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The Last One to See Him
A married man is dead. I was the last one to see him. Just as his wife planned…
After meeting Jamie’s smiling blue eyes across a crowded bar, I tell myself, that after my recent divorce, this is the bit of fun that I need. It is the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.
Because when I return to his flat the next day, excited to see him again, I am horrified to discover he has been murdered.
I know I should tell the police, but I can’t be the person to call them. With my past they will just assume the worst…
I need to act normal and just focus on my little boy. A playdate at his new friend’s house is the perfect distraction.
But as our sons run riot upstairs, and I admire his mother’s elegant living room, I see it. The wedding photo on the wall. The man in the photo is Jamie.
A shiver slides down my spine. I had no idea that Jamie was married. And now I’m drinking tea with his wife.
This can’t be a coincidence. And when I find an old newspaper cutting about me on her kitchen table, the shocking thought comes. Did she plan for me to meet her husband the night he was murdered?
How much does she know about me? Why would she want me to get close to her husband? And with her watching my every move, if I discover the truth, will she destroy me?
A completely gripping page-turner from the Amazon number 1 bestselling author of The Girl with No Past. Fans of Lisa Jewell and The Housemaid won’t be able to put The Last One to See Him down.
What everyone is saying about The Last One to See Him:
‘WOW!! I can’t even believe how good this story was. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time… There were so many twists and turns. I couldn’t decide who I trusted and when I thought one person did something, it was another person. There was a perfect amount going on to keep me reading. I didn’t want to put the book down. The ending was so shocking but so good, I loved it! Kathryn always writes the best psychological thrillers! This one was so addictive!!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh my god this book has me lost for words. I expected a twist but what I did not expect was the amount of twists in this book and you know what it made it absolutely fantastic because you have no idea what’s going to happen and which character to believe. I was doubting each character thinking is to is person telling the truth, and so many times I was surprised, I thought to myself wow I didn’t expect that. It’s like a rollercoaster full of twists and turns. It will definitely have you gripped from that first chapter.’ Jessica’s Book Biz, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘First of all, let’s just say I was HOOKED from only 3% into this book. The amount of anxiety this book instilled in me was through the roof!’ I eat pages for breakfast, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Tense chilling a true page-turner. I picked this book up to read a few pages could not put it down read late into the night.
After meeting Jamie’s smiling blue eyes across a crowded bar, I tell myself, that after my recent divorce, this is the bit of fun that I need. It is the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.
Because when I return to his flat the next day, excited to see him again, I am horrified to discover he has been murdered.
I know I should tell the police, but I can’t be the person to call them. With my past they will just assume the worst…
I need to act normal and just focus on my little boy. A playdate at his new friend’s house is the perfect distraction.
But as our sons run riot upstairs, and I admire his mother’s elegant living room, I see it. The wedding photo on the wall. The man in the photo is Jamie.
A shiver slides down my spine. I had no idea that Jamie was married. And now I’m drinking tea with his wife.
This can’t be a coincidence. And when I find an old newspaper cutting about me on her kitchen table, the shocking thought comes. Did she plan for me to meet her husband the night he was murdered?
How much does she know about me? Why would she want me to get close to her husband? And with her watching my every move, if I discover the truth, will she destroy me?
A completely gripping page-turner from the Amazon number 1 bestselling author of The Girl with No Past. Fans of Lisa Jewell and The Housemaid won’t be able to put The Last One to See Him down.
What everyone is saying about The Last One to See Him:
‘WOW!! I can’t even believe how good this story was. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time… There were so many twists and turns. I couldn’t decide who I trusted and when I thought one person did something, it was another person. There was a perfect amount going on to keep me reading. I didn’t want to put the book down. The ending was so shocking but so good, I loved it! Kathryn always writes the best psychological thrillers! This one was so addictive!!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh my god this book has me lost for words. I expected a twist but what I did not expect was the amount of twists in this book and you know what it made it absolutely fantastic because you have no idea what’s going to happen and which character to believe. I was doubting each character thinking is to is person telling the truth, and so many times I was surprised, I thought to myself wow I didn’t expect that. It’s like a rollercoaster full of twists and turns. It will definitely have you gripped from that first chapter.’ Jessica’s Book Biz, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘First of all, let’s just say I was HOOKED from only 3% into this book. The amount of anxiety this book instilled in me was through the roof!’ I eat pages for breakfast, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Tense chilling a true page-turner. I picked this book up to read a few pages could not put it down read late into the night.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2025
653 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
March 20, 2025
Secrets, lies, twists, turns and suspense! Kathryn Croft has done it again! She has delivered a thrilling psychological thriller which kept me guessing and turning those pages! Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Kathryn Croft proved me wrong! This is the 7th book that I have read by Croft, and she always delivers!! I know when I pick up one of her books that I am in for a fabulous reading experience!
It was supposed to be a fun evening out, but then Kate saw Jamie's beautiful blue eyes, she was intrigued but it was his charm that won her over. After a one-night stand, Kate returns to find Jamie murdered!!!!! She decides not to go to the police and instead goes on with her life.
But life has a way of throwing curveballs at you and while at a playdate with her son, she sees Jamie's picture in her new friend, Harper's living room. He said he wasn't married but here she is sitting in his home making small talk with his wife! Talk about a shocker!!!!!
This one is juicy folks! Kathryn Croft has a way of throwing in twists and turns which leave me reeling and have my head spinning. I was shocked more than once while reading this book. As with the other books I have read by this author, The Last One to See Him was wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced, and had interesting characters.
Whew! This book proved to be a fast read as I did not want to put it down! I had to know what was going to happen next! I did not see the reveal coming at all! I love it when that happens!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
It was supposed to be a fun evening out, but then Kate saw Jamie's beautiful blue eyes, she was intrigued but it was his charm that won her over. After a one-night stand, Kate returns to find Jamie murdered!!!!! She decides not to go to the police and instead goes on with her life.
But life has a way of throwing curveballs at you and while at a playdate with her son, she sees Jamie's picture in her new friend, Harper's living room. He said he wasn't married but here she is sitting in his home making small talk with his wife! Talk about a shocker!!!!!
This one is juicy folks! Kathryn Croft has a way of throwing in twists and turns which leave me reeling and have my head spinning. I was shocked more than once while reading this book. As with the other books I have read by this author, The Last One to See Him was wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced, and had interesting characters.
Whew! This book proved to be a fast read as I did not want to put it down! I had to know what was going to happen next! I did not see the reveal coming at all! I love it when that happens!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
April 7, 2025
This was a wild ride! I thought I knew where the story was going but the countless twists and turns made it unpredictable with jaw-dropping outcomes. Many times it was hard to know who was the victim and who was the villain in this twisted tale. I never knew where the plot was going until it reached its shocking conclusion. This thriller is original, entertaining, extremely suspenseful, and intense! It's perfectly paced and addictive. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 23, 2025
Writers can truly shape the story in a way that forces a reader to believe something that isn't true. Kathryn Croft often does this, and it's the primary driving factor in her latest book, The Last One to See Him. Some readers immerse themselves in a book and don't try to solve the mystery or get ahead of the author's game. Other readers just make guesses and claim they knew the plot before it happened. I usually try to avoid guessing it so I can enjoy the writing, the story, and the suspense. That was the case here. I fell for it. I disliked the characters I was supposed to dislike. I liked the ones I was suppose to like. But the shades of gray are powerful here. Tho we're clear in the ending, I still found myself a bit ticked at one of the two women leading this story - the wife of the victim. I think she overplayed her hand and reacted too strongly, and as the truth comes to light, did she suffer appropriately or was she given a pass after all that happened in the background? A good book makes you think about the balance of equality when it comes to an eye for an eye. Nice job!
February 10, 2025
Another great psychological read from Kathryn Croft.kate ex has moved on with another partner.kate plans a night out with her friend she meets Jamie, and they end up having a one night stand the following day she finds him dead scared to go the police as she has a past she's trying to forget.Harper is Jamie partner and befriends Kate has she another motive?both Kate and Harper have a child who become friends...an intense read.looking forward to reading more of her books.
April 13, 2025
This had an interesting premise, but there was just too much going on in this book. With so many characters, multiple POV's and timelines, as well as many subplots, it was hard for me to focus on the main storyline. I wasn't sure where the author was trying to go with this one. The characters were unlikeable so it was hard to know who to root for. A quick read, but the plot was a bit convoluted.
April 3, 2025
Two young boys become friends and their Mom's get together for coffee so that the boys can have a playdate. When the visiting Mom glances at the wedding picture on the wall she recognizes the man she slept with a few days ago and now he is dead.
A well-written psychological thriller with many twists and turns leading to a surprising ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
A well-written psychological thriller with many twists and turns leading to a surprising ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
February 2, 2025
Kate meets Jamie on a night out and arranges to meet him again the next afternoon. But on arrival at his apartment the next day, she discovers his dead body. But because of her past, she decides she can't call the police, but then she feels threatened by a new mother at her sons school who she believes knows too much. Her life unravels from there.
Oh my goodness, this book had me tied up in knots from the beginning to the end. I felt a sense of unease throughout as I processed what was happening to Kate. Was she a reliable narrator? Who was telling the truth? I read the book in two sittings as I just couldn't put it down.
It's intense, dark and just brilliant. Already I feel it could be one of my top books from 2025.
Oh my goodness, this book had me tied up in knots from the beginning to the end. I felt a sense of unease throughout as I processed what was happening to Kate. Was she a reliable narrator? Who was telling the truth? I read the book in two sittings as I just couldn't put it down.
It's intense, dark and just brilliant. Already I feel it could be one of my top books from 2025.
March 22, 2025
The Last One to See Him has an interesting premise, but the execution falls flat. The characters feel underdeveloped, making it hard to connect with their emotions, and the twists are predictable rather than shocking. While it’s a quick read, the ending feels rushed and unsatisfying, leaving too many unanswered questions. By the last page, I was rolling my eyes at all the absurd ways the characters were connected, which is saying something for this genre.
**Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. **
**Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. **
March 26, 2025
The Last One to See Him
By: Kathryn Croft
Pub Date: March 26. 2025
Publisher: Bookouture
This one had me hooked right from the start.
A chance meeting ends up in a death. Was the meeting spontaneous or something more sinister? There are multiple timelines and the main characters are Kate, Harper, Jamie and Rowan.
When Kate meets Jaime at a bar, they click and have a one night stand! Her ex recently moved out. Jaimie is charming, BUT by morning he is dead. Harper is Jaimie’s partner and she inserts her life into Kate’s and their children go to school together. Kate was the last one to see Jaimie alive and knows she did not kill Jamie.
So many delicious plot twists, motives, secrets, lies and more made this one a pleasure to read and kept me invested until the last page.
By: Kathryn Croft
Pub Date: March 26. 2025
Publisher: Bookouture
This one had me hooked right from the start.
A chance meeting ends up in a death. Was the meeting spontaneous or something more sinister? There are multiple timelines and the main characters are Kate, Harper, Jamie and Rowan.
When Kate meets Jaime at a bar, they click and have a one night stand! Her ex recently moved out. Jaimie is charming, BUT by morning he is dead. Harper is Jaimie’s partner and she inserts her life into Kate’s and their children go to school together. Kate was the last one to see Jaimie alive and knows she did not kill Jamie.
So many delicious plot twists, motives, secrets, lies and more made this one a pleasure to read and kept me invested until the last page.
February 22, 2025
The Last One to See Him by Kathryn Croft is an enjoyable and twisty read, that seems predictable until it isn't. I've read
a number of Croft's books
now and always enjoy them as they tend to involve secrets, complicated relationships and a good level of intrigue. On top of the aforementioned twists of course.
There's a lot happening here, many players with hidden (and not-so-hidden) agendas, but Croft still manages to blindside readers, making us realise we've made a number of now-wrong assumptions.
I raced through the latter part of this novel, keen to uncover the truth and I certainly did not see it coming, making this an excellent thriller.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
There's a lot happening here, many players with hidden (and not-so-hidden) agendas, but Croft still manages to blindside readers, making us realise we've made a number of now-wrong assumptions.
I raced through the latter part of this novel, keen to uncover the truth and I certainly did not see it coming, making this an excellent thriller.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
April 19, 2025
Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Last One To See Him is a intense, interesting, addictive and crazy jaunt.
Another addition to the ever growing great reads from Kathryn Croft.
Kate is single after separating from Ellis and now shares custody of their son, Thomas.
On a night out with her best friend, Aleena she meets Jamie and has a steamy encounter.
They decide to meet up the next day.
Then Jamie is found dead.
Some time later Kate’s son Thomas meets Dexter at school and wants a play date.
Dexter’s mother is Harper who also happens to be Jamie’s wife.
Then the plot thickens.
Who killed Jamie and what really happened…..
Secrets, lies, deception and treachery galore litter the pages and you can’t help but be dragged into all the drama.
The strain between the two lead ladies is quite clever among the plot and I really enjoyed the tension between the two.
This is one of those books that you won’t be able to put down as you just want to know the truth and that twist was a goodie.
The Last One To See Him is a intense, interesting, addictive and crazy jaunt.
Another addition to the ever growing great reads from Kathryn Croft.
Kate is single after separating from Ellis and now shares custody of their son, Thomas.
On a night out with her best friend, Aleena she meets Jamie and has a steamy encounter.
They decide to meet up the next day.
Then Jamie is found dead.
Some time later Kate’s son Thomas meets Dexter at school and wants a play date.
Dexter’s mother is Harper who also happens to be Jamie’s wife.
Then the plot thickens.
Who killed Jamie and what really happened…..
Secrets, lies, deception and treachery galore litter the pages and you can’t help but be dragged into all the drama.
The strain between the two lead ladies is quite clever among the plot and I really enjoyed the tension between the two.
This is one of those books that you won’t be able to put down as you just want to know the truth and that twist was a goodie.
January 29, 2025
4 stars
Expected publication date March 26, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Kate, newly separated from her husband, meets a man at a bar. She goes home with him. She sleeps with him. When she leaves early the next morning, they plan to get together later that day. When she comes back, she finds him murdered. Fearing her past will make her look guilty, she doesn't report it. Now, she feels like someone is out to get her, but who? His wife? Her husband? Someone from her past?
This was a fun, fast thriller. There were a lot of unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages for more.
Expected publication date March 26, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Kate, newly separated from her husband, meets a man at a bar. She goes home with him. She sleeps with him. When she leaves early the next morning, they plan to get together later that day. When she comes back, she finds him murdered. Fearing her past will make her look guilty, she doesn't report it. Now, she feels like someone is out to get her, but who? His wife? Her husband? Someone from her past?
This was a fun, fast thriller. There were a lot of unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages for more.
May 2, 2025
There's only so much chaos I can take and this book had way too much of it- too many sub-plots, too much of manipulation and deception, and too many unlikeable characters to actually enjoy the story
January 29, 2025
This story got his claws into me and had me hooked.
Authors are wonderful manipulators. They feed you some information and they take you by the hand. You follow meekly, because, in the beginning, that's the only thing you can do. You don't have enough details to take a different path. There is only one way to go and little by little crossroads open up and it's up to you to take one of the side streets or to keep on following.
If you don't know where to go, you follow the leader. If you have made up your mind about the name of the culprit, you can abandon the leader.
I took more than one side street to get lost hopelessly in the maze. I was grateful to the author for saving me and showing me the way out. I never would have found it by myself. :)
I loved all the revelations. For me this was a very strong and well build story. Loved it. 5 stars
Thank you
Authors are wonderful manipulators. They feed you some information and they take you by the hand. You follow meekly, because, in the beginning, that's the only thing you can do. You don't have enough details to take a different path. There is only one way to go and little by little crossroads open up and it's up to you to take one of the side streets or to keep on following.
If you don't know where to go, you follow the leader. If you have made up your mind about the name of the culprit, you can abandon the leader.
I took more than one side street to get lost hopelessly in the maze. I was grateful to the author for saving me and showing me the way out. I never would have found it by myself. :)
I loved all the revelations. For me this was a very strong and well build story. Loved it. 5 stars
Thank you
March 30, 2025
This is a very jumbled story with so many connections between the characters it was rather dizzying.
I was on the fence about Kate. She harbored so many secrets and what was up with her and Rowan.
I didn’t trust Rowan at all and my Instincts were correct.
I thought Ellis was a tool and I was suspicious of him.
I also thought Harper was incapable of telling the truth.
It was a job to unsnarl all,the lies and deceptions in this book but in the end, truth prevailed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
I was on the fence about Kate. She harbored so many secrets and what was up with her and Rowan.
I didn’t trust Rowan at all and my Instincts were correct.
I thought Ellis was a tool and I was suspicious of him.
I also thought Harper was incapable of telling the truth.
It was a job to unsnarl all,the lies and deceptions in this book but in the end, truth prevailed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
January 23, 2025
First of all, let’s just say I was HOOKED from only 3% into this book. The amount of anxiety this book instilled in me was through the roof!
This is the story of Kate who had a horrible past and is dealing with the trauma from it all. She maintains her therapy sessions to keep her sane. She has a son and is dealing with a separation from her husband thanks to his infidelity. From all the the stressors in her life, she decides one night to hang out with her close girlfriend at a bar, but then meets a cute stranger there too and seem to hit it off…
First of all, let’s just say I was HOOKED from only 3% into this book. The amount of anxiety this book instilled in me was through the roof!
This is the story of Kate who had a horrible past and is dealing with the trauma from it all. She maintains her therapy sessions to keep her sane. She has a son and is dealing with a separation from her husband thanks to his infidelity. From all the the stressors in her life, she decides one night to hang out with her close girlfriend at a bar, but then meets a cute stranger there too and seem to hit it off…
Until she finds out that the guy she just spent time with is dead the next day and she can’t help but realize that she was the last one to see him!
I loved the storyline and the characters. It was well written for sure by the author and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you, Kathryn Croft , NetGalley and Bookoutoure for letting me give my honest feedback/review. It was a great psychological thriller which is my favourite genre!
This is the story of Kate who had a horrible past and is dealing with the trauma from it all. She maintains her therapy sessions to keep her sane. She has a son and is dealing with a separation from her husband thanks to his infidelity. From all the the stressors in her life, she decides one night to hang out with her close girlfriend at a bar, but then meets a cute stranger there too and seem to hit it off…
First of all, let’s just say I was HOOKED from only 3% into this book. The amount of anxiety this book instilled in me was through the roof!
This is the story of Kate who had a horrible past and is dealing with the trauma from it all. She maintains her therapy sessions to keep her sane. She has a son and is dealing with a separation from her husband thanks to his infidelity. From all the the stressors in her life, she decides one night to hang out with her close girlfriend at a bar, but then meets a cute stranger there too and seem to hit it off…
Until she finds out that the guy she just spent time with is dead the next day and she can’t help but realize that she was the last one to see him!
I loved the storyline and the characters. It was well written for sure by the author and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you, Kathryn Croft , NetGalley and Bookoutoure for letting me give my honest feedback/review. It was a great psychological thriller which is my favourite genre!
March 28, 2025
The Last One To See Him is another gripping psychological thriller from Kathryn Croft. As with her previous books this one has me captivated after a couple of chapters. There was plenty of twists and turns throughout the book which had me gasping out loud at times. There’s lots going on in the book but at no stage do you get bogged down by it all. The characters are all well developed and really help the story gather momentum. As I was reading this book I found myself anxious to get to the end to see how things would end up, but at the same time I didn’t want it to end as I was really enjoying this fast paced and page turning read.
January 31, 2025
Well I wasn’t expecting that! What a thriller! Great writing, great characters and just enough twists to keep you wanting to read late into the night. It didn’t take me long to get completely engrossed in this thriller. Looking forward to reading more by this author! Recommend 100%!
Thanks to the author, bookstore and Netgalley for an EARC in return for an honest review
Thanks to the author, bookstore and Netgalley for an EARC in return for an honest review
February 11, 2025
4.25⭐️
My head is spinning from all the twists and turns! I didn’t know who to trust, what to trust, or what was going to happen next. I stopped trying to predict the twists and just enjoyed the ride.😎 It 100% captured my attention from start to finish and NEVER got boring, which was my favourite thing about this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My head is spinning from all the twists and turns! I didn’t know who to trust, what to trust, or what was going to happen next. I stopped trying to predict the twists and just enjoyed the ride.😎 It 100% captured my attention from start to finish and NEVER got boring, which was my favourite thing about this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 7, 2025
Love this author and I have absolutely enjoyed every one of her books. And this one - wow, it packs a punch! Gripping, pacy and a thoroughly satisfying read.
July 27, 2025
Good not great. It dragged and felt longer than necessary. I also wasn’t as shocked as I thought I would be at the ending
October 10, 2025
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this eARC.
Kathryn Croft’s The Last One to See Him is a taut, twist-laden psychological thriller that weaponizes coincidence and emotional trauma to devastating effect. With her signature blend of domestic suspense and buried secrets, Croft crafts a narrative that feels like a slow-motion car crash—mesmerizing, horrifying, and impossible to look away from.
Kate, newly divorced and emotionally raw, meets Jamie in a bar. Their chemistry is instant, their night together impulsive. But when she returns to his flat the next day, Jamie is dead. Kate panics—her past is checkered, her instincts frayed. She doesn’t call the police. Instead, she tries to move on. Until her son befriends a new boy at school… whose mother is Harper, Jamie’s wife. And Harper seems to know far more than she should.
This setup is classic Croft: a seemingly ordinary woman thrust into extraordinary danger, with secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Kate’s past trauma (a teenage abduction that ended in violence) is not just backstory; it’s the lens through which she views every threat. Her sessions with therapist Rowan offer insight into how trauma distorts perception, while Harper’s calculated hospitality feels like a study in passive-aggressive menace.
The novel explores how women are watched—by partners, by society, by each other—and how that gaze can be both protective and predatory. The title itself, The Last One to See Him, is a haunting reminder of how proximity to violence can become a trap.
Croft alternates between Kate and Harper’s perspectives, layering suspicion and misdirection. Flashbacks to 2003 (Kate’s abduction) are interwoven with present-day paranoia, creating a rhythm of dread. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, and just when you think you’ve grasped the truth, Croft yanks the rug out from under you.
🎯The Last One to See Him is not just a whodunit—it’s a “who’s playing who.” Croft excels at making readers question every character’s motive, every coincidence, every smile. The final reveal is shocking and emotionally resonant, proving once again that Croft writes psychological puzzles with heart.
Recommended For:
- Fans of Lisa Jewell, Darby Kane Shari Lapena, and Freida McFadden
- Readers who enjoy morally ambiguous protagonists
- Anyone who loves a thriller that doubles as a character study
Kathryn Croft’s The Last One to See Him is a taut, twist-laden psychological thriller that weaponizes coincidence and emotional trauma to devastating effect. With her signature blend of domestic suspense and buried secrets, Croft crafts a narrative that feels like a slow-motion car crash—mesmerizing, horrifying, and impossible to look away from.
Kate, newly divorced and emotionally raw, meets Jamie in a bar. Their chemistry is instant, their night together impulsive. But when she returns to his flat the next day, Jamie is dead. Kate panics—her past is checkered, her instincts frayed. She doesn’t call the police. Instead, she tries to move on. Until her son befriends a new boy at school… whose mother is Harper, Jamie’s wife. And Harper seems to know far more than she should.
This setup is classic Croft: a seemingly ordinary woman thrust into extraordinary danger, with secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Kate’s past trauma (a teenage abduction that ended in violence) is not just backstory; it’s the lens through which she views every threat. Her sessions with therapist Rowan offer insight into how trauma distorts perception, while Harper’s calculated hospitality feels like a study in passive-aggressive menace.
The novel explores how women are watched—by partners, by society, by each other—and how that gaze can be both protective and predatory. The title itself, The Last One to See Him, is a haunting reminder of how proximity to violence can become a trap.
Croft alternates between Kate and Harper’s perspectives, layering suspicion and misdirection. Flashbacks to 2003 (Kate’s abduction) are interwoven with present-day paranoia, creating a rhythm of dread. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, and just when you think you’ve grasped the truth, Croft yanks the rug out from under you.
🎯The Last One to See Him is not just a whodunit—it’s a “who’s playing who.” Croft excels at making readers question every character’s motive, every coincidence, every smile. The final reveal is shocking and emotionally resonant, proving once again that Croft writes psychological puzzles with heart.
Recommended For:
- Fans of Lisa Jewell, Darby Kane Shari Lapena, and Freida McFadden
- Readers who enjoy morally ambiguous protagonists
- Anyone who loves a thriller that doubles as a character study
April 6, 2025
I have got back to a few psychological thrillers after a break of around 2 years. This was entertaining with a lot happening on every page.
Kate Mason has separated from her husband Ellis, after he cheats on her. Her son Thomas stays with her. She is in therapy and seeing Rowan due to something which happened when she was 15. Visions of a dead man still haunt her. Kate is out one evening with her friend Aleena. They run into more people Aleena knows. Kate is not looking to spend time in a group and is uneasy. One Jamie gets talking to her and she finds the conversation interesting. Jamie says he is also separated and has a son. Initially, only intending to drop him at his place, she goes over and they end up spending the night together. He asks her to come over the next afternoon and she goes to his place. She finds the door open and Jamie is lying on the floor dead with blood around him. In a panic, she rushes out. She should have called the police but events of the past make her hesitate. In a café with Aleena, she meets with Harper who she later finds is Jamie’s wife. Harper eyes seem to bore into her – does she know something?
A lot of things happen after this. I liked the tension between Kate and Harper, and they are two very good characters in the book. The backstory of Kate’s childhood is revealed only towards the end and part of it is quite unrealistic and lame. The ending has a big twist, which is very typical in this genre (there are many small ones through the book). I partly guessed which character the plot would narrow down to since the characters in the book are not too many. The story is good overall, though parts are overdone.
I recommend this book since it kept me hooked and I liked the character development.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.
Kate Mason has separated from her husband Ellis, after he cheats on her. Her son Thomas stays with her. She is in therapy and seeing Rowan due to something which happened when she was 15. Visions of a dead man still haunt her. Kate is out one evening with her friend Aleena. They run into more people Aleena knows. Kate is not looking to spend time in a group and is uneasy. One Jamie gets talking to her and she finds the conversation interesting. Jamie says he is also separated and has a son. Initially, only intending to drop him at his place, she goes over and they end up spending the night together. He asks her to come over the next afternoon and she goes to his place. She finds the door open and Jamie is lying on the floor dead with blood around him. In a panic, she rushes out. She should have called the police but events of the past make her hesitate. In a café with Aleena, she meets with Harper who she later finds is Jamie’s wife. Harper eyes seem to bore into her – does she know something?
A lot of things happen after this. I liked the tension between Kate and Harper, and they are two very good characters in the book. The backstory of Kate’s childhood is revealed only towards the end and part of it is quite unrealistic and lame. The ending has a big twist, which is very typical in this genre (there are many small ones through the book). I partly guessed which character the plot would narrow down to since the characters in the book are not too many. The story is good overall, though parts are overdone.
I recommend this book since it kept me hooked and I liked the character development.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.
March 20, 2025
after her recent separation, kate mason decides to go out with her friends to celebrate her divorce from ellis. at the bar, she strikes up a conversation with a man named jamie and shares a drink with him. at the end of the night, he invites her back to his flat, where she stays until morning. before parting ways, they make plans to meet there again that afternoon. however, when kate arrives, she discovers that jamie is dead. panicked, she knows she can't call the police - her past would make her the prime suspect. fearing they won’t believe her innocence, she flees the scene and tries to move on as if nothing happened.
i've read some of kathryn croft's work in the past and always enjoyed them - this time was no different. it was a suspenseful read with some interesting twists along the way. even thought i found it predictable who actually killed jamie, the story still had me hooked from beginning to end.
the story was a bit of a slow burn, which i didn't mind.
it unfolds across multiple timelines. through the perspectives of kate, harper, jamie, and rowan, the story presents a varied view of events.
the storyline was full of lies, secrets and interesting, complex characters.
i didn't find them particularly likeable, probably because everyone seemed to be hiding something.
nevertheless, the mc - kate- was very intriguing and i was eager to see how her complicated relationships with the people surrounding her would develop.
both kate and harper are devoted mothers who will go to any lengths to protect their sons, which was admirable.
overall, it was a gripping thriller - maybe not the most unique premise, but still very engaging and it kept my attention throughout.
i enjoyed the ending, the writing style, and would reccomend it!
*thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author - Kathryn Croft for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
i've read some of kathryn croft's work in the past and always enjoyed them - this time was no different. it was a suspenseful read with some interesting twists along the way. even thought i found it predictable who actually killed jamie, the story still had me hooked from beginning to end.
the story was a bit of a slow burn, which i didn't mind.
it unfolds across multiple timelines. through the perspectives of kate, harper, jamie, and rowan, the story presents a varied view of events.
the storyline was full of lies, secrets and interesting, complex characters.
i didn't find them particularly likeable, probably because everyone seemed to be hiding something.
nevertheless, the mc - kate- was very intriguing and i was eager to see how her complicated relationships with the people surrounding her would develop.
both kate and harper are devoted mothers who will go to any lengths to protect their sons, which was admirable.
overall, it was a gripping thriller - maybe not the most unique premise, but still very engaging and it kept my attention throughout.
i enjoyed the ending, the writing style, and would reccomend it!
*thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author - Kathryn Croft for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
March 23, 2025
The Last One to See Him by Kathryn Croft was another fast paced psychological thriller and I really enjoyed reading this latest book by Kathryn. This is a story of dark secrets, we all know what happens to secrets, they have a way of popping up to the surface and they did in The Last One to see him. It also has lots of great twists and turns throughout, which will have you wanting to read what happens next.
A married man is dead. I was the last one to see him. Just as his wife planned. . . . . .
Very Clever! But was she?
Kate Mason is recently divorced and decides she needs a night out, with her friend. Whilst out and enjoying herself she gets chatting to a handsome man called Jamie, at the bar and she shares a drink or two with him. The evening flies by and at the end of the night, Jamie invites back her to his flat, where she spends the night.
On the following day they arrange to meet there again in the afternoon. Looking forward seeing Jamie again Kate arrives to his flat she finds him dead.
WoW. . . . . . Kate panics, and she doesn't know what to do! She can't call the police, especially after what happened in her past! she's certain they won't believe she's not responsible so she leaves and tries to carry on as normal with her day to day life with her .eight year old son Thomas.
Thomas is invited to his new friend called Dexter's house, Whilst she is there Kate see's a wedding photo on the wall
as Kate looks closer she recognises the groom, it is Jamie.
The world around her stops!
WoW! What will Kate do now?
Does Jamie's wife Harper know what happened to her husband?,
But, the truth comes out?
I highly recommend this book. Superb read!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.
A married man is dead. I was the last one to see him. Just as his wife planned. . . . . .
Very Clever! But was she?
Kate Mason is recently divorced and decides she needs a night out, with her friend. Whilst out and enjoying herself she gets chatting to a handsome man called Jamie, at the bar and she shares a drink or two with him. The evening flies by and at the end of the night, Jamie invites back her to his flat, where she spends the night.
On the following day they arrange to meet there again in the afternoon. Looking forward seeing Jamie again Kate arrives to his flat she finds him dead.
WoW. . . . . . Kate panics, and she doesn't know what to do! She can't call the police, especially after what happened in her past! she's certain they won't believe she's not responsible so she leaves and tries to carry on as normal with her day to day life with her .eight year old son Thomas.
Thomas is invited to his new friend called Dexter's house, Whilst she is there Kate see's a wedding photo on the wall
as Kate looks closer she recognises the groom, it is Jamie.
The world around her stops!
WoW! What will Kate do now?
Does Jamie's wife Harper know what happened to her husband?,
But, the truth comes out?
I highly recommend this book. Superb read!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.
June 7, 2025
I so wanted this to be amazing and debated giving it 3 ⭐️ but I just can’t give any more than 2.
I feel this was such a ‘meh’ book - added to my read books for the year but I won’t remember it and the fact H and E you know at the end (trying not to spoil) made me mad!!!!!!!!
Kate and her partner have split up, being amicable for the sake of their boy. Kate finally goes out with the girls one night and meets Jamie and falls head over heels. The sleep together at his flat and he asks her back the next day. She turns up a day later to find his bloodied body, murdered and left and she is the last one to be seen with him and the one now with his body. This all takes Kate back to being 15 years old and being told she is a murderer, she has spent years in therapy trying to heal and this threatens to unravel her. However, the her boy then befriends a new boy at school. She meets his mum and is invited over for a play date where the walls are aligned with pictures of Harper and Jamie. She is now in the house of the murdered man that she had developed feelings for. But meeting Jamie that night wasn’t a chance meet, this was planned, premeditated and she has a lot of people that could want to hurt and torment her. Kate now needs to find out who in her life she can trust and who in her life is trying to destroy her and pin murders on her. She doesn’t have long to do this as bodies turn up, threats are made and her son’s life is in danger.
The plot of this was so good but for me it was just meh the twist didn’t feel like a twist and the character development was meh.
If you’re new to this genre of book this might be one for you but it just couldn’t compete for me against the other books I have read in the same genre.
I feel this was such a ‘meh’ book - added to my read books for the year but I won’t remember it and the fact H and E you know at the end (trying not to spoil) made me mad!!!!!!!!
Kate and her partner have split up, being amicable for the sake of their boy. Kate finally goes out with the girls one night and meets Jamie and falls head over heels. The sleep together at his flat and he asks her back the next day. She turns up a day later to find his bloodied body, murdered and left and she is the last one to be seen with him and the one now with his body. This all takes Kate back to being 15 years old and being told she is a murderer, she has spent years in therapy trying to heal and this threatens to unravel her. However, the her boy then befriends a new boy at school. She meets his mum and is invited over for a play date where the walls are aligned with pictures of Harper and Jamie. She is now in the house of the murdered man that she had developed feelings for. But meeting Jamie that night wasn’t a chance meet, this was planned, premeditated and she has a lot of people that could want to hurt and torment her. Kate now needs to find out who in her life she can trust and who in her life is trying to destroy her and pin murders on her. She doesn’t have long to do this as bodies turn up, threats are made and her son’s life is in danger.
The plot of this was so good but for me it was just meh the twist didn’t feel like a twist and the character development was meh.
If you’re new to this genre of book this might be one for you but it just couldn’t compete for me against the other books I have read in the same genre.
March 29, 2025
The Last One to See Him is a psychological thriller with a huge cast of unreliable characters and a new twist on almost every page. Kate, dealing with her recent separation, decides to spend a night out with her girlfriends. While at the bar, she meets Jamie, who she decides is the perfect way to get over her ex. After a night at Jamie's apartment, Kate returns the next day to spend some more quality time with him, only to find Jamie murdered. Due to events in her past, Kate cannot be found next to another murdered body. After fleeing the scene, all Kate wants is for her life to go back to normal. She focuses on her son and being the perfect mother. In doing so, she sets up a playdate with her son's newest friend. However, upon arriving at their house, Kate discovers that the mother also happens to be Jamie's ex (or maybe not so ex) wife. Now, Kate is not only questioning Jamie's murder but also wondering who Jamie actually was.
There was simply way too much to this book. The plot was overly complicated with Kate's past, her night with Jamie, Jamie's past, Kate's relations with Harper, Harper and Jamie's relationship, and Kate's interactions with her therapist, and other smaller storylines. Everything was just too unbelievable. It honestly felt like the author was trying to fit two very complex thrillers (with individual storylines) into one book. Because of all the storylines and the randomness, the pacing was off. It was a struggle to make it through certain sections of the book. None of the characters are likable, which made it difficult to care what happened to them. The Last One to See Him was simply not a book for me.
There was simply way too much to this book. The plot was overly complicated with Kate's past, her night with Jamie, Jamie's past, Kate's relations with Harper, Harper and Jamie's relationship, and Kate's interactions with her therapist, and other smaller storylines. Everything was just too unbelievable. It honestly felt like the author was trying to fit two very complex thrillers (with individual storylines) into one book. Because of all the storylines and the randomness, the pacing was off. It was a struggle to make it through certain sections of the book. None of the characters are likable, which made it difficult to care what happened to them. The Last One to See Him was simply not a book for me.
April 15, 2025
BOOK: THE LAST ONE TO SEE HIM
AUTHOR: KATHRYN CROFT
PUB DATE: MARCH 2025
👩👦🔪
REVIEW- 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🔪👩👦
Wow! I can't believe this book was this good! To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to reading it because I have s thing with psychological thrillers, but I was pleasantly surprised, and the book was very good and filled with plot twists. It's worth every second I spent reading it.
👩👦🔪
The book has multiple povs, but the main character is Kate Mason, a 37 year old mother who has a traumatic past and is involved with a murder. Subsequently, she gets involved with the widow of the murder victim, and she gets threats to her life. So, I kept suspecting the people close to her and wondering who wanted her dead. I can't say much, but you would never guess who was trying to murder her, never! I didn't even notice the person as a character. It is a very good plot twist and mystery. I really loved reading this book even though it was a psychological thriller.
🔪👩👦
Kate Mason, the FMC, went through a lot and has a lot of issues to work on her own. What I didn't like was how she got annoyed at what her husband did when she did worse. She was hypocritical. But, she didn't deserve what happened to her. Harper, the other FMC, also had a lot of issues, and I would have wanted more of a backstory regarding her and her relation with her 'husband', it would have made things clearer.
👩👦🔪
I liked almost everything about this book. I liked that the issue with Graham White was settled, and Kate found the closure she was looking for. I liked the ending, too. The perp got exactly what he deserved. I would totally recommend this book
🔪👩👦
AUTHOR: KATHRYN CROFT
PUB DATE: MARCH 2025
👩👦🔪
REVIEW- 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🔪👩👦
Wow! I can't believe this book was this good! To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to reading it because I have s thing with psychological thrillers, but I was pleasantly surprised, and the book was very good and filled with plot twists. It's worth every second I spent reading it.
👩👦🔪
The book has multiple povs, but the main character is Kate Mason, a 37 year old mother who has a traumatic past and is involved with a murder. Subsequently, she gets involved with the widow of the murder victim, and she gets threats to her life. So, I kept suspecting the people close to her and wondering who wanted her dead. I can't say much, but you would never guess who was trying to murder her, never! I didn't even notice the person as a character. It is a very good plot twist and mystery. I really loved reading this book even though it was a psychological thriller.
🔪👩👦
Kate Mason, the FMC, went through a lot and has a lot of issues to work on her own. What I didn't like was how she got annoyed at what her husband did when she did worse. She was hypocritical. But, she didn't deserve what happened to her. Harper, the other FMC, also had a lot of issues, and I would have wanted more of a backstory regarding her and her relation with her 'husband', it would have made things clearer.
👩👦🔪
I liked almost everything about this book. I liked that the issue with Graham White was settled, and Kate found the closure she was looking for. I liked the ending, too. The perp got exactly what he deserved. I would totally recommend this book
🔪👩👦
March 16, 2025
Newly separated Kate Mason decides a night out with her friend is just what she needs, whilst there she gets chatting to a man at the bar and shares a drink with him. At the end of the night Jamie invites her back to his flat where she spends the night, the following day they arrange to meet there again in the afternoon but when Kate arrives she finds him dead. Kate panics, she can't call the police, after what happened in her past she's certain they won't believe she's not responsible so she leaves and tries to carry on as normal. When her eight year old son Thomas is invited to his friend Dexter's house, she's certain it's the distraction she needs until she sees a wedding photo on the wall and the groom is Jamie. Did his wife Harper know what happened, or is all this pure coincidence and what will happen if the truth comes out?
The Last One To See Him is the latest thriller by Croft, told in past and present tense we meet Kate who is adjusting to life as a single mum but still can't shake off her past. This story had me hooked from the first page and, in true Croft style, had me constantly changing my mind about who was responsible for Jamie's death and intrigued who would want to exact revenge on Kate. This was a fast paced, compelling and, at times, chilling read with some great twists along the way and an ending that completely blindsided me. Another fabulous plot from one of my go to authors who never fails to impress me!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, i will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
The Last One To See Him is the latest thriller by Croft, told in past and present tense we meet Kate who is adjusting to life as a single mum but still can't shake off her past. This story had me hooked from the first page and, in true Croft style, had me constantly changing my mind about who was responsible for Jamie's death and intrigued who would want to exact revenge on Kate. This was a fast paced, compelling and, at times, chilling read with some great twists along the way and an ending that completely blindsided me. Another fabulous plot from one of my go to authors who never fails to impress me!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, i will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
February 21, 2025
A woman meets a married man at a bar and later discovers he has been murdered. She is hesitant to tell the police due to her past. She meets the man's wife and realizes she may have been set up to get close to him. The wife's intentions and how much she knows about the woman are questioned, leading to fear of potential destruction.
Wow, what a complex web of events and emotions this book weaves! It is a captivating read that demands your full attention to avoid getting lost in the intricate plot twists.
The main character, Kate, is slowly developed throughout the story, but her likability is questionable due to the conflicting descriptions provided by others. Both Kate and Harper serve as strong maternal figures who will stop at nothing to protect their sons.
This book unfolds through multiple timelines - the distant past, the recent past, and the present. The perspectives of Kate, Harper, Jamie, and Rowan offer a diverse view of the events. As the story progresses, the threads of the narrative begin to unravel, requiring careful attention to grasp the interconnectedness of it all.
The unexpected twists and turns in the plot took me by surprise, leaving me suspicious of every character. If you enjoy mystery novels that keep you guessing until the very end, with intricate reveals and complex characters, then this book is must-read.
Thank you, Bookouture, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, what a complex web of events and emotions this book weaves! It is a captivating read that demands your full attention to avoid getting lost in the intricate plot twists.
The main character, Kate, is slowly developed throughout the story, but her likability is questionable due to the conflicting descriptions provided by others. Both Kate and Harper serve as strong maternal figures who will stop at nothing to protect their sons.
This book unfolds through multiple timelines - the distant past, the recent past, and the present. The perspectives of Kate, Harper, Jamie, and Rowan offer a diverse view of the events. As the story progresses, the threads of the narrative begin to unravel, requiring careful attention to grasp the interconnectedness of it all.
The unexpected twists and turns in the plot took me by surprise, leaving me suspicious of every character. If you enjoy mystery novels that keep you guessing until the very end, with intricate reveals and complex characters, then this book is must-read.
Thank you, Bookouture, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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