One Wrong Word

A Novel

By: Hank Phillippi Ryan

Narrated by: Gail Shalan

A heart-racing psychological thriller from USA Today bestselling 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

Started off slow

I was so looking forward to this book. It started out so slow. I was about to put it down several times. But I kept at it and I am so glad I did. It became riveting. With each chapter the suspense built to the point I had to listen to one more chapter and one more chapter. Excellent!!!

Interesting story

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

👏

Way to go Hank!!!! This is now my favorite of your collection. Can’t wait for more

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.

A great story!

The unlikely friendship showing sometimes right wins. A much-needed in a world of scoundrels.