The Lucky One by Jessica Payne
Published: September 14, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 387
Genre: Psychological Fiction
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Jessica Payne is the author of MAKE ME DISAPPEAR and THE LUCKY ONE. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, where the mountains and Puget Sound are home. Beyond writing, she loves running, rock climbing, and exploring the great outdoors with her daughter and husband. When holding still, which isn’t often, you’ll find a book in her hand and a cat or dog in her lap. Jessica writes suspense and thriller and is the host of #MomsWritersClub on Twitter and YouTube.
Then: We danced together that night, our dresses glittering in the swirling lights. We couldn’t have known that for one of us, it would be our last night alive.
Now: Back in my hometown a decade later—the place I’ve avoided because of the memories—I can’t shake the feeling that I am being followed. I tell myself it’s all in my head, but the prickle on the back of my neck feels like a warning. Then the anonymous messages land in my inbox: I’m watching. I’ve been waiting for you.
I want to feel safe, surrounded by my closest friends. But everyone has something to hide and it’s impossible to know who I can trust.
When my friend Esme goes missing, her phone ringing through to voicemail, it feels like the past is about to repeat itself.
Someone won’t let me forget what really happened that night. What I promised. How I escaped. If the truth comes out, I only hope they can forgive me… I can’t make the same mistake again. I have to keep us all safe. What if, this time, I’m not so lucky?
“The only way this makes sense is if it’s someone you know.”
Norah had the prom night of nightmares- when she and her best friend were kidnapped, taken to an abandoned cabin, and Norah watched her best friend be murdered. When she does the impossible and survives, she spends the next ten years making sure she is never a victim again. When her father suddenly dies, Norah has to return to her hometown and face her demons. When another friend is murdered, Norah is terrified to think he’s come back for her.
HOLY MOLY, RAVIOLI. This book was fantastic. It started at a ten and did not slow down. I don’t think a book has grabbed me so intensely since reading The Ex by SE Lynes.
The characters were terrific. Norah was a fantastic leading lady, and I loved that she was so strong. Both physically and mentally. She is a survivor. A fighter. And a genuine BA.
The twists and turns in this novel are off the charts. I loved how this story unfolded and how deviously the plot was constructed. The raw emotion, vulnerability, and strength were beautifully done.
I also appreciated how we see the lengths true crime creators go to get their content. Yes, I’m an avid true crime fan, but when survivors are basically harassed for their stories, it isn’t okay.
I cannot wait for Jessica’s next novel. She brings everything to life while making you question everything is brilliant.