Last One To Know (LARGE PRINT EDITION): A riveting psychological thriller!

by Barbara Freethy

"Barbara Freethy delivers riveting, plot-twisting suspense and a deeply emotional story. Every book is a thrilling ride." USA Today Bestselling Author Rachel Grant
I was working at my sister's clothing boutique in Carmel when I got the call. The hospital told me that my mother had been shot and was in critical condition. This could be my last chance to see her, and I needed to go to San Francisco immediately. I was stunned. Not just because of the horrific news, but also because my mother had died in a storm twenty years ago...
To find out the truth, I'll have to dive into the life of the woman in the hospital bed, into her past and mine. But as I get closer to the truth, the target moves from her to me...and suddenly her life isn't the only one on the line.
From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes a tangled, twisty tale of secrets and lies in a thrilling, page-turning standalone domestic thriller that will keep you reading all night!

Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Romance

638 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2022

About the author

Barbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.

Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.

When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!

For a complete list of her books, visit her website!

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

So. Much. Repetition. It wasn’t awful but wasn’t amazing. I felt like it was missing something. And sometimes the writing just felt-bad.

[John Avlakiotis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many pages. Too little mystery. Too much romance.

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Freethy’s latest had my head spinning. The story is told in first-person narrative perspective by the younger of twin daughters. The twin theme plays heavily throughout the storyline.

A large cast of deftly created characters, years filled with secrets lies and unexpected plot twists are good story fodder – especially when set in an intensely thick atmosphere you could cut-with-a-knife. Altogether spawning wonderfully complicated conflicts and often threatening happy endings.

At times I felt like the author skimmed over and rushed through topics and emotions that called for more depth and substance. There are also incomplete sentences that threw me off balance – not bunches but enough to be noticeable and irritating. Certainly, there are numerous clever plotting ideas that are both captivating and appealing, but in my opinion weren’t executed to full potential.

No matter what direction you think this story is going to take you, Freethy will prove you wrong. She’s written a romantic thriller that keeps your heart racing. And she tops it off with a surprise ending. There is an Epilogue that hints at a happily-ever-after but left me somewhat unfulfilled.
 

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last One to Know is a stand alone mystery that will keep readers completely engaged as Brynn attempts to discover the truth about everything she’s ever been told about her family. Her mother that she’d been told by her father had died in a hurricane 20 before now appears to be fighting for life in a San Francisco hospital after having been shot. How can that be? If the patient known as Laura is the mother Brynn and her twin knew as Kim then where has she been, why did she abandon her family and what is her real name? The questions just keep coming. Ms. Freethy’s fan know her books always are must buys. This one has so many twists, turns and surprises! If the reader of this review is new to this author then you are in for a wonderful reading experience. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.

[Kelly Buettler · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of Last One to Know

I was really into the book in the beginning, however, as I kept reading the story of the twins in this book, it just became so stupid, and unbelievable.

Especially the part in the book where her Mother's house was broken into, and the cops let the one daughter stay there? No way, that would ever happen. It was an ACTIVE CRIME SCENE!

Sorry, but I didn't enjoy this book!

I couldn't wait for the end.

[Amy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Barbara Freethy!! So good and engaging, I read this in 2 days! So far everything I’ve read by Barbara has been so fast paced, interesting stories and I have loved! I could not put this down and had to know what happened next!

Brynn and Dani are twin sisters, owning a boutique together. One day Brynn receives a phone call that her mother has been shot and is in critical condition. But how can that be when their mother died in a hurricane 20 years ago? Brynn goes to the hospital thinking it’s a mistake and not her mother, but sure enough its her. Where has she been the last 20 years? Brynn starts finding out things, that their mom’s past may be catching up to her and suddenly she’s in danger too. Dani asks her to come home their mom has been out of their life for so long and she’s worried about her sister. Brynn starts investigating with the help of her mother’s tennant Kade, and things start unraveling. Nothing is what it seems. Who can she trust? What happened in her mother’s past and why did she leave her family?

Such a fast paced story that was so interesting I had to know what happened!! So many secrets and twists and turns. Barbara Freethy writes such great mysteries with a touch of romance!

[TinaNoir · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 30%

I liked this author's contemporary romances that I've read, but have been less than impressed with my foray into their mystery-thriller books.

Like another book I read All The Pretty People, I think this book just doesn't feel convincing and there is a flatness about it. The actions and dialogue just didn't work for me. I found myself constantly asking 'but would they say that..?' or 'Why would she do that..?'

And honestly, it just wasn't sucking me in. So I gave up.

[Sandra Lancaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Brynn searches for the truth about her mom’s past, her life is thrown into chaos and danger. She seems to just be gathering more puzzle pieces and questions than answers. It only gets more complicated as Kade enters the picture. Brynn is also on a journey of self-discovery and learning to stand up for herself and do what makes her happy. I loved how Kade pushed and guided her but wasn’t overbearing. I love how Brynn and Dani use their mom's past as an example and better their relationship between themselves and their dad and stepmom as well.

Barbara knows how to weave a mystery, keeping you engaged and engrossed in the story. There were some shocking twists and turns. This is a great read that you’ll enjoy.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so, just fair warning, no matter where you think this is going, you're going to be wrong. And if you're like me, you're going to be wrong multiple times!

This was such a thrilling book, I was hooked from the very beginning. I love Brynn, who is struggling to find herself and who she is outside of her twin sister's life. Getting the call that get mother, who died TWENTY YEARS SO, had been shot and is in critical condition. This sets off a whole chain of events that will have Brynn second guessing everything and everyone she thought she knew. Brilliant and engaging, I loved every moment, especially the ones where my theories were proved wrong!

[Diane Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brynn is helping her sister with her clothing store when she gets a phone call. A nurse is calling her from a hospital saying her Mother has been shot and she needs to come asap. The problem is Brynns Mother died in a hurricane when she as 7, or did she. This story had so many unexpected twists along with a romance. It was a can’t put down book. Thank you to the author for an advanced copy.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy is a master of mystery and suspense, and this book is further proof of that! What a page turner! There are twists and turns from page one, more questions than answers, and several mysteries intertwined. I loved the characters, especially Brynn and Kade. I love her series books, am always anxious to read her latest, and this stand alone is among her best. I loved it!

[Kim Halbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I have read better mysteries.

[Maci Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

All i can say is wow! Barbara knew how to tell Brynn’s story and she told it so well! I’m so happy that Brynn and Dani got the answers they had been waiting 20 years for and I’m so glad they both have two great guys in their lives. I’m glad that they were able to take what they learned from their mom and aunt and continue to have a relationship with them and their dad. It was a great read and i was sad when it ended but it ended so beautifully!

[Karen Whooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new favorite book by one of my favorite authors! I am so glad Barbara Freethy has started writing mystery thrillers. Absolutely a cannot put down story of twin sisters discover a family secret that leads to not discovering who they are, both as sisters and separately. I couldn’t put it down! A page turner with and ending that completely surprised me!

[Donna Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

[Tracy Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for a domestic drama since I don't usually give them high ratings. I do recommend.

[Mariah Lighthall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody is just lyyyyyin!

[Linda A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truths

This was an excellent read. I totally loved the twisted plot and trying to decide which character reactions made the most sense to me. I must confess, I can understand the feelings of both Dani and her sister. Great read!

[Mendy Autry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me guessing. Enjoyable read with twists, turns, and a satisfying ending

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[Nina Barakat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down, which is what I look for in a book. Excellent writing, highly recommend.

[Heike · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW 5+++++++ stars! The best book I read in 2022!

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy has done it again; I absolutely loved Last One to Know and thoroughly enjoyed reading it! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Who does not love a romantic thriller with a surprise ending and lots of plot twists and turns? Once again Barbara Freethy has shown that she is a master storyteller and definitely did not disappoint her readers. I love how she developed the story line and the characters. It was impossible to put it down and I loved every moment on every page of this incredible page turner. I love the love story, the setting, and the amazing characters! Barbara Freethy has once again delivered an amazing story filled with everything that I have come to love about her books. She has once again provided her readers with the amazing characters, that I have come to love and expect in her books, they feel like family! I love how Barbara develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend. Barbara Freethy continues to deliver all that and so much more. I love that she wrote Last One to Know in the first person from the perspective of the main character, Brynn Landry. I loved getting inside her mind and knowing her thoughts and how she really feels. My favorite moments in Last One to Know are the lighter moments where I found myself smiling and laughing out loud. I also love the parts that pull at my heartstrings and cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Last One to Know is the story of Brynn Landry who gets a phone call from a nurse informing her that her mother has been shot and has asked for her. The only problem is that Brynn’s mother died twenty years ago. Brynn lives in Carmel, California and drives to the hospital in San Francisco. Brynn learns her mother is now going by Laura Hawthorne and not Kim Landry. By the time she arrives her mother is in surgery and then the doctor has put her in a medically induced coma to aid in her healing. Brynn meets with the detective handling her mother’s case and he gives her the address and keys to her mother’s home. After roaming around her mother’s home, she finds an intruder in her home, it is her mother’s downstairs neighbor, Kade Beckman. As Brynn and Kade work together to figure out who shot Laura and where she has been the past twenty years things change between them. I love the chemistry between Brynn and Kade. I love the secrets that Brynn and Kade share with one another and all the surprises that they discover together while trying to find answers. A surprise plot twist puts Brynn’s life in danger. I love all the unexpected plot twist and turns throughout the story, including the one the threatens the relationship between Brynn and Kade. I love the changes that Brynn makes in her life with Kade’s encouragement, and to live her life and not a life that her mirror twin, Dani wants for her. I love the heart-to-heart conversation between Brynn and Dani. Last One to Know was an incredible romantic thriller and had me guessing who was behind the shooting of Laura, the destruction of Laura’s home, and the attacks on Brynn as well as what happened to Kim Landry twenty years ago. The closer Brynn and Kade get to solving the mystery the more risks are involved putting Brynn’s and Dani’s lives in danger. I never saw the villain or the real story about Kim’s past until it was revealed in the story. It truly took me by surprise. I love how Brynn changed during the story from, being someone who followed her sister’s dreams into a strong confident woman achieving her own dreams. My favorite part is the ending, and how it is a perfect ending. It was an incredible romantic thriller. Looking for a great romantic thriller, then I highly recommend Last One to Know. 

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened this book in the morning and finished the same day. I could not put this down. Barbara Freethy does it again with another adrenaline packed suspense story.

Brynn receives a phone call from a hospital letting her know that her mother was seriously harmed and the message to her was that "she was sorry". The shocking part of the news is that her mom died 20 years ago. Brynn rushes to the hospital and while her last memory of her mom was when she and her twin sister, Dani, were seven years old, she recognizes the bandaged and unconscious womans as her mother. Brynn has been contacted by a detective who tells her that someone tried to kill her, and they have no clues. Brynn receives her mom's bag which includes access to her home, and she decides to check it out. The house doesn't have any personal effects which raises more questions. The home has an additional unit that is occupied by an artist named Kade. He just moved in a couple months agon and while he can offer that the woman who is his landlord was very nice and supported his art, he can offer little else. The two are thrust into searching for the truth when unusual events occur around them. As they add more pieces to the puzzle, they learn that there is a connection between the two, but nothing is adding up. Brynn and Kade are getting close to putting the pieces together because danger is on their heels.

I don't want to spoil any of the plot but i can tell you that the store rushes out of the gate in the first chapter, and you do not want to take a break. Many characters are introduced which keeps you guessing until the very end, and I can assure you that there is many twists and turns and an unexpected ending. Another enjoyable read by a favorite author.

[Kat W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thriller that will suck you in. Barbara is a new author to me, and I have to say I was impressed that she kept everything straight. How she didn’t mess up with the intricacies of this story is amazing.

No spoilers here as usual, just get ready to be drawn further and further down the rabbit hole. Brynne gets a shocking phone call telling her that her mother is in hospital, and they aren’t sure if she’ll make it. But her mother died twenty years ago in a hurricane, or so she thought. This story is about her journey seeking out the truth. There were so many lies told by so many people and interconnections you can’t quite see till the end.

This story is well-paced drawing you in and pulling you to the next event. I tried to guess things a few times and some of them I guessed right but others I was way off. I thought the way Freethy pulls it all together at the end was well-written. We finally hear all the things, and we do get a little bit of an HEA too which is a nice touch.

If you’re looking for a story full of action, lies, secrets, and family drama, look no further. LAST TO KNOW has all of that and more.

Amy is one of my favourite female narrators. I think she’s also one of the first ones I listened to years ago in a bunch of Catherin Bybee’s books in the Audible Escape days. She’s expressive and handles the solo narration expertly. Even with characters who were close in identity, I was never lost as to who was speaking.

This was a fantastic intro to Barbara’s writing, and I’ll definitely be looking into doing more of her books.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was so much repetition happening while I was listening to the audiobook, I keep thinking that I was accidentally rewinding.

I did not like Brynn's sister Dani. Didn't like her from the first page where she appeared to the last. I didn't care about her, her husband, or her thoughts and feelings. I thought she was selfish and controlling while using her concern for her sister to excuse her bad behavior. When it came down to it, I felt like she and Rachel had a lot in common.

I have read this author's romances before. What Kade and Brynn had was not what I considered to be a romance. Maybe a friendship with a hint of attraction.

Why did police allow Brynn access on not one, but 2 different occasions? I am surprised they didn't check.out Kade. And what happened to poor Jeff and the PI? And how was Brynn so dense, or naive, that she wasn't more suspicious or hesitant giving out info to people who said they knew her mother? The mother she thought was unalive for 20 year?

One of the most important aspects of the book became obvious at some point, and was confirmed for me at the university meeting. By that time, I just wanted to know the logistics and stop having the book drag on.

This book proves that narration is subjective. I didn't mind the narrator when she was being other characters, but her Brynn character with that nasally whine where every sentence ended up sounding like a question drove me crazy.

I felt like this book had the potential to be really entertaining, but it didn't quite make it.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last One to Know by Barbara Freethy was an interesting, twisted ‘who dun what’ mystery. I love books that have so many twists and turns, but not so many that you don’t keep interested. In this case the reveals were spread throughout the book and not clumped all at the end. I liked how Brynn was dogged in her discoveries. I liked how the book moved quickly. OH - and I read it in one day, because I couldn’t put it down!

Brynn gets a call from a hospital telling her that her mother was dying. The problem: Her mother died when she was 7 years old. Of course, she rushes in to find her mother in the bed and no answers, but lots of questions.

Brynn’s twin sister Dani has been her rock during her whole life, but this situation calls for Brynn to check out all the possibilities and find the truth. Dani doesn’t want her sister to do anything to rock their world. She expects Brynn to just be there for her. So in a way the book is a coming of age novel as well as a huge mystery.

Then Brynn meets the guy downstairs, an artist named Kade. The spark is there, but only after both ask questions do they realize there is an unmistakable bond between them. The love story is just a tiny addition to the mystery.

What a fun read. Twists, twins, shootings, money and jewels, and unknown people. How exciting! BTW - not sure where the title is from - it doesn’t make sense to me. Last One to Know by Barbara Freethy was a good read!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of twist and turns. It definitely kept me guessing.
In the beginning you witness something take place when 2 people meet. You aren’t sure who it is or what’s really happening until the end of the book. Fast forward and twins Dani and Brynn own a clothing boutique together. They are now 27. You find out that their mother died when they were 7. Brynn is a violinist but has always put her dreams aside to be with her twin. She has just gotten the opportunity to work in an orchestra that travels the world. Dani is pregnant and Brynn takes the weekend to decide what to do. The majority of this story takes place over a long weekend.
Brynn gets a call that her mother in San Francisco has been shot and wants her to know she’s sorry. Hmm, Her mom died when she was 7. She decides to jump in the car and see what’s going on. This opens up a whole slew of trouble. She realizes her mom isn’t dead, she’s hiding lots of things, and she could possible die and Brynn won’t know the truth. There’s mystery around Kade, her moms tenant, whom Brynn is falling for as he helps her piece this mystery together.
I liked how Brynn and Kade came together and basically solved 90% of what was going on. There’s a twist once her mom wakes up that you don’t see coming. I couldn’t put it down wanting to know the truth. There is not much heat in this story which is refreshing. Brynn does get her happy ending.

[Petra Hofmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

„Die Letzte, die es wusste“ startet unglaublich stark: Aus Brynns Ich-Perspektive folgt man hautnah ihrem Schock, als sie erfährt, dass ihre längst tot geglaubte Mutter offenbar all die Jahre in San Francisco gelebt hat – und nun nach einem Anschlag im Sterben liegen könnte. Sofort ist man mitten drin im düsteren Familiengeheimnis, in der komplizierten Vergangenheit der Zwillinge Dani und Brynn und in der Frage, welche Rolle der attraktive Untermieter ihrer Mutter spielt. Die erste Hälfte ist fesselnd, atmosphärisch dicht und absolut angenehm zu lesen. Man fiebert mit Brynn mit, spürt ihre Unsicherheit, ihre Angst und ihren dringenden Wunsch nach Wahrheit. Doch je weiter die Handlung voranschreitet, desto mehr verliert sich die Geschichte in Verwirrungen. In der zweiten Hälfte werden die Rückblenden und Enthüllungen immer ausschweifender, und vor allem im letzten Viertel werden die Ereignisse damals beinahe zu detailliert und langatmig aufgedröselt. Die Spannung flacht ab – ich ertappte mich dabei, die Seiten eher zu überfliegen. Man merkt, dass die Autorin aus einem anderen Genre kommt und sich erstmals im Thrillerbereich versucht. Weniger Ausschweifungen und ein strafferer Schluss hätten dem Buch gutgetan. Insgesamt ein lesbarer, stellenweise wirklich packender Thriller mit starkem Beginn, der sein Potenzial aber nicht ganz ausschöpft