One by One by Freida McFadden

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.75/5)

Dates Read: 8/2/23 - 8/4/23

    Claire Matchett had high hopes for her vacation, a chance to escape the pressures of work and family life, and reconnect with her husband and friends. Their plan was simple: a week of hiking and relaxation at a beautiful hotel with two other couples. However, fate had different plans in store.

    When their minivan breaks down on a desolate dirt road with no cell reception, they are forced to continue their journey on foot. But what starts as a minor inconvenience quickly turns into a nightmare as they find themselves hopelessly lost in the woods.

    As the hours pass, the group members are struck down one by one under mysterious circumstances. Is it a wild animal hunting them, or is the true threat lurking among them, disguised as a friend? With each passing moment, it becomes evident that only one of them will make it out of the woods alive. The battle for survival has begun, and Claire must confront the terrifying reality that someone she knows might be responsible for the unfolding tragedy.

    I picked up this audiobook on a whim, looking for something to listen to during work, and I have to say, it kept me engaged from start to finish. As the story unfolded, I found myself wondering if this might become one of my favorite novels by Freida McFadden. The plot had potential, but I couldn't help feeling that something was missing. I usually love McFadden's writing style, and her twisty endings often surprise me, but this one didn't hit the mark for me.

    One aspect that kept me guessing was the unknown narrator. It was an intriguing element, and I enjoyed trying to figure out whose perspective it was from. Despite the missing piece, the book was still quite entertaining, and the twists added some excitement to the story. On the positive side, I appreciated the simplicity of the writing, which made for a fluid and easy reading experience. The disappearing one by one trope, though repetitive, worked well in this short book. As I progressed through the story, I began to wonder how McFadden would handle the ending to meet my expectations. Unfortunately, the ending fell a bit flat and left me wanting more.

    The flashbacks were well-written, and I liked the mystery surrounding whose memories they were. However, with a limited number of characters, it became predictable who the culprit might be. Some elements in the story, like the whole claw situation, felt a bit unrealistic and strange. The deaths could have been more intense or gruesome to add to the suspense.

    Overall, Freida McFadden is an author I know I can rely on for an absorbing story, even if the plausibility is not always fully there. While this book may not have been my favorite by her, I still enjoyed the journey it took me on.