A review by yvo_about_books
Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.25

Finished reading: July 11th 2024


"Sometimes we hold onto people because of the past when there's nothing left in the present, never mind the future."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and MIRA in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

After two excellent experiences with her writing, Hannah Mary McKinnon is firmly on my list of must-read authors. I've been eyeing her newest title Only One Survives ever since I first heard about it, and this was even before spotting the Daisy Jones And The Six comparison and the bad weather/remote setting trope... It's easy to understand why I couldn't resist an invitation to read this story, and I'm happy to announce that it definitely lived up to expectations for me!

If you enjoy reading about the inner workings of a band a la Daisy Jones And The Six, this story will more than deliver. True, it is not just about the band itself and the main focus is on the (quite dysfunctional and honestly toxic) friendship between the original members Madison and Vienna. True, it is also very much a crime thriller with everything that happens after the car accident in the present... But it is still very easy to understand that comparison, as the Bittersweet members give you a very similar vibe and the story isn't afraid to show you both sides of fame.

Only One Survives is divided into two parts as well as different points in time. The story switches between the present and everything that happens and the past as it shows how Vienna and Madison first meet and how they end up forming the Bittersweet. I confess that the first part didn't always fully convince me, as there was quite a lot of focus of family drama, abuse, parental pressure and dysfunctional relationships in general especially in the flashbacks. I much preferred the present timeline, as I always have a weak spot for a remote setting and a bout of bad weather to spice things up. BUT. The second part was simply brilliant, and made you doubt everything you had just read. SO unexpected, and it completely redeemed the story for me. I never saw it coming!

There is quite a lot of focus on the characters and their development, and there is no doubt that especially Vienna and Madison have major flaws. Their friendship is so incredibly toxic, but also fascinating to read about at the same time. You cannot help but feel for Vienna as it seems like everything in her life works against her... Madison is not as easy to warm up to, but I do appreciate the role she plays in the plot. And Vienna! Boy, my feelings were all over the place when it comes to her, and especially after certain things are revealed in part two. One of the most clever character developments I've come across lately, that's for sure.

If you are looking for an engaging, fast-paced and suspenseful psychological thriller that mixes drama and dysfuncional relationships with music and a dose of crime, I can highly recommend Only One Survives. It only reconfirmed my love for Hannah Mary McKinnon's writing for me! 
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