It’s always a treat when the year kicks off with a new book by Freida McFadden, and 2025 is no exception. Like her other work, THE CRASH is a fast-paced and unsettling psychological thriller that immediately will hook her addicted readership. The points of view of different characters, told in succession, introduces what is actually going on in the story.

The Prologue begins with this chilling confession: “I’ve never killed anyone before.” We then witness our nameless narrator strangle to death a nameless victim. McFadden’s readers will realize that this is just a teaser to the puzzle of a thriller that is about to commence.

"The final outcome is not at all predictable and thus worthy of a Freida McFadden novel. This proves once again why every thriller fan needs to read her countless books."

Everything that happens is either before or after “the crash.” Tegan, who is eight months pregnant, loses control of her car during a blizzard. Were it not for the stranger who rescues her, she most assuredly would have frozen to death --- especially after suffering a badly broken ankle and lower leg in the accident. The man’s name is Hank, and he indicates that he will take her to his home. His wife Polly, who happens to be a nurse, can tend to her. Going to the nearest hospital is out of the question given the current weather conditions.

Tegan arrives at the cabin in the middle of nowhere and is introduced to Polly. It is a stroke of luck that Polly just happens to have a makeshift hospital bed set up in their basement. Hank and Polly promise Tegan that they will take her to the hospital once the storm is over and the roads are cleared. The phone is also out, so there is no chance of contacting anyone to check on Tegan. Not to worry, though, as she is in Polly’s able hands.

However, it isn’t long before Tegan begins to doubt Polly’s medical expertise. She doesn’t have any real medicine to give her, and she doesn’t fully examine her to understand the seriousness of her injuries. Readers who know their horror instantly will get an Annie Wilkes vibe from Polly. In fact, several passages play out like a homage to Stephen King’s MISERY.

Tegan fears for her life and that of her child. Her paranoia also begins to make her think that Hank and Polly don’t have any intention of releasing her. Even worse, she believes that they wish to kill her and take her unborn baby for their own. Chapters shift back and forth from the different perspectives of Tegan and Polly. The creep factor, as well as the claustrophobic setting, will have readers squirming with delight.

The final outcome is not at all predictable and thus worthy of a Freida McFadden novel. This proves once again why every thriller fan needs to read her countless books.