The Last Thing He Told Me Book Review: A Smart, Intriguing Page-Turner

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As a lifelong reader and founding member of an active book club, I’ve discussed dozens of titles over the years—some that sparked hours of lively conversation, and others that fell a bit flat. I know firsthand that finding the right book for your group is only half the challenge; the other half is keeping the discussion engaging and inclusive for everyone. That’s why I put together this review, recommendation, and discussion tips for The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. Whether you’re choosing it as your next pick or preparing for an upcoming meeting, you’ll find insights, resources, and conversation starters to help your group dive deeper and get the most out of the read.

BOOK SUMMARY & STATS

SUMMARY

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave is a fast-paced suspense novel that blends mystery, family drama, and emotional depth. The story follows Hannah Hall, newly married to Owen Michaels, whose seemingly perfect life shatters when Owen suddenly disappears, leaving only a cryptic note: Protect her. “Her” is Bailey, Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, who wants nothing to do with her stepmother. As Hannah and Bailey work together to unravel the truth, they uncover hidden identities, dangerous connections, and a past Owen never wanted them to know. At its heart, the novel explores trust, loyalty, and the complicated bonds that form a family—by blood or by choice.

STATS

Title	The Last Thing He Told Me
Author	Laura Dave
Book Club(s)	Reese’s Book Club #55 in May 2021
Publication Date/Year	May 4, 2021
Page Count	307
Genre(s)	Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Suspense
Setting	Sausalito, California (United States); Austin, Texas (United States)
Goodreads Rating	3.83
Audience	Adult
Series	No
Translator	N/A
Awards	1 – Goodreads Choice Award Winner

BOOK RATING & REVIEW

RATING

BCR Rating	5
Availability	4
Format	4
Length	5
Diversity	3
Bechdel Test	Pass
Page Turner	Yes

REVIEW

I read the Kindle version of The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave several years ago on my own, not long after it became a popular book club pick. From the very first pages, I was hooked by the combination of mystery, family tension, and emotional depth. It’s a solid book—smart, intriguing, and easy to read. The pacing was perfect – a real page-turner. The storytelling is logical and layered, moving between the present and the past in a way that makes sense, starting with the closest memories and gradually fanning out to older ones for clues.

The twists kept me turning the pages, but there were also quieter moments that allowed me to connect with the characters, especially Hannah and Bailey. I’ll admit, going out of state with a minor who isn’t your child gave me pause—it felt like a bit of a stretch—but it was ultimately forgivable given how compelling the story was overall.

I gave this one 5 stars without hesitation. It struck that sweet spot between being a gripping suspense story and an intimate exploration of relationships—particularly the slow, complicated building of trust between stepmother and stepdaughter. Even now, years later, I remember the build-up and twists really hooking me.

I’ve recommended The Last Thing He Told Me to friends and fellow readers a few times since. Whether you enjoy domestic thrillers, mysteries, or stories about unconventional families, this is one I think is worth reading.

BOOK CLUB RESOURCES

BCR RECOMMENDATION

I recommend The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave as a great choice for book clubs. It’s a good read with a steady and engaging pace that keeps you invested without feeling rushed. The mix of mystery and family dynamics offers plenty to discuss, including trust, loyalty, secrets, and the bonds that make a family. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning pages while also leaving you with thought-provoking moments to unpack together. I would read it again with my book club just to have others to discuss it with!

BOOK DISCUSSION

While the publisher’s site doesn’t offer a discussion guide, the author’s website includes a guide and other fun resources—including a recipe—which can be a great addition to your meeting. In general, there’s no shortage of guides available online if you want a structured approach.

If you like to keep things simple, check out our BCR Group Discussion Guide. It acts as a gentle framework rather than a list of rigid questions. Our guide focuses on a few broad prompts that spark conversation without giving away major plot points. This approach helps the discussion feel more natural, allowing members to bring in their own insights, questions, and interpretations. The result? A conversation that flows easily and often uncovers perspectives we hadn’t considered when reading alone.

Sometimes, all it takes is one open-ended question to get everyone talking—then the discussion takes on a life of its own.