I really enjoyed this thriller, including the writing, suspenseful plot, characters and the excellent narration.
Kiersten Modglin always writes great stories with shocking, twisty narratives and this was no exception! The way the dual timelines converged was totally unexpected 🤯 ‼️
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

WARNING: unpopular opinion ahead!!

I only discovered Kiersten Modglin's writing last year, and the first couple of thrillers were all hits for me. I admit that I did have a recent fail with one of her romantic suspense books, but I was still convinced that I would enjoy my time with The Last Trip. The premise sounded like it had SO much potential, and I decided to try this story on audio as I'm hoping to listen to more audiobooks this year. Sadly, this newest story turned out to be another miss for me personally. I'll try to explain why below.

Don't get me wrong, the premise of The Last Trip had a lot of potential and I get why it only reveals part of the plot to avoid spoilers. BUT. I loved the sound of the snowy mountains and remote cabin setting, and was a bit disappointed that this setting only played a small role in the plot. Instead, the story mainly takes place in Nashville, and switches between past and present as well as an unnamed male and female POV. This is done to help introduce a couple plot twists later on, although I have to be honest that those didn't quite have the impact I suspect the author hoped it would have... Mostly because it was pretty predictable what would happen by then.

If I had known the domestic drama direction this story would go in, I'm not sure if I would have decided to listen to it. It's not my favorite topic and I have to be in the mood for it; I was expecting a different story and this was probably part of the problem for me. That said, I wasn't exactly a fan of the characters. Calvin has so many red flags that it's a miracle Sadie didn't run away screaming long ago... It makes her character come over as either stupid or at least extremely naive, and as a result I struggled to connect to her. Calvin is just so extremely hard to like, and this only became worse as his POV started to reveal more about him.

It's true that this story is without doubt a quick read and I enjoyed the part set in the mountains. If the story had stayed there and more suspicious things would have happened at that location, the story would probably have been easier to like... But I can't say that I was a fan of the direction the story took, and some of the plot twists were so over the top that they were just plain silly. The ending itself was both underwhelming and lacked credibility... In fact, leave your disbelief at the door when you start reading this story in general, because you will need it to at least attempt to enjoy the plot.

As for the audiobook itself: sadly I regret my decision to listen to the audiobook. This had nothing to do with the story itself and everything with the two narrators. You know that feeling when a voice starts to grate on you the moment you first hear it? Well, that is exactly what happened with the female narrator for me. It wasn't just the extremely slow way of speaking even when I turned up the speed, but she also spoke with a breathy voice that started to annoy me more and more over time. The male narrator wasn't that much of an improvement for me; that narration was also extremely slow and there were very unnatural pauses in the middle of sentences. This reaction to both narrators definitely made it a lot harder to enjoy the story, and I suspect that it would have been easier to overcome the other issues if I had just read it on my kindle instead.

All in all The Last Trip didn't exactly turn out to be the enjoyable listening experience I thought it would be... Too much domestic drama, lack of credibility, unlikeable characters and a narration that didn't work for me prevented me from doing so, although I do have to say that I seem to be in the minority so far.

Sadie and Calvin’s babymoon is supposed to be a peaceful getaway before their first child arrives, but things start feeling off before they even reach the rental. The homeowners act strangely, and Sadie can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched. Worse, Calvin is dismissive of her concerns, making her question whether pregnancy is playing tricks on her mind. Is she just being paranoid, or is she in danger? The story unfolds in two perspectives: “Her” (Sadie, in the present) and “Him” (a mystery man from the past whose identity isn’t revealed until later). As the timelines converge, secrets unravel, betrayals come to light, and the babymoon meant to bring them closer together turns into a nightmare.

The dual timeline narration of The Last Trip is a standout feature, executed seamlessly to keep the tension building. The audiobook, in particular, enhances this structure, with Jay Myers bringing an added layer of eeriness to the "Him" chapters. His voice deepens the sense of menace and keeps the reader on edge, effectively balancing the mystery's slow burn without ever veering into gimmick territory.

While I did find the psychological suspense gripping and the pace tight, this is more of a plot-driven thriller than a character study. Sadie is sympathetic but lacks depth, and the "Him" is more of a one-dimensional villain than a nuanced character. Also, the premise requires some suspension of disbelief. While the psychological aspects are grounded, certain plot twists, particularly the MMC's long game, might strain credulity for some readers.

The Last Trip is a gripping, quick thriller perfect for fans of dark domestic suspense with a high “WTF” factor. While the believability might not hold up under scrutiny, the tension, mystery, and shocking twists make it an addictive read. If you enjoy books where the dread builds steadily before exploding in the final act, this one is worth picking up. Sensitive readers should review content warnings for this book before picking it up.

Content warnings (possible spoilers): gaslighting, emotional manipulation, infidelity, and a disturbing element involving non-consensual impregnation.

eh, so so. Nothing shocking or jaw dropping. but decent enough to keep me entertained. dklfcjsldfidznvlzdncjld

“It’s not paranoia if it’s necessary. Being a woman means constantly being aware of your vulnerable spots and weaknesses in any situation. It’s looking for a way out when you enter any room and scanning for safe faces in a crowd…”

👆 I do know guys that do that, but not for the same reasons. I loved that quote.

Synopsis: Man & Woman are engaged and expecting 🤰. Woman starts feeling like she’s being watched and spied on… they have a baby moon where things really take a turn.

That’s all I want to say because there are so many things you won’t see coming in this one! I don’t want to possibly give anything away.

Review: I really enjoyed the ride for this one. I never was sure where Modglin was going with this story. At only 5 hours long, this audiobook was easy to speed through. There were lots of twists and turns. I do feel like there are a few things left unexplained, but for a quick thriller, that’s okay. The ending really irritated me, but I can’t say anything specific without providing a spoiler - medically it doesn’t make sense. Overall, I definitely recommend! 3.5⭐️

Audiobook length: 5 hours
Narrators: Abigail Reno and Jay Myers

Read if you like:
🏃‍♀️ Fast paced thrillers
🤨 Questioning where the story is going (in a good way)
🎬 You by Caroline Kepnes
😱 Shocking reveals

Thank you to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

Calvin and Sadie decide to take one last trip before their baby is born. But not everything is as it seems.

This book messed with my head! In a good way. Here's what I loved:

The twistyness: This one was so twisted and twisty. I was truly shocked a few times. Mouth fully open and shocked. The story was good and left me on edge the entire time. This was a perfect short thriller.

The characters: I really liked how these characters were laid out. They aren't perfect in a lot of ways but they were still fun to follow.

The narration: Abigail Reno and Jay Meyers were great in this! Both held my attention and were perfect for their characters.

All in all, this was a great short thriller.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

Overall this was a good book. One with twists and creepy bits I didn’t see coming. Sadie feels like typical character, in love and pregnant. She sets off on a weekend trip with her fiancé that turns ultra creepy. Then, it gets EVEN WEIRDER.

Overall, the book was great. Except, parts of the ending felt unbelievable? Just *too* weird. But, until then, super good!

Advanced listener copy provided by Dreamscape Media but all opinions are my own.

One thing about me is if Kiersten Modglin has an audiobook available on NetGalley, I’m gonna apply for it. 💅 her books are always so crazy and entertaining. This one was full of so many twists I didn’t see coming and I had an amazing time! The narration was also great. Def recommend this one

Kiersten Modglin has very quickly become one of my all-time favorite authors! The Last Trip hooked me from the beginning and was a wild and bumpy ride. I thought I had it all figured out until the unexpected twist. Highly recommend making this your next read!

Kiersten Modglin is an instant read for me now. She is the queen of short and fast thrillers. The Last Trip may be my favorite to date by her, but I had a connection to the book that is not going to be the same for everyone.

I’ll start with my odd connection to this one. Sadie is 37 weeks pregnant. The day I started this book, my wife was also 37 weeks pregnant. To keep some personal information out, I will also say there may or may not have been some similarities with names that will be chosen. It was really just an off experience for me but it sucked me in so much more.

Sadie and Calvin go away to a cabin for their baby moon. They seem like the perfect couple and they both seem like excellent partners for each other. Of course, nothing is how it seems and they both have some secrets, some much more sinister than the other.

This is one of those books that you just have to finish in one sitting. It hooks you in so fast and you need to see how it all comes together. I can’t wait to dive into another book by Modglin.

⋆˚✿˖°♥❀ 𝗡 𝗘 𝗪 𝗥 𝗘 𝗟 𝗘 𝗔 𝗦 𝗘 & 𝗔 𝗟 𝗖 𝗥 𝗘 𝗩 𝗜 𝗘 𝗪! ❀♥˖°✿˚⋆

What was meant to be a relaxing and romantic trip away before Calvin and Sadie became parents and spent time as just a couple before their bundle of joy came into their lives… started terribly when Calvin got an unexpected call and some unsettling and shocking news and from there it seems their little holiday away goes downhill.

This book was beautifully written and easy to keep up with and follow along, getting to know details about the characters and it didn’t take long for me to be completely hooked on the storyline and falling in love with the characters and eager to see where the story was going. This wasn’t a bad read. It’s not my typical read, so I was unsure if I’d like it or not but I’m glad I gave it a chance and most definitely will be reading more of the author's books!

I honestly think this is one of those books you need to go blind. You’ll get the best experience that way!


FOUR STARS
✰✰✰✰

The Last Trip kicks off with a dubious babymoon and escalates into a whirlwind of chaos! This psychological thriller is filled with unexpected twists and turns, offering an entertaining read. While I wasn't particularly fond of the characters, the plot and surprises were quite engaging. Just when you believe you've anticipated the next development, another twist appears, leaving you bewildered. 3.5 star read!

***audiobook review***

I just finished this audiobook, and honestly, it was a pretty solid listen.

First off, it was short. Perfect for a quick commute or a lazy afternoon doing some housework. That's a huge plus for me. It had good pacing and kept things moving, no dragging, just straight to the point.

It also had some twists. I was definitely hooked from the start. The beginning grabbed me, and I was all "Ooh, where's this going?"

Now, here's the "but." The ending... it kinda fizzled a bit for me. Not that it was terrible, just, well, not as exciting as the start.

Overall, it was still a good listen! If you're into quick, twisty mystery thrillers and don't mind if the ending isn't a total knockout, give it a go. You'll probably enjoy it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this audiobook. I voluntarily listened and gave an honest review.

Kiersten Modglin is always full of crazy twists and turns and this one was no exception. I thought it moved a little slower than I was expecting or hoping for but the twists at the end were worth it. I listened to the audiobook and I liked the narrators a lot, they really brought the characters to life. Sadie and her fiance have planed a short getaway as a last trip before Sadie gives birth. Sadie wasn’t sure she wanted to be a mother but now that she can feel her daughter inside of her she knows this is the most magical thing that has ever happened to her. But nothing about the trip goes as planned and her perfect fiancé seems to have been keeping secrets. This was a super quick book and I definitely enjoyed it.

I'm not sure if my expectations were a little high or what, but this one was not my favorite. I felt it was too far-fetched. It was entertaining but overly unrealistic for me. I couldn't connect with the characters because of this. Calvin's affection irked me. The twist was surprising!
The story has enough to keep readers entertained, though. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'll still recommend to others!

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Just one final escape before the arrival of their little one… That’s the sole purpose of this getaway. But soon enough, unexpected visitors show up. When Calvin and Sadie opt for a peaceful babymoon in a secluded cabin nestled in the snowy mountains ahead of their first child’s birth, they envision a time to bond, unwind, and celebrate their growing family. However, before they can even settle in, shocking news hits them hard, leaving the couple in a state of disbelief. To complicate matters, their welcome at the rental is overshadowed by the peculiar behavior of the homeowners, and Sadie can’t shake the unsettling feeling that someone is watching her every move. As another alarming revelation surfaces, it shakes the very foundation of trust that Calvin and Sadie had built together. With uncertainty clouding their judgment about whom to rely on and how to proceed, their peaceful retreat spirals into a nightmare. If the couple fails to uncover the truth in time, this last getaway before parenthood could turn into their final adventure.

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
This book was an exciting and quick-moving domestic thriller infused with psychological suspense. It was filled with secrets, deceptions, and unexpected twists.. I appreciated how I was completely in the dark about the unfolding events. It's tricky to elaborate without giving anything away, but everything is intricately connected and wraps up beautifully! Regarding the audiobook, I enjoyed the dual narration. It complemented the alternating chapters between the two characters perfectly. I also found the blend of past and present timelines to be quite enjoyable.
Thank You @Netgalley and @ Dreamscape Media for allowing me to reviews this ALC.

I really enjoyed this book. The twists worked for me. I actually really liked the two women in this book. I liked their relationship and that they were working together.

Thank you netgalley for the ALC. The narrator was.exactly what I wanted and brought the story to life.

Kiersten Modglin fans, listen up. Her latest book, The Last Trip is coming soon. I just finished the audiobook and it was gripping.

4.5 ⭐️ | I should have know known Kiersten Modglin would throw in a crazy & unexpected twist!! The Last Trip was a GREAT suspense thriller that keeps eye brows raised, and forehead frowned as you try to decipher what is actually happening! Calvin a Sadie are newly engaged and expecting their first child. They decide to take a trip, sort of a last hoorah before the baby arrives, as they know their lives will change forever soon. Soon after they arrive at their cabin, Sadie begins to question is she in danger. Between the odd couple that owns the cabin continuing to show up and Calvin’s long lost adult daughter surfacing, Sadie beings to question those around her. But per usual in true Kiersten fashion, you won’t know what’s going on “until you know.” Abigail Reno & Jay Myers did great with the narration!

Highly highly recommend this novel. Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.

Wow wow 😮 some big twists in this book. Most of it is packed in the last 30-25%

Another thriller by this author that I couldn’t put down. I could have easily read another book with these characters had the ending been a little different that left that door open.

I will complain () that the title and cover make zero sense.