So this book puts me out of the huge long reading slump that I thought would go on forever. A short, fast paced psychological thriller was all I needed and I wish I realized it sooner! But anyway my life was busy and now I finally get some time off to get back to books.

Talking about this book, it’s one of my favorite thriller plots, a road trip with friends to the wilderness. When there are more characters, it’s bound to keep you guessing till the end as to who is the culprit. All the characters were so different from each other and the chapters alternate between the female protagonist and “Anonymous”. A good whodunnit always gets you excited and you can’t help but binge the book. I realized how much I missed reading my thrillers!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hopping on to the next book by this author!!

Thanks to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the ARC.

Freida McFadden's "One by One" delivers a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller that keeps you engaged from start to finish. With a blend of mystery and tension, this book is perfect for those looking for a quick and entertaining read.

The story follows Claire Matchett and her friends on what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. However, when their minivan breaks down in the woods, their trip takes a dark turn. As they struggle to find their way back to civilization, members of the group start disappearing, leaving the survivors to question if they are being hunted.

McFadden's writing style is engaging, and I found myself drawn into the story right away. The use of an anonymous narrator adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding events, keeping the reader guessing until the end.

While "One by One" follows a familiar trope of friends facing peril in the wilderness, McFadden manages to breathe new life into it with her flair and finesse. However, some aspects of the story were a bit predictable, and there were a few continuity errors that could have been ironed out.

The characters, unfortunately, fell into the trap of horror and thriller clichés, with supposedly intelligent individuals making questionable decisions that strained credibility. From failing to recognize basic wildlife to improbable survival skills, the characters' actions sometimes left me frustrated.

Overall, "One by One" is a solid thriller with its share of twists and turns. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it offers an enjoyable escape for those looking for a suspenseful read. Just be prepared for some eye-rolling moments and characters who may test your patience.

"Creepy and terrifying! McFadden is at her atmospheric best in this wickedly chilling story of a getaway gone BAD. There were six, in the beginning, then ONE BY ONE. . . ."

Told from Claire's POV with alternating POV:
Anonymous (very creepy)
and one chapter from Lindsay (BFF)

A luxury getaway
3 couples
6 people
6-person mini-van
6-day vacation
6 people have a secret.
666 is the number of the devil. The number six represents both man and the evil that weakens him. (per Anonymous)

On the trip:
Claire and her husband, Noah (married for 15 yrs)
Claire's best friend, the beautiful Lindsay. (single) she has known since college and
Warner, Lindsay's new doctor/plastic surgeon boyfriend.
Jack (BFF of Noah) and Claire since college, and his wife
Michelle (divorce lawyer)

Six adults are off in a mini-van for a much-needed vacation at an expensive luxury inn in Denver, North Colorado. Six days of hiking and hot tubs. Six days from civilization.

Will they make it there in one piece? Who will make it home alive?

Claire and Noah have two children, Emma and Aidan. Emma has a dream and does not want her mom to go on this trip. Her children are left in the care of her sister Penny and her children. Claire has a bad feeling about this trip. Little does she know it will be an absolute nightmare, and their lives will be in danger.

From flashes from the "Anonymous voice" from childhood, this person known as "I" led a highly dysfunctional childhood with an abusive, manipulative horrible mother, bullied at school, and a father who was away on business most of the time. Creepy. Eerie. Twisted. Funny.

Claire and her husband, Noah, are not getting along. Constant bickering with one another. Claire wants a divorce and secretly has an affair. She booked them two separate rooms. She is not looking to the four-and-a-half drive but looking forward to the trip for other reasons (which we will find out in the book).

But their well-laid plans go wrong. The van's battery dies, and they are stuck in the woods with no cell service. They think they are about two miles from the inn, so they walk. They have a compass and map, but things go from bad to worse. They seem to go further into the forest, and no help in sight. Three hours later, they dare nowhere near the inn.

With hardly any snacks, food, or water, the days turn into nights and appear to be lost in the woods. Fear and panic, The worst is yet to come. Is something more sinister going on? Is there a murderer among them?

The tensions are high, and no one is getting along. Then one eats blueberries (deadly nightshade) that are highly toxic and poisonous. Deadly. Then, one by one, someone winds up dead.

Days and nights pass, and they are out of food and water and sleeping on the ground. Then they find a small deserted cabin. It looks like someone left a sandwich on the table, and there is running water and some food in the refrigerator.

They do not see anyone in the cabin, so they decide to stay put until they figure out what to do.
A truck.
A man.
A phony map.
A compass compromised.
A carving on a tree.
A gun.
A Swiss army knife.

Revenge. Infidelity. Betrayal. A past. Secrets. Psychopaths. Two people can't keep a secret. Not unless one of them is dead. MURDER. Someone needs to be taught a lesson and get what they deserve.

Diabolically clever, a twisty game of cat and mouse with well-developed characters in this riveting and fun domestic suspense! McFadden does what she does best: Gives us a locked-door claustrophobic (forest) setup and lets the tension, fear, and suspicion simmer while she sits back and waits to drop the ball with her signature twists you do not see coming. I love the fun dark humor.

I purchased the e-book and the audiobook and listened in one sitting! Alyson Krawchuk exceptionally narrated the audiobook, and WOW, the voice of Anonymous was spine-chilling!

If you have yet to read this author, why not? A top psychological thriller author. One by One is perfect for fans of Lisa Unger's Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six, and Ruth Ware's One by One. Coming in paperback April 2, 2024!

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.

Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: April 2, 2024 (Paperback)
April 2024 Must-Read Books

This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I read it in one day...I HAD to see what was going to happen, I couldn't put it down!
I immediately was drawn into the lives of our storyteller, Noah and their family dynamic...and I was floored at times by the way the story unfolded! So many twists and turns!
Would highly recommend!

Freida McFadden does it again! 3.5 stars. The twists were not quite as "twisty" as usual - I could tell who the suspicious character in the group was just based on the fact that they were alone and acting kind of weird - but the pacing was excellent. There was never a time when I felt like the group was just wasting time wandering in the forest - just as you digest one turn of events, another happens.

Additionally, the relationship development between Claire and Noah was believable and sweet as they find each other again in weird ways. The only thing I felt was off was how quickly he seemed to forgive her for cheating on him with his best friend - like, it seems that in their real life he just kept getting angrier at her and not doing anything to hide his feelings of disgust and bitterness, then all of a sudden he forgives her when she confesses? I guess he was also feeling the "we might not make it through the night" fear and realized what was really important to him.

Thank you for this book!

Wow! Great book. I thought I had it figured out for so long, and some things I did see coming but, and big but here, the end really surprised me. It made so much sense that I'm surprised I didn't see it coming.

I think that the 'anonymous' father named John, really made me believe that Jack was that narrator. (Jack is a nickname for John Jr.) But finding out it was Lindsey and that she was in on it with Warren was a big surprise.

I kind of wish we got more details into Michelle's death - especially because people were just disappearing/dying regularly. I know she wasn't a particularly lovely character but just stabbed to death was a little lack luster. They looked for a long time and they didn't find her body? It just seems really strange. Also, where did all the blood come from? I know they staged it, but blood everywhere for Michelle makes sense, but the blood everywhere for Warren's disappearance and then on the steps of the cabin? It was confusing - where did they get it?

Other than those loose ends, I really enjoyed the book.

Posted review on Goodreads
Will post YouTube review later this month, which is directly linked to my website, followed by TikTok and Instagram clips

As a big Freida McFadden fan, she does not miss. I must say this book kept me on my toes from the start. It is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you engaged the entire time, with a plot twist. The writing is simple yet skillfully crafted. You could easily read this book in one sitting.

Maybe her best yet! The thing that made this one so gripping was that the characters seemed so ordinary that you could imagine the scenario unfolding as if it was happening to you. The clever use of different points of view, one being anonymous, made me godown a couple of wrong paths before the end was revealed. A really interesting, clever story.

I love a good thriller, and Freida McFadden's One by One is a perfect, twisty, quick read. I finished it in only a few hours, unable to put it down once I picked it up. I'll admit the characters are very unlikeable, but I still was eager to find out their fates. Despite constantly trying to guess throughout the book, I did not see the (multiple) twists in the book coming, which I love. Pick up this book if you're looking for a tense, fast-paced thriller that explores themes around marriage and romantic relationships, morality, and revenge.

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance read!

One by One ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A weekend away from the kids hiking, relaxing in the hot tub, and hanging out with two others couple friends is exactly what Claire Matchett needs. The past year has been stressful and she needs this trip to get away and spend some time with her husband and work on their marriage. It sounds like a great vacation, that is until her mini van breaks down on a rural road to the cabin. Now lost in the woods, things start going south. They started with six people but how many will make it out? After all, two can keep a secret…if one of them is dead.

Overall, I really liked this one. As per usual with McFadden’s books there was a twist at the end. I had thought it was a few of the characters but not that one. This story was told mainly in Claire’s point of view with flashbacks here and there from another person. Like her other books, it had short chapters and the story was easy to binge.

This books comes out on April 2, 2024. Be sure to add to your TBR list! Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

This is my third Freida McFadden's book, and I'm already eager for more. I was completely engrossed in "One by One," following Claire Matchett's journey during what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. However, when their minivan breaks down in the woods, their trip takes a terrifying turn as members of their group start disappearing or dying. The suspense kept me hooked, with my theories about the culprit changing throughout the book. The unexpected ending was a pleasant surprise, and I love a good plot twist. If you're after a thrilling, easy-to-read page-turner, look no further than this book.

This was a quick, easy, and entertaining read. I was definitely hooked from the beginning and continued to have different theories about who could be responsible. My suspect changed throughout the book and I have to admit, I didn’t exactly see that ending coming. I thoroughly enjoy a good plot twist! If you’re looking for a great suspense thriller, easy read, and fast paced, this is the book for you.

4.25 ✨

Wow, this was so good! I really enjoyed this. I loved the setting! Any book that is set in the woods and something is killing them off? Sign me up!!! I also did not expect that twist! My jaw literally dropped!

I personally am not a fan of cheating in books and when we found that Claire was cheating early on in the book, that really made me dislike her.

This was probably one of my faves of hers!!

Ok Freida.. I love your attempt at an homage to Agatha Christie, but stop.

If you suspend reality This book was pretty good. I rolled my eyes a few times, but enjoyed the read.

The "twist" is good but kind of predictable.

Thank you netgalley for thus ARC in exchange for an honest review

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!
I have started reading freida mcfadden backlist and while i have loved a lot of her book, i think some books just come off a bit rushed, unlike able characters and sometimes even repetitive/redundant, and sadly that was what this book was for me. This books start was six friends, three married couples, who get lost in the woods and it goes down hill from there. I think this storyline was drawn out and i didn’t like Claire, she came off whiny. I started to get slightly annoyed with how many times i felt things were being repeated. There also was a few things i questioned that i thought made no sense at all. The only thing that WAS enjoyable was who was anonymous, i didn’t even have an inkling. I do think this was a fast read, or a good pallet cleanser.

Thank you NetGalley for this book! Freida McFadden is one of my favorite authors. I found the story very fast paced and couldn’t put it down. I wasn’t a fan of the plot twist. Definitely not one of my favorite McFadden books. I found it ridiculous what the best friend did and that’s when Freida lost me in this book.

Another phenomenal thriller by Freida McFadden! You're kept on your toes as you weave through a heart-pounding, unpredictable journey with a group of friends with twists that leave you stunned and will make you question your own friends. Surely to be a binge-read in a single sitting, 'One by One' is an exciting and haunting tale worth reading!

A lot of Frieda McFadden’s books are hit or miss with me. This was the first book I’ve ever read by her and it was such a miss for me. I usually love an Agatha Christie inspired novel where the characters are being killed ~one by one~ but the story itself was boring for the most part and the ending was too wild. Typically, I’m able to suspend disbelief when it comes to thrillers but this was asking for too much.

ah yes another take off of agatha christie’s AND THEN THERE WERE NONE! 🧐 theoretically, I should be sick of this trope, but there’s something about the heart-pounding adventure thriller that always gets me…

freida is the queen of psycho thrillers - and this one is no exception! I was beyond curious the entire time on the identity of the narrator, and I’m happy to say that my guess was completely incorrect 😨

while I did guess one of the plot twists, simply from reading way too many thrillers in my life, it didn’t make or break the book for me. I love being right sometimes 😅😇 but only sometimes

the only thing holding me back from 5 stars is the similarity to another thriller that had me wondering which book came first … but seeing as how they were both inspired by agatha’s novel, it was bound to happen

I will forever be binging freida’s books until I’m sadly completely caught up in her backlist! thank you to netgalley and poisoned pen press for the advanced copy!

rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: new zealand sauvignon blanc

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!!

Freida, I do not know how you manage it! With every chapter I am suspicious of someone else and never fully guessing correctly, but this one I really was taken back by! I read this in literally one sitting near enough only stopping to have dinner. This had me hooked from start to finish and I was really hooked the whole way through.

Each character had their suspicions about them and with every conversation they all had, my mind changed each time. I think the setting was great and really fun to read and imagine.

THE PLOT TWIST? Let me tell you, one person i had sooo many suspicions on fair enough, but THE ACTUAL MASTERMIND? Phew, I was not expecting that in the slightest. I am making it my mission to get through Freida's backlist - so when I saw this available to request, I could not pass it up.
A great read if you are looking for something quick and fun and wanting to be kept on your toes.

Queen of thrillers has done it again!! Just when you think you've sussed it, another plot twist sweeps you off into another direction. I simply cannot get enough of FreidaMcFadden's writing. Gripping.
Shocking. Addictive. And a hell of a lot of fun!! For all my thriller fans, I would definitely recommend!