I really enjoyed this book. I think it was really clever and original. I think character development was on point, and I liked going back and forth in time. The writing was very well done. I was sad at the end, but not disappointed.

DESCRIPTION:
From internationally bestselling author Laura Dave comes a riveting new suspense novel about a woman’s search for the truth about her husband’s disappearance—no matter the cost.

We all have stories we never tell.

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.

With its breakneck pacing, dazzling plot twists, and unforgettable characters, The Last Thing He Told Me is bestselling author Laura Dave’s finest novel yet, certain to shock you with its final, heartbreaking turn. This propulsive thriller with a heart is for fans of Liane Moriarty and Jojo Moyes.

WHAT DID I THINK?
I seem to have a theme going on here. Lately, I’ve been reading books that toggle between the present and the past. I absolutely LOVE that format. This is fast-paced mystery that sucks you in from the beginning. I had to know what happened to Owen, what he did (if anything), and would there be a happy ending. I liked the story line between Hannah and Bailey as they figured out a way to work together despite a fairly new relationship as step-daughter & step-mom. There were twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a captivating read and one that will keep you guessing!

Thank you #netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Hannah is married to Owen and she has a stepdaughter named Bailey, Bailey can be quite difficult as most teenagers have the same struggles. Hannah would love to bond with Bailey but she hasn't been successful yet. One day, Owen goes missing and she and Bailey must come together to figure out what has happened to him. They embark on this investigative journey together and we see this relationship between the two of them evolve.

This book is more of an investigative journey rather than a thriller. It has many twists and turns with respect to uncovered information about Owen. I feel that the story took a while to get moving but when it does, it takes off. I have always enjoyed Laura Dave's books and this one does not disappoint.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC. I appreciate being able to give a review on this book.

Nearly gave this five stars. It was a very quick read which kept me turning the pages and I ended up finishing it in one day. A husband and father go missing. His second wife and daughter try to find him before the FBI does. What secrets is he hiding? The mystery takes them to Austin and they soon realize not everyone is good or bad and not everyone is out to help them. The end was slightly disappointing but still a very enjoyable read.

The Last Thing He Told Me was one of my most anticipated reads of 2021 and it did not disappoint! I am definitely ordering myself a copy to have on my shelves.

I would categorize this as more of a domestic suspense / mystery?, not really a thriller. The story was super character driven and was kind of slow burning which is why it wasn't all that "thrilling" but still kept my interest. I really loved the writing style, short chapters and multiple timelines that were easy to follow. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but overall, a story that I could not put down! I have seen that this is already being adapted to a mini-series which I can't wait for!

Thank you to Netgalley, Laura Dave and Simon & Schuster for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Last Thing He Told Me was excellent! I love the way Laura Dave tells a story, and in this one she weaves the suspenseful present with subtle clues from protagonist Hannah's recent past, in which she met and married Owen and became a stepmother to his teenage daughter Bailey. When Owen disappears suddenly, he leaves one thing behind for Hannah. A note telling her to protect Bailey. With the FBI and US Marshals asking questions and Owen's work associates being arrested, Hannah questions everything she thought she knew about her new husband. This one was so hard to put down! Highly recommend.

Hannah’s husband disappeared and left her with many unanswered questions and one very clear instruction “Protect Her.” So she and her step-daughter set out to find the truth about why he left and where he’s gone. With many twists and turns, I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It kept me guessing and engaged through the entire story. I couldn’t put it down! I definitely recommend!

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave is a mystery/suspense novel about Owen and his new wife Hannah. About a year into their marriage, Hannah receives a note from Owen before he disappears. "Protect her." Bailey is Owen's sixteen-year-old daughter, and Hannah determines to do everything she can to honor Owen's request of keeping Bailey safe. Hannah and Bailey follow many clues and discover that Owen is not quite who they thought he was. I was very invested in this book, and I thoroughly enjoy Laura Dave's writing. I would definitely recommend this new book of hers. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

"Protect Her"

That is the last communication Hannah, a wife whose husband mysteriously vanishes - has from her husband as he leaves a note instructing her to take care of her stepdaughter, 16-year-old Bailey. When the police start knocking on her door, Hannah wants answers and, with Bailey's help, the pair begin to uncover a painful truth.

Set in Sausalito and Austin, this story is part mystery, part romance, part action and adventure.

When Hannah Michaels husband Owen disappears without a trace, Hannah starts to put the pieces of what happened back together with her sullen 16-year old teenage daughter. Her journey takes her to Austin where Bailey has long forgotten memories of her past. Hannah and Bailey learn that Owen isn't really who he says he is and Bailey has a past she never even knew about. While searching for Owen, Bailey and Hannah become closer and more connected than they ever thought possible.

Once I started to read this ARC, I could not put it down. Laura Dave created compelling characters in a unique story that engages the reader in a unique way.

I was originally excited about this book becoming an Apple TV series and I can now only hope they will do the book justice.

Thank you to #TheLastThingHeToldMe #NetGalley @simonandschuster for the ARC.

Sooooooo good! All I kept thinking, especially at the end was “This would make an awesome movie!” Believable, likeable characters. Great plot - I like the use of going back and forth time wise. Definitely makes it feel more realistic and also never boring. Lost a bit of sleep finishing it but worth it. Well done!

“Protect Her” The last words Hannah heard from her husband Owen. What did that mean. Her husband has now disappeared leaving behind his teenage daughter and a million secrets. Where did Owen go? Why are the US Marshals and FBI looking for him?
Hannah and Bailey also flee as well to try and find Owen with what little memories Bailey has of her childhood. The last thing Bailey wants to do is travel with her step-mom, but at this point, she has no choice. What will they find? Look for this unstoppable thriller in May of 2021!

4.5 stars.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC,

Every time I crack open a book by Laura Dave I know I'm in for a good read and The Last Thing He Told Me was just that, such a good read!

I don't want to describe too much of this book because it's hard to without giving anything away but from the first page I was hooked and I finished this in a little over a day because it was so engaging.

I loved the characters, the plot and every.single.thing about this book. This is another excellent book by Laura Dave!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an eARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I was lucky enough to be an early reader of this book. Get ready for a fabulous exploration of motherhood, loyalty, and love, all packed in a tense thriller.

Excellent domestic drama/suspense with a bittersweet ending.

*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyed this book thoroughly! Read it in one sitting. The ending was unexpected and thoughtful. Will be reading more from Ms Dave. Thanks you!

I loved this! Laura Dave has created a gem with The Last Thing He Told Me. Hannah and Owen live in Sausalito, along with Owens daughter, Bailey. Bailey isn’t thrilled to have Hannah as a stepmother, but, things are com8n along. Until one day when a note is delivered to Hannah that says “protect her. “ protect who from what? When Owen doesn’t come home and doesn’t get in touch, Hannah and Bailey set out to find Owen. Interesting and captivating.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher. Put this 5⭐️ on your May TBR. This was excellent. A great mystery!

Favorite part of this book (besides the intriguing story line) - definitely the quirky chapter titles! It’s been so long since I read a book where the chapters weren’t simply numbered, or named for the character that was narrating them. This book had chapter titles like “if you answer the door for strangers...” and “don’t ask a question you don’t want the answer to.” You get the idea. Loved how clever these were!!!

The Last Thing He Told Me is about Hannah’s search for who her husband really is. Hannah and Owen have been married for several years, and Hannah has a somewhat rocky relationship with Owen’s 16 year daughter, Bailey. One day, the company that Owen works for is raided by the FBI, and Owen disappears. All that he leaves behind is a note for Hannah, “protect her.”

Hannah and Bailey are devastated, and each struggles to piece together the few clues they have to find out what happened to Owen and where he may have gone. Hannah has several mysterious visitors that lead her to question her husband’s honesty with her, and she begins to investigate on her own to try to find out if she knows the truth about her husband.

Was Owen who he said he was? Why did he run and where did he go?

This book was unputdownable and unique!! I’ve already ordered some other books by Laura Dave and can’t wait for them to arrive!! This gem will be available on May 4th, 2021. Preorder!!!!!

This was a really nice read. Absolutely loved the writing. Great storyline that flowed seamlessly.
Enjoyed the characters and felt like I knew them and what they were going through.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I loved this book! I was on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what happened and couldn’t put it down. A fascinating subject, and I enjoyed Hannah’s narration and getting inside her thoughts. I like everything Laura Dave writes, and this is definitely one of her best.