One Sentence Summary
A woman is left with a mysterious note from her husband, leading her on a journey to uncover the truth about his past and their relationship.
Book Genre
Mystery/Thriller, Domestic Fiction
Main Topic of the Book
Family, Relationships, Secrets
Key Ideas
- The importance of communication and trust in relationships
- The impact of past trauma on current relationships
- The power of a parent’s love for their child
- The lengths one will go to protect their loved ones
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
Part One: The Note
When Hannah receives a note from her husband, Owen, telling her to protect their daughter, Bailey, and to trust only her, she is immediately thrown into a panic. Her husband has vanished, leaving only this cryptic note behind. As Hannah tries to make sense of the situation and locate her husband, she discovers that everything she thought she knew about her husband may be a lie.
Part Two: The Past
As Hannah digs deeper into Owen’s past, she uncovers dark secrets and realizes that he had been living a double life. She learns about his troubled childhood and his involvement with a dangerous crime family. While trying to keep her daughter and herself safe, Hannah also grapples with her feelings of betrayal and uncertainty about their entire relationship.
Part Three: The Present
As Hannah races against time to unravel the truth and find Owen, she realizes that her love for her husband and daughter is what is keeping her strong. With the help of Owen’s estranged sister and a retired detective, she follows clues that lead her to a shocking discovery, forcing her to confront the truth about her husband and their marriage.
Key Takeaways
- Family secrets can have a lasting impact on relationships
- Open communication and trust are vital in a healthy relationship
- Parents will do anything to protect their children, regardless of the consequences
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Laura Dave is an American author who has written several bestselling novels, including “Eight Hundred Grapes” and “The Divorce Party.” She has also written for publications such as The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and O, The Oprah Magazine. Her writing often centers around complex family dynamics and the secrets people keep from those closest to them.
Target Audience
Adults who enjoy mystery or thriller novels with a focus on family relationships and secrets.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The Last Thing He Told Me was published by Simon & Schuster on May 4th, 2021.