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Her Last Summer
No body. No crime?
Twenty years ago, Mari vanished while backpacking through Thailand with her boyfriend, Luke. He was accused of murder, but has always insisted he's innocent. Besides, her body was never found. Now, he's finally ready to talk. And filmmaker Cassidy Chambers wants to be the one to uncover what really happened, back then, in the dark of the jungle. But as she delves deeper into the past, Cassidy begins to fear what lies ahead, and the secrets buried along the way.
Twenty years ago, Mari vanished while backpacking through Thailand with her boyfriend, Luke. He was accused of murder, but has always insisted he's innocent. Besides, her body was never found. Now, he's finally ready to talk. And filmmaker Cassidy Chambers wants to be the one to uncover what really happened, back then, in the dark of the jungle. But as she delves deeper into the past, Cassidy begins to fear what lies ahead, and the secrets buried along the way.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2024
285 people are currently reading
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October 5, 2024
Just as documentary filmmaker Cassidy Chambers is preparing to leave her office, she gets a call out of the blue. It seems that the infamous Luke Speed wants her to cover his story. Twenty years ago, he and his high school sweetheart, Mari, vanished while backpacking through a jungle in Thailand. Despite a near exhaustive search by the police, only Luke managed to return home. And with a story almost too bizarre to be believed, the police and the public quickly latched onto the idea that Mari died in the jungle—by Luke’s own hand.
For the past two decades, he has refused to say any more than he had right after being rescued. Now, however, he’s ready to talk—and he wants to tell everything to Cassidy. After all, he’s always claimed that he had nothing to do with Mari’s disappearance. For Cassidy, it’s the biggest story to come across her desk and she wants to hunt out the truth with every fiber of her being. The more facts that she uncovers, however, the more secrets she seems to find. Will it all be worth it in the end? Or is there something much more sinister about this story than even Cassidy realizes?
Whoa. What a pulse-pounding ride! With a slow burn start and progressively escalating foreboding and dread, Her Last Summer was a spellbinding psychological thriller if I ever saw one. From the ripped-from-the-headlines feel to the podcaster-type premise, I instantly got pulled into the story. But the jaw-dropping twists and turns were the star of the show. One that had me shouting “What?!” out loud as it turned the plot on its head and another that pulled the entire book together seamlessly. Combined, they were simply sublime.
The other reigning champ in this gripping story was the dynamic main character, Cassidy. With a complex, thorough background and a compelling character arc that had me rallying behind her, I connected with her in a way that I hadn’t expected. At the same time, however, Freud managed to cultivate my suspicions about one other individual as the page count grew. I can’t say much more, but trust me when I say that you’ll get hooked by the rising unease just like yours truly.
There were a few minor issues, though. Namely, the over-the-topness and the definite need to suspend all disbelief. I also could have done without the romantic turn in the story. Adding nothing but discomfort, it really didn’t have a place in the plot, from my point of view. The only other mildly irritating aspect was the somewhat rushed flip of the script. I felt there should have been a bit of a build up, after all. Instead, it came out of the blue and, while it was satisfactorily shocking, it also felt somewhat jarring.
Done and dusted, however, even those minor flaws weren’t enough to disrupt my ardent admiration for the book and the author in turn. With constantly building suspense, evocative descriptions and expert plotting, I was entirely won over by the time I reached the smile-inducing conclusion. Quite frankly, the whole storyline felt larger-than-life, bewitching, and cinematic yet it was also the definition of a popcorn thriller. So give this massively underhyped author a try. I’m sure glad that I did. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Emily Freud and Quercus Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: threatening emails, mention of: terminal cancer, drug use
For the past two decades, he has refused to say any more than he had right after being rescued. Now, however, he’s ready to talk—and he wants to tell everything to Cassidy. After all, he’s always claimed that he had nothing to do with Mari’s disappearance. For Cassidy, it’s the biggest story to come across her desk and she wants to hunt out the truth with every fiber of her being. The more facts that she uncovers, however, the more secrets she seems to find. Will it all be worth it in the end? Or is there something much more sinister about this story than even Cassidy realizes?
Whoa. What a pulse-pounding ride! With a slow burn start and progressively escalating foreboding and dread, Her Last Summer was a spellbinding psychological thriller if I ever saw one. From the ripped-from-the-headlines feel to the podcaster-type premise, I instantly got pulled into the story. But the jaw-dropping twists and turns were the star of the show. One that had me shouting “What?!” out loud as it turned the plot on its head and another that pulled the entire book together seamlessly. Combined, they were simply sublime.
The other reigning champ in this gripping story was the dynamic main character, Cassidy. With a complex, thorough background and a compelling character arc that had me rallying behind her, I connected with her in a way that I hadn’t expected. At the same time, however, Freud managed to cultivate my suspicions about one other individual as the page count grew. I can’t say much more, but trust me when I say that you’ll get hooked by the rising unease just like yours truly.
There were a few minor issues, though. Namely, the over-the-topness and the definite need to suspend all disbelief. I also could have done without the romantic turn in the story. Adding nothing but discomfort, it really didn’t have a place in the plot, from my point of view. The only other mildly irritating aspect was the somewhat rushed flip of the script. I felt there should have been a bit of a build up, after all. Instead, it came out of the blue and, while it was satisfactorily shocking, it also felt somewhat jarring.
Done and dusted, however, even those minor flaws weren’t enough to disrupt my ardent admiration for the book and the author in turn. With constantly building suspense, evocative descriptions and expert plotting, I was entirely won over by the time I reached the smile-inducing conclusion. Quite frankly, the whole storyline felt larger-than-life, bewitching, and cinematic yet it was also the definition of a popcorn thriller. So give this massively underhyped author a try. I’m sure glad that I did. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Emily Freud and Quercus Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: threatening emails, mention of: terminal cancer, drug use
February 15, 2024
Twenty years ago, Mari(Marigold) Castle vanishes, while backpacking in Thailand with her boyfriend, Luke Speed. He’s found alive after spending months in the snake infested jungle. He’s accused of murdering her in the large expanse of the Khao Soon National Park but maintains his innocence. In the present day, it now seems he’s ready to tell his side of the story and successful crime filmmaker Cassidy Chambers of Songbird Productions is the perfect fit for his did he/didn’t he story. This is Cassidy’s big one, the Big Story she’s been waiting for. What really happens in Thailand? Will Cassidy’s investigations reveal anything that sheds light on Mari‘s disappearance?
For much of the novel I find this a fascinating, reflective story of an attractive young couple in a terrific setting. The palm trees, the white sand beaches, the turquoise waters versus THAT jungle which is such a contrast and matches the fluctuating moods of Mari and Luke. Luke paints an attractive portrait of them as teens, but is the image he’s presenting of Mari the truth or a mirage? She becomes more and more of a conundrum as the initial wholesome image is cast in doubt. As for Luke, it’s hard to weigh him up. On the one hand he seems a nice guy who has cast off his demons but is he playing a cat and mouse game with Cassidy? Is the ambitious filmmaker being manipulated for reasons not yet visible?
I really like the changing mood of the book, there’s Cassidy’s excitement of her big chance, but there are some frissons of something you can’t quite grab hold of right from the start and the sense of dread builds, especially on arrival in Bangkok. The apprehension grows, it becomes nightmarish and sinister, not helped by some destructive behaviour. When the small film crew arrives at the Khao Soon National Park the Thai jungle exudes an excellent atmosphere to accompany the increasingly suspenseful storytelling. There’s almost permanent tension, the edge of your seat kind, and a palpable sense of menace. There are a couple of big plot twists towards the end which I’m personally not keen on but I’m sure others will like better than I do. Once you get the first twist, the second is predictable. However, the ultimate end is a really good one.
Overall, this is a well written psychological thriller, which is very easy to read as the writing flows with ease, and there are occasions where you feel as if you are on a set as the filming gets underway. I like the references to The Beach which works well.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
For much of the novel I find this a fascinating, reflective story of an attractive young couple in a terrific setting. The palm trees, the white sand beaches, the turquoise waters versus THAT jungle which is such a contrast and matches the fluctuating moods of Mari and Luke. Luke paints an attractive portrait of them as teens, but is the image he’s presenting of Mari the truth or a mirage? She becomes more and more of a conundrum as the initial wholesome image is cast in doubt. As for Luke, it’s hard to weigh him up. On the one hand he seems a nice guy who has cast off his demons but is he playing a cat and mouse game with Cassidy? Is the ambitious filmmaker being manipulated for reasons not yet visible?
I really like the changing mood of the book, there’s Cassidy’s excitement of her big chance, but there are some frissons of something you can’t quite grab hold of right from the start and the sense of dread builds, especially on arrival in Bangkok. The apprehension grows, it becomes nightmarish and sinister, not helped by some destructive behaviour. When the small film crew arrives at the Khao Soon National Park the Thai jungle exudes an excellent atmosphere to accompany the increasingly suspenseful storytelling. There’s almost permanent tension, the edge of your seat kind, and a palpable sense of menace. There are a couple of big plot twists towards the end which I’m personally not keen on but I’m sure others will like better than I do. Once you get the first twist, the second is predictable. However, the ultimate end is a really good one.
Overall, this is a well written psychological thriller, which is very easy to read as the writing flows with ease, and there are occasions where you feel as if you are on a set as the filming gets underway. I like the references to The Beach which works well.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
May 21, 2024
This was such an interesting and enjoyable story! The concept was fascinating and I thought it was executed brilliantly.
It was mysterious and full of tension with writing that sparked constant curiosity.
My feelings towards the main protagonist's were conflicted throughout and I was kept guessing from start to finish.
The short, snappy chapters made this an easy, fast paced and immersive thriller and I HIGHLY recommend to everyone who loves a shocking and twisty mystery/thriller.
Thank you so much to Insta Book Tours for allowing me a place on the tour and to Quercus and Emily Freud for the gifted copy. I had such a fun time with this one!
It was mysterious and full of tension with writing that sparked constant curiosity.
My feelings towards the main protagonist's were conflicted throughout and I was kept guessing from start to finish.
The short, snappy chapters made this an easy, fast paced and immersive thriller and I HIGHLY recommend to everyone who loves a shocking and twisty mystery/thriller.
Thank you so much to Insta Book Tours for allowing me a place on the tour and to Quercus and Emily Freud for the gifted copy. I had such a fun time with this one!
March 17, 2024
So I had a lot to do this weekend (and I mean A LOT!) but I made the mistake of just taking a look at Her Last Summer to set it up ready to read at some point in the coming weeks. OMG the rest of the day just passed me by as I physically couldn’t get off the sofa to do anything else other than read this book! It’s been a long time since a storyline grabbed me as instantly as this did and I finished it yesterday evening. And did the initial spark I felt on those first few pages develop into the flames I wanted? YES IT DID!! What a read and what an amazing and utterly shocking twist (one of quite a few I have to add) it had part way through-one of those twists where you doubt what you’ve just read and have to reread to make sure it’s not just been thrown in there to shake you up a little!
The writing here is beautifully authentic with attention to detail in both character and setting-I was there with Cass and Luke every step of their journey as though I was travelling alongside them as they search for the truth about the disappearance of Mari 20 years ago. The scenes in the UK we’re intrinsically connected to those in the jungle in such a seamless way that you could easily have believed this was a real case they were following and I was beside them every step of the way.
This is already a contender for my book of the year-absolutely brilliantly breathtaking from start to incredible finish.
The writing here is beautifully authentic with attention to detail in both character and setting-I was there with Cass and Luke every step of their journey as though I was travelling alongside them as they search for the truth about the disappearance of Mari 20 years ago. The scenes in the UK we’re intrinsically connected to those in the jungle in such a seamless way that you could easily have believed this was a real case they were following and I was beside them every step of the way.
This is already a contender for my book of the year-absolutely brilliantly breathtaking from start to incredible finish.
June 19, 2024
Twenty years ago, Mari and her boyfriend Luke vanished while backpacking through Thailand. While Luke was found, Mari has never been seen since and Luke was accused of her murder. Out of the blue, Luke calls filmmaker Cassidy Chambers, as he is ready to talk and he wants to bring Mari home. Cassidy needs to delve into his story and what happened in the jungle where it all went wrong but she also has her own dark secrets.
Oh the twists and turns!! Mysterious and such a page turner. I was absorbed in this story from the very beginning. The plotting was masterful and this one really took me by surprise. How have I not found this author sooner?! I am off to check out her backlist.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Quercus Books for this gifted review copy.
Oh the twists and turns!! Mysterious and such a page turner. I was absorbed in this story from the very beginning. The plotting was masterful and this one really took me by surprise. How have I not found this author sooner?! I am off to check out her backlist.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Quercus Books for this gifted review copy.
April 11, 2024
4.5 💫
I haven’t read Emily before and went into this one pretty blind but her writing style immediately captured my attention making this one pretty hard to put down.
I thought the storyline itself was really uniquely done and I loved how the main characters personal story and issues ran alongside the main plot line, I thought this worked really well.
I found the writing very engaging and consistently paced throughout the book. I didn’t love *small spoiler* the whole Cass and Luke thing but it didn’t ruin anything for me, I just didn’t really buy into it.
The last 20 percent of a thriller is always so important to the reading experience for me and this one certainly delivered. I couldn’t read the words fast enough. I found the showdown but a bit cringe but that’s always the way I think. The twists all played out really well
Overall this was a really compelling read with a unique storyline, well fleshed out characters and made for a great reading experience
I haven’t read Emily before and went into this one pretty blind but her writing style immediately captured my attention making this one pretty hard to put down.
I thought the storyline itself was really uniquely done and I loved how the main characters personal story and issues ran alongside the main plot line, I thought this worked really well.
I found the writing very engaging and consistently paced throughout the book. I didn’t love *small spoiler* the whole Cass and Luke thing but it didn’t ruin anything for me, I just didn’t really buy into it.
The last 20 percent of a thriller is always so important to the reading experience for me and this one certainly delivered. I couldn’t read the words fast enough. I found the showdown but a bit cringe but that’s always the way I think. The twists all played out really well
Overall this was a really compelling read with a unique storyline, well fleshed out characters and made for a great reading experience
February 16, 2024
Absolutely addictive page turner! This is a new author for me and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Cassidy has just completed a true crime masterpiece called “missing” which uncovered the body of a little girl and freed an innocent man and jailed the real killer. She is itching for something new to get stuck into when she receives a call from Luke.
Twenty years ago Luke and his girlfriend Mari went on a trip to Thailand and got lost in the jungle. Luke was the only one who made it out. Luke wants Cassidy to tell his story through his eyes.
The story follows Cassidy as she investigates with her team and tries to uncover hidden truths.
The twists in this book are fantastic and this should be made into a movie!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my ARC
Cassidy has just completed a true crime masterpiece called “missing” which uncovered the body of a little girl and freed an innocent man and jailed the real killer. She is itching for something new to get stuck into when she receives a call from Luke.
Twenty years ago Luke and his girlfriend Mari went on a trip to Thailand and got lost in the jungle. Luke was the only one who made it out. Luke wants Cassidy to tell his story through his eyes.
The story follows Cassidy as she investigates with her team and tries to uncover hidden truths.
The twists in this book are fantastic and this should be made into a movie!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my ARC
August 12, 2024
It took me a while to connect with the story because the start was quite slow. Things picked up towards the end, and that's when i really started to enjoy the storyline.
Read
August 12, 2025das ende war irgendwie krass aber ich mochte das nicht :(
May 22, 2024
3.5 -I am going to try and be as spoiler free as possible, but sometimes it’s so hard. I really enjoyed the idea of a true crime documentary style book, I loved the pacing and how we had Cassidys POV throughout. It took me a few days to really get into, but I put that down to how busy life had been last week. Once I took the time to sit down and read it, I was flying through it and found hard to put down. The ending truly took me by surprise, I had my theories of what happened to Mari; some right, some wrong. The major twist, that is what really hooked me in and had my jaw drop to the floor. It was giving me ‘lost’ the TV show throughout and the settings described pictured beautifully in my mind. Emily really has created a masterpiece. I would have preferred a then and now timeline, but as you get to the ending of the book it makes sense as to why there wasn’t, I really really wanted a better outcome for Luke but I’m also glad in the way the end wrapped up as well.
July 29, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
- looooved this one, such an interesting concept and couldn’t put it down
- loved the setting having just come back from backpacking around Thailand
- never saw the twist at the end coming, it kept me guessing the whole way
- looooved this one, such an interesting concept and couldn’t put it down
- loved the setting having just come back from backpacking around Thailand
- never saw the twist at the end coming, it kept me guessing the whole way
June 6, 2025
Für mich leider absolut langweilig, so dass ich zum Schluss den Großteil nur noch überflogen habe.
June 5, 2025
Vor 20 Jahren verschwand Mari während einer Backpacking-Reise durch Thailand, und ihr Freund Luke wurde des Mordes beschuldigt – doch ihr Körper wurde nie gefunden. Jetzt ist Luke bereit, die Wahrheit zu erzählen. Filmemacherin Cassidy Chambers will die Wahrheit ans Licht bringen, doch je mehr sie in die Vergangenheit eintaucht, desto mehr fürchtet sie, was im Dschungel verborgen liegt. Ein packender Thriller voller Geheimnisse und dunkler Enthüllungen!
Ich habe mir dieses Buch als spannende Sommerlektüre ausgesucht, doch der Einstieg hat mich ziemlich lang warten lassen. Die ersten 50% waren ziemlich langatmig, obwohl der Schreibstil angenehm und flüssig ist. Leider gab es viele unnötige Details, die den Lesefluss etwas gestört haben. 😅
Erst in der zweiten Hälfte wurde es richtig spannend, als die Protagonisten endlich im Dschungel angekommen sind. Die Atmosphäre wurde dunkler und packender, was mich dann auch richtig mitgerissen hat. Die Geschichte wurde deutlich düsterer und intensiver, sodass ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen konnte. 🌿🕵️♀️
Besonders der Twist und die Auflösung haben mich überrascht – damit habe ich wirklich nicht gerechnet, was ich immer sehr schätze! Insgesamt ein solider Thriller, der großes Potenzial hat, wenn der Einstieg etwas knackiger gestaltet gewesen wäre.
Fazit: Für alle, die dunkle Geheimnisse im Dschungel lieben, ist dieses Buch definitiv einen Blick wert – mit der richtigen Portion Geduld lohnt es sich auf jeden Fall! 😉✨
3,5 von 5 Ottis
Ich habe mir dieses Buch als spannende Sommerlektüre ausgesucht, doch der Einstieg hat mich ziemlich lang warten lassen. Die ersten 50% waren ziemlich langatmig, obwohl der Schreibstil angenehm und flüssig ist. Leider gab es viele unnötige Details, die den Lesefluss etwas gestört haben. 😅
Erst in der zweiten Hälfte wurde es richtig spannend, als die Protagonisten endlich im Dschungel angekommen sind. Die Atmosphäre wurde dunkler und packender, was mich dann auch richtig mitgerissen hat. Die Geschichte wurde deutlich düsterer und intensiver, sodass ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen konnte. 🌿🕵️♀️
Besonders der Twist und die Auflösung haben mich überrascht – damit habe ich wirklich nicht gerechnet, was ich immer sehr schätze! Insgesamt ein solider Thriller, der großes Potenzial hat, wenn der Einstieg etwas knackiger gestaltet gewesen wäre.
Fazit: Für alle, die dunkle Geheimnisse im Dschungel lieben, ist dieses Buch definitiv einen Blick wert – mit der richtigen Portion Geduld lohnt es sich auf jeden Fall! 😉✨
3,5 von 5 Ottis
January 10, 2025
Loveddd!! Bit scaring reading on holiday with ur boyfriend and also having been to Thailand this time last year 😂😂
October 10, 2024
Really enjoyed this one, thank you E! Such a good twist which I don’t think anyone could predict. So good to be reading something a bit more me again x
June 1, 2024
What a wild ride.
July 10, 2024
Her Last Summer is one of the most intense, suspenseful and addictive thrillers you’ll read this year. I am completely obsessed with it! Freud leaves no stone unturned as we join Cassidy, determined to find out the truth and uncover what really happened to a young backpacking couple twenty years earlier. It’s such an absorbing story with the most unexpected twists, and one of the most satisfying endings I’ve ever read. The author’s descriptions of character’s feeling and emotion are so intense that you can’t help but feel them too, and descriptions of Thailand itself will transport you straight there. The tension building and unpredictability of Emily Freud’s novels will forever keep me coming back for more. One of my biggest recommendations of the year so far – please read it!
October 2, 2024
Her Last Summer is Emily Freud’s 3rd standalone thriller which was published this year. It is my first book by this author and I will definitely be checking out her previous books, My Best Friend’s Secret and What She Left Behind having really enjoyed this book.
Cassidy Chambers is our main character and narrator. She’s a respected true crime documentary/film maker who is looking for her next project when she is approached by Luke.
Twenty years, ago Luke and his girlfriend Mari went backpacking to Thailand to celebrate finishing school and about to start a new life at University. However, on a jungle trek they get separated from their group and get lost resulting in Luke being found weeks/months later, traumatised, starving and mentally broken with Mari nowhere to be seen.
Despite police and press efforts Mari has never been found and Luke has spent the past twenty years suspected of killing Mari and unable to move on with his life. But now he’s ready to tell his story with the help of Cassidy and her team and find out what happened all those years ago and hopefully clear his name.
Being a thriller, the book is naturally full of tension especially as Cassidy has a traumatic past which seems to be catching up with her and some of the other characters are acting rather suspiciously which racks up the feeling that something bad is about to happen, but to who and why and when?
The story is set both in the UK and then moves across to Thailand. The author manages to bring the locations to life and literally take the reader on a thrilling journey.
With a couple of twists I did not see coming, Her Last Summer is a book that I would definitely recommend to lovers of thrillers.
Cassidy Chambers is our main character and narrator. She’s a respected true crime documentary/film maker who is looking for her next project when she is approached by Luke.
Twenty years, ago Luke and his girlfriend Mari went backpacking to Thailand to celebrate finishing school and about to start a new life at University. However, on a jungle trek they get separated from their group and get lost resulting in Luke being found weeks/months later, traumatised, starving and mentally broken with Mari nowhere to be seen.
Despite police and press efforts Mari has never been found and Luke has spent the past twenty years suspected of killing Mari and unable to move on with his life. But now he’s ready to tell his story with the help of Cassidy and her team and find out what happened all those years ago and hopefully clear his name.
Being a thriller, the book is naturally full of tension especially as Cassidy has a traumatic past which seems to be catching up with her and some of the other characters are acting rather suspiciously which racks up the feeling that something bad is about to happen, but to who and why and when?
The story is set both in the UK and then moves across to Thailand. The author manages to bring the locations to life and literally take the reader on a thrilling journey.
With a couple of twists I did not see coming, Her Last Summer is a book that I would definitely recommend to lovers of thrillers.
April 5, 2024
This is insanely brilliant! A completely addictive page-turner that left me reeling!
Luke Speed and his girlfriend, Mari, were the perfect couple. Twenty years ago, they became separated from their group in the Thai jungle and while Luke eventually made it out, Mari was never found. Suspected of being her killer, Luke's life spiralled out of control. But now, he believes it's time to tell his side of the story and reveal the full truth of what happened that night.
Crime filmmaker Cassidy Chambers is fascinated by Luke and Mari's story and as she interviews Luke, she finds herself becoming compelled to prove his innocence, but something feels off. Cass wonders whether Mari was really the wonderful, near perfect young woman everyone describes.. Were Luke and Mari as happy as Luke says they were?
Emily Freud's writing is fabulous and flows really well. Her descriptions of Thailand made me feel as though I was right there on the white sand, surrounded by palm trees and swimming in the clear turquoise water. The character development was so well done. I felt as though I was part of Cass's team and found myself drawn to Luke and desperate for the truth. Amongst this though, there was an undertone of dread, something unknown and sinister, that threatened to strike at any point. I felt the tension building all the way through and when the big twist hit, it literally took my breath away - WOW! The plot was so, so good and the ending was incredible.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Emily Freud and Quercus for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Luke Speed and his girlfriend, Mari, were the perfect couple. Twenty years ago, they became separated from their group in the Thai jungle and while Luke eventually made it out, Mari was never found. Suspected of being her killer, Luke's life spiralled out of control. But now, he believes it's time to tell his side of the story and reveal the full truth of what happened that night.
Crime filmmaker Cassidy Chambers is fascinated by Luke and Mari's story and as she interviews Luke, she finds herself becoming compelled to prove his innocence, but something feels off. Cass wonders whether Mari was really the wonderful, near perfect young woman everyone describes.. Were Luke and Mari as happy as Luke says they were?
Emily Freud's writing is fabulous and flows really well. Her descriptions of Thailand made me feel as though I was right there on the white sand, surrounded by palm trees and swimming in the clear turquoise water. The character development was so well done. I felt as though I was part of Cass's team and found myself drawn to Luke and desperate for the truth. Amongst this though, there was an undertone of dread, something unknown and sinister, that threatened to strike at any point. I felt the tension building all the way through and when the big twist hit, it literally took my breath away - WOW! The plot was so, so good and the ending was incredible.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Emily Freud and Quercus for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 29, 2025
Mindestens die ersten 300 Seiten ist das Buch die reinste Shit Show. Die Protagonistin Cassidy wirkt auf mich einfach so unfassbar unsympathisch und naiv. Angeblich ist sie eine begnadete Filmemacherin aber ist von der kleinsten Kleinigkeit überfordert und fällt wie in einem
Hausfrauen Schmuddelheftchen natürlich auf den geheimnisvollen „Luke“ mit seinen starken Schultern rein, der es einfach mit jedem aufnehmen könnte. (Cassidy geht bestimmt auch im S. Oliver Shirt zu Magic Mike Shows und ist dann da in der ersten Reihe ganz aus dem Häuschen). Nach einer gemeinsamen Nacht spürt sie dann, dass sie noch nie so verliebt war und fragt sich, ob „Luke“ zu ihr ziehen wird und ignoriert selbstverständlich auch alle Anzeichen dafür, dass er ein krasser Psychopath ist. Wer sich jetzt fragt: „Moment mal, sollte das nicht ein Thriller sein?“ tut dies vollkommen zu Recht. Das habe ich mich 300 Seiten lang auch gefragt. Dann kommen zwei wirklich nicht so schlechte Twists und es geht endlich mal wirklich um die verlorenen Backpacker und nicht um Cassidy und ihre brodelnde Leidenschaft für „Luke“. Das entschädigt dann aber auch nicht für die Qual bis hierher.
Wer - wie ich - alt ist und vielleicht noch „10 Dinge die ich an dir hasse“ gesehen hat: Das Buch hätte aus der Feder der Schulsekretärin stammen können.
Hausfrauen Schmuddelheftchen natürlich auf den geheimnisvollen „Luke“ mit seinen starken Schultern rein, der es einfach mit jedem aufnehmen könnte. (Cassidy geht bestimmt auch im S. Oliver Shirt zu Magic Mike Shows und ist dann da in der ersten Reihe ganz aus dem Häuschen). Nach einer gemeinsamen Nacht spürt sie dann, dass sie noch nie so verliebt war und fragt sich, ob „Luke“ zu ihr ziehen wird und ignoriert selbstverständlich auch alle Anzeichen dafür, dass er ein krasser Psychopath ist. Wer sich jetzt fragt: „Moment mal, sollte das nicht ein Thriller sein?“ tut dies vollkommen zu Recht. Das habe ich mich 300 Seiten lang auch gefragt. Dann kommen zwei wirklich nicht so schlechte Twists und es geht endlich mal wirklich um die verlorenen Backpacker und nicht um Cassidy und ihre brodelnde Leidenschaft für „Luke“. Das entschädigt dann aber auch nicht für die Qual bis hierher.
Wer - wie ich - alt ist und vielleicht noch „10 Dinge die ich an dir hasse“ gesehen hat: Das Buch hätte aus der Feder der Schulsekretärin stammen können.
May 20, 2024
Another great thriller by Emily Freud.
As with the author's previous book, this thriller was full of twists and turns up until the very last page. It had me guessing the whole way along, some were correct but most weren't; especially the major twist that came out of nowhere and left my jaw on the floor, after that point I knew anything was possible.
I really enjoyed the way the book was told, with a combination of story, interviews and newspaper articles.
This was a very fast paced thriller for me and the only issue was I felt like the ending was slightly abrupt when they came out of the jungle and after that. Apart from that though I would absolutely recommend this to everyone. It is especially nostalgic to 90s kids I would say as I was round about the age that Luke and Mari was at that point in time so all the references really took me back to that time.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Quercus Books and Emily Freud for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
As with the author's previous book, this thriller was full of twists and turns up until the very last page. It had me guessing the whole way along, some were correct but most weren't; especially the major twist that came out of nowhere and left my jaw on the floor, after that point I knew anything was possible.
I really enjoyed the way the book was told, with a combination of story, interviews and newspaper articles.
This was a very fast paced thriller for me and the only issue was I felt like the ending was slightly abrupt when they came out of the jungle and after that. Apart from that though I would absolutely recommend this to everyone. It is especially nostalgic to 90s kids I would say as I was round about the age that Luke and Mari was at that point in time so all the references really took me back to that time.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Quercus Books and Emily Freud for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
May 3, 2024
The perfect summer thriller!!!!
I read this in a day!
This had all the "must have" ingredients for a spot on thriller! An engaging storyline, great twists, investible characters and a sprinkling of far-fetchedness 😉.
In a 🥜 nutshell.... Twenty years ago, Mari vanished while backpacking through Thailand with her boyfriend, Luke. He was accused of murder, but has always insisted he's innocent. Now, he's finally ready to talk. And filmmaker Cassidy Chambers wants to be the one to uncover what really happened, back then, in the dark of the jungle. But as she delves deeper into the past, Cassidy begins to fear what lies ahead, and the secrets buried along the way ...
Yipppppeeeeee for a "can't put it down page turner!
It's the perfect read to grab at the airport for your addictive summer read!
Thriller fans DO NOT MISS THIS!
I read this in a day!
This had all the "must have" ingredients for a spot on thriller! An engaging storyline, great twists, investible characters and a sprinkling of far-fetchedness 😉.
In a 🥜 nutshell.... Twenty years ago, Mari vanished while backpacking through Thailand with her boyfriend, Luke. He was accused of murder, but has always insisted he's innocent. Now, he's finally ready to talk. And filmmaker Cassidy Chambers wants to be the one to uncover what really happened, back then, in the dark of the jungle. But as she delves deeper into the past, Cassidy begins to fear what lies ahead, and the secrets buried along the way ...
Yipppppeeeeee for a "can't put it down page turner!
It's the perfect read to grab at the airport for your addictive summer read!
Thriller fans DO NOT MISS THIS!
May 22, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I’ve become a big fan of novels that include this type of “true crime” angle, and this one is no exception. Freud keeps you guessing until the very end, and I must say that the ending was fantastic.
The one thing I was looking for was more of Cassidy’s back story. It clearly had a huge impact on who she’s become (both the incident from her childhood and her film, Missing). I feel that if we’d been able to experience more of this, perhaps via flashback, then the ending would have been even more powerful.
That being said, this is a good, quick read! I would recommend to anyone looking for a true crime thriller.
I’ve become a big fan of novels that include this type of “true crime” angle, and this one is no exception. Freud keeps you guessing until the very end, and I must say that the ending was fantastic.
The one thing I was looking for was more of Cassidy’s back story. It clearly had a huge impact on who she’s become (both the incident from her childhood and her film, Missing). I feel that if we’d been able to experience more of this, perhaps via flashback, then the ending would have been even more powerful.
That being said, this is a good, quick read! I would recommend to anyone looking for a true crime thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2024
Her Last Summer by Emily Freud.
Cassidy Chambers is a crime film maker who just solved a murder case when out of the blue she receives a phone call from Luke. This will be the story of the year. Luke and Mari (Marigold) went on a backpacking holiday to Thailand twenty years ago. They went missing in the Thailand jungle and only Luke was found. Mari was presumed dead and Luke was accused of murdering his girlfriend but still to this day maintains his innocence. Can Cassidy get to the bottom of what happened all those years ago? And if so can she help Luke move on.
I had a "what" moment when the major twist happened. I just did not see that one coming at all. It was well written and quite suspenseful at times. I really enjoyed the Thailand setting, it felt like I was apart of the film crew. I was happily enough binging this one on the Kindle, wanting to know all the answers. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Emily has coming next.
Thank you Quercus Books and Netgalley for my gifted copy of this e-book for my honest book review.
Cassidy Chambers is a crime film maker who just solved a murder case when out of the blue she receives a phone call from Luke. This will be the story of the year. Luke and Mari (Marigold) went on a backpacking holiday to Thailand twenty years ago. They went missing in the Thailand jungle and only Luke was found. Mari was presumed dead and Luke was accused of murdering his girlfriend but still to this day maintains his innocence. Can Cassidy get to the bottom of what happened all those years ago? And if so can she help Luke move on.
I had a "what" moment when the major twist happened. I just did not see that one coming at all. It was well written and quite suspenseful at times. I really enjoyed the Thailand setting, it felt like I was apart of the film crew. I was happily enough binging this one on the Kindle, wanting to know all the answers. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Emily has coming next.
Thank you Quercus Books and Netgalley for my gifted copy of this e-book for my honest book review.
January 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This book had me HOOKED from start to finish and I ended up reading it in less than 4 hours.
A tragedy that occurs in the jungles of Northern Thailand acts as the backdrop for this story. Exploring the story of Luke ans Mari, two backpackers who went missing, one of which was never found. Reading this book, I was convinced I knew where the plot was going but the plot twist had be sitting up and saying “WHAT THE HELL?!”.
I have started the new reading year off with a bang!
Would highly recommend this thriller.
This book had me HOOKED from start to finish and I ended up reading it in less than 4 hours.
A tragedy that occurs in the jungles of Northern Thailand acts as the backdrop for this story. Exploring the story of Luke ans Mari, two backpackers who went missing, one of which was never found. Reading this book, I was convinced I knew where the plot was going but the plot twist had be sitting up and saying “WHAT THE HELL?!”.
I have started the new reading year off with a bang!
Would highly recommend this thriller.
July 29, 2024
OKAY WOW!!
I was not expecting that! Emily Freud, you have blown me away… my first read by you and I’m in AWE!
Everything I thought I knew… not even close!!
This is when you know it’s an amazing read!! Which this was!
I was left guessing the whole way through, and only got 1 or 2 things right, where usually I guess the plot quite early on.
I was hooked and I’m still in shock of how amazing this was!!!
I was not expecting that! Emily Freud, you have blown me away… my first read by you and I’m in AWE!
Everything I thought I knew… not even close!!
This is when you know it’s an amazing read!! Which this was!
I was left guessing the whole way through, and only got 1 or 2 things right, where usually I guess the plot quite early on.
I was hooked and I’m still in shock of how amazing this was!!!
April 15, 2025
What a wild ride. Absolutely brilliant story, and it just devoured it! As well as being an easy read, I enjoyed that it slowly developed as the book progressed, feeding a bit more information the more you read. The twists at the end were so good, and I gasped when I read it, but just when you thought it had all been answered, that epilogue was just a game changer.
May 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for me 😁
This one had a true crime/cold case vibe which I really enjoyed.
20 years ago Mari and her boyfriend Luke when travelling to Thailand and got lost in the jungle after being separated from their group; weeks later when all hope was lost Luke appeared malnourished and starving but there was no sign of Mari… only the constant talk of a strange man who had been following them whilst they were stranded stopped Luke being accused of killing her - even do he was continually hounded after his return so he slowly disappears off grid.
Fast forward to today; a film maker Cassidy Chambers is approached by Luke to tell his story and clear his name. She’s already solved a cold case relating to a missing child through her documentaries so she’s eager to find out the truth no matter what it takes…
This was twisty, dark and had an ending that I did not see coming!
Emily really got into the heads of Luke and Cassidy and they were great main characters.
Cass has flaws of her own which makes her own motives in making this film a little less clear and a lot less black and white.
This novel was superbly written and I really struggled to put it down. For fans of a closed room thriller (which I am!) this is perfect and one you can read in one sitting.
June 14, 2025
4.25✨ yes yes yes, i loved this book. the plot twists just kept on twisting. it never stopped up until the LAST SENTENCE. it was a really well written book, i liked the plot and the characters and i thought the main character had a huge growth throughout the book and i liked getting to hear her internal dialogue through the book. super slay, easy nice read which will hopefully get me out of my reading slump LOL
August 5, 2024
so many plot twists!!!!
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