Review of One by One by Freida McFadden: A Rollercoaster with a Few Bumps
When Freida McFadden announces a new book, I can’t help but perk up. Her reputation as the queen of twists had me hooked from the first Housemaid novel, and I’ve been on a delightful rollercoaster of plot twists ever since. So, it was with a mix of excitement and a bit of trepidation that I dove into One by One. And while it’s still McFadden, this standalone novel didn’t quite deliver the whirlwind of shock I had hoped for.
At its core, One by One revolves around a group of six adults, crammed into a minivan, on their way to a luxurious getaway that quickly turns sinister when they find themselves stranded in the woods. As their numbers dwindle—each disappearance more mysterious than the last—you’re left asking: Is the culprit one of them, or something more malevolent at play?
However, the characters didn’t quite do it for me. Claire, our protagonist, evokes more eye rolls than empathy, while her supporting cast ranges from stereotypical to forgettable. Noah, her husband, is a sullen grump; Jack, his charming best friend, feels like a recycled character from a B-list movie script. And don’t get me started on Michelle, who seems to embody superficiality more than substance. As each character faces peril, I found myself indifferent to their fates, wishing the killer would get on with it already so we could uncover the big twist.
The writing style is classic McFadden—fast-paced, engaging, and filled with short, punchy chapters that kept the pages turning. Despite their lack of depth, the characters keep things moving, propelling the reader through the narrative’s action. Yet, the plot’s reveal felt a bit lackluster compared to the jaw-dropping conclusions I’ve come to expect from her. I found myself questioning the villain’s motives and the overall scheme, thinking, “Is that really it?”
It’s a testament to McFadden’s skill that even when I was frustrated with the characters’ nonsensical decisions, I couldn’t help but be pulled into the suspense. The pacing was my saving grace and kept me engaged until the end, even if I was less than thrilled with the final reveal.
I’d give this one a solid three stars. It wasn’t the exhilarating experience I had with the Housemaid series, but it certainly kept me on my toes. As we all hold our breath waiting for McFadden’s next offering—Inmate, I’m hopeful it’ll recapture the magic I adore.
If you’re a fan of cozy thrillers filled with vibrant twists and can’t resist a page-turner, you might find something to enjoy in One by One. Just don’t expect the edge-of-your-seat excitement that made McFadden’s earlier works so unforgettable. Still, it’s a fun ride that won’t leave you bored, and, as always with McFadden, the dark fun is highly likely to ensue.
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