The Last Word: A Novel

Was this an 8 or a 10 I’m just not sure. I feel like it was so good but so what the heck?

Content warning for stalking, home invasion, graphic violence, death, death of a child, sexual violence, and related topics. This was a rollercoaster ride. I loved the atmospheric setting. I had to stop reading because it was nighttime and I was afraid I would start seeing figures in my room. You have to suspend disbelief if you want to read this book. That's totally okay, it makes for an enjoyable read sometimes. I much preferred this to the previous Taylor Adams book I read, Hairpin Bridge, and thought the twists made for a great thriller. I predicted one of them, but the other one caught me out of nowhere. Would recommend!

"The Last Word" by Taylor Adams is a thrilling novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story's premise of a negative book review leading to unsettling events is intriguing and sets the stage for a suspenseful journey. Emma Carpenter, the main character, is well-developed and makes for a compelling female lead. Adams' writing style adds to the suspense by incorporating a book within a book, creating a sense of uncertainty and blurring the lines between reality and fiction. While the narrative can be occasionally confusing with its alternating perspectives, it adds depth to the story. The twists and turns throughout the plot are abundant, although some may feel unnecessary or excessive. Despite the occasional predictability of certain twists, the conclusion of the book ties things together effectively, delivering a satisfying ending. Throughout the story, the reader is left questioning the intentions and trustworthiness of the characters, creating an engaging reading experience. Overall, "The Last Word" is an enjoyable thriller with a strong female protagonist and an intriguing concept that keeps readers invested until the very end.

I don't know where to start with this book except GO READ IT! The Last Word is an almost perfect example of what a thriller title should be. It made me question my choices of giving books 1–2-star reviews for a bit. ha! We meet Emma, who is house-sitting for someone she has never met. It is clear early on that Emma is struggling with herself and her direction in life. The house where she is staying is at a beach with no neighbors except an old man named Deek who she talks to using a white board and the game hangman. It is clear they are both lonely, but neither will admit to their situations that brought them to that point. During her stay, Emma consumes eBooks and Deek recommends one that Emma reads, and it is so bad she rates it one star. What do you know? The author responds and at first nicely asks her to take down her review. She doesn't and that's when things start getting creepy... she feels like she's being watched, communication to outside the house is cut, and her car has become disabled amongst other things. Who is doing this and why? As I continued reading a few things were obvious and predictable, but it didn't hinder the book. The background for Emma's character wasn't needed in depth, but what was given is done in a way it helped me make sense of her as a reader. It humanized her and made me sympathetic to an extent. This is a really enjoyable book despite it being about a “bad book.” It makes the last thriller or so I read look like child’s play. I love it! It gave me the creeps but was fast paced and entertaining enough that I had to know what happened next. The ending was perfect for this type of book with a sigh of relief that lets you come down from the anxiety attack that the pace and action has been giving you the whole time after a certain point. I would definitely recommend it to most readers if you enjoyed feeling like you have to hold your breath while you are reading. I have more faith in thrill-driven books now than I did previously. I definitely look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

DNF/re-shelved at 44% (delivery driver)
This novel was difficult to give my suspense of disbelief over to as, although the premise is interesting, it sometimes felt a bit contrived or absurd, making it hard to continue. I could appreciate the struggle of the protagonist and empathized with her on certain levels, but didn’t quite feel I got to know her despite spending a good amount of time with her. I definitely loathed self-proclaimed “sigma” HG Kane, but to the point that he actually detracted from my enjoyment of the book.