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Last I Saw Him: An Amoret Novel
Did isolating himself in the border region’s lawless deserts lead him to harness his creativity or descend slowly into madness? From the award-winning author of The Bones of Amoret comes a pulse-pounding story of conspiratorial intrigue and unspeakable impulses.
At first, Pulitzer-nominated author Rulo Gatlin loves the idea of using a primitive cabin in the rugged west Texas desert as a writer’s retreat. The alcoholic prodigy draws inspiration from the landscape’s harsh beauty and dark underbelly, so the simple adobe cabin seems like a natural incubator for his talent. With the publishing world abuzz over the prospect of his next book, he settles in with a battered manual typewriter and his demons.
When he’s found dangling from a noose as he looks down in death at the pages of his finished manuscript, the authorities rule his death a suicide because the cabin was locked from inside. But all is not as it seems. His literary agent Abby Huxford’s search to discover the truth behind Rulo’s last days leads to a darker place than she could have imagined as pulling at loose threads unravels a shroud over one of the nearby town’s ugliest a real-life murder mystery.
What does #1 New York Times Best Selling Author William Kent Kreuger have to say? “I loved Last I Saw Him! Arthur Herbert highlights the stunning natural beauty of the border region’s desolate landscape with relentless plot twists, memorable characters, and a lot to say about the oddities of creative genius."
At first, Pulitzer-nominated author Rulo Gatlin loves the idea of using a primitive cabin in the rugged west Texas desert as a writer’s retreat. The alcoholic prodigy draws inspiration from the landscape’s harsh beauty and dark underbelly, so the simple adobe cabin seems like a natural incubator for his talent. With the publishing world abuzz over the prospect of his next book, he settles in with a battered manual typewriter and his demons.
When he’s found dangling from a noose as he looks down in death at the pages of his finished manuscript, the authorities rule his death a suicide because the cabin was locked from inside. But all is not as it seems. His literary agent Abby Huxford’s search to discover the truth behind Rulo’s last days leads to a darker place than she could have imagined as pulling at loose threads unravels a shroud over one of the nearby town’s ugliest a real-life murder mystery.
What does #1 New York Times Best Selling Author William Kent Kreuger have to say? “I loved Last I Saw Him! Arthur Herbert highlights the stunning natural beauty of the border region’s desolate landscape with relentless plot twists, memorable characters, and a lot to say about the oddities of creative genius."
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2024
806 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Herbert
6 books342 followersBe sure to follow Arthur on Bookbub for the latest on his releases and deals at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/arthu...
Arthur Herbert was born and raised in small town Texas. He worked on offshore oil rigs, as a bartender, a landscaper at a trailer park, and as a social worker before going to medical school. For the last eighteen years, he’s worked as a trauma and burn surgeon, operating on all ages of injured patients. He continues to run a thriving practice.
After the success of his debut novel, "The Cuts that Cure", his second novel, "The Bones of Amoret", will be published by Stitched Smile Publications on April 1, 2022.
Arthur currently lives in New Orleans, with his wife Amy and their dogs. He loves hearing from his readers, so don’t hesitate to email him at arthur@arthurherbertwriter.com.
Arthur Herbert was born and raised in small town Texas. He worked on offshore oil rigs, as a bartender, a landscaper at a trailer park, and as a social worker before going to medical school. For the last eighteen years, he’s worked as a trauma and burn surgeon, operating on all ages of injured patients. He continues to run a thriving practice.
After the success of his debut novel, "The Cuts that Cure", his second novel, "The Bones of Amoret", will be published by Stitched Smile Publications on April 1, 2022.
Arthur currently lives in New Orleans, with his wife Amy and their dogs. He loves hearing from his readers, so don’t hesitate to email him at arthur@arthurherbertwriter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 21, 2024
Abby, a new literary editor in NYC, who refuses to let her affliction of many broken bones affect her life. Rulo, an alcoholic, an oddball probably on the spectrum, a "prodigy with a pen". They come together with an affinity for each other that becomes a perfect partnership. So when Rulo requests to rent a cabin in the West Texas desert town of Amoret, Abby makes it happen. But when no one hears from him, Abby makes the trip to the winter cold desert- and meets sheriff Lloyd McHenry. Together they unravel what really happened to Rulo. Arthur Herbert makes you feel like you've *been* to Amoret, know the land, the people. I love how I became entwined with the characters- especially Abby; the setting- man, I love Amoret!; the story that winds along and keeps you reading long into the night. Absolute winner!
November 9, 2024
The Last Time I Saw Him Won’t Be The Last
This may be the quirkiest mystery I’ve read. The characters are quirky beyond small town Texas. The story, the plot, quirky beyond small town Texas. If I have a criticism, it’s that it developed slowly. To the point that I considered giving up. Perseverance served me well. The quirky characters became more like friends. The quirky story came into focus as small town Texas. As the lead character emerged from her head, action caused things to take on definition. I hope there’s a sequel, ‘cuz I’ll read it!!
This may be the quirkiest mystery I’ve read. The characters are quirky beyond small town Texas. The story, the plot, quirky beyond small town Texas. If I have a criticism, it’s that it developed slowly. To the point that I considered giving up. Perseverance served me well. The quirky characters became more like friends. The quirky story came into focus as small town Texas. As the lead character emerged from her head, action caused things to take on definition. I hope there’s a sequel, ‘cuz I’ll read it!!
October 30, 2025
Interesting story
Took a little bit to get going, but on perseverance and after halfway through the book the storyline became extremely interesting. It chopped and changed not knowing really who done it and why until right at the end. Good read
Took a little bit to get going, but on perseverance and after halfway through the book the storyline became extremely interesting. It chopped and changed not knowing really who done it and why until right at the end. Good read
June 23, 2025
I rarely give 5 stars, but this book had me hooked. It was raw, real & entertaining. I loved the prose & actually had to look up a new word!
October 27, 2024
Worth the read!
Excellent read. Wonderful character development, description of internal struggles of primary characters and physical locations. Worth reading this tale of two broken people.
Excellent read. Wonderful character development, description of internal struggles of primary characters and physical locations. Worth reading this tale of two broken people.
January 4, 2025
Synopsis: Pulitzer-prize nominated Rulo Gatlin is busy working on his latest novel in his writer’s retreat: a primitive cabin in rugged west Texas. When his literary agent, Abby Huxford, shows up to collect the manuscript, she finds Rulo, dangling from a noose. Given his alcoholism and the fact that the cabin was locked from the inside, authorities rule Rulo’s death a mystery. However, as Abby helps put Rulo’s affairs in order before leaving town, she starts to doubt whether his death was something actually a lot more sinister.
I really wanted to like this book - I am all for a closed-door mystery, and Abby’s character intrigued me - she has a genetic disorder that the author spends a lot of time talking about but I didn’t feel like her disorder played any fundamental part in the story that made it necessary to have in there (given how much time is spent discussing it).
The other thing that really bothered me was the southern/hillbilly (whatever you want to call it) vernacular that the author uses for the town’s folk. It was distracting and I felt like I had to read a few lines several times to even understand it. Ultimately, it distracted me more than it added to helping set the scene for the story (which I think was the author’s intent).
While I did rate this 3.5 stars, I truly can’t find it in me to round up to four. It took me a looooong time to read this one, and at times, I considered not finishing. After reading other reviews, many seemed to enjoy the slow burn of the mystery, but it wasn’t for me. I felt there were too many unnecessary side characters and storylines that ultimately didn’t serve a purpose to the book’s conclusion. But all books aren’t for everyone! It’s well-rated, so if you like the items below, you might want to give the story a try!
Read if you like:
-Locked door mysteries
-Small-town stories
-Dual timelines
-Slow burn (I realize this terminology is usually reserved for romance, but it felt like it took a long time to get where we needed to go with this one, so I’m going with it!)
I really wanted to like this book - I am all for a closed-door mystery, and Abby’s character intrigued me - she has a genetic disorder that the author spends a lot of time talking about but I didn’t feel like her disorder played any fundamental part in the story that made it necessary to have in there (given how much time is spent discussing it).
The other thing that really bothered me was the southern/hillbilly (whatever you want to call it) vernacular that the author uses for the town’s folk. It was distracting and I felt like I had to read a few lines several times to even understand it. Ultimately, it distracted me more than it added to helping set the scene for the story (which I think was the author’s intent).
While I did rate this 3.5 stars, I truly can’t find it in me to round up to four. It took me a looooong time to read this one, and at times, I considered not finishing. After reading other reviews, many seemed to enjoy the slow burn of the mystery, but it wasn’t for me. I felt there were too many unnecessary side characters and storylines that ultimately didn’t serve a purpose to the book’s conclusion. But all books aren’t for everyone! It’s well-rated, so if you like the items below, you might want to give the story a try!
Read if you like:
-Locked door mysteries
-Small-town stories
-Dual timelines
-Slow burn (I realize this terminology is usually reserved for romance, but it felt like it took a long time to get where we needed to go with this one, so I’m going with it!)
September 11, 2024
Last I saw Him
Arthur Herbert
What can I say? I thoroughly enjoyed the latest book. I was given an advanced copy and I have read it twice. I read it once for fun and the second time because he leads the reader where he wants and then gives them a different idea. The reader thinks I can see that happening also. Hmmm… The story has a lot of logical twists and turns and you have to think as you read---which direction am I going to follow and them Bam! I like to figure out the ending and I never even got close, oh he gave you hints but you have to pay very close attention. The characters are well developed and they become either your friends or enemies. Abby and Sheriff McHenry I especially liked (I can picture them in my mind especially McHenry). The author wrote the narrative as female and did a great job . I pretty much grew up West of the Pecos and his description of the area if spot on. As I read his book, I had dust in my eyes, creosote in my nose and the beauty of West Texas. Suspense, great characters, the scenes he wrote were so vivid it was like watching a movie.
Arthur Herbert
What can I say? I thoroughly enjoyed the latest book. I was given an advanced copy and I have read it twice. I read it once for fun and the second time because he leads the reader where he wants and then gives them a different idea. The reader thinks I can see that happening also. Hmmm… The story has a lot of logical twists and turns and you have to think as you read---which direction am I going to follow and them Bam! I like to figure out the ending and I never even got close, oh he gave you hints but you have to pay very close attention. The characters are well developed and they become either your friends or enemies. Abby and Sheriff McHenry I especially liked (I can picture them in my mind especially McHenry). The author wrote the narrative as female and did a great job . I pretty much grew up West of the Pecos and his description of the area if spot on. As I read his book, I had dust in my eyes, creosote in my nose and the beauty of West Texas. Suspense, great characters, the scenes he wrote were so vivid it was like watching a movie.
June 18, 2025
📚Last I Saw Him
✍️Arthur Herbert
3⭐️
Young literary agent Abby goes to visit Pulitzer Prize winning author Rulo Gatlin, who is about to deliver his third manuscript. However on arriving at the property the agency are renting for him, Abby discovers Rulo has killed himself after finishing the manuscript. Abby doesn’t believe Rulo did this to himself, which is strengthened after his reads his finished manuscript and realises it is the exact copy of an already published book. The plot was slow, so slow but the characters were written so well and were so distinct from each other that this did make up for the slow plot. It was very clever how the small situation grew organically and was part of a wider plot, very clever but slow and subtle.
✍️Arthur Herbert
3⭐️
Young literary agent Abby goes to visit Pulitzer Prize winning author Rulo Gatlin, who is about to deliver his third manuscript. However on arriving at the property the agency are renting for him, Abby discovers Rulo has killed himself after finishing the manuscript. Abby doesn’t believe Rulo did this to himself, which is strengthened after his reads his finished manuscript and realises it is the exact copy of an already published book. The plot was slow, so slow but the characters were written so well and were so distinct from each other that this did make up for the slow plot. It was very clever how the small situation grew organically and was part of a wider plot, very clever but slow and subtle.
September 9, 2024
You know when you’re watching a movie but it’s so good you forget it’s just a movie because it seems so real? Thanks to the very talented author, this book is like that. The characters in this book are so multi-dimensional that they felt like real people to me. I was so invested in the story and in their lives. When they hurt, I hurt. When they were happy, I was too. They became real people, not just characters in a book. The story was also excellent, a mystery with twists, red herrings, plenty of gray area, and no easy solution. I highly recommend the book, and will be looking for more to read from this author.
I did receive an ARC at no cost, but this is my honest opinion.
I did receive an ARC at no cost, but this is my honest opinion.
September 12, 2024
I was given an advanced read of this book and liked it right away. Smart, inventive, lots of twists and his character development is very rich. I liked the characters, especially Abby and Sheriff McHenry. I am very leery of writers who write as persons of the opposite sex, but I had no problem believing Abby was a female. This book grabbed my attention immediately and I liked discovering what the title meant. Can’t wait for the next book.
November 10, 2024
Abby is a literary agent who is coming to Texas to work with Rulo on a book that he’s writing. They have developed a much deeper relationship than agent/writer and she’s discouraged to find him dead when she gets to his cabin. Authorities believe it’s suicide until Abby finds the book that is supposed to be Rulo’s. She gets her Jessica Fletcher on and we know that Rulo did not do any harm to himself.
September 9, 2024
Abby Huxford a literary agents assistant goes to the cabin with Fisher who was the owner of the cabin and finds Rulo Gatlin dead. Rulo had had a difficult past. Abby couldn’t get over the deception she had to face and is determined to find answers while facing danger. A intriguing read. I received this ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
July 6, 2025
Slow to get started but well worth the perseverance. The main character works for a book publisher. She has to go to Texas to keep shepherding her writer. She discovers him dead in a locked cabin. Is it suicide? The characters are unique and interesting and there’s one heck of a twist at the end. Glad I kept at it.
November 6, 2024
Great read
Really really enjoyed this book. I actually liked the characters which is rare anymore. The story is so well written and edited that I couldn't put it down. I don't usually read far into the night anymore but with this I did!!
Really really enjoyed this book. I actually liked the characters which is rare anymore. The story is so well written and edited that I couldn't put it down. I don't usually read far into the night anymore but with this I did!!
November 23, 2024
A main character to whom I simply couldn't relate. Far too much blasphemous language. A slow-moving story. Too much jumping to and fro between the present and the past.
What's to like?!
I shall not be looking out for any sequel!
What's to like?!
I shall not be looking out for any sequel!
March 23, 2025
Twisty Reading
This book started off slow for me, but when it picked up, it was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed her descriptive writing and would never guess what was in store. filled with interesting and innovative characters.
This book started off slow for me, but when it picked up, it was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed her descriptive writing and would never guess what was in store. filled with interesting and innovative characters.
June 26, 2025
Different and quirky.
I enjoyed reading this, quite different characters to the usual . Bit too much description sometimes, but it makes it quicker to read as you skip ! Loved Sheriff McHenry. Going to find another to read now.
I enjoyed reading this, quite different characters to the usual . Bit too much description sometimes, but it makes it quicker to read as you skip ! Loved Sheriff McHenry. Going to find another to read now.
December 3, 2025
Sticks with you.
Still trying to wrap my head around this. So original and many twists with memorable characters , that even after finishing the story, you want to spend more time with a few of them.
Still trying to wrap my head around this. So original and many twists with memorable characters , that even after finishing the story, you want to spend more time with a few of them.
October 31, 2024
humorous suspenseful mystery
Well written. Funny. Suspenseful and selectively humorous You won’t be disappointed. Looking forward to reading other works by this author
Well written. Funny. Suspenseful and selectively humorous You won’t be disappointed. Looking forward to reading other works by this author
November 2, 2024
last I saw him
Very enticing and interesting writing style. Enjoyed the book thoroughly. Keeps you suspended until the end with a lot of not-knowing until the end.
Very enticing and interesting writing style. Enjoyed the book thoroughly. Keeps you suspended until the end with a lot of not-knowing until the end.
November 20, 2024
WOW! I couldn't put it down!
December 19, 2024
Very well written
Enjoyed this book immensely; well written! Happy to say I didn't know for sure whodunit until close to the end.
Enjoyed this book immensely; well written! Happy to say I didn't know for sure whodunit until close to the end.
February 22, 2025
Good
This was a hard to put down book. This book will engage you in the first chapter it just grabs you right in.
This was a hard to put down book. This book will engage you in the first chapter it just grabs you right in.
June 12, 2025
Locked door mystery with an interesting main character.
June 13, 2025
keeps you guessing
High interest. Abby was tenacious in trying to figure out what truly happened and working with the sheriff to catch the perpetrators.
High interest. Abby was tenacious in trying to figure out what truly happened and working with the sheriff to catch the perpetrators.
June 14, 2025
Amazing
This is one of the best mystery reads I've picked up in ages! Relatable characters, unpredictable plot...
Kudos, Mr. Herbert! I can't wait to read more!
This is one of the best mystery reads I've picked up in ages! Relatable characters, unpredictable plot...
Kudos, Mr. Herbert! I can't wait to read more!
June 17, 2025
Not a fan.
I didn't like any of the characters. I found the texas speech irritating and kept thinking just talk properly!
Glad it was free.
I didn't like any of the characters. I found the texas speech irritating and kept thinking just talk properly!
Glad it was free.
July 1, 2025
Good Book
It was and interesting read. You root for the underdog amd hope it all works out. The characters were hard not to like
them until the truth came out.
It was and interesting read. You root for the underdog amd hope it all works out. The characters were hard not to like
them until the truth came out.
Read
July 1, 2025Loved it
Characters and story line were great. I couldn't stop reading it. Looking forward to reading more books from this author
Characters and story line were great. I couldn't stop reading it. Looking forward to reading more books from this author
July 19, 2025
Brilliant. Not the usual murder mystery. Great writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews