A Scorcher…
Cassidy Chambers - filmmaker and truth seeker - is approached by Luke Speed, a man ready to tell his story. Cass is determined to find the truth and, perhaps, find Mari who vanished in the jungle twenty years ago when backpacking in Thailand with Luke. Cass is ever driven by personal past experience. As the filmmaking progresses, a decision is taken to move the filming to the actual jungle locus. With a fabulously well drawn cast of characters, a propulsive plot populated with hair bend twists and a well imagined setting this is an edge of seat one sit read. Tremendous character driven suspense- a scorcher.

I haven’t read Emily before and went into this one pretty blind but her writing style immediately captured my attention making this one pretty hard to put down.

I thought the storyline itself was really uniquely done and I loved how the main characters personal story and issues ran alongside the main plot line, I thought this worked really well.

I found the writing very engaging and consistently paced throughout the book. I didn’t love *small spoiler* the whole Cass and Luke thing but it didn’t ruin anything for me, I just didn’t really buy into it.

The last 20 percent of a thriller is always so important to the reading experience for me and this one certainly delivered. I couldn’t read the words fast enough. I found the showdown but a bit cringe but that’s always the way I think. The twists all played out really well

Overall this was a really compelling read with a unique storyline, well fleshed out characters and made for a great reading experience

What a page turner this turned out to be!
This was a new to me author and after finishing it I am definitely going to be reading her other books.
I was intrigued right from the start and was fully invested, so much so, I read this in two sittings.
The writing in this was really good and it flowed seamlessly, making me just want to to keep turning the pages. I felt like the pacing and plotting of this book was spot on.
Also going in to this I was expecting there to be dual timelines and thank goodness there wasn't.
I say that mainly because it has been overdone in the thriller genre, so the fact that this didn't was a big thumbs up from me!
One thing that I wasn't so keen on was the romance. I know why it was there but I felt it spoiled the book a little and it made me dislike the female main character of Cassie, who at the start I really liked. It made her come across as young, immature and naïve and I really could have done without that aspect. The connection between the two characters involved never came across to me unfortunately.
Also, some of the twists were a surprise to me, which is always great!
Overall this was a quick, fast paced, easy to read, well written psychological thriller that I highly recommend!

OMG what a brilliant read!! This fast paced , twisty thriller was one of the best I’ve read in a while. I got caught up in compelling plot and swept along not wanting to put this down. It had plenty of mystery, lots of red herrings and shocking twists and reveal and so I flew through its pages completely addicted to the storyline!! 5 stars from me and HIGHLY recommended

Mari disappeared while backpacking through Thailand. Her boyfriend Luke, who was with her, was accused of her murder. He’s always insisted his innocence and twenty years later he wants to talk. Cassidy Chambers, a filmmaker, wants to be the one to crack this case. Will she discover what really happened?

This is my first book by this author so I didn’t know what to expect but I can say after reading that it’s a good one! The true crime element is done very well and I enjoyed the writing style. The storyline was interesting and clever. I also enjoyed the captivating, tense atmosphere of the jungle, as well as the complex plotting. The characters were well written and I felt that I really got to know them. The twists were done well and were surprising. I will definitely be looking at other books by this author and could see this working as a series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

This was such an easy book to get sucked into. Set in the present day with flashbacks to the early 2000’s, I really enjoyed how this story was told. I liked Cassidy, she’s so focused on telling the truth of a story and Luke & Mari’s story is one that captured everyone’s attention.

It was so easy to revisit the early 2000’s - I was in my early 20’s & I remember The Beach being released. For many friends that did OEs, this movie was why they went to Southeast Asia instead of Europe. So it was very easy to imagine Luke & Mari as a real couple and to become invested in Luke’s story.

I loved how the tension shot up once Cassidy, Luke & the rest of the crew made it to Thailand. I was on the edge of my seat and on the edge about Luke - did he kill Mari or is he the victim of tragic circumstance? I thought I knew what was happening as I was reading & then my jaw was on the floor! This book left me guessing right up to the ending.

A very clever, intriguing and mysterious story. I absolutely loved it. Great characters. Cass is a documentary film maker who investigates cold crime cases. Travel from London to Thailand to uncover a mysterious missing person case. If you, like me, love a Netflix crime shows, you will absolutely love this story. Highly recommended xx

This book captivated me from the outset with its intoxicating narrative and thrilling storyline.

The character of Cassidy Chambers, a documentary maker with a compelling backstory, was so well written. I was totally drawn by her persona as well as her professional endeavours.

The writing in this book was exceptionally well done, creating a vivid atmosphere that, at times, felt almost claustrophobic. This massively added to the tension and immersion of the story.

The concept of revisiting a crime scene two decades later, accompanied by the prime suspect, was intriguing and kept me engaged throughout.

The author cleverly interwove twists and turns into the plot, some of which took me by surprise - which is not easily done for me.

From the evocative setting to the richly developed characters and gripping plot, there was nothing I didn't love about this book. It is undoubtedly a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting and thrilling read.

A superb fast paced and very addictive page turner.

The characters were all likable until one of them turned out not to be. Yes the twists were insane and I was absolutely there for it!!
It was just so clever how the author was able to completely blow my mind.

It's a must read for any fans of psychological thrillers.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Emily Freud is fast becoming my favourite mystery/ thriller writer and the new queen of suspense!

Her last Summer tells the story of documentary/ film maker Cassidy Chambers who following the hit doc series where she managed to find the true murderer of a cold case she is being offered the opportunity to make a new series about the missing teenager Mari who disappeared in a jungle in Thailand 20 years ago. Maris boyfriend was accused of murder but without a body he was never convicted and he wants Cassidy to finally clear his name. This is the biggest story Cassidy has ever faced. As Cassidy begins to delve into the past she unearths far more than she thought possible.

As with all of Emily Freuds books it is easy to read and impossible to put down. It will pull you in from the first page until the last and the twists just keep on coming with a plot that is masterfully weaved and truly unique.

It’s always so hard to review a mystery/thriller as there is so much that I want to gush about and hear everyone’s opinion on but I equally do not want to give anything away as I want you all to experience the journey this book will take you on. I really hope there is a sequel to this book as Id love to see more from cassidy, cleo, and the whole ensemble of characters!

My favourite scene has to be the moment by the river! If you have read this what was your favourite bit ( no spoilers though!)

If you have not discovered this author yet this is your sign to get your butt on amazon or down to your local independent bookshop today!

unbelievably good! This was such a fantastic thriller with absolutely everything to have the reader riveted to the end. I loved how the author didn't short change the reader with the ending, it was so well written. I cannot wait for the authors next book

I thought this book was incredible! I have never read anything by the author before, but I was intrigued by the concept and have seen positive reviews from other book bloggers, so I gave it a go and I'm so glad that I did.

The writing style was right up my street - conversational and beautifully descriptive without being too wordy. I could picture the characters and locations easily and was completely immersed in the story.

I'm often not a fan of the documentary/podcast angle as I feel that having the story told from a third party loses some of the emotion, but Cassidy was so involved in the story that I didn't feel that in this book. I loved the mystery and was really keen to find out what had happened to Luke and Mari in the Thai jungle. There was a twist near the end which genuinely shocked me, I didn't see it coming at all and that's pretty rare these days.

Overall I would 100% recommend this book, I think it is my favourite of the year so far.

WOW WOW WOW. this is without a doubt one of the best thrillers I've ever read!!! So tense! I was so scared for the characters in that jungle and I never guess the plot twists. Highly recommend this!!

If you have ever enjoyed suspense this is the book for you.

I really enjoyed this book and I loved finding out what happened to Mari.

Fans of documentaries and podcasts will love this.

This was an intoxicating, thrilling read that had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the character of Cassidy Chambers, a documentary maker with her own story to tell. Cassidy is a fantastic character to tell this story and I liked her as a person and seeing her in work mode, as well as learning about the dangerous exploits she gets up to for filming.
I adored the concept for the plot, returning to the scene of a crime, 20 years on, with the only suspect, to discover what really happened. It made for intense and enjoyable reading. Freud really throws in some twists throughout this book, there were some that surprised me which is hard to do!
I loved everything about this, from the setting to the characters and plot. This is a must read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy.

#HerLastSummer #NetGalley
Nice.
Twenty years ago, Mari vanished while backpacking through Thailand with her boyfriend, Luke. He was accused of murder, but has always insisted he's innocent. Besides, her body was never found. Now, he's finally ready to talk. And filmmaker Cassidy Chambers wants to be the one to uncover what really happened, back then, in the dark of the jungle. But as she delves deeper into the past, Cassidy begins to fear what lies ahead, and the secrets buried along the way.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for giving me an advance copy.

Twenty years ago, Mari(Marigold) Castle vanishes, while backpacking in Thailand with her boyfriend, Luke Speed. He’s found alive after spending months in the snake infested jungle. He’s accused of murdering her in the large expanse of the Khao Soon National Park but maintains his innocence. In the present day, it now seems he’s ready to tell his side of the story and successful crime filmmaker Cassidy Chambers of Songbird Productions is the perfect fit for his did he/didn’t he story. This is Cassidy’s big one, the Big Story she’s been waiting for. What really happens in Thailand? Will Cassidy’s investigations reveal anything that sheds light on Mari‘s disappearance?

For much of the novel I find this a fascinating, reflective story of an attractive young couple in a terrific setting. The palm trees, the white sand beaches, the turquoise waters versus THAT jungle which is such a contrast and matches the fluctuating moods of Mari and Luke. Luke paints an attractive portrait of them as teens, but is the image he’s presenting of Mari the truth or a mirage? She becomes more and more of a conundrum as the initial wholesome image is cast in doubt. As for Luke, it’s hard to weigh him up. On the one hand he seems a nice guy who has cast off his demons but is he playing a cat and mouse game with Cassidy? Is the ambitious filmmaker being manipulated for reasons not yet visible?

I really like the changing mood of the book, there’s Cassidy’s excitement of her big chance, but there are some frissons of something you can’t quite grab hold of right from the start and the sense of dread builds, especially on arrival in Bangkok. The apprehension grows, it becomes nightmarish and sinister, not helped by some destructive behaviour. When the small film crew arrives at the Khao Soon National Park the Thai jungle exudes an excellent atmosphere to accompany the increasingly suspenseful storytelling. There’s almost permanent tension, the edge of your seat kind, and a palpable sense of menace. There are a couple of big plot twists towards the end which I’m personally not keen on but I’m sure others will like better than I do. Once you get the first twist, the second is predictable. However, the ultimate end is a really good one.

Overall, this is a well written psychological thriller, which is very easy to read as the writing flows with ease, and there are occasions where you feel as if you are on a set as the filming gets underway. I like the references to The Beach which works well.

With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Twenty years ago, Mari and her boyfriend Luke vanished while backpacking through Thailand. While Luke was found, Mari has never been seen since and Luke was accused of her murder. Out of the blue, Luke calls filmmaker Cassidy Chambers, as he is ready to talk and he wants to bring Mari home. Cassidy needs to delve into his story and what happened in the jungle where it all went wrong but she also has her own dark secrets.

Oh the twists and turns!! Mysterious and such a page turner. I was absorbed in this story from the very beginning. The plotting was masterful and this one really took me by surprise. How have I not found this author sooner?! I am off to check out her backlist. 4.5*

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Quercus Books for this gifted review copy.

Absolutely addictive page turner! This is new author for my and I can’t wait to read more of her work.

Cassidy has just completed a true crime masterpiece called “missing” which uncovered the body of a little girl and freed an innocent man and jailed the real killer. She is itching for something new to get stuck into when she receives a call from Luke.

Twenty years ago Luke and his girlfriend Mari went on a trip to Thailand and got lost in the jungle. Luke was the only one who made it out. Luke wants Cassidy to tell his story through his eyes.

The story follows Cassidy as she investigates with her team and tried to uncover hidden truths.

The twists in this book are fantastic and this should be made into a movie!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my ARC

Wow, loved every bit of this book, a fantastic page turner I struggled to put down.

"Her Last Summer" delivers a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of loss, love, and the relentless pursuit of closure. The story follows Cassidy, a TV true crime producer, as she unravels the mystery surrounding Mari and Luke's tumultuous relationship, particularly Mari's unexplained disappearance during a trip to Thailand.

Cassidy is telling the story from Luke's perspective and we navigate through layers of suspense with unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Luke's recounting of events adds depth to the storyline, offering insight into the intricacies of his relationship with Mari and the haunting aftermath of her disappearance.

The author, Freud, masterfully crafts a tale that not only explores the haunting mystery at its core but also delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by those left behind. As Cassidy delves deeper into the case, she uncovers shocking revelations that challenge everything she thought she knew about Mari and Luke's relationship.

What sets "Her Last Summer" apart is its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another unexpected twist throws you off balance, heightening the suspense and intrigue.

Moreover, the characters in the novel are exceptionally well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. From Cassidy's determined yet vulnerable demeanour to Luke's enigmatic and complex nature, every character adds depth and authenticity to the story.

Overall, "Her Last Summer" is a captivating read that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and romance. With its compelling narrative and well-drawn characters, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. Whether you're a fan of thrillers or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, "Her Last Summer" is a must-read that will keep you hooked from start to finish.