wow wow wow! I absolutely loved this dark and twisty soul! 

I was super impressed with ashley’s first debut novel, in my dreams I hold a knife, so I literally screamed when I received the arc for this one. and I screamed the whole way through.

while her first novel was dark academia, it’s so unfair to compare the two because they’re completely different beasts!! the last housewife has it ALL: cults, best friends going missing, possible serial killers, grooming, brainwashing, you name it. 

the way ashley was able to write such a heavy and difficult story was such ease and beauty was REMARKABLE. and those plot twists? hoo boy, I did not see coming. 

writing the book in a single POV (which usually isn’t my favorite) was perfect, due to the fact that it was split between podcast transcripts and first person narrative. the transcripts were a wonderful way to see more into the main character’s head as she was interviewed - asking the questions flat out instead of beating around the bush. 

yes, this book is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re a fan of the maidens and the collective, you DEFINITELY need to pick this one up. (but even if you’re not, still preorder this one because it will shock you to your core)

thank you to netgalley, ashley, and sourcebooks for the advanced copy in exchange for a review. august cannot come soon enough!!!

rating: 5 stars 
wine pairing: napa cabernet sauvignon