The Only Survivors: a compulsive, gripping shock of a thriller from the bestselling author of The Last House Guest

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Fans of Miranda’s previous works won’t be surprised by her skillful timing of twists and turns, but even longtime readers will appreciate just how tautly plotted this thriller is. She doesn’t just employ the use of alternate timelines and perspectives; she breaks the mold entirely, using mirrored settings, dynamics and secrets to both expose the errors of her characters’ past and highlight the effects of the allegiances they’ve formed. The result is a masterwork of craft artistry, so clever that you could almost read it twice --- once for the plot and once to appreciate the technical acuity of its author. The story is well-paced and will keep you intrigued. I was so engrossed in the book that I would give my wife short updates as I was reading (we used to vacation in the Outer Banks). Even with just snippets of information, she was tense and a bit creeped out. Growing up, Miranda lived in New Jersey [9] [3] [5] and spent time at her grandparents' house in the Poconos. [4] Thrillers often provide a chance for the readers to exercise their reasoning skills and guess twists and solve mysteries alongside the characters. Throughout this book, did you correctly guess any parts of the plot? Which parts did you not anticipate? Does trying to guess twists contribute to or take away from your reading experience?

The group drew straws for someone to attempt to get to the trapped students. Jason lost the draw, and was swept away by the rising river current. Three other students (Ben, Trinity, and Morgan, died at the scent).They weren’t really friends when the accident occurred but what they survived together has created a bond of sorts. When Clara commits Suicide a year after the tragedy, they decide to meet ANNUALLY at a beachfront rental property owned by Oliver’s family, known as The Shallows, as a way to keep tabs on each other, and to make sure that their pact to keep secret all of the details from that night remains intact. The only piece that fell a little flat to me was who was behind the evil deeds. Because, unfortunately, I was able to see though the subterfuge and guessed part of the conclusion. Not enough to ruin it, but with part of the surprise taken out of the reveal, I felt somewhat disappointed in the end. But have no fear, there was yet more to learn and THAT I did not guess in the least! Mesmerising and propulsive, this slow-burn suspense had me riveted and speculating until the final chapter.

Almost immediately, something feels off this year. Cassidy is the first to notice when Amaya, annual organizer, slips away, overwhelmed. This wouldn’t raise alarm except for the impending storm. Suddenly, they’re facing the threat of closed roads and surging waters...again. Then Amaya stops responding to her phone. After all they’ve been through, she wouldn’t willfully make them worry. Would she? The narrative alternates between the present and “Then.” Chapters in the present are narrated solely by Cassidy and “Then” by varying survivors. I liked the “Then” chapters more, as they offered something different. The turnoff appeared before I was ready for it, a cluster of uncoordinated mailboxes before a faded street sign, bent from the wind and sun-scorched white at the center. But something feels off this year. An impending storm means they’re facing the threat of closed roads and surging waters…again. And—as they promised long ago—each survivor will do whatever he or she can do to save one another. Won’t they? Almost immediately, something feels off this year. Cassidy is the first to notice when Amaya, annual organizer, slips away, overwhelmed. This wouldn’t raise alarm except for the impending storm. Suddenly, they’re facing the threat of closed roads and surging waters…again. Then Amaya stops responding to her phone. After all they’ve been through, she wouldn’t willfully make them worry. Would she?

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Megan Miranda's 'Fracture': Compelling thriller and romance is life-affirming". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286 . Retrieved 2023-04-05.

The characters in this story cope with the accident in different ways. What are some of the healthier ways? What personalized advice would you give the remaining survivors, knowing all that has happened in the past ten years?And—as they promised long ago—each survivor will do whatever he or she can do to save one another. Won’t they? Are they being lured to the Outer Banks each year by someone who isn’t as forgiving as they pretend to be? Will all seven still be alive at the end of the SEVEN day retreat? I straightened my spine, steeling myself. On a list of things that could set my nerves on edge, this would be near the top. Not quite as high as driving on curving dark roads, or being lost. But arriving late to this house, with this group: high.

And then, before I could stop the image: I saw them running, funneling out the front door, a massive wave rising up behind the house, sky darkening, shadow expanding. The chaos of panic, and wondering who I would save first—

Some readers on my spoiler post (below) have found it slow, and I agree that it is NOT a fast-paced thriller, so keep that in mind! Well folks, it’s been well over TWO months since I’ve read a book I haven’t liked, so it’s about time that I come across a dud. There were four cars in a row out front, the last being Amaya’s rust-colored sedan, with a collection of decals lining the rear windshield. It was already late afternoon—I assumed I was the last to arrive. Not everyone lived within driving distance anymore. Almost immediately, something feels off this year. Cassidy is the first to notice when Amaya, annual organizer, slips away, overwhelmed. This wouldn’t raise alarm except for the impending storm. Suddenly, they’re facing the threat of closed roads and surging waters…again. Then Amaya stops responding to her phone. After all they’ve been through, she wouldn’t willfully make them worry. Would she? And—as they promised long ago—each survivor will do whatever he or she can do to save one another. Won’t they?