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livia07's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hedyd's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The beginning is draggy but once the action and twists start happening, it really picks up.
emmalovey's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hmstumfoll's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
angiebradley's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Murder
sakura_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
it was binge worthy
chiar_'s review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
justinkhchen's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars
A rollercoaster ride that repeatingly upends one's expectation, if you're seeking nonstop thrills, The Last Word would absolutely ace it in that department. Even though towards the end there might be a few turns too many for my preference, I can't deny this is a fun cat-and-mouse game with a relatable (as an online book reviewer), unhinged premise (a deranged author going after a 1-star reviewer), and cleverly planted misdirection.
Initially I had my doubt how Taylor Adams was going to stretch this typical thriller scenario (single location + a lone woman + a perpetrator) into a full-length novel (without delving into cliches), but he managed it with engaging character backstories, and effective perspective swap that obscured facts, and served well-timed comedic moments. Realism is not a priority in The Last Word (one recurring method of communication between characters would realistically involve perfect eye sight, patience, ans some high-end equipment), so it's better enjoyed by simply taking in the over-the-top spectacle.
My one minor gripe regarding the novel is its ending—which has so many false closures, to the point I was mentally checked-out, and not caring about the outcome of any of its characters. It also has so many reveals, it's hard to fact-check if everything actually lined up. Still, as a reading experience it fully delivers on the adrenaline, and it's easily on par to the fan favorite No Exit.
**The Book Troop Book Club May 2023 Selection**
A rollercoaster ride that repeatingly upends one's expectation, if you're seeking nonstop thrills, The Last Word would absolutely ace it in that department. Even though towards the end there might be a few turns too many for my preference, I can't deny this is a fun cat-and-mouse game with a relatable (as an online book reviewer), unhinged premise (a deranged author going after a 1-star reviewer), and cleverly planted misdirection.
Initially I had my doubt how Taylor Adams was going to stretch this typical thriller scenario (single location + a lone woman + a perpetrator) into a full-length novel (without delving into cliches), but he managed it with engaging character backstories, and effective perspective swap that obscured facts, and served well-timed comedic moments. Realism is not a priority in The Last Word (one recurring method of communication between characters would realistically involve perfect eye sight, patience, ans some high-end equipment), so it's better enjoyed by simply taking in the over-the-top spectacle.
My one minor gripe regarding the novel is its ending—which has so many false closures, to the point I was mentally checked-out, and not caring about the outcome of any of its characters. It also has so many reveals, it's hard to fact-check if everything actually lined up. Still, as a reading experience it fully delivers on the adrenaline, and it's easily on par to the fan favorite No Exit.
**The Book Troop Book Club May 2023 Selection**