With blistering honesty and a prose style that feels both personal and powerful, my journey into the world of new thrillers began. Deciding to break away from my usual science fiction and fantasy, I set out to explore this "new wave" of popular releases. What I found left me deeply conflicted.
I approached this with a certain curiosity, but my overall verdict is one of profound disappointment. I found myself struggling to connect with the author's voice and the world she built. It simply did not resonate with me on any level.
My previous lukewarm experience with another of McFadden's novels, The Locked Door, was something I had partially attributed to the questionable quality of the audiobook production. This time, however, I am listening to a clear pattern. I did not simply dislike the book; I actively disliked it.
My primary criticism is one of execution. The plot felt rushed, the twists unearned, and the entire premise came across as a pale imitation of a classic like Misery. While the narrative attempts to grapple with potent themes—women being disbelieved, the trauma of assault, the complexities of infertility and mental health—none of it felt well-delivered. The promise was there, but the execution fell flat.
More personally, I have a visceral reaction to characters who use the threat of self-harm as a manipulative tool. There's a way to write about that, to explore it, but here it felt cheap and grating. The women in this story were so quick to make assumptions and descend into a kind of operatic, unbelievable madness. I simply could not find a way to sympathize with them.
And the ending… the ending felt like a complete betrayal of the reader's investment. Without giving too much away, it came out of nowhere in a way that felt unearned and unsatisfying. It was a final disappointment in a long line of them.
I managed to finish it. The one saving grace of The Crash is its breakneck pace and a lack of dense prose to wade through. There were perhaps two or three genuinely well-crafted moments. Overall, however, I am left questioning the acclaim. For me, the writing is simply not that great. I would only hesitantly recommend this to a dedicated fan of the author looking for a fast, forgettable distraction for a cold weekend. I will not be seeking out more from this particular corner of the thriller genre.
This experience, however, has only sharpened my appreciation for truly compelling narratives. The search for that next truly immersive, heart-pounding read continues. If a story in this vein grabs you, I strongly recommend seeking out the audiobook version—a talented narrator can sometimes elevate material in ways that simply reading cannot. Or, better yet, explore the original classics that inspired this "new wave." Sometimes, the most thrilling journey is a return to the tried and true.
Emma Smith –
I would love to see this as a tv show/movie. I liked it a lot – a little bit repetitive & slow in the middle but I stayed engaged & would recommend to anyone looking for a quick read or to get out of a reading slump.
Ink book –
A gripping and intense story of survival and hidden dangers, The Last Snowstorm kept me hooked from start to finish. Tegan’s desperate journey and the eerie sense of threat in the remote Maine cabin create a tense atmosphere that never lets up. A powerful, emotional read about resilience and trusting the wrong people.
book.lover –
Outstanding performance! The emotions conveyed through the narration made it a memorable experience. ❤️
Review –
⭐️ I loved The Crash by Freida McFadden! The story kept me hooked from start to finish. 💖 The characters are so real, and the suspense is intense. I couldn’t put it down! 📚✨ Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys thrilling mysteries. 🕵️♀️🔥
Book Review –
I really enjoyed listening to The Crash by Freida McFadden. The story kept me hooked from start to finish with its suspenseful plot and unexpected twists. The narration is engaging and perfectly captures the tension of each scene. Definitely a thrilling listen that kept me on the edge of my seat! 🚗✨
Audio Books –
This audiobook was a breath of fresh air! 🌬️ The story was uplifting and inspiring, perfect for a good mood boost. Highly recommend! 😊🎧
AudioBooks Shop –
I highly recommend it!
Georgia Reviewer –
This is the first Freida McFadden book that I’ve read. It’s been a long time since I read a psychological thriller. This book is a quick read and is on the lighter side for a psych thriller, almost like a very watered-down “Misery.” The character development is pretty good and there were some interesting twists. I was disappointed that the book ended with main character lying to the man that is clearly going to be her future partner. Thankfully there was an epilogue with a twist to distract from that ending. But the “and they all lived happily ever after” for the lives of the main characters didn’t really fit with the rest of the book.
Honestly disappointed –
The Crash was okay, but it didn’t really deliver the impact I was hoping for. The storyline felt somewhat predictable, and honestly, I didn’t encounter any mind-blowing twists or turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. It had potential, but it didn’t live up to the hype I had built around it. While it wasn’t terrible, it just lacked that gripping element that makes a story truly memorable.
Brittany –
I really thought I had this one figured out. I even told my husband I had worked out a Freida book half way through ”I’m so good at this!” Um, no! I never would’ve guessed!!!! Loved the twists!!!! The characters are relatable and easy to follow. Love this narrator… her voice was soothing and also somehow creepily calm at times. Great read!!!!