Book Review: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Diving into The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware was like stepping onto an alluring cruise ship, complete with its luxurious amenities and an air of intrigue that promised an enticing journey. As someone who’s recently invested a lot of time in thrillers, I was eager to sink my teeth into this one—especially after hearing mixed reviews. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I have to admit, I skipped Ware’s first book, In a Dark, Dark Wood, after a well-meaning friend revealed the "big twist." The thought of investing time in yet another novel that might feel like a rehash of Gone Girl made it easy to overlook. However, my curiosity piqued with The Woman in Cabin 10. The premise of a journalist, Lo Blacklock, who embarks on a voyage that quickly spirals into chaos, felt fresh enough to pull me in.
The early chapters did present some challenges for me. Our protagonist, Lo, was disconcertingly whiny and full of anxieties that often overshadowed her surroundings. It was hard to sympathize with her, especially during uncomfortable encounters that felt more melodramatic than thrilling. However, as the story progressed, I started to see glimmers of growth. While her decision-making sometimes left me scratching my head, she eventually found a backbone that I appreciated, which made her character more relatable by the conclusion.
Interestingly, the book’s structure reminded me of a classic Agatha Christie mystery, artfully capturing the essence of a confined group dealing with murder—always a winning formula for me. As another reviewer noted, the pacing picked up significantly after the first act, building layers of suspense that had me eagerly turning pages to uncover "whodunnit." The middle 60% of the narrative was particularly spot-on, showcasing Ware’s ability to craft tension with a deft hand.
However, while the climax holds its thrills, I felt the resolution was somewhat rushed, revealing the culprit earlier than I expected and leaving a few threads tangled. I did appreciate a twist I didn’t see coming—it’s always refreshing to be thrown off your game. Still, I sensed that some readers may struggle with the book’s overall realism, as there were several plot points that felt disconnected or poorly tied together.
In closing, The Woman in Cabin 10 is a compelling read, albeit one that could have benefited from more cohesive storytelling. If you found enjoyment in Ware’s earlier work, this novel might resonate with you as well. While my expectations weren’t fully met, I’m glad I embarked on this journey. For those seeking a swift, entertaining escape, this could very well be worth your time. I’m looking forward to seeing what Ware has in store for us next, hoping for stronger character development in future books.
Happy reading, everyone! I’d love to hear your thoughts if you decide to take this cruise with Lo.
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