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A review by justinkhchen
The Last Word by Taylor Adams
4.25
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**
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**