Hannah Hall is happily married to Owen Michaels and is stepmother to sixteen-year-old Bailey.
Bailey who lost her mother as a young child and wants nothing to do with her new stepmom.

“𝒫𝓇𝑜𝓉𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇”

Two words that change Hannah’s life and thus begins the unravelling of a mystery.

𝑀𝓎𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈

When Hannah receives this note from Owen, she understands that she must protect Bailey but from whom? And where is Owen?
Owen whose company is under investigation and has now disappeared.
Owen who left Bailey in Hannah’s custody.
Owen who has left Bailey with a bagful of money!

𝒮𝓊𝓈𝓅𝑒𝓃𝓈𝑒

With both the FBI and the US Marshall on their heels, Hannah and Bailey join hands to search for Owen and as they delve into his past one constant question arises: Who really is Owen?

Well prosed the narrative is told in the first perspective, by Hannah, and alternates between the past and present.
The characters have depth and right from the start you feel a connection with them. Laura Dave cleverly evolves the relationship between Hannah and Bailey through the twists and turns of the plot.

This was my first (definitely not last) read by Laura Dave and I really enjoyed it.

This is not a psychological thriller but a domestic suspense, almost a cozy mystery  and one that is well done. It hooks the readers from the start and takes them through a perfectly paced ride of mystery and intrigue.

A read that has surprises and some danger. My only complaint, I wanted more from the conclusion, it felt unfinished!

‘The Last Thing He Told me’ a light suspense read releases May 4th, 2021.

Thank you to @netgalley and @simonandschuster for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read this book. I would describe this book as a suspense Or mystery novel. The book had my interest quickly and mostly kept it throughout the book. There were times the dialogue came across as boring but the parts which were more thoughts were interesting. This is a quick read and enjoyable but there isn’t any major suspense, nothing that keeps you in the edge of your seat.

There wasn’t much description on the characters so I found I didn’t have much to decide if I like them. Hannah seemed likeable but Hannah seemed like a spoiled brat. Even as the story progressed I couldn’t feel much for Bailey. There was a twist to the story which was different than other books but that couldn’t save the book for me. It just didn’t come across as believable. I was expecting a much more exciting book from the reviews I read.

Hannah receives an unexpected visitor with a note from her husband -- "Protect Her". Owen seems to have vanished off the face of the earth with little to no explanation. Then comes a bombshell - The company Owen works for has been busted for fraud, amongst other monetary crimes. He leaves behind his 16-year-old daughter, Bailey (Hannah's step-daughter); she also receives a note from a random classmate that says to watch out for Hannah, along with a duffle bag full of cash. Much like any other teenager in the throes of teenage angst, Bailey cannot stand Hannah. However, the two of them embark on a path that brings them closer together and sheds light on who their husband/father actually was, what his level of involvement in the crimes he's accused of is, and Bailey's true lineage.

I will say, the book was slow-moving for me. It did not have that attention-grabbing beginning and it took me a few days to "really" get into the book. Almost 1/4 of the way through to be exact. For most other books, I probably would have put it down by this point or given it away. There was just SOMETHING about the characters that grabbed me. Even though it was written through Hannah's POV, you really got a sense of her commitment to building a long-lasting relationship with Bailey and how Bailey's rejection of her (and Owen's abandonment) really affected her mental wellbeing. I also loved that you got to learn more about Owen and Bailey's histories through Hannah's exploration as well.

My biggest qualms with the book were truly the beginning and the ending, or rather their speed. The beginning was just so slow that it took me a long time to dedicate myself to the book; let's be honest... it didn't have that "pull me in and keep me forever" feel to it. The ending was so lightning fast that I often found myself having to go back and re-read some parts because it was just chugging along, and then BAM all this stuff happens in the last 10% of the book. My head was literally spinning and I didn't know where or who I was. Other than that, it was an okay book. I feel like there could have been a little bit more development on the relationship Owen and Bailey had with their respective families. Would I recommend it to a friend? Probably.

This book pulled me in and didn't let go until the very end! Such a great read trying to untangle the mystery. The author's style makes it easy to burn right through this book - clear your schedule! I will say the ending surprised me, which I always love! Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for this advanced copy!

Rating: 2.whatever / 5

Okay, so maybe this is my patience wearing extremely thin or maybe I'm just not into these novels anymore as much as I was last year and the year before that, but...if I don't effing care what happens to the protagonist of these mystery-thrillers, then I won't have enough motivation to continue reading.

I hope it's as simple as that to understand, really.

Hannah whatshername is about as bland as a piece of unsalted-buttered bread, and her motivation is...mixed up in a narrative of her poor "won't let anyone get close to her, won't let anyone in because of a tragic backstory because these books can't have a normal person be the protagonist blah blah blah" internal drama. It's just...something I've seen done before and something I've been done BETTER before, so why should I bother with this story?

I was kind of interested in the whole defrauding company plotline with the husband, especially based on what's going on with the stock market now in 2021, but...yeah, having to follow it through Hannah's first person P.O.V. just made me roll my eyes and slog through each page slowly as heck. Like...snail speed and even then I still DNFed it and gave up, Netgalley freebie be darned!

Maybe for someone who cares only about the plot and not about the protagonist, this is a recommended read. Maybe. Myself, I'm far too pick not to care about all of the above, therefore a DNF is well-deserved from my point of view if it's on my shelves.

One word to end off on this review: N-E-X-T!

Julia Roberts is to star as Hannah Hall, the wife whose husband mysteriously vanishes, in “The Last Thing He Told Me,” a propulsive mystery by Laura Dave.

Owen Michaels has been married to Hannah Hall for just over a year when he manages to smuggle a note to her instructing her to take care of her stepdaughter, 16-year-old Bailey. When U.S. Marshall Deputy Grady Bradford shows up unannounced at her Sausalito floating home suggesting that Owen aided in a half-billion-dollar fraud, Hannah wants answers and, with Bailey’s help, the three start putting pieces of the puzzle together. An uncommunicative and resentful teen, Bailey soon realizes that Hannah is putting Bailey’s future ahead of her own. This causes her to soften and the two start working on their future together as they search for the truth about why Owen mysteriously disappeared. The unexpected relationship, one neither could have anticipated, is what drives the final chapters of the story as Hannah learns the painful truth and cost of her husband’s disappearance.

We all have them – awkward family dynamics – and this family has more than their fair share. We all have stories we never tell anyone. This family has their secrets, too. Dave’s fluid writing style captured me on the first page. I can’t put my finger on it, but I can understand why she’s successful and why this was picked up for an Apple TV movie. I’ll definitely be looking out for more of this author’s work. Dave’s breakneck pacing, surprising plot twists, and unforgettable characters are certain to shock and leave your jaw dropping with its final heartbreaking turn.

You won’t want to miss out on this spectacular read. Mark May 4, 2021 on your calendar.

Thank you to Laura Dave, Simon and Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love when a book captures me on page one and that is exactly what Laura Dave’s latest thriller The Last Thing He Told Me did! This exciting new suspense novel is fast paced and intriguing. Dave builds her characters so well to the point that you develop empathy for them even the most unlikable ones. Told in present day with episodic flashbacks, we follow Hannah and Bailey on their mission to discover the truth, while learning about motherhood, loyalty and love.

A quick read with a great question: If you knew the truth would you do it all over again? Things we do for love …


Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The last thing her told her was “Protect her”......
Do you ever really know someone or do you only know what they want to tell you? The Last Thing He Told Me reads easily, and moves along at a good pace, leading the reader through a maze of intrigue. Who do you believe? What is the truth?
Thank you to the author, Laura Dave, Simon & Schuster Canada, and NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC.

As the old saying goes..."Be careful what you wish for".

After his boss is arrested and the business he works for is being investigated by the FBI, Owen disappears without a word to his wife Hannah or daughter Bailey beyond a cryptic note telling Hannah to "protect her". What follows is a mad dash of following clue after clue to find out where Owen is and just what he could be hiding. What they find would baffle them both and leave them to wonder how well anyone really knows anyone else....even those they love the most.

This is my first Laura Dave book and I have to say I really enjoyed it!! The characters were well written and easy to connect with although I have to say I would be way angrier than either Hannah or Bailey appear to be if I was faced with this situation. The epilogue was a little too predictable and cookie cutter for my taste but it did tie up loose ends nicely and give closure to the story. Told from Hannah's perspective the story goes back and forth between present day and the past giving little tidbits of clues that not everything is what Owen says it is. I would have liked a little more of Bailey's POV but Ms. Dave does a great job of depicting what life with a 16 year old is like...especially when it comes to an unwanted stepmother!

Final word is, I will definitely be looking for more reads by Laura Dave to add to my "want to read" list!

Rating: 5/5 stars.

“The Last Thing He Told Me” Is a beautifully written and moving mystery from internationally bestselling author Laura Dave. I had not read anything else by this author, so I had no idea what to expect. Based off the description, I thought it was going to be more of a classic thriller with plot twists galore. I would instead classify this more towards the mystery and general fiction genres. However, the appeal of the novel is less about the mystery itself, and more about following the relationship development between the protagonist, her stepdaughter, and their families. It invokes a lot of self-reflection; what would the reader do if caught in a similar scenario?

The prose is very well-written while not being overly descriptive. The plot is evenly placed, and I was drawn in immediately by the cryptic nature of the prologue. I loved reading this novel and was captivated by every word. I would recommend this novel to fans of family drama-centered mysteries looking for a gut-wrenching read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*

I received an advance reader copy of this book in return for a review. This book was excellent in every way. I loved the story, the characters and the ending. It is not far fetched; it is something that could happen very easily in real life. I recommend this book to others who love a good mystery with a side dose of family relationships, and teen attitude.

This story had a very slow start. It took awhile for me to get 'hooked' in and even then it moved at a slow pace. I felt like I was always waiting for something to happen that never ended up happening. The ending made the book for me, until the last few chapters I wasn't really liking it so much. I feel like the main concern of Hannah, the main character, was her relationship with her step-daughter- having her like her, when there were much bigger things happening. Overall, it was underwhelming and it was hard to stay interested in the story..

This book started off slow for me but once I got into it, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Based on the description, I was expecting a thriller. Instead, it leans more towards the suspense genre. The book doesn't have big plot twists or surprises and is a little slower-paced. However, the characters were what really captured me. One of my favourite aspects of the book was the relationship dynamic between Hannah and Bailey. Their slow-growing, step-mother/daughter bond forged by uncertainty was really beautiful (and that last line!!! Gahhh. Loved it.) I also really appreciated how realistic the ending felt given the situation. Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable novel and I would definitely read another book by this author!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance read. 3.5 stars.

This was my first book by Laura Dave and it will definitely not be my last. The Last Thing He Told Me hooked me immediately. This novel wasn’t your typical who-done-it thriller; yes, it was a story that kept the reader guessing, but it was also a story about the complexity of families - immediate, blended and extended - and the lengths that people will go to protect those they loved. While I expected it to be packed with suspense, I didn’t expect it to be packed with heart. I found myself crying real tears as I read the final word.

The Last Thing He Told Me was a thrilling page turner, but it was also beautiful and tender. I really, really loved it.

Posted my full review on @reallyintoreading on instagram

Wow this book took me on a whirlwind adventure of emotions. Fast paced and full of mystery from the first chapter. Drew me in and didn't let me go until the final page. I was left with a bad taste in my mouth regarding the father and the decisions he ultimately makes. The last two pages hit like a freight train. Excellent read!

Thank you netgalley for this arc

4.9/5 :)

WOW… This book really stood out to me and made its way into my heart...

It all started with a strong and tempting prologue that invites you to keep reading.

This was told in first person POV from Hannah's perspective. The story was split into 3 different parts and was easy to follow. It switched between the past and present as they piece together the truth about everything.

The characters were likable and diverse. Their flaws are what make them good and realistic characters. I especially loved seeing how Bailey slowly warms up to Hannah. The details and little gestures make me really happy (happy for them and makes me happy as a reader.) Bailey's whole personality (including flaws because nobody's perfect) is amazing. She developed so much by the end of the story, which makes me like her character even more.

This book reminds me of how long it's been since I've read a book with actual chapter names. (Not that numbers are bad or anything.) Anyways, I love the chapter titles.

There were some minor details that I was confused about, but that didn't affect the plot. For example, what happened to the bag of money? What was in the piggy bank? Was that the end of The Shop? How is Carl and Patty?

The last chapter makes me mad that it ended like that but I still love it. It's a happy ending, yet it <i>isn't</i> a happy ending… that makes sense, right? The ending keeps you wondering, yet isn't too vague that it feels like no thought was put into it. This is the type of ending that I'd like to see in future books.

I got to say, this is my type of book, and it definitely cured my reading slump :)

03/01/21

I loved the pace of this book and the way it went back and forth between the present and the past. Was Owen guilty of fraud, or was he escaping something worse from his past? Laura Dave expertly kept me guessing, while immersing me deeper and deeper into Hannah’s search for who Owen really was. Definitely on my re-read pile!

Laura Dave has been one of my go to authors for years. I did not know the premise of the book, but of course, with this author it did not matter. And it did not disappoint. It was heartbreaking and suspenseful. The author went through the past and present seamlessly with a good pace. The themes included loyalty, motherhood, and of course, love. This story seemed unique to me, which was a breath of fresh air while reading. Regarding the characters, they were multilayered and complex. I was empathetic to Hannah in that she had to handle her husband's disappearance, amidst being in a brand-new marriage with a new stepdaughter. I loved Hannah's character; she was courageous throughout the entire novel while being placed in precarious situations. I questioned the husband's motives and it was difficult for me to try and understand why and how he could leave his family. But this is what makes such good character development; you feel like you know the characters. This should be a highly recommended novel for 2021. Truly original!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review/feedback.