What do you think?
Rate this book
One Way
Barry Griffith doesn’t know it yet, but tonight is the night fate has chosen to be the night of his death… his murder. At a gas station in the middle of nowhere, late at night, his wife Jenny appears… no car… no coat and looking older than when he saw her last. That’s because this is not the woman he received a good-bye kiss from this morning. This woman has been a widow for over four years and has made an impossible journey back in time to try to stop her husband’s murder. Will they be able to escape the killers or does fate only have one plan… one possible outcome… ONE WAY?
234 pages, Audiobook
First published January 29, 2012
7 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 26, 2018
Read my reviews at http://www.jenchaosreviews.com
One Way
By Jeff Lane
The author gave me this Ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Jeff Lane!
"Barry Griffith doesn’t know it yet, but tonight is the night fate has chosen to be the night of his death… his murder. At a gas station in the middle of nowhere, late at night, his wife Jenny appears… no car… no coat and looking older than when he saw her last. That’s because this is not the woman he received a good-bye kiss from this morning. This woman has been a widow for over four years and has made an impossible journey back in time to try to stop her husband’s murder. Will they be able to escape the killers or does fate only have one plan… one possible outcome… ONE WAY?"
Goodreads Rating:4.19/My Rating 5.0
Review:
In a perfect world, all books would be written in this style. Clean, crisp, with ideal prose and plain, easy to understand English. The author spent a lot of time researching the subject of time travel (or so I assume) because there is a lot of explanation of the matter.
Barry is a regular man with a steady job, and his wife is an ordinary woman with daily life, or so it would seem. Then one fateful night, something terrible happens to Barry, sending Jenny (the wife) into a world of the worst grief and depression she's ever known. Enter Dr. Van Der Vehn. A renowned psychiatrist and grief counselor who would assist in getting Jenny back on track with her life after Barry. She would learn something about herself that she did not know. Something extraordinary.
Four years is a long time to wait to see your dead husband. Can it happen? Can you go back in time and reverse fate? Or is it a One-way street? Jenny finds out for herself. In alternating storylines, Jeff Lane perfectly illustrates the lives of Jenny in the past and Jenny in the present learning about herself and also fighting for her husband's very existence as well as her own. This thriller will keep you awake and on the edge of your seat, never wanting to put it down!
Writing:
The story was woven with a master quality to it. I have had problems with reading self-published titles in the past because of lack of editing and proofreading to them. However, Mr. Lane has shown that this book was given a lot of care. The grammar was spotless, the syntax and pacing were, without question, great. I thought he was, at least, star quality. It's a shame that this is a self-published book as I see this type of writing going on to win awards and being published by dominant houses.
The dialogue was very realistic and did not stray to less conversation and more description, which is a problem for many budding writers. The characters were written with full description and value that gave them a realistic feel.
Plot:
The alternating storylines would have been tricky to someone who had less skill. There was a past storyline and a current storyline. Both storylines met at the end, tying up beautifully to make a very lovely and unpredictable closing.
Jenny was wrought with grief and losing herself over the death of her husband, Barry. She sought counseling from Dr. Van DerVehn, who was more than what he appeared. In four year's time, Jenny learned how she could go back and possibly save her husband from the awful fate that he suffered four years prior. She had no hope of promise, no plan, no idea if it would even work. Luck being what it is and no understanding if it can be changed, she was determined to do it anyway. I was very impressed with Jenny's character and her stubborn resolve to do, something so risky.
The book also described the methods and science in a way that anyone reading the book would understand. I have read many time travel books in the Sci-Fi genre and, time travel has always been a bit of a mystery to me. It is always described in physics speak and in ways that I cannot understand because authors typically use complicated terms. Mr. Lane uses layman's terms to appeal to readers. I think this is a beautiful addition to the story.
Characters:
The characters were well developed and had personalities and voices of their own. Indeed, as I read the dialogue and detail of the book, I knew who was talking and who was the point of the story. It was funny at times and also very serious. Jeff Lane also gave the characters, including a side character they meet later on in the story, specific emotions, to provide them with a more realistic feel.
I enjoyed Jenny's hard headed and stubborn resolve. She was also weak when she needed to be to remain realistic (because we all falter to fear at some point).
Barry was afraid but brave when it came to his wife, Jenny. He was smart and came up with strategies and plans quickly.
Jeddidiah, the leading killer, was a psychopath no doubt, and it showed. I loathed him( as I should, and it was designed that way). He was also hard headed and very stubborn. He never gave up and was very dangerous, of course.
Rodney, Jedidiah's partner, was a psychopath in training. He talked a lot and did not know what he was doing most of the time. He was a follower. I also loathed him.
My emotions towards the characters is a sign that they were designed correctly and with the right direction. Had I not felt anything, that would mean the story fell flat. This was not the case here. The characters were lively and full of personality, emotion, and life.
What I Liked:
I liked the alternating storylines as they gave me a view of what happened THEN as opposed to what is happening NOW. I also loved the characters, even the evil ones. This all made the story work. I love time travel because it is a mystery and no one knows if scientists will ever have a chance to make it work. It's a cool thing to see in fiction because it's like opening the door to a fantasy that one can change past events or mistakes. In this case, I thought it was one of those things that you didn't know until the very end. It drove me nuts, but well worth it.
What I Didn't Like:
Honestly, I can say There isn't much that I did not like to this particular book. Usually, I find glaring errors or something that rubbed me the wrong way. Of course one cannot want every single aspect of a book they read. If I had to choose something, I would say maybe a little more explanation of time travel. I thought the answer was excellent. However, I find I am still in mystery. Perhaps Mr. Lane is still in secret as well. It is a difficult subject and one full of speculation.
Overall Impression:
This is an EXCELLENT book. I recommend it particularly to anyone who is looking for a book about redemption, love, loss or even a good Sci-Fi in the realm of time travel. This book was a joy to read. I am looking forward to reading this author's other titles and letting you know how they are ( and I assume they are all just as good!)
I am asking that if you read and review books. You will not be disappointed. I loved it!
About Jeff Lane:
Jeff Lane is the author of One Way, The Champion Saga (This Paper World and This Burning World), and The Three Scrooges. He has also published various short stories and screenplays. The film adaptation of One Way is currently in post-production.
Jeff lives in New Hampshire in the USA with his wife and two children.
He publishes his fiction in audio form as a podcast, available on iTunes.
His Website is http://www.jefflaneaudiobooks.com
Twitter @writerjefflane
One Way
By Jeff Lane
The author gave me this Ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Jeff Lane!
"Barry Griffith doesn’t know it yet, but tonight is the night fate has chosen to be the night of his death… his murder. At a gas station in the middle of nowhere, late at night, his wife Jenny appears… no car… no coat and looking older than when he saw her last. That’s because this is not the woman he received a good-bye kiss from this morning. This woman has been a widow for over four years and has made an impossible journey back in time to try to stop her husband’s murder. Will they be able to escape the killers or does fate only have one plan… one possible outcome… ONE WAY?"
Goodreads Rating:4.19/My Rating 5.0
Review:
In a perfect world, all books would be written in this style. Clean, crisp, with ideal prose and plain, easy to understand English. The author spent a lot of time researching the subject of time travel (or so I assume) because there is a lot of explanation of the matter.
Barry is a regular man with a steady job, and his wife is an ordinary woman with daily life, or so it would seem. Then one fateful night, something terrible happens to Barry, sending Jenny (the wife) into a world of the worst grief and depression she's ever known. Enter Dr. Van Der Vehn. A renowned psychiatrist and grief counselor who would assist in getting Jenny back on track with her life after Barry. She would learn something about herself that she did not know. Something extraordinary.
Four years is a long time to wait to see your dead husband. Can it happen? Can you go back in time and reverse fate? Or is it a One-way street? Jenny finds out for herself. In alternating storylines, Jeff Lane perfectly illustrates the lives of Jenny in the past and Jenny in the present learning about herself and also fighting for her husband's very existence as well as her own. This thriller will keep you awake and on the edge of your seat, never wanting to put it down!
Writing:
The story was woven with a master quality to it. I have had problems with reading self-published titles in the past because of lack of editing and proofreading to them. However, Mr. Lane has shown that this book was given a lot of care. The grammar was spotless, the syntax and pacing were, without question, great. I thought he was, at least, star quality. It's a shame that this is a self-published book as I see this type of writing going on to win awards and being published by dominant houses.
The dialogue was very realistic and did not stray to less conversation and more description, which is a problem for many budding writers. The characters were written with full description and value that gave them a realistic feel.
Plot:
The alternating storylines would have been tricky to someone who had less skill. There was a past storyline and a current storyline. Both storylines met at the end, tying up beautifully to make a very lovely and unpredictable closing.
Jenny was wrought with grief and losing herself over the death of her husband, Barry. She sought counseling from Dr. Van DerVehn, who was more than what he appeared. In four year's time, Jenny learned how she could go back and possibly save her husband from the awful fate that he suffered four years prior. She had no hope of promise, no plan, no idea if it would even work. Luck being what it is and no understanding if it can be changed, she was determined to do it anyway. I was very impressed with Jenny's character and her stubborn resolve to do, something so risky.
The book also described the methods and science in a way that anyone reading the book would understand. I have read many time travel books in the Sci-Fi genre and, time travel has always been a bit of a mystery to me. It is always described in physics speak and in ways that I cannot understand because authors typically use complicated terms. Mr. Lane uses layman's terms to appeal to readers. I think this is a beautiful addition to the story.
Characters:
The characters were well developed and had personalities and voices of their own. Indeed, as I read the dialogue and detail of the book, I knew who was talking and who was the point of the story. It was funny at times and also very serious. Jeff Lane also gave the characters, including a side character they meet later on in the story, specific emotions, to provide them with a more realistic feel.
I enjoyed Jenny's hard headed and stubborn resolve. She was also weak when she needed to be to remain realistic (because we all falter to fear at some point).
Barry was afraid but brave when it came to his wife, Jenny. He was smart and came up with strategies and plans quickly.
Jeddidiah, the leading killer, was a psychopath no doubt, and it showed. I loathed him( as I should, and it was designed that way). He was also hard headed and very stubborn. He never gave up and was very dangerous, of course.
Rodney, Jedidiah's partner, was a psychopath in training. He talked a lot and did not know what he was doing most of the time. He was a follower. I also loathed him.
My emotions towards the characters is a sign that they were designed correctly and with the right direction. Had I not felt anything, that would mean the story fell flat. This was not the case here. The characters were lively and full of personality, emotion, and life.
What I Liked:
I liked the alternating storylines as they gave me a view of what happened THEN as opposed to what is happening NOW. I also loved the characters, even the evil ones. This all made the story work. I love time travel because it is a mystery and no one knows if scientists will ever have a chance to make it work. It's a cool thing to see in fiction because it's like opening the door to a fantasy that one can change past events or mistakes. In this case, I thought it was one of those things that you didn't know until the very end. It drove me nuts, but well worth it.
What I Didn't Like:
Honestly, I can say There isn't much that I did not like to this particular book. Usually, I find glaring errors or something that rubbed me the wrong way. Of course one cannot want every single aspect of a book they read. If I had to choose something, I would say maybe a little more explanation of time travel. I thought the answer was excellent. However, I find I am still in mystery. Perhaps Mr. Lane is still in secret as well. It is a difficult subject and one full of speculation.
Overall Impression:
This is an EXCELLENT book. I recommend it particularly to anyone who is looking for a book about redemption, love, loss or even a good Sci-Fi in the realm of time travel. This book was a joy to read. I am looking forward to reading this author's other titles and letting you know how they are ( and I assume they are all just as good!)
I am asking that if you read and review books. You will not be disappointed. I loved it!
About Jeff Lane:
Jeff Lane is the author of One Way, The Champion Saga (This Paper World and This Burning World), and The Three Scrooges. He has also published various short stories and screenplays. The film adaptation of One Way is currently in post-production.
Jeff lives in New Hampshire in the USA with his wife and two children.
He publishes his fiction in audio form as a podcast, available on iTunes.
His Website is http://www.jefflaneaudiobooks.com
Twitter @writerjefflane
January 31, 2018
My Opinion:
I liked this book. I liked that we got into the heart of what happened to Barry and was able to see what the killer/s were doing. I did enjoy the element of time traveling but felt...Well, why wouldn't you prepare - body, mind, heart and soul? I don't know, it left a little bit (for me) to be desired.
Jenny is going back to help her husband live and you wouldn't get your stuff together to make sure the outcome is different?? That left me feeling this was a bit like a B rated horror film - not that good. I thought it was written well and I liked the premise and all. But there was just some lacking elements. Like when the killer shoots up the cabin..He was only supposed to have two bullets but Jenny gets slammed with round after round? I don't know - it just missed for me. I did enjoy the book tho. I did think it was good. But, it must be said - I have some kindle notes with spelling errors or improper using of words (not that I am an english major) at one location in the book specifically - Location 3025 -where it says she is a tough girl? All I could think about was, REALLY, REALLY?? She drinks herself silly, can't get over the loss of a spouse and doesn't prepare to go back in time to save him and then just does it. OK, tough if that is what you call it. OK. But, even saying these things to myself - I still liked it!
I give this book 3.5 of 5 stars!
I liked this book. I liked that we got into the heart of what happened to Barry and was able to see what the killer/s were doing. I did enjoy the element of time traveling but felt...Well, why wouldn't you prepare - body, mind, heart and soul? I don't know, it left a little bit (for me) to be desired.
Jenny is going back to help her husband live and you wouldn't get your stuff together to make sure the outcome is different?? That left me feeling this was a bit like a B rated horror film - not that good. I thought it was written well and I liked the premise and all. But there was just some lacking elements. Like when the killer shoots up the cabin..He was only supposed to have two bullets but Jenny gets slammed with round after round? I don't know - it just missed for me. I did enjoy the book tho. I did think it was good. But, it must be said - I have some kindle notes with spelling errors or improper using of words (not that I am an english major) at one location in the book specifically - Location 3025 -where it says she is a tough girl? All I could think about was, REALLY, REALLY?? She drinks herself silly, can't get over the loss of a spouse and doesn't prepare to go back in time to save him and then just does it. OK, tough if that is what you call it. OK. But, even saying these things to myself - I still liked it!
I give this book 3.5 of 5 stars!
January 14, 2023
Jeff Lane -One Way
I give this 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
I was given this novel from the author for the honest review!
This story is about of a married couple!
Jenny and Barry
Their lives will be tormented
Time is such a wicked friend.
Riders of the Storm: The Doors
There's a killer on the road
His brain is squirmin' like a toad
Take a long holiday
Let your children play
If you give this man a ride
Sweet family will die
Killer on the road, yeah
Girl, you gotta love your man
Girl, you gotta love your man
Take him by the hand
Make him understand
The world on you depends
Our life will never end
Gotta love your man, yeah
Riders on the storm
I related to these lyrics throughout this book.
If Michael Crichton & Blake Crouch read this they would be impressed!
4 Main POV’s
Or is it 5????🧐
I don’t like giving stories away in my reviews!
I give little nuggets to intrigue you to read this!
Part Thriller/ Part Psychological with a dash of TIME!
The story doesn’t have to be true to be Great!
It has imagination and characters you can root for!
I was totally obsessed with book, my heart went out to them!
I give this 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
I was given this novel from the author for the honest review!
This story is about of a married couple!
Jenny and Barry
Their lives will be tormented
Time is such a wicked friend.
Riders of the Storm: The Doors
There's a killer on the road
His brain is squirmin' like a toad
Take a long holiday
Let your children play
If you give this man a ride
Sweet family will die
Killer on the road, yeah
Girl, you gotta love your man
Girl, you gotta love your man
Take him by the hand
Make him understand
The world on you depends
Our life will never end
Gotta love your man, yeah
Riders on the storm
I related to these lyrics throughout this book.
If Michael Crichton & Blake Crouch read this they would be impressed!
4 Main POV’s
Or is it 5????🧐
I don’t like giving stories away in my reviews!
I give little nuggets to intrigue you to read this!
Part Thriller/ Part Psychological with a dash of TIME!
The story doesn’t have to be true to be Great!
It has imagination and characters you can root for!
I was totally obsessed with book, my heart went out to them!
March 22, 2015
This book was amazing. I listened to it on Jeff`s podcast. He did an awesome job reading it as well. It pulled me in from the very beginning and I am so pleased with it. I can't wait to re-read it on my kindle and put a better review on my blog!!!
Can't wait to read his other books as well. They should be made into movies!!!!
Can't wait to read his other books as well. They should be made into movies!!!!
August 24, 2021
I picked this book up from the recommendation of a YouTube video creator named Steve. I guess his name is Steve, how would I know? Anyway, he really had good things to say about it. And I am trying to read a lot of things that normally in the past I would never have glanced at. This novel, though, I cannot say it is entirely something uncharacteristic of my reading. I am really glad I took the chance on it and read it through.
This is a unique and suspenseful story with a helluva concept behind it. I do not want to give away ANY plot points whatsoever. But let me say that usually "suspense" is not able to be consistently carried over a duration, nor do authors so adeptly work certain science fiction elements that are present here. Usually, attempts at this sort of storyline would fail hard.
Instead, wow - what a pleasant surprise! The author wrote a well-paced, consistent, suspenseful, harrowing story with just the right amounts of tension, background, and setting. Seriously, this is really well-written and because of that, I would move this author to the "must read" list.
The self-published aspect is not bad - but there were a couple of typos. I think about five. That's not terrible and I can see these are ones that "spell check" would not have caught. But still, a careful reading would fix this manuscript and perfect it. I do not want to seem nitpicky; I want to excuse the author for these things.
I did not LOVE the main character, Jenny in the way that maybe I should have. And maybe one can sort of admire her or her choices, perhaps. However, she often comes across very snappish and mean. If the author had been able to make me, as a reader, like the character a bit more, yeah, I think I would give this five stars.
Recommended for fans of thrillers/suspense. Really intense reading with just the right balance of pages and pacing.
This is a unique and suspenseful story with a helluva concept behind it. I do not want to give away ANY plot points whatsoever. But let me say that usually "suspense" is not able to be consistently carried over a duration, nor do authors so adeptly work certain science fiction elements that are present here. Usually, attempts at this sort of storyline would fail hard.
Instead, wow - what a pleasant surprise! The author wrote a well-paced, consistent, suspenseful, harrowing story with just the right amounts of tension, background, and setting. Seriously, this is really well-written and because of that, I would move this author to the "must read" list.
The self-published aspect is not bad - but there were a couple of typos. I think about five. That's not terrible and I can see these are ones that "spell check" would not have caught. But still, a careful reading would fix this manuscript and perfect it. I do not want to seem nitpicky; I want to excuse the author for these things.
I did not LOVE the main character, Jenny in the way that maybe I should have. And maybe one can sort of admire her or her choices, perhaps. However, she often comes across very snappish and mean. If the author had been able to make me, as a reader, like the character a bit more, yeah, I think I would give this five stars.
Recommended for fans of thrillers/suspense. Really intense reading with just the right balance of pages and pacing.
July 10, 2022
A disclaimer to start things off -- Jeff Lane and myself follow one another on Twitter and we've exchanged a few direct messages. That being said -- the 5-star review I gave "One Way" is an honest one. I've read or seen many time-travel stories. And, I find Lane's "One Way" novel to be unique.
However, this form of time travel can only be done by a subset of humans who have experience horrible trauma in their lives. And, their lives have become the worse for it. The method of time travel is called chrono-location. And, Lane confirmed for me there is no scientific term for this word. It's just something he made up for his novel. I found the character development and the story line so well done -- I finished last 45% of the novel in one sitting.
The story centers around a young married couple -- Barry and Jennifer Griffith who live in Maine (Stephen King territory). Barry is a night manager for Eastern TeleServices while Jennifer is a school teacher. It's mid-to-late fall in Maine. So, it's cold.
Barry has just finished his shift and has stopped at Peaslee's combo-gas station/country store to fill-up. As he is leaving Pleasee's -- a woman comes up and hugs Barry. This woman is very similar to what Jennifer looks like -- but she is a lot thinner; has gray streaks in her thinning blond hair and has sunken eyes. This woman appears to be about four years older than his wife Jennifer who's asleep at their home.
And, the woman is Jennifer from four years in the future. Barry is about to be murdered by two deranged serial killers -- who we find out later on are the 50-ish Jedidiah Folsom and the 20-something Rodney Thornton. Jennifer has used chrono-location to help save Barry's life.
At this point -- the novel switches back and forth on two tracks -- the Jennifer from the future with Barry as she tries to save him from being murder that night. I found the twists and turns on this track to be very thrilling. Even though future jennifer tries to commit Barry to do different things that night -- Folsom and Thornton sill catch up to them.
The other track goes from the night Barry was killed which causes a deep depression for Jennifer which causes to have suicidal thoughts to her meeting with grief counselor Peter Van der Vehn to Jennifer using chrono-location -- four years after Barry's death -- to save him.
Van der Vehn is also somewhat of a scientist and he and a group of friends have been researching if chrono-location is possible. And, Jennifer has become their best-ever candidate.
This group of scientists believe time isn't linear and the way humans perceive time is a man-made construct. And, a certain subset of human can actually travel through time. For one -- this person has to have lived through a severe traumatic event -- enough so that they have a big desire to go back and change it. And, they believe that their life right now is no longer worth living.
Step 2 has the person focus on a specific memory from the past and get very specific as possible with all the details. Step 3 has the person being put in hypnotic relaxed state through an illegal drug along with specific visuals and music. The memory should come into complete focus to have the person believe they are in that point in the past. And, the last thing -- a very big instrument such as a taser to provide a big electrical shock to the person needs to happen -- so that person can chrono-locate.
However, this form of time travel can only be done by a subset of humans who have experience horrible trauma in their lives. And, their lives have become the worse for it. The method of time travel is called chrono-location. And, Lane confirmed for me there is no scientific term for this word. It's just something he made up for his novel. I found the character development and the story line so well done -- I finished last 45% of the novel in one sitting.
The story centers around a young married couple -- Barry and Jennifer Griffith who live in Maine (Stephen King territory). Barry is a night manager for Eastern TeleServices while Jennifer is a school teacher. It's mid-to-late fall in Maine. So, it's cold.
Barry has just finished his shift and has stopped at Peaslee's combo-gas station/country store to fill-up. As he is leaving Pleasee's -- a woman comes up and hugs Barry. This woman is very similar to what Jennifer looks like -- but she is a lot thinner; has gray streaks in her thinning blond hair and has sunken eyes. This woman appears to be about four years older than his wife Jennifer who's asleep at their home.
And, the woman is Jennifer from four years in the future. Barry is about to be murdered by two deranged serial killers -- who we find out later on are the 50-ish Jedidiah Folsom and the 20-something Rodney Thornton. Jennifer has used chrono-location to help save Barry's life.
At this point -- the novel switches back and forth on two tracks -- the Jennifer from the future with Barry as she tries to save him from being murder that night. I found the twists and turns on this track to be very thrilling. Even though future jennifer tries to commit Barry to do different things that night -- Folsom and Thornton sill catch up to them.
The other track goes from the night Barry was killed which causes a deep depression for Jennifer which causes to have suicidal thoughts to her meeting with grief counselor Peter Van der Vehn to Jennifer using chrono-location -- four years after Barry's death -- to save him.
Van der Vehn is also somewhat of a scientist and he and a group of friends have been researching if chrono-location is possible. And, Jennifer has become their best-ever candidate.
This group of scientists believe time isn't linear and the way humans perceive time is a man-made construct. And, a certain subset of human can actually travel through time. For one -- this person has to have lived through a severe traumatic event -- enough so that they have a big desire to go back and change it. And, they believe that their life right now is no longer worth living.
Step 2 has the person focus on a specific memory from the past and get very specific as possible with all the details. Step 3 has the person being put in hypnotic relaxed state through an illegal drug along with specific visuals and music. The memory should come into complete focus to have the person believe they are in that point in the past. And, the last thing -- a very big instrument such as a taser to provide a big electrical shock to the person needs to happen -- so that person can chrono-locate.
May 15, 2018
While this did start a bit slow, and had more show than tell in the first chapter, it really picked up as soon as Barry saw an older version of his wife.
From that point on, it was fast paced, and a fun ride.
The technical parts were a bit tough for me to understand at times, but all in all, totally digging the story.
Jedidiah was amazing, I almost always enjoy a great bad guy, and this man was one of those for sure.
He even had his own code of honor, a balancing of the scales, which I was impressed by.
Jenny is a true hero, showing that there are no lengths a person will go to if it involves true love.
Jeff Lane, the author, I "met" him on twitter, and this is my first book by him, but he is now on my watchlist.
From that point on, it was fast paced, and a fun ride.
The technical parts were a bit tough for me to understand at times, but all in all, totally digging the story.
Jedidiah was amazing, I almost always enjoy a great bad guy, and this man was one of those for sure.
He even had his own code of honor, a balancing of the scales, which I was impressed by.
Jenny is a true hero, showing that there are no lengths a person will go to if it involves true love.
Jeff Lane, the author, I "met" him on twitter, and this is my first book by him, but he is now on my watchlist.
July 22, 2019
Thank you to the author for providing me with this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book was a mixed bag for me. I’ve read time travel books before, but never one that centered around preventing the murder of your spouse, and most definitely not one that was this action packed. This was an emotionally charged thriller, that started quickly and kept on going at a heart pounding pace. However, there were a few things that just didn’t work for me.
I went back and forth on how I felt about the characters of Jenny and Barry. I can’t put my finger on it, but there was something that really bugged me about Jenny. I’ve been thinking it over and I honestly don’t know what. Barry was a bit of a jerk, but I loved that he didn’t suddenly become Rambo while on the run from a deadly threat. He got very lucky, which was much more interesting. I really liked the grief counselor, Dr. Van Der Vehn; he was an fascinating mix of sympathy and selfish professional mania.
There were a few writing choices that I found a bit jarring. The beginning chapters of the book had several sentences foreshadowing future events, worded similarly to “little did they know that the shadow of death hung over…” which isn’t a literary choice that I love.
The other writing issue that I had with this book is one that probably would be completely unnoticed by many people: the use of the word “seizure” instead of spasm or convulsion. There is one example in particular: “There were cords standing out in her neck, and she was shaking like she might go into a seizure at any moment.” The thing is, I have grand mal epilepsy, and seizures being used as descriptors when the author is discussing stress or fear really rubs me the wrong way. This is just one of my pet peeves, but I wish different wording was chosen.
I did like how the issue of a set path vs. changing your fate was explored. It was fascinating seeing it as the theme in a game of cat- and- mouse. Incidentally, this has been adapted into a movie, and Jeff Lane also wrote the screenplay. Talk about wearing multiple hats!
While I didn’t love this book, I found it a solid addition to the thriller genre, one with a one-of-a-kind twist.
Have you read this? What did you think?
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
This book was a mixed bag for me. I’ve read time travel books before, but never one that centered around preventing the murder of your spouse, and most definitely not one that was this action packed. This was an emotionally charged thriller, that started quickly and kept on going at a heart pounding pace. However, there were a few things that just didn’t work for me.
I went back and forth on how I felt about the characters of Jenny and Barry. I can’t put my finger on it, but there was something that really bugged me about Jenny. I’ve been thinking it over and I honestly don’t know what. Barry was a bit of a jerk, but I loved that he didn’t suddenly become Rambo while on the run from a deadly threat. He got very lucky, which was much more interesting. I really liked the grief counselor, Dr. Van Der Vehn; he was an fascinating mix of sympathy and selfish professional mania.
There were a few writing choices that I found a bit jarring. The beginning chapters of the book had several sentences foreshadowing future events, worded similarly to “little did they know that the shadow of death hung over…” which isn’t a literary choice that I love.
The other writing issue that I had with this book is one that probably would be completely unnoticed by many people: the use of the word “seizure” instead of spasm or convulsion. There is one example in particular: “There were cords standing out in her neck, and she was shaking like she might go into a seizure at any moment.” The thing is, I have grand mal epilepsy, and seizures being used as descriptors when the author is discussing stress or fear really rubs me the wrong way. This is just one of my pet peeves, but I wish different wording was chosen.
I did like how the issue of a set path vs. changing your fate was explored. It was fascinating seeing it as the theme in a game of cat- and- mouse. Incidentally, this has been adapted into a movie, and Jeff Lane also wrote the screenplay. Talk about wearing multiple hats!
While I didn’t love this book, I found it a solid addition to the thriller genre, one with a one-of-a-kind twist.
Have you read this? What did you think?
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
May 9, 2021
One Way is a time travel story. It is less of a science fiction and more of a thriller. And boy was it thrilling. The pacing is absolutely perfect. The story follows both Barry and his wife Jenny, but Jenny's POV is in the future as she deals with her husband's death and how that grief will ultimately lead her to travel back in time to save Barry from being murdered. Barry's POV follows him and future Jenny as they attempt to elude Barry's would be murderers. The structure of the book was so well done, I really loved how it moved between the two timelines. The plot here is also unique for both a thriller and time travel fiction, and executed very well.
In short, this is a solid 4 star book. I seldom give a thriller 5 stars so for me this is high praise.
In short, this is a solid 4 star book. I seldom give a thriller 5 stars so for me this is high praise.
April 11, 2022
A very solid, fast-paced thriller that grabs you from the start and never lets go. Although I don't read thrillers that often any more, mainly because I've really become a character-first reader, and thrillers are by definition a plot-first method of storytelling, I did enjoy this one. My main complaint is that with the exception of the portrayal of the protagonist's dealing with grief, all the different characters' POV chapters felt like the same voice. But overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read that was a fun ride.
May 14, 2015
This book had me enthralled the whole way through. The time travel aspect had me intrigued and the serial killer tension had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't work out what was going to happen until it happened.
The story is told in two alternating parts which come together at the end. One part is the story of Barry, whose wife turns up at a gas station and tries to help him avoid being killed. The other part is Jenny's story of dealing with her grief from Barry being murdered and how she was able to travel back through time to try to stop it. I was fascinated to discover the method of time travel Jenny was able to use. Does fate only have One Way, or can you change the past? You'll have to read it to find out! I was happy with how it ended and all the threads were tied up neatly.
I listened to the audio version of this book, which is available for free via podiobooks.com. Jeff Lane did a fantastic job of narrating his own book. He spoke clearly, at a good pace and put all the emphasis where it was intended. The music at the beginning and end of each section enhanced my listening experience. It added to the tension and suited the book.
The story is told in two alternating parts which come together at the end. One part is the story of Barry, whose wife turns up at a gas station and tries to help him avoid being killed. The other part is Jenny's story of dealing with her grief from Barry being murdered and how she was able to travel back through time to try to stop it. I was fascinated to discover the method of time travel Jenny was able to use. Does fate only have One Way, or can you change the past? You'll have to read it to find out! I was happy with how it ended and all the threads were tied up neatly.
I listened to the audio version of this book, which is available for free via podiobooks.com. Jeff Lane did a fantastic job of narrating his own book. He spoke clearly, at a good pace and put all the emphasis where it was intended. The music at the beginning and end of each section enhanced my listening experience. It added to the tension and suited the book.
March 3, 2015
Great book! I was completely pulled in, I couldn't stop listening until the end. Jeff Lane did a great job with the reading of his audiobook on podiobooks.com. His reading was crisp and well paced with superb sound quality. This is my first Jeff Lane book, but I don't think it will be the last. He tells a harrowing story that grabs you by the collar and shakes you violently until the blood splattered end. Lots of twists, laughs, intensity, love, and some downright terrifying moments! I was glad Mr. Lane didn't bog the story down with too much science as is the case in a lot of stories of this variety. A fantastic tightly paced thriller, I highly recommend!
December 9, 2017
How far would you go for the one you love? As it turns out, Jenny Griffith will go as far as it takes. Admittedly, I don't read a lot of science fiction or time travel stories, but something about One Way grabbed my attention. Thankfully, this one wasn't overly technical in its explanations of how possible time travel would work. Instead, I found a fast-paced tale of what ifs. What if you could change one event in your life? What if you could go back and save that special someone you can't live without?
Barry and Jenny's tale starts out simply enough with just another day in the life of an everyday couple, struggling to make ends meet and getting past the typical marital squabbles... Until life throws them a curve ball. As Jenny's life takes a downward spiral, she's offered the chance of lifetime. What happens next is a rapid fire series of events that keep the pages turning in anticipation.
As expected, the story moves back and forth between past and present, and the author does this quite seamlessly without creating a distraction for the reader. With complex characters and building tension, this reader was so caught up in this wonderfully written tale that I couldn't put it down.
Barry and Jenny's tale starts out simply enough with just another day in the life of an everyday couple, struggling to make ends meet and getting past the typical marital squabbles... Until life throws them a curve ball. As Jenny's life takes a downward spiral, she's offered the chance of lifetime. What happens next is a rapid fire series of events that keep the pages turning in anticipation.
As expected, the story moves back and forth between past and present, and the author does this quite seamlessly without creating a distraction for the reader. With complex characters and building tension, this reader was so caught up in this wonderfully written tale that I couldn't put it down.
October 24, 2020
I'm generally not one for murder mysteries or serial killer stories, but I decided to try this because I liked Jeff Lane's "The Three Scrooges" and time-travel stories in general. It has a unique mechanic for its time displacement, suggesting that people (well, certain attuned people) can time travel merely by "wishing." I found this farcical at first, until I considered whether it was less plausible than using some doodad or tear in the "fabric of time." Hmm...no, not really. After the author went through some effort to describe how the process worked, I decided I liked it pretty well. Anyway, who cares how the time travel gets started, the fun part is the the effects, right?
The book has strong character and relationship development. Barry and Jenny are very real and sympathetic. Even though I wanted to beat Barry with my ereader for not finishing off his attackers when he had a chance, it is refreshing to meet a character who tries to take the moral high ground. The serial killer also gets POV time and even though I don't understand his thirst for blood, he is mentally attuned to the time continuum in a way that makes his motive interesting - he likes to feel the "change in fate" when he takes a life.
A good book that is not quite like anything I've read before.
The book has strong character and relationship development. Barry and Jenny are very real and sympathetic. Even though I wanted to beat Barry with my ereader for not finishing off his attackers when he had a chance, it is refreshing to meet a character who tries to take the moral high ground. The serial killer also gets POV time and even though I don't understand his thirst for blood, he is mentally attuned to the time continuum in a way that makes his motive interesting - he likes to feel the "change in fate" when he takes a life.
A good book that is not quite like anything I've read before.
June 18, 2017
The initial aspect I absolutely loved about this book was the first-person views from the three main characters. That connection brought a sense of realism. I felt the overwhelming pain of loss. I felt the confused wonder. I noticed the story rushing by faster and faster as the hunt became more intense.
Being inside the mind of the murderer brought about a whole new level of creepy. His insane justifications were just that; he felt he was keeping the world in balance. His extraordinary senses, his inner monologue, made me believe he would come out of the crazy night the winner.
Dr. Van de Vehn. Grief counselor? His theories about marbles, threads, and time as a location made me believe time travel could be possible. The “butterfly effect” passed through my mind a few times while reading this. If Jenny succeeds she could potentially save many lives. Could there be any negatives?
The very ending was perfect. It made me think back to some of my previous encounters. Could I have been affected by time travel?
I loved this book! I cannot wait to dive into the author's other creations!!
I received this free e-reader’s copy from Jeff Lane in exchange for an honest review.
Being inside the mind of the murderer brought about a whole new level of creepy. His insane justifications were just that; he felt he was keeping the world in balance. His extraordinary senses, his inner monologue, made me believe he would come out of the crazy night the winner.
Dr. Van de Vehn. Grief counselor? His theories about marbles, threads, and time as a location made me believe time travel could be possible. The “butterfly effect” passed through my mind a few times while reading this. If Jenny succeeds she could potentially save many lives. Could there be any negatives?
The very ending was perfect. It made me think back to some of my previous encounters. Could I have been affected by time travel?
I loved this book! I cannot wait to dive into the author's other creations!!
I received this free e-reader’s copy from Jeff Lane in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2021
This book really pulled me in from page 1! You find out on the first page that the main character Barry doesn’t have long to live! You spend the rest of the first chapter getting to know Barry and liking him! There are glimpses into the investigation in the future that make you worry for Barry even while knowing the outcome!
The last part of chapter 1 introduces a time travel aspect that I was expecting but that didn’t make the book less enjoyable.
The story bounces from different points of view and different points in time! From Barry and the time traveler, to his wife post murder, and even to the killers! I loved the switching back and forth as it really helped to build the suspense! Will Barry be able to escape alive? Will the killers win? 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
The epilogue lost me a little and the time travel element took it out of the believable for me which is why I rated it at 4 ⭐️
However, it was very enjoyable and definitely worth a read!
The last part of chapter 1 introduces a time travel aspect that I was expecting but that didn’t make the book less enjoyable.
The story bounces from different points of view and different points in time! From Barry and the time traveler, to his wife post murder, and even to the killers! I loved the switching back and forth as it really helped to build the suspense! Will Barry be able to escape alive? Will the killers win? 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
The epilogue lost me a little and the time travel element took it out of the believable for me which is why I rated it at 4 ⭐️
However, it was very enjoyable and definitely worth a read!
April 5, 2022
I feel this is a perfect escape book, a thrilling adventure, the best way to loose track of time.
Barry Griffith starts his day shoveling snow. He is a regular Joe, nothing special about him. He has a normal, boring job, loves his wife and family, makes time for them, loves watching movies in the weekends and he goes to church regularly. I really liked the way the author described this part of his life, giving us a sense of normalcy which included even small bickering with his wife.
The action, however, starts right away. While Barry begins his day in the most ordinary way, he ends it in a gas station where he finds his wife, Jenny, alone, no coat, in the cold, looking older than in the morning when he left his house. And with that, we enter an riveting, gripping chase. Barry and his wife are followed by two blooded killers and try, this time, to get away from them alive. This time, because the last time, when Barry was alone, he didn’t make it. That is what prompted his wife to go back in time and try and save him. The question is, of course, will she succeed or is fate something we cannot avoid – no matter the course of the actions, we get to the same place.
I loved this plot and book idea and how the time travel aspect was treated here.
But the book delivered on so much more!
Full review (no spoilers, but complete with what I didn't like as well), on the blog:
https://readfinebooks.com/2022/04/05/...
Barry Griffith starts his day shoveling snow. He is a regular Joe, nothing special about him. He has a normal, boring job, loves his wife and family, makes time for them, loves watching movies in the weekends and he goes to church regularly. I really liked the way the author described this part of his life, giving us a sense of normalcy which included even small bickering with his wife.
The action, however, starts right away. While Barry begins his day in the most ordinary way, he ends it in a gas station where he finds his wife, Jenny, alone, no coat, in the cold, looking older than in the morning when he left his house. And with that, we enter an riveting, gripping chase. Barry and his wife are followed by two blooded killers and try, this time, to get away from them alive. This time, because the last time, when Barry was alone, he didn’t make it. That is what prompted his wife to go back in time and try and save him. The question is, of course, will she succeed or is fate something we cannot avoid – no matter the course of the actions, we get to the same place.
I loved this plot and book idea and how the time travel aspect was treated here.
But the book delivered on so much more!
Full review (no spoilers, but complete with what I didn't like as well), on the blog:
https://readfinebooks.com/2022/04/05/...
January 4, 2019
I will be completely honest, when I was offered this book I was skeptical. Usually I stick to authors I am familiar with, but One Way by Jeff Lane caught my attention. I am so glad I read this.
Barry and Jennifer Griffith appeared to be your typical, loving, married couple. Little did they know that one fateful day would change their world forever. I never give away spoilers in my reviews so this is the best way I could sum it up. Love, loss, horror and sci-fi. A perfect combination to capture the interest of any reader.
Jeff Lane has quite a talent. His style of writing is absolutely captivating. Just enough detail to capture your attention and yet not too much. As I stated, I usually don’t venture away from certain authors, but I will DEFINITELY be keeping up with Jeff Lane.
Barry and Jennifer Griffith appeared to be your typical, loving, married couple. Little did they know that one fateful day would change their world forever. I never give away spoilers in my reviews so this is the best way I could sum it up. Love, loss, horror and sci-fi. A perfect combination to capture the interest of any reader.
Jeff Lane has quite a talent. His style of writing is absolutely captivating. Just enough detail to capture your attention and yet not too much. As I stated, I usually don’t venture away from certain authors, but I will DEFINITELY be keeping up with Jeff Lane.
November 9, 2019
We take it for granted that our loved ones are safe everyday, but Jeff Lane points out that sometimes they aren't. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m so glad I grabbed it. Definitely worth the read! The characters felt familiar and seemed like real people we know in our lives. But the most unexpected aspect is the emotion elicited via the character interaction. It's a well written piece. I don’t want to spoil it, but Jeff has taken a very complicated subject, simplified it enough in a way that will make you think but doesn’t detract from the story. Loved the way he was able to separate each of the main characters experiences while holding to the overall theme. 5/5 would recommend and reread!
November 8, 2021
If not for the author inviting me to read this, I very likely would not have picked it up. I'm very glad I did though! I recommend giving it a go, look past the cover, it's worth it, I promise.
As a fast paced thriller with a sci-fi twist, One Way didn't disappoint. Time travel is interesting in the way that if done well, it can be very powerful, but if done wrong can be confusing and distracting. Lane was not only successful in creating a believable time travel story but also presented a very original idea with it.
It had me truly wondering how it would all pan out, it was emotional and entertaining. Lane's depiction of grief was incredibly well written. I just wish I could get some more info on how these quantum markers work!
For fans of the film Safety Not Guaranteed.
As a fast paced thriller with a sci-fi twist, One Way didn't disappoint. Time travel is interesting in the way that if done well, it can be very powerful, but if done wrong can be confusing and distracting. Lane was not only successful in creating a believable time travel story but also presented a very original idea with it.
It had me truly wondering how it would all pan out, it was emotional and entertaining. Lane's depiction of grief was incredibly well written. I just wish I could get some more info on how these quantum markers work!
For fans of the film Safety Not Guaranteed.
April 14, 2020
I love the book but I was disappointed in the cover. It is bland and may turn some readers off. This is unfortunate because it is a very good story. The first part of a book is its cover and I can't stress its importance. It is the very first chance to catch a reader. The story involves travelling back in time without the use of a time machine but the using your own mind. A great concept with great possibilities worthy of a sequel. When I read the first page of a book, I usually get an idea if it will be well written and in this case I was not disappointed. Highly recommended. Giving it five stars, forgetting about the cover.
July 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down. The story is a blend of Somewhere in Time, Quantum Leap, and Criminal Minds. Great scenes in the book that discuss the theories and possibilities of what can or can not be accomplished in time travel, something that many time travel stories fail to address and I find quite fascinating. The main characters are easily relatable and the villians are sufficiently creepy. The book was a quick read but not light on plot or development, great work!
October 19, 2018
I usually hate time travel stories, so really cant explain why I even added this to my list. I am glad I did!!
Very pleasantly surprised by the book! Fun, interesting and easy to follow. It had some interesting ideas but didnt get too bogged down in the philosophy or physics. A fun survival tale!
Very pleasantly surprised by the book! Fun, interesting and easy to follow. It had some interesting ideas but didnt get too bogged down in the philosophy or physics. A fun survival tale!
April 17, 2019
Amazing!
Absolutely loved this book. The way in which the author kept me in suspense by going back-and-forth with each chapter was amazing . I even took off work this afternoon just to finish the book . Starting his series next!
Absolutely loved this book. The way in which the author kept me in suspense by going back-and-forth with each chapter was amazing . I even took off work this afternoon just to finish the book . Starting his series next!
August 26, 2019
Wonderful story!
It kept me hooked from page 1. It was brilliantly created to catch your interest. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m so glad I grabbed it. Definitely worth the read! Thanks, Jeff!!!
It kept me hooked from page 1. It was brilliantly created to catch your interest. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m so glad I grabbed it. Definitely worth the read! Thanks, Jeff!!!
Read
February 9, 2021Fantastic story line. If you had a chance to go back and change one strategic course in your life timeline could you pull it off? Can you change the course of fate? Great read to enrich your imagination!
September 23, 2021
While the two main characters have a lot of development/background, we are kind of left with cardboard for all the rest. I think the author probably chose wisely not to engage too deeply with the hard science.
October 5, 2022
Terrific tale of time travel, crime and the power of true love. Barry will be murdered leaving his wife Jenny in despair. She will find her way to a counselor - and so much more.
Suspenseful read that had me turning the pages as quickly as I could!
Suspenseful read that had me turning the pages as quickly as I could!
January 26, 2018
I loved this book! It sucked me in right from the start and kept me engaged to the last word.
March 23, 2018
the twists are so crazy in this book... every chapter left me wanting to know what happens next.. A++++ story... great writing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews