The Last Witness

by Natasha Boydell

Ellie can’t stop having nightmares. It’s been the same ever since she saw the car accident, where a man lost his life.

Awaiting the trial of the dangerous driver, where she’s the primary witness, she finds herself befriending Samantha, the widow of the man who died. And – as their children also become friends – their lives become intrinsically entangled.

But then Ellie starts thinking she’s being followed. She wants to believe it’s paranoia. But then she receives a note – written in red ink, like blood – it says just one word ‘LIAR’…

Don’t miss this completely captivating, brand new thriller, full of secrets and twists and turns. Order now!

Genres: Thriller

Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 9, 2026

About the author

Natasha is an internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have featured in the top 100 charts in the UK, Canada and Australia, and include the top 10 bestseller The Fortune Teller.

Natasha's novels are available around the world in ebook, paperback and audiobook and have been translated into several languages. She lives in North London with her husband, two daughters and two rescue cats.

Reviews

[Leeanne 🥀 The Book Whor3 🥀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Boydell has created ANOTHER amazingly gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller. She is becoming one of my favourite authors, as she knows how to weave the perfect story, and keep the reader glued to each and every page. I’m not going to say what the book is about, just go and read it…I absolutely loved it!

Highly recommended and…

5 ⭐️

Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

[littlefox · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

A big thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Expected Publication Date: January 9th, 2026

I liked this book at the beginning and was interested in the plot and where it was going to go but unfortunately I started to lose interest by the halfway mark (ironically, by the first plot twist). I found the plot twists to be very obvious but that wasn’t my main issue - it was the writing.

The writing was technically okay. There were some grammar errors and switches in tenses but I’m sure those are being corrected in the final rounds of editing. However, it was so technically okay that it was bland. There was no “voice” or style, whether in the narration or in the dialogue. All the characters sounded the same. Of course, reading is subjective and many will be able to enjoy the book regardless, but I felt it prevented me from being able to fully connect with the characters. I just didn’t care about Ellie or Samantha or their kids or even Amelia because they all sounded the same and didn’t have any discernible personalities.

That being said, this was an entertaining book and an interesting premise. I don’t want to discourage anyone from reading this book so if you’re interested, give it a try!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! Ellie is being threatened by an unknown person and as things escalate, she's worried for her life! She had witnessed a horrific accident that left a man dead and isn't sure why as she becomes friendly with the victim's wife. Things escalate as she begins getting creepy notes and fears leaving her home. It's wild ride but fascinating!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This one had me side-eyeing every character from the start, which is always a good sign for a psychological thriller. Ellie is the only witness to a fatal car accident, and ever since that day, her life has been a mix of nightmares, anxiety, and this nagging sense that someone isn’t telling the whole truth. She forms an unexpected friendship with the victim’s widow, their families get close, and that’s when things start feeling… off.

This is the second book I’ve read by Natasha Boydell—the first being The Doll’s House, which wasn’t my favorite thriller-mystery novel. However, I would definitely recommend The Last Witness over The Doll’s House, and I’m still interested in reading more by Boydell.

I liked the steady tension and how the story keeps nudging you to question everyone’s motives. The paranoia, the tangled relationships, and those unsettling little moments kept me turning the pages. But I will say, I was hoping for a bit more depth and a more unusual, surprising plot twist to give the story that extra punch.

Something Boydell does especially well is create an easy, accessible writing style that keeps the story moving, even when the twists feel familiar. Her pacing is smooth, her dialogue feels natural, and the overall flow makes this a quick, seamless read.

All in all, this was a quick and easy psychological thriller, and the relatable, imperfect characters really helped make it a solid, twisty read.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. I greatly appreciate being given the opportunity to read this book in advance of its public date and share my thoughts
with other readers.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the ARC!

Solid 4.5★ from me, this one really felt a bit different than my latest reads.

This book starts off with all the right elements for a good book: a woman haunted by nightmares after witnessing a fatal acciden, a trial waiting, a friendship with a widow that feels unsettlingly close… aaand then those disturbing “LIAR” messages. I spent about 60 % of the story thinking I had it figured out. I knew things wouldn’t be straightforward, but I was still unprepared for when the other shoe dropped.

Tbh, I mostly suspected that our FMC was the real culprit in the accident or something like that, but ofc book went in a totally different direction (one that I did not see it coming lol). I also felt like almost everyone (except Tom) in this messed‑up cast went off the rails at some point. When the truth came out, my jaw dropped 3 floors because oh, boy... the mother of messy situation happened.

But hey, at least I got 1 character right since the beginning and that one was Amelia. (boohoo to her)

Anyway, I feel like I'm talking too much atm, so I'll just shut up and recommend this book. I think it a easy, good read, with enough twists to keep readers entertained.

[Janna (Bibliophile Mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an emotional and powerful read. This is my third book from Natasha Boydell, and once again she delivered a story that kept me hooked. The characters are flawed yet deeply relatable, and the twists, some I even predicted, made the journey all the more satisfying.

Likes:
• Dual POV split into two parts
• Strong, complex female leads
• Honest exploration of motherhood

Dislikes:
• Friendship betrayal that felt a bit naïve
• Manipulation taken too far
• The heartbreaking ripple effect of infidelity on family

Ratings Breakdown:
❥ Setting: 3⭐️
❥ Character Building: 4⭐️
❥ Writing Style: 4⭐️
❥ Message: 5⭐️
❥ Overall: 4⭐️

Overall, it’s a story built on a strong premise with unforgettable female characters. Even when you want to hate them for their choices, you can’t help but understand them. A genuine reminder of how one moment of losing focus can alter not just one life, but many.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Natasha Boydell for the advance copy. Opinions are my own.

~JaNnA~

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natasha Boydell’s The Last Witness begins with a slow burn that may test the patience of some readers, but the deliberate pacing does lay the groundwork for the tension that follows. The story of Ellie, haunted by nightmares after witnessing a fatal accident and preparing to testify against the driver, gradually builds into a psychological thriller that explores trauma, trust, and deception. Once the narrative finds its rhythm, the suspense tightens and the book becomes increasingly difficult to put down.

The author's strength lies in her ability to craft adult characters with depth and authenticity. Ellie and Samantha, the widow of the victim, are particularly well drawn, their grief and vulnerability rendered with emotional weight. Their evolving relationship adds layers of complexity to the plot, making the reader question motives and loyalties as the story unfolds.

The teenage characters, however, don’t quite ring true. Their behaviour lacked authenticity at times and this slightly undermines the believability of the family dynamics, which otherwise provide a strong backdrop to the central psychological drama.

Despite these flaws, the novel is ultimately a well-constructed thriller with a plot that is carefully thought out and executed. The second half delivers on the promise of suspense, with twists that keep the reader engaged until the end. For those who enjoy thrillers that balance emotional depth with psychological intrigue, The Last Witness is a rewarding read once it gathers momentum.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing psychological thriller. Had me hooked from the beginning. Loved the twists but was not expecting the one just before part 2.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Last Witness
Author: Natasha Boydell
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub Date: January 9, 2026
My Rating: 4.3 Stars!
Pages 312

Ellie Appleby cannot stop having nightmares. It’s been the same ever since she saw the car accident, where a man lost his life. It was on an ordinary Tuesday and she was anxious to get home from work; when she saw a truck run a stop sign and T-bone a car crossing the same intersection.
Now she is the primary witness, waiting for the sentencing the driver Jason Turner. He will either plea guilty or not guilt. If guilty there will be a date set for sentencing. If the plea is not guilty there will be a trial.
The accident of course made the papers. The man who died name is Graham Hunter. He leaves a wife Samantha and teenage twin sons Jamie and Marcus.
Later she sees the information on the funeral and decides to attend. She arrives home her husband Tom is home early and she is not comfortable telling him she went to the funeral so lies and states the fire alarm went off the office (she works in marketing for a health insurance company) so decided to work the rest of the day from home.
She feels sorry for Samantha and has had nightmares thinking she could have done more to save him.
Ellie lives somewhat near Samantha and their paths start to cross. The twins go to the same school as her thirteen year old daughter Frankie. At first casual meetings however now are getting very close, Frankie even wants Jamie to be invited to her upcoming party.
This closeness seems inappropriate before the trial. It seems a case could be made that Ellie is bias and not really remember what really happened- as she is friends with the family. Well, I am not the only one who thinks Ellie is getting too close as Samantha’s best friend Amelia is very jealous. Ellie decided she needs to back off.
One evening Ellie went to pick up Max from football practice. When they arrive home they find the garage door had been pained with large red letters - one word ‘LIAR. Tom and Frankie were home but didn’t hear anything. They call the police.
Ellie and Tom know it has to do with the trial and Tom suggests staying at a hotel. Ellie refuses states they will not be driven out of their home.
However, the terrorizing continuing - all four fire on Tom’s car are slashed. And the rear window has Liar, Liar Ellie on fire.
Days later Ellie received what looks like an Amazon box when she opens it - music blares - Liar Liar Ellie on fire.
Ellie moves to her friends and a rock is thrown through the window. She leaves and goes to a hotel
The trial finally is here!
When Ellis is questioned a question that is worded in such a way that it threw Ellie; as it had to do with why they were at that intersection. The answer was not what anyone expected.
Story turned in a direction I never suspected.
I knew this was a psychological; thriller and should have expected secrets and twists. But sure fooled me.
The only non-shock was the person doing the terrorizing. As Ellie spotted the person who threw the rock and knew it wasn’t Jason the driver.
I have read several Natasha Boydell thrillers and totally enjoyed them!

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granted me this great thriller.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for - January 9 2026.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of this author, and I have to say, this one is definitely my favorite!

Ellie is haunted by nightmares after witnessing a fatal car accident. As the primary witness in the trial of the reckless driver, she befriends Samantha, the widow of the victim, and their families become connected. However, Ellie starts feeling like she's being followed and begins to doubt her sanity when she receives a threatening note...

Ellie, Samantha, and Amelia are gradually introduced throughout the story, allowing us to discover more about each character as the plot thickens. Initially, Ellie comes across as somewhat obsessive and a bit peculiar with her quirky behavior. However, as we delve deeper into her story, we begin to grasp her complexities. The narrative has several layers to peel back, which I anticipated, but I didn’t expect the barrage of twists that came crashing down all at once. While I did manage to guess a few things, including who left the note, I was feeling pretty smug until the biggest reveal hit me like a ton of bricks! I was completely blindsided by the main twist and everyone’s involvement. Talk about a truth bomb!

This story offers a cleverly crafted timeline of lies and deceit, and I truly didn’t see it coming. Bravo! I have to say, this book has taken my favorite status by storm, with its incredibly mind-bending and twisted narrative that elevates the entire experience.

If you're on the lookout for a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down read filled with colorful characters and a touch of gaslighting, this book is perfect for you. It will keep you guessing until the very end, with subtle hints that may or may not hold water, so as paranoia sets in, make sure to stay sharp! If you’re a fan of this author, this could easily become your new favorite, but I’ll leave that for you to decide. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley, for the digital ARC widget. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to talk about this book because it absolutely wrecked my head in the best way.

It follows Ellie, who can't escape the nightmares after witnessing a fatal car accident. She's waiting to testify against the driver, already on edge, already struggling... and then things start getting complicated. She ends up forming a friendship with the victim's widow, their kids become close, and suddenly their lives are tangled in ways that feel a little too intense to be comfortable.Then Ellie starts feeling like she's being watched. She tells herself it's stress. Trauma. Anxiety. Until she gets a note. One word. Liar. Written in red.

From that moment on, I was hooked.

Natasha Boydell is quickly becoming one of those authors I trust completely. The tension builds so quietly at first, then before you know it, you're questioning everyone and everything. The pacing is sharp, the atmosphere is unsettling, and the psychological twists are genuinely clever. I thought I had it figured out more than once. I absolutely did not.The timeline is layered with secrets and half-truths, and the gaslighting is done so well it made me doubt my own assumptions as a reader. Some characters I really connected with, others I couldn't stand, which is exactly how I like my thrillers.

This is one of those books you race through because you need answers, and when you get them, you're still sitting there stunned. It surprised me again and again, right up to the end.Nothing missed for me. It delivered on tension, twists, and emotional impact. Easily a five-star read and one I'll be thinking about for a long time. If you love dark, twisty psychological thrillers, put this on your list immediately.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOWZA! Talk about an addictive, topsy turvy, twist filled, shocking ride! I had a hard time putting this book down. This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning and never let go! I could not turn the pages fast enough. I had no idea where this book was going and loved the Holy Crap reveal! This was the second book which I have read by Natasha Boydell, and I can't wait to read more of this author's books!

Imagine seeing a horrific car accident. Imagine you are the last witness and what you saw will determine the course of several lives. Imagine how being The Last Witness will affect your life! I thought I had a good grasp on where this book was going, but I was wrong, wrong, wrong! I love it when that happens.

Ellie witnessed the tragic car accident where a man lost his life. She finds herself drawn to the dead man's widow after attending his funeral. She knows she should not get involved as she will be giving testimony at the upcoming hearing for the driver who caused the accident. But she can't help herself. When she starts getting messages which say "LIAR," Ellie can't help but be afraid and fearful for her own safety.

Wonderfully written, well thought out, shocking, thrilling, and hard to put down! I loved how the author had me caring for various characters, not liking others, and then had me change my impressions of them throughout the book. Plus, this book is full of tension and twists which made for a very fast paced and thrilling read.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Julie Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting. It's absolutely unputdownable!

And for the first time in a really long time, I had tons of theories about where it's going (that even kept changing as I kept swiping my screen to further chapters) but all of them were completely and utterly wrong.

You got me, Natasha Boydell!



This is a super clever plot, and an amazingly attentive way to tell this story. Her writing has this chatty, easy flow that makes you feel like you're hearing this story from a close friend over a glass of wine. You relax...you feel for your friend...and then, Bam! The first plot twist. Then another.



I absolutely loved the character development in The Last Witness (a title that now feels like it actually has more than one possible meaning). I would even say that this story easily doubles as a women's fiction how well it's written.

I will be looking out for more from this amazing writer!

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this chance to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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[Robyn Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie, the lone witness to a deadly crash, can't stop having nightmares. She sees the victim begging for help. Trying to find closure, she attends his funeral and meets his wife Samantha. Against all odds, the two become friends, and so do their children. In the time leading up to the trial for the driver, Ellie's life spirals out of control. She is being followed, strange things are happening, tires are slashed, her home is vandalized... is the driver trying to scare her out of testifying?

This was my third Natasha Boydell book and I loved it! She has become a must read author for me. Her books are utterly captivating. They're so well thought out and so intricately woven. The plot twists are plentiful and the suspense builds throughout each of her books! They're impossible to put down. The Last Witness was no exception.

This is the kind of book that makes you question everything and everyone. I didn't even try to figure out where the story was headed. I knew I couldn't. I loved the characters so much and really felt for almost all of them. I didn't want the book to end because I didn't want to say goodbye to Ellie and Samantha. And just when I thought it was over, we got one last twist that left me speechless! I loved the rollercoaster ride this book took me on! Obviously, it's a Read It! It's one of those books that I'd give 6 stars to if such a rating was possible.

Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natasha Boydell’s The Last Witness begins with a chilling premise: Ellie, the only witness to a fatal car accident, is tormented by nightmares and the burden of testifying against the driver. Her world shifts when she befriends Samantha, the victim’s widow, and their families grow increasingly connected. What starts as a fragile friendship soon takes a sinister turn, as Ellie senses she is being followed and receives a disturbing note marked with the single word “LIAR.” The novel builds tension slowly, but Boydell’s nuanced portrayal of grief, vulnerability, and obsession ensures the suspense steadily deepens.

I appreciated the gradual build up of tension and the way the narrative continually encourages the reader to scrutinize each character’s intentions. The constant undercurrent of unease, combined with the tangled web of connections and carefully placed moments of disquiet, held my attention from start to finish. Boydell’s accessible prose and skill in capturing psychological unease make this a compelling slow burn thriller. For those drawn to stories of trauma, secrecy, and fractured trust, The Last Witness offers a gripping exploration of hidden truths and the unsettling consequences of obsession.

A highly engaging and compelling read that held my attention throughout, distinguished by its outstanding portrayal of female characters. I would strongly recommend this book to others.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Witness by Natasha Boydell,,Ellie witnessed an accident where a man named Gram was killed. ever since the crash she’s been having nightmares. so when she sees the announcement for his funeral she decides to go and see if there’s anything she can do for his widow or they’re two boys. She knows this is a strange thing to do but feels compelled to do it and how horrible she feels that this man’s life is over. at the funeral she meets his wife Samantha and her friend Amelia and it isn’t long before they meet for coffee and other things but her and Samantha‘s tentative friendship isn’t the only connection their families will have an after she starts being stocked she wonders if it could be a Amelia who always acts as if she doesn’t like Ellie. Ellie is on edge and doesn’t know if she’s being stopped because she is a witness to a crime or could it be because someone knows her secret, a secret so deadly it has a potential to ruin her whole life. This author knows how to lay the groundwork for future twist and turns and I really enjoyed this book I did think her husband being upset because her and Sam were friends was a tad bit ridiculous because she was just a witness she wasn’t prosecuting the Crime but having said that it’s a very juicy very twisty read and one I absolutely enjoyed. I love this author she is definitely one you can depend on on for twist and turns and she did not let me down this time around. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #NatashaBoydell, #TheLastWitness,

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

One night while driving home, Ellie witnesses an horrific accident. She goes to the victim, and his last words are "help me". Ellie is haunted by this night and has anxiety, paranoia, and nightmares. It has changed her, and affected her marriage and family life. She decides to go to the funeral of Grant, the victim. There she meets his wife Samantha, and her best friend Amelia.

The beginning was a bit slow for me. There is a lot of narrative from Ellie and how the accident affected her. Then she meets the other two women and things pick up. Samantha and Ellie become friends. This seems a bit inappropriate as the trial is about to begin. The trial will determine if Jason (the truck driver) is guilty of killing Grant because he was driving the truck. As Ellie is the only witness, this fast forming friendship seemed a bit odd.

Things begin to get a little crazy. For some reason Amelia hates Emily. Then strange things begin to happen to Emily- spray painted words on her garage door, weird phone call, etc. It became a game of which character was actually telling the truth. Toward the middle this was becoming like a high school drama with competition-like feel of a story about who could be the better friend to Samantha. I did enjoy the tension and challenge of trying to figure out the connections. There were a few surprises, but in the end I had most figured out.

Overall a quick read that kept me engaged for the most part.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you’re the sole witness to a fatal accident, you carry an enormous responsibility. You naturally want the innocent victim to get the justice they deserve, and at the same time you want the driver who caused the crash to receive what they’re due as well…

And then everything starts to unravel. Ellie becomes convinced that someone is trying to influence her, and she’s terrified—not just for herself but for her entire family. The day she has to testify is drawing closer, and with it the looming threat hovering over her. What can she do? What should she do? Should she choose to protect her own family, or help the victim’s family? She can’t do both, and it tears her apart.

The bomb explodes in the witness stand…

I’ve been a fan of this author ever since I read her previous book, so I was really looking forward to her latest creative work. She kept surprising me over and over again, and to me that’s a clear sign of her remarkable talent.

I enjoyed every single page, put my brain to hard work trying to figure out how everything fit together, and was pleasantly shocked by all the revelations. I grew fond of some characters while others absolutely disgusted me. Everything I expect from a thriller was present here.

This is the kind of book you can truly devour and then lick your fingers clean afterwards. It definitely leaves you craving more.

Nothing bothered me and everything hit the mark for me. A fantastic book. 5 stars.

Thank you

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natasha Boydell’s The Last Witness is a taut and atmospheric psychological thriller that keeps you turning the pages with a mix of dread and fascination.

At the centre of the story is Ellie, a woman haunted by nightmares after witnessing a fatal car accident. As she prepares to testify against the dangerous driver, her life becomes entwined with Samantha—the widow of the man who died. Their friendship, and the bond between their children, adds a fragile layer of comfort, but Boydell quickly unsettles that safety with creeping paranoia and chilling twists.

The novel thrives on tension: Ellie’s growing fear that she’s being followed, the unsettling note scrawled in red ink, and the sense that nothing—and no one—is quite what they seem. Boydell captures the claustrophobic unease of living under suspicion, while weaving in themes of grief, trust, and the dangerous consequences of secrets.

What makes this book so compelling is its balance of emotional depth and relentless suspense. The relationships feel real and layered, which makes the betrayals and shocks hit harder. It’s the kind of thriller that keeps you questioning every character’s motives, right up to the final reveal.

Dark, twisty, and impossible to put down, The Last Witness is perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Clare Mackintosh—an elegant yet chilling reminder that sometimes the past refuses to stay buried.

With thanks to Natasha Boydell, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Last Witness
Author: Natasha Boydell
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: January 9, 2026

If you're looking for an easy read that's fast-paced, then this book is for you!

Part I is told from Ellie's point of view. Part II is told from Samantha's point of view. Ellie is the only witness to a deadly car accident. When she becomes friendly with the deceased's husband, everyone tells her that she shouldn't befriend the woman named Samantha. I honestly don't understand why everyone is so against the friendship. I also don't understand why she keeps so many secrets from her husband. They must have a horrible relationship.

I can honestly say that I was SHOCKED at Chapter 17. Like, jaw hanging wide open, shocked. And, as if that wasn't enough, Chapter 20 really dropped a bombshell!!
The ending felt very anticlimactic to me, but everything was tied up with a nice, red bow.

On a side note, this is the second book I've read recently that had a character named Tamsin. It seems like such an odd name, so it really stood out to me. 🤣

This book is definitely worth your time!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie has an almost boringly perfect life with her husband Tom and her two children. That is, until she becomes the only witness to an accident where a man dies, and very strange and sinister things begin to happen in the periphery of her life in the aftermath of the tragedy, gradually edging closer to the core of things as the trial date draws closer...

Meanwhile, Ellie herself develops an unforeseen and intense relationship with the dead man's wife, Samantha, mirroring the equally unlikely new friendship between Ellie's daughter and Samantha's son.

But someone has it in for Ellie, as the threatening graffiti daubed on the exterior of her home and the dark SUV that follows her around both clearly indicate.

Yet she is only the witness to an accidental instance of vehicular manslaughter, not an organised crime case! So, what does it all mean?

Boydell offers an interesting meditation on the vagaries of the human heart, whether related to marriage, friendship, parenting, or sibling relationships. And as a bonus, she throws in some excellent twists. This is really a good read for thriller readers in particular and it gets 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of ‘The Last Witness’ by Natasha Boydell, due to be published on 9 January 2026 by Boldwood Books.

Ellie is the sole witness to a horrific car accident where a man, Graham, dies. She is certain of what she saw and is haunted by the details, and her feelings of grief for Graham’s family.

When Ellie strikes up an unlikely friendship with his widow, Samantha, her husband Tom and Samantha’s friend Amelia both think it is a bad idea and try to discourage them from seeing each other.

When Ellie becomes the target of vandalism and odd behaviour, she is convinced that the man standing trial is behind everything and trying to scare her off. Fearing for her life, Ellie spirals wishing she could retract her statement and forget everything that has happened.

There are twists, turns and shocks galore that you do not see coming in this story - nothing is quite as it seems. More than one character has something to hide, and not all are as innocent or guilty as they appear. Characters are well developed, written so you have a genuine dislike for them or you feel sorry for them. The ending was a punch that finished it all off nicely - after all who doesn’t like to see someone get there comeuppance! A recommended read and another great story from Natasha.

[Cin’s Next Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Witness is a psychological thriller centered on Ellie, a woman who witnesses a fatal car accident and is preparing to give testimony in an upcoming court case against the other driver. After attending the funeral to pay her respects, she unexpectedly forms a friendship with the widow of the deceased.

As the trial approaches, Ellie begins to notice unsettling changes in her life — she feels like she’s being followed, her credibility is deliberately undermined, and her property is vandalized.

The escalating threats put immense strain on Ellie and her family, pushing her to question whether telling the truth is worth the danger. When the moment finally arrives, Ellie must decide whether to give in to the intimidation or stand by what she saw.

This book was fast-paced and completely up my alley. The tension built quickly, making it impossible to stop turning the pages. I found myself constantly speculating about what was really going on, but when the first major twist hit, my jaw literally dropped!

Once I’m invested in a story, I can’t put it down, and The Last Witness absolutely had that grip on me. This was my first Natasha Boydell novel, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work!

[Jennifer TW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie is the only witness in an horrific road accident that results in the death of a man named Graham. She is struggling with the thought of the upcoming court case and finds herself sleepless and paranoid. She decides to attend the man’s funeral where she meets his widow, Samantha and her best friend Amelia. Samantha is grateful to Ellie especially as her testimony could get justice for Graham, but Amelia is frosty. As the days and weeks pass, Ellie feels she is being followed and then someone starts targeting her home. Is it the defendant accused of dangerous driving trying to intimidate her? She confides in Samantha, and they forge an unlikely friendship. But Amelia is still acting icy cold. Does she feel threatened by this new friendship? As the court case begins, the real details of what happened before the accident come crashing out spectacularly with shocking consequences that threaten to derail Ellie’s whole life. An excellent book. Highly recommended. Thanks to NG, the author and publisher for an ARC on exchange for an honest review

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ellie witnesses a fatal car accident involving the car directly in front of her, her life changes.

Discovering the person who died in front of her was a husband and father, she decides to go to the funeral where she meets the man’s widow, Samantha.
Seeming to get along immediately, the two form a friendship.

But with Ellie being the only witness to the lorry driver who killed the man in front of her, she will have to testify in a case that could put a man in prison for life.

Her friend and husband question the friendship and can’t help but wonder if this isn’t a conflict of interest. When bad things begin happening, Ellie wonders about their relationship as well. But like a moth to a flame, Ellie continues to spend time with Samantha.

As the day of the trial arrives, life altering, jaw-dropping, and gasping secrets are unveiled.

This was a thrilling FOUR STAR read that kept me wholly enthralled!

Thank you NetGalley, Natasha Boydell, and Boldwood Books for gifting the ARC ahead of its January 9th release.

[The Chapter Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading The Last Witness, I honestly wasn’t sure it was going to be for me — but a few chapters in, I was completely hooked! After Ellie witnesses a horrific car accident that ends in tragedy, she becomes consumed not only by nightmares, but by overwhelming grief, guilt, and pressure. Her testimony could decide whether someone goes to prison or walks away free, and that weight follows her everywhere.

In an attempt to process what she’s seen, Ellie attends the funeral of the man who died… and unexpectedly forms a friendship with his widow. From there, the story spirals into a maze of secrets, trauma, grief, and blurred boundaries. The twists come fast — shock after shock — and the final reveal is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Boydell masterfully explores the dangers of buried truths and the fragile nature of trust, and once I got past my initial ehh reaction, this became truly unputdownable!

Huge thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Mini]

I’m really torn on this one, and I think I need a few days to fully decide how I feel.
The book kept me reading and I was entertained the whole time, but there were certain scenes and writing choices that just didn’t land for me. I kept expecting the story to go one way, and then it didn’t — which isn’t necessarily bad, but it wasn’t always satisfying either.
I also figured out a lot of the twists before they were revealed, so the big moments didn’t hit as hard as I hoped. Still, I finished the book, which says something. I wouldn’t have kept going if it wasn’t engaging.
I don’t even know how to rate this yet because I’m still processing it — and weirdly, that’s something I love. When a book leaves me thinking about it days later, trying to decide how I really feel, it clearly did something right.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rae Blackwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
I read this book so fast! I was on the edge of my seat dying to find out what happened because I just felt this nagging distrust of the fmc that I couldn't shake. The first part I feel dragged on a little long and I was growing bored and then finally we got to the court date where I suddenly couldn't get my jaw off the floor. I really liked the switch back of the POVs in the second half and would have prefered the first half be like that as well. I understand why it wasn't, but I just felt so in the dark and confused during the first half that I was kind of tired of reading it. Honestly, the plot twist couldn't have come at a better time because I was getting really annoyed and didn't have the desire to go on. I did end up really liking it because I never in a million years would have guessed that twist despite not trusting the fmc.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! Ellie felt very relatable. She was anxious, second-guessing herself, trying to keep it together while everything felt just a little off. If you’ve ever replayed a moment in your head wondering if you remembered it right, her fear will hit close to home. I loved the emotional depth, with the complicated friendships between Ellie, Samantha and Amelia adding an extra layer of tension to the story.

The writing relied more on quiet, unsettling moments than constant twists, and it worked! There was a small dip for me in the middle, but the moody atmosphere and creeping unease kept pulling me back in. A solid, engaging thriller that will definitely leave you unsettled.

Thank you to Boldwood Books via Netgalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, how have never read a book by Natasha Boydell before. I finished this book and immediately downloaded another book of hers. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite domestic thriller writers. I don't want to say much about the storyline of this book because you really need to get on the ride that Natasha has created, and trust me it is wild and crazy. I was blown away by the delivery of the facts in the story and often thought I knew what the outcome was, only to be totally taken in a different direction. I will say that I love how Natasha has a Part II and how it opens up a new dimension to this fantastic story, almost like having two books in one. Brillant!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave an honest review.