really liked this book but who doesn't love a good cult book? This was a slow burn for me but I read it in one day. I really liked The Quiet Tenant so I was excited to read this book and it didn't disappoint. I gave it 4/5 stars 🤓
Thank you @netgalley for giving me a chance to read this.
#OurLastResort #netgalleybooks #arc #readersgonnaread📚 #netgalleyreader #clémencemichallon

Frida and Gabriel are brother and sister. Not in the biological sense, but in the family sense. They have always been close, often finishing each other’s sentences or thoughts.

But, in the past seven years, they have grown distant, hardly speaking after an unspeakable tragedy, and secrets separated them.

When Frida reaches out to Gabriel, to try to mend their relationship, they decide to take a vacation together at a luxury resort in Escalante Utah. Swimming in the pool, long hikes, beautiful surroundings, and top quality food, have them relaxed and happy to be together again.

Until the body of a beautiful young woman
who was vacationing at the resort with her powerful, much older husband is discovered. When the police arrive and place the resort on lockdown, all of Frida and Gabriel’s secrets come rising to the surface that they are desperate to keep hidden.

It's been a while since I've read a thriller, and this was really good! It was quick and tense with a shocking ending. The layout was different from a lot of thrillers I've read, which really made this one stand out. Overall, this was a really good read!

The author's debut novel was one of my favorites ever, so I was overly excited to read this one. This thriller follows Gabriel and Frida as they grow up in a secretive cult, following their escape and attempt to build a new and promising future. The story skips from past to present view, giving you a greater insight to the troubles they both went through while growing up.

The story starts out in a luxury hotel, where both Gabriel and Frida have met up after being estranged for several years, following the murder of Gabriel's wife. The background is stunning, and they are surrounded by total luxury, but death cannot escape them. A hotel guest is found murdered in the middle of the night. Gabriel and Frida are catapulted to their past as they have struggled to escape traumatic events and the suspicions surrounding them.

Overall, a solid thriller. It was easy to read and flowed well. I did feel that it was missing the spark her first novel held, but I will definitely continue to read her future releases.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, all opinions are my own.

Many thanks to Netgalley for this arc. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.

A brother and sister (who are not actually related) decide to stay at a resort for nine days and a few days into their trip a powerful man’s third wife is found dead. Frida and Gabriel grew up in a cult and were best friends without any romantic feelings. Frida and Gabriel leave after they turn eighteen and burn down their leaders office and accidentally kill one of the other women who live in the cult who got woman for Emile to sleep with before they had kids. This book was very entertaining but the characters felt pretty forgettable, I had to look up their names after reading. There is a lot of drama and twists and turns and the true killer is brought to justice.

Don’t know how this was in my shelf twice but to reiterate, I really liked this book. It was a slow burn and very atmospheric so if you’re into that then you’ll like this. I really like the way the author writes. I found myself highlighting a lot of passages.

This one was definitely a slow burn murder mystery. Told in dual timelines of past and present, the flow of the book was good. However, I felt like one of the main elements, the cult, could have been more detailed and explained more. I feel like it was a bit glossed over. However, the writing was well done and the tense, gripping feeling began at the beginning and only built throughout. The ending was satisfying. There were some good twists, but I felt like I saw them all coming. Overall it was a good read, I liked it, but didn’t love it.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

So....this was one of those books that I thought wasn't going to make it past three stars. For one, I had a very hard time getting through it and it took me the longest time to figure out why that was. I was really worried I wouldn't like this book because I have heard nothing but great things about this author's previous work and this really bummed me out. I would have eventually read the other book either way, but I was hoping this would force me to make that a priority.

I will first start off with some of the negatives I have found I didn't like about this book. For starters, it was WAY too long! I have said this in my previous reviews but why are thriller books so dang long lately? Why can't we get to the point in a timely manner instead of taking the long way and suffering as a result of it? I think this book could have been cut down severely and it would have packed a much bigger punch in my opinion. Part of the length had to do with the repetition, we got a lot of the same scenes where they were in the resort figuring out their relationship and also trying to keep from being persons of interest. I liked the dual timelines and enjoyed them both equally, but even that could have been shortened to keep me turning the pages faster than I was actually doing in reality. I am pretty sure this is the main reason why it took me so long to finish this book- it dragged.

Secondly, it really took a while to get into the swing of things and the book only picked up towards the end. The pacing was just all over the place and all the big reveals happened at the end of the book and that was way too long for me to wait, albeit- I know I am not a very patient person. However, I would have preferred the twists to have been dispersed all throughout the novel, that just would have kept my interest a lot more.

Now, moving onto the positives- there were plenty. As you can see, I gave this book four stars even though originally I was going to give it only three and that's all due to the ending. The ending really saved this book in my opinion and I really enjoyed how it came together. This was my first cult trope book and I can't wait to read more in the future. It didn't have the jaw dropping final twist that I really love in my thrillers, but it did have some that came kind of close.

Also, I really have to mention how amazing the writing was. It was very sophisticated without being too much like some books are and I definitely had to think deeply about most of it, since it was the furthest from being straight forward. It took a little while to get used to that but once I did, I really enjoyed reading a quality written book.

The other thing I really loved about this book were the characters. I thought they were really well flushed out and their relationship was so complex and ever changing and evolving and that is not something that happens much in thrillers, especially the fast paced ones that I love. I am an only child and have never had anyone as close to a "sibling" as these two had each other, but it really showcased how intricate and complex these relationships can be, especially when both of you grow up in such stressful circumstances.

In conclusion, even though I didn't love everything about this book, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives in my opinion. It's not your typical fast-paced, edge-of-you-seat thriller, but it still has a lot to offer the right reader. I would recommend this book to fans of cult thrillers who don't mind a slower pace and a book that is mostly character driven. I will definitely be checking out this authors' books in the future and will be picking up the first one they have written.

Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
3.5 stars, rounded up.

The synopsis of this novel really drew me in. I find cults and the psychology of them absolutely fascinating. I’ve also read the authors novel The Quiet Tenant which also had an intriguing synopsis. Right from the go I know that Clémence Michallon has interesting ideas for story lines.

Our main characters are Frida and Gabriel who grew up in a cult together and ran away when they were 18. I enjoyed the multiple timelines switching from “before,” when they were in the cult to the time after they escaped, to the now present day at the resort they’re staying at. We are given a lot of back story and we watch Frida and Gabriel evolve into the adults they are now. Each has struggled through the years but Frida has managed to do well for herself while Gabriel has experienced a lot of tragedy. Through it all they’ve done their best to care for and protect each other.

I feel like the pacing was off in this story line. There are some parts that seem to drag and some that are skipped through too quickly. There are actually two murder mysteries. The one at the resort revealed clues at an adequate, engaging pace but it was pretty obvious to me who the actual culprit was. I was sure that I identified the guilty party from the first (cold case) murder mystery early on and it turns out I was correct. The ending was meant to be emotionally impactful ( I believe,) but it didn’t really do much for me.

Overall, a decent read. I liked it but I didn’t love it and likely won’t think on it much after I post this review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for the digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion

I gave this book 3.5 stars. It did take me longer than expected to finish it because it was a little hard for me to get into. I was very close to DNFing it. About 30 % into the book, the story started to get interesting. Sibling cult survivors: what they did to escape, how they survived and grew in the “outside world”. Their experiences inside the cult and how it affected their personal growth and mental state triggered heartfelt emotion and sorrow for them. I did enjoy the first person narration as well as the chapter flashbacks to their childhood.

The present mystery surrounding Sabrina’s death seemed fast resolved but then the author leaves you guessing as things weren’t quick to close on this case. I did have a couple of suspicions as to who the murderer might be and in the end everything is revealed.

Being an animal lover, I did like the incorporation of the coyote. Frida did a lot to help it during her visits to the desert. It seemed like a minor part of the story, but as I read, I had a feeling that this animal is going to be part of solving Sabrina’s murder or finding evidence towards it.

Overall, I did enjoy the book and glad I didn’t DNF it!

You know I’m a sucker for a good cult book—I don’t know what it is, they just totally creep me out in the best way. Our Last Resort definitely scratched that itch. The vibes were eerie, and the writing had that dreamy, lyrical style I usually love. But—and it’s kind of a big but—I felt like I barely knew the main character? It’s written in first person, but somehow she still felt super flat. Like, white bread-level bland. I kept waiting for her to come to life on the page, but she never really did. Still, the cult stuff kept me hooked.

Meh I wasn’t the biggest fan of this book. I think I didn’t really like the characters and I thought the cult would be a little more involved in the plot. It felt very jumpy

The bestselling author of The Quiet Tenant returns with a slow-burning thriller rich in atmosphere and intrigue. They thought escaping the cult would be their salvation. Instead, it led them into one harrowing situation after another.

This is told in dual timelines. Frida and Gabriel were part of a cult in which they decided to claim each other as siblings. In this world, the concept of traditional family didn’t exist. The adults collectively claimed the children, and no one knew who their biological parents were. After enduring abuse, Frida and Gabriel ultimately escape in a dramatic and life-altering way.

Fifteen years later, they reunite at a remote resort in Escalante, Utah. Frida notices Gabriel seems distant, secretive—off. They've always had each other's backs, but when they become entangled in a murder investigation, tension mounts. Frida is sure Gabriel couldn’t be involved with Sabrina Brenner, the wife of a wealthy guest at the resort. But as she reflects on his strange behavior, she starts to question everything. Gabriel's first wife, Annie, died under mysterious circumstances nine years earlier, and suspicion falls on him quickly. As secrets from their shared past come to light, Frida is left to wonder if the brother she once trusted is still the same man.

The pacing and structure were so well done—classic Michallon. It starts off slowly, but the tension builds steadily until I was flying through the pages. The characters are richly developed, and I had to keep reminding myself that Frida and Gabriel weren’t actually related—they played the role so convincingly. The setting, too, was incredibly atmospheric. I loved how the layers of mystery unfolded and intertwined.

If you enjoyed The Quiet Tenant, this is a must-read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Clemence has done it again. Her writing just has a way of pulling you in getting you hooked. I will buy whatever she writes.

3.5 stars, rounded up. A new-to-me author, Michallon's "Our Last Resort" appealed due to both the Utah resort locale & the cult involvement. Overall, I found it a quite serviceable thriller - I did not find either of the MC's (brother & sister duo Frida & Gabe) likable but I did understand their cult trauma bond. I did really enjoy the desert resort vibe & the ending was very good, but I also thought the pacing was a bit off, especially in the middle where it lagged. Still thought it was good & will recommend. My sincere thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for the widget for an advance readers copy - greatly appreciate the opportunity to read & review it. Now to look up the author's previous title!!

I loved Clemence Michallon's previous book and was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, this one did not live up to my expectations and felt like another run of the mill thriller, where I felt her previous book was more elevated in language and storytelling.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Frida and Gabriel were born into a cult, forging a relationship as close as siblings. Escaping when they turned 18, the two lean on each other to make their way in the world. After losing touch with each other, they attempt to rReconnecting at a luxury hotel in the Utah desert. Unfortunately, they are dragged into a murder that occurs at the hotel that will bring out memories and secrets the two have tried to bury.

The story is told by Frida, with a before and after timeline. Instead of a nail-biting suspense story, I would liken this to a slow-moving cozy mystery. Anytime suspense is built, the story shifts to another timeline, interrupting flow and continuity. The characters were superficial and one-dimensional, and Frida became tedious by the end of the story.

It’s not a bad story, it just didn’t live up to its potential.

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I love Clémence Michallon writing style and story telling. This is another phenomenally written thriller by her!

I love hr character development and plot twists.

A truly unique and stimulating book that keeps you hooked until the very end!

I really enjoyed this book. Frida and Gabriel grew up in a cult. Raised as siblings this relationship took them into their teen years. They escaped the cult together as young adults and had to figure out how to navigate the world with only each other. Fast forward a few years and Gabriel’s wife is murdered. They look at him but with no evidence they let him go. Now Friday and Gabriel are on vacation when another women turns up dead. With connections to Gabriel, he then becomes the suspect.

I loved the character development of Frida and Gabriel and seeing their growth through the book. The story played out very well and the author did an excellent job at the alternating timeline. Very well written and kept my attention the whole time.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Knopf Publishers for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.

3.5 stars - I loved Clemence's first book, The Quiet Tenant, so I was very excited to read this book. I wouldn't say this is a typical thriller, more of a fiction with a mystery. A brother and sister escape from a cult and later find themselves intertwined with a murder while on vacation. The book has two timelines and is very character driven. I found the cult aspect interesting and very well done. The alternating time lines in the second half of the book made it so hard to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon. This story quietly wrecked me in the best way. It’s beautifully written—emotional, introspective, and full of heart. Michallon has such a gentle, powerful voice that pulls you into the characters’ grief, their memories, and the slow, steady process of healing.

The setting was so atmospheric, and the resort felt like more than just a backdrop—it was a space where pain lingered, but hope began to grow. I appreciated how nuanced and honest the relationships were, especially in the face of loss and uncertainty.

This is the kind of book that stays with you long after the final page. Thoughtful, tender, and quietly powerful.