Wow! What a book, it hooked me in from page one and kept me gripped, reading well into the night. This is an intelligent thriller, beautifully written, with excellent pacing and an unusual plot. The characterisation is sublime, of all the players we encounter throughout the story, but especially Hannah, her husband Owen and his teenage daughter Bailley.
It’s difficult to say more without revealing spoilers, but I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a clever, intriguing thriller.
I am impressed by the author Laura Dave, and will be looking for more of her work.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this title, I so enjoyed it.

When I was reading this novel, I could visualise it working as a TV series or film. It doesn't surprise me it's being made into a series.

The whole novel read as if it's a drama script. There were many reveals, twists, and turns. These worked on the whole but I feel it came at the price of character development. When it came to the final reveal I felt like I didn't know Owen enough to be as invested emotionally as I could have been.

This novel might have benefited from being longer. More time to explore the dynamics of the stepmother and stepdaughter relationship would have been great. I enjoyed reading how Hannah and Bailey's relationship changed. It felt like it wasn't given as much time and depth as I would have liked though.

Overall this is an enjoyable read. It's certainly packed with enough tension and suspense to maintain interest. I look forward to seeing how it transports to the screen and how Julia Roberts plays Hannah.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my early copy of this novel.

Hannah’s husband Owen has vanished, seemingly without a trace. The only clues left behind are a duffel bag of money, and a note containing only two words: protect her. Owen wants Hannah to protect his daughter, but the only problem is that she cannot stand her new stepmother. And where has Owen gone?

This was an absolute classic mystery read. I spent my whole read absolutely hooked - I knew something was going on, but I had no idea what. And that’s what was so frustrating! I couldn’t have predicted that ending in my wildest dreams.

Hannah and teenager Bailey must piece together exactly where Owen has vanished to. Is he in trouble? Are they?

This is a gripping and ultimately heart-warming story of love. What lengths would you go to in order to protect your loved ones? Even when they refuse to speak to you...

I’ve just found out that this book is being made into a series by Reese Witherspoon’s production company Hello Sunshine, and I can’t wait! If it’s going to be anything like Big Little Lies or Little Fires Everywhere, it’ll be a treat.

The last thing Owen Michaels told his wife Hannah Hall before disappearing is ‘Protect Her’. He must be referring to his sixteen year old daughter Bailey with whom step-mum Hannah has a tricky relationship. After receiving the note Hannah and Bailey’s lives change in ways they could never have foreseen. The story is told by Hannah in the present and with flashbacks from her first meeting Owen which works really well.

I couldn’t put this down!! This is how you write a domestic thriller novel! There’s nothing unnecessary, it’s not overlong, the chapters are short, crisp and to the point but the author skilfully creates a real feeling of authenticity. The writing isn’t flashy or over the top, it’s just darned good storytelling I engage with immediately. I love the chapter headings which have a good dose of wit about them. The settings are really good as is the characterisation. Hannah is clever, resourceful, an independent thinker and brave as she’s prepared to do whatever it takes. The portrait of teenager Bailey is very strong, you feel her confused and torn emotions. I like how their relationship changes, develops and morphs as they unite in their attempts to seek out the truth. There are some really good twists and turns in the well paced plot as Hannah pieces together what small snippets of information she has and maximises them. Their anger, confusion and uncertainty of what to believe about Owen comes across well and you admire Hannah’s ingenuity in piecing it together. There’s nail biting suspense as the very unpretty tale emerges which keeps me gripped throughout. The ending is maybe a bit too neatly tied in a bow but that’s not to say I don’t like it - I do!!

Overall, I love this book, finding it a well written and very entertaining, enjoyable thriller demonstrating just how far people will go for love.

With thanks to NetGalley and Serpents Tail/Viper/Profile Books. I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest unedited review.

This book was so brilliantly written. I could literally picture the characters on screen and the story unfolded at a decent pace, enough to keep you gripped without the addition of too many characters. My only complaint is that it was too short!

Hannah’s world if turned upside down when her husband Owen disappears. Leaving only a short, cryptic note.. he has clearly never read any books of this genre or he would know that this doesn’t work. It just makes Hannah determined to find out what has happened. So with Owen’s 16-year old daughter in tow Hannah sets out to unravel the mystery of his disappearance. And discovers he’s not who she thought he was. So far, still typical of this genre. But it didn’t go in the direction I was expecting. As the truth is teased out, Hannah has some tough decisions to make.
I’m not going to say more, as I hate spoilers.
The story is well written, with relatable characters and enough plot twists to keep you guessing. I would definitely recommend it.

Hannah's husband Owen has fled after the FBI raided his workplace, leaving a note saying only 'protect her' meaning Bailey his teenage daughter. Hannah now has to try and find out a way of being there for her step-daughter which isn't easy as well as to figure out what/who she's protecting her from! Then she needs to know why Owen has run?!

Many thanks to Net Galley for letting me read this and such a superbly written novel Laura, more please!! I would love a what happens next, or maybe told from Owen/Bailey's point of view!

Would have said it would be brilliant to be made into a tv drama/ film, so will definitely be watching when it comes out- can't wait!!! Will be scouring for more from Laura Dave, I couldn't put it down.

This isn't my usual genre for reading but I've heard a lot of good things about it so figured it must be worth a go.

I can happily report that it was definitely worth a go.

Hannah's husband, Owen has vanished. He's done a bunk as the company he works for is suddenly raided by the FBI.

Owen leaves behind his teenage daughter with a note for Hannah simply to "protect her".

What follows is Hannah's struggle not only to figure out what's happened to her husband, but also to form done sort of bond with his daughter; no easy task as she's only recently come into her life.

I really enjoyed this book. The story flows well from scene to scene, and even though each chapter bumps us back through old memories and the current mystery, it never loses its grip on you.

My only gripe with this is what at one point the phrase "could care less" is used when it clearly should be "couldn't care less".

My first novel from this author, but I don't think it will be my last.

I enjoyed reading most of this but, for some reason I can’t immediately pinpoint, I lost interest when ‘the big reveal’ happened. The last third of this book just didn’t deliver the same level of intrigue the beginning did for me. It’s not that the plot was bad, badly-conceived, or badly-developed, it’s just that the ending was... anticlimactic?

Solid thriller with a fantastic (step)mother/daughter relationship at its centre. That's the most beguiling part of the novel, and the most original. The characterisation is excellent, the writing and plotting both consistent (although there is some repetitive phrasing which might grate by the end).

3.5 stars.

My thanks to Serpent's Tail and NetGalley for the ARC.

Well this one was a nice surprise. Hugely enjoyable quick read.

When newly married Hannah receives a note from her husband of one year Owen, with just the words “protect her” before he disappears, she knows he is talking about his 16 year old daughter Bailey.
Bailey who lost her mother when she was young and has not taken to Hannah at all.

When Owens boss is arrested for fraud and first a US Marshall and then the FBI turn up on Hannah’s doorstep asking about Owen, she soon realises that Owen isn’t the man he said he was. The question is, who exactly is he and what secrets does he hold that have made him disappear off the face of the Earth?

Hannah and Bailey reluctantly set out together to try and find out about Owens past, when Bailey was a little girl, too young to remember hers and Owens past life.

This one was great fun. Light enough and doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. Fast paced, tight editing and story telling, it tells its story without over complicating the story(which could have easily happened given the story arc).

The characters are well written and our central character Hannah is extremely likeable. A kind but strong and practical woman who will do whatever it takes to protect Bailey.

A kind of thriller, a kind of buddy road book, this one zips along as I said and is an excellent read.

Loved the ending too, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

An author that wasn’t on my radar before but certainly is now.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Serpents Tail/Viper/Profile Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First book in a long time where I have read it within the same day, showing just how good this book is! Excited for the tv series now but I always prefer to read the book first as I usually prefer the book!

I loved the twists in this book that kept my guessing, wondering what was going to happen next.

Everyone’s worlds are torn apart by Owen disappearing. The author really opens the worlds of this family writing about both the past and the present. This book is written to keep you in suspense and switching between loyalty to characters. Laura Dave is a new author to me but certainly a new favourite.

The characters were really brought to life and the exploration of the relationship between Hannah and Bailey really captured me! I even jumped at the bit introducing Charlie, and felt a soft spot for Nicholas. Don’t want to give any spoilers by going into detail of the storyline.

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited feedback.

Before Owen Michaels disappears, he manages to smuggle a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows exactly to whom the note refers: Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. Bailey, who wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother. As Hannah’s increasingly desperate calls to Owen go unanswered; as the FBI arrests Owen’s boss; as a US Marshal and FBI agents arrive at her Sausalito home unannounced, Hannah quickly realizes her husband isn’t who he said he was. And that Bailey just may hold the key to figuring out Owen’s true identity—and why he really disappeared.

Another gripping, unputdownable, whirlwind, fast ride you easily attach yourself at the high tension, mysterious story! An interesting fact about this action-packed, mind-numbing suspense story: is it made me cry so hard when I finished the last page!

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

This book intrigued me from the start - Hannah’s husband vanishes leaving her and his 16 year old daughter behind. Bailey is the light of his life so why would he just go? The only communication from him to Hannah is a hastily scribbled note with the words “protect her” - Bailey doesn’t even have a good relationship with her stepmother so none of this makes sense. Protect Bailey from what - or who?

I really felt drawn in by the characters and the story. This book made me gasp out old a couple of times and also brought tears to my eyes. I am really looking forward to watching the screen adaptation. Thank you NetGalley for my copy. Would highly recommend.

I thought this book was great, cleverly written, fast paced and engaging. I had no idea what was going to happen and I couldn’t wait to find out. Really looking forward to the TV series now!
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! Wow! Wow! What a book. Not your typical husband goes missing thriller at all. It was fast paced, I couldn't put it down and had no idea what would the ending. I look forward to watching the TV series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the opportunity to read 'The Last Thing He Told Me' but Laura Dave,

This was a very enjoyable read - the love story, the adolescent, the woodturning and the mystery. All were detailed well and came together to tell a good tale. I will look forward to reading more by Laura Dave!

The book really takes you on a ride, and what a ride it is! I couldn’t stop reading, and read it in just a few hours!the story was great, the characters were great, and it really makes you think, how far would you go for the people you love?

This is a lovely, complex thriller, told partly in flashbacks from days, weeks, months or years ago. Told with Hannah’s voice, it tells how she tries to survive, with her uncooperative stepdaughter Bailey, when her husband Owen goes missing. He left her a note -‘ protect her ‘, meaning Bailey, who could hold the key to the whole story.

Hannah is a great character, who is trying to make sense of the whole thing - the husband she knows and loves wouldn’t have done this if he wasn’t desperate. As the story unfolds, little snippets that were said come back to Hannah, clues that she follows, pulling threads to unravel a really tangled web. It’s terrific reading, it had me from the first chapter. What you would do in her situation, to protect a teenager who has already had a tough start. I read it in a day, as I just needed to know it’s conclusion. Not one I guessed. Cracking read.

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

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hannah has been married to Owen for just over a year and is navigating a tough relationship with his 16 year old daughter, Bailey, when Owen abruptly disappears in the wake of a scandal involving the company where he works. He leaves behind a note for Hannah saying "protect her", referring to Bailey.

This was a fast paced and engaging read. I love a book where things aren't as they seem and secrets from the past are uncovered. I was drawn into Hannah and Bailey's investigation into what caused Owen to run, where they kept turning up clues, which ultimately led them to the truth. I think this book was supposed to be as much about Hannah and Bailey's evolving relationship as it was about what happened to Owen, but I was much more interested in what happened to Owen. While plausible, I didn't think the ending was a 5 star, so I am giving the book 4 stars but I thoroughly enjoyed it and would read more from this author.