This was a fast paced twisty thriller. It made for a pretty quick read. It was, however, a little bit predictable. I would say that places this around mid-tier for me personally.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Incredible read!!

Major trigger warning for those sensitive to abuse, rape, etc.

This book took off on page one and didn't stop til the very end! I enjoyed the multiple perspectives from the characters and the plot twists just didn't stop!!

Must read!!

Thank you NetGalley for early access!

I don’t know why I’m hesitant to write this review, I genuinely love Steph Nelson’s writing and her stray from the “usual” storylines. I wasn’t even expecting a new one from Nelson and I was excited when I saw it up for review! I don’t want to say I’m “disappointed”, only that “The Last One Out” didn’t live up to the quality I’ve read in her other stories. I would’ve loved to see this story expanded on in the beginning, but nonetheless.

The Last One Out follows cousins, Frankie and Chloe, who- despite the age difference, are close friends. This dual timeline, dual POV centers on the disappearance of Chloe 25 years ago and Frankie’s persistence to keep her memory alive in hopes she’ll find her and/or closure.

The pacing was fine, the switching POVs was easy to follow, I just felt like there were too many details explained by the narrator versus subtly mentioned. It interrupted the flow- but I’m not an author and can’t imagine how hard it is to add the details without an immediate explanation. The story requires the reader to suspend belief and immerse themself in the story being told and not the distance from reality. I would give this 3.5 stars, rounded down for GR. Overall, I’m thankful to NetGalley and Ticking Clock Press for the ARC.

Three girls are out in a very isolated place, two of them get killed, one of them gets kidnapped. No one knows what happened to Chloe, but her cousin Frankie won’t give up. 25 years later, Chloe suddenly reappears at her own memorial, or does she?

I’m going to be honest, without the second part, I probably would have hated this book, but I realise now that all those things that were driving me insane were actually here on purpose. Chloe was kind of a walking red flag; when we meet her again, you can’t help but wonder a few things :

- Total amnesia is very convenient when you want to make sure you don’t make mistakes like not remembering something or someone you should.
- Chloe or the police not looking for missing persons for that long to try to find out who she is was a bit infuriating and unbelievable.
- We have POVs from Chloe from the past, but not from the present; everything is through Frankie’s POV.

The second part does have moments when you need to suspend belief (but that’s often the case in thrillers), but it works anyway. I did see who the bad guy (well, one of them really) was from the start because when you have a teenager in Chloe’s situation at the beginning of the book? That guy was the most likely option. I liked the twist because it turns the thriller into a very touching revenge story. Chloe and Frankie are family; they love each other a lot, and that’s something you see throughout the whole book.

One thing that could have been better? The secondary characters. Jensen is absolutely useless; he doesn’t really serve any purpose in the story. The two girls who were killed? They don’t really get fleshed out; they only exist to make the case even more gruesome.

Overall, super entertaining with touching main characters. I also appreciate that the very triggering topics (which you can find at the beginning of the book) are handled in such a good way, proof that you don’t need graphic details to make your story heartbreaking and believable.

✨ARC Review: Last One Out✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Summary: 3 girls go to a local Hot Springs one night where something unimaginable happens and only one makes it out. (Or does she)?? 🤔

Thoughts: This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter! I also LOVE that the author is from my home state of Idaho and the places talked about in the book are places close to home. It makes my reading experience that much more enjoyable! I would HIGHLY recommend you add this to your TBR. Especially if you’re looking for a fast paced thriller!

Thank you so much Steph Nelson for the opportunity to review this book early! I can’t wait for the official release day and to order myself a shelf trophy! 🎉

thank you netgalley for the chance to read this ARC!

this was such an easy read, i finished it in about six hours. it was a fun popcorn thriller with some twists (some i saw coming, others not as much) and a propulsive plot. the writing was a bit basic & some parts of the story are pretty unbelievable, but for being a quick and interesting thriller, i liked it! would recommend to anyone seeking something suspenseful and quick.

Last One Out is a dual-timeline narrative following two cousins - Chloe, who disappeared back in 1999, and Frankie, who is still holding out hope that her cousin is out there somewhere. This was such an exciting thriller, with difficult though potent emotional themes, and lead characters with strength and resilience that had me rooting for them throughout. Although there are certain plot themes or characters that didn’t entirely work for me, Nelson kept the narrative very centrally-focused, allowing my nitpicks to fall to the wayside.

Though, admittedly, this story lacked somewhat in the character department, I found that it was made up for by the emotional attachment I developed to both Frankie and Chloe. I felt so deeply towards them as individuals and towards their relationship, so evidently there was something to the way they were written that was worthy of connection. They both struggled in the story, they both dealt with such sadness that it was impossible for me not to feel strongly for them by the end.

I’m not exaggerating when I say I could have read this in one sitting if I’d had the time to do so. I really appreciated that Nelson bounced between POVs a lot, because it kept me totally hooked very early on. The way that the mystery unfolded, more information was both revealed and withheld, and the creeping anxiety I felt made this a rapid page-turning for me. Even as I was able to predict certain outcomes, I was still emotionally invested upon their reveal - there was one point near the end that I audibly gasped, despite knowing what was going to happen, simply because of how emotionally invested I’d become over the course of the narrative.

This story had a strong sense of place, in particular during the chapters that flashback to what Chloe endured back in ‘99. In the modern day chapters as well, the atmosphere had a solid consistency, allowing me to feel present amidst the storytelling. Idaho as the setting worked really well for me - Nelson is from the area, making it a seamless location for her to write about, and it added a certain degree of anticipation and isolation that works quite well for mystery/thrillers of this nature.

At first, I had some reservations about the vibes of this story, though now that I’ve completed it I’m not quite sure what those were. Perhaps it was the storytelling, though it grew on me, or perhaps it was the characters and how they were written. Regardless, I wasn’t immediately hooked into this book - it took a bit of time for the story to tighten its focus, but once that happened, my opinion swiftly changed.

The plot itself was full of strong ideas, offering a lot to be explored and felt. I was questioning everyone and everything, and that distrust in the narrative really contributed to the effectiveness of the storytelling for me. I tried to scribble down all my suspicions and theories as I went simply because I was so invested in Chloe and Frankie’s efforts to uncover what happened.

The only minor complaint I have about this book is the structure - grammatically and narratively, there was nothing wrong, but I think the general formatting could have been improved. The story was broken into a lot of “then”s and “now”s back-to-back, but they were separated in a way that made me think the editors or Nelson herself were just trying to hit a specific page count. I just think the time could have been better represented without creating a bunch of filler pages that clog up the book unnecessarily.

Amazing book, I did figure it out quite early on but that didn’t ruin it for me with the plot twists.

I’d advise you don’t start reading this just before bed though as again I’ve made that mistake and didn’t want to put it down.

Overall a great thriller.

I really liked the premise of this book, and there were plenty of twists and turns. I did guess one of the people involved very early on, there were maybe too many clues for it to be a real surprise.

While I liked most of the characters, some of the plot was simply too unbelievable for me to get completely into the book. (I can’t be more specific without giving spoilers.) Also to be honest I find it unlikely that this person would have taken so many extreme chances for seventeen year old victims, so close to home. (Or that he wouldn’t have been caught years ago.)

This book does tackle difficult subjects, but a lot of the premise would have made more sense if the victims were younger, not this close to legal age at 17. I just couldn’t buy that he would go THAT far over and over in so many different ways. And the way that “Clinton Mask” got involved in the first place is completely far fetched. It was also unclear to me if “the bad guy” was taking all these girls just for himself or was he selling them? Although I also understand the author probably didn’t want to go that far by adjusting the victim ages, it would have made some things make more sense.

. It also seemed Nelson may be more comfortable writing older characters, because the first chapter (where the girls were teens) was actually the weakest, with a lot of unnecessary writing. But she hit her stride much better after that.
I would still probably check out other books by this author.
If I could, I’d give it a 3.5 stars.

Last One Out is another strong thriller from Steph Nelson. A woman reappearing 25 years after vanishing is gripping, and the story balances suspense with emotional depth. Chloe’s journey from victim to survivor is powerful, and her chapters are especially moving. The pacing worked really well for me short chapters, alternating points of view, and just enough tension to keep you guessing. I didn’t predict the final twist, and the ending left me feeling crazy. Even when certain reveals were more obvious, the emotional impact still landed. This is a compelling, bingeable read with a satisfying emotional payoff. Highly recommended for fans of twisty thrillers with heart. I can surely say Steph Nelson has officially become one of my go-to thriller authors.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a gifted ARC of this novel!

This is another fantastic popcorn-style thriller from this author that I couldn’t put down! I found this author last year and she was quickly added to my auto-read list anytime there’s a new release. This story was fast paced from the first chapter until the last. I thought the characters to be well-developed as they could be given the confines of the plot, POVs, and timelines. Although I did guess half of the twist, the other half had me completely floored. I definitely recommend giving this one a read but please check any relevant trigger warnings before doing so!

Wow, I was hooked from the first sentence, even reading in the car on 10 minute drives when I was a passenger. I absolutely devoured it. I did suspect the eventual main culprit, but not in the way that things actually happened. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns and was shocked at various parts in the book.

This book got me hooked from the start to the end. Once I started reading, I could not put it down. It was easy to get into the story. The characters are well-written and compelling. The author was great at giving some breadcrumbs to be able to guess what happened. The multiple points of view were well done and added depth and insight to the story. I would have loved to know more about what happened after. The only negative, for me, was the mention of a real website/figure mentioned; it would have been better if it had remained more vague.

chloe and Frankie's story is fast paced and keep you intriged to the end. i will say there is a scence towards the end that made me cry. its emotinal, i really enoy reading this story. thank you net galley for this arc.

Thank you to Netgalley and the UK publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The book started off at lightning pace and had me hooked immediately. It has a great plot and the dual timelines are woven together perfectly.

Although none of the reveals truly shocked me, they made sense. I would thoroughly recommend.

This thriller pulled me in from the very first page. The mystery of Chloe’s disappearance and sudden return 25 years later is haunting and addictive. I loved the dual perspectives—it added depth and kept me turning pages. The forest setting is creepy in the best way, and the emotional layers make this more than just a twisty thriller. A few plot points felt a little convenient, but overall, it’s a gripping, well-paced read. Highly recommend for fans of psychological suspense!

Steph Nelson has written a tight thriller that was hard to put down. Last One Out deals with some very hard-to-stomach issues, but Nelson does this with a delicate hand and reaches the story's real heart.

Everyone assumed Chloe Webster was dead. 25 years ago, she disappeared one night after a secret adventure to a hot spring. Her two friends were found days later, dead. There were no signs that Chloe made it out alive.

So when she shows up at an annual fundraiser in her honor, her beloved cousin, Frankie, is overjoyed. She looks past some of Chloe's questionable comments and is overjoyed to have her cousin again.

Soon, Frankie starts receiving messages, stating that Chloe isn't telling her the truth, and she will go to any length to find out why.

I would suggest avoiding if you are triggered by anything with children, but if you can handle it, I suggest picking this one up.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Last One Out was a riveting thriller that had me questioning everything. The intensity of this novel was unlike anything I’ve ever read and It equal parts mystery & psychological.

I guessed the way some things what would happen but that doesn’t mean the work up wasn’t absolutely brilliant. The way the characters were written was detailed & It sucked you in emotionally. I didn’t just feel like I was reading but I felt like this book completely brought me in.

The plot was definitely the strong point here, the enticing setting had me not wanting to put my kindle down even for a second. This novel is highly recommended & I will definitely be reading anything this author releases.

Last One Out is a chilling, binge-worthy thriller that had me completely hooked. The tension builds steadily, with just the right mix of friendship drama, secrets, and suspense. Every time I thought I had it figured out, a new twist pulled me deeper into the mystery.

Steph Nelson’s writing is sharp and addictive—I flew through this book in just a couple of sittings. If you’re into thrillers that keep you guessing and deliver a punch, this one’s a must-read.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this gripping ebook!

Thank you Netgalley and Ticking Clock Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Steph Nelson’s “Last One Out” delivers a chilling, emotional thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go — even when the plot sometimes asks for a bit more suspension of disbelief. Told through dual perspectives and a split timeline, the story explores the long shadows of trauma, the complexity of memory, and the unbreakable bonds between women—especially those forged through survival.

Twenty-five years ago, Chloe Webster vanished the same night her two best friends were brutally murdered at a remote hot spring. Presumed dead, she became the haunting centerpiece of a cold case that rocked her small town. But her cousin Frankie never believed Chloe was gone for good. Now, on the day of Chloe’s annual memorial, she walks into the room—alive but with no memory of the night she disappeared, or the years that followed. As Frankie reconnects with the cousin she’s spent decades mourning, she begins receiving cryptic messages that suggest Chloe’s amnesia might not be the whole truth. What really happened that night in 1999? And why has Chloe returned now?

Chloe’s flashbacks to her time post-abduction are the beating heart of this story. Her resilience, especially as a mother fighting for her child, is incredibly powerful. These sections feel emotionally raw and authentic, elevating the story beyond a typical thriller. Her arc — from victim to survivor to protector — is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Nelson keeps the momentum going with short chapters, multiple timelines, and shifting POVs. The tension escalates quickly and rarely lets up, making this a truly bingeable read. Even when some twists are predictable, the emotional weight behind them keeps you turning pages. The book does a solid job handling difficult themes like abuse, loss, and PTSD. It doesn’t glamorize trauma but instead focuses on the messy aftermath and how it shapes both Chloe and Frankie’s lives. While a few late reveals might be easy to spot for seasoned thriller readers (I was able to guess one of the perpetrators pretty early on), the ending brings satisfying closure for both characters. There’s a true emotional payoff in watching these women reclaim their voices and begin to heal.

While Chloe is vividly rendered, Frankie occasionally reads inconsistently. Her fixation on Chloe’s past and her strange decision to live in Chloe’s old house — untouched for years — raises more questions than it answers. At times, her voice feels more teenage than adult, and it’s hard to fully invest in her until late in the story. One of the book’s biggest sticking points though is the implausibility surrounding the investigation. Chloe reappears after twenty-five years, tied to an infamous murder case, and yet the police barely factor in? You will need to suspend disbelief when it comes to law enforcement’s role (or total absence) in the plot.

Overall, “Last One Out” is a compelling, emotionally driven thriller that shines in its portrayal of survival and sisterhood, even when its procedural logic falters. It’s less about the mystery and more about the trauma beneath it—the years lost, the relationships fractured, and the hard road toward healing. Those who love psychological thrillers with strong female leads and layered emotional arcs will find a lot to appreciate here.