The One: The million-copy International Bestseller – now with five chapters of exclusive bonus content!

Paperback Published on: 09/04/2026
Price: £9.99
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In stock
Usually dispatched within 1-2 days
Check click & collect stock near you
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Bookseller Reviews

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The One
Plot twist after plot twist!
This novel is simply addictive, and there are plot twists a plenty. What’s more, it definitely tests the boundaries, making for an incredibly enjoyable rea... READ MORE
Charlotte at Douglas
The One
Chilling
Utterly compelling, I found this one of the most interesting and captivating books that I've read in a long time. The whole concept of being DNA matched wi... READ MORE
Chrys - Plymouth

Synopsis

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.

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

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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…
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With over 3000 5* reviews, this is what real readers are saying about this addictive, page-turning high concept thriller:

'I just couldn't stop reading'

'Brilliant twists that I didn't see coming'

'One of the most gripping stories I've read for a long while'

'I was hooked and didn't want it to end'

(Note: Previously published as A Thousand Small Explosions)

Publisher information

  • Publisher: Cornerstone
  • ISBN: 9781529980882
  • Number of pages: 464
  • Dimensions: 195 x 128 x 31 mm
  • Weight: 316g
  • Languages: English

Customer Reviews

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The One
A real thriller of a book with nothing as it seems
Through this book you follow the lives of five quite different pairs, who have been DNA matched with their soulmate. Mandy “was ready to share her life wi... READ MORE
Rosemary Standeven
The One
Would you take the test?
The novel tracks 5 characters who are all in the throes of some kind of relationship. The author has invented a rather Big-Brother-esque concept of enterin... READ MORE
TripFiction
The One
A Thousand Small Explosions
This book seems to be a re-naming of A Thousand Small Explosions by the same author, so if you've read that one, this is not a new book. This is a fabulou... READ MORE
Angela Rose
The One
Would you take the test?
Would you take the test? Unique, as always from John Marrs, a great story with a cast of diverse and meaty characters, engaging writing and a fabulously ... READ MORE
Helen
The One
Irresistible nonsense
I really wanted to dislike this book but found myself racing through the text and you know what I enjoyed! The plot is absurd and reads as follows; It has ... READ MORE
Rob
The One
Bitter sweet justice
I absolutely LOVED this book. I was sad that it ended. I wish there had been a couple more details answered. However, I continuously recommend this book to... READ MORE
DeeAnn Myres-Magboul
The One
Could not put it down
Based around the idea that each person has a soulmate who they share a specific gene couples are matched with “the one” for them. But really it’s not t... READ MORE
Aimee Hamilton
The One
Good story but too long-winded
A scientific discovery has been made that can match your DNA with that of your perfect partner. It has revolutionised how to find a soulmate. A simple swab... READ MORE
Barnsey's Books
The One
Original, addictive and totally compelling!
After reading my first John Marrs book earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to read more of his work. When I heard The One was coming to Netflix, I immediate... READ MORE
Cathryn Northfield
The One
Have you met The One?
Relationship Status: It’s complicated Match Your DNA has revolutionised the dating game, taking the guess work out of finding your one true love. Backed b... READ MORE
Schizanthus  Nerd
The One
But not the only
A good idea. An interesting starting point for a plot. A comprehensive hand of characters. Multi-faceted and diverse. A first act of brilliant writing arti... READ MORE
P.H. Maddie
The One
Great book
Loved this book on my ereader so gad to get it in print for my hubby to read. Excellent concept and creepily realistic. Really don't think we're too far ... READ MORE
Vicky Osbourn