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.

298 pages, Paperback

Expected publication 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 🌸]

Can’t wait to read!

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

[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.

[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.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good!!

When Haley performed a Good Samaritan act on a crowded commuter train, saving the victim of a vicious attack, she has no idea what will happen as a result. She's already struggling with a marriage in tatters, her mother is undergoing cancer treatments and she's now afraid and second-guessing the train incident.

As the story evolves, the mystery deepens, gaslighting begins and the reader is presented with many motives and possible responsible individuals. It isn't until the very end when all the loose ends are tied up neatly, its an entertaining and wild ride in between. Highly recommend!!

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read a pre-publication version of this book, but my opinions are my own.

[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

[Susan Mills Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jenifer Ruff knows how to weave a good story that will keep the reader guessing until the end. I loved this book! The characters are engaging and the reader gets a good feel of who they are through action and dialogue. The twists and turns kept me reading. I highly recommend this book if you like a good thriller with a satisfying ending.

[A J · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Haley, an Emergency Room nurse receives a call from her mother that she wants to have a private conversation with her, she takes a train for the visit. During the train ride, she finds her self in an uncomfortable situation and changes seats. A short time later her nursing skills are called into action.
This work is full of adventure, twists, and turns. When I finished it I was scratching my head and saying I didn’t see that coming.
This must read, by author Jenifer Ruff, is scheduled for release on April 6th. Mark your calendars!!

[Dee Laswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:
That ending! It came out of nowhere! I certainly was not expecting that. I couldn't stop reading last night. I finished the book around 2 a.m. it is a great book.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this! I liked that it had short chapters so I got it done faster. It was a wild ride and the twist at the end got me good! Well done!