Jason Rekulak has written some of my favorite books. This one was different but still very enjoyable. Will be looking for his next book!

An unexpected mystery and thriller from Jason Rekulak. Well written and keeps the reader interested. Enjoyed this one even more than Hidden Pictures!

For some reason I struggled with this read. Couldn't connect with the material. Whether it be from the mindset I was in while listening or the narrator who reads it … I am not certain.

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. I loved Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak so I knew I need to get the ARC of this book. I’m so glad I did. Highly, highly recommend.

Such a great book! Thrilling, suspenseful and very surprisingly SHOCKING! That TWIST left me reeling, like WHAT???

It was a little slow to get into, but once I did, WOW!

I received an advanced reader copy of Jason Rekulak's The Last One at the Wedding (thank you NetGalley and Flatiron books!). I had read his previous book, Hidden Pictures, and thought he did a good job of creating tension and suspense early on in a book. I listened to his latest book via audiobook, and the narrator made the story believable and engaging. This book not only involved a great deal of suspense like Hidden Pictures, but also had some fairly comical moments in it, especially for a parent of a teen like myself.

The book centers around a male narrator who is the father of a young woman who may or may not have been involved in a murder. Initially, the father makes a compelling argument for why his daughter wouldn't ever commit a crime, or be involved in something as terrible as murder. But as he tells the story of her upbringing, and his role as a single dad, it becomes clear that his daughter is not perfect by any means. The tension builds in the book, with a finale that is shocking and worth every turn of the page.

I had high hopes for this going in but it was not my favorite. The beginning and middle were good and held my interest but there was a major shift in the plot that made it implausible and not that interesting anymore. I finished the book out, but by the end I really didn’t care anymore. A positive was the heartfelt descriptions of a father/daughter relationship, which I could somewhat relate to. The narrator of the audiobook also did an outstanding job portraying all of the characters, especially the father. The rest was just eh.

I have loved Jason Rekulak and this book was a slow burn with a worth-it twist at the end. I always love a mysterious thriller set at a wedding and this one did not disappoint!

Good story with great potential.

I never quite connected with the cast of characters, nor did I find any of them likeable. Maybe, that feeling is why I didn't love the book.

I found the "reveal" quite predictable and the power the family had as extremely over the top, even for the rich.

I just don't think this thriller was for me.

THE LAST ONE AT THE WEDDING is a binge-able walk down the aisle with secrets, twists, turns, and a potential for a growing body count. Rekulak taps into the complicated dynamics of Frank Szatowski’s family to deliver a wonderfully macabre wedding experience.

From the beginning, you know something is going to happen at this wedding. However, the carefully crafted reveals and well-timed deaths send the reader down the rabbit hole of questioning everyone involved in this extravagant event. The event becomes a breeding ground for duplicity and secrets. And it is Frank who starts to search for the answers for the sake of his daughter, or at least that is what he tells himself.

In a story like this, investing in the characters makes a difference. I instantly felt for Frank. His desire to connect with his daughter propels the entire narrative and sets the stage for many of the scenes at this wedding. It is this thread of emotion that grounds this suspenseful tale.

Having read and loved HIDDEN PICTURES, I knew this book would be at the top of my to-read list. And once I started it, there was no going back. This one-sitting read will pull you in and not let you go until the very end. Rekulak just proved to this reader that he has a gift with murder, deceit, and layered emotions. I, for one, cannot wait to see what we get next.

Audiobook Note: Though I completely enjoyed this audiobook’s listening experience, I predominantly read rather than listen to Rekulak’s latest. As a narrator, John Pirhalla kept the story moving at a good pace and his inflections, as well as diction, were on point for the main character of Frank.

"The Last One at the Wedding" is a suspenseful mystery full of secrets and lies. I liked most of it, but it was definitely a slow burn, especially in the beginning. There was a lot of family drama, and I think I had been expecting more of a psychological thriller. I did enjoy the twists, which were very unexpected. Most of the characters were quite unlikeable, but they did provide a few laughs. I listened to the audiobook narrated by John Pirhalla. It was a quick read, and I binged it in just a few sittings. Pirhalla did a great job and made the story more engaging. His pacing built a lot of suspense and had me coming back for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This is about a father trying to save his daughter from a life-altering decision that will put everything he loves on the line. It’s an intense thriller that’s well-written & kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. It’s my first read from Jason Rekulak & made me a fan. I’ll definitely be reading more by him!

John Pirhalla narrated so wonderfully that I fell into the perfect voice for Frank.

Thank you, Jason Rekulak, Macmillan Audio & netgalley for my audiobook! All opinions are my own.

Honestly the best mystery book I read this year. I love the premise, I love the perspective, and in general I thought it was written so well. I would recommend this book to anyone who is starting to get into mystery thrillers. I think it’s a great book for the genre. I truly couldn’t see most of it coming and outwardly reacted more than once. A great read for sure.

Jason Rekulak is one of my favorite authors, having loved Hidden Pictures as much as I did I had the highest hopes for this book being my most anticipated on the year. Quick read, loved the storytelling but underwhelmed my no major twists.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, and the opportunity to read a thriller by one of my favorite authors.

The Last One at the Wedding by the author of Hidden Pictures is a gripping, suspense-filled story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Frank Szatowski’s unexpected reunion with his estranged daughter, Maggie, at her lavish wedding sets the stage for an intense, atmospheric thriller. The secluded location, Maggie’s high-profile fiancé, and the strange tension surrounding the event all create a sense of unease and mystery that escalates throughout the book.

The plot dives deep into Frank's emotional turmoil as he tries to repair his fractured relationship with Maggie while unraveling the disturbing secrets surrounding her new family. The tension between his desire to reconnect and the dark, evasive behavior of those around him adds an extra layer of complexity. As Frank digs deeper, the stakes rise, and the line between saving his daughter and losing her forever becomes razor-thin.

If you enjoy suspenseful, character-driven thrillers that explore family dynamics and dark secrets, this one will pull you in from the first page. It’s a fast-paced, heart-pounding read that doesn’t let up.

[TW/CW: Language, drinking, toxic family relationships, cheating, death of spouse, misogyny, sexism, drug use]</b>

<b><big>*****SPOILERS*****</b></big>
<b>About the book:</b>
Frank Szatowski is shocked when his daughter, Maggie, calls him for the first time in three years. He was convinced that their estrangement would become permanent. He’s even more surprised when she invites him to her upcoming wedding in New Hampshire. Frank is ecstatic, and determined to finally make things right.

He arrives to find that the wedding is at a private estate—very secluded, very luxurious, very much out of his league. It seems that Maggie failed to mention that she’s marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of a famous tech billionaire. Feeling desperately out of place, Frank focuses on reconnecting with Maggie and getting to know her new family. But it’s difficult: Aidan is withdrawn and evasive; Maggie doesn’t seem to have time for him; and he finds that the locals are disturbingly hostile to the Gardners. Frank needs to know more about this family his daughter is marrying into, but if he pushes too hard, he could lose Maggie forever.
<b>Release Date:</b> October 8th, 2024
<b>Genre:</b> Thriller
<b>Pages:</b> 352
<b>Rating:</b> ⭐

<b>What I Liked:</b>
1. Liked the idea of the plot
2. Cover of book

<b>What I Didn't Like:</b>
1. Author writes with too much political views that takes away from the story
2. All the UPS stuff - hilarious

<b>Overall Thoughts:</b>
<b><u>{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}</u></b>

What year are we living in that a man who drives for UPS and a woman working at Michael's were able to pay off a house, gave no debt, and have paid off vehicles. Ummm okay!

I can't stand Frank I'm going to be honest he has this like perfect life and everything just worked out perfectly for him. He was able to pay off his house have nice things able to give away $8,000, able to pay for all of Maggie's College. It's all just so perfect. It's absolutely frustrating. He even took her to Disney World.

Who the hell is Frank?? He's mad that Maggie didn't tell him that she had already go her period because he bought a special period book for her

Ah and tammy standing in the hill for Aiden saying he didn't murder Dawn is stupid. She's never even met this guy! She fosters children so she of all people should be able to see all the bad the world holds and know anyone is capable of hurting people.

What is Franks obsession with saying that everyone was his age or around there?? Everytime he meets someone he says the same line.

Weird that they would need to know who's family and who isn't. What does it matter when it comes to their cars in the middle of no where?

I am so hating Tammy. She brings along a foster child to a wedding with Frank who hasn't seen his daughter in 3 years and now because of the spiders she wants him to switch rooms with a child to give into what she wants. Tammy of course can't switch rooms because she is deathly scared of bugs but expects Frank to sleep on a bunk bed in a kids room. Don't worry Frank gives in and moves his stuff after Tammy says it's Franks fault for not switching rooms.

The author is really getting on my nerves he keeps putting in these little undecided comments. Frank is talking about UPS now hiring women more because of the me too movement and everything. The author paints it like women are just using this so they can get jobs.

Now the author gives a character named John "Speedy" Gonzalez. Are you kidding me?.... A cartoon mouse that gives Mexican stereotypes just because John's last name is Gonzalez.

Oh my God oh my God oh my God I am so over Tammy she is so effing annoying. He wants to go have a canoe ride with his daughter whom he hasn't seen in 3 years or spent much time with but she insists on him bringing Abigail with him. I am so annoyed at how privileged Tammy thinks she is to Frank's time. Why is he responsible for this Abigail person it's not his foster kid!

<s>Chapter 5 and I am wondering if it's a red herring that Maggie is the one that actually killed Dawn and Gwen. After Frank's conversation with Vicky she says;
<i><b>"It’s fine, Frank. I’ll tell you something I learned from hard experience: Every parent’s an unreliable narrator. We think we know our kids better than anyone. But none of us can see them objectively."</b></i>
Maybe Maggie killed the women and Aiden is covering for her.</s>

Okay so Aiden and Catherine are the ones that caused the death of Dawn when she was at the camp. Maggie was sleeping with ethol and for some reason she's blackmailing everyone into a fake marriage to get money and half assets. Frank makes a comment about going to the police and telling them everything but Maggie says he has no proof, but she didn't have proof either to blackmail them. Doesn't make sense.

This whole Ups thing is so ridiculous. And now the ceo of Ups showing up is hilarious.

Love that Frank was the only one to check Aiden's art studio. No one including Maggie thought to tell someone he might be there, but only Frank gets the idea to go there first.

Now Aiden has ended his life. Seriously...

Tammy dropping off Abigail despite Frank saying 5i not drop her off to him.

Frank is such a boomer

Abigail ends up having the map that Aiden Left Behind for Frank so Frank finds it valuable to give it to Maggie like some kind of Olive Branch. I am so annoyed. He ends up showing up at her apartment where Aiden's dad and everyone else is there and they burn the map that shows where Dawn is buried. He tells Maggie that he let her down the first time and he this was him making it up to her now. How did he let her down? She conspired with a man to burn down his business and all he did was tell the truth that's not letting her down that's being a good parent and not enabling your child. So now he's over here helping her and the family cover up a murder just so she can stay in this family and get money from them. What's even worse is that he was in a terrible accident and she didn't even come to see him.

Lovely now the family wants to maybe kill Abigail because she might know something.

<b>Final Thoughts:</b>
Get ready to read a book that makes you roll your eyes so much you'll get a headache.

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<b>Thanks to Netgalley and Flatiron for the ebook & thanks to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak is a suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller that keeps readers on edge with its brilliant pacing, sharp twists, and emotional depth. The story follows Frank Szatowski, a father who has been estranged from his daughter, Maggie, for three years. When she unexpectedly invites him to her wedding in New Hampshire, Frank is filled with hope that this could be the opportunity to repair their broken relationship.

However, Frank’s excitement quickly turns to discomfort as he arrives at the lavish, secluded estate where the wedding is to take place. He soon learns that Maggie is marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of a famous tech billionaire—an unexpected revelation that leaves Frank feeling out of his depth. As he navigates this unfamiliar world, Frank’s desire to reconnect with Maggie is complicated by his growing unease about the Gardner family and the strange, hostile locals who seem to resent them.

Rekulak masterfully builds tension as Frank begins to uncover unsettling secrets about the Gardners and the community surrounding them. The mix of family drama, suspense, and intrigue makes for an addictive reading experience, with each new revelation raising the stakes. The novel's strength lies not just in its thriller elements, but also in its exploration of father-daughter relationships, family dynamics, and the lengths we go to protect those we love.

Frank is a relatable and deeply sympathetic character, and readers will be drawn to his emotional journey as he strives to bridge the gap between him and Maggie, while also uncovering the dark truths lurking beneath the surface of her new life. The slow burn of suspense and the mounting sense of danger keep the pages turning, culminating in a gripping finale that delivers on both tension and emotional payoff.

In short, The Last One at the Wedding is a standout thriller that expertly blends suspense with emotional resonance. Jason Rekulak’s storytelling prowess is on full display, making this a must-read for fans of character-driven thrillers with a sharp edge.

"The Last One at the Wedding" by Jason Rebulak presents a curious blend of thriller and family drama that keeps readers engaged, albeit with some mixed feelings. Set against the backdrop of a wedding, the novel introduces a cast of characters who are, by the reader's admission, largely unlikable yet strangely relatable.

The story revolves around intricate family dynamics and the tensions that arise during a significant family event. Despite the characters' flaws and the less-than-ideal thriller elements, the novel manages to strike a chord, particularly through its portrayal of the father figure. The father's relatability adds depth to the narrative, offering insights into familial relationships and personal struggles that resonate beyond the confines of the plot.

While "The Last One at the Wedding" may not rank as the pinnacle of the thriller genre, its ability to captivate and evoke empathy makes it a worthwhile read. Jason Rebulak skillfully navigates complex emotional terrain, weaving a tale that, despite its flaws, leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, the novel is an enjoyable read for those looking for a blend of family drama and suspense, offering moments of reflection amidst its twists and turns.

Wow! This was a twisty and dark one and I didn't see those twists coming! Jason Rekulak is now on my always-read list! I can't wait to see what he writes next!

Overall I was tragically disappointed by this book. I recommend Hidden Pictures by this author constantly so my anticipation was high here. The book felt like it rambled and ultimately had little point. Plot aside, the narrator was good, I liked their voice. I was engaged by the narrator but not the story sadly