Book Review - One Minute Away by Mark Watson

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Title: One Minute Away

Author: Mark Watson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 17th July 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

That's three sashimi rolls. Two vegetable dumplings. One life-changing encounter. Your delivery is on its way …

For delivery rider Damir, time is money.

He races through cycle lanes next to Uber drivers and grocery vans, delivering your every desire. He arrives with your sushi rolls and pizzas and disappears into the night – Ping! Onto the next drop.

He is invisible: one player in the boardgame of the city.

But one summer’s evening, in a postcode that could be another universe, Damir arrives on Decca’s doorstep and there’s an immediate connection between them.

The man on the bike crosses the divide – suddenly fully seen. And a throwaway delivery sparks a chain of events that will change all their lives, forever.

This has really opened my eyes as to the realities that food delivery drivers are exposed to.  It's a really hard job, especially if you are only on a bicycle (something I'll personally never be happy to see on a longer pick up of mine, as less chance of food being warm still). 

It's interesting to see how Damir, is always on the clock, makes every second count, and is just trying to do his best, alongside his best friend Goran.  Damir has inspired thoughts about the process of being a delivery driver, and just how they are perceived in society. 

After two very different visits to the same property his life changes, as he meets Decca.  They are worlds apart, but clearly attracted to each other. 

This is a fascinating story, about a profession that I've not really seen in a book before.  It highlights how hard it is to work and be present in a world where too many treat you like you are invisible. 

This is the first book I have read from comedian Mark Watson, and I was highly impressed by it. 

Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.