🏜️I'd like to extend a gigantic thank you to Clémence Michallon, Knopf, and NetGalley for the chance to read a digital copy of Our Last Resort.

🏜️This book hooked me right away! Frida & Gabriel, siblings by circumstance, are visiting a resort in the Utah desert, many years after they managed to escape an oppressive cult in which they were raised. Their dreams of relaxation are dashed as they quickly become entangled in a murder mystery involving the young wife of another guest. Questions still swirl around certain elements of Gabriel's past relationships. Frida's hard-earned skepticism (cult leaders lie!) clashes with her loyalty and devotion to Gabriel. Evidence mounts against her brother, and it does seem as though Gabriel may have been involved. How well does she really know him after all?

🏜️A luxury resort in the middle of the desert is an excellent locale for a tense, simmering whodunit. The characters are complex, with backstories balanced against their current events in a really thoughtful way, revealing just enough to keep you enthralled. By the end, I was blown away by how seamlessly the themes of trauma, trust, and survival tied together to push the characters to the brink.

🏜️Perfect for fans of: Liane Moriarty, Mary Kubica, Lisa Jewell, Grady Hendrix, Laura Dave & White Lotus (TV show). In my opinion, a great book club or poolside read - a good combo of plot & emotional depth.

Major Themes & Tropes:

🔍murder mystery
🏜️ desert resort, isolated setting
❤️‍🩹 trauma, healing, survival
👥 found family
🗣 escaping from a cult
💵 class, privilege
🤥 unreliable narrator

4.3/5 stars!

I absolutely loved this author’s previous work, The Quiet Tenant and always recommend it to everyone. So obviously I was really looking forward to reading her newest which published Tuesday.

This book was a much slower burn, but I feel it was the right length to tell the story. I have always been fascinated by cults and this story dives into Frida and Gabriel’s past life as child members of a cult as well as their present life while involved in a murder investigation while on vacation. I loved the way the story was told and the end of it was well worth the read. I think the author did a great job with writing and explaining the trauma that Frida and Gabriel went through growing up and how that then affected them as adults. It was an enjoyable read that I would recommend, especially if you enjoyed The Quiet Tenant

This is my first book by Clemence Michallon and it will not be my last. The twist is one I didn't see coming, which is rare. This book was true to its word and it was very fast-paced and stressed me out the whole time. I'm really excited to read more by Clemence.

I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

I love a good cult story. The vibe this book brings keeps me guessing through the whole story. The ending I did not see coming. Definitely a great read!

I included a brief review of “Our Last Resort” in a roundup of mystery authors coming to the St. Louis County Library’. But this book didn’t work for me, for two reasons. The setting and characters didn’t ring true, but more importantly, the two timelines spoiled the pacing. I lost interest every time we returned to the cult where the protagonists grew up. It’s not a terrbook, just disappointing.

This was less thriller, more mystery but I ain't mad about that! The story was compelling enough to make me want to keep reading. It gripped me from the very first pages and I was kept on the edge of my seat because I just didn't know how this would all end. A true page turner. If you enjoyed her first book, you'll definitely enjoy this one.

My first book from this author and it won’t be my last! I enjoyed this murder mystery. Told from past and present views it’s about a woman and her brother and thier time in a cult. They lived off the grid with a man who called himself their leader and basically enslaved them all, men, women’s and children.

Present day her and her bother are at a resort, when a murder takes place. Her brother is a suspect for reasons concerning his past come up again. She has a limited time table to convince the police her brother is innocent. I liked the setting of the book and the diverse characters.

{3.5 stars}

Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.

This is the story of two people raised in a cult. They meet up after having been apart for some time and during their stay at a resort, a woman turns up dead. Quickly they are in the crosshairs of the police, some incidents in their past. We get chapters flipping back-and-forth between the present time and the past, showing us their bond, everything they’ve been through and how it led them to where they are today.

I didn’t love this one as much as I loved, The Quiet Tenant. While they’re both solid thrillers, QT had a bit of originality to it, even though it was rereading a common thriller trope. This one similarly was treading on a well warn topic, but really lacked any unique spark for me. The cult was what you’d expect and the ripples throughout their lives led to exactly what you’d expect.

Our Last Resort is a fast-paced, emotionally-charged thriller with a delightfully culty core. It’s the kind of book you pick up “just to start” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re 300 pages deep. Suspense with feelings? Sign me up.

As a big fan of The Quiet Tenant, I had high hopes for Michallon's sophomore novel... and it exceeded my expectations! In fact, I might like it even MORE than TQT. Michallon has a way of crafting taut, suspenseful stories that are both accessible and literary. This is NOT a popcorn thriller (thank goodness), so if you're tired of thrillers disappointing you, this might be what you're looking for. Think The God of the Woods and NIghtwatching. Thrilling AND well written. I will read anything she writes.

This book was a quick and easy read. It went more into found family dynamics and the aspects of cults than a true thriller. However, the story was interesting and was a good beach read with short chapters and multiple time line narrations. Even though this was entertaining, I did like this authors debut novel better.

Comparable to The Quiet Tenant, Our Last Resort departs from the conventional popcorn thriller, instead positioning itself as a literary thriller. The narrative focuses on a mystery enriched with suspenseful and atmospheric elements. Like The Quiet Tenant, this work is distinguished by its strong writing, vivid settings, and well-developed, realistic characters.

The book features cult-related themes, including the background stories of Frida and Gabriel and their experiences growing up in the cult. While there is a notable emphasis on these aspects, some readers may wish for further exploration of the cult elements. Overall, "Our Last Resort" presents an engaging narrative that many readers are likely to appreciate. The author, Clémence, has demonstrated strong storytelling skills that may appeal to a broad audience in future works.

I sincerely appreciate NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for providing me with an advance copy to read in exchange for my honest review.

First love the cover
It has me Turing the page
Then not so much
It was okay we follow a sister and brother
On a getaway and the sister witness can it be a mirder or just a kiss understanding
Between a man and wife
I may pick up the physical copy to re read

OUR LAST RESORT
BY: CLEMENCE MICHALLON

About 4.25 Stars!

I was so thrilled to be generously provided an ARC for an Author, that had been new to me when I read the fantastic debut, "THE QUIET TENANT," which remains one of my lifetime favorite thrillers the way it had been written was brilliant, unique and memorable, and is not as well known as it deserves, but is guaranteed to be a five star read in a quietly understated way. I ended up really liking this second title, called, "OUR LAST RESORT," which was excellent, with the same strong writing that this gifted author called, CLEMENCE MICHMALLON has proven to me that she was able to craft a second addictive novel that I ended up loving the second half so much better. The first half didn't compel and captivate me in the same way as "The Quiet Tenant," did throughout the entire debut, overall I think that is my favorite one out of her two novels. I couldn't wait to read this and as I reflect over how much I ended up enjoying it, I have to be honest that the first half after finishing this was necessary to give the second half such an incredible winning narrative. That said, the first half had me disappointed while I was reading it because the writing felt much stronger in the second half, since I know that might not make sense. Therefore, the content in the storytelling probably didn't interest me as much, because initially while reading I'm struck with either saying it could have been my timing or the content just had me worried that I was going to be disappointed this time because it wasn't as gripping while reading it. In fact, it seemed like for a book marketed as a thriller by such a talented author whose first debut I loved would craft this one called, "OUR LAST RESORT" to be at least equally captivating if not better since she wrote such a stunning first novel with originality that I recommend highly to those who haven't read it. It is one that I remembered how in an unexpected way was one that enough time has passed that I would reread it since it showed innovation that I didn't see in this second one by her until I finished it. The first half felt that I never expected this to be as if it was written by a different writer in how I struggled with it, but it is my honest opinion which I hope is valued since I am grateful to both the author and publisher that I was granted an early ARC. I read this hoping that I would find it more compelling which the second half was an enormous improvement to reflect that I can honestly say that the novel lived up to the hype and her debut as I don't think this reached the thrilling aspect until the second half, and I trust my instincts. I would be lying if I didn't provide my honest opinion as feedback saying I enjoyed this as much as "The Quiet Tenant," which hooked me from the very beginning and never let go making me feel that I was blown away while reading the entire novel, which for a debut of a new author had me say WOW! To be fair to the author, I applaud her for branching out with writing a different kind of novel this time which shows talent and courage, so I will be looking forward to her next book since she really shines with the magical abilities to have left me dazzled again. I'm so happy that I knew I was in good hands and stuck it out so that I loved this, but I wish that the first half wasn't so unappealing in that intoxicating intrigue or suspenseful enough to meet my high expectations which her debut set the bar high. By reading this review you already know that "The Quiet Tenant," it is still unforgettable, and this is one that the initial first half left me feeling underwhelmed while reading. Since I ended up understanding that it could be my lack of interest in the content, but since the pacing was much slower I have torn feelings about how to rate this which I am going with four solid stars. I feel bad not giving it the full five stars since it's second half was electrifying. So I think I'll bump it up to 4.25 stars which I think is unfortunate that I just didn't connect to the characters emotionally until the the above reasons, the rating is more than 4 stars but I hope that is taken into consideration that if I hadn't thought that the pace and writing just took longer to develop to the point of being disappointment at first. I just hope that I convey it's my honest opinion and this is one of the hardest novels to rate, but since it's marketed as a Mystery & thriller genre it should have been for the entire novel. I am not giving the common response that some reviewers give of their opinion that's a plot summary and rated it lower since the big picture is that overall I loved this, and my best advice is for readers to know that I recommend this and it may be one that if you've read her debut, this one might take patience for you will find this worth the payoff if you stick with it. I urge you to read other reviews since I never usually check them, but I did this time since I was curious to see what others thought, and they are mixed. This author is one that I can't wait to read what she writes next. To be fair I just had to check something and it is also marketed as Adult General fiction, so I am adding that I noticed that I think that if I didn't find books with Cult themes boring and not a good fit for me I was wrong to expect a faster pace and I mistakenly expected the entire book to be a Mystery/Thriller pace. My rating is still 4.25 but you might love this and the author is erudite, and very talented and wrote a beautiful book. The fault lies with me for expecting a Mystery & Thriller experience throughout the entire novel. I went into my reading of this blind, but really didn't read the synopsis, but requested it solely from my excitement as an author that when I read her debut, I was amazed. at how lucky I was to have discovered such a powerful & intoxicating new author to add to my favorites. I think the lower ratings are due to readers of her debut wanting another one like it. That was my initial hope, but I think branching out and writing from a different approach is deserving to be appreciated for the merit of each work being based on the novel itself. This one shows her creativity, and I think it's original and it's a matter of personal preference for each reader.

Frida and Gabriel grow up in a cult in Upstate New York and they are very close without having parents they are each other's closest allies within this weird environment. Since most people enjoy books about cults I clearly don't, which keeps this in mind why I didn't enjoy this part. It is presented with a past going back to their childhoods. This part is in at least 40% of the novel. During the present timeline Frida and Gabriel meet at a high end resort in the desert of Utah. The chapters are short and alternate which makes this a fast novel to read. The Title is perfect and I enjoyed the present timeline in Utah where there is a rich couple that Frida hears arguing and the wife is found dead. This timeline in Utah when it becomes the primary focus was my favorite part. Gabriel who the court of public opinion was what it believed that he murdered his wife and drove him to move across the country since he was scrutinized and never legally convicted for his wife Annie's death. Their is a murder when they meet in Utah where the Deputy first arrests this woman who is discovered dead husband William who is weather and is released. The dead woman's husband implicates Gabriel and the police zero in on Gabriel and Frida as persons of interest. There are many twists and turns to hold you captive, at least for me I found the Utah timeline to be the strongest writing and the mystery and thrills made me love the book enough to forgive in my opinion while reading the cult timeline. Overall, I loved it and was glad that I read this, and I might be biased since I didn't like the first part which includes their life in the cult which if you enjoy that aspect you could find this your next five star read. Do read "The Quiet Tenant," after this since it's underrated and I think is breathtaking and even though I loved this, I do recommend both, but thriller and other genre lovers will love that one which I found both ELECTRIFYING, I am starting to be too repetitive by saying if you pick only one of these that one is my favorite.

Publication Date: July 8, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Clemence Michallon, and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.

#OurLastResort #ClemenceMichallon #KnopfPantheonVintageAnchor #NetGalley

Set at a luxury resort in Utah, Our Last Resort follows Frida and Gabriel—survivors of a cult and bound by a complicated past—as they get caught up in the investigation of a woman’s murder on the hotel grounds. Frida narrates the story in a steady, introspective voice, and through her we see both the present-day mystery and disturbing flashbacks to their shared childhood.

This is more of a slow, psychological unraveling than a fast-paced thriller, but it really worked well for me. The tone is tense and thoughtful, and the emotional layers—especially the lingering effects of trauma—are handled well. Gabriel being a suspect adds tension, though the police procedural side felt a little sparse. A few solid twists kept me engaged, even if an element towards the end came together a bit too neatly.

Still, I enjoyed this one a lot. It’s a deeply unsettling mystery about trauma, loyalty, and the weight of what we try to leave behind.

Our Last Resort is a mystery thriller with multiple timelines——mainly the present and when the two main characters grew up in a cult. The writing is definitely strong even when it was slow paced. The twist at the end is very satisfying even though I did see it coming. Michallon wrote a well executed suspenseful story of trauma, survival and unconditional love. While I did enjoy this story I do prefer her other novel The Quiet Tenant more.

3.5 stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Estranged siblings Frida and Gabriel end the years in which they've drifted apart by meeting at a fancy spa resort in the middle of the desert in Utah. It's atmospheric, isolated, the heat oppressive.

Frida, out late having a smoke, overhears a couple having an argument. The newspaper magnate cursing out his (much younger) beautiful wife. It's ugly, he's MAD.

When the young wife turns up dead the next morning, Frida and Gabriel become involved in the investigation, and they are both tiptoeing around each other (and the cops). Everybody is hiding something.

We go back in time to the siblings' years surviving together... in a cult [This is all in the blurb]! What was that like, how did they get out, what did they do once they were in the outside world?

We get all that history as it converges with the action in the desert. This is a certified page turner, read in one day. I couldn't put it down.

My thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf for the Advance Reader Copy. (pub. date 7/8/2025)

I loved her last release but didn’t really care for this at all! I didn’t care about the characters & this is mostly a character driven book. Not really a mystery at all. It tries to play it is at times, but everything is obvious. Pretty let down by this one.

The Brenners are a couple everyone wants to be- powerful William and third wife Sabrina- but you never know what goes on behind closed doors. Or when you think no one is looking. Except this time our protoganist Frida is the silent observer but also in the reflection of her own past trauma.

In dual timelines, we are following present timeline of a mystery murder but also how Frida and her brother Gabriel met, in a cult like setting. For a story with slow progression, this moved pretty quickly.

I liked the Quiet Tenent and this one didnt hit quite the same. Did not not hit the creepy vibe that I felt from the author’s previous work. I did find this pretty predictable so I wish it hadn’t been so slow to get to where I knew it was going. Like really, you didn’t think the deputies wouldn’t research everyone at the spa retreat?

This was an easy thriller to breeze but was pretty dull overall. Since this was probably 98% plot focused, it needed the plot to not be a story that has been told before so maybe if it had developed the character personalities more. This one didn’t unfortunately come close to the author’s debut. I do enjoy the authors writing and hope the next one hits inspiration closer to the first novel.

I loved Michallon's previous book, The Quiet Tenant, and was really looking forward to Our Last Resort, but it fell a little flat for me. I love a good thriller, but this was not it.

This is a layered storied based on the traumatic upbringing of "siblings" Frida and Gabriel within a cult. With a multiple timelines: one present day, and two from the past.
They drifted apart both physically and emotionally after the death of Gabriel's wife. Now they are at a luxury resort to reconnect when a murder occurs and Gabriel becomes the prime suspect.

I didn't particularly care for the cult background, mainly because I felt like it left a lot unsaid.

I was surprised to find out who the true murdered was and about the twist at the end!

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for this advanced copy in return for my honest review.

Pub Date: 08 July 2025