The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Dates Read: 9/6/23 - 9/8/23

    During college in upstate New York, Shay and her friends fell under the spell of a manipulative man who deceived them with lies about the world. Years later, Shay, now in Texas, learns her friend Laurel has died, reopening old wounds. Prompted by a true-crime podcast, Shay revisits her past, suspecting the predators are still active. Teaming up with the podcast host, she unravels a dark world of privilege, confronting her own past. Struggling with justice in a male-dominated society, Shay must confront her own complicity and unravel the truth, questioning the lengths she's willing to go for justice.

    "The Last Housewife" by Ashley Winstead is a gripping and unsettling read that had me hooked from the start. Shay's journey takes a chilling turn as she delves into her past, seeking answers about Laurel's death. The narrative skillfully weaves together Shay's present and past, shedding light on the control she endured from men, both in her earlier years and in her current marriage. As she collaborates with her friend Jamie Knight on the podcast, we gain a deeper understanding of Shay's experiences and the difficult choices she had to make.

    The novel masterfully exposes the corruption within various institutions—government, politicians, police, and educators—painting a bleak picture of a world where trust is a scarce commodity, especially for women. While the book delves into deeply disturbing themes, including sexual violence against women, the story is told with a compelling blend of suspense and professionalism. Winstead's writing kept me glued to the pages, unable to put the book down, despite the discomfort I felt.

    In summary, "The Last Housewife" is a dark and intense read that offers a raw portrayal of the challenges faced by women in a world tainted by corruption and manipulation. The book's ability to maintain a high level of suspense and engage the reader is commendable, earning it 4.5 star rating from me.