The Crash by Freida McFadden is an absolute page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This was one of those books that I simply couldn’t stop listening to —perfect for a binge-worthy read. McFadden's storytelling is masterful, weaving a plot so full of twists and turns that I found myself constantly second-guessing what was going to happen next.

As someone who loves thrillers, I’ve come to trust McFadden to deliver, and The Crash is no exception. She does not disappoint in this genre, delivering a fast-paced, gripping story that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Tegan is 8-months pregnant, single, and working a dead-end job. When her expectations of a notable improvement in her circumstances fall through, she makes a beeline for her brother's home. A blizzard makes driving hazardous, and Tegan ends up in a ditch., where a bearded man comes to her rescue. But has she been rescued? Told from multiple perspectives, and with more twists than a switchback mountain road, this novel is perfect for fans of domestic suspense. Leslie Howard's urgent narration injects humor and dread in perfect measure.

I was really excited to read The Crash since I’ve loved Freida McFadden’s books in the past, but this one just didn’t hit the same for me.

The story felt dragged out and repetitive, and while it had some suspenseful moments, I found the plot pretty predictable. I kept waiting for that big, jaw-dropping twist McFadden is known for, but when it finally happened, it just wasn’t that shocking. Maybe I’ve built up her twists too much in my head, but this one felt too obvious.

Tegan was a tough character to root for. I get that she was in a horrible situation, but she made so many frustrating decisions that I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at times. I did appreciate that she was a fighter, but it felt like the story kept throwing obstacles at her just for the sake of it.

That being said, the audiobook narration by Leslie Howard was really good! Her voice kept me engaged even when the story itself wasn’t grabbing me as much as I’d hoped.

This was a quick and easy read—definitely binge-able, but not McFadden’s best. If you’re in the mood for a fast thriller with some twists, it’s still worth a shot, just don’t expect anything too surprising.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

Freida never disappoints, and do this plot twists always get me!! I can never get enough of them, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read her newest release.

Freida McFadden is a master of popcorn thrillers.

Stranded in a blizzard with a dead car and broken ankle, Tegan finds herself needing to take shelter with a couple - soon feeling like this may be her biggest mistake yet.

A quick and fun thriller full of twists, pretty on par with McFadden's other work. It's perfect if you're looking for a one-sitting binge-able read. I definitely recommend this one to fans of No Exit by Taylor Adams

In a Freida McFan so it's no surprise that I was all over this and I absolutely loved listening to this narrator so kudos to the author and narrator for this one. Very well done.

What a read from the very first page to the ending. Once again, I thought I had it figured out and the twist and turns, as well as me wanting to take down a couple of characters myself. This did not disappoint! Cant wait for the next book. Thank you for the ARC Net Galley #TheCrash #FreidaMcFadden #NetGalley

The way I love Frieda McFadden! I am such a mood reader and when I get in a slump Frieda is my go-to. You never know what kind of plot twist she is going to throw at you…but you best believe she will throw you one! The Crash is easily in my top 3 favorite Frieda books! Leslie Howard did an amazing job on the narration! She had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I need to invest in a murder/crime solving board. Thank you so much NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending me an ALC for my honest review! Trust me, if you love suspense, dont pass on this one! As always, check your triggers!

I felt stressed and anxious for nearly the entirety of this book and read it in nearly one sitting!
The tension is built brilliantly and although it’s not so much of a ‘who done it’ I still couldn’t wait to see how it would all work out.
Fabulous narrator

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I was not expecting some of the twists. At times I was annoyed at Polly and what she was doing but in the end she was the one who saved Teagan.

2.5 rounded up. I’ve been chasing the high since I read the teacher & never lie, and this just fell a little flat for me. A bit predictable, although maybe I’ve hyped up her plot twists to the point where my own imagination outweighs what actually ends up happening. I liked the premise, but again just fell a little flat for me.

Thank you Dreamscape Select | Hollywood Upstairs Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Summary: A pregnant woman seeking refuge from a blizzard becomes trapped in a remote cabin, where survival turns into a fight against a sinister threat.

My review: The Crash delivers a tense, fast-paced thrill ride reminiscent of Stephen King's Misery. The story plunges readers into a chaotic nightmare as Tegan fights for survival in a remote cabin during a deadly snowstorm. While the journey is gripping and filled with heart-pounding moments, the conclusion lacks the usual twist, feeling somewhat predictable and underwhelming.

Themes/Genres: Fiction / Thrillers - Psychological / Thrillers - Suspense / Thrillers - Crime

The Crash is scheduled for publication on January 28. 2025, by Dreamscape Select | Hollywood Upstairs Press.

Damn. I wish I could give this more stars. It was written wonderfully, but it was one of the most predictable books I have read. Usually the twist at the end is a bit more shocking, but this one was predictable and fell flat. I love Freida McFadden, but this one just wasn't for me.

Definitely check trigger warnings if you struggle with anything pregnancy related.

The Crash - Freida McFadden

Series: N/A
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Audiobook Length: 9h 13m
Narrator: Leslie Howard
POV: Dual POV, First Person
Genre and Sub Genre: Thriller, Mystery Thriller
Main Location(s): Maine
TW/CWs: infertility, kidnapping, mental health issues, rape, suicide attempt mentioned, suicidal ideation, child abuse, murder, pregnancy, sexual assault
On KU?: Yes
Rating: 2/5

Summary:
Eight months pregnant and completely alone, Tegan is desperate for a fresh start. She packs up and hits the road, heading to her brother’s place to figure out her next move. But a brutal snowstorm changes everything.

When her car crashes in the middle of nowhere and leaves her stranded with a broken ankle, Tegan thinks she is out of options. Then a kind couple finds her and brings her to their cozy cabin. At first, it seems like a lucky break. But the longer she stays, the more she realizes something is off. The couple is not who they seem, and the cabin is not the safe haven she thought it was.

Now, Tegan is trapped. As the danger around her grows, she has to find a way to escape before it is too late for her and her unborn baby.

Review:
I went into The Crash with somewhat high expectations, especially since I’ve heard great things about Freida McFadden’s books. I’m not usually a thriller reader, but I thought this would be a good way to get into the genre. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.

The book felt way too long and repetitive, with a predictable plot that lacked real suspense. Tegan, the main character, was frustrating and whiny, making a lot of questionable decisions. While she was undeniably a fighter, the story kept throwing obstacles at her just for the sake of it. Also, her constant conversations with her unborn baby that she called “Tuna,” made me roll my eyes every time.

One of my biggest issues was how the book handled mental health. The antagonist, Polly, had her actions blamed entirely on her mental illness, which felt like a lazy scapegoat rather than real character development. There were also plot points that were introduced for shock value but never fully explored, like Tegan’s sexual assault, which was mentioned and then completely brushed aside.

The side characters were flat, and the ending was unsatisfying. Jackson’s storyline felt underdeveloped, and Sadie, the little girl next door, seemed to exist only when the plot needed a distraction.

By the time I reached the final pages, I was just relieved it was over. The book dragged on for so long that finishing it felt more like a chore than an enjoyable read. Overall, The Crash lacked depth and didn’t deliver any real surprises. For a thriller, it was disappointingly predictable. 2/5 stars

The Crash written by Freida McFadden

*Single mother
*Kidnap / Hostage situation
*Psychotic FMC

When I say psychotic FMC, I mean psychotic FMC!! 😳🫣🫤

Another thrilling and suspenseful title by Freida McFadden staring a young pregnant girl and a woman who will do anything to have a child of her own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Format: NetGalley audiobook
Genre: Thriller / Suspense
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️
Characters: Tegan & Paulie

Other than the title of this book, I knew nothing about it going in. I thought I had read the blurb, but apparently I didn't because this book went off in a direction that I wasn't expecting but thoroughly enjoyed.

In the beginning we meet Tegan, a 23 year old woman who is 8 months pregnant from a one-night stand. She is on the verge of signing an NDA that will set her up for life since the father is actually a married man who also happens to be extremely wealthy. As she is about to sign the papers, there are new revelations that rock her world and cause her to take a trip to visit her brother in order to sort everything out. On the way, Tegan is in a major car accident (The Crash) and the story propels from there.

Essentially, from page 1 we do not know who to trust. There is constant miscommunication and misinterpretation of what is happening that keeps the reader guessing as to what everyone's true motives are. As the truth slowly comes out, the reader begins to wonder how this is all going to end (especially since none of the characters really know 100% of what is happening). I thought this was an excellent and engaging story that had me hooked to the end. I've only read three McFadden books so far but this one is my favorite of the three. I definitely recommend this one if you're a fan of Freida McFadden.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for a free audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars

I'm an avid fan of this author's for a somewhat unusual reason. Even when the books are absolutely ridiculous - and this one truly is - I always find a way to be entertained during the read. Unfortunately, this was much more of an it's so bad it's entertaining vibe, but you can't win 'em all.

Speaking of you can't win 'em all, Tegan can't win any. When readers meet this character, she is pregnant under terrible circumstances that become worse as we all - Tegan included! - get more info. Don't worry, though. Tegan has the comfort of...the voice in her head. She gets encouragement from a voice of the child she imagines, and she refers to this impending kid with a name that made me laugh (not in a good way) and get distracted every time I heard it (which was a lot). Tegan has more problems than this, though. There are nefarious dudes creeping around her at all times, there's a titular crash, and there are weirdos in the woods. When will she get a break? Well, she gets one of those, too, but not in the way you might anticipate.

The twists and turns revealed here are reminiscent of the book's title in that they sometimes felt haphazard and catastrophic.

Though I had a number of issues with this book - the bizarro ending being the central but not exclusive one - I still found it entertaining, and there's something worthwhile in that. Readers who are new to this author should look to other books in the collection for a more fulfilling read, but if like me you are somehow wooed even when this writer goes kind of wild, well, you know what to do.

Not your typical Freida book, but still full of suspense in every chapter. Completed this book within hours, quick read. I did feel at times the story was at a stand still and just a lot of the same back and forth between characters for a good amount of chapters.

The crash was a very thrilling read! Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook !! Although the beginning started off a bit slow once things started to progress I really enjoyed it!
Teagan’s life is unraveling pregnant and alone she escapes her nightmare of a life to see her brother. Unknowingly heading straight into a snow storm, a car crash leaves her stranded and alone. A kind stranger seems to be a safe haven until things start happening that make Teagan wonder if she’s even safe anymore. How far will she go to keep herself and her unborn baby alive?
I enjoyed this book and never quite knew where things were going which had me on edge! The change of POV really added more to the story and you got to understand a bit more about what was going on. What a crazy ride!
Thanks to netgalley and Dreamscape Select /Hollywood Upstairs Press for the arc!

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of “The Crash” and flew through the twists and turns. McFadden did a great job creating suspense throughout the book and gave the reader great insight into the mind of the characters. While this was not my favorite McFadden book, I think that was largely because I received the audiobook version to review. The narrator did a great job..I think it was just my focus issues that got in the way. Regardless of the format, the characters, plot, and setting were great and will appeal to readers of many age groups and genders. Looking forward to McFadden’s next release. Another 5/5!