Freida McFadden has earned a reputation for delivering fast-paced psychological thrillers filled with sharp twists, but One by One is a book that has left readers divided. Some find it a page-turning survival tale with non-stop action, while others see it as one of her weaker works, weighed down by flat characters and an unbelievable plot.
The Setup
Claire Matchett planned this trip as a much-needed break from her stressful life of work, childcare, and a strained marriage. Along with her husband and two other couples, she expected a week of hiking, hot tubs, and reconnection. But when their minivan breaks down on a remote dirt road with no cell service, the group is forced to venture into the woods on foot.
What should have been a short hike quickly becomes a nightmare. The group loses its way in the dense forest, and one by one, the travelers begin to vanish or die under mysterious circumstances. Is a wild predator hunting them, or is the danger closer than they realize?
Strengths of the Novel
If there is one thing McFadden knows how to do, it is pacing. One by One races forward with brisk, bite-sized chapters that make it difficult to put down. Even when the characters’ choices feel absurd, the sheer momentum of the story keeps you hooked, always eager to find out who will be struck down next and how the ordeal will end.
The premise itself is engaging. The isolation of the wilderness, paired with the growing sense of paranoia among the group, provides fertile ground for suspense. The alternating perspectives between Claire and an anonymous, menacing voice add a chilling layer to the mystery.
Where It Falls Short
The characters are one of the most common sticking points for readers. Many come across as shallow or stereotypical: the grumpy husband, the arrogant attorney, the Barbie-doll best friend, the condescending boyfriend. Rather than feeling like real people, they often act like caricatures from a B-list thriller film. For some, this makes it hard to invest emotionally in their fates.
The twists, while present, have been criticized as predictable or lacking the punch that McFadden usually delivers in novels like The Teacher or The Housemaid series. The reasoning behind the villain’s actions and the eventual reveal left several readers underwhelmed, questioning whether the buildup was worth the payoff.
Final Thoughts
One by One is not Freida McFadden’s strongest outing, but it remains compulsively readable. It offers plenty of action and tension, with a survival-horror setup that keeps you flipping pages quickly. Readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers and are less concerned with deep character development may still find this book entertaining. However, if you are expecting one of McFadden’s signature jaw-dropping twists, you might walk away a little disappointed.
Even with its flaws, One by One proves McFadden’s knack for creating addictive thrillers that people devour in a single sitting. Whether you love it or find yourself rolling your eyes, one thing is certain: it will keep you engaged until the final page.
