A review by pomoevareads
The Last Word by Taylor Adams

mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Broken-hearted Emma Carpenter is given a horror book to read by her neighbour where she is housesitting on the Washington state coast. She regularly communicates with the neighbour via a whiteboard and telescope. Emma would end things if it were not for her beautiful golden retriever, Laika, named after the dog sent out to space. The book-it’s terrible, and she leaves a one star review for the author. Then strange things start happening and Emma doesn’t know if she is paranoid or if the author has come after her for her poor review.

Pick a weapon, and it was likely used in this book. Full of jump starts and twists and reminiscent of 80s final girl films, The Last Word has received many rave reviews. Throw in the possible harm of an animal and you lose my trust. 

I was excited to read this book based on the premise but it fell a bit flat for me. It borders on horror which I am not a fan of so perhaps I was not the intended audience for this one. Please check out other reviewers’ glowing reviews as it has a fast-paced and thrilling plot line that many will enjoy. I really enjoyed No Exit and Hairpin Bridge and will read what the author writes next. 
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