Fans of the gripping novel The Last Thing He Told Me can finally discover the fate of its beloved characters. Author Laura Dave has released the highly anticipated sequel, titled The First Time I Saw Him, published on Friday 9 January 2026.
From Standalone Sensation to a Two-Part Saga
The original book, a New York Times Best Seller for 65 weeks and a pick for Reese Witherspoon's book club, was initially conceived as a standalone story. It follows Hannah Hall, who must protect her new stepdaughter Bailey after her husband Owen mysteriously vanishes. However, an outpouring of questions from readers about what happened next inspired Dave to continue the narrative.
"I had really imagined it as a standalone book, but I was surprised that I had an answer to what happened," Dave explained. The new novel picks up after the original events while also delving deeper into the past, shifting the central theme. "If the first book is asking the question, what are we willing to do for the people we love? I think the second book is asking, what are we willing to do to be forgiven?" Dave stated.
Screen Success and Personal Collaborations
The story's reach extends far beyond the page. The successful television adaptation on Apple TV+, starring Jennifer Garner and Angourie Rice, will debut its second season next month. Dave, who co-created the first season with her Oscar-winning husband, screenwriter Josh Singer, did not write for Season 2 as she was focused on completing the sequel novel.
Reflecting on the unique experience of being married to another writer, Dave praised their collaborative yet distinct processes. "He's my best reader and my first reader. I'm a really big fan of his writing," she said. The couple are now collaborating on a screenplay for Netflix titled The Night We Lost Him.
A Profound Impact on Readers
The phenomenon of the first book had unexpectedly personal consequences. Dave recounted a touching encounter on a plane where a young mother revealed she had named her baby boy Owen after the character in the novel. "I broke down," Dave admitted, highlighting the profound connection readers formed with the story.
Describing her genre-bending approach, Dave noted her editor calls her suspense novels "rooted in hope." She explained, "I'm really interested in finding the good even underneath very dangerous behaviour," a signature style that continues in the sequel. With the sequel now published and the next TV season imminent, the captivating world of Hannah and Bailey continues to enthral audiences on both page and screen.
