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The Last Book Club
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Expected 26 May 26A book club’s murder mystery game goes fatally wrong in this page-turning mystery, perfect for fans of The Block Party.
Making friends in a new town can be murder, so when Jordyn is invited to attend a book club meeting in her new Saratoga Springs neighborhood, it’s safe to say she’s excited. But she has no intention of making friends with the tight-knit group—she has plans for revenge.
Jordyn’s foster sister was a member of the book club until she was killed in a hit-and-run after a meeting one year prior. Members of the book club had serious motives, and Jordyn is determined to read between the lines and find their secrets…and her sister’s killer.
When the book club hosts a murder mystery party, secrets begin bubbling to the surface—and the murder part of the game becomes stranger than fiction.
This bookish mystery will thrill readers looking for stories full of twists, turns, and tantalizing secrets.
Making friends in a new town can be murder, so when Jordyn is invited to attend a book club meeting in her new Saratoga Springs neighborhood, it’s safe to say she’s excited. But she has no intention of making friends with the tight-knit group—she has plans for revenge.
Jordyn’s foster sister was a member of the book club until she was killed in a hit-and-run after a meeting one year prior. Members of the book club had serious motives, and Jordyn is determined to read between the lines and find their secrets…and her sister’s killer.
When the book club hosts a murder mystery party, secrets begin bubbling to the surface—and the murder part of the game becomes stranger than fiction.
This bookish mystery will thrill readers looking for stories full of twists, turns, and tantalizing secrets.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
About the author
Joanne Rock
572 books1,462 followersJoanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 21, 2026
This was one of those books that kept me quietly curious rather than wildly breathless. I didn’t devour it in one sitting, but I also never wanted to abandon it. Instead, I found myself thinking about it while making coffee, wondering what really happened to the sister, and watching the group dynamics with a mix of fascination and unease.
What stayed with me most was the emotional core of the story. Jordyn’s grief over her foster sister felt genuine, tender, and complicated. Her loneliness in a new town, her simmering anger, and her need for answers gave the novel a beating heart. Even when I questioned her choices, I understood them, and that made her feel real rather than simply a plot device.
The book club itself is a deliciously messy setting. On the surface it looks cozy and charming, but underneath there is jealousy, rivalry, and old resentments simmering away. The murder mystery party is a clever idea, yet at times the execution felt a bit tidy and convenient, which softened the impact of some revelations. I kept wishing for more tension, more chaos, and more surprises that truly shook me.
The cast of characters is colorful, but some of them skim the surface instead of fully sinking in. A few personalities felt more like archetypes than complex people, and I wanted deeper emotional layers, especially from the suspects closest to the victim.
That said, the book does raise interesting questions about loyalty, chosen family, and how far someone will go for the truth. It is not a perfectly polished thriller, but it is thoughtful, readable, and engaging enough to hold your attention throughout
In the end, this is not a show-stopping thriller, but it is a solid, semi-satisfying read that keeps you engaged and thinking about the characters long after you close the book. It left me thoughtful rather than shocked, and content rather than dazzled, which still makes it worth the time for readers who enjoy layered neighborhood mysteries.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sharing this intriguing thriller’s arc copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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What stayed with me most was the emotional core of the story. Jordyn’s grief over her foster sister felt genuine, tender, and complicated. Her loneliness in a new town, her simmering anger, and her need for answers gave the novel a beating heart. Even when I questioned her choices, I understood them, and that made her feel real rather than simply a plot device.
The book club itself is a deliciously messy setting. On the surface it looks cozy and charming, but underneath there is jealousy, rivalry, and old resentments simmering away. The murder mystery party is a clever idea, yet at times the execution felt a bit tidy and convenient, which softened the impact of some revelations. I kept wishing for more tension, more chaos, and more surprises that truly shook me.
The cast of characters is colorful, but some of them skim the surface instead of fully sinking in. A few personalities felt more like archetypes than complex people, and I wanted deeper emotional layers, especially from the suspects closest to the victim.
That said, the book does raise interesting questions about loyalty, chosen family, and how far someone will go for the truth. It is not a perfectly polished thriller, but it is thoughtful, readable, and engaging enough to hold your attention throughout
In the end, this is not a show-stopping thriller, but it is a solid, semi-satisfying read that keeps you engaged and thinking about the characters long after you close the book. It left me thoughtful rather than shocked, and content rather than dazzled, which still makes it worth the time for readers who enjoy layered neighborhood mysteries.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sharing this intriguing thriller’s arc copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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February 8, 2026
Thanks to @netgalley, @crookedlanebooks and @joanne_rock for allowing me to read this book.
If the Real Housewives started a book club ....
"And, let's face it, this particular book club has more baggage than most considering just the quiet backstabbing and public betrayals that I know about among my friends."
From page one I was absolutely hooked, who is tied up in the basement ?? Each twist of the plot had me reaching for "just one more chapter", full of twists and turns it had me guessing until the very last page and even then I didn't work it out.
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
"A book club's murder mystery game goes fatally wrong in this page-turning mystery, perfect for fans of The Block Party. Making friends in a new town can be murder, so when Jordyn is invited to attend a book club meeting in her new Saratoga Springs neighborhood, it's safe to say she's excited.
But she has no intention of making friends with the tight-knit group-she has plans for revenge.
Jordyn's foster sister was a member of the book club until she was killed in a hit and run after a meeting one year prior. Members of the book club had serious motives and Jordyn is determined to read between the lines and find their secrets.. and her sister's killer. When the book club hosts a murder mystery party, secrets begin bubbling to the surface-and the murder part of the game becomes stranger than fiction. This bookish mystery will thrill readers looking for stories full of twists, turns, and tantalizing secrets."
If the Real Housewives started a book club ....
"And, let's face it, this particular book club has more baggage than most considering just the quiet backstabbing and public betrayals that I know about among my friends."
From page one I was absolutely hooked, who is tied up in the basement ?? Each twist of the plot had me reaching for "just one more chapter", full of twists and turns it had me guessing until the very last page and even then I didn't work it out.
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
"A book club's murder mystery game goes fatally wrong in this page-turning mystery, perfect for fans of The Block Party. Making friends in a new town can be murder, so when Jordyn is invited to attend a book club meeting in her new Saratoga Springs neighborhood, it's safe to say she's excited.
But she has no intention of making friends with the tight-knit group-she has plans for revenge.
Jordyn's foster sister was a member of the book club until she was killed in a hit and run after a meeting one year prior. Members of the book club had serious motives and Jordyn is determined to read between the lines and find their secrets.. and her sister's killer. When the book club hosts a murder mystery party, secrets begin bubbling to the surface-and the murder part of the game becomes stranger than fiction. This bookish mystery will thrill readers looking for stories full of twists, turns, and tantalizing secrets."
May 8, 2026
I love a good domestic/suburban-set mystery. An ‘exclusive’ book club where all the members & their spouses hold their own secrets that naturally don’t stay secret for long + a murder mystery game at a book club event that ends fatally. Finish that off with revenge and this book instantly became on my radar.
And it absolutely wasn’t a let down. The deeper Jordyn embedded herself into this group whilst trying to uncover what really happened to Tara, the murkier everybody’s motives became. Nobody in this neighbourhood felt entirely trustworthy and I loved that constant sense of uncertainty around who was manipulating who.
The suburban dynamics were easily my favourite part of this. The carefully curated friendships, the gossip, the passive aggression, the spouses all tangled up in each other’s lives and the feeling that everyone was hiding something beneath the polished surface. This absolutely leaned into the kind of domestic suspense I tend to devour.
The dual timelines, multiple POV’s and short chapters worked so well here too. The constant unveiling of the plot just kept pulling me further and further in, and I was hanging for every chance I had to get back to listening to this.
I also really enjoyed this in audio format. Michelle Price did a great job with the narration and kept the characters distinct enough that I never found myself getting lost amongst the larger cast, which can easily happen with interconnected suspense stories like this.
Messy suburban secrets, revenge, suspicious women and a book club at the centre of it all? Very much my kind of read.
And it absolutely wasn’t a let down. The deeper Jordyn embedded herself into this group whilst trying to uncover what really happened to Tara, the murkier everybody’s motives became. Nobody in this neighbourhood felt entirely trustworthy and I loved that constant sense of uncertainty around who was manipulating who.
The suburban dynamics were easily my favourite part of this. The carefully curated friendships, the gossip, the passive aggression, the spouses all tangled up in each other’s lives and the feeling that everyone was hiding something beneath the polished surface. This absolutely leaned into the kind of domestic suspense I tend to devour.
The dual timelines, multiple POV’s and short chapters worked so well here too. The constant unveiling of the plot just kept pulling me further and further in, and I was hanging for every chance I had to get back to listening to this.
I also really enjoyed this in audio format. Michelle Price did a great job with the narration and kept the characters distinct enough that I never found myself getting lost amongst the larger cast, which can easily happen with interconnected suspense stories like this.
Messy suburban secrets, revenge, suspicious women and a book club at the centre of it all? Very much my kind of read.
May 5, 2026
I love messy Book Club antics and this one took the prize!
I’m so thankful to have received a complimentary physical ARC from Crooked Lane and a complimentary ALC from Tantor Media via NetGalley, because this was made for an immersion read. With so much going on, having both the audio and print was the perfect way to keep up with the drama.
This is one of those “just one more chapter” reads where you’re fighting sleep because it’s all so deliciously messy—you need to know what happens next. That said, it wasn’t flawless. There were a few moments where my momentum dipped, but thankfully the audiobook pulled me through.
Michelle Price absolutely delivered with the narration. She handled the full cast of characters with impressive range, giving each one a distinct voice and personality that really elevated the experience.
Now, I’ve never actually watched an episode of Real Housewives, but based on everything I’ve seen in passing? This feels like it would be right up that alley—big personalities, drama, and plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
If you love stories centered around book clubs and add in a twisty mystery, this one is a wildly entertaining combo that will keep you hooked.
I’m so thankful to have received a complimentary physical ARC from Crooked Lane and a complimentary ALC from Tantor Media via NetGalley, because this was made for an immersion read. With so much going on, having both the audio and print was the perfect way to keep up with the drama.
This is one of those “just one more chapter” reads where you’re fighting sleep because it’s all so deliciously messy—you need to know what happens next. That said, it wasn’t flawless. There were a few moments where my momentum dipped, but thankfully the audiobook pulled me through.
Michelle Price absolutely delivered with the narration. She handled the full cast of characters with impressive range, giving each one a distinct voice and personality that really elevated the experience.
Now, I’ve never actually watched an episode of Real Housewives, but based on everything I’ve seen in passing? This feels like it would be right up that alley—big personalities, drama, and plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
If you love stories centered around book clubs and add in a twisty mystery, this one is a wildly entertaining combo that will keep you hooked.
May 8, 2026
Thank you @netgalley for allowing me to listen to this Advanced Reader Copy of The Last Book Club by
Joanne Rock.
This author had me interested from the first scene. Perfect murder mystery without being too dark. A variety of characters all with their own motives. Switching points of views between Tara and Jordyn was a great way to tell the story, develop characters and move the story
along. This one kept me entertained and thinking about who the killer could be. I had not figured it out. Great weekend or vacation read.
I listened to the audiobook and felt the narrator was perfect for this book!
Joanne Rock.
This author had me interested from the first scene. Perfect murder mystery without being too dark. A variety of characters all with their own motives. Switching points of views between Tara and Jordyn was a great way to tell the story, develop characters and move the story
along. This one kept me entertained and thinking about who the killer could be. I had not figured it out. Great weekend or vacation read.
I listened to the audiobook and felt the narrator was perfect for this book!
May 4, 2026
Perfect for fans of Jeneva Rose, this suburban murder mystery will keep you guessing and pointing fingers at someone new at every turn. Everyone has secrets and no one is innocent, but only one is a killer.
May 13, 2026
I burned through this book in two days. The murder mystery had me hooked! Two faced friends, unfaithful partners, lying and manipulation… I ate it up! And the ending?! So good 🤯
May 12, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
This book absolutely hooked me in the beginning. An exclusive book club. A dead former member. A revenge-driven outsider infiltrating the group to uncover what really happened to her foster sister. All the elements of a stellar read were there.
Every member of the book club had believable motives and complicated ties to Tara, and I loved uncovering the messy interpersonal dynamics one layer at a time.
There were also some genuinely compelling emotional threads underneath the drama, like Tara’s history and missing memories, Jordyn trying to piece together who her sister really was and all the resentment simmering beneath these polished suburban lives (I love seeing the rot beneath the shiny facade.
Unfortunately, the final stretch lost me. The entire book was leading up to the big Halloween murder mystery book club meeting but when it actually got here, it just fell flat for me. Characters began standing around accusing one another in increasingly dramatic ways, and what had felt like layered emotional conflict slowly became a rotating parade of suspects, twists, reveals, and hidden motives. It just felt unreal and like the board game Clue ( I should not be thinking of a board game during a book’s main scene)
That was the frustrating part for me because the book already had enough strong material but the emotional core started getting buried beneath all the chaos.
Still, I can’t deny this was an entertaining read overall. The premise is fantastic, the middle section is addictive, and the dysfunctional book club concept was catnip for me as a reader. I just wish it ended stronger.
This book absolutely hooked me in the beginning. An exclusive book club. A dead former member. A revenge-driven outsider infiltrating the group to uncover what really happened to her foster sister. All the elements of a stellar read were there.
Every member of the book club had believable motives and complicated ties to Tara, and I loved uncovering the messy interpersonal dynamics one layer at a time.
There were also some genuinely compelling emotional threads underneath the drama, like Tara’s history and missing memories, Jordyn trying to piece together who her sister really was and all the resentment simmering beneath these polished suburban lives (I love seeing the rot beneath the shiny facade.
Unfortunately, the final stretch lost me. The entire book was leading up to the big Halloween murder mystery book club meeting but when it actually got here, it just fell flat for me. Characters began standing around accusing one another in increasingly dramatic ways, and what had felt like layered emotional conflict slowly became a rotating parade of suspects, twists, reveals, and hidden motives. It just felt unreal and like the board game Clue ( I should not be thinking of a board game during a book’s main scene)
That was the frustrating part for me because the book already had enough strong material but the emotional core started getting buried beneath all the chaos.
Still, I can’t deny this was an entertaining read overall. The premise is fantastic, the middle section is addictive, and the dysfunctional book club concept was catnip for me as a reader. I just wish it ended stronger.
May 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
This started out really promising and pulled me in quickly. I liked the setup of wealthy people living in an isolated community while hiding messy secrets, affairs, betrayals, and all the drama that comes with it. The beginning had great momentum and I was genuinely interested to see where everything would go.
Unfortunately, I think revealing part of the mystery too early ended up hurting the story for me rather than helping it. Once that reveal happened around the middle, I felt the momentum completely slowed down and I found myself less invested in what was happening after that.
The pacing dragged quite a bit in the second half, the ending felt way too long, and most of the twists became fairly predictable. I kept hoping the final reveal would surprise me or change my overall feelings, but it never really did.
The writing style also wasn’t for me. At times it felt like everything was overly explained instead of trusting the reader to figure things out naturally, and parts of it almost felt a little YA in tone.
Honestly, I had to push myself through this one because I really try not to DNF ARCs, but overall I just didn’t enjoy it. Sadly, this ended up being a 2-star read for me, though I can still see other readers enjoying it more than I did.
May 4, 2026
3.5-4 stars.
I enjoyed the back and forth between Tara and Jordan’s point of view and it helped me with trying to figure out who the murder was. I will say that I am glad my book club is not like this group and wow did these characters have some issues. They seem to all have secrets that they didn’t want to each other to know which made most of them very suspicious. There were a couple that I didn’t think would have been the killer and I ended up being right. I had my suspicions of who did it and in the end I was back and forth between 2 and one killed the first time and 1 did the second. Although the second killed the person who truly killed I was not suspecting that at first. I thought it was the person who pushed her and I felt sad for that person. After listening to the court findings and everything I’m not surprised that the person who committed the second murder had done what she did. The ending made it seem like there could be another story but at the same time it doesn’t have to like some other books I have read.
I do believe that some of the inners of the story could have been cut out. I liked that Tara and Jordan went on similar adventures. I felt like sometimes there were parts that could have been cut out and didn’t need to be apart of the book. Between wanting some of the story cut out but also finishing it in a day that’s the reason I gave it 3.5-4 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this book.
I enjoyed the back and forth between Tara and Jordan’s point of view and it helped me with trying to figure out who the murder was. I will say that I am glad my book club is not like this group and wow did these characters have some issues. They seem to all have secrets that they didn’t want to each other to know which made most of them very suspicious. There were a couple that I didn’t think would have been the killer and I ended up being right. I had my suspicions of who did it and in the end I was back and forth between 2 and one killed the first time and 1 did the second. Although the second killed the person who truly killed I was not suspecting that at first. I thought it was the person who pushed her and I felt sad for that person. After listening to the court findings and everything I’m not surprised that the person who committed the second murder had done what she did. The ending made it seem like there could be another story but at the same time it doesn’t have to like some other books I have read.
I do believe that some of the inners of the story could have been cut out. I liked that Tara and Jordan went on similar adventures. I felt like sometimes there were parts that could have been cut out and didn’t need to be apart of the book. Between wanting some of the story cut out but also finishing it in a day that’s the reason I gave it 3.5-4 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this book.
May 15, 2026
Joanne Rock’s The Last Book Club is the kind of twisty, domestic thriller that pulls you in. I read it in less than 12 hours!
Centred around toxic friendships, betrayal, hidden identities and murder within a book club, this story was addictive.
The multi-POV structure and dual timeline increased the suspense and it seemed as if every character was hiding something. The atmosphere felt very “housewives”. One of the strongest plot aspects was how the story explored memory and dissociative amnesia.
While a few twists were slightly predictable for seasoned thriller readers, the pacing made this an entertaining and bingeable read.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers with complex female friendships, betrayals and suspense definitely pick this up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Happily Booked PR & Joanne Rock for the ARC.
Centred around toxic friendships, betrayal, hidden identities and murder within a book club, this story was addictive.
The multi-POV structure and dual timeline increased the suspense and it seemed as if every character was hiding something. The atmosphere felt very “housewives”. One of the strongest plot aspects was how the story explored memory and dissociative amnesia.
While a few twists were slightly predictable for seasoned thriller readers, the pacing made this an entertaining and bingeable read.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers with complex female friendships, betrayals and suspense definitely pick this up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Happily Booked PR & Joanne Rock for the ARC.
May 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
The Last Book Club by Joanne Rock was an entertaining read with plenty of twists and suspense throughout. I really enjoyed that the story was told from several different points of view because it gave more depth to the characters and helped build their backstories and motivations. It kept the story moving and made me want to keep reading to see how everything connected.
While the mystery had some surprising moments, parts of the plot felt a little predictable at times. Even so, it was still a fun and engaging read that kept me interested until the end. If you enjoy multi-perspective thrillers with family drama, secrets, and book club dynamics, this one is worth picking up.
Thanks to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Last Book Club by Joanne Rock was an entertaining read with plenty of twists and suspense throughout. I really enjoyed that the story was told from several different points of view because it gave more depth to the characters and helped build their backstories and motivations. It kept the story moving and made me want to keep reading to see how everything connected.
While the mystery had some surprising moments, parts of the plot felt a little predictable at times. Even so, it was still a fun and engaging read that kept me interested until the end. If you enjoy multi-perspective thrillers with family drama, secrets, and book club dynamics, this one is worth picking up.
Thanks to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2026
The book was good. To me a solid average which in my opinion was good. I enjoyed it, it kept me guessing, I would recommend it to friends. I didn’t rate it higher because it wasn’t remarkable, but it was still a good listen.
A woman goes “undercover” in a town to see if she can find out what happens to her foster sister.
A woman goes “undercover” in a town to see if she can find out what happens to her foster sister.
May 6, 2026
this was such a great read. I loved the murder mystery aspect and how the FMC joined the book club to find out what happened to her sister. I loved the way the characters were written. they all brought something to the story. a little darkness lurking in those women. the dual time line was really great as well. and I loved the POVS. a this kept me intrigued and POV the edge of my seat the entire time. I never would've guessed!
May 6, 2026
This one started out grabbing my attention from the beginning and had good potential, but it just fell flat in the end. There was a twist at the end, but I felt it was a last minute thought with no real backstory. This was a quick, easy listen and I enjoyed the narrator.
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for the advanced audio version of this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for the advanced audio version of this book.
May 14, 2026
3.5 rounded up to 4 for review purposes. A quick, easy read (would make a great beach read) with some surprising twists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well, this is a fun one. The title is clever and catchy and caught my eye. It felt a little bit Real Housewives go soft thriller with a splash of cozy mystery. There was mystery, intrigue, complicated relationships and a twisty path to the whodunnit that kept me reading to try to figure it out. The narration was well done, and I enjoyed having this one read to me. I'm still contemplating how I feel about the epilogue.
Thank you, @netgalley and author @joannerock for the @arc .
Note this review is on the paperback because the option for the audiobook was not listed.
Thank you, @netgalley and author @joannerock for the @arc .
Note this review is on the paperback because the option for the audiobook was not listed.
May 3, 2026
This was just fine! There were a lot of characters and I had a hard time keeping them straight sometimes. If you’ve read any thrillers at all it’s pretty predictable for the most part, though I did think that the PI was gonna be involved somehow…! I don’t love how many loose ends there were that just didn’t get tied up but overall a pretty fun popcorn thriller. And I liked the narrator!
Thanks to NetGalley, Tantor Media and the author for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley, Tantor Media and the author for the ARC.
April 20, 2026
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
First and foremost, thank you to Joanne Rock, Hambright PR, and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this one!
I went into The Last Book Club so excited for the premise a locked room style mystery with classic whodunit vibes? Say less, I was IN.
But I’m going to start with my biggest struggle, there were a lot of characters and POVs. Like… a lot a lot. It got confusing at times trying to keep track of who was who and who was speaking, and I definitely found myself flipping back to the start of chapters or rereading passages just to get my bearings again.
And for a mystery/thriller, I wanted more of that edge of your seat tension. Instead of feeling hooked or desperate to uncover the truth, I was more just mildly curious about where it was going. The twists didn’t quite land for me in that gasp out loud way I was hoping for.
That said, I do think the story had a really strong concept and a lot of potential it just didn’t fully deliver on the suspense for me.
Overall, a decent read, but one that didn’t quite stick the landing.
First and foremost, thank you to Joanne Rock, Hambright PR, and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this one!
I went into The Last Book Club so excited for the premise a locked room style mystery with classic whodunit vibes? Say less, I was IN.
But I’m going to start with my biggest struggle, there were a lot of characters and POVs. Like… a lot a lot. It got confusing at times trying to keep track of who was who and who was speaking, and I definitely found myself flipping back to the start of chapters or rereading passages just to get my bearings again.
And for a mystery/thriller, I wanted more of that edge of your seat tension. Instead of feeling hooked or desperate to uncover the truth, I was more just mildly curious about where it was going. The twists didn’t quite land for me in that gasp out loud way I was hoping for.
That said, I do think the story had a really strong concept and a lot of potential it just didn’t fully deliver on the suspense for me.
Overall, a decent read, but one that didn’t quite stick the landing.
April 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this and it kept me up late a few nights as I couldn’t wait to figure out what was going to happen. There were definitely twists that I didn’t see coming. It made me thankful that my book club isn’t full of rich fake snobs… and that murder isn’t ever involved. lol. Thankful there wasn’t much (or any?) language, it wasn’t gory and there wasn’t descriptions of spicy scenes. But it was still plenty real and entertaining. I recommend this murder mystery for sure.
**I won the book through Goodreads so I got to read it before it even came out!
**I won the book through Goodreads so I got to read it before it even came out!
January 31, 2026
The Last Book Club by Joanne Rock turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable read for me. Rock structures the novel with a dual timeline, weaving together the past and the present to slowly reveal the truth. In the past, we follow Tara, foster sister to Jordyn, our other central character, and piece by piece, we learn what happened to her, how she died, and who was responsible.
In the present timeline, Jordyn steps into the role of protagonist as she returns to town determined to uncover the truth about Tara’s death. She quietly joins the book club Tara once belonged to, keeping her connection to Tara a secret. Jordyn’s goal is simple: get close to the members, learn what they know, and uncover the secrets she suspects they’re hiding.
Much of the story centers around a murder mystery game hosted by the club, and I loved how each member carried their own shadows and secrets. Rock gives every character just enough darkness to keep the tension sharp and the reader guessing. The mystery held my attention from start to finish, making this a fun, fast paced “popcorn thriller.”
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book ahead of its release in exchange for an honest review. I’m rating it 3.5 stars on Goodreads.
In the present timeline, Jordyn steps into the role of protagonist as she returns to town determined to uncover the truth about Tara’s death. She quietly joins the book club Tara once belonged to, keeping her connection to Tara a secret. Jordyn’s goal is simple: get close to the members, learn what they know, and uncover the secrets she suspects they’re hiding.
Much of the story centers around a murder mystery game hosted by the club, and I loved how each member carried their own shadows and secrets. Rock gives every character just enough darkness to keep the tension sharp and the reader guessing. The mystery held my attention from start to finish, making this a fun, fast paced “popcorn thriller.”
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book ahead of its release in exchange for an honest review. I’m rating it 3.5 stars on Goodreads.
Want to Read
November 20, 2025#GoodreadsGiveaway
December 19, 2025
Good one
February 1, 2026
This book has me absolutely hooked! It kept me guessing and was so fast paced I read it in one sitting. Cannot recommend enough 💕
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First off, a huge thank you to NetGalley, Author Joanne Rock, and Tantor Media for providing the ALC. I’m an avid consumer of audiobooks, and I’m so glad I had the audio for this one. It was a total immersion read that made the experience so much more vibrant.
The Book Club Murders (or this "messy book club" thriller) delivered exactly the kind of atmosphere I love. It felt like I was sitting right in the middle of the room, watching the drama unfold in real time. The story follows Jordyn as she moves to Saratoga Springs, but she isn't there for the cozy small-town vibes. She’s on a mission to uncover the truth about her foster sister Tara’s suspicious hit-and-run death. Joining the local book club, the same one Tara belonged to, is her way in, and when a murder mystery party enters the mix, the "game" starts feeling a lot more like reality.
Here is what really worked for me:
1. The Emotional Core: What stayed with me most was Jordyn herself. Her grief over Tara felt genuine and complicated. She’s lonely, angry, and fiercely determined, which makes her feel like a real woman with a beating heart rather than just a plot device. Even when her choices were a bit messy, I understood her "forty-something fury" and her need for closure.
2. The "Real Housewives" Energy: This book is full of big personalities and neighborhood drama. On the surface, the club is charming, but underneath it’s simmering with jealousy and old resentments. It’s that deliciously messy "rich-lady" dynamic that makes for a perfect page-turner.
3. The Narration: Michelle Price absolutely nailed the audiobook. With a large cast of characters, it can be easy to get lost, but her range gave everyone a distinct enough personality and voice to keep me invested. Whenever I felt distracted, the audio pulled me right back through.
That said, it wasn't a "perfectly polished" thriller. Some of the reveals felt a little too tidy and convenient for my liking, and I found myself wishing for a bit more chaos and deeper emotional layers from the supporting cast. A few of the suspects felt a bit like archetypes rather than complex people. Still, this was a solid, engaging read that kept me "quietly curious" throughout. It’s the kind of story that has you wondering about the secrets while you’re making your morning coffee. If you’re a fan of twisty neighborhood mysteries and high-tension social dynamics, this is definitely one to add to your list. It left me feeling content and thoughtful, the sign of a mystery well-told.
My Verdict: If you love bookish thrillers, complicated neighborhood dynamics, murder mystery party chaos, and audiobooks with strong narration, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The Book Club Murders (or this "messy book club" thriller) delivered exactly the kind of atmosphere I love. It felt like I was sitting right in the middle of the room, watching the drama unfold in real time. The story follows Jordyn as she moves to Saratoga Springs, but she isn't there for the cozy small-town vibes. She’s on a mission to uncover the truth about her foster sister Tara’s suspicious hit-and-run death. Joining the local book club, the same one Tara belonged to, is her way in, and when a murder mystery party enters the mix, the "game" starts feeling a lot more like reality.
Here is what really worked for me:
1. The Emotional Core: What stayed with me most was Jordyn herself. Her grief over Tara felt genuine and complicated. She’s lonely, angry, and fiercely determined, which makes her feel like a real woman with a beating heart rather than just a plot device. Even when her choices were a bit messy, I understood her "forty-something fury" and her need for closure.
2. The "Real Housewives" Energy: This book is full of big personalities and neighborhood drama. On the surface, the club is charming, but underneath it’s simmering with jealousy and old resentments. It’s that deliciously messy "rich-lady" dynamic that makes for a perfect page-turner.
3. The Narration: Michelle Price absolutely nailed the audiobook. With a large cast of characters, it can be easy to get lost, but her range gave everyone a distinct enough personality and voice to keep me invested. Whenever I felt distracted, the audio pulled me right back through.
That said, it wasn't a "perfectly polished" thriller. Some of the reveals felt a little too tidy and convenient for my liking, and I found myself wishing for a bit more chaos and deeper emotional layers from the supporting cast. A few of the suspects felt a bit like archetypes rather than complex people. Still, this was a solid, engaging read that kept me "quietly curious" throughout. It’s the kind of story that has you wondering about the secrets while you’re making your morning coffee. If you’re a fan of twisty neighborhood mysteries and high-tension social dynamics, this is definitely one to add to your list. It left me feeling content and thoughtful, the sign of a mystery well-told.
My Verdict: If you love bookish thrillers, complicated neighborhood dynamics, murder mystery party chaos, and audiobooks with strong narration, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Last Book Club had all the ingredients for a book I should have absolutely loved: messy neighborhood friendships, secrets, revenge, passive-aggressive women smiling through gritted teeth, and a murder mystery wrapped around a book club. And honestly, parts of it really worked for me.
As a Florida native, the personalities and social dynamics felt incredibly familiar. The wealthy neighborhood energy, carefully curated appearances, gossip disguised as concern, and underlying resentment between women all felt believable. I could completely picture these people existing in real life, which made the story easier to sink into.
I also thought the audiobook narration by Michelle Price was strong. With multiple POVs and a larger cast, the audio could have easily become confusing, but she kept everyone distinct and made the drama entertaining to follow.
What kept this from being a higher rating for me was the pacing and overall tension level. I stayed interested the entire time, but I never felt truly glued to it or shocked by the reveals. Some twists felt predictable, and the second half dragged a bit once certain pieces started falling into place. I kept waiting for a bigger emotional payoff or a twist that completely caught me off guard, and it never fully got there for me.
I did enjoy Jordyn’s emotional connection to the mystery and thought her grief over her foster sister added depth to the story. But a few side characters felt more like “types” than fully developed people, which made some of the drama feel a little surface-level at times.
Overall, this was an entertaining audiobook with strong suburban suspense vibes and plenty of messy book club drama. Not a standout thriller for me personally, but definitely readable and worth picking up if you enjoy domestic mysteries centered around secrets, friendships, and complicated neighborhood dynamics.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
As a Florida native, the personalities and social dynamics felt incredibly familiar. The wealthy neighborhood energy, carefully curated appearances, gossip disguised as concern, and underlying resentment between women all felt believable. I could completely picture these people existing in real life, which made the story easier to sink into.
I also thought the audiobook narration by Michelle Price was strong. With multiple POVs and a larger cast, the audio could have easily become confusing, but she kept everyone distinct and made the drama entertaining to follow.
What kept this from being a higher rating for me was the pacing and overall tension level. I stayed interested the entire time, but I never felt truly glued to it or shocked by the reveals. Some twists felt predictable, and the second half dragged a bit once certain pieces started falling into place. I kept waiting for a bigger emotional payoff or a twist that completely caught me off guard, and it never fully got there for me.
I did enjoy Jordyn’s emotional connection to the mystery and thought her grief over her foster sister added depth to the story. But a few side characters felt more like “types” than fully developed people, which made some of the drama feel a little surface-level at times.
Overall, this was an entertaining audiobook with strong suburban suspense vibes and plenty of messy book club drama. Not a standout thriller for me personally, but definitely readable and worth picking up if you enjoy domestic mysteries centered around secrets, friendships, and complicated neighborhood dynamics.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
April 28, 2026
🍷 T W I S T E D T U E S D A Y review 🍷 featuring “The Last Book Club” by Joanne Rock!
Welcome to Saratoga Springs, an exclusive and prominent neighbourhood in Upstate New York. The gossip is hot, jealously simmers under the surface, the frenemies are savage and no one’s husband seems to be off limits. This elite crew even has their own book club … and not just anyone gets an invite to join in.
Jordyn is new to the neighbourhood and inserts herself into the tight knit group, but has a hidden agenda. A year ago her foster sister Tara was killed in a hit and run “accident” one evening after the book club. A lot of the book club members had motives to want Tara dead and now Jordyn has arrived in town ready to seek revenge and find Tara’s killer.
Jordyn is thrilled to receive an invite to the book club on Halloween, however instead of discussing books, they will be having a murder mystery game night instead. Everyone must dress up in costumes related to their assigned roles and solve the murder. However, Jordyn isn’t the only one showing up to the party with vengeance on their mind … let the games begin!
“There would be no Pinot Grigios and bookish discussion with friends this evening. Something is very, very wrong tonight, and I am in real danger”.
💭 OMG this book is so much fun! I loved the mixed vibes of Real Housewives, Knives Out and Clue as it made for a super entertaining read that I binged in a single afternoon. This group of women is MESSY, jealous, shameless and toxic like no other. Everyone is out for themselves and don’t care who they trample over along the way. Get your popcorn ready and try to stay out of all the drama!
Thank you kindly to @joannerock6 @crookedlanebooks @netgalley for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on May 26, 2026!
Welcome to Saratoga Springs, an exclusive and prominent neighbourhood in Upstate New York. The gossip is hot, jealously simmers under the surface, the frenemies are savage and no one’s husband seems to be off limits. This elite crew even has their own book club … and not just anyone gets an invite to join in.
Jordyn is new to the neighbourhood and inserts herself into the tight knit group, but has a hidden agenda. A year ago her foster sister Tara was killed in a hit and run “accident” one evening after the book club. A lot of the book club members had motives to want Tara dead and now Jordyn has arrived in town ready to seek revenge and find Tara’s killer.
Jordyn is thrilled to receive an invite to the book club on Halloween, however instead of discussing books, they will be having a murder mystery game night instead. Everyone must dress up in costumes related to their assigned roles and solve the murder. However, Jordyn isn’t the only one showing up to the party with vengeance on their mind … let the games begin!
“There would be no Pinot Grigios and bookish discussion with friends this evening. Something is very, very wrong tonight, and I am in real danger”.
💭 OMG this book is so much fun! I loved the mixed vibes of Real Housewives, Knives Out and Clue as it made for a super entertaining read that I binged in a single afternoon. This group of women is MESSY, jealous, shameless and toxic like no other. Everyone is out for themselves and don’t care who they trample over along the way. Get your popcorn ready and try to stay out of all the drama!
Thank you kindly to @joannerock6 @crookedlanebooks @netgalley for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on May 26, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
This felt like Geneva Rose and Freida McFadden meeting on Wisteria Lane, and it completely worked for me. I absolutely loved this.
What starts out feeling like delicious suburban drama gradually becomes something much darker, sharper, and far more intricate. At first, I was completely entertained by the hypocrisy, performative friendliness, affairs, gossip, and social disasters, but the deeper the story went, the more addictive and genuinely intriguing it became. Every character seemed to have secrets, grudges, hidden motives, or skeletons waiting to fall out of the closet, and the tension just kept escalating.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is the way the characters maintain outward politeness while quietly carrying resentment, envy, betrayal, and emotional damage underneath. The social dynamics were absolutely fascinating to watch unfold. The mystery itself kept shifting as more layers were revealed, and I loved how interconnected everybody’s lives and motives became.
I also really appreciated that the humour came more from the characters’ hypocrisy and messy behaviour rather than obvious jokes. It made the whole thing feel sharp, entertaining, and very readable without undercutting the darker elements.
The audiobook narration by Michelle Price was excellent and added so much to the experience. She handled the ensemble cast and shifting emotional tensions beautifully, and I found myself completely immersed in the world of the story.
This was nonstop intrigue from beginning to end, and one of those audiobooks where I actually slowed down to normal speed because I wanted to savour all the details and dynamics. A hugely enjoyable read for me.
This felt like Geneva Rose and Freida McFadden meeting on Wisteria Lane, and it completely worked for me. I absolutely loved this.
What starts out feeling like delicious suburban drama gradually becomes something much darker, sharper, and far more intricate. At first, I was completely entertained by the hypocrisy, performative friendliness, affairs, gossip, and social disasters, but the deeper the story went, the more addictive and genuinely intriguing it became. Every character seemed to have secrets, grudges, hidden motives, or skeletons waiting to fall out of the closet, and the tension just kept escalating.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is the way the characters maintain outward politeness while quietly carrying resentment, envy, betrayal, and emotional damage underneath. The social dynamics were absolutely fascinating to watch unfold. The mystery itself kept shifting as more layers were revealed, and I loved how interconnected everybody’s lives and motives became.
I also really appreciated that the humour came more from the characters’ hypocrisy and messy behaviour rather than obvious jokes. It made the whole thing feel sharp, entertaining, and very readable without undercutting the darker elements.
The audiobook narration by Michelle Price was excellent and added so much to the experience. She handled the ensemble cast and shifting emotional tensions beautifully, and I found myself completely immersed in the world of the story.
This was nonstop intrigue from beginning to end, and one of those audiobooks where I actually slowed down to normal speed because I wanted to savour all the details and dynamics. A hugely enjoyable read for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The Last Book Club
Author: Joanne Rock
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Michelle Price
Publisher: Tantor Media|Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 26, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 304
Story starts when Jordyn Lawson moves to Saratoga Springs, she is renting a Carraige House as this is an exclusive and prominent neighborhood in Upstate New York that she really cannot afford.
The neighbors are close and are having a Block Party. Jordyn is an introvert so not super social, but she has a reason for living here and it is connected to the book club..
So she is pleased when she is invited to attend the neighborhood book club.
Since it is Halloween instead of discussing a book, they will be having a murder mystery game night and will solve a murder. Attendees will be assigned a character and must dress the role.
Jordyn and Tara were both raised in foster care. Tara was adopted in her early teens by a wealthy family but the two stayed in touch.
A year ago, Tara Hughes was living in this same to Saratoga Springs neighborhood and was a member of this book club. One evening after a book club meeting Tara decided to go on an evening run. She was killed in a hit and run and the driver took off. It was ruled as an accident although they never caught the driver.
Turns out several members of the book club had motives for wanting Tara dead.
Story it told from the POV of both Tara and Jordyn.
Story did keep me curious.
I want to thank NetGalley, Tantor Media and Crooked Lane Books for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date is scheduled for May 26, 2026.
Author: Joanne Rock
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Michelle Price
Publisher: Tantor Media|Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 26, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 304
Story starts when Jordyn Lawson moves to Saratoga Springs, she is renting a Carraige House as this is an exclusive and prominent neighborhood in Upstate New York that she really cannot afford.
The neighbors are close and are having a Block Party. Jordyn is an introvert so not super social, but she has a reason for living here and it is connected to the book club..
So she is pleased when she is invited to attend the neighborhood book club.
Since it is Halloween instead of discussing a book, they will be having a murder mystery game night and will solve a murder. Attendees will be assigned a character and must dress the role.
Jordyn and Tara were both raised in foster care. Tara was adopted in her early teens by a wealthy family but the two stayed in touch.
A year ago, Tara Hughes was living in this same to Saratoga Springs neighborhood and was a member of this book club. One evening after a book club meeting Tara decided to go on an evening run. She was killed in a hit and run and the driver took off. It was ruled as an accident although they never caught the driver.
Turns out several members of the book club had motives for wanting Tara dead.
Story it told from the POV of both Tara and Jordyn.
Story did keep me curious.
I want to thank NetGalley, Tantor Media and Crooked Lane Books for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date is scheduled for May 26, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are lots of secrets in the small village of Saratoga Springs and one of those is the mystery of who killed one of it's residents and Jordyn has moved to this small exclusive neighborhood to find out who killed her friend and foster sister. And the only way to find the truth is to join their book club and work out the clues, because one of these people is responsible for Tara's death. This hit and run was no accident and Jordyn will have justice for Tara.
When the book club has a murder mystery night, Jordyn knows this is the perfect night to put her plans into motion. For the secrets that are coming to the surface in this tight little group are going to explosive when revealed.
Joanne Rock did an amazing job of putting all the clues into the pages of her book and leaving the reader turning the pages to find out all the secrets and lies and expose the real killer. Her characters were ones that you would love and at the same time not like. The past relationship that unfolds between Tara an Jordyn will have you cheering to find out who the real killer is and at the same time your heart will hurt for both these women when one of them leaves the other without their friend. But also shows how far a friendship has evolved between the two and how much they meant to each other.
A book that is going to keep you turning the pages to find out 'who done it'. It has mystery and thrills on each page.
A 5++++ rating for this book.
An ARC of this book was provided through NetGalley for my honest review
When the book club has a murder mystery night, Jordyn knows this is the perfect night to put her plans into motion. For the secrets that are coming to the surface in this tight little group are going to explosive when revealed.
Joanne Rock did an amazing job of putting all the clues into the pages of her book and leaving the reader turning the pages to find out all the secrets and lies and expose the real killer. Her characters were ones that you would love and at the same time not like. The past relationship that unfolds between Tara an Jordyn will have you cheering to find out who the real killer is and at the same time your heart will hurt for both these women when one of them leaves the other without their friend. But also shows how far a friendship has evolved between the two and how much they meant to each other.
A book that is going to keep you turning the pages to find out 'who done it'. It has mystery and thrills on each page.
A 5++++ rating for this book.
An ARC of this book was provided through NetGalley for my honest review
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