A Breathless Ride: Review of The Night of the Crash by Jessica Irena Smith
As a dedicated thriller enthusiast, I’ve found myself captivated by tales that blur the lines between truth and deception, but Jessica Irena Smith’s The Night of the Crash took that obsession to new heights. With words like "breathtaking" and "jaw-dropping" bandied about in its description, I was eager to dive into this ride, heart pounding, and ready for a story that promised to keep me on the edge of my seat. Spoiler alert: it absolutely delivered.
From the very first chapter, readers are thrust into the tumultuous world of Steppy Corner, a true crime podcaster recovering in a hospital with no memory of her recent past. The stakes are high as the narrative unravels: her mother has been brutally murdered, and her brother stands accused. This strong hook had me questioning everything right from the start. I found myself pondering not just the “who” but also the “why”—a mindset that kept me thoroughly engrossed as Steppy navigated the murky waters of her fractured family.
What I appreciated most was how Smith masterfully developed Steppy’s character. Stripped of her memory, Steppy feels real and raw; her vulnerability makes her a relatable hero, grappling with her own sense of identity while trying to reconcile a web of family secrets. The dual timelines of “Then” and “Now” created a compelling structure that mirrored Steppy’s own confusion, yet kept revealing crucial details that had me piecing together the puzzle alongside her.
Smith’s writing style is both engaging and unnerving, a combination evocative of the true crime genre that Steppy embodies. The pacing starts off methodically, allowing the atmosphere to build with palpable tension, but as the plot thickens, the pace accelerates to a breathless finale. I felt as though I was racing with Steppy up the Colorado mountains, heart pounding, caught between her memories and mysteries. Moments of introspection blended seamlessly with gripping revelations that had me gasping aloud.
One thing I couldn’t shake was the sheer unpredictability of the narrative, which brought to mind a quote from one of the many glowing reviews: “One of the best books this year.” The ending left me utterly shocked, as Smith expertly resolved the intricately woven threads of mystery in a way that was both satisfying and completely unexpected. Even seasoned thrillers often fall into predictable traps, but The Night of the Crash kept me guessing until the final pages.
For readers who revel in small-town intrigue and tangled family drama—think Gilliane McAllister or Lisa Jewell—this novel is a must-read. It’s a perfect choice for those who thrive on thrilling twists and turns, alongside a palpable emotional core.
Ultimately, The Night of the Crash not only entertained me, but it also inspired a sense of reflection on the theme of memory—how it shapes our identities and relationships, and how fragile it can be. If you’re preparing yourself for an emotional rollercoaster that challenges your perceptions of right and wrong, then Jessica Irena Smith’s latest work is one you won’t want to miss. Grab a quiet corner, settle in, and get ready for an unforgettable journey. You’ll thank me later!