Living in a shack out in the swamps, they made do by hunting down alligators and other animals. To the good people of Jacknife, Louisiana, they are troublemakers and outcasts, the kind of people you wouldn’t want in your community.
So, when Cutter Labasque is found face down in the muddy swamp, no one seems to care, not even her two brothers. The only person who questions the official verdict of suicide is Cutter’s childhood friend, Loyal May, who has just returned home to care for her mother. When she left town at eighteen years old, she betrayed Cutter. Now with a ragtag group from the local paper where she works, Loyal goes in search of answers, uncovering a web of deceit and corruption that implicates those in town. It may be too late to apologize to Cutter, but Loyal has restitution in mind.
Weaving through the swamps and bayous of rural Louisiana, Our Last Wild Days is an atmospheric, smoldering suspense about our darker impulses—and how to set things right. ~taken from Goodreads
4 years! I have been waiting 4 years for author Anna Bailey to release her next novel. Ever since I had the honor of feasting my eyes on her debut, "Where The Truth Lies", back in summer 2021 I have been impatiently waiting. It was a a dark, heavy, physiological thriller that was filled with emotions and left a lasting impact. I gave it a 5 star rating and I encourage everyone to read it, but I do issue a trigger warning of drug abuse, physical abuse, alcohol abuse and homophobia along with it.
That being said, Bailey's latest novel is also a dark, atmospheric read, but with a southern gothic feel. The Deep South seeps through the printed words in this story, and in true southern fashion this book is a slow burn.
The characters are well thought out, very well developed, and all unique. The reality of small town life is brought to the forefront and the flaws, embarrassments, and unseen friendships that go along with that life are told along the way.
Once again Bailey does a stand up job with writing an atmospheric novel with a unique plot, full of unique characters. The pure perfection that was written creating the southern scenery left me in awe. This story sticks to you like the oppressive southern humidity.
The scenes are set so perfectly. The swamps, the alligators, the Cyprus trees, mosquitos, even the thick humidity were all felt with ever word read. This is a poor, rural town full of gossip, drugs, corrupt politics, and not-so-hidden classism and racism. I felt like I was there, investigating along the way.
Thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for allowing me an advanced e-copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 5 star read.
"Our Last Wild Days" is out today, May 20, 2025 here in the U.S. so get your copy now! It is the perfect read to take you into the Memorial Day weekend!
Happy Reading!
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