I’ve recently been engrossed with audiobooks. Whether it’s the calming voice or the ability to multitask while immersed in a good novel, audiobooks have become my go-to retreat. It was on one of these adventures that I discovered Freida McFadden’s “One by One.” I have to confess that the creepy cover art and fascinating title drew me in. Having written countless book reviews, this was another thrilling addition to my repertory, and certainly not the last. As I immersed myself in the story, I couldn’t help but think of another psychological thriller I’d previously read, “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley, with its confined location and cast of individuals concealing dark secrets. However, McFadden’s novel has its own distinct turns that had me on the edge of my seat.
Set the Stage: The Isolated Ski Lodge
“One by One” is set in a secluded ski lodge, a traditional location for a locked-room mystery that instantly heightens the tension. The cabin, shut off from the rest of the world by a terrible snowfall, provides the ideal setting for a story of deceit and murder. The individuals, each with their own hidden intentions and secrets, get together for what is intended to be a quiet weekend. But as the storm rages on, the veil of politeness starts to fracture, revealing the visitors’ real character.
Meet The Characters
The plot focuses on a group of coworkers from the same firm who are attending a corporate retreat. Each character is thoroughly detailed, bringing depth and intricacy to the story. Here’s a quick overview of some of the main players:
- Claire: The protagonist, whose point of view dominates the tale. Claire is a realistic girl who struggles with anxieties and the burden of her past.
- John: The outwardly charming and charismatic leader of the gang, but as the narrative progresses, his darker side emerges.
- Sophie: Claire’s companion and confidante, who looks encouraging yet has her own secrets.
- Mark: The group’s tech-savvy member who applies his knowledge in surprising ways.
- Emily: The calm and reserved one, whose quietness conceals a wide range of feelings and motivations.
These people are more than simply colleagues; they are entangled in a web of personal and professional rivalries, grudges, and secrets, making the unfolding drama all the more compelling.
The plot unfolds: deception and paranoia
As the group settles inside the lodge, the initial sense of togetherness gradually turns to distrust and anxiety. The storm outside echoes the anguish within, as one by one, the visitors succumb to unexplained incidents. The anxiety rises with each event, and it becomes clear that these are not accidents, but deliberate actions by an unseen attacker.
The First Victim.
The first indication that anything is wrong is when one of the visitors, Emily, is discovered dead under dubious circumstances. The finding causes shockwaves throughout the organization, and paranoia sets in. The first instinct is to search for an external threat, but as the storm worsens, it becomes evident that the threat is within.
Unraveling Secrets
With the lodge isolated from the outside world, the gang is forced to face their worries and suspicions straight on. Each character’s history is eventually disclosed, offering insight on possible reasons for the killings. Claire, who is already on edge owing to her own anxieties, becomes more distrustful of everyone around her. Her internal monologue gives insight into her increasing paranoia and will to live.
The Second Murder
Tensions reach a boiling point when another visitor, Mark, is discovered dead. The group’s togetherness shatters as accusations fly, and trust utterly erodes. Claire takes it upon herself to put together the evidence, relying on her intuition and observations. Her transformation from passive participant to active investigator is one of the story’s highlights.
The Revelation
In a thrilling finish, the murderer’s actual identity is revealed. The discovery is both stunning and rewarding, as McFadden deftly connects the story’s different strands. The killings are extremely personal, stemming from long-standing betrayals and grudges.
Themes Explored
“One by One” dives into various issues that readers find extremely meaningful. The ski lodge’s seclusion acts as both a physical barrier and a metaphor for the characters’ emotional isolation. The storm outside is a metaphor for each character’s internal battles against their own demons and worries.
The narrative revolves on the idea of trust, or lack thereof. As the corpse count increases, the characters’ delicate links of trust disintegrate, leaving everyone to fight for himself. The psychological impact of the killings and the resulting anxiety is depicted with horrifying realism, leaving the reader wondering how they would behave in such a circumstance.
Another important subject is the concept of previous acts catching up with the present. The characters’ past are not merely background elements; they are central to the story, shaping their behavior and choices in the present. This interaction between past and present adds a degree of intricacy to the plot, elevating it above a simple thriller.
A Comparison with “The Guest List”
In contrast to Lucy Foley’s “The Guest List,” both books expertly employ their secluded locales to generate tension and create a claustrophobic environment. While “The Guest List” revolves on a wedding on an isolated island, “One by One” heightens the feeling of peril by setting the scene in a harsh, chilly ski lodge. Both stories have individuals with hidden motivations, but McFadden’s story dives further into the psychological elements, letting the reader experience the group’s dread and terror.
Conclusion
“One by One” by Freida McFadden is a suspenseful psychological thriller that keeps the reader wondering until the conclusion. The secluded environment, well-developed characters, and convoluted storyline all work together to produce a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. McFadden’s ability to create suspense and gradually reveal the mystery makes this book a must-read for thriller enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller fan or new to psychological puzzles, “One by One” will have you on the edge of your seat, anxiously turning the pages to discover the truth.
As one of my most recent book reviews, “One by One” stands out for its brilliant writing and engaging characters. It’s a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it, reminding you of the fine line between trust and treachery, and the extent individuals will go to keep their secrets.
