab you by the throat, make you forget about literally everything else, and just keep flipping pages this might be the perfect catch for you." 💌
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
୨ৎ pre-read:
⤿ started - 30 august, 2025
a good thriller is all I need to get me out of this shitty slump 🤌🏻
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2026
The biggest ever thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for an ARC of this book!!
I'm not going to lie, I stared at a blank page for about 30 minutes before even tempting to right this review, and I honestly still have no idea where it's going.. I'm just speechless.
So, I guess I'm going to start with an extremely random yet just as accurate reference. Because would it be a true Hades review without one? It would not. Reading your first Taylor Adams book will have you singing from the rooftops, like the first guy who tried jellyfish jelly on his Krabby Patty. So if you haven't read anything by this author yet, (especially if you like thrillers) what are you doing with your life exactly?
The man is a master, that's all there is to it. He could publish a phone book and I'd clear my schedule for the day to read it. He just NEVERRRR disappoints. I had gotten my mom to read No Exit...she calls me about halfway through chapter 2 , going on about "I don't understand what's so great about this book"..Then, I get a call from her not even an hour later "forget everything I said before, holy sh$t" & I was just , I KNOW, HOLY SH$T is right! Lol
I have yet to find another author who can write a faster pace, edge of your seat ride, than this man right here!
So OBVIOUSLY when I saw he had a new book coming out, I had to smash that "request" button on Netgallery. Needless to say this is an Author I throw everything else out the window for. I just got approved for this yesterday and just sat & read until I was done, without a second thought. And what can I say?? .. ALEXA 🗣️, play Oops!.. I did it again by Britney Spears.. I meannnnn.. This just hits in every. Single. Way!
I love how as you're reading, you think you're picking up on things that don't make sense , & think you're going crazy, or misheard something. But you're not and it's just Sir Adams casually being a genius.
This was just amazing all around! The way he brings the settings to life is just INSANE, I don't get scared when I read (unfortunately) but I'm claustrophobic and have high anxiety, there were parts of this book that literally made me want to throw up, and had my heart rate at 130bpm. And it's not actually a "scary" book. It's the way he writes and the atmosphere he creates. Again, I personally have yet to read anything like it by anyone else.
Mark my words, Taylor Adams career is just getting started. He is definitely & without a doubt an Author who will be read and loved by generations. It's not even a question, only a matter of time.
If Stephen King was more of a straight shooter author (wrote about more every day things with less side quests) he'd be Taylor Adams. Because when it comes to talent and the power to grip the reader they are one in the same.
And yes, I did already tell my mom about this one, and I just got yelled at because it's not out yet lol..But you can best bet when it does, I'll be buying mine.
I will also be shoving this book down the throats of all who will listen AND all those who don't. Basically, the choice is yours, if you want to do things the easy way or the hard way. But if you're in close proximity to me for more than five minutes I WILL be telling you about this book!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
I'm not going to lie, I stared at a blank page for about 30 minutes before even tempting to right this review, and I honestly still have no idea where it's going.. I'm just speechless.
So, I guess I'm going to start with an extremely random yet just as accurate reference. Because would it be a true Hades review without one? It would not. Reading your first Taylor Adams book will have you singing from the rooftops, like the first guy who tried jellyfish jelly on his Krabby Patty. So if you haven't read anything by this author yet, (especially if you like thrillers) what are you doing with your life exactly?
The man is a master, that's all there is to it. He could publish a phone book and I'd clear my schedule for the day to read it. He just NEVERRRR disappoints. I had gotten my mom to read No Exit...she calls me about halfway through chapter 2 , going on about "I don't understand what's so great about this book"..Then, I get a call from her not even an hour later "forget everything I said before, holy sh$t" & I was just , I KNOW, HOLY SH$T is right! Lol
I have yet to find another author who can write a faster pace, edge of your seat ride, than this man right here!
So OBVIOUSLY when I saw he had a new book coming out, I had to smash that "request" button on Netgallery. Needless to say this is an Author I throw everything else out the window for. I just got approved for this yesterday and just sat & read until I was done, without a second thought. And what can I say?? .. ALEXA 🗣️, play Oops!.. I did it again by Britney Spears.. I meannnnn.. This just hits in every. Single. Way!
I love how as you're reading, you think you're picking up on things that don't make sense , & think you're going crazy, or misheard something. But you're not and it's just Sir Adams casually being a genius.
This was just amazing all around! The way he brings the settings to life is just INSANE, I don't get scared when I read (unfortunately) but I'm claustrophobic and have high anxiety, there were parts of this book that literally made me want to throw up, and had my heart rate at 130bpm. And it's not actually a "scary" book. It's the way he writes and the atmosphere he creates. Again, I personally have yet to read anything like it by anyone else.
Mark my words, Taylor Adams career is just getting started. He is definitely & without a doubt an Author who will be read and loved by generations. It's not even a question, only a matter of time.
If Stephen King was more of a straight shooter author (wrote about more every day things with less side quests) he'd be Taylor Adams. Because when it comes to talent and the power to grip the reader they are one in the same.
And yes, I did already tell my mom about this one, and I just got yelled at because it's not out yet lol..But you can best bet when it does, I'll be buying mine.
I will also be shoving this book down the throats of all who will listen AND all those who don't. Basically, the choice is yours, if you want to do things the easy way or the hard way. But if you're in close proximity to me for more than five minutes I WILL be telling you about this book!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
March 6, 2026
Ever since No Exit, I’ve been one of Taylor Adams’ most loyal fans — and with Her Last Breath, he’s done it again, proving he’s the master of the smart, heart-pounding locked-room thriller. Just when I thought his stories couldn’t get more intense, this one swept me into a world of shocking twists, claustrophobic suspense, and relentless action that kept me breathless from beginning to end.
The book opens with an unforgettable sequence: a young woman trapped in a remote cave system on the Cascade Range, entombed in darkness as rock collapses around her. The descriptions of her eighteen-hour ordeal are so vivid, I felt my chest tightening and my pulse racing — a visceral reading experience that left me almost gasping alongside her.
Detective Layla Washington arrives on the scene and soon becomes the listener to a harrowing survival tale. Tess, the survivor, recounts not only her fight for life but also the complicated history that led her underground: a lifelong bond with Allie, a charismatic influencer who built a brand around high-stakes adventure, and the strained dynamic that recently tested their friendship. Tess, carrying the scars of her own traumatic childhood, had long been embraced as family by Allie’s parents, but now finds herself pulled into Allie’s risky orbit once again when she agrees to a caving trip.
What should have been a chance for the two women to reconnect turns into a nightmare when a mysterious caver begins shadowing them — a stranger who soon reveals far more sinister intentions. Stalked, hunted, and forced into a deadly cat-and-mouse game in the depths of the earth, Tess relies only on her instincts, scraps of survival knowledge, and the imagined encouragement of her friend’s voice in her head.
But as Tess emerges battered and shaken, Detective Washington senses that the story isn’t over. Why was Allie being targeted? What dangerous secrets was she involved in — secrets serious enough to draw federal investigators into the case? And even though Tess survived the cave, could she still be in danger?
Adams balances the relentless suspense with razor-sharp plotting and haunting questions, making this more than just a thriller — it’s a story about friendship, betrayal, and how far someone will go when pushed to the brink.
Overall: Her Last Breath is a pulse-pounding, claustrophobic, brilliantly engineered thriller that fans of Adams — and any lover of tightly wound mysteries — will devour. It’s fierce, smart, emotionally charged, and unforgettable.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this freaking fantastic thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The book opens with an unforgettable sequence: a young woman trapped in a remote cave system on the Cascade Range, entombed in darkness as rock collapses around her. The descriptions of her eighteen-hour ordeal are so vivid, I felt my chest tightening and my pulse racing — a visceral reading experience that left me almost gasping alongside her.
Detective Layla Washington arrives on the scene and soon becomes the listener to a harrowing survival tale. Tess, the survivor, recounts not only her fight for life but also the complicated history that led her underground: a lifelong bond with Allie, a charismatic influencer who built a brand around high-stakes adventure, and the strained dynamic that recently tested their friendship. Tess, carrying the scars of her own traumatic childhood, had long been embraced as family by Allie’s parents, but now finds herself pulled into Allie’s risky orbit once again when she agrees to a caving trip.
What should have been a chance for the two women to reconnect turns into a nightmare when a mysterious caver begins shadowing them — a stranger who soon reveals far more sinister intentions. Stalked, hunted, and forced into a deadly cat-and-mouse game in the depths of the earth, Tess relies only on her instincts, scraps of survival knowledge, and the imagined encouragement of her friend’s voice in her head.
But as Tess emerges battered and shaken, Detective Washington senses that the story isn’t over. Why was Allie being targeted? What dangerous secrets was she involved in — secrets serious enough to draw federal investigators into the case? And even though Tess survived the cave, could she still be in danger?
Adams balances the relentless suspense with razor-sharp plotting and haunting questions, making this more than just a thriller — it’s a story about friendship, betrayal, and how far someone will go when pushed to the brink.
Overall: Her Last Breath is a pulse-pounding, claustrophobic, brilliantly engineered thriller that fans of Adams — and any lover of tightly wound mysteries — will devour. It’s fierce, smart, emotionally charged, and unforgettable.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this freaking fantastic thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙
Her Last Breath, like Taylor Adams's last novel, The Last Word, has firmly secured Adams fate as one of my top Thriller authors. Wild and wickedly-entertaining, both of these books kept me glued to the seat and flipping pages.
Taylor Adams has knocked another one out of the park!
Caves, and caving more particularly, petrify me. I was interested in this book as soon as I read the synopsis. I figured it would be harrowing, and easily get my heart racing, and boy and boy, did it ever.
We're following best friends, Tess and Allie, who go on a caving trip, supposedly a day trip, but it turns into so much more than that. Though Allie is an experienced caver, and knows the cave they are going into like the back of her hand, Tess is a complete amateur.
She goes more because she wants to please Allie, than due to any desire of her own. From the start it doesn't go well. They have a bit of a confrontation with a mysterious stranger lurking just inside the cave entrance, and from that moment on, the vibes seem off.
As the two women descend into the depths, they soon realize they aren't alone. The stranger has followed them, and he's not planning to let them back out alive.
24-hours later, a hospitalized Tess walks a clever Detective Washington through the culminating events of their ill-fated adventure. Together, the two begin to determine that the events weren't as random as they initially appeared.
Y'all, my claustrophobia was fully initiated by 30% into this novel. It was stirring a bit ahead of that, as even thinking of entering this cave makes me feel queasy, but by 30%, I needed to get up, walk around and stretch.
The way that Adams drew me in, it felt effortless. It was so well written, to keep me fully engaged and keep me guessing. Tess and Allie are both complex characters and I wasn't sure if I could trust either one of them.
My mind was spinning, trying to keep up with what was going on in this hellscape of a cave. The stranger, the man they met at the cave mouth, was so unsettling. The way he interacted with the women was so inappropriate and creepy. I would have turned around immediately.
I loved that we got Detective Washington's perspective as well. I loved following along with her during her interview process with Tess.
It felt like we were puzzling it out together. What exactly went on down there? Who was this man? And why does it seem he was targeting them? Was he, or did the odd circumstances of their encounter just make it feel that way?
This is such a wild ride. It's bound to keep you hooked. I flew this so quickly, half the time with my stomach in my throat. I needed answers. Taylor Adams, I'll be sending you my therapist's bill for the mind spin I had from reading this.
After reading The Last Word, I thought, how can Adams possibly top this? I was totally gripped by that story. Now I know. Her Last Breath is the answer to that, at least IMHO.
I can't recommend this enough to anyone looking for an intense, nail-biting thrill ride. Bonus points if you're as scared of caves, or any small spaces, as I am. This is sure to have you squirming in your seat!
Thank you to the publisher, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I expected this to be good, but I had no idea it would be this good!
I cannot wait to see what Taylor Adams comes up with next!!
Her Last Breath, like Taylor Adams's last novel, The Last Word, has firmly secured Adams fate as one of my top Thriller authors. Wild and wickedly-entertaining, both of these books kept me glued to the seat and flipping pages.
Taylor Adams has knocked another one out of the park!
Caves, and caving more particularly, petrify me. I was interested in this book as soon as I read the synopsis. I figured it would be harrowing, and easily get my heart racing, and boy and boy, did it ever.
We're following best friends, Tess and Allie, who go on a caving trip, supposedly a day trip, but it turns into so much more than that. Though Allie is an experienced caver, and knows the cave they are going into like the back of her hand, Tess is a complete amateur.
She goes more because she wants to please Allie, than due to any desire of her own. From the start it doesn't go well. They have a bit of a confrontation with a mysterious stranger lurking just inside the cave entrance, and from that moment on, the vibes seem off.
As the two women descend into the depths, they soon realize they aren't alone. The stranger has followed them, and he's not planning to let them back out alive.
24-hours later, a hospitalized Tess walks a clever Detective Washington through the culminating events of their ill-fated adventure. Together, the two begin to determine that the events weren't as random as they initially appeared.
Y'all, my claustrophobia was fully initiated by 30% into this novel. It was stirring a bit ahead of that, as even thinking of entering this cave makes me feel queasy, but by 30%, I needed to get up, walk around and stretch.
The way that Adams drew me in, it felt effortless. It was so well written, to keep me fully engaged and keep me guessing. Tess and Allie are both complex characters and I wasn't sure if I could trust either one of them.
My mind was spinning, trying to keep up with what was going on in this hellscape of a cave. The stranger, the man they met at the cave mouth, was so unsettling. The way he interacted with the women was so inappropriate and creepy. I would have turned around immediately.
I loved that we got Detective Washington's perspective as well. I loved following along with her during her interview process with Tess.
It felt like we were puzzling it out together. What exactly went on down there? Who was this man? And why does it seem he was targeting them? Was he, or did the odd circumstances of their encounter just make it feel that way?
This is such a wild ride. It's bound to keep you hooked. I flew this so quickly, half the time with my stomach in my throat. I needed answers. Taylor Adams, I'll be sending you my therapist's bill for the mind spin I had from reading this.
After reading The Last Word, I thought, how can Adams possibly top this? I was totally gripped by that story. Now I know. Her Last Breath is the answer to that, at least IMHO.
I can't recommend this enough to anyone looking for an intense, nail-biting thrill ride. Bonus points if you're as scared of caves, or any small spaces, as I am. This is sure to have you squirming in your seat!
Thank you to the publisher, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I expected this to be good, but I had no idea it would be this good!
I cannot wait to see what Taylor Adams comes up with next!!
February 20, 2026
BABYGIRL I feel claustrophobic!???
In Her Last Breath we have best friends Allie and Tess who decide to go on a dangerous caving trip in the mountains. While there they encounter a creepy man named Jacob. As they manage to escape him they soon realize they are being followed into a dangerous cave which is now going to turn their adventure into a fight for survival against a killer.
Taylor Adams is a go to author for me ever since I read No Exit which I loved! One thing he is an expert in is creating the perfect atmospheric scene for his books. I genuinely felt like I was in the mountains with those women and I had chills and goosebumps reading along.
Taylors books are very action packed but this book took up to the 20% mark to become somewhat juicy and enthralling for me. When it did pick up I was locked in and was thoroughly entertained… BUT… the twists for me were quite predictable (if you pay attention to what’s being written and read between the lines you will catch on quick) and I felt like the chapters did start to feel quite repetitive.
The book is told in three POVS and alternates between present and past day (24 hours prior flashbacks). As for the characters I didn’t really feel a connection to them and felt like I learnt more about caves than the actual plot of the story.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Atmospheric
➽ Short chapters
➽ Some intense moments
➽ Some of the twists
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Repetitive
➽ Quite unrealistic and suspension of disbelief needed
➽ If you’re a beginner in thrillers the twists will WOW you. For a more advanced thriller reader maybe not so much.
I would say this is probably my least favourite Adam’s book but that’s not to say it was a bad book. It had its moments, but it just didn’t fully deliver and give me that memorable factor. But I will always pick up his books and I’m excited to see what he writes next.
3.5 ⭐
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⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
EEEK I've been waiting on bated breath for this release!
Absolutely love this mans books!
I hope this is a 5 star read!
🖤🤍💙🤍🖤
In Her Last Breath we have best friends Allie and Tess who decide to go on a dangerous caving trip in the mountains. While there they encounter a creepy man named Jacob. As they manage to escape him they soon realize they are being followed into a dangerous cave which is now going to turn their adventure into a fight for survival against a killer.
Taylor Adams is a go to author for me ever since I read No Exit which I loved! One thing he is an expert in is creating the perfect atmospheric scene for his books. I genuinely felt like I was in the mountains with those women and I had chills and goosebumps reading along.
Taylors books are very action packed but this book took up to the 20% mark to become somewhat juicy and enthralling for me. When it did pick up I was locked in and was thoroughly entertained… BUT… the twists for me were quite predictable (if you pay attention to what’s being written and read between the lines you will catch on quick) and I felt like the chapters did start to feel quite repetitive.
The book is told in three POVS and alternates between present and past day (24 hours prior flashbacks). As for the characters I didn’t really feel a connection to them and felt like I learnt more about caves than the actual plot of the story.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Atmospheric
➽ Short chapters
➽ Some intense moments
➽ Some of the twists
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Repetitive
➽ Quite unrealistic and suspension of disbelief needed
➽ If you’re a beginner in thrillers the twists will WOW you. For a more advanced thriller reader maybe not so much.
I would say this is probably my least favourite Adam’s book but that’s not to say it was a bad book. It had its moments, but it just didn’t fully deliver and give me that memorable factor. But I will always pick up his books and I’m excited to see what he writes next.
3.5 ⭐
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⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
EEEK I've been waiting on bated breath for this release!
Absolutely love this mans books!
I hope this is a 5 star read!
🖤🤍💙🤍🖤
March 15, 2026
A thriller set inside a cave? I’m in!
“Her Last Breath” by Taylor Adams is a taut, claustrophobic ride centered on two lifelong friends, Allie, a self-made travel influencer, and Tess, a meek legal assistant, who embark on a caving expedition that goes terribly, fatally wrong. One survivor emerges. And she alone holds the answers.
The story opens from Tess's perspective as the two friends descend into the cave, and almost immediately, things begin to unravel. An unforeseen event. An unexpected fellow caver. And then the frame shifts: Tess is in a hospital, recounting everything to Detective Layla Washington, a detective who, it turns out, has credibility issues of her own. From this point forward, Adams structures the narrative in two alternating threads: Tess's present-day interrogation and her real-time experiences underground. It's a masterful construction. As Tess's account unfolds for Detective Washington, it unfolds for the reader as well, complete with carefully planted clues, well-deployed red herrings, and abrupt narrative pivots that keep you perpetually off-balance.
The claustrophobic setting does enormous work here. Adams uses the cave itself as a psychological instrument, the tight spaces and disorienting darkness ratcheting up tension in ways that feel visceral and relentless. I also came away genuinely educated about caving -- though I can confirm I have zero desire to attempt it myself. Spelunking will remain firmly on my list of things I admire from a distance.
The audio, narrated by Sophie Atmoss, is expertly done and an ideal format for this particular story. Highly recommended for thriller fans, especially those who enjoy an audiobook that makes the commute disappear entirely.
March 7, 2026
I kept seeing so many amazing reviews for this book. I tried my best to resist as I had so many books on my shelf. But I must confess… I have no self-control. I simply had to jump into the fray. Now the only question was, do I read a physical copy or listen to the audio?
Well, when I noticed the audio being narrated by Sophie Amoss, it was a done deal! The Audio won hands down! And WOW did she give a magnificent performance!
This is a tale told by an aging detective who knows her days are numbered on the force. But feels she can clear up one more crime as long as her department will just listen to her.
(Why does aging seemingly lead to irrelevance, when they have decades of valuable experience behind them?)💁🏼♀️
We also hear from the survivor, whose fight for life allowed her to escape and tell her story.
Sit back and listen to how a day of caving became a matter of life or death.
Ok! I can now say this is absolutely my favorite Taylor Adams book to date. I was totally captivated from the beginning. Even when I had to step away from the audio, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And it still remains with me now.
✍️ Taylor Adams
🎧 10 hours and 8 minutes
🎤 Sophie Amoss
🗓️ Available Now
📈 5/5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, suspense
Thank you to libro.fm and William Morrow
Well, when I noticed the audio being narrated by Sophie Amoss, it was a done deal! The Audio won hands down! And WOW did she give a magnificent performance!
This is a tale told by an aging detective who knows her days are numbered on the force. But feels she can clear up one more crime as long as her department will just listen to her.
(Why does aging seemingly lead to irrelevance, when they have decades of valuable experience behind them?)💁🏼♀️
We also hear from the survivor, whose fight for life allowed her to escape and tell her story.
Sit back and listen to how a day of caving became a matter of life or death.
Ok! I can now say this is absolutely my favorite Taylor Adams book to date. I was totally captivated from the beginning. Even when I had to step away from the audio, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And it still remains with me now.
✍️ Taylor Adams
🎧 10 hours and 8 minutes
🎤 Sophie Amoss
🗓️ Available Now
📈 5/5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, suspense
Thank you to libro.fm and William Morrow
March 1, 2026
If you’re looking for a book packed with multiple twists that actually pulls them off, this is it, at least it was for me.
The opening immediately throws you into suspense. From the first few pages, you know you’re in for a wild ride. The story moves between the recent past and the present as it slowly uncovers how Tess ended up trapped in a cave, with a body outside. That alone is enough to hook you.
I don’t want to give too much away, because this is definitely a book best experienced without spoilers. Following Tess and Allie’s storyline at the beginning, getting to know them and even growing to really like them, made the later events hit even harder. That connection added real anxiety as the story unfolds.
This was a really good read for me. The setting descriptions, the character development, and the twists and turns were all very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The opening immediately throws you into suspense. From the first few pages, you know you’re in for a wild ride. The story moves between the recent past and the present as it slowly uncovers how Tess ended up trapped in a cave, with a body outside. That alone is enough to hook you.
I don’t want to give too much away, because this is definitely a book best experienced without spoilers. Following Tess and Allie’s storyline at the beginning, getting to know them and even growing to really like them, made the later events hit even harder. That connection added real anxiety as the story unfolds.
This was a really good read for me. The setting descriptions, the character development, and the twists and turns were all very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 16, 2026
BANGER ALERT! BANGER ALERT! A white-knuckle ride of despicable villains, dread-fueled plotting, and wicked twists and turns, Her Last Breath just might be my favorite book of the year. You see, from the immersive storytelling to the claustrophobic setting, this book was everything I look for in a one-sitting read. That wasn’t all, though. I mean, not only did the horror movie-esque jump scares keep me on the edge of my seat, but the well-developed characters added depth to the plot. The best part of this high-speed 200 mile per hour thriller, however, were the gasp-inducing reveals. After all, there wasn’t just one twist that had me shouting “NO F***ING WAY!!” Oh no. There were several. Flipping the script in the best possible way, the intricately plotted storyline had my jaw dropping and my fist pumping throughout this unparalleled read.
What else did I love about this atmospheric story? Well, I can’t forget about the strong, unforgettable heroine or the emotionally charged feel to the plot either. Mixing pulse-pounding frights with thought-provoking themes, it was the perfect combination for a flawless genre-bending novel. With a bit of survival, psychological, and action thriller vibes, it still managed to explore friendship, and trust while also serving up one heck of a cat-and-mouse game. So if you’re in for a slump-busting read, grab this book now. Just make sure that your chores are complete and your kids are in bed. After all, you’re not going to want to take your eyes off the page for even a minute. A savvy locked-room thriller with razor-sharp writing, this rollercoaster ride kept my mind spinning from the riveting start until the *chef’s kiss* conclusion. Rating of 5++++ stars.
BRIEF BLURB:
Please oh please, go into this one at least partially blind. You see, in my humble opinion even the publisher-provided synopsis gives too much away. All you need to know is the following: After putting off her best friend Allie for years, Tess finally agrees to go caving with her for the very first time. Already anxiety-riddled in her day-to-day life, the idea of choosing to descend hundreds of feet under ground has her almost absolutely scared to death. Of course, her fears don’t get any better when the pair of best friends meet a creepy stranger just inside of the cave entrance. Dressed all in black and wearing a balaclava, Tess gets the immediate sense that he’s up to no good. Is it a bad omen, a freak occurrence, or something far more sinister? Either way, the ill-fated run-in is just the start of the worst trip these two friends will ever have.
Thank you Taylor Adams and William Morrow Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 17, 2026
Content warning: stalking, gun and knife violence, blood, violence, murder, mention of: child abuse, pregnancy
What else did I love about this atmospheric story? Well, I can’t forget about the strong, unforgettable heroine or the emotionally charged feel to the plot either. Mixing pulse-pounding frights with thought-provoking themes, it was the perfect combination for a flawless genre-bending novel. With a bit of survival, psychological, and action thriller vibes, it still managed to explore friendship, and trust while also serving up one heck of a cat-and-mouse game. So if you’re in for a slump-busting read, grab this book now. Just make sure that your chores are complete and your kids are in bed. After all, you’re not going to want to take your eyes off the page for even a minute. A savvy locked-room thriller with razor-sharp writing, this rollercoaster ride kept my mind spinning from the riveting start until the *chef’s kiss* conclusion. Rating of 5++++ stars.
BRIEF BLURB:
Please oh please, go into this one at least partially blind. You see, in my humble opinion even the publisher-provided synopsis gives too much away. All you need to know is the following: After putting off her best friend Allie for years, Tess finally agrees to go caving with her for the very first time. Already anxiety-riddled in her day-to-day life, the idea of choosing to descend hundreds of feet under ground has her almost absolutely scared to death. Of course, her fears don’t get any better when the pair of best friends meet a creepy stranger just inside of the cave entrance. Dressed all in black and wearing a balaclava, Tess gets the immediate sense that he’s up to no good. Is it a bad omen, a freak occurrence, or something far more sinister? Either way, the ill-fated run-in is just the start of the worst trip these two friends will ever have.
Thank you Taylor Adams and William Morrow Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 17, 2026
Content warning: stalking, gun and knife violence, blood, violence, murder, mention of: child abuse, pregnancy
March 7, 2026
This book reminds me why I do not do anything adventurous. Caving expeditions are at the top of that list.
Allie and Tess have been friends since they were teenagers but have recently grown a bit apart. Allie is adventurous, and her job revolves around her traveling around the world highlighting all sorts of fun things that are out there. Tess is the exact opposite. She has super high anxiety and prefers to have a more grounded life. She currently handles the administrative work for Allie’s company while she is part-time in law school. In order to try to restore their bond, they decide to go on a caving expedition. Needless to say, it doesn’t go to plan, and they find themselves diving deeper into the cave to escape danger. Yes, you read that right. They had to go further into the cave to escape danger…. That’s exactly why you should always make sure there’s a Plan B when doing dangerous expeditions.
I was hesitant to pick this up just because the idea of being trapped in caves reminds me too much of locked-room mysteries that aren’t really my cup of tea. However, the reviews on this one were just so good that I had to see what everybody was talking about. It was that good! It moved at a breakneck speed, and there were so many fun twists along the way. It was not boring!
I don’t know how this author fell off my radar because I had read another book and enjoyed it. Now I need to go back and find the ones I missed because this author sure can write a fun, twisty thriller.
One piece of advice… do not read this prior to doing any sightseeing within caves. Or spelunking or whatever it is.
Allie and Tess have been friends since they were teenagers but have recently grown a bit apart. Allie is adventurous, and her job revolves around her traveling around the world highlighting all sorts of fun things that are out there. Tess is the exact opposite. She has super high anxiety and prefers to have a more grounded life. She currently handles the administrative work for Allie’s company while she is part-time in law school. In order to try to restore their bond, they decide to go on a caving expedition. Needless to say, it doesn’t go to plan, and they find themselves diving deeper into the cave to escape danger. Yes, you read that right. They had to go further into the cave to escape danger…. That’s exactly why you should always make sure there’s a Plan B when doing dangerous expeditions.
I was hesitant to pick this up just because the idea of being trapped in caves reminds me too much of locked-room mysteries that aren’t really my cup of tea. However, the reviews on this one were just so good that I had to see what everybody was talking about. It was that good! It moved at a breakneck speed, and there were so many fun twists along the way. It was not boring!
I don’t know how this author fell off my radar because I had read another book and enjoyed it. Now I need to go back and find the ones I missed because this author sure can write a fun, twisty thriller.
One piece of advice… do not read this prior to doing any sightseeing within caves. Or spelunking or whatever it is.
September 25, 2025
OMG. OMG OMG OMG OMG THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!! Thank you to Taylor Adams and William Morrow for my copy. It's about Tess, a woman who finally decides to join her best friend caving. Allie is a travel influencer who loves taking risks, and Tess is her shy travel assistant. As they head into the caves, they realize that they're not alone. A stranger who harasses them won't leave them alone, and Allie insults him. Soon he retaliates and Tess is trapped underground, fighting to stay alive. Twenty-four hours later, as a hospitalized Tess recounts her harrowing story of survival, the detective interviewing her shares new and shocking secrets about her friend's true past.
Thoughts: TAYLOR ADAMS IS THE GOAT! Even books about being trapped underground are FULL of twists, turns, and claustrophobic anxiety. This book had my heart racing and there was much more going on than meets the eye. At 25% I had no idea what more could possibly happen, but it did not disappoint. The fear of being trapped underground bled through the pages and made me take deeper breaths as I read.
The culmination of this book was AMAZING and I really didn't see it coming. All of the complex relationships were so well explained and had me gasping. While the main detective was a bit one dimensional, Tess and Allie were extremely interesting and fun to read about. I think this may be the best thriller I read in 2025- 5 stars!
Thoughts: TAYLOR ADAMS IS THE GOAT! Even books about being trapped underground are FULL of twists, turns, and claustrophobic anxiety. This book had my heart racing and there was much more going on than meets the eye. At 25% I had no idea what more could possibly happen, but it did not disappoint. The fear of being trapped underground bled through the pages and made me take deeper breaths as I read.
The culmination of this book was AMAZING and I really didn't see it coming. All of the complex relationships were so well explained and had me gasping. While the main detective was a bit one dimensional, Tess and Allie were extremely interesting and fun to read about. I think this may be the best thriller I read in 2025- 5 stars!
February 20, 2026
4 stars, claustrophobic me really enjoyed this, very well done twists, and appreciated the fast pace too, a good vacation read
February 20, 2026
the setup…
Tess DeWater and Allie Merritt are best friends, almost like sisters but live very different lives. Tess is working and in law school; Allie is an extremely successful travel influencer with a dare devil spirit who finally convinces her risk-averse friend to go caving with her. As they go deeper in that cave, it soon becomes clear they are not alone. The man Allie insulted on their way in is out for retaliation and it becomes a desperate fight for Tess to stay alive.
the heart of the story…
The story begins with Tess in a hospital bed, sharing the details of her harrowing experience with a detective. It shifts back and forth from that setting to the real time events in that cave. Even though clearly Tess has survived, it’s a breathtaking journey to figure out everything in between. My biggest fear is being enclosed in tight spaces and I felt like I was in that cave struggling with anxiety. It felt real.
the narration…
Sophie Amoss has got some serious storytelling skills! She put me in that cave (shudder) and gave distinctive voices for everyone involved. It’s an outstanding performance.
the bottom line…
This is as twisty as that cave, so atmospheric I felt discomfort, struggling to breathe and move. More so than that, it’s crafty not only in structure but in characterizations. Just when I thought I had things worked out, a wrench would be tossed in to challenge that latest theory. Hold on tight because nothing is settled until the last page. Loved it! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to William Morrow and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Tess DeWater and Allie Merritt are best friends, almost like sisters but live very different lives. Tess is working and in law school; Allie is an extremely successful travel influencer with a dare devil spirit who finally convinces her risk-averse friend to go caving with her. As they go deeper in that cave, it soon becomes clear they are not alone. The man Allie insulted on their way in is out for retaliation and it becomes a desperate fight for Tess to stay alive.
the heart of the story…
The story begins with Tess in a hospital bed, sharing the details of her harrowing experience with a detective. It shifts back and forth from that setting to the real time events in that cave. Even though clearly Tess has survived, it’s a breathtaking journey to figure out everything in between. My biggest fear is being enclosed in tight spaces and I felt like I was in that cave struggling with anxiety. It felt real.
the narration…
Sophie Amoss has got some serious storytelling skills! She put me in that cave (shudder) and gave distinctive voices for everyone involved. It’s an outstanding performance.
the bottom line…
This is as twisty as that cave, so atmospheric I felt discomfort, struggling to breathe and move. More so than that, it’s crafty not only in structure but in characterizations. Just when I thought I had things worked out, a wrench would be tossed in to challenge that latest theory. Hold on tight because nothing is settled until the last page. Loved it! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to William Morrow and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
February 18, 2026
THAT ANKLE SCENE HAD ME WANTING TO SCREAM ON A PUBLIC TREADMILL.
If you liked the movie The Descent and want those same feelings, I highly recommend this book. I will never understand why anyone would voluntarily go caving but to each their own I guess, but it'll never be me after that movie and this book. This is the most claustrophobic and one of the most anxiety-inducing books I've ever read. It's so hard to find thrillers that shock me nowadays, but this accomplished that tenfold.
If you liked the movie The Descent and want those same feelings, I highly recommend this book. I will never understand why anyone would voluntarily go caving but to each their own I guess, but it'll never be me after that movie and this book. This is the most claustrophobic and one of the most anxiety-inducing books I've ever read. It's so hard to find thrillers that shock me nowadays, but this accomplished that tenfold.
March 6, 2026
This was so so great!!! For some reason Taylor Adams can entertain me like crazy!! Now, take that with a grain of salt since I have only read two of her books but both were 5 stars!! That's pretty good in my mind! This book flew by so fast, I didn't even feel like I was reading.
THE TWIST!?!? EXCUSE ME???? I did NOT see that coming at all. When Adams gave us that hint before she revealed it I said "HUH??" out loud... lol
This had such a satisfying ending. Everyone was so clever!! (until they weren't 👀) The trilling aspect of the...situation and then you add in caving?? Oh boy I was so uncomfy. I felt like I was in that cave with them.
Taylor can write some freakin psycho characters. I was loving this roller-coaster. I really need to read more of her books now..
THE TWIST!?!? EXCUSE ME???? I did NOT see that coming at all. When Adams gave us that hint before she revealed it I said "HUH??" out loud... lol
This had such a satisfying ending. Everyone was so clever!! (until they weren't 👀) The trilling aspect of the...situation and then you add in caving?? Oh boy I was so uncomfy. I felt like I was in that cave with them.
Taylor can write some freakin psycho characters. I was loving this roller-coaster. I really need to read more of her books now..
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐️ This isn't a bad book by any means but unfortunately 1) I knew immediately what was happening and predicted the entire thing from chapter 1 which really took the fun out of it 2) am not at all claustrophobic which is really needed to make this book seem scary. I also don't love the shifting perspectives that happen often and out of nowhere. Full review to come.
February 24, 2026
OH. MY. GOD.
Another book to add to my list of the greatest books I’ve ever read. Taylor Adams has woven a claustrophobic, suffocating, dark, and menacing tale of survival and unfaltering determination. Just wow. He created a character so extraordinary my jaw is still locked in awe.
Not exaggerating—this book was a BLAST. This should be everywhere and read by everyone. We keep putting overrated books in the spotlight, but real gems like this often stay hidden in the shadows of overhyped releases. Seriously, if you’re a mystery/thriller girlie like me, do NOT sleep on this one.
Caves, tunnels, dark spaces—I will never understand how anyone finds joy in exploring these hidden, dangerous, hollow parts of the Earth. If I don’t see the light, I’m NOT going in. I’d probably lose consciousness the moment I realized I was lost. The author’s vivid, realistic writing made me feel like I was inside the cave with Allie and Tess—smelling the damp earth, feeling the darkness, imagining bugs, spiders, and unseen creatures lurking in the shadows. The idea of being trapped in an enclosed space terrifies me to my core. No. Way.
And the final girl—her determination to survive, her refusal to die and be buried forever in that godforsaken hole, her badass spirit, quick thinking, and compassionate heart—OMG. One of the best-written characters ever. I absolutely love her.
Okay, I’m rambling. I’ll stop here before I never shut up about this book.
If you want an adrenaline-filled, blood-curdling, mind-boggling read—READ THIS BOOK. NOW.
Taylor Adams, you are freaking awesome.
Another book to add to my list of the greatest books I’ve ever read. Taylor Adams has woven a claustrophobic, suffocating, dark, and menacing tale of survival and unfaltering determination. Just wow. He created a character so extraordinary my jaw is still locked in awe.
Not exaggerating—this book was a BLAST. This should be everywhere and read by everyone. We keep putting overrated books in the spotlight, but real gems like this often stay hidden in the shadows of overhyped releases. Seriously, if you’re a mystery/thriller girlie like me, do NOT sleep on this one.
Caves, tunnels, dark spaces—I will never understand how anyone finds joy in exploring these hidden, dangerous, hollow parts of the Earth. If I don’t see the light, I’m NOT going in. I’d probably lose consciousness the moment I realized I was lost. The author’s vivid, realistic writing made me feel like I was inside the cave with Allie and Tess—smelling the damp earth, feeling the darkness, imagining bugs, spiders, and unseen creatures lurking in the shadows. The idea of being trapped in an enclosed space terrifies me to my core. No. Way.
And the final girl—her determination to survive, her refusal to die and be buried forever in that godforsaken hole, her badass spirit, quick thinking, and compassionate heart—OMG. One of the best-written characters ever. I absolutely love her.
Okay, I’m rambling. I’ll stop here before I never shut up about this book.
If you want an adrenaline-filled, blood-curdling, mind-boggling read—READ THIS BOOK. NOW.
Taylor Adams, you are freaking awesome.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Talk about a wild ride!!
If you have read Taylor Adams books before you know what you are in for, but somehow he always manages to shock me. Her Last Breath is so anxiety inducing, it actually gave me nightmares after starting it the first night. The thought of being stuck in a cave with a madman chasing after me was just too much to bear.
This book is so fast paced and addictive, I did read into the night to finish it, o matter how uncomfortable I felt I needed to know what happened. The characters are interesting, not all likeable I must say. A cat and mouse game through the caves, in the dark with god only knows what around you… eww!! The author knew his stuff, the descriptions are fantastic and made you feel as if you were there which was frightening. It is claustrophobic and very dark. I couldn’t put it down.
Thanks so much to William Morrow for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on February 17th.
If you have read Taylor Adams books before you know what you are in for, but somehow he always manages to shock me. Her Last Breath is so anxiety inducing, it actually gave me nightmares after starting it the first night. The thought of being stuck in a cave with a madman chasing after me was just too much to bear.
This book is so fast paced and addictive, I did read into the night to finish it, o matter how uncomfortable I felt I needed to know what happened. The characters are interesting, not all likeable I must say. A cat and mouse game through the caves, in the dark with god only knows what around you… eww!! The author knew his stuff, the descriptions are fantastic and made you feel as if you were there which was frightening. It is claustrophobic and very dark. I couldn’t put it down.
Thanks so much to William Morrow for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on February 17th.
March 6, 2026
I was sat
March 8, 2026
Taylor Adams has long been one of my go-to authors for intense, high-stakes thrillers, and The Last Breath is another fast-paced entry that kept me turning the pages!
The novel follows Tess and Allie, two friends who have grown somewhat distant over the years but reunite for an adventure exploring an underground cave system, largely at the urging of Allie, a successful travel influencer. What begins as an exciting expedition quickly takes a dark turn when they encounter another caver with sinister intentions. In their attempt to escape him, Tess and Allie are forced deeper into the cave, eventually finding themselves trapped far beneath the earth’s surface.
With oxygen dwindling and the maze-like tunnels growing increasingly dangerous, the two must rely on each other to find a way out. But as they push farther into the darkness, it becomes clear that the cave itself may not be their only threat. Suspicion, desperation, and hidden motives begin to emerge, turning an already deadly situation into something even more terrifying.
Taylor Adams delivers another tense, fast-paced thriller that pulls you in from the start. The underground cave setting is particularly effective—claustrophobic, eerie, and thick with tension, making it feel as though the entire story is unfolding in the suffocating darkness beneath the earth. I stayed intrigued the whole way through and found it easy to remain invested in what would happen next.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Allie and Tess, and I also appreciated the inclusion of Detective Washington’s perspective. As an elderly investigator who is often overlooked, she brings a unique voice to the narrative. From the moment her interrogation with the survivor begins, it’s obvious that something isn’t quite adding up, and that sense of mystery immediately drew me in.
That said, there was a little something missing for me this time around. I found myself predicting most of the twists well before they were revealed, which took away some of the shock and surprise that Adams usually delivers so well. Because this author is one of my absolute favorites, he has set a very high bar for himself in my mind—and I may admittedly go into each new book with very high expectations.
Even so, The Last Breath is still a solid thriller and an enjoyable read. While it didn’t quite reach the same heights as some of Adams’ previous novels for me (all very easy 5-star ratings), it remains a gripping, edge-of-your-seat story.
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a tense, fast-moving thriller—especially one set in the uniquely chilling environment of a cave deep underground.
The novel follows Tess and Allie, two friends who have grown somewhat distant over the years but reunite for an adventure exploring an underground cave system, largely at the urging of Allie, a successful travel influencer. What begins as an exciting expedition quickly takes a dark turn when they encounter another caver with sinister intentions. In their attempt to escape him, Tess and Allie are forced deeper into the cave, eventually finding themselves trapped far beneath the earth’s surface.
With oxygen dwindling and the maze-like tunnels growing increasingly dangerous, the two must rely on each other to find a way out. But as they push farther into the darkness, it becomes clear that the cave itself may not be their only threat. Suspicion, desperation, and hidden motives begin to emerge, turning an already deadly situation into something even more terrifying.
Taylor Adams delivers another tense, fast-paced thriller that pulls you in from the start. The underground cave setting is particularly effective—claustrophobic, eerie, and thick with tension, making it feel as though the entire story is unfolding in the suffocating darkness beneath the earth. I stayed intrigued the whole way through and found it easy to remain invested in what would happen next.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Allie and Tess, and I also appreciated the inclusion of Detective Washington’s perspective. As an elderly investigator who is often overlooked, she brings a unique voice to the narrative. From the moment her interrogation with the survivor begins, it’s obvious that something isn’t quite adding up, and that sense of mystery immediately drew me in.
That said, there was a little something missing for me this time around. I found myself predicting most of the twists well before they were revealed, which took away some of the shock and surprise that Adams usually delivers so well. Because this author is one of my absolute favorites, he has set a very high bar for himself in my mind—and I may admittedly go into each new book with very high expectations.
Even so, The Last Breath is still a solid thriller and an enjoyable read. While it didn’t quite reach the same heights as some of Adams’ previous novels for me (all very easy 5-star ratings), it remains a gripping, edge-of-your-seat story.
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a tense, fast-moving thriller—especially one set in the uniquely chilling environment of a cave deep underground.
March 13, 2026
There’s something so eerie about cave exploring. “The underground is still a ghost world to us humans that’s still unknown.” Perhaps it’s the isolation environment, the possibility of lack of air and getting entrapped. Whatever the reason it’s still a fascinating hobby to explore! For those that like to live on the thrill side I can most definitely understand why they do this.
This story was so suspenseful I truly enjoyed it so much! The descriptions of the elements made me feel fear which is something I want in my thriller reads!
I found some of the cave exploring facts to also be interesting like learning that caves breathe in a way.
I highly recommend this thriller. It’s a super fast paced ride! ⛰️ 🧗🏽♀️
This story was so suspenseful I truly enjoyed it so much! The descriptions of the elements made me feel fear which is something I want in my thriller reads!
I found some of the cave exploring facts to also be interesting like learning that caves breathe in a way.
I highly recommend this thriller. It’s a super fast paced ride! ⛰️ 🧗🏽♀️
November 14, 2025
Best thriller that I have read in a while. So well done.
March 10, 2026
This was such a thrilling ride that kept me on the edge of my seat. At times it felt downright claustrophobic and caught myself holding my breath a couple times. The story follows two best friends, Allie and Tess, who set out on a caving adventure in a place with the ominous name Devil’s Staircase, deep in the Cascade Mountains.
I really liked the dynamic between them. Tess is the more hesitant and inexperienced of the two, but she agrees to the trip partly to prove something to herself. Allie, on the other hand, is a travel influencer and seasoned caver, and expertly leads the way and teaches Tess the ropes as they squeeze through narrow tunnels and crawl spaces. It’s actually a great setup for reconnecting with someone. Nothing like being wedged into a dark, gritty passage together to bring people closer and maybe learn some dark secrets. But of course, this is a thriller, and it doesn’t take long before things take a sinister turn. There’s someone else in the cave with them, and that’s when the real terror begins.
From that point on, Tess has to rely on what she’s learned and her own instincts to survive. Part of the story starts in the beginning as one survivor recounts the experience to Detective Washington, an older investigator who proves to be far sharper than anyone expects. I really liked her presence in the story—quietly observant and impossible to fool.
I’ve read Taylor Adams’s last two thrillers and enjoyed them as well. He seems to master these tight, high-pressure survival stories where the pacing rarely lets up. I was also interested in this one because I actually had a couple of caving experiences decades ago in the mountains where I live. The friend I went with was experienced like Allie—but I definitely wasn’t. But I always had a bit of an adventurous streak in me and was open to exploring new things. Yes, there were moments where I had to crawl on my belly through tight spaces, which brings the memory of this book’s setting a little too close for comfort. One cool moment I still remember vividly was when we both turned off our headlamps and lay on our backs in complete darkness. Total blackness. It was strangely calming to me, but I could easily imagine how terrifying that might feel to someone like Tess, who wants absolutely nothing to do with the dark. And when you’re in a cave like that, you really do have to pay attention to everything around you, especially what’s behind you—so you can find your way back out.
Overall, this turned out to be a very satisfying thriller. It was better than I expected and was genuinely surprised more than once with twists I didn’t see coming. It’s a gripping and tightly written survival story that made for a very entertaining read.
I really liked the dynamic between them. Tess is the more hesitant and inexperienced of the two, but she agrees to the trip partly to prove something to herself. Allie, on the other hand, is a travel influencer and seasoned caver, and expertly leads the way and teaches Tess the ropes as they squeeze through narrow tunnels and crawl spaces. It’s actually a great setup for reconnecting with someone. Nothing like being wedged into a dark, gritty passage together to bring people closer and maybe learn some dark secrets. But of course, this is a thriller, and it doesn’t take long before things take a sinister turn. There’s someone else in the cave with them, and that’s when the real terror begins.
From that point on, Tess has to rely on what she’s learned and her own instincts to survive. Part of the story starts in the beginning as one survivor recounts the experience to Detective Washington, an older investigator who proves to be far sharper than anyone expects. I really liked her presence in the story—quietly observant and impossible to fool.
I’ve read Taylor Adams’s last two thrillers and enjoyed them as well. He seems to master these tight, high-pressure survival stories where the pacing rarely lets up. I was also interested in this one because I actually had a couple of caving experiences decades ago in the mountains where I live. The friend I went with was experienced like Allie—but I definitely wasn’t. But I always had a bit of an adventurous streak in me and was open to exploring new things. Yes, there were moments where I had to crawl on my belly through tight spaces, which brings the memory of this book’s setting a little too close for comfort. One cool moment I still remember vividly was when we both turned off our headlamps and lay on our backs in complete darkness. Total blackness. It was strangely calming to me, but I could easily imagine how terrifying that might feel to someone like Tess, who wants absolutely nothing to do with the dark. And when you’re in a cave like that, you really do have to pay attention to everything around you, especially what’s behind you—so you can find your way back out.
Overall, this turned out to be a very satisfying thriller. It was better than I expected and was genuinely surprised more than once with twists I didn’t see coming. It’s a gripping and tightly written survival story that made for a very entertaining read.
March 3, 2026
4.5 stars
Adams once again reminds me why he's one of my favorite thriller authors
rtc
Adams once again reminds me why he's one of my favorite thriller authors
rtc
August 18, 2025
A new favorite from Taylor Adams. I read this in one sitting because I literally could not stop reading. Two best friends go caving and bad things happen. It was anxiety inducing reading about this excursion. My adrenaline was high. The story was flawless and damn good. No complaints about this one.
March 2, 2026
5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2026/03/02/...
I now find myself frantically looking up every single book by Taylor Adams because I genuinely can’t believe I have never read him before now. Her Last Breath was my first, but it will absolutely not be my last. It’s been a while since a thriller gripped me like this; I finished this book so exhilarated I could barely catch my breath.
The story centers on two women, Tess and Allie, whose lives have been intertwined since childhood despite very different beginnings. Tess grew up in an abusive home, and it was Allie’s family who took her in and gave her the stability she desperately needed. From there, they became lifelong friends, though as adults, their paths diverged. Allie’s bold, outgoing personality led her to a career as a successful travel influencer, while Tess, who is more cautious and anxious, stayed closer to home, helping manage Allie’s accounts as a way to pay her way through law school. But after returning from a long period of jet-setting around the globe, Allie suggests a caving trip as a chance for them to reconnect, and Tess reluctantly agrees.
Things get off to a bad start when they arrive and find a strange man lingering near the cave entrance, asking unsettling questions. Then, the encounter quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. As it turns out, the man wasn’t just there by random. He has a purpose, and he’s determined that neither women will leave the cave alive. The real question is why they were targeted in the first place.
The book opens with Tess in a hospital bed, referred to as “the survivor” by the detective interviewing her. The story next alternates between this present-day interrogation and Tess’s detailed account of the women’s harrowing ordeal that occurred underground. It’s a structure that works beautifully, with information carefully revealed and sometimes deliberately withheld. I won’t say much more than this, because Her Last Breath is one of those books that’s best experienced without knowing too much. Just trust that there are plenty of surprises waiting.
The pacing is tight, and once things start moving, they do not slow down. Even the quieter, “safer” interview scenes carry tension because you can feel that something bigger is lurking beneath the surface. There’s a mystery here that won’t be revealed until it’s good and ready, and looking back, I realized all the perspective changes were planned deliberately for maximum effect. The author knew exactly what he was doing, when to give and when to hold back, when to drop a detail that makes the reader rethink everything they just read.
The cave scenes also shredded my nerves. If you’re claustrophobic, or heck, even if you’re not, I would strongly recommend asking yourself if you really want to tackle this book. The writing was so immersive, I actually felt physically uncomfortable reading it. The descriptions of the cramped tunnels, the suffocating darkness, and the cold hard rock pressing in on you from every direction are no joke. The sense of being trapped, of not being able to stand up straight or turn around or even expand your lungs to take a full breath, is so vivid that it’s hard not to feel it yourself.
I also really appreciated the character dynamics. Tess and Allie’s friendship is layered and complex, shaped by years of history but also the differences in their personalities. When met with a challenge or danger, they have different ideas on how to confront it. These emotional currents make the experience feel more personal and lead to uncertainty when questions arise. If you read a lot of thrillers, you might spot a few of the tricks Adams has up his sleeve, but honestly, even though I did catch onto some things, it didn’t lessen the fun I had with this book at all. The suspense, the atmosphere, and the execution were solid and carried the story, not to mention there were still plenty of twists that floored me.
By the end, I was in disbelief at how brilliantly everything came together. Her Last Break is tense and claustrophobic, but also incredibly entertaining. It’s the kind of book that reminds me why I love thrillers and why I will never agree to go caving in a million years. Plus, now I have a new must-read author in Taylor Adams, and I’m very happy about that.
I now find myself frantically looking up every single book by Taylor Adams because I genuinely can’t believe I have never read him before now. Her Last Breath was my first, but it will absolutely not be my last. It’s been a while since a thriller gripped me like this; I finished this book so exhilarated I could barely catch my breath.
The story centers on two women, Tess and Allie, whose lives have been intertwined since childhood despite very different beginnings. Tess grew up in an abusive home, and it was Allie’s family who took her in and gave her the stability she desperately needed. From there, they became lifelong friends, though as adults, their paths diverged. Allie’s bold, outgoing personality led her to a career as a successful travel influencer, while Tess, who is more cautious and anxious, stayed closer to home, helping manage Allie’s accounts as a way to pay her way through law school. But after returning from a long period of jet-setting around the globe, Allie suggests a caving trip as a chance for them to reconnect, and Tess reluctantly agrees.
Things get off to a bad start when they arrive and find a strange man lingering near the cave entrance, asking unsettling questions. Then, the encounter quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. As it turns out, the man wasn’t just there by random. He has a purpose, and he’s determined that neither women will leave the cave alive. The real question is why they were targeted in the first place.
The book opens with Tess in a hospital bed, referred to as “the survivor” by the detective interviewing her. The story next alternates between this present-day interrogation and Tess’s detailed account of the women’s harrowing ordeal that occurred underground. It’s a structure that works beautifully, with information carefully revealed and sometimes deliberately withheld. I won’t say much more than this, because Her Last Breath is one of those books that’s best experienced without knowing too much. Just trust that there are plenty of surprises waiting.
The pacing is tight, and once things start moving, they do not slow down. Even the quieter, “safer” interview scenes carry tension because you can feel that something bigger is lurking beneath the surface. There’s a mystery here that won’t be revealed until it’s good and ready, and looking back, I realized all the perspective changes were planned deliberately for maximum effect. The author knew exactly what he was doing, when to give and when to hold back, when to drop a detail that makes the reader rethink everything they just read.
The cave scenes also shredded my nerves. If you’re claustrophobic, or heck, even if you’re not, I would strongly recommend asking yourself if you really want to tackle this book. The writing was so immersive, I actually felt physically uncomfortable reading it. The descriptions of the cramped tunnels, the suffocating darkness, and the cold hard rock pressing in on you from every direction are no joke. The sense of being trapped, of not being able to stand up straight or turn around or even expand your lungs to take a full breath, is so vivid that it’s hard not to feel it yourself.
I also really appreciated the character dynamics. Tess and Allie’s friendship is layered and complex, shaped by years of history but also the differences in their personalities. When met with a challenge or danger, they have different ideas on how to confront it. These emotional currents make the experience feel more personal and lead to uncertainty when questions arise. If you read a lot of thrillers, you might spot a few of the tricks Adams has up his sleeve, but honestly, even though I did catch onto some things, it didn’t lessen the fun I had with this book at all. The suspense, the atmosphere, and the execution were solid and carried the story, not to mention there were still plenty of twists that floored me.
By the end, I was in disbelief at how brilliantly everything came together. Her Last Break is tense and claustrophobic, but also incredibly entertaining. It’s the kind of book that reminds me why I love thrillers and why I will never agree to go caving in a million years. Plus, now I have a new must-read author in Taylor Adams, and I’m very happy about that.
February 18, 2026
4.5 stars. Talk about anxiety in a book.
March 12, 2026
Her Last Breath is a very entertaining, fast-paced thriller that completely pulled me in. From the beginning it establishes a tense atmosphere and claustrophobic setting as most of the story is set inside of a cave system. You definitely feel how dark and suffocating it is.
I also like how the story balances survival horror with mystery. There were some reveals that I did see coming but there were also a lot of twists that completely surprised me.
That said, it's not a new favorite. I definitely had to suspend my disbelief a few times and it's not the most original idea in general. I still prefer No Exit from this author, but it was still a very enjoyable read. I read it all in one day - it's definitely a page-turner. 4 ⭑.ᐟ
I also like how the story balances survival horror with mystery. There were some reveals that I did see coming but there were also a lot of twists that completely surprised me.
That said, it's not a new favorite. I definitely had to suspend my disbelief a few times and it's not the most original idea in general. I still prefer No Exit from this author, but it was still a very enjoyable read. I read it all in one day - it's definitely a page-turner. 4 ⭑.ᐟ
February 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!
Omg omg omg he has done it again. I honestly went into this one not expecting it to top No Exit, but it did. I was on the edge of my seat, holding my kindle in a death grip almost the entire time. The claustrophobic feel of the book, the unreliable narrator’s POV, and all the twists and turns made this such a good read! 5 stars!!!
Omg omg omg he has done it again. I honestly went into this one not expecting it to top No Exit, but it did. I was on the edge of my seat, holding my kindle in a death grip almost the entire time. The claustrophobic feel of the book, the unreliable narrator’s POV, and all the twists and turns made this such a good read! 5 stars!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The cave you enter isn't the cave you leave."
Absolutely fabulous ~ Don't miss this one! I don't know about you but caving is not for me. Dark, small, tight - it just screams it's not if you die but when. So when I saw this author, a master at building tension and suspense, was giving us a caving book, I just knew I had to read it.
Tess and Allie are finally back together and out for a day of fun. Allie is a travel blogger, making a pretty good living going on adventures and writing about it, taking photos and testing sponsored gear. Tess is her part time assistant, part time law student and is far less adventurous than Allie. So exciting that they are together, Allie freshly back from some travel, and is ready to teach Tess about caving.
The drive there is easy, their conversation easy to pick back up even though they don't get as much time together as they used to. No, the day doesn't start to take a turn until they notice a body near the entrance to where the cave starts changing and they need to start using skill and gear. And it's a man with his face covered, explaining he's from some wildlife and game organization checking something in the cave. He leaves both girls feel uneasy.
Man, this story is edge-of-your-seat compelling. I couldn't stop reading once I started. It's a fast read, easy to get through large chunks, except the eerie feeling of the claustrophobia, the fear of feeling hunted and the real threat of danger - it absolutely jumps off the page. I took breaks only to breath and reset, reading to dive back in. Even though I'd guessed a few things, it was easy to second guess myself and just get completely wrapped up in the story. I definitely see an re-read in my future, grabbing the audio when I can! I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Absolutely fabulous ~ Don't miss this one! I don't know about you but caving is not for me. Dark, small, tight - it just screams it's not if you die but when. So when I saw this author, a master at building tension and suspense, was giving us a caving book, I just knew I had to read it.
Tess and Allie are finally back together and out for a day of fun. Allie is a travel blogger, making a pretty good living going on adventures and writing about it, taking photos and testing sponsored gear. Tess is her part time assistant, part time law student and is far less adventurous than Allie. So exciting that they are together, Allie freshly back from some travel, and is ready to teach Tess about caving.
The drive there is easy, their conversation easy to pick back up even though they don't get as much time together as they used to. No, the day doesn't start to take a turn until they notice a body near the entrance to where the cave starts changing and they need to start using skill and gear. And it's a man with his face covered, explaining he's from some wildlife and game organization checking something in the cave. He leaves both girls feel uneasy.
Man, this story is edge-of-your-seat compelling. I couldn't stop reading once I started. It's a fast read, easy to get through large chunks, except the eerie feeling of the claustrophobia, the fear of feeling hunted and the real threat of danger - it absolutely jumps off the page. I took breaks only to breath and reset, reading to dive back in. Even though I'd guessed a few things, it was easy to second guess myself and just get completely wrapped up in the story. I definitely see an re-read in my future, grabbing the audio when I can! I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
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