In Laura Dave's The Last Thing He Told Me, woodturner Hannah Hill's life takes a dramatic turn when her husband, Owen, disappears after his company is raided by federal authorities for securities fraud. Left with a cryptic note reading "Protect her" and a duffle bag of cash, Hannah joins forces with her stepdaughter, Bailey, to uncover Owen's secrets, leading them from Sausalito, California to Austin, Texas.

Laura Dave's The Last Thing He Told Me is a suspenseful thriller that delves into themes of trust, family, and identity. Readers praise its fast pace, compelling characters, and emotional depth. However, some find the plot twists predictable and the resolution underwhelming. Overall, it’s a gripping read with a solid blend of mystery and relational drama.

Readers who enjoyed The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen or Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty will appreciate Laura Dave's The Last Thing He Told Me. This novel captivates those who are drawn to domestic thrillers, mystery, and emotionally complex narratives focusing on family secrets and relationships.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Emotional / Bittersweet

**Hannah Hall**  
Hannah is the first-person limited narrator who guides the reader through the story. She had a challenging childhood, raised by her grandfather after her parents abandoned her. She becomes a successful furniture maker and a loyal friend to Jules. Engaged to a lawyer, she calls it off before meeting her future husband, Owen. She is patient and self-sacrificing, particularly when it comes to her stepdaughter, Bailey, with whom she hopes to build a meaningful relationship.

**Owen Michaels/Ethan Young**  
Owen is the enigmatic central figure of the novel, motivated primarily by his love for his daughter, Bailey. Known for his intelligence and loyalty, he has a past that is shrouded in mystery and disputed events. Owen is portrayed through Hannah's memories and others' accounts, which question his integrity. He vanishes, leaving behind resources for Bailey and instructing Hannah to protect her.

**Bailey Michaels**  
Bailey starts as a typical 16-year-old, dismissive of her stepmother, Hannah. An avid theater enthusiast with an older boyfriend, she struggles with Hannah's presence. Following her father's disappearance, Bailey matures and collaborates with Hannah to unravel the mystery. Her relationship with Hannah evolves from conflict to a supportive, loving bond.

**Nicholas Bell**  
Bell is a key figure whose actions set the events in motion, appearing as the story nears its resolution. Originally a defense lawyer, he becomes involved with a crime syndicate, leading to wealth and complex relationships. He has a strained relationship with Owen but also cares deeply for him. Bell's complexities and desire for a relationship with his granddaughter, Bailey, are eventually acknowledged by Hannah.

- The Last Thing He Told Me was a Reese's Book Club pick in May 2021, drawing significant attention and helping bolster its popularity among readers.
- The novel was adapted into a television series by Apple TV+, with actress Jennifer Garner starring in the lead role, adding a visual dimension to the beloved story.
- Laura Dave, the author of The Last Thing He Told Me, has a background not only in writing but also in film, having studied at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Laura Dave

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Last Thing He Told Me reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Last Thing He Told Me | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Last Thing He Told Me and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Last Thing He Told Me Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Prologue-Chapter 3

The Last Thing He Told Me Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Chapters 13-15

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-18

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-21

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-24

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-27

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-30

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 28-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Chapters 31-33

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 31-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-36

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 34-36 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 37-41

The Last Thing He Told Me Chapters 37-41 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Last Thing He Told Me Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Last Thing He Told Me Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Last Thing He Told Me Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Last Thing He Told Me Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Last Thing He Told Me Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

The Last Thing He Told Me Book Club Questions

The Last Thing He Told Me

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Last Thing He Told Me?

Reading Age

Book Details