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The Last Caretaker
Katie’s divorce was, in a word, humiliating. So when her friend Bess offers a fresh start—a residential caretaking job at a nature preserve—Katie accepts. No matter that she’s not exactly a “nature person.” How hard can it be?
But from day one, something feels off. Katie’s new farmhouse looks as if the last caretaker barely moved out at all. When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, it’s clear caretaking involves way more than Katie bargained for.
Katie can’t tell who she can trust: the brooding groundskeeper, the daily regulars—hikers, dog walkers, bird-watchers, photographers—even Bess.
As Katie digs deeper for clues in what the last caretaker left behind, she must discover courage she never knew she had—and decide how much she’ll risk to do the right thing.
But from day one, something feels off. Katie’s new farmhouse looks as if the last caretaker barely moved out at all. When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, it’s clear caretaking involves way more than Katie bargained for.
Katie can’t tell who she can trust: the brooding groundskeeper, the daily regulars—hikers, dog walkers, bird-watchers, photographers—even Bess.
As Katie digs deeper for clues in what the last caretaker left behind, she must discover courage she never knew she had—and decide how much she’ll risk to do the right thing.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
4505 people are currently reading
12456 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Strawser
10 books1,679 followersJESSICA STRAWSER is the USA Today bestselling author of seven suspenseful book club novels featuring strong women put to the test, including ALMOST MISSED YOU, NOT THAT I COULD TELL (a Book of the Month selection), A MILLION REASONS WHY, and THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW (a People Magazine Pick). Her two most recent novels, THE LAST CARETAKER (a 2023 Amazon Editors First Reads Selection) and CATCH YOU LATER (new in October 2024) have both become instant bestsellers on the USA Today charts.
She is Editor-at-Large for Writer’s Digest, a contributing editor for Career Authors, and a popular speaker at writing conferences at reader-focused events.
Her work has appeared in The New York Times' Modern Love, Publishers Weekly, and other fine venues. She lives with her husband and two children in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is the recipient of a 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. She is a member of Tall Poppy Writers, Fiction Writers Co-op, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. Connect with her on Twitter @jessicastrawser and Facebook and Instagram @jessicastrawserauthor. Visit jessicastrawser.com to learn more.
She is Editor-at-Large for Writer’s Digest, a contributing editor for Career Authors, and a popular speaker at writing conferences at reader-focused events.
Her work has appeared in The New York Times' Modern Love, Publishers Weekly, and other fine venues. She lives with her husband and two children in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is the recipient of a 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. She is a member of Tall Poppy Writers, Fiction Writers Co-op, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. Connect with her on Twitter @jessicastrawser and Facebook and Instagram @jessicastrawserauthor. Visit jessicastrawser.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 695 reviews
November 25, 2023
TW: Domestic Violence (off page)
When Katie’s best friend Bess offers a fresh start, after a humiliating divorce, it was an easy “ YES”.
A residential caretaking job at a nature preserve sounds therapeutic, even if Katie isn’t exactly a “nature person.”
But as Bess unlocks the door to the farmhouse that Katie will now call home-something feels off.
It looks as if the “last caretaker” was still living there, with coats draped over chairs, personal framed photos still on display and dishes in the sink.
Then-a bleeding, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, and it becomes clear that “caretaking” involves way more than Katie bargained for as she finds herself drawn into a network of people who help Victims make a fresh start of their own. ❤️🩹
I was THRILLED that “The Last Caretaker” by Jessica Strawser was one of the selections in Amazon’s First Reads program for November 2023, as I have read (and loved) everything that the author has written, and this story was no exception-I was immediately hooked!
And, I had to keep reading to see what would happen!!
She always introduces us to well developed characters, who feel like people you could meet in your own life, and gives readers an issue to talk about-this time, domestic abuse.
Her acknowledgment page shares that she lost a friend who was a Victim of domestic violence so it’s a cause near and dear to her heart. 💔
And, what a gorgeous cover! 🌻
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you have a few more days to choose this book for free, if you have yet to make a selection, or it’s available for pre-order for a delivery date of December 1st!
When Katie’s best friend Bess offers a fresh start, after a humiliating divorce, it was an easy “ YES”.
A residential caretaking job at a nature preserve sounds therapeutic, even if Katie isn’t exactly a “nature person.”
But as Bess unlocks the door to the farmhouse that Katie will now call home-something feels off.
It looks as if the “last caretaker” was still living there, with coats draped over chairs, personal framed photos still on display and dishes in the sink.
Then-a bleeding, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, and it becomes clear that “caretaking” involves way more than Katie bargained for as she finds herself drawn into a network of people who help Victims make a fresh start of their own. ❤️🩹
I was THRILLED that “The Last Caretaker” by Jessica Strawser was one of the selections in Amazon’s First Reads program for November 2023, as I have read (and loved) everything that the author has written, and this story was no exception-I was immediately hooked!
And, I had to keep reading to see what would happen!!
She always introduces us to well developed characters, who feel like people you could meet in your own life, and gives readers an issue to talk about-this time, domestic abuse.
Her acknowledgment page shares that she lost a friend who was a Victim of domestic violence so it’s a cause near and dear to her heart. 💔
And, what a gorgeous cover! 🌻
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you have a few more days to choose this book for free, if you have yet to make a selection, or it’s available for pre-order for a delivery date of December 1st!
December 4, 2023
Just a 3
Katie, post divorce, needs a fresh start. Her close friend Bess puts in a good word for her so that she can become the new caretaker at Grove Nature Centre in rural Ohio. However, wait, what? On her arrival, why does the caretakers residence look as if Grace, the last caretaker, has just stepped out for a minute? It’s all a bit odd, if not weird as she’s even left behind her journal. Nothing feels right to Katie and she’s understandably very suspicious and on full alert. Then late one night, there’s persistent ringing on the doorbell and from there things take a very unexpected turn, and Katie finds herself involved.
I so wanted to like this book as the blurb intrigues me, however, it’s very much a game of two halves for me. First of all, the aspects I find positive. I really like the setting, it feels isolated which serves to heighten some of the unfolding scenarios and there’s some claustrophobic need to look over the shoulder. The mystery of Grace is perplexing and interesting and does keep me reading on. The direction the storyline takes delivers a good message with a focus on those on the receiving end of domestic violence. It’s a necessary cause to highlight and the author does a good job with this aspect of the plot.
However, I find the authors style laborious. It goes on far too long as it takes us off the Grove hiking trails and on unnecessary rambles. These tangents make me confused and it also serves to lose my attention and I find myself skimming parts. The pace is so slow until the last third, there’s not much tension and to be honest, it doesn’t give thriller vibes at all.
Although it’s obvious Katie wants to do the right thing, she genuinely desires to go to do good, she drives me bananas with her overanalysing. As for the ending, it just seems too neatly tied up, and it’s way too easy to spot the one we should be worrying about.
Overall, this seems to have divided readers, some really enjoy it and others like me who find it an average read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Lake Union for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Katie, post divorce, needs a fresh start. Her close friend Bess puts in a good word for her so that she can become the new caretaker at Grove Nature Centre in rural Ohio. However, wait, what? On her arrival, why does the caretakers residence look as if Grace, the last caretaker, has just stepped out for a minute? It’s all a bit odd, if not weird as she’s even left behind her journal. Nothing feels right to Katie and she’s understandably very suspicious and on full alert. Then late one night, there’s persistent ringing on the doorbell and from there things take a very unexpected turn, and Katie finds herself involved.
I so wanted to like this book as the blurb intrigues me, however, it’s very much a game of two halves for me. First of all, the aspects I find positive. I really like the setting, it feels isolated which serves to heighten some of the unfolding scenarios and there’s some claustrophobic need to look over the shoulder. The mystery of Grace is perplexing and interesting and does keep me reading on. The direction the storyline takes delivers a good message with a focus on those on the receiving end of domestic violence. It’s a necessary cause to highlight and the author does a good job with this aspect of the plot.
However, I find the authors style laborious. It goes on far too long as it takes us off the Grove hiking trails and on unnecessary rambles. These tangents make me confused and it also serves to lose my attention and I find myself skimming parts. The pace is so slow until the last third, there’s not much tension and to be honest, it doesn’t give thriller vibes at all.
Although it’s obvious Katie wants to do the right thing, she genuinely desires to go to do good, she drives me bananas with her overanalysing. As for the ending, it just seems too neatly tied up, and it’s way too easy to spot the one we should be worrying about.
Overall, this seems to have divided readers, some really enjoy it and others like me who find it an average read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Lake Union for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 9, 2023
Yawn-O-Rama...
THE LAST CARETAKER by Jessica Strawser
No spoilers. 2 stars. This novel was my Amazon First Reads selection for the month of November 2023...
Katie is going through a messy divorce...
... and wants to restart her life so she accepts a position as caretaker at Grove Farm Nature Reserve offered by her BFF Bess...
Katie will be living in a cabin behind the reserve's gates. There is a detached garage with a secret apartment above it...
What Katie soon discovers...
... is that her cabin is a waystation for battered women who, like Katie, are seeking to start over with new identities...
... and women will be staying in the garage apartment until it is safe for them to move on to the next leg of their journey...
Disclosure: DNF. Sometimes, you pick up a book that looks like a good story only to discover that it wasn't what you thought it was (my bad).
I thought this was a story about a woman living as a forest ranger, but it turned out to be a story about abused women crusading against abusive men and how these women were going to change the world one battered woman at a time.
Awkward, clunky writing made the book hard to follow at times, and I found myself doing a lot of rereading because some sentences didn't make sense.
At 50%, I was so bored that I decided not to waste another moment with it. I should have known that the book, described as book club fiction, was going to be a very shallow read meant for women's book clubs.
I was disappointed with this selection, but if you like this kind of story, you'll still have to deal with the fact that it was basically a real yawn-o-rama in the storytelling.
THE LAST CARETAKER by Jessica Strawser
No spoilers. 2 stars. This novel was my Amazon First Reads selection for the month of November 2023...
Katie is going through a messy divorce...
... and wants to restart her life so she accepts a position as caretaker at Grove Farm Nature Reserve offered by her BFF Bess...
Katie will be living in a cabin behind the reserve's gates. There is a detached garage with a secret apartment above it...
What Katie soon discovers...
... is that her cabin is a waystation for battered women who, like Katie, are seeking to start over with new identities...
... and women will be staying in the garage apartment until it is safe for them to move on to the next leg of their journey...
Disclosure: DNF. Sometimes, you pick up a book that looks like a good story only to discover that it wasn't what you thought it was (my bad).
I thought this was a story about a woman living as a forest ranger, but it turned out to be a story about abused women crusading against abusive men and how these women were going to change the world one battered woman at a time.
Awkward, clunky writing made the book hard to follow at times, and I found myself doing a lot of rereading because some sentences didn't make sense.
At 50%, I was so bored that I decided not to waste another moment with it. I should have known that the book, described as book club fiction, was going to be a very shallow read meant for women's book clubs.
I was disappointed with this selection, but if you like this kind of story, you'll still have to deal with the fact that it was basically a real yawn-o-rama in the storytelling.
December 3, 2023
4.5 ⭐
How much will you risk to do the right thing?
What a perfect book to read on a foggy night when all around me is shrouded in mystery and shadows! The sense of mystery and anticipation is paramount in this fantastic story.
What you’ll get:
An immersive experience as recently divorced Katie is tested in unimaginable yet empowering ways when she becomes the lone resident of 927 remote acres, a caretaker of Grove Nature Reserve.
This is a great, unassuming book that bridges difficult situations and ignites conversations as well as gives a voice to those who are victims of domestic abuse.
Katie took this job after her friend Bess encouraged Katie to save her future. Katie is struggling to heal and face life after Clark. She’s recently rid herself of everything that’s holding her back; her marriage, her job, and the need to make excuses and is looking to press pause while she recalibrates. Discovering that the new job isn’t what she imagined is one of the first disappointments Katie faces. How she deals with this first challenge will determine her future.
I loved watching Katie’s growth and seeing her find the strength and courage to alter her course in life. It’s a universal truth realized when we face the gap between what we think is ideal or enviable and the true reality of ‘it’. Katie’s discovery of the secret that her new home harbours catapults her into a role she didn’t know she was designed specifically for - and it allows her to shine. I giggled at the unreturned library books, felt my heart break when I understood the connection between the Black-eyed Susans on the cover and the connection within the story and appreciated the examination of trust and the role of friendships.
My biggest ‘takeaway’ was the reminder to keep my “eye on the joy.”
I was thankful for this examination of an age-old adage: Nothing is as it seems.
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
How much will you risk to do the right thing?
What a perfect book to read on a foggy night when all around me is shrouded in mystery and shadows! The sense of mystery and anticipation is paramount in this fantastic story.
What you’ll get:
An immersive experience as recently divorced Katie is tested in unimaginable yet empowering ways when she becomes the lone resident of 927 remote acres, a caretaker of Grove Nature Reserve.
This is a great, unassuming book that bridges difficult situations and ignites conversations as well as gives a voice to those who are victims of domestic abuse.
Katie took this job after her friend Bess encouraged Katie to save her future. Katie is struggling to heal and face life after Clark. She’s recently rid herself of everything that’s holding her back; her marriage, her job, and the need to make excuses and is looking to press pause while she recalibrates. Discovering that the new job isn’t what she imagined is one of the first disappointments Katie faces. How she deals with this first challenge will determine her future.
I loved watching Katie’s growth and seeing her find the strength and courage to alter her course in life. It’s a universal truth realized when we face the gap between what we think is ideal or enviable and the true reality of ‘it’. Katie’s discovery of the secret that her new home harbours catapults her into a role she didn’t know she was designed specifically for - and it allows her to shine. I giggled at the unreturned library books, felt my heart break when I understood the connection between the Black-eyed Susans on the cover and the connection within the story and appreciated the examination of trust and the role of friendships.
My biggest ‘takeaway’ was the reminder to keep my “eye on the joy.”
I was thankful for this examination of an age-old adage: Nothing is as it seems.
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 11, 2023
An interesting plot, along with an unusual setting, make this novel by Jessica Strawser a keeper. A newly divorced woman takes on the job of caretaker at an isolated members-only property. Unexpected people turn her job into much more than she expected. Amazon First Reads choice for November, 2023.
March 16, 2024
What started out as an interesting story eventually turned into a convoluted mess. Katie has suffered through a messy divorce when her best friend Bess offers her a gig as a caretaker at an Ohio reserve.
But all is not as it seems as the previous caretaker provided refuge for women escaping domestic violence as part of a secret system. By the end I was well over it all. I picked the bad guy the first time he appeared and the shenanigans going on within Sequence, the DV network, became ridiculous.
Having read Ms Strawser's books before, I find her a hit and miss author, really good or not. This was not. 2 stars.
But all is not as it seems as the previous caretaker provided refuge for women escaping domestic violence as part of a secret system. By the end I was well over it all. I picked the bad guy the first time he appeared and the shenanigans going on within Sequence, the DV network, became ridiculous.
Having read Ms Strawser's books before, I find her a hit and miss author, really good or not. This was not. 2 stars.
October 22, 2024
Check out my December #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A Interview with Jessica, where we go behind the scenes of the book and this multi-talented author!
Jessica Strawser returns following The Next Thing You Know (5 stars) with her sixth novel, THE LAST CARETAKER —Richly atmospheric, a beautifully written, emotional, suspenseful, mysterious, compelling, powerful tale of domestic violence, courage, and survival with strong women and an essential takeaway message.
A woman wants to start over and accepts a resident caretaker position in the wilderness at a remote nature reserve. However, her new home is anything but quiet when she discovers it is a safe house for victims of domestic violence and a way to escape. The mystery is what happened to the last caretaker.
Katie, a web designer from Pittsburg, is divorced from Clark and is ready for a new start. She puts her faith in her long-time friend, Bess, who offers her a way to leave her past behind.
The position is a resident caretaking job at Grove Farm Nature Reserve on 927 acres. Bess is the programming director at the nature center's main campus. The position comes with a furnished cabin, and she is grateful to be the 'new Katie,' leaving the 'old Katie' behind.
Katie accepted without seeing the area since it was out of state. She is not a nature buff; however, she is sure to adapt. She wants to be grateful, and Bess pulled strings for her.
However, when she arrives, it is more remote than she expected. She also feels something is off. It looks like someone lives in the cabin/farmhouse. There are personal items left. Pictures and later discovers a journal. What happened to the last caretaker? Did she go in a hurry? No one seems to have answers.
When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, it becomes apparent her position of caretaking involves more than she imagined. What has she gotten herself into?
Katie soon realizes her home is a hidden safehouse for domestic violence victims on the run. She was not prepared for this. She did not sign up for this. She must reach Grace, the last caretaker.
What about her protection? She has no idea who might show up on her doorstep. She does not know whom to trust. What if she lets in the wrong person, who may be dangerous? These women's lives are at stake.
Oh, how I loved THE LAST CARETAKER! I have been an avid fan of the author for many years and enjoyed her books.
Inspired by accounts of real courageous women, Katie learns she has strength that she did not know she possessed. A rewarding and brave group of women who seek refuge and a safe haven. Pushed to the breaking point to risk and choose safety to help others.
Almost like an underground railroad, the story is mysterious and comes with emotion and heart-pounding suspense. A true page-turner! Thought-provoking and compelling, the novel explores how you can help before it is too late.
I adored the significance of the black-eyed Susan flowers on the front cover and how they fit into the novel with this group of women. Black-eyed Susan flowers are Sun worshipers that forgive neglect and are tough-as-nails. Much like these women. Stunning!
THE LAST CARETAKER is timely, relevant, absorbing, and empowering! The author's passion shines through on the pages with her lyrical prose and her experience with domestic violence.
I enjoyed Katie's character, the risk, the unknown, and the courage. New beginnings! Told with compassion and sensitivity, this is a must-read book! Ideal for gift-giving and a perfect book club pick (book club questions included)!
Blog Review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Dec 1, 2023
Dec 2023 Must-Read Books
Dec Featured Author #AuthorElevatorSeries
Jessica Strawser returns following The Next Thing You Know (5 stars) with her sixth novel, THE LAST CARETAKER —Richly atmospheric, a beautifully written, emotional, suspenseful, mysterious, compelling, powerful tale of domestic violence, courage, and survival with strong women and an essential takeaway message.
A woman wants to start over and accepts a resident caretaker position in the wilderness at a remote nature reserve. However, her new home is anything but quiet when she discovers it is a safe house for victims of domestic violence and a way to escape. The mystery is what happened to the last caretaker.
Katie, a web designer from Pittsburg, is divorced from Clark and is ready for a new start. She puts her faith in her long-time friend, Bess, who offers her a way to leave her past behind.
The position is a resident caretaking job at Grove Farm Nature Reserve on 927 acres. Bess is the programming director at the nature center's main campus. The position comes with a furnished cabin, and she is grateful to be the 'new Katie,' leaving the 'old Katie' behind.
Katie accepted without seeing the area since it was out of state. She is not a nature buff; however, she is sure to adapt. She wants to be grateful, and Bess pulled strings for her.
However, when she arrives, it is more remote than she expected. She also feels something is off. It looks like someone lives in the cabin/farmhouse. There are personal items left. Pictures and later discovers a journal. What happened to the last caretaker? Did she go in a hurry? No one seems to have answers.
When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, it becomes apparent her position of caretaking involves more than she imagined. What has she gotten herself into?
Katie soon realizes her home is a hidden safehouse for domestic violence victims on the run. She was not prepared for this. She did not sign up for this. She must reach Grace, the last caretaker.
What about her protection? She has no idea who might show up on her doorstep. She does not know whom to trust. What if she lets in the wrong person, who may be dangerous? These women's lives are at stake.
Oh, how I loved THE LAST CARETAKER! I have been an avid fan of the author for many years and enjoyed her books.
Inspired by accounts of real courageous women, Katie learns she has strength that she did not know she possessed. A rewarding and brave group of women who seek refuge and a safe haven. Pushed to the breaking point to risk and choose safety to help others.
Almost like an underground railroad, the story is mysterious and comes with emotion and heart-pounding suspense. A true page-turner! Thought-provoking and compelling, the novel explores how you can help before it is too late.
I adored the significance of the black-eyed Susan flowers on the front cover and how they fit into the novel with this group of women. Black-eyed Susan flowers are Sun worshipers that forgive neglect and are tough-as-nails. Much like these women. Stunning!
THE LAST CARETAKER is timely, relevant, absorbing, and empowering! The author's passion shines through on the pages with her lyrical prose and her experience with domestic violence.
I enjoyed Katie's character, the risk, the unknown, and the courage. New beginnings! Told with compassion and sensitivity, this is a must-read book! Ideal for gift-giving and a perfect book club pick (book club questions included)!
Blog Review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Dec 1, 2023
Dec 2023 Must-Read Books
Dec Featured Author #AuthorElevatorSeries
December 26, 2023
When I sat down to start this book, I didn’t expect that I’d finish it in one sitting! This doesn’t have the same feel of most books that I call page-turners, but it was a great book I just could not put down. This touched on some sensitive topics, such as domestic violence, and starting things over with a fresh life, and that made this mystery/thriller something that was also thoughtful and unique.
Katie has just gotten divorced, and not really having anywhere to go, her best friend Bess gets her a job at a nature center, the Grove Reserve. This smallish place is in immediate need of a caretaker, and while Katie isn’t particularly an outdoorsy person, the job comes with free room and board in a furnished house - she is willing to give it a shot!
The day Katie moves into the caretaker’s house, she soon realizes that the previous caretaker, Grace, left some items behind - items that seem very personal, like photographs and journals. Why would someone quit their job, but leave so much behind? As Katie keeps probing, she soon realizes that nobody has heard from Grace since she left. What happened to the last caretaker?
One night, Katie is awakened by her doorbell repeatedly ringing three times in a row. When she sees a bloodied woman through the peephole, she lets her come in, and inadvertently falls into The Sequence. This is a group dedicated to helping women escape their abusers, but nobody bothered clueing Katie in to the additional jobs she’d be carrying out alongside her Grove caretaking duties. Soon, she finds herself trying to find out more about this group, but the overall message is “plausible deniability”. Don’t ask things you may not want the answer to…
I thought this was fantastic from beginning to end. This book has good characters, great writing, an interesting backdrop, and a lot of suspense. I did figure out a couple twists pretty early on, but the ending was still a nice surprise. This was quite an enjoyable read - 4.5 stars, rounded up!
(Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Jessica Strawser and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Katie has just gotten divorced, and not really having anywhere to go, her best friend Bess gets her a job at a nature center, the Grove Reserve. This smallish place is in immediate need of a caretaker, and while Katie isn’t particularly an outdoorsy person, the job comes with free room and board in a furnished house - she is willing to give it a shot!
The day Katie moves into the caretaker’s house, she soon realizes that the previous caretaker, Grace, left some items behind - items that seem very personal, like photographs and journals. Why would someone quit their job, but leave so much behind? As Katie keeps probing, she soon realizes that nobody has heard from Grace since she left. What happened to the last caretaker?
One night, Katie is awakened by her doorbell repeatedly ringing three times in a row. When she sees a bloodied woman through the peephole, she lets her come in, and inadvertently falls into The Sequence. This is a group dedicated to helping women escape their abusers, but nobody bothered clueing Katie in to the additional jobs she’d be carrying out alongside her Grove caretaking duties. Soon, she finds herself trying to find out more about this group, but the overall message is “plausible deniability”. Don’t ask things you may not want the answer to…
I thought this was fantastic from beginning to end. This book has good characters, great writing, an interesting backdrop, and a lot of suspense. I did figure out a couple twists pretty early on, but the ending was still a nice surprise. This was quite an enjoyable read - 4.5 stars, rounded up!
(Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Jessica Strawser and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
November 8, 2023
The Last Straw
It is hard to know where to start with his novel. Certainly, some of the story lines are interesting and important, most notably a rescue organization dedicated to hiding and saving women who suffer from domestic abuse. Add to that central theme other topics including taking care of the natural world, navigating the complicated relationships between sisters and between parents and children, and surviving a difficult divorce to name a few. Lots of territory to cover. Unfortunately there is so much that it all becomes a confusing jumble leaving the reader more bemused than enlightened. Even the characters involved are not only unpredictable but also at times unfathomable. The various tales are somehow tied up quickly at the end, but the result is far from neat—just a jumble of knots. I kept on keeping on because it was a First Reads offering this month, but I would not encourage others to do so.
It is hard to know where to start with his novel. Certainly, some of the story lines are interesting and important, most notably a rescue organization dedicated to hiding and saving women who suffer from domestic abuse. Add to that central theme other topics including taking care of the natural world, navigating the complicated relationships between sisters and between parents and children, and surviving a difficult divorce to name a few. Lots of territory to cover. Unfortunately there is so much that it all becomes a confusing jumble leaving the reader more bemused than enlightened. Even the characters involved are not only unpredictable but also at times unfathomable. The various tales are somehow tied up quickly at the end, but the result is far from neat—just a jumble of knots. I kept on keeping on because it was a First Reads offering this month, but I would not encourage others to do so.
November 4, 2023
Really wanted to like this one.
At 53%, I couldn’t endure any longer. There were parts that intrigued me, but too much exposition, most of which didn’t really matter. I skipped to 80% and the pace picked up some. But not enough to make me glad I picked this as my Kindle first reads for November.
At 53%, I couldn’t endure any longer. There were parts that intrigued me, but too much exposition, most of which didn’t really matter. I skipped to 80% and the pace picked up some. But not enough to make me glad I picked this as my Kindle first reads for November.
May 18, 2023
I got an advanced copy of this book and I’m telling you I loved it so much. It’s one of those books that you put down but you can’t stop thinking of the imagery and the themes and the writing. It was so well done and so inventive, and she is such a good writer. You won’t be disappointed.
October 27, 2023
Jessica Strawser just keeps getting better and better. I've loved all of her books, but this is my new favorite. I flew through an advanced reading copy of this book and haven’t stopped thinking about the characters since. Katie is a tough and compelling protagonist who accepts a job as resident caretaker at a nature reserve, only to discover on the very first night that her new home is hiding a safehouse for domestic violence victims on the run. I fell utterly in love with this woman when she steps up to this role even though she was blindsided, not prepared or equipped, and has no idea who to trust. Her compassion and belief in the mission she was handed is amazing. The book is a fabulous page-turner, and would make an excellent gift for strong women in your life! The final few chapters were impossible to put down.
November 14, 2023
Wow! An amazing novel of intrigue and suspense wrapped around a newly divorced young woman who just wants a better start in life.
She accepts a caretaker position at a remote nature center and park for members only. Plus, her best friend is her boss and she lives in a house onsite. Beautiful views of nature everywhere she looks.
Her solace is interrupted one night by a woman who’s running from her abusive partner. Apparently the caretaker’s house is part of an underground network helping women escape their situations.
Katie, the new caretaker has to piece this puzzle together to decide if she wants to help.
The second half intensifies with a guy posing as a casual nature lover with ulterior motives. No spoilers but the action really picks up as the situation becomes dangerous.
This is Jessica Strawser’s best book yet. Don’t miss it. Pubs December 1st.
I read a kindle version from Amazon’s First Reads.
She accepts a caretaker position at a remote nature center and park for members only. Plus, her best friend is her boss and she lives in a house onsite. Beautiful views of nature everywhere she looks.
Her solace is interrupted one night by a woman who’s running from her abusive partner. Apparently the caretaker’s house is part of an underground network helping women escape their situations.
Katie, the new caretaker has to piece this puzzle together to decide if she wants to help.
The second half intensifies with a guy posing as a casual nature lover with ulterior motives. No spoilers but the action really picks up as the situation becomes dangerous.
This is Jessica Strawser’s best book yet. Don’t miss it. Pubs December 1st.
I read a kindle version from Amazon’s First Reads.
November 5, 2023
This is the first time an Amazon First Read has really wowed me. It’s not the genre I usually read, but I loved The Next Thing You Know by Jessica Strawser so I had been waiting for this book to be available. Katie takes a job as a caretaker at a nature preserve. She gets more than she expected when someone needing a safe place to hide knocks on her door at 3 a.m. I wouldn't have answered the door, but then there wouldn’t be a story because what Katie does next sends her on a journey of self-reflection and discovery. The other characters had fully formed stories and distinct personalities, and the mystery of what happened to Grace, the former caretaker, was skillfully woven into the story. Why did she move out leaving her stuff behind? The story was mesmerizing, with some jaw-dropping reveals I didn’t see coming. I usually tear through books, but I savored every minute of this one, luxuriating in the beautiful writing and savoring the characters.
November 8, 2023
I liked this story, it went in directions unexpected. Katie decides a fresh start at a nature preserve will be good for her, only she ends up being underprepared. I really liked the setting of the nature preserve and Katie's willingness to step out of her comfort zone.
Katie is one of those people who desperately wants to do the right thing, and it this case it made the book drag a bit because of all the time spent in Katie's head while she overanalyzes every decision. Editing those parts down would make for a tighter story and give it some more tension. There IS tension in the last few chapters, and though I wouldn't call the ending very realistic, it was very satisfying.
Katie is one of those people who desperately wants to do the right thing, and it this case it made the book drag a bit because of all the time spent in Katie's head while she overanalyzes every decision. Editing those parts down would make for a tighter story and give it some more tension. There IS tension in the last few chapters, and though I wouldn't call the ending very realistic, it was very satisfying.
April 8, 2024
I went into this blind… I feel SO bad that this was my bookclub’s pick. This was a SLOW start. Snooze fest. Didn’t get a sense of thrill for a thriller…
November 9, 2023
Honestly I was not excited to pick this book up when I did because it was so slow moving. Too much time was spent inside the characters’ heads and there was a lot of meaningless dialogue. I kept waiting for significant events to transpire and I think it wasn’t until I was 75% through where something finally happened and then it went back to being dull until the book was nearly finished. It was also very predictable even though it was convoluted. I think this strong premise was wasted on dull characters.
May 2, 2025
Decent but not a thrilling thriller 🙂
November 5, 2023
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this novel, and am so glad I did! This book pulled me in from the beginning. I found myself filling even small moments to read it so I could see what happens next. As a regular reader of mysteries and suspense, few plot twists come as a complete surprise anymore, but this one had one I didn’t see coming! Overall it’s an enjoyable read worth every turn of the page.
November 14, 2023
3-1/2 stars. It's hard to be too rough on a book with such good intentions. Reading "The Last Caretaker" was a bit like listening to a radio station with tricky reception -- sometimes the author and I were on the same wavelength, and sometimes the signal would drift. I was initially disappointed to find it isn’t exactly a thriller -- more of a hybrid between suspense and women's fiction. Early on, protagonist Katie discovers that the previous caretaker at the nature center where she works belonged to a secret network of women helping other women escape from abusive men. Having these basics laid out in front of me didn't quite match the creepy atmosphere implied by the book's cover and summary. As Katie starts to get involved with the organization herself, at times it gave me a sort of Nancy Drew vibe.
On the plus side, the characters and relationships do have some depth, and Strawser is sincerely trying to impart a good-hearted message about not letting abusive women be neglected by the system. Near the end the plot got lost in some machinations -- it was hard for me to keep track of who was lying about what, and why. One plot twist was so obvious to me early on that it stuck out like a sore thumb, but the suspicion never entered the heroine's mind. But the ending pulls up nicely, with a confrontation scene that avoids getting drawn out, and good resolutions for many of the characters.
On the plus side, the characters and relationships do have some depth, and Strawser is sincerely trying to impart a good-hearted message about not letting abusive women be neglected by the system. Near the end the plot got lost in some machinations -- it was hard for me to keep track of who was lying about what, and why. One plot twist was so obvious to me early on that it stuck out like a sore thumb, but the suspicion never entered the heroine's mind. But the ending pulls up nicely, with a confrontation scene that avoids getting drawn out, and good resolutions for many of the characters.
January 14, 2024
The Last Caretaker starts off with Katie taking on a job at a remote nature preserve which drew me in right away. I love stories that have a strong and spooky location. We learn that Katie has escaped her past relationship where she felt "trapped". Katie soon finds herself as a key player in "the sequence" which is a group that remains anonymous, helping abused women find safety and a new identity when it is otherwise dangerous for them to do so. Katie latches onto the role and finds she is quite good at helping the women who arrive at her door, seeking refuge. But what happened to the last caretaker, Grace? This was a great read and a good listen for me through audio. Enjoyed the plot and characters. I did guess the ending but was satisfied none the less.
December 13, 2024
A mix of slow, suspense, difficult for me to connect to the characters. Wanted to see if I'd ever find out what happened to Grace.
November 6, 2023
really liked this one
I made myself slowdown and enjoy the ride. Instead of racing through into the wee hours of the morning (which would be easy to do). While there is strong messaging about domestic violence, to me, it’s about friendship and self-discovery. Recommend.
I made myself slowdown and enjoy the ride. Instead of racing through into the wee hours of the morning (which would be easy to do). While there is strong messaging about domestic violence, to me, it’s about friendship and self-discovery. Recommend.
November 10, 2023
Jessica Strawser’s books keep getting better and better. This is her best yet. I loved the gothic feel that it had!
November 6, 2023
The idea of being a caretaker at a Nature Center drew me to this book. But there was a side story. ****Spoiler**** A refuge for abused women. Sort of 'underground', meaning hidden from all that weren't involved. I guess that could have worked, but I got super bored at 85% through and found the ending ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
So good! The layers, the moving pieces, the questions that keep the reader guessing and hypothesizing--I ate this novel up. I love all of Jessica Stawser's books and The Last Caretaker is no exception! Highly recommend.
November 12, 2023
Amazing!
Full of brave, strong, female characters.
Suspenseful enough to keep the pages steadily turning but respectful of the sensitive topics covered.
I will be waiting for the next read by this author. I’ve enjoyed all her work but this one was special.
Trigger warnings for to-be readers: domestic violence/miscarriage.
Full of brave, strong, female characters.
Suspenseful enough to keep the pages steadily turning but respectful of the sensitive topics covered.
I will be waiting for the next read by this author. I’ve enjoyed all her work but this one was special.
Trigger warnings for to-be readers: domestic violence/miscarriage.
November 6, 2023
I absolutely loved this book, and it’s not the kind of book I usually read. It had me hooked almost immediately. The story was so exceptional. I did not want to put it down. I couldn’t wait to find time to find out more. I highly recommend this book!! Please read it. It is just so good.
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