One Step Too Far

Bestseller Gardner’s gripping sequel to 2021’s Before She Disappeared takes missing person cold case investigator Frankie Elkin, who describes herself as an “average, middle-aged white woman, short on belongings, long on regret,” to Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest to join a search party for Tim O’Day. Five years earlier, Tim and four of his best friends set out into the woods for a bachelor party weekend; Tim, the future groom, disappeared without a trace. Every year since, Martin, Tim’s father, has organized a search for his son’s remains. This is to be Martin’s last attempt. Frankie insinuates herself into the group, which includes Tim’s four friends from the original trip. One day into their six-day trek, problems arise. From missing provisions and the sense of being watched, things escalate quickly, and the question becomes: who will survive? Fascinating details on cadaver dog training, as well as on camping and tracking in difficult terrain, complement the suspenseful journey as it winds toward a surprising conclusion. Readers will hope to see a lot more of the compassionate Frankie. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Jan.)