One by One

"Sometimes it's better not to know." ~ pg. 256

A week off with no young children and no work responsibilities. Just hiking and hot tubs with friends. This is what Claire signed up for when she planned a vacation with her husband, Noah, and two other couples. From the very beginning, there is a conflict between the main character and her husband. They are disconnected, marriage on the rocks and trust is lost. 

The story literally moves along introducing each new character as they are picked up for the road trip. Good 'ole Boy Scout Jack has a secret that will damage the friend group. His wife, Michelle, is a workaholic and not very well liked among the women. Claire's best friend, Lindsay, brings along her new smart-mouthed plastic surgeon boyfriend Warner. So many mixed personalities in one vehicle!

"Maybe there's other stuff I don't know about him from his past." ~ pg. 152

Then the real thrill begins when the fairly new minivan inexplicably breaks down. They are forced to hike the rest of the way to their reserved inn. The woods aren't easy to navigate with no cell service, an unreliable map printout, an old compass, trail mix, beef jerky and two bottles of water to share. 

This is where Freida McFadden shines. Not only did the author perfectly set the scene with the right amount of suspense and character background, but she leads readers down a rocky path of WTF is happening?! What unfolds is a dark twisted thriller where a group of friends, lost in the woods, fall one by one until it is shockingly clear: only the killer will return home alive.

"I was a mistake. People correct mistakes." ~ pg. 87

I loved every fast-paced chapter. Clues are dropped. Personalities are revealed. Animosity escalates. The anonymous killer narrates chapters here and there providing hints and motives. It is a game of #whodoinit? Who is the hunted and the hunter? Who is the anonymous narrator and are they reliable? 

One by One kept me on the edge for more. There are eye-rolling moments, sometimes so ridiculous it is funny, but often a twist I didn't see coming when it came. I am glad the publisher decided to reprint this 2020 release so it pushed to the top of my radar. Highly recommend!

Happy Pub Day, Freida McFadden! One by One is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: One by One
Author: Freida McFadden
Re-Published: April 2024
Pages: 260
Edition: Galley
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤