Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for One by One by Ruth Ware

1. Erin and Danny have a strong and supportive relationship from the beginning of the book. Before opening the chalet to guests, they have a tradition of swimming together. Why do you think this is important for them to have this time alone? Have you ever had a confidant that you can rely on like Erin did with Danny?
2. Erin and Liz are both used to being outsiders. Why do you think the author chose these two characters be the ones to tell this story? What do you think the experience would look like through Danny's eyes? What about Eva's or Topher's perspectives?
3. Discuss the appeal of Snoop for users. Do you think you would use the app if it existed? What people would you follow?
4. The founders of Snoop disagree about whether or not to sell the company, with Liz as the deciding vote. If you were Liz, what would your decision be? Who of the founders do you find more trustworthy: Eva or Topher? Why?
5. Erin and Danny both begin One by One as the chalet's staff. However, once the avalanche traps them along with Snoop's staff, they are not quite sure how to proceed. Why do you think Erin and Danny continue to act as the chalet's caretakers? Discuss moments where Erin and Danny come into conflict with Snoop employees.
6. After the avalanche hits, Snoop employees also ignore the corporate food chain, and instead focus on survival. How did you feel about the alliances that people made? Who begins the book with the most power? How does that change throughout the book?
7. Many people almost uncover the murderer before they are also killed. Discuss how each character found out who the murderer was. How did the killer find out that they knew?
8. It quickly becomes clear that Snoop's corporate culture is toxic. How do you think Liz fit into this culture when she worked there? How do you think she fit into Snoop after she left as a shareholder? Were you surprised that Eva and Topher each had sexual relationships with their assistants?
9. Though Erin begins the book as an outsider, she comes from a very similar background to Topher. Did this come as a surprise to you? Why do you think she chose to stay close to the mountains after such a traumatic accident?
10. Snoop can track the location of its users while they use the app. However, the users are not yet aware of this technology. What do you think the public's reaction would have been? Discuss the ethical implications of tracking users without notifying them. Does the app helping to uncover the murderer change your opinion?
11. Liz had been taken advantage of often in her life, both in her own family and by her former colleagues at Snoop. How much did you agree with Liz's view of herself as a victim of circumstance?
12. Why do you think Topher felt it was important to message Erin after Snoop went under? What do you think of Erin's reply? Did you find Topher to be a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Gallery/Scout Press. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.