One Wrong Word

A Novel

By: Hank Phillippi Ryan

Narrated by: Gail Shalan

Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

A heart-racing new psychological thriller from USA Today best-selling and multiple award-winning author, Hank Phillippi Ryan.

One wrong word can ruin your life. And no one knows that better than savvy crisis management expert Arden Ward. Problem is, she's now forced to handle a shocking crisis of her own. Unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client, Arden’s life and dreams are about to crash and burn. Then, Arden is given an ultimatum. She has just two weeks to save her career and her reputation.

Is Cordelia Bannister the answer to her prayers?

Cordelia needs Arden’s help for her husband Ned, a Boston real estate mogul. Though he was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation is ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only to the Bannisters' lives, but the lives of their two adorable children.

Arden devotes her skill and determination—and maybe her final days on the job—to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations begin to emerge about what really happened the night of the accident. And then—another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.

This case is Arden’s final chance to protect her own future and clear her name. But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more she’s haunted by one disturbing question—what if she’s also protecting a killer?

Gossip. Lies. Rumors. Words like that can hurt you. And Arden knows the reality. Sometimes one wrong word can kill.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Forge.

©2024 Hank Phillippi Ryan (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"An intricately plotted ticking time bomb of cat and mouse that will leave you breathless. Masterful storytelling and relentless pacing come together in a chilling tale of deception, manipulation, and paranoia. Ryan is at the top of her game with One Wrong Word–this is your next must-read!”—Liv Constantine, internationally bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish

“A story with all the goods—great characters, blistering pace, powered by prose that cuts right to the nerve…Buckle up and read.”—David Baldacci

"Smart, propulsive, and unique…One Wrong Word grabbed me on the first page and didn’t let go. Ryan never fails to amaze me."—Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Just the Nicest Couple

Interesting story

The story was interesting and hard to figure out who was telling the truth. The narration was good, too.

Good story

A bit long leading up to a quick ending. Would have liked a few more twists and turns the end

ONE WRONG WORD

Very disappointed in this novel.
I have read or listened to every single one of this author's novels and have been a huge fan for years.
I have never figured out the ending.
This was just too obvious from the beginning. I didn't make one connection until a little later, but there really weren't any twists or turns.
Narration did not help... mispronounced words for one, and also some characters were indistinguishable from each other.
I will continue reading this author, unless This style continues. I lay quite a bit of blame at the feet of her "team" . One or of them should should have spoken up.
(This review was extremely hard for me to write.)

The constant question about which way it was going. Loved it so much.

This kept you wondering all the way to the end. Always twists and turns so I kept going back and forth. Such a great read. Thanks Hank Phillipi Ryan for another great book.

Enjoyable book

I have not finished the book yet but also have not figured it out. The narrator is very good, but I have been tripped up by a few mispronounced words so far. Naomi, Chi O, Malbec. Small irritants although Naomi is oft repeated.
Further into the book: NAYomi, not NYEomi. Oober, not youber. Mispronunciations are making listening difficult.

Entertaining

I enjoyed the story. i also enjoyed the way it was read. I did think it was predictable though.

Awful

This book is a struggle to finish - I have almost given up a number of times.
The plot is inane, the characters are not much more than spoiled children.
Don't waste a credit.

Boring

Not at all suspenseful. Boring AF. Too long and waste of time. Too many unneeded details and sidetracks.