One Step Too Far

Hillary Huber returns as narrator of the second in Gardner’s “Frankie Elkin” series; this one is a survival story set in the wilds of Wyoming. When experienced outdoorsman Timothy O’Day goes missing in a national park and the authorities have given up hope of finding him, Frankie volunteers to help Timothy’s father Martin in the fifth annual search organized for his son. The search party finds they are threatened by something evil in the woods, until Frankie meets them in the final showdown of this spellbinding thriller. Huber’s smoky voice and cynical reading helps build suspense. Narrated in first person, Frankie’s thoughts and conversations are clearly differentiated. Other characters are well developed vocally, making each easy to identify. Excellent use of pace changes and pauses build the drama of the story, with energy and intensity. Fear and horror are palpable in Huber’s voice, making this an exciting and compelling listen.