The Last Session is Julia Bartz's sophomore novel and it brings her over the top, wild ride style of thriller to a very different setting than her first. While her debut was about aspiring writers gathering in a famous writer's home, this book is about a social worker who follows strange clues about a woman she felt so connected to and this takes her to a relationship center in New Mexico. 

Thea is a second career social worker, with her own history of childhood trauma. Bartz creates a fair bit of mystery and tension around Thea's past as she also develops the character of a catatonic woman who shows up at the hospital that Thea works for. The two women share a striking resemblance and a connection to something very important to Thea's childhood. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller from the very early pages. In her signature style, this book has some taboo sexual content and many unlikable characters. There are major themes of verbal abuse and religious trauma. While I recommend this one, please check content warnings before diving in.