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Her Last Breath
From the critically acclaimed author of No Exit and The Last Word comes a story of two friends who embark on an ill-fated caving expedition—and the dark truth of what happens deep underground.
After years of excuses, Tess has finally agreed to go caving with her best friend Allie. Their lives have diverged sharply since high school—Allie is a self-made travel influencer, while Tess is a shy (and claustrophobic) legal assistant struggling to pay for law school. Maybe she’s a little jealous of Allie's globe-trotting life. Who wouldn’t be?
As Tess and Allie descend into the depths, they realize they’re not alone. A stranger who claims to be a fellow caver harasses them. Confident, take-no-shit Allie insults the guy—and he retaliates. Soon, Tess is trapped inside a narrow crawl space hundreds of feet underground, fighting to stay alive.
Twenty-four hours later, as a hospitalized Tess recounts her harrowing story of survival, the detective interviewing her shares new and shocking secrets about Allie's true past. Together, they begin to suspect the brutal attack wasn’t so random after all.
Who was Allie, really? Why did this man target them? And did Tess really leave the danger behind when she escaped the cave?
After years of excuses, Tess has finally agreed to go caving with her best friend Allie. Their lives have diverged sharply since high school—Allie is a self-made travel influencer, while Tess is a shy (and claustrophobic) legal assistant struggling to pay for law school. Maybe she’s a little jealous of Allie's globe-trotting life. Who wouldn’t be?
As Tess and Allie descend into the depths, they realize they’re not alone. A stranger who claims to be a fellow caver harasses them. Confident, take-no-shit Allie insults the guy—and he retaliates. Soon, Tess is trapped inside a narrow crawl space hundreds of feet underground, fighting to stay alive.
Twenty-four hours later, as a hospitalized Tess recounts her harrowing story of survival, the detective interviewing her shares new and shocking secrets about Allie's true past. Together, they begin to suspect the brutal attack wasn’t so random after all.
Who was Allie, really? Why did this man target them? And did Tess really leave the danger behind when she escaped the cave?
323 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2026
1786 people are currently reading
87929 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Adams
7 books5,842 followersTaylor Adams is the author of several acclaimed thrillers including No Exit and Hairpin Bridge. No Exit has been published in 32 languages and was recently released by 20th Century Studios as a Hulu Original Film. Adams lives in Washington State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,809 reviews
April 7, 2026
Enjoyed this! (I think??) The claustrophobia had me SWEATINGGGG, I couldn’t put it down. Had me so anxious that I didn’t predict the twist at ALL. Was too busy holding my breath 😂
April 26, 2026
Ever since No Exit, I’ve been one of Taylor Adams’ most loyal fans — and with Her Last Breath, he’s done it again, proving he’s the master of the smart, heart-pounding locked-room thriller. Just when I thought his stories couldn’t get more intense, this one swept me into a world of shocking twists, claustrophobic suspense, and relentless action that kept me breathless from beginning to end.
The book opens with an unforgettable sequence: a young woman trapped in a remote cave system on the Cascade Range, entombed in darkness as rock collapses around her. The descriptions of her eighteen-hour ordeal are so vivid, I felt my chest tightening and my pulse racing — a visceral reading experience that left me almost gasping alongside her.
Detective Layla Washington arrives on the scene and soon becomes the listener to a harrowing survival tale. Tess, the survivor, recounts not only her fight for life but also the complicated history that led her underground: a lifelong bond with Allie, a charismatic influencer who built a brand around high-stakes adventure, and the strained dynamic that recently tested their friendship. Tess, carrying the scars of her own traumatic childhood, had long been embraced as family by Allie’s parents, but now finds herself pulled into Allie’s risky orbit once again when she agrees to a caving trip.
What should have been a chance for the two women to reconnect turns into a nightmare when a mysterious caver begins shadowing them — a stranger who soon reveals far more sinister intentions. Stalked, hunted, and forced into a deadly cat-and-mouse game in the depths of the earth, Tess relies only on her instincts, scraps of survival knowledge, and the imagined encouragement of her friend’s voice in her head.
But as Tess emerges battered and shaken, Detective Washington senses that the story isn’t over. Why was Allie being targeted? What dangerous secrets was she involved in — secrets serious enough to draw federal investigators into the case? And even though Tess survived the cave, could she still be in danger?
Adams balances the relentless suspense with razor-sharp plotting and haunting questions, making this more than just a thriller — it’s a story about friendship, betrayal, and how far someone will go when pushed to the brink.
Overall: Her Last Breath is a pulse-pounding, claustrophobic, brilliantly engineered thriller that fans of Adams — and any lover of tightly wound mysteries — will devour. It’s fierce, smart, emotionally charged, and unforgettable.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this freaking fantastic thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The book opens with an unforgettable sequence: a young woman trapped in a remote cave system on the Cascade Range, entombed in darkness as rock collapses around her. The descriptions of her eighteen-hour ordeal are so vivid, I felt my chest tightening and my pulse racing — a visceral reading experience that left me almost gasping alongside her.
Detective Layla Washington arrives on the scene and soon becomes the listener to a harrowing survival tale. Tess, the survivor, recounts not only her fight for life but also the complicated history that led her underground: a lifelong bond with Allie, a charismatic influencer who built a brand around high-stakes adventure, and the strained dynamic that recently tested their friendship. Tess, carrying the scars of her own traumatic childhood, had long been embraced as family by Allie’s parents, but now finds herself pulled into Allie’s risky orbit once again when she agrees to a caving trip.
What should have been a chance for the two women to reconnect turns into a nightmare when a mysterious caver begins shadowing them — a stranger who soon reveals far more sinister intentions. Stalked, hunted, and forced into a deadly cat-and-mouse game in the depths of the earth, Tess relies only on her instincts, scraps of survival knowledge, and the imagined encouragement of her friend’s voice in her head.
But as Tess emerges battered and shaken, Detective Washington senses that the story isn’t over. Why was Allie being targeted? What dangerous secrets was she involved in — secrets serious enough to draw federal investigators into the case? And even though Tess survived the cave, could she still be in danger?
Adams balances the relentless suspense with razor-sharp plotting and haunting questions, making this more than just a thriller — it’s a story about friendship, betrayal, and how far someone will go when pushed to the brink.
Overall: Her Last Breath is a pulse-pounding, claustrophobic, brilliantly engineered thriller that fans of Adams — and any lover of tightly wound mysteries — will devour. It’s fierce, smart, emotionally charged, and unforgettable.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this freaking fantastic thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
October 1, 2025
➳ 3.75/5 stars
okay so this book was definitely something because it had me hooked from page one, and honestly, i adored every single second of it. you know those books that just grip you so tight that you don’t even wanna put them down for a second? yeah, that was exactly the vibe here. i’ll admit, the pacing in the beginning felt a little slow, and that’s probably the only reason i didn’t end up giving it a full five stars. but then again, i’m someone who really lets the start of a book decide the whole vibe for me, so maybe that’s just a me thing.
but once i got past that, oh my god it felt so different from anything i’ve read recently. and not gonna lie, i went in with zero expectations because the last book i read by this author was ages ago, and i genuinely thought i wouldn’t connect with this one. turns out, i was so wrong, and i’ve never been happier to be wrong about a book.
also, let me be completely honest here I was in such a bad reading slump. my last two reads were straight-up disappointments, like nothing about them clicked for me, and i was this close to giving up for a while. so picking this one up and feeling that spark again… it legit felt like a breath of fresh air, like waking up early in the morning and stepping outside when the air feels crisp and alive. that’s why i think i loved this book even more it came to me at the perfect time.
➳ ABOUT THE BOOK
This book literally revolves around two besties, Allie and Tess, who’ve been ride-or-die since forever like genuinely inseparable, more like sisters than friends. they grew up glued at the hip, but as adulthood hit, their paths couldn’t have been more different. Allie built this whole glamorous life for herself as a travel influencer, collecting fame and money through her blog, while Tess, at 30, was still stuck in law school, struggling to figure things out. and as much as she loved allie, watching her best friend shine so bright started planting this little seed of envy in her heart.
now here’s where things get wild both of them decide to go on this hike inside one of the most terrifying caves ever (like seriously, why would you even??). and instead of a peaceful adventure, the moment they step in, they run into this man who immediately gives off the creepiest vibes. but instead of leaving like normal people, they choose to keep exploring. only later do they realize that creepy dude? yeah, he never actually left. he’d been following them the entire time.
What starts off as a hike between best friends quickly turns into their worst nightmare. when they finally decide to confront him, everything takes a horrifying turn, changing their lives forever. both of them come out scarred, not just physically but mentally.
This story is told from different povs and honestly, i feel like that made such a huge difference. it gave me such a close look into what was actually happening inside the cave, and it made the whole thing feel more real, almost like i was right there with them. now, i’ll admit the plot itself did feel a little predictable to me, probably because i’ve read a ton of thrillers (and i actually read a kinda similar one months ago like not similar in premise more like in characters and their behaviours so yeah that could also be a reason, just not by the same author). so yeah, the twist along the way didn’t totally shock me… but the ending? omg, that i did not see coming. like, i had a whole version in my head of how this would wrap up, and the book completely proved me wrong in the last stretch.
And here’s the thing even though i guessed parts of the plot, it honestly didn’t take away from the experience at all. because what really carried this book wasn’t just the storyline, it was the writing. the way it was executed was phenomenal. i found myself literally visualizing everything as if it was unfolding right in front of me not just words on a page, but an actual movie playing in my head. that’s how immersive it was. sure, the beginning was a bit slow for my taste, but once it found its rhythm, it completely gripped me and didn’t let go.
So yeah, maybe it wasn’t shocking at every turn, but the atmosphere, the tension, the writing all of it combined made this book such an amazing experience to read.
➳ FINAL THOUGHTS
I honestly feel like this book came to me at the perfect time because it pulled me right out of my slump, and maybe that’s why I ended up loving it even more. The plot twist itself didn't left me absolutely stunned, but what really made it stand out was the way everything was executed the tension, the atmosphere, the constant thrill. It was so immersive that I could actually feel every emotion the characters went through fear, rage, anger, sadness, empathy it all hit. The only tiny issue for me was the pacing at the start, but once it picked up, it became nothing short of a masterpiece in my eyes.
⚘ "Overall, if you’re on the hunt for a book that’ll grab you by the throat, make you forget about literally everything else, and just keep flipping pages this might be the perfect catch for you." 💌
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
୨ৎ pre-read:
⤿ started - 30 august, 2025
a good thriller is all I need to get me out of this shitty slump 🤌🏻
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't going away."
okay so this book was definitely something because it had me hooked from page one, and honestly, i adored every single second of it. you know those books that just grip you so tight that you don’t even wanna put them down for a second? yeah, that was exactly the vibe here. i’ll admit, the pacing in the beginning felt a little slow, and that’s probably the only reason i didn’t end up giving it a full five stars. but then again, i’m someone who really lets the start of a book decide the whole vibe for me, so maybe that’s just a me thing.
but once i got past that, oh my god it felt so different from anything i’ve read recently. and not gonna lie, i went in with zero expectations because the last book i read by this author was ages ago, and i genuinely thought i wouldn’t connect with this one. turns out, i was so wrong, and i’ve never been happier to be wrong about a book.
also, let me be completely honest here I was in such a bad reading slump. my last two reads were straight-up disappointments, like nothing about them clicked for me, and i was this close to giving up for a while. so picking this one up and feeling that spark again… it legit felt like a breath of fresh air, like waking up early in the morning and stepping outside when the air feels crisp and alive. that’s why i think i loved this book even more it came to me at the perfect time.
➳ ABOUT THE BOOK
This book literally revolves around two besties, Allie and Tess, who’ve been ride-or-die since forever like genuinely inseparable, more like sisters than friends. they grew up glued at the hip, but as adulthood hit, their paths couldn’t have been more different. Allie built this whole glamorous life for herself as a travel influencer, collecting fame and money through her blog, while Tess, at 30, was still stuck in law school, struggling to figure things out. and as much as she loved allie, watching her best friend shine so bright started planting this little seed of envy in her heart.
now here’s where things get wild both of them decide to go on this hike inside one of the most terrifying caves ever (like seriously, why would you even??). and instead of a peaceful adventure, the moment they step in, they run into this man who immediately gives off the creepiest vibes. but instead of leaving like normal people, they choose to keep exploring. only later do they realize that creepy dude? yeah, he never actually left. he’d been following them the entire time.
What starts off as a hike between best friends quickly turns into their worst nightmare. when they finally decide to confront him, everything takes a horrifying turn, changing their lives forever. both of them come out scarred, not just physically but mentally.
This story is told from different povs and honestly, i feel like that made such a huge difference. it gave me such a close look into what was actually happening inside the cave, and it made the whole thing feel more real, almost like i was right there with them. now, i’ll admit the plot itself did feel a little predictable to me, probably because i’ve read a ton of thrillers (and i actually read a kinda similar one months ago like not similar in premise more like in characters and their behaviours so yeah that could also be a reason, just not by the same author). so yeah, the twist along the way didn’t totally shock me… but the ending? omg, that i did not see coming. like, i had a whole version in my head of how this would wrap up, and the book completely proved me wrong in the last stretch.
And here’s the thing even though i guessed parts of the plot, it honestly didn’t take away from the experience at all. because what really carried this book wasn’t just the storyline, it was the writing. the way it was executed was phenomenal. i found myself literally visualizing everything as if it was unfolding right in front of me not just words on a page, but an actual movie playing in my head. that’s how immersive it was. sure, the beginning was a bit slow for my taste, but once it found its rhythm, it completely gripped me and didn’t let go.
So yeah, maybe it wasn’t shocking at every turn, but the atmosphere, the tension, the writing all of it combined made this book such an amazing experience to read.
➳ FINAL THOUGHTS
I honestly feel like this book came to me at the perfect time because it pulled me right out of my slump, and maybe that’s why I ended up loving it even more. The plot twist itself didn't left me absolutely stunned, but what really made it stand out was the way everything was executed the tension, the atmosphere, the constant thrill. It was so immersive that I could actually feel every emotion the characters went through fear, rage, anger, sadness, empathy it all hit. The only tiny issue for me was the pacing at the start, but once it picked up, it became nothing short of a masterpiece in my eyes.
⚘ "Overall, if you’re on the hunt for a book that’ll grab you by the throat, make you forget about literally everything else, and just keep flipping pages this might be the perfect catch for you." 💌
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
୨ৎ pre-read:
⤿ started - 30 august, 2025
a good thriller is all I need to get me out of this shitty slump 🤌🏻
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2026
The biggest ever thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for an ARC of this book!!
I'm not going to lie, I stared at a blank page for about 30 minutes before even tempting to right this review, and I honestly still have no idea where it's going.. I'm just speechless.
So, I guess I'm going to start with an extremely random yet just as accurate reference. Because would it be a true Hades review without one? It would not. Reading your first Taylor Adams book will have you singing from the rooftops, like the first guy who tried jellyfish jelly on his Krabby Patty. So if you haven't read anything by this author yet, (especially if you like thrillers) what are you doing with your life exactly?
The man is a master, that's all there is to it. He could publish a phone book and I'd clear my schedule for the day to read it. He just NEVERRRR disappoints. I had gotten my mom to read No Exit...she calls me about halfway through chapter 2 , going on about "I don't understand what's so great about this book"..Then, I get a call from her not even an hour later "forget everything I said before, holy sh$t" & I was just , I KNOW, HOLY SH$T is right! Lol
I have yet to find another author who can write a faster pace, edge of your seat ride, than this man right here!
So OBVIOUSLY when I saw he had a new book coming out, I had to smash that "request" button on Netgallery. Needless to say this is an Author I throw everything else out the window for. I just got approved for this yesterday and just sat & read until I was done, without a second thought. And what can I say?? .. ALEXA 🗣️, play Oops!.. I did it again by Britney Spears.. I meannnnn.. This just hits in every. Single. Way!
I love how as you're reading, you think you're picking up on things that don't make sense , & think you're going crazy, or misheard something. But you're not and it's just Sir Adams casually being a genius.
This was just amazing all around! The way he brings the settings to life is just INSANE, I don't get scared when I read (unfortunately) but I'm claustrophobic and have high anxiety, there were parts of this book that literally made me want to throw up, and had my heart rate at 130bpm. And it's not actually a "scary" book. It's the way he writes and the atmosphere he creates. Again, I personally have yet to read anything like it by anyone else.
Mark my words, Taylor Adams career is just getting started. He is definitely & without a doubt an Author who will be read and loved by generations. It's not even a question, only a matter of time.
If Stephen King was more of a straight shooter author (wrote about more every day things with less side quests) he'd be Taylor Adams. Because when it comes to talent and the power to grip the reader they are one in the same.
And yes, I did already tell my mom about this one, and I just got yelled at because it's not out yet lol..But you can best bet when it does, I'll be buying mine.
I will also be shoving this book down the throats of all who will listen AND all those who don't. Basically, the choice is yours, if you want to do things the easy way or the hard way. But if you're in close proximity to me for more than five minutes I WILL be telling you about this book!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
I'm not going to lie, I stared at a blank page for about 30 minutes before even tempting to right this review, and I honestly still have no idea where it's going.. I'm just speechless.
So, I guess I'm going to start with an extremely random yet just as accurate reference. Because would it be a true Hades review without one? It would not. Reading your first Taylor Adams book will have you singing from the rooftops, like the first guy who tried jellyfish jelly on his Krabby Patty. So if you haven't read anything by this author yet, (especially if you like thrillers) what are you doing with your life exactly?
The man is a master, that's all there is to it. He could publish a phone book and I'd clear my schedule for the day to read it. He just NEVERRRR disappoints. I had gotten my mom to read No Exit...she calls me about halfway through chapter 2 , going on about "I don't understand what's so great about this book"..Then, I get a call from her not even an hour later "forget everything I said before, holy sh$t" & I was just , I KNOW, HOLY SH$T is right! Lol
I have yet to find another author who can write a faster pace, edge of your seat ride, than this man right here!
So OBVIOUSLY when I saw he had a new book coming out, I had to smash that "request" button on Netgallery. Needless to say this is an Author I throw everything else out the window for. I just got approved for this yesterday and just sat & read until I was done, without a second thought. And what can I say?? .. ALEXA 🗣️, play Oops!.. I did it again by Britney Spears.. I meannnnn.. This just hits in every. Single. Way!
I love how as you're reading, you think you're picking up on things that don't make sense , & think you're going crazy, or misheard something. But you're not and it's just Sir Adams casually being a genius.
This was just amazing all around! The way he brings the settings to life is just INSANE, I don't get scared when I read (unfortunately) but I'm claustrophobic and have high anxiety, there were parts of this book that literally made me want to throw up, and had my heart rate at 130bpm. And it's not actually a "scary" book. It's the way he writes and the atmosphere he creates. Again, I personally have yet to read anything like it by anyone else.
Mark my words, Taylor Adams career is just getting started. He is definitely & without a doubt an Author who will be read and loved by generations. It's not even a question, only a matter of time.
If Stephen King was more of a straight shooter author (wrote about more every day things with less side quests) he'd be Taylor Adams. Because when it comes to talent and the power to grip the reader they are one in the same.
And yes, I did already tell my mom about this one, and I just got yelled at because it's not out yet lol..But you can best bet when it does, I'll be buying mine.
I will also be shoving this book down the throats of all who will listen AND all those who don't. Basically, the choice is yours, if you want to do things the easy way or the hard way. But if you're in close proximity to me for more than five minutes I WILL be telling you about this book!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
April 8, 2026
5.0++ stars— I have been very fortunate to read some really good books this year (at least I thought they were really good). None of them even came close to the absolutely brilliant “Her Last Breath” by Taylor Adams. I have never read any book by Adams before this one, but decided to read it after reading a 5 star review of ‘Her Last Breath” on Goodreads and thought it sounded interesting (thanks Linzie!). Well, not only was it interesting, it was one of the best written, superbly plotted, dread inducing thrillers I’ve ever read. The author was also able to insert some really good twists and turns that will cause you to have to reset your thinking about what was actually happening multiple times. I can’t think of anymore positive adjectives to continue to praise this book without repeating myself, but trust me: READ THIS BOOK. ‘Her Last Breath’ begins with two best friends, Tess and Allie, bantering as they embark on a trip to an isolated cave for an adventure spelunking in a dangerous cave. When they enter the cave they are confronted by a creepy man who asks to join them. He is so persistent that Allie has to get mean and rude to get him to leave them alone so that they can proceed on their outing. They then begin exploring the cave by themselves….and let the creepiness and terror begin. I don’t know if this book hit different for me because I have always disliked caves and fear getting stuck inside with nobody there to help me. This entire book gave me that creepy feeling that goes along with being trapped and alone with nobody there to help. When you add in the twists found throughout, unbelievably good writing by the author, and one of the best cat and mouse games ever written —then you have this book. I truly didn’t want to put it down , and I definitely didn’t want it to end. I’m not sure where Taylor Adams came from, but in my opinion he has written the book of the year … and it isn’t even close. Do yourself a favor and read this book; I promise you won’t be disappointed. For me, I will be reading Taylor Adams’ entire catalog of earlier novels.😂
March 15, 2026
A thriller set inside a cave? I’m in!
“Her Last Breath” by Taylor Adams is a taut, claustrophobic ride centered on two lifelong friends, Allie, a self-made travel influencer, and Tess, a meek legal assistant, who embark on a caving expedition that goes terribly, fatally wrong. One survivor emerges. And she alone holds the answers.
The story opens from Tess's perspective as the two friends descend into the cave, and almost immediately, things begin to unravel. An unforeseen event. An unexpected fellow caver. And then the frame shifts: Tess is in a hospital, recounting everything to Detective Layla Washington, a detective who, it turns out, has credibility issues of her own. From this point forward, Adams structures the narrative in two alternating threads: Tess's present-day interrogation and her real-time experiences underground. It's a masterful construction. As Tess's account unfolds for Detective Washington, it unfolds for the reader as well, complete with carefully planted clues, well-deployed red herrings, and abrupt narrative pivots that keep you perpetually off-balance.
The claustrophobic setting does enormous work here. Adams uses the cave itself as a psychological instrument, the tight spaces and disorienting darkness ratcheting up tension in ways that feel visceral and relentless. I also came away genuinely educated about caving -- though I can confirm I have zero desire to attempt it myself. Spelunking will remain firmly on my list of things I admire from a distance.
The audio, narrated by Sophie Atmoss, is expertly done and an ideal format for this particular story. Highly recommended for thriller fans, especially those who enjoy an audiobook that makes the commute disappear entirely.
March 7, 2026
I kept seeing so many amazing reviews for this book. I tried my best to resist as I had so many books on my shelf. But I must confess… I have no self-control. I simply had to jump into the fray. Now the only question was, do I read a physical copy or listen to the audio?
Well, when I noticed the audio being narrated by Sophie Amoss, it was a done deal! The Audio won hands down! And WOW did she give a magnificent performance!
This is a tale told by an aging detective who knows her days are numbered on the force. But feels she can clear up one more crime as long as her department will just listen to her.
(Why does aging seemingly lead to irrelevance, when they have decades of valuable experience behind them?)💁🏼♀️
We also hear from the survivor, whose fight for life allowed her to escape and tell her story.
Sit back and listen to how a day of caving became a matter of life or death.
Ok! I can now say this is absolutely my favorite Taylor Adams book to date. I was totally captivated from the beginning. Even when I had to step away from the audio, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And it still remains with me now.
✍️ Taylor Adams
🎧 10 hours and 8 minutes
🎤 Sophie Amoss
🗓️ Available Now
📈 5/5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, suspense
Thank you to libro.fm and William Morrow
Well, when I noticed the audio being narrated by Sophie Amoss, it was a done deal! The Audio won hands down! And WOW did she give a magnificent performance!
This is a tale told by an aging detective who knows her days are numbered on the force. But feels she can clear up one more crime as long as her department will just listen to her.
(Why does aging seemingly lead to irrelevance, when they have decades of valuable experience behind them?)💁🏼♀️
We also hear from the survivor, whose fight for life allowed her to escape and tell her story.
Sit back and listen to how a day of caving became a matter of life or death.
Ok! I can now say this is absolutely my favorite Taylor Adams book to date. I was totally captivated from the beginning. Even when I had to step away from the audio, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And it still remains with me now.
✍️ Taylor Adams
🎧 10 hours and 8 minutes
🎤 Sophie Amoss
🗓️ Available Now
📈 5/5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, suspense
Thank you to libro.fm and William Morrow
February 20, 2026
BABYGIRL I feel claustrophobic!???
In Her Last Breath we have best friends Allie and Tess who decide to go on a dangerous caving trip in the mountains. While there they encounter a creepy man named Jacob. As they manage to escape him they soon realize they are being followed into a dangerous cave which is now going to turn their adventure into a fight for survival against a killer.
Taylor Adams is a go to author for me ever since I read No Exit which I loved! One thing he is an expert in is creating the perfect atmospheric scene for his books. I genuinely felt like I was in the mountains with those women and I had chills and goosebumps reading along.
Taylors books are very action packed but this book took up to the 20% mark to become somewhat juicy and enthralling for me. When it did pick up I was locked in and was thoroughly entertained… BUT… the twists for me were quite predictable (if you pay attention to what’s being written and read between the lines you will catch on quick) and I felt like the chapters did start to feel quite repetitive.
The book is told in three POVS and alternates between present and past day (24 hours prior flashbacks). As for the characters I didn’t really feel a connection to them and felt like I learnt more about caves than the actual plot of the story.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Atmospheric
➽ Short chapters
➽ Some intense moments
➽ Some of the twists
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Repetitive
➽ Quite unrealistic and suspension of disbelief needed
➽ If you’re a beginner in thrillers the twists will WOW you. For a more advanced thriller reader maybe not so much.
I would say this is probably my least favourite Adam’s book but that’s not to say it was a bad book. It had its moments, but it just didn’t fully deliver and give me that memorable factor. But I will always pick up his books and I’m excited to see what he writes next.
3.5 ⭐
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⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
EEEK I've been waiting on bated breath for this release!
Absolutely love this mans books!
I hope this is a 5 star read!
🖤🤍💙🤍🖤
In Her Last Breath we have best friends Allie and Tess who decide to go on a dangerous caving trip in the mountains. While there they encounter a creepy man named Jacob. As they manage to escape him they soon realize they are being followed into a dangerous cave which is now going to turn their adventure into a fight for survival against a killer.
Taylor Adams is a go to author for me ever since I read No Exit which I loved! One thing he is an expert in is creating the perfect atmospheric scene for his books. I genuinely felt like I was in the mountains with those women and I had chills and goosebumps reading along.
Taylors books are very action packed but this book took up to the 20% mark to become somewhat juicy and enthralling for me. When it did pick up I was locked in and was thoroughly entertained… BUT… the twists for me were quite predictable (if you pay attention to what’s being written and read between the lines you will catch on quick) and I felt like the chapters did start to feel quite repetitive.
The book is told in three POVS and alternates between present and past day (24 hours prior flashbacks). As for the characters I didn’t really feel a connection to them and felt like I learnt more about caves than the actual plot of the story.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Atmospheric
➽ Short chapters
➽ Some intense moments
➽ Some of the twists
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Repetitive
➽ Quite unrealistic and suspension of disbelief needed
➽ If you’re a beginner in thrillers the twists will WOW you. For a more advanced thriller reader maybe not so much.
I would say this is probably my least favourite Adam’s book but that’s not to say it was a bad book. It had its moments, but it just didn’t fully deliver and give me that memorable factor. But I will always pick up his books and I’m excited to see what he writes next.
3.5 ⭐
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⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
EEEK I've been waiting on bated breath for this release!
Absolutely love this mans books!
I hope this is a 5 star read!
🖤🤍💙🤍🖤
February 16, 2026
BANGER ALERT! BANGER ALERT! A white-knuckle ride of despicable villains, dread-fueled plotting, and wicked twists and turns, Her Last Breath just might be my favorite book of the year. You see, from the immersive storytelling to the claustrophobic setting, this book was everything I look for in a one-sitting read. That wasn’t all, though. I mean, not only did the horror movie-esque jump scares keep me on the edge of my seat, but the well-developed characters added depth to the plot. The best part of this high-speed 200 mile per hour thriller, however, were the gasp-inducing reveals. After all, there wasn’t just one twist that had me shouting “NO F***ING WAY!!” Oh no. There were several. Flipping the script in the best possible way, the intricately plotted storyline had my jaw dropping and my fist pumping throughout this unparalleled read.
What else did I love about this atmospheric story? Well, I can’t forget about the strong, unforgettable heroine or the emotionally charged feel to the plot either. Mixing pulse-pounding frights with thought-provoking themes, it was the perfect combination for a flawless genre-bending novel. With a bit of survival, psychological, and action thriller vibes, it still managed to explore friendship, and trust while also serving up one heck of a cat-and-mouse game. So if you’re in for a slump-busting read, grab this book now. Just make sure that your chores are complete and your kids are in bed. After all, you’re not going to want to take your eyes off the page for even a minute. A savvy locked-room thriller with razor-sharp writing, this rollercoaster ride kept my mind spinning from the riveting start until the *chef’s kiss* conclusion. Rating of 5++++ stars.
BRIEF BLURB:
Please oh please, go into this one at least partially blind. You see, in my humble opinion even the publisher-provided synopsis gives too much away. All you need to know is the following: After putting off her best friend Allie for years, Tess finally agrees to go caving with her for the very first time. Already anxiety-riddled in her day-to-day life, the idea of choosing to descend hundreds of feet under ground has her almost absolutely scared to death. Of course, her fears don’t get any better when the pair of best friends meet a creepy stranger just inside of the cave entrance. Dressed all in black and wearing a balaclava, Tess gets the immediate sense that he’s up to no good. Is it a bad omen, a freak occurrence, or something far more sinister? Either way, the ill-fated run-in is just the start of the worst trip these two friends will ever have.
Thank you Taylor Adams and William Morrow Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 17, 2026
Content warning: stalking, gun and knife violence, blood, violence, murder, mention of: child abuse, pregnancy
What else did I love about this atmospheric story? Well, I can’t forget about the strong, unforgettable heroine or the emotionally charged feel to the plot either. Mixing pulse-pounding frights with thought-provoking themes, it was the perfect combination for a flawless genre-bending novel. With a bit of survival, psychological, and action thriller vibes, it still managed to explore friendship, and trust while also serving up one heck of a cat-and-mouse game. So if you’re in for a slump-busting read, grab this book now. Just make sure that your chores are complete and your kids are in bed. After all, you’re not going to want to take your eyes off the page for even a minute. A savvy locked-room thriller with razor-sharp writing, this rollercoaster ride kept my mind spinning from the riveting start until the *chef’s kiss* conclusion. Rating of 5++++ stars.
BRIEF BLURB:
Please oh please, go into this one at least partially blind. You see, in my humble opinion even the publisher-provided synopsis gives too much away. All you need to know is the following: After putting off her best friend Allie for years, Tess finally agrees to go caving with her for the very first time. Already anxiety-riddled in her day-to-day life, the idea of choosing to descend hundreds of feet under ground has her almost absolutely scared to death. Of course, her fears don’t get any better when the pair of best friends meet a creepy stranger just inside of the cave entrance. Dressed all in black and wearing a balaclava, Tess gets the immediate sense that he’s up to no good. Is it a bad omen, a freak occurrence, or something far more sinister? Either way, the ill-fated run-in is just the start of the worst trip these two friends will ever have.
Thank you Taylor Adams and William Morrow Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 17, 2026
Content warning: stalking, gun and knife violence, blood, violence, murder, mention of: child abuse, pregnancy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙
Her Last Breath, like Taylor Adams's last novel, The Last Word, has firmly secured Adams fate as one of my top Thriller authors. Wild and wickedly-entertaining, both of these books kept me glued to the seat and flipping pages.
Taylor Adams has knocked another one out of the park!
Caves, and caving more particularly, petrify me. I was interested in this book as soon as I read the synopsis. I figured it would be harrowing, and easily get my heart racing, and boy and boy, did it ever.
We're following best friends, Tess and Allie, who go on a caving trip, supposedly a day trip, but it turns into so much more than that. Though Allie is an experienced caver, and knows the cave they are going into like the back of her hand, Tess is a complete amateur.
She goes more because she wants to please Allie, than due to any desire of her own. From the start it doesn't go well. They have a bit of a confrontation with a mysterious stranger lurking just inside the cave entrance, and from that moment on, the vibes seem off.
As the two women descend into the depths, they soon realize they aren't alone. The stranger has followed them, and he's not planning to let them back out alive.
24-hours later, a hospitalized Tess walks a clever Detective Washington through the culminating events of their ill-fated adventure. Together, the two begin to determine that the events weren't as random as they initially appeared.
Y'all, my claustrophobia was fully initiated by 30% into this novel. It was stirring a bit ahead of that, as even thinking of entering this cave makes me feel queasy, but by 30%, I needed to get up, walk around and stretch.
The way that Adams drew me in, it felt effortless. It was so well written, to keep me fully engaged and keep me guessing. Tess and Allie are both complex characters and I wasn't sure if I could trust either one of them.
My mind was spinning, trying to keep up with what was going on in this hellscape of a cave. The stranger, the man they met at the cave mouth, was so unsettling. The way he interacted with the women was so inappropriate and creepy. I would have turned around immediately.
I loved that we got Detective Washington's perspective as well. I loved following along with her during her interview process with Tess.
It felt like we were puzzling it out together. What exactly went on down there? Who was this man? And why does it seem he was targeting them? Was he, or did the odd circumstances of their encounter just make it feel that way?
This is such a wild ride. It's bound to keep you hooked. I flew this so quickly, half the time with my stomach in my throat. I needed answers. Taylor Adams, I'll be sending you my therapist's bill for the mind spin I had from reading this.
After reading The Last Word, I thought, how can Adams possibly top this? I was totally gripped by that story. Now I know. Her Last Breath is the answer to that, at least IMHO.
I can't recommend this enough to anyone looking for an intense, nail-biting thrill ride. Bonus points if you're as scared of caves, or any small spaces, as I am. This is sure to have you squirming in your seat!
Thank you to the publisher, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I expected this to be good, but I had no idea it would be this good!
I cannot wait to see what Taylor Adams comes up with next!!
Her Last Breath, like Taylor Adams's last novel, The Last Word, has firmly secured Adams fate as one of my top Thriller authors. Wild and wickedly-entertaining, both of these books kept me glued to the seat and flipping pages.
Taylor Adams has knocked another one out of the park!
Caves, and caving more particularly, petrify me. I was interested in this book as soon as I read the synopsis. I figured it would be harrowing, and easily get my heart racing, and boy and boy, did it ever.
We're following best friends, Tess and Allie, who go on a caving trip, supposedly a day trip, but it turns into so much more than that. Though Allie is an experienced caver, and knows the cave they are going into like the back of her hand, Tess is a complete amateur.
She goes more because she wants to please Allie, than due to any desire of her own. From the start it doesn't go well. They have a bit of a confrontation with a mysterious stranger lurking just inside the cave entrance, and from that moment on, the vibes seem off.
As the two women descend into the depths, they soon realize they aren't alone. The stranger has followed them, and he's not planning to let them back out alive.
24-hours later, a hospitalized Tess walks a clever Detective Washington through the culminating events of their ill-fated adventure. Together, the two begin to determine that the events weren't as random as they initially appeared.
Y'all, my claustrophobia was fully initiated by 30% into this novel. It was stirring a bit ahead of that, as even thinking of entering this cave makes me feel queasy, but by 30%, I needed to get up, walk around and stretch.
The way that Adams drew me in, it felt effortless. It was so well written, to keep me fully engaged and keep me guessing. Tess and Allie are both complex characters and I wasn't sure if I could trust either one of them.
My mind was spinning, trying to keep up with what was going on in this hellscape of a cave. The stranger, the man they met at the cave mouth, was so unsettling. The way he interacted with the women was so inappropriate and creepy. I would have turned around immediately.
I loved that we got Detective Washington's perspective as well. I loved following along with her during her interview process with Tess.
It felt like we were puzzling it out together. What exactly went on down there? Who was this man? And why does it seem he was targeting them? Was he, or did the odd circumstances of their encounter just make it feel that way?
This is such a wild ride. It's bound to keep you hooked. I flew this so quickly, half the time with my stomach in my throat. I needed answers. Taylor Adams, I'll be sending you my therapist's bill for the mind spin I had from reading this.
After reading The Last Word, I thought, how can Adams possibly top this? I was totally gripped by that story. Now I know. Her Last Breath is the answer to that, at least IMHO.
I can't recommend this enough to anyone looking for an intense, nail-biting thrill ride. Bonus points if you're as scared of caves, or any small spaces, as I am. This is sure to have you squirming in your seat!
Thank you to the publisher, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I expected this to be good, but I had no idea it would be this good!
I cannot wait to see what Taylor Adams comes up with next!!
March 1, 2026
If you’re looking for a book packed with multiple twists that actually pulls them off, this is it, at least it was for me.
The opening immediately throws you into suspense. From the first few pages, you know you’re in for a wild ride. The story moves between the recent past and the present as it slowly uncovers how Tess ended up trapped in a cave, with a body outside. That alone is enough to hook you.
I don’t want to give too much away, because this is definitely a book best experienced without spoilers. Following Tess and Allie’s storyline at the beginning, getting to know them and even growing to really like them, made the later events hit even harder. That connection added real anxiety as the story unfolds.
This was a really good read for me. The setting descriptions, the character development, and the twists and turns were all very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The opening immediately throws you into suspense. From the first few pages, you know you’re in for a wild ride. The story moves between the recent past and the present as it slowly uncovers how Tess ended up trapped in a cave, with a body outside. That alone is enough to hook you.
I don’t want to give too much away, because this is definitely a book best experienced without spoilers. Following Tess and Allie’s storyline at the beginning, getting to know them and even growing to really like them, made the later events hit even harder. That connection added real anxiety as the story unfolds.
This was a really good read for me. The setting descriptions, the character development, and the twists and turns were all very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 7, 2026
This book reminds me why I do not do anything adventurous. Caving expeditions are at the top of that list.
Allie and Tess have been friends since they were teenagers but have recently grown a bit apart. Allie is adventurous, and her job revolves around her traveling around the world highlighting all sorts of fun things that are out there. Tess is the exact opposite. She has super high anxiety and prefers to have a more grounded life. She currently handles the administrative work for Allie’s company while she is part-time in law school. In order to try to restore their bond, they decide to go on a caving expedition. Needless to say, it doesn’t go to plan, and they find themselves diving deeper into the cave to escape danger. Yes, you read that right. They had to go further into the cave to escape danger…. That’s exactly why you should always make sure there’s a Plan B when doing dangerous expeditions.
I was hesitant to pick this up just because the idea of being trapped in caves reminds me too much of locked-room mysteries that aren’t really my cup of tea. However, the reviews on this one were just so good that I had to see what everybody was talking about. It was that good! It moved at a breakneck speed, and there were so many fun twists along the way. It was not boring!
I don’t know how this author fell off my radar because I had read another book and enjoyed it. Now I need to go back and find the ones I missed because this author sure can write a fun, twisty thriller.
One piece of advice… do not read this prior to doing any sightseeing within caves. Or spelunking or whatever it is.
Allie and Tess have been friends since they were teenagers but have recently grown a bit apart. Allie is adventurous, and her job revolves around her traveling around the world highlighting all sorts of fun things that are out there. Tess is the exact opposite. She has super high anxiety and prefers to have a more grounded life. She currently handles the administrative work for Allie’s company while she is part-time in law school. In order to try to restore their bond, they decide to go on a caving expedition. Needless to say, it doesn’t go to plan, and they find themselves diving deeper into the cave to escape danger. Yes, you read that right. They had to go further into the cave to escape danger…. That’s exactly why you should always make sure there’s a Plan B when doing dangerous expeditions.
I was hesitant to pick this up just because the idea of being trapped in caves reminds me too much of locked-room mysteries that aren’t really my cup of tea. However, the reviews on this one were just so good that I had to see what everybody was talking about. It was that good! It moved at a breakneck speed, and there were so many fun twists along the way. It was not boring!
I don’t know how this author fell off my radar because I had read another book and enjoyed it. Now I need to go back and find the ones I missed because this author sure can write a fun, twisty thriller.
One piece of advice… do not read this prior to doing any sightseeing within caves. Or spelunking or whatever it is.
March 23, 2026
similarly to NO EXIT, this book had me on the edge of my seat!!! love his thrillers so much—they’re entertaining, full of action, have multiple twists and grab you right away. this was no exception!
while the setting made me extremely claustrophobic (the main characters go caving/spelunking and get trapped hundreds of feed underground with a bad guy chasing after them…), it made for a fabulous thriller setting!
& just when you think you know where this story is going… you will be proven wrong time and time again. even until the very last chapter 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 i will forever love thrillers with more than one twist, and i love how this one didn’t end with everything wrapped in a little bow too…
if you are in a reading slump or are looking for a book that will grab you right away, pick this up. Adams always delivers!!
while the setting made me extremely claustrophobic (the main characters go caving/spelunking and get trapped hundreds of feed underground with a bad guy chasing after them…), it made for a fabulous thriller setting!
& just when you think you know where this story is going… you will be proven wrong time and time again. even until the very last chapter 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 i will forever love thrillers with more than one twist, and i love how this one didn’t end with everything wrapped in a little bow too…
if you are in a reading slump or are looking for a book that will grab you right away, pick this up. Adams always delivers!!
March 22, 2026
Unbelievably good. A firework of suspense, twists and turns. One of the best thrillers I’ve read this year!
February 20, 2026
4 stars, claustrophobic me really enjoyed this, very well done twists, and appreciated the fast pace too, a good vacation read
April 25, 2026
Against her better judgment Tess agrees to go caving with her adventurous influencer friend, Allie. Right away my anxiety was through the roof because I can’t imagine many more frightening things than descending down into the bowels of the earth in complete darkness.
At the cave entrance they encounter a creepy man and there was a verbal altercation. Shortly after they begin their descent , they realize the man is following them and his intentions are anything but honorable. Things go from bad to worse very quickly when they realize his intent is murder. Their adventure trip becomes a harrowing tale of survival for one of the girls.
Trapped in a narrow space in the pitch black darkness engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with a murderer, she must use her wits, determination and skills she didn’t know she had to make it out alive.
This is a pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled story that terrified me. It reaches down to our deepest fears and doesn’t let go. The suspense and tension never let up.
There’s a police investigation and the story opens with a detective interviewing the survivor after the rescue. From there, we have the survivor’s narrative with details of the events. Through the detective’s chapters we begin to realize there was much more going on than we realized.
This is one of the most propulsive, thrilling thrillers I’ve read in a very long time, and the surprises in store left me gobsmacked. In my opinion, this is the author’s best yet.
The audiobook narrator, Sophie Amoss was excellent and her delivery enhanced the story.
At the cave entrance they encounter a creepy man and there was a verbal altercation. Shortly after they begin their descent , they realize the man is following them and his intentions are anything but honorable. Things go from bad to worse very quickly when they realize his intent is murder. Their adventure trip becomes a harrowing tale of survival for one of the girls.
Trapped in a narrow space in the pitch black darkness engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with a murderer, she must use her wits, determination and skills she didn’t know she had to make it out alive.
This is a pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled story that terrified me. It reaches down to our deepest fears and doesn’t let go. The suspense and tension never let up.
There’s a police investigation and the story opens with a detective interviewing the survivor after the rescue. From there, we have the survivor’s narrative with details of the events. Through the detective’s chapters we begin to realize there was much more going on than we realized.
This is one of the most propulsive, thrilling thrillers I’ve read in a very long time, and the surprises in store left me gobsmacked. In my opinion, this is the author’s best yet.
The audiobook narrator, Sophie Amoss was excellent and her delivery enhanced the story.
September 25, 2025
OMG. OMG OMG OMG OMG THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!! Thank you to Taylor Adams and William Morrow for my copy. It's about Tess, a woman who finally decides to join her best friend caving. Allie is a travel influencer who loves taking risks, and Tess is her shy travel assistant. As they head into the caves, they realize that they're not alone. A stranger who harasses them won't leave them alone, and Allie insults him. Soon he retaliates and Tess is trapped underground, fighting to stay alive. Twenty-four hours later, as a hospitalized Tess recounts her harrowing story of survival, the detective interviewing her shares new and shocking secrets about her friend's true past.
Thoughts: TAYLOR ADAMS IS THE GOAT! Even books about being trapped underground are FULL of twists, turns, and claustrophobic anxiety. This book had my heart racing and there was much more going on than meets the eye. At 25% I had no idea what more could possibly happen, but it did not disappoint. The fear of being trapped underground bled through the pages and made me take deeper breaths as I read.
The culmination of this book was AMAZING and I really didn't see it coming. All of the complex relationships were so well explained and had me gasping. While the main detective was a bit one dimensional, Tess and Allie were extremely interesting and fun to read about. I think this may be the best thriller I read in 2025- 5 stars!
Thoughts: TAYLOR ADAMS IS THE GOAT! Even books about being trapped underground are FULL of twists, turns, and claustrophobic anxiety. This book had my heart racing and there was much more going on than meets the eye. At 25% I had no idea what more could possibly happen, but it did not disappoint. The fear of being trapped underground bled through the pages and made me take deeper breaths as I read.
The culmination of this book was AMAZING and I really didn't see it coming. All of the complex relationships were so well explained and had me gasping. While the main detective was a bit one dimensional, Tess and Allie were extremely interesting and fun to read about. I think this may be the best thriller I read in 2025- 5 stars!
February 20, 2026
the setup…
Tess DeWater and Allie Merritt are best friends, almost like sisters but live very different lives. Tess is working and in law school; Allie is an extremely successful travel influencer with a dare devil spirit who finally convinces her risk-averse friend to go caving with her. As they go deeper in that cave, it soon becomes clear they are not alone. The man Allie insulted on their way in is out for retaliation and it becomes a desperate fight for Tess to stay alive.
the heart of the story…
The story begins with Tess in a hospital bed, sharing the details of her harrowing experience with a detective. It shifts back and forth from that setting to the real time events in that cave. Even though clearly Tess has survived, it’s a breathtaking journey to figure out everything in between. My biggest fear is being enclosed in tight spaces and I felt like I was in that cave struggling with anxiety. It felt real.
the narration…
Sophie Amoss has got some serious storytelling skills! She put me in that cave (shudder) and gave distinctive voices for everyone involved. It’s an outstanding performance.
the bottom line…
This is as twisty as that cave, so atmospheric I felt discomfort, struggling to breathe and move. More so than that, it’s crafty not only in structure but in characterizations. Just when I thought I had things worked out, a wrench would be tossed in to challenge that latest theory. Hold on tight because nothing is settled until the last page. Loved it! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to William Morrow and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Tess DeWater and Allie Merritt are best friends, almost like sisters but live very different lives. Tess is working and in law school; Allie is an extremely successful travel influencer with a dare devil spirit who finally convinces her risk-averse friend to go caving with her. As they go deeper in that cave, it soon becomes clear they are not alone. The man Allie insulted on their way in is out for retaliation and it becomes a desperate fight for Tess to stay alive.
the heart of the story…
The story begins with Tess in a hospital bed, sharing the details of her harrowing experience with a detective. It shifts back and forth from that setting to the real time events in that cave. Even though clearly Tess has survived, it’s a breathtaking journey to figure out everything in between. My biggest fear is being enclosed in tight spaces and I felt like I was in that cave struggling with anxiety. It felt real.
the narration…
Sophie Amoss has got some serious storytelling skills! She put me in that cave (shudder) and gave distinctive voices for everyone involved. It’s an outstanding performance.
the bottom line…
This is as twisty as that cave, so atmospheric I felt discomfort, struggling to breathe and move. More so than that, it’s crafty not only in structure but in characterizations. Just when I thought I had things worked out, a wrench would be tossed in to challenge that latest theory. Hold on tight because nothing is settled until the last page. Loved it! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to William Morrow and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
April 24, 2026
☆☆☆☆.25
Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams is a 4.25-star read for me, gripping, claustrophobic, and highly entertaining like all of his books I’ve read so far, with his signature ability to keep me constantly on edge and turning pages late into the night.
Once again, Adams delivers a tightly written, suspenseful story that pulls you in completely, the tension feels almost suffocating at times, and I was fully immersed from start to finish. That said, I couldn’t quite give it a full five stars. While some twists genuinely surprised me, others felt a bit predictable, which lessened their impact. I also found certain phrasing to be overused, particularly the repeated reference to Allie as the woman “who died once before,” which started to stand out more than it should have. Additionally, I didn’t enjoy one character being called “baby girl,” as it’s an expression I personally dislike and have had issues with in another book this year (I mean to be fair, the person was also annoyed by this).
Even with those minor drawbacks, I had a great time reading this and was thoroughly entertained throughout. At this point, I’ll happily pick up anything Taylor Adams writes, and that definitely hasn’t changed with this book.
Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams is a 4.25-star read for me, gripping, claustrophobic, and highly entertaining like all of his books I’ve read so far, with his signature ability to keep me constantly on edge and turning pages late into the night.
Once again, Adams delivers a tightly written, suspenseful story that pulls you in completely, the tension feels almost suffocating at times, and I was fully immersed from start to finish. That said, I couldn’t quite give it a full five stars. While some twists genuinely surprised me, others felt a bit predictable, which lessened their impact. I also found certain phrasing to be overused, particularly the repeated reference to Allie as the woman “who died once before,” which started to stand out more than it should have. Additionally, I didn’t enjoy one character being called “baby girl,” as it’s an expression I personally dislike and have had issues with in another book this year (I mean to be fair, the person was also annoyed by this).
Even with those minor drawbacks, I had a great time reading this and was thoroughly entertained throughout. At this point, I’ll happily pick up anything Taylor Adams writes, and that definitely hasn’t changed with this book.
April 8, 2026
Skip if you’re claustrophobic!
Taylor Adams is another author that I have on auto-request. His plots always have me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat. Her Last Breath also follows this format and will keep readers guessing the entire time!
Tess agrees to go spelunking with her best friend Allie. When a stranger approaches them in the cave, they find themselves trapped with a man who wants them gone and must fight to stay alive. After Tess is rescued, she details her harrowing experience to the police detective, and shocking secrets are revealed. Were the girls randomly targeted? Is she still in danger?
I listened to the audiobook while following along with the Ebook. I enjoyed both formats and highly recommend them.
In true Taylor Adams fashion, this book contains a lot of blood and gore. However, it was a bit tamer than some of his previous novels. The detective was my favorite character, as she was smart and savvy. The twists were not that unexpected for this thriller junkie, but still very enjoyable!
If you are a fan of Taylor Adams, be sure to check this one out!
4/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow publishing, and HarperAudio for the ARCs of Her Last Breath in exchange for an honest review.
Taylor Adams is another author that I have on auto-request. His plots always have me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat. Her Last Breath also follows this format and will keep readers guessing the entire time!
Tess agrees to go spelunking with her best friend Allie. When a stranger approaches them in the cave, they find themselves trapped with a man who wants them gone and must fight to stay alive. After Tess is rescued, she details her harrowing experience to the police detective, and shocking secrets are revealed. Were the girls randomly targeted? Is she still in danger?
I listened to the audiobook while following along with the Ebook. I enjoyed both formats and highly recommend them.
In true Taylor Adams fashion, this book contains a lot of blood and gore. However, it was a bit tamer than some of his previous novels. The detective was my favorite character, as she was smart and savvy. The twists were not that unexpected for this thriller junkie, but still very enjoyable!
If you are a fan of Taylor Adams, be sure to check this one out!
4/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow publishing, and HarperAudio for the ARCs of Her Last Breath in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2026
THAT ANKLE SCENE HAD ME WANTING TO SCREAM ON A PUBLIC TREADMILL.
If you liked the movie The Descent and want those same feelings, I highly recommend this book. I will never understand why anyone would voluntarily go caving but to each their own I guess, but it'll never be me after that movie and this book. This is the most claustrophobic and one of the most anxiety-inducing books I've ever read. It's so hard to find thrillers that shock me nowadays, but this accomplished that tenfold.
If you liked the movie The Descent and want those same feelings, I highly recommend this book. I will never understand why anyone would voluntarily go caving but to each their own I guess, but it'll never be me after that movie and this book. This is the most claustrophobic and one of the most anxiety-inducing books I've ever read. It's so hard to find thrillers that shock me nowadays, but this accomplished that tenfold.
April 9, 2026
I loved this author's last book, The Last Word. This though...ugh. Why can't I just like things?!? I don't get the hype here. I truly wish I did! I love that everyone else seems to be loving this book. I will give this story props for the original concept and atmosphere. Those are the only elements that will keep me from forgetting about this immediately. I saw the twist(s) coming from a country mile away. I didn't even find it that entertaining. I kept waiting for something not obvious to happen, and that just did not unfortunately happen for me. His last book had so much humor, and that was sorely lacking in this book. This was just lacking for me in general, in so many ways. 2.5⭐️, rating up for originality.
March 23, 2026
This was so so great!!! For some reason Taylor Adams can entertain me like crazy!! Now, take that with a grain of salt since I have only read two of his books but both were 5 stars!! That's pretty good in my mind! This book flew by so fast, I didn't even feel like I was reading.
THE TWIST!?!? EXCUSE ME???? I did NOT see that coming at all. When Adams gave us that hint before he revealed it I said "HUH??" out loud... lol
This had such a satisfying ending. Everyone was so clever!! (until they weren't 👀) The trilling aspect of the...situation and then you add in caving?? Oh boy I was so uncomfy. I felt like I was in that cave with them.
Taylor can write some freakin psycho characters. I was loving this roller-coaster. I really need to read more of his books now..
THE TWIST!?!? EXCUSE ME???? I did NOT see that coming at all. When Adams gave us that hint before he revealed it I said "HUH??" out loud... lol
This had such a satisfying ending. Everyone was so clever!! (until they weren't 👀) The trilling aspect of the...situation and then you add in caving?? Oh boy I was so uncomfy. I felt like I was in that cave with them.
Taylor can write some freakin psycho characters. I was loving this roller-coaster. I really need to read more of his books now..
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5-4⭐️ Taylor Adams writes edge of your seat thrillers that are sure to get the heart rate going. Those who have any kind of claustrophobia, be warned, as Adams does a masterful job of recreating the horrific sense of it that comes along with what these characters endure. While I spoiled this one for myself by guessing the twist upfront, I can see how so many are loving it and highly recommend checking it out if it's been on your radar.
I will say I didn't love the shifting perspectives that happen often and out of nowhere. I think this also prevented the book from becoming a favorite. That said, this book is beloved and mine is very much an outlier opinion.
🎧 The audiobook was well done and easy to read (with my ears). Sophie Amoss did a solid job of navigating the portrayal of our two central characters and managed to keep them each unique enough to avoid confusion.
Read if you like:
▪️domestic suspense
▪️survivor of the fittest
▪️rugged terrain setting
▪️who can you trust
▪️fast paced, quick reads
Thank you William Morrow and Harper Audio for the advanced copies.
I will say I didn't love the shifting perspectives that happen often and out of nowhere. I think this also prevented the book from becoming a favorite. That said, this book is beloved and mine is very much an outlier opinion.
🎧 The audiobook was well done and easy to read (with my ears). Sophie Amoss did a solid job of navigating the portrayal of our two central characters and managed to keep them each unique enough to avoid confusion.
Read if you like:
▪️domestic suspense
▪️survivor of the fittest
▪️rugged terrain setting
▪️who can you trust
▪️fast paced, quick reads
Thank you William Morrow and Harper Audio for the advanced copies.
April 23, 2026
What I love about Taylor Adams, is that his books are unpredictable. You think you know what's going on, but then he pulls the rug out from under your feet, over and over again. When I tell you, I was shocked at every single twist.
Also, I'm not exactly scared of caves or small spaces, but caving is not something I particularly want to do, and this book is one of the reasons why, no thank you!!
I'm still in awe at how it all ties together, how do you even come up with that?
If you love meticulously planned out plots, you NEED to read a Taylor Adams book. And if you love atmospheric writing that will transport you directly to the scene of the crime, you need to read a Taylor Adams book. Bottom line, just pick this up y'all!!
Also, I'm not exactly scared of caves or small spaces, but caving is not something I particularly want to do, and this book is one of the reasons why, no thank you!!
I'm still in awe at how it all ties together, how do you even come up with that?
If you love meticulously planned out plots, you NEED to read a Taylor Adams book. And if you love atmospheric writing that will transport you directly to the scene of the crime, you need to read a Taylor Adams book. Bottom line, just pick this up y'all!!
May 1, 2026
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
Have you ever looked at the word "willpower"? How it doesn't only mean your own inner strength, but also that will is power, be it for good or evil. 🥺 In a way, I feel that each of the characters garnered their own version of it in an attempt to survive.
~The Hook~
🪝 As someone who is openly and unabashedly claustrophobic, the intense and acute feelings of being trapped and confined in a cave without escape deeply resonated with me. I am capable of controlling that fear when I'm stuck in a tight place or trapped in a car that's too small, but it sneaks up on you. I mean, I'm the girl who would actually let out a relieved sigh if no one sat next to me during school assemblies, perfectly content with an empty chair as a companion. 😅 Distance is my friend. 🙋🏻♀️
🪝 So, those first few moments as Tess and Allie descended deeper into the Devil's Staircase (aptly titled) brought chills and caution as clues slowly revealed that something may be amiss between the two best friends and partners. Almost a ticking time bomb: the past and present fight for dominance to reveal the truth first - the lone survivor of a harrowing rescue or the secrets left behind in the shadowy crevices a place worse than death.
🪝 Detective Layla Washington, 60yo, still in her element when it comes to interrogation, drawing out just enough intel before making the kill and staking her claim. With how much of her own backstory was revealed in stages (honestly, am I supposed to know which partner she's referring to), I wonder if there is a possible series in the works for her character. 🤔
“The cave you entered isn’t the cave you’ll leave.”
~The Line~
🎣 With the entry of another enemy, the taunting, the cornering - hide-and-seek, Marco Polo with a gun. It's clear that a far more dangerous threat is present. A fierce and frightening game of man vs nature, or in this case, a cave - a crucible for predator and prey alike - where rescue is impossible to fathom.
🎣 Up until the halfway point, the tension and suspense had me gripped - fast-paced, tight tempo, and a compelling tangible feeling that hints at a deeper web lurking above the surface: a bigger power at play. 😟 The way the reveals occurred, the fear and danger were perfectly drawn out and immersive, awaiting the moment she would draw Her Last Breath.
~The Sinker~
“You can’t truly appreciate the light until you’ve spent time in the dark.”
⚓ The author's deliberate avoidance with careful wording, was annoyingly apparent. Once a reveal is imminent, there is a visible lack of trying to keep it a surprise, rather the context clues get more apparent. 🙄 By not delving into certain details, it's then easy to recognize word choices that lead the reader in a specific direction. I'd list them, but, y'know, spoilers. But these tells then make it so obvious to infer what is hidden beneath the surface, thus making the final reveal less impactful. 🙎🏻♀️
⚓ An accusation of a breakthrough during a critical time of peril also caught me off guard for how random it was. It didn't even fit their current plight; it seemed like just a way to bring everyone up to speed and also irked me for how it was trying to justify the "villain's" mental state. 🤦🏻♀️
Despite the full-on lack of surprise, it was still a good two hours spent on my May 1st Labor Day holiday morning and a worthwhile way to end my April reads. 😌 Shhh, what Goodreads doesn't know won't hurt it. 🤫
“When you leave a cave, the entire world becomes new again.”
Have you ever looked at the word "willpower"? How it doesn't only mean your own inner strength, but also that will is power, be it for good or evil. 🥺 In a way, I feel that each of the characters garnered their own version of it in an attempt to survive.
~The Hook~
🪝 As someone who is openly and unabashedly claustrophobic, the intense and acute feelings of being trapped and confined in a cave without escape deeply resonated with me. I am capable of controlling that fear when I'm stuck in a tight place or trapped in a car that's too small, but it sneaks up on you. I mean, I'm the girl who would actually let out a relieved sigh if no one sat next to me during school assemblies, perfectly content with an empty chair as a companion. 😅 Distance is my friend. 🙋🏻♀️
🪝 So, those first few moments as Tess and Allie descended deeper into the Devil's Staircase (aptly titled) brought chills and caution as clues slowly revealed that something may be amiss between the two best friends and partners. Almost a ticking time bomb: the past and present fight for dominance to reveal the truth first - the lone survivor of a harrowing rescue or the secrets left behind in the shadowy crevices a place worse than death.
🪝 Detective Layla Washington, 60yo, still in her element when it comes to interrogation, drawing out just enough intel before making the kill and staking her claim. With how much of her own backstory was revealed in stages (honestly, am I supposed to know which partner she's referring to), I wonder if there is a possible series in the works for her character. 🤔
“The cave you entered isn’t the cave you’ll leave.”
~The Line~
🎣 With the entry of another enemy, the taunting, the cornering - hide-and-seek, Marco Polo with a gun. It's clear that a far more dangerous threat is present. A fierce and frightening game of man vs nature, or in this case, a cave - a crucible for predator and prey alike - where rescue is impossible to fathom.
🎣 Up until the halfway point, the tension and suspense had me gripped - fast-paced, tight tempo, and a compelling tangible feeling that hints at a deeper web lurking above the surface: a bigger power at play. 😟 The way the reveals occurred, the fear and danger were perfectly drawn out and immersive, awaiting the moment she would draw Her Last Breath.
~The Sinker~
“You can’t truly appreciate the light until you’ve spent time in the dark.”
⚓ The author's deliberate avoidance with careful wording, was annoyingly apparent. Once a reveal is imminent, there is a visible lack of trying to keep it a surprise, rather the context clues get more apparent. 🙄 By not delving into certain details, it's then easy to recognize word choices that lead the reader in a specific direction. I'd list them, but, y'know, spoilers. But these tells then make it so obvious to infer what is hidden beneath the surface, thus making the final reveal less impactful. 🙎🏻♀️
⚓ An accusation of a breakthrough during a critical time of peril also caught me off guard for how random it was. It didn't even fit their current plight; it seemed like just a way to bring everyone up to speed and also irked me for how it was trying to justify the "villain's" mental state. 🤦🏻♀️
Despite the full-on lack of surprise, it was still a good two hours spent on my May 1st Labor Day holiday morning and a worthwhile way to end my April reads. 😌 Shhh, what Goodreads doesn't know won't hurt it. 🤫
April 25, 2026
Wow that was harrowing and mind blowing! Claustrophobics beware!
You never really know people do you? There are things hidden and contained within their persons that often will amaze and perhaps shock you,
Two woman embark on a caving experience. Tess and Allie have been best friends forever, Tess is an aspiring law student, and Allie a well known influencer. The ladies take on a cave, and unbeknownst to them a third party is also there. He bothers them, is sleazy, and they soon want to be out of his presence and so they descend further into the cave.
Tragedy happens and soon Allie becomes trapped in a narrow part of the cave. The experiences she later admits to the detective after her rescue, makes one skin crawl and if you are at all a claustrophobic, (like me) you will feel your heart beat increase and the feeling of confinement you often experience in tight spaces. (Amazing that an author can bring about this visceral sense through his words!)
Taylor Adams is a force in the thriller genre and this book puts him up there with the best. I so recommend this on the edge of your seat thriller, as it checks off all the boxes we love in our thriller books. Don't pass this one up!
You never really know people do you? There are things hidden and contained within their persons that often will amaze and perhaps shock you,
Two woman embark on a caving experience. Tess and Allie have been best friends forever, Tess is an aspiring law student, and Allie a well known influencer. The ladies take on a cave, and unbeknownst to them a third party is also there. He bothers them, is sleazy, and they soon want to be out of his presence and so they descend further into the cave.
Tragedy happens and soon Allie becomes trapped in a narrow part of the cave. The experiences she later admits to the detective after her rescue, makes one skin crawl and if you are at all a claustrophobic, (like me) you will feel your heart beat increase and the feeling of confinement you often experience in tight spaces. (Amazing that an author can bring about this visceral sense through his words!)
Taylor Adams is a force in the thriller genre and this book puts him up there with the best. I so recommend this on the edge of your seat thriller, as it checks off all the boxes we love in our thriller books. Don't pass this one up!
February 24, 2026
OH. MY. GOD.
Another book to add to my list of the greatest books I’ve ever read. Taylor Adams has woven a claustrophobic, suffocating, dark, and menacing tale of survival and unfaltering determination. Just wow. He created a character so extraordinary my jaw is still locked in awe.
Not exaggerating—this book was a BLAST. This should be everywhere and read by everyone. We keep putting overrated books in the spotlight, but real gems like this often stay hidden in the shadows of overhyped releases. Seriously, if you’re a mystery/thriller girlie like me, do NOT sleep on this one.
Caves, tunnels, dark spaces—I will never understand how anyone finds joy in exploring these hidden, dangerous, hollow parts of the Earth. If I don’t see the light, I’m NOT going in. I’d probably lose consciousness the moment I realized I was lost. The author’s vivid, realistic writing made me feel like I was inside the cave with Allie and Tess—smelling the damp earth, feeling the darkness, imagining bugs, spiders, and unseen creatures lurking in the shadows. The idea of being trapped in an enclosed space terrifies me to my core. No. Way.
And the final girl—her determination to survive, her refusal to die and be buried forever in that godforsaken hole, her badass spirit, quick thinking, and compassionate heart—OMG. One of the best-written characters ever. I absolutely love her.
Okay, I’m rambling. I’ll stop here before I never shut up about this book.
If you want an adrenaline-filled, blood-curdling, mind-boggling read—READ THIS BOOK. NOW.
Taylor Adams, you are freaking awesome.
Another book to add to my list of the greatest books I’ve ever read. Taylor Adams has woven a claustrophobic, suffocating, dark, and menacing tale of survival and unfaltering determination. Just wow. He created a character so extraordinary my jaw is still locked in awe.
Not exaggerating—this book was a BLAST. This should be everywhere and read by everyone. We keep putting overrated books in the spotlight, but real gems like this often stay hidden in the shadows of overhyped releases. Seriously, if you’re a mystery/thriller girlie like me, do NOT sleep on this one.
Caves, tunnels, dark spaces—I will never understand how anyone finds joy in exploring these hidden, dangerous, hollow parts of the Earth. If I don’t see the light, I’m NOT going in. I’d probably lose consciousness the moment I realized I was lost. The author’s vivid, realistic writing made me feel like I was inside the cave with Allie and Tess—smelling the damp earth, feeling the darkness, imagining bugs, spiders, and unseen creatures lurking in the shadows. The idea of being trapped in an enclosed space terrifies me to my core. No. Way.
And the final girl—her determination to survive, her refusal to die and be buried forever in that godforsaken hole, her badass spirit, quick thinking, and compassionate heart—OMG. One of the best-written characters ever. I absolutely love her.
Okay, I’m rambling. I’ll stop here before I never shut up about this book.
If you want an adrenaline-filled, blood-curdling, mind-boggling read—READ THIS BOOK. NOW.
Taylor Adams, you are freaking awesome.
March 19, 2026
I can excuse and even enjoy a mid thriller. What I cannot excuse is when a mid thriller becomes pro life propaganda halfway through!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
AMAZINGGGG!!! 🤩 AN ACTUALLY THRILLING THRILLER!!! Thank God… We’ve been starved of these lately!!! Supremely unique premise that remains exhilarating from start to finish. Excellent mystery and I really enjoyed the characters. I actually can’t believe people go cave diving. It does not seem like something for us. Leave it to the bats and the bugs. But I remain fascinated by it!
Survival is victory.
Survival is victory.
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