12 The Last Thing He Told Me Book Club Questions

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Imagine this: you wake up next to the love of your life, only to find them gone.

A cryptic note sits on the nightstand, a message meant for someone else, but a sinking feeling tells you it has everything to do with you.

Then, the world explodes.

Your spouse’s boss is arrested, the FBI shows up on your doorstep, and the truth comes crashing down: the person you married is a stranger, a secret life far more dangerous than you ever dreamed.

This is the world of Laura Dave’s “The Last Thing He Told Me,” a story that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew.

Our book club discussion questions will dive deep into the heart of this mystery, exploring the shock of betrayal and the lengths we go to for love – even when the truth is terrifying.

Also Read: The Last Thing He Told Me Book Review.

The Last Thing He Told Me Book Club Questions

The Last Thing He Told Me Book Club Questions

  • Do you think the contrast between Sausalito, a close-knit community, and Austin, a city full of potential clues to Owen’s past, effectively highlights the challenge of piecing together a coherent narrative from scattered clues?

  • The novel’s alternating timelines provide insight into both the present and past of the characters, essential for understanding the story. Do you agree that this structure emphasizes the contrast between Hannah’s current life and her previous one? How does it contribute to the suspense?

  • The novel explores the emotional and mental impact of a loved one’s sudden disappearance on a woman, especially as she takes on the full responsibility of parenting her step-daughter. What steps should a woman take to cope with such a situation?

  • Owen’s absence drives the narrative, adding mystery and intrigue as Hannah searches for the truth about his disappearance and confronts her own feelings and knowledge gaps about his past. How does his absence foster strength and resilience in Hannah and Bailey as they rebuild their relationship?

  • Did you ever suspect during the initial stages of reading that Owen might be responsible for Bailey’s real mother’s death, considering we later learn what happened to her?

  • Imagine the character of US Marshal Grady Bradford is removed from the novel. How would this affect the novel’s pace? Can you imagine the story unfolding without his character?

  • After consulting Bradford, Hannah learns Owen and Bailey were supposed to enter Witness Protection after Owen testified against a crime syndicate. Their new identities were compromised, so Owen created new ones. What do you think of Owen’s decision to take such measures?

  • Jake Anderson provided Hannah with legal advice, resources, and moral support during her investigation of Owen’s past. Do you think moral support is essential during tough times? Have you experienced a situation where one person’s support made a significant difference for you? Share with the club members.

  • Laura Dave used the first 50 pages to quickly introduce the characters and build suspense. What did you think of this pacing decision? Would a slower build-up of suspense have been more effective?

  • Hannah discovers that Owen is really Ethan Young, a former state’s witness against a crime syndicate, and that he was married to Bailey’s mother under different names. Did you foresee this twist?

  • At the end, Owen decides to keep his distance from Hannah and Bailey to keep them safe from potential dangers due to his past. Do you think he made the right choice?

  • The moment Bailey calls Hannah “Mom” at the end signifies her acceptance of Hannah. Did this moment move you emotionally? Was it a fitting end to the story for you? Share your thoughts.

If you liked this set of questions, here are a few other options to consider.