Ruth Ware is one of my favorite authors writing primarily mysteries and psychological thrillers. With many titles being published in this genre over the last few years, Ware is unique among authors with her innovative twists and turns. Her titles are always among the best. If you are intrigued by this genre and don’t know where to start, I highly recommend Ruth Ware. Each of her books is a stand alone title and any would be a good place to begin, including her latest release, One By One.
When One By One opens, we meet Erin and Danny, caretaker and chef respectively, of a picturesque chalet in the French Alps. They are preparing the chalet for a new tech start up group who will be arriving from London and will be renting the chalet. The CEO has rented the house for the inner circle of the company with the intention of team building, presentations and strategizing.
As voyeurs to the group and the changing dynamic between its members, Erin and Danny soon sense tension as old secrets start to emerge. The group conducts their annual business meeting and during the meeting a faction of employees announce their intention to take a buyout deal that would make millions for a select few.
After the tense meeting, the guests try to settle in at the chalet. Just as they start to relax, an avalanche quickly and violently destroys the chalet’s access to the outside world. To make matters worse, one of the guests was on the slopes when the avalanche hit and did not return to the chalet. With the group being isolated, Erin and Danny frantically try to keep the guests calm while simultaneously trying to contact the authorities for help. They soon realize that help may not be coming and the most dire threat may be from one of the guests as their numbers start to dwindle one by one in a variety of suspicious circumstances.
The book wraps up with a thrilling ski scene that makes you feel like you are right on the slopes of the French Alps. Again, another winner from Ruth Ware!
One By One is also available as an eBook and eAudiobook on Overdrive.