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, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Legal Thriller, Suspense

312 pages, Paperback

Published 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

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This "LAST" book is my FIRST 5-star book of 2026!
👏👏👏👏👏

Yes, Natasha Boydell's pacey and razor-sharp thriller was a winner -- completely enticing and blindsiding me, in the best possible way.

The book's first major emotionally pulverizing twist was gasp-worthy; instantly reframing the storyline, characters, and what was at stake.

It's a thriller that brilliantly plays with perception, trust, and truth.

Characterizations were strong, with “The Last Witness” concept used in a smart, unsettling way.

The author's use of manipulation was subtle, not over-the-top, which made the twists land even harder.

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Melanie Crawley.

Melanie Crawley's performance was outstanding.

All the stars!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Melody McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ellie is the only witness to a fatal traffic accident, she makes the questionable decision to befriend the victim's wife, leading to totally unexpected consequences. As threats escalate, things spiral out of control, and secrets and deceptions are slowly revealed. I couldn't guess where the story was going and my early theories were off base. Tense, fast-paced and addictive, I thoroughly enjoyed this twisty thriller.

[Aya ☕︎]

This is my third Natasha Boydell book, I loved the last two books so... here we go. thank you so muchBoldwood Books and Netgalley for offering me this eARC 💛💚

[Lady MacDeath · 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.

[Susan Belman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one wasn’t my favorite of Natasha Boydell’s, but it definitely kept me intrigued. The premise felt fresh, especially the way it explores women’s inner fears and the complicated, sometimes manipulative nature of female friendships.
The story centers around Ellie, who becomes the key witness in a high-profile case after a violent crime. As the pressure mounts, she finds herself increasingly dependent on her two closest friends, Samantha and Amelia—but their support doesn’t always feel entirely selfless. As Ellie’s testimony approaches, secrets from the past begin to surface, loyalties are tested, and it becomes clear that not everyone wants the truth to come out.
The tension between Ellie, Samantha, and Amelia was palpable. The emotional manipulation, shifting power dynamics, and quiet mind games created an undercurrent of anxiety that had me genuinely gasping out loud a few times. While I didn’t find the criminal case itself as compelling, I was far more invested in how the friendships unraveled and how easily fear and influence can blur someone’s sense of reality.
The witness manipulation felt a bit softer than I expected—less psychologically sharp than I’d hoped—but it ultimately made sense once all the pieces fell into place. Overall, I enjoyed the ride, even if it wasn’t quite as much of a page-turner as her other books. Still a solid, unsettling read that lingers more for its emotional tension than its crime plot.

[Jessica’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most absorbing thrillers I’ve read it flowed so fast and I was pulled in by Natasha’s writing as I was desperate to know why Ellie was experiencing what she was and who was responsible. I was totally off the mark with my theories all the way to the end where it was so explosive to the very last page catching me off guard. Exactly what I love from this genre of book.

All the characters were likeable and all had their own demons to battle. It was full of drama, suspense and also heartache. I felt for each and every character all the way to the bitter end feeling like each one I read fully was like a friend. It’s definitely a book I will remember for a long time. How it makes you think and feel so many things especially about how life can change in such a split second or decisions we make.

I will definitely be reading more from Natasha in the future and recommend this one to any thriller lover.

Jessicasbookshelf Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Thankyou so much to @lovebookstours @tashy_boydell and @themurderlist for my digital copy of the book through @netgalley in exchange for my honest review ✨

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read from this author and I absolutely loved the writing style. This one was fast paced throughout and was such a page turner. I will be adding more books from the backlist to my TBR.

[Sheila]

I received a free copy of, The Last Witness, by Natasha Boydell, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Ellie is a witness to a car accident. I did not care for this book at all. Cheaters never win.

[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~

[Steffs.Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well. This was addictive AF.

Considering it's literally about a witness to a crash, and how she copes with the anxiety, the strain it has on her family and the frightening events that occur before final trial... oh my goodness. Had me HOOKED.

But the twist. The twist had me SHOOK. Absolutely blindsided. I've had a mad week so winding down and mindlessly reading was just perfect and I won't lie, I think some of y'all will see it coming but me... nope. Actually gasped.

It starts off really well and packs a punch, just like any thriller should! The character development is perfect. I loved the pace, the small twists and the overall kicker. The writing is easy, still nudges you to guess but also strings you along which again, I think is exactly what you want for a thriller.

The only niggles for me is that I think some scenes could have been heightened more, as some events were glazed over a bit. The final chapters also just completely dulled it down for me, after that high of a twist but overall, throughly enjoyed and its a quick read to recommend!

I see you Natasha! You lil thriller rising star👀✨️

This is perfect for fans of Lisa Jewel, Deborah O'connor and our Frieda McFadden

[Laura Connelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie is the only witness in a car accident that kills a man, Graham Hunter. She is understandably traumatised after this, experiencing nightmares and dreading the upcoming trial of the driver responsible. After attending his funeral, she becomes friends with his widow Samantha. Before long, strange things start happening to her - she’s being followed, messages spray painted on her car and being called a liar. Is it the lorry driver who is accused of murdering Graham by dangerous driving? Is it Amelia, Samantha’s best friend, who clearly doesn’t like Ellie? Or is it someone else completely?

Another great book by Natasha! This is a compelling psychological thriller which manages to balance character driven emotion with secrets, paranoia and excellent twists. Natasha manages to create tension and makes the reader question what is going on. Ellie and Samantha’s friendship is extremely complex and kept the reader wondering if there was more to it. The momentum of this story meant I couldn’t put it down and read it in less than 24 hours!

[Natalie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had fun reading Natasha Boydell’s newest novel, The Last Witness. Boydell writes women’s inner fears and complicated, sometimes manipulative friendships so well. The anxiety and tension between Ellie, Samantha, and Amelia was palpable. I actually gasped out loud at the courthouse twist and again at the very end. I didn’t find the criminal case itself that engaging, and the witness manipulation felt a bit soft and not as psychologically thrilling to me (though it made sense in the end). While I did enjoy this one, it wasn’t quite as much of a page-turner for me as The Doll’s House.

Thank you to Boldwood Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, there was a lot of twist and turns. I couldn’t put this down.
This book is perfect for the people that likes Freida McFadden and Lisa jewels and Daniel hurst

You saw something terrible… now you’ll never be safe again

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’…

[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.

[Zara Dal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really engaging, well-written thriller that kept me turning the pages. I loved that the book is split into two parts, each told from a different character’s POV — it added depth and kept the story feeling fresh and layered as it unfolded.

I did manage to guess the main twist, but not how all the loose ends were tied together, so the final reveals still landed well and felt satisfying rather than disappointing.

What really stood out for me was how thought-provoking this book was alongside the tension. It explores how decisions made in a single moment can have devastating, long-lasting consequences, while also weaving in themes of forgiveness and redemption.

A solid, gripping read with plenty to think about — a strong 4* from me.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well if this isn’t exactly what a psychological thriller should be…

There were a couple of gargantuan twists that crept up and had me like *mike drop, shockers!

Author, Natasha Boydell, I’ve got you. I see you. 👀 You are now on my radar!

It all started with a fatal car crash…….

5 Brilliant bling’ies!! The audio book was so well done! Highly recommend.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Witness by Natasha Boydell was a total roller coaster of a thriller. As a new-to-me author, I was hooked from the start and constantly surprised by the twists and turns. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another sharp turn—all the way to the very last page. Fast-paced, gripping, and hard to put down. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author! Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Christy Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! One twist after another! Highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to check out more of her work!!!

[Allie Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.25 ⭐️

This one was an interesting and unique thriller! It was suspenseful and full of drama. The tension builds steadily and filled with twists that kept me guessing throughout.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists! Super fun read!

[Greg Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book many thanks Natasha.

Great pace page turner. Ellie is the key witness to a death by driving. Accidentally be fiend the widow whilst recieving threats to herself.

Both widow and witness forge friendships whilst protecting their families until the court case

The plot twists just hit you.

Read and enjoy

[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.

[Sharon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad this was my first read of the year. what a book thank you to @lovebookstours for having me on this book tour.

Ellie is a witness to a car accident and the driver is killed. She is then asked to give evidence to the police seems straight forward enough or so I thought. She then makes friends with Samantha the wife of the dead man graham who was driving the car even though her husband warns her its not a good idea especially with having to give evidence in court against the man accused of killing him. But gradually she starts to get scared as messaged appear at her house calling her a liar is what she reported happened the truth??

As I went through this book I thought I had solved what was going on but omg I was very wrong when twists number One happened and then more shocked when 2 and 3 happened I just had to keep reading and read this in just over a day.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. It was a little slow starting for my liking but once it got going, it really got going there were twists and turns that I just didn’t see coming.

I liked our main character Ellie, I felt really sorry for her as obviously she’d witnessed the accident and then was getting all of this harassment but really wasn’t sure who was responsible for it. I’ve got my own suspicion however it turns out I was wrong. She was keeping things from her husband about her friendship with Samantha but it turns out that wasn’t all.

I loved the ending part, I’d not guessed so I didn’t see it coming! I thought it was really well written and I loved how it all came together.

[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.