The One That Got Away: The addictive, claustrophobic thriller with a twist you won't see coming

The One That Got Away is the debut novel for Egan Hughes and is one that I found to be dark, gripping, intense and a very enjoyable read. It had me well and truely in its clutches and I was caught in its web of lies and deceit. The story follows Mia who has left her controlling husband Rob to start her life anew in a new home and with a new boyfriend. But her new found happiness falls apart when Rob is murdered, which has Mia scared that she will become a suspect and that the secret that she is hiding, could become her downfall. The characters have been very well put together, but I did find it hard at times to connect with them all. Rob as the villain, is perfectly written and with a host of characters that have a hatred towards him and with each wanting him dead, has you second guessing them all. Having part of the setting on a sailboat was a great move on Egan’s part and a point of difference. Its claustrophobic vibe really made those chapters feel so real and its choppy waters had me on more than one occasion having to put the Kindle down to reset. It really was a character in itself. The structure of the story moves from the past, giving the reader an in-depth view of Mia and Jess’ relationships with Rob, to the present where the focus is on Rob’s current wife Rachel, their relationship as well as his murder investigation. The story is a slow burn to start with, but the second half does pick up significantly and had me racing through the pages to see how it was going to unfold. Along the way, Egan throws in some pretty big twists and turns to keep you on your toes and to hold your interest. All up The One That Got Away is a thrilling and twisty read that will keep you engaged in the build up to an epilogue where Egan has left the biggest and most shocking jaw dropping twist of all! It was a pleasure to read and review The One That Got Away which I recommend. Thank you to NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group and Egan Hughes for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The One That Got Away which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.