katie_liz 's review for:

Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon

3.75

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I’m a bit torn on how to review Our Last Resort. It’s a very slow burn, almost hypnotic in its pacing and language. That rhythm pairs well with the luxury desert setting, where a sense of danger quietly undercuts the beauty and glamour.

This is juxtaposed with flashbacks to Gabriel and Frida’s past, growing up in a cult. Those scenes were intriguing and haunting, and I was completely caught up in their story and the unique nature of their relationship.

However, the connection between past and present felt more tenuous. By the end, I still didn’t have a clear sense of Gabriel and Frida’s relationship in the now. The slow build and simmering suspense felt like it was leading to a big twist, but that moment never quite arrived.

That said, I did enjoy it. The prose was atmospheric and haunting at times, and there was something mesmerising in the effortless way it moved between timelines. It felt more drama than thriller, and I flew through it in a day, enjoying the ebbs and flows of their journey.

I’d recommend for anyone looking for an engaging and atmospheric slow burn suspense.

Thank you to the publishers for this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed are my own.