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The Last Time We Met
Six former friends are forced to relive their deadly past in this psychologically charged and suspenseful locked-room mystery perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.
Old friends. Old grudges. One evening back together again. The last time they all had dinner, someone wound up dead. What could go wrong?
Sophie Lind hasn’t seen her college friends in a decade when a dinner invitation from one of the friends, Ava, arrives on her doorstep. They used to all be inseparable, meeting for dinner every week even after graduation. But the last time they all had dinner, ten years ago, someone was dead by the end of the night.
It was Sophie’s then-fiancé William who died that night in his apartment, just a room away from the friends he called family. Sophie isn’t sure if it’s curiosity—or guilt—that pushes her to accept Ava’s dinner invitation and unbury those old wounds. When the six friends arrive for the dinner, there’s a small box waiting for each of them by their plates. Each box uncovers secrets that the friends have kept hidden all these years, and with the door to the apartment locked from the outside, it’s clear that Ava didn’t plan this dinner just to reminisce about the past.
What happened to William is buried beneath someone’s lies—and nobody’s leaving this dinner table until the truth comes out.
Old friends. Old grudges. One evening back together again. The last time they all had dinner, someone wound up dead. What could go wrong?
Sophie Lind hasn’t seen her college friends in a decade when a dinner invitation from one of the friends, Ava, arrives on her doorstep. They used to all be inseparable, meeting for dinner every week even after graduation. But the last time they all had dinner, ten years ago, someone was dead by the end of the night.
It was Sophie’s then-fiancé William who died that night in his apartment, just a room away from the friends he called family. Sophie isn’t sure if it’s curiosity—or guilt—that pushes her to accept Ava’s dinner invitation and unbury those old wounds. When the six friends arrive for the dinner, there’s a small box waiting for each of them by their plates. Each box uncovers secrets that the friends have kept hidden all these years, and with the door to the apartment locked from the outside, it’s clear that Ava didn’t plan this dinner just to reminisce about the past.
What happened to William is buried beneath someone’s lies—and nobody’s leaving this dinner table until the truth comes out.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2022
12 people are currently reading
4263 people want to read
About the author
Anna E. Wahlgren
6 books17 followersAnna E. Wahlgren (b. 1981) has a background as a pharmacist and chemical systems engineer. Her passionate interest in psychology is reflected in her cutting-edge psychological thrillers and locked-room mystery novels, which explore the darker shades of interpersonal relationships. She participated in a number of anthologies before making her debut in 2016. The atmospheric locked-room mystery The Last Time We Met is her big breakthrough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 2, 2024
The moment that I read the synopsis for The Last Time We Met, I knew this book was for me. From the locked room mystery vibe to the long-buried secrets, I was certain it was going to be the perfect combination of complicated friendships and deftly written revenge thriller. Thankfully for me, I was proven 100% right as the plot rolled along. After all, this was one dinner where I both wouldn’t have wanted to be a guest, but also would’ve loved to be a fly on the wall.
Next up on my list of winning attributes were the complex group dynamics and skillfully explored toxic relationships. Illustrated superbly through dual timelines of the past and the present, we were gifted to a slow IV drip of revelations about both the night of William’s death and the dinner party from hell. Step by step, each of the guests had their pasts stripped bare, leading to an explosive climax that kept me riveted to the pages until the thoroughly satisfying conclusion. Even if it was somewhat sadder than expected.
All said and done, while the number of characters paired with their individual secrets did mean I got a bit lost here and there, it made for a complex, finely layered plot that was still a winner for sure. A definite binge-worthy read, it was no surprise that I finished this in just a single sitting. All I know is that if you’re the kind of person who can’t pass up peeking inside of medicine cabinets given the chance, you’re sure to love this masterful whodunnit no ifs, ands, or buts. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Sophie Lind hasn’t seen her college friends in a decade when a dinner invitation from one of the friends, Ava, arrives on her doorstep. They used to all be inseparable, meeting for dinner every week, even after graduation. But the last time they all had dinner, ten years ago, someone was dead by the end of the night.
It was Sophie’s then-fiancé William who died that night in his apartment, just a room away from the friends he called family. Sophie isn’t sure if it’s curiosity—or guilt—that pushes her to accept Ava’s dinner invitation and unbury those old wounds. When the six friends arrive for the dinner, there’s a small box waiting for each of them by their plates. Each box uncovers secrets that the friends have kept hidden all these years, and with the door to the apartment locked from the outside, it’s clear that Ava didn’t plan this dinner just to reminisce about the past.
What happened to William is buried beneath someone’s lies—and nobody’s leaving this dinner table until the truth comes out.
Thank you to Anna E. Wahlgren and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 6, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: drug addiction, infidelity, mention of: suicide
Next up on my list of winning attributes were the complex group dynamics and skillfully explored toxic relationships. Illustrated superbly through dual timelines of the past and the present, we were gifted to a slow IV drip of revelations about both the night of William’s death and the dinner party from hell. Step by step, each of the guests had their pasts stripped bare, leading to an explosive climax that kept me riveted to the pages until the thoroughly satisfying conclusion. Even if it was somewhat sadder than expected.
All said and done, while the number of characters paired with their individual secrets did mean I got a bit lost here and there, it made for a complex, finely layered plot that was still a winner for sure. A definite binge-worthy read, it was no surprise that I finished this in just a single sitting. All I know is that if you’re the kind of person who can’t pass up peeking inside of medicine cabinets given the chance, you’re sure to love this masterful whodunnit no ifs, ands, or buts. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Sophie Lind hasn’t seen her college friends in a decade when a dinner invitation from one of the friends, Ava, arrives on her doorstep. They used to all be inseparable, meeting for dinner every week, even after graduation. But the last time they all had dinner, ten years ago, someone was dead by the end of the night.
It was Sophie’s then-fiancé William who died that night in his apartment, just a room away from the friends he called family. Sophie isn’t sure if it’s curiosity—or guilt—that pushes her to accept Ava’s dinner invitation and unbury those old wounds. When the six friends arrive for the dinner, there’s a small box waiting for each of them by their plates. Each box uncovers secrets that the friends have kept hidden all these years, and with the door to the apartment locked from the outside, it’s clear that Ava didn’t plan this dinner just to reminisce about the past.
What happened to William is buried beneath someone’s lies—and nobody’s leaving this dinner table until the truth comes out.
Thank you to Anna E. Wahlgren and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 6, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: drug addiction, infidelity, mention of: suicide
August 10, 2024
One murder. Six friends. Ten years later.
Seven friends become six and scatter. One of them plans a dinner party ten years later and invites the rest of the group plus one. At each plate is a box containing a clue to what happened to William. They are locked in until the answer is revealed. No phones. Forced quality time. These friends are nothing like the popular sitcom.
The story is primarily told by Sophie, who was engaged to William when he died. Wahlgren uses passages from the past in third person to give us a more comprehensive view. Those glimpses of the past also correspond with the boxes being opened. It was a bit like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle which I enjoy.
I was engaged and wanted to find out the answer to the mystery of William's death, so am rounding up from 3.5 for my rating. The translation was a bit clunky. The cover is enticing, but does not really match up well to the plot. I also found that the other friends (Ava, Charlotte, Tess, Adrian, and Finn) were not likable. Same for Jacob, the plus one.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Seven friends become six and scatter. One of them plans a dinner party ten years later and invites the rest of the group plus one. At each plate is a box containing a clue to what happened to William. They are locked in until the answer is revealed. No phones. Forced quality time. These friends are nothing like the popular sitcom.
The story is primarily told by Sophie, who was engaged to William when he died. Wahlgren uses passages from the past in third person to give us a more comprehensive view. Those glimpses of the past also correspond with the boxes being opened. It was a bit like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle which I enjoy.
I was engaged and wanted to find out the answer to the mystery of William's death, so am rounding up from 3.5 for my rating. The translation was a bit clunky. The cover is enticing, but does not really match up well to the plot. I also found that the other friends (Ava, Charlotte, Tess, Adrian, and Finn) were not likable. Same for Jacob, the plus one.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2024
Absolutely crazy story and totally believeable!
Six college friends are invited to a dinner from their old friend Ava. They find out fairly quickly that this isn't just a catch up, that there are actually string attached. Ava believes that William, a friend of all of theirs, and fiancee of Sophie was murdered many years ago and aims to get to the bottom of what happened before the end of the night.
Sophie has decided to attend against her gut and best intentions. She hasn't spoken to any of the friends since the death of William and would rather forget them all. But Ava isn't the only one with a grudge and a plan. All of the friends had better be very, very careful.
This is a story with a premise we have heard before but a setting that we have not. Wahlgren provides a completely bonkers yet believable locked room thriller that will captivate you and confuse you until the very end!
#crookedlanebooks #thelasttimewemet #annaewahlgen
Six college friends are invited to a dinner from their old friend Ava. They find out fairly quickly that this isn't just a catch up, that there are actually string attached. Ava believes that William, a friend of all of theirs, and fiancee of Sophie was murdered many years ago and aims to get to the bottom of what happened before the end of the night.
Sophie has decided to attend against her gut and best intentions. She hasn't spoken to any of the friends since the death of William and would rather forget them all. But Ava isn't the only one with a grudge and a plan. All of the friends had better be very, very careful.
This is a story with a premise we have heard before but a setting that we have not. Wahlgren provides a completely bonkers yet believable locked room thriller that will captivate you and confuse you until the very end!
#crookedlanebooks #thelasttimewemet #annaewahlgen
July 31, 2024
The Last Time We Met
By: Anna E. Wahlgren
Pub date: August 6, 2024
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Imagine getting invited to a dinner party with old friends whom you never wanted to see again? A secret has kept all these friends distant after someone died. They were inseparable in college and after that critical night, they all stayed away from each other.
Ten years later, a dinner invitation arrives at Sophie’s doorstep from her friend Ava, one of the old friends. Sophie’s fiancé is the one who died years ago. When Sophie decides to accept the invitation, she realizes the group will be getting back together for an unforgettable and crazy night. What Ava has in mind dredges up the past and she is determined for everyone to recount the night William died. Why does Ava want to dig into the past? Afterall, he was Sophies fiancé and she has moved on!
This story took a crazy twist as each guest arrived.
Thank you Wahlgren and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for this gifted copy. We are all exciting to share Wahlgren’s mystery thriller.
By: Anna E. Wahlgren
Pub date: August 6, 2024
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Imagine getting invited to a dinner party with old friends whom you never wanted to see again? A secret has kept all these friends distant after someone died. They were inseparable in college and after that critical night, they all stayed away from each other.
Ten years later, a dinner invitation arrives at Sophie’s doorstep from her friend Ava, one of the old friends. Sophie’s fiancé is the one who died years ago. When Sophie decides to accept the invitation, she realizes the group will be getting back together for an unforgettable and crazy night. What Ava has in mind dredges up the past and she is determined for everyone to recount the night William died. Why does Ava want to dig into the past? Afterall, he was Sophies fiancé and she has moved on!
This story took a crazy twist as each guest arrived.
Thank you Wahlgren and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for this gifted copy. We are all exciting to share Wahlgren’s mystery thriller.
August 7, 2024
This was an enjoyable locked-room mystery that kept me guessing. I appreciated the alternating timelines as I don't always love the locked-room style. With the past flashbacks, it felt more fresh and suspenseful.
It's been a decade since a group of close friends have seen or spoken to one another. The last time they did, someone died. Declared a suicide, William's death has had ramifications on the friends' lives in ways that couldn't be predicted. Now, together again, one of the friends is convinced that William's death wasn't a suicide and even more, wasn't an accident. Presented in an escape room format with clues and no way out, Ava forces the friends to confront their demons and admit to their transgressions from a decade ago.
I enjoyed this story and it surprised me. I didn't predict the killer until close to the end which I really appreciated. I also loved the juicy gossip and drama amongst the friends. They seemed so close but there was so much nastiness simmering below the surface.
It was hard to keep the characters straight and often I couldn't tell who was speaking as the book had a ton of dialogue and didn't identify the speakers frequently enough for my take. This might be solved with the audio and I bet this would be a great book for that format.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It was a quick read and fast-paced. It kept me guessing and held my interest. I definitely recommend!
The Pulse put this one on my radar and I'm excited to read more by Wahlgren!!
It's been a decade since a group of close friends have seen or spoken to one another. The last time they did, someone died. Declared a suicide, William's death has had ramifications on the friends' lives in ways that couldn't be predicted. Now, together again, one of the friends is convinced that William's death wasn't a suicide and even more, wasn't an accident. Presented in an escape room format with clues and no way out, Ava forces the friends to confront their demons and admit to their transgressions from a decade ago.
I enjoyed this story and it surprised me. I didn't predict the killer until close to the end which I really appreciated. I also loved the juicy gossip and drama amongst the friends. They seemed so close but there was so much nastiness simmering below the surface.
It was hard to keep the characters straight and often I couldn't tell who was speaking as the book had a ton of dialogue and didn't identify the speakers frequently enough for my take. This might be solved with the audio and I bet this would be a great book for that format.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It was a quick read and fast-paced. It kept me guessing and held my interest. I definitely recommend!
The Pulse put this one on my radar and I'm excited to read more by Wahlgren!!
August 4, 2024
Check out this captivating cover - it immediately drew me in. I've never experienced this author's work before, so I saw this as an opportunity to dive into a fresh and compelling narrative.
Now, I'll admit that I've been on the fence about locked-room mysteries, but something about this one piqued my interest. The story starts shrouded in mystery, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey.
The plot revolves around a tight-knit group of college friends who used to meet for weekly dinners until a shocking tragedy struck. Following the unexpected death of William, the group drifted apart and went their separate ways.
Fast forward ten years, and Sophie receives an unexpected invitation from one of her long-lost friends, Ava, who is hosting a dinner for the group. Despite her reservations, Sophie reluctantly accepts. Once the group gathers, it becomes clear that Ava has a hidden agenda, and nobody leaves until she says so.
The atmosphere at the dinner is nothing short of eerie, and each group member has changed over the years. This gripping tale is right up your alley if you're a fan of slow-burn mysteries that entice you with gradual revelations.
Thank you to Anna E. Wahlgren and Crooked Lane Books for granting me access to this electrifying e-ARC. All opinions shared are entirely my own!
#TheLastTimeWeMet #NetGalley #AnnaEWahlgren #CrookedLaneBooks
Now, I'll admit that I've been on the fence about locked-room mysteries, but something about this one piqued my interest. The story starts shrouded in mystery, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey.
The plot revolves around a tight-knit group of college friends who used to meet for weekly dinners until a shocking tragedy struck. Following the unexpected death of William, the group drifted apart and went their separate ways.
Fast forward ten years, and Sophie receives an unexpected invitation from one of her long-lost friends, Ava, who is hosting a dinner for the group. Despite her reservations, Sophie reluctantly accepts. Once the group gathers, it becomes clear that Ava has a hidden agenda, and nobody leaves until she says so.
The atmosphere at the dinner is nothing short of eerie, and each group member has changed over the years. This gripping tale is right up your alley if you're a fan of slow-burn mysteries that entice you with gradual revelations.
Thank you to Anna E. Wahlgren and Crooked Lane Books for granting me access to this electrifying e-ARC. All opinions shared are entirely my own!
#TheLastTimeWeMet #NetGalley #AnnaEWahlgren #CrookedLaneBooks
August 1, 2024
Quick Summary: Six college friends – Sophie, Jacob, Tess, Ava, Charlotte, Finn and Adrian - are invited to Ava’s plush apartment for a dinner party. They haven’t seen each other for 10 years, since the night that their friend William was found dead in the bathroom of his apartment where they had all been partying. Although questions lingered about his death and the police investigated, it was considered a suicide at the time. The group had always claimed to be the best of friends, but were they really? During this dinner party, Ava has an agenda to uncover all the dirty little secrets and lies while finding out what really happened to William.
Thoughts: This was a perfect summer thriller – compulsively readable and just the right level of page-turning tension. The story of the seven friends is told in a series of flashbacks to that fateful night ten years ago, and through multiple POV as each member of the group reflects on their interactions with the group and the various relationships. The façade of easy, light friendship peels away over the course of the evening to reveal all the ugly or embarrassing secrets they had been hiding from each other. This would make a perfect vacation read on your lounger or deck chair with a beverage in hand – a highly entertaining read.
Thoughts: This was a perfect summer thriller – compulsively readable and just the right level of page-turning tension. The story of the seven friends is told in a series of flashbacks to that fateful night ten years ago, and through multiple POV as each member of the group reflects on their interactions with the group and the various relationships. The façade of easy, light friendship peels away over the course of the evening to reveal all the ugly or embarrassing secrets they had been hiding from each other. This would make a perfect vacation read on your lounger or deck chair with a beverage in hand – a highly entertaining read.
August 10, 2024
I really love a good locked room thriller featuring an absolutely toxic mix of friends and their dark secrets, and one of them is a killer. This was an enjoyable and twisty ride and I really didn’t know who the killer was until the end. It could have been any of them as they each had something to hide! Not only did the story keep my attention, I loved the end!
August 6, 2024
Us here at @thrillerbookloversthepulse have a killer book for you to read this Summer/Fall. Thanks to the publisher for my gifted finished copy.
10 years ago was the last time this group of friends were together. It was a night that would forever change their friendships and alter the course of each of their lives. Since that night they’ve never been together again, until they each received an invitation to a dinner party.
After tonight secrets will be spilled because what this host has in store for them isn’t what they’re expecting. Next to their dinner plates sits tiny gift boxes, one for each of them. What’s inside the boxes will have each of them questioning the others.
The story alternates between 10 years ago and the current dinner party. As the party heats up we are thrown back in time to help us connect all the dots of what happened that night.
The story is medium-pace but all the characters will intrigue you. In a typical locked-room theme, these characters have no way of escaping what is coming for each of them. It’s a fun read that’ll have you guessing until the very end.
I enjoyed this one. Digging into all the characters and their relationships with each other will have you looking closer at your own friends. It puts friendships under the microscope and breaks them down to the essentials.
Def recommend this one. If you’re a hardcore thriller reader you might find this one underwhelming but you’ll still enjoy it. If not a seasoned thriller reader you might find it to be more of a pressure cooker.
Either way, you’ll enjoy this one. What a ride.
10 years ago was the last time this group of friends were together. It was a night that would forever change their friendships and alter the course of each of their lives. Since that night they’ve never been together again, until they each received an invitation to a dinner party.
After tonight secrets will be spilled because what this host has in store for them isn’t what they’re expecting. Next to their dinner plates sits tiny gift boxes, one for each of them. What’s inside the boxes will have each of them questioning the others.
The story alternates between 10 years ago and the current dinner party. As the party heats up we are thrown back in time to help us connect all the dots of what happened that night.
The story is medium-pace but all the characters will intrigue you. In a typical locked-room theme, these characters have no way of escaping what is coming for each of them. It’s a fun read that’ll have you guessing until the very end.
I enjoyed this one. Digging into all the characters and their relationships with each other will have you looking closer at your own friends. It puts friendships under the microscope and breaks them down to the essentials.
Def recommend this one. If you’re a hardcore thriller reader you might find this one underwhelming but you’ll still enjoy it. If not a seasoned thriller reader you might find it to be more of a pressure cooker.
Either way, you’ll enjoy this one. What a ride.
March 27, 2022
Att sätta tänderna i Den sista middagen var något helt utöver det vanliga. WOW säger jag bara!
För 10 år sedan hände det onämnbara. Under en efterfest i Williams lägenhet hittas han död i badkaret. Alla hans närmaste vänner var där den kvällen - när de skingras för natten är de snarare främlingar för varandra.
När Sophie får ett brev med en inbjudan till återträff hemma hos Ava tvekar hon till en början. Hon både vill och inte vill träffa de andra. Tänk om det kommer fram vad hon gjorde? Väl på middagen inser Sophie att Ava inte är redo att låta det förgångna vara. Hon är fast besluten att nysta fram vad som skedde den där natten för tio år sedan - kosta vad det kosta vill...
Jag har gråtit, våndats och lidit med karaktärerna. Misstänkliggjort, irriterat mig och undrat. Alla har motiv - alla kan ha gjort det. Eller är ingen skyldig? Alla?
Boken hoppar mellan att låta oss följa var och en av middagsbesökarna i nutid och under kvällen i dåtid. Vad gjorde de under de sista timmarna innan Williams död? Det är en skicklig väv av indicier och vi lämnas hela tiden med en smula mer information för att få pusslet att hamna på plats. Jag imponeras över bokens upplägg, och hur jag inte ser slutet veckla ut sig - även om jag tycker mig ha funderat i alla tänkbara riktningar.
Det här var en riktig fullträff till bok, precis vad jag behövde just nu. Snabbläst, smart, genomtänkt, känslomässig. Med Agatha Christie-toner och ett riktigt locked room mystery. Jag kan inte nog rekommendera den!
För 10 år sedan hände det onämnbara. Under en efterfest i Williams lägenhet hittas han död i badkaret. Alla hans närmaste vänner var där den kvällen - när de skingras för natten är de snarare främlingar för varandra.
När Sophie får ett brev med en inbjudan till återträff hemma hos Ava tvekar hon till en början. Hon både vill och inte vill träffa de andra. Tänk om det kommer fram vad hon gjorde? Väl på middagen inser Sophie att Ava inte är redo att låta det förgångna vara. Hon är fast besluten att nysta fram vad som skedde den där natten för tio år sedan - kosta vad det kosta vill...
Jag har gråtit, våndats och lidit med karaktärerna. Misstänkliggjort, irriterat mig och undrat. Alla har motiv - alla kan ha gjort det. Eller är ingen skyldig? Alla?
Boken hoppar mellan att låta oss följa var och en av middagsbesökarna i nutid och under kvällen i dåtid. Vad gjorde de under de sista timmarna innan Williams död? Det är en skicklig väv av indicier och vi lämnas hela tiden med en smula mer information för att få pusslet att hamna på plats. Jag imponeras över bokens upplägg, och hur jag inte ser slutet veckla ut sig - även om jag tycker mig ha funderat i alla tänkbara riktningar.
Det här var en riktig fullträff till bok, precis vad jag behövde just nu. Snabbläst, smart, genomtänkt, känslomässig. Med Agatha Christie-toner och ett riktigt locked room mystery. Jag kan inte nog rekommendera den!
February 22, 2024
This isn’t nearly so deliciously vicious as the cover implies.
The plot has been done. Many years ago, tragedy happens. A decade later, everyone is invited to a get together. Doors are locked. Secrets are unveiled. Bad things happen.
But done to death or not, the storytelling is good here. I liked our characters and, while not terribly surprised by the who of everything, I was surprised by some of the secrets.
Despite the cover, it’s actually a quieter and sadder read and I definitely enjoyed it.
• ARC via Publisher
The plot has been done. Many years ago, tragedy happens. A decade later, everyone is invited to a get together. Doors are locked. Secrets are unveiled. Bad things happen.
But done to death or not, the storytelling is good here. I liked our characters and, while not terribly surprised by the who of everything, I was surprised by some of the secrets.
Despite the cover, it’s actually a quieter and sadder read and I definitely enjoyed it.
• ARC via Publisher
July 18, 2024
Sophie hasn't seen her friends for 10 years since her fiance was found dead at a party. She moved away and cut ties with everyone. Until an invitation for a dinner party arrives and she finds herself back with her old friends. But someone doesn't believe her fiance killed himself, and if that's true, one of their friends has been lying for the last 10 years.
This was a Swedish thriller, with a sort of locked door mystery vibe. It was a slow burn, with a premise that has been done many times before, but the writing was great and kept me wanting to read on.
This was a Swedish thriller, with a sort of locked door mystery vibe. It was a slow burn, with a premise that has been done many times before, but the writing was great and kept me wanting to read on.
August 5, 2024
If you love locked room mysteries served up in a slow burn style, this one is for you. Seven friends are thick as thieves, growing up as the best of friends until one of them dies. Ten years pass without contact until they are reunited and their friendship all those years ago is called into question as secrets and lies are revealed.
I really enjoyed the writing and look forward to reading more by this author.
I will caution you to not judge (or have expectations) by the cover. It's not as ominous or dark as the cover indicates.
I really enjoyed the writing and look forward to reading more by this author.
I will caution you to not judge (or have expectations) by the cover. It's not as ominous or dark as the cover indicates.
April 8, 2022
Det är något särskilt med böcker som utspelar sig där man bor. Där karaktärer går på gator där mina sneakers har lämnat dammiga avtryck, där ställen jag nästan dagligen passerar nämns. Att dessutom läsa en otroligt välskriven och spännande bok som utspelar sig i Gävle - det är liksom ännu bättre och ännu mer speciellt.
’Den sista middagen’ är väldigt bra. Här är vänskapsrelationer i fokus och nutid knyts ihop med dåtid på ett skickligt sätt. Ibland stör jag mig på Sophie och vill typ ruska om henne, samtidigt som jag skulle vilja gå på Christos och äta grekiskt med henne. Hon skulle nog må bra av att säga saker rakt ut, inte tänka så jävla mycket. Och jag måste faktiskt säga att Ava är min favorit i hela boken, sättet hon skildras på är genialiskt. Hon är ruskigt smart och på sitt säregna vis faktiskt lite rolig och jag känner med henne.
Vad hände egentligen den där kvällen för 10 år sedan? Läs eller lyssna så får du veta - du kommer inte ångra dig!
’Den sista middagen’ är väldigt bra. Här är vänskapsrelationer i fokus och nutid knyts ihop med dåtid på ett skickligt sätt. Ibland stör jag mig på Sophie och vill typ ruska om henne, samtidigt som jag skulle vilja gå på Christos och äta grekiskt med henne. Hon skulle nog må bra av att säga saker rakt ut, inte tänka så jävla mycket. Och jag måste faktiskt säga att Ava är min favorit i hela boken, sättet hon skildras på är genialiskt. Hon är ruskigt smart och på sitt säregna vis faktiskt lite rolig och jag känner med henne.
Vad hände egentligen den där kvällen för 10 år sedan? Läs eller lyssna så får du veta - du kommer inte ångra dig!
March 5, 2024
This was a closed room mystery that had me feeling like I was locked in the room with the characters themselves. It got confusing for me at times with the alternating timelines and the number of characters. It was just hard for me to get to know each one of them because there were so many. I found myself having to keep them organized the right way in my head constantly to stay in tune with the story. The cover leads you to think this is something completely different than it is. Yes, its a thriller with murder, but its also just sad. This author is one I'd read again. I enjoyed this and I recommend to any locked room whodunit story lovers.
July 29, 2024
After one of their friends died at a party, a group of friends all go their separate ways. Ten years later, they’re all invited to a dinner parter to discuss what really happened that night and to prove that William didn’t kill himself, but one of them did.
I love a locked room mystery, and this one had me feeling like I was locked in the room with these characters. None of them were particularly likable, and all of them were hiding something, but I was so intrigued that I just needed to know how this book would end. The dual timelines worked so well, and I loved how we learned about each character when we flashed back to the hours leading up to William’s death.
While the cover initially drew me into this story, don’t let it fool you. This isn’t your typical thriller. This book was a little bit deeper and a lot sadder than I was expecting. It’s definitely a slow burn, and it covers some tough topics like infidelity, suicide, and drug abuse, but I thought the story was written well, and I loved how the characters’ secrets came to light throughout the dinner.
Was the ending a bit predictable? Yes, but I still enjoyed trying to figure out where the story was going. Did I hope someone else did it? Certainly because I wanted to be shocked by the ending which sadly I wasn’t. I still really enjoyed this book. I had a sense of claustrophobia while reading it, and highly recommend it if you’re a fan of the locked room trope.
Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
I love a locked room mystery, and this one had me feeling like I was locked in the room with these characters. None of them were particularly likable, and all of them were hiding something, but I was so intrigued that I just needed to know how this book would end. The dual timelines worked so well, and I loved how we learned about each character when we flashed back to the hours leading up to William’s death.
While the cover initially drew me into this story, don’t let it fool you. This isn’t your typical thriller. This book was a little bit deeper and a lot sadder than I was expecting. It’s definitely a slow burn, and it covers some tough topics like infidelity, suicide, and drug abuse, but I thought the story was written well, and I loved how the characters’ secrets came to light throughout the dinner.
Was the ending a bit predictable? Yes, but I still enjoyed trying to figure out where the story was going. Did I hope someone else did it? Certainly because I wanted to be shocked by the ending which sadly I wasn’t. I still really enjoyed this book. I had a sense of claustrophobia while reading it, and highly recommend it if you’re a fan of the locked room trope.
Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 9, 2024
I love a good locked-room mystery, and this one was fantastic! The story was told in multiple POVs, but the MC did most of the narrating. Sometimes it was hard to tell who was talking, but not a huge problem for me. I loved how every character had something to hide, and I wasn't ever able to guess what would happen next. I really enjoyed how the book ended, and will definitely be recommending this book to anyone who enjoys reading these types of books!
June 18, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Last Time We Met.
First, I love this cover; it's sinister, creepy, and devious.
Yet, the narrative is nowhere near as dark and deadly.
In fact, it's kinda sad.
** Minor unoriginal spoilers ahead **
You've read the premise before; it's a tried and true cliche:
Old friends with secrets are brought together to discuss the death of their closest friend a decade ago.
Everyone believed it was suicide, but it was murder.
All the tropes are here; the deceased was the good guy, the popular one, the guy everyone wanted to hang out with and gravitated to.
One of the members of the group was in love with him, there was a love triangle brewing, everyone had their own personal relationship with the deceased that might have motivated them to kill him.
Will exposing their secrets lead to the killer?
The narrative lacked urgency and suspense, especially since I expected all the revelations.
Some of the subplots was deeply sad; for example, Ana is suffering from a mental breakdown that stemmed from a horrific assault she experienced as a teenager; a couple is unhappily married, and Sophie's grief and guilt has caused her to cut all social and personal ties.
I didn't like anyone, including Sophie.
I couldn't understand why William or Jacob found her so interesting and alluring and wanted to be with her.
She was dull and boring, and I didn't care about William and all the problems everyone was dealing with.
I did guess whodunnit correctly; I usually do.
First, I love this cover; it's sinister, creepy, and devious.
Yet, the narrative is nowhere near as dark and deadly.
In fact, it's kinda sad.
** Minor unoriginal spoilers ahead **
You've read the premise before; it's a tried and true cliche:
Old friends with secrets are brought together to discuss the death of their closest friend a decade ago.
Everyone believed it was suicide, but it was murder.
All the tropes are here; the deceased was the good guy, the popular one, the guy everyone wanted to hang out with and gravitated to.
One of the members of the group was in love with him, there was a love triangle brewing, everyone had their own personal relationship with the deceased that might have motivated them to kill him.
Will exposing their secrets lead to the killer?
The narrative lacked urgency and suspense, especially since I expected all the revelations.
Some of the subplots was deeply sad; for example, Ana is suffering from a mental breakdown that stemmed from a horrific assault she experienced as a teenager; a couple is unhappily married, and Sophie's grief and guilt has caused her to cut all social and personal ties.
I didn't like anyone, including Sophie.
I couldn't understand why William or Jacob found her so interesting and alluring and wanted to be with her.
She was dull and boring, and I didn't care about William and all the problems everyone was dealing with.
I did guess whodunnit correctly; I usually do.
August 12, 2024
Ten years ago, Sophie fled town after a dinner party with her friends turned fatal, her fiancé William found dead in his bath tub. Despite changing her surname and attempting to remain hidden for the past decade, an invitation to another dinner party with the same friends arrives at her door. But once the guests arrive, their hostess locks them all in and tells them that no one is leaving until their secrets have been revealed.
The Last Time We Met is a tense, one-sitting read that alternates timelines between the events leading up to William's death and the dinner party with the reunited friends. During the course of the dinners, lies, secrets, love triangles, and betrayals will all be revealed. But will Sophie finally know the truth about William's fate.
I really enjoyed this translated locked room mystery novel. The attendees of the dinner party all seem to have their motives for wanting William dead, adding interesting depth to the narrative that left me guessing up until the very end. I also loved how the author used the seasons to demarcate the two timelines -- the earlier dinner taking place on a sweltering summer day and the reunion held during a snowy November night. The weather adds to the tension of the scenes, but also helps the reader remember which timeline they are in.
Fans of Lucy Foley or Agatha Christie are sure to enjoy this cleverly plotted novel. The author expertly weaves together past and present, creating a puzzle that keeps readers guessing until the final revelation. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and atmospheric setting, this novel is a must-read for those who enjoy classic whodunnits.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The Last Time We Met is a tense, one-sitting read that alternates timelines between the events leading up to William's death and the dinner party with the reunited friends. During the course of the dinners, lies, secrets, love triangles, and betrayals will all be revealed. But will Sophie finally know the truth about William's fate.
I really enjoyed this translated locked room mystery novel. The attendees of the dinner party all seem to have their motives for wanting William dead, adding interesting depth to the narrative that left me guessing up until the very end. I also loved how the author used the seasons to demarcate the two timelines -- the earlier dinner taking place on a sweltering summer day and the reunion held during a snowy November night. The weather adds to the tension of the scenes, but also helps the reader remember which timeline they are in.
Fans of Lucy Foley or Agatha Christie are sure to enjoy this cleverly plotted novel. The author expertly weaves together past and present, creating a puzzle that keeps readers guessing until the final revelation. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and atmospheric setting, this novel is a must-read for those who enjoy classic whodunnits.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2024
ARC via NetGalley.
Full of twists and turns, some of them predictable, some of them not, but regardless it's a ride of carefully revealed information that is constantly changing your opinion of the characters.
10 years ago at a party William - the glue of the friend group - was found dead in the bathroom. It was ruled a suicide and the group of friends fell apart as swiftly as if they were all guilty of killing him. Now one friend pulls them all back together, locks them in her apartment, and says the night will be over when they find out who killed William. She believes it wasn't a suicide. Over the course of one chaotic night, every secret they kept is laid bare. Every motive examined. Will a killer be revealed?
We spend most of the book inside Sophie's perspective - a late addition to the friend group and she had been William's fiance. In the present, she never really moved on, and her own issues even outside of losing William have kept her from forming close relationships. Sophie is likable and for once I understand why a lot of characters are kind of obsessed with her. She's somehow both aloof and incredibly kind.
William on the other hand...I don't get it. But I will be curious to see other readers' reviews and opinions on him.
I was intrigued from the start. While there isn't anything groundbreaking here, it's a solid read with big emotions and big reveals. I was entertained from start to finish, and really enjoyed the ending.
Full of twists and turns, some of them predictable, some of them not, but regardless it's a ride of carefully revealed information that is constantly changing your opinion of the characters.
10 years ago at a party William - the glue of the friend group - was found dead in the bathroom. It was ruled a suicide and the group of friends fell apart as swiftly as if they were all guilty of killing him. Now one friend pulls them all back together, locks them in her apartment, and says the night will be over when they find out who killed William. She believes it wasn't a suicide. Over the course of one chaotic night, every secret they kept is laid bare. Every motive examined. Will a killer be revealed?
We spend most of the book inside Sophie's perspective - a late addition to the friend group and she had been William's fiance. In the present, she never really moved on, and her own issues even outside of losing William have kept her from forming close relationships. Sophie is likable and for once I understand why a lot of characters are kind of obsessed with her. She's somehow both aloof and incredibly kind.
William on the other hand...I don't get it. But I will be curious to see other readers' reviews and opinions on him.
I was intrigued from the start. While there isn't anything groundbreaking here, it's a solid read with big emotions and big reveals. I was entertained from start to finish, and really enjoyed the ending.
August 6, 2024
Thank you to Anna E Walgren and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC! How fun is the cover? 🔪
Most recently at The Pulse, we have been raving about this book! And upon finally finishing it myself, I can see why!
From the first few pages, this group of old friends drew me in with the mystery surrounding William’s death. I was also drawn into the “drama”, so to speak, of this group of people who had once seemed so close. My heart broke for Ava, and I could relate to her feeling of being left behind - I’m sure many of us could to an extent.
In this book, the author blended two of my favorite genres - psychological thriller with locked room. The tension as the clues came out and they tried to get to the truth had me on the edge of my seat. And I didn’t predict who the killer actually was, which I always appreciate. The fast pace kept me intrigued throughout and I am looking forward to more by this author!
September 13, 2024
THE LAST TIME WE MET – Written by Anna E. Wahlgren — Translated by Alice Menzies
If ever there was a book that I could get my hands on to edit, it would be this one. I love how the story plays out—finding the truth that surrounds what happened to William—however, the early reveal of the perceived manner of his death (based on what I am guessing is in the coroner's report from ten years ago) is implausible based on the evidence we learn later on, which makes the entire plot seem improbable.
As the reader, if you can set aside the above detail in lieu of seeing how the story will play out, as I have, you may enjoy the book. Had the manner of death been changed initially, it would have made for an exciting story.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books (The Quick Brown Fox & Company LLC.), for providing me with an eBook of THE LAST TIME WE MET at the request of an honest review.
If ever there was a book that I could get my hands on to edit, it would be this one. I love how the story plays out—finding the truth that surrounds what happened to William—however, the early reveal of the perceived manner of his death (based on what I am guessing is in the coroner's report from ten years ago) is implausible based on the evidence we learn later on, which makes the entire plot seem improbable.
As the reader, if you can set aside the above detail in lieu of seeing how the story will play out, as I have, you may enjoy the book. Had the manner of death been changed initially, it would have made for an exciting story.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books (The Quick Brown Fox & Company LLC.), for providing me with an eBook of THE LAST TIME WE MET at the request of an honest review.
July 27, 2024
This thriller takes place in a locked apartment, during a dinner party hosted by Ava to uncover who killed William 10 years ago. The more time goes on the more secrets are revealed and the closer the six friends get to the truth. Every character in this book has a secret to hide, a reason to be behind the murder and a need to get out of the creepy apartment.
Definitely an interesting murder mystery, with a lot of twists and turns… Not everyone is as innocent as they seem. I have to say I did figure out who the killer was about halfway through and the beginning is slow but as soon as the diner party starts it picks up. Definitely worth the read.
3.75 ★
Thank you Anna E. Wahlgren, Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley for an e-ARC copy.
#TheLastTimeWeMet #NetGalley
Definitely an interesting murder mystery, with a lot of twists and turns… Not everyone is as innocent as they seem. I have to say I did figure out who the killer was about halfway through and the beginning is slow but as soon as the diner party starts it picks up. Definitely worth the read.
3.75 ★
Thank you Anna E. Wahlgren, Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley for an e-ARC copy.
#TheLastTimeWeMet #NetGalley
August 1, 2024
If this isn’t the absolute definition of a locked room mystery than my goodness I don’t know what is. I REALLY enjoyed this one - the characters were so interesting, each in their own way and I loved the dual timelines that tied everything in. I found myself really rooting for Sophie to find peace after 10 years of isolating herself after the death of her then-fiancé. You’ll find that everything (and everyone) is not who or what they seem and each and every character had many secrets. I did not guess the twist until I was RIGHT there and it was executed perfectly. Absolutely add this to your summer reading list - pub date August 6!
July 29, 2024
If you love a locked room mystery this book is for you. Friends reunite 10 years after the death of one of their own with one determined to find out what really happened that night. This story is told in dual timeline from the present to the past of William’s death. I found this book to be engaging and an enjoyable read.
August 7, 2024
A decade old death of a friend. A surprise party bringing the survivors together again. Then the door is locked, from the outside. The only way to escape is to face the secrets from their pasts. This was a fabulous locked-room mystery and I enjoyed the way the story unfolded. A good fit for fans of Alexandra Benedict, Nina Simon, or Cara Hunter.
September 6, 2024
Tԋҽ Lαʂƚ Tιɱҽ Wҽ Mҽƚ Ⴆყ Aɳɳα E. Wαԋʅɠɾҽɳ. Thank you #partner @thrillerbookloversthepulse @crookedlanebooks and @annaewahlgren for gifted copies! My opinion is my own.
Synopsis
Sophie and her college friends haven’t seen each other in a decade, not since the tragic death of William, Sophie’s fiancé.
Invited to Ava’s house for a reunion dinner party, out of the blue, the 6 friends meet again and start to unravel the past.
Was Williams’s death really a suicide? Where was William disappearing to before he died? What secrets is everyone hiding, they all have secrets.
𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
☁️☁️☁️
I was engaged throughout the entire book! I loved how it flipped from past to present and loved uncovering all of their secrets. The ending had me TWISTED and SURPRISED!
Synopsis
Sophie and her college friends haven’t seen each other in a decade, not since the tragic death of William, Sophie’s fiancé.
Invited to Ava’s house for a reunion dinner party, out of the blue, the 6 friends meet again and start to unravel the past.
Was Williams’s death really a suicide? Where was William disappearing to before he died? What secrets is everyone hiding, they all have secrets.
𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
☁️☁️☁️
I was engaged throughout the entire book! I loved how it flipped from past to present and loved uncovering all of their secrets. The ending had me TWISTED and SURPRISED!
February 25, 2024
10 years ago a close group of friends had a meal at their usual Greek restaurant before heading to William’s flat for the after party. Unfortunately the night ended in tragedy, William’s apparent suicide. Sophie, his fiancée has spent the past decade running away from the events, but an out of the blue invitation leads her back to meet with the friends.
The story moves back between the fateful day of William’s death and 10 years later. We slowly find out more about the events and are introduced to the gang of friends. Each has secrets to hide which Ava, who is holding the party, wants to uncover, believing William was murdered.
It’s a claustrophobic thriller, with the dinner party being held in a locked apartment. The secrets are slowly revealed during the dinner and we get flashbacks filling in more of the story. It’s a Swedish set, and translated, novel. It was well plotted and I would definitely recommend it.
The story moves back between the fateful day of William’s death and 10 years later. We slowly find out more about the events and are introduced to the gang of friends. Each has secrets to hide which Ava, who is holding the party, wants to uncover, believing William was murdered.
It’s a claustrophobic thriller, with the dinner party being held in a locked apartment. The secrets are slowly revealed during the dinner and we get flashbacks filling in more of the story. It’s a Swedish set, and translated, novel. It was well plotted and I would definitely recommend it.
March 26, 2024
Selve historien er grei nok, ikke noe nytt eller noe jeg ikke har lest likende av før, men heller ikke dårlig, eller overdrevent. Skrivestilen ødela imidlertid mye for min opplevelse av denne boka. Språket er preget av vanvittige mengder adjektiver og adverb; de mange beskrivelsene stjeler fokuset bort fra den egentlige handlingen og det som betyr noe. Man kan skrive "håret" uten å måtte beskrive det hver eneste gang som "det askeblonde håret". Dette er bare ett ord og ett eksempel, men det er mange av dem, og ofte i en og samme setning. For meg ødelegger det flyten når jeg leser, samt distraherer meg bort fra selve handlingen.
July 2, 2022
Spännande pussel som bitvis ger mig kalla kårar. Hur William dog är oklart ända in i slutet och händelser på vägen gör boken än mer spännande. Fantastiskt bra växlat mellan då och nutid, det gör att mina misstänkta växlar hela tiden och jag hade verkligen ingen aning om hur boken skulle sluta.
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