I recently dove into The Last Morning, the debut psychological thriller by Camden Baird, and I must say, it was quite a rollercoaster of emotions. The novel’s premise, revolving around a mother, Sadie Wilson, facing the unimaginable terror when her five-year-old daughter, Emma, goes missing on her first day of kindergarten, instantly drew me in. Being a fan of psychological thrillers, I was eager to see how Baird would handle such a heavy topic.
The opening scene successfully laid bare the sheer anguish and dread that Sadie feels when she learns about Emma’s disappearance. Baird’s portrayal is visceral, making the reader feel an instant connection to Sadie’s despair. The psychological depth she brings to Sadie’s character creates an emotional anchor throughout the story. It’s intriguing to witness how her maternal instinct pushes her to navigate through a community filled with suspects—each with their own motives—like the secretive teacher and the registered sex offender.
One aspect I truly appreciated was the format of the narrative—switching perspectives chapter by chapter. This approach allowed for a multi-dimensional view of the story as we ventured into the minds of various characters, enhancing the mystery. Readers are continuously kept guessing about who could be involved, a point echoed by other readers who found the character-driven approach engaging. As noted by one reviewer, it presented a “well-developed psychological storyline that keeps them guessing all the way through,” and I couldn’t agree more.
However, not everything in this novel clicked perfectly for me. Some readers voiced frustrations regarding the interconnectedness of the suspects, finding it a little implausible. And I, too, felt there were moments where the coincidences stretched the bounds of believability. A constant shift between characters and their narratives—while engaging—could sometimes lead to confusion. At times, I found myself struggling to keep up, much like another reader who noted, “Maybe one too many coincidences for my total suspension of belief.”
Despite a few narrative inconsistencies, I found the pacing compelling overall. The second half of the book ramped up with intensity, making it a gripping read that I completed in just a few sittings. Baird perfectly captured the urgency and desperation in Sadie’s search for her daughter, and the tension kept me turning pages well into the night.
That brings me to the novel’s twist-filled conclusion. While I enjoyed the unexpected revelations about the characters’ identities—there are more surprises than a box of chocolates!—I did feel the ultimate resolution could have benefitted from more groundwork earlier in the story. A few plot points felt a touch hasty or appeared to be afterthoughts to tie everything together, as some readers have observed.
In terms of emotional engagement, Baird effectively tugged at the reader’s heartstrings. Sadie’s turmoil is palpable, and many moments of despair had me reflecting on the darker aspects of human nature. One reader’s observation particularly resonated with me: “Tugs at the heart from the first chapter. Shows how dark our souls can be.” It brought a layer of depth that I always seek in thrillers.
In conclusion, The Last Morning is a captivating read with a powerful premise and a pacing that pulls you through its pages. Despite a few plot contrivances and character interconnections that stretched credulity, the emotional weight and surprising twists made it an engaging experience. Given my overall enjoyment, I would recommend this book to fans of the genre, especially those who appreciate psychological tension interspersed with unexpected turns. I’m certainly excited to see what Camden Baird will write next!
Dive into suspense with The Last Morning: A Thriller, the gripping start to the Secrets of Chapel Roads series!
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