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The Last to Drown
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Expected 14 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
11 days and 16:24:20
5 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Praise for Noelle W.
‘Hands down one of my favourite reads of the year’ – FREIDA MCFADDEN
'A true classic in the genre' – LISA JEWELL
'A propulsive story that haunts and mesmerizes' – KARIN SLAUGHTER
FIVE DAYS. TWENTY STRANGERS. NO PHONE SIGNAL.
The rafting trip was supposed to be the adventure of a lifetime. But now that Kaia's on the river, she's having second thoughts. Especially once the whispers about Camas Creek begin.
Seven years ago, a guide murdered a group of rafters on this same isolated stretch of water. And while the killer’s body was recovered downstream, the true-crime community has never stopped asking questions. And for good reason.
The accidents start innocently enough—but the pattern is sickeningly familiar. A flipped raft. Missing supplies. Sheer canyon walls on all sides. And eighty-four miles of whitewater until any sign of civilization.
Kaia begins to suspect that one of the guides is lying. One of the guests knows more than they're saying. And somewhere on this river, someone is planning to finish what started at Camas Creek.
Don't miss The Last to Drown, a pulse-pounding thriller from the international bestselling author of Ask For Andrea.
Your Favourite Thriller Author's Favourite Thriller Author
'As pulse-pounding as it is poignant. Do yourself a favour - clear your schedule and crack open this novel!' LISA GARDNER
'Noelle has mastered the art of keeping readers on the edge of their seats' JOHN MARRS
'Ihli's voice is magical and absorbing' KIERSTEN MODGLIN
‘Immersive, spine-tingling, deeply visceral' HEATHER GUDENKAUF
'Utterly gripping . . . I couldn't put it down' NICOLA SANDERS
‘Hands down one of my favourite reads of the year’ – FREIDA MCFADDEN
'A true classic in the genre' – LISA JEWELL
'A propulsive story that haunts and mesmerizes' – KARIN SLAUGHTER
FIVE DAYS. TWENTY STRANGERS. NO PHONE SIGNAL.
The rafting trip was supposed to be the adventure of a lifetime. But now that Kaia's on the river, she's having second thoughts. Especially once the whispers about Camas Creek begin.
Seven years ago, a guide murdered a group of rafters on this same isolated stretch of water. And while the killer’s body was recovered downstream, the true-crime community has never stopped asking questions. And for good reason.
The accidents start innocently enough—but the pattern is sickeningly familiar. A flipped raft. Missing supplies. Sheer canyon walls on all sides. And eighty-four miles of whitewater until any sign of civilization.
Kaia begins to suspect that one of the guides is lying. One of the guests knows more than they're saying. And somewhere on this river, someone is planning to finish what started at Camas Creek.
Don't miss The Last to Drown, a pulse-pounding thriller from the international bestselling author of Ask For Andrea.
Your Favourite Thriller Author's Favourite Thriller Author
'As pulse-pounding as it is poignant. Do yourself a favour - clear your schedule and crack open this novel!' LISA GARDNER
'Noelle has mastered the art of keeping readers on the edge of their seats' JOHN MARRS
'Ihli's voice is magical and absorbing' KIERSTEN MODGLIN
‘Immersive, spine-tingling, deeply visceral' HEATHER GUDENKAUF
'Utterly gripping . . . I couldn't put it down' NICOLA SANDERS
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 16, 2026
About the author
Noelle W. Ihli
19 books13.3k followersNoelle’s two great passions are murder and horses (separately, never together).
She lives in Idaho with her husband, two sons, and two cats. When she's not plotting her next thriller, she's scaring herself with true-crime documentaries or going for a trail ride in the foothills (with her trusty pepper spray).
She lives in Idaho with her husband, two sons, and two cats. When she's not plotting her next thriller, she's scaring herself with true-crime documentaries or going for a trail ride in the foothills (with her trusty pepper spray).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
June 1, 2026
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Kaia went on the rafting trip for an adventure. But when talk about what happened at Camas Creek, where a guide murdered a group of rafters, keeps circulating among the guests, she begins to wonder if she made a mistake. But the dread she feels somewhat dissipates with the knowledge that the killer’s body was found and that she and the other guests have nothing to worry about. That is, until small things start to happen. Terrified screams in the night, a flipped-over raft, and supplies suddenly going missing. And with civilization so far away, it becomes clear that somewhere someone has different plans for the group, hoping to finish what started seven years ago.
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Holy cow! I knew this was going to be so good! Noelle W. Ihli has done it again, and I am not in the least bit surprised because her books are always bangers.
What I absolutely love the most in the books I’ve read from this author is how freaking inspiring and empowering the women are. Even though the world and/or men try to make them victims and silence them, the women rise and take charge, beating evil at its own game because they refuse to go down without a fight. And, oh my gosh, I am almost screaming and crying as I root for them, hoping and praying they will make it out alive. And it was no different with this one.
I honestly don’t know what to say without spoiling anything, but just know that it will make your jaw drop. If it won’t keep you guessing, it will keep you on the edge of your seat because Cara and I were TERRIFIED. 😱 I was about ready to go on my hands and knees and beg the book gods that nothing would happen to Kaia and the rest of the innocent lives embarking on the rafting trip. Just know that you will suspect one thing, but it will be shattered into a million pieces once the truth comes out and you're left feeling like you know absolutely nothing. (Which is a common occurrence for me, by the way. 😂)
Even though I loved the mystery and suspense of it all, what I really, really loved was the emotional aspect of the story concerning Kaia and her late husband, Parker. You could really feel her grief and loss through her words, actions, and thoughts, and I just wanted to give her a hug. 😭🫂❤🩹 But he was always there for her, like he promised!!! Okay, wow, I’m literally a sobbing mess right now. My heart is broken.
I love, no, I FREAKING love when stories have deceased loved ones being there for those they left behind, whether it be supernatural/spiritual or not. It elevates any story for me. 🥹
I honestly don’t have anything else to say. The writing was fantastic. The plot was insane and kept me wanting to know more. The characters felt human, and I didn’t dislike anyone…except the psychopath. Obviously, I didn’t like him. AT ALL. Stay away! Just stay away, or I will make you stay away, istg. 😤👊🏼
Anyways, as you can tell, I loved this book, and it is easily one of my favorite books of the year! I totally recommend this. 🙂↕️🫶🏼 I also had soooo much fun reading and reacting to it with my bestie and twin, Cara. Thank you so so much for reading this with me, my lovely girl!!! 😘💖💐
-‘๑’- Thank you to Dynamite Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. -‘๑’-
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, violence, blood, gore, & loss of a spouse (off-page).
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Holy cow! I knew this was going to be so good! Noelle W. Ihli has done it again, and I am not in the least bit surprised because her books are always bangers.
What I absolutely love the most in the books I’ve read from this author is how freaking inspiring and empowering the women are. Even though the world and/or men try to make them victims and silence them, the women rise and take charge, beating evil at its own game because they refuse to go down without a fight. And, oh my gosh, I am almost screaming and crying as I root for them, hoping and praying they will make it out alive. And it was no different with this one.
I honestly don’t know what to say without spoiling anything, but just know that it will make your jaw drop. If it won’t keep you guessing, it will keep you on the edge of your seat because Cara and I were TERRIFIED. 😱 I was about ready to go on my hands and knees and beg the book gods that nothing would happen to Kaia and the rest of the innocent lives embarking on the rafting trip. Just know that you will suspect one thing, but it will be shattered into a million pieces once the truth comes out and you're left feeling like you know absolutely nothing. (Which is a common occurrence for me, by the way. 😂)
Even though I loved the mystery and suspense of it all, what I really, really loved was the emotional aspect of the story concerning Kaia and her late husband, Parker. You could really feel her grief and loss through her words, actions, and thoughts, and I just wanted to give her a hug. 😭🫂❤🩹 But he was always there for her, like he promised!!! Okay, wow, I’m literally a sobbing mess right now. My heart is broken.
I love, no, I FREAKING love when stories have deceased loved ones being there for those they left behind, whether it be supernatural/spiritual or not. It elevates any story for me. 🥹
I honestly don’t have anything else to say. The writing was fantastic. The plot was insane and kept me wanting to know more. The characters felt human, and I didn’t dislike anyone…except the psychopath. Obviously, I didn’t like him. AT ALL. Stay away! Just stay away, or I will make you stay away, istg. 😤👊🏼
Anyways, as you can tell, I loved this book, and it is easily one of my favorite books of the year! I totally recommend this. 🙂↕️🫶🏼 I also had soooo much fun reading and reacting to it with my bestie and twin, Cara. Thank you so so much for reading this with me, my lovely girl!!! 😘💖💐
-‘๑’- Thank you to Dynamite Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. -‘๑’-
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, violence, blood, gore, & loss of a spouse (off-page).
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
REVIEW TO COME💕😱💕😱!!!!!!!!
🎀👯🧸♡Buddy reading with my bestie girl Sarah🎀👯🧸♡!!!!!!!!
🎀👯🧸♡Buddy reading with my bestie girl Sarah🎀👯🧸♡!!!!!!!!
Want to Read
January 28, 2026OH MS IHLI!!
SPOILING US WITH ANOTHER ONE SO SOON AFTER THE LAST?!
OH YOU ARE JUST TOO GOOD TO US!!
💙🤍💙🤍
SPOILING US WITH ANOTHER ONE SO SOON AFTER THE LAST?!
OH YOU ARE JUST TOO GOOD TO US!!
💙🤍💙🤍
June 19, 2026
The Last to Drown isn’t your typical “who is the killer”/detective type thriller. It’s more adventurous, heart-pounding expedition of “can they escape the killer”? This boisterous tale rows you through Camas Creek, navigating river of kills, by a revived, legendary serial killer.
We start out meeting a group of ladies on a white water rafting adventure vacation. They don’t all know each other, and our main focus is on Kaia, who is grieving the loss of her husband, who perished a Floyd Collin’s-like death. Stories of a serial killer from the exact white water rafting experience soon emerge, and then we are off into a turbulent chase.
I flew through this book. I was intrigued by the setting, and enjoyed the exploration of the waters. Their plan of escape was a little hard to understand, but for the most part, I could picture these ladies and their fear. My heart was pounding, and it felt like I was watching a horror movie and many times found myself thinking “no, no, no! The killer is going to jump out from behind”. That’s the first time I’ve felt like I’ve read a true “jump scare”.
I loved that many of the chapters ended with a quote, usually from the river almanac. It brought a certain ominous tone to the chapter and made me want to read on. If you’re looking for an adventurous, fast-paced thriller, I would highly recommend this one!
We start out meeting a group of ladies on a white water rafting adventure vacation. They don’t all know each other, and our main focus is on Kaia, who is grieving the loss of her husband, who perished a Floyd Collin’s-like death. Stories of a serial killer from the exact white water rafting experience soon emerge, and then we are off into a turbulent chase.
I flew through this book. I was intrigued by the setting, and enjoyed the exploration of the waters. Their plan of escape was a little hard to understand, but for the most part, I could picture these ladies and their fear. My heart was pounding, and it felt like I was watching a horror movie and many times found myself thinking “no, no, no! The killer is going to jump out from behind”. That’s the first time I’ve felt like I’ve read a true “jump scare”.
I loved that many of the chapters ended with a quote, usually from the river almanac. It brought a certain ominous tone to the chapter and made me want to read on. If you’re looking for an adventurous, fast-paced thriller, I would highly recommend this one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved The Last to Drown by Noelle W. Ihli. This was an easy five-star read for me and exactly the kind of thriller I can’t get enough of: fast, intense, creepy, and impossible to put down. Noelle has such a talent for dropping you straight into the chaos from page one and keeping the tension high the entire time. Even when I started to piece together some of the bigger reveals early on, it didn’t lessen the experience at all because the real thrill was in watching everything unfold.
The setting and atmosphere were perfect. A women’s whitewater rafting trip already feels intense, but adding the history of a brutal murder on that same stretch of river made everything feel even more unsettling. Once things start going wrong, the story turns into a full-on survival nightmare in the best way. There were several scenes that genuinely had my heart racing. The whole book played out like a movie in my head. I especially loved the little details from The River Guides Almanac woven throughout the story because they added so much to the reading experience.
The pacing is classic Noelle W. Ihli: relentless, anxiety-inducing, and so addictive. There’s no filler, no overdone descriptions, just sharp writing and nonstop momentum. I also really appreciated that underneath all the terror and suspense, there was still something deeper here about survival, healing, and finding the strength to keep going. The female characters were strong, believable, and so easy to root for.
This is my first read by Noelle W. Ihli and already she has earned her place on my auto-read author list, and The Last to Drown is another absolute hit. If you love survival thrillers, wilderness horror, strong character work, and books that make you feel like you’re holding on for dear life right alongside the characters, definitely pick this one up.
www.pinkstinx.blogspot.com
The setting and atmosphere were perfect. A women’s whitewater rafting trip already feels intense, but adding the history of a brutal murder on that same stretch of river made everything feel even more unsettling. Once things start going wrong, the story turns into a full-on survival nightmare in the best way. There were several scenes that genuinely had my heart racing. The whole book played out like a movie in my head. I especially loved the little details from The River Guides Almanac woven throughout the story because they added so much to the reading experience.
The pacing is classic Noelle W. Ihli: relentless, anxiety-inducing, and so addictive. There’s no filler, no overdone descriptions, just sharp writing and nonstop momentum. I also really appreciated that underneath all the terror and suspense, there was still something deeper here about survival, healing, and finding the strength to keep going. The female characters were strong, believable, and so easy to root for.
This is my first read by Noelle W. Ihli and already she has earned her place on my auto-read author list, and The Last to Drown is another absolute hit. If you love survival thrillers, wilderness horror, strong character work, and books that make you feel like you’re holding on for dear life right alongside the characters, definitely pick this one up.
www.pinkstinx.blogspot.com
May 22, 2026
Wow. This was intense! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, the book starts with a bang and the tension doesn’t got back down! What a wild ride (pun intended), if you liked Gray After Dark, you will LOVE this!
May 19, 2026
Noelle Ihli is such a talented writer and I don’t think anyone can prove me otherwise. Her books are not the typical “wait until the end for twists” kind of thrillers. No no no, Ihli throws you straight into the chaos from page one, slows things down just long enough for you to catch your breath and then gives you anxiety for the rest of the ride. All while somehow handing you answers before you even realize you should be asking the questions.
Imagine being on a 5 day women’s whitewater rafting trip only to find out that 7 years ago, a man murdered everyone except one lone teenager on this exact stretch of river… at the same place where you’ll be camping. Then the unthinkable happens as history starts repeating itself. Suddenly you’re stranded with strangers on a beach or trapped in a raft going down these rapids IN THE DARK trying to outrun a killer who always seems one step ahead of every survival plan.
Sure, I predicted the two bigger twists early on, but I didn’t have to sit around for 200+ pages waiting to find out if I was right. The twists are not revealed at the end but instead threaded into the plot and let know very early on. With this authors books there is always layers upon layers of shocks, the feeling of doom and emotional damage in the best way for a reader.
In true Ihli fashion, this book is nonstop anxiety, action and suspense. I’m talking 30% in and the gore is GORING, my heart is RACING and I’m gripping my metaphorical life jacket like I’m stuck in those rapids with them.
There’s one scene in particular that was so grotesque and nightmarish I genuinely couldn’t read fast enough yet somehow wanted to immediately go back and read it again. Without spoiling anything, it gave the exact same energy as the opening scene of a certain 2000s horror movie that has lived rent free in my brain ever since I first watched it. It’s still one of my favorite horror openings of all time, so seeing a book pull off that same level of horror perfection felt incredible.
This book was absolute perfection from the first page to the final page. As a reader, there is genuinely nothing I would change. It played out like a movie in my head the entire time especially the scene with Parker.
Imagine being on a 5 day women’s whitewater rafting trip only to find out that 7 years ago, a man murdered everyone except one lone teenager on this exact stretch of river… at the same place where you’ll be camping. Then the unthinkable happens as history starts repeating itself. Suddenly you’re stranded with strangers on a beach or trapped in a raft going down these rapids IN THE DARK trying to outrun a killer who always seems one step ahead of every survival plan.
Sure, I predicted the two bigger twists early on, but I didn’t have to sit around for 200+ pages waiting to find out if I was right. The twists are not revealed at the end but instead threaded into the plot and let know very early on. With this authors books there is always layers upon layers of shocks, the feeling of doom and emotional damage in the best way for a reader.
In true Ihli fashion, this book is nonstop anxiety, action and suspense. I’m talking 30% in and the gore is GORING, my heart is RACING and I’m gripping my metaphorical life jacket like I’m stuck in those rapids with them.
There’s one scene in particular that was so grotesque and nightmarish I genuinely couldn’t read fast enough yet somehow wanted to immediately go back and read it again. Without spoiling anything, it gave the exact same energy as the opening scene of a certain 2000s horror movie that has lived rent free in my brain ever since I first watched it. It’s still one of my favorite horror openings of all time, so seeing a book pull off that same level of horror perfection felt incredible.
This book was absolute perfection from the first page to the final page. As a reader, there is genuinely nothing I would change. It played out like a movie in my head the entire time especially the scene with Parker.
May 22, 2026
My mess of notes I need to edit and make into a review
#ad much love for my advance copy 🫶🏻 forever one of my top fav female thriller authors! Keep these 5 star reads coming!
𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎'𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚛𝚝 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊. 𝙸𝚝 𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚑𝚞𝚝𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗, 𝚘𝚛 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜, 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑…
The only thing more chaotic than the rapids is the man chasing them. One wrong turn means the river takes them. One delay means he does.
They’re days away from civilization, thousands of miles away from help, trapped between the rapids and a psycho killer. How do they survive this? Do they even survive at all. Only one thing is clear, if they want to survive they’ve got to go forward.
The pacing and suspense is as relentless as the rapids … floaters better grab your life jackets, because this once in a lifetime adventure might just be your last.
You’ll be holding your breath the entire time.
There's nothing like a Class Six rapid to get you out of your head…
Oof you guys! Just when I think Ihli cannot possibly top the last book she wrote, she does! Another book I dragged out for days because I never wanted it to end.
Memorable
Temu River Jesus ☠️
True Crime lady knowing her facts 😂👏🏼👏🏼
Nashville 🥹
I also appreciated Ihli not overloading us with all the characters and their names - we learn some of the characters names slowly and don’t even learn all of them. (Only once) While there’s a handful of characters on this trip, it makes this story feel more intimate than it really is. Executed that perfectly.
Grief, the beauty of life, and the scenes.
Just a warning - I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard of people getting stuck upside down in places and dying because of it. One girl fell behind her dresser, another guy in his vehicle, people in caves, one in a chimney. Scary stuff. Thanks @MrBallen for those stories I’ll never get out of my head. And RIP to all those who lost their life in such a terrible way.
Also loved the true facts - that I had to Google to see if they really happened - that were sprinkled throughout. Love when I can learn a true story while reading fiction.
It was interesting to see which way this character would lean more towards when it comes to science vs supernatural phenomena. Of course, I believe that the science is tied into the supernatural, but most see this as black and white. This or that. Loved how she came to view things.
Yoooo the suspense was off the chain! Strap in and pop a xanax because this is a one-way trips down the rapids you won’t ever forget.
Also enjoyed the true-crime Reddit parts
It’s always in the eyes…👀
Anddddd that ending was LIT AF! ABSOLUTELY FKING LOVED THIS BOOK! HOLY SHIATTTTT!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
She blew this one right out of the water!
#ad much love for my advance copy 🫶🏻 forever one of my top fav female thriller authors! Keep these 5 star reads coming!
𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎'𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚛𝚝 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊. 𝙸𝚝 𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚑𝚞𝚝𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗, 𝚘𝚛 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜, 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑…
The only thing more chaotic than the rapids is the man chasing them. One wrong turn means the river takes them. One delay means he does.
They’re days away from civilization, thousands of miles away from help, trapped between the rapids and a psycho killer. How do they survive this? Do they even survive at all. Only one thing is clear, if they want to survive they’ve got to go forward.
The pacing and suspense is as relentless as the rapids … floaters better grab your life jackets, because this once in a lifetime adventure might just be your last.
You’ll be holding your breath the entire time.
There's nothing like a Class Six rapid to get you out of your head…
Oof you guys! Just when I think Ihli cannot possibly top the last book she wrote, she does! Another book I dragged out for days because I never wanted it to end.
Memorable
Temu River Jesus ☠️
True Crime lady knowing her facts 😂👏🏼👏🏼
Nashville 🥹
I also appreciated Ihli not overloading us with all the characters and their names - we learn some of the characters names slowly and don’t even learn all of them. (Only once) While there’s a handful of characters on this trip, it makes this story feel more intimate than it really is. Executed that perfectly.
Grief, the beauty of life, and the scenes.
Just a warning - I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard of people getting stuck upside down in places and dying because of it. One girl fell behind her dresser, another guy in his vehicle, people in caves, one in a chimney. Scary stuff. Thanks @MrBallen for those stories I’ll never get out of my head. And RIP to all those who lost their life in such a terrible way.
Also loved the true facts - that I had to Google to see if they really happened - that were sprinkled throughout. Love when I can learn a true story while reading fiction.
It was interesting to see which way this character would lean more towards when it comes to science vs supernatural phenomena. Of course, I believe that the science is tied into the supernatural, but most see this as black and white. This or that. Loved how she came to view things.
Yoooo the suspense was off the chain! Strap in and pop a xanax because this is a one-way trips down the rapids you won’t ever forget.
Also enjoyed the true-crime Reddit parts
It’s always in the eyes…👀
Anddddd that ending was LIT AF! ABSOLUTELY FKING LOVED THIS BOOK! HOLY SHIATTTTT!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
She blew this one right out of the water!
June 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own!
The Last to Drown by Noelle W. Ihli was absolutely incredible. From the very first pages, there was always something happening to keep me hooked. The suspense never let up, and even in the beginning I found myself completely invested in the story. Every new twist and terrifying situation had me needing to know what would happen next.
Set during a remote whitewater rafting trip haunted by the memory of a massacre that happened years earlier, the story follows Kaia and a group of strangers as strange incidents begin to mirror the horrors of the past. With no easy way to escape and danger lurking around every bend of the river, the tension was relentless.
This book was everything I needed and more. I rarely finish a book in a single day, so the fact that I devoured this one says everything. Noelle W. Ihli created characters I genuinely cared about, and I felt deeply connected to their fight for survival. I was rooting for every one of them and felt every ounce of fear, hope, and desperation right alongside them.
Thrilling, fast-paced, and impossible to put down, The Last to Drown is easily one of my favorite reads of the year. If you're a fan of survival thrillers that keep your heart racing and make you lose track of time, this is one you absolutely need to read.
The Last to Drown by Noelle W. Ihli was absolutely incredible. From the very first pages, there was always something happening to keep me hooked. The suspense never let up, and even in the beginning I found myself completely invested in the story. Every new twist and terrifying situation had me needing to know what would happen next.
Set during a remote whitewater rafting trip haunted by the memory of a massacre that happened years earlier, the story follows Kaia and a group of strangers as strange incidents begin to mirror the horrors of the past. With no easy way to escape and danger lurking around every bend of the river, the tension was relentless.
This book was everything I needed and more. I rarely finish a book in a single day, so the fact that I devoured this one says everything. Noelle W. Ihli created characters I genuinely cared about, and I felt deeply connected to their fight for survival. I was rooting for every one of them and felt every ounce of fear, hope, and desperation right alongside them.
Thrilling, fast-paced, and impossible to put down, The Last to Drown is easily one of my favorite reads of the year. If you're a fan of survival thrillers that keep your heart racing and make you lose track of time, this is one you absolutely need to read.
May 25, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for the ARC of The Last to Drown by Noelle Ihli.
This thriller follows a group trapped by a devastating flood as rising water and deadly secrets turn survival into a nightmare. Noelle Ihli creates nonstop tension, and I flew through this book almost in one sitting.
The escalating danger, claustrophobic underwater scenes, and constant uncertainty about who could be trusted kept me hooked throughout. I also enjoyed the twists and was genuinely surprised by the reveal.
I did wish some side characters had more emotional depth, but the fast pacing and intense survival elements still made this a gripping read.
If you enjoy high-stakes survival thrillers with disaster elements and plenty of suspense, this is worth picking up.
This thriller follows a group trapped by a devastating flood as rising water and deadly secrets turn survival into a nightmare. Noelle Ihli creates nonstop tension, and I flew through this book almost in one sitting.
The escalating danger, claustrophobic underwater scenes, and constant uncertainty about who could be trusted kept me hooked throughout. I also enjoyed the twists and was genuinely surprised by the reveal.
I did wish some side characters had more emotional depth, but the fast pacing and intense survival elements still made this a gripping read.
If you enjoy high-stakes survival thrillers with disaster elements and plenty of suspense, this is worth picking up.
May 22, 2026
Warning- if you have things to do and need sleep do not pick this book up because you’ll be up to finish it and your chores will not get done… who am I kidding?! It was worth it!?!
This book had me STRESSED!!!
Kaia joins a remote whitewater rafting trip after devastating loss of her husband, hoping the river might help her move forward. But this isn’t just any river. Years earlier, an entire rafting group was murdered along the same route. And as strange things start happening, missing supplies, accidents that don’t feel accidental, it becomes terrifyingly clear that history may be repeating itself.
The atmosphere in this was absolutely incredible. The isolation, unpredictability of the rapids, the feeling of being trapped….ahhhh my heart was racing. Sooo addictive, you won’t want to put this down.
This book had me STRESSED!!!
Kaia joins a remote whitewater rafting trip after devastating loss of her husband, hoping the river might help her move forward. But this isn’t just any river. Years earlier, an entire rafting group was murdered along the same route. And as strange things start happening, missing supplies, accidents that don’t feel accidental, it becomes terrifyingly clear that history may be repeating itself.
The atmosphere in this was absolutely incredible. The isolation, unpredictability of the rapids, the feeling of being trapped….ahhhh my heart was racing. Sooo addictive, you won’t want to put this down.
Want to Read
February 13, 2026this book is one of my most anticipated book releases in 2026 and I am exited to read this soon !
June 10, 2026
Holy s*it. This is a phenomenal, breakneck paced thriller with heart that gripped me hard and didn't let go. I would have finished it in one sitting if I didn't have prior commitments and I'm so mad that I couldn't.
Preorder this, put in library holds, whatever you have to do, because The Last to Drown is a MUST READ. It's the most quintessential summer thriller to exist.
My heart is still pounding, I love, love, love this book. Noelle Ihli has always given me this feeling with her writing, and after reading all of her novels, I confidently declare this her best.
Also the research is top notch, as it usually is.
All the stars possible. Loved this DOWN. Literally cannot wait to have a physical copy and I will lock myself away to reread this in one sitting.
*Though I received a digital arc in exchange for an honest review, my opinions are my own, and hell yes they're gushing because this book is worth it.*
Preorder this, put in library holds, whatever you have to do, because The Last to Drown is a MUST READ. It's the most quintessential summer thriller to exist.
My heart is still pounding, I love, love, love this book. Noelle Ihli has always given me this feeling with her writing, and after reading all of her novels, I confidently declare this her best.
Also the research is top notch, as it usually is.
All the stars possible. Loved this DOWN. Literally cannot wait to have a physical copy and I will lock myself away to reread this in one sitting.
*Though I received a digital arc in exchange for an honest review, my opinions are my own, and hell yes they're gushing because this book is worth it.*
May 20, 2026
The Last to Drown
By Noelle Ihli
Pub Date: Jul 16 2026
Dynamite Books
NO SPOILERS
She has done it again! I absolutely love her writing, and The Last To Drown completely blew me away.
From the very first page, the fast pace of this book takes off and never lets up. The narrative flows so beautifully and effortlessly that you don't even realize how fast you're turning the pages. It is the absolute definition of a "just one more chapter" kind of book—except you'll find yourself saying that at 2:00 AM because you simply cannot put it down.
While reading, my heart was genuinely racing. The sheer thrill and anxiety that builds throughout the story literally had me on the edge of my seat. Every single page left me desperate to get to the next one, craving whatever twist or answer would bring me just one step closer to the end.
Beyond the incredible suspense, I was so captivated by the sheer determination of the characters. They are pushed to their absolute limits, and their grit and resolve kept me completely invested in their journey.
If you are looking for a gripping, breathless thriller that will keep you up all night, this is it.
You are a master of the genre!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for the opportunity to read this incredible ARC.
All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
#NetGalley
By Noelle Ihli
Pub Date: Jul 16 2026
Dynamite Books
NO SPOILERS
She has done it again! I absolutely love her writing, and The Last To Drown completely blew me away.
From the very first page, the fast pace of this book takes off and never lets up. The narrative flows so beautifully and effortlessly that you don't even realize how fast you're turning the pages. It is the absolute definition of a "just one more chapter" kind of book—except you'll find yourself saying that at 2:00 AM because you simply cannot put it down.
While reading, my heart was genuinely racing. The sheer thrill and anxiety that builds throughout the story literally had me on the edge of my seat. Every single page left me desperate to get to the next one, craving whatever twist or answer would bring me just one step closer to the end.
Beyond the incredible suspense, I was so captivated by the sheer determination of the characters. They are pushed to their absolute limits, and their grit and resolve kept me completely invested in their journey.
If you are looking for a gripping, breathless thriller that will keep you up all night, this is it.
You are a master of the genre!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for the opportunity to read this incredible ARC.
All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
#NetGalley
June 11, 2026
I loved this book, solid 4 stars only because I was hoping for a more devious ending. The story was written so well so much detail that I felt like I was in the raft with the women fighting for my life.
Quite emotional as well, the focus was on the bond between the wife and her recently deceased husband. The power of their connection.
The plot and twist was a bit predictable but doesn’t take away from the story at all. It was still a wild, executing, desperate ride!
Quite emotional as well, the focus was on the bond between the wife and her recently deceased husband. The power of their connection.
The plot and twist was a bit predictable but doesn’t take away from the story at all. It was still a wild, executing, desperate ride!
June 13, 2026
The Last to Drown is an incredible mix of slasher and nature/survival thriller. Noelle W. Ihli did it again, sucking me into the story and making me need to finish it all the way to the end. I also appreciated the complexity of the characters in such a fast-paced story. Perfect for thriller fans, I can recommend this book as a five-star read!
Thank you to Dynamite Books for the ARC via NetGalley.
June 24, 2026
Noelle W. Ihli is an auto-read author for me. If she writes it, I’m reading it.
This book is pure adrenaline. As someone who would absolutely never sign up for a whitewater rafting expedition because I’m a complete fraidy cat who prefers her feet firmly on the ground, this felt about as close as I’d ever want to get to one. My heart was racing for most of this book.
The rafting scenes were so vivid that I felt every rapid, every near miss and every moment of uncertainty right alongside Kaia. The further the group travelled downriver, the more the tension ramped up, and I genuinely had no idea who I could trust.
What surprised me most though was how much heart this story had. Beneath all the danger, suspense and chaos is a story about grief, loss and learning how to keep moving forward. Kaia’s relationship with her late husband Parker added an emotional depth that hit me completely in the feels and elevated this beyond being “just” a thriller.
Noelle has a knack for writing women I immediately want to root for, and The Last to Drown was no exception.
Another 5⭐️ read from an author who continues to cement herself as one of my favourites.
This book is pure adrenaline. As someone who would absolutely never sign up for a whitewater rafting expedition because I’m a complete fraidy cat who prefers her feet firmly on the ground, this felt about as close as I’d ever want to get to one. My heart was racing for most of this book.
The rafting scenes were so vivid that I felt every rapid, every near miss and every moment of uncertainty right alongside Kaia. The further the group travelled downriver, the more the tension ramped up, and I genuinely had no idea who I could trust.
What surprised me most though was how much heart this story had. Beneath all the danger, suspense and chaos is a story about grief, loss and learning how to keep moving forward. Kaia’s relationship with her late husband Parker added an emotional depth that hit me completely in the feels and elevated this beyond being “just” a thriller.
Noelle has a knack for writing women I immediately want to root for, and The Last to Drown was no exception.
Another 5⭐️ read from an author who continues to cement herself as one of my favourites.
May 23, 2026
“The Last To Drown” - I’d literally be the first to drown.
★★★★★
This novel was a Class 6 rapid! Noelle really knows how to write a thriller that sucks you in, pulls you under and occasionally lets you come up to gasp for air. “The Last To Drown” is a wild ride (literally) and absolutely brilliant!
Tense, emotional, raw, and truly nightmarish, take the plunge, you won’t regret it!
(Thank you NetGalley for the ARC)
★★★★★
This novel was a Class 6 rapid! Noelle really knows how to write a thriller that sucks you in, pulls you under and occasionally lets you come up to gasp for air. “The Last To Drown” is a wild ride (literally) and absolutely brilliant!
Tense, emotional, raw, and truly nightmarish, take the plunge, you won’t regret it!
(Thank you NetGalley for the ARC)
June 7, 2026
I wish there was higher rating than five! Especially for this book. Noel Ihli is probably one of my favorite thriller authors, every single time she comes out with a book. I am glued to it and binge it instantly. this book was intense and chaotic and a little stressful. I’m not gonna lie because I again was so developed with the characters that you feel like you’re there rowing with these women.
The story starts out with the main character Kaia who is going on a all women’s float trip initially she had booked it for her spouse for their 30th bday, he was on an adventure with his friends when he had an incident on a rock/climbing adventure. She rebooked it with a women’s group after she had lost her husband Parker.
When the group faces a few uncanny issues along the way the tension gets thick! Things start happening with gear missing and food not being packed correctly and the ominous chaos starts.
This book was intense and had me on a trail ride for the entirety of it. I was rooting for these women and felt like I was right in the scenario with them. I have absolutely fallen in love with Noel‘s writing. I feel like I’m right there in the boat. Soaking wet and in fear of my life. This was such an amazing book and well written and the plot is amazingly intricate. Thank you, NetGalley and Victory editing for this arc.
The story starts out with the main character Kaia who is going on a all women’s float trip initially she had booked it for her spouse for their 30th bday, he was on an adventure with his friends when he had an incident on a rock/climbing adventure. She rebooked it with a women’s group after she had lost her husband Parker.
When the group faces a few uncanny issues along the way the tension gets thick! Things start happening with gear missing and food not being packed correctly and the ominous chaos starts.
This book was intense and had me on a trail ride for the entirety of it. I was rooting for these women and felt like I was right in the scenario with them. I have absolutely fallen in love with Noel‘s writing. I feel like I’m right there in the boat. Soaking wet and in fear of my life. This was such an amazing book and well written and the plot is amazingly intricate. Thank you, NetGalley and Victory editing for this arc.
June 23, 2026
The Last to Drown 5 ⭐️
Huge Noelle W Ihli fan here. I fly through every book she writes and The Last to Drown did not disappoint. This book had elements that had me thinking back to Run On Red (detailing every second in a short period of time of a deadly cat-and-mouse game) and None Left To Tell (slasher massacre). This is an action packed thriller about 20 people on a rafting trip, taking the same path that led to the demise of another rafting group 7 years earlier, only for history to start repeating itself.
This was extra spooky for me because, for some reason, I always worry about being part of a campground mass murder when I tent camp… There’s no reason for me to fear this, but it’s always what pops in my head once the campground goes quiet. So to watch my irrational fear play out on paper was…something.
As always, Noelle is a brilliant writer and fully engulfs me in the story. One of the few authors that literally makes me hold my breath in anticipation of the next page…next sentence…next word.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Jul 16 2026
Huge Noelle W Ihli fan here. I fly through every book she writes and The Last to Drown did not disappoint. This book had elements that had me thinking back to Run On Red (detailing every second in a short period of time of a deadly cat-and-mouse game) and None Left To Tell (slasher massacre). This is an action packed thriller about 20 people on a rafting trip, taking the same path that led to the demise of another rafting group 7 years earlier, only for history to start repeating itself.
This was extra spooky for me because, for some reason, I always worry about being part of a campground mass murder when I tent camp… There’s no reason for me to fear this, but it’s always what pops in my head once the campground goes quiet. So to watch my irrational fear play out on paper was…something.
As always, Noelle is a brilliant writer and fully engulfs me in the story. One of the few authors that literally makes me hold my breath in anticipation of the next page…next sentence…next word.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Jul 16 2026
May 21, 2026
I was in a month long reading slump when I got approved for the advanced reading copy of this book through NetGalley.
And in just twenty-four hours, the slump was over! That’s the power Noelle Ihli has with her fast-paced, heart-pounding stories.
Kaia is taking the white water rafting trip of her dreams. Well, her dreams before they were shattered two years ago. Now, she’s trying so very hard to just survive the weight of each day.
She had no way of knowing that she would soon be trying to survive a life-and-death situation that would require not just every bit of her physical and mental strength, but it would also call on her strength to believe that love is truly forever. That maybe, just maybe, our loved ones will always be there.
As the rafting trip faces strange problems and one of the fellow rafters shares the horrific details of a mass slaughter that took place on the same river years before, Kaia realizes that she has to rely on all of her strength to survive an unfathomable situation, especially when it looks like the murders from years ago are being revisited by someone with the group.
As always, Ihli has crafted a thriller that races you through at breakneck speed. I found myself unable to read fast enough to get to the next page, holding my breath as Kaia and her fellow characters fought for their lives.
If all books could pull off this frantic need to find out what is going to happen, I would never fall into a reading slump again!
And in just twenty-four hours, the slump was over! That’s the power Noelle Ihli has with her fast-paced, heart-pounding stories.
Kaia is taking the white water rafting trip of her dreams. Well, her dreams before they were shattered two years ago. Now, she’s trying so very hard to just survive the weight of each day.
She had no way of knowing that she would soon be trying to survive a life-and-death situation that would require not just every bit of her physical and mental strength, but it would also call on her strength to believe that love is truly forever. That maybe, just maybe, our loved ones will always be there.
As the rafting trip faces strange problems and one of the fellow rafters shares the horrific details of a mass slaughter that took place on the same river years before, Kaia realizes that she has to rely on all of her strength to survive an unfathomable situation, especially when it looks like the murders from years ago are being revisited by someone with the group.
As always, Ihli has crafted a thriller that races you through at breakneck speed. I found myself unable to read fast enough to get to the next page, holding my breath as Kaia and her fellow characters fought for their lives.
If all books could pull off this frantic need to find out what is going to happen, I would never fall into a reading slump again!
May 25, 2026
Thank you to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book before its release!
NOELLE HAS DONE IT AGAIN.
Absolutely amazing!! The way Noelle writes immediately sucks you into the setting and the plot and makes you feel as if you are there! After reading, I feel like I just rafted down the river myself! So atmospheric. She writes as if you truly are right there with the characters, enduring the hardships with them as you root for them throughout the storyline! The only thing negative I have to say is I wish the book itself was longer because I wasn’t ready for it to end! Definitely could have finished it in a day just out of sheer desire to know what happens next. Now I have to wait again for the next release!
Another 5/5. Excellent job! Absolutely mood setting for a thriller summer!
NOELLE HAS DONE IT AGAIN.
Absolutely amazing!! The way Noelle writes immediately sucks you into the setting and the plot and makes you feel as if you are there! After reading, I feel like I just rafted down the river myself! So atmospheric. She writes as if you truly are right there with the characters, enduring the hardships with them as you root for them throughout the storyline! The only thing negative I have to say is I wish the book itself was longer because I wasn’t ready for it to end! Definitely could have finished it in a day just out of sheer desire to know what happens next. Now I have to wait again for the next release!
Another 5/5. Excellent job! Absolutely mood setting for a thriller summer!
May 25, 2026
Last to Drown was such a strong start for me. I was immediately pulled me in, and I was hooked from the first chapter trying to piece everything together.
That said, I do wish the twist had happened a little later in the book. It felt like it came a bit too soon, which took away some of the tension I was hoping would build for later. There were also moments where the rafting terminology felt very specific to people who actually know the sport, and some of the action/descriptive scenes got a little convoluted, making it hard to fully picture what was happening.
Overall, this wasn’t my least favorite Noelle Ihli book, but it also wasn’t my favorite. A fun, fast-paced thriller with a gripping start, even if it didn’t totally stick the landing for me.
That said, I do wish the twist had happened a little later in the book. It felt like it came a bit too soon, which took away some of the tension I was hoping would build for later. There were also moments where the rafting terminology felt very specific to people who actually know the sport, and some of the action/descriptive scenes got a little convoluted, making it hard to fully picture what was happening.
Overall, this wasn’t my least favorite Noelle Ihli book, but it also wasn’t my favorite. A fun, fast-paced thriller with a gripping start, even if it didn’t totally stick the landing for me.
May 21, 2026
Review of advanced copy received by Netgally
Noelle is a master storyteller who sucks you in from the very first page.
I devoured this book and had such a fun time reading it. Even though I picked the twist early, it still had my heart pumping and me frantically flicking through the pages.
I do wish we got a little more from the ending, just for that extra satisfaction and a tighter bow on everything, but overall I absolutely loved this book.
Noelle is a master storyteller who sucks you in from the very first page.
I devoured this book and had such a fun time reading it. Even though I picked the twist early, it still had my heart pumping and me frantically flicking through the pages.
I do wish we got a little more from the ending, just for that extra satisfaction and a tighter bow on everything, but overall I absolutely loved this book.
May 18, 2026
This was a wild ride with nonstop action! This rafting trip was supposed to be an adventure of a lifetime. 20 strangers on a 5 day trip down the river. But things do not go as planned. 7 years ago there was a massacre and it looks like history is repeating itself…
This was an atmospheric book with lots of dread. I could imagine myself there in this situation and it was terrifying! This is a book you will fly right through with no future plan of ever going rafting!
This was an atmospheric book with lots of dread. I could imagine myself there in this situation and it was terrifying! This is a book you will fly right through with no future plan of ever going rafting!
Want to Read
April 28, 2026Listen, if Noelle writes it then I'm gonna be reading it. Can't wait for July!
May 19, 2026
3*
I have loved every book by this author, but unfortunately I didn’t love this book.
Thank you netgalley for giving me this for a honest review
I have loved every book by this author, but unfortunately I didn’t love this book.
Thank you netgalley for giving me this for a honest review
May 24, 2026
The story follows Kaia, a widower who lost her husband a year earlier to a hiking accident. Kaia goes on a trip that was originally meant for her and Parker, to go white water rafting in Camas Creek, a river living in infamy after a man took the lives of several people who attempted to raft down the river seven years prior. One of Kaia’s fellow rafters, Allie, is a true crime junkie that runs a blog on Reddit that is all things Camas Creek Murders. When strange things start happening that mimic the Camas Creek murders, Allie begins to panic that someone is trying to re-create the infamous mass murder.
What I loved about this book:
It kept me on the edge of my SEAT! Noelle’s writing style has a way of grabbing me and plopping me down right into the middle of the story. I was terrified when the characters were terrified, I was angry when they were angry. I was sad when they were sad. This is a given for me with any book written by Noelle. She’s just so good at placing me right into the heart of her stories.
I also loved that the book highlighted Third Man Syndrome - something I have seen depicted in movies such as “Adrift” and “47 Meters Down” but don’t recall reading in any other stories aside from this one. How fascinating the way our minds work under severe distress.
What I didn’t love:
It seemed a bit repetitive in certain places. A bit unrealistic (but maybe that was just me wanting the characters to fight back and live) and I guessed the twist. I hate when that happens. I love the gotcha moment that happens in a story when a twist completely throws you off.
Even so, I have to give my girl credit where it’s due. 4.5 ⭐️. Thanks for making me feel like I’ve been white water rafting when my scared little butt has barely ever been in a boat. 🤣🤣
What I loved about this book:
It kept me on the edge of my SEAT! Noelle’s writing style has a way of grabbing me and plopping me down right into the middle of the story. I was terrified when the characters were terrified, I was angry when they were angry. I was sad when they were sad. This is a given for me with any book written by Noelle. She’s just so good at placing me right into the heart of her stories.
I also loved that the book highlighted Third Man Syndrome - something I have seen depicted in movies such as “Adrift” and “47 Meters Down” but don’t recall reading in any other stories aside from this one. How fascinating the way our minds work under severe distress.
What I didn’t love:
It seemed a bit repetitive in certain places. A bit unrealistic (but maybe that was just me wanting the characters to fight back and live) and I guessed the twist. I hate when that happens. I love the gotcha moment that happens in a story when a twist completely throws you off.
Even so, I have to give my girl credit where it’s due. 4.5 ⭐️. Thanks for making me feel like I’ve been white water rafting when my scared little butt has barely ever been in a boat. 🤣🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2026
Review of The Last to Drown by Noelle W. Ihli, due to be published on 16 July 2026 by Pan Macmillan.
Noelle W. Ihli delivers another pulse-pounding thriller packed with tension, fear and impossible choices in this gripping new novel. From the very first chapter, the atmosphere is heavy with danger and unease, pulling you straight into a story where survival is never guaranteed.
The plot wastes no time throwing the reader into chaos, with characters forced into terrifying situations that test loyalty, instinct and endurance. Ihli excels at creating ordinary people trapped in extraordinary circumstances, and every chapter ramps up the pressure another notch. Just when you think you’ve worked out where the story is heading, another twist changes everything.
The pacing is relentless throughout. There’s suspense, deception, emotional conflict and edge-of-your-seat jeopardy woven into every scene. The short, sharp chapters make it almost impossible to stop reading, and the sense of urgency builds brilliantly towards a dramatic conclusion.
What really stands out is Ihli’s ability to create vivid, cinematic tension while still giving emotional depth to the characters. You feel every moment of panic, desperation and determination alongside them.
Dark, fast paced and utterly addictive, this is a thriller that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Noelle W. Ihli delivers another pulse-pounding thriller packed with tension, fear and impossible choices in this gripping new novel. From the very first chapter, the atmosphere is heavy with danger and unease, pulling you straight into a story where survival is never guaranteed.
The plot wastes no time throwing the reader into chaos, with characters forced into terrifying situations that test loyalty, instinct and endurance. Ihli excels at creating ordinary people trapped in extraordinary circumstances, and every chapter ramps up the pressure another notch. Just when you think you’ve worked out where the story is heading, another twist changes everything.
The pacing is relentless throughout. There’s suspense, deception, emotional conflict and edge-of-your-seat jeopardy woven into every scene. The short, sharp chapters make it almost impossible to stop reading, and the sense of urgency builds brilliantly towards a dramatic conclusion.
What really stands out is Ihli’s ability to create vivid, cinematic tension while still giving emotional depth to the characters. You feel every moment of panic, desperation and determination alongside them.
Dark, fast paced and utterly addictive, this is a thriller that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
June 9, 2026
I’ve had a bit of a hit-and-miss relationship with Noelle Ihli’s books. Some have been absolute winners for me, while others haven’t quite lived up to the hype. That said, The Last to Drown is easily my favourite of her recent releases.
The premise hooked me immediately: a whitewater rafting trip, a remote wilderness setting, and a dark history that refuses to stay buried. The isolated river setting created a constant sense of tension, and once the story got going, I found it very hard to put down. The atmosphere was genuinely unsettling, and the feeling that danger could come from anywhere kept me turning the pages. The novel follows a group of women trapped on an 84-mile stretch of river where a previous massacre had taken place.
What worked best for me was the pacing. Unlike some of Ihli’s books that I’ve felt dragged in places, this one felt focused and suspenseful throughout. The short chapters, mounting paranoia, and constant uncertainty made for a tense and entertaining read.
If you’ve enjoyed Noelle Ihli before but found her recent books a little inconsistent, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a chance. For me, it’s the strongest thing she’s written in a while.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The premise hooked me immediately: a whitewater rafting trip, a remote wilderness setting, and a dark history that refuses to stay buried. The isolated river setting created a constant sense of tension, and once the story got going, I found it very hard to put down. The atmosphere was genuinely unsettling, and the feeling that danger could come from anywhere kept me turning the pages. The novel follows a group of women trapped on an 84-mile stretch of river where a previous massacre had taken place.
What worked best for me was the pacing. Unlike some of Ihli’s books that I’ve felt dragged in places, this one felt focused and suspenseful throughout. The short chapters, mounting paranoia, and constant uncertainty made for a tense and entertaining read.
If you’ve enjoyed Noelle Ihli before but found her recent books a little inconsistent, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a chance. For me, it’s the strongest thing she’s written in a while.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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