One Decision Away – Book Review
by D. M. Carney
I was so honored to get a review copy of this book by D.M. Carney. After reading the synopsis, I was very excited to read this one. Before we dive into what the book is about, I do want to add a content warning for death, drugs, and other emotional hardships. This book deals with some very tough subjects, but in my opinion, it handles it all really well.
With that said, let’s dive into what it’s all about!
D. M. Carney’s debut novel, One Decision Away brings us a compelling look at love, tragedy, and the long-lasting consequences of our choices. Set in the gritty Bronx, this dual-timeline thriller presents a riveting story that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. It’s gritty and emotional, but I found myself hanging on to each page, anticipating what would happen next.
Our protagonist of the book, Gabby, is a sixteen-year-old girl with a promising future. Her exceptional academic record and her family’s support demonstrate her bright future. Her world collapses, though, when she meets Richie, a charming but dangerous man who leads her down a deadly path. A passionate relationship quickly devolves into a nightmare as Richie’s evil schemes threaten to destroy all Gabby holds dear.
The story is really intense and heartbreaking, and Carney’s skillful utilization of parallel timeframes heightens the emotional impact of the narrative. We see glimpses of Gabby, as well as her mom Patty as she has to deal with the severe trauma her family is experiencing due to one bad choice.
Gabby is shown to us as an intelligent, upbeat teenager on the cusp of adulthood in the present. Ten years later, the story picks up with Gabby’s unhappy mother Patty, who is motivated by a need for pain and vengeance. Patty’s opinions have been completely upended by the startling revelations that have arisen from her relentless and agonizing quest for justice.
There are twists and turns that I was not expecting at all, and this kept me turning the pages, sometimes long into the night when I should have been sleeping. It also keeps you thinking long after you put the book down. I found myself thinking about the many ways that our decisions impact us each day, and how great of an impact even one decision can make.
One Decision Away‘s well-developed cast of characters each adds a nuanced element to the plot. Patty’s unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth is proof of the enduring power of a mother’s love, and Gabby’s path serves as a powerful reminder of how swiftly one decision can change a person’s life. Carney creates incredibly likable, flawed characters that are compelling to root for, which increases the significance of their issues.
A meditation on the long-term consequences of our choices and the domino repercussions of poisonous love and revenge is found in One Decision Away. It is a story of poisoned love and retaliation. But it’s also a story of humanity, in all its ups and downs. It will make you want to hold those you love just a little bit together. It will make you ask what you’d do in this same situation. This book forces you to consider the choices we make and the often unexpected outcomes.
Both fans of suspense and thrillers as well as those looking for a complex, well-rounded tale with a touch of melancholy will find this book appealing. Readers from a wide variety of backgrounds will find resonance in the book’s universal themes of family, grief, and redemption. All in all, it’s a great – but emotional – read.
It’s 5 stars from me and I highly recommend. I can’t wait to read more from this author as well.