The Last Time We Saw Her: A Novel

by Jaclyn Goldis

A long-buried disappearance and a long-lost treasure both reemerge over a summer in Portugal’s remote Azores in the new thriller from the critically acclaimed author of The Chateau.

Ten years ago, a group of teenage American summer campers came to São Miguel, an island in the lush and isolated Azores archipelago, for a rugged five-week hiking and heritage trip . But on what became the camp’s last summer in São Miguel, a clue surfaced related to a local legend of buried treasure. Lore had it that, along with vast monetary value, the treasure would turn everything in the finder’s life to gold. The summer devolved into a frenzied treasure hunt, and culminated in the disappearance of “it girl” camper, Sydney Azulay. Sydney was never seen again, rumored to have been murdered, and the treasure never found.

Now, a decade later, Sydney’s father is finally hosting a memorial service on São Miguel, and Sydney’s closest circle returns to honor her memory. Those who make the trip are her fellow campers, including Olivia, Sydney’s sister, once deemed the most likely to have been involved in Sydney’s disappearance; the aloof, handsome Aiden, the supervisor of their trip; and Jules, the counselor so close to her campers she was like another best friend. They’ve also all agreed to participate in a documentary probing what really happened to Sydney. But not everyone has innocent motives for returning to the island all these years later.

The group reunites in paradise and retraces their old haunts, hiking along crater lakes, strolling the town’s charming cobblestone streets, and submerging in thermal hot springs. But amidst the reunion, there are eerie sightings of a woman on the island who looks just like Sydney. And when the documentary filming reveals new, explosive truths, and fresh hints resurrect the tantalizing treasure hunt, the group begins to implode. Old feuds and betrayals reignite—and then one of them turns up dead.

Which means that a murderer has surfaced…again.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Travel

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 16, 2026

About the author

Jaclyn Goldis is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and NYU Law. She practiced estate planning law at a large Chicago firm for seven years before leaving her job to travel the world and write novels. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @jaclyngoldis.

Reviews

[Heathers_readss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagining myself on a warm tropical beach in Portugal while it’s in reality freezing outside 😅 probably my favourite thing about this book.

The plot sounded interesting, a beach.. a mystery.. lost treasure .. and it does live up to the intrigue, just be prepared for a slow start to the book, once you are introduced to the characters the plot and pacing will kick up and take you on an adventure.

[Trisha]

This cover is gorgeous, the plot sounds intriguing! I'll be looking for this one in June 2026!!

** Update: OMG THANK YOU! ARC REC'D!!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Kelsey S · Rating 4 out of 5]

▹TL;DR Review: While the ending left me wanting, I enjoyed the journey this thriller took me on. I appreciated the “ensemble” POVs.

▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★.75 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
─────────────────────────

○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○

– About: A group of teens head out on a heritage journey in the Azores, but one doesn’t make it back. 10 years later, they reunite for a memorial and documentary to discuss what they think went down. Was it the sister? The best friend? The counselor? Is the victim really dead at all? What lengths would you go to to keep your loved ones safe?
– Location: São Miguel, Azores (Portugal)
– POV: Multiple third-person (including transcripts from a documentary)
– Spice: Not a romance. At most there is kissing or innuendo
– Tropes: reunion of friends/campers, documentary investigation, murder/mystery, treasure hunt, teens to adults (10 year gap between events)
– Content warning: chronic kidney disease, anxiety, fear of being outed, friend/family going missing, betrayal, murder, complex family situations, gaslighting, violence, financial struggles, drug-related crimes (no on- or off-page use), tense family secrets, blackmailing, grief (family member died by off-page suicide), memory issues due to medication/PTSD
– Representation: Sephardic Jews, LGBTQ+ main character

─────────────────────────

↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12

Now Playing: Treasure Hunt (Children’s song)

╰┈➤ ❝We’re going on a treasure hunt, x marks the spot…❞

─────────────────────────

★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★

➼ This reminded me of a mix of The White Lotus and Yellowjackets (minus the paranormal aspect)
➼ Books like The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, Becoming Marlow Finn by Ellen Won Steil, Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

─────────────────────────

⍟»This or That«⍟

Character Driven—————✧——————Plot Driven
Light/Fluffy———————✧————Heavy/Emotional

─────────────────────────

🎯 My Thoughts:

I had a great time reading this book! From the very first page, the story had me theorizing, tracking red herrings, and watching the entire cast closely. The ensemble structure worked especially well here—multiple POVs without overwhelming the narrative—and the pacing felt intentional and well-balanced throughout.

I’m always drawn to mysteries that make me want to pull out a pencil and start mapping clues, and while this book definitely delivered on intrigue, I found myself wishing the breadcrumb trail had been pushed just a bit further. That said, I still appreciated the bold, slightly unhinged direction the story ultimately took. The ending wasn’t quite a hit for me personally, but it was an interesting take.

Alongside the central mystery, the novel weaves in a touch of romance, a family-healing subplot, and layers of long-buried secrets, all set against a beautifully remote tropical backdrop. (Did I look up flights to the Azores? Yes. Do I want to cross paths with these characters there? Absolutely not—they seem busy enough creating chaos on their own.)

Would I Recommend?: Yes! I would say this is a fun book if you’re in the mood for a thriller/murder mystery and want a palette cleanser.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Time We Saw Her isn’t Goldis’ best. It reads a little YA (could be due to the fact that it is about a group of 20-somethings but reminisces heavily on their teen years) and the characters have stereotyped personas. Also, the ending is way too crazy, wrapped up, and left on too much of a cliffhanger all at once. In true Goldis fashion, she takes us to an exotic location—this time the Azores, an island off Portugal. The setting was one of the strong points of the book.

Plot: Sydney Azulay was murdered 10 years ago during a camp trip to the Azores—or was she? Her body was never found, could she just be missing? Her sister and fellow camp mates are determined to get to the bottom of this mystery as they reconvene on the island for her memorial and to film a documentary about the events that led to Sydney’s disappearance. Olivia, dubbed the “sister killer,” wants to set the record straight—however, she has turned quite a profit by writing fiction books based off of real life events from camp. Lexa was Sydney’s bff then ended up marrying her boyfriend at the time, Eli Da Costa. Eli’s a rick kid who’s a little oblivious and sweet to everyone—bottom of the suspect list. Reuben was Lexa’s camp boyfriend and is not Olivia’s stepbrother; keeping up with this crazy cast? Jules was a camp counselor and really needs the documentary to go well in order to get her big break in filmmaking. Aiden was their other counselor and camp heartthrob. When this bunch gets together they don’t all make it out alive. Who among them is a murderer and is the treasure that has been af the heart of camp lore real?

Boy oh boy did this story take a hard right turn there at about 80%. The twist was a little tooooo much for me and was crazier than it needed to be. Gotta keep this extremely vague but I needed more details on Jules at the end. Side note, Isaac Azulay is the worst. Basically everyone related to anyone at this camp is kinda crazy. The multiple POVs were fun because there were a lot of cliffhangers through the book and just as you thought you were figuring out one situation, it would switch to another. Fans of outlandish teen drama will enjoy this one.

Thank you so much to Atria Books, Jaclyn Goldis, and NetGalley for the ARC of The Last Time We Saw Her.

[Jenae Gilchrist · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This was a very interesting and engaging read that kept my attention throughout. The story follows six former campers (Olivia, Alexa, Eli, Reuben, Jules & Aiden) who are reunited ten years after the disappearance of their friend Sydney, returning to Portugal for a memorial meant to bring closure. Of course, unresolved grief, unanswered questions, and long-buried secrets quickly rise to the surface, making it clear that the past is far from settled.

One of my favourite aspects of the novel was the sibling relationship between Reuben and Cass. Their dynamic felt authentic and emotionally layered, grounding the story even as things took a darker turn. And wow! I was absolutely not prepared for how twisted the revelations became. Just when I thought I understood what kind of story I was reading, it completely flipped my expectations.

I also really appreciated the inclusion of Jewish traditions and history throughout the novel. The way Judaism and Portugal’s historical context were woven into the narrative felt thoughtful and informative, and I learned several things I hadn’t known before. These elements added depth and richness to the story without feeling overwhelming.

Overall, a compelling and thought-provoking read with strong character relationships, cultural insight, and a surprising edge. A solid choice for readers who enjoy mysteries that slowly unravel and aren’t afraid to take unexpected turns.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another of those books about friends reuniting years after a tragic event to determine what really happened. This time it’s a group of campers and their counselors returning to São Miguel a decade after a heritage trip when one of them, a teenage girl named Sydney, disappeared. Throw in a treasure hunt, and you’ve got the makings of a good mystery. Don’t forget the documentary - it’s being filmed by one of the former campers who needs a big break and the paycheck that goes with it.

Sydney’s sister, Olivia, has long been the main suspect, and most of the story is from her perspective. She’s looking forward to finally being cleared of any involvement in her sister’s disappearance, as she only remained free because they couldn't find enough evidence against her. Her father is hosting a memorial to Sydney (the main point of the reunion), and he lives on the island now with Olivia’s stepmother and stepsiblings, who were also there ten years ago. Talk about one dysfunctional family - they're not what they seem, but readers will pick up on that early. There are plenty of suspects and old secrets ready to be spilled.

There’s plenty of drama to keep the story interesting, especially towards the end when the action really picks up. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the island and its people – that sets it apart from similar stories. It ends on a bang, and I wish there was an epilogue for the fallout because you just know things went berserk at that point!

My thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the free advanced reading copy of this book.

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very mixed bag for this reader — first, the good (which is actually very good). This book starts with an interesting premise, featuring a detailed set of characters, each with their own POV, in a gorgeous island setting. The story is somewhat centered on a fascinating and horrifying true-life historical context from long-ago, tied to atrocities of the Portuguese Inquisition.

In this read we will encounter a group of friends in their late twenties, reunited ten years after a camping trip to the beautiful Azores which resulted in the unsolved murder of one of their party.

The story starts off with a flourish and is very engrossing, right out of the gate, for this reader, heading towards a solid five-star read. However the pace unfortunately falters by the mid-point and the story, once highly entertaining, began to complicate and bog down with too many dangling clues, left unresolved for too long, kicked around by characters who by this point have become mostly uninteresting.

The ending, when it came, was a twist that was largely predictable, over-the-top, and formulaic.

Worth a read for lovers of suspenseful mysteries in exotic locales — this book although not living up to its initial promise in the eyes of this reader, has received some terrific reviews.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

(Three and a half stars, rounded up)

[Helen Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
X marks the spot….ten years ago, 5 American teens, along with two local counselors, set out for the summer of their lives at a rugged, hiking camp in an island in the Azores. They soon discover an old tale of treasure buried somewhere on the island. Immediately the hunt is on until Queen Bee, Sydney, disappears after solo “survival night” camping. A night that each camper is secluded and completely on their own. Blood is found in her campsite but her body is not found and she is never seen again.
Ten years later, the former campers and friends, along with the family of the missing girl, reunite for a memorial service in honor of Sydney. Each comes with their own hidden agenda. Olivia, Sydney’s sister and prime suspect in her disappearance, is still looking for closure and to prove her innocence. Jules, former counselor, is hoping to make it big with a documentary on what really happened that fateful night ten years ago. Eli, Lexa, Reuben, Aiden…they all have something to hide. As the weekend unfolds secret come to light…will the truth finally be told? And the treasure found? Is Sydney still alive?
Jacklyn Goldis spins a fabulous tale of friendship, sibling rivalry, greed, treasure hunting, young love, and murder. All at summer camp. Do not sleep on this one.

[Julie Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 Stars.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC!

Ten years ago, a group a teens from a Boston-based Jewish summer camp spent the summer on Sao Miguel. The trip was in a remote area with the group and their two counselors, Jules and Aiden; they only showered one a week and at the end of the trip, each spent a night along in the woods. Sydney, the camp It girl and sister of fellow camper Olivia, disappears on her solo overnight, only leaving some blood behind.

Now, Olivia and her fellow campers are returning to the island for a memorial that her dad is holding for Sydney. Jules is also filming a documentary about Sydney's disappearance to try and solve the case. The books flips between campers to share how each views the reunion.

I'll be honest for the first 2/3s of the book, I thought this was going to be a five star read. The ending was so unhinged it bordered on truly cringe and the ChatGPT part of the plot lost the book a star for me.

[The Bookish Narwhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book with atmospheric suspense and emotional precision, this is it.

From the first page, Goldis draws you into a world that feels deceptively intimate. It’s lush, elegant, and quietly unsettling. Her prose is sharp yet fluid, balancing slow-burn tension with moments that land like perfectly timed shocks.

What truly elevates this novel is its psychological depth. Goldis doesn’t just keep you guessing; she makes you feel the weight of every choice, every silence, every unspoken truth. The characters are layered and compelling, and the setting itself hums with menace, becoming an active force rather than a backdrop.

This is the kind of thriller that lingers after the final page; not because of flashy twists alone, but because of how thoughtfully it explores trust, perception, and the stories we tell ourselves. Smart, addictive, and deeply satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC of The Last Time We Saw Her by Jaclyn Goldis.

This novel centers around a group of friends reuniting after ten years. The last time they were together, one person from their group disappeared—and that unresolved mystery is the reason for their reunion.

Overall, this was a good read, though it didn’t fully hook me. Some parts of the story felt drawn out, which slowed the pacing and made sections less engaging. While the mystery was fairly predictable, there were a few twists that still caught me by surprise, which helped keep me turning the pages.

In the end, The Last Time We Saw Her was a satisfying thriller with an intriguing premise. While it didn’t completely wow me, it’s an enjoyable choice for readers who like character-driven mysteries with long-buried secrets coming back to light

[Dori Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started off strong with a Jewish Portugese summer camp-based murder mystery, but after Chapter 1 it went downhill quickly. Told from the perspective of the campers and counselors and family members of those who were there 10 years ago when it all went down, it had promise. I loved the Sephardic Jewish education that was naturally incorporated throughout, but each character frustrated me. They all hinted at knowing things without saying what that was, and you get the sense early on that they are ALL unreliable narrators. It was too frustrating for me, especially since I wasn’t invested and didn’t really care. We needed more set up. And the ending was a bit much.

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Paul Lanning · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the rich setting and characters of The Safari, I was excited to read another Jaclyn Goldis novel. The Last Time We Saw Her takes place in the unusual setting of an island in the Azores.
Ten years ago, a girl went missing from a youth camp there. Those closest to her at that camp reunite to make a documentary about the events. What they saw on that fateful night suggests that one of them killed her. But in the decade since, they have become an unreadable tangle of secrets and relationships. And someone is still out to kill anyone they see as a threat.
The mystery drives this novel in a slow buildup. Unfortunately, the characters and setting don't stand out like those of The Safari.

[Aish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me on a roller coaster and wow, I'm still thinking about this days later - it started off pretty slow but it goes from 0 to 100 real quick and I was so engrossed in the truth behind Sydney's disappearance. The interview chapters/sections felt slow but otherwise, this was a fast-paced read and while I figured out who was behind it all and why early on, the ending definitely still surprised me - 4.5 stars!

Thank you to Jaclyn Goldis, Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!

[Amanda Alviz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long lost treasure on a secluded island, sign me up! The beginning started out a little rough for me as I was getting to know all the characters (something this author is known to do). Once I got to know them more I could keep them straight and the story became more enjoyable. The mystery and suspense is present throughout and I definitely did not guess the murderer. This is one thriller not to miss!

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Shruti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Underrated for very obvious reasons. I enjoyed this mystery set on a beautiful island. Someone disappeared 10 years ago, and now 10 years later there are unanswered questions, blackmail, more danger and just “who really did it?” I’m sure people can find a lot of elements to dislike but I wouldn’t change a chapter. Everything builds well towards that end. And it did make me want more… could we have a sequel please?

[Elia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was alright for the most part, if extremely predictable. It had a few interesting twists but the main issue is that just about every character is an absolutely insufferable moron or just plan a jackass.
One character spends years mad at another due to an EMOGI. A flipping emogi.
I can't. I was glad when it wrapped because I was honestly not sad to see any of these people go down.

[Ashley Shirah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rounded to 2.5

The Last Time We Saw Her explores interesting themes and has engaging characters, but I found the pacing slow and had trouble staying focused. Readers who enjoy detailed, character-driven stories may connect with it more than I did.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc*

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, enjoyed the author’s narrative voice.
But the story seemed to drag, too convoluted and a roll-your-eyes ending.

With thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this e-ARC.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great setting. Loved reading about a part of the world I’ve never visited. Good story. Many twists. I found myself skimming through lots of dialogue.

[Amanda Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "The Last Time We Saw Her" during sub-zero temps in Chicago and instead of being here, I was in Portugal on a beach.

It's a slow burn, however, once you get all the characters - it really picks up. The multiple POVs made the story easy to follow and the pacing ended up being right on point. The wildly unhinged turn of events at 80% was not expected. The ending kind of lost me, it just fell flat.

Overall, a decent read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cathy Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of The Last Time We Saw Her. Set in the Azores, a group of 20-somethings reunite to honour their friend who went missing (and presumed dead) ten years ago. I enjoyed the familiar setting, but I had trouble with the multiple points of views. A lot of typical teen drama, as the story looked back at their camp experiences. I found it hard to relate to most of the characters. A twist at the end.