I love when an author doesn’t keep writing the same type of book over and over and gives us something totally different! The Last One at the Wedding is completely different from Hidden Pictures. It is full of suspense and kept me hooked from beginning to end. I listened to the audiobook and feel like this narrator was the perfect choice! The way the story unfolded, giving small glimpses into each character at a time, letting us get to know them, their pasts, and their secrets slowly was also perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I was so excited to receive an advance copy of this audiobook and it did not disappoint. This book was very character-driven and the narration was excellent. Do not go into this thinking it's a thriller, it's not...it's more of a domestic/family drama and mystery-type genre. TW: homicide, suicide, phobias (spiders), mental illness. It takes at least half of it to really figure out what in the heck is going and then you're like, "Mr. Rekulak, you've done it again!" Each of these characters were very well-developed and book is told from the dad's POV throughout. A solid 4 star read (listen) for me and I highly recommend the audio. *I received an advanced complimentary copy from author/publishing company in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

I thought I'd get another thrilling story like Hidden Pictures, but this one turned out to be more of a mystery/suspense vibe. It felt a bit slow-paced for my taste. The dynamic between Frank and his daughter intrigued me, although Frank's repetitive expressions of his feelings became a tad monotonous. I was hoping for some unexpected twists and a real shocker, but sadly, that didn't happen. As for the ending, I'm still figuring out how I feel about it.

I must say, the narrator really nailed it! His voice matched the character perfectly, which added to the overall experience.

*The Last One at the Wedding* by Jason Rekulak is a compelling, fast-paced read that kept me hooked until the last page. While it doesn't have the supernatural or ghostly elements found in his previous book *Hidden Pictures*, Rekulak still delivers an engaging mystery with plenty of twists.

Early on, through well-placed clues, I was able to figure out the big twist before it hit, which took a bit of the shock away, but it didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment. There were other unexpected twists that sucked me back in, making it impossible to put down.

If you enjoyed *Hidden Pictures* for its suspense and masterful storytelling, this one will still satisfy you, even though the tone is slightly different. Rekulak’s ability to build tension and develop complex characters shines here, making it a highly enjoyable read.

Frank is overjoyed when his estranged daughter Maggie invites him to her wedding, but feelings of unease quickly temper the joy. Maggie is marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of a reclusive tech billionaire, and his sense of being out of place as a package delivery driver only deepens. Frank struggles to reconnect with Maggie, who seems distant. Frank is concerned by Aidan and his family's mysterious behavior and the chilly reception from the local community. He walks a fine line between protecting his daughter and risking their fragile reconciliation and this internal conflict.

The story explores the darker side of wealth and privilege and the cost of parental protection. The sense of physical and emotional isolation creates an atmosphere of foreboding. Every interaction leaves Frank questioning the true motives of those around him. These elements create a slow-burning tension that drives the plot. The suspense is tense as Frank wrestles with his past mistakes and his present fears for Maggie's future. The author has created characters you will love to hate and some you will absolutely cherish. The plot and narrative kept me hooked until the final page.

I received an ARC audiobook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan Audio.

Frank Szatowski hasn’t heard from his estranged daughter, Maggie, in 3 years. So he is shocked when he gets a call from her announcing her wedding. Frank finds out that his daughter is marring Aidan Gardner, son of a famous tech billionaire, at a secluded, private luxury estate. But strange things are happening leading up to the wedding that leaves Frank with more questions than answers…

The Last One at the Wedding is a psychological thriller about a father just trying to save his daughter. The story is written from the father’s POV and is full of unlikeable characters. Even Frank was frustrating and grumpy at times even though you could sympathize with his situation. The narration by John Pirhalla was fantastic and kept you engaged. I guessed parts of what was going on early in the book but there was still a lot to be revealed. The ending was somewhat unresolved which I never really love in a book, but overall, I enjoyed it. I finished the audiobook in 48 hours.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio the opportunity to read this ALC copy of The Last One at the Wedding in exchange for my honest review.

The Last One at the Wedding is a fast-paced thriller filled with unlikeable characters, except for UPS driver Frank, his sister Tammy, and her foster child Abigail. Frank, who has been estranged from his daughter Maggie for three years, is invited to her New Hampshire wedding. As things unfold, Frank starts to feel something is wrong with her fiancée and his family. He tries to repair his relationship with Maggie, but things don't go as planned. The book is filled with a remote wedding, strangers, and a man who wants to spend time with his daughter. The book is a thrilling read that will keep you hooked, with an advanced copy provided by Little, Brown Group UK. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I could tell from the very beginning who the antagonist was going to be. There were a few twists that I didn't pick up on early on though. I liked it very much. Thank you netgalley for the ALC.

I got confused with this book. It had a great start but I was so confused. The narrator’s voice did not allow me to get wrapped in this audiobook. I’m sure others will enjoy the storyline.

After reading the horror novel Hidden Pictures by Rekulak I had high expectations into this thriller. It's definitely a slow burn and yet a lot happens but the characters definitelly have distinct personalities and as the story progressed I didn't have any idea where it was going. I did enjoy that part but stories surrounding wealthy people (especially when not a lot of them live in the end) are not my favorite. It's nothing like Hidden Pictures and as long as you go in expecting a more traditional suspense/thriller you will have fun along the ride.

Until about 60% of the way into this book I was annoyed. It was so slow with fake “jump scares” aka pretend issues that had nothing to do with the story. At 60% when it finally picked up it was still somewhat anti-climatic. And then the ending?? I still need someone to explain that to me. Not my favorite.

I was expecting another thriller like Hidden Pictures. This was more like a mystery/Suspense. It was a bit slow for me. The relationship between Frank and his daughter was very interesting. It got a bit repetitive when he expressed how he was feeling about it. I was expecting twists and turns and a shock factor but unfortunately I didn't get that. And I'm not sure how I feel about that ending.
The narrator did a good job. I felt like his voice matched the character.

Wow. That was such a bummer because I was excited about this one. I enjoyed Hidden Places. But this was MAJOR ick. It started out okay, a bit slow and boring but then it got just extra weird and gross. The whole situation going on. Ew. Legit said an audible "ew" at one point. This was SO anticlimactic. Is this considered a thriller because it was far from thrilling. And the end was an extra snooze. Overall, I was sadly disappointed by this one and probably should have just dnfed but I had hopes it was going to surprise me. But no it was as predictable as it seemed. The audio format was nice tho. There is that. But gosh, his daughter. Don't get me started.

ARC 🎧📖 Review: The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(3.5 stars)

Pub Date: 10/8/24

This was my most anticipated read of the year and I was slightly disappointed. 😳 It wasn’t bad by any means just way slower than I expected. However, I did enjoy how the ending wrapped up the story! Thank you @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for this audiobook approval!!

👰🏼‍♀️🤵🏽‍♂️💍

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.

#bookstagram #audiobooks #reader #booknerd #listentomorebooks #audiobooklove #booklover #bookadict #newrelease #booksbooksbooks #bookish

Another great novel by Jason Rekulak! I will warn - if you're looking for Hidden Pictures 2.0 this isn't it. However, it is still a great thriller/mystery that had me hooked from the first page.

The only reason for the 4 star rating is the ending left me wanting more of a conclusion. I kept waiting for one more big twist, but it didn't come. Still great, but left me feeling like I needed a tad more thrill.

After Hidden Pictures, I know we were all so excited for this new release! This book truly delves into the love of a father and the depth he will go for his daughter!

This was a great audio that will definitely keep you interested. Lots of twists and things may not always be what they seem!

This kept me up ALL night long! The story was SO gripping and had me on the edge of my seat. The twists were absolutely wild too! The characters were all a bit unlikeable so I thought they all had blood on their hands but I had no clue it was going to turn out the way it did. The narrator did an excellent job with all the parts, and I felt like he conveyed the perfect amount of desperation and, at times, toxicity.

Jason Rekulak's The Last One at the Wedding is a twisty, unpredictable thriller that begins with Maggie inviting her estranged father to her upcoming wedding. Frank is delighted to have the opportunity to mend fences, but then he meets his future son-in-law and his notoriously shady family....

Get ready to meet a cast of characters so sinister and unforgettable that you'll be hoping for a sequel as soon as you reach the last page. I think that I would have enjoyed this more if I had read it rather than listened to the audio.

I really enjoyed this suspenseful audiobook! It was full of twists and revelations and really showed how much people are willing to do for someone they love. I enjoyed the pace of the story: it wasn’t fast but it wasn’t too slow. Secrets and tidbits were revealed at just the right times to keep me invested! Osprey Camp was such a great setting for a large part of this story and I could really visualize the lake and the woods. Not only did this book completely keep my attention, but I loved how the audiobook narrator told the story!

This was an entertaining book and it had my full attention. I thought the story was very intriguing and I almost figured out where it was going but the twists were slightly unexpected. The first half was slow with setting up Frank’s POV and the estranged relationship with his daughter Maggie, as she’s about to get married in a lavish affair.

Many of the characters were shady and perfected the art of evasive maneuvers. It was frustrating but the mystery of it was rather fun, albeit slower to build and without much fanfare.

Like many others, I adored Abigail, the ten year old girl Frank’s sister, Tammy, was fostering. A last minute guest to the wedding. She was super cute, had many witty and funny comments throughout. Her arc is my favorite subplot!

The atmosphere was almost like The Stepford Wives meets Ready or Not, typical rich people dalliances, etc. The grounds where the wedding was taking place sounded like a really great location.

I really enjoyed the narration by John Pirhalla and how he portrayed Frank’s personality. To me, he was likable but maybe a little gullible, he really would do anything for his child (and Abigail), and that’s admirable in itself.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook to review.

What a roller coaster of emotions! This book really brought everything. I wasn’t expecting to get so emotional reading this book! I battle with frank a few times but in the end that man won me over.

There was a lot of moments in this book where you think - no way- but sadly you know this is actually very much the reality of our world.

Great story. Will be checking out others by this author.