Review of The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
When I first picked up The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. After hearing mixed reviews and noticing the shadows of its predecessor, In a Dark, Dark Wood, I was curious to see whether Ware could carve a unique niche in the ever-popular psychological thriller genre. It’s no secret that the market is flooded with books trying to replicate the success of Gone Girl, yet I saw a glimmer of promise in Lo Blacklock’s chilling voyage aboard a luxurious cruise ship.
The story revolves around Lo, a travel journalist who witnesses what she believes to be a murder during a week-long cruise. Inspired by classic Agatha Christie novels with a modern twist, I was inclined to root for Ware’s narrative. I was captivated by the small-group, confined setting—a timeless trope that never fails to spark intrigue. Denise’s observation about the Agatha Christie vibe echoes in my head even now; there’s something thrilling about a murder among a group of strangers, each with suspicious secrets.
One of the standout features of Ware’s writing is undoubtedly her pacing. After an initially rocky start, the tension escalates steadily through the middle third, compelling me to devour the pages in a single sitting. The suspense deepens with each twist and turn, urging me to uncover “whodunnit.” I did find the early reveal of the culprit a bit disappointing, although one significant twist caught me off guard, a testament to Ware’s skillful ability to lead readers astray.
However, despite my eagerness to cheer for this story, I found myself grappling with the main character, Lo Blacklock. Frankly, I struggled to connect with her as a narrator. She often came across as whiny and overly passive, which made following her journey exhausting rather than exhilarating. I must admit, there were moments where I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at her reactions to pivotal events, particularly when paired with her confusing relationship dynamics. For a character embroiled in a life-or-death scenario, Lo felt curiously distant, which left me feeling unfulfilled.
Moreover, the narrative occasionally teetered into the realm of absurdity, leading me to wonder how logically everything tied together. While I appreciated the exploration of Lo’s psyche through various incidents, many felt random and disconnected, making it difficult to derive a coherent understanding of her character arc by the end.
Despite my reservations, I cannot deny that The Woman in Cabin 10 is a compelling read, especially for those who crave an easy yet suspenseful escape. While it didn’t quite meet my expectations, Ware demonstrates potential for growth in her storytelling craft. This book might especially resonate with fans of her debut—if you enjoyed In a Dark, Dark Wood, you might find something to appreciate here.
Ultimately, I recommend this book to readers looking for a quick, gripping read, even if it misses on some fronts. As I seek out more from Ruth Ware in the future, I hope to see her truly find her voice, steering away from the weight of genre expectations. Here’s to hoping that with her next work, she will soar beyond the shadows of previous hits and carve out something uniquely her own. Happy reading, and don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts if you dive into this treacherous voyage!