by Ruth Ware
Narrator: Imogen Church
Length: 13 hours and 8 minutes
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.4x
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?
I look forward to Ruth Ware’s suspense thrillers and as with all of her books I went into One by One, narrated by Imogen Church cold. An atmospheric whodunit.
Just to set the vibe of the story for you, this brought to mind Agatha Christy’s And Then There Were None, which I read as a teen.
The setting is a rustic mountain chalet surrounded by ski slopes and majestic views. The story involves a group of Snoop employees. Snoop is an online music app. The only other people are the two employees of the chalet.
It seems Snoop is being offered a buyout and the workers/owners are there to enjoy some skiing and discuss the options. It seems they are pretty divided, with one left undecided. When a storm threatens, they take the morning off to ski. But before they can get off the mountain safely, one of them goes missing. The others return to the chalet and soon find themselves trapped by the storm without power and cut off from the outside world.
This is when the suspense and mystery begins as, one by one, members of Snoop party end up dead. Who is the killer?
I found the suspense delightful, from locked roomed murders to unsettling discoveries. Ware treats us to the alternating POVs of two women, Erin, a chalet employee with secrets and Liz, an awkward Snoop employee.
While not my favorite of Ware novel, I will say twists, revelations and solid story-telling had me listening into the wee hours as this fast-paced thriller took hold. I think the narration helped to enhance the story and added depth to characters.
Imogen Church is absolutely delightful as the narrator. I love her interpretations of Ware’s characters. The buildup of suspense in her tones and the unique voices she gives to each character. She is a favorite narrator here at Caffeinated. She truly enhances the telling and brings Ruth Ware’s books to life.
Narrated by Imogen Church, One by One by Ruth Ware delivers a thriller nestled in the French Alps #audiobook #thriller Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Heather
I enjoyed this too, it was my first Ruth Ware book so I’m definitely going to read her others.
Kimberly
Then you are in for a treat, I think this was my least favorite!
Jennifer
I love Imogen Church and plan to give this author a try via audiobook at some point. Which title do you recommend the most?
Kimberly
Hey Jen, I loved Turn the Key and In A Dark, Dark Wood best, then the rest are all 4’s, so pick the one that appeals to you best.
Carla
I do enjoy Ruth Ware’s books a lot. I have read mixed reviews on this one. I hope to get my hands on the audiobook as I do love Imogen Church’s narration. Nice review Kimberly.
Kimberly
Yes, the audio is the way to go 🙂
czai
I’ve only read 1 Ruth Ware novel and I’m really eager to read more! This really good just from the locked room setup which is something I like about mysteries!
Kimberly
I do too. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Katherine
I haven’t had the best luck with Ruth Ware on her most recent books but if Imogen Church narrates I will try it. I’m glad you enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to listening to it.
Kimberly
I’ve only ever listened.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I would say I liked this better than you did. But I found the Snoop listening info at the beginning of sections to be a bit distracting / boring.
Kimberly
Yes, until it tied in…then it was creepy.
Sophia Rose
I do enjoy these thrillers where the group is isolated and have to figure out which one is the killer. Neat that it had an Agatha Christie vibe to you.
Kimberly
Agreed!
Nadene
Another author to add to my list of mystery writers. Thanks for the review and the recommendation.
Kimberly
Happy to share Nadene. I always enjoy her books on audio.
sherry fundin
great cover and just reading the title i figured it was a thriller. sounds like one i would enjoy too
Kimberly
Thanks Sherry, always a good listen from Ware.
Debbie Haupt
The comparison to Christie’s novel was exactly what I thought when I read the blurb Kim. Thanks for your thoughts xo
Kimberly
It has the same vibe, but holds its own.
Angela
Even if her books aren’t favorites of mine, I can always rely on Ware for some twisty mysteries.
Kimberly
Yes, I never regret listening and a few were fantastic.