The Search for Truth in a Sea of Lies
Laura Dave’s latest thriller, The Last Thing He Told Me, plunges readers into a world where nothing is as it seems. With deft prose and expert pacing, Dave weaves a captivating tale of a woman desperately trying to uncover the truth about her missing husband while protecting his teenage daughter. This novel asks probing questions about the nature of identity, the depths of family bonds, and how well we can ever truly know those closest to us.
A Premise That Hooks You From Page One
Hannah Hall’s world is turned upside down when her husband of one year, Owen Michaels, disappears without a trace. The only clue he leaves behind is a cryptic note with two words: “Protect her.” Hannah knows immediately that Owen is referring to his 16-year-old daughter Bailey, who lost her mother at a young age and wants nothing to do with her new stepmother.
As Hannah frantically tries to locate Owen, more disturbing revelations come to light. His tech company is raided by the FBI for fraud. His coworkers claim ignorance of his whereabouts. And perhaps most alarmingly, Hannah begins to realize that Owen has been hiding explosive secrets about his true identity and past.
With the authorities closing in and more questions than answers, Hannah and Bailey reluctantly join forces to uncover the truth about Owen. Their search will take them from their houseboat in Sausalito to Austin, Texas as they piece together the fragments of Owen’s carefully constructed facade. In the process, Hannah and Bailey form an unlikely alliance and discover that their own identities and futures are inextricably linked to Owen’s past.
Masterful Character Development
One of Dave’s greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to craft nuanced, three-dimensional characters that leap off the page. Hannah in particular is a wonderfully complex protagonist. A woodturner by trade, she approaches problems with an artisan’s eye for detail and commitment to uncovering the truth hidden within raw materials. Hannah’s determination and resourcefulness make her easy to root for, even as her quest leads her into morally murky territory.
The evolution of Hannah’s relationship with Bailey is one of the novel’s most compelling arcs. Their initial frosty dynamic slowly thaws as they’re forced to rely on each other, leading to moments of surprising tenderness and humor amidst the suspense. Bailey’s sullen teenage persona masks deep wells of pain and uncertainty about her place in the world. As she grapples with shattering revelations about her family history, Bailey’s journey of self-discovery parallels Hannah’s own.
Even Owen, despite being physically absent for most of the novel, emerges as a fascinatingly enigmatic figure. Through flashbacks and the memories of those who knew him, Dave paints a portrait of a loving father and husband who went to extreme lengths to protect his family. The gradual unspooling of Owen’s true motivations keeps readers guessing until the very end.
A Rollercoaster Plot That Never Lets Up
Dave masterfully ratchets up the tension with each new twist and turn in Hannah and Bailey’s investigation. Just when you think you have a handle on what’s really going on, another shocking revelation pulls the rug out from under you. The pacing is relentless without ever feeling rushed, striking a perfect balance between heart-pounding action and quieter character moments.
The author also excels at creating a palpable sense of paranoia and dread. As Hannah delves deeper into Owen’s past, she begins to question everything and everyone around her. Dave keeps readers on edge by introducing a revolving door of potential allies and enemies, from a charismatic U.S. Marshal to Owen’s former in-laws. The climactic confrontation delivers satisfying answers while still leaving room for ambiguity.
Themes That Resonate Beyond the Page
While The Last Thing He Told Me succeeds brilliantly as a propulsive thriller, it’s Dave’s exploration of deeper themes that elevates the novel to another level. At its core, this is a story about the malleability of identity and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. Owen’s decision to completely reinvent himself raises fascinating questions about whether we can ever truly escape our pasts.
The book also offers a nuanced look at the complexities of blended families and step-parenting. Hannah’s struggle to connect with Bailey while respecting the memory of her mother feels painfully true to life. Their hard-won bond by the end of the novel is all the more poignant for the difficulties they’ve overcome.
Trust – both its power and its limitations – emerges as another key theme. Hannah is forced to reckon with the fact that the man she married was in many ways a stranger to her. Yet her faith in Owen’s fundamental goodness remains unshaken, even as evidence mounts against him. Dave seems to suggest that truly knowing another person requires a leap of faith.
Prose That Pulls You In
Dave’s writing style is crisp and propulsive, with an eye for evocative details that bring scenes vividly to life. From the foggy shores of Sausalito to the sun-baked streets of Austin, her descriptions firmly root the story in a sense of place. The dialogue crackles with tension and subtext, revealing volumes about characters’ inner lives in just a few choice words.
Particularly impressive is Dave’s ability to maintain suspense even in quieter moments. A seemingly ordinary conversation can suddenly crackle with hidden meanings and dangers. The author also has a knack for ending chapters on tantalizing cliffhangers that compel you to keep turning pages long into the night.
A Worthy Addition to the Domestic Thriller Genre
Fans of authors like Liane Moriarty and Gillian Flynn will find much to love in The Last Thing He Told Me. Dave puts her own unique spin on the domestic thriller formula, crafting a mystery that feels both familiar and fresh. The focus on family dynamics and personal history helps ground the more sensational plot elements in emotional truth.
While this is Dave’s first foray into full-on suspense territory, she brings the keen insight into relationships and sharp prose style that marked her previous novels like Eight Hundred Grapes and Hello Sunshine. The Last Thing He Told Me feels like the work of an author hitting her stride and expanding her range in thrilling ways.
Some Minor Quibbles
If there’s a weakness to be found, it’s that some of the secondary characters feel slightly underdeveloped compared to the richly drawn protagonists. A few plot twists in the final act also require a degree of suspension of disbelief. However, these are minor nitpicks in an otherwise expertly crafted novel.
The Verdict: A Must-Read Summer Thriller
The Last Thing He Told Me is the kind of compulsively readable thriller that’s perfect for devouring poolside or on a long flight. But it’s also a thoughtful meditation on identity and family that will linger with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Dave has crafted a pitch-perfect summer read that challenges and entertains in equal measure.
With its compelling premise, complex characters, and twisty plot, it’s no surprise the novel has already been snapped up for a high-profile TV adaptation. Jennifer Garner is set to star as Hannah in the upcoming Apple TV+ series, which seems like ideal casting for the resilient protagonist.
Whether you’re a longtime Laura Dave fan or new to her work, The Last Thing He Told Me is not to be missed. Clear your schedule and prepare to be thoroughly engrossed – this is the kind of book you’ll want to devour in one breathless sitting. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking at your loved ones a little differently afterward, wondering what secrets might be hiding behind familiar faces.
If You Enjoyed This Book, Try:
- “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
- “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
- “The Wife Between Us” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
- “Then She Was Gone” by Lisa Jewell
- “The Marriage Lie” by Kimberly Belle