One by One by Ruth Ware

Title: One by One
Author: Ruth Ware
Publisher: Scout Press
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Year of Publication: 2020
Date of Publication: September 8, 2020
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 1501188817
ISBN-13: 978-1501188817

Summary

One by One is a suspenseful thriller set in a luxurious ski chalet in the French Alps. 

Employees of a tech startup, Snoop, gather for a corporate retreat, but an avalanche traps them, leading to mysterious disappearances and deaths.

Main Plot & Characters

The story follows the Snoop team, including co-founders Topher and Eva, as they navigate tensions over a potential buyout. 

While they are trapped at this ski chalet, members of the team start to disappear while others are killed off.

As suspicion mounts, the survivors must identify the culprit among them.

Key Themes of One by One

• Isolation and Survival: Explores the psychological effects of being trapped and the instinct to survive.
• Trust and Betrayal: Examines how trust erodes under pressure and the impact of betrayal.
• Corporate Politics: Highlights internal conflicts and power struggles within a company.
• Human Nature: Delves into the darker aspects of human behavior in extreme situations.

Writing Style

Ruth Ware’s writes in a way that readers are able to view multiple perspectives.

Throughout the book you are concerned about the people in the ski chalet as you attempt to figure out who the culprit is.

At the same time you are also concerned about the Avalanche coming and wiping all of them out.

Her writing makes one feel like you are in the claustrophobic setting that the characters are experiencing.

Impact of One by One

The novel will appeal to fans of psychological suspense.

If you enjoyed this summary, we’d love to hear your recommendations for similar books! Have you read this book already, or is it on your list? And if you’ve read it, which scene or chapter left the biggest impression on you, and why?