How could a book blogger specializing in crime fiction not read a book about the dire consequences one character has when she posts a one-star review? I certainly couldn't resist the temptation!

The Last Word feels like it was written to be turned into a movie, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I think it would be better as a movie. Emma Carpenter is a sympathetic character, and I was quickly drawn into her solitary life on the rainy Washington coast. Her golden retriever Laika made a good companion, and her telescope-and-white-board games of Hangman with her nearest neighbor did give her some human contact. But the more I read, the more questions I had. What was Emma hiding from? And that neighbor of hers was a bit strange, too. Why would an author seemingly go off the deep end over a one-star review?

The questions were piling up, and I was engrossed in the story until everything started unraveling at the halfway mark. This is when readers started being told the story from the point of view of a serial killer who kept dropping hints about what was going to happen to Emma.

At that point, the twists and turns of the plot started coming thick and fast. There were just too many of them, and I had two reactions to them. One, it felt as though the author was showing off. Two, I felt like Wile E. Coyote, getting repeatedly hammered by his latest ACME purchase.

Before the halfway mark, The Last Word was a winner. After that point, I was tempted to throw it against the wall (but I couldn't because I didn't want to damage my Kindle). If you've read, or intend to read, The Last Word, I certainly hope your mileage varies. ( )

Gripping plot and clever story-telling that doesn't just word vomit the story and characters' backstories at you in one overwhelming go. Instead, the author provides breadcrumbs throughout, helping to segment the story while slowly revealing more about the characters and the plot-relevant context. This is often done through impressively executed POV switches/flashbacks to help enrich the storytelling. The main character is very openly flawed and still incredibly likable and relatable. Definitely a bit gruesome, but besides the more graphic scenes just adding visceral imagery, I do believe they serve an immersive and suspenseful purpose which is why I found it easier to stomach. The story lines up perfectly at the end, all the pieces click in to place (even with the plot twists). Most importantly the ending is SATISFYING. As violent and sad as parts of the book were, it ended with a uniquely uplifting tone that I found inspiring. The plot was a good mixture of realistic, cliche, and exceptional enough that it proves to be a story worth telling. ( )

Fabulous...it kept me on the edge of my seat. An emotional rollercoaster!
It's clever, it's surprising and so engaging. It is definitely not a story that is predictable.
Taylor Adams is an excellent writer. I'd be afraid to say differently...lol! Well, you should read this book and understand why!
But let's get into things...the author really holds back on some details but then offers others through an unreliable narrator. Even realizing that I was mesmerized. The story captivated me to the last sentence.
I cried at the end! What a great book! ( )

No one star here. Afraid for my life. Not as many surprise twists as everyone said. I kind of predicted two of them. And I mean the neighbor was a dead give away from the start. ( )

No Exit by Taylor Adams is one of my favourite thrillers so really wanted to give The Last Word ago. This book follows Emma Carpenter who is recovering from a personal tradgey. She decides to house sit in an isolated house with little contact with anyone else. She spends her day reading and gives her latest read a one star review. The author is not happy at all.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did No Exit but I think that is going to take some beating. This offering certainly had a lot going on and was full on action right up to the end.

I enjoyed the premise with the isolated setting and felt the story was enjoyable. I did think however that plot, and all the action did venture into thrillerland and was a little over the top. I didn't guess who the perp was or why.

This book was a typical thriller with lots of twists and turns. I will definitely read more books by the author in the future. ( )