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The One

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The One

By: John Marrs
Narrated by: Clare Corbett, John Marrs, Jot Davies, Montserrat Lombard, Simon Bubb, Sophie Aldred, Vicky Hall
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Brought to you by Penguin.

This updated edition of The One comes complete with an exclusive letter from the author, and five never-seen-before bonus chapters catching up with all the key characters ten years later.

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO FIND THE ONE?

A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you’ll be matched with your perfect partner – the one you’re genetically made for.

That’s the promise made by Match Your DNA. A decade ago, the company announced that they had found the gene that pairs each of us with our soul mate. Since then, millions of people around the world have been Matched. But the discovery has its downsides: test results have led to the breakup of countless previously secure relationships, and shattered traditional ideas of dating, romance and love.

Now five very different people have received the notification that they’ve been Matched. They’re each about to meet their one true love. But ‘happily ever after’ isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Because even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking than others…

"A mind blowing journey with nonstop thrills until the very last page."—Freida McFadden

(Note: Previously published as A Thousand Small Explosions)

© John Marrs 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

 Psychological Romantic Suspense Science Fiction Technothrillers Thriller & Suspense
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All stars
Most relevant
Could not stop listening
Each character story was gripping and finished it 2 days, but just wanted it to not end
Recommended to so many people

Outstanding book

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I watched the Netflix show The One a few years ago when it came out & I loved it. I had no idea it was based on a novel. Fast forward to now & i have just started reading John Marrs books. I clicked on The One to see the synopsis & realised it was based on the show I had watched & thoroughly enjoyed. Needless to say, the book was more gripping than the TV adaption & it was so very well written. I was hooked & listened to the whole thing in less than 24hrs. I absolutely loved that this version has an authors update as well as 8 extra chapters giving a little update on what what happens with each character after the book finishes. My only issue was part of the narration, I cannot tell you who the narrator was, but whoever was doing the voices for Mandy's sisters - so unbelievably loud & grating that i found it hard to focus on what was actually being said. However, this is no fault of the author, plot line or how well the book was written 🙂

Awesome story - overall good narration

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Absolutely loved this book. amazing characters who i was desperate to hear more about & a really thought provoking story with great narration. highly recommend

amazing

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DNA match to the one plus a thriller undertone, kept me company on a day of decorating so great for that but not one to change my world or anything

fun like a thought experiment

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Loved the concept. This book drew me in right away. At first it was tricky to remember who everyone was but once I was in, I was listening at every opportunity. Loved how everyone’s individual stories played out.
Narration was fabulous too.

What a fabulous story!

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