The Last Caretaker

A Novel

By: Jessica Strawser

Narrated by: Reba Buhr

An instant USA Today bestseller.

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.

©2023 Jessica Strawser (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Of immense appeal and interest to fans of deftly crafted novels with the themes of family life intermixed with elements of suspense and apprehension, and unreservedly recommended…ably and effectively narrated by Reba Buhr.”—Midwest Book Review

“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

caretaker review

interesting story with twists and turns. characters fully thought out. good length. liked the style of writing and the readers interpretation

Loved the mystery

Could be repetitive at times but I enjoyed the badas* vibe all of the strong women brought to it. It covers a very important issue of domestic violence and how leaving it to the law is hardly ever enough.

Exceptional characters and true friendship

An amazing story to show how life is messy, but you can always do the right thing. When you lean on friends and connect with what matters most.

The story itself

three narrators 'kids' voice was painful to listen to otherwise easy to listen to and follow.

Chalk full of twists and turns

The story line was fascinating. The shear mystery and the convoluted way it unfolds is brilliant 👏