Friday, September 12, 2025

Book Review: Last Seen

By Melissa Smoot

Come here. Come closer.

Halley James knows her marriage is over. But she’s not prepared for the rest of her life to fall apart too.

No one can hear you. No one can help you.

She just lost her job at the forensics lab. Her dad needs emergency surgery. But the biggest blow comes back home in Marchburg, Virginia, where she discovers her mother didn’t actually die in a car crash. Her mom was murdered—and her father lied about it all these years.

I have nothing to hide from you. Are you hiding something from me?

Since she was six years old, it’s been Halley and her dad. Now, she doesn’t know what to believe. Desperate for the truth, Halley chases down a lead in Brockville, Tennessee. But all there is not as it seems. Brockville’s utopian charm hides a chilling darkness. And Halley’s search for answers threatens to expose an unspeakable reality.
(Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

From the very first pages of Last Seen, I was drawn into a thick cloud of suspense, a feeling that only intensified as the story unfolded. J.T. Ellison masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, a true nail biter. The setting in the dark, isolated woods enhances the creepy atmosphere perfectly.

The fear that the main character, Halley, felt was palpable and I was eager to accompany her on her journey to uncover the truth. The small town of Brockville, TN looked like a perfect place where everyone was happy and only ever felt joy. Little did they know what was lurking below the idyllic façade. 

What truly resonated with me was the main character. Her strong will and determination made her a beacon of resilience amid the chaos. I found myself rooting for her and admiring her courage, even if sometimes I wanted her to stop searching for her own safety. 

Overall, Last Seen is more than just a thriller. It is a mind bending, nonstop roller-coaster of emotions. If you are looking for a gripping read that combines suspense with a deeply relatable protagonist, I highly recommend diving into this chilling tale.

Thanks to Over the River PR for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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