The Last Thing He Told Me : Book review


Book review


Title: The Last Thing He Told Me
Author: Laura Dave
Genre: Thriller/Mystery 

What would you do if a family member disappears one day leaving you with a one line note? And this leads to a trail of shocking discoveries? 

When Owen Michaels disappears, he manages to send his wife Hanna a note which says Protect her. Hannah is petrified and confused but realizes that it’s her responsibility protect Owen’s sixteen year old daughter Bailey. Bailey does not like Hannah. However when Owen’s boss is arrested by the FBI and the US Marshall lands up in their home, Hannah is compelled to dig into Owen’s past only to discover he doesn’t exist. With the help of Bailey, Hannah must get to the bottom of his identity. When they embark on a trip to Austin, it leads to a series of twists, interesting revelations and buried secrets. 

Written in first person from the point of view of Hannah, the plot oscillates between the past and the present. Through her eyes, we get to see the communities in Sausalito and Austin-where the story is set in. The pace picks up in the second half  as the suspense unfolds, keeping you hooked to the pages.   The process of unearthing Owen’s past gives you the feeling of having tumbled into a rabbit hole. 

The author mainly touches upon themes of choices, honesty and family are touched upon here. It makes you wonder about how making a certain choice can lead you in an unexpected direction. Sometimes the endings feel like a start or a beginning of something new. Another interesting aspect is the dynamic between Hannah and Bailey which initially starts off with an element of suspicion and dislike but eventually evolves into one that is built on trust and faith. 

The Last Thing He told me is definitely complex, compelling and interesting. Personally resonated with the parts set in California. If you enjoy mysteries or suspense thrillers, you are bound to relish this one as well. 


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