Plot Summary
In Crash & Burn, bestselling author Lisa Gardner delivers a dark and gripping thriller that plays with your mind from the very first page.
The story kicks off with a horrific car accident. Nicole Frank survives—but her injuries aren’t just physical. She’s confused, disoriented, and insists that someone else, a young girl named Vero, was with her during the crash. Yet no one can find any evidence of this child’s existence.
The synopsis intensifies as Sergeant Wyatt Foster is called in to investigate. Nicole’s husband, Thomas, is wealthy and supportive—but there’s something off. Nicole’s medical records reveal a history of head trauma. Is she delusional, or is someone trying to erase her reality?
This summary of Crash & Burn only scratches the surface. The deeper you go, the more dangerous it becomes.
Why Should It Be Read?
1. An Unreliable Narrator Done Right
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Nicole’s damaged memory adds a haunting layer of mystery.
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Readers are pulled into a psychological puzzle that shifts with every chapter.
2. Twists That Keep You Guessing
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Gardner masterfully hides clues in plain sight.
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The truth unfolds in shocking, satisfying ways.
3. Emotional Depth
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Beyond the suspense, there’s a powerful exploration of trauma, survival, and identity.
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You’ll find yourself emotionally invested in Nicole’s search for answers.
4. Strong Police Procedural Elements
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Sergeant Wyatt Foster adds a grounded, investigative perspective.
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His role balances the psychological drama with methodical sleuthing.
For Which Fans Is It Perfect?
1. Lovers of Psychological Thrillers
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If you enjoy being inside the head of a complex, troubled character, this review highly recommends this book.
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Nicole’s fractured mind makes the story unpredictable and fascinating.
2. Readers Who Like Dark Family Secrets
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The novel peels back disturbing truths about love, manipulation, and trust.
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Great for fans of domestic suspense with a twist.
3. Fans of Tessa Leoni and Wyatt Foster Series
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While it works as a standalone, this book continues threads from Touch & Go.
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A must-read for followers of Gardner’s interconnected novels.
Final Thoughts
Crash & Burn is a rollercoaster of memory, mystery, and mistrust. In this review, it’s clear that Lisa Gardner’s talent for psychological suspense is on full display. The summary delivers a blend of gripping storytelling, deep emotional beats, and chilling surprises.
If you’re looking for a thriller that makes you question everything—characters, memories, even reality—Crash & Burn is the novel for you. Smart, eerie, and impossible to put down.