Review of The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
When I first stumbled upon The Woman in Cabin 10, I was drawn in not just by the mysterious title but also by the rumors swirling around Ruth Ware’s work. I had skipped her debut, In a Dark, Dark Wood, feeling a mix of curiosity and trepidation after someone spoiled the supposed big twist for me. If I’m honest, I’m growing weary of the “next Gone Girl” narratives, where authors seem to chase trends that often feel regurgitated. However, I dove into this new novel with fresh eyes, hoping to discover something uniquely captivating.
In The Woman in Cabin 10, we follow Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist who embarks on an extravagant cruise, only to encounter a sudden crisis when a woman disappears. Set against the backdrop of a luxury ship, the claustrophobic setting was an immediate pull for me—reminding me of classic Agatha Christie novels where strangers become companions and suspects in a murder mystery. Another reviewer, Denise, noted this aspect, and it truly resonated with my adoration for Christie’s work. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a confined group of characters unraveling in tension, and Ware encapsulates that beautifully.
As the narrative unfolds, the pacing picks up after a somewhat sluggish start. The middle section is riveting, filled with suspense that layers upon itself until I couldn’t help but devour the pages to uncover “whodunnit.” However, I did find that the revelations come a bit too early, with the final twists feeling slightly predictable. Yet, one plot twist genuinely blindsided me, a delightful surprise that I cherish in thrillers.
While I appreciated the plot’s build-up and some genuinely nail-biting moments, my journey with Lo Blacklock was not entirely smooth. I found her character irksome at times; her peculiar decisions and mopey demeanor made it challenging to empathize with her plight. There were moments that felt strangely jarring, like the scene where she suddenly cries in a vulnerable situation post-physical confrontation, which contrasted sharply with my expectations of a strong protagonist. It left me wondering what Ware was aiming for. Though Lo shows some character growth toward the end, I couldn’t shake the awkwardness that marred our connection throughout the story.
Despite my mixed feelings about the characters and some plot points that seemed scattered rather than cohesive, there’s undeniable talent in Ware’s writing. Her ability to evoke feelings and build tension kept my attention, and the ship’s intricate design added an almost tangible atmosphere.
If you enjoyed Ware’s debut or are looking for a quick, engaging read, The Woman in Cabin 10 might just be your ticket. While the read didn’t entirely live up to my expectations, I found myself intrigued and eager to see how Ware’s writing evolves in her next endeavor. It certainly captured my attention, even if it didn’t fully satiate my desire for complexity and depth in character development.
It’s fascinating to think about who will connect with this book and why. If you’re in the mood for some excitement and a dash of mystery aboard a luxury liner, then grab this novel, settle in, and let the suspense wash over you. Just don’t expect Lo to be your beach read best friend—she’s a little too peculiar for that!
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