Ruth Ware’s debut novel, In A Dark, Dark Wood, is a meticulously crafted suspense thriller. Ware draws the reader into the story with well-honed emotional manipulation. Some readers may call the book clever, while others may feel betrayed. I fit into the latter category.

Yes, I understand an author must offer a buy in so that the reader can relate to the characters, but the end of this novel was simply disappointing.

Ware introduces us to Leonora, a reclusive writer who prefers to be alone, has a few friends and a job she enjoys. However, Leonora has a secret. The secret prompted her to leave both her college and her boyfriend, and resume her studies at another school nearby.

This secret is not revealed until very close to the conclusion of the novel at her childhood friends’ “hen” party. Once I knew the secret, I was left wondering “What was the big deal?” However, I  must commend Ware for writing a dark, suspenseful, and eerie story.

In A Dark, Dark Wood reminds me of the adage “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”. Although I probably won’t read another story by Ruth Ware, for those of you who enjoy a creepy psychological thriller, this book is up your alley.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ruth Ware grew up in Lewes, in Sussex. After graduating from Manchester University she moved to Paris, before settling in North London. She has worked as a waitress, a bookseller, a teacher of English as a foreign language and a press officer. She is married with two small children, and In A Dark, Dark Wood is her debut thriller.

Her hen night was very tasteful and nobody got murdered.

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IN A DARK, DARK WOOD
By Ruth Ware
320 pgs. Scout Press. $26.