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The Last Word

Written by: Taylor Adams
Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan, Jim Meskimen
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Publisher's Summary

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.

©2023 Taylor Adams (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about The Last Word

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
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I like it!

It a good story! And the structure of two different people point of views is nice and makes it hilarious. At some point I feel too scary to leave the book to go get water.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Unique

I found this book very unique, the narration was really well done. I was engaged in all of the characters, including the characters I didn’t like…I found it a good change in a genre I am currently fixated on.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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An actual masterpiece

This is one of the best written books that I have ever read. I read and love a lot of novels but I haven't really claimed one as my favourite since I was a teenager and my favourite books were really just the first books to impact me deeply. But this book is now undoubtedly my favourite book. It's honestly a masterpiece. It's technically a horror or domestic thriller but what makes it exceptional is not its theme. It's how the story is narratively developed and the author's ability to cultivate suspense. At its heart, this book is about the skill and deceit of writing and the complexities of perception, and I can't even with how good it is. Without giving anything away, it's a geniusly crafted analysis of rhetoric and storytelling delivered in the most suspenseful and engrossing story that I've ever read. Fucking brilliant.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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My best read of 2024

This was a fantastic book. The narrators were impeccable, the story was gripping and unique. Highly recommend!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great!

Interesting plot that kept me guessing! I really liked the main character! Not that I’d dare to leave a bad review after reading this book! 😉

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1 person found this helpful

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Loved it!

Kept me guessing and waiting for the next twist!! Loved the way there was two storytellers!

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Not for me

The main event goes on and on and on. I skipped three chapters and it was still too long for me. It’s also very predictable. Not for me.

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Gripping

Had my heart in my throat from the start. Tense and scary I couldn’t stop listening.
Well Done ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Surprisingly good

It was a rollercoaster ride. Reminds me of the old horror movies when you are waiting for the next twist to jump out at you.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Best book I’ve experienced in a long time!

I enjoyed this book so much! It was beyond what I expected it to be, and even when I thought I had it figured out the twists just kept on coming.

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