This is a twisty, fast-action thrill of a story about friendship, loyalty, belonging, trust, truth, justice, and more, set at 650-feet in the air with the clock ticking and lives at stake. What a rush!

When past Oxford classmate/friend Danny invites influencer Cady and his other now-famous friends--Winston, Femi, and Naz--to experience the thrills and chills of his world-record roller coaster Hysteria in the Middle East desert a day before the Grand Opening. how could they say no? After all, it's a great opportunity for all of them to increase their followings and have an amazing experience as well. However, when they arrive to the middle-of-nowhere site in late afternooon, they soon see the park is far from close to completion, and workers have left for the day. Yet, Danny is so persuasive, they agree to ride the coaster anyway so they can help spread the word.

After reaching the top of the track before the biggest drop, though, the car stalls, leaving the four stuck in the heat with no phones, water, or food. They begin yelling to get Danny's attention, to no avail. They try to escape the safety harnesses, also to no avail. Finally, tensions rising all around, Danny does appear using steps on the side of the ride. However, he's not there to save them. Establishing rules and a timeline (the heat from the rising sun tomorrow will lead to their deaths), he insists each person reveal truths to the others and themselves, as well as to him. Ultimately, he wants to find out what happened to his girlfriend Eloise back at Oxford. Multiple POV flashbacks interspersed with current conversations allow readers to see the friends group in a different light, including how each person fit(s) in with the rest (or didn't), where Danny and Eloise fit in, and what really happened in college and beyond that led Danny to these actions today.

Some might say that thirtysomething Cady Ellison landed herself a strange creative career, but Cady finally feels like she's found her footing. Now an online theme park influencer, she is invited to the opening of a brand-new park by her old friend, Danny, who wants to use her online profile to help build buzz for its flagship ride, Hysteria, a record-breaking 650 foot-tall roller coaster.

When she arrives at the half-complete theme park site in the middle of the desert, Cady is unexpectedly met with her old college friend group: Femi, an award-winning actor, Naseem, a decorated novelist, and Winston, a member of a popular rock group. Wanting them all to sing the praises of Hysteria online, Danny has arranged an exclusive private ride for them, capped off with the stunning desert sunset. But when their coaster cars get to the top of the first hill, the ride stalls 650 feet above ground. With no one due on site for days and over 100-degree heat awaiting them once the sun rises, the four friends soon realize that they must unravel the secrets from their complicated past if they are to find their way to safety.

Loved it. Will recommend to others

Where are you right now? Wherever it is, I bet you’re not stuck on a roller coaster in the desert, wondering if you’ll be burned alive or rescued.

Cady was supposed to be filming the new, and biggest, roller coaster in the world for her YouTube channel in The Drop by S.R. Masters. However, an issue arises when it stops when it’s supposed to drop. Everyone (because, of course, it’s a reunion for her and her university friends) is confused. They wait, wait, and... wait some more. But nope. Something’s definitely wrong. And that something might just be killer because they’re stranded at the highest point of the ride and the desert sun isn’t exactly merciful.

For a book that runs over 300 pages, I got through it pretty quickly. That doesn’t usually happen, unless the story is actually interesting. And this one totally was. S.R. Masters has a way of writing that makes everything worth reading. Even the scenes that would feel like filler in another book didn’t in this one. S.R. Masters somehow turns the mundane into “okay, fine, I’ll read just one more chapter” material. Color me impressed. Honestly, that’s a skill I’ve got to give props for.

Most of the characters are unlikable for a period of time, but this is a good thing because they then become likable again and possibly unlikable again, which is realistic. No character is supposed to be liked the whole time, unless they’re the perfect character, and this book isn’t about perfect characters; it’s about imperfect, flawed people who are trying to get through life (and maybe the roller coaster from hell). S.R. Masters created realistic personalities and people, which is no easy feat, and impressive when accomplished.

I’m glad I read this book because it brought the dread of being stuck midair on a deathtrap coaster, the emotion from bonding (and not so much bonding) with friends from a past life (university), and the chaos of a character whose mind is… let’s just say “complex.”

I don’t usually give out super high ratings super easily, but this story deserves a 5 out of 5 mystery boxes. It’s got heart, it’s got personality, and it’s got emotional breakthroughs that may or may not stick. If you’re after a story that’s fascinating, realistic, and just the right amount of unhinged, The Drop is absolutely worth reading.

* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily *

Perhaps the most unusual setting ever for a thriller, the characters find themselves in a remarkable situation and the tension does not let up. The multiple points of view break the potential for monotony in the isolated setting, where literally nothing changes for much of the book other than in the perspectives of the characters. I thought this was really cleverly done and well executed. Not a lot of time is spent on initial character set-up because it is simply not needed - this emerges as the drama builds. There is a particularly horrifying part as Cady seeks to free herself which had me absolutely hyperventilating. A very clever book.