A nightmare scenario

Jenna is a busy wife, mother and dedicated A&E doctor. She also has a stalker who is set on destroying her life.

Constantly being watched from the shadows, with cruel emails being sent to her colleagues and disturbing gifts left on her front doorstep, Jenna is driven to a state of heightened paranoia every time she leaves the house. However, when the emails start to threaten the safety of her children, the situation becomes unbearable. Unfortunately, although Jenna is convinced as to the identity of her stalker, the police are unable to find any supporting evidence to back up her suspicions, turning her life into a living nightmare.

Just as she reaches breaking point, a man is brought into the A&E department following a serious road accident. Recognising him as the man she believes to be her stalker, Jenna unexpectedly finds herself with the power to either save his life or let him die. Knowing his life is now literally in her hands, she has seconds to decide between ending her torment or upholding her sworn duty as a doctor. Having made her decision, how far is she then prepared to go to make sure she has made the right one?

‘One Step Behind’ is a novel that hits the ground running. Right from the start you are plunged headlong into Jenna’s nightmare existence as she struggles to cope with a situation guaranteed to challenge anyone’s nerves and resilience. The tension is skilfully maintained throughout as the story twists and turns its way towards a surprise ending. Even then, you are left wondering if it truly is the end.

As the story progresses, it soon becomes clear that nobody is as they seem. Everyone appears to have something to hide. These secrets are revealed gradually, but as soon as you think you know what is going on, your assumptions are thwarted by a new plot twist.

Lauren North has masterfully created an engrossing story that will keep you guessing to the very last page. The final paragraph is truly chilling.