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One Small Mistake
One small mistake. One deadly consequence.
Elodie Fray wants to be more like her perfect sister, Ada, the one her parents are actually proud of. When she decided to quit her job and pursue her dream of becoming an author, she thought it would be her time to shine, but a year on nothing has happened. And she's getting desperate.
When Elodie makes one small mistake on a drunken night with a friend, things quickly spiral and suddenly everyone believes she has a book deal. Unable to find a way back from her little lie, her perfect dream becomes a perfect nightmare - and desperate times call for desperate measures.
Meanwhile, everything is not as it seems in Ada Archer's perfect life. When her sister suddenly disappears, she questions everything - from her marriage, to the man who's been charged with Elodie's abduction. The papers say it's him, but the more she digs into her sister's life the less convinced she is. Ada will do anything to discover the truth, even if it kills her.
No one knows what happened to Elodie Fray, and now her only chance of survival is her sister.
Elodie Fray wants to be more like her perfect sister, Ada, the one her parents are actually proud of. When she decided to quit her job and pursue her dream of becoming an author, she thought it would be her time to shine, but a year on nothing has happened. And she's getting desperate.
When Elodie makes one small mistake on a drunken night with a friend, things quickly spiral and suddenly everyone believes she has a book deal. Unable to find a way back from her little lie, her perfect dream becomes a perfect nightmare - and desperate times call for desperate measures.
Meanwhile, everything is not as it seems in Ada Archer's perfect life. When her sister suddenly disappears, she questions everything - from her marriage, to the man who's been charged with Elodie's abduction. The papers say it's him, but the more she digs into her sister's life the less convinced she is. Ada will do anything to discover the truth, even if it kills her.
No one knows what happened to Elodie Fray, and now her only chance of survival is her sister.
384 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2021
6285 people are currently reading
27476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,324 reviews
March 17, 2022
It felt, at times, like reading this novel was one small mistake.
There are some merits to the story, in so much as the author leads the reader to consider some interesting moral questions. However, the plot felt contrived and far-fetched in an all too familiar way. The relationship between Elodie and Anna was contemporary but there lacked a genuine authenticity.
Bang in the middle of an average read for me.
There are some merits to the story, in so much as the author leads the reader to consider some interesting moral questions. However, the plot felt contrived and far-fetched in an all too familiar way. The relationship between Elodie and Anna was contemporary but there lacked a genuine authenticity.
Bang in the middle of an average read for me.
February 3, 2023
What is one of the most outrageous things a newbie female writer can do to get her first book published and become a successful author?
THE ANSWER?
Agree to fake her own abduction and write a book about it.
WARNING:
This far-fetched thriller requires a HUGE amount of "suspension of disbelief".
Love, obsession, Stockholm syndrome, mental abuse, dysfunctional families, and the bond between sisters are poignantly showcased.
To the author's credit, although my eyes were rolling at a very rapid pace, I kept on listening.
I listened to the audiobook read by Georgia Maguire and Daphne Kouma and both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
This being said, this 13-hour audiobook easily could have been a 10-hour book.
3.5 stars
THE ANSWER?
Agree to fake her own abduction and write a book about it.
WARNING:
This far-fetched thriller requires a HUGE amount of "suspension of disbelief".
Love, obsession, Stockholm syndrome, mental abuse, dysfunctional families, and the bond between sisters are poignantly showcased.
To the author's credit, although my eyes were rolling at a very rapid pace, I kept on listening.
I listened to the audiobook read by Georgia Maguire and Daphne Kouma and both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
This being said, this 13-hour audiobook easily could have been a 10-hour book.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2021
I absolutely LOVED this book! It was fresh, it was extremely well-written and the story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout! The characters were so brilliantly drawn that even as I began to guess how it might play out, it didn't matter, I was invested in the story and them as people and needed the conclusion!
A thrill ride of a read! Highly recommended!
A thrill ride of a read! Highly recommended!
June 10, 2025
The common thread with Kindle Unlimited books is that most of them need a good edit. At 469 pages, this one is at least 150 pages too long. To have someone captive for 161 days, even if the first 30 days or so were voluntary, is beyond belief. Pages and pages are devoted to the sister's reasons for not wanting to have a child. In a book that is supposed to be suspenseful, you don't go off on tangents unrelated to the main focus. It dilutes the suspense. I forced myself to read all the way to the end just to see what happened, but I won't be reading any more of this author's work unless it is considerably shorter.
November 3, 2021
Rating: 2.2/5
It is certainly not uncommon for books in this genre to require the reader to suspend disbelief. This debut novel from Dandy Smith is no exception and it is apparent from the early stages of the story that the reader is going to have to grant the writer some dramatic licence in order for "One Small Mistake" to work at all.
With that proviso, I I actually quite enjoyed the early stages of this book. The writing was not only intelligent, but quite bright, fresh and conveyed goodly amounts of attitude with a darkly witty edginess. "One Small Mistake" was looking as though it could be shaping up to a be a psychological thriller that was infused with significant elements of "chick-lit with a kick". I was looking forward to how it might develop.
Unfortunately, the early promise wasn't maintained throughout and there were too many facets that just didn't work properly. In addition to the central theme of the psychological drama the story has some prevalent sub-themes, notably the examination of the nature of the sisters' relationship and also the pressure placed on many women by society regarding motherhood. Not only did these sub-themes detract from the core narrative and dilute any tension and suspense, but they also became quite preachy at times and it felt like I was being lectured rather than reading a piece of fictional literature. To add further to the woes of the psychological drama at the heart of the story, aspects that had already been stretching credulity started to go beyond that point and crossed the line into pure silliness.
Ultimately, I was just glad to get to the end of the book, so that I could shelve it and move on to something else. It isn't awful, and I have been subjected to far worse - but I have also read plenty of other novels that hold significantly greater appeal.
It is certainly not uncommon for books in this genre to require the reader to suspend disbelief. This debut novel from Dandy Smith is no exception and it is apparent from the early stages of the story that the reader is going to have to grant the writer some dramatic licence in order for "One Small Mistake" to work at all.
With that proviso, I I actually quite enjoyed the early stages of this book. The writing was not only intelligent, but quite bright, fresh and conveyed goodly amounts of attitude with a darkly witty edginess. "One Small Mistake" was looking as though it could be shaping up to a be a psychological thriller that was infused with significant elements of "chick-lit with a kick". I was looking forward to how it might develop.
Unfortunately, the early promise wasn't maintained throughout and there were too many facets that just didn't work properly. In addition to the central theme of the psychological drama the story has some prevalent sub-themes, notably the examination of the nature of the sisters' relationship and also the pressure placed on many women by society regarding motherhood. Not only did these sub-themes detract from the core narrative and dilute any tension and suspense, but they also became quite preachy at times and it felt like I was being lectured rather than reading a piece of fictional literature. To add further to the woes of the psychological drama at the heart of the story, aspects that had already been stretching credulity started to go beyond that point and crossed the line into pure silliness.
Ultimately, I was just glad to get to the end of the book, so that I could shelve it and move on to something else. It isn't awful, and I have been subjected to far worse - but I have also read plenty of other novels that hold significantly greater appeal.
June 6, 2023
Elodie wants to be perfect, just like her sister. But her desire to 'be somebody' leads her down a dangerous path when she becomes part of a plot to fake her own kidnapping in order to write a book about it. The is wildly entertaining and I couldn't resist flipping the pages.
I enjoyed the fresh writing style combined with the dark wit, and the easy way the story unfolds and the short chapters made me race right through the book. A massively entertaining ride.
I enjoyed the fresh writing style combined with the dark wit, and the easy way the story unfolds and the short chapters made me race right through the book. A massively entertaining ride.
December 13, 2025
✨ Rating: 5⭐️
🫧 Vibes: tense and gripping thriller
🎶 Song: my strange addiction - billie eilish
📖 Favourite Quote: "Why is it that men always feel the need to announce they've nipped the hoover round or done a load of laundry like they've just cured cancer?"
📚 Would I recommend? YES
💬 tldr thoughts: a twisty page turner that had me on the edge of my seat!
In the package:
📦 psychological games & secrets
📦 obsession & manipulation
📦 deception
Plot: Elodie has dreamed of becoming a published author, so when she lies about a book deal, it spirals into dangerous consequences. Her one small mistake, becomes the biggest mistake of her life. With Elodie missing, her sister seeks out to find answers, even if it kills her.
Thoughts: this book was INSANE. Not going to lie, I was worried this book would drag considering some of the reviews but I was hooked from the first page up until the last. My heart was just racing in the last 10%. This is twisty, shocking and addictive. The dual POV with Elodie and her sister added so much depth to the story by exploring the complicated dynamics with their family, friends and partners. Some might think the sub-plots don't fit with the story (like Ada dealing with the societal pressure around motherhood), but I think they enrich it, offering deeper insight into the characters and the reasons behind their actions. One of the best thrillers I've read all year!
Thank you Hambright PR and Kensington Publishing for this ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: tense and gripping thriller
🎶 Song: my strange addiction - billie eilish
📖 Favourite Quote: "Why is it that men always feel the need to announce they've nipped the hoover round or done a load of laundry like they've just cured cancer?"
📚 Would I recommend? YES
💬 tldr thoughts: a twisty page turner that had me on the edge of my seat!
In the package:
📦 psychological games & secrets
📦 obsession & manipulation
📦 deception
Plot: Elodie has dreamed of becoming a published author, so when she lies about a book deal, it spirals into dangerous consequences. Her one small mistake, becomes the biggest mistake of her life. With Elodie missing, her sister seeks out to find answers, even if it kills her.
Thoughts: this book was INSANE. Not going to lie, I was worried this book would drag considering some of the reviews but I was hooked from the first page up until the last. My heart was just racing in the last 10%. This is twisty, shocking and addictive. The dual POV with Elodie and her sister added so much depth to the story by exploring the complicated dynamics with their family, friends and partners. Some might think the sub-plots don't fit with the story (like Ada dealing with the societal pressure around motherhood), but I think they enrich it, offering deeper insight into the characters and the reasons behind their actions. One of the best thrillers I've read all year!
Thank you Hambright PR and Kensington Publishing for this ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
November 4, 2021
Be careful what you wish for...it seems to be the central theme of One Small Mistake. This is a cleverly written thriller with powerful characters and lots of twists and turns. A highly entertaining, addictive read that will keep you glued to the page.
November 27, 2025
One Small Mistake hooked me from the very beginning! Elodie’s mysterious stalker immediately intrigued me and set a suspenseful tone that never let up. I also loved how the story explored her complicated relationship with her mom and sister, those family dynamics added depth to the overall plot.
The “days before” chapters were one of my favorite tension building moments. Each one built momentum toward this unknown event, layering mystery in a way that kept me fully invested. And wow… it truly was one small mistake that spiraled into something so much bigger. The tension had me clutching my invisible pearls more than once!
I was especially impressed with Ada. She started out as one of my least favorite characters, but her resilience & unexpected growth made her one of my favs by the end.
Overall, an amazing and thrilling read from start to finish. Dandy Smith delivered suspense, depth, and twisty storytelling that kept me turning pages late into the night. Thank you Kensington Publishing, Hambright PR and NetGalley for a reader copy & Kensington Publishing for a physical copy!
Publication 🗓️ : Re-release 11.25.25
The “days before” chapters were one of my favorite tension building moments. Each one built momentum toward this unknown event, layering mystery in a way that kept me fully invested. And wow… it truly was one small mistake that spiraled into something so much bigger. The tension had me clutching my invisible pearls more than once!
I was especially impressed with Ada. She started out as one of my least favorite characters, but her resilience & unexpected growth made her one of my favs by the end.
Overall, an amazing and thrilling read from start to finish. Dandy Smith delivered suspense, depth, and twisty storytelling that kept me turning pages late into the night. Thank you Kensington Publishing, Hambright PR and NetGalley for a reader copy & Kensington Publishing for a physical copy!
Publication 🗓️ : Re-release 11.25.25
October 24, 2021
One Small Mistake is a dark tale of obsession, manipulation, and the complexities of family relationships. The plot isn’t entirely original, Elodie is being stalked. She makes one small mistake, a mistake that sets in motion a chain of events. It’s then the plot takes a more sinister turn that’s refreshingly original. At times the plot feels farfetched, but that’s the beauty of fiction, the ability to stretch one’s imagination. Told from the alternating perspectives of Elodie and her sister Ada, the reader gains an intriguing insight into their family dynamics.
I really enjoy a story which has flawed characters, it makes the read far more credible. I found the sisters fascinating, but I found Ada was the more interesting of the two sisters, with her ‘perfect’ life. It’s only as the author digs deeper into her life you realise that nothings as it first seems. It was fascinating to read how the sister’s relationship was manipulated, which created a divide that was driven by rivalry and jealousy.
Dandy Smith has written a taut, tension filled read that begs the question how far you would go to fulfil your dream and live up to your perfect sister? The plot takes an unexpected twist that creates tension and makes for a nail biting read in places. A darkly absorbing read that I throughly I enjoyed.
I really enjoy a story which has flawed characters, it makes the read far more credible. I found the sisters fascinating, but I found Ada was the more interesting of the two sisters, with her ‘perfect’ life. It’s only as the author digs deeper into her life you realise that nothings as it first seems. It was fascinating to read how the sister’s relationship was manipulated, which created a divide that was driven by rivalry and jealousy.
Dandy Smith has written a taut, tension filled read that begs the question how far you would go to fulfil your dream and live up to your perfect sister? The plot takes an unexpected twist that creates tension and makes for a nail biting read in places. A darkly absorbing read that I throughly I enjoyed.
January 5, 2023
If you follow my blog or are part of my online book club you will know I have recently started "buddy-reads" with 9 other readers. One Small Mistake is our third book and I chose it because a) it's free on Amazon Prime and b) we fancied a psychological thriller as our next book.
One Small Mistake was in fact "one HUGE mistake" to choose as a buddy read simply because it's too bloody good to stop and discuss midway. None of us were able to stop at Chapter 11 as agreed to chat about the story, one of us (no names actually read up to chapter 27 before she realised she needed to stop). Sheepishly we all admitted to not being able to put the book down and agreed to abandon our online discussions because we were all so engrossed. Within 2 days all 10 of us had finished the book and all gave it 5 shiny stars!
You don't need me to rehash the blurb as it's written above, but I will say that I absolutely LOVED this story. I LOVED the writing, the plotline, the characters, the twists, the shocks, the secrets, in fact there isn't anything I didn't love about this book.
If you enjoy addictive, sharp, twisted psychological thrillers and have a spare 6 hours because you won't be able to stop once you start - then pop over to Amazon and download this book NOW.
One Small Mistake was in fact "one HUGE mistake" to choose as a buddy read simply because it's too bloody good to stop and discuss midway. None of us were able to stop at Chapter 11 as agreed to chat about the story, one of us (no names actually read up to chapter 27 before she realised she needed to stop). Sheepishly we all admitted to not being able to put the book down and agreed to abandon our online discussions because we were all so engrossed. Within 2 days all 10 of us had finished the book and all gave it 5 shiny stars!
You don't need me to rehash the blurb as it's written above, but I will say that I absolutely LOVED this story. I LOVED the writing, the plotline, the characters, the twists, the shocks, the secrets, in fact there isn't anything I didn't love about this book.
If you enjoy addictive, sharp, twisted psychological thrillers and have a spare 6 hours because you won't be able to stop once you start - then pop over to Amazon and download this book NOW.
October 31, 2021
This was a pretty good read, though it rambled a bit at times. It centers primarily on Elodie, who is abducted after telling her family and friends she got a book deal that she didn’t really get. You also get chapters told from the POV of Elodie’s sister Ava, who becalmed a much bigger part of the story as time goes on.
Both main characters were relatable, making very human mistakes and having to face the consequences. I connected more with Ava than Elodie but could empathize with both. There was one odd thing— what felt to me like a big focus on a side story around whether it’s ok for women to not want to be mothers, and I did find that entire plotline unnecessary; I felt a bit like I was being preached at.
Though I did figure out the twist early, it was still well done and there were surprises to be found even after I got the gist of that was happening. The book ran a bit longer than it needed to (in my opinion) but there were many tense and fast paced areas throughout.
Overall, decent book- not my favorite but pretty good overall, with relatable characters and a good ending. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Both main characters were relatable, making very human mistakes and having to face the consequences. I connected more with Ava than Elodie but could empathize with both. There was one odd thing— what felt to me like a big focus on a side story around whether it’s ok for women to not want to be mothers, and I did find that entire plotline unnecessary; I felt a bit like I was being preached at.
Though I did figure out the twist early, it was still well done and there were surprises to be found even after I got the gist of that was happening. The book ran a bit longer than it needed to (in my opinion) but there were many tense and fast paced areas throughout.
Overall, decent book- not my favorite but pretty good overall, with relatable characters and a good ending. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2025
This book is a mixed bag in an entertaining way. The pacing is uneven, but the story delivers sharp moments, clever observations, and several lines that genuinely land. Every character is deeply flawed, which makes them feel convincingly human, even if it keeps you at arm’s length as more of an observer than an emotional investor. The final six chapters shift into high gear, and so will your blood pressure.
On the lukewarm side, Eloide’s decision to quit a thriving marketing career on impulse to become a writer needed more exploration. The narrative never mentions self-publishing as an option, which felt like an odd omission given her ultimate goal of authorship.
A noticeable red flag appears when a character who lost her boyfriend in a car accident decides to get behind the wheel and speed for fun. The absence of self-awareness in moments like this made me raise an eyebrow more than once.
As for the drawbacks, the story could have benefited from tighter editing. Some sections drag, there are a few plot holes that never receive closure, and several reveals are predictable long before the characters catch up. It can take some patience to stick with the slower moments.
I still recommend this book for readers who enjoy flawed characters, emotional chaos, and a payoff that rewards persistence.
On the lukewarm side, Eloide’s decision to quit a thriving marketing career on impulse to become a writer needed more exploration. The narrative never mentions self-publishing as an option, which felt like an odd omission given her ultimate goal of authorship.
A noticeable red flag appears when a character who lost her boyfriend in a car accident decides to get behind the wheel and speed for fun. The absence of self-awareness in moments like this made me raise an eyebrow more than once.
As for the drawbacks, the story could have benefited from tighter editing. Some sections drag, there are a few plot holes that never receive closure, and several reveals are predictable long before the characters catch up. It can take some patience to stick with the slower moments.
I still recommend this book for readers who enjoy flawed characters, emotional chaos, and a payoff that rewards persistence.
November 30, 2025
Do you ever get a PR email and instantly put a library hold on the book because, whether you get it through the PR company or not, you NEED to read that book!? That's exactly what happened to me with Dandy Smith's One Small Mistake - I simply NEEDED to read it!
First - how on earth is this a debut novel!? Instead of feeling novice, it reads like a psychological thriller from a well-honed author with years of writing experience behind them!
Second - and this is where I'm going to hook you - I'm comparing the twists in this book to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl (the thriller I compare all others to)! It also reminded me a little bit of Megan Lally's That's Not My Name while providing a super fresh take on the domestic thriller sub-genre as a whole!
Third - it's manipulative, it's dramatic, it's addicting! There are aspects of jealousy, and family dynamics play a big part in the plot! The characters are messy and slightly unhinged! And that all adds up to one amazing thriller!
I cannot wait to read more from Smith!
Thank you, NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Hambright PR, for the complimentary copy to read and review.
First - how on earth is this a debut novel!? Instead of feeling novice, it reads like a psychological thriller from a well-honed author with years of writing experience behind them!
Second - and this is where I'm going to hook you - I'm comparing the twists in this book to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl (the thriller I compare all others to)! It also reminded me a little bit of Megan Lally's That's Not My Name while providing a super fresh take on the domestic thriller sub-genre as a whole!
Third - it's manipulative, it's dramatic, it's addicting! There are aspects of jealousy, and family dynamics play a big part in the plot! The characters are messy and slightly unhinged! And that all adds up to one amazing thriller!
I cannot wait to read more from Smith!
Thank you, NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Hambright PR, for the complimentary copy to read and review.
February 7, 2026
I loved the writing style of this book. The suspense was not rushed, the character development was in depth and relatable, and the way everything built up into the climax was perfection. This is one of those books that has stayed with me long after I've finished it.
December 13, 2025
I feel bad for DNFing this, since I was given a copy by Hambright PR but I just can't finish this book, for the life of me. Once I put it down, I couldn't pick it back up because I find the main characters utterly unbearable.
October 14, 2021
Elodie Fray wants to be an author. She quits her corporate job in order to pursue her dream. Unfortunately, nothing has worked out so far and she is now stuck working at a coffee shop. Elodie wants her family to be proud of her like they are of her older sister, Ada, who is married and lives in an amazing house. After a night of drinking with a friend, lies are told and her family thinks she has a book deal and they have a big celebration for her. She has no idea how she will get herself out of this one mistake. Everything takes a turn when Elodie is abducted from her home one night. The police think they know took her but it may be someone closer to her than anyone knew. Will Elodie be found?
This book was fantastic! The plot was something completely different and went in a direction I didn't expect. Even though the twists were pretty wild, the author captivated my attention and it was hard to put down. This achieved a perfect balance between a shocking, interesting plot and a believable, immersive story. I can easily recommend ONE SMALL MISTAKE as a unique thriller you won’t soon forget.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
This book was fantastic! The plot was something completely different and went in a direction I didn't expect. Even though the twists were pretty wild, the author captivated my attention and it was hard to put down. This achieved a perfect balance between a shocking, interesting plot and a believable, immersive story. I can easily recommend ONE SMALL MISTAKE as a unique thriller you won’t soon forget.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
November 8, 2021
The epitome of a ‘can’t put down thriller’
This book grabbed me from the first chapter.
A genuine compulsive read. Characters that you could identify with, if uncomfortably so, from the small obvious details of the day to day, to the deeper and darker machinations of the human condition. An almost poetic ebb and flow as the story unfolds. Easy, dull, exciting, shocking, all combine to create a rhythm to the way the plot unfolds. I cannot remember when a book last made me ‘inhale in shock’ or ‘pronounce out loud’. I also cannot remember a book I have simply ‘had’ to keep reading when not on holiday! Superb.
This book grabbed me from the first chapter.
A genuine compulsive read. Characters that you could identify with, if uncomfortably so, from the small obvious details of the day to day, to the deeper and darker machinations of the human condition. An almost poetic ebb and flow as the story unfolds. Easy, dull, exciting, shocking, all combine to create a rhythm to the way the plot unfolds. I cannot remember when a book last made me ‘inhale in shock’ or ‘pronounce out loud’. I also cannot remember a book I have simply ‘had’ to keep reading when not on holiday! Superb.
April 1, 2023
2.5⭐️
first of all it took me forever to figure out how to pronounce the name Elodie but i’m terrible with pronouncing names
anyway, at first i was intrigued with this book but then as it went on i just wanted to find out how it was going to end.. i didn’t really care for any of the characters so i’ll admit i did skim read a lot of the chapters near the end to find out what happened and i didn’t hate the ending but overall found it a bit meh
oh and one other thing, who the hell calls their baby Claudia?!
first of all it took me forever to figure out how to pronounce the name Elodie but i’m terrible with pronouncing names
anyway, at first i was intrigued with this book but then as it went on i just wanted to find out how it was going to end.. i didn’t really care for any of the characters so i’ll admit i did skim read a lot of the chapters near the end to find out what happened and i didn’t hate the ending but overall found it a bit meh
oh and one other thing, who the hell calls their baby Claudia?!
November 1, 2024
Elodie seemed to make a lot of really dumb decisions here which made it hard to root for her. Such as - I’m being stalked and the lock is broken on my door - no big deal I’ll go to bed and worry about it tomorrow.
Also - are we going to just never resolve if she possibly had sex with her half brother?!
Also - are we going to just never resolve if she possibly had sex with her half brother?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
This book was a torture to read - it drags on and on - very weak characterization. Portrays a very weak and poor reflection of an otherwise intelligent woman who keeps making horrible decisions after decisions! If you want to read a bad book, this is one of them!
May 25, 2025
Ok the way half of this story read like a dark romance had me GIGGLING, of course, this is a thriller so things don’t play out that way, but I found that part very amusing
November 5, 2025
This was my first book by Dandy Smith and it absolutely won’t be my last.
The depth of the characters in One Small Mistake was phenomenal — I felt like I knew every single one of them. The writing pulled me right into Elodie and Ada’s world, two sisters whose lives unravel after what seems like one small, harmless lie. What starts as a spur-of-the-moment exaggeration quickly spirals into something far darker, forcing each of them to confront truths they’ve been avoiding for years.
I loved how this story was told — the dual perspectives, the tension building with each chapter, and the emotional undercurrent that made it more than just a twisty thriller. It’s layered, sharp, and full of realistic, messy relationships that feel all too believable.
A gripping and character-driven psychological thriller that explores how a single lie can destroy more than one life. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Dandy Smith.
The depth of the characters in One Small Mistake was phenomenal — I felt like I knew every single one of them. The writing pulled me right into Elodie and Ada’s world, two sisters whose lives unravel after what seems like one small, harmless lie. What starts as a spur-of-the-moment exaggeration quickly spirals into something far darker, forcing each of them to confront truths they’ve been avoiding for years.
I loved how this story was told — the dual perspectives, the tension building with each chapter, and the emotional undercurrent that made it more than just a twisty thriller. It’s layered, sharp, and full of realistic, messy relationships that feel all too believable.
A gripping and character-driven psychological thriller that explores how a single lie can destroy more than one life. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Dandy Smith.
December 19, 2022
Simple, slightly predictable yet gripping plot. That's what I will say about the book if asked. Though the number of characters are limited, they are well developed and their relationships with each other are nicely established. What I loved the most about the book was the use of dual narrative that brought in different perspectives to the story as well as the characters.
This book is a recommendation for those who are looking for a fast paced thriller.
This book is a recommendation for those who are looking for a fast paced thriller.
June 8, 2022
Positives:
The book was well written.
It was funny in places I did have a chuckle at the light humour.
Story basis was good just not much done with it unfortunately.
Negatives:
Predictable.
Repetitive.
A long book. Couldve been a lot shorter.
Very slow burner. Doesn't get into the grit till 25% in.
I didnt like any of the characters they all annoyed me
The book was well written.
It was funny in places I did have a chuckle at the light humour.
Story basis was good just not much done with it unfortunately.
Negatives:
Predictable.
Repetitive.
A long book. Couldve been a lot shorter.
Very slow burner. Doesn't get into the grit till 25% in.
I didnt like any of the characters they all annoyed me
February 3, 2024
I was kind of surprised that this book had a 4.31 stars over all on Goodreads. I thought this book was just ok. I was waiting for a delicious twist at the end that never came.
May 15, 2025
I did not like this book at all. Too many F words, too much sex, and sort of predictable. 👎🏼
January 4, 2026
4.5⭐
One Small Mistake is an addictive and well thought out domestic suspense that had me absolutely consumed. I had no idea that once I picked this one up I wouldn't be able to put it down. Don't go into this one thinking it's going to hit you with crazy twists and turns, it is not the ultimate purpose of the book. Honestly, it didn't need it. I felt absolutely enthralled by these characters, by the story and the suspense. Dandy's writing is so immersive, descriptive and just constantly grabs me. She truly is a talent I'm glad I discovered!
The characters were so layered, so flawed and each so distinctive. The relationship between all of them and how they all intertwined was interesting. The complexity of each of those relationships and the exploration of them was so well done. This book is focused a lot on the relationship and the toxicity of some. There is definitely a great plot and suspense, but I wouldn't call it a full on thriller, I think if you go in with the right expectations like I did you will absolutely love it. I loved how everything wrapped up in the end and the closure we got.
Overall, this was a very well written and plotted domestic suspense. It had me hooked, engaged and interested from start to finish.
✨️ Thank you to @kensingtonbooks & @dandysmith for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One Small Mistake is an addictive and well thought out domestic suspense that had me absolutely consumed. I had no idea that once I picked this one up I wouldn't be able to put it down. Don't go into this one thinking it's going to hit you with crazy twists and turns, it is not the ultimate purpose of the book. Honestly, it didn't need it. I felt absolutely enthralled by these characters, by the story and the suspense. Dandy's writing is so immersive, descriptive and just constantly grabs me. She truly is a talent I'm glad I discovered!
The characters were so layered, so flawed and each so distinctive. The relationship between all of them and how they all intertwined was interesting. The complexity of each of those relationships and the exploration of them was so well done. This book is focused a lot on the relationship and the toxicity of some. There is definitely a great plot and suspense, but I wouldn't call it a full on thriller, I think if you go in with the right expectations like I did you will absolutely love it. I loved how everything wrapped up in the end and the closure we got.
Overall, this was a very well written and plotted domestic suspense. It had me hooked, engaged and interested from start to finish.
✨️ Thank you to @kensingtonbooks & @dandysmith for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2025
Date : 20th November 2025
Book : One Small Mistake
Author : Dandy Smith
Genre : Psychological Thriller
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you @kensingtonbooks and @hambright_pr for my #gifted copy and for letting me give my 100% honest review on this book.
So, this book is basically about how one tiny lie can blow up your whole life in the most chaotic and messy way possible. Which is exactly what happened to Elodie, a woman who’s trying to become an author but feels like she’s constantly being compared to her “perfect” big sister, Ada.
One day, while being frustrated and drunk, she blatantly lies about getting a book deal and everything just blows out of proportion. What I loved about this book is how the story switches between the two sisters. You start realizing how much pressure, jealousy and love can get tangled up in a family.
This book was predictable but I loved it because I could relate to certain elements. I did get some dark romance vibes from this I’m not going to lie. During some of these arguments in the book, I felt extreme anger and sadness. If you wanna read something on messy family dynamics, this is your book!
Book : One Small Mistake
Author : Dandy Smith
Genre : Psychological Thriller
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you @kensingtonbooks and @hambright_pr for my #gifted copy and for letting me give my 100% honest review on this book.
So, this book is basically about how one tiny lie can blow up your whole life in the most chaotic and messy way possible. Which is exactly what happened to Elodie, a woman who’s trying to become an author but feels like she’s constantly being compared to her “perfect” big sister, Ada.
One day, while being frustrated and drunk, she blatantly lies about getting a book deal and everything just blows out of proportion. What I loved about this book is how the story switches between the two sisters. You start realizing how much pressure, jealousy and love can get tangled up in a family.
This book was predictable but I loved it because I could relate to certain elements. I did get some dark romance vibes from this I’m not going to lie. During some of these arguments in the book, I felt extreme anger and sadness. If you wanna read something on messy family dynamics, this is your book!
November 23, 2025
One Small Mistake by Dandy Smith. Thanks to @kensingtonbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elodie’s dream is to become a published author. She’d finally win her parents’ respect and live up to her sister’s perfect life as a Pinterest-worthy housewife. Elodie’s persistent drive leads her to make a reckless mistake.
Wow, this one was a wild, wild ride. At first I thought it was going to be predictable, and while I did guess what was going to happen, it became so exciting and tense that it did not matter at all. I was completely on the edge of my seat with this one. I loved that at the core of the story was a sister relationship, which developed and healed after the trauma of the events. Definitely check this one out!
“There are two kinds of love…: the kind you’d die for and the kind you’d kill for.”
Read this book if you like:
-obsession tropes
-sibling rivalry
-books about authors and writing
-tense nail biting action
-kidnapping and stalker books
One Small Mistake comes out in the US for the first time 11/25.
Elodie’s dream is to become a published author. She’d finally win her parents’ respect and live up to her sister’s perfect life as a Pinterest-worthy housewife. Elodie’s persistent drive leads her to make a reckless mistake.
Wow, this one was a wild, wild ride. At first I thought it was going to be predictable, and while I did guess what was going to happen, it became so exciting and tense that it did not matter at all. I was completely on the edge of my seat with this one. I loved that at the core of the story was a sister relationship, which developed and healed after the trauma of the events. Definitely check this one out!
“There are two kinds of love…: the kind you’d die for and the kind you’d kill for.”
Read this book if you like:
-obsession tropes
-sibling rivalry
-books about authors and writing
-tense nail biting action
-kidnapping and stalker books
One Small Mistake comes out in the US for the first time 11/25.
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