Reviews with content warning for Violence - One By One

I finished this in one day. I appreciate a read that has me turning the pages, but part of me feels like I’ve seen the lost in the woods trope so much. This wasn’t very high on my TBR, but Frieda did not disappoint. I decided to read it now because I’m seeing it all over bookstagram. I would definitely recommend it to someone looking for an evening read!

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vicki82octopus's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

One of her best. I loved this it played out like a film in my head. It was fast paced, quick and easy to read and follow. A horror rather than her usual thriller style. I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommend to those who enjoy a thriller of horror story; and the twists st the end, they kept coming until the last page, amazing writing. Honestly I don't need to give it a second thought when I see one of her books in the shop, I don't even look at the blub. If I've not got it it's coming home with me.

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stephspresso's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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yvo_about_books's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

Finished reading: March 18th 2024

"I can tell you my secret right now: At the end of this week, only one of us will make it home alive."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

I still can't believe I didn't read one of Freida McFadden's stories until recently, but I've immediately become a fan of her writing. I couldn't resist adding One By One straight away; I mean, have you read that blurb?! I have a weak spot for stories with a remote setting... Add a locked room vibe (only in the form of a huge forest), and there was no way I was going to be able to pass up on this book. I'm glad I didn't, because I ended up having a brilliant time reading it!

One By One uses a dual POV structure, where we switch between Claire and an Anonymous POV that is clearly ment to be one of the group going on the trip. Especially the second POV was very cleverly written, as it gives you more insight in their motivation while also making it hard to guess who is behind it all. I definitely didn't see that big twist coming! Things can be said about the credibility of it all, but it sure made for an entertaining ride. Claire's POV was also engaging considering it got all the action in the present with them being lost in the forest and the group going down in numbers one by one.

It's actually kind of funny how much I enjoyed One By One considering it includes a major pet peeve that usually makes me want to run away screaming. Oh yes, this story both has active cheating going on AND a love triangle to deal with, but strangely enough I didn't even care. The characters themselves aren't exactly likeable either, with the cheating and the secrets along with their behavior in the forest. Somehow, it works in this story though; I think the main reason is that there is just too much going on to truly contemplate their actions. Plus, they were dropping like flies by then, so why waste time thinking about whether you like them or not?!

The writing itself is extremely engaging, and I simply couldn't stop reading. The only reason I didn't finish it in one sitting is because I simply didn't have the time... Make sure to clear your schedule if you decide to read this story, because it will be VERY hard to put One By One down once the characters are lost in the forest. Trigger warnings are in place for topics including child abuse, toxic relationships, suicide, bullying and graphic scenes as well as the previously mentioned infidelity.

One By One is my second Freida McFadden title and it has placed this author firm on my radar. I already know she will appear on my list of favorite new author discoveries in 2024! If you like your thrillers on the wild side with lots of action, a remote setting and bad things happening to characters that definitely seem to deserve it, One By One will tick those boxes and more.

Content Warnings

achristi's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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fkshg8465's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was one of her better ones. I was guessing who it might’ve been until the reveal. And the epilogue was so right! A tightly written suspense novel. Could be a good movie someday. Found the fact about mosquitos and blood type interesting.

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syd11's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No

4.25

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lauralee012's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

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