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The Drop
A high-octane, fast-paced locked-room thriller with a killer twist.
Only the bravest dare to ride the highest roller coaster in the world, Hysteria …
You're a thrill seeker who loves an adrenaline rush.
You're offered the chance to ride a roller coaster. The highest one in the world. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, after hours, no queuing, no restrictions.
But then the roller coaster stops. 200 meters above ground.
You realize no one is around. No one can hear your scream.
You're stranded. There is no help coming. How will you escape?
Only the bravest dare to ride the highest roller coaster in the world, Hysteria …
You're a thrill seeker who loves an adrenaline rush.
You're offered the chance to ride a roller coaster. The highest one in the world. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, after hours, no queuing, no restrictions.
But then the roller coaster stops. 200 meters above ground.
You realize no one is around. No one can hear your scream.
You're stranded. There is no help coming. How will you escape?
Audible Audio
Published December 4, 2025
6 people are currently reading
7039 people want to read
About the author
S.R. Masters
4 books159 followersS R Masters grew up around Birmingham in the UK and lives in Oxford with his wife and children. His award winning short fiction and quirky novels have been published internationally. Labelled as "a writer to watch" by Publishers Weekly, his books include THE TRIAL (HarperCollins), THE KILLER YOU KNOW (Sphere) and HOW TO KILL WITH KINDNESS (HarperCollins).
His next book is a roller coaster thriller called THE DROP, out with HarperCollins (UK) and Sourcebooks (US) in 2026.
His next book is a roller coaster thriller called THE DROP, out with HarperCollins (UK) and Sourcebooks (US) in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 10, 2025
ARC for review. To be published December 10, 2025.
3.5 stars
Cady, a You Tube star, Femi, an actor, Naz, a writer and Winston, a musician meet up with their fifth friend from Cambridge, Dawson, in a middle eastern country to preview Dawson’s employers’ brand new amusement park which features the world’s largest roller coaster (and they just happen to be what Cady’s content is….whodathunkit?)
Something goes wrong leaving the four trapped on the coaster. Why is this happening? Does it have anything to do with a girl they knew at college?
This was an interesting premise and I wish there had been more focus on the coaster….there was a perfect opportunity, since Cady is expert-ish, but obviously it doesn’t reinvent the wheel or anything (I read a book about people trapped on a ski lift.). This is like that perfect MMP that you used to buy from a rack from the grocery store at the beach so you had a book you didn’t care about getting water and suntan oil (I’m a girl of my time) on. Enjoyable though, so, I’m pushing it up to 4 stars.
Read as part of Horror Aficianados’ Halloween Bingo 2025, survivor horror.
3.5 stars
Cady, a You Tube star, Femi, an actor, Naz, a writer and Winston, a musician meet up with their fifth friend from Cambridge, Dawson, in a middle eastern country to preview Dawson’s employers’ brand new amusement park which features the world’s largest roller coaster (and they just happen to be what Cady’s content is….whodathunkit?)
Something goes wrong leaving the four trapped on the coaster. Why is this happening? Does it have anything to do with a girl they knew at college?
This was an interesting premise and I wish there had been more focus on the coaster….there was a perfect opportunity, since Cady is expert-ish, but obviously it doesn’t reinvent the wheel or anything (I read a book about people trapped on a ski lift.). This is like that perfect MMP that you used to buy from a rack from the grocery store at the beach so you had a book you didn’t care about getting water and suntan oil (I’m a girl of my time) on. Enjoyable though, so, I’m pushing it up to 4 stars.
Read as part of Horror Aficianados’ Halloween Bingo 2025, survivor horror.
November 2, 2025
This book sounded so good, getting stuck in a roller coaster would be terrifying, and I always get scared it will happen to me whenever I go on one.
The Drop started off well and I was hooked. University friends meet up at the opening of a brand new theme park in the Middle East, all expenses paid. The dream right, especially for Cady, a YouTuber who specialises in amusement rides. But delight turns to terror when they get stuck on this world largest drop, with one of their own demanding answers to something that happened in their past.
Once the timelines started to alternate, the story lost some of the tension. I get why the author did it this way, but it really took away the feelings of them being stuck so high up, with no water in extreme heat. For me it didn’t work that well.
Thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK for inviting me to read this. Just fell flat for me, not really what I was expecting.
The Drop started off well and I was hooked. University friends meet up at the opening of a brand new theme park in the Middle East, all expenses paid. The dream right, especially for Cady, a YouTuber who specialises in amusement rides. But delight turns to terror when they get stuck on this world largest drop, with one of their own demanding answers to something that happened in their past.
Once the timelines started to alternate, the story lost some of the tension. I get why the author did it this way, but it really took away the feelings of them being stuck so high up, with no water in extreme heat. For me it didn’t work that well.
Thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK for inviting me to read this. Just fell flat for me, not really what I was expecting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cady Ellison has finally found her niche. A successful YouTuber, she takes on the scariest roller coasters and films the terror for her fans. Not that the job is without its problems - being largely unavailable for her family and boyfriend being the main ones. So when old uni friend, Danny, gets in touch to invite her to ride Hysteria, the world's highest rollercoaster in an (as yet) unopened park in the Middle East, she jumps at the chance.
But Cady is not the only invitee. When she arrives she finds Femi, Naz and Winston also there - the members of the No Tomorrows Club that was founded in Oxford. Dan gets them all settled in their places on the ride but as it reaches the 650ft zenith of the first big climb, the friends realise something is very wrong.
As they begin to come to terms with what Dan has in store for them the No Tomorrows Club has to delve back into their time at Oxford and their interaction with Eloise Draclin, Dan's girlfriend, to understand how they will get themselves out of danger.
Whilst the premise is quite incredible, the main moral of the story is about the relationships we forge when we are young and how we can forget our humanity when we are offered fame and fortune.
On the whole I enjoyed this novel. It did get a little fantastical at times but the characters were good and, generally likeable. An interesting premise and a plot that tips away at a good pace. Recommended.
Thankyou to Netgalley and One More Chapter for the advance review copy.
But Cady is not the only invitee. When she arrives she finds Femi, Naz and Winston also there - the members of the No Tomorrows Club that was founded in Oxford. Dan gets them all settled in their places on the ride but as it reaches the 650ft zenith of the first big climb, the friends realise something is very wrong.
As they begin to come to terms with what Dan has in store for them the No Tomorrows Club has to delve back into their time at Oxford and their interaction with Eloise Draclin, Dan's girlfriend, to understand how they will get themselves out of danger.
Whilst the premise is quite incredible, the main moral of the story is about the relationships we forge when we are young and how we can forget our humanity when we are offered fame and fortune.
On the whole I enjoyed this novel. It did get a little fantastical at times but the characters were good and, generally likeable. An interesting premise and a plot that tips away at a good pace. Recommended.
Thankyou to Netgalley and One More Chapter for the advance review copy.
September 10, 2025
I signed up for white-knuckle survival thriller and instead got front-row seats to a therapy session in the sky.
I requested this ARC expecting something along the lines of the horror movie Frozen (a trio stranded on a ski lift) or Fall (friends stuck at the top of a radio tower). The description promised friends trapped 700 feet in the air where no one can hear them scream. Instead, what I got was…a whole lot of screaming about their pasts.
Yes, there are flickers of claustrophobia, but the real story here is college frenemies unpacking years of secrets, lies, grudges, and resentment. At times, it felt less like survival horror and more like Days of Our Lives: Rollercoaster Edition. You’re strapped in with them, but a majority of this book focuses on the past and bringing you through memories, flashbacks and the history of a friend group that coulda/shoulda/woulda. Basically, this is less horror and more… snorer.
The prose, to be fair, is strong. The writing itself flows nicely and made the pages easy to get through. The story dragged on, but the words didn’t if that makes sense. I will definitely read more books by Masters just based on that alone.
If I think of this as contemporary fiction instead of horror, I kinda love it. It’s dramatic, it’s messy, it’s entertaining. But if you’re craving heart-pounding terror? Wrong ride—this one’s fueled by angst, not adrenaline. Set your expectations for friendship feuds, not fast paced terror.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I requested this ARC expecting something along the lines of the horror movie Frozen (a trio stranded on a ski lift) or Fall (friends stuck at the top of a radio tower). The description promised friends trapped 700 feet in the air where no one can hear them scream. Instead, what I got was…a whole lot of screaming about their pasts.
Yes, there are flickers of claustrophobia, but the real story here is college frenemies unpacking years of secrets, lies, grudges, and resentment. At times, it felt less like survival horror and more like Days of Our Lives: Rollercoaster Edition. You’re strapped in with them, but a majority of this book focuses on the past and bringing you through memories, flashbacks and the history of a friend group that coulda/shoulda/woulda. Basically, this is less horror and more… snorer.
The prose, to be fair, is strong. The writing itself flows nicely and made the pages easy to get through. The story dragged on, but the words didn’t if that makes sense. I will definitely read more books by Masters just based on that alone.
If I think of this as contemporary fiction instead of horror, I kinda love it. It’s dramatic, it’s messy, it’s entertaining. But if you’re craving heart-pounding terror? Wrong ride—this one’s fueled by angst, not adrenaline. Set your expectations for friendship feuds, not fast paced terror.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2025
I'm not good at writing reviews, but I'll try my best!
Thank you to Netgalley for this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was a roller-coaster of emotions. Go ahead you can laugh, the pun was intended... no one's laughing 😅 anywayssss. I really enjoyed it and I think this was a perfect novel to get me out of my reading slump.
There is so much to this plot so I am not doing a summary. If you are confused by anything I'm saying, I'm sorry but I'm not explaining everything.
If you plan to read this then I wouldn't read this review because there will be spoilers.
Danson is a psycho. I feel bad for him, but he is a total psycho. He traps his old friends to reveal how they betrayed each other and how selfish they are for being "successful" while he wasn't. Bro how is it their fault for being "successful" and not you? I keep putting successful in quotes because they really weren't. Yeah at first they were making some good money, but after a while things got bad, they had no social life, money started going down the drain, they became so wrapped up in finding the next job that they couldn't pay attention to family, they got threatened every day. That doesn't sound very nice to me. Danson acted like everyone is supposed to do things for him, but that's not how the world works buddy. If you want to get a job then you need to do things yourself.
I do really feel bad for Danson because I understand what its like to be on the sidelines. To not be accepted by anybody and think you're not good at anything. But what this man needed was therapy. And maybe just a better girlfriend. When you're jealous of your friends I don't think killing them is the solution. I admit some of them could have been a bit nicer, but how were they gonna help him? They have lives of their own.
Writing: It flowed nicely and it was a very easy read. There were some grammatical mistakes but those can be easily fixed. I really enjoyed how we got flashbacks to see how it all went down with Eloise and the blackmailing.
Plot: I loved it! Friends forced to reveal their secrets and still try to trust each other. It was great! I thought it was going to be a bit more survival horror though like "The Fall" but it was more about the emotional side of things and working past betrayal.
Cady: #relatable. Love her. How was she to blame! I really don't understand. Naz blamed her for being upbeat and positive and helping them follow their dream. Wut? You're upset because Cady tried to help you? I'm sorry but Cady is perfectly innocent and no matter how much they try to spin it on her, she will always be innocent. Also how was the accident her fault? Its the grandpa's fault for smoking and not keeping his eyes on the road, not Cady's. It seriously made me laugh how hard they were trying to blame Cady. Poor Cady got unnecessary brain damage lol. Her secret was boring. It was a huge lead up and I thought she was gonna have this huge secret but it was so boring.
Naz: She was very whiny. I still like her but she was the one that tried to blame Cady so the respect meter went down. I do feel bad about her abortion tho, but it made me happy that she kept the second baby :)
Winston: Why do I love this man so much? Gets high instead of idk trying to survive. That's my kind of guy. Jk jk. His backstory was so wild. Son of a murderer?! Wow! Never expected that. I wish he had a bit more personality. Imma be honest I don't remember that much about him except he had a band and is the son of a murderer. The guy needed more depth.
Femi: What kind of name is Femi for a guy? Maybe I'm just pronouncing it wrong but Femi? Really? Hate that he's a womanizer but he was funny. And also kinda sad. He was ready to kill himself to help the others live. What a great friend 😭 But I'm glad he didn't do that. Character development was insane. I just love how he started to care for his baby and he wanted to stay with Naz to be a father.
Danson: I hate how relatable this guy was. He was a psycho yet he was relatable. There's so many solutions to this. Be better parents! Stop listening to communist girlfriends! Go get therapy! Communicate with your friends! Especially the communist one, seriously that girl got in his head.
Eloise: 🤬🤨☹😰 This girl scared me. Girl was like "rich people are selfish and y'know who must be rich? Students at Cambridge! So lets go here and blackmail the students to give them a taste of their own medicine." One: I'm pretty sure this club wasn't rich, they were actually struggling with money, one reason why they decided to share a secret. Two: Why you preying on innocent kids? They didn't do anything to you. They just living their lives and you out here blackmailing people. This is why we need to stop raising our kids communist guys 🤦 Look at all the weird shit they be doing
The ending: I love the ending! Tom and Cady got married and it was adorable!
The stalker: Ok so the stalker was Danson but that again was so boring. I really wanted there to be more importance on the stalker but he was just kinda forgotten.
Cons: There were several innuendos and a bit too much detail but it wasn't too bad. Some cussing. The summary didn't really fit what I thought was gonna happen, which was a bummer.
I really liked this book and it was perfect to get me out of my slump! I hope you enjoyed the review!
Thank you to Netgalley for this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was a roller-coaster of emotions. Go ahead you can laugh, the pun was intended... no one's laughing 😅 anywayssss. I really enjoyed it and I think this was a perfect novel to get me out of my reading slump.
There is so much to this plot so I am not doing a summary. If you are confused by anything I'm saying, I'm sorry but I'm not explaining everything.
If you plan to read this then I wouldn't read this review because there will be spoilers.
Danson is a psycho. I feel bad for him, but he is a total psycho. He traps his old friends to reveal how they betrayed each other and how selfish they are for being "successful" while he wasn't. Bro how is it their fault for being "successful" and not you? I keep putting successful in quotes because they really weren't. Yeah at first they were making some good money, but after a while things got bad, they had no social life, money started going down the drain, they became so wrapped up in finding the next job that they couldn't pay attention to family, they got threatened every day. That doesn't sound very nice to me. Danson acted like everyone is supposed to do things for him, but that's not how the world works buddy. If you want to get a job then you need to do things yourself.
I do really feel bad for Danson because I understand what its like to be on the sidelines. To not be accepted by anybody and think you're not good at anything. But what this man needed was therapy. And maybe just a better girlfriend. When you're jealous of your friends I don't think killing them is the solution. I admit some of them could have been a bit nicer, but how were they gonna help him? They have lives of their own.
Writing: It flowed nicely and it was a very easy read. There were some grammatical mistakes but those can be easily fixed. I really enjoyed how we got flashbacks to see how it all went down with Eloise and the blackmailing.
Plot: I loved it! Friends forced to reveal their secrets and still try to trust each other. It was great! I thought it was going to be a bit more survival horror though like "The Fall" but it was more about the emotional side of things and working past betrayal.
Cady: #relatable. Love her. How was she to blame! I really don't understand. Naz blamed her for being upbeat and positive and helping them follow their dream. Wut? You're upset because Cady tried to help you? I'm sorry but Cady is perfectly innocent and no matter how much they try to spin it on her, she will always be innocent. Also how was the accident her fault? Its the grandpa's fault for smoking and not keeping his eyes on the road, not Cady's. It seriously made me laugh how hard they were trying to blame Cady. Poor Cady got unnecessary brain damage lol. Her secret was boring. It was a huge lead up and I thought she was gonna have this huge secret but it was so boring.
Naz: She was very whiny. I still like her but she was the one that tried to blame Cady so the respect meter went down. I do feel bad about her abortion tho, but it made me happy that she kept the second baby :)
Winston: Why do I love this man so much? Gets high instead of idk trying to survive. That's my kind of guy. Jk jk. His backstory was so wild. Son of a murderer?! Wow! Never expected that. I wish he had a bit more personality. Imma be honest I don't remember that much about him except he had a band and is the son of a murderer. The guy needed more depth.
Femi: What kind of name is Femi for a guy? Maybe I'm just pronouncing it wrong but Femi? Really? Hate that he's a womanizer but he was funny. And also kinda sad. He was ready to kill himself to help the others live. What a great friend 😭 But I'm glad he didn't do that. Character development was insane. I just love how he started to care for his baby and he wanted to stay with Naz to be a father.
Danson: I hate how relatable this guy was. He was a psycho yet he was relatable. There's so many solutions to this. Be better parents! Stop listening to communist girlfriends! Go get therapy! Communicate with your friends! Especially the communist one, seriously that girl got in his head.
Eloise: 🤬🤨☹😰 This girl scared me. Girl was like "rich people are selfish and y'know who must be rich? Students at Cambridge! So lets go here and blackmail the students to give them a taste of their own medicine." One: I'm pretty sure this club wasn't rich, they were actually struggling with money, one reason why they decided to share a secret. Two: Why you preying on innocent kids? They didn't do anything to you. They just living their lives and you out here blackmailing people. This is why we need to stop raising our kids communist guys 🤦 Look at all the weird shit they be doing
The ending: I love the ending! Tom and Cady got married and it was adorable!
The stalker: Ok so the stalker was Danson but that again was so boring. I really wanted there to be more importance on the stalker but he was just kinda forgotten.
Cons: There were several innuendos and a bit too much detail but it wasn't too bad. Some cussing. The summary didn't really fit what I thought was gonna happen, which was a bummer.
I really liked this book and it was perfect to get me out of my slump! I hope you enjoyed the review!
November 3, 2025
My Selling Pitch:
Saltburn meets Rollercoaster Tycoon, but it’s a lackluster revenge thriller whose logic collapses with any puff of skepticism.
Pre-reading:
Rollercoaster horror? Sign me UP.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Dragging the twin towers into this is crazy.
T Swift sin
Giant magnet for her head plate? In a lightning storm? That kinda survival thriller?
I think Cady cheated on Tom.
Danson’s plan is giving Clue.
Send a signal from the lights during a storm?
Enough with the t swift references.
The logic of this doesn’t make a ton of sense. Like the book collapses if anyone reacts rationally. Like if she tells anyone his dad’s a serial killer, it reflects poorly on her, not him. He didn’t do those crimes. Also, if your parents are that involved, they’re definitely checking your transcript, and your transcript says what classes you’re enrolled in.
He’s tied by a cardigan but like his other hand is still free to untie himself?
No one‘s questioning that they don’t have to sign NDA’s or that there’s no security around or EMS on site? Like it’s just too far-fetched to believe, but it’s kinda popcorn thriller-y just go with it. I still wanna know the rest of the mystery.
I’m assuming she’s gonna say that she was the one driving, and she submitted her brother‘s essay to get in or something?
CAMARADERIE, I mean 🎶
Saltburn meets Rollercoaster Tycoon.
Maybe the stalker comes to save them? I’m assuming Tom knows Raf or Eloise from the hospital and is long gaming this. (There were truly so many spots in this book to make it a smarter, twistier thriller, and the way this book took none of them.)
This is stupid.
It’s doing the Riley Sager thing where it bloats the word count by overly describing actions and halting them mid scene with out of place reflective internal monologuing.
Oh cool, so we could've slipped out this whole time.
And we just rendered that moot too. Like it’s so pointless and repetitive. Let's try this solution. Oh no, it doesn't work. Just kidding! Oh, and this other solution we vetoed earlier? Ha, yeah, that's also back on the table. It's not very fairplay to the audience, and y'all know how I feel about that.
They shouldn't survive that. She should absolutely miscarry at this point too.
Everyone in this book sucks!
My friend’s too nice and motivational. My lobster’s too buttery. My steak’s too tender. God, this is dumb.
Why the hell would your dead Lyft driver’s mom be at your wedding?
Lmao so the message is make your man do it? Hold down a career as a doctor and a YouTuber? Hey, what’s up, you guys, scrubbing out of the ER and into TSA PreCheck. We're going to Disneyland!
These suggested book club questions are sending me. Absolutely crying laughing at would you do what Danson did? Like no. Can't say I'd get an entire engineering degree and build a whole ass rollercoaster to complain my friends didn't help nepo baby me into a career.
Post-reading:
This should've been a novella. As far as concepts go, Saltburn meets Rollercoaster Tycopn is an absolute banger. There's been a spike in survival horrors taking place in bonkers locations, and I think they're super fun. But you either need to be camp about it, or have rock-solid logic. This book doesn't have either. Characters’ motivations are flimsy at best and nonsensical at worst. You expect me to believe this man came up with this master plan and engineered a whole ass rollercoaster knowing he was going to trap his friends on it and homie couldn't even put in an elevator? It expects you to believe that multiple Oxford graduates and a woman who literally reviews rides for a living have no qualms about being the first test riders without EMS standing by? The blackmail plot line makes no sense. There’s no way his parents wouldn’t see his transcripts.
Thrillers should be breakneck fast. This one passes at an absolute snail’s crawl. The action is constantly halted by internal monologuing. The scenes get repetitive because the audience is told that an escape solution doesn’t work, only for that exact same solution to work later on. It’s kind of like a fake-out death. You get one narrative retcon, and after that, you lose your authority and believability.
The main character, Cady‘s, “crimes” are so ridiculous, I don’t think a single reader will be able to take them seriously. Her friends blame her for motivating them. That’s batshit. She’s going to be blackmailed for being a passenger in a car? No one’s blaming a child for distracting a driver like that.
The stalker plot point is hand-waved away, and there should’ve been no way for Danson to fly away from his engineering project to locate Cady in bumfuck nowhere in the woods only so she can not recognize him.
And maybe you can sit back and enjoy a popcorn thriller that doesn’t make much sense if there’s some other redeeming quality, but this has no humor, this has no character to root for. Everyone just kind of sucks the whole time. I don’t think it’s so offensively written that it deserves a one-star. It attempted to have a plot and twists. It’s a complete story arc. It’s just a bad one. I wouldn’t recommend this, and I won’t be picking the author up again.
Who should read this:
Popcorn thriller fans
Rich people drama fans
Ideal reading time:
Summer
Do I want to reread this:
Kinda.
Would I buy this:
No.
Similar books:
* Five Survive by Holly Jackson-same book, different font. YA revenge thriller, ensemble cast, schoolmates, unreliable narrator, locked room mystery
* She Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge-procedural crime, revenge thriller, ensemble cast
* With a Vengeance by Riley Sager-revenge thriller, ensemble cast, rich people drama, locked room mystery
* None of This Is True by Lisa Jewel-revenge thriller, mixed media, unreliable narrator, family drama
* The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh-revenge thriller, locked room mystery, family drama
* Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams-revenge thriller, ensemble cast
* Next to Heaven by James Frey-revenge thriller, ensemble cast, rich people drama
* Speak of the Devil by Rose Wilding-crime procedural, revenge thriller, ensemble cast
* Thin Air by Kellie M. Parker-YA revenge thriller, locked room mystery, ensemble cast, schoolmates
* The Secret History by Donna Tartt-dark academia, revenge thriller, ensemble cast, social commentary
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Saltburn meets Rollercoaster Tycoon, but it’s a lackluster revenge thriller whose logic collapses with any puff of skepticism.
Pre-reading:
Rollercoaster horror? Sign me UP.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Dragging the twin towers into this is crazy.
T Swift sin
Giant magnet for her head plate? In a lightning storm? That kinda survival thriller?
I think Cady cheated on Tom.
Danson’s plan is giving Clue.
Send a signal from the lights during a storm?
Enough with the t swift references.
The logic of this doesn’t make a ton of sense. Like the book collapses if anyone reacts rationally. Like if she tells anyone his dad’s a serial killer, it reflects poorly on her, not him. He didn’t do those crimes. Also, if your parents are that involved, they’re definitely checking your transcript, and your transcript says what classes you’re enrolled in.
He’s tied by a cardigan but like his other hand is still free to untie himself?
No one‘s questioning that they don’t have to sign NDA’s or that there’s no security around or EMS on site? Like it’s just too far-fetched to believe, but it’s kinda popcorn thriller-y just go with it. I still wanna know the rest of the mystery.
I’m assuming she’s gonna say that she was the one driving, and she submitted her brother‘s essay to get in or something?
CAMARADERIE, I mean 🎶
Saltburn meets Rollercoaster Tycoon.
Maybe the stalker comes to save them? I’m assuming Tom knows Raf or Eloise from the hospital and is long gaming this. (There were truly so many spots in this book to make it a smarter, twistier thriller, and the way this book took none of them.)
This is stupid.
It’s doing the Riley Sager thing where it bloats the word count by overly describing actions and halting them mid scene with out of place reflective internal monologuing.
Oh cool, so we could've slipped out this whole time.
And we just rendered that moot too. Like it’s so pointless and repetitive. Let's try this solution. Oh no, it doesn't work. Just kidding! Oh, and this other solution we vetoed earlier? Ha, yeah, that's also back on the table. It's not very fairplay to the audience, and y'all know how I feel about that.
They shouldn't survive that. She should absolutely miscarry at this point too.
Everyone in this book sucks!
My friend’s too nice and motivational. My lobster’s too buttery. My steak’s too tender. God, this is dumb.
Why the hell would your dead Lyft driver’s mom be at your wedding?
Lmao so the message is make your man do it? Hold down a career as a doctor and a YouTuber? Hey, what’s up, you guys, scrubbing out of the ER and into TSA PreCheck. We're going to Disneyland!
These suggested book club questions are sending me. Absolutely crying laughing at would you do what Danson did? Like no. Can't say I'd get an entire engineering degree and build a whole ass rollercoaster to complain my friends didn't help nepo baby me into a career.
Post-reading:
This should've been a novella. As far as concepts go, Saltburn meets Rollercoaster Tycopn is an absolute banger. There's been a spike in survival horrors taking place in bonkers locations, and I think they're super fun. But you either need to be camp about it, or have rock-solid logic. This book doesn't have either. Characters’ motivations are flimsy at best and nonsensical at worst. You expect me to believe this man came up with this master plan and engineered a whole ass rollercoaster knowing he was going to trap his friends on it and homie couldn't even put in an elevator? It expects you to believe that multiple Oxford graduates and a woman who literally reviews rides for a living have no qualms about being the first test riders without EMS standing by? The blackmail plot line makes no sense. There’s no way his parents wouldn’t see his transcripts.
Thrillers should be breakneck fast. This one passes at an absolute snail’s crawl. The action is constantly halted by internal monologuing. The scenes get repetitive because the audience is told that an escape solution doesn’t work, only for that exact same solution to work later on. It’s kind of like a fake-out death. You get one narrative retcon, and after that, you lose your authority and believability.
The main character, Cady‘s, “crimes” are so ridiculous, I don’t think a single reader will be able to take them seriously. Her friends blame her for motivating them. That’s batshit. She’s going to be blackmailed for being a passenger in a car? No one’s blaming a child for distracting a driver like that.
The stalker plot point is hand-waved away, and there should’ve been no way for Danson to fly away from his engineering project to locate Cady in bumfuck nowhere in the woods only so she can not recognize him.
And maybe you can sit back and enjoy a popcorn thriller that doesn’t make much sense if there’s some other redeeming quality, but this has no humor, this has no character to root for. Everyone just kind of sucks the whole time. I don’t think it’s so offensively written that it deserves a one-star. It attempted to have a plot and twists. It’s a complete story arc. It’s just a bad one. I wouldn’t recommend this, and I won’t be picking the author up again.
Who should read this:
Popcorn thriller fans
Rich people drama fans
Ideal reading time:
Summer
Do I want to reread this:
Kinda.
Would I buy this:
No.
Similar books:
* Five Survive by Holly Jackson-same book, different font. YA revenge thriller, ensemble cast, schoolmates, unreliable narrator, locked room mystery
* She Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge-procedural crime, revenge thriller, ensemble cast
* With a Vengeance by Riley Sager-revenge thriller, ensemble cast, rich people drama, locked room mystery
* None of This Is True by Lisa Jewel-revenge thriller, mixed media, unreliable narrator, family drama
* The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh-revenge thriller, locked room mystery, family drama
* Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams-revenge thriller, ensemble cast
* Next to Heaven by James Frey-revenge thriller, ensemble cast, rich people drama
* Speak of the Devil by Rose Wilding-crime procedural, revenge thriller, ensemble cast
* Thin Air by Kellie M. Parker-YA revenge thriller, locked room mystery, ensemble cast, schoolmates
* The Secret History by Donna Tartt-dark academia, revenge thriller, ensemble cast, social commentary
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my second book by this author. The book has an interesting premise but ultimately didnt deliver as much as I would have liked. Based on the blurb I was expecting a survival story but instead it was a psychological drama and not even a very interesting one. None of the characters were very likeable and while they all had secrets, it ultimately didnt hold my interested very much. While this book wasn't for me, I do feel this would appeal to people who enjoy drama and mysteries.
November 11, 2025
3.5 ★
thank you to the publisher and netgallery for sending me this arc in exchange for a honest review.
before I begin, I'm gonna reveal to the world that I'm not a Taylor Swift fan, there, I said it. and in the first 39% of the book, she's mentioned SIX times for no real reason at all, when you think about it. after this very important fact, let's resume.
"The Drop" is the story of four college friends with some dark secrets who find themselves stuck on top of one of the tallest rollercoasters of the world in the deadly heat of the desert, and must find a way to get down before the sun rises again and cooks them alive. somehow all of this has something to do with a girl they knew in college, and remembering her and facing each their own past might save their lives.
this is a revenge thriller with alternating timelines that slowly reveal more of the true nature of each of the characters. the suspense was there, the tension high, but just like a rollercoaster it soon showed its ups and downs and lost some of the initial magic.
it's not something never seen before, and it had the potential to do better than it did, but it was still a book that kept me hooked, wondering what was gonna happen next and what secrets I could find out still.
thank you to the publisher and netgallery for sending me this arc in exchange for a honest review.
before I begin, I'm gonna reveal to the world that I'm not a Taylor Swift fan, there, I said it. and in the first 39% of the book, she's mentioned SIX times for no real reason at all, when you think about it. after this very important fact, let's resume.
"The Drop" is the story of four college friends with some dark secrets who find themselves stuck on top of one of the tallest rollercoasters of the world in the deadly heat of the desert, and must find a way to get down before the sun rises again and cooks them alive. somehow all of this has something to do with a girl they knew in college, and remembering her and facing each their own past might save their lives.
this is a revenge thriller with alternating timelines that slowly reveal more of the true nature of each of the characters. the suspense was there, the tension high, but just like a rollercoaster it soon showed its ups and downs and lost some of the initial magic.
it's not something never seen before, and it had the potential to do better than it did, but it was still a book that kept me hooked, wondering what was gonna happen next and what secrets I could find out still.
November 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️.75
Slow-paced thriller with some twists and turns.
Katy is a famous youtuber whose content revolves around theme parks specifically roller coasters. She receives an invite to come ride the newest, and tallest roller coaster Hysteria. When she gets there she realizes her friend Danson is the project manager and the one who invited her, along with their other three college friends. Danson puts them on the roller coaster where they get stuck at the top. While working on their relationship they have to figure out a way to get off the roller coaster before they burn in the desert sun.
This book was an okay thriller, there were moments when i was wondering what was going to happen next. i most definitely was not on the edge of my seat though.
Slow-paced thriller with some twists and turns.
Katy is a famous youtuber whose content revolves around theme parks specifically roller coasters. She receives an invite to come ride the newest, and tallest roller coaster Hysteria. When she gets there she realizes her friend Danson is the project manager and the one who invited her, along with their other three college friends. Danson puts them on the roller coaster where they get stuck at the top. While working on their relationship they have to figure out a way to get off the roller coaster before they burn in the desert sun.
This book was an okay thriller, there were moments when i was wondering what was going to happen next. i most definitely was not on the edge of my seat though.
September 3, 2025
This one really freaked me out as it's intense and frightening...but oh so good! Cady is a YouTube star when she is invited to the new amusement park, Dreamland and is able to ride the new roller-coaster, Hysteria. Four of her old friends will also be there and she's over the moon thinking about the reunion. But little does she know of the horrors that await her! From secrets, lies, blackmail, and other things, it begs the question, "Does success require selfishness?" Read it immediately as it's sooo good!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
November 8, 2025
The Drop was a quick "popcorn thriller". Reading it felt like watching a bad thriller I might watch with my friends on a girls' night, one that you really shouldn't think too much about. I might have enjoyed this more if I were reading it with friends in a book club, but on my own, I was suffering.
I was expecting much more of the book to focus on escaping from being stuck on a roller coaster, and it is much more of a character study/therapy session under distress. It was still a fascinating concept, just not the one I was expecting or enjoyed.
The main problem I had was that when the characters are all stereotypes, spending the majority of the book dissecting their character makes it feel flat and frustrating. I spent the whole book HATING being in each of their heads. Naz and Eloise were the two who I felt the most disconnected with; it felt kind of like the author just couldn't fully flesh out their characters on a deeper level, other than using stereotypes. Naz felt like there was an attempt to say something, but it felt just weird, off, and slightly Islamophobic. Eloise is a Marxist, and with most of the plot revolving around the main characters' privilege, there was so much opportunity for social commentary, but instead, she's just "psycho".
There were just so many wild lines and decisions throughout the book that took me out. There were several points where it felt like the characters would just act without any thought processes. To be fair, they do prove to be not the brightest bulbs because they fully believe that several big celebrities ( Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, to name a few) are going to show up for a party later and save them.
Long story short, I did not enjoy this book; it could have been really good, and I might have enjoyed it if it were a novella( shorter, so the lack of character was less obvious) or a movie ( love WATCHING something like this but not reading). There were parts I enjoyed. The ending was quite solid, and their escape was written really well and had me locked in. The majority of it just was not as much of a fascinating read to me.
I was expecting much more of the book to focus on escaping from being stuck on a roller coaster, and it is much more of a character study/therapy session under distress. It was still a fascinating concept, just not the one I was expecting or enjoyed.
The main problem I had was that when the characters are all stereotypes, spending the majority of the book dissecting their character makes it feel flat and frustrating. I spent the whole book HATING being in each of their heads. Naz and Eloise were the two who I felt the most disconnected with; it felt kind of like the author just couldn't fully flesh out their characters on a deeper level, other than using stereotypes. Naz felt like there was an attempt to say something, but it felt just weird, off, and slightly Islamophobic. Eloise is a Marxist, and with most of the plot revolving around the main characters' privilege, there was so much opportunity for social commentary, but instead, she's just "psycho".
There were just so many wild lines and decisions throughout the book that took me out. There were several points where it felt like the characters would just act without any thought processes. To be fair, they do prove to be not the brightest bulbs because they fully believe that several big celebrities ( Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, to name a few) are going to show up for a party later and save them.
Long story short, I did not enjoy this book; it could have been really good, and I might have enjoyed it if it were a novella( shorter, so the lack of character was less obvious) or a movie ( love WATCHING something like this but not reading). There were parts I enjoyed. The ending was quite solid, and their escape was written really well and had me locked in. The majority of it just was not as much of a fascinating read to me.
November 30, 2025
‼️ book review
The Drop - SR Masters
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Drop has such a strong, unique premise - a group of old friends stranded 650 feet in the air 🎢🔥 on a record-breaking coaster, forced to face the heat, the danger, and their tangled past.
It definitely caught my attention, and I flew through it faster than I expected. 📖💨
That said, the story as a whole just didn’t fully land for me. I wasn’t a huge fan of where the plot ultimately went, and some of the character dynamics didn’t pull me in the way I hoped. But to be fair, it wasn’t a bad read - just not quite the thrill ride I was looking for. 🤷♀️✨
What did work: the claustrophobic, sun-soaked tension of being stuck on that coaster ☀️😰, the high-stakes setup, and the author’s ability to keep the pages turning even when the pacing slowed. There were moments of genuine unease and atmosphere that I really enjoyed. 🌵⏳
Overall, a decent thriller with a standout concept 🎢📚, even if it didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally. Readers who love messy friend reunions, slow-burn tension, and survival scenarios will likely have a great time with it. 👥🧩🔥
Thank you to S.R. Masters, Sourcebooks Lamdmark & Netgalley for this digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
#bookreview #Bookstagram #arcreader
The Drop - SR Masters
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Drop has such a strong, unique premise - a group of old friends stranded 650 feet in the air 🎢🔥 on a record-breaking coaster, forced to face the heat, the danger, and their tangled past.
It definitely caught my attention, and I flew through it faster than I expected. 📖💨
That said, the story as a whole just didn’t fully land for me. I wasn’t a huge fan of where the plot ultimately went, and some of the character dynamics didn’t pull me in the way I hoped. But to be fair, it wasn’t a bad read - just not quite the thrill ride I was looking for. 🤷♀️✨
What did work: the claustrophobic, sun-soaked tension of being stuck on that coaster ☀️😰, the high-stakes setup, and the author’s ability to keep the pages turning even when the pacing slowed. There were moments of genuine unease and atmosphere that I really enjoyed. 🌵⏳
Overall, a decent thriller with a standout concept 🎢📚, even if it didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally. Readers who love messy friend reunions, slow-burn tension, and survival scenarios will likely have a great time with it. 👥🧩🔥
Thank you to S.R. Masters, Sourcebooks Lamdmark & Netgalley for this digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
#bookreview #Bookstagram #arcreader
November 3, 2025
For most of my adult reading life, I have been trying to find the perfect amusement park thriller/horror. "One Day at Horrorland" was my favorite Goosebumps book growing up, and I have been chasing that high ever since. This wasn't totally perfect for me, but it's the closest I've gotten so far.
"The Drop" follows college friends who become trapped on a roller coaster 650 feet in the air in the heat of the Saudi Arabia desert. To have any hope of being able to escape, they must explore their pasts and uncover some long-held secrets. I found this book to be exactly what it advertised itself to be. It was entertaining and held my attention the whole time. However, I don't think that in the long-term it will stick out in my memory apart from other thrillers I've read. It's only been a couple of days since I finished this, and my memory has already started to fade. For that reason, I'm landing on 3.5 stars. I also wish we had spent some more time on a couple specific plot points and was unsatisfied by an explanation at the end (being intentionally vague to avoid spoilers). Still would recommend to anyone looking for a fun summer read to escape the cold of winter.
Also, upon Google search, it seems the roller coaster in this novel is based on Falcons Flight, a rollercoaster currently under construction in Saudi Arabia that will be 640 feet upon completion. A fun rabbit hole to go down.
Thank you to S.R. Masters and Sourcebooks for an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"The Drop" follows college friends who become trapped on a roller coaster 650 feet in the air in the heat of the Saudi Arabia desert. To have any hope of being able to escape, they must explore their pasts and uncover some long-held secrets. I found this book to be exactly what it advertised itself to be. It was entertaining and held my attention the whole time. However, I don't think that in the long-term it will stick out in my memory apart from other thrillers I've read. It's only been a couple of days since I finished this, and my memory has already started to fade. For that reason, I'm landing on 3.5 stars. I also wish we had spent some more time on a couple specific plot points and was unsatisfied by an explanation at the end (being intentionally vague to avoid spoilers). Still would recommend to anyone looking for a fun summer read to escape the cold of winter.
Also, upon Google search, it seems the roller coaster in this novel is based on Falcons Flight, a rollercoaster currently under construction in Saudi Arabia that will be 640 feet upon completion. A fun rabbit hole to go down.
Thank you to S.R. Masters and Sourcebooks for an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Drop, by S. R. Masters, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. There are some people out their who love roller coaster the faster, the higher the better, other people like to stay on the ground. Cady loves roller coasters. Cady is asked to ride the highest roller coaster in the world. This book had a lot going on, and was pretty heavy at times.
September 30, 2025
I went into this expecting a locked room thriller (which are my favourite) and this book did deliver on the tension. I had wondered how the roller coaster idea would pan out since I feel no one writes about a locked door thriller on one.
The middle slowed down a bit but the climax made up for it—when things finally reached that upside-down, high stakes rollercoaster moment, I was hooked. I was even tempted to throw my iPad across the room because I couldn’t even!
The twists were clever and the feeling of suspense was real.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and S.R. Masters for a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The middle slowed down a bit but the climax made up for it—when things finally reached that upside-down, high stakes rollercoaster moment, I was hooked. I was even tempted to throw my iPad across the room because I couldn’t even!
The twists were clever and the feeling of suspense was real.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and S.R. Masters for a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
A very fun premise, but... I think the description is just a little misleading and the execution is awful. It's not that Masters is a bad writer; I love this laid-back, very "British" way of writing that a lot of modern British thrillers have; but I just think the characters are very flat, stereotypical where they aren't just entirely lacking, and with the story presenting itself as so character-driven, that's clearly a problem. They read much younger than what they are (I was surprised by the reminder that Cady is almost 40 near the end of the book) and that state of arrested development COULD have lent itself to character building as this impromptu therapy session in the sky unfolded, but I just don't think it was ever capitalized on properly. It's hard to imagine any of them as really being "people". I usually don't mind unlikable characters and/or stories where I can't really 'relate' to the characters, but the disconnect here goes beyond that and it did diminish my reading experience.
As for the setting... I had high hopes, since amusement park-based thrillers have cropped up a lot recently in my reading and it's such a good setting, ripe for some horror, but it was really hard to imagine the setting here. I could tell Masters did a bit of research (I like that the ARC included notes from the author at the end explaining his research) and maybe it's just because I've never been on a rollercoaster so I had difficulty really envisioning the space, but some of the descriptors, especially during the various escape attempts, were just hard to follow. But this 100% could be a me-issue.
The POV switches: I was really frustrated by them. I didn't like how some chapters were from a first-person POV talking directly to the reader when the bulk of the book was third-person limited. The shifts between then/now and the 'journal entries' to Cady's head were jarring and detrimental to the reading experience. I would've liked a commitment to first or third and more of a wider look at how everyone was feeling and not just Cady. Especially Naz, whose character I think was really done dirty; I wasn't a fan of her brother being described as fanatical, his faith having "gone funny after September 11th". At best, it was a very cringe-worthy attempt at social commentary; at worst, it came across as actively Islamophobic and grating to read. I don't think there was enough of an examination of social and racial dynamics, especially when so much of the book focuses on the various "privileges" that the central character allegedly have, and I really did not like the demonization of one of the antagonists being directly linked to being a Marxist???? It was very strange.
But I think the worst thing about it was that I was just bored. With such a ripe premise I really wanted to feel tension, but I don't think I ever did. The pacing doesn't lend itself to be pulse-stopping and there's never really a sense of danger felt, maybe because of the timeline shifts and how it kind of interrupted the momentum. Again, I think allowing for more perspectives would've aided in the atmosphere; being more present in the heads of all the characters and seeing all of their worries unfiltered might've made it more tense. But the ending feels inevitable and while I don't think predictability means a book is inherently bad, in this case, I would've liked just a little more uncertainty.
thank you to netgalley and sourcebooks for an arc!
As for the setting... I had high hopes, since amusement park-based thrillers have cropped up a lot recently in my reading and it's such a good setting, ripe for some horror, but it was really hard to imagine the setting here. I could tell Masters did a bit of research (I like that the ARC included notes from the author at the end explaining his research) and maybe it's just because I've never been on a rollercoaster so I had difficulty really envisioning the space, but some of the descriptors, especially during the various escape attempts, were just hard to follow. But this 100% could be a me-issue.
The POV switches: I was really frustrated by them. I didn't like how some chapters were from a first-person POV talking directly to the reader when the bulk of the book was third-person limited. The shifts between then/now and the 'journal entries' to Cady's head were jarring and detrimental to the reading experience. I would've liked a commitment to first or third and more of a wider look at how everyone was feeling and not just Cady. Especially Naz, whose character I think was really done dirty; I wasn't a fan of her brother being described as fanatical, his faith having "gone funny after September 11th". At best, it was a very cringe-worthy attempt at social commentary; at worst, it came across as actively Islamophobic and grating to read. I don't think there was enough of an examination of social and racial dynamics, especially when so much of the book focuses on the various "privileges" that the central character allegedly have, and I really did not like the demonization of one of the antagonists being directly linked to being a Marxist???? It was very strange.
But I think the worst thing about it was that I was just bored. With such a ripe premise I really wanted to feel tension, but I don't think I ever did. The pacing doesn't lend itself to be pulse-stopping and there's never really a sense of danger felt, maybe because of the timeline shifts and how it kind of interrupted the momentum. Again, I think allowing for more perspectives would've aided in the atmosphere; being more present in the heads of all the characters and seeing all of their worries unfiltered might've made it more tense. But the ending feels inevitable and while I don't think predictability means a book is inherently bad, in this case, I would've liked just a little more uncertainty.
thank you to netgalley and sourcebooks for an arc!
December 9, 2025
Cady has just become one of YT's most popular vloggers with her channel dedicated to thrill-seeking activities such as riding rollercoasters & solo camping out in isolated locations. Boyfriend Tom is worried about Cady's safety especially since a creepy stalker followed her out into the woods one night, but Cady needs to keep posting videos & getting those likes.
When she is offered the chance by Danny, an old university friend, to attend a behind-the-scenes look at a new theme park in the Middle East, & an exclusive ride on the tallest coaster in the world before it opens to the public, Cady doesn't hesitate. It seems Danny has invited their old friend group from university along, & seeing them allays a few of Cady's worries about the lack of security. But when the ride stops at the highest point & shuts down, she realises they are all trapped with no phones, & no-one around to hear them.
I liked the premise. I'm a big fan of isolated location thrillers so have read a lot of books which take place in hotels cut off by weather, islands cut off by the tide, etc etc, but this is the first one set on a rollercoaster. Much like the coaster itself, it starts off well but unfortunately stalls just as it should be picking up the pace when it gets to the chapters set in the past - they are necessary for the storyline but negatively affect the pacing. Overall, I did enjoy reading it but thought it could have been a bit more gripping given the setting. 3.5 stars (rounded down)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
When she is offered the chance by Danny, an old university friend, to attend a behind-the-scenes look at a new theme park in the Middle East, & an exclusive ride on the tallest coaster in the world before it opens to the public, Cady doesn't hesitate. It seems Danny has invited their old friend group from university along, & seeing them allays a few of Cady's worries about the lack of security. But when the ride stops at the highest point & shuts down, she realises they are all trapped with no phones, & no-one around to hear them.
I liked the premise. I'm a big fan of isolated location thrillers so have read a lot of books which take place in hotels cut off by weather, islands cut off by the tide, etc etc, but this is the first one set on a rollercoaster. Much like the coaster itself, it starts off well but unfortunately stalls just as it should be picking up the pace when it gets to the chapters set in the past - they are necessary for the storyline but negatively affect the pacing. Overall, I did enjoy reading it but thought it could have been a bit more gripping given the setting. 3.5 stars (rounded down)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
November 16, 2025
As someone who has spent the last three years riding rollercoasters, I was so excited to be able to read a thriller set on one. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had anticipated, for two reasons. Primarily, it felt like a disproportionate amount of chapters focused on actually being stuck on the rollercoaster. The majority focussed on the past, leading up to the fateful day. I feel like the plot would have been served better with tense revelations on the rollercoaster, rather than lengthy background chapters, which made the pace feel quite slow. I was tempted to DNF due to this aspect of the book. Secondly, all of the characters are awful and irritating to the point that I wasn’t motivated to hope for their survival.
I think if readers go in with an understanding this is a character driven not plot driven book, they’ll have a better experience of reading it than I did.
Aside from these issues, I did enjoy the character arc of one of the main character which made the ending satisfying. I liked the author’s writing style and short snappy chapters. I would consider reading another of their books.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a chance to read an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I think if readers go in with an understanding this is a character driven not plot driven book, they’ll have a better experience of reading it than I did.
Aside from these issues, I did enjoy the character arc of one of the main character which made the ending satisfying. I liked the author’s writing style and short snappy chapters. I would consider reading another of their books.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a chance to read an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
The Drop draws you in slowly but surely to an intense read that will have you holding your breath.
Four friends from university reunite to test out the new roller coaster, reportedly the biggest in the world to help out their friend Dawson's new employer.
The excitement jumps from the page until something goes terribly wrong and the roller coaster breaks down stranding the four.
The story is told in dual timelines both past and present.
Their stories are full of secrets and lies.
Secrets have a way of blowing up your world.
There is only one way off and that is to confess.
S. R. Masters does a great job of reving up the tension, you feel like you are on the coaster (no thank you ) with them .
The concept is a unique locked door suspense story and once you start reading you wont want to stop.
Warning you wont look at a roller coaster in the same way for quite awhile.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter for the privilege to read and review the chilling The Drop.
Four friends from university reunite to test out the new roller coaster, reportedly the biggest in the world to help out their friend Dawson's new employer.
The excitement jumps from the page until something goes terribly wrong and the roller coaster breaks down stranding the four.
The story is told in dual timelines both past and present.
Their stories are full of secrets and lies.
Secrets have a way of blowing up your world.
There is only one way off and that is to confess.
S. R. Masters does a great job of reving up the tension, you feel like you are on the coaster (no thank you ) with them .
The concept is a unique locked door suspense story and once you start reading you wont want to stop.
Warning you wont look at a roller coaster in the same way for quite awhile.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter for the privilege to read and review the chilling The Drop.
November 20, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
A group of old friends are thrilled to be invited to trial a roller coaster at a new amusement park but what happens when the ride stops and they can't get down?
The premise for this one had me so intrigued that I instantly hit the request button for a copy. The first half of the story was full of context as we got to know the characters and situation. After that though, it all kind of goes downhill - pun intended. When I say downhill, I don't mean the story per se, maybe just more of what I thought the story would be. I went in expecting a thriller and that isn't what I got. It was more a group of friends who needed to air their issues out and sort through what they had going on with each other. It was still an overall okay book - just wish the marketing had reflected what it really was.
A group of old friends are thrilled to be invited to trial a roller coaster at a new amusement park but what happens when the ride stops and they can't get down?
The premise for this one had me so intrigued that I instantly hit the request button for a copy. The first half of the story was full of context as we got to know the characters and situation. After that though, it all kind of goes downhill - pun intended. When I say downhill, I don't mean the story per se, maybe just more of what I thought the story would be. I went in expecting a thriller and that isn't what I got. It was more a group of friends who needed to air their issues out and sort through what they had going on with each other. It was still an overall okay book - just wish the marketing had reflected what it really was.
December 7, 2025
What an interesting premise this was! The story is told through multiple points of view around a group of university friends trapped on a rollercoaster.
Kady, an influencer specialising in talking about yes, you guessed it, roller coasters, is excited for the opportunity with her old friends. However, it soon becomes clear that this predicament is no mechanical malfunction, but what is the end game?
The story alternates between past and present, uncovering secrets, lies and betrayal. I enjoyed the change from the norm of knowing who the baddie was from the outset, providing an interesting alternative to the usual thriller narrative.
It's a well paced, fast read with all loose ends tied up neatly.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
Kady, an influencer specialising in talking about yes, you guessed it, roller coasters, is excited for the opportunity with her old friends. However, it soon becomes clear that this predicament is no mechanical malfunction, but what is the end game?
The story alternates between past and present, uncovering secrets, lies and betrayal. I enjoyed the change from the norm of knowing who the baddie was from the outset, providing an interesting alternative to the usual thriller narrative.
It's a well paced, fast read with all loose ends tied up neatly.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
November 20, 2025
This was a fun read.
While I'll admit that I was a little disappointed that the Theme Park aspect of everything was almost non-existent, the story was good and the roller coaster portions are well done.
This is for those of you who love toxic friend reunion thrillers. It's suspenseful and full of people who absolutely should know better! I think the only character I really liked was a side character named Jag.
The rollercoaster scenes? Terrifying. Very intense and, if I were on that coaster, I would have had a full blown panic attack!
I enjoyed this intense read!
* ARC via Publisher
While I'll admit that I was a little disappointed that the Theme Park aspect of everything was almost non-existent, the story was good and the roller coaster portions are well done.
This is for those of you who love toxic friend reunion thrillers. It's suspenseful and full of people who absolutely should know better! I think the only character I really liked was a side character named Jag.
The rollercoaster scenes? Terrifying. Very intense and, if I were on that coaster, I would have had a full blown panic attack!
I enjoyed this intense read!
* ARC via Publisher
September 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This wasn’t what I expected it to be whatsoever
Throughly enjoyed it however I wish there was a little more action. A lot of tension building but I felt I was forever waiting for something to happen.
There were a lot of shock moments especially with all the secrets coming out.
Also the short chapters kept me wanting to read on especially in the last 25% of the book.
Great easy read and it has definitely put me off rollercoasters 😂
Thank you netgally and One More Chapter for this arc in return for an honest review
This wasn’t what I expected it to be whatsoever
Throughly enjoyed it however I wish there was a little more action. A lot of tension building but I felt I was forever waiting for something to happen.
There were a lot of shock moments especially with all the secrets coming out.
Also the short chapters kept me wanting to read on especially in the last 25% of the book.
Great easy read and it has definitely put me off rollercoasters 😂
Thank you netgally and One More Chapter for this arc in return for an honest review
October 30, 2025
It was a fine read. The synopsis was promising but the execution fell a bit short for me. The cast of characters is not very memorable and their dynamics did not pull me in the story. The setting was undeniably the most interesting part of this book. The plot was not as gripping as I thought it was going to be, but it was easy to follow. And it ended up being a quick read, so I would still recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Want to read
October 25, 2025A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
October 27, 2025
Just Say No to visiting under-construction amusement parks.
(jokes aside, i couldn’t put this one down.)
(jokes aside, i couldn’t put this one down.)
December 26, 2025
I thought the backstory was very well done, and I got a good insider's look into Cady's life. I understood her parents' worry after an incident that had happened.
I thought her passion for YouTube videos and how that started was realistic. It was also well woven in to the story.
I thought Jag was friendly, and I was excited, yet nervouus, about Cady's time away.
The book is fast paced, yet there's good attention to detail.
4 stars
S.R. Masters' writing style is prefect for the book. Thanks to SR. Masters and publisher for my audiobook in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
I thought her passion for YouTube videos and how that started was realistic. It was also well woven in to the story.
I thought Jag was friendly, and I was excited, yet nervouus, about Cady's time away.
The book is fast paced, yet there's good attention to detail.
4 stars
S.R. Masters' writing style is prefect for the book. Thanks to SR. Masters and publisher for my audiobook in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
November 8, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Drop” by S.R. Masters is a high-concept thriller that dares to ask: what happens when influencer culture, buried secrets, and extreme engineering collide? What begins as a glossy reunion among old university friends quickly plummets into a claustrophobic nightmare, one that’s as much psychological as it is physical.
The story centers on Cady, a YouTuber whose fame revolves around reviewing amusement park rides. When she and her college friends—Femi, Naz, Winston, and Dawson—reunite at the grand opening of a new amusement park in the Middle East, it seems like the perfect escape. But when the group boards The Drop, the world’s tallest roller coaster, things go horribly wrong. The ride halts midair, trapping them 700 feet above the ground under the scorching desert sun. As hours tick by and dehydration sets in, the group realizes that their predicament is no accident; it’s personal.
Masters immediately hooks you with the terrifying premise and biting commentary on influencer culture. Cady’s initial obsession with views and sponsorships contrasts sharply with the reality of survival, exposing how performative success can unravel under real pressure. Yet this isn’t just a survival thriller; it’s also a revenge drama, one built on old betrayals, blackmail, and guilt that stretches back to the group’s university days.
Much of the story unfolds through alternating timelines, bringing together the present ordeal on the coaster with flashbacks to their time at Cambridge and the dark incident that still haunts them. This structure offers insight into each character’s past, but it also dilutes some of the tension. If you’re expecting a relentless survival story then you may find yourself wishing for more time spent in the present danger rather than rehashing old college scandals.
That said, Masters’ prose is sharp and cinematic, and the book’s central mystery—who’s behind their entrapment, and why—keeps the pages turning. The multiple POVs, including that of the perpetrator, help to fill in the puzzle while exposing the group’s moral decay. While some of the logistics of the roller coaster scenario require a generous suspension of disbelief, the psychological unraveling of the characters feels grounded and compelling.
By the time the final twist drops (pun intended), the story shifts back toward its survival roots, offering a satisfying and conclusive ending that ties up its themes of guilt, justice, and performative identity.
Ultimately, “The Drop” isn’t the nonstop, heart-pounding thrill ride its premise suggests, but it is an engaging, character-driven exploration of revenge and regret, wrapped in a clever high-concept setup. The story is a gripping yet uneven blend of survival thriller and psychological drama. If you go in expecting a pulse-racing roller coaster story, you may be surprised to find more confessions than carnage. But for those who enjoy dark secrets, moral ambiguity, and a bit of meta-commentary on fame, then “The Drop” is a chillingly thought-provoking ride.
“The Drop” by S.R. Masters is a high-concept thriller that dares to ask: what happens when influencer culture, buried secrets, and extreme engineering collide? What begins as a glossy reunion among old university friends quickly plummets into a claustrophobic nightmare, one that’s as much psychological as it is physical.
The story centers on Cady, a YouTuber whose fame revolves around reviewing amusement park rides. When she and her college friends—Femi, Naz, Winston, and Dawson—reunite at the grand opening of a new amusement park in the Middle East, it seems like the perfect escape. But when the group boards The Drop, the world’s tallest roller coaster, things go horribly wrong. The ride halts midair, trapping them 700 feet above the ground under the scorching desert sun. As hours tick by and dehydration sets in, the group realizes that their predicament is no accident; it’s personal.
Masters immediately hooks you with the terrifying premise and biting commentary on influencer culture. Cady’s initial obsession with views and sponsorships contrasts sharply with the reality of survival, exposing how performative success can unravel under real pressure. Yet this isn’t just a survival thriller; it’s also a revenge drama, one built on old betrayals, blackmail, and guilt that stretches back to the group’s university days.
Much of the story unfolds through alternating timelines, bringing together the present ordeal on the coaster with flashbacks to their time at Cambridge and the dark incident that still haunts them. This structure offers insight into each character’s past, but it also dilutes some of the tension. If you’re expecting a relentless survival story then you may find yourself wishing for more time spent in the present danger rather than rehashing old college scandals.
That said, Masters’ prose is sharp and cinematic, and the book’s central mystery—who’s behind their entrapment, and why—keeps the pages turning. The multiple POVs, including that of the perpetrator, help to fill in the puzzle while exposing the group’s moral decay. While some of the logistics of the roller coaster scenario require a generous suspension of disbelief, the psychological unraveling of the characters feels grounded and compelling.
By the time the final twist drops (pun intended), the story shifts back toward its survival roots, offering a satisfying and conclusive ending that ties up its themes of guilt, justice, and performative identity.
Ultimately, “The Drop” isn’t the nonstop, heart-pounding thrill ride its premise suggests, but it is an engaging, character-driven exploration of revenge and regret, wrapped in a clever high-concept setup. The story is a gripping yet uneven blend of survival thriller and psychological drama. If you go in expecting a pulse-racing roller coaster story, you may be surprised to find more confessions than carnage. But for those who enjoy dark secrets, moral ambiguity, and a bit of meta-commentary on fame, then “The Drop” is a chillingly thought-provoking ride.
September 17, 2025
The Drop by S. R. Masters is a gripping thriller set almost entirely on the world’s tallest roller coaster, Hysteria, which suddenly stops mid-ride, stranding the protagonist hundreds of meters above the ground. The story’s tension comes from this locked-room scenario, where isolation and the fight for survival create a nerve-wracking conflict. As the hours pass with no sign of rescue, the protagonist Cady and her friends must confront both physical danger and internal fears. The enclosed setting heightens suspense, focusing the reader’s attention on a single, intense moment of crisis.
The journey concerns resilience, both physical and mental, as well as self-discovery. Alone there on the coaster, they are fighting panic while trying to find a way out of the dangerous predicament. The way memories and flashbacks introduce supporting characters, revealing glimpses into the protagonist's past and personality, illustrates this. While not physically present, they affect decisions and bring emotional weight into the narrative. Genuine character growth from helplessness to decisive action is shown.
At its heart, the novel touches on themes of isolation, control, and the human response to extreme stress. One such aspect, which is distinctly modern, is how people are beginning to mirror one another in their intense dependence on failing technological and infrastructural facilities. Equally, it speaks of the mental toll of disconnection from others. These thoughts resonate with experiences at present regarding loneliness and crisis, bringing the story's significance beyond the exhilarating tale.
The urgent on-screen action follows the straightforward yet fast-paced writing by the author. Short, punchy sentences and rapid shifts of viewpoint keep tension taut and readers engaged. There's dread and urgency, an amalgam that harnesses you to the protagonist psyche. The story stays narrowly concentrated on this immediate crisis, affording glimpses into the past that add emotional heft without decelerating momentum. This makes the suspense feel personal and the stakes a lot more tangible.
What makes The Drop terrific is its ability to make a claustrophobic atmosphere that will enthrall your attention, right from the start. There is absolutely no let-up in suspense value, and it is the psychological elements that differentiate it from the typical thriller. Some of the breathless moments might be improved by just a bit of pacing changes, letting tension breathe for an instant, but the book manages to balance well between pure action and emotional insight. It really gets one thinking-how would I react in that sort of situation? This makes it a suspenseful and thought-provoking read. In that sense, it is different from the typical lock room novel and thus a very strong entry in the thrilling genre.
The journey concerns resilience, both physical and mental, as well as self-discovery. Alone there on the coaster, they are fighting panic while trying to find a way out of the dangerous predicament. The way memories and flashbacks introduce supporting characters, revealing glimpses into the protagonist's past and personality, illustrates this. While not physically present, they affect decisions and bring emotional weight into the narrative. Genuine character growth from helplessness to decisive action is shown.
At its heart, the novel touches on themes of isolation, control, and the human response to extreme stress. One such aspect, which is distinctly modern, is how people are beginning to mirror one another in their intense dependence on failing technological and infrastructural facilities. Equally, it speaks of the mental toll of disconnection from others. These thoughts resonate with experiences at present regarding loneliness and crisis, bringing the story's significance beyond the exhilarating tale.
The urgent on-screen action follows the straightforward yet fast-paced writing by the author. Short, punchy sentences and rapid shifts of viewpoint keep tension taut and readers engaged. There's dread and urgency, an amalgam that harnesses you to the protagonist psyche. The story stays narrowly concentrated on this immediate crisis, affording glimpses into the past that add emotional heft without decelerating momentum. This makes the suspense feel personal and the stakes a lot more tangible.
What makes The Drop terrific is its ability to make a claustrophobic atmosphere that will enthrall your attention, right from the start. There is absolutely no let-up in suspense value, and it is the psychological elements that differentiate it from the typical thriller. Some of the breathless moments might be improved by just a bit of pacing changes, letting tension breathe for an instant, but the book manages to balance well between pure action and emotional insight. It really gets one thinking-how would I react in that sort of situation? This makes it a suspenseful and thought-provoking read. In that sense, it is different from the typical lock room novel and thus a very strong entry in the thrilling genre.
November 6, 2025
Release: Dec 4, 2025
Author: S.R. Masters
Publisher: Harper Collins
Rating: 3.75 ★
The drop is a heart-pounding, high-stakes thriller that plunges readers into a terrifying locked-room scenario—only this time, the “room” is the world’s tallest roller coaster. You’re a thrill-seeker, promised the ultimate adrenaline rush: a private ride with no lines, no restrictions, and the chance of a lifetime.
But the excitement quickly turns to horror when the roller coaster comes to a halt 200 meters above the ground. Suddenly, the thrill of the ride is replaced by panic—there’s no one around, no way to call for help, and no escape in sight. Stranded high above the earth, you must rely on your wits and courage to survive.
Fast-paced and suspenseful, this thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat, building tension with every twist and turn as it asks the chilling question: how would you escape when no one can save you?
The Drop by S. R. Masters is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story follows Cady, a YouTube content creator, and her old university friends as they are offered the ultimate adrenaline rush: a private ride on the world’s tallest roller coaster, Hysteria. What starts as an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience quickly turns into a nightmare when the ride comes to a halt 200 meters above the ground. Stranded, with no one to help and no way down, the tension and claustrophobia are palpable.
What really sets this book apart is how the author layers psychological tension on top of the physical danger. The passengers’ past secrets, grudges, and complicated friendships bubble to the surface, creating drama and suspense that’s just as intense as the fear of being trapped in the air. The alternating timelines between their present predicament and past university experiences add depth to the characters and explain the complex web of relationships.
The writing is sharp and immersive, making you feel as if you’re strapped in alongside them on that terrifying ride. While some flashbacks and focus on personal conflicts slightly slow the pacing at times, the payoff is worth it, with plenty of twists, surprises, and suspenseful moments to keep you on edge.
Overall, The Drop is a thrilling, unique read that blends adrenaline-fueled terror with psychological tension. It’s a perfect pick for readers who love edge-of-your-seat suspense, high-stakes scenarios, and complex character dynamics. Even if you’re not a rollercoaster fan, this story will make you feel every twist, turn, and heart-stopping moment.
Favorite Quote:
“Each twist of the coaster mirrored the turns our lives had taken—unexpected, thrilling, and ultimately dangerous.”
Author: S.R. Masters
Publisher: Harper Collins
Rating: 3.75 ★
The drop is a heart-pounding, high-stakes thriller that plunges readers into a terrifying locked-room scenario—only this time, the “room” is the world’s tallest roller coaster. You’re a thrill-seeker, promised the ultimate adrenaline rush: a private ride with no lines, no restrictions, and the chance of a lifetime.
But the excitement quickly turns to horror when the roller coaster comes to a halt 200 meters above the ground. Suddenly, the thrill of the ride is replaced by panic—there’s no one around, no way to call for help, and no escape in sight. Stranded high above the earth, you must rely on your wits and courage to survive.
Fast-paced and suspenseful, this thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat, building tension with every twist and turn as it asks the chilling question: how would you escape when no one can save you?
The Drop by S. R. Masters is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story follows Cady, a YouTube content creator, and her old university friends as they are offered the ultimate adrenaline rush: a private ride on the world’s tallest roller coaster, Hysteria. What starts as an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience quickly turns into a nightmare when the ride comes to a halt 200 meters above the ground. Stranded, with no one to help and no way down, the tension and claustrophobia are palpable.
What really sets this book apart is how the author layers psychological tension on top of the physical danger. The passengers’ past secrets, grudges, and complicated friendships bubble to the surface, creating drama and suspense that’s just as intense as the fear of being trapped in the air. The alternating timelines between their present predicament and past university experiences add depth to the characters and explain the complex web of relationships.
The writing is sharp and immersive, making you feel as if you’re strapped in alongside them on that terrifying ride. While some flashbacks and focus on personal conflicts slightly slow the pacing at times, the payoff is worth it, with plenty of twists, surprises, and suspenseful moments to keep you on edge.
Overall, The Drop is a thrilling, unique read that blends adrenaline-fueled terror with psychological tension. It’s a perfect pick for readers who love edge-of-your-seat suspense, high-stakes scenarios, and complex character dynamics. Even if you’re not a rollercoaster fan, this story will make you feel every twist, turn, and heart-stopping moment.
Favorite Quote:
“Each twist of the coaster mirrored the turns our lives had taken—unexpected, thrilling, and ultimately dangerous.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews