Title: One Small Sacrifice
Author: Hilary Davidson
First published June 1, 2019
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.95
Overview
NYPD detective Sheryn Sterling is determined to solve the mystery of Emily’s disappearance. Emily was a talented local doctor and the fiancée of Alex Traynor, a wartime photojournalist who Sheryn believes got away with murder when his friend Cori fell to her death.
Cori’s death was ruled a suicide, but Sheryn thinks otherwise. As Sheryn delves deeper into the case, she realizes that everyone involved has a different story to tell about the night of Cori’s death.
The more Sheryn uncovers, the more she realizes that the truth about Cori’s death may hold the key to finding Emily. Will Sheryn be able to unravel the mystery before it’s too late?
About the Author
Before becoming a crime fiction writer, Hilary Davidson worked as a journalist. She has authored several novels, including the acclaimed Lily Moore series – consisting of The Damage Done, The Next One to Fall, and Evil in All Its Disguises – as well as the popular Shadows of New York series – One Small Sacrifice and Don’t Look Down.
Her standalone novels include Blood Always Tells and Her Last Breath, which will be released in July 2021. Davidson has also written around fifty short stories, which have earned her multiple awards, including two Anthony Awards and a Derringer Award.
Originally from Toronto, she moved to New York City in October 2001. Additionally, she has authored 18 nonfiction books.
Editoral Review
One Small Sacrifice is a gripping thriller by Hilary Davidson that was first published on June 1, 2019. Davidson is an award-winning author and journalist who has published several novels and short stories.
Her books are known for their complex characters, intricate plotlines, and suspenseful twists. In One Small Sacrifice, Davidson delivers another masterful work that explores the depths of human nature, the consequences of our actions, and the price of redemption.
The book is set in New York City, and it follows the story of Alex Traynor, a successful lawyer who is accused of murdering his fiancée, Emily. The evidence against Alex is overwhelming, and the public is convinced of his guilt.
However, his best friend, Ted, is convinced of his innocence and decides to investigate the case himself. As Ted delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of lies, secrets, and betrayals that threaten to destroy everything he holds dear.
Davidson’s writing is sharp, evocative, and suspenseful. She uses vivid descriptions and skillful pacing to create a sense of tension and urgency that keeps the reader hooked until the very end.
The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, with complex motivations and backstories that add depth and nuance to the plot. The setting is also vividly portrayed, with rich details that bring New York City to life.
One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of themes such as betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption. Davidson does a masterful job of exploring the complex emotions and motivations that drive her characters, and she uses their struggles to shed light on larger societal issues.
The book also has a strong feminist undertone, as it explores the ways in which women are often victimized and silenced in our society.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the plot can feel overly convoluted and confusing, with too many characters and subplots vying for attention.
Additionally, some of the twists and turns can feel contrived or predictable, and the ending may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.
Despite these limitations, One Small Sacrifice is a well-crafted and engaging thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is a timely and relevant book that explores important themes and issues, and it is sure to provoke discussion and reflection.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to fans of the thriller genre and anyone interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature. I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
