Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehric | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Readers who appreciate a good old fashioned mystery/thriller will flock to one of the latest YA offerings in the genre above. Last Seen Leaving, out October 4th, is the perfect read for autumn. Told in a format that is thoughtful, breezing and thrilling, the main themes all will resonate with younger and older readers alike. It's more than a mystery--it's a tale of growing up and out, the ups and downs of relationships and so much more.

There's quite a lot happening in it and while Last Seen Leaving isn't exactly the most original mystery (it isn't meant to be), it's still an ultimately satisfying read that will leave its audience feeling something. It's the kind of mystery that leaves a long list of suspects and motives; tying into a bigger picture of the missing girl, January, and what could have happened to her.

Our mystery unfolds in a chilling find: January, the girl who has a backstory you would expect from such a novel, has gone missing and the biggest clue we've got is her bloodied clothing. I like that we get to see the layers to her and the flashbacks we've witnessed when it boils down to her relationships with our narrator, Flynn. We see his attempts to find out what happened to her and a budding relationship in the meantime--all the while, secrets and more questions unravel.


The thing I liked most about Last Seen Leaving is how everything was revealed and truths came to light. I liked the feeling of knowing but not knowing, all the guessing and then of course how our narrator comes to terms with who he is. I feel like that may be a huge spoiler but I'm trying to at least not ruin the novels biggest mysteries for readers who are hoping to get their hands on it.

Last Seen Leaving is a delightful, fast paced read that will surely please fans of mysteries. It's easy to follow and as Flynn learns more, the readers are right there with him in his discoveries. The pace the author sets is exactly the kind of slope you want to be pushed down when it comes to reading thrillers and it's an undeniably charming, intriguing way that will hook you from the get go. One thing is for certain, all readers will be wondering what's been boiling behind the scenes of this mystery.

I found the novel to be a thoroughly enjoyable read, that is the ultimate for the long fall nights ahead--it's one of the most entertaining YA reads this year and written fantastically. I really enjoyed it. So. What are you waiting for? Get out of here and pick up a copy when you can.