Book Review: One by One by Freida McFadden
Freida McFadden has become a literary queen for me, her books captivating my attention like few others can. As someone who eagerly awaits each new release, I made a vow to devour everything she writes—from post-it notes to shopping lists—always enchanted by her reputation for jaw-dropping twists. So when I got my hands on One by One, I settled in eagerly, expecting another thrilling ride. Unfortunately, while there were moments that held me captive, this standalone novel didn’t quite soar to the heights of her previous works.
Set against the backdrop of a luxurious inn and a seemingly perfect getaway, One by One introduces six adults crammed into a minivan, embarking on a much-anticipated vacation. Their plans unravel when the car breaks down, leaving them stranded in the woods. One by one, characters start to disappear, leading to a race against time that should have kept me on the edge of my seat. Instead, I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not at the reasoning behind the villain’s actions and the scheme that unfolded. I can enjoy a far-fetched twist if it’s executed with finesse—just take the ending of Teacher as an example—but here, I wondered, “Is that really it?”
The characters did little to endear themselves to me. Claire, our primary viewpoint character, struggles with marriage problems and a pressing secret but ultimately feels like a shadow of a fully developed character. Her husband Noah, the grumpy sidekick, and Jack, the charming best friend, were about as exciting as wallpaper. Even Claire’s best friend Michelle, with her Barbie-like appearance, lacked the character depth I craved. With dialogues that felt more suited for a B-list movie, I often found myself indifferent to their fates, wishing the killer would finish them off quickly—if only to discover the juicy twist waiting for me.
The story’s pacing, however, was a saving grace. The short, gripping chapters propelled me forward, a testament to McFadden’s ability to craft tension. The nonstop action kept me engaged despite my frustrations with the characters. Even though the conclusion didn’t provide the resolution I was hoping for, I found myself intrigued enough to plow through to the end. I came away with mixed feelings but couldn’t award it anything lower than three stars.
As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but think about what’s next for McFadden. I’ve got my fingers crossed for Inmate, hoping to return to the thrill and enjoyment I love so much from her earlier works. I have no doubt it will keep me engaged, as with any McFadden novel—thrilling dark fun seems to be a guaranteed experience.
If you’re someone who enjoys light thrillers and can overlook a few flat characters for the sake of pacing, One by One might just scratch that itch for you. While it didn’t leave me breathless, it did leave me eager for McFadden’s next venture. Follow my journey through her stories on Medium.com, where I indulge in reflections on books, movies, astrology, and everything in between. Happy reading!