One by One

Important Note: If you're reading this on ebook, make sure your ereader doesn't skip straight to the news story. It it does (like mine did), go back! The book actually starts by introducing the cast of characters in a fun way, and trust me, you will want all the help you can get to keep the characters straight at the beginning.

Now, onto the review.

*3.5 stars.

I read this book in a single day.

I didn't mean to. I sat down to read a chapter or two, but I just couldn't stop. The thing about Ruth Ware is that her books are just so dang readable. There are definitely a few quibbles I could see people having about this book. It doesn't feel at all like a thriller until quite a ways in. Until then, it's just some drama about business, which, let's be honest, is not the most thrilling topic. But somehow, she held my attention until things actually started to happen.

The other possible complaint is that the killer is obvious. Like, really obvious. But the thing is, Ware can still build some really amazing tension. In fact, I would go so far as to say that she made the killer obvious on purpose, in order to build a different type of tension. Rather than “whodunnit” it's “but-WHY-and-who-will-figure-it-out-and-when-and-will-it-be-enough” kind of tension. Ware really utilized the setting and the characters in a way that unfolded in a way that was slow and creepy and strangely addictive. I couldn't stop reading.

Was it a perfect book? No. In my opinion, it didn't feel polished in places; I know Ware is capable of better. And for the love of god, who puts “ffs” in their character's internal monologue?? That was extremely jarring and pulled me right out of the story. I wouldn't expect that from a beginner writer's first draft, much less a published book. But I digress.

Nevertheless, it was a solid, entertaining thriller. I think the key to enjoying it is the expectations. Don't go in for a whodunnit. Don't go in expecting “And Then There Were None” (like I did) or a million twists and turns. Just go in ready to enjoy the story and the chilling (heh, get it?) atmosphere.

Also, I totally want Snoop to be real.