Release: May 1, 2025
Author: Steph Nelson
Publisher: Ticking Clock Press

Rating: 3.75 ★ 

Everyone thought Chloe Webster was dead. She disappeared twenty-five years ago on the same night her two friends were brutally murdered at a remote hot springs — or at least, that’s what everyone believed. Everyone except her cousin, Frankie, who never gave up hope.

When Chloe suddenly shows up at her own memorial event, Frankie is thrilled — but their reunion isn’t anything like she expected. Chloe has no memory of what happened the night she vanished, or of her life before it.

As Frankie starts receiving strange, cryptic messages, she begins to wonder if Chloe might know more than she’s admitting. Frankie is desperate for answers after all these years, but as the truth slowly unravels, she’s forced to question whether some things are better left buried.

I flew through this book — it was dark, twisty, and completely addictive from the first chapter. I loved how many layers there were to the story. It’s fast-paced, full of shocking twists, and kept me guessing the whole way through. Even though I figured out part of the reveal early on, there were still surprises that totally blindsided me, which made it even better.

I really liked both Chloe and Frankie’s characters, and Chloe’s will to survive — especially when it came to protecting her child — was powerful and emotional. Some scenes genuinely hit hard, and by the end of part two, I was tearing up.

The short chapters and dual timeline made it a super quick read, and I could not stop turning the pages. That said, I do wish some parts of the story had been fleshed out more, like the police investigation and some of Chloe’s flashbacks. A few moments of dialogue felt a little stiff too, but it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the overall experience. Plus, the bonus chapter was a great addition for readers wanting a little more.

Favorite Quote:
"every step closer to the truth is a step closer to danger."

Frankie will stop at nothing to make sure no one forgets about her cousin, Chloe, and get to the bottom of her disappearance. 25 years ago, Chloe and 2 friends, are struck by tragedy at a local Hot Springs when Chloe is taken and her friends are brutally murdered. Her cousin, Frankie, makes sure to keep her name alive and not forgotten when suddenly she reappears after all this time and has no memory of what happened. Frankie is determined to get find out what happened in the past 25 years, even if it puts herself in danger.

This was a fast-paced book from the first chapter that sucked me in and wouldn't let me go until I finished. I have been a huge fan of Steph Nelson for quite some time, however, this book solidified exactly why I enjoy her writing so much. Being a local of the Treasure Valley, I enjoy a book that hits close to home and this one definitely did. Literally. I think that everyone who reads Psychological Thrillers tries to predict the outcome of any book they read, but I could not have guessed in a million years where this one was heading. I can't wait to recommend this book to all my fellow readers out there and to see what Steph Nelson will have in store for us in the future.

This was so fast paced ! In Steph Nelson fashion, so suspenseful and dark. The plot was just so entertaining and kept you wanted to keep reading. I absolutely could not put this down ! Such a fun ride

Steph absolutely killed it with this book. She is now an auto read author for me. This book had me in a chokehold, I read it in one day. Even though I suspected some of the twists I was still shocked when they happened.

OMG! This may have been one of my top unputdownable thrillers so far this year. I BINGED this book & I did not want to stop when I was finished. The depth of some of the main characters has me wanting more! I do wish their was a little more backstory on "Clinton Mask" so that the ending would have hit a little harder for me. I predicted most of the twist, however, that didn't take away from a minute of my enjoyment. Characters who can't let go of the past, others hiding behind real and metaphorical masks, and a Jensen on the side.

Frankie has a cousin/best friend who went missing as a teenager. The girls she was last seen with were found murdered but Chloe hasn't been seen since. That is, not until 25 years later when she walks back in to town with no memory of her past and Frankie starts trying to put the pieces together.

Last One Out was a super fast paced read. It had me hooked from the very start and I finished in a few hours. Literally did not want to put it down! It moved quick and the clues sprinkled throughout had me pointed in the right direction but there were still some surprises in store. The writing was very well done. Sometimes, almost too much so. I don't want to give an spoilers but there was a scene towards the end that had me cringing pretty hard. But kudos to the author for the ability to bring that much vividness to the novel. This was my first book from this author but definitely won't be the last!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This gripping and emotionally charged novel follows the intertwined stories of Chloe and Frankie, told through a dual perspective that adds depth and complexity to the unfolding mystery. Twenty-five years after her mysterious disappearance, Chloe reappear on the very day of her annual memorial service. Her sudden return raises a cascade of compelling questions: Where has she been all these years? Why now? And most unsettling of all, why does she claim to have no memory of her time away?

The narrative pulls the reader in with relentless tension and unexpected twists. The pacing is at times intense which you may find yourself needing to pause—not out of disinterest, but because the sheer emotional weight demands a moment to breathe.

Both Chloe and Frankie’s points of view are essential to the story’s structure, providing insight not only into the events but also into the psychological toll such a trauma inflicts. The author handles these elements with care, but readers should be advised to consult trigger warnings before diving in. This is not just a thrilling read—it’s also a haunting and, at times, unsettling one.

So why give the rating of a 3.25-3.50?
Let's begin with Frankie. She seems deeply fixated on her cousin, Chloe, even before Chloe's disappearance. Frankie purchases Chloe’s old family home, but rather than renovating it, she leaves it as it is. This suggests that she is somewhat trapped in the past and to me it's not due to lack of closure. Or it could be she really wishes she could have lived Chloe's life? I just didn't feel invested in her but did with Chloe and Jensen.

Additionally, it feels like the police simply accept Chloe's return without questioning or reopening the investigation, which seems a bit unrealistic. I know, I know....it's fiction!

Chloe's narrative is what keeps the reader interested with it shifting to the days following her abduction. That is what in my opinion saves the novel.

Thank you to Steph Nelson, Ticking Clock Press, & Netgalley for a digital copy of Last One Out in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.75 stars -

I really enjoyed how this book was multiple layers of messed up. It was fast paced, had lots of twists, and I just flew through it.

I read it during a day I was vlogging

After reading “The final Scene”, I knew I had to read Steph Nelson’s newest book and I was not disappointed!! This was truly a WILD ride and nonstop action from beginning to end. Very fast paced and I couldn’t put it down!

This was a great book it kept me reading late into the night and getting up early to finish!! I kinda guessed part of the twist but not the whole thing. This is unlike a lot of other thrillers. This is the second book I have read from this author and each one I read leave me speechless. It kept me guessing from the first chapter. I will be reading more by this author. She knows how to keep you reading the next chapter. I love the short chapters!!

Thank you to Steph Nelson, Ticking Clock Press, & Netgalley for the e-arc of Last One Out! This book pulls you in from the first chapter! It is a dark, twisty thriller read with short chapters with a dual timeline! Bonus chapter at the end of the book called “It Was No Accident”! This book publishes on 5/1/25! In the meantime check out The Final Scene & The Threshing Floor by the same author! Both 5⭐️ reads for me last year!

This was a really quick read, and I loved it. I only saw coming one of the twists, and I liked both Frankie and Chloe. I'm going to keep reading books by Steph Nelson for sure.

This is my second book by Steph Nelson and it was fantastic!! I read it in one day. I couldn’t stop turning pages, as I just had to find out what happened. Can’t wait to read more by this author.

Chloe Webster is supposed to be dead. She vanished twenty five years ago the night her two friends were brutally murdered at an isolated hot springs. At least, that’s what everyone believes! Great read! This book had shocking suspense, gruesome murders, kidnapping, child abuse, rape, intriguing, action, dark secrets and some crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Steph Nelson is one of my favourite authors & her book ‘The Final Scene’ was my #1 read of 2024. So I jumped at the chance to read ‘Last One Out’ as an ARC for Netgalley.
From the first page, Steph grabs your attention. She doesn’t waste any time pulling us into her story and I was hooked from the beginning.

As I read, I picked up little things where I wondered whether it was a red herring or a clue as to what was going to happen. If it was a clue, it seemed a little predictable. So considering the rollercoaster that was ‘The Final Scene’, I put it down to red herrings.

The end of part 2 had me in tears. I completely empathised with Chloe & the hopelessness she was experiencing. Her will to survive in the face of adversity was inspiring and something that many mothers can identify with. When you have a child, you will do whatever you can to protect them. It is a visceral feeling. And Chloe was determined to do whatever she had to do in order to protect her child.

I did feel like some parts of the story could have been explored more considering it wasn’t an overly long book. The death of Frankie’s mother, the police investigation into Chloe’s disappearance & the flash backs to Chloe’s time at high school. However, Steph being the queen she is has included a bonus chapter for those of us needing more.

The red herrings I mentioned earlier were not red herrings. It was clue’s as to who the perpetrator was. Which I picked up very early in the book. Initially I was disappointed it wasn’t a big twist. But I got the surprise of my life with the other twist. So perhaps it was all part of Steph’s genius plan to blindside us with that second one.

Overall, it was another brilliant book by a very talented author! If you enjoyed ‘The Final Scene’, I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this book to you.

Thanks again to Netgalley & Steph Nelson for this ARC read.

I very much enjoyed this new Steph Nelson thriller, and while I felt like quite a few aspect of the story were predictable, the twist caught me off guard. Despite a few minor flaws, I would absolutely recommend this book to fans of thrillers, mysteries, and Nelon's previous work.

My primary critique include some of the dialogue, which felt forced and a bit stilted. (I did have one other dialogue complaint about one of the point-of-view characters, but that was resolved! No spoilers, so you'll have to read it to see if you notice the same "problem.") My only other critique was the lack of police involvement, which I felt to be a bit unrealistic. This could be due to the characters' shock and grief though, so I can let that one slide.

Overall, the tone, pacing, motivation, and resolution were excellent, and I devoured this story in two sittings. A huge thank-you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this Steph Nelson novel. I made the request for this on NetGalley so I could leave an honest review because I absolutely LOVE The Final Scene by Steph.

I’ve been deep in a fantasy kick lately, so a thriller was a nice break. The twist will catch you off guard as it gradually unveils because, for me anyway, another character seemed to be guilty. I wasn’t prepared for ANY of the revelations, but the ending made my heart happy.

I will always recommend Steph Nelson to my thriller friends, and this novel is certainly on the list.

Why 4 stars then?

While I know one of the MC’s is battling grief that has become a part of who she is, I was frequently annoyed with her dialogue. She’s 40, but her behavior read more 20 and under. There were several times where I felt like she seemed stuck as the 15 year old she was 25 years ago. The ending seems to explain it a little when you learn more about her parents and consider how her adolescence likely went.

The second reason is that not going straight to the police after the reveal at the event just blew my mind. Even being excited and confused to see her, the police needed to be aware after 25 years missing so they could begin finding answers. Then, even after they were notified (supposedly? Did that actually happen or was it one of the lies), they never showed up to ask more questions or begin trying to find answers? I get it was a cold case, but I feel like the victim appearing 25 years later is an excellent time to open that sucker back up.

First things first, thank you Netgalley and Ticking Clock Press for this ARC!

Wow - I seem to have a talent lately for picking books where my heart permanently lives in my throat while reading! Not that I would have expected different from Steph Nelson, though.

The story does follow Chloe and Frankie, told in the POV of both of the women while we try to find out what has happened to Chloe. Where has she been for the last twenty-five years? Why does she show up again at her own annual memorial event, of all days possible? And why does she not remember anything - or claims so, at least?

A suspenseful, wild ride that had me force to pause now and then to take a breath even when my mind was screaming to just continue reading. Very recommended! Check the trigger warnings, though!

Unfortunately this book was very predictable with horrible dialogue. I tried to push through but by the 20% mark I was mostly skimming. Some aspects I did find unbelievable. The premise was interesting but the plot failed to be executed properly. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a pretty predictable thriller, but I did enjoy it nonetheless. Parts of the storyline strayed from the believable, but the core of it was entertaining.