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One Step Too Far
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3.53 / 5
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"One Step Too Far" Summary

A woman tries to escape her troubled past by assuming a new identity, but finds that running away only leads to more secrets and heartache.

Estimated read time: 5 min read

One Sentence Summary

A woman tries to escape her troubled past by assuming a new identity, but finds that running away only leads to more secrets and heartache.

Introduction

In the gripping psychological thriller "One Step Too Far" by Tina Seskis, readers are thrust into the life of Emily Coleman, a woman who seemingly has it all but decides to abandon her life and start anew. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the consequences of Emily's actions become increasingly dire. With its intense plot and complex characters, this novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Brief Synopsis

The story is set in London, England, where Emily Coleman resides with her husband and two children. Emily's life appears picture-perfect from the outside, but she feels trapped and unfulfilled. One day, she makes the drastic decision to leave her family and assume a new identity, becoming Cat Brown. As Cat, she finds herself in a small town outside of London, working as a waitress and attempting to start over.

As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through Emily's past and present. Flashbacks reveal the reasons behind her decision to leave her family and the events that led up to her breaking point. The narrative also introduces various other characters who play significant roles in Emily's life, both before and after her disappearance.

Main Characters

CharacterDescription
Emily ColemanThe protagonist of the story, Emily is a woman who feels trapped in her life and decides to leave her family behind. As the novel progresses, her past is slowly unveiled, shedding light on the reasons behind her actions.
Cat BrownThe new identity assumed by Emily after she leaves her family. Under this name, she tries to start a new life and distance herself from her previous existence.
Ben ColemanEmily's husband, who is left devastated and confused by her sudden disappearance. Throughout the novel, his perspective provides insight into the impact of Emily's actions.
CarolineA close friend of Emily's who becomes a confidante and source of support during her time as Cat.
PatrickA mysterious man who becomes romantically involved with Cat, unaware of her true identity. His presence adds an additional layer of suspense to the narrative.

Summary of Story Points

Chapter 1-5: Emily's Disappearance and New Identity

In the opening chapters, readers witness Emily's sudden departure from her family, leaving behind a distraught husband and confused children. She assumes the identity of Cat Brown and moves to a small town outside of London. As Cat, she struggles to adapt to her new life, taking on a job as a waitress and living in a small apartment.

Chapter 6-10: Flashbacks to Emily's Past

Through a series of flashbacks, the novel delves into Emily's past, revealing a troubled childhood and strained relationship with her parents. These chapters offer insight into the emotional turmoil that led Emily to make such a drastic decision.

Chapter 11-15: Cat's New Relationships

As Cat settles into her new life, she forms relationships with various people in the small town. She becomes romantically involved with Patrick, a charming and enigmatic man who knows nothing of her true identity. Meanwhile, she also strikes up a close friendship with Caroline, who becomes a trusted confidante.

Chapter 16-20: Unraveling Secrets

As the story progresses, secrets from Emily's past are gradually revealed. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, loss, and the consequences of our actions. These chapters build suspense and keep readers guessing about the true motivations behind Emily's disappearance.

Chapter 21-25: Confrontations and Resolutions

In the final chapters, Emily's new and old lives collide, leading to dramatic confrontations and revelations. The consequences of her actions become clear, and she must face the fallout of her decision to abandon her family.

Main Events

  • Emily leaves her family and assumes a new identity as Cat Brown.
  • Flashbacks reveal Emily's troubled past and strained relationships.
  • Cat forms relationships with Patrick and Caroline in her new town.
  • Secrets from Emily's past are gradually unveiled.
  • Emily's new and old lives collide, leading to dramatic confrontations.

Themes and Insights

"One Step Too Far" explores themes of identity, family, and the consequences of our actions. The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the emotional toll that secrets and betrayals can take. It also offers insights into the desire for personal fulfillment and the lengths one might go to break free from a life that feels suffocating.

Reader's Takeaway

Readers of "One Step Too Far" will be captivated by the gripping storyline, complex characters, and the exploration of profound themes. The novel serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and communication in relationships, as well as the potential repercussions of our choices. It also highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for personal growth and redemption.

Conclusion

Tina Seskis's "One Step Too Far" is a compelling psychological thriller that will keep readers hooked until the final page. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and exploration of profound themes, this novel offers a thought-provoking and suspenseful reading experience. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or simply enjoy a gripping story, "One Step Too Far" is sure to satisfy.

One Step Too Far FAQ

  1. What is the genre of 'One Step Too Far'?

    The genre of 'One Step Too Far' is psychological thriller.

  2. Who is the author of 'One Step Too Far'?

    The author of 'One Step Too Far' is Tina Seskis.

  3. What is the main plot of 'One Step Too Far'?

    The main plot of 'One Step Too Far' revolves around a woman who decides to leave her family and start a new life.

  4. Is 'One Step Too Far' a standalone novel or part of a series?

    'One Step Too Far' is a standalone novel.

  5. Are there any trigger warnings in 'One Step Too Far'?

    Yes, 'One Step Too Far' contains themes of mental health, family secrets, and infidelity, which may be triggering to some readers.

  6. Is 'One Step Too Far' suitable for young readers?

    'One Step Too Far' is intended for mature readers due to its adult themes and content.

  7. Are there any movie adaptations of 'One Step Too Far'?

    As of now, there are no movie adaptations of 'One Step Too Far'.

  8. Where can I purchase 'One Step Too Far'?

    You can purchase 'One Step Too Far' from various online retailers, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as local bookstores.

  9. What is the average rating of 'One Step Too Far'?

    The average rating of 'One Step Too Far' is 4 out of 5 stars.

  10. Is 'One Step Too Far' a fast-paced read?

    Yes, 'One Step Too Far' is known for its gripping and fast-paced storytelling.