The Last to Know

by Mark Gartside

It only takes one person to destroy a marriage... They were the perfect family unit, Tom, Sherry and their daughter Peggy. That was until Daniel Faber walked back into Sherry's life. Never an ex according to Sherry, but Tom is concerned that Daniel wants more from his wife than she realises. The fact that Sherry already has a husband and child doesn't seem to bother him. So begins a battle for the love of one woman, but some people don't play fair and in the middle of the fight stands a little girl who just wants her mother and father to stay together.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2013

About the author

Mark Gartside was born in Warrington in the 1970s. He currently lives in Maine, USA, with his wife and two sons.

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had owned this book for years and it had been just languishing away on my shelves, I think I picked it up in a bargain bin for £1. I was quite frankly sick of looking at it so I decided to pick it up and dive right in.

I'm not sure what I was expecting but this novel felt very fresh to me, I think it's because I have never read a book centred upon family life through the husband's perspective. I'm not sure how to classify this story but it was definitely an entertaining page turner.

The whole story is told through Tom's first person narration, he is happily married and has a cute daughter, but one day his wife's old friend, Daniel, moves back into town and wants to reconnect. Strictly as 'friends' of course. Does Daniel really want to steal his wife, Sherry? Is Tom being jealous, possessive, and an idiot?

Tom is Brit who moved to the U.S. when he married Sherry and one of my favourite elements of the whole book were the wry observations on the differences between American and English culture, it is just hilarious at points. I really enjoyed the writing style, it is very accessible, fast paced, and reads like women's fiction. Best enjoyed with a hot beverage of your choice as the drama unfolds.

[Andrea Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from start to finish, it was good to read about family life from a mans perspective...really good storyline with an unexpected ending!

[Fahim Shahriar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really disappointed how rushed it seemed at the end.All the dramas and twists were thrown out the window & they just got back like that? Really? Had a pretty good potential and interesting characters but the ending ruined it all.Haven’t been this much disappointed about a ending for quite some time.The author could have also used some other perspectives at the end or give us some inner monologues of the husband cause after all the shit he went through it really felt too unrealistic to get together again with his wife(who by the way was partly at fault for what happened).Not Recommended

[Bee 🐝 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Totally not my usual kind of book but I stayed with it. Extremely slow and boring start till around page 100 then it got much better.

I liked the characters, some of the story line was abit silly but still a decent read.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of a Mark Gartside novel and I wasn't disappointed. The style is reminiscent of the Tony Parsons 'Man and Boy' series of books, the story of families, good and bad told from the husband's perspective.

Disappointed there are not more books available by this author, does anyone know why?

[Elle Reads Books Like · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I finished this book i was relived it was over. Not because it was a bad book or I wasn't enjoying it. But because I couldn't cope with the twists and turns of the story line. I was finding myself getting frustrated with the characters and found I wanted to crawl into the pages and knock some sense into them!! I couldn't stand the character Daniel and even disliked Sherry at times. But little Peggy never failed to put a smile on my face. I did enjoy this book and towards the end I was desperate to finish it so could know what the outcome would be. I don't think I'll be re-reading but I'd defiantly recommend

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the first book by Mark Gartside. This was a faster pace and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Tom and Daniel. I really disliked Daniel and was hoping that he would get his comeuppance. I ended up not liking Sherry as well I wont say why as it would give some of the plot away. Also as I live in Warrington it was good to see it mentioned in the book. Even though I couldn't wait to get to the end to see the outcome, I didn't want it to end as it was a really great read.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chic lit written from a mans perspective. Interesting twist I didn't look for at the end. Didn't like the way the main character lost his devotion to wife so easily. Not really believable. But it is a novel.

[Mus · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I mean, yeah it was a light read but not really my type. Too slow, I guess. But different, for sure and definitely a roller coaster ride with the characters. But a slow, expected roller coaster with no ups and downs.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved it. It is kind of a psychological thriller - you are never sure whether you can trust the narrator, Tom - and the ending is amazing.

[thenovelcourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brilliantly written, reader-friendly, not the (preferred?) expected ending, surprisingly interesting point of view, and all in all a pleasant read.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable but still a good read.