I did enjoy this author’s previous book better than this one, but I still found it where to read. This one to me was more of a mystery than a thriller, as it has several different mysteries ongoing and I also enjoy the fact that it has two different timelines, which is great as you’re able to get to know the characters based on their past.. this also has a cult element which normally I’m not a fan of but because of the multiple timelines I actually enjoy this one.

Our Last Resort was more of a character driven thriller than I normally read, but I really enjoyed it. It is a slower paced book as we learn about our 2 main characters in the past and the present. For me there weren’t any twists that I didn’t see coming, it was more of a story of friendship and that unbreakable connection between these characters.

Frida and Gabriel grew up in a cult and know each other back to front and inside out. They have been through some dark times and had that unconventional upbringing that only they understand. In a bid to reconnect after being estranged for a little while they travel to a high end resort in Utah. Nothing to do but relax, swim and talk. But when a guest is murdered, the pair find themselves persons of interest and puts their relationship in jeopardy.

I enjoyed how we see everything through the point of view of Frida, both in the present day and in the past. These two had a connection that was hard for outsiders to understand but made perfect sense to them. It shows just how far they would go for each other.

Thank you to Elliot and Thompson for my advanced copy of this book on NetGalley to read. Out on August 7th.

Clémence Michallon’s Our Last Resort is a tightly written, propulsively paced thriller that crackles from the first chapter. Siblings Frida and Gabriel—survivors of a New York cult—reunite at Utah’s luxurious Ara Hotel to reconnect after an estrangement, only to be drawn into a murder investigation when another guest is found dead.
Alternating between past and present, Michallon peels back layers of trauma, family loyalty, and suspicion. The narrative doesn’t let up—it rushes toward a shattering climax that keeps the pages turning, all while probing whether we ever truly know those we love. A gripping and emotionally resonant summer thriller that kept me awake, vowing "just one more chapter," before I gave in and binged the whole thing.

Decent but didn’t quite deliver…

Our Last Resort was an okay read for me. The story alternates between present day—where two siblings reconnect at a wellness retreat—and flashbacks to their childhood in a commune that doubled as a cult. While I appreciated the premise and the potential for emotional depth, the execution fell a bit flat.

I found the book to be pretty predictable, and the writing style was overly wordy at times without adding much new or necessary information. I kept waiting for a twist or a moment that would pull me in, but it never quite got there.

I absolutely loved the author’s previous book The Quiet Tenant, so maybe my expectations were a little too high. That one had me hooked, while this one just didn’t have the same grip. Overall, it was a decent read, just not the engaging, twisty experience I was hoping for.

Dark story about unhealthily co-dependent relationship.

Frida and Gabriel are brother and sister but not by blood, by choice. They grew up in a cult and their life has been unseperated ever since they were 10 years old. But as in every family there were things that united them and things that separated them, and then there was a tragedy. Nine years later both are going to the last resort ro restore their relationship but can they make it? And what happens when next to them another tragedy ensues?

The author tries to make us see how trustful are relationship between both main characters but she doesn't try to hide the unhealthy part of it too - they both are not good for each other. Maybe in the earlier years after escaping the cult but not anymore so it was interesting to read how they are trying to fool themselves that they are perfect as a family.

I liked the murder mistery part on the resort but the cult part seemed lacking depth, i would love to read more about that part of their lives.

It was an ok read but more suited for murder mistery fans than for those who would like to dive in the darkness of cults.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Growing up in a cult pulls two young children, Frida and Gabriel, together in a tight bond that will last a lifetime.

This slow burn physiological suspense will keep you wanting to read more.
Told through different timelines we learn about their journey in the cult, their escape and moving on with their lives. But not all is as it seems even when your lives are so intwined. Do you really know those closest to you?

We are given great in-depth look into both the main characters individually, and as a pair and witness their characters build throughout the book while they come to terms with their past and present.

My only downside was at times it felt a little too slow.

Thank you NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson for the ARC copy to review.

I really enjoyed this author’s first novel and was excited to read OUR LAST RESORT, but it was ultimately a dud. The premise was interesting and I was intrigued by the setup and the dual timeline into the past, but neither plotline really came to fruition. It felt like nothing of any substance occurred in the first two thirds of the book; by the time the plot developed, I was bored out of my mind.

I did like the twist that made me do a reread to make sure I caught it, but wish the novel was much shorter.

Thanks to NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson for the opportunity to read and review OUR LAST RESORT.

This is the second novel by Clemence Michallon. It follows Frida and Gabriel who are siblings from a cult. They are relaxing at an exclusive resort when a murder occurs. The novel has two timelines and goes back and forth through the chapters of the book. This novel is less thriller and more mystery.
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Knopf publishing and Net Galley

Our Last Resort is a multilayered, character-driven thriller, a great 1-day read on the deck on a sunny summer Sunday!
Gabriel and Frida grew up together in a cult, and escaped together when they were 18 years old. Although not actually related, they are brother and sister in spirit, but they have grown apart in the past few years after Gabriel escaped to Seattle after being wrongfully accused (but never acquitted, in the public eye) in a tragic death. The pair has met up at a high-end spa resort in Utah, but when one of the other guests is found murdered, Gabriel and Frida find themselves "persons of interest", bringing back the tension and fear of their past experience. Can they prove their innocence? There were a couple of well-done twists (caught me by surprise, anyway) and the characters were well developed; although I didn't really relate to them, that did not detract from my enjoyment of their story.

I found the book had good writing, it was clear, and the idea was a solid effort but I found the story over all lacking.
I didn’t feel gripped, or taken into the story like I would have hoped.

I have read this authors previous work, and it was also a 3 or 4 star. So maybe it’s just me.

Being bought up in a cult environment not knowing anything about the outside world, how would you adjust to normal life outside?

The dark secrets of the 2 main characters made a slow and at times a boring read. The book could have done with something a bit more racey.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book.

This book was difficult to get interested in, so I went back to the beginning and started over again and then I was able to read it and stay intrigued by it. I enjoyed the way Frida went from past to present throughout the story, filling us in one the history of her and Gabriel (her 'brother') ,which I thought he was the first time I read it, not originally their inability to have families at the cult, especially since that's the entire theme throughout the book! I was surprised at the ending and the fact that Gabriel didn't turn Frida in to the cops but fully understanding their relationship, it's what I fully expected of his character! I'd give this book 4.5 stars if I could but I'll just award it a four.

Our Last Resort is a book that slowly simmers and oozes as the story of Frida and Gabriel, two individuals raised in a cult, deal with trauma and murder in their lives. This book, which is told in two timelines, has a mesmerizing feel as we learn about the siblings and their time spent growing up in a cult and their lives after the cult. There is something intriguing to me about cults. The how's and whys about why people join, why they stay, and what it must be like to live under the control of another.

Frida and Gabriel grew up in a cult and eventually escape and have a very rough couple of years trying to survive and make their way in a world they were raised to mistrust. They eventually drift apart but come back together when Gabriel is questioned for murder - for a second time!!!

This book was a bit slow in spots and usually I struggle with slow burns but this one grabbed and held my attention. I wanted to know about the murders and their past growing up in the cult. This book is told through Frida's POV, and readers are privy to her thoughts, concerns, emotions, doubts, and belief in her brother.

I enjoyed the quiet tension in this book. The deaths that seem to happen around Gabriel. The wondering what is going on, why is this occurring, and why? This book asks the question of how well do we know those in our lives? What secrets do those we love keep?

I thought I knew where this book was going and found that I was way off base. I loved The Quiet Tenant, and although this book did not grab my attention or shock me in the way that book did, this book is more lowkey yet manages to tip toe up behind the reader, give a gentle tap on the shoulder, before the books ending.

I enjoyed the atmosphere and foreboding scenes which occurred in the past timeline. The time spent in the cult has a very ominous feel promoted unease and dread. The time in the present feels very different as that time is behind them, but they are still in a risky high stake's situation.

Overall, an enjoyable, gripping, well thought out, and thought-provoking book.

I enjoyed Our Last Resort, it was entertaining and a quick read.

It follows Frida and Gabriel, from their loves as kids in a cult, to adults after their escape. It was more than a story about adapting to real life though, at its heart, this was about murder and love.

While I loved the cult aspect, I didn’t particularly love the characters. And I would have liked more background into what happened in the 5 years after Annie’s murder, rather than Frida’s monologue.

Speaking of the murder of Annie, I did pick the murderer, but not what unfolded at the resort 9 years later.

Overall, there was some strange aspects to this, that made it an addictive read, and I loved the ending scene between Frida and Gabriel.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Elliot & Thompson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Our Last Resort" by Clémence Michallon is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The story revolves around a group of characters who find themselves intertwined in a holiday resort, each grappling with their own personal struggles and secrets.

Michallon's writing is evocative, painting vivid images of both the idyllic setting and the internal turmoil of her characters. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, allowing readers to delve deep into the psyches of the protagonists. This technique creates a rich tapestry of human experience, showcasing the complexities of relationships and the impact of past decisions.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of tension interspersed with reflective passages. Michallon masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers engaged as the characters confront their demons and seek solace in each other. The emotional depth of the storytelling is complemented by sharp dialogue and relatable experiences, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters.

Overall, "Our Last Resort" is a thought-provoking read that encourages reflection on the choices we make and the paths we take. Michallon's talent for weaving intricate narratives and her keen understanding of human emotions make this novel a standout in contemporary literature. It's a compelling exploration of how love can be both a refuge and a source of pain, leaving readers with a lingering sense of hope.

I was extremely excited to have been gifted an ARC of Our Last Resort, especially after reading and loving the author's previous novel, The Quiet Tenant. Let me just start with stating that there is no doubt Michallon can write. However, whereas I was completely gripped and intrigued by The Quiet Tenant, The Last Resort felt incredibly slow and although it was actually rather long, it also felt like there were parts that felt incomplete. Also, I usually really enjoy dual timelines, but here it felt like a detriment to the pacing of the story.

This is a really strong story about found family and manipulation. The audiobook performance was excellent, and while certain parts of the story lagged, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to lovers of true crime and intense family dramas.

Well, it had potential, but it ultimately fell a bit flat for me. I didn’t really connect with the characters and they felt somewhat underdeveloped, which made it hard to get emotionally invested in their journey. The cult aspect seemed like it could’ve added a gripping, darker layer to the story, but it was barely explored, which was disappointing. Overall, the plot was fine but pretty plain, without many surprises or moments that truly stood out

I was such a fan of The Tenant — it was one of those reads that genuinely stuck with me and had me recommending it to everyone I knew. So naturally, I was excited to dive into this second book. Maybe it’s down to high expectations, but sadly, this one didn’t land the same way for me.

The premise had real promise, especially the cult element, which I found immediately compelling. That thread kept me turning the pages. But overall, the story didn’t grip me like I’d hoped. The dual timelines were a bit jarring at times, making it harder to stay anchored in the plot, and while the characters were fine, they didn’t quite leave a lasting impression. One of the main twists I saw coming early on, which took some of the momentum out of the ending — even though there was an additional twist, it didn’t quite make up for the predictability.

That said, I’m not writing this author off at all — I still think she’s got a brilliant voice, and I’ll absolutely pick up whatever she writes next. This one just didn’t quite meet the bar set by her debut, but I’m hopeful she’ll come back stronger in book three.

Thank you for the arc! I loved the Quiet Tenant and its very unpredictable plot so I’ve been anxiously awaiting this release. The consistency of family surprised me, I feel like it’s so easy to broach a more predictable story line between close “siblings” who don’t share blood and it this stayed true. Already looking forward to the next one.