The Night of the Crash

by Jessica Irena Smith

IT CAN ALL CHANGE IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE.

Steppy Corner, voice of hit true crime podcast series All the Dark Corners, wakes in hospital with no memory of what brought her to Heartsick - the small Colorado town where her estranged family live - no memory of why she was racing up the mountainside to her parents' house late at night... or why she didn't make that bend.

All she knows is her mother has been brutally murdered and her brother is the prime suspect.

As Steppy begins to piece together events in the run-up to the accident, she discovers her brother's connection to another ongoing case, that of a missing girl last seen with him on Halloween.

Steppy knows better than anyone that the truth often hides in the darkest of corners, but as she races to untangle the web of secrets and lies, will it ultimately prove too close to home?

A twisting, claustrophobic and masterfully plotted thriller, with a breath-taking conclusion. Perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister, Claire Douglas and Lisa Jewell.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Adult, Ebooks, Suspense

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Jessica has a BA in Glass & Ceramics and an MA in Glass, both from the University of Sunderland, based at the National Glass Centre. She’s a glass artist by trade, and has been selling online and through galleries since 2009, when she also began writing. Jessica’s writing is inspired by many things, but she loves podcasts, especially true crime, which she listens to while cutting glass and loading kilns.

Newcastle upon Tyne born and bred, Jessica now lives in County Durham, North East England, with her cat and epileptic rescue chihuahua. The Summer She Vanished is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Kate Cedras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang! I loved this one. Super fast paced & suspense that did not stop! I was super surprised and impressed by how off/wrong I was when it came to the twists in this fun read.

I read a lot of suspense/mystery/thriller books and this is one that I will be excited to read again in the future and recommend to others!

If you want to be absolutely addicted to a story and have to know what happens- absolutely read this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the fun read in exchange for my honest review.

[eviee · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at page 104 :,-(

I really wanted to enjoy this book. I really did, especially after seeing the glowing goodreads reviews (seriously, an average of over four stars?!)

Unfortunately, this book failed to captivate me.

PROBLEMS:
The constant switching from past to present events was jarring. Since the switch was every single chapter, it was hard to get used to what point in time you were in. The chapters being quite short only amplified this problem.

Similarly, our main character has amnesia, leading to a lot of repetition between past and present chapters. This makes sense story-wise, but was extremely boring.

Not to mention the complete lack of stakes?

My main problem, however, was (im going to be honest here) the writing style as a whole. Full stops felt nonexistent. Each sentence had to be complex, include at-least one type of parentheses, and oh! no word could end in ‘ly’.

EXTRACT AHEAD CONTAINS NO SPOILERS! FEEL FREE TO READ!

I think this sentence demonstrates my point.

“When we break the journey at a road-side diner, we both order food, though neither of us eats, and as we nurse our coffees, staring out the window at the highway, Dad clears his throat, slides something across the table to me.”

Using the occasional sentence like this would be great for showing panic or building suspense, but almost every single sentence was like this. Some were so convoluted that I had to read them twice. ALSO, this sentence describes Steppy sitting in a diner. No suspense there.

I can tell that this sentence is meant to increase the pace of the story. Many reviews call the story fast-paced, but for me, the overuse of long sentences caused the effect to wear off.

LAST THING:
I highlighted the word ‘slides’ because I felt like it didn’t quite make sense in the context of that sentence? I think ‘sliding’ would make it easier to read. Or the word ‘and’ before slides.

maybe like this:
‘Dad clears his throat, and slides something across the table to me’
‘Dad clears his throat, sliding something across the table to me’

thank you for reading! Sorry if this review sounded a bit harsh but I didn’t see any properly explained 1 star reviews. I wanted to write this to help others figure out if this book isn’t (or is) for them.
Thanks!

[Jodie Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steppy Corner has a successful true crime podcast and helped to solve a decades old cold case. So when she hears of a missing girl in her hometown of Heartsick she makes the journey home to see what the story is, but it becomes far more complicated than she could ever have expected.

I loved this so much and tore through it in 2 days, Steppy is a brilliant protagonist and her relationship with her slightly dysfunctional family had me hooked from the beginning.

I loved the way the story jumped from the past to the present and how pieces of the puzzle slotted in really slowly. The ending had me shocked, genuinely didn’t see it coming.

Highly recommended if you like an edge of your seat read that keeps you guessing

[Kim Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

An enjoyable, easy thriller to read.
Slightly predictable. Really enjoyed the switching from before and after the accident.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great who done it.

[Abby McGrath-Neely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid audiobook! Enjoyed the narration too much it didn’t give my mind time to wander and the end actually took me by surprise !

[Stewart Cotterill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, solid whodunnit murder mystery. An enjoyable beach read, although I didn’t read it on a beach. I read it in Birmingham. We don’t have beaches.

[Sarah Tye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book very easy to read and finished it in 2 days! I liked how the story flipped between then and now and seeing the same thing from 2 different perspectives. Was surprised at how things unfolded and hadn’t seen the final twist coming! Overall an enjoyable read.

[Lauren Minifey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ Really enjoyed but do feel like it was drawn out unnecessarily

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought I’d struggle with the back and forth timeline but actually easy to keep up with. The short chapters were filled with suspense so found myself getting through it quick. Some predictability, but that’s difficult to avoid in a thriller and the ending still had a twist for me.

[Amanda Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read, full of suspense, and ended with a very unexpected twist.
3.5*

[Jenny Brouhard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried really hard to become interested in this book. I just couldn’t do it. I skipped multiple chapters just to move along. Don’t think I missed anything by skipping. Read the last two chapters and it was not surprising.

[Zoe Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steppy Corner is the woman behind the hit podcast ‘Dark Corners’ and she successfully managed to solve a cold case resulting in the murderer being put behind bars. She is actively looking for something for season two when a story seemingly lands at her feet in her hometown, the disappearance of Casey Carter.

Told on now and then timelines, which are before and after the car crash that leaves Steppy with no memories of everything she researched before she was hospitalised following the crash. She also discovers her mother was murdered the night of her crash and the main suspect in Caseys disappearance and her mother’s murder is her own brother Garrett, which leaves Steppy in a strange predicament.

This was a good read, although I found it difficult to follow at times with the jumping back and forth, and I think our main character would have benefited from some character development especially in her relationships with those around her.

Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC.

[Amanda Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steppy is the host of a hit true crime podcast “Dark Corners,” who wakes up in the hospital after a car accident to find herself at the epicenter of an investigation as she is told her mother was murdered the same night as her car accident. She has no recollection of the crash or weeks leading up to her mother’s murder. Her brother is the main suspect and is also suspected in the disappearance of a local woman.

This book had interesting moments, but the alternating then/now chapters were hard to follow at times. I had difficulty keeping track of when events occurred, and also her finding out the same information in both the then and now chapters, due to her amnesia, got repetitive. Overall, I enjoyed it—I always appreciate a mystery/thriller with a podcast element. Thank you to NetGalley and Headline books for the ARC!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Night of the Crash is a fast paced thriller that keeps readers guessing with each chapter.

This book follows Steppy, a true crime podcaster, who wakes up in a hospital with no recollection of a car accident and days prior. All she knows is her mother was murdered and her brother is the prime suspect. But why was she in this town to begin with?

This novel kept me on my toes for the entire ride. Every time I thought I had solved a murder, new evidence was presented and I was back to the drawing board. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy suspenseful thrillers and mysteries.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[KC Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

great mystery

This author keeps you spellbound with the characters and the plot of this book. Deaths surrounding young women hang on the brother of the family, but a surprise revelation at the end will have you scratching your head!

[Debbie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! But it's a book that goes back and forth in time so if that makes you a little crazy, beware.

[Sarah Cullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Molly Chenault · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good and quick! Sometimes the Then and Now chapters did seem to blend together but this was a good thriller read!

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75! I read this bc it was free on Kindle but ended up liking it bc it’s a mystery from the beginning. Has a kinda crazy twist at the end

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this on my kindle in less than two weeks. Some red herrings were convincing and some not so much. Overall, the story worked even with the Dark Corners twist at the end. I just found a few things difficult to believe and the fact that there were UK English terms, spellings (S instead of a Z) and single quotes for speech, while the story was set in Colorado and NY was kind of annoying, too.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Night of the Crash by Jessica Irena Smith

It can all change in the blink of an eye. That phrase perfectly encapsulates the suspenseful ride The Night of the Crash takes its readers on. When Steppy Corner, the voice behind the true crime podcast All the Dark Corners, wakes up in a hospital, she has no memory of what led her to Heartsick, the small Colorado town where her estranged family resides. Even more haunting is her mother’s brutal murder and her brother Garrett's role as the prime suspect. As Steppy pieces together her fractured memories, she discovers her brother's connection to a missing girl last seen with him on Halloween. Racing to solve the puzzle, Steppy soon learns that the truth might be closer than she could ever have imagined.

While the podcast angle feels like a current trope in thrillers, it serves Steppy’s role as a civilian investigator well. The dual timeline, reflecting Steppy’s memories before and after the accident, adds depth and complexity. The layers of suspense build as Steppy tries to retrace her steps, revealing tense family dynamics and unsettling connections between her brother and the missing girl’s case. Each chapter uncovers new clues, and just when you think you've cracked the case, Smith skillfully throws in unexpected twists that kept me second-guessing all the way to the end.

However, the novel's character development left me wanting more, particularly in Steppy’s relationships. Her lack of emotional reaction to her best friend’s betrayal and her oddly passive response felt frustrating and inconsistent with the stakes of the story. I also found myself distracted by the name "Steppy," wondering if it was meant to be "Sephy." And while I appreciated the intriguing plot, I wished Smith had expanded on the potential of Steppy’s relationships, especially with her ex-boyfriend and best friend.

This book is a gripping read for those who enjoy suspenseful mysteries with unexpected twists. Although the plot delivers on tension and intrigue, a little more depth in character emotions would have truly rounded out the story.

Thank you to the publisher (Headline), NetGalley, and the author for this ARC.

[Breanna Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3⭐

When Stephanie, a true crime podcaster, is reeled into investigating a story in her small town, she doesn't expect the dark secrets she'll find. She begins investigating the disappearance of a young girl, one in which her brother is a prime suspect. However, as she is investigating she is in a car accident. One that causes her to lose her memories of her last few days in town. She wakes up to discover another horrific crime has taken place, with her brother yet again as a lead suspect. Stephanie begins to try to piece together what happened between the two cases, all the while discovering everyone has a dark side.

I am unsure how I feel about this book. It felt very confusing at times because you had a "now and then" storyline basing before and after her accident. I felt like I was reading some things over and over again to where I was confused as to what story point we were in. The story, in my opinion, was dragging for a while and didn't necessarily pick up until the last 20% of the book. There was a surprising twist, but that was explained in the very last chapter of the book which made it kind of underwhelming. I wouldn't say this was a fantastic book, but I wouldn't say it was horrible. It just was over all underwhelming for me.

[Cindy Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not an easy to read book.

Written in a very choppy manner. Could be intentional but not my type. I like something more cohesive easier to follow.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure why I often dislike books so many others love. This is slow, plodding, monotonous, and a bit boring. I wasn’t blown away by the ending - but only because I didn’t really care. I just wanted to be done.

[James Patterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not finish this book. Stopped about half way thru. One of the worst story lines I have ever encountered. Pure nonsense and maddeningly repetitious. Jumping between the and now was very unsettling. Do not recommend this book whatsoever.

[Amwhite88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

*The Night of the Crash* is a fast-paced thriller that kept me turning the pages, thanks to its intriguing premise and pervasive tension. Steppy Corner, the protagonist and voice behind a hit true-crime podcast, finds herself entangled in a web of secrets after waking up in a hospital with no memory of the car accident that nearly took her life. As she uncovers the events leading to her mother’s murder and her brother’s implication in both the crime and the disappearance of a local girl, the story plunges into dark and twisty territory. I most definitely read through the entire book with a sense of urgency, wanting to find out what was going to happen/what has happened. I enjoyed the alternating Then and Now chapters. The author is definitely excellent at writing suspense.

That said, while the plot was engaging, I struggled with Steppy’s character development, particularly her relationships with others. Despite describing her best friend as nearly like a sister, Steppy barely shows any emotional reaction to the fact that this same friend betrays her. Instead of expressing the anger or betrayal you'd expect from someone in her situation, Steppy seems strangely passive, even calling her ex-best friend repeatedly like a needy co-dependent. Her reactions felt inconsistent and unrealistic, leaving me frustrated with how little emotional depth was given to what should have been a central conflict.

Similarly, her dynamic with her brother raised some serious questions. Steppy knows he is unpredictable and has a dark side, yet she lets him stay with her and never seems to fully confront what he might be capable of. I couldn’t understand her motivation to protect him or give him the benefit of the doubt, especially since there’s nothing in their relationship that convincingly explains this loyalty. It made her seem like she was letting everyone walk all over her, but the portrayal of this characteristic didn’t feel natural; it felt forced.

Another gripe I had was with the resolution of the mystery. I’m not a fan of thrillers where the outcome is too predictable or where the “bad guy” is obvious from early on. While the author keeps you wondering whether your suspicions are correct, the lack of a real twist or surprise in the conclusion was disappointing. There is a second smaller twist toward the end, but it was predictable and didn’t make up for the more straightforward resolution of the main mystery.

Overall *The Night of the Crash* delivers an engaging story with plenty of suspense and tension, but the character development and the handling of the mystery could have been stronger. Despite these issues, it’s still a compelling read for anyone who enjoys the true-crime podcast angle and dark family secrets.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Jessica Irena Smith’s The Night of the Crash is a masterfully plotted thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go until its breathtaking conclusion. Set in the small, eerie town of Heartsick, Colorado, this novel weaves a tale of mystery, family secrets, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

The story centers around Steppy Corner, the voice behind the hit true crime podcast series All the Dark Corners. Steppy wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the events that led her there. She was found after a car crash on a mountainside road, racing towards her estranged family’s home. To her horror, she learns that her mother has been brutally murdered, and her brother is the prime suspect. As Steppy begins to piece together the events leading up to the crash, she uncovers her brother’s connection to another case involving a missing girl last seen with him on Halloween.

Smith’s writing is both evocative and immersive, drawing readers into the claustrophobic and tension-filled atmosphere of Heartsick. The town itself feels like a character, with its dark corners and hidden secrets adding to the overall sense of dread. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels you to keep reading.

The characters are richly developed and complex. Steppy is a compelling protagonist, her determination to uncover the truth driving the narrative forward. Her interactions with her brother and the other townspeople are fraught with tension, as old wounds and long-buried secrets come to light. Smith excels at creating multi-dimensional characters whose motivations and actions are believable and compelling.

The Night of the Crash explores themes such as memory, guilt, and the impact of past traumas on the present. Smith delves into the psychological depths of her characters, making their struggles and fears feel real and relatable. The twists and turns are expertly crafted, with each revelation adding to the overall sense of unease and suspense.

The ending of the novel is nothing short of spectacular. Smith delivers a conclusion that is surprising and satisfying, tying together the various threads of the narrative in a way that leaves you breathless. It’s a testament to her skill as a storyteller that she can keep readers guessing until the very last page.

Ultimately, The Night of the Crash is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Jessica Irena Smith has crafted a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, with characters that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.

For fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who enjoys a well-told tale of suspense, this book is a must-read.

[Amy Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Gripping and Emotional Exploration of Tragedy and Resilience

The Night of the Crash by Jessica Irena Smith is a thought-provoking and poignant novel that delves deep into the emotional aftermath of a devastating event. With a powerful narrative and well-crafted characters, this book offers a compelling look at grief, survival, and the strength it takes to rebuild in the wake of trauma.

The story centres around a tragic crash that changes the lives of its survivors forever. Smith's writing is immersive, drawing readers into the emotional and psychological impact of the crash on those who were affected. The plot follows multiple characters, each struggling with their own personal battles as they attempt to move forward and find healing. The way the book explores different perspectives allows for a well-rounded view of the tragedy and its far-reaching consequences.

One of the strongest aspects of The Night of The Crash is the character development. The characters are complex, relatable, and flawed, making their struggles feel real and heart-wrenching. The author does an excellent job of portraying the nuances of their emotions, particularly the challenges of facing trauma and the slow process of recovery. The relationships between the characters are just as important as the plot itself, and the tension between them - whether it's family members, friends, or strangers - adds depth to the story.

While the writing is engaging and well-paced, there are moments where the story's emotional weight can feel a bit heavy, especially when the characters linger in their pain or frustration. Some readers might find the pacing a bit slower in these sections, as the book focuses more on the internal journeys of the characters than on external plot developments. However, for those who appreciate deep emotional exploration and character-driven stories, this will be a rewarding aspect of the book.

The ending is both cathartic and bittersweet, offering a sense of closure while leaving room for hope and growth. It's a powerful conclusion that resonates long after you finish reading.

Overall, The Night of the Crash is an emotional, thought-provoking novel that tackles difficult themes with grace and authenticity. While it's not without its slower moments, it's a deeply moving story that will leave readers reflecting on the resilience of the human spirit. A solid 4-star read that will appeal to fans of character-driven dramas and emotional journeys.

[Lydia Omodara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steppy Corner is the host of a smash hit podcast, the first season of which focused on the long ago disappearance of a young girl. Steppy was instrumental in solving that mystery but, when she wakes up in hospital, with no clue how she got there, Steppy finds herself at the centre of a mystery of her own. The police tell her that she drove off the road on the way to her parents' isolated home outside of Heartsick, Colorado. But Steppy and her family are estranged, and she has no memory of leaving her New York apartment, let alone driving across the country to spend Thanksgiving with her parents and troubled younger brother, Garrett. As she learns more and more about what happened in Heartsick the night of her accident - and in the weeks leading up to it - Steppy must turn her investigative skills to finding out what has really been going on, and just how involved Garrett is in it.

The post traumatic amnesia which strips Steppy of any memory of the crash and the week or so leading up to it is an interesting conceit. It allows the narrative to proceed at pace, as Steppy retraces her steps and discovers clues left behind by her pre-accident self. What made her get in the car that night? What is the connection between Casey Carter's vanishing and the murder of Steppy's mother the night Steppy's car went off the road? The chapters are short, with nearly every one heralding a new revelation or avenue for Steppy to pursue. The writing is average, but the story was pacey enough to hold my interest.

The final fifty pages or so detracted from the overall story for me; the author managed to both wrap loose threads up too neatly and leave too many questions without satisfactory answers. Without spoiling anything, I was left wondering what motivated certain characters to behave as they did, I felt confused about the relationships between certain characters and, crucially, the resolutions of the two central mysteries felt rushed and vague.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.