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.
Everyone except her cousin, Frankie, who never lost hope that Chloe was alive.
When Chloe unexpectedly shows up at her own annual memorial event, Frankie is overjoyed. But this isn’t the reunion she imagined. Chloe has no memory of that night in 1999—or her life before.
Then Frankie starts getting cryptic messages that imply Chloe knows more than she’s letting on. Frankie wants to trust her cousin, but even more, she wants answers to the questions that have plagued her for decades.
But is the truth really worth uncovering at any cost?
Last One Out is a gripping psychological thriller that combines an unsolved missing person case with themes of memory, trauma, and revenge. The story begins in 1999, when Chloe Webster vanishes on a fatal night at an isolated hot springs, where her two best friends were brutally murdered in front of her. After missing for years, she’s presumed dead and becomes the subject of an annual memorial organized by her cousin, Frankie. Amazingly, Chloe reappears at the memorial 25 years later, claiming amnesia of everything that happened on and before that fateful night. As Frankie seeks answers from Chloe, she begins receiving cryptic messages saying Chloe knows more than she admits, leading her on a dangerous investigation.
The story is told in a captivating dual timeline & dual POV format, alternating between Chloe’s experiences during her captivity and Frankie’s present-day investigations. The author cleverly builds suspense and includes several mini cliffhangers before switching perspectives to keep readers furiously turning the pages. Through Chloe’s claimed amnesia, the book explores themes of memory loss, identity, and the long-term effects of trauma. Readers should also be prepared for major triggers, including body violence, murder scenes, psychological manipulation, and human trafficking (though not depicted explicitly).
The characters are multi-dimensional and all harbor secrets. Frankie is a complex protagonist who’s both frustrating and admirable. Losing her mother at an early age and never getting over her cousin’s disappearance has left visible scars, and consequently, she has a difficult time letting people in—very evident in her casual relationship with Jensen, who craves more in their relationship. The only family Frankie has left is her father, who is often absent and inattentive. When Chloe returns, Frankie’s initial reaction is unusual and almost implausible—readers will have to suspend their disbelief at her lack of questioning Chloe, whose story is full of holes. The circumstances that unfold during Chloe’s POV during her captivity in the past are disturbing and heartbreaking—but readers will admire her tenacity and will to survive! By the start of the second half, the author makes almost all the characters suspicious and plants clever red herrings and detours that keep readers guessing.
The pacing is relentless throughout, and the chapters are short and addictive, making for a quick, highly bingeable read. Seasoned thriller readers may find some early twists predictable—but rest assured, plenty more twists and turns are waiting in the wings, including jaw-dropping reveals at the very end that will take readers completely by surprise! The climax of the story is also a wild ride of emotional intensity and lingers afterwards. After such tension, the final “epilogue-style” chapter feels a bit rushed and ends abruptly, leaving the impression that the characters have more to say. It may have been intentional by the author, as it makes the story even more thought-provoking.
Overall, Last One Out is a gripping and emotionally charged psychological thriller. While the story is not the most intricate, the engrossing narrative and shocking twists make this book stand out and worthy of a binge read! Readers who enjoy unputdownable, twisty thrillers with dual timelines and compelling characters should immediately grab a copy of this book! It’s guaranteed to be one of your fastest reads this year!
Narrator Performance
The audiobook of Last One Out is a gripping, addictive listen read by the incomparable Leslie Howard! Howard brings her A-game to the performance and elevates this emotionally charged thriller to another level. She delivers brilliant performances of protagonists Frankie and Chloe, giving both characters incredible emotional depth. She also performs the MANY high-tension scenes with a myriad of emotions and intensity. In particular, the delivery of Chloe’s scenes (while she’s in captivity and pregnant) is so captivating that it will leave a lasting impact on listeners.
Aside from the fast-paced, twisty storytelling, this book includes some very dark subject matter—and Howard does a brilliant job making the characters’ reactions and dialogue very authentic. The thrilling scenes at the end are so well executed that listeners will go through a rollercoaster of emotions and need to process everything afterwards. This is an audiobook that you’ll be recommending to others right away so you can discuss all that transpired!
This book also has several complex characters, and Howard gives each one an authentic voice and personality to make them come alive. Even though the POV switches frequently between Frankie and Chloe, Howard makes the transitions seamless. Both characters are not only given distinct voices but also unique pacing and emotional ranges. It makes for a wildly entertaining and satisfying listening experience that is binge-worthy!
Overall, this fast-paced, engrossing storyline coupled with Leslie Howard’s incredible voice acting talent creates a fully entertaining and UNSTOPPABLE listening experience. If you’re considering this book, the audiobook is the definite way to go. It’s a must-listen for fans of twisty popcorn thrillers, compelling dual timeline stories, and audiobooks with tenacious female protagonists! If you haven’t listened to Howard’s narration before, you’ll become an instant fan after listening to this one!
Narrator Performance
The audiobook of Last One Out is a gripping, addictive listen read by the incomparable Leslie Howard! Howard brings her A-game to the performance and elevates this emotionally charged thriller to another level. She delivers brilliant performances of protagonists Frankie and Chloe, giving both characters incredible emotional depth. She also performs the MANY high-tension scenes with a myriad of emotions and intensity. In particular, the delivery of Chloe’s scenes (while she’s in captivity and pregnant) is so captivating that it will leave a lasting impact on listeners.
Aside from the fast-paced, twisty storytelling, this book includes some very dark subject matter—and Howard does a brilliant job making the characters’ reactions and dialogue very authentic. The thrilling scenes at the end are so well executed that listeners will go through a rollercoaster of emotions and need to process everything afterwards. This is an audiobook that you’ll be recommending to others right away so you can discuss all that transpired!
This book also has several complex characters, and Howard gives each one an authentic voice and personality to make them come alive. Even though the POV switches frequently between Frankie and Chloe, Howard makes the transitions seamless. Both characters are not only given distinct voices but also unique pacing and emotional ranges. It makes for a wildly entertaining and satisfying listening experience that is binge-worthy!
Overall, this fast-paced, engrossing storyline coupled with Leslie Howard’s incredible voice acting talent creates a fully entertaining and UNSTOPPABLE listening experience. If you’re considering this book, the audiobook is the definite way to go. It’s a must-listen for fans of twisty popcorn thrillers, compelling dual timeline stories, and audiobooks with tenacious female protagonists! If you haven’t listened to Howard’s narration before, you’ll become an instant fan after listening to this one!
The audiobook of Last One Out is a gripping, addictive listen read by the incomparable Leslie Howard! Howard brings her A-game to the performance and elevates this emotionally charged thriller to another level. She delivers brilliant performances of protagonists Frankie and Chloe, giving both characters incredible emotional depth. She also performs the MANY high-tension scenes with a myriad of emotions and intensity. In particular, the delivery of Chloe’s scenes (while she’s in captivity and pregnant) is so captivating that it will leave a lasting impact on listeners.
Aside from the fast-paced, twisty storytelling, this book includes some very dark subject matter—and Howard does a brilliant job making the characters’ reactions and dialogue very authentic. The thrilling scenes at the end are so well executed that listeners will go through a rollercoaster of emotions and need to process everything afterwards. This is an audiobook that you’ll be recommending to others right away so you can discuss all that transpired!
This book also has several complex characters, and Howard gives each one an authentic voice and personality to make them come alive. Even though the POV switches frequently between Frankie and Chloe, Howard makes the transitions seamless. Both characters are not only given distinct voices but also unique pacing and emotional ranges. It makes for a wildly entertaining and satisfying listening experience that is binge-worthy!
Overall, this fast-paced, engrossing storyline coupled with Leslie Howard’s incredible voice acting talent creates a fully entertaining and UNSTOPPABLE listening experience. If you’re considering this book, the audiobook is the definite way to go. It’s a must-listen for fans of twisty popcorn thrillers, compelling dual timeline stories, and audiobooks with tenacious female protagonists! If you haven’t listened to Howard’s narration before, you’ll become an instant fan after listening to this one!
