The Last Thing He Told Me

Nicholas Bell was known as The Good Lawyer before he went to work for the crime syndicate. How did Bell’s career progress? What do you think motivated his ongoing involvement with the crime syndicate?

Do you believe that Hannah is an entirely reliable narrator? What evidence supports your answer?

The book includes several quotations about wood. What is the relevance of these quotes? How does wood relate to other themes in the novel?

There are several items that hold significance in the story, including the wedding ring, the piggy bank, the chair Hannah is making, and Bailey’s hoodie. Discuss the meaning of these everyday items and their significance to the story.

How does the author, Laura Dave, maintain the pace of the novel? What tools does she use to accelerate the pace and, on the flipside, to slow it down?

An effective mystery novel contains an ever-present current of tension; this one is no exception. Choose three instances when Dave heightens the tension of the story and discuss what tools she uses to do this.

What role does the town of Sausalito play in the novel? What is the town’s effect on Hannah? How does the town impact the events in the book?

Carl Conrad is a philanderer, yet Owen remains his loyal friend. Why? What does this say about Owen? Why is this important to the overarching plot?