The Last Caretaker - by Jessica Strawser (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A woman in search of a new beginning is put to the test in ways she never imagined in an empowering and provocative page-turner by the author of Not That I Could Tell.

Katie's divorce was, in a word, humiliating. So when her friend Bess offers a fresh start--a resident caretaking job at a nature preserve--Katie accepts. No matter that she's not exactly a "nature person." How hard can it be?

But from day one, something feels off. Katie's new farmhouse looks as if the last caretaker barely moved out at all. When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, it's clear caretaking involves way more than Katie bargained for.

Suddenly, Katie is no longer sure who she can trust: the brooding groundskeeper, the daily regulars--hikers, dog walkers, bird-watchers, photographers--even Bess.

As Katie digs deeper for clues in what the last caretaker left behind, she must discover courage she never knew she had--and decide how much she'll risk to do the right thing.

Review Quotes

"Strawser's latest fast-paced page-turner (following The Next Thing You Know) grabs readers at the start and doesn't let go. For fans of Sally Hepworth and Liane Moriarty." --Library Journal

"Strawser presents a fresh premise and compelling plot. The twists are unexpected, and Katie is pulled along through the adventure until she finds the courage to stand up for herself." --Booklist

"Ms. Strawser, author of Book of the Month bestseller Not That I Could Tell, gives readers a master class in distrust through the eyes of Katie.... Part of the human experience is learning moral and ethical boundaries, yet some situations are dicey, and what is right is less certain. To risk the courage to move forward and through situations--even and especially in the unknown--is a learned skill. Ms. Strawser navigates these waters with nimbleness, and readers might finish the book with a new sense of right from wrong--or, at the least, question their own beliefs, which is the power of a good book." --Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"You're never sure who to trust or where everyone's loyalties lie in this latest from the very talented Jessica Strawser. Deftly-written with an undercurrent of unease, The Last Caretaker is a relevant, harrowing mystery with page-turning suspense, a powerful storyline and relatable characters that readers will think about for a long time to come. Strawser's fans will love this!" --Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Just the Nicest Couple

"Riveting and evocative, The Last Caretaker takes its cast--and readers--down a path of discovery and strength, all while telling a story rich with grace and determination and yes--soul-deep hope. Turn off your phones; you will be reading this one in a single sitting." --Kelly Harms, national bestselling author of Where the Wind Takes Us

"A powerful and atmospheric tale that is equal parts emotion and suspense as a woman takes over as caretaker of a remote nature reserve, only to discover the barn is part of a dangerous underground network for victims of domestic violence. In The Last Caretaker, Strawser perfectly captures the perils of living in an isolated part of the world and the desperate measures some women must take in order to survive. A richly emotional page-turner with an important message." --Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of Dear Wife and The Personal Assistant

"Riveting, harrowing, timely, and important. The story of a woman fleeing a difficult past who stumbles upon a network of safe houses for domestic violence victims, The Last Caretaker is that rare combination of page-turning thriller and an issue-driven book with deep resonance. I couldn't put it down, I can't stop thinking about it, and I know it will stay with me for a very long time." --Michele Campbell, internationally bestselling author of It's Always the Husband

"Jessica Strawser's powerful page-turner The Last Caretaker takes us on a dark, winding journey that forces the protagonist to grapple with how far she would go to do the right thing, and at what price. Katie's new job as a residential caretaker in a nature reserve is not what it seems...far from it. Strawser expertly tackles the mysteries around caretaking at the Grove Reserve with unputdownable twists and turns, proving that while life can get messy, the trick is being strong enough to handle the knocks at your door. Brava!" --Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire

"The Last Caretaker is as full of life, beauty, and menace as the nature reserve in which it is set. This masterfully constructed novel explores just how much we're willing to risk to do what's right. Jessica Strawser's writing drew me in and refused to let go until the very last page." --Laura Hankin, author of The Daydreams

"The Last Caretaker is a relevant, absorbing exploration into the dark side of relationships. Strawser's skillful insights capture what it means to be a caretaker--what it's worth and the impact on ourselves and those around us. A powerful read from start to finish, thought provoking, and unputdownable." --Rochelle B. Weinstein, USA Today bestselling author

"The Last Caretaker is the best kind of book: important, surprising, brave. You'll want all your friends to read it." --Ann Garvin, USA Today bestselling author of I Thought You Said This Would Work