Being bought up in a cult environment not knowing anything about the outside world, how would you adjust to normal life outside?

The dark secrets of the 2 main characters made a slow and at times a boring read. The book could have done with something a bit more racey.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book.

This book was difficult to get interested in, so I went back to the beginning and started over again and then I was able to read it and stay intrigued by it. I enjoyed the way Frida went from past to present throughout the story, filling us in one the history of her and Gabriel (her 'brother') ,which I thought he was the first time I read it, not originally their inability to have families at the cult, especially since that's the entire theme throughout the book! I was surprised at the ending and the fact that Gabriel didn't turn Frida in to the cops but fully understanding their relationship, it's what I fully expected of his character! I'd give this book 4.5 stars if I could but I'll just award it a four.

Our Last Resort is a book that slowly simmers and oozes as the story of Frida and Gabriel, two individuals raised in a cult, deal with trauma and murder in their lives. This book, which is told in two timelines, has a mesmerizing feel as we learn about the siblings and their time spent growing up in a cult and their lives after the cult. There is something intriguing to me about cults. The how's and whys about why people join, why they stay, and what it must be like to live under the control of another.

Frida and Gabriel grew up in a cult and eventually escape and have a very rough couple of years trying to survive and make their way in a world they were raised to mistrust. They eventually drift apart but come back together when Gabriel is questioned for murder - for a second time!!!

This book was a bit slow in spots and usually I struggle with slow burns but this one grabbed and held my attention. I wanted to know about the murders and their past growing up in the cult. This book is told through Frida's POV, and readers are privy to her thoughts, concerns, emotions, doubts, and belief in her brother.

I enjoyed the quiet tension in this book. The deaths that seem to happen around Gabriel. The wondering what is going on, why is this occurring, and why? This book asks the question of how well do we know those in our lives? What secrets do those we love keep?

I thought I knew where this book was going and found that I was way off base. I loved The Quiet Tenant, and although this book did not grab my attention or shock me in the way that book did, this book is more lowkey yet manages to tip toe up behind the reader, give a gentle tap on the shoulder, before the books ending.

I enjoyed the atmosphere and foreboding scenes which occurred in the past timeline. The time spent in the cult has a very ominous feel promoted unease and dread. The time in the present feels very different as that time is behind them, but they are still in a risky high stake's situation.

Overall, an enjoyable, gripping, well thought out, and thought-provoking book.

I enjoyed Our Last Resort, it was entertaining and a quick read.

It follows Frida and Gabriel, from their loves as kids in a cult, to adults after their escape. It was more than a story about adapting to real life though, at its heart, this was about murder and love.

While I loved the cult aspect, I didn’t particularly love the characters. And I would have liked more background into what happened in the 5 years after Annie’s murder, rather than Frida’s monologue.

Speaking of the murder of Annie, I did pick the murderer, but not what unfolded at the resort 9 years later.

Overall, there was some strange aspects to this, that made it an addictive read, and I loved the ending scene between Frida and Gabriel.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Elliot & Thompson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Our Last Resort" by Clémence Michallon is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The story revolves around a group of characters who find themselves intertwined in a holiday resort, each grappling with their own personal struggles and secrets.

Michallon's writing is evocative, painting vivid images of both the idyllic setting and the internal turmoil of her characters. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, allowing readers to delve deep into the psyches of the protagonists. This technique creates a rich tapestry of human experience, showcasing the complexities of relationships and the impact of past decisions.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of tension interspersed with reflective passages. Michallon masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers engaged as the characters confront their demons and seek solace in each other. The emotional depth of the storytelling is complemented by sharp dialogue and relatable experiences, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters.

Overall, "Our Last Resort" is a thought-provoking read that encourages reflection on the choices we make and the paths we take. Michallon's talent for weaving intricate narratives and her keen understanding of human emotions make this novel a standout in contemporary literature. It's a compelling exploration of how love can be both a refuge and a source of pain, leaving readers with a lingering sense of hope.

I was extremely excited to have been gifted an ARC of Our Last Resort, especially after reading and loving the author's previous novel, The Quiet Tenant. Let me just start with stating that there is no doubt Michallon can write. However, whereas I was completely gripped and intrigued by The Quiet Tenant, The Last Resort felt incredibly slow and although it was actually rather long, it also felt like there were parts that felt incomplete. Also, I usually really enjoy dual timelines, but here it felt like a detriment to the pacing of the story.

This is a really strong story about found family and manipulation. The audiobook performance was excellent, and while certain parts of the story lagged, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to lovers of true crime and intense family dramas.

Well, it had potential, but it ultimately fell a bit flat for me. I didn’t really connect with the characters and they felt somewhat underdeveloped, which made it hard to get emotionally invested in their journey. The cult aspect seemed like it could’ve added a gripping, darker layer to the story, but it was barely explored, which was disappointing. Overall, the plot was fine but pretty plain, without many surprises or moments that truly stood out

I was such a fan of The Tenant — it was one of those reads that genuinely stuck with me and had me recommending it to everyone I knew. So naturally, I was excited to dive into this second book. Maybe it’s down to high expectations, but sadly, this one didn’t land the same way for me.

The premise had real promise, especially the cult element, which I found immediately compelling. That thread kept me turning the pages. But overall, the story didn’t grip me like I’d hoped. The dual timelines were a bit jarring at times, making it harder to stay anchored in the plot, and while the characters were fine, they didn’t quite leave a lasting impression. One of the main twists I saw coming early on, which took some of the momentum out of the ending — even though there was an additional twist, it didn’t quite make up for the predictability.

That said, I’m not writing this author off at all — I still think she’s got a brilliant voice, and I’ll absolutely pick up whatever she writes next. This one just didn’t quite meet the bar set by her debut, but I’m hopeful she’ll come back stronger in book three.

Thank you for the arc! I loved the Quiet Tenant and its very unpredictable plot so I’ve been anxiously awaiting this release. The consistency of family surprised me, I feel like it’s so easy to broach a more predictable story line between close “siblings” who don’t share blood and it this stayed true. Already looking forward to the next one.

For fans of The Quiet Tenant, author Clémence Michallon's sophomore mystery novel Our Last Resort is a quietly haunting novel that jumps between past and present, exploring how our history shapes our future. A 4.5 star read for me.

Frida and Gabriel are siblings, but not by blood. They are tied together by their past upbringing, both children raised by a cult and its manipulative leader, who chose each other for family and eventually helped each other escape. As a result, their adult identities are inextricably intertwined and enmeshed.

When they reunite at a luxury resort in Utah, their fragile peace is shattered by the sudden death of a fellow guest. This isn't Gabriel's first experience with a young, dead woman and the crime brings up darker chapters from his past. As suspicions begin to swirl, Frida is left to uncover what her brother is really capable of.

There are multiple mysteries woven throughout both timelines and I enjoyed each equally. The tension builds slowly with deliberate pacing and quiet intensity as each layer of the story is peeled back. I love books that delve into the psychology of cults, particularly the lasting effects of being raised in such an environment, and this depiction of life under the rule of a false prophet was compelling (though I would have loved even more backstory on the cult).

The dynamic between Frida and Gabriel is complex, and as a reader it's hard to know if you can trust Gabriel. At times it appears Frida has the same struggle as well. Their connection is both a comfort and a trap. A theme throughout this novel is loyalty and identity, especially for two people as trauma-bonded as Frida and Gabriel. Can they really exist without the other?

As for the twist ending? I was surprised by it but it didn't surprise me; a subtle, thoughtful jolt that lingers long after the final page. A quiet but powerful triumph from Michallon. I highly recommend.

2 5 stars.

I was really looking forward to reading this book, but it wasn't for me. Found it very slow and dragged out. Although others may love it. Thank you to Netgalley and Elliott & Thompson for ARC.

4.5 STARS rounded down

If you love your thrillers with a side of psychological mind games, cult secrets, and family drama-this book will give you that. We dive into the twisted world of Frida, who escaped a cult years ago with her kind-of-brother, Gabriel. Spoiler: life after the cult? Still messy.

👀 The Plot (No Spoilers, Pinky Promise):
Frida and Gabriel haven’t spoken in forever—awkward since his late wife was Frida’s best friend. When a documentary comes knocking (is it about the cult? Or the death? Or both?!), they agree to meet at a fancy desert resort. Naturally, someone ends up dead (because of course they do), and Frida and Gabriel find themselves in the middle of yet another mystery. Cue the suspense, the secrets, and the I-don’t-know-who-to-trust vibes.

💔 The Characters:
Frida and Gabriel’s relationship is complicated in the best way—loyalty, distrust, trauma, and those are-we-really-family? questions swirl through every page. The cult backstory adds an extra layer of creepy intrigue that I wish went even deeper.

⏳ Pacing & Feels:
I devoured this one in two days as it was one of those thrillers where even if some twists are a little predictable, the ride was so good that I didn't care. I did wish the big killer reveal had a bit more oomph.

🔥 Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Cults & psychological twists
✔ Untrustworthy characters
✔ Locked-room resort murder mystery vibes
✔ Fast pace with deep character feels
✔ That creepy past catches up tension

Whether you’re into morally gray leads, page-turning suspense, or just love a thriller that keeps you up past your bedtime (guilty!), this book is definitely one for your TBR.

Thank you NetGalley & Elliott & Thompson for the ARC!

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒐, 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.
𝑻𝒘𝒐 𝒌𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒂𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕.
𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅.
𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒊𝒐𝒏.

3 stars: ★★★

Clémence Michallon's writing style is BEAUTIFUL, and after reading her debut thriller, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒕, I was ready to jump into this one ASAP.

Did it disappoint? 𝐀 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞
Would I still recommend it? 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐘𝐄𝐒

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭-𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.

This one just wasn't for me—maybe because it was too slow for my liking, or maybe I was hoping for a more edge-of-the-seat, gripping thriller—like her last one, which I absolutely DEVOURED.
There were moments I was so bored I had to skim read through several pages, skipping a lot in between. And I don't like doing that in a book.

𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝:
—The effortless, easy-to-read, lyrical writing style (Did I say how beautiful before?)
—The seamless weaving of the past and the present.
—THE SIBLING BOND. It was everything. It was raw, gutting, and heart wrenching in every damn way. Beautiful.

𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒍𝒚, 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑲 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚, 𝑪𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.

A big thank you to Knopf Doubleday and NetGalley for the eARC of this book! It was a unique thriller with eerie cult themes, murder mystery, and all the vibes for a suspenseful summer read! Michallon is best known for her novel 'The Quiet Tenant,' and I am very excited to go back and read that as well.

The main character Frida and her brother Gabriel are at a resort in Escalante, Utah when suddenly a woman is found dead and her wealthy, older husband is the suspect. Frida tries to assist in the police investigation, but she grows suspicious of her brother's behavior, whom was also once a main suspect in the disappearance of his wife.

The dual timeline of this book takes us back to Frida and Gabriel's childhood where they grew up on a commune as unwilling members of a cult in the Hudson Valley of New York State. Emile, the leader of the cult, was a France native who convinced the members of the many evils of 'outside-outside.' Frida and Gabriel have many dark secrets from their past and how they eventually escaped life on the commune. They also had a falling out at some point in their relationship, and this is slowly revealed to the reader as we toggle back and forth between past and present.

I am honestly shocked at the mediocre rating and reviews for this book. I could not put it down and loved every twist and turn. The account of their time spent on the commune was interesting and disturbing, and I found it fascinating to follow along. Frida and Gabriel show what it means to truly stand by one another as family who have endured some of the darkest chapters of life together. Some of the locations mentioned in this book (NYC, Hudson Valley, Bloomfield NJ) are all places I have lived, which helped solidify my interest. Michallon's writing is descriptive and captivating, with impressive metaphors and personification. The chapters are also very short, which I tend to favor in a book. I would highly recommend this story to anyone looking for an unsettling mystery/thriller to pick up this summer.

Themes/Topics/Trigger Warnings:
*Dual Timeline
*OCD/anxiety/paranoia
*Age gap
*Cult/commune
*Child Abuse
*Murder
*Missing persons
*Violence/assault
*Rape/sexual assault
*Depression
*Fire/arson

Happy book birthday to my birthday twin!

Unfortunately I didn’t like this as much as I expected. I didn’t hate it, but maybe I went in with too high of hopes? I adored The Quiet Tenant, but found this fell a bit flat in comparison.

For a book that starts you right in the action, it read really slow. I felt like not a lot was going on for most of the book. And the set up for what was happening was not super clear, which made it very confusing. While I did like the flashback chapters quite a bit, they didn’t connect well to the present timeline and felt like two different books. Which is a shame because I would have devoured a book solely about the cult chapters.

I still really like Michallon’s writing so I did enjoy reading this well enough, but the story didn’t work for me.

Thanks to Knopf and Netgalley for this ARC. Our Last Resort is out today!

Our Last Resort is told in dual timelines from Frida's perspective. In the past, she was raised in a cult in which members were taught to be independent individuals who follow their elusive leader, Emile. While navigating this peculiar environment, she seeks solace in Gabriel. They deepen their relationship as found siblings, they dream and explore what the outside world could possibly hold.

Present day, Gabriel and Frida haven't spoken in a number of years. They are both leading ordinary, real world lives, but they are still connected through their troubling pasts. In attempts to reconnect, they are meeting at a luxury resort in the middle of the Utah desert. Here, while trying to navigate their bumpy relationship, stakes are raised when another resort member turns up dead.

Now, in what is a locked room murder mystery, Gabriel and Frida are stuck with one another whether they like it or not. While they question how well they truly know one another, they navigate the current murder investigation.

---

Our Last Resort is a first for me by this author. When looking at other reviews, I saw this one being described as a literary thriller, and I think I agree. This was not as twisty like a popcorn thriller, more so it was more introspective and character driven. The relationship between Frida and Gabriel was truly at the forefront of the entire story. We see them reacquaint themselves with one another while getting glimpses to their early years where they originally bonded. Yes, we had mysteries in multiple timelines, but it kept coming back to those characters. For it to be such a character driven story, I felt like they could've been more developed, as I didn't necessarily connect with them thoroughly. On the other hand, I was highly invested in the murder mysteries, and yet they also felt like it could've been developed more. However, the dual timelines really keep the pace up and makes you wanting to addictively read more.

Ultimately, yes I enjoyed the character dynamics, but it just didn't land with me like it might for others. If you're into exploring complicated family dynamics, this one could definitely be for you. While this one wasn't necessarily my cup of tea, I'm excited to explore the author's backlist and future works.

*Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Elliott & Thompson Publishing for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest review.*

3.5⭐️ but just couldn’t round up because it took me forever to read. The story has good character development and an interesting premise, and I do think the writer has a nice writing style. But mostly I just wasn’t fully invested and found I kept forgetting about this book. Loved her last novel and looking forward to seeing what she writes next.

🏨Book Review🏨
*
My Thoughts- thank you @knopf and @netgalley for the advanced copy! I read The Quiet Tenant last year and it easily made my top 10 of the year. This one is beautifully written and swivels between past (a cult) and present (a murder). I was definitely drawn more to the past time line, the present just didn’t really hold my attention. I couldn’t really get invested in the hotel murder and the ending really fell apart. It felt like a thriller without a twist. The writing in this is beautiful and the past time line really hooked me, in fact I wanted to more of it. It was still a solid cultish mystery but it fell short for me. 😞
*
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Summary- Frida and Gabriel arrive seeking a fresh start at the stunning Ara Hotel in the secluded desert of Escalante, Utah. Once so close they were able to finish each other’s sentences, they’ve grown apart in recent years after a sudden, unspeakable tragedy. Now, at the luxe resort, they are ready to reconnect between dips in the pool and hikes on spectacular desert trails. It all feels like paradise—until the dead body of a beautiful young woman who was vacationing at the Ara with her powerful, much older husband is discovered.

When the local police arrive and suspicion quickly falls on Gabriel, Frida is forced to revisit memories from their upbringing in a cloistered cult in upstate New York, their dramatic escape, and the scandal that followed. Frida’s belief in Gabriel’s innocence never wavered at the time, but now even she can’t ignore the evidence mounting against him.
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QOTD- any plans to go away this summer ? We have a wedding in Arizona soon for a friend and are headed to Dewey Beach Delaware in August!
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Our Last Resort follows two siblings who were raised in a cult, now navigating adulthood while trying to outrun and understand what shaped them. Told in a dual timeline that toggles between their chilling past and a present marked by a suspicious death (one that places one of them under scrutiny... again), the story steadily unravels layers of trauma, guilt, and memory.

The pacing is deliberate, at times almost too much so, but the payoff is worth it. The emotional depth of the characters, especially the sibling dynamic, is where this novel shines. They’re flawed, believable, and often heartbreaking.

Not every twist is surprising, but the atmosphere is thick with dread, and the writing is sharp, introspective, and unflinching.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that focus more on character than shock value, this one’s for you. Think: long shadows, buried memories, and a truth that refuses to stay hidden.