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The Last Way
A young boy in a small southern town plans to kill his father. Each chapter of The Last Way presents a different course of action to get the job done. He could push him off a high, rocky ledge; he might orchestrate an "accidental" shooting during a hunting trip; or, maybe he'll slip enough crushed sleeping pills into his father's booze to ensure he never wakes again. The possibilities are endless, and each one must be considered carefully.
As the boy's fantasies grow darker and more gruesome, glimpses of his unstable life at home are slowly revealed. His father, a violently unpredictable man, has become such a menacing force that both the boy and his mother live in a near constant state of fear. It's only a matter of time before one of his father's drunken outbursts goes too far, leaving someone seriously hurt. Or worse.
With each passing day, the boy becomes more desperate to find a way out. He's done nothing for far too long, but all that's about to change. Murder might be the only way to escape the hell of life in the little red house.
As the boy's fantasies grow darker and more gruesome, glimpses of his unstable life at home are slowly revealed. His father, a violently unpredictable man, has become such a menacing force that both the boy and his mother live in a near constant state of fear. It's only a matter of time before one of his father's drunken outbursts goes too far, leaving someone seriously hurt. Or worse.
With each passing day, the boy becomes more desperate to find a way out. He's done nothing for far too long, but all that's about to change. Murder might be the only way to escape the hell of life in the little red house.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
3 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Cameron L. Mitchell
5 books5 followersCameron L. Mitchell grew up in the mountains of North Carolina. His work has appeared in Vol. 1 Brooklyn, The Queer South Anthology, Litro Magazine, Across the Margin, and a few other places. He lives in New York and works in archives at Columbia University.
The Last Way is his first book.
The Last Way is his first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 10, 2025
❥ My Thoughts & Rating ❥
This short horror novella captured my attention right from the very beginning! With this book being under 80 pages long, the author did an excellent job at structuring this story! This is an extremely emotional and intense read. In each chapter, a boy fantasies on which way he is going to murder his father. As we are reading this, we are experiencing what is going on in this boy’s mind. It is very well written, the storyline felt realistic and it really impacted me. The plot of this story was well executed. It is terrifying, gruesome, captivating and psychologically compelling. There are twists you don’t see coming and an ending that I was not expecting! Be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading this! This is a heavy, intense horror novel. This is a book of fiction and is not based on any real events or people. Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 star rating.
❥ Thank You ❥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Cameron L.. Mitchell and Querencia Press for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
❥ Release Date ❥
This book is expected to be published on August 8, 2025!
This short horror novella captured my attention right from the very beginning! With this book being under 80 pages long, the author did an excellent job at structuring this story! This is an extremely emotional and intense read. In each chapter, a boy fantasies on which way he is going to murder his father. As we are reading this, we are experiencing what is going on in this boy’s mind. It is very well written, the storyline felt realistic and it really impacted me. The plot of this story was well executed. It is terrifying, gruesome, captivating and psychologically compelling. There are twists you don’t see coming and an ending that I was not expecting! Be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading this! This is a heavy, intense horror novel. This is a book of fiction and is not based on any real events or people. Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 star rating.
❥ Thank You ❥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Cameron L.. Mitchell and Querencia Press for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
❥ Release Date ❥
This book is expected to be published on August 8, 2025!
June 30, 2025
2.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc. It's okay. I know the concept is supposed to be repetitive, but it was even more repetitive than I expected. I don't have strong feelings about this book either way. The ending was better than I was expecting and the book is short, which works in its favor. I don't regret reading it, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it either.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc. It's okay. I know the concept is supposed to be repetitive, but it was even more repetitive than I expected. I don't have strong feelings about this book either way. The ending was better than I was expecting and the book is short, which works in its favor. I don't regret reading it, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it either.
July 17, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 8, 2025
“The Last Way” is a short horror novella by debut author Cameron L. Mitchell. Narrated by an unnamed protagonist, each chapter dictates a different way the young boy could use to achieve his ultimate goal- killing his abusive, alcoholic father.
Some of the short chapters are purposely repetitive, providing the same killing method but with different details, but the repetition does not take away from the poignant and powerful plot. Readers aren’t told all of the specifics about the young boy and his family, just that he wants to protect his mother the only way he knows how, by murdering his father. He examines one method per chapter, and there are pages in between that give some details as to the abuse that both he and his mother have suffered at the hands of his father.
“Way” is not an easy novel to read, and there are deeply disturbing themes (patricide- obviously, domestic and sexual abuse, suicide, alcohol abuse) but it is such a short story (only eighty pages) that it took me less than an afternoon to complete, although it sat with me for a lot longer than that.
With stories like this, where there is a lot of speculation and guessing, I was worried that the ending would be left up in the air, but Mitchell presents a devastating one that overflows with emotion. “The Last Way” has a unique style that won’t appeal to everyone, but it is a sharp debut that stands out and will leave a lasting impression.
Expected publication date: Aug. 8, 2025
“The Last Way” is a short horror novella by debut author Cameron L. Mitchell. Narrated by an unnamed protagonist, each chapter dictates a different way the young boy could use to achieve his ultimate goal- killing his abusive, alcoholic father.
Some of the short chapters are purposely repetitive, providing the same killing method but with different details, but the repetition does not take away from the poignant and powerful plot. Readers aren’t told all of the specifics about the young boy and his family, just that he wants to protect his mother the only way he knows how, by murdering his father. He examines one method per chapter, and there are pages in between that give some details as to the abuse that both he and his mother have suffered at the hands of his father.
“Way” is not an easy novel to read, and there are deeply disturbing themes (patricide- obviously, domestic and sexual abuse, suicide, alcohol abuse) but it is such a short story (only eighty pages) that it took me less than an afternoon to complete, although it sat with me for a lot longer than that.
With stories like this, where there is a lot of speculation and guessing, I was worried that the ending would be left up in the air, but Mitchell presents a devastating one that overflows with emotion. “The Last Way” has a unique style that won’t appeal to everyone, but it is a sharp debut that stands out and will leave a lasting impression.
August 13, 2025
For such a short novella this story sure packed quite a punch. I liked the way the main character kept thinking of all the different ways he could end his abusive fathers life, but the ending broke me.
June 9, 2025
Thank you Netgallery & Cameron L. Mitchell for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Last Way is a powerful exploration of fear, family, and the human condition. Cameron L. Mitchell's ability to evoke such strong emotions in such a short space really struck me.
From the very first pages, I felt a heaviness settle over me—the kind that doesn’t let go even after you put the book down. The darkness of the story wasn’t just unsettling; it felt real. The emotional weight of the boy’s experiences, his fears, his fantasies—they all hit me hard. I found myself holding my breath at times, completely pulled into the intensity of his inner world.
What stood out the most was how vividly Mitchell described everything—his writing made it so easy to picture the scenes and feel the emotions, but it was never overdone. It was haunting, heartbreaking, and at times, uncomfortably close. Even now, I find myself thinking back to certain lines and moments. This book didn’t just tell a story—it made me feel it.
For readers who appreciate dark, emotionally charged stories with rich descriptive language, this novella is a must read.
The Last Way is a powerful exploration of fear, family, and the human condition. Cameron L. Mitchell's ability to evoke such strong emotions in such a short space really struck me.
From the very first pages, I felt a heaviness settle over me—the kind that doesn’t let go even after you put the book down. The darkness of the story wasn’t just unsettling; it felt real. The emotional weight of the boy’s experiences, his fears, his fantasies—they all hit me hard. I found myself holding my breath at times, completely pulled into the intensity of his inner world.
What stood out the most was how vividly Mitchell described everything—his writing made it so easy to picture the scenes and feel the emotions, but it was never overdone. It was haunting, heartbreaking, and at times, uncomfortably close. Even now, I find myself thinking back to certain lines and moments. This book didn’t just tell a story—it made me feel it.
For readers who appreciate dark, emotionally charged stories with rich descriptive language, this novella is a must read.
June 10, 2025
Thank you netgalley for this E-ARC
I was shocked to read this novella and discover it was only 80 pages, the writing and story overall was truly captivating, I found it so vivid and really couldn’t put it down. I found myself wanting more and more reading about this story of toxic family, dv, and potential murder I thought it was wrote lyrically and sensed it to just simply flow. What a captivating story, this was one I really enjoyed
I was shocked to read this novella and discover it was only 80 pages, the writing and story overall was truly captivating, I found it so vivid and really couldn’t put it down. I found myself wanting more and more reading about this story of toxic family, dv, and potential murder I thought it was wrote lyrically and sensed it to just simply flow. What a captivating story, this was one I really enjoyed
July 16, 2025
First of all, thank you to NetGalley, Querencia Press and Cameron L. Mitchell for giving me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I do not like novellas (they are never long enough to develop characters fully).
I actually really liked this one, and think it was the perfect length. Got through it in one sitting.
Firstly, I can acknowledge that we all like and dislike certain things, but I'm quite surprised by some of the reviews I'm reading, so I think I want to address some of those opinions.
1. 'The book was too repetitive': The blurb explains that the story surrounds the repetitive intrusive thoughts of a boy in an abusive household who is trying to cope by planning the murder of his father. So yes, repetition IS present.
2. 'The repetitive murder scenes weren't interesting reading': The story is about an adolescent, I don't imagine their imaginations for extremely violent things they might do to their parents are going to be that advanced. Also, these repetitive cycles of thought very clearly form a picture of a child using escapism to cope when he is feeling helpless and frustrated. 'Today is the day..' over and over. TODAY IS THE DAY I DON'T LOSE AGAIN.
So, the things others disliked, I really liked.
The story was bleak. It will be triggering for some, because of DV, ideations and gore.
The ending was heart wrenching.
I'm still thinking about it 15 hours later. I'm thinking about that nameless boy, knowing he represents so many children in the world.
Cameron, you've done a fantastic job representing a very sad truth about humanity.
I do not like novellas (they are never long enough to develop characters fully).
I actually really liked this one, and think it was the perfect length. Got through it in one sitting.
Firstly, I can acknowledge that we all like and dislike certain things, but I'm quite surprised by some of the reviews I'm reading, so I think I want to address some of those opinions.
1. 'The book was too repetitive': The blurb explains that the story surrounds the repetitive intrusive thoughts of a boy in an abusive household who is trying to cope by planning the murder of his father. So yes, repetition IS present.
2. 'The repetitive murder scenes weren't interesting reading': The story is about an adolescent, I don't imagine their imaginations for extremely violent things they might do to their parents are going to be that advanced. Also, these repetitive cycles of thought very clearly form a picture of a child using escapism to cope when he is feeling helpless and frustrated. 'Today is the day..' over and over. TODAY IS THE DAY I DON'T LOSE AGAIN.
So, the things others disliked, I really liked.
The story was bleak. It will be triggering for some, because of DV, ideations and gore.
The ending was heart wrenching.
I'm still thinking about it 15 hours later. I'm thinking about that nameless boy, knowing he represents so many children in the world.
Cameron, you've done a fantastic job representing a very sad truth about humanity.
August 3, 2025
A powerful psychological horror book worth reading!
A traumatized young boy is trapped in a rough and violent home. He is desperately trying to find a way out by plotting ways to kill his abusive father. It felt way too real.
It was very intense, realistic, and emotional I felt like I was reading a secret journal that belonged to a very disturbed child.
This book left a lasting impression on me. I have found myself thinking about it a lot and recommending it to others to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Author, Cameron L Mitchell, and Querencia Press for this ARC.
A traumatized young boy is trapped in a rough and violent home. He is desperately trying to find a way out by plotting ways to kill his abusive father. It felt way too real.
It was very intense, realistic, and emotional I felt like I was reading a secret journal that belonged to a very disturbed child.
This book left a lasting impression on me. I have found myself thinking about it a lot and recommending it to others to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Author, Cameron L Mitchell, and Querencia Press for this ARC.
September 21, 2025
I was gifted a copy of this ebook from Net Galley and Querencia press in exchange for an honest review. This book is currently available. I was able to read this novella in one sitting. I wasn't sure what to expect from the description but was pleasantly surprised. This was a heartbreaking story of abuse, revenge, and family. I didn't see the ending coming at all and was shocked.
June 26, 2025
I always love when short books are so well-written that they leave an impact and steal my breath away, despite their shortness.
'I have wanted him dead for so long it's hard to think of anything else.'
This is a tale of a traumatized boy figuring out how to kill his abusive father. It felt like reading a diary of his thoughts and ideas, while also giving us snippets of the horror he and his mother endure every day. His descriptions are brutal, oftentimes disturbingly disgusting, and yet it is so obvious that he is just a boy trying to escape, not a killer. The writing style makes this into a book you'll probably read in one sitting without even realizing it. The author has managed to build these few characters incredibly well, especially considering the lack of plot and pages.
Highly recommend if you're into spiraling characters, prefer character studies over complicated plots, and want something short, uneasy, and interesting.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Querencia Press and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
'I have wanted him dead for so long it's hard to think of anything else.'
This is a tale of a traumatized boy figuring out how to kill his abusive father. It felt like reading a diary of his thoughts and ideas, while also giving us snippets of the horror he and his mother endure every day. His descriptions are brutal, oftentimes disturbingly disgusting, and yet it is so obvious that he is just a boy trying to escape, not a killer. The writing style makes this into a book you'll probably read in one sitting without even realizing it. The author has managed to build these few characters incredibly well, especially considering the lack of plot and pages.
Highly recommend if you're into spiraling characters, prefer character studies over complicated plots, and want something short, uneasy, and interesting.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Querencia Press and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
August 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Querencia Press for the ARC of The Last Way.
This short horror novella wastes no time setting up its unsettling atmosphere. From the very beginning, there’s an ominous sense of dread that builds around the isolated cabin and the mysterious events surrounding it. The writing style is sharp and haunting, creating vivid imagery that captures the claustrophobic and eerie feel of the setting.
Because it’s a novella, the story moves very quickly — almost too quickly at times. The pacing leaves little room for deeper character development, but it delivers enough tension and unease to keep the pages turning. The layered repetition of the title throughout the book is mirrored in its themes of inevitability and the inescapable.
While I would have loved more depth and length to really expand on the chilling premise, this works well as a fast, eerie read for fans of bite sized horror who want something dark to devour in one sitting. #CamernLMitchell #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Querencia Press for the ARC of The Last Way.
This short horror novella wastes no time setting up its unsettling atmosphere. From the very beginning, there’s an ominous sense of dread that builds around the isolated cabin and the mysterious events surrounding it. The writing style is sharp and haunting, creating vivid imagery that captures the claustrophobic and eerie feel of the setting.
Because it’s a novella, the story moves very quickly — almost too quickly at times. The pacing leaves little room for deeper character development, but it delivers enough tension and unease to keep the pages turning. The layered repetition of the title throughout the book is mirrored in its themes of inevitability and the inescapable.
While I would have loved more depth and length to really expand on the chilling premise, this works well as a fast, eerie read for fans of bite sized horror who want something dark to devour in one sitting. #CamernLMitchell #NetGalley
September 14, 2025
2,5*
This was a short horror novella with an interesting premise. Imagine a young boy planning the ways he could kill his own father. Sounds quite disturbing.
I was really excited at the beginning but then I quickly began to lose interest and all the chapters started to blend in together in my head.
In each chapter, the boy has fantasies and dreams on the ways he can murder his own father. Those thoughts can be quite terrifying and gruesome.
Many people really enjoyed this novella so I might be in the minority here. I don’t know if it is the main character’s voice I could not connect to or if it was just the writing style. But I did not end up enjoying it as much as I would have hoped.
This was a short horror novella with an interesting premise. Imagine a young boy planning the ways he could kill his own father. Sounds quite disturbing.
I was really excited at the beginning but then I quickly began to lose interest and all the chapters started to blend in together in my head.
In each chapter, the boy has fantasies and dreams on the ways he can murder his own father. Those thoughts can be quite terrifying and gruesome.
Many people really enjoyed this novella so I might be in the minority here. I don’t know if it is the main character’s voice I could not connect to or if it was just the writing style. But I did not end up enjoying it as much as I would have hoped.
August 13, 2025
It is an interesting book and it has good concept. However, it is very repetitive. It has a good writing and some beautiful quotes. Although it has a good ending, I just wish that the journey there wasn’t so repetitive.
Thank you netgalley for the early access.
Um livro interessante e com um bom conceito, mas muito repetitivo. Tem uma boa escrita e citações que gostei bastante. O final esta bem conseguido, só gostava que não tivesse sido tão repetitivo.
Thank you netgalley for the early access.
Um livro interessante e com um bom conceito, mas muito repetitivo. Tem uma boa escrita e citações que gostei bastante. O final esta bem conseguido, só gostava que não tivesse sido tão repetitivo.
July 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the writing in this book, especially how the father character was described. I had a really clear picture of this awful man and the tension within the family home.
However, the actual story felt really repetitive. I found myself wondering what the point was of reading all of these fantasies when none of them meant anything. I also found the ending very unsatisfying after all of the build up.
I would try more from this author in the future, it might just be that this story was not for me.
I liked the writing in this book, especially how the father character was described. I had a really clear picture of this awful man and the tension within the family home.
However, the actual story felt really repetitive. I found myself wondering what the point was of reading all of these fantasies when none of them meant anything. I also found the ending very unsatisfying after all of the build up.
I would try more from this author in the future, it might just be that this story was not for me.
September 17, 2025
Oh my gosh. The last time I read a book like this was the Child called it. Ty NetGalley for letting me read for free. This short story blew my mind and my feelings.
July 29, 2025
I really loved this story. It was beautifully written, impactful, tragic, and heartbreaking. This story will definitely be one that stays with me. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
July 1, 2025
**3.5 rounded up**
This is the kind of psychological horror that roots itself in reality and never lets up.
It follows a young boy trapped in a brutal home, quietly plotting all the ways he might end his father’s life.
We never learn the name of the boy at the center of this story, nor his exact age, but both feel intentional. At times, he refers to his size or things he’s learned in school, like the word patricide, which suggests he’s probably in middle school at the very least. Still, the thoughts he carries are frighteningly adult. That contrast only deepens the unease that builds with each chapter.
This is human-monster horror. There are no ghosts or demons here, just a boy trapped in a violent home, cycling through chilling plans for how he might finally be free. The writing is raw and bleak in a way that mirrors the boy’s desperation. The repetitive structure reinforces the claustrophobia of his situation. And just when you think you know where this is going, it veers sharply into something even more tragic.
This is the kind of psychological horror that roots itself in reality and never lets up.
It follows a young boy trapped in a brutal home, quietly plotting all the ways he might end his father’s life.
We never learn the name of the boy at the center of this story, nor his exact age, but both feel intentional. At times, he refers to his size or things he’s learned in school, like the word patricide, which suggests he’s probably in middle school at the very least. Still, the thoughts he carries are frighteningly adult. That contrast only deepens the unease that builds with each chapter.
This is human-monster horror. There are no ghosts or demons here, just a boy trapped in a violent home, cycling through chilling plans for how he might finally be free. The writing is raw and bleak in a way that mirrors the boy’s desperation. The repetitive structure reinforces the claustrophobia of his situation. And just when you think you know where this is going, it veers sharply into something even more tragic.
July 3, 2025
Brutal, honest, and intense look at the effects of abuse on a child who is trapped. I had no idea what to expect going into this and I’m glad for that! It is a quick read but that in no way detracts from the rawness and impact of the story.
We follow the thoughts of a boy whose father is a drunk and violent toward him and his mother. And this boys thought pertain to one thing: how to get rid of his father once and for all. Each chapter explores a different idea for doing the deed, all culminating in “the last way.”
This was a super creative way of exploring this type of story and situation, one I haven’t seen before. Definitely worth the read. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.
We follow the thoughts of a boy whose father is a drunk and violent toward him and his mother. And this boys thought pertain to one thing: how to get rid of his father once and for all. Each chapter explores a different idea for doing the deed, all culminating in “the last way.”
This was a super creative way of exploring this type of story and situation, one I haven’t seen before. Definitely worth the read. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.
June 12, 2025
I would like to start off by stating I am greatly appreciative of the fact I received the E-ARC of this book. Especially because this was the first I ever received. This is a physiological, horror novella that can easily be read in a sitting. I really enjoy the idea of this book! I also really appreciated the pacing of each chapter. However, I feel like the information given “Before” was completely unnecessary. Several times throughout the book I found myself questioning why certain details were included. The amount of times the father is spitting… very reparative. The narrator also seems very unreliable I would be more interested if in the beginning we get some type of internal dialog to know why “the perfect crime” is even being committed. Throughout the book there is minimal character development. Also I disliked “today is the day” beginning every chapter no attempting to reword the line. Lastly to future readers this covers very heavy topics please read all trigger warnings.
August 30, 2025
I would like to thank NetGalley and Querencia Press for sending me an early access to The Last Way, written by Cameron L. Mitchell, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
A dark and devastating novella that manages to deliver what it intends. It's impressive, really, what authors of short stories manage to achieve. The Last Way left me with such an intense feeling of dread by the end and, for one second, it made me think I wish it had been longer. But, no, it delivers such a hard-punch precisely because it's a novella. Mitchell takes us right to the bottom of it and we are left to remember this story for a long time after the final page.
The first thing I wrote down while reading this ARC was that I wish the synopsis didn't give away how every chapter the narrator will fantasize about killing his father, but by the end I had scratched that from my notebook. It doesn't really matter. The narrator pulls you in and Mitchell's writing style keeps you on the edge of your seat, with almost no room to breathe. It doesn't matter that you know the following chapter will have this young boy coming up with another plan to achieve his goal. It's devastating all the same and you feel for this kid all the same. And, I might add, even with the story's format, you try to have hope.
What is said on page is just as haunting as what isn't said. Filling the gaps of what this young boy is telling us is heartbreaking. His fantasies are just as brutal as his life and the reader doesn't get to look away. The reader shouldn't get to look away, the same way we, as a society, shouldn't look away from domestic violence when we see the signs it might be happening to someone we know. Even the narrator says it: People will know why, because people know.
I finished reading this novella last night and I have a feeling I'll think about it for a while. For one, I'm still thinking about the red house metaphor and what I think it's telling me. I recommend this story to anyone who doesn't get triggered by the content featured in the book. Stay safe, always check for trigger warnings and have a good read!
"We couldn't have that—our red house chipping and cracking—so we scraped off what we could and painted over the rest, making what was old new again."
A dark and devastating novella that manages to deliver what it intends. It's impressive, really, what authors of short stories manage to achieve. The Last Way left me with such an intense feeling of dread by the end and, for one second, it made me think I wish it had been longer. But, no, it delivers such a hard-punch precisely because it's a novella. Mitchell takes us right to the bottom of it and we are left to remember this story for a long time after the final page.
The first thing I wrote down while reading this ARC was that I wish the synopsis didn't give away how every chapter the narrator will fantasize about killing his father, but by the end I had scratched that from my notebook. It doesn't really matter. The narrator pulls you in and Mitchell's writing style keeps you on the edge of your seat, with almost no room to breathe. It doesn't matter that you know the following chapter will have this young boy coming up with another plan to achieve his goal. It's devastating all the same and you feel for this kid all the same. And, I might add, even with the story's format, you try to have hope.
What is said on page is just as haunting as what isn't said. Filling the gaps of what this young boy is telling us is heartbreaking. His fantasies are just as brutal as his life and the reader doesn't get to look away. The reader shouldn't get to look away, the same way we, as a society, shouldn't look away from domestic violence when we see the signs it might be happening to someone we know. Even the narrator says it: People will know why, because people know.
I finished reading this novella last night and I have a feeling I'll think about it for a while. For one, I'm still thinking about the red house metaphor and what I think it's telling me. I recommend this story to anyone who doesn't get triggered by the content featured in the book. Stay safe, always check for trigger warnings and have a good read!
August 5, 2025
In a quiet southern town, a young boy meticulously imagines ways to kill his violent, unpredictable father. From pushing him off a cliff to staging a hunting accident, each dark scenario reveals more about the terrifying home he shares with his mother, both trapped under the weight of his father's abuse. As the danger escalates, the boy begins to believe that murder may be the only way to survive.
This novella is deeply unsettling because it feels so painfully human. Set in a volatile, isolated environment, the horror doesn’t come from supernatural forces or faceless villains but from the people we’re meant to trust the most. The monsters here are entirely human, and that’s what makes the story so disturbing.
The father shows his violence through his actions, while the boy shows his violence in his imagination. That contrast between action and thought is haunting. But I found that some of the most affecting moments in the book involve the mother, a figure torn between fear and maternal instinct. Her presence adds an emotional weight that’s almost unbearable at times from the point of view of her son.
Though the plot is minimal and the novella relatively short, its emotional impact is deep. What stands out most is the internal struggle of the unnamed boy, showing a psychological unraveling that captures what it feels like to be trapped in the relentless cycle of abuse.
It’s a terrified and heartbreaking story of how violence can create, and end, with violence. 4/5
Thanks to Querencia Press and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Available on the 8 August 2025.
This novella is deeply unsettling because it feels so painfully human. Set in a volatile, isolated environment, the horror doesn’t come from supernatural forces or faceless villains but from the people we’re meant to trust the most. The monsters here are entirely human, and that’s what makes the story so disturbing.
The father shows his violence through his actions, while the boy shows his violence in his imagination. That contrast between action and thought is haunting. But I found that some of the most affecting moments in the book involve the mother, a figure torn between fear and maternal instinct. Her presence adds an emotional weight that’s almost unbearable at times from the point of view of her son.
Though the plot is minimal and the novella relatively short, its emotional impact is deep. What stands out most is the internal struggle of the unnamed boy, showing a psychological unraveling that captures what it feels like to be trapped in the relentless cycle of abuse.
It’s a terrified and heartbreaking story of how violence can create, and end, with violence. 4/5
Thanks to Querencia Press and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Available on the 8 August 2025.
August 30, 2025
Mitchell’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘺 is a devastating, short, gut-punch of a story that will stick with readers long after the final page.
The first chapter has a strong line early on that shocks and unsettles :
“The victim in this case being my father. I have killed him five, ten, fifteen times over, only to wake up the next morning to the great disappointment of finding him still alive.”
With this brutal confession, Mitchell plunges us into the mind of a narrator consumed by hatred for his abusive father. The metaphor of this hatred as a cancer; spreading and all-consuming sets the tone for the intensity that comes.
However, the writing style fluctuates a little, mainly in the beginning. At times, strong and emotional and at others basic and unsure. This is a little jarring but thankfully Mitchell quickly finds their footing, with the writing remaining solid for most of the rest of the story.
Although very disturbing and at times gruesome, the nature of the narrator’s fantasies reveals an intimate understanding of abusers’ patterns and methods - a survival skill that will resonate deeply with victims of abuse. The slow reveal through these fantasies of the abuse leads the reader to be both horrified by the brutality and rooting for our narrator.
The story concludes with a brutal ending that will stay with readers long after finishing and the story does not outstay its welcome in its length.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺 is a sad, shocking, and unforgettable exploration of abuse, rage, and survival. Though uneven in moments, it remains a bold and haunting story that will stay with readers long after they’ve put it down.
The first chapter has a strong line early on that shocks and unsettles :
“The victim in this case being my father. I have killed him five, ten, fifteen times over, only to wake up the next morning to the great disappointment of finding him still alive.”
With this brutal confession, Mitchell plunges us into the mind of a narrator consumed by hatred for his abusive father. The metaphor of this hatred as a cancer; spreading and all-consuming sets the tone for the intensity that comes.
However, the writing style fluctuates a little, mainly in the beginning. At times, strong and emotional and at others basic and unsure. This is a little jarring but thankfully Mitchell quickly finds their footing, with the writing remaining solid for most of the rest of the story.
Although very disturbing and at times gruesome, the nature of the narrator’s fantasies reveals an intimate understanding of abusers’ patterns and methods - a survival skill that will resonate deeply with victims of abuse. The slow reveal through these fantasies of the abuse leads the reader to be both horrified by the brutality and rooting for our narrator.
The story concludes with a brutal ending that will stay with readers long after finishing and the story does not outstay its welcome in its length.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺 is a sad, shocking, and unforgettable exploration of abuse, rage, and survival. Though uneven in moments, it remains a bold and haunting story that will stay with readers long after they’ve put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
While it is a quick read, the emotional weight it carries is truly remarkable. I must advise potential readers to consult trigger warnings before delving into this book, as its subject matter can be quite confronting. The narrative not only addresses the harsh realities of an abusive household but does so through the haunting perspective of a child victim, an aspect that adds to the profound impact of the story.
Mitchell's portrayal of the victim's experience is chilling; the voice of the child resonates deeply and lingers long after the final page is turned. This narrative offers a harrowing glimpse into the complexities of trauma, one that I suspect will remain with me for years to come. The story is devastatingly heartbreaking, confronting us with uncomfortable truths while also providing a poignant reminder of the ruinous impacts of trauma. It is a powerful examination of the long-lasting effects of abuse, and I cannot recommend it enough for those willing to engage with its challenging themes.
This is more than just a book; it is an experience that prompts reflection and deep emotional engagement. As you consider adding this title to your reading list, I encourage you to approach it with caution, prepared for the profound emotional journey that awaits.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mitchell's portrayal of the victim's experience is chilling; the voice of the child resonates deeply and lingers long after the final page is turned. This narrative offers a harrowing glimpse into the complexities of trauma, one that I suspect will remain with me for years to come. The story is devastatingly heartbreaking, confronting us with uncomfortable truths while also providing a poignant reminder of the ruinous impacts of trauma. It is a powerful examination of the long-lasting effects of abuse, and I cannot recommend it enough for those willing to engage with its challenging themes.
This is more than just a book; it is an experience that prompts reflection and deep emotional engagement. As you consider adding this title to your reading list, I encourage you to approach it with caution, prepared for the profound emotional journey that awaits.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2025
A young boy in a small southern town plans to kill his father. Each chapter of The Last Way presents a different course of action to get the job done.
Yeah, that sums it up neatly except to say, "HOLY S$!#!!!!
I think every child who has ever been beat or abused by anyone can understand the fantasies of killing the perpetrators. The various ways we could give them a taste of the pain they give us every day. And for the majority, it stays in the realm of fantasy. Killing is not an easy thing to do in reality.
This young boy found the perfect and tragic answer to all his problems.
Not for the timid at heart. If you need trigger warnings, DO NOT read this. All the rest of us, it's highly recommended. The writing is superb, and the imagery and the characterizations are too realistic. So much so I want to cry for this little boy and help him destroy the monster he lives with.
Punlishing date August 08, 2025
Thanks to @netgalley and Querencia Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion
Yeah, that sums it up neatly except to say, "HOLY S$!#!!!!
I think every child who has ever been beat or abused by anyone can understand the fantasies of killing the perpetrators. The various ways we could give them a taste of the pain they give us every day. And for the majority, it stays in the realm of fantasy. Killing is not an easy thing to do in reality.
This young boy found the perfect and tragic answer to all his problems.
Not for the timid at heart. If you need trigger warnings, DO NOT read this. All the rest of us, it's highly recommended. The writing is superb, and the imagery and the characterizations are too realistic. So much so I want to cry for this little boy and help him destroy the monster he lives with.
Punlishing date August 08, 2025
Thanks to @netgalley and Querencia Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion
August 11, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.
Haven't we all thought about the many ways a chainsmoker how/will die?
I chose this book purely by the title. I went into it as a blind read. Immediately before reading it, I found out the author is queer, and that made me want to read this even more. Our world needs more queer authors/stories available, especially in the USA right now.
This was quite a shift from Tantrum, where the daughter was grown and reverts to her childhood trauma, while in The Last Way, the main character is presently a boy actively dealing with his trauma. The other difference between these two books is that in Tantrum, the women are monsters, and in The Last Way, it's the father.
After about the third murder, I was ready to DNF this book. I am glad I didn't. This book was less about horror, and more about a young boy needing unconditional love from his father.
Exactly how many ways does this young boy think of to kill his father? You'll need to read it for yourself. This is a quick read. I would classify this between a novella and short story.
Personally, I didn't like the ending, but only because it was heartbreaking! Though the story could not have gone on any longer, it needed closure. I don't foresee this as a continuing series. I am certain this will be a stand-alone story.
Haven't we all thought about the many ways a chainsmoker how/will die?
I chose this book purely by the title. I went into it as a blind read. Immediately before reading it, I found out the author is queer, and that made me want to read this even more. Our world needs more queer authors/stories available, especially in the USA right now.
This was quite a shift from Tantrum, where the daughter was grown and reverts to her childhood trauma, while in The Last Way, the main character is presently a boy actively dealing with his trauma. The other difference between these two books is that in Tantrum, the women are monsters, and in The Last Way, it's the father.
After about the third murder, I was ready to DNF this book. I am glad I didn't. This book was less about horror, and more about a young boy needing unconditional love from his father.
Exactly how many ways does this young boy think of to kill his father? You'll need to read it for yourself. This is a quick read. I would classify this between a novella and short story.
Personally, I didn't like the ending, but only because it was heartbreaking! Though the story could not have gone on any longer, it needed closure. I don't foresee this as a continuing series. I am certain this will be a stand-alone story.
July 29, 2025
4 stars and my thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC.
Well. That was surely a story.
I love that you don't really get a sense of how old the narrator is, just that he's a boy with an abusive father. It could be anyone at any point in their lives.
I thought the way the author broke down each "dream" of killing the father as their own chapter. It made the story flow so quickly, even for an 80 page novella. The story of a desperate boy struggling to save himself and his mother was so heartbreaking.
I see why the ending happened the way that it did, I just wish it didn't, if that makes sense.
Well. That was surely a story.
I love that you don't really get a sense of how old the narrator is, just that he's a boy with an abusive father. It could be anyone at any point in their lives.
I thought the way the author broke down each "dream" of killing the father as their own chapter. It made the story flow so quickly, even for an 80 page novella. The story of a desperate boy struggling to save himself and his mother was so heartbreaking.
I see why the ending happened the way that it did, I just wish it didn't, if that makes sense.
July 23, 2025
Novella's are very hit or miss for me. At first, I was not vibing with the book purely because of the repetition of the main characters' plan to kill his dad. It got a little boring reading the same scenario over and over again, but I'm glad I stuck with it! That ending had me shocked and feeling all the feels. It was sad, but it was a great way to tie the ending together and definitely unexpected.
Thank you to Netgalley, Cameron Mitchell, and Querencia Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
Thank you to Netgalley, Cameron Mitchell, and Querencia Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
August 31, 2025
Thank you Querencia Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This novella kicks right off into the MC's fantasies of killing his father. As the novella goes on, more details about the abuse that he suffers from his fathers hands come out. As this happens the MC appears to become more angry and unstable and the fantasies of his fathers death become increasingly more violent. There is a prominent use of the word RED throughout which I feel was an allusion to all the anger and violence which occurred. What ends up coming as a real shocker though is the ending. This is absolutely not a happy ending story.
I do wish we were able to know the age of the MC. We do find out that he is school aged, but it's not entirely clear if he is a child or teenager.
This novella kicks right off into the MC's fantasies of killing his father. As the novella goes on, more details about the abuse that he suffers from his fathers hands come out. As this happens the MC appears to become more angry and unstable and the fantasies of his fathers death become increasingly more violent. There is a prominent use of the word RED throughout which I feel was an allusion to all the anger and violence which occurred. What ends up coming as a real shocker though is the ending. This is absolutely not a happy ending story.
I do wish we were able to know the age of the MC. We do find out that he is school aged, but it's not entirely clear if he is a child or teenager.
June 8, 2025
The author really came out of the gate swinging with this one and I was not prepared. This story absolutely ruined me. Cameron L. Mitchell’s words felt like they were pulled directly out of my soul and put into this book. I did grow up in a very similar home, with a very similar man, but I didn’t expect to be so affected by the emotional torment in these pages. I was reminded of a fear and despair that I haven’t felt in a very long time. Incredibly heartbreaking and real. Definitely a story that will stay with me for a long time, if not forever.
July 18, 2025
4 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Querencia Publishing, and Cameron L. Mitchell for allowing me to preview this title.
This was a fun little novella. Okay, maybe not "fun." It is about a boy with an abusive father who is dreaming of different ways to murder his father. It did get a little repetitive and I believe this would have been a solid short story. The ending made me gasp out loud, though. If you want a quick, afternoon read, I would recommend this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Querencia Publishing, and Cameron L. Mitchell for allowing me to preview this title.
This was a fun little novella. Okay, maybe not "fun." It is about a boy with an abusive father who is dreaming of different ways to murder his father. It did get a little repetitive and I believe this would have been a solid short story. The ending made me gasp out loud, though. If you want a quick, afternoon read, I would recommend this.
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