Last Seen Leaving

by Caleb Roehrig

[Sam@WLABB]

This was a great whodunit, and this was also a great coming of age/coming out story.

This book is packed with mystery, secrets, and lots and lots of crazy twists. Every time I thought I knew who did what, my theory would be refuted. I love when a story can pull me in, and just will not let go. Last Seen Leaving was very intriguing, but I kept tagging in for one more chapter, because Roehrig did such a masterful job of presenting one of the "dun dun dun da" moments right at the end of each chapter. I never wanted to put it down.

I totally fell in love with Flynn (and Kaz too). Flynn was so well developed, and Roehig deftly let us into his head. I really felt his struggle and all his other emotions as he attempted to discover what happened to his girlfriend. I channeled his emotions as he slowly uncovered his girlfriend January's secrets, tearing away layer after layer of lies and half truths. As Flynn uncovered more and more about January, he also uncovered and came to terms with his sexuality.

I also felt like I knew January. This girl, who was missing for the entire book, was presented in second hand accounts, and a few flashbacks. She came across so fierce, that it was quite shocking to think anything could have happened to her.

I was actually quite impressed with the way Roehrig addressed the mystery of January's disappearance, and Flynn's sexuality. At first I was skeptical. I thought it would be awkward, but it wasn't. It was quite seamless the way Roehrig blended these two parts of the story.

I was really impressed with Roehrig's debut, and am excited to read more of his work.