I was looking forward to this one after Hidden Pictures but sadly it falls short.

A fuller review will follow but it's a fairly enjoyable book but doesn't do enough to set it apart from other stories. There isn't the same shock revelation you'd expect following Hidden Pictures which will likely disappoint many.

When this book began, I was thinking ..I wonder what is going to happen next?
It was clear that Frank, Maggie's dad suspected something odd about her fiancé and so did I.
I soon realised that Frank was someone who often questioned things alot which caused friction between him & his daughter and also other characters.
We're also introduced to Tammy (Frank's sister, who seems as though nothing bothers her) and her Foster daughter, Abigail. I often felt Tammy had this 'everything is fine attitude' and I could see why it may have irritated Frank.

Wedding preparations were in full swing, Frank met his future son-in-law (Aiden) and his father but I got this weird sense that there was something else not quite right. I found it peculiar how we don't really see much of Aiden's mum..

Though a couple revelations in the story surprised me (with the lead up to the big day) I felt the story overall was underwhelming. I tried to see how the title and events in the story were linked but at times, it wasn't always clear. The story had a lot of potential but it didn't meet my expectations
Rating: 2.5 🌟

Pictures, so approached The Last One At the Wedding with some hesitation. Surprisingly, I ended up enjoying it more than expected. While the characters weren’t particularly deep or well-developed, the plot managed to keep me engaged, Even though the characters weren’t particularly well developed, the plot held my attention and I liked the easy, almost conversational writing style; the twists were well-executed and added to the story's appeal. Overall, it’s a very readable story even if not the most memorable one.

This is the first novel I’ve read by the author and I found it to be an original , unpredictable and gripping thriller.
When Frank is invited to his estranged daughter’s wedding he is thrilled that Maggie is back in touch with him but he soon begins to have doubts about her fiancée and his family.
I loved the character of Frank and was rooting for him throughout. This is a brilliantly plotted thriller that comes together so well. I loved the style of writing which really drew me into Frank’s world. It’s an original novel with plenty of surprises and really stood out for me amongst the many thrillers I read.
Highly recommended
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
4.5 stars.

I loved Jason Rekulak’s book Hidden Pictures and so I was extremely excited for this book, however it could not have been more different to Hidden Pictures. That said, I really loved this thriller and there were moments I was SO shocked at what was unfolding. We follow Frank who is invited to his estranged daughter’s wedding and who doesn’t love a fun secluded location. Frank starts to notice things about Maggie’s fiance, Aidan and his family. Frank feels he needs to dig into his suspicions to protect his daughter and the fun unfolds from there. If you enjoy fun thrillers, I recommend this one. It is more of a slow burn thriller, but the pages kept me hooked throughout.

Thank you Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK | Sphere and Jason Rekulak for the eArc of The Last One at the Wedding.

This is the first book Ive read from Jason Rekulak and it's a great thrilling ride from beginning to end! I really enjoyed the general premise and the flow of the narrative which kept at a medium pace throughout the book. The main charcters were well built and likeable but in different ways. I particularly connected to Frank, being a parent myself, could very easily place myself into his shoes. I also loved his sister, even though she tries to jolly Frank along, she becomes " blind " to the weird goings on. The relationship she also has with her foster child is adorable and Frank soon warms to her too.

I particularly enjoyed when everything starts to unravel, the foreshadowing and the finale reveal. It made for a great, page turning read.

4 stars

I was really excited when I saw that I was accepted to read this book as an arc. I really liked Hidden Pictures so I was very curious to see what this one would give. It wasn't one of my favorites and I like the other book more than this one. It was an enjoyable read with a charming premise, but it falls a bit short in delivering the emotional depth I was hoping for. The characters are likable and relatable, yet some of the plot twists feel predictable. Despite these shortcomings, the book offers lighthearted moments and a heartwarming conclusion, making it a decent choice for a quick, fun read. I'm curious to see what Jason Rekulak will bring later!

I chose this book and was not disappointed as it did dwell on so many topics that appealed to me. The concept of an estranged child suddenly contacting a father after 3 years and invite him to her wedding and to give her away was a lovely idea and the story following this had many twists and turns that kept me as a reader interested, however at times it became a little convoluted and unrealistic. The premise of how much does a parent do to protect their child was very thought provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book but I felt that ti was a sudden ending that was not introduced. There appeared to be a huge jump from one bit to the sudden ending with no explanations of the why or the how. The book kept me reading and not wanting to put it down as I wanted to know what was going to happen to close all the holes that were left open. If the ending had flowed from the story and not been so sudden or missing so much of the missing information that happened at the end this would have been an easy 5 star review.
Great read and I would like to read more by this author.

I started off loving this tale but the middle section seemed to lose its thrills and apart from one of two exceptions like Frank and Abigail his foster niece the characters were the oddest bunch. You would struggle to make a friend at that wedding that’s for sure.

Quite indecisive about whether to give this book a 3 or a 4…. So it gets a 3.5…and here’s why….

I guess like most people who have read Hidden Pictures by this author, I couldn’t wait to read this book as I absolutely loved Hidden Pictures!

This book drew me in straight away when I started reading it and I thoroughly enjoyed how the suspense held my attention and grabbed my interest, and this remained with the story throughout most of the book. Unfortunately, for some reason the last few chapters felt a bit disjointed as the story was getting tied up and for me, the ending just fell a little bit short considering how well I felt the rest of the book had been told.

After the success of Hidden Pictures, this one is sure to be at the top of many TBR lists. While very different to his previous works, this one is a thriller, not horror but still offers up the same intense and deep storytelling, interesting characters and fun-to-read twists. I liked the main character here and found the themes around family and relationships to be compelling. I like this authors style and regardless of genre will certainly be reading more releases in the future.

Jason Rekulak’s Last One at the Wedding is a captivating thriller with unexpected emotional depth, blending psychological tension with familial drama. Known for his gripping narratives, as seen in Hidden Pictures, Rekulak once again delivers a story that keeps readers guessing until the very end. But what sets this thriller apart is the heart that beats at its core, making it not only a page-turner but also a reflective look at family, estrangement, and redemption.

The story centers on Frank Szatowski, a father who has been estranged from his daughter, Maggie, for years. When Maggie unexpectedly invites him to her wedding, Frank sees it as a golden opportunity to reconnect, no matter how uncomfortable he feels in the wealthy, elite world that Maggie has entered. The premise of a father’s attempt to mend his broken relationship at such a monumental occasion immediately tugs at the heartstrings, but Rekulak wastes no time plunging readers into a growing sense of unease.

From the start, something feels “off” about the wedding. Rekulak skillfully builds a sense of creeping dread as Frank begins to notice strange behaviors and secrets surrounding Maggie’s fiancé and his powerful family. The lavish New Hampshire estate, initially described with opulence, soon takes on a more foreboding atmosphere, echoing Frank’s escalating suspicion. What begins as a hopeful attempt at reconciliation quickly morphs into a sinister mystery that keeps readers on edge.

Frank’s perspective is particularly poignant. As a father desperate to rekindle his relationship with his daughter, he becomes a relatable and vulnerable protagonist. His emotional journey anchors the thriller, giving the suspense a deeper resonance. While the mystery surrounding the wedding is certainly thrilling, it’s Frank’s internal struggle—his guilt, hope, and yearning—that keeps the reader fully invested. This emotional depth makes Last One at the Wedding more than just a typical thriller; it’s a moving story about family, forgiveness, and the things that drive us apart.

Rekulak also excels at pacing. The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of slow-burn tension and shocking reveals. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, Rekulak throws in a twist that makes you question everything. These moments are executed with precision, leaving you reeling, yet they feel earned rather than gratuitous. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers will appreciate the intricate plotting, but fans of more character-driven narratives will also find plenty to savor in Frank’s personal evolution.

Without giving away too much, the ending is a masterclass in suspense. Rekulak doesn’t just offer a series of surprises; he ties them to the emotional stakes of the story, creating a resolution that is both shocking and satisfying. The book’s heart lies in its characters, and this human element grounds the wild twists, making the final revelations all the more impactful.

Last One at the Wedding is not only an expertly crafted thriller but also a thoughtful exploration of the complicated bonds between parents and children. It is the type of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, making you reflect on the choices we make for love and the secrets that can unravel even the closest relationships.

For fans of thrillers with rich emotional depth, Last One at the Wedding is a must-read. It will keep your heart racing, your mind guessing, and leave you pondering its themes long after the final shocking twist.

My first introduction to Jason Rekulak went rather well. Despite this being quite the slow burner, and the fact I’ve been struggling somewhat with those this year, ‘The Last One at the Wedding’ had me hooked from the very beginning,

A lot of that was down to the main character. Frank is one of those likeable characters you immediately warm to. He leads a simple life, is down-to-earth and hard-working. His biggest concern as a single parent was his daughter, Maggie, and making sure she had a good life. But something happened to cause father and daughter to be estranged for the last three years.

Until now. Out of the blue, Frank receives a phone call from Maggie. She’s getting married and would very much like her dad to be there and walk her down the aisle. It didn’t take much but I was immediately intrigued, convinced something utterly sinister would be going on once Frank arrived at his destination.

Poor Frank is very much out of his comfort zone. He’s been a UPS driver for 26 years but suddenly he finds himself amongst some of the richest people in the state. He doesn’t fit in at all, and he’s absolutely sure that his daughter is making a big mistake. This is not the kind of life for people like them, and there’s something decidedly odd about Maggie’s fiancé. But does Frank even know his daughter all that well?

Maggie is nothing like her dad. In fact, it’s easy to wonder why she invited him at all. Frank would love nothing more than some one-on-one time with the daughter he hasn’t seen or talked to for three years, but Maggie seems to be going out of her way to avoid him as much as she can. I didn’t like her at all. There just seemed to be something cold and calculated about her.

Just like Frank, I couldn’t help but think that something was superbly wrong about this whole wedding but I couldn’t put my finger on the what. Why is Maggie’s husband-to-be acting so weirdly? Where is Maggie’s future mother-in-law hiding and why? I found it impossible to trust any of these people and their shenanigans. And then someone ends up dead. Frank has many questions but the answers, when they come, will be tough to accept.

I thoroughly enjoyed this slow-burner. This isn’t a fast-paced, adrenaline filled, heart-thumping thriller, but I really didn’t think it needed to be. The mysterious aspect kept me entirely enthralled. ‘The Last One at the Wedding‘ isn’t just a suspenseful read, though. It’s also a look at a father’s love for his daughter, his need for things to be different, and his unwillingness to accept that maybe what he wants will just never happen.

Brilliant plot, great writing, twisty delights along the way … it all made me fly through this story. By the way, the title does refer to a character in the story, although probably not who you’d be expecting, but it was a really nice touch. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this author in future. Recommended!

I read this book within 2 days. It came onto my radar following finishing Hidden Pictures.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Kept me gripped from start to finish.
Not a huge amount of twists and turns but it worked.

Definitely true when it’s described as a gripping thriller with a big heart and big surprises!

I would give this book 4 ⭐️.

I
This book is a gripping interesting read which draws you in right from the first page. Frank is an easy going 50 something guy but straight away you can tell something is off about Maggie's upcoming wedding. A feeling if claustrophobia pervades the book and ramps up tgectension for the wedding weekend. The Gardner family are controlling and sinister and you never know what new twist is coming.
Impossible to predict the ending, but I felt the 2nd half of the book took too long getting there and I found myself skimming pages when the pave slowed.
Overall a good read for fans of domestic suspense.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, there was lots of drama and so many twists and turns.
I never knew what was coming now and I loved the secrecy of it.
Couldn't put it down!!
First from this author and will read more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Last One At The Wedding
Jason Rekulak

“I’ll be honest with you, Frank. When i met you earlier this afternoon, i thought you knew what you were getting yourself into. But apparently you don’t.”

From the author of Hidden Pictures comes his next suspense thriller about a father trying to save his daughter from a life altering decision that will put everything he loves on the line.

This was suspenseful and yet somewhat slow to start. You get established with Frank, a likeable down to earth, working class father to Maggie, his only daughter. After three years of estrangement, Maggie suddenly invites Frank to her upcoming wedding. Frank is ecstatic to repair bridges and arrives to the secluded, luxurious location very much out of his league. Maggie’s marrying into a famous tech billionaire family and try as Frank might, Aidan, her Husband to be is withdrawn and evasive to Frank. Frank is worried just what has Maggie got herself in for.

“Convince her to call off the wedding before any more people get hurt. Because something awful is happening here. You can feel it, right? Don’t you sense it?”

Once we get to the venue, things pick up and yes I’m still icky on the spider situation. The clues were heavily dropped to which i predicted the endgame but not all the plays.

“I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone. Everywhere I look, there’s all kinds of crazy stuff, but people keep saying it’s totally normal. I can’t tell left from right anymore.”

Overall I felt sorry for Frank the whole damn book. Every parent’s an unreliable narrator. Frank was lead by his work ethic and morals and he was out of his depth many times. But what a juxtaposition it became.

“Oh, I think we’re all criminals to some degree. There’s a whole wide spectrum of illegal and immoral behaviour.”

This was definitely entertaining and an interesting read although dare i say it, not shocking.

The Last One At The Wedding is released today, 8th October. Huge thank you to @littlebrownbookgroup_uk for this ARC.

Is it on your October Wishlist?

(review posted 8th October 2024)

Frank Szatowski is fifty-two years old and has been estranged for three years with her daughter, Maggie. Finally, Maggie calls him and brings him the big news that she's going to get married and wanting for Frank to be present at New Hampshire for their wedding.
Another big surprise is that Maggie is marrying Aidan Gardner, the son of a famous tech billionaire.
Attending his daughter's glamorous wedding, Frank feels so out of league, frustrated trying to reconnect with his daughter, and worried as someone warned him to take his daughter away from Aidan Gardner.
There's a mystery of a missing person, Dawn Taggart, a mystery of Aidan's mother who seems cooped up in the room and also a murder at the wedding.
It's a twisted engaging book that will keep you on edge, and the story has many more layers than I expected.

I was so excited to see this one pop up on NG. HIDDEN PICTURES was a stand out for me last year and I had really high hopes for this.

I wasn't disappointed, as the book is fantastic, but it is VERY different to this authors previous novel. I think you can tell the writing is by the same guy but everything else is just so in the opposite direction.

Loved the characters, loved the setting, loved the family dynamics that we got to see. So much to untangle.

Really recommended to fans of a domestic thriller with an edge.

I absolutely raved about "Hidden Pictures" when I read it a while back and so was very much looking forward to the authors' next book. So much so that when I got my hands on it, I then became scared about whether it would stand up to my exceedingly high expectations.
Well... shouldn't have worried really... it was just as brilliant... Bottom line, stop reading reviews and just get the darned book!
But if you are still here... We start with a father daughter estrangement. For reasons that are revealed eventually so I won't spoil things. But Frank is delighted when he gets a call from Maggie, the first in three years. It appears she is getting married and wants him to attend. But first he is invited to meet the groom. Which he does, with mixed results.
And then the wedding itself... well, Maggie is marrying into one of THE richest families. So the wedding is to be held on their super-luxurious private estate. Frank feels well out of place, especially as he is accompanied by his sister and her current foster child, with some rather funny domestic shenanigans.
And then things start to become odd. Very odd. Disappearance of a previous girlfriend of the groom odd. Certain people behaving very odd indeed. And a reclusive matriarch. And it becomes a juggling act for Frank to work out what is going on with the family his daughter has chosen to marry into, whilst at the same time, try not to lose her again...
This is a slow burn of a book. But, I hasten to add, it does not drag, not at all. It needs to start slowly and steadily to build up the layers, to build up the suspense and intrigue. Once all the pieces are in place, things really start to get going... The cast, once again, is what really makes the story being told pop. They are all really well described and all play their parts very well indeed. I especially took to UPS driver supreme Frank, right from the start, which really helped.
The narrative is chock full of secrets, lies and dysfunctional behaviour, all cleverly inserted with enough denial from certain characters to make the whole shebang totally credible.
Shocks are delivered at exactly the right times to progress the story, often taking it in a totally different direction, often with rather interesting results. And the ending, when all the secrets are out and the truth is laid bare... well... phew...!
All in all, a completely different offering to Hidden Pictures but definitely of the same quality. Making me even more excited to see what the author will serve me up for next time.