I read this back in October of 2024 and forgot to post the review.

This book definitely kept me on my toes, everyone when I thought o figured it out, I didn’t. The ending took a twist and I was definitely not expecting the killer to be who it was. If you want a fast read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the book to read.

While this was a quick, easy read, it wasn’t my favorite. I didn’t like the characters and the twists were a little underwhelming. That said, I know I will read more of her in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for this e-ARC!
Well, that was quite unexpected.
At first, the writing threw me off, I didn’t like it. And there wasn’t much happening. But then once the story started to develop, I got into it and couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t figure what would happen next, who is setting the whole thing up, McFadden confuses you with different clues all the time. And then the plot twist hit, and it was amazing. If it was like that from the beginning, it would definitely be a 5 star read.

3/5 ⭐️

I like Freida’s books as they are always a quick read, but this one just wasn’t my favorite. Nonetheless, I will never just NOT read a FM book.

Well this book was...full of surprise. I'm not even sure if I liked it or not, I feel like I just woke up from some kind of fever dream. I enjoyed my time reading it most of the time, there was definitely some cringe moments, scenes where I just wanted to scream at the characters at their stupidity but overall it wasn't a bad book. I love Freida McFadden, she is definitely one of my favorite authors but this was felt weak for her usual brilliant novels. It was a quick read though so that was nice.

Also I haven't trusted a single person in this novel except Noah and Emma.

The anonymous narrator's chapters fascinated me, definitely kept guessing who it could be and while I had a guess I was so so wrong about their identity. It definitely shocked me when I found out the truth at the end.

One by One by Freida McFadden is a suspenseful, fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Claire Matchett’s peaceful getaway with friends quickly spirals into a nightmare when they become lost in a remote forest and are picked off one by one. McFadden masterfully builds tension, blending elements of isolation, paranoia, and mystery as the group’s secrets unravel and survival becomes a deadly game. With its unpredictable twists and high stakes, this gripping novel is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and survival dramas.

Once again Freida McFadden has hit it out of the park! It is fascinating just how much punch she can pack into less than three hundred pages. Tension sizzles from the very first pages as dysfunction bubbles just below the surface. Who to love? Who to trust? As we are introduced to the players we quickly come to realize there may be a hidden agenda, but who is really pulling the strings? Atmospheric, the isolated forest definitely has a malevolent vibe. It brings to mind those childhood fairy tales that sent those delicious shivers up and down the spine. Suspense builds to a perfect, satisfying finish, but first you must examine everyone...One By One!

This wasn't my favorite. I read through to find out the twists. Once I did, they were mostly underwhelming. I know I've read better by FM, for sure. This won't be my last but it definitely wasn't my favorite.

It's a typical Freida book. Entertaining and easy to digest. If you're looking for a fast-paced book that usually includes a twist you didn't guess, One by One is one to pickup.

Not my favorite from Freida, but still obviously very entertaining and a fun read! I think the premise for this gave me a slasher movie vibe, and with Freida I don't always expect that.

As always Freida is full of surprises with her uncanny ability to lead a reader astray. She is a model for purposeful distraction. When you think you know where she is going with that story, stop for a second and know this - you DON’T know. I very much like her fast-paced story telling, her short chapters and vivid characters.

I didn't love The Teacher, so had a lower expectation of One by One. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it even though all the characters live in Colorado and none of them had the slightest idea of wilderness survival had me rolled my eyes several times.
Very fun fast read for anyone looking for a quick thriller.

MF is at it again! Incredible plot twist that leaves you on the edge of your seat. MF is one of my favorite authors and has yet to write something that didn’t surprise me or have a twist to make my jaw drop. This book should be made into a film!

Great plot twist with an unexpected ending. Fun and captivating read that keep me engaged and wanting to come back for more.

Typical Frieda in that I didn’t put this down for 24 hours.

A group of 6 friends get stranded on their way to a resort and lost in the woods. Mysterious things happen and everyone has a secret.

This was salacious and fun. Typical Frieda McFadden short chapters and suspense that keeps you hooked. Also typically Frieda McFadden in that it is just a little far fetched. You don’t see the ending coming until the end because she makes the plot twist so twisty. This was fun though. I had a great time as always with her books.

Freida McFadden has been some of my favorite books this year so I knew I needed to read another one. One by One was everything I was expecting and more with a shocking amount of twists!

This book follows Claire as she goes on a retreat with her husband and friends to hopefully get refreshed and come back as good as new for kids and life. Unfortunately, there are far more sinister issues at hand. Right away I was suspicious of everyone. This is probably a trauma reaction to reading previous Freida McFadden books because I know that you should trust no one. Claire was kind of annoying as a lead because I didn’t get good vibes from her at the begging. I think we were suppose to be annoyed with her as well and she was suuppose to throw us off from the beginning. What I was expecting from her was not what I got. I really enjoyed the group of friends in this novel because it gave a lot of suspects and a lot of people I wanted to like, but wasn’t sure I should like.

My biggest issue with the book was that the synopsis did not match the book. I was expecting a woman who wanted to fix her marriage, but it was clear from the beginning that was not her intention in any way, shape, or form. I’m not sure if that was to draw us in because we all love a good redemption story, but it was clear that was not the purpose of the trip as early as the first chapter. Aside from that little hiccup, I really enjoyed the story.

McFadden’s writing style is smooth and she has a few flashbacks in this to show the killer’s intentions and how they came to make the decisions they did. I had no idea whose flashbacks I was seeing throughout the story, but I was definitely cautious of all. I loved how I was literally on the edge of my seat and McFadden kept me guessing until the audible gasp moment at the end of the story.

If you have ever read a Freida McFadden book before, you should read One by One and if you haven’t read any before, what on earth are you waiting for? She has quickly become one of my top five favorite mystery authors, as you will never get bored reading one of her books. I have a whole slew of them waiting on my TBR for 2025! Freida McFadden should be a must-read on every reader’s list!

This was one of my first Freida books and totally got me hooked on her writing!! It was such a great book and kept me wanting more!!

4.0

It's a great thriller. I loved the atmosphere. The suspense was good, one on my favorite of the book. I didn't sée the ending and that left me speechless.

I highly recommend.

Thanks to poisoned Pen press and netgalley for the arc in exchange on my honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
I’d put off reading anything by this author for the longest time, just to be contrary because so many people enjoy her work. But I have to tell you-this was pretty darn good! Lots of suspense, and I definitely didn’t see that ending coming!

Frieda does not miss! Another amazing thriller from the psychologically twisty queen. This kept me engaged and entertained, however I had an inkling about the ending early on…. Otherwise, a great read.