Spoiler-Free Book Review
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Genre: Mystery
Author: Laura Dave
Quick Summary: In The Last Thing He Told Me, Hannah Hall is left a note with a simple yet mysterious message from her husband Owen. “Protect Her,” it reads. Now that Owen has disappeared for good, unable or unwilling to pick up her calls, Hannah decides to set out on a journey to discover Owen’s true identity while protecting his sixteen-year-old daughter Bailey who he left behind.
Overview: The Last Thing He Told Me Book Review
The Last Thing He Told Me caught my attention when I learned it has a TV show. Since I’ve been on a bit of a streak reading mystery novels, I decided why not give it a try? The Last Thing He Told Me certainly had me thinking deep, philosophical questions by the end of the story.
Story/Plot
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave wastes no time by launching the reader straight into the inciting incident when Hannah is left a note by Owen saying, “protect her,” referring to his daughter, Bailey. Along with the overarching mystery of where Owen went and why, the story focuses on Hannah’s relationship with Owen and the relationship she wants to build with her daughter-in-law Bailey. I very much enjoyed this story when everything started to come together in the end.
As for pacing, like anyone else, I was really glued to the pages from the start. But the story does eventually slow down. This novel calls for you to pick up on and piece together small details. There are multiple chapters that visit Hannah’s past which masterfully ties into the present. There are also other chapters that involves Hannah visiting old friends and familiar locations. By about one quarter away from the ending, I found myself in that familiar place where I could not put the book down. The endless possibilities will keep you guessing about what exactly is going on.
Finally, to manage your expectations properly, it’s important to note that this story is better classified as a light mystery novel rather than a thriller. Overall, this was a very nice mystery if you aren’t looking for anything too heavy. There’s also a TV show based on this story!
Characters
The main character in The Last Thing He Told Me is Hannah Hall, an ordinary woman who is put in an extraordinary situation in one sudden moment. With every decision she was faced with, I enjoyed putting myself in her shoes and imagining what I would have done. Hannah most certainly is a proactive character who drives the plot for the better in situations where I may have been more passive.
I also love how the story focuses on the closest relationships surrounding her. The story successfully explores the uncertainties of her relationship with Owen and the relationship she wants to build with his daughter Bailey. Bailey is a rebellious teenager who is challenging for Hannah to connect with, as are all teenagers whose lives are chaotic. But I was most intrigued by her relationship with Owen who she realizes she might not even know at all.
Writing
The writing in The Last Thing He Told Me was simple and clear-cut, making it a nice and easy read.
The Last Thing He Told Me gets a 3 out of 5 stars from me.