“One Step Too Far” is the second book in the “Frankie Elkin” series, following “Before She Disappeared”. Although I did not read the first book, it didn’t have that much of an effect on my enjoyment and understanding of the story. Admittedly, I would have liked to have a better ‘bigger picture’ understanding of the main character, but for that I can always go back and read the first book – which I may just do.
Frankie Elkin is a loner, and her specialty is to find missing persons. She joins the search party of a young man who disappeared five years ago in the wilderness. This was during a stag party camping weekend, and his sudden disappearance left a lot of questions unanswered, and his father desperately searching, refusing to give up. So much so that this same group of friends get together every year to resume the search, hoping to find some clue or even closure. Frankie joins this diverse group, all with their own interests and expertise to bring to the party. As novice hiker, there is so much for her to learn and take into account – on a physical and social-dynamic level. She needs to prove that she’s got some value to add. Will this search actually get some questions answered this time around, after all these years?
There is a quite a large cast of characters and personalities, so you do need to keep your wits about you in the beginning. But as the story unfolds and the tension and dynamics intensifies, this quickly turns into a real page-turner. This was pure escapism for me – I mean, who doesn’t want to go hiking around in the dark woods with a Bigfoot hunter at your side? 4/5 rating for me!
*With thanks to Penguin Books SA for providing me with a review copy, in exchange for an honest review.