'The Last Word' by Taylor Adams is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Emma, who finds herself in a dangerous situation after giving a scathing review to an e-book. The plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats with chilling scenes and a cat-and-mouse chase between Emma and a vengeful author turned serial killer. The book is known for its psychological depth in portraying the characters and its unique narrative style that alternates between the main story and the novel within the novel.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Emma as a resilient protagonist, an ominous antagonist, and supportive secondary characters, including a beloved dog.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and cleverly structured, blending suspense with a unique narrative approach that enhances the overall thrill of the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is intense and intricate, featuring numerous twists and a unique structure that keeps readers engaged through a tense and scary storyline.

Setting:

Set in an isolated beach house, the location enhances the tension and fear, providing a claustrophobic atmosphere for the unfolding drama.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, with a balance of suspense in the early chapters followed by a rapidly escalating action in the latter part.

Notes:

The novel is very scary and suspenseful, typical of Taylor Adams' writing style.

It's structured as a book within a book within a book, adding complexity to the story.

Readers find it impossible to put down, often reading late into the night.

The plot revolves around a woman named Emma who receives threats from a vengeful author after leaving a one-star review.

Emma's dog, Laika, is a fan-favorite character in the story.

The book's atmosphere creates feelings of discomfort and paranoia, especially when read at night.

There are many unexpected twists that keep readers guessing until the end.

The story is set in a remote seaside house, emphasizing isolation.

Critics have compared the book's pace and excitement to that of a rollercoaster ride.

The ending combines emotional and thrilling elements, often described as a tearjerker.

Many reviews note that the author’s ability to create tension is remarkable, reminiscent of slasher movies.

The main character's attempts to survive against a relentless killer heighten the stakes and suspense throughout the book.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of stalking, psychological horror, and depicts violence, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

After posting a negative review of a horror novel, a woman staying at an isolated beach house begins to wonder if the author is a little touchy-or very, very dangerous-in this pulse-pounding novel of psychological suspense and terror from the critically acclaimed author of No Exit and Hairpin Bridge.

Emma Carpenter lives in isolation with her golden retriever Laika, house-sitting an old beachfront home on the rainy Washington coast. Her only human contact is her enigmatic old neighbor, Deek, and (via text) the house's owner, Jules.

One day, she reads a poorly written-but gruesome-horror novel by the author H. G. Kane, and posts a one-star review that drags her into an online argument with none other than the author himself. Soon after, disturbing incidents start to occur at night. To Emma, this can't just be a coincidence. It was strange enough for this author to bicker with her online about a lousy review; could he be stalking her, too?

As Emma digs into Kane's life and work, she learns he has published sixteen other novels, all similarly sadistic tales of stalking and murder. But who is he? How did he find her? And what else is he capable of?

Displaying his trademark command of rapid-fire pacing, unnerving atmosphere, and razor-sharp characterization, Taylor Adams once again delivers a diabolically disturbing-and deadly-game of cat and mouse.

Ratings (25)

Incredible (5)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (5)
Did Not Like (2)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (41):

Read It (26)
Want To Read (13)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)

4 comment(s)

Readitordot

1 month

I just can't. I want to throw up.

callijones

Liked It

4 months

SYNOPSIS:

Emma and her golden retriever, Laika, live in a remote, isolated home on the Washington Coast. She is house-sitting for a lady named Jules. Her only human contact is via text with Jules & via dry-erase board messages in the window to the neighbor, Deek.

She chose this lifestyle, as she grapples with some trauma from her past.

To keep her mind off her past, she spends her time reading cheap e-books.

One day, she reads a poorly-written slasher novel by H.G. Kane. She leaves a one-star review ⭐️— and, the author responds begging her to remove it.

After refusing to take down the review, some disturbing things start happening. Could it be the author himself? What’s happening?

THE FATE OF THE DOG (SPOILER)

🐶The dog doesn’t die

⚠️However, still a trigger warning for dog lovers: there is intent/attempts to hurt the dog. These parts are in the first half of the book. There’s two that I recall, and both involve the dog eating items. One item causes a minor cut on her gums. Another is poison, but Emma makes her throw up & she’s okay.

MY THOUGHTS: WHAT WAS GOOD

I loved the premise of the book. I thought it was a fresh idea.

This is my 2nd read by Adams. I previously read Last Exit. Similar to Last Exit, this is action-packed & gruesome.

I loved Emma & Laika. I found it very easy to relate to the duo.

The structure of the book is unique. Once it picks up, the book starts to offer parallel perspectives. Emma tells the real version of what happened, and immediately after, Adams offers the publicized version from a psychopath writer.

I loved seeing Emma’s conversations with her dogs. Sweet and unique.

The first 75% of the book is great & riveting. I loved the concept of Emma and Laika kicking ass. IMO the book should have ended there. If it had, this would be a 4-star review. But, the last 25% of the book brought it down an entire star.

MY THOUGHTS: WHAT WAS BAD

The last 25%, including the ending, was bad. It falls completely flat, and it isn’t satisfying.

Adams tries to do way too many twists.

There is A LOT you gave to suspend belief about in the book.

H.G. Kane is not a believable character. He’s wielding samurai swords at some parts?! lol

The book is scientifically flawed. A drug mentioned in the book is delivered through IV, so this part doesn’t make sense.

This turned into more of gore/slasher genre at some point in the book.

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3 stars. Unique premise. Starts off great. Last 25% wasn’t good.

_readwithlauren_

Loved It

6 months

This was really good but I think I enjoyed NO EXIT more. I don’t think anything will beat that book.

mranut303

Liked It

6 months

I'm afraid to say anything about this book b/c Taylor Adams might come for me.

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The Last Word

Taylor Adams