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Book Review of The Last One at the Wedding 

MadameBookWorm

A Journey of Reconnection and Mystery: A Review of The Last One at the Wedding

When I first spotted The Last One at the Wedding, it wasn’t just the intriguing title that caught my eye; it was the name on the cover—Jason Rekulak. Having thoroughly enjoyed his previous book, Hidden Pictures, I was eager to dive into his latest offering without even glancing at the synopsis. Rekulak has a knack for weaving compelling narratives, and I was excited to see how he would again capture my attention.

The story follows Frank Szatowski, a widower and dedicated UPS driver from rural Pennsylvania who has been estranged from his daughter, Maggie, for three long years. The sudden phone call from her announcing her engagement caught me off guard as much as it did Frank. I felt an immediate tug at my heartstrings; you can practically feel the weight of years lost as Frank grapples with this unexpected news. His eagerness to mend their relationship adds layers to his character, making him instantly relatable.

As Frank embarks on a road trip to New Hampshire for the wedding, accompanied by his sister, Tammy, and her foster child, Abigail, the looming tension is palpable. Rekulak crafts a brilliant atmosphere as they arrive at the Gardners’ grand lakeside estate. Initially awed by the opulence surrounding him, Frank’s unease grows as he realizes the wealth gap between his family and the Gardners is larger than he thought. Rekulak deftly reveals the intricacies of interpersonal dynamics through Frank’s eyes, which I found engrossing.

I loved how the author chose to unfold the estrangement between Frank and Maggie; the slow drip of information was effective in keeping me engaged. Is Maggie genuinely happy, or is she, as Frank suspects, caught up in something dangerous? The tension escalated as Frank navigates not just the wedding festivities but also the unsettling whispers from the locals concerning Aidan, Maggie’s fiancé.

In terms of style, Rekulak adeptly balances suspense and character development. The pacing is a bit of a slow burn, but it allows for a deeper exploration of Frank’s psyche and the mysteries surrounding the Gardners. The audiobook, narrated by John Pirhalla, added an extra dimension to Frank’s character, bringing his vulnerabilities and determination to life in a way that I found captivating.

What I appreciated most was how Rekulak infused layers of intrigue and moral complexity. The twist and turns—especially involving a missing local girl connected to Aidan—kept me on the edge of my seat. Some characters were undeniably fun to hate, adding a deliciously sinister undertone to the narrative. “What is really happening behind the gates of this fortress-like estate?” became a question I couldn’t stop pondering.

Ultimately, The Last One at the Wedding exceeded my expectations. It captured the essence of familial bonds, the struggle for redemption, and the ambiguity of trust in a beautifully crafted narrative. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of emotional journeys intertwined with suspense; it’s perfect for anyone who revels in stories about love, loss, and the lengths we go to for those we care about.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with the opportunity to experience this compelling tale. I look forward to seeing what Jason Rekulak conjures up next!

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