The Last

by Hanna Jameson
The Last cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Psychological Thriller
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1153
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781501198823
  • Publisher: Atria Books
  • Published: 2019-04-09
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 4

In the gripping dystopian thriller 'The Last,' an American academic finds himself stranded at a Swiss hotel as nuclear war ravages the world. Along with twenty other survivors, he struggles to maintain a semblance of civilization amidst dwindling supplies and rising tensions. The discovery of a young girl's body in the hotel's water tank sets off a desperate quest for answers, as the protagonist becomes obsessed with solving the murder to cling to his own humanity. /n/n The hotel, already steeped in a dark history of suicides and murders, becomes a battleground for survival and sanity. As the survivors grapple with the horrors of their new reality, they must confront the chilling question: is it safer to stay within the confines of the hotel or risk the unknown dangers of the outside world?

Reviews
The Skinny · 2025-09-22
mixed 3.00

The reviewer finds the novel's combination of genres interesting but feels it fails to fully deliver on its potential. They appreciate the ambitious premise but find the execution lacking.

The reviewer acknowledges that The Last offers an intriguing mix of murder mystery, apocalyptic dystopian, and psychological thriller elements. However, they feel that the novel struggles to fully capitalize on its promising premise. While the setting and concept are compelling, the reviewer finds that the execution falls short, leaving them somewhat disappointed with the overall experience.

Quick quotes

    The Last provides an interesting combination of genres.

    It fails to really follow through on its potential.

    The setting and concept are compelling.

FT Lighthouse · 2025-07-06
intriguing 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the novel's unique blend of genres and the protagonist's journey. They highlight the author's skill in creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.

The reviewer finds The Last to be a compelling read that skillfully merges elements of murder mystery, apocalyptic dystopian, and psychological thriller. They are particularly impressed by the protagonist's search for truth amidst the chaos, which adds depth and intrigue to the story. The reviewer also notes that the novel's setting and pacing contribute to a sense of dread and suspense, making it a gripping tale that keeps readers engaged.

Quick quotes

    The Last is an ambitious and intriguing novel.

    The premise is that nuclear war has broken out.

    Jameson creates her characters well.

Karissa Reads Books · Karissa · 2023-10-26
good 3.50

The characters are deeply flawed but realistic, making them compelling. The narrative is engaging but could use more focus.

Karissa highlights the strength of the character development, noting that each character is flawed in a realistic way. She finds the narrative engaging but feels it could benefit from a more focused plot. The book's blend of genres creates an interesting dynamic, but she wishes the story had a clearer direction. Overall, she enjoys the read but feels it could have been even better with some refinements.

Quick quotes

    Jameson creates her characters well.

    Each of them are deeply flawed in an absolutely realistic way.

    Even as the teller of his own story, Jon is deeply flawed.

Damp Pebbles · 2020-12-03
delighted 4.50

The reviewer is delighted with the book's superior quality compared to another recent read. They praise the author's focus on character development and their experiences.

The reviewer is pleased to report that The Last surpasses another book they read earlier in the year. They are particularly impressed with Hanna Jameson's ability to craft well-developed characters and delve deeply into their experiences. The reviewer finds the novel to be a standout in its genre, highlighting the author's skill in creating a rich and engaging narrative that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    I'm delighted to confirm that The Last is far superior to the book I read earlier this year.

    Jameson puts her characters, their experience and ...

    The Last is a standout in its genre.

Appears in Lists