Lisa Gardner knocks it out of the park with this story. One Step Too Far may very be one of the most well-constructed thrillers I’ve read. 

Some readers might find the beginning slow moving, but information is teased out so cleverly that the pages keep turning. 

You’ve got interpersonal drama, betrayals, a diverse and realistic cast, and a main character whose humanity I felt strongly, topped off with an incredibly well-constructed, complex and compelling plot. 

Gardner uses descriptive, accessible language, she is not flowery but her imagery is rich and compelling. Her characters are human, well developed and easy to relate to. 

The clues are teased out consistently and while the first half may feel slow to some the climax is a hundred pages of gripping action that will have you white knuckling your way through. We the readers are given a satisfying conclusion to the story, and a dénûment I’d describe as gentle and thoughtful. 

For those who worry:

the dog doesn’t die.

Kudos to Gardner for keeping me up til 2 AM to finish this fantastic novel.