I could not stop listening to this! Finished in a day. I did find most of the characters unlikeable but sometimes that makes the story better! The suspense kept building and lots of twists and turns.

Short synopsis: Frank receives a call from his estranged daughter announcing she’s marrying the son of a tech billionaire. Shortly after the announcement he gets a letter in the mail regarding the woman who went missing on the private estate the wedding will be held at.

My thoughts: After reading and loving Hidden Pictures I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this authors next book. I’ll tell you right away, they are very different books. This is more a domestic suspense with lots of rich people drama.

I loved hearing this story from the perspective of the father, he drove the story forward so wonderfully as we slowly unravel what happened to make tear him and his daughter apart. I liked watching him fight to repair the relationship with his daughter and trying connect with her soon to be in-laws, despite his reservations. I also really loved the humor and love Abigail brought to the story, she was a bright spot for sure!

I will say, there were moments that were complicated unexpected. I think I screamed out loud at one point, IYKYK…

Read if you love:
- Family suspense
- Remote weddings
- Lifestyle of the rich and famous

I think this one will be better reviewed in two separate ways: the audio narration vs the book…

The narrator: impeccable. His voice was creepy, suspenseful and well trained for audiobooks. I’ don’t know his name but I’ve heard it before and I think he’s the perfect narrator for the suspense or thriller genre.

The book: HUGE fan of the author. 5 stars from his last book Hidden Pictures. It was completely atmospheric and creepy. Loved every minute of that one.

For this one, I felt the same atmosphere read but the ending made me do a little bit of. Wtf? lol. 😂
I also don’t get the reason why Maggie didn’t talk to him for 3 yrs???? The reason given didn’t justify a 3 yr ignore.

I’m gonna need to talk about this with someone because I need to digest.

Narrator: 5/5
Book: 3.75/5

3.5⭐
Genre ~ domestic drama
Setting ~ Pennsylvania & New Hampshire
Publication date ~ October 8, 2024
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 352 (50 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 14 minutes
Narrator ~ John Pirhalla
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ 5 parts, murder, suicide, unlikable characters galore

Frank and daughter, Maggie, had a falling out and haven’t spoken in 3 years. Now she’s getting married to a man named Aiden and wants Frank there. He jumps at the chance to see his baby girl again. With his sister, Tammy, and her foster daughter, Abigail, who gets on his nerves more often than not, in tow they’re off to New Hampshire for a 3 day affair.

Once they get to the lavish estate of The Gardners he’s eager to reconnect with Maggie and get to know everything about the family she is marrying into. But he soon discovers this family has secrets. And then there is a murder, and don’t forget the missing girl that Aiden was involved with before he met Maggie.

Overall, I did not find it to be the edge of the seat thriller the blurb promises. I was hardly gripped as Frank was yapping away nonstop. He did provide some comic relief once in a while, so that was nice. There are a bunch of daddy long legs to give you a little creep factor. I didn't hate it, it was just so slow moving for me because I kept waiting for a twist or something. Not sure what’s up with that ending either.

“I showed her the basics of self defense. Taught her how to make a fist and throw a punch. I made sure she knew the devastating power of kicking a man in his coin purse.” 🤣 Definitely good info.

Narration notes:
He did a fabulous job.

Maggie has been out of touch with her dad for three years. Suddenly she calls him that she’s engaged. The dad (Frank) meets the fiance and the fiance is strange and weird. The couple is just very secretive overall. Frank is hesitant about the relationship, the fact that the fiance is filthy rich, and the lifestyle Maggie is leading. But he has to just let it go and go along with it for Maggie’s sake and for the wedding.

For about 75% I was HOOKED and would give this a solid 4. I had to know what would happen next. The characters felt very real. The secrets were interesting and the investigation frank was leading felt plausible.

But then the ending fell very flat. I kept waiting for something to be resolved?! For a jumpscare?! Haha. But nothing really did. Was this supposed to touch on the reality of the wealthy vs the working class??

So the ending kinda killed the rating for me to about 3.5.

However if you’re in the mood for a less jumpy thriller and more of a bleak view of life, this would still be a good book. The narrator did a fantastic job with all the voices.

“The Last One at the Wedding" by Jason Rekulak is a captivating and unpredictable audiobook that defies easy categorization. While it may not be a traditional "feel-good" story, there are surprising moments of warmth and tenderness that add depth and heart to this genre-bending tale.

Narrator John Pirhalla delivers a standout performance, bringing protagonist Frank to life with charisma and nuance. Frank's relatable thoughts and humorous observations make him an engaging character to follow, even as the plot takes unexpected turns.

Frank's dynamic with Abigail is another highlight of the book, providing both banter and heartwarming moments that add levity to the story's darker elements. While I was expecting a more traditional thriller with paranormal elements, this audiobook subverts expectations with its focus on character development and emotional resonance.

If you're looking for a thriller that defies easy categorization and offers surprising moments of warmth amidst the darkness, "The Last One at the Wedding" is definitely worth a listen.

Thank you to Jason Rekulka, John Pirhalla, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for sending me the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to get this one after reading and loving Hidden Pictures, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. The plot twists kept me hooked, and the story kept me engaged. The only critique I have is that I really wanted more from the ending.

A special shoutout to the audiobook's narrator John Pirhalla.

Throughout the entire book, I was absolutely, positively transfixed by John Pirhalla's expert narration.

John Pirhalla mastered the voice and persona of the book's protagonist, a widowed, devoted, and emotionally scarred dad and career UPS driver.

Quite frankly, narrator John Pierhalla made author Jason Rekulak's deeply flawed protagonist larger than life.

I always adore books showcasing despicable people and this book had no shortage of unlikeable characters.

I am a New Englander and especially enjoyed the book's New England setting.

WHY NOT 5 STARS?
The book's ending was vague and unresolved.

TW:
Suicide

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Going with the audiobook is highly recommended.

4.5 stars

As a HUGE fan of Hidden Pictures (Rekulak's debut), I was so excited to listen to his next one- The Last One at the Wedding.

Frank has not talked to his daughter, Maggie, in three years. So when she calls him and asks him to attend her wedding to tech billionaire Aiden he can't help but jump at the opportunity. Looks can be deceiving though, as he learns who Aiden's family truly is starting with needing to sign an NDA to get onto the family estate/resort. Hearing from townspeople that a beloved daughter was last seen a year ago with Aiden at the estate just adds to the mystery.. who actually is the Gardner family? And why does Frank get a mysterious feeling that not everything is as it should be?

John PIrhalla brought the mysterious element that immediately had me HOOKED and binge listening to. I needed to know where the missing girl went and the mystery behind Aiden's family. While I couldn't stop listening, I didn't find "Wedding" to be as shocking as I had hoped and ultimately wanted some twists to occur that weren't actually there. I felt the ending was a little rushed with some plot holes being quickly tied up to get to the last chapter. However; fans of mysteries and Rekluak's debut may enjoy, just know it's a different genre/type of book than his first.

*Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

I could not put this book down, I was IN from the get-go. I did think it was going to be a horror novel, but it definitely leans toward a mystery or thriller. We're quickly sequestered up at a summer camp in New Hampshire for a wedding, but the math ain't mathing. Frank slowly uncovers mystery after mystery that unravels into a whole freaking conspiracy! Here the pacing got a bit funky, namely started going SO fast that I felt like some important details were omitted. But I was hooked, so I just wrote down my questions and suspended all disbelief. John Pirhalla did a great job as Frank, toeing the line between curiosity and paranoia. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy the rich behaving badly or conspiracy theories.

I have been singing the praises of Jason Rekulak, local legend, since reading and loving Hidden Pictures. This was not it. This was an interesting follow-up. I enjoyed the pace and the short chapters. The story kept getting crazier and crazier and became almost unreal at the end...which I guess now that I am thinking about it is how Hidden Pictures went...

I love wedding mystery/thriller stories like this. There were some twists that I did not see coming in this story that I felt were well written. The down side for me is that I feel like we did not really get a chance to know these characters and a lot of them were unlikeable which made it hard for me to care what happened to them.

Anyway, it was a good and fast read. I did not really enjoy the narrator and it's possible I would have liked the story better if I would have read it as opposed to listening to it as the narrator grated on me at times and I felt he was a bit over the top.

This was a rollercoaster of a book. I will admit I started off not liking it. It starts off extremely slow, and you’re left wondering when it’s gonna finally pick up, but it was worth the wait. I went into this book completely blind. The only information I had about what it was about was the title, and the title makes absolutely no sense. There is a wedding, but the vibe you get from the book is completely different than the title. The main mystery of the book is what happened to Dawn Haggert, but there’s so much more going on. There were so many twists that genuinely surprised me. Whenever I thought I knew were this story was going, I learned that I was very wrong. Every character in this book is completely insuperable until about 80% of the way in, but it doesn’t make them any less interesting. I do wish there was more character development early on. The complex characters are what make the story.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Jason Rekulak’s The Last One at the Wedding is a masterful blend of suspense, family drama, and social commentary. This novel, set against the backdrop of a secluded and luxurious wedding, delves deep into the complexities of familial relationships and the dark secrets that can bind or break them.

The story revolves around Frank Szatowski, a father who is unexpectedly invited to his estranged daughter Maggie’s wedding after three years of silence. The wedding, held at a private estate in New Hampshire, is far from a simple family reunion. 

 Rekulak excels in crafting multi-dimensional characters. Frank’s journey from a heartbroken father to a determined protector is portrayed with raw authenticity. His vulnerability and determination make him a relatable and compelling protagonist. Maggie, caught between her past and her future, is depicted with a complexity that adds depth to her character. 

At its core, The Last One at the Wedding explores themes of reconciliation, trust, and the impact of wealth and power on personal relationships. Rekulak delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by his characters, highlighting the often-blurred lines between right and wrong. 

Rekulak’s writing is sharp and evocative, drawing readers into the atmospheric setting of the secluded estate. The pacing is expertly managed, with each chapter building suspense and revealing new layers of the story. 

The Last One at the Wedding combines the best elements of a psychological thriller with a deep exploration of family dynamics. Jason Rekulak’s storytelling prowess shines through in this compelling tale of secrets, lies, and the lengths a father will go to protect his daughter. This book is a must-read for fans of suspenseful family dramas and anyone looking for a novel that offers both thrills and emotional depth.

Whether you’re drawn to the suspenseful plot or the intricate character studies, The Last One at the Wedding delivers a satisfying and memorable reading experience. Highly recommended for its engaging narrative and insightful themes.

Read this if you like:
•domestic suspense
•slow burn thriller
•complicated family dynamics
•wtf moments

This audiobook was very enticing and I was hooked from the time I started. Frank tries to reconnect with his daughter while her daughter is about to marry into a rich family who owns the company she works for. There was a lot of family drama and a lot of wtf moments from things the rich people did. Thank you Macmillan audio for the ALC!

As I would expect from Jason Rekulak. The Last One At The Wedding was an awesome read. I actually listened to the audiobook, which was phenomenal.

I loved the book and Jason has done it again!

I fell in love with hidden pictures and when I seen the release I knew it was going to be a good one and pretty much jumped for joy when I got the approval email.

The book follows Frank on his mission to find the truth about the Gardner family and the skeletons that are(or aren't) hidden in their closets. Some characters I loved right away, and others really made me want to pull my hair out, a perfect combination cast.

The suspense, secrets, and build-up are the real star of the show for me. I loved the estranged dad plot and loved how he went all super sleuth to try and find out what happened so he could try and protect his daughter. I think jason portrayed Frank as the 'single dad doing his best but falling short' really well. the way he interacts with one of the main characters, it's like a glimpse into how he was a parent and if he was my dad I would have 100% went no contact as well on just that alone.

The plot twists were amazing. When you think you know something, think again and one more time just to be sure.

The narrator was perfect, and I truly believe if Frank was a real person, he would sound exactly like that, and that just brought a bigger depth to the story!

Thank you, Netgalley, Jason, and McMillan Audio, for the ARC copy!

#netgalley #thelastoneatthewedding #arcreview #advancereaderscopy #advancedreadercopy #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreview #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyarc

This was a quick, fun, and thrilling ride. I can honestly say that I was not expecting that ending, or the twist we were thrown into. The narrator did an amazing job with this one. I believed every word and found myself sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation. I'll definitely be recommending this one to all thriller lovers.

Book: I really enjoyed Hidden Pictures and so I did not hesitate when I saw Rekulak released a new book. I'll start by saying, this was NOTHING like Hidden Pictures. While I still did enjoy this book, it was not what I expected from this author. This book is more suspense and mystery with a whole lot of family drama. It highlights the complicated relationships between parents and their adult children. I found the book to be less of a thriller, but the suspense still kept it fast paced. I was thoroughly invested and interested in how the story played out. Overall, very enjoyable, but different from the previous style book.

Narrator: I typically prefer female narrators over male. I'm not entirely sure why other than maybe it's a tone thing. Anyways, I actually really enjoyed the narrator's voice and was able to listen with ease. I believe the story was more enjoyable because of the narrator. He did the voices of different characters well and that helped me to keep the characters straight. I would give 5 stars to the narrator.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed reading Hidden Pictures, so when I saw Jason Rekulak had a new book coming out, I knew I had to read it. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was perfect. I thought it matched Frank’s character so well. It really helped me connect to him.

The pacing of the story was perfect. I was one the edge of my seat waiting to see where the story was going and honestly I didn’t see it see some of the twists coming. It went in a completely different direction than I had originally predicted.

The story is so well written. Each character is unique and interesting. They all bring something to the story, especially little Abigail!

I definitely recommend listening to this book if you enjoy family drama, hidden secrets, and secluded settings! I feel like the narration really brought the story to life!

If ever a book was meant to be listened to, the audiobook version of Jason Rekulak’s “The Last One at the Wedding,” narrated by John Pirhalla, is it!

This is the story of Frank Szatkowski, widower, veteran, resident of a rural Pennsylvania town, long time driver for UPS (26 years without an accident) and estranged from his 25 year old daughter Maggie. Frank is comfortably middle class, has a good pension plan, a paid off house, happy that he paid his daughter’s college tuition without hardship, very proud that when they went to Disney World (when Maggie was a girl) that they stayed in a Disney hotel on the property and not some Orlando motel.

Frank is a solid guy, but three years ago he had a falling out with Maggie, and she has cut off all communications with him. It’s something he regrets terribly (and the story behind their fight is teased out gradually), so when she calls out of the blue to invite him to her upcoming wedding in New Hampshire at a privately owned enclave, he jumps at a chance to reconcile with the daughter he still deeply loves and misses. But Frank finds out that Maggie, who is working at a high-tech electric battery company, is marrying the mysterious son of the CEO of her company, an Elon Musk type billionaire, with a little seen (“debilitating migraines”) wife.

After meeting Maggie’s soon-to-be in-laws (sans Mom), Frank finds Maggie’s fiancé is, well, strange and distant, and once he arrives at the private camp for the wedding festivities, he finds much more about the entire family that is….off. And it’s not just the Daddy Long Legs infestation.

This isn’t a horror thriller like Relulak’s previous “Hidden Pictures” (nothing supernatural) but it’s an escalating story of uncomfortable and horrifying discoveries and the plight of a father who wants the best for his daughter. Narrator John Pirhalla brings Frank to life in a way that you wish Frank was your neighbor or best friend and you could help him with some kind of support or advice. I was enthralled with this audiobook — I kept rooting for Frank while wondering how the complicated story could possibly end. Kudos to both the author and narrator! 5 stars!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced audio copy!