The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave - 4 Stars

[Diana]

Before Owen Michaels disappears, he manages to smuggle a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows exactly to whom the note refers: Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. Bailey, who wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother.

As Hannah’s increasingly desperate calls to Owen go unanswered; as the FBI arrests Owen’s boss; as a US Marshal and FBI agents arrive at her Sausalito home unannounced, Hannah quickly realizes her husband isn’t who he said he was. And that Bailey just may hold the key to figuring out Owen’s true identity—and why he really disappeared.

Hannah and Bailey set out to discover the truth, together. But as they start putting together the pieces of Owen’s past, they soon realize they are also building a new future. One neither Hannah nor Bailey could have anticipated.

The narrative artfully weaves between present events and poignant flashbacks from Hannah's past, allowing for a deeper understanding of Owen's disappearance and the intricate web of circumstances leading up to it. This structure was a clever touch that enhanced the story's complexity and kept me engaged throughout.

I was initially wary of Owen, assuming the worst given his disappearance, but the author's skilful storytelling completely caught me off guard with unexpected twists and turns that I never could have foreseen. It was a refreshing and welcoming change from the predictable, and I relished every moment of it.

The pacing was just right, never dragging or rushing, and struck a perfect balance between providing necessary evidence and keeping me on the edge of my seat.

I was pleasantly surprised by the portrayal of Hannah as a fiercely independent woman who made rational, thoughtful decisions that went beyond her own feelings. Her final decision left me in awe, although I must admit, it stretched the limits of believability for me. Nonetheless, I appreciated the author's bold choice and found it to be a satisfying conclusion.

[Nicole R]

I probably will not read this BUT it is a new show that comes out this summer with Jennifer Garner and I plan to watch it!

[Diana]

Oh, so interesting. I haven't heard of it! Definitely have to check it. Thank you, Nicole!

[Joanne]

I have had this book available in the book stores that I run for my library. I can never keep it on those shelfs for too long. Most people really enjoyed it, glad you did too.

[Nicole R]

It is a very popular book, helped greatly by being selected by Reese Witherspoon for her book club.

It sounds interesting and gets great reviews, but I read a previous book by this author, Eight Hundred Grapes, and I just wasn't a fan. Kind of turned me off from her books in general.

But I can definitely get behind a bingeable show!