One Step Behind
The twisty and compelling thriller that will leave you breathless
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3.8 • 8 Ratings
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- $15.99
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
'A gripping psychological thriller that pulls the reader through the story at a terrific pace, not giving them a moment to draw breath' Nikki Smith, author of All in Her Head
Jenna is a wife, a mother, a doctor. She's also the victim of a stalker.
Every time she leaves her house, she sees him. Disturbing gifts are left at her door. Cruel emails are sent to her colleagues. She has no idea who this man is but she feels powerless against him.
Until the day he is brought into her hospital after a serious accident, and Jenna is given the chance to find out once and for all why this man is tormenting her. Now, the power is all hers.
But how many lines is she willing to cross to take back control of her life?
*****
'I absolutely adored this disturbingly twisty tale of stalking, obsession and control' Emma Curtis, author of The Night You Left'
A really gripping rollercoaster of a read - I absolutely loved it, and read it in one sitting' Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me
'Lauren North really knows how to reel you in. Absolutely brilliant' Lesley Kara, author of The Rumour
*****
READERS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF ONE STEP BEHIND:
'Wow oh wow! There is nothing negative I can say about this book'
'Twisty and compelling . . . One Step Behind is actually one step forward in psychological thrillers'
'So many twists and turns and OMG moments!'
'A thrilling read that will leave you breathless'
'Lauren North is really developing into a must-read author for me'
'This book is deserving of more than five stars'
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The lives of two troubled women intertwine in this unsettling psychological thriller from British author North (The Perfect Son). Jenna Lawson, a physician in the Accident and Emergency department of Westbury District Hospital, is the victim of a stalker, whose machinations which include sending emails to Jenna and her employers accusing her of sexually abusing a child patient are often uppermost in her mind. Meanwhile, personal trainer Sophie worries about her brother, Matthew, with whom she shared a difficult childhood. Based on glimpses of Matthew that are too often to be coincidental, Jenna suspects he is the stalker, but she has never managed to take a photo of him to show the police. The tables turn when Matthew ends up in Jenna's emergency room, having been hit by a bus. Jenna determines to find out everything she can about him, discovering along the way that everyone close to her has secrets. A nice see-sawing of emotions and motives will keep most readers guessing to the end. North remains a writer to watch.
Customer Reviews
A thrilling psychological thriller
I was first introduced to Lauren North’s work last year with her debut novel The Perfect Son, which I really enjoyed. Since then, I had been eagerly awaiting her next book. When I was approved to read an advance copy of One Step Behind, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in!
In a market that is saturated with psychological thrillers where the lead character finds herself with a stalker, I have to admit I was sceptical at first to see how this story was going to differ, standout above the rest as well as keep my attention. I am pleased to say that Lauren delivered on all three of these points.
The story kicks off right from the get go and you are instantly clouded in a feeling of unease. Lauren North up’s the creepy factor to the max and there was many a time that the hairs on the back of my neck stood up! Every now writing this it is happening! It really did get under my skin as I look back on it!
The characters that have been assembled are a diverse bunch and have been written well. I do have to admit that I did struggle with Jenna’s character and couldn’t resonate with her, but in saying that, I did have sympathy for her situation. Sophie was an interesting character and I enjoyed the flashback scenes where we are made privy to her earlier life.
The story moves along at a steady pace and and along the way there are some red herrings and twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. Lauren North does a good job at leading you down the garden path one way, only to then do a 360 and take it in another direction! I was mostly certainly kept on my toes with this book!
One Step Behind is a gripping, compelling and twisty read. It is the perfect book to escape into whilst in lockdown and I look forward to seeing what Lauren North comes up with for her readers next. She is definitely one to watch in the psychological thriller genre. It was a pleasure to read and review One Step Behind which I recommend.
Thank you to Lauren North, Transworld Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of One Step Behind which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.