Review: One By One

Rating: 2.75 Stars

So, so disappointed with this book by Ruth Ware. One by One goes into the forgettable category of The Lying Game by the same author. It reminded me of so many books that I have read previously, I thought I had read it before!

The theme of stranded-in-a-house-with-a-murderer-on-loose has been done to death in books and movies. It has become a fixed formula for suceess. One can still do it if one knows how to keep readers interested. However here, this is not the case.

The book starts off with a corporate retreat in an exclusive ski resort located in the Swiss Alps. The agenda on the table is a billion dollar buyout offer. An offer that can change the lives of some of the people. It promises to be week full of high tensions, since the group seems to be split in their views. As a result, sparks start flying from the first moment.

The resort, owned by a chain, has two employees who manage the resort between themselves. They have become good friends during their time together.

Things become dangerous as an avalanche cuts off the chalet from the rest of the world. And then, one person goes missing. With everyone worried about the missing person, no one thinks of foul play until another body turns up. Now, everyone is sure that they have a murderer in their midst, and that anyone could be their next victim.

What follows is too long winded, and not very thrilling. It is not that hard to figure most of it out. Needless suspense like Erin’s background is not really necessary. The narrative alternates between Erin and Liz, who are both colourless characters.

There are too many coincidences, as there are in this type of books, and not one of the characters is memorable enough to redeem this very lacklustre book. I had such high hopes from Ruth Ware.

Not recommended for fans of murder mysteries and thrillers.