Okay so this kept me awake. Totally had me engaged. The premise alone is anxiety provoking, and the writing just adds to it. Oh my word

Content Warnings: rape, murder, stalking, torture, gaslighting, gun violence

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

I am a huge fan of slashers and the horror genre, and I’ve always thought that an underutilized concept is what happens to the final girl after the cameras stop rolling and the bloodbath ends. So when I read the synopsis of The Last Girl Left, I was excited.

The Last Girl Left is about Tessa Montgomery, a young woman who has survived the beach house massacre that left her three best friends dead. Five years after the murders, Tessa is still living in the shadow of what happened on Cassadaga Island. She has spent the last several years hiding from the world in her sister’s house, afraid even to turn off the lights.

But when her sister gives her an ultimatum — get her life together or get out — Tessa makes the spur-of-the-moment decision to return to the house of her nightmares and finally face her demons. She even signs a contract with a publisher that will force her to stay in the house for a month while she writes a book about her experiences. Although anxious, Tessa is sure that this will be a good thing for her. It will finally allow her to move on with her life.

Except she isn’t even in the house for a full night before strange things start happening. Floorboards creak in the next room with phantom footsteps. Shadows appear and disappear on the other side of windows. Voices whisper her name just over her shoulder. Files that she knows she saved disappear from her laptop. Screams wake her up in the middle of the night and the neighbor she’s been so friendly with disappears as if she never existed.

Terrified and trapped, if Tessa can’t sort her friends from her foes, she may never leave Cassadaga Island again.

I really loved the premise of this book. It was incredibly readable, and the short chapters really kept me hooked. I also enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Cassadaga Island. And without giving too much away, I liked several of the side characters.

Something that bothered me, though, was the way that the story kept invoking Tessa’s dead friends without actually giving them any substance. The flashbacks and descriptions kept coming back to the same thing: one of them wanted to be a journalist, one was artistic, and one was outgoing. There was no other information offered about them, even though they were supposed to be haunting the narrative. It was hard to feel anything for them, since they were given such little depth.

All in all, this was a decent thriller.

This book had a promising premise, but unfortunately fell short in its execution. While the plot was intriguing, there were several flaws that detracted from my enjoyment of the story. I wasn't particularly surprised by anything, and the book lacked sufficient emphasis on her journey towards inner healing, closure, or the writing process.

One of the main issues I had was with the protagonist, Tessa. Despite her traumatic experience, I found her character to be frustratingly ignorant and unrelatable. Her disregard for therapy and refusal to acknowledge the eerie occurrences in the house made it difficult for me to empathize with her struggles.

One major issue I had was the absence of a therapy segment. Tessa's attitude towards overcoming trauma without therapy felt unrealistic (especially at the end) and could have been addressed more effectively, maybe even with actual therapy sessions. Perhaps having a therapist accompany her to the island, or zoom sessions, could have added depth to the story and made for a more engaging read.

There was also a lack of depth in the supporting character. I felt that they were too one-dimensional, which made the eventual reveal of the killer less impactful.

The pacing of the book was sluggish, with the plot only picking up momentum towards the final pages. This made it challenging to stay engaged with the story, despite the short chapters. While the plot finally picked up in the last 20%, it didn't leave a lasting impression.

Tessa survived a brutal attack that left her friends dead. So much for a fun getaway. Now she is afraid of everyone and everything. Five years of therapy has been useless, and she sleeps with a baseball bat at her side. But one mistake makes her face facts and causes her to go back to the place it all happened. Will this really help her move on or cause more damage? What she finds-- she wasn't expecting! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

I loved this psychological thriller! It had enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages, and it wasn’t predictable, which is a big plus for me! It gave just enough character and background info to help me feel attached to what was happening without being overdone. All in all a great read that I’ll happily recommend closer to publication day. Thanks for the opportunity to read!

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I am a big fan of the isolated-locale thriller trope. The Last Girl Left was set on an island off of Maine in November. The island is mostly empty, as all of the tourists have left, and only the locals remain.

Our main character, Tessa Chamberlain, has taken a cottage on the island for the month of November. The cottage is one she is horrifyingly familiar with. It's the place where she was the lone survivor of a triple homicide five years previously.

Tessa has returned to the island to finally try and confront her past and what happened that night in hopes that she'll finally be able to move on with her life. But, almost immediately, she starts to be terrorized and ends up fighting for her life once again.

I found The Last Girl Left to be well written. It definitely kept me reading because I needed to know what happened in the end. There were moments that were pretty suspenseful. But, overall, I did not find it terribly suspenseful. I had a few theories running through my mind as I was reading, and I was correct with one of them.

I could absolutely be wrong because I've never suffered a trauma of that magnitude. But, I struggled with the main characters choice to go back to the place she almost died, by herself in the down season when she'd be totally isolated for an entire month. There was also a character introduced to the story that just kind of disappeared from the story, I thought more could definitely be done with this character.

I'd give this a 3.5 stars, but I will bump up to four since we can't give half stars. If you want a thriller that isn't too intense, something where you get to play detective, this one could be for you.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the advanced digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

(3.5 stars rounded up)
Spooky! "The Last Girl Left" kept me on my toes the entire read and was definitely hard to read before bed.
-- Tessa is the sole-survivor of a horrible mass murder after her and her three other friends rented a beach house. Five years later, Tessa came across another opportunity to return to the same house to work through her terrors..
Overall, I enjoyed this book as it kept me guessing the entire time. I do think it dragged on at certain parts causing it to be longer than needed.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy. Pub Date - April 23, 2024

All in all, I really enjoyed this read. While the events leading up to Tessa returning to the scene of her almost-murder were pretty inconceivable, once she was there the suspense really ramped and the story kept me guessing throughout. Definitely a thriller I could only read during the day! As an anxiety-ridden person myself, I could definitely resonate with Tessa’s inner monologue back and forth deciding whether she was right to be afraid or overly paranoid. Frankly, my only gripe was with the idea of her going back to the house to begin with or her own volition - it just didn’t seem like a believable step that someone so traumatized would willingly take. In any event, this novel kept me on my toes and I didn’t guess the twist at all.

No words can truly describe how good this book was! Tessa went back to face her fears from the horrific mass murder she experienced. All alone on Cassadaga Island Tessa keeps hearing things and keeps thinking is it real, is it in my head, is it the house that's making me jumpy. Ah it was just amazing!! The main character, Tessa, was perfect and had great character development, there were so many nail-biting moments, and so many twists. It was just perfect and by far one of the best books I have ever read!

Five years ago, Tessa Chamberlain was the lone survivor of a beach house massacre that left three of her friends dead—and Tessa with an inescapable, unending dread. Now she’s going back to face her fears.
Renting the same beach house where she almost died, Tessa returns to lonely Cassadaga Island off the coast of Maine long after the tourists and summer residents have departed for the winter. But as the fog rolls in and the nights grow longer, she wonders if she made a terrible mistake. There are footsteps on the porch, creaks from the second floor, and an unsettling feeling of being watched. If only someone believed her. Because the terrors Tessa thought were long behind her are starting again. And this time, trapped and alone, she might not be lucky enough to survive them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for giving me an advance copy.

Ooo we loveeeee a psychological thriller around here!
This one had plenty of good characters & a setting that got spookier when dark that really kept me on edge the whole read.

I know this genre is known for their slow burn/slow build plot with a big final showdown & truth reveal at the end but unfortunately that's not always for me. I can appreciate the build because it creates more intensity and paranoia -- but the unfolding of the mystery was part of where this story that was a struggle for me.

Overall. 3.5/5 - will be recommending to my friends who are looking for a new thriller - thanks NetGalley!

4 🌟

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book very interesting with twists I couldn't quite pin down. I was close with my guess of the ending, but not quite right which I always enjoy. I read a lot of thrillers so it's nice when I can't guess the ending.

It was a haunting story, one where I couldn't tell if it was going to turn into horror, paranormal or otherwise. I loved reading something that felt different from other thrillers I've read. It was a fun, fast paced read. I wish I connected more with the characters, but this is definitely one I would recommend.

Really enjoyed this one. It starts out crazy and makes you want to keep going. Lots of who done it and I was constantly trying to figure it out. This one will definitely keep you guessing til the end.

3.5 rounded up.

Setting the Scene: 🇺🇸 A remote island off the coast of Maine, accessible only by ferry or boat.
POV: We follow a survivor in their twenties grappling with the trauma of what happened to them and their friends five years ago while on vacation.

Mood Reading Match-Up:
-Return to scene of the crime, investigative author trope
-Psychological suggestive thriller/horror
-Who-to-trust small town isolation with late autumn/early winter weather
-Themes, exploration, and light commentary on trauma, problematic true crime consumption and publishing, survival, self-preservation, bravery, healing, fear, isolation, and redemption.

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🐺 Growls, Howls, and Tail Wags 🐕

🗣️ Tale-Telling: The narrative is past tense third-person, in a style where we feel like a fly-on-the-wall in Tessa, our main character’s, life. We are close enough to understand her thoughts and motivations, but also distant enough to feel the chill of the unsettling events and memories without feeling stuck in her head or ruminating on it.

👥 Characters: Everyone was a mystery here! We don’t know who we can trust, everyone seems to be either a red herring or a red flag, but only because we are also on edge after all the unsettling things Tessa has been experiencing, not because of some contrived attempt to make everyone obviously ‘evil’. Tessa can be so frustrating sometimes in the poor judgement and snap decisions she makes in a self-guided (more like self-misguided) attempt to heal, but I think that was authentic to someone living in the shadow of a tragic past while trying to figure out how to move forward.

🗺️ Ambiance: The island was a character in itself – serene by day, menacing by night. It captured that home-alone vibe where you’re not sure if you’re scaring yourself or something really is amiss. This is also where I usually demand the need for a layout or floorplan lol. Not for this one, the scenes were given with context for how different areas of the island or home looked and where they were in relation to each other without it feeling overly detailed or descriptive.

🔥 Fuel: The suspense is very drawn out on this one, but if you’re into slow-burn thrillers that keep you guessing (as in “is anything even really happening?” type guessing), this could be a real treat. It was for me (until the end). There’s this web of trust issues, fragments of memory, heightened awareness from trauma, and eerie occurrences that are all colliding.

🎬 Scenes: Expect a lot of suggestive, unsettling moments. The narrative kind of uses Tessa’s trauma to create tense atmospheres where there wouldn’t be one if she wasn’t in that house and the one who survived, so the line between paranoia and real danger is constantly blurred. I predicted one element of what was happening and who was involved, but it didn’t take away from the story because I still wanted to see what happened. How that unfolded was the disappointment for me.

🤓 Random Thoughts: I worried that having Tessa return to the island in the same house would feel contrived or cringey, but her battle with PTSD, and the choices she makes felt believably woven into the narrative, even if they are convenient at times. The let down for me was the final showdown was over the top, with lots of villain monologuing (lots) and action scenes that were fast-paced but read slow (where we lose track of characters and they seem like they’re just standing there waiting for us to read about what some other character is doing). At one point Tessa has a sudden shift to being put-together that felt too fast, convenient, and unconvincing to me.
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Content Heads-Up: Violence (descriptive, on page). Gun violence. Stalking/peeping. PTSD. Rape (mention, flashbacks). Murder. Death of a friend. Anxiety. Financial insecurity. Corruption.
Rep: White American and ambiguous / open to reader interpretation. Cisgender.

👀 Format: Digital review copy from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley

“Reviews are my musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶 refined by my AI bookworm bestie ✨”

I read this while staying with family in the blur of time between Christmas and New Year’s, which made it even more disorienting. The Last Girl Left follows Tessa, who returns book to the scene of the crime, a vacation home on an isolated island, five years after she and her friends were brutally attacked. The only survivor, Tessa has been living as a shadow of her former self, and, in a desperate desire to face the past, she travels, alone, to the island. There, it quickly becomes clear that things aren’t what they originally seemed - and that she really doesn’t know what happened that night at all. A very fast, very creepy read. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4

The story has great character development, complex plot braiding and an overall engaging structure. Loved it!

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer, for my complimentary digital copy for review.

This narrative is a study in suspense—every page is a testament to the authors' skill in maintaining a tight grip on the reader's psyche. The atmosphere of the novel is palpable; the claustrophobic setting and the locked-room scenarios amplify the tension to an almost unbearable degree. As Tessa confronts the buried memories of her past, the readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, their suspicions growing with each chapter.

The character development is a cornerstone of this work. Tessa's evolution is as much an internal journey as it is a physical one. As she navigates a landscape of mistrust and the slow process of social reintegration, readers witness the profound changes in her demeanor. The interplay between memory and identity, and the courage to trust again, are themes that resonate deeply throughout the story.

The authors' use of distraction is a clever narrative device that serves to keep readers on their toes. It is easy to become so engrossed in Tessa's perspective that one might miss subtle clues, only to be startled by the revelations as they unfold.

"The Last Girl Left" is a riveting exploration of the extremes of human resilience. Strong and Sargent have composed a thriller that not only provokes deep reflection on the decisions made in dire situations but also offers a visceral, edge-of-your-seat experience.

I found this to be very unthrilling, very predictable and I don't know I just didnt connect much to the main character.

This was a fun creepy read. There was plenty of twists and misdirection, and the ending was completely unexpected. I have always loved “final girl” stories and this was executed really well. I’m looking forward to more from this author duo.