The Last Seat

by Jenifer Ruff

The spotlight is dangerous when everyone has something to hide.

When ER nurse Haley James saves a stranger’s life on a routine train ride, her heroic actions go viral. The video draws relentless media attention, with reporters digging into her past and threatening to expose her secrets, including the truth behind her sudden separation from her husband.

Amidst the chaos, a shocking revelation from her mother shatters everything Haley thought she understood about her family, leaving her questioning who else has been lying and why.

With her life unraveling and danger closing in, Haley doesn’t know who she can lean on: the detectives working the case, the ex who may still be hiding something, or the charming lawyer who seems too good to be true.
In this pulse-pounding psychological thriller, trust is a luxury Haley can’t afford, and the most shocking secrets are the ones she has yet to uncover.

Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Mary Kubica, and Shari Lapena, THE LAST SEAT by USA TODAY bestselling author Jenifer Ruff is a rollercoaster of suspense that will keep you questioning every relationship and every motive until the final, jaw-dropping twist.

Genres: Thriller

298 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff writes dark and twisty mystery thrillers, including the award-winning Agent Victoria Heslin Series. Jenifer spends her days writing with the goal of keeping her readers eagerly turning the pages and putting the clues together. She adores peace and quiet, animals, and exercise, especially hiking. If she’s not writing, she’s probably out exploring trails with her dogs. Sign up for her Reader's Newsletter at Jenruff.com and never miss a new release.

Reviews

[Casey Reads 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fast paced with so many twists and turns. A woman is shot on a train and an ER nurse works to save her. Who did it? Why?

In the beginning, it’s hard to see how it all connects. Then the book explodes and becomes very fast paced. I loved the middle of the book, there was so much happening.

The ending got a little slower and I wished it was a little more action packed through the end, but overall a very quick, good read. Def worth a read!

Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenifer Ruff delivers another masterful, twisty thriller about an ER nurse/hero who has a definitely complicated life.

Haley has gone viral because she was filmed saving the life of a woman (Lauren, an investigative journalist) who was seemingly randomly shot by a man on an L train, shortly after Haley gave up her seat to her. New found internet fame is annoying but Haley has a laundry list of other problems: like an estrangement from her stalkerish husband (who is accusing her of something nebulous, maybe illegal); a beloved mother in chemotherapy (who wants to tell Haley a life-changing secret); an awkward attraction to a lawyer who is acting as an intermediary for someone else; a crappy car; a phone that needs a new battery; a mean cat; and a new familial relationship that could be the great change in Haley’s life (if he’s not connected to the shooting of the woman on the train or corporate evildoing). Whew!

As Haley nearly gets overwhelmed with even more odd discoveries, we get totally invested in her (c’mon, Moose the cat — don’t scratch the hand that feeds you!) There’s multiple twists — the first one of them really stings and all my empathy poured into Haley. The surprises continue until the very end; almost all the characters seem good, then bad, then good again with me hoping there isn’t a final bad time. The clever plot made the revelations a genuine page turner that I couldn’t put down. 5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
The author did not give the main female character green eyes and palm trees were not swaying in the Loop, but, weird question from a native Chicagoan: Why do Haley and Lauren take their coats off on the elevated train in winter?

Thank you to Greyt Companion Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

[Raymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Jennifer Ruff’s books. She really knows how to write a thriller where you don’t know who to trust.

This book was quick to read with the fast pace and quick chapters.

I love that everyone seemed like a suspect to the multiple things that were happening and it finally came together my jaw kind of dropped at the epilogue.

I liked Haley as a character even in the short time in the book she really grew from who she was in the beginning.

Genre: Thriller
APK: Ebook
Pages: 302
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Series or Standalone: Stand-alone

[Lindsay Mildenberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haley is an ER nurse headed to see her mother when a man shoots another woman on the train. Thankfully Haley‘s medical knowledge enables her to save the woman’s life. What starts as a freak incident turns into a complicated twist of family secrets and mistaken identity.

This book literally started with a bang. Fast paced and exciting the first half flew by. Sadly as details became more clear that pace slowed and the story became more predictable. If 3.5 stars was an option, that would have been a better rating. Enjoyable and worth a read.

[Shanquelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with twist after twist. Good thriller that was entertaining and exciting.

[Cortney Broad · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this one based on the reviews. The beginning hooked me, but the author lost me 65% of the way through. I mean, I know it’s fiction… but wow, it really committed to leaving reality behind. And the ending? Truly the cherry on top—if the goal was to make it worse.

[cyndireadss · Rating 1 out of 5]

started so good then quickly just went down hill.

[Venti · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have some non formal things to say about this book. It was my first thriller and even *I* am underwhelmed.

1. The book was fast paced with short chapters. I liked it for that. First half of the book was great. I could feel how lonely and paranoid Haley felt all that while. I think Lance impersonation by Carter was unnecessary in the story and was not clarified by the author whatsoever.

2.In the beginning of the story, Elliot does talk about Lance as his COLLEGE FRIEND in his monologue, so why are we as readers expected to think that Lance (Carter) being 30 years old was a shocker? I mean, maybe the plot needed Haley to feel the twist but the readers who payed attention definitely knew already.

3. The second half was baaaad. The ending was underwhelming to the core. I could say I wanted to dnf it at 99% too, it was that bad. Wdym Carol committed 2 crimes and got away with it? And Elliot still thinks Haley did one of that thing and still accepted her. And Lance. What happened to him? His wife died because of her own fault and now he's a sore loser. And 17 years is a damn long time to plot something so shit. Lol.

4. Adam was an ass. His grandfather was an ass. Haley was a doormat for them. Adam's flow as a character and his thought process is still a big mystery. I guess we should just leave him be.

5. I know it's not fair to ask for something silly in a completely different genre but a little romance blooming in Haley and Lance wouldn't have hurt..? For the plot, ofcourse. But it would only have gotten smooth if it would have been done in the first half. When they were meeting alone. And by the way. What the hell was the Haley panicking saying "My Lance, my Lance" over and over? Girl, yours? When? He never reciprocated anything. You gotta be dreaming.

6. And the last chapter where Carol and Elliot were sleeping in the same room and Haley woke up to screaming. Lol I thought they were getting nasty with it 💀 🫠 (I apologize, but why is that woman clutching the sheets to her chest?).


Overall. This book was messy. What could've been a great book, was turned into a badly written soap opera in the second half. Plot twists were not groundbreaking. You cannot compliment this book by saying "I didn't see it coming! The plot twists were unpredictable!". They were not predictable because it did not make sense. The storytelling/recallings of past literally kept going until the last page and I feel stupid to get fooled by the cover. Poorly written and unorganized is it.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to @netgalley and Greyt Companion Press for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! But nope, I’m sorry — this book and this author were NOT for me. 🙅🏼‍♀️❌

The synopsis sounded interesting, but this book just went off the rails! It was like the author had a bunch of ideas for different books and threw them all into one. The viral video itself really didn’t seem to play much of a part in the book and was sort of an afterthought to the many other offshoots of the story. The ending was completely anticlimactic and just sort of unbelievable (and amateurish.) 😕

Now let’s talk about the characters. Our FMC, Haley, was completely paranoid and terrified of everything (and she wasn’t even the one who got shot!) And she frequently leapt to completely WILD conclusions with little to no proof (in fact, MOST of the characters did this — it’s like none of them could think logically about anything.) I actually rolled my eyes several times during the course of this book because the characters made such stupid decisions. 🤦🏼‍♀️

But my biggest problem with this book — and one that is probably very specific to me — is one of my biggest reading pet peeves. The story was told in first person — which I’m fine with! — but that means that you hear the characters’ innermost thoughts. The amount of QUESTIONS these people asked themselves was RIDICULOUS!!! There was at least one question on EVERY SINGLE PAGE….so at least 300 questions were asked in this book! 😑 If I had taken a shot for every question Haley or one of the other characters asked themselves, I would have been drunk as a skunk by Chapter 3. 😵‍💫

I thought about DNFing this several times (and I should have, as you can probably tell) but it was so short that I wanted to try to power through so that I could give an adequate review. It’s RARE for me to give 1 ⭐️, but due to my multiple issues with this book, I feel that it’s warranted. However, as of now, there are 26 other reviews on Goodreads, and none of them is below four stars — so clearly some people enjoyed it. I must have been reading a different book! 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is the type of book I hate and love reading on the kindle. I hate it because I want to skip to the end to see what happens but love it for exactly that reason, I can't skip to the end and have to wait for it to unfold. It's the type of story that if it was playing in the cinema, you would be shouting at the main character 'no don't trust them' or 'no don't do that'.
This author is the mistress of manipulation and is very good at getting you to see what she wants you to see, before see turns the world up side down again. It's a relief when it's over because you can relax and catch up on sleep but it's disappointing because it's over. I loved the characters, well okay I spent most of the book suspecting everybody involved but I would have liked them if I trusted them. The story is mostly told by Haley, with the occasional chapter from another character. This works well for two reason, first it helps to keep you off balance and suspecting everybody. Second it keeps the tension high, the story moving and entertainment coming. I can't wait for the next book.

When Haley's mum requests she comes for a visit on her own, Haley's train ride turns her world up side down. A decision to switch seats saves her life but very nearly costs a young reporter hers. Haley as a ER nurse just reacts and her actions not only saves a life but makes her famous. The problem is the police don't capture the would be killer and with Haley's video hitting the internet, the killer knows what she looks like. Could she have made herself a target? Or was she already one? As if that's not bad enough but the reason for her visit home has her world spinning too. The secrets and knowledge her mother shares has Haley questioning who she can turn to or even more importantly who can she trust in her hour of need and Haley's mum isn't the only one with secrets.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Seat begins with a single act of instinctive bravery—ER nurse Haley James saving a stranger on a train—and turns it into the spark that ignites her entire world. The viral video, the sudden fame, the reporters circling like sharks: it all feels uncomfortably plausible, the way a private person can be thrust into the spotlight before she’s had time to catch her breath. And as the attention intensifies, so does the sense that Haley’s past is no longer hers to control.

The novel thrives on this pressure cooker atmosphere. Every new headline brings another crack: detectives asking questions she isn’t ready to answer, a failing marriage she can no longer hide behind, and a mother’s revelation that detonates the foundation of her identity. The tension is beautifully layered—domestic unease, public scrutiny, and the creeping suspicion that someone close to her is not who they claim to be.

What makes the story so compelling is Haley herself. She’s capable, compassionate, and quietly unraveling, caught between wanting to protect the people she loves and fearing what the truth might cost her. The cast around her—an estranged husband with secrets of his own, investigators who may not be as neutral as they seem, and a charming lawyer who feels a little too convenient—keeps the reader guessing who she can trust, if anyone at all.

The pacing is tight, the twists well‑timed, and the emotional stakes high. As the truth edges closer, the novel becomes a study in how quickly a life can tilt when the past refuses to stay buried. The final reveal lands with the kind of jolt that forces you to rethink every conversation, every motive, every moment of doubt.

A gripping, twist‑laden psychological thriller that explores trust, identity, and the dangerous weight of secrets. Perfect for readers who love domestic suspense with a sharp edge and a finale that lingers long after the last page.

with thanks to Jenifer Ruff, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Wildrose Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Last Seat” by Jenifer Ruff 🚊😮🚓 @author.jenifer.ruff
📘 Format: e-Book
📚 Pub Date: 04.03.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

“The Last Seat” by Jenifer Ruff is a fast-paced nerve-wracking psychological thriller that nearly gave me motion sickness from all the plot twists and turns! I generally pride myself on being able to predict the “bad guy” in a suspense novel, but I had so much trouble figuring out who was untrustworthy in this novel.

When I had only 30 pages left in the book I finally felt that I could make a prediction, and even then I felt that it was just a guess!

Haley James is an ER Nurse that witnesses an act of brutal violence while riding a commuter train that leaves a fellow passenger, Lauren, fighting for her life. Haley immediately jumps into action to save Lauren’s life and finds herself at the center of a media circus when a video of her heroic actions quickly goes viral.

The police seem to have difficulty gathering enough evidence to find the assailant, and Haley isn’t thrilled about all the extra attention on her own life as a result of the investigation. Haley’s life takes turns that she hadn’t expected as truths about her life come to light. Haley must learn who to trust and try to determine who may wish to harm her.

If you are a fan of Psychological Thrillers/Mystery/Suspense novels, I highly recommend “The Last Seat” by Jenifer Ruff. “The Last Seat” was a gripping and worthwhile read.

This was my first book by @author.jenifer.ruff and I doubt that it will be my last!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jenifer Ruff, and XpressoBookTours for access to this Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.


#TheLastSeat
#JeniferRuff
#NetGalley
#XpressoBookTours

[Valeryia Skuryat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️

I’ll be honest - the first 30% of this book was a bit of a struggle for me. The pacing felt slow, and I wasn’t fully hooked, which made it tempting to put it down. But I’m really glad I didn’t DNF, because once the story picked up, it really picked up.

From that point on, the book becomes fast-paced and easy to fly through. The chapters move quickly, and there’s enough tension to keep you turning pages. I especially liked that it didn’t get overly heavy or disturbing - it stays pretty accessible, which makes it a great entry point if you’re newer to thrillers.

There’s also a subtle hint of romance woven into the story, which adds a bit of extra interest without taking over the plot. It’s not the main focus, but it complements the story nicely.

The twists are solid and definitely keep things interesting, but for me personally, they leaned a bit predictable. I could see some of them coming, which took away a bit of the shock factor I usually look for in thrillers. That said, they’re still well-executed and will probably hit harder if you’re not as used to the genre.

Overall, this is an enjoyable, easy-to-read thriller that really finds its stride after a slower start. It may not be the most groundbreaking or twisty book out there, but it’s entertaining and well-paced once it gets going. I’d especially recommend it to readers who are just getting into thrillers or looking for something lighter and fast-paced rather than dark and disturbing.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Krys✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️✨ (2.75 stars)

This was an engaging read that kept me turning the pages, but ultimately the payoff didn’t fully land for me.

The story does a great job creating suspicion — I found myself questioning almost every character at some point, which is exactly what I look for in a thriller. I could also see how the different threads connect, especially when it comes to Lance’s motivations and the past events involving Haley’s mother.

However, the level of suspicion placed on multiple characters made the final reveal feel less impactful than it could have been. While the pieces are there, the twist felt somewhat distant rather than fully earned in the moment, and I didn’t get that “wait—what?!” feeling I was hoping for.

I also felt like the pacing was uneven. A large portion of the book is spent building tension and introducing red herrings, but the ending is wrapped up very quickly in just a few short chapters. Because of that, the resolution felt rushed compared to how much time was spent setting everything up.

That said, I did appreciate the emotional and thematic layer of the story — especially the idea of how far someone would go to protect the people they love. That added depth and made it more than just a straightforward mystery.

Overall, this was a solid, fast-paced read with strong ideas, but I wish the ending and twist had been given more space to fully land.

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a gripping thriller! Thrillers tend to be hit or miss with me because oftentimes they seem a little to over the top or a little too unbelievable but this one was great. I sat down to read this one and didn't want to stop until it was finished. There were plenty of twists and most of them I didn't see coming though I had a few suspicions. The suspense was great and I was still wondering what new twist would come right until the last page. I really liked Haley's character and the book had me wondering if she was involved in some of the twists but I'll let you read and find out! I enjoyed the take on going viral online for saving someone's life because I see that as very feasible this day in age. This was my first read by this author and I'm delighted to have found her because she has a backlog of books that I can add to my TBR. The next time I'm in the mood for a twisty thriller I'll definitely consider some of Jenifer's work!

ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute page-turner!

It’s easy to see why Jenifer Ruff is a USA Today bestselling author; this fast-paced thriller about an ER nurse named Haley kept me on the edge of my chair from start to finish. Haley is trying to cope with the implosion of her marriage and her mother’s health issues when a seemingly random act of violence hurls her down a path of chaos, suspicion, confusion, and mortal peril. Given all that is happening to her and around her, it is no wonder that she starts to question her own judgement and mental well-being. The story clips along at a brisk pace and the serpentine plot had me hanging on for each twist and turn. I can honestly say there is never a dull moment. I highly recommend this engaging story to all fans of the psychological thriller genre. You won’t be disappointed.
══════════════════
I was provided with an advance copy of this book, for which I thank the author, but my choice to share my honest and unbiased review is completely voluntary.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Last Seat
Author: Jenifer Ruff
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: April 3, 2026

I was just in DC and I rode the Metro many times. All I can say is, I'm glad I started this book AFTER my weekend away. I would have totally been freaked out had I been reading it while in DC.

This book is just so full of secrets, twists, and little side stories! It is written from multiple points of view, which I typically enjoy. Something about this book that bothers me is there is nothing at the beginning of each chapter noting whose point of view it is. It honestly drove me a little bonkers.

The author did an excellent job planting little seeds of doubt about multiple characters. For the majority of the book, I had a list of several suspects. Each new piece of evidence that came to light created doubts. Approximately 75% into the book, I was pretty certain I had it figured out.

I will definitely be on the lookout for more of this author's books.

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

[Kristin Barker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished The Last Seat by Jennifer Ruff, and I’m a bit torn on it.

On the positive side, the characters were very likable and easy to connect with, which kept me engaged enough to see it through. There were definitely moments I enjoyed, and I can see why others might really like it.

That said, I struggled with the writing style—it felt a bit juvenile at times, with a lot of over-explaining and repetition. Certain plot points were revisited more often than necessary, which slowed the pacing for me.

I also had a hard time getting past some of the plot holes. One that really stood out was the situation with her husband—his behavior was clearly irrational, yet she continued to allow him to track her for months while they were separated. That just didn’t feel realistic, especially given how easy it is to control that kind of access.

Overall, I didn’t hate it, but it took me longer to get through than most books I enjoy. I’d say it lands around a 2.5★ for me—rounded down to 2★.

[Tonya Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

🚇📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖🚇

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

I just finished The Last Seat by Jennifer Ruff and WOW… this book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter.

This was fast-paced, unsettling, emotional, and one of those thrillers that makes you keep saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2am. The tension never let up and the atmosphere felt so real that it honestly made me uncomfortable in the best way possible.

Jennifer Ruff did an amazing job building suspense while still making the characters feel human and believable. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, something else happened that completely shifted everything. The anxiety, the mystery, the twists… ALL of it worked for me.

If you love dark, bingeable psychological thrillers that keep your heart racing and leave you thinking about them after you finish, this one is absolutely worth reading.

This was easily one of my favorite reads of May so fa

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: The Last Seat by Jenifer Ruff
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Last Seat by Jenifer Ruff is a fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Packed with continuous twists and turns, this is one of those books where you’re constantly second-guessing everyone—and that tension really drives the story forward.
At the center is an ER nurse/ hero, Haley, who is juggling multiple layers of stress and challenges in both her personal life.
The pacing is quick, the suspense is strong, and the unpredictability kept me fully engaged. If you enjoy thrillers that keep you guessing and deliver plenty of surprises along the way, this is definitely one to pick up.
This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be reading more!
thank you netgalley, the author, and publisher for the ARC of this book for my honest review.

[Jayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started with a bang, delivering an intense opening.

An ER nurse saves a gunshot victim on a train. Who was the intended target?

Shortly after the high-stakes beginning, the pace significantly slowed down.

The author's attempts to weave in various red herrings felt forced.

Instead of building genuine suspense, these "red herring diversions" made the story feel cluttered and convoluted.

While the brilliant premise had great potential, the execution faltered.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Veronica Pace.

At times, Veronica Pace's narration felt robotic.

The book unfolded from multiple POVs, including one male POV. The female narrator never identified the changes in the POVs, making it difficult to discern who was saying what.

2.5 stars.

[IvvyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m very grateful NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours providing the book.

“When ER nurse Haley James saves a stranger’s life on a routine train ride, her heroic actions go viral. The video draws relentless media attention, with reporters digging into her past and threatening to expose her secrets, including the truth behind her sudden separation from her husband.”(Book description).


Reading time:2h41min33s Star rating: 4 Style: A Good Plot Twist😯

I really enjoyed the book, and it will leave you with many questions about who the mastermind was.

The main character's ex, Adam, is quite controlling, always checking Hayley's location and controlling her money, it's so strange.

By the middle of the book I was already confused about whether it would be E or L.

The best was saved for the end, with a plot twist I wasn't expecting at all.

#TheLastSeat #NetGalley

[Michele Kerlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how you start reading a book and you find yourself playing the one more chapter game way past your bedtime? This is how this book was for me ! I read it in two days any minute I could even in my breaks and lunch on my work days.

Haley James is the main character and she is a ER nurse. She lost her father last year and her mother is battling cancer. She is also estranged from her husband Adam. Her whole life was turned upside down when on a simple train ride to go see her mother. The was an emergency and she stepped in and saved the day but it just opened up so many questions. Who could she trust and was she trusting the wrong people. I was given this book as a ARC reader but the review of this is my own.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, thank you Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC!

I have been waiting for this do badly, I got to bed late in order to finish reading after getting approved only yesterday.

As always with Jennifer Ruff books this was a wild ride from start to finish. Imagine a train ride to visit your mother. Imagine an active shooter. Imagine, during the investigation that follows, you've been the original target. Only alive because you've decided to switch seats... Imagine you have no idea now whom you can trust...

The only thing that did bother me a little was the fact that the story was told in different POVs and there was mo marking or whatever at the beginning of the chapter when the POV switched. Besides that, I can only highly recommend this book!

[Kelly Earls · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 star read for me! This thriller starts with one small decision that changes everything. The FMC takes a different seat at the last minute — a choice that ends up saving her life. What follows is a tense chain of events where she becomes an unexpected Good Samaritan, stepping in to help someone else and getting pulled into a dangerous situation.

While the FMC can be a little frustrating and annoying at times, the story moves fast and keeps the pages turning. It’s a quick, suspenseful read with a few twists I definitely didn’t see coming. If you enjoy thrillers built around chance decisions, moral dilemmas, and unexpected danger, this one is worth picking up! Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the early ebook arc! 📖

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about a nurse who is the right place at the right time, or is she? She’s on a train to visit her mother, when someone comes in and shoots another passenger. She saves the passenger’s life, and has no idea how intertwined her life will become in the whole situation.

In another turn of events, her mom drops a life changing bombshell on her, which brings new mysteries, and new people, into her life. Through so many twists and turns, we find out the motive behind the shooting of the passenger, how the life changing bombshell fits into it all, and at the very end, yet another twist you were not expecting.

This is one of those books that you just can’t stop reading because you have to know what happens next, or perhaps what’s at the next train stop.

[Lucy Brighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenifer Ruff delivers a tightly plotted, twist-filled psychological thriller in The Last Seat. The story follows ER nurse Haley James, whose life spirals after she is filmed saving a shooting victim on a commuter train, thrusting her into unwanted viral fame.

As Haley navigates a series of personal challenges—including family secrets, a troubled marriage, and uncertain new relationships—she becomes entangled in a web of suspicion surrounding the attack. Ruff keeps the tension high with sharp pacing, strong characterisation, and well-executed twists that make it difficult to predict who can be trusted.

Gripping and suspenseful, The Last Seat is a highly engaging read for fans of the genre. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Last Seat” by Jenifer Ruff is packed with secrets, nonstop suspense, and shocking twists that kept me completely hooked. What starts as one heroic action sends Haley’s life into a terrifying spiral she never could have imagined. Haley quickly finds herself in a situation where she doesn’t know who she can trust, which makes every moment feel tense and unpredictable. I found myself constantly yelling at Haley to be careful or not trust certain people, she had my heart rate up higher than normal! Every chapter raised the stakes and kept me on edge. This thriller is gripping, intense, and full of surprises. I couldn’t put it down and was shocked by where it all led.

[Jayme Maness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the story grabbed me from the first few pages, I finished the book in record time. I was so wrong about the ending… definitely a must read in my opinion.

Haley is headed to see her mom and takes the train, the man next to her creeps her out so she gets up from her seat, another woman takes her seat and at the next stop a man pushes his way on the train and shoots the woman in the seat. Haley, an ER nurse jumps in and does everything she can to help her. Little did Haley know that this day changes the course of her life for good.
The twists and sharp turns in the story kept me up late to finish the book, I had to know the ending, and what a shock it was.
I highly recommend this book