Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
One by One by Ruth Ware Narrator: Imogen Church
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio on September 8, 2020
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 13 hours, 8 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Getting snowed in at a beautiful, rustic mountain chalet doesn’t sound like the worst problem in the world, especially when there’s a breathtaking vista, a cozy fire, and company to keep you warm. But what happens when that company is eight of your coworkers…and you can’t trust any of them?
When an off-site company retreat meant to promote mindfulness and collaboration goes utterly wrong when an avalanche hits, the corporate food chain becomes irrelevant and survival trumps togetherness. Come Monday morning, how many members short will the team be?
So One by One is about a tech company and most of the characters are those who work there. Every chapter starts with a little Snoop info which I found distracting from the story. The company goes on a retreat at a French ski lodge. It’s small and staffed with a cook and housekeeper. There are 9 guest rooms and 10 guests who come for this trip.
Most of the story is told from the point of view of the housekeeper, Erin, and the only one who doesn’t still work there but is a minority shareholder, Liz. The first morning, they all head out skiing and by noon, the snowstorm worsens and then there is an avalanche. One of the majority shareholders goes missing, and people keep dropping after that.
One of the things to be discussed on the retreat is the buyout offer the company has received. Ava, one of the original partners think they should take it, and the other original partner, Topher is against it and wants to wait for an IPO because of some new things they are developing. But they don’t have the capital to keep things going until an IPO. The other two shareholders are split evenly between Ava and Topher so it is all down to the 2% Liz owns. She started as the admin to them both. She feels loyalty to Topher who hired her but there are other factors at work here.
I love the atmospheric details of a mystery like this one. I didn’t figure it out until Erin did because I just stayed with the story and didn’t really think about solving it myself. Everyone but Erin and Danny had a motive so it comes down to “alibis” and figuring out where everyone was when things happened but we don’t get that information completely. Obviously, there are a variety of characters and some of them are nicer people than others are.
Narration:
I’ve enjoyed this narrator before so I was happy to have another title. I don’t know what different areas accents would be but the voices felt authentic. I thought the male and female voices felt authentic. Most of the story was told from female perspectives so that was comfortable as well. I listened at a bit slower 1.25x speed.
Listen to a clip:
About Imogen Church
Born in Scotland and raised in England, Imogen trained as an actress at The Drama Centre London, under Christopher Fettes, Yat Malmgren and Reuven Adiv. Since graduating several moons ago, she has worked extensively in theatre, film, commercials and comedy sketch work and she works regularly as a voice artist; she also spent several years underground enjoying success as a deliciously naughty cabaret artiste, making people laugh and generally being rude.
As a screenwriter, her first screenplay won the 2009 award for Best Feature Screenplay at the Reel Women Film Festival in Los Angeles.
About Ruth Ware
uth Ware grew up in Sussex, on the south coast of England. After graduating from Manchester University she moved to Paris, before settling in North London. She has worked as a waitress, a bookseller, a teacher of English as a foreign language and a press officer. She is married with two small children, and In a Dark, Dark Wood is her début thriller.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
I’ve yet to read a Ruth Ware book, what is wrong with me?? I like the sound of this, being stuck in the snow seems like a good set up.
It’s the same thing wrong with me. I can’t seem to read more than 1-2 books a day! And sometimes I can’t do that many. These are good though. At least it’s not a whole series commitment, they are all standalone so you can just pick one and enjoy!
Woo hoo! I can’t wait to listen to this one. Excellent review, Anne?
Thanks. I try hard not to be too spoilery but to say something.
I like these types of mysteries where there is an isolated group and they are stuck with a muderer.
It’s a good one. The narrator is great also.
I have the ebook but not the audio. Hope I like it as well.
I hope so too. It’s the same great story – I just enjoy the accents!
A wonderful review, Anne! I haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading Ruth Ware – and this one sounds really intriguing. Thank you for sharing!
I’ve read 2 of her books and both were great. I think it’s easier since each one is standalone – you could try any one at any time that way.
Skipped your review, I have this up next in my queue and I am going in cold. I didn’t even look at your rating..LOL I will uplift for you and check out your review after mine is written 🙂
I have to do that too. I sometimes just hold onto an email or put it in Read later on Feedly when I will be reviewing. Enjoy!
I think I’ve read one Ruth Ware,and liked it. This sounds exactly like my cup of tea! I love the remote, survival aspect with a laundry list of suspects. Sort of like an Agatha Christie!
Yes it has some similarities to some Christie although more modern. I think you’d enjoy her work and since they are stand alone you can pick any one.
I need to read more of her books!
Me too! I’ve been getting the new ones but I have to go read the back list!
I’m glad you enjoyed this one too. I was actively trying to solve it myself and still didn’t figure it out until Erin did. So many great twists and turns!
I suppose in the background my mind is trying but I don’t consciously try to solve them very often. I just enjoy the story!
This was my first Ruth Ware book and I really enjoyed it, the setting was wonderful, so atmospheric. Glad to hear you enjoyed it too.
The author has a talent for this and I want to read more of her books.