A Book Review: ‘One By One’ by Freida McFadden

Claire Matchett’s life is spiraling. Not only is she having an affair with her husband’s best friend, but she also has to deal with the stresses of being a working mom, which is no easy feat. She and her husband, Noah, are taking a trip to a secluded location with their friends to, hopefully, rekindle the love lost in their marriage. But there are more sinister plans at work, which lead to members of the group disappearing. Freida McFadden delivers a jaw-dropping tale in One by One.

A Much-Needed Trip

Claire and Noah have grown completely apart. They are arguing about everything and unafraid to verbally fight in front of strangers. Taking a trip to a secluded luxury hotel is a last-ditch effort to save their marriage. Not all parties are on board with the plan, though. 

The Affair That Had Me Spinning

I’m made aware of Claire and Noah’s broken marriage in the first chapter of the book. It, therefore, doesn’t surprise me that the two fight in front of their friends over Claire’s untimely bathroom break. I was shocked, however, to stumble upon Claire’s affair with her husband’s best friend. Such an act took Claire from being a victim to the villain in my mind. 

Who Is The Evil One?

The beginning of the book introduces the murderer we follow for the next two hundred odd or even pages. Upon meeting the group, I thought I knew the antagonist of the story. The end showed me I was wrong. 

Freida McFadden does a wonderful job of concealing the villain throughout the tale. As readers, we are kept guessing until the last chapter. We are unaware of the person, clueless as to the motivation, and completely shocked by it all until the end. 

For Thriller Lovers

Those who enjoy thrillers may find themselves at home with this book. One by One is a thriller that causes you to question everything long after finishing the book. You may take a special liking to this story by Freida McFadden if you love stories set in the forest. 

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