The Last One at the Wedding (Audiobook)
Author Jason Rekulak, narrated by John Pirhalla
Publish date: 10/8/2024

A chilling wedding day indeed! Frank Szatowski's estranged daughter Maggie calls him after 3 years of not speaking to him to announce her upcoming marriage to a man named Aiden who she's known for just 6 months. Not thrilled with the short courtship, Frank is reluctant to chastise Maggie much since he doesn't think he would speak to her ever again. He was a single father when his wife unexpectedly passed away had to raise her through times when most girls needed their mom and their last interaction caused a huge rift in their relationship. Determined to finally make things right, this invitation to the wedding could be a fresh start.

When he meets his future son-in-law it's a bit strange and any time he reached out to him prior to the wedding the timing didn't work out as if he was avoiding him. Frank already feels awkward when he finds out who Maggie's future in-law is since it's the man who owns the company she works for and he is a famous tech billionaire. Maggie and Aiden live in a fancy high-end skyscraper building in Boston and have the best of everything. The wedding is being held at the family's large secluded estate in New Hampshire and Frank feels like a fish out of water. Aiden's father is sparing no expense for this wedding, and Frank feels left out. When he arrives at the estate with his sister and her state ward in tow, Frank tries to focus on Maggie, and planning her big day is difficult. She is constantly busy and things on the property are very locked down. You want for nothing and if you need anything all you need to do is ask, but to leave the property the staff gives you grief.

The famous rich family doesn't seem to be the town favorites and he hears a disturbing rumor regarding his soon-to-be son-in-law that causes concern. Being left to his own devices for a few days before the wedding, Frank uncovers oddities that steamroll into things a parent doesn't want to hear. Maggie looks and acts happy, but Frank is worried for his daughter. Getting alone time with her or Aidan, her husband-to-be is difficult. He is withdrawn and evasive and also Frank has yet to meet Aiden's mother who they say is ill. Things just aren't adding up and Frank is desperate to find out what is going on before Maggie commits to something that may not be in her best interest. Based on what happened in the past though, he fears if he pushes too hard, he could lose Maggie forever.

The narrator did well voicing the characters' personalities making it easy to know which character was speaking. The buildup in the story was slow and didn't pick up until about halfway in. Then the story started to twist and pick up speed more into the mystery and thriller aspect. There was a particular part towards the end that brought a tear to my eye and I really liked it. I will keep it spoiler-free for others to enjoy it like I did.

I thought this was interesting, but it takes a bit to get into the nitty-gritty of what a thriller usually is. So if you are patient, you will get there. Although compared to other thrillers I have read, this is tame. There is a quick moment of spice, death, and some alcohol abuse, and mentions of child welfare. If you are used to reading thrillers, the trigger warnings shouldn't affect you much.

I appreciate the opportunity to listen to this audiobook given by Netgalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review.

The Last One at the Wedding - Likewise Book Reviews

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