VBT# The One - T.A Caldwell

Review: The One - T.A Caldwell - December 2024

Sometimes you need a book that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go, especially during those exhausting weeks when your brain is too fried for anything requiring deep contemplation. T.A. Caldwell's "The One" delivered exactly what I needed – a pulse-pounding thriller that kept me turning pages despite my work-weary state.

The story wastes no time establishing its dark premise. We meet billionaire Marcus Sterling in a moment of murderous rage, having just discovered his wife Karyn's infidelity. T.A Caldwell's decision to open with this brutal scene immediately sets the tone and lets us know we're dealing with a man capable of unspeakable acts. The three-month time jump to Marcus prowling New York bars, hunting for his next victim, creates an ominous sense of inevitability.

Emily Hanson emerges as our unwitting protagonist – intelligent yet vulnerable, the "perfect" target in Marcus's twisted mind. T.A Caldwell skillfully portrays the seductive danger of Marcus's world through Emily's eyes. The expensive gifts, the private island getaway, the fairy-tale romance – it all feels intoxicating until the trap snaps shut. As someone who's always been skeptical of too-good-to-be-true scenarios, I found myself both frustrated with Emily's initial naivety and genuinely fearful for her safety.

What sets this thriller apart is T.A Caldwell's psychological depth. Marcus isn't just a cartoonish villain; he's a calculating predator who understands exactly how to manipulate his victims. The gradual revelation of his pattern – not just one dead wife, but multiple victims – transforms what could have been a simple cat-and-mouse game into something far more chilling. The author expertly builds tension as Emily begins piecing together the horrifying truth about the man she thought she loved.

While some plot points felt slightly predictable – the isolated island setting practically screams "no escape" – Caldwell's execution keeps you engaged. The psychological cat-and-mouse dynamic between Marcus and Emily provides enough twists to maintain suspense without becoming convoluted.

For anyone seeking a thriller that combines psychological depth with relentless pacing, "The One" delivers. It's exactly the kind of book that makes you grateful for those busy weeks that lead you to discover hidden gems in the genre.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gJZvWH