Review of One Step Too Far: A Novel (Frankie Elkin Book 2) by Lisa Gardner
When I stumbled upon One Step Too Far, I couldn’t resist picking it up. Lisa Gardner is a master in the thriller genre, and her ability to weave complex characters with intricate plots always draws me in. As I started to read, I couldn’t help but feel that this book would plunge me into a world where every page would reveal secrets and surprises—spoiler alert: I was right!
Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Wyoming wilderness, the novel introduces us to Frankie Elkin, a determined woman who is not just searching for lost souls but trying to piece together the intricate puzzle of her own life. This installment follows Frankie as she joins a group of guilt-ridden friends on a desperate quest to find Timothy O’Day—who vanished during a bachelor party camping trip. The emotional stakes are high, not just for Timothy’s family, but for Frankie too, as she grapples with her own demons while navigating the treacherous terrain.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the blend of character development and plot twists. Frankie herself is a fascinating character—courageous yet flawed, unprepared yet resourceful. Gardner does an admirable job of capturing her internal struggles, making her relatable and complex. I particularly enjoyed how the author skillfully reveals the backgrounds of the other search team members, each bringing their own blend of tension and secrets into the narrative.
Gardner’s writing style shines through in the way she builds suspense and creates vivid imagery of the wilderness. The sentence structure often mirrors the pacing of the story—fast and frantic during moments of crisis, punctuated by slow, contemplative passages that invite the reader to catch their breath. One of the standout elements for me was the gradual unfolding of the characters’ motivations and histories; it kept me guessing until the very end.
As I read through the conflicting emotions and raw interactions among the group, I could hear echoes of the poignant themes of loss, guilt, and redemption. Gardner deftly weaves these into the fabric of the narrative, allowing readers to not only become invested in the story but also to reflect on their own relationships and regrets. This is precisely what a good thriller does—it engages the mind and stirs the heart.
One testimonial that stuck with me mentioned the book being a cross between "And Then There Were None" and "Deliverance," and I couldn’t agree more. The sheer unpredictability of the plot, mixed with an underlying sense of horror that comes from both nature and humanity, makes for a nail-biting journey. The line “The biggest danger isn’t the wilderness; it’s the eight humans who just hiked into it” perfectly encapsulates the tense atmosphere Gardner creates.
In conclusion, One Step Too Far is a gripping read that’s perfect for mystery enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys complex character arcs intertwined with suspense. I find it especially compelling for those who appreciate stories that delve into the darker sides of human nature, alongside the intrinsic journey of self-discovery. Gardner leaves us pondering long after the final page, making this not just a novel to enjoy, but a story that lingers in the mind.
If you’re looking for a chilling escape that challenges your perceptions of courage and conviction, then this is certainly a book you’ll want to dive into. Happy reading!
You can find One Step Too Far: A Novel (Frankie Elkin Book 2) here >>