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Review

Last One Out is Jane Harper's second novel, and it proves The Dry wasn't a one-off. Set in the fictional Australian town of Shea, the story follows a woman returning to her hometown after years away, only to find a murder has shattered the community she once knew. Harper has a remarkable talent for building atmospheric tension through small-town dynamics—those claustrophobic settings where everyone knows your business and secrets run deep.

What makes this book stand out is Harper's pacing. She doesn't rush the mystery; instead, she lets you settle into the town's rhythm, learning its secrets gradually alongside the protagonist. The Australian setting feels authentic without being overly descriptive, and the characters are genuinely compelling—flawed, realistic, and layered. The mystery itself is satisfying without feeling contrived, and there's genuine emotional weight to the resolution.

For readers who loved The Dry, this delivers the same atmospheric small-town mystery vibe, though it's a completely standalone story. If you enjoy crime fiction with strong character development over explosive action, or Australian noir-style narratives, this is ideal. Fair warning: it's a slower burn than some thrillers, so if you prefer relentless pacing, it might feel measured.

At £1.99, this is genuinely exceptional value. You're getting a Kindle edition of a bestselling mystery from an award-winning author for less than a tenner of its usual price. Even if it's not your favourite mystery of the year, you've lost virtually nothing. Definitely worth adding to your TBR pile.