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The Last One at the Wedding
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2024)From the bestselling author of Hidden Pictures comes a breathtaking work of suspense about a father trying to save his daughter from a life-altering decision that will put everything he loves on the line.
Frank Szatowski is shocked when his daughter, Maggie, calls him for the first time in three years. He was convinced that their estrangement would become permanent. He’s even more surprised when she invites him to her upcoming wedding in New Hampshire. Frank is ecstatic, and determined to finally make things right.
He arrives to find that the wedding is at a private estate—very secluded, very luxurious, very much out of his league. It seems that Maggie failed to mention that she’s marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of a famous tech billionaire. Feeling desperately out of place, Frank focuses on reconnecting with Maggie and getting to know her new family. But it’s difficult: Aidan is withdrawn and evasive; Maggie doesn’t seem to have time for him; and he finds that the locals are disturbingly hostile to the Gardners. Frank needs to know more about this family his daughter is marrying into, but if he pushes too hard, he could lose Maggie forever.
An edge-of-your-seat thriller that delves deep into the heart of one family, The Last One at the Wedding is a work of brilliant suspense from a true modern master.
Frank Szatowski is shocked when his daughter, Maggie, calls him for the first time in three years. He was convinced that their estrangement would become permanent. He’s even more surprised when she invites him to her upcoming wedding in New Hampshire. Frank is ecstatic, and determined to finally make things right.
He arrives to find that the wedding is at a private estate—very secluded, very luxurious, very much out of his league. It seems that Maggie failed to mention that she’s marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of a famous tech billionaire. Feeling desperately out of place, Frank focuses on reconnecting with Maggie and getting to know her new family. But it’s difficult: Aidan is withdrawn and evasive; Maggie doesn’t seem to have time for him; and he finds that the locals are disturbingly hostile to the Gardners. Frank needs to know more about this family his daughter is marrying into, but if he pushes too hard, he could lose Maggie forever.
An edge-of-your-seat thriller that delves deep into the heart of one family, The Last One at the Wedding is a work of brilliant suspense from a true modern master.
338 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2024
6,092 people are currently reading
211k people want to read
About the author
Jason Rekulak
11 books6,627 followersI'm the author of three novels: HIDDEN PICTURES, THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTRESS, and (coming in October 2024!) THE LAST ONE AT THE WEDDING. For many years I was Publisher of Quirk Books, an indie press headquartered in Philadelphia, where I ghost-wrote many odd books that may or may not surface on this page, depending on the metadata. I live in West Philly with my wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,509 reviews
December 3, 2024
I can never resist a wedding thriller. Call me a romantic, but nothing sets my heart aflutter quite like the prospect of murder and mayhem on that special day. So I went into The Last One at the Wedding with high expectations. But unfortunately, it disappointed from pretty much beginning to end.
Frank hasn't spoken to his daughter Maggie in three years. So when he gets a phone call from her, he's rightfully thrilled. And he's even more so when he hears that she's getting married and wants him to walk her down the aisle. But when Frank arrives at the three-day wedding extravaganza, he starts to realize that all is not right.
The story is told from Frank's perspective, and honestly, probably my biggest problem is that I just never connected with him. While I don't always have to love and be chummy chummy with all my protagonists, I do have to understand them. And I just couldn't get there with Frank.
His paranoia reaches the level of making my eyes roll with practically every thought and every sentence. Sure, it eventually turns out that his paranoia is justified, for how else would we even have a story? But it didn't make reading his perspective any easier or any more fun.
But it's more than that. For some reason, Frank came off as extremely unlikable. Now a lot of authors write unlikable characters, and they have no bearing or may even add to my enjoyment of the story. But in this case, I have the uncomfortable feeling that Jason Rekulak may have accidentally made Frank unlikable, that he thought he was crafting a personable guy and instead created a weird and bumbling one.
There were so many moments when Frank would make an observation in his head or open his mouth to say something, and I would just cringe so hard. Like he saw a couple where the man is old and the woman is young and called them "unnatural, a freakish mutation of human biology." It felt so unnecessary and inappropriate, and I winced in embarrassment for him. And it was like this the whole way through.
I tell you, it's hard to enjoy a story when you're wincing and cringing at the main character's every thought. I should've been focused on the thrills, but instead I was mired in second-hand embarrassment.
But it wasn't just Frank. I felt like all the characters were slightly off, doing and saying things that no actual person would do and say in those situations. It's clear that each interaction was there to further a specific point in the plot line and they were shoehorned in to achieve that, no matter how awkward the result may be.
As for the twists, they were fine, although with the weird characterizations, it made it hard for me to really buy in to them. It felt like characters were just randomly assigned roles in the reveal, and when the time came, their personalities were bent and changed to further that goal.
So when we finally reached the end of the book, I understandably breathed a sigh of relief. But then I turned the page and there was a whole nother section left? I realize now that this is Rekulak's modus operandi. He likes to end his thrillers with a nice leisurely wrap-up, just to spell out in long form how everything works out for everyone, kind of like a HEA for thrillers. But there's a reason no one does them. I tolerated it for Hidden Pictures because I loved that story so much, but here, it just made a mediocre tale feel even longer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
Hidden Pictures
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
Frank hasn't spoken to his daughter Maggie in three years. So when he gets a phone call from her, he's rightfully thrilled. And he's even more so when he hears that she's getting married and wants him to walk her down the aisle. But when Frank arrives at the three-day wedding extravaganza, he starts to realize that all is not right.
The story is told from Frank's perspective, and honestly, probably my biggest problem is that I just never connected with him. While I don't always have to love and be chummy chummy with all my protagonists, I do have to understand them. And I just couldn't get there with Frank.
His paranoia reaches the level of making my eyes roll with practically every thought and every sentence. Sure, it eventually turns out that his paranoia is justified, for how else would we even have a story? But it didn't make reading his perspective any easier or any more fun.
But it's more than that. For some reason, Frank came off as extremely unlikable. Now a lot of authors write unlikable characters, and they have no bearing or may even add to my enjoyment of the story. But in this case, I have the uncomfortable feeling that Jason Rekulak may have accidentally made Frank unlikable, that he thought he was crafting a personable guy and instead created a weird and bumbling one.
There were so many moments when Frank would make an observation in his head or open his mouth to say something, and I would just cringe so hard. Like he saw a couple where the man is old and the woman is young and called them "unnatural, a freakish mutation of human biology." It felt so unnecessary and inappropriate, and I winced in embarrassment for him. And it was like this the whole way through.
I tell you, it's hard to enjoy a story when you're wincing and cringing at the main character's every thought. I should've been focused on the thrills, but instead I was mired in second-hand embarrassment.
But it wasn't just Frank. I felt like all the characters were slightly off, doing and saying things that no actual person would do and say in those situations. It's clear that each interaction was there to further a specific point in the plot line and they were shoehorned in to achieve that, no matter how awkward the result may be.
As for the twists, they were fine, although with the weird characterizations, it made it hard for me to really buy in to them. It felt like characters were just randomly assigned roles in the reveal, and when the time came, their personalities were bent and changed to further that goal.
So when we finally reached the end of the book, I understandably breathed a sigh of relief. But then I turned the page and there was a whole nother section left? I realize now that this is Rekulak's modus operandi. He likes to end his thrillers with a nice leisurely wrap-up, just to spell out in long form how everything works out for everyone, kind of like a HEA for thrillers. But there's a reason no one does them. I tolerated it for Hidden Pictures because I loved that story so much, but here, it just made a mediocre tale feel even longer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
Hidden Pictures
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
March 16, 2025
I can honestly say two things about this book: while it's a brilliant thriller with a unique plot, genuine characterization, and smart execution free from clichés and plot holes, it also brought me to tears during its most emotional moments. Perhaps readers who have experienced complex relationships with their fathers, or recently lost them, will resonate deeply with the story, just as I did. Fathers who reflect on their own parenting may also empathize with Frank’s struggles. And then there's Abigail—so endearing and innocent that I found myself wanting to protect her from the harsh realities and hidden dangers around her.
This book feels distinct from "Hidden Pictures," which garnered both praise and criticism—I honestly loved this one even more. The twists are absolutely jaw-dropping; there were moments when I screamed at the pages! I kept telling myself that some characters would never cross certain lines, yet they did, leaving me stunned.
Now, onto the plot: Frank Szatowski, a Gulf War veteran and UPS driver for 26 years without an accident, has been estranged from his daughter Maggie for three years following a traumatic event. Raised by Frank with the help of his sister Tammy, who dedicates herself to caring for elders and foster children, Maggie reconnects with him out of the blue. She announces that she’s getting married and asks him to walk her down the aisle, giving Frank what feels like a second chance to make amends.
But when Frank learns that Maggie's fiancé, Aidan Gardner, is an introverted artist specializing in eerie portraits and the son of a powerful tech billionaire, he grows uneasy. His suspicions only deepen during a tense dinner at Aidan’s luxurious Boston penthouse, where a secret stash hidden in the bathroom raises red flags.
Determined to learn more about the Gardner family during the wedding festivities, Frank becomes increasingly alarmed. He notices Aidan's closeness to an art teacher who warns him about the family, and wonders why Maggie's future mother-in-law remains hidden during the celebrations. Rumors swirl that Aidan may be involved in the disappearance of a 21-year-old girl, or worse. When tragedy strikes at the wedding, Frank realizes he's racing against time to uncover the Gardners' secrets and protect his daughter, even at the risk of his own life.
Overall, this is a fast-paced and gripping mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, with shocking twists that catch you off guard. Frank is a flawed, stubborn, and grumpy character who might irritate you at times, but his imperfections make him all the more realistic and relatable—especially in his initially rough interactions with Abigail, though he redeems himself by the end.
I'm giving it five stars for its well-developed characters and captivating mystery. The final chapters moved me to tears, and I highly recommend this book—it just might end up on my top ten thrillers list of 2024.
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This book feels distinct from "Hidden Pictures," which garnered both praise and criticism—I honestly loved this one even more. The twists are absolutely jaw-dropping; there were moments when I screamed at the pages! I kept telling myself that some characters would never cross certain lines, yet they did, leaving me stunned.
Now, onto the plot: Frank Szatowski, a Gulf War veteran and UPS driver for 26 years without an accident, has been estranged from his daughter Maggie for three years following a traumatic event. Raised by Frank with the help of his sister Tammy, who dedicates herself to caring for elders and foster children, Maggie reconnects with him out of the blue. She announces that she’s getting married and asks him to walk her down the aisle, giving Frank what feels like a second chance to make amends.
But when Frank learns that Maggie's fiancé, Aidan Gardner, is an introverted artist specializing in eerie portraits and the son of a powerful tech billionaire, he grows uneasy. His suspicions only deepen during a tense dinner at Aidan’s luxurious Boston penthouse, where a secret stash hidden in the bathroom raises red flags.
Determined to learn more about the Gardner family during the wedding festivities, Frank becomes increasingly alarmed. He notices Aidan's closeness to an art teacher who warns him about the family, and wonders why Maggie's future mother-in-law remains hidden during the celebrations. Rumors swirl that Aidan may be involved in the disappearance of a 21-year-old girl, or worse. When tragedy strikes at the wedding, Frank realizes he's racing against time to uncover the Gardners' secrets and protect his daughter, even at the risk of his own life.
Overall, this is a fast-paced and gripping mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, with shocking twists that catch you off guard. Frank is a flawed, stubborn, and grumpy character who might irritate you at times, but his imperfections make him all the more realistic and relatable—especially in his initially rough interactions with Abigail, though he redeems himself by the end.
I'm giving it five stars for its well-developed characters and captivating mystery. The final chapters moved me to tears, and I highly recommend this book—it just might end up on my top ten thrillers list of 2024.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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October 8, 2024
So, I'm still not exactly sure how I feel about domestic suspense thrillers yet. But since I really enjoyed Hidden Pictures I was dying to get my hands on the next Jason Rekulak novel - and damn did he bring a cast of really great but also a mostly really unlikable cast of characters! I loved it!
Happy release day! Now available! 10/8/24 🤸♀️🤸♀️
ೃ⁀➷ I received the audio - advanced listening copy and I just want to say that the narrator, John Pirhalla did such an amazing job at bringing Frank to life! Fantastic performance!
In The Last One at the Wedding we follow Frank, our MMC when he gets a call from his estranged daughter, Maggie, inviting him to her wedding. They haven't spoken in years and Frank is surely chomping at the bit to see Maggie and make things right.
However, she comes across very secretive with her invitation not to mention she doesn't tell him until he gets there -- at a very luxurious, private estate -- that she's marrying Aiden Gardner, the son of a tech billionaire.
There is a ton of family drama on both sides, and Frank feels like something isn't right. He overhears mysterious conversations, and there's so many secrets, but the more he tries to find out about the family his daughter is marrying into, the more trouble he finds.
ೃ⁀➷ While Rekulak's previous novel offers up a darker and more ominous feel - The Last One at the Wedding serves in a slower, more suspenseful way. Both are thrilling and entertaining but very different.
ೃ⁀➷ There are many unexpected twists and turns that had me glued to the page, trying to work out my thoughts on who did this or who did that - trying to pin point who was the bad guy because there seems to be many of them in this story lol. It was an interesting and well-balanced blend of atmosphere, tension, horror, thriller, humor, heart, family drama, and conspiracy.
Rekulak has done it again with another great cast of characters - they felt so real. Honestly, listening to the audio felt like listening to someone I know tell a story ... Friends of the family or something- just fantastic. I do recommend this book for anyone who loved a good domestic suspense thriller.
╰⪼ Family Secrets
╰⪼ Wedding Drama
╰⪼ Father/Daughter Relationships
╰⪼ Rich People/Poor Behavior
╰⪼ Single POV
╰⪼ New Hampshire Fancy Lodge Setting
╰⪼ Domestic Suspense/Thriller
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio (😘) for the last minute advanced audio copy - all thoughts are my own. 💘
Happy release day! Now available! 10/8/24 🤸♀️🤸♀️
ೃ⁀➷ I received the audio - advanced listening copy and I just want to say that the narrator, John Pirhalla did such an amazing job at bringing Frank to life! Fantastic performance!
In The Last One at the Wedding we follow Frank, our MMC when he gets a call from his estranged daughter, Maggie, inviting him to her wedding. They haven't spoken in years and Frank is surely chomping at the bit to see Maggie and make things right.
However, she comes across very secretive with her invitation not to mention she doesn't tell him until he gets there -- at a very luxurious, private estate -- that she's marrying Aiden Gardner, the son of a tech billionaire.
There is a ton of family drama on both sides, and Frank feels like something isn't right. He overhears mysterious conversations, and there's so many secrets, but the more he tries to find out about the family his daughter is marrying into, the more trouble he finds.
ೃ⁀➷ While Rekulak's previous novel offers up a darker and more ominous feel - The Last One at the Wedding serves in a slower, more suspenseful way. Both are thrilling and entertaining but very different.
ೃ⁀➷ There are many unexpected twists and turns that had me glued to the page, trying to work out my thoughts on who did this or who did that - trying to pin point who was the bad guy because there seems to be many of them in this story lol. It was an interesting and well-balanced blend of atmosphere, tension, horror, thriller, humor, heart, family drama, and conspiracy.
Rekulak has done it again with another great cast of characters - they felt so real. Honestly, listening to the audio felt like listening to someone I know tell a story ... Friends of the family or something- just fantastic. I do recommend this book for anyone who loved a good domestic suspense thriller.
╰⪼ Family Secrets
╰⪼ Wedding Drama
╰⪼ Father/Daughter Relationships
╰⪼ Rich People/Poor Behavior
╰⪼ Single POV
╰⪼ New Hampshire Fancy Lodge Setting
╰⪼ Domestic Suspense/Thriller
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio (😘) for the last minute advanced audio copy - all thoughts are my own. 💘
October 8, 2024
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
Expertly narrated by John Pirhalla
11 hrs 13 minutes at 1x speed
7 hrs 29 minutes at 1.5x speed
5 hrs 37 minutes at 2x speed
This book is COMPLETELY different from “Hidden Pictures” ( no Supernatural vibes) but equally as SURPRISING!
Frank Szatowski has been estranged from his daughter Maggie for three years.
So, he is shocked when she calls him to invite him to her wedding. And, he is even more surprised when he finds out that she is marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of the famous tech billionaire, Errol Gardner.
When they meet for dinner at the young couple’s luxury apartment, Aidan is withdrawn, and evasive. He doesn’t show any interest in getting to know his new father-in-law to be. The red flags 🚩 start waving.
The wedding will be held at a secluded private estate—which can host the 300+ guests with ease. Frank, a UPS driver feels completely out of his league, and just wants to spend time with his daughter to make up for the past three years but Maggie doesn’t seem to have any time for him.
When he receives an anonymous warning about Aidan, he tries to get answers from Maggie about the accusations being made-but she brushes him off. He becomes more and more exasperated, fearing that Maggie is about to make a terrible mistake-but he can’t risk pushing her away again so soon after getting her back!
He will have to do some digging on his own…
The book sets up the family dynamics in the first half, with Frank, your likable “everyday” kind of father, narrating. And, around the 50% point the book delivers its FIRST shocking revelation! And, they keep on coming!
Be prepared to now question everything you thought you knew.
I was riveted-a book I definitely couldn’t wait to return to-every chance that I got.
And, best of all-you don’t have to wait long to find out exactly what was happening for yourself-
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley Shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Come
Expertly narrated by John Pirhalla
11 hrs 13 minutes at 1x speed
7 hrs 29 minutes at 1.5x speed
5 hrs 37 minutes at 2x speed
This book is COMPLETELY different from “Hidden Pictures” ( no Supernatural vibes) but equally as SURPRISING!
Frank Szatowski has been estranged from his daughter Maggie for three years.
So, he is shocked when she calls him to invite him to her wedding. And, he is even more surprised when he finds out that she is marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of the famous tech billionaire, Errol Gardner.
When they meet for dinner at the young couple’s luxury apartment, Aidan is withdrawn, and evasive. He doesn’t show any interest in getting to know his new father-in-law to be. The red flags 🚩 start waving.
The wedding will be held at a secluded private estate—which can host the 300+ guests with ease. Frank, a UPS driver feels completely out of his league, and just wants to spend time with his daughter to make up for the past three years but Maggie doesn’t seem to have any time for him.
When he receives an anonymous warning about Aidan, he tries to get answers from Maggie about the accusations being made-but she brushes him off. He becomes more and more exasperated, fearing that Maggie is about to make a terrible mistake-but he can’t risk pushing her away again so soon after getting her back!
He will have to do some digging on his own…
The book sets up the family dynamics in the first half, with Frank, your likable “everyday” kind of father, narrating. And, around the 50% point the book delivers its FIRST shocking revelation! And, they keep on coming!
Be prepared to now question everything you thought you knew.
I was riveted-a book I definitely couldn’t wait to return to-every chance that I got.
And, best of all-you don’t have to wait long to find out exactly what was happening for yourself-
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley Shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Come
October 11, 2024
SIGH!! A father's love for his daughter is like no other
Jason Rekulak has returned with a new book after his phenomenon hit Hidden Pictures. Let me just warn you now that if you are after a supernatural thriller with The Last One At The Wedding you are going to be massively disappointed. Jason has dipped his toe in family domestic suspense showing the lengths a father will take to protect his daughter.
Frank Szatowski hasn’t spoken to his daughter Maggie in three years and out the blue she calls him and tells him that she is getting married. I beg your pardon? Frank has no idea who this man is that his daughter is marrying, and his antennas are up when she discloses that they have only known each other for six months. Franks tries to take it all in his stride, but when he meets Maggie’s soon to be husband Aidan, he gets really bad vibes from him. Aidan comes from a very wealthy family, but rumours circulating about him are running rampant and the locals are very hostile towards the family. Can Frank discover what’s really going on behind closed doors with this family before Maggie marries into it or will he only make things worse and lose his daughter in the process too?
You know this book felt like a Temu version of the film Taken but the difference is Frank knows exactly where his daughter is and she don’t want to be saved! Frank as a narrator is one you must try and bite your tongue with as you can see, he is trying to come from a good place, but he is lowkey aggravating and a bit of a ‘know it all’. But to be honest with a daughter like Maggie, I can see why he probably always has his back up and having to do the most!
Ooooh Weee I couldn’t stand Maggie’s funky ass. I really wanted to give her a cheeky slap. She behaved so almighty and snobby, and it really irritated me how her attitude was towards her dad. I would have enjoyed more if we was able to get more of her backstory of why her character was so obtuse.
Aidan’s family were nothing special to be honest, and read like your typical one-dimensional billionaire family. I’ve read their characters plenty of time so was not impressed by anything
The book is told in five acts, but don’t worry as the chapters in between the acts are so short and fast paced. I was instantly interested from the beginning and invested in this daddy- daughter dynamic and trying to get to the bottom of the mystery behind Aidan’s high powered family. But there were some minor parts I started to zone out a little as the suspense wasn’t really suspens-ing and the idiocy of the people around Frank (minus Abigail- I love her) were becoming mildly irritating.
Then the book hit a mark where it gave me whiplash because I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT and I was locked in again. It picked itself up heavy and fast and I couldn’t wait to see how it would all end.
IT ENDED LACKLUSTRE
In my opinion. I’m not sure what resolution I was looking for but the one given left me subdued. I am not mad at the outcome but I’m also not in awe about it! The last line in the book has me side eyeing because you know… ‘some people can’t be helped’ 🤣🤣
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Short chapters
➽ Even paced
➽ Easy to read
➽ Plot
➽ Abigail
➽ Sweet moments
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Not as suspenseful as I’d like
➽ Some boring cliché unlikeable characters
➽ Wanted more with the ending
Not the edge off your seat book I was anticipating for, but the constant mention of spiders did give me the creepy crawlies, and there were a few endearing moments in the book that really touched me! I can’t wait to read more of this authors work!
3.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
IT'S FINALLY TIIIIIIME!
I hear its different from HIDDEN PICTURES!
Excited to see how this is going to turn out!
Lets Goooooooo! 💙💛💙
Jason Rekulak has returned with a new book after his phenomenon hit Hidden Pictures. Let me just warn you now that if you are after a supernatural thriller with The Last One At The Wedding you are going to be massively disappointed. Jason has dipped his toe in family domestic suspense showing the lengths a father will take to protect his daughter.
Frank Szatowski hasn’t spoken to his daughter Maggie in three years and out the blue she calls him and tells him that she is getting married. I beg your pardon? Frank has no idea who this man is that his daughter is marrying, and his antennas are up when she discloses that they have only known each other for six months. Franks tries to take it all in his stride, but when he meets Maggie’s soon to be husband Aidan, he gets really bad vibes from him. Aidan comes from a very wealthy family, but rumours circulating about him are running rampant and the locals are very hostile towards the family. Can Frank discover what’s really going on behind closed doors with this family before Maggie marries into it or will he only make things worse and lose his daughter in the process too?
You know this book felt like a Temu version of the film Taken but the difference is Frank knows exactly where his daughter is and she don’t want to be saved! Frank as a narrator is one you must try and bite your tongue with as you can see, he is trying to come from a good place, but he is lowkey aggravating and a bit of a ‘know it all’. But to be honest with a daughter like Maggie, I can see why he probably always has his back up and having to do the most!
Ooooh Weee I couldn’t stand Maggie’s funky ass. I really wanted to give her a cheeky slap. She behaved so almighty and snobby, and it really irritated me how her attitude was towards her dad. I would have enjoyed more if we was able to get more of her backstory of why her character was so obtuse.
Aidan’s family were nothing special to be honest, and read like your typical one-dimensional billionaire family. I’ve read their characters plenty of time so was not impressed by anything
The book is told in five acts, but don’t worry as the chapters in between the acts are so short and fast paced. I was instantly interested from the beginning and invested in this daddy- daughter dynamic and trying to get to the bottom of the mystery behind Aidan’s high powered family. But there were some minor parts I started to zone out a little as the suspense wasn’t really suspens-ing and the idiocy of the people around Frank (minus Abigail- I love her) were becoming mildly irritating.
Then the book hit a mark where it gave me whiplash because I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT and I was locked in again. It picked itself up heavy and fast and I couldn’t wait to see how it would all end.
IT ENDED LACKLUSTRE
In my opinion. I’m not sure what resolution I was looking for but the one given left me subdued. I am not mad at the outcome but I’m also not in awe about it! The last line in the book has me side eyeing because you know… ‘some people can’t be helped’ 🤣🤣
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Short chapters
➽ Even paced
➽ Easy to read
➽ Plot
➽ Abigail
➽ Sweet moments
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Not as suspenseful as I’d like
➽ Some boring cliché unlikeable characters
➽ Wanted more with the ending
Not the edge off your seat book I was anticipating for, but the constant mention of spiders did give me the creepy crawlies, and there were a few endearing moments in the book that really touched me! I can’t wait to read more of this authors work!
3.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
IT'S FINALLY TIIIIIIME!
I hear its different from HIDDEN PICTURES!
Excited to see how this is going to turn out!
Lets Goooooooo! 💙💛💙
October 5, 2024
The Last One at the Wedding is a weirdly unsatisfying mystery.
Frank has been estranged from his daughter for three years when she calls to announce her engagement and invite him to the wedding. But she’s not just marrying any old average guy. Her fiancé, Aidan, is the son of a billionaire. But things just aren’t adding up. Aidan seems just a little off. And then, Frank gets a disturbing photo in the mail which implies Aidan has something to do with a woman who has gone missing.
The book was filled with unlikeable characters. Now, that’s ok, if they manage to be at least interesting. This group failed that test. Even Frank, whose POV directs the entire story, was a bit of an a**hole. His interactions with his sister’s foster child totally turned me off to him. And his unwillingness to ask for any help on basic issues (like getting an exterminator for the cabin) just made him seem stupid and bullheaded. His daughter came across as two dimensional and I wanted a better feel for what made her tick. His sister veers between being Susie Sunshine and a woman with no redeemable social values. The Gardners and their staff tended to be cliches. And we are meant to believe that out of 300 people at a wedding, everyone is happy to overlook a major incident.
The big problem with the story is that for long swatches, it’s just boring. There was a decent twist at about the 50% mark which I didn’t see coming.
The story covers parental love and the decisions we make to protect our children.
John Pirhalla was a good narrator and captured Frank’s character.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
Frank has been estranged from his daughter for three years when she calls to announce her engagement and invite him to the wedding. But she’s not just marrying any old average guy. Her fiancé, Aidan, is the son of a billionaire. But things just aren’t adding up. Aidan seems just a little off. And then, Frank gets a disturbing photo in the mail which implies Aidan has something to do with a woman who has gone missing.
The book was filled with unlikeable characters. Now, that’s ok, if they manage to be at least interesting. This group failed that test. Even Frank, whose POV directs the entire story, was a bit of an a**hole. His interactions with his sister’s foster child totally turned me off to him. And his unwillingness to ask for any help on basic issues (like getting an exterminator for the cabin) just made him seem stupid and bullheaded. His daughter came across as two dimensional and I wanted a better feel for what made her tick. His sister veers between being Susie Sunshine and a woman with no redeemable social values. The Gardners and their staff tended to be cliches. And we are meant to believe that out of 300 people at a wedding, everyone is happy to overlook a major incident.
The big problem with the story is that for long swatches, it’s just boring. There was a decent twist at about the 50% mark which I didn’t see coming.
The story covers parental love and the decisions we make to protect our children.
John Pirhalla was a good narrator and captured Frank’s character.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
September 23, 2024
If you’ve read Jason Rekulak’s previous hit, Hidden Pictures, brace yourself—this one’s a whole new ballgame! With an open mind, you’ll dive into a story that unfolds like a slow-burning mystery, and trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Meet Frank Szatowski, our not-so-typical hero. He’s got the broody “old man” vibe down pat, and his journey is both relatable and intriguing. When his daughter Maggie surprises him with a call after three years of silence, Frank is over the moon. She’s getting married in New Hampshire, and he’s determined to mend their fractured relationship.
But here’s the twist: the wedding venue is a fancy private estate that feels way out of Frank’s league. Turns out, Maggie’s fiancé, Aidan, is the son of a tech billionaire! Yikes. Frank quickly realizes he’s in over his head, trying to navigate a world he doesn’t belong to while reconnecting with his daughter.
As Frank struggles to bond with Maggie and figure out the mysterious Aidan—who’s about as warm as a snowman—he senses that the locals aren’t too keen on the Gardners either. With a large cast of characters, it’s surprisingly easy to keep track of everyone, adding depth to the story.
This book is sprinkled with some jaw-dropping moments, but at its heart, it’s a family mystery that unfolds beautifully. I loved how everything came together by the end, leaving me satisfied and thoughtful.
A huge shoutout to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing this Audiobook ARC! If you’re up for a journey filled with emotion and intrigue, give this one a go!
Meet Frank Szatowski, our not-so-typical hero. He’s got the broody “old man” vibe down pat, and his journey is both relatable and intriguing. When his daughter Maggie surprises him with a call after three years of silence, Frank is over the moon. She’s getting married in New Hampshire, and he’s determined to mend their fractured relationship.
But here’s the twist: the wedding venue is a fancy private estate that feels way out of Frank’s league. Turns out, Maggie’s fiancé, Aidan, is the son of a tech billionaire! Yikes. Frank quickly realizes he’s in over his head, trying to navigate a world he doesn’t belong to while reconnecting with his daughter.
As Frank struggles to bond with Maggie and figure out the mysterious Aidan—who’s about as warm as a snowman—he senses that the locals aren’t too keen on the Gardners either. With a large cast of characters, it’s surprisingly easy to keep track of everyone, adding depth to the story.
This book is sprinkled with some jaw-dropping moments, but at its heart, it’s a family mystery that unfolds beautifully. I loved how everything came together by the end, leaving me satisfied and thoughtful.
A huge shoutout to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing this Audiobook ARC! If you’re up for a journey filled with emotion and intrigue, give this one a go!
November 23, 2024
I found this one to be unique and interesting…It didn’t feel super profound, but I enjoyed it!
September 26, 2024
I’m sorry this was so fucking boring. The MC is a bumbling middle aged man and I guess I’m supposed to feel sorry for him but I was so sick of hearing from him. When I thought it would be over there was still 15% of the audio and just how??? For what??
October 8, 2024
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
The Last One at the Wedding is nothing like Hidden Pictures. It is not scary, does not contain elements of the supernatural, or creepy drawings.
In other words, DO NOT expect a Hidden Pictures 2.0.
The Last One at the Wedding tells the story of Frank, a UPS worker/father, who is dealing with the the loss of a relationship with his adult daughter. When Maggie calls Frank after a three year estrangement with the news that she is getting married, he is ecstatic. Thrilled to be included in her new life and mend hurt feelings, he agrees to attend her elaborate wedding to the son of a tech billionaire. Before leaving for the wedding, he receives a cryptic photo in the mail that will leave him questioning everything about his soon to be son-in-law’s family. When Frank’s sister brings her foster child to the wedding, he is less than thrilled. However, Abigail might be just the thing he needs.
This domestic suspense “thriller” contains many well-written but also unlikeable characters. The plot/mystery is intriguing and kept me turning the pages even though I couldn’t figure out where it was headed. It appears that Rekulak may not have known how to end it either, as the reveal is confusing and ends abruptly without any real resolution.
There are some touching moments that led me to believe that Rekulak was going in the direction of a “feel good” ending, but I just couldn’t get over all of the despicable character flaws of his protagonists. It really made it difficult to root for any of them.
Overall, while there were some elements that I enjoyed about this book, it didn’t win me over as much as Hidden Pictures.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Trigger warnings: suicide, lice and spiders
Expected publication date: 10/8/24
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flat Iron Books for the ARC of The Last One at the Wedding in exchange for an honest review.
The Last One at the Wedding is nothing like Hidden Pictures. It is not scary, does not contain elements of the supernatural, or creepy drawings.
In other words, DO NOT expect a Hidden Pictures 2.0.
The Last One at the Wedding tells the story of Frank, a UPS worker/father, who is dealing with the the loss of a relationship with his adult daughter. When Maggie calls Frank after a three year estrangement with the news that she is getting married, he is ecstatic. Thrilled to be included in her new life and mend hurt feelings, he agrees to attend her elaborate wedding to the son of a tech billionaire. Before leaving for the wedding, he receives a cryptic photo in the mail that will leave him questioning everything about his soon to be son-in-law’s family. When Frank’s sister brings her foster child to the wedding, he is less than thrilled. However, Abigail might be just the thing he needs.
This domestic suspense “thriller” contains many well-written but also unlikeable characters. The plot/mystery is intriguing and kept me turning the pages even though I couldn’t figure out where it was headed. It appears that Rekulak may not have known how to end it either, as the reveal is confusing and ends abruptly without any real resolution.
There are some touching moments that led me to believe that Rekulak was going in the direction of a “feel good” ending, but I just couldn’t get over all of the despicable character flaws of his protagonists. It really made it difficult to root for any of them.
Overall, while there were some elements that I enjoyed about this book, it didn’t win me over as much as Hidden Pictures.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Trigger warnings: suicide, lice and spiders
Expected publication date: 10/8/24
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flat Iron Books for the ARC of The Last One at the Wedding in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2024
Hidden Pictures was one of my top reads of 2023, so I just knew that I had to read Jason Rekulak's newest thriller, THE LAST ONE AT THE WEDDING! This book is very different from Hidden Pictures, but still has that flair for suspense you have come to expect.
Frank Szatowski is stunned when his daughter Maggie contacts him after three years of silence to invite him to her wedding in New Hampshire. Upon arriving, he discovers the event is at a secluded, luxurious estate and learns Maggie is marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of a tech billionaire. Feeling out of place, Frank tries to reconnect with Maggie and get to know her new family, but he faces resistance from Aidan, who is distant, and the hostile locals. As he digs deeper into the Gardners, Frank must tread carefully or risk losing Maggie forever.
THE LAST ONE AT THE WEDDING is a mystery/thriller suspense novel and reminded me of old school Ruth Ware or Riley Sager. This book was so much fun and I wanted to investigate along with Frank. The background of Frank's career as a UPS driver can be a character of its own and I loved the backstory of Frank and his family. Some characters were "love-to-hate" pivotal antagonists, but the story is soooo immersive. I haven't connected with a thriller like this in awhile, so I definitely think anyone who follows my account should prioritize this book. It'll be in the top reads of the year for me, for sure.
Frank Szatowski is stunned when his daughter Maggie contacts him after three years of silence to invite him to her wedding in New Hampshire. Upon arriving, he discovers the event is at a secluded, luxurious estate and learns Maggie is marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of a tech billionaire. Feeling out of place, Frank tries to reconnect with Maggie and get to know her new family, but he faces resistance from Aidan, who is distant, and the hostile locals. As he digs deeper into the Gardners, Frank must tread carefully or risk losing Maggie forever.
THE LAST ONE AT THE WEDDING is a mystery/thriller suspense novel and reminded me of old school Ruth Ware or Riley Sager. This book was so much fun and I wanted to investigate along with Frank. The background of Frank's career as a UPS driver can be a character of its own and I loved the backstory of Frank and his family. Some characters were "love-to-hate" pivotal antagonists, but the story is soooo immersive. I haven't connected with a thriller like this in awhile, so I definitely think anyone who follows my account should prioritize this book. It'll be in the top reads of the year for me, for sure.
January 11, 2025
Like many of you, I read “Hidden Pictures” by Jason Rekulak and absolutely loved it. I then had to see if there were any earlier books from Rekulak and found this one, and I’m very glad I did. “The Last One at the Wedding” gave me a totally different vibe than ‘Pictures’ did. It is definitely a slow build novel that took awhile to get into, but the author does an outstanding job of presenting a very compelling storyline from beginning to end. The novel begins with widowed father Frank receiving a call from his estranged daughter Maggie inviting him back into her life and to attend her upcoming wedding to a multi-millionaire businessman. Frank travels to their penthouse for an introduction to her fiancé and that is when the twists and turns begin getting interesting. I can honestly say there were many great surprises in the book, including the identity of the primary villain, that I never saw coming. The book is written entirely from Frank’s perspective who is DEFINITELY pushy and obnoxious for a majority of the book. Despite this, I definitely enjoyed this very unusual book that is unlike any book I’ve read in a long time. By the end I even started to warm up a little to old Frank despite ALL of his obnoxious traits— but not too warm.
March 7, 2025
The Last One at the Wedding is the latest from Jason Rekulak, author of the well-received 2022-release, Hidden Pictures.
I really enjoyed the overall vibes of Hidden Pictures and was excited to see what Rekulak would deliver with this next release. I never even read the full synopsis, TBH, the author's name alone was enough to sell it to me.
In this story we follow Frank Szatowski, a veteran UPS-driver from rural Pennsylvania. Frank is a widower who lives alone. Sadly, he's been estranged from his daughter, Maggie, for the past three years.
Maggie left her hometown for college and never returned. She's always been very driven and now has a successful career in tech and lives in Boston.
Frank is shocked when he receives a call from Maggie out of the blue, not just because of the fact that she's calling, but because of her news. She's getting married and she wants Frank to be there.
Determined to make things right with his only child, Frank readily agrees. He's excited to meet his future son-in-law, Aidan Gardner, and get to know his family. Who is this man who seems to have swept his daughter off her feet?
The weekend-long event is set to take place at a lakeside estate in New Hampshire, owned by the Gardners. As it turns out, Aidan's father is a titan in the tech industry and the family is ridiculously wealthy.
Even though that level of wealth tends to make Frank uncomfortable, he's willing to do whatever it takes to reconnect with Maggie. Thus, he makes the long road trip, along with his sister, Tammy, and her foster child, Abigail, with nothing but the best intentions.
Arriving in New Hampshire, Frank has a couple of interactions with some locals that leave him unsettled. They seem downright hostile towards the Gardners, and rumors swirling around Aidan seem to be at the heart of it.
The property is a virtual fortress, complete with intimidating security personnel. Frank tries to relax and just be there for Maggie, but it's not going well. She seems too busy for him. In fact, his presence seems perfunctory.
Frank tries not to let it all affect him, but he is highly suspicious of the Gardner family, and seems to get more suspicious with every forced interaction. What exactly is going on here, and is Maggie in over her head?
It was so easy to get engrossed in this story. I loved Frank from the start and hearing everything from his perspective. I listened to the audiobook and the narration by John Pirhalla truly brought Frank to life.
It's unclear in the beginning what has gone on in the past between Frank and Maggie; you know of their estrangement, but not how it ended up at that point. I liked the way the author chose to play out that part of the narrative.
There's also so much mystery surrounding the Gardner family and the depth of Maggie's involvement in the family affairs. It felt dangerous, even without openly knowing why.
The mystery with the locals was really where my brain started to stand at full attention. There's a missing local girl, who was allegedly dating Aidan, though he denies it.
Frank has communications with them that lead him to believe they're telling the truth, but everyone in the Gardner family denies involvement of any kind. Scared for his daughter's safety, Frank can't let it go and continues to dig.
There are some crazy reveals. I loved getting caught up in the suspense. There are some characters that are a lot of fun to hate as well. Rekulak created some strong villains here!
I had such a great time going on this journey with Frank. This is a completely different feel to Hidden Pictures, but I actually enjoyed this one even more. I loved the character work, the setting and the non-stop level of intrigue.
While subtle at times, and a bit of a slower burn, I think this is a very well developed story that a lot of Readers will enjoy. I definitely recommend the audiobook as well. It was very well done.
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I've had a great relationship with Rekulak so far, and I cannot wait for more!!
I really enjoyed the overall vibes of Hidden Pictures and was excited to see what Rekulak would deliver with this next release. I never even read the full synopsis, TBH, the author's name alone was enough to sell it to me.
In this story we follow Frank Szatowski, a veteran UPS-driver from rural Pennsylvania. Frank is a widower who lives alone. Sadly, he's been estranged from his daughter, Maggie, for the past three years.
Maggie left her hometown for college and never returned. She's always been very driven and now has a successful career in tech and lives in Boston.
Frank is shocked when he receives a call from Maggie out of the blue, not just because of the fact that she's calling, but because of her news. She's getting married and she wants Frank to be there.
Determined to make things right with his only child, Frank readily agrees. He's excited to meet his future son-in-law, Aidan Gardner, and get to know his family. Who is this man who seems to have swept his daughter off her feet?
The weekend-long event is set to take place at a lakeside estate in New Hampshire, owned by the Gardners. As it turns out, Aidan's father is a titan in the tech industry and the family is ridiculously wealthy.
Even though that level of wealth tends to make Frank uncomfortable, he's willing to do whatever it takes to reconnect with Maggie. Thus, he makes the long road trip, along with his sister, Tammy, and her foster child, Abigail, with nothing but the best intentions.
Arriving in New Hampshire, Frank has a couple of interactions with some locals that leave him unsettled. They seem downright hostile towards the Gardners, and rumors swirling around Aidan seem to be at the heart of it.
The property is a virtual fortress, complete with intimidating security personnel. Frank tries to relax and just be there for Maggie, but it's not going well. She seems too busy for him. In fact, his presence seems perfunctory.
Frank tries not to let it all affect him, but he is highly suspicious of the Gardner family, and seems to get more suspicious with every forced interaction. What exactly is going on here, and is Maggie in over her head?
It was so easy to get engrossed in this story. I loved Frank from the start and hearing everything from his perspective. I listened to the audiobook and the narration by John Pirhalla truly brought Frank to life.
It's unclear in the beginning what has gone on in the past between Frank and Maggie; you know of their estrangement, but not how it ended up at that point. I liked the way the author chose to play out that part of the narrative.
There's also so much mystery surrounding the Gardner family and the depth of Maggie's involvement in the family affairs. It felt dangerous, even without openly knowing why.
The mystery with the locals was really where my brain started to stand at full attention. There's a missing local girl, who was allegedly dating Aidan, though he denies it.
Frank has communications with them that lead him to believe they're telling the truth, but everyone in the Gardner family denies involvement of any kind. Scared for his daughter's safety, Frank can't let it go and continues to dig.
There are some crazy reveals. I loved getting caught up in the suspense. There are some characters that are a lot of fun to hate as well. Rekulak created some strong villains here!
I had such a great time going on this journey with Frank. This is a completely different feel to Hidden Pictures, but I actually enjoyed this one even more. I loved the character work, the setting and the non-stop level of intrigue.
While subtle at times, and a bit of a slower burn, I think this is a very well developed story that a lot of Readers will enjoy. I definitely recommend the audiobook as well. It was very well done.
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I've had a great relationship with Rekulak so far, and I cannot wait for more!!
November 20, 2024
3.5⭐
Genre ~ domestic drama
Setting ~ Pennsylvania & New Hampshire
Publication date ~ October 8, 2024
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 352 (50 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 14 minutes
Narrator ~ John Pirhalla
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ 5 parts, murder, suicide, unlikable characters galore
Frank and daughter, Maggie, had a falling out and haven’t spoken in 3 years. Now she’s getting married to a man named Aiden and wants Frank there. He jumps at the chance to see his baby girl again. With his sister, Tammy, and her foster daughter, Abigail, who gets on his nerves more often than not, in tow they’re off to New Hampshire for a 3 day affair.
Once they get to the lavish estate of The Gardners he’s eager to reconnect with Maggie and get to know everything about the family she is marrying into. But he soon discovers this family has secrets. And then there is a murder, and don’t forget the missing girl that Aiden was involved with before he met Maggie.
Overall, I did not find it to be the edge of the seat thriller the blurb promises. I was hardly gripped as Frank was yapping away nonstop. He did provide some comic relief once in a while, so that was nice. There are a bunch of daddy long legs to give you a little creep factor. I didn't hate it, it was just so slow moving for me because I kept waiting for a twist or something. Not sure what’s up with that ending either.
“I showed her the basics of self defense. Taught her how to make a fist and throw a punch. I made sure she knew the devastating power of kicking a man in his coin purse.” 🤣 Definitely good info.
Narration notes:
He did a fabulous job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ domestic drama
Setting ~ Pennsylvania & New Hampshire
Publication date ~ October 8, 2024
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 352 (50 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 14 minutes
Narrator ~ John Pirhalla
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ 5 parts, murder, suicide, unlikable characters galore
Frank and daughter, Maggie, had a falling out and haven’t spoken in 3 years. Now she’s getting married to a man named Aiden and wants Frank there. He jumps at the chance to see his baby girl again. With his sister, Tammy, and her foster daughter, Abigail, who gets on his nerves more often than not, in tow they’re off to New Hampshire for a 3 day affair.
Once they get to the lavish estate of The Gardners he’s eager to reconnect with Maggie and get to know everything about the family she is marrying into. But he soon discovers this family has secrets. And then there is a murder, and don’t forget the missing girl that Aiden was involved with before he met Maggie.
Overall, I did not find it to be the edge of the seat thriller the blurb promises. I was hardly gripped as Frank was yapping away nonstop. He did provide some comic relief once in a while, so that was nice. There are a bunch of daddy long legs to give you a little creep factor. I didn't hate it, it was just so slow moving for me because I kept waiting for a twist or something. Not sure what’s up with that ending either.
“I showed her the basics of self defense. Taught her how to make a fist and throw a punch. I made sure she knew the devastating power of kicking a man in his coin purse.” 🤣 Definitely good info.
Narration notes:
He did a fabulous job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
December 5, 2024
Highly entertaining! 🤵💓👰
I wasn't sure going in after seeing some of my friends' lower ratings for this novel and the mid-range overall rating. But to my pleasant surprise, I couldn't put this audiobook down! I thought just another chapter, I want to know what's going to happen next.
UPS driver Frank Szatowski receives a call from his estranged daughter Maggie about her upcoming wedding in New Hampshire. He's delighted by the news and can't wait to see her AND to meet his soon to be son in law, Aidan. Shockingly, Aiden is not a starving artist as he had imagined, but the son of a billionaire.
These characters are great, especially Frank. I enjoyed the pace and Rekulak's writing. He kept me wanting to know more and each incident just adds more foreboding vibes. The Last One at the Wedding isn't creepy like Hidden Pictures. Go in blind, it's that good not knowing what to expect. Was I shocked by the reveal? No. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely!
I wasn't sure going in after seeing some of my friends' lower ratings for this novel and the mid-range overall rating. But to my pleasant surprise, I couldn't put this audiobook down! I thought just another chapter, I want to know what's going to happen next.
UPS driver Frank Szatowski receives a call from his estranged daughter Maggie about her upcoming wedding in New Hampshire. He's delighted by the news and can't wait to see her AND to meet his soon to be son in law, Aidan. Shockingly, Aiden is not a starving artist as he had imagined, but the son of a billionaire.
These characters are great, especially Frank. I enjoyed the pace and Rekulak's writing. He kept me wanting to know more and each incident just adds more foreboding vibes. The Last One at the Wedding isn't creepy like Hidden Pictures. Go in blind, it's that good not knowing what to expect. Was I shocked by the reveal? No. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely!
March 1, 2025
My first by this author! I really enjoyed the audio version 🎧🤩
I couldn't resist the wedding plot. An uber wealthy family, a secluded home in the woods, and gated entry. You might be stopped by the caretaker.
"Welcome to Osprey Cove"
Oh, and don't forget to sign your privacy docs and pick up your parking permit if you want to come in!
Frank's estranged daughter Maggie is the bride. He is hoping they can patch their differences and come together as a family. Things just don't "feel right" to Frank though. Red flags 🚩, spiders 🕷️, and pre-wedding jitters 💒 have him unhinged. Will Maggie be open to his concerns?
The steady paced mystery and well developed characters kept me turning/listening to the pages. I especially enjoyed Abigail.
The end was a bit abrupt, but I loved it. Five more minutes, please? ❤️
Came out Oct 8, 2024
I couldn't resist the wedding plot. An uber wealthy family, a secluded home in the woods, and gated entry. You might be stopped by the caretaker.
"Welcome to Osprey Cove"
Oh, and don't forget to sign your privacy docs and pick up your parking permit if you want to come in!
Frank's estranged daughter Maggie is the bride. He is hoping they can patch their differences and come together as a family. Things just don't "feel right" to Frank though. Red flags 🚩, spiders 🕷️, and pre-wedding jitters 💒 have him unhinged. Will Maggie be open to his concerns?
The steady paced mystery and well developed characters kept me turning/listening to the pages. I especially enjoyed Abigail.
The end was a bit abrupt, but I loved it. Five more minutes, please? ❤️
Came out Oct 8, 2024
October 2, 2024
I've never been a big fan of books where there's a prominent character who's thoroughly unlikeable. It's even worse here, where we're seeing things through a male chauvinist character's annoying point of view. Why did no one warn me how triggering dad Frank, our first person POV character, would be?
I spent the first few chapters of The Last One at the Wedding thinking he's everything that's wrong with middle class men who ooze indignant entitlement, who wish we could go back to the "great" 1950s where their manly word is never questioned, where their scornful suspicions of everyone not exactly like them are treated like they hold water, and where appearances are so valuable no one's feelings should even be considered. I despised his old school character.
I actively and passionately hated The Last One at the Wedding. I can't even tell you if it was well-written or not, because I was too distracted by mister mansplainy manly man just being his scornful and snide self. It wasn't fun to hate him when he made comments like they're hiring women now too, because of that 'me too' stuff, or when he mistrusted every single person's intentions because only he knows better.
Does he happen to be right about a few things? Yeah, sure, but a story that relies on an Archie Bunker-styled character to solve a couple mysteries is absolutely a no go for me.
I spent the first few chapters of The Last One at the Wedding thinking he's everything that's wrong with middle class men who ooze indignant entitlement, who wish we could go back to the "great" 1950s where their manly word is never questioned, where their scornful suspicions of everyone not exactly like them are treated like they hold water, and where appearances are so valuable no one's feelings should even be considered. I despised his old school character.
I actively and passionately hated The Last One at the Wedding. I can't even tell you if it was well-written or not, because I was too distracted by mister mansplainy manly man just being his scornful and snide self. It wasn't fun to hate him when he made comments like they're hiring women now too, because of that 'me too' stuff, or when he mistrusted every single person's intentions because only he knows better.
Does he happen to be right about a few things? Yeah, sure, but a story that relies on an Archie Bunker-styled character to solve a couple mysteries is absolutely a no go for me.
September 26, 2024
Gripping, entertaining, twisted and intense, The Last One at the Wedding is another intriguing book by Jason Rekulak! This book is full of secrets, lies, twists, drama, family issues, and atmosphere.
Frank is shocked when his daughter, Maggie, calls him after three years of estrangement to let him know that she is going to get married in New Hampshire soon! She wants him to be there, and he is more than happy to hear from her and to be back in her life! Her finance, Aidan, is an artist who seems a little aloof, but Frank is willing to give him time. Prior to arriving to Aidan's family estate, Frank receives an ominous letter. When Frank, his sister and her foster daughter arrive at for the wedding festivities in New Hampshire, he learns that the locals have their own thoughts on the Gardner family.
This was a twisted and engaging book which kept me on my toes as it became clear that all that glitters, as the saying goes, was not gold. Things are bubbling underneath the surface of the perfect setting and posh lifestyle of the Gardner family. As Frank becomes more concerned, the tension and sense of dread begin to emanate and flow throughout the book.
I kept trying to figure out how things were going to turn out and I thought I was quite clever but then the author threw in a twist, and I found that I was far from the truth! I love when that happens.
I have read one other book by this author, Hidden Pictures, and enjoyed how this book was completely different from that book. This book is completely different, and I appreciate how the author went in another direction for this book.
I enjoyed the drama, the suspense, the tension, the twists, deception, and secrets in this book. I found this book to be well written, well thought out, and gripping. I also enjoyed the beautiful New England setting which provided atmosphere.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Frank is shocked when his daughter, Maggie, calls him after three years of estrangement to let him know that she is going to get married in New Hampshire soon! She wants him to be there, and he is more than happy to hear from her and to be back in her life! Her finance, Aidan, is an artist who seems a little aloof, but Frank is willing to give him time. Prior to arriving to Aidan's family estate, Frank receives an ominous letter. When Frank, his sister and her foster daughter arrive at for the wedding festivities in New Hampshire, he learns that the locals have their own thoughts on the Gardner family.
This was a twisted and engaging book which kept me on my toes as it became clear that all that glitters, as the saying goes, was not gold. Things are bubbling underneath the surface of the perfect setting and posh lifestyle of the Gardner family. As Frank becomes more concerned, the tension and sense of dread begin to emanate and flow throughout the book.
I kept trying to figure out how things were going to turn out and I thought I was quite clever but then the author threw in a twist, and I found that I was far from the truth! I love when that happens.
I have read one other book by this author, Hidden Pictures, and enjoyed how this book was completely different from that book. This book is completely different, and I appreciate how the author went in another direction for this book.
I enjoyed the drama, the suspense, the tension, the twists, deception, and secrets in this book. I found this book to be well written, well thought out, and gripping. I also enjoyed the beautiful New England setting which provided atmosphere.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
November 20, 2024
A ‘Wedding at a Summer Camp’ Setting. Sign Me Up!
For three years Frank Szatowski has been estranged from his daughter Maggie. Until out of the blue he receives a phone call from her inviting him to her wedding at Osprey Cove, New Hampshire – a former summer camp turned retreat – owned by her future father-in-law, Errol Gardner. Frank readily accepts, is relieved to be back in contact with Maggie. But his first meeting with his daughter’s fiancée, Aidan, doesn’t go well, there’s just something off about him that Frank can’t quite put his finger on. And when Frank discovers that a year ago Aidan dated a girl who went missing it raises all kinds of red flags. Frank is determined to protect Maggie at all costs.
This author’s debut novel, Hidden Pictures, was a hit for me so I was thrilled to receive an early copy of The Last One at the Wedding. Both contained sinister, creepy, foreboding vibes, tense situations, and mystery elements, but this one was more family drama, and psychological thriller. Having Frank as the sole narrator completely worked as he’s drawn more and more into the Gardner family’s web of lies, yet at the same time we wonder whether he’s entirely trustworthy as we don’t know why he and Maggie fell out in the first place, only that it was big, that he blames himself, and wishes he had of done things differently.
Osprey Cove, a former summer camp surrounded by woods in the middle of nowhere, with the Gardner’s lakefront Lodge overlooking smaller cottages reminded me of a novel I loved earlier this year, The God of the Woods. Just like that one, the setting in this was intricately described, and I loved all the descriptions of the three-day wedding extravaganza, with its delicious food, lavish décor, and various activities.
It wasn’t quite a 5 star read as at times the characters made some dumb decisions, the plot was too convenient, and I also had to suspend my disbelief on several occasions. I also saw the biggest twist coming, but it was a great twist, and I liked how impactful it was and the consequences and fallout that resulted from it. This was surprisingly an emotional read, and I was happy with how everything wrapped up.
The Last One at the Wedding was an immersive, fast-paced, high-stakes read. I always looked forward to continuing, was never bored, and I stayed up late last night finishing it off. I highly recommend adding this one to your tbr for the 8th October 2024.
I’d like to thank Netgalley Uk, Little Brown Book Group UK, and Jason Rekulak for the e-ARC.
For three years Frank Szatowski has been estranged from his daughter Maggie. Until out of the blue he receives a phone call from her inviting him to her wedding at Osprey Cove, New Hampshire – a former summer camp turned retreat – owned by her future father-in-law, Errol Gardner. Frank readily accepts, is relieved to be back in contact with Maggie. But his first meeting with his daughter’s fiancée, Aidan, doesn’t go well, there’s just something off about him that Frank can’t quite put his finger on. And when Frank discovers that a year ago Aidan dated a girl who went missing it raises all kinds of red flags. Frank is determined to protect Maggie at all costs.
This author’s debut novel, Hidden Pictures, was a hit for me so I was thrilled to receive an early copy of The Last One at the Wedding. Both contained sinister, creepy, foreboding vibes, tense situations, and mystery elements, but this one was more family drama, and psychological thriller. Having Frank as the sole narrator completely worked as he’s drawn more and more into the Gardner family’s web of lies, yet at the same time we wonder whether he’s entirely trustworthy as we don’t know why he and Maggie fell out in the first place, only that it was big, that he blames himself, and wishes he had of done things differently.
Osprey Cove, a former summer camp surrounded by woods in the middle of nowhere, with the Gardner’s lakefront Lodge overlooking smaller cottages reminded me of a novel I loved earlier this year, The God of the Woods. Just like that one, the setting in this was intricately described, and I loved all the descriptions of the three-day wedding extravaganza, with its delicious food, lavish décor, and various activities.
It wasn’t quite a 5 star read as at times the characters made some dumb decisions, the plot was too convenient, and I also had to suspend my disbelief on several occasions. I also saw the biggest twist coming, but it was a great twist, and I liked how impactful it was and the consequences and fallout that resulted from it. This was surprisingly an emotional read, and I was happy with how everything wrapped up.
The Last One at the Wedding was an immersive, fast-paced, high-stakes read. I always looked forward to continuing, was never bored, and I stayed up late last night finishing it off. I highly recommend adding this one to your tbr for the 8th October 2024.
I’d like to thank Netgalley Uk, Little Brown Book Group UK, and Jason Rekulak for the e-ARC.
December 5, 2024
If you were a big fan of the author’s previous book “Hidden Pictures” like I was, and you’re looking for the same type of suspense that was in that book in this newest release- well, I hate to tell you that you are not going to find it here. This was a decent enough story about a pretty cool dude, named Frank Szatowski. However, there is no edge-of-your-seat thrill moments as the blurb suggests. And that ending? I feel like my book was missing a few chapters towards the end, because it was rushed and it left a whole bunch of stuff out!! I mean, I just read all that for nothing 🤷🏻♀️
This is a story of Frank. Frank Szatowski. Frank is 52 years old, and is a UPS driver (with a very clean driving record). Frank has been estranged from his daughter Maggie for three years, when he finally receives a phone call from her. Maggie lets him know that she is getting married, and he is invited to the wedding. Frank is ecstatic! After this great news and meeting his future son-in-law, Frank, his sister Tammy, and her foster daughter, Abigail all head up to Camp Osperey for the weekend wedding.
Once Frank arrives at Camp Osperey, Frank learns of a prior disappearance of a woman who lived in town close to the camp. Frank begins to question his new son-in-law and his family members. What could they be hiding? Also, during this time Frank starts to reminisce about his time when he was a single father and if he made all the right choices while raising Maggie. Did he keep her safe and protect her? And can Frank protect her now?
I will say that Frank Szatowski was the only good character in this book- although there wasn’t anything wrong with his sister Tammy, she just didn’t bring anything to make this book better. Every other character in this book was deplorable, and I really didn’t care what happened to any of them (except the foster daughter, Abigail).
This book is divided into Five parts, and I enjoyed (for the most part) every part, until the book reached Part V. It is in Part V, that I feel like a couple chapters were left out and the ending felt super rushed. Because of that, I am left a bit deflated and my rating went down unfortunately.
I really loved “Hidden Pictures” from this author, but this book just doesn’t compare.
This is a story of Frank. Frank Szatowski. Frank is 52 years old, and is a UPS driver (with a very clean driving record). Frank has been estranged from his daughter Maggie for three years, when he finally receives a phone call from her. Maggie lets him know that she is getting married, and he is invited to the wedding. Frank is ecstatic! After this great news and meeting his future son-in-law, Frank, his sister Tammy, and her foster daughter, Abigail all head up to Camp Osperey for the weekend wedding.
Once Frank arrives at Camp Osperey, Frank learns of a prior disappearance of a woman who lived in town close to the camp. Frank begins to question his new son-in-law and his family members. What could they be hiding? Also, during this time Frank starts to reminisce about his time when he was a single father and if he made all the right choices while raising Maggie. Did he keep her safe and protect her? And can Frank protect her now?
I will say that Frank Szatowski was the only good character in this book- although there wasn’t anything wrong with his sister Tammy, she just didn’t bring anything to make this book better. Every other character in this book was deplorable, and I really didn’t care what happened to any of them (except the foster daughter, Abigail).
This book is divided into Five parts, and I enjoyed (for the most part) every part, until the book reached Part V. It is in Part V, that I feel like a couple chapters were left out and the ending felt super rushed. Because of that, I am left a bit deflated and my rating went down unfortunately.
I really loved “Hidden Pictures” from this author, but this book just doesn’t compare.
February 17, 2025
Frank, a UPS driver, and widower, raised his daughter Maggie on his own, but they’ve been estranged for 3 years.
He receives a call from her with news of her upcoming wedding to the son of a tech billionaire and wants him to walk her down the aisle. Frank is thrilled at the prospect of a reconciliation.
Frank, his sister, and Abigail, his sister’s foster child arrive at the lavish lakefront estate for 3 days of festivities preceding the wedding. As Frank gets to know the family, he’s more convinced than ever something is not right. Plus rumors are swirling that his daughter’s fiancée had something to do with a local girls disappearance the previous year.
Aiden, his future son-in-law, is never around, Maggie is often unavailable, Aiden’s mother is ensconced in the upstairs bedroom and said to be too ill to attend the festivities. As Frank uncovers more about the family he’s determined that something is very, very wrong. Then a dead body washes ashore.
Frank wants to save Maggie from what he thinks will be a disastrous marriage, but maybe Maggie doesn’t want saving. Does he want to risk losing her again?
I was not a fan of the author’s last book, Hidden Pictures, but I’m glad I gave him another chance. I very much enjoyed this part mystery/part family drama narrated solely from Frank’s perspective. He was a McCranky Crankypants in the beginning, which some readers didn’t like. But at his core he is a decent hard-working guy who wants to do the right thing and was put smack dab in the middle of a situation which would make anyone cranky.
I loved the secondary characters, especially Abigail, his sister’s foster child. The character development of all was very well-done. A great setting, lots of family drama, diabolical characters, and secrets to be revealed. There are even secondary themes of some substance for those who want to delve deeper.
I flew through the last half of the book on a snowy afternoon. A propulsive read with no crazy twists that highlights the fact the author is not pigeonholing himself into a single genre.
He receives a call from her with news of her upcoming wedding to the son of a tech billionaire and wants him to walk her down the aisle. Frank is thrilled at the prospect of a reconciliation.
Frank, his sister, and Abigail, his sister’s foster child arrive at the lavish lakefront estate for 3 days of festivities preceding the wedding. As Frank gets to know the family, he’s more convinced than ever something is not right. Plus rumors are swirling that his daughter’s fiancée had something to do with a local girls disappearance the previous year.
Aiden, his future son-in-law, is never around, Maggie is often unavailable, Aiden’s mother is ensconced in the upstairs bedroom and said to be too ill to attend the festivities. As Frank uncovers more about the family he’s determined that something is very, very wrong. Then a dead body washes ashore.
Frank wants to save Maggie from what he thinks will be a disastrous marriage, but maybe Maggie doesn’t want saving. Does he want to risk losing her again?
I was not a fan of the author’s last book, Hidden Pictures, but I’m glad I gave him another chance. I very much enjoyed this part mystery/part family drama narrated solely from Frank’s perspective. He was a McCranky Crankypants in the beginning, which some readers didn’t like. But at his core he is a decent hard-working guy who wants to do the right thing and was put smack dab in the middle of a situation which would make anyone cranky.
I loved the secondary characters, especially Abigail, his sister’s foster child. The character development of all was very well-done. A great setting, lots of family drama, diabolical characters, and secrets to be revealed. There are even secondary themes of some substance for those who want to delve deeper.
I flew through the last half of the book on a snowy afternoon. A propulsive read with no crazy twists that highlights the fact the author is not pigeonholing himself into a single genre.
July 31, 2024
I honestly just did not like this book. I feel guilty about a 2 star rating. So I normally do 3 but this was not fun to read at all. I found the characters unbearable. So insufferable. All of them. Except for Abigail. She was great. She’s also 10. But everyone else was just so unlikeable. (And I’m usually fine with unlikeable bc there’s something you can relate to or something redeemable) but I just didn’t like any of them. The dad was arguing everything and so moody. Which I get but it was annoying. The aunt was like oh everything is fine. Knowing it’s all not. The daughter was just a horrible person. Such a narcissist. And then everyone else. Just bad. There’s a scene where someone casually throws up in a bowl of cereal and everyone carries on like nothing happened. Well ok.
I feel like the bare bones of the story could have been good but it was the execution that I didn’t enjoy. It was boring 🤷🏻♀️ not much happens and it wasn’t suspenseful when something did. And the ending was just WTF.
I only continued bc I loved hidden pictures. And I had hoped something spectacular would happen to make it worth it.
This just didn’t work for me.
I feel like the bare bones of the story could have been good but it was the execution that I didn’t enjoy. It was boring 🤷🏻♀️ not much happens and it wasn’t suspenseful when something did. And the ending was just WTF.
I only continued bc I loved hidden pictures. And I had hoped something spectacular would happen to make it worth it.
This just didn’t work for me.
February 26, 2025
Last One At The Wedding by Jason Rekulak! Is a thriller/ part Domestic Thriller that I thourougly enjoyed, it was a bit slow at the beginning but by the half way mark the reveals started & then kept going.
Frank was living a happy life working as a driver for USP he lost his wife & was estranged from his daughter Maggie.
Maggie gives Frank the surprise of his life saying that she is getting married to Aiden who is a arts painter she invites him to her wedding which is held at Aiden’s parents house in New Hampshire , but when Frank arrives everything seems off secrets are hidden& there is an eerie unease with the Gardner family.
WHAT HAPPENED At OSPREY COVE?
This was my first read by this author& will not be my last highly recommended.
Frank was living a happy life working as a driver for USP he lost his wife & was estranged from his daughter Maggie.
Maggie gives Frank the surprise of his life saying that she is getting married to Aiden who is a arts painter she invites him to her wedding which is held at Aiden’s parents house in New Hampshire , but when Frank arrives everything seems off secrets are hidden& there is an eerie unease with the Gardner family.
WHAT HAPPENED At OSPREY COVE?
This was my first read by this author& will not be my last highly recommended.
May 4, 2024
I've been in a reading slump lately. I have every amazing author's DRC waiting patiently on my kindle but my brain just didn't want to work. I thought I was broken.
Then I received Jason Rekulak's newest book from MacMillan on Edelweiss. I screamed. And just like that, my slump was over.
This is a fun book to read. I honestly had no idea where it was going for the first 3/4 of the book. The main character Frank is the salt of the earth, hard working, soccer dad that I can really relate to. An extravagant night out is Red Lobster, fashion supplied by Costco/Walmart and it is painful at times to see the story unfold through his naïve eyes.
His only daughter Maggie/Margaret has leveled up- she went off to college and now lives in Boston working for one of the largest tech start ups. Their relationship is estranged and we have no idea why, but Frank gets a call on the first page and draws the reader right in.
I didn't set the book down from there.
This book really boils down to the story telling and narration. I keep thinking about it and even though all the characters in the book infuriated me, that's what has me hooked. It was really really well written.
I'm giving it 4 stars only because I wanted a little more at the end.... I liked it. I accept the end. But selfishly want a little more.
Thank you Macmillan and Edelweiss for a complimentary book for an honest review. I'm excited for this to be released so I can discuss it! Its a book that needs lots of different perspectives. And I love that!
Then I received Jason Rekulak's newest book from MacMillan on Edelweiss. I screamed. And just like that, my slump was over.
This is a fun book to read. I honestly had no idea where it was going for the first 3/4 of the book. The main character Frank is the salt of the earth, hard working, soccer dad that I can really relate to. An extravagant night out is Red Lobster, fashion supplied by Costco/Walmart and it is painful at times to see the story unfold through his naïve eyes.
His only daughter Maggie/Margaret has leveled up- she went off to college and now lives in Boston working for one of the largest tech start ups. Their relationship is estranged and we have no idea why, but Frank gets a call on the first page and draws the reader right in.
I didn't set the book down from there.
This book really boils down to the story telling and narration. I keep thinking about it and even though all the characters in the book infuriated me, that's what has me hooked. It was really really well written.
I'm giving it 4 stars only because I wanted a little more at the end.... I liked it. I accept the end. But selfishly want a little more.
Thank you Macmillan and Edelweiss for a complimentary book for an honest review. I'm excited for this to be released so I can discuss it! Its a book that needs lots of different perspectives. And I love that!
September 26, 2024
A special shoutout to audiobook narrator John Pirhalla.
Throughout the entire book, I was transfixed by John Pirhalla's expert narration.
John Pirhalla mastered the voice and persona of the book's protagonist, a widowed, devoted, and emotionally scarred father-of-the-groom and career UPS driver.
Quite frankly, narrator John Pierhalla made author Jason Rekulak's deeply flawed protagonist larger than life.
I always adore books showcasing despicable people and this book had no shortage of unlikeable characters.
I am a New Englander and especially enjoyed the book's New England setting.
WHY NOT 5 STARS?
The book's ending was vague and unresolved.
TW:
Suicide
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Going with the audiobook is highly recommended.
4.5 stars
March 8, 2025
2.5
Traveling for work and wanted a book to keep me company. Wow, this was not what I thought it was going to be. Outlier review ahead— proceed with caution!
Very readable — which is why I didn’t DNF it— and I was stuck in the middle of nowhere in a rustic cabin without WiFi (I get the irony).
Thankfully this was not the domestic thriller I was expecting and except for the ending, I was less than “thrilled!” However, it was like a miniseries— you guessed so many of the twists that when a real twist occurred (for me twice), they stuck out so I stuck with it.
There are some books that would just be better as TV shows, this totally fits that category for me! But I do owe the author a thanks for not scaring me too much, ‘cuz cabin in the woods thing, ya know!! 😎
(Reviewed 11/13/24)
Traveling for work and wanted a book to keep me company. Wow, this was not what I thought it was going to be. Outlier review ahead— proceed with caution!
Very readable — which is why I didn’t DNF it— and I was stuck in the middle of nowhere in a rustic cabin without WiFi (I get the irony).
Thankfully this was not the domestic thriller I was expecting and except for the ending, I was less than “thrilled!” However, it was like a miniseries— you guessed so many of the twists that when a real twist occurred (for me twice), they stuck out so I stuck with it.
There are some books that would just be better as TV shows, this totally fits that category for me! But I do owe the author a thanks for not scaring me too much, ‘cuz cabin in the woods thing, ya know!! 😎
(Reviewed 11/13/24)
August 25, 2024
If you pick this up expecting another Hidden Pictures you will be sorely disappointed. The Last One at the Wedding is very different and very hard to put down. This was another binge read for me, I was so wrapped up in the story. I have seen many reviews saying this is a slow burning mystery, but for me it was a fast paced thriller, full of such unlikeable characters.
That is except for our main character Frank and his sister, Tammy and her foster child Abigail. Frank is a UPS driver who has worked as a driver for 26 years without an accident l he lives a quiet and simple life. He has been estranged from his daughter Maggie for the past 3 years, for reasons that will become clear as the story continues. Out of the blue, he gets a call from Maggie, inviting him to her New Hampshire wedding.
Now you know things won’t go to plan, and Frank soon starts to feel that there is something not right with her fiancée and his family. Things just don’t add up, but all Franks wants is to repair his relationship with Maggie.
My goodness, this sucked me in! a remote wedding, with lots of strangers and a man who wants to spend time with his daughter, Get ready to ignore what is happening around you and get lost in this book.
Thanks so much to Little, Brown Group UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Get this one on your TBR, published on October 8th.
That is except for our main character Frank and his sister, Tammy and her foster child Abigail. Frank is a UPS driver who has worked as a driver for 26 years without an accident l he lives a quiet and simple life. He has been estranged from his daughter Maggie for the past 3 years, for reasons that will become clear as the story continues. Out of the blue, he gets a call from Maggie, inviting him to her New Hampshire wedding.
Now you know things won’t go to plan, and Frank soon starts to feel that there is something not right with her fiancée and his family. Things just don’t add up, but all Franks wants is to repair his relationship with Maggie.
My goodness, this sucked me in! a remote wedding, with lots of strangers and a man who wants to spend time with his daughter, Get ready to ignore what is happening around you and get lost in this book.
Thanks so much to Little, Brown Group UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Get this one on your TBR, published on October 8th.
October 26, 2024
3.5 rounded up for GR! i liked this one! but the reviews are true—this is VERY different from the author’s hit thriller HIDDEN PICTURES.
this is more of a slow burn mystery/family/rich people drama vs thriller. i luckily knew that going in so it helped me know what to expect. sharing that with you all as well :)
the first half was definitely really slow. i knew it would be, but even knowing i was like okkkkaaaayyy i am ready something to happen! i think at about 60% ish into the book there was a WOW twist and then after that, the book moved MUCH quicker. i sat down and finished the last 1/3 in one sitting (where the first 2/3 took me 2-3 days to get through).
i really liked the twists. i thought they were surprising, shocking and they deff made me “feel” (Aidan… iykyk). and it’s always fun to read a thriller set during a wedding weekend with lots of drama and people going missing or worse… 👀
the ending was also surprisingly sweet for a thriller. i personally prefer my thrillers with a more sinister/shocking ending twist, but for this slow burn mystery + family drama, the ending fit well.
the one thing this book did not have going for it (besides the pacing) was the unlikeable characters. i truly think the only one i liked was sweet Abigail. the MMC was incredibly annoying and so was the daughter. and don’t get me started on the family she’s marrying into 😂😅 plus, everyone is kind of an unreliable narrator so that adds another element.
can i also say… WTF was up with the spiders? i still don’t get the point LOL….
TLDR; an easy and fun binge, but adjust your expectations going in so it’s more enjoyable!
this is more of a slow burn mystery/family/rich people drama vs thriller. i luckily knew that going in so it helped me know what to expect. sharing that with you all as well :)
the first half was definitely really slow. i knew it would be, but even knowing i was like okkkkaaaayyy i am ready something to happen! i think at about 60% ish into the book there was a WOW twist and then after that, the book moved MUCH quicker. i sat down and finished the last 1/3 in one sitting (where the first 2/3 took me 2-3 days to get through).
i really liked the twists. i thought they were surprising, shocking and they deff made me “feel” (Aidan… iykyk). and it’s always fun to read a thriller set during a wedding weekend with lots of drama and people going missing or worse… 👀
the ending was also surprisingly sweet for a thriller. i personally prefer my thrillers with a more sinister/shocking ending twist, but for this slow burn mystery + family drama, the ending fit well.
the one thing this book did not have going for it (besides the pacing) was the unlikeable characters. i truly think the only one i liked was sweet Abigail. the MMC was incredibly annoying and so was the daughter. and don’t get me started on the family she’s marrying into 😂😅 plus, everyone is kind of an unreliable narrator so that adds another element.
can i also say… WTF was up with the spiders? i still don’t get the point LOL….
TLDR; an easy and fun binge, but adjust your expectations going in so it’s more enjoyable!
October 2, 2024
Every single person is unlikeable with zero redeeming qualities.
The twist was so dumb.
I wish I would have DNF’d.
The twist was so dumb.
I wish I would have DNF’d.
March 8, 2025
4 Stars
I pulled an all-nighter until 2:00 a.m. to finish this captivating read! I paired my eagerly awaited pre-ordered hard copy with an Advanced Listening Copy (ALC) from the publisher. Immersing myself in the pages was a far superior experience compared to the audiobook. Unfortunately, the narration wasn’t my cup of tea; whenever the male narrator, John Pirhalla, attempted female voices, it came across as overly whiny, which prompted me to switch back to reading quickly.
This book indeed took hold of me—it was well-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. Even when I did, my mind reverted to the plot’s twists and turns. If you���re a fan of unreliable narrators, secrets, manipulation, and a tension-filled atmosphere where trust is a rare commodity, this book is a must-read! Trust me—you won’t want to miss out on the immersive journey it offers.
Prepare yourself for a gripping journey where family bonds and dark secrets intertwine in a suspense-filled drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In the vein of supernatural mysteries like *Hidden Pictures*, Jason Rekulak masterfully crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of human nature—where nothing is quite what it seems. Adults weave intricate lies and the line between good and evil blurs. At its heart, this tale challenges our instinctual drive to shield children's innocence from the darkness lurking in the world.
Meet Frank Szatowski, a father estranged from his daughter Maggie for three long years following a bitter confrontation. Just when he least expects it, he receives a call that flips his world upside down—Maggie is getting married in New Hampshire, and she wants him to be there. Frank's heart swells with joy at hearing her voice, but unease creeps in as he realizes he knows little about her fiancé, Aiden, except that he comes from a wealthy family.
When an ominous photograph arrives in the mail, suggesting that Aiden may be involved in the murder of a local girl, Frank's protective instincts kick into overdrive. Doubt gnaws at him, and he can’t shake the unsettling feeling that something is wrong.
As Frank journeys to the grand Gardner estate with his sister and her foster daughter Abigail, the atmosphere thickens with taut suspense and mystery. What he encounters there is far stranger and more unsettling than he could have imagined. This gripping tale touches on the lengths a father will go to for his child's safety, testing the boundaries of ethics and the consequences of his actions.
Prepare for a shocking revelation that will leave you breathless. The truth is darker than you think; nothing will be the same again once the dark veil of dark family secrets is lifted and brought into the light.
I want to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I pulled an all-nighter until 2:00 a.m. to finish this captivating read! I paired my eagerly awaited pre-ordered hard copy with an Advanced Listening Copy (ALC) from the publisher. Immersing myself in the pages was a far superior experience compared to the audiobook. Unfortunately, the narration wasn’t my cup of tea; whenever the male narrator, John Pirhalla, attempted female voices, it came across as overly whiny, which prompted me to switch back to reading quickly.
This book indeed took hold of me—it was well-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. Even when I did, my mind reverted to the plot’s twists and turns. If you���re a fan of unreliable narrators, secrets, manipulation, and a tension-filled atmosphere where trust is a rare commodity, this book is a must-read! Trust me—you won’t want to miss out on the immersive journey it offers.
Prepare yourself for a gripping journey where family bonds and dark secrets intertwine in a suspense-filled drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In the vein of supernatural mysteries like *Hidden Pictures*, Jason Rekulak masterfully crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of human nature—where nothing is quite what it seems. Adults weave intricate lies and the line between good and evil blurs. At its heart, this tale challenges our instinctual drive to shield children's innocence from the darkness lurking in the world.
Meet Frank Szatowski, a father estranged from his daughter Maggie for three long years following a bitter confrontation. Just when he least expects it, he receives a call that flips his world upside down—Maggie is getting married in New Hampshire, and she wants him to be there. Frank's heart swells with joy at hearing her voice, but unease creeps in as he realizes he knows little about her fiancé, Aiden, except that he comes from a wealthy family.
When an ominous photograph arrives in the mail, suggesting that Aiden may be involved in the murder of a local girl, Frank's protective instincts kick into overdrive. Doubt gnaws at him, and he can’t shake the unsettling feeling that something is wrong.
As Frank journeys to the grand Gardner estate with his sister and her foster daughter Abigail, the atmosphere thickens with taut suspense and mystery. What he encounters there is far stranger and more unsettling than he could have imagined. This gripping tale touches on the lengths a father will go to for his child's safety, testing the boundaries of ethics and the consequences of his actions.
Prepare for a shocking revelation that will leave you breathless. The truth is darker than you think; nothing will be the same again once the dark veil of dark family secrets is lifted and brought into the light.
I want to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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