The Last Resort by Heidi Perks is a story about the lies we tell ourselves and each other, and the devastating consequences when those lies come to light.
| Title | The Last Resort |
| Writer | Heidi Perks |
| Publisher | Penguin |
| Publication date | 2nd November 2023 |
| MBR star rating /5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller, General Fiction (Adult) |
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by Heidi Parks
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Synopsis: The Last Resort
The Last Resort by Heidi Perks is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of marriage, trust, and manipulation. At the heart of the novel are Erin and Will, a couple whose seemingly strong relationship has started to crumble without any clear explanation. In a last-ditch effort to save their marriage, they turn to couples therapy, hoping that therapist Maggie can help them rebuild what they’ve lost. But as the sessions progress, it becomes clear that both Erin and Will are hiding something, and Maggie is left wondering whose version of the truth can be trusted.
The novel’s tension begins to rise when Erin is involved in a hit-and-run accident that leaves her in critical condition. What initially appears to be a tragic accident quickly takes on a more sinister tone as the investigation unfolds. As Erin lies in the hospital fighting for her life, those closest to her—Will, their friends, and even Maggie—begin to question whether this was truly an accident or something far more deliberate. With secrets, lies, and hidden agendas lurking in every corner, the novel keeps readers on edge as they try to unravel the truth behind the accident and the unravelling of Erin and Will’s marriage.
Review of The Last Resort
The Last Resort by Heidi Perks is a compelling psychological thriller that weaves together multiple characters, timelines, and mysteries, pulling readers into a web of lies, manipulation, and dark secrets. Set against the backdrop of a fractured marriage, the story opens with a road traffic accident that leaves Erin, one of the protagonists, critically injured. This seemingly isolated incident unravels into a much deeper, layered narrative involving past tragedies, hidden motives, and a marriage teetering on the brink.
At the heart of the novel are Erin and Will, a couple who have turned to marriage counseling in a desperate attempt to fix their relationship. Their sessions with Maggie, the therapist, reveal conflicting versions of the truth, forcing Maggie—and the reader—to question who can be trusted. Both Erin and Will seem to be hiding something, and it quickly becomes clear that their problems go far beyond the surface.
What makes The Last Resort particularly gripping is how Perks structures the narrative. The story alternates between two timelines: the present-day aftermath of Erin’s accident and the events leading up to it, as well as the couple’s therapy sessions. Additionally, a third storyline emerges from a few years prior, involving a teenage girl’s tragic death while her parents were away—a mystery that is connected to Erin and Will in unexpected ways. These overlapping timelines allow Perks to build tension and suspense, as readers are given pieces of the puzzle from different perspectives and points in time.
One of the strengths of The Last Resort is its exploration of power dynamics within relationships. Erin and Will’s marriage, once filled with love, has deteriorated into a battleground of control, resentment, and manipulation. As their therapy sessions unfold, it becomes apparent that both of them are withholding key truths from each other and from Maggie, the therapist. The novel delves into the complexities of trust in intimate relationships—how easy it is for misunderstandings, unspoken grievances, and past traumas to fester and spiral into a destructive force.
The novel also plays with the theme of perception versus reality. Both Erin and Will present their own versions of events, but neither account feels entirely reliable. Maggie’s role as the therapist becomes increasingly complicated, as she tries to navigate their conflicting stories while battling her own uncertainties about who is being truthful. This narrative device creates a sense of psychological tension, forcing readers to constantly reevaluate their assumptions about each character’s motives and actions.
As the investigation into Erin’s accident deepens, the novel takes on the feel of a true mystery, with new revelations and red herrings thrown into the mix. Friends, family members, and even the couple’s therapist become entangled in the search for answers. Was Erin’s accident truly a random hit-and-run, or was it deliberate? Is there a connection between Erin’s injuries and the mysterious death of the teenage girl years ago? And what role does Will play in all of this? These questions drive the story forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to piece together the truth.
Perks’ use of multiple perspectives and shifting timelines adds complexity to the novel, making it more than a straightforward thriller. Some readers may find the constant shifts in narrative challenging to follow, especially given the multiple characters and their intertwined stories. However, this narrative technique also enhances the suspense, as the full picture is only gradually revealed. Perks skillfully manages to balance these elements, creating a sense of unease that permeates the entire novel.
The character development in The Last Resort is another highlight. Erin and Will are both deeply flawed, and their struggles—both individually and as a couple—are portrayed with nuance. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that neither of them is entirely innocent, and their marriage has been built on a foundation of secrets and lies. Maggie, the therapist, also emerges as a complex character, torn between her professional duty and her growing involvement in the couple’s unraveling lives.
In terms of genre, The Last Resort fits squarely within the realm of domestic thrillers, but it distinguishes itself by adding psychological depth and emotional complexity. It doesn’t rely solely on shock twists or dramatic reveals; instead, it slowly builds suspense through its exploration of trust, guilt, and the darker aspects of human nature. The novel asks important questions about how well we can ever truly know another person, even someone we love, and what happens when the cracks in a relationship begin to show.
Conclusion
For readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with intricate plots and unreliable narrators, The Last Resort is a must-read. Heidi Perks has crafted a story that is both emotionally engaging and intellectually satisfying, with enough twists and turns to keep even the most seasoned thriller readers guessing until the very end. The novel’s exploration of marriage, trust, and deception adds a layer of depth that sets it apart from more conventional thrillers, making it a standout addition to the genre.
Ultimately, The Last Resort is a story about the lies we tell ourselves and each other, and the devastating consequences when those lies come to light. Perks’ skilful storytelling and psychological insight make this a gripping and thought-provoking read that will leave readers questioning the nature of truth and trust long after they’ve turned the final page.
Meet : Heidi Perks
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Heidi Perks was born in 1973. She lives by the sea in Bournemouth with her husband and two children.
Heidi graduated from Bournemouth University in 1997 with a BA (Hons) in Retail Management, and then enjoyed a career in Marketing before leaving in 2012 to focus on both bringing up her family and writing.
Heidi successfully applied for a place on the inaugural Curtis Brown Creative online Novel Writing Course and after that dedicated her time to completing her first novel, Beneath The Surface.
She has a huge interest in what makes people tick and loves to write about family relationships, especially where some of the characters are slightly dysfunctional.
by Heidi Parks
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Above all Keep Safe and treat people fairly.
Mark.