Member Reviews
Firstly, I would like to thank Netgalley & Embla Books for the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of One Small Mistake. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I also apologize for reading and writing the book after its publication date.
While reading One Small Mistake, I felt like I was watching a British police procedure series/movie. Yes, the author's plot and writing kept me captivated, and I wanted to continue to find out what would happen next in the story.
Yes, the story has flawed and manipulative characters, but it makes the plot interesting because you want to learn the truth about what is the truth about each one of them.
For a debut work, Dandy Smith did a fantastic job, and I will certainly read her books.
Thank you Embla books and Netgalley for the arc. It was something difficult to accept for me. I needed a lot to finish but maybe for not this kindnap were difficult. The sexsual and really dark novel was really long and unfortunatelly I could.niz connect in no way to the characters. But sure something a little different.
Elodie is jealous of her perfect sister, she wants to be just like her and constantly strives for the approval of her parents. Her desire to 'be somebody' lends to a terrbile plan to fake her own kidnapping in order to write a book about it. The story is outrageous and completely unbelievable yet utterly entertaining.
I didnt like the protagonist but the writing style is fresh with a dark humour laced through the pages. The plot twists were completely obvious the chapters are short and sharp which keeps the pages turning and the story an enjoyable easy read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me for this book.
I felt the writing was done well in this book but there was just something missing for me and I couldn't get into it and enjoy it as much as I hoped I would.
This has all of the makings of a great thriller but fell flat for me in a few areas. Firstly, the relationship between Elodie and her sister needed a bit more development to make the events that followed more dramatic and inspiring. I found their issues to be a familiar one but Ana's interest in her sister's disappearance almost felt fake and untrue to her character based on their relationship prior. I really liked the premise of this because of the pressures our families put on us to live up to our siblings and societal standards but felt that the events that followed were a bit far-fetched and unrealistic. I started off really intrigued by this but as the days of Elodie missing dragged on, I felt myself losing interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Be careful what you wish for...it seems to be the central theme of One Small Mistake. This is a cleverly written thriller with powerful characters and lots of twists and turns. A highly entertaining, addictive read that will keep you glued to the page.
I loved the plot on this one. It took me in the direction I wasnt expecting. I found it hard to put this book down as I enjoyed it so much. I loved the relationship between the sisters . The pace was perfect.
This is by far one of the best books that I’ve read for a long time! This book tells the story of two sisters who before and after an event have very different lives. When one small thing happens everything starts to spiral out of control until bad things happen. The two sisters, Elodie and Ada have very different lives and it soon becomes apparent that they would rather have each other’s and this book really does show that the grass isn’t always greener. It’s really hard to put my thoughts down as to why it was so good without giving any spoilers but it was a faded paced book but also at the same time slow burning to try and get a resolution. This would make one great TV show too. I also liked how it linked in other real life crime. This book is available on kindle unlimited
I found this book to be thrilling, suspenseful and heart wrenching! I loved the characters, I loved the authors sense of writing and I loved the ending. Would give this book an easy 5/5 stars!
A perfect combination of domestic saga and edge of the seat suspense.. I read this one partially as an e-book and partially on audio and I absolutely loved it - the narrators are perfect and Dandy’s writing style is so addictive!
Can’t wait to read more books by this author! A must read for fans of Lisa Jewell, and Dorothy Koomson.
I sincerely enjoyed this book! I picked this eARC as my Florida vacation reading and WOW did it deliver!
The book centers on Elodie, who wants more than anything to be a published writer but is currently floundering in her personal life and in her job; and Elodie's sister Ada, who has a picture-perfect life but behind closed doors is wildly unhappy. Elodie's desire for personal success as well as her drive to impress her family (who view her choice to pursue writing as a recipe for failure) leads her to embark on a mission of very involved deception- but her plans put her directly in the path of a psychotic obsessive.
I started this book not particularly liking either of the sisters. Elodie seemed scatterbrained and flighty and a little too impulsive, while Ada struck me as very holier-than-thou. But these are the initial impressions you are meant to have of the sisters; they're the impressions everyone has. They both evolve significantly throughout the story. I think that was my favorite thing about this book: it wasn't a straight-up thriller about a kidnapped woman; at its heart it was a book about sisters. The thriller portion was great, but I did enjoy the familial part better. It elevated the story to something more memorable for me. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers with a sisterhood backdrop.
One Small Mistake by Dandy Smith will hook you from the very start, and the gripping narrative only gains momentum as you tear through the pages. This is a most impressive debut, and you will want to add this promising and undeniably talented new author to your list of ones to watch.
Elodie Fray has told a lie, and on the surface it seems to be only the small mistake of a moment. But as her lie quickly takes on a life of its own, Elodie finds her life spiralling out of her control. Her sister Ada seems to have it all but, as we soon realize, looks can be deceiving. The sisters' relationship has always been strained, but can they put aside their differences before it is too late?
This is a pacey read that held my attention throughout, with interesting personal dynamics brought to light via multiple points of view. I anxiously await the next offering from this exciting new author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for an ARC.
Elodie has given up her good job in marketing to work in a coffee shop and focus on her novel. Her family don't seem to be that supportive of her dream, and she feels she compares badly to her perfect sister Ada, who married well and has the perfect home, perfect husband and perfect lifestyle. Elodie's own dream of getting a publishing deal seems to be all but dashed when she learns that her friend has just got a book deal for a real-life memoir, and in a rather petty moment she lets her friend think that she, too, has just landed a book deal. Before she has the opportunity to put it right, her whole family knows. Everyone is so proud. What is she going to do now? Thankfully, her best friend Jack has the perfect suggestion...
At this point in the book I was ready to give up on it, because I didn't really care about Elodie, who didn't seem to care that much about anyone besides herself and her all-consuming need to get something (anything!) published. I mean, is it really just "one small mistake" to let your friend believe you've got a book deal, or is it a big fat lie? Thankfully, after this point in the story, everything escalates and it becomes a great deal more interesting. The characters are complex and engaging, even the ones who aren't likeable, and I found myself gripped by the story, eager to know how it would all play out.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Elodie Fray wants to be an author. She quits her corporate job in order to pursue her dream. Unfortunately, nothing has worked out so far and she is now stuck working at a coffee shop. Elodie wants her family to be proud of her like they are of her older sister, Ada, who is married and lives in an amazing house. After a night of drinking with a friend, lies are told and her family thinks she has a book deal and they have a big celebration for her. She has no idea how she will get herself out of this one mistake. Everything takes a turn when Elodie is abducted from her home one night.
I absolutely loved this book! It was fresh, it was extremely well-written and the story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout! It is so entertaining and had me enthralled from start to finish.
This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
I could not put this book down! wow!
I had planned to just read a few chapters in the evening and then put it away for the next day, but I could not stop! I had to finish in one go
This is a MUST READ
I like to mix up my genres but do pick up quite a few mystery/thriller books. Sometimes, I can find them quite forgettable and they can often blend together in my memory. It’s only the really standout ones that I’d recommend. This is definitely of the best I’ve read in a while.
I LOVE a story where things snowball from one little error. You look at the protagonist when they find themselves in an awful or ridiculous situation and think, how on earth did you end up there - what on earth possessed you? But if you look at each step that led to their fate, its often more understandable.
The POV switches in the book between Elodie and her seemingly perfect sister, Adaline. I don't think you need me to tell you that in life, things are rarely as perfect as outward appearances might portray, and whilst we first see Ada from Elodie's perspective - thriving, happy....PERFECT, of course things aren't that simple. Having the story told from the point of view of both sisters means we get to know them each better, and get to know the other through the eyes of her sister. We see how events and people have been interpreted differently by each of them.
The plot is tense, it ticks along at a good pace and really kept me reading.
This is an excellent example of the genre, and truly accomplished for a debut author. This is one that will pop into my head when someone asks for a recommendation and I'll be looking out for more from Dandy Smith in the future.
Words cannot really describe how much I enjoyed reading this book! I felt like once I reached the halfway point I could not put it down, and the ending did not disappoint! Super satisfying!
Elodie Fray made one small mistake. She told a lie. Elodie let people believe she had a book deal, and ever since letting that lie slip, her life begins to spiral into a real nightmare.
Luckily for Elodie, her sister Ada will not stop until she is safely found and returned home where she belongs.
This book has a couple of twists early on so to avoid giving anything away I will stop with my book description there! This book was a page turner filled with the characters you root for along with the characters you hate. I enjoyed every minute of it. Well written and addictive!
One Small Mistake - or rather a lie - but one lie invariably leads to more lies.
Part One begins 31 Days Before! Before What? Elodie is still grieving the loss of her partner; she is struggling to have a book published while she works in a coffee shop; she is under pressure from family; she has a stalker.
As the days count down we learn so much more about Elodie - her family's expectations; sibling rivalry with her sister, Ada; about her only true friend ,Jack, who is always there for her.
Much of Part Two is written in the form of letters written by Ada (Adaline) to her missing sister outlining their relationship as she sees it. Ada is desperate to do everything she can to find Elodie and the chapters begin to alternative with her efforts and Elodie's situation. The misconceptions of Ada and Elodie's lives are explored and the whole family dynamic breaks down. Gradually this story takes a much darker turner.
The characters in this book are so well explored, the writing and pace kept me engaged and the twists and turns kept coming. A refreshing plot which kept me reading well into the night to find out what happened.
I will definitely look out for more by this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Dandy Smith/Embla Books for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
One Small Mistake by Dandy Smith I loved this book and it was an excellent read. I was so glad I found this new author All the characters were brilliant and all fitted well within the storyline., Plus, it was hard to put it down and I was hooked after the first chapter.
I highly recommend this book and I will be reading more from Dandy in the future.
Big Thank you to Embla Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Wow, what a fun, twisted tale! Was shocked at how much I truly enjoyed getting immersed in this intriguing tale! Full of lies, with fantastically crafted characters and phenomenal writing! Would definitely recommend to my fellow thrill seekers!