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The Last Time She Saw Him
A young woman is left reeling after a broken engagement is followed by a shocking death—one she must prove was a murder, in the latest psychological thriller from New York Times bestselling author Kate White.
It’s summer in New York City, but Kiki Reed isn’t feeling very sunny. She recently broke off her engagement to Jamie Larsson, a great guy, but just not “the one.” And although she knows it was for the best, she feels guilty for hurting him.
When Kiki accepts an invitation to a party at a friend’s Connecticut country house, she knows Jamie will be there, too, but decides to get their first interaction over with. When they come face to face, their exchange is brief and pleasant, a huge relief for her.
Then, as the party is winding down, a shot rings out. The few remaining guests run outside to find Jamie inside his car, dead from a gunshot wound.
Shocked and grieving, Kiki soon hears that the police are leaning toward ruling it a suicide, but she knows that Jamie was moving on from their breakup, and truly doubts that he’s taken his own life. Determined to find the truth, she rents a house in the area to look for the missing link that will get the police to take her seriously. But as she peels away the layers, she uncovers something far more sinister than she had ever imagined—and it may be her life on the line next. . . .
It’s summer in New York City, but Kiki Reed isn’t feeling very sunny. She recently broke off her engagement to Jamie Larsson, a great guy, but just not “the one.” And although she knows it was for the best, she feels guilty for hurting him.
When Kiki accepts an invitation to a party at a friend’s Connecticut country house, she knows Jamie will be there, too, but decides to get their first interaction over with. When they come face to face, their exchange is brief and pleasant, a huge relief for her.
Then, as the party is winding down, a shot rings out. The few remaining guests run outside to find Jamie inside his car, dead from a gunshot wound.
Shocked and grieving, Kiki soon hears that the police are leaning toward ruling it a suicide, but she knows that Jamie was moving on from their breakup, and truly doubts that he’s taken his own life. Determined to find the truth, she rents a house in the area to look for the missing link that will get the police to take her seriously. But as she peels away the layers, she uncovers something far more sinister than she had ever imagined—and it may be her life on the line next. . . .
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2024
About the author
Kate White
41 books2,703 followersKate White is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels of suspense: ten standalone psychological thrillers, including The Last Time She Saw Him (May '24), and also eight Bailey Weggins mysteries.
For fourteen years Kate served as the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, which under her became the most successful magazine in single copy sales in the U.S. Though she loved her magazine career, she decided to leave ten years ago to concentrate full-time on another passion: writing suspense fiction.
Kate’s first mystery, If Looks Could Kill, was a Kelly Ripa Book Club pick, a #1 bestseller on Amazon, and an instant New York Times bestseller. She has been nominated for an International Thriller Writers Award in the fiction category, and her books have been published in over 30 countries worldwide.
Like many female mystery authors, Kate fell in love with the genre after reading her first Nancy Drew book, in her case The Secret of Redgate Farm.
Kate is a frequent speaker at libraries, book conferences, and organizations, and has appeared on many television shows, including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Morning Joe, and Good Morning America.
She is also the editor of the Mystery Writers of America Cookbook, as well as the author of several bestselling career books, including I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This and the ground-breaking Why Good Girls Don’t Get Ahead but Gutsy Girls Do.
Kate is an avid traveler and enjoys spending each winter with her husband at their home in Uruguay. She holds an honorary doctorate of letters from her alma mater, Union College, where she gave the 2022 commencement speech.
For fourteen years Kate served as the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, which under her became the most successful magazine in single copy sales in the U.S. Though she loved her magazine career, she decided to leave ten years ago to concentrate full-time on another passion: writing suspense fiction.
Kate’s first mystery, If Looks Could Kill, was a Kelly Ripa Book Club pick, a #1 bestseller on Amazon, and an instant New York Times bestseller. She has been nominated for an International Thriller Writers Award in the fiction category, and her books have been published in over 30 countries worldwide.
Like many female mystery authors, Kate fell in love with the genre after reading her first Nancy Drew book, in her case The Secret of Redgate Farm.
Kate is a frequent speaker at libraries, book conferences, and organizations, and has appeared on many television shows, including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Morning Joe, and Good Morning America.
She is also the editor of the Mystery Writers of America Cookbook, as well as the author of several bestselling career books, including I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This and the ground-breaking Why Good Girls Don’t Get Ahead but Gutsy Girls Do.
Kate is an avid traveler and enjoys spending each winter with her husband at their home in Uruguay. She holds an honorary doctorate of letters from her alma mater, Union College, where she gave the 2022 commencement speech.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 485 reviews
October 28, 2024
Hmm... I have some conflicting thoughts about this book. I struggled to become fully immersed in the central mystery surrounding Jamie's fate—was it suicide, or was he murdered? From the onset, it was evident that suicide was an unlikely scenario, and the law officers' insistence on ruling it as such felt somewhat nonsensical to me.
Another aspect that bothered me was the book's inclination towards romance rather than focusing on the mystery at hand. The main character, Kiki Reed, grapples with the tragic loss of her ex-fiancé, whom she left before their wedding due to her platonic love for another man. The narrative delves into her intricate emotions about this other man, introducing elements of unrequited love or perhaps not (I'll refrain from giving away too much). I found myself rolling my eyes at various plot developments, questioning whether I was reading a second-chance romance with love triangles or a mystery surrounding a suspicious death linked to a young girl's murder in the same town—whose perpetrator was never caught, as witnessed in the prologue of the book.
Let's provide a quick recap of the primary storyline: Kiki Reed, recently disengaged from Jamie, her long-time partner, works as a career coach and strives to get her business book published. An invitation from her ex-colleague Ava to a celebration at her Connecticut home offers Kiki a chance to meet a potential agent for her new book. However, she discovers that Jamie will also be at the party and decides to clear the air by speaking to him beforehand. Jamie assures her there won't be any issues, appears to be moving on with his life, and even engages in civil conversation with Kiki before leaving the party. However, a few minutes later, he is discovered dead in his car.
Here's where my concerns intensify: There's no indication of suicide; a man is shot in the face with ample time for the assailant to escape. Despite this, it is inexplicably labeled as suicide based on gun residue on the man's hands and the heartbreak from the breakup five months prior. I couldn't buy into this conclusion, and it perplexes me why the law officers did.
Kiki, unwilling to accept this verdict and grappling with additional guilt, embarks on an investigative journey, retracing Jamie's steps and staying at an Airbnb that may or may not be haunted by ghosts (yes, the genre shifts to paranormal romance in these chapters). Reluctantly, Jamie's best friend Sam teams up with her.
It remained a quick popcorn read, a blend of psychological thriller and romance mystery. While I didn't derive much enjoyment and found abrupt plot revelations with significant holes, I'm awarding it three solid stars for its balanced pace, quick trajectory, and the subplot involving the intriguing young girl's murder.
At least I didn't find myself bored and reached the end easily. I'm hopeful that I'll enjoy the next work from this talented author a bit more.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for providing this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts
Another aspect that bothered me was the book's inclination towards romance rather than focusing on the mystery at hand. The main character, Kiki Reed, grapples with the tragic loss of her ex-fiancé, whom she left before their wedding due to her platonic love for another man. The narrative delves into her intricate emotions about this other man, introducing elements of unrequited love or perhaps not (I'll refrain from giving away too much). I found myself rolling my eyes at various plot developments, questioning whether I was reading a second-chance romance with love triangles or a mystery surrounding a suspicious death linked to a young girl's murder in the same town—whose perpetrator was never caught, as witnessed in the prologue of the book.
Let's provide a quick recap of the primary storyline: Kiki Reed, recently disengaged from Jamie, her long-time partner, works as a career coach and strives to get her business book published. An invitation from her ex-colleague Ava to a celebration at her Connecticut home offers Kiki a chance to meet a potential agent for her new book. However, she discovers that Jamie will also be at the party and decides to clear the air by speaking to him beforehand. Jamie assures her there won't be any issues, appears to be moving on with his life, and even engages in civil conversation with Kiki before leaving the party. However, a few minutes later, he is discovered dead in his car.
Here's where my concerns intensify: There's no indication of suicide; a man is shot in the face with ample time for the assailant to escape. Despite this, it is inexplicably labeled as suicide based on gun residue on the man's hands and the heartbreak from the breakup five months prior. I couldn't buy into this conclusion, and it perplexes me why the law officers did.
Kiki, unwilling to accept this verdict and grappling with additional guilt, embarks on an investigative journey, retracing Jamie's steps and staying at an Airbnb that may or may not be haunted by ghosts (yes, the genre shifts to paranormal romance in these chapters). Reluctantly, Jamie's best friend Sam teams up with her.
It remained a quick popcorn read, a blend of psychological thriller and romance mystery. While I didn't derive much enjoyment and found abrupt plot revelations with significant holes, I'm awarding it three solid stars for its balanced pace, quick trajectory, and the subplot involving the intriguing young girl's murder.
At least I didn't find myself bored and reached the end easily. I'm hopeful that I'll enjoy the next work from this talented author a bit more.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for providing this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts
February 3, 2024
The party slowly winds down late in the evening. All will go home happy and content …except for one.
Kiki left Jamie at the proverbial alter, and they’ve both somehow moved on. Tonight’s party will be their first time seeing one another since that painful day.
A few forced, awkward moments of obligatory small talk, and they can get on with their lives. But as Jamie leaves the party a gunshot goes off, leaving Jamie dead in his car.
Everyone, including or should I say especially the police call it suicide. But Kiki won’t accept that, refusing to believe Jamie would take his own life. She’s so convinced that she’ll do whatever it takes to find the killer.
Unfortunately, this turned out to be merely an average thriller. It was impossible for me to connect to Kiki and her quest. The police...well they were all but nonexistent.
And her declaration of love midway through the book, seemed to come out of nowhere and literally had me rolling my eyes.🙄
I’ve read and enjoyed previous books by this author, but this latest just failed to WOW me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks .
Kiki left Jamie at the proverbial alter, and they’ve both somehow moved on. Tonight’s party will be their first time seeing one another since that painful day.
A few forced, awkward moments of obligatory small talk, and they can get on with their lives. But as Jamie leaves the party a gunshot goes off, leaving Jamie dead in his car.
Everyone, including or should I say especially the police call it suicide. But Kiki won’t accept that, refusing to believe Jamie would take his own life. She’s so convinced that she’ll do whatever it takes to find the killer.
Unfortunately, this turned out to be merely an average thriller. It was impossible for me to connect to Kiki and her quest. The police...well they were all but nonexistent.
And her declaration of love midway through the book, seemed to come out of nowhere and literally had me rolling my eyes.🙄
I’ve read and enjoyed previous books by this author, but this latest just failed to WOW me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks .
January 30, 2024
3⭐️
THE PLOT
Kiki Reed attends a celebratory party for her friend's husband to celebrate his new book, when she runs into her ex-fiancé, Jamie. They didn't part on good terms so an awkward encounter was expected. However, they had a civil and pleasant conversation. As Jamie goes to leave the party, he is shot in his car. Kiki is devastated, even more so when they rule his death a suicide. She didn't believe it one bit and dedicated all her time figuring out how to prove he was murdered, even if it meant going to very questionable lengths.
My Thoughts
The Characters: I found Kiki to be absolutely insufferable. 😭 I didn't like her at all. I didn't think she was likable and she was just over the top the entire time. I really struggled with all of these characters, to be honest. Her actions were BEYOND crazy and the conclusions she'd come to were just so wild. I liked the little bit a romance between Sam and Kiki, but it felt weird given the circumstances in which they got together. Sam was Jaime's best friend so after he died, it felt a little...wrong. I only say that because it was literally a week after he died that they started flirting I was like GIRLLL please LMAOO.
The Plot: I liked the way the plot played out and I liked the idea of the plot. However, I think it lacked a bit in execution. Sometimes everything was clumped together and then it'd be so spaced out and filled with things not relevant to the plot. It was engaging enough to keep be binge reading it, but I didn't have much joy as the story went on. I was really hoping it'd get better and I had my fingers crossed, but it just fell short to me. I had a good time! The vibes were there; the execution just fell short. The ending was not really surprising at all to me. I could see it from a mile away and I'm not one to theorize. However, there were a few moments where I gasped and was like wait WHAT? There was a lot of surprises throughout the book, but the ending was a bit of a let down as well.
Overall, I had a fun time reading this, but I don't think it was for me. It was fast-paced at times and others were very slow. I would recommend this if you're looking for more of a slower-paced thriller. It wasn't entirely gripping, but it's engaging enough to keep you reading. 😊
Thank you to Kate White, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!! <3
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Got this ARC the other day and ya'll KNOW I like me a good thriller 😮💨🤚🏼
THE PLOT
Kiki Reed attends a celebratory party for her friend's husband to celebrate his new book, when she runs into her ex-fiancé, Jamie. They didn't part on good terms so an awkward encounter was expected. However, they had a civil and pleasant conversation. As Jamie goes to leave the party, he is shot in his car. Kiki is devastated, even more so when they rule his death a suicide. She didn't believe it one bit and dedicated all her time figuring out how to prove he was murdered, even if it meant going to very questionable lengths.
My Thoughts
The Characters: I found Kiki to be absolutely insufferable. 😭 I didn't like her at all. I didn't think she was likable and she was just over the top the entire time. I really struggled with all of these characters, to be honest. Her actions were BEYOND crazy and the conclusions she'd come to were just so wild. I liked the little bit a romance between Sam and Kiki, but it felt weird given the circumstances in which they got together. Sam was Jaime's best friend so after he died, it felt a little...wrong. I only say that because it was literally a week after he died that they started flirting I was like GIRLLL please LMAOO.
The Plot: I liked the way the plot played out and I liked the idea of the plot. However, I think it lacked a bit in execution. Sometimes everything was clumped together and then it'd be so spaced out and filled with things not relevant to the plot. It was engaging enough to keep be binge reading it, but I didn't have much joy as the story went on. I was really hoping it'd get better and I had my fingers crossed, but it just fell short to me. I had a good time! The vibes were there; the execution just fell short. The ending was not really surprising at all to me. I could see it from a mile away and I'm not one to theorize. However, there were a few moments where I gasped and was like wait WHAT? There was a lot of surprises throughout the book, but the ending was a bit of a let down as well.
Overall, I had a fun time reading this, but I don't think it was for me. It was fast-paced at times and others were very slow. I would recommend this if you're looking for more of a slower-paced thriller. It wasn't entirely gripping, but it's engaging enough to keep you reading. 😊
Thank you to Kate White, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!! <3
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Got this ARC the other day and ya'll KNOW I like me a good thriller 😮💨🤚🏼
July 12, 2024
As Kiki Reed heads out to a party at a friend’s house in the Connecticut countryside, she’s more than a little nervous. Her ex-fiancé Jamie, a great guy who just wasn’t “the one,” will be attending, and she hasn’t seen him since she broke his heart a few months earlier. But when they come face to face, their exchange is brief and pleasant, which is a huge relief.
Then, as the party is winding down, a noise pierces the night. The last few guests run outside to find Jamie inside his car, dead from a gunshot wound.
Shocked and grieving, Kiki learns that the police believe Jamie took his own life, but she knows he was moving on from the breakup and just doesn’t believe it. Determined to find the truth, she searches for any evidence that will get the police to take her seriously. But as she peels away the layers, she uncovers something far more sinister than she’d imagined—and it may be her life on the line next…
I wish I could say that The Last Time She Saw Him was a slam dunk success. Unfortunately, it felt way more average than I was expecting—especially considering how much I loved White’s prior novel, The Second Husband. That being said, I did enjoy it enough to read it in just one sitting. And despite a slow burn first half, Kiki’s hunt for the truth certainly picked up towards the end. With an adrenaline-fueled encounter followed by an equally chilling climax, there was definitely more than a dash of suspense.
There were, however, a couple flaws. Topping the list was a plot that felt somewhat humdrum and sported a distinctly over-the-top feel. As Kiki took off on her search for a murderer, she often got more wrong than right. It was the abruptness and disconnection of the final reveal, though, that bugged me the most. While it fit perfectly into the overall storyline, everything leading up to it seemed like padding to the plot with lots of dead end conjectures along the way.
All said and done, though, this quick, easy read was relatively fast-paced and surely kept my eyes glued to the page. Throw in the endearing love interest and adorable dog, and there was more to love than dislike. After all, it was certainly unguessable and even harbored quite the twist or two. All I know is that despite my lack of utter adoration with this one, I’m still eager to read whatever Ms. White puts out next. A favorite of mine, she never fails to outwit my armchair sleuthing. Rating of 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Kate White and Harper Paperbacks for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 14, 2024
Trigger warning: suicide, dementia
Then, as the party is winding down, a noise pierces the night. The last few guests run outside to find Jamie inside his car, dead from a gunshot wound.
Shocked and grieving, Kiki learns that the police believe Jamie took his own life, but she knows he was moving on from the breakup and just doesn’t believe it. Determined to find the truth, she searches for any evidence that will get the police to take her seriously. But as she peels away the layers, she uncovers something far more sinister than she’d imagined—and it may be her life on the line next…
I wish I could say that The Last Time She Saw Him was a slam dunk success. Unfortunately, it felt way more average than I was expecting—especially considering how much I loved White’s prior novel, The Second Husband. That being said, I did enjoy it enough to read it in just one sitting. And despite a slow burn first half, Kiki’s hunt for the truth certainly picked up towards the end. With an adrenaline-fueled encounter followed by an equally chilling climax, there was definitely more than a dash of suspense.
There were, however, a couple flaws. Topping the list was a plot that felt somewhat humdrum and sported a distinctly over-the-top feel. As Kiki took off on her search for a murderer, she often got more wrong than right. It was the abruptness and disconnection of the final reveal, though, that bugged me the most. While it fit perfectly into the overall storyline, everything leading up to it seemed like padding to the plot with lots of dead end conjectures along the way.
All said and done, though, this quick, easy read was relatively fast-paced and surely kept my eyes glued to the page. Throw in the endearing love interest and adorable dog, and there was more to love than dislike. After all, it was certainly unguessable and even harbored quite the twist or two. All I know is that despite my lack of utter adoration with this one, I’m still eager to read whatever Ms. White puts out next. A favorite of mine, she never fails to outwit my armchair sleuthing. Rating of 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Kate White and Harper Paperbacks for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 14, 2024
Trigger warning: suicide, dementia
August 13, 2024
DNF @ 30%
woo is me I lost my ex fiancée, so lets make his death all about me.....😒😒😒
I'm out peace ✌🏾✌🏾
woo is me I lost my ex fiancée, so lets make his death all about me.....😒😒😒
I'm out peace ✌🏾✌🏾
January 26, 2024
The premise of a woman attempting to solve the mysterious death of her recent ex-fiance sounded intriguing which led to me requesting this book.
There was a lot for me to enjoy as I love a good “Who dunnit”. Likable characters mixed with a few that were not, red herrings, and beautiful Connecticut scenery are the backbone but also includes a mini romance and good food. Did I mention a cute dog too?
This was the perfect balance in my opinion. If you’re looking for a book that’s not over the top or too violent, this may be it. There were tense moments anchoring me to the story and surprises along the way.
This is the first I’ve read by this author and I’ll peruse her back titles for others I may enjoy.
Thank you to and Harper Collins and NetGalley for my advance readers copy.
There was a lot for me to enjoy as I love a good “Who dunnit”. Likable characters mixed with a few that were not, red herrings, and beautiful Connecticut scenery are the backbone but also includes a mini romance and good food. Did I mention a cute dog too?
This was the perfect balance in my opinion. If you’re looking for a book that’s not over the top or too violent, this may be it. There were tense moments anchoring me to the story and surprises along the way.
This is the first I’ve read by this author and I’ll peruse her back titles for others I may enjoy.
Thank you to and Harper Collins and NetGalley for my advance readers copy.
June 15, 2024
Do you ever wonder where a story is going and then when it finally gets there, you weren’t sure you should have waited around to see?
When it takes that much discussion to see who did what and why – and then that many flips and flops as to why about the why so that we as readers are supposed to be satisfied about the why?
Hmmm… should we be satisfied with the final outcome?
So, should I have started with the end here?
Kiki didn’t love Jamie enough to marry him, so she broke up with him. And, then she sees him at a book launch for a mutual friend of theirs. He says he is doing fine. But afterwards she discovers he has supposedly committed suicide. Kiki doesn’t believe he has, even though the police are convinced.
Now, what does this have to do with the murder of a girl that happened 4 years earlier? There is an unknown narrator here, too to provide more confusion.
So, Kiki may be an engaging main character who wants to believe that Jamie didn’t kill himself, and that he didn’t kill this girl 4 years ago. And, she will do everything to figure this out. Even putting herself in danger. Isn’t that typically what amateur sleuths do in murder mysteries?
And, that is what leads me to all those questions above.
Maybe others may find this an intriguing and complex psychological thriller. I found it a bit messy needing too much explanation to make it plausible.
When it takes that much discussion to see who did what and why – and then that many flips and flops as to why about the why so that we as readers are supposed to be satisfied about the why?
Hmmm… should we be satisfied with the final outcome?
So, should I have started with the end here?
Kiki didn’t love Jamie enough to marry him, so she broke up with him. And, then she sees him at a book launch for a mutual friend of theirs. He says he is doing fine. But afterwards she discovers he has supposedly committed suicide. Kiki doesn’t believe he has, even though the police are convinced.
Now, what does this have to do with the murder of a girl that happened 4 years earlier? There is an unknown narrator here, too to provide more confusion.
So, Kiki may be an engaging main character who wants to believe that Jamie didn’t kill himself, and that he didn’t kill this girl 4 years ago. And, she will do everything to figure this out. Even putting herself in danger. Isn’t that typically what amateur sleuths do in murder mysteries?
And, that is what leads me to all those questions above.
Maybe others may find this an intriguing and complex psychological thriller. I found it a bit messy needing too much explanation to make it plausible.
May 14, 2024
Did I cause Jamie's death?
Was he that distraught after we broke up that he killed himself after seeing me at the party?
He didn't seem upset, and we had a brief, cordial chat.
A few minutes after Jamie left the party, a gunshot is heard, and then a blaring horn.
What could that be? What Kiki and her friends find is Jamie in his car and shot in the head.
Kiki of course blames herself but doesn't agree that it was a suicide.
She takes on an investigation of her own where she finds odd things happening and finds out things that the police won't believe when she tells them.
THE LAST TIME SHE SAW HIM was told by Kiki and was a bit slow, but a good mystery with a few surprises. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Was he that distraught after we broke up that he killed himself after seeing me at the party?
He didn't seem upset, and we had a brief, cordial chat.
A few minutes after Jamie left the party, a gunshot is heard, and then a blaring horn.
What could that be? What Kiki and her friends find is Jamie in his car and shot in the head.
Kiki of course blames herself but doesn't agree that it was a suicide.
She takes on an investigation of her own where she finds odd things happening and finds out things that the police won't believe when she tells them.
THE LAST TIME SHE SAW HIM was told by Kiki and was a bit slow, but a good mystery with a few surprises. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 22, 2024
I found this book to be predictable and just a little boring. It centers on Kiki, whose ex-fiancé appears to have taken his own life, but she believes that he must have been murdered instead. She sets out to find out what really happened.
I had trouble connecting with any of the characters and never really understood why Kiki was so bent on proving this was a murder; I also felt like she jumped to wild conclusions every time she uncovered a new piece of information. There were a lot of characters in this book with storylines that didn’t connect to the main story and sometimes I got a little lost. The book plodded along to an abrupt ending and there was no real denouement.
Overall, this book didn’t really do it for me- I don’t feel that this story will stick with me as I move on to other books. I’d give it 2.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had trouble connecting with any of the characters and never really understood why Kiki was so bent on proving this was a murder; I also felt like she jumped to wild conclusions every time she uncovered a new piece of information. There were a lot of characters in this book with storylines that didn’t connect to the main story and sometimes I got a little lost. The book plodded along to an abrupt ending and there was no real denouement.
Overall, this book didn’t really do it for me- I don’t feel that this story will stick with me as I move on to other books. I’d give it 2.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2024
I do enjoy a Kate White thriller and this one had me glued to the pages. It was a fast read, full of interesting characters and plenty of twists that I didn’t see coming, and some that I did.
The premise, suicide or murder? I really enjoyed how it played out, the strange things happening to Kiki, her reasons for believing it was murder mad sense to me. And a do, a rescue do at that is always going to get my heart. The ending was very clever, and I certainly did not see it coming. I had a few different scenarios in my head that were not even close 😅
Overall, it was a fun and easy read. Alway look forward to reading her books.
Thanks so much to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for my advanced copy on NetGalley. Publishes on May 14th.
The premise, suicide or murder? I really enjoyed how it played out, the strange things happening to Kiki, her reasons for believing it was murder mad sense to me. And a do, a rescue do at that is always going to get my heart. The ending was very clever, and I certainly did not see it coming. I had a few different scenarios in my head that were not even close 😅
Overall, it was a fun and easy read. Alway look forward to reading her books.
Thanks so much to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for my advanced copy on NetGalley. Publishes on May 14th.
June 15, 2024
Kate White is usually a go-to author for a quick, suspenseful read but this one was a disappointment. The pacing was slow as the MC Kiki was spinning her wheels attempting to prove that her ex-fiance's death was not a suicide. I couldn't get immersed in the story and the big reveal was not particularly satisfying. I still look forward to the author's next book, but this was not one of her best.
May 20, 2024
This one kept my attention, but it felt like it took forever to read. Kiki goes to a party where her ex fiance, Jamie is attending as well. When people are leaving, they hear a gunshot and find Jamie dead in his car. It looks like a suicide but Kiki is determined someone shot him.
It felt like more editing was needed in this one, for instance, a character named Liam was referred to as Eric a couple times (there was no character with that name) and there were plot holes. It was an average thriller, a slow burn. The romance part wasn’t necessary, and I wish there was more background information about Same (Jamie’s best friend.)
I will say the beginning sucked me in but I was left wanting more in the end. It is full of unlikeable characters, but I enjoyed a whodunnit, so 3.5 stars.
It felt like more editing was needed in this one, for instance, a character named Liam was referred to as Eric a couple times (there was no character with that name) and there were plot holes. It was an average thriller, a slow burn. The romance part wasn’t necessary, and I wish there was more background information about Same (Jamie’s best friend.)
I will say the beginning sucked me in but I was left wanting more in the end. It is full of unlikeable characters, but I enjoyed a whodunnit, so 3.5 stars.
April 5, 2024
A man is dead who is thought to have committed suicide but his finance is convinced he was killed. This was a pretty fast read and I thought it was just ok. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2024
I adore Kate White and I've been making great progress on getting through her backlist while reading the new releases. I was excited to dive into The Last Time She Saw Him and I was not disappointed! I was drawn into the story from the very first page, and I had no issues with it holding my attention. There was quite a bit going on, and while Kiki is sleuthing Jamie’s death, there is another facet this brings to the book. And there is a rescue pup that stole the show! He was a highlight for me, and I love that White always throws a cute animal into the mix.
The audiobook is narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell & Brad Holbrook with Wetherell voicing Kiki and Holbrook voicing a mystery man who is not revealed until the end. I really enjoyed both of them and they provided me with a wonderful listening experience. White’s books are always quick and easy reads and The Last Time She Saw Him was no different. I definitely didn’t have this one completely figured out, and it would make a great beach read since it goes so quickly!
The audiobook is narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell & Brad Holbrook with Wetherell voicing Kiki and Holbrook voicing a mystery man who is not revealed until the end. I really enjoyed both of them and they provided me with a wonderful listening experience. White’s books are always quick and easy reads and The Last Time She Saw Him was no different. I definitely didn’t have this one completely figured out, and it would make a great beach read since it goes so quickly!
February 6, 2024
I am not even sure where or how to start this review….. because my honest review is this book was … not good , to put it mildly.
It is supposed to be a psychological thriller about the main character, Kiki, who is about to come face to face with her ex fiancé, Jamie, she left because of her love for someone else at a party. As Jamie is leaving the party shots are heard and Jamie is dead in his car. The cops INSIST (quite annoyingly) that it’s a suicide, but here comes over the top, should be soap opera star, annoying, Kiki to stop at nothing to prove he couldn’t have killed himself …. And cue *dramatic soap opera music*
I could not get into this book at all. I disliked Kiki so much I found myself annoyed with everything she did. Also right at the beginning of the book you are hit with a plethora of characters all at once who are all intertwined it was too much. Andddd add in the absurd romance, I was rolling my eyes way too often. The pace was very slow, the “twists” were predictable, as well as the ending. This was absolutely a romance suspense novel to me and one that I couldn’t get interested in at that. I think the premise and idea of this book sounded good, but the execution fell flat.
Thank you to the Author, Netgalley, and Harper Perennials for the ARC of this book.
2.5??
It is supposed to be a psychological thriller about the main character, Kiki, who is about to come face to face with her ex fiancé, Jamie, she left because of her love for someone else at a party. As Jamie is leaving the party shots are heard and Jamie is dead in his car. The cops INSIST (quite annoyingly) that it’s a suicide, but here comes over the top, should be soap opera star, annoying, Kiki to stop at nothing to prove he couldn’t have killed himself …. And cue *dramatic soap opera music*
I could not get into this book at all. I disliked Kiki so much I found myself annoyed with everything she did. Also right at the beginning of the book you are hit with a plethora of characters all at once who are all intertwined it was too much. Andddd add in the absurd romance, I was rolling my eyes way too often. The pace was very slow, the “twists” were predictable, as well as the ending. This was absolutely a romance suspense novel to me and one that I couldn’t get interested in at that. I think the premise and idea of this book sounded good, but the execution fell flat.
Thank you to the Author, Netgalley, and Harper Perennials for the ARC of this book.
2.5??
June 9, 2024
2.75 stars
The Last Time She Saw Him is the latest release from Kate White.
In this mystery we follow Kiki Reed, who has recently broken off a relationship with her fiancé, Jamie. When she shows up at a mutual friend’s party, and Jamie does also, merely months after the breakup, it’s a bit uncomfortable. Jamie and Kiki get to have a brief, but cordial exchange before he leaves and mere minutes later, Jamie shockingly meets his demise. The police quickly rule it as a suicide, but Kiki is convinced he was murdered. She begins to investigate, but also wrestles with the possibility and guilt that her breakup caused his supposed suicide.
My problem with this story was that I really did not like the main character. She seemed rather silly, insensitive and given the circumstances, it was presumptuous to assume she was the cause of a suicide when there were plenty of other more plausible explanations. Her eagerness to pursue her long-standing love interest was a bit humiliating and inappropriate since he showed no interest in her whatsoever and she pursued him mere days after recent ex-fiancé’s death. There were some odd paranormal elements mixed in that were never explained and some premises that were not logical. Though the story had its moments of suspense and intrigue, overall, it fell a bit flat, and felt rather unrealistic and far-fetched.
The Last Time She Saw Him is the latest release from Kate White.
In this mystery we follow Kiki Reed, who has recently broken off a relationship with her fiancé, Jamie. When she shows up at a mutual friend’s party, and Jamie does also, merely months after the breakup, it’s a bit uncomfortable. Jamie and Kiki get to have a brief, but cordial exchange before he leaves and mere minutes later, Jamie shockingly meets his demise. The police quickly rule it as a suicide, but Kiki is convinced he was murdered. She begins to investigate, but also wrestles with the possibility and guilt that her breakup caused his supposed suicide.
My problem with this story was that I really did not like the main character. She seemed rather silly, insensitive and given the circumstances, it was presumptuous to assume she was the cause of a suicide when there were plenty of other more plausible explanations. Her eagerness to pursue her long-standing love interest was a bit humiliating and inappropriate since he showed no interest in her whatsoever and she pursued him mere days after recent ex-fiancé’s death. There were some odd paranormal elements mixed in that were never explained and some premises that were not logical. Though the story had its moments of suspense and intrigue, overall, it fell a bit flat, and felt rather unrealistic and far-fetched.
May 31, 2024
Wait I love this cover
RWA challenge: library book
2 🌟?? Which I think is … generous. The writing just seemed rushed and immature. I didn’t really care about any of the characters and was not super invested in finding out what happened to Jamie. The reveal was weak, and the relationship between MC & Sam felt forced..
I’m honestly happy it’s over 😭 And I hate to say that because I feel like I used to love Kate white’s writing.
RWA challenge: library book
2 🌟?? Which I think is … generous. The writing just seemed rushed and immature. I didn’t really care about any of the characters and was not super invested in finding out what happened to Jamie. The reveal was weak, and the relationship between MC & Sam felt forced..
I’m honestly happy it’s over 😭 And I hate to say that because I feel like I used to love Kate white’s writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2024
I always love Kate White's books, but this one was a miss for me. I kept waiting for something bigger and thrilling to happen in the story, which did not come. The few reveals along the way were underwhelming, and when the final twist was revealed, I wish more time was given to it to flesh it out some more.
Thank you to Harper and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Harper and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2024
3.5/5-rounded up
Kiki sees her ex-fiancé for the first time post break up at a party. He’s later killed that same night. Police think it’s a suicide. She’s convinced it isn’t.
This book grabbed my attention from the start. There’s a good amount of twists and turns. The romance aspect came out of nowhere but did add to the book.
Every character is a suspect and you definitely keep guessing till the end.
Kiki sees her ex-fiancé for the first time post break up at a party. He’s later killed that same night. Police think it’s a suicide. She’s convinced it isn’t.
This book grabbed my attention from the start. There’s a good amount of twists and turns. The romance aspect came out of nowhere but did add to the book.
Every character is a suspect and you definitely keep guessing till the end.
January 31, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC..
The Last Time She Saw Him is a decently told story and fans of romantic suspense will likely enjoy it.
Half way through this book, I just wasn't invested enough to continue. I don't like the fact that a mystery can't just be a mystery without there being a constant romance involved! Okay, it was enough that the main character was the former fiancee of someone who ends up dead. However half way through the book it is revealed that she dumped her future spouse at the altar due to an attraction to his best friend that she was just beyond her control (we discover this as the main character confesses this to the dead man's best friend).
The idea that "the heart wants what the heart wants" and we are all subject to whims of uncontrollable attraction, "love connections" (which may initially be one-sided, but you know what will happen by the end of the book).
That is far too Harlequin for me!
Also, it adds that vibe that a person cannot have moral fiber and self-control, that where their "heart" is concerned we are just slaves to our passing attractions...
This book should be categorized as a "romance" novel. I did not feel the characters in this novel were realistic, and I didn't find any of them particularly likeable...
First and last by this author, might be your cuppa, just wasn't mine, I prefer my mysteries (and the main characters) when they are more... Substantial.
The Last Time She Saw Him is a decently told story and fans of romantic suspense will likely enjoy it.
Half way through this book, I just wasn't invested enough to continue. I don't like the fact that a mystery can't just be a mystery without there being a constant romance involved! Okay, it was enough that the main character was the former fiancee of someone who ends up dead. However half way through the book it is revealed that she dumped her future spouse at the altar due to an attraction to his best friend that she was just beyond her control (we discover this as the main character confesses this to the dead man's best friend).
The idea that "the heart wants what the heart wants" and we are all subject to whims of uncontrollable attraction, "love connections" (which may initially be one-sided, but you know what will happen by the end of the book).
That is far too Harlequin for me!
Also, it adds that vibe that a person cannot have moral fiber and self-control, that where their "heart" is concerned we are just slaves to our passing attractions...
This book should be categorized as a "romance" novel. I did not feel the characters in this novel were realistic, and I didn't find any of them particularly likeable...
First and last by this author, might be your cuppa, just wasn't mine, I prefer my mysteries (and the main characters) when they are more... Substantial.
February 17, 2024
Katherine "Kiki" Reed decides to attend a party held by a friend of hers in Connecticut. It's not just any party, it will be the first time that she is in the same room as her ex, the man she broke up with right before their wedding. When she sees Jaimie, all seems well but she overhears him saying very negative things about her. Kiki doesn't know what to think and she tries to speak to him once more before he leaves. This turns out to be the last time anyone see Jaimie alive.
Who killed Jamie? Was it a suicide? Join Kiki as she tries to get to the bottom of the story. It's a fun twisty thriller with a bit too much about clothing. There were a lot of great details and scenes that interested me, but I think the tension could have been greater with some of the extra details. But it certainly kept my interest and I did not guess the ending! #harperperrenial #thelasttimeshesawhim #katewhite
Who killed Jamie? Was it a suicide? Join Kiki as she tries to get to the bottom of the story. It's a fun twisty thriller with a bit too much about clothing. There were a lot of great details and scenes that interested me, but I think the tension could have been greater with some of the extra details. But it certainly kept my interest and I did not guess the ending! #harperperrenial #thelasttimeshesawhim #katewhite
January 28, 2024
We start off by meeting too many characters all at once. Kiki has an encounter with an ex who is later found dead. Was it a suicide or murder? Kiki is on a mission to find out. I found her unrelatable and a bit all over the place. I could not connect to her or her thoughts. It’s a short read, but still took me several days because I just could not get into this story line. The ending left more questions than answers.
May 29, 2024
Thank you, @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial for the book.
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My 💭:
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This was my first time reading Kate White and it wasn’t a bad story. The book sucked me in from the beginning and I was curious to see how it would all play out, but I felt the ending was rushed and sorta fell flat. I had this big showdown in mind that was going to happen at the end and nothing.
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My 💭:
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This was my first time reading Kate White and it wasn’t a bad story. The book sucked me in from the beginning and I was curious to see how it would all play out, but I felt the ending was rushed and sorta fell flat. I had this big showdown in mind that was going to happen at the end and nothing.
April 21, 2024
Kiki Reed is nervous about attending a party where her ex-fiancé, Jamie, will be. The party ends and Jamie leaves. Shortly thereafter a loud “crack” is heard and a car horn blares. Jamie is found dead in his car. The police strongly suspect suicide but Kiki is not convinced and won’t relent until she proves otherwise.
Although this book is a quick read and interested me in the beginning, I quickly became a little bored. Every friendship Kiki has seems sweet as apple pie and she herself is annoying. As soon as she gets vague information she thinks makes sense, she believes she’s solved “the murder”. Her suspicions are disproven until finally the big reveal happens. And, that climax, felt disjointed and unsatisfying.
I believe the premise of this book is a good one and held promise. There’s a secondary story, introduced in the Prologue, that could have added value had it been explored more. However, there’s a romance aspect that felt unnecessary and even a weird supernatural part. It seems everything but the kitchen sink was thrown into this story but none of it was done very well. While I never considered not finishing the book, it’s not one I would recommend, nor does it leave me wanting to read another from the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although this book is a quick read and interested me in the beginning, I quickly became a little bored. Every friendship Kiki has seems sweet as apple pie and she herself is annoying. As soon as she gets vague information she thinks makes sense, she believes she’s solved “the murder”. Her suspicions are disproven until finally the big reveal happens. And, that climax, felt disjointed and unsatisfying.
I believe the premise of this book is a good one and held promise. There’s a secondary story, introduced in the Prologue, that could have added value had it been explored more. However, there’s a romance aspect that felt unnecessary and even a weird supernatural part. It seems everything but the kitchen sink was thrown into this story but none of it was done very well. While I never considered not finishing the book, it’s not one I would recommend, nor does it leave me wanting to read another from the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2024
Kate White is one of my favorite OG thriller writers. If she writes it, I will read it. I own every single one of her books. That's why I'm so saddened to say this was a MISS for me.
Kiki's attends a party where her ex-fiance will also be in attendance. They haven't spoken in months but upon seeing each other, are cordial. Later that night when he is found shot in the head in his car, Kiki refuses to believe the police theory of suicide. She decides she will not rest until she figures out who killed him and why.
This was such a slow burn with very little satisfaction once we get to the "big" reveal. It was so lackluster, almost like an afterthought, that I expected another twist to follow. But that wasn't the case. The side plots and execution just didn't work for me in the end.
Unfortunately, this was a flop.
2.5 stars
Kiki's attends a party where her ex-fiance will also be in attendance. They haven't spoken in months but upon seeing each other, are cordial. Later that night when he is found shot in the head in his car, Kiki refuses to believe the police theory of suicide. She decides she will not rest until she figures out who killed him and why.
This was such a slow burn with very little satisfaction once we get to the "big" reveal. It was so lackluster, almost like an afterthought, that I expected another twist to follow. But that wasn't the case. The side plots and execution just didn't work for me in the end.
Unfortunately, this was a flop.
2.5 stars
January 31, 2024
This book sucked me in the first few pages!
However, the story line became stagnant for quite a bit when the main character, Kiki, kept insisting to everyone her ex was murdered and did not commit suicide. It was just so repetitive.
I also wish the author developed a bit of background on Kiki relationship with Sam. That part of the book was like pow, in your face, out of left field with no history or build-up. I did like the last part of the book when things started to get moving and the pieces came together in the end.
Thanks Netgalley and Harper Perennial for the eArc copy for my review !
However, the story line became stagnant for quite a bit when the main character, Kiki, kept insisting to everyone her ex was murdered and did not commit suicide. It was just so repetitive.
I also wish the author developed a bit of background on Kiki relationship with Sam. That part of the book was like pow, in your face, out of left field with no history or build-up. I did like the last part of the book when things started to get moving and the pieces came together in the end.
Thanks Netgalley and Harper Perennial for the eArc copy for my review !
July 16, 2024
Maybe 2.5 if I’m being generous
June 16, 2024
This is my third book review for this author, and I hesitated going into this one because I gave the other two books 2.5 and 3.5 stars. I decided to give it one more try, but I just don’t think this author is for me.
Kiki is our main character, and she recently broke off her engagement with a man named Jamie. Her friend Ava is having a party, and really wants Kiki to be there - despite the fact Jamie was also invited. They had a couple of brief interactions, but they were cordial, and he even had a date with him. Everything seemed fine.
At the end of the evening, he tells Kiki his date left early, says goodnight and to take care, then got in his car and shot himself in the head. Or did he? The police definitely think so, her friend Megan does too, but Kiki can’t believe Jamie would do something like that.
Then this gets really convoluted with a ton of characters and a side story about a woman killed in the area four years prior. Jamie’s brother Sam says Jamie did have other problems that may have driven him to suicide, but then a woman shows up with a dog Jamie adopted right before the party. Why would he adopt a dog, then kill himself? Is Kiki crazy for thinking this is all impossible?
There were so many characters, some not even worth getting into, but the ending did tie everything together neatly. I think this author writes beautifully, but this plot bored me, and there were too many extraneous people and situations. I think this may be it for me and this author, through no fault of their own - it’s just not for me. Three stars.
(Thank you to Harper Paperbacks, Kate White and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Kiki is our main character, and she recently broke off her engagement with a man named Jamie. Her friend Ava is having a party, and really wants Kiki to be there - despite the fact Jamie was also invited. They had a couple of brief interactions, but they were cordial, and he even had a date with him. Everything seemed fine.
At the end of the evening, he tells Kiki his date left early, says goodnight and to take care, then got in his car and shot himself in the head. Or did he? The police definitely think so, her friend Megan does too, but Kiki can’t believe Jamie would do something like that.
Then this gets really convoluted with a ton of characters and a side story about a woman killed in the area four years prior. Jamie’s brother Sam says Jamie did have other problems that may have driven him to suicide, but then a woman shows up with a dog Jamie adopted right before the party. Why would he adopt a dog, then kill himself? Is Kiki crazy for thinking this is all impossible?
There were so many characters, some not even worth getting into, but the ending did tie everything together neatly. I think this author writes beautifully, but this plot bored me, and there were too many extraneous people and situations. I think this may be it for me and this author, through no fault of their own - it’s just not for me. Three stars.
(Thank you to Harper Paperbacks, Kate White and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
March 13, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 14. 2024
Since former Cosmo editor-in-chief, Kate White, turned to suspense writing, she has dazzled me with her books, especially “The Second Husband”, “The Fiancée” and “Between Two Strangers”, so it didn’t take much convincing for me to agree to read and review her newest adventure, “The Last Time She Saw Him”.
After breaking off her engagement to her fiancé, Jamie, Kiki Reed just wants to focus on her job as an online job coach. But when friends in Connecticut invite Kiki to a house party to celebrate a book launch, Kiki doesn’t want to turn it down- even if it means that she will run into Jamie. Kiki’s run-in with Jamie is more civil than expected and they part ways amicably after a few short conversations. A few hours later, gunshots go off and Jamie is found dead in his car, leaving Kiki devastated. But when the police begin to speculate that Jamie committed suicide, Kiki can’t accept it. She decides to stay on in Connecticut and investigate for herself what really happened to Jamie, even though his family is dead-set against it, and most of them blame her for his suicide.
“The Last Time She Saw Him” is narrated by Kiki (although there are a few small portions told by a character identified only as “Him”, which takes place four years before Jamie’s death), as she pursues her own murder investigation into Jamie’s death. I loved Kiki’s perseverance and resolve, especially when the reader gets a bit more background of what happened in Kiki’s past and how she rose above it. The “Him” who narrates could of course, be any of the male characters in the novel but White manages to shade his identity almost completely, adding another mystery to the plot.
Of course, White sets the stage to make a few characters plausible suspects but she keeps you guessing until the very end. I was not able to connect all of the dots in this mystery, but White not only made the ending surprising and unexpected, she also managed to make it satisfying and completely plausible.
White has been a writer most of her adult life, in some capacity or another and, although I have only recently experienced White’s more recent novels, I am thrilled that she has taken the leap into psychological fiction. She is a perfect fit for the genre, and I anxiously await more from her.
Expected publication date: May 14. 2024
Since former Cosmo editor-in-chief, Kate White, turned to suspense writing, she has dazzled me with her books, especially “The Second Husband”, “The Fiancée” and “Between Two Strangers”, so it didn’t take much convincing for me to agree to read and review her newest adventure, “The Last Time She Saw Him”.
After breaking off her engagement to her fiancé, Jamie, Kiki Reed just wants to focus on her job as an online job coach. But when friends in Connecticut invite Kiki to a house party to celebrate a book launch, Kiki doesn’t want to turn it down- even if it means that she will run into Jamie. Kiki’s run-in with Jamie is more civil than expected and they part ways amicably after a few short conversations. A few hours later, gunshots go off and Jamie is found dead in his car, leaving Kiki devastated. But when the police begin to speculate that Jamie committed suicide, Kiki can’t accept it. She decides to stay on in Connecticut and investigate for herself what really happened to Jamie, even though his family is dead-set against it, and most of them blame her for his suicide.
“The Last Time She Saw Him” is narrated by Kiki (although there are a few small portions told by a character identified only as “Him”, which takes place four years before Jamie’s death), as she pursues her own murder investigation into Jamie’s death. I loved Kiki’s perseverance and resolve, especially when the reader gets a bit more background of what happened in Kiki’s past and how she rose above it. The “Him” who narrates could of course, be any of the male characters in the novel but White manages to shade his identity almost completely, adding another mystery to the plot.
Of course, White sets the stage to make a few characters plausible suspects but she keeps you guessing until the very end. I was not able to connect all of the dots in this mystery, but White not only made the ending surprising and unexpected, she also managed to make it satisfying and completely plausible.
White has been a writer most of her adult life, in some capacity or another and, although I have only recently experienced White’s more recent novels, I am thrilled that she has taken the leap into psychological fiction. She is a perfect fit for the genre, and I anxiously await more from her.
February 19, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Publisher for this ARC.
The story starts off with exes Kiki and Jamie at a party. Katherine aka Kiki is a career coach who is working on publishing a book. There is some hostility and differences regarding who left who at the altar. The night turns deadly when Jamie is found dead in his car. Was he shot or did he commit suicide? With no witnesses, Kiki makes it her mission to solve his death.
There are many characters in this book and I found some of them to be irrelevant. Theres many theories surrounding Jamie’s death and the police ruling the investigation as a suicide. Kiki is convinced that someone killed him. She turns to Sam - Jamie’s best friend - during this time and they begin their own relationship after Kiki tells him the reason she called it off with Jamie.
The storyline was bland with not a lot of action. Kiki’s investigation revolved a lot around Jamie’s family and some rental properties. There was some confusion about who Jamie really was and how much she knew about him. I was pretty underwhelmed with her character and felt pretty frustrated at some points. It was a quick read, but I didn’t enjoy the ending and didn’t really connect with the overall themes of the book, which I think was meant to be a romantic mystery and thriller.
The story starts off with exes Kiki and Jamie at a party. Katherine aka Kiki is a career coach who is working on publishing a book. There is some hostility and differences regarding who left who at the altar. The night turns deadly when Jamie is found dead in his car. Was he shot or did he commit suicide? With no witnesses, Kiki makes it her mission to solve his death.
There are many characters in this book and I found some of them to be irrelevant. Theres many theories surrounding Jamie’s death and the police ruling the investigation as a suicide. Kiki is convinced that someone killed him. She turns to Sam - Jamie’s best friend - during this time and they begin their own relationship after Kiki tells him the reason she called it off with Jamie.
The storyline was bland with not a lot of action. Kiki’s investigation revolved a lot around Jamie’s family and some rental properties. There was some confusion about who Jamie really was and how much she knew about him. I was pretty underwhelmed with her character and felt pretty frustrated at some points. It was a quick read, but I didn’t enjoy the ending and didn’t really connect with the overall themes of the book, which I think was meant to be a romantic mystery and thriller.
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