Book Review: The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware
As a long-time admirer of Ruth Ware’s gripping narratives, I was equal parts excited and skeptical when I heard about The Woman in Suite 11—a sequel that many didn’t think was necessary. It’s been almost a decade since The Woman in Cabin 10, and like many readers, I’ve cherished the spine-tingling suspense and intricate plotting of her earlier works. Yet, my curiosity piqued, wondering if Ware could recapture that same magic, especially with Lo Blacklock now navigating a new chapter in her life.
In this latest installment, we’re greeted with a freshly married Lo, buoyed by motherhood and the lure of a luxury hotel launch in Lake Geneva. From the moment she discovers that her plane ticket has been upgraded to first class, I felt the anticipation that has come to define Ware’s suspenseful world. However, the thrill soon gave way to an all-too-familiar unease as Lo encounters figures from her past—her ex-boyfriend and two others tied to her previous misadventures on the ill-fated Aurora. The nostalgic twist is intriguing, but it also leads Lo down a rabbit hole of déjà vu where, worryingly, she repeats past mistakes.
Where I found myself wrestling with the narrative was in the characterization of Lo. Over the course of the book, her naivety and poor decision-making became increasingly irksome. It felt almost as if we were watching a character caught in a perpetual loop of folly, which, while maybe meant for suspense, came across as unrealistic. I yearned for her to learn, to grow—but instead, she often felt stagnant. As engaging as the writing style is—Ware’s prose flows smoothly and is often atmospheric—Lo’s lack of development tugged at my enjoyment.
Notably, the supporting characters, who should add depth and intrigue, felt a bit one-dimensional. With every twist and turn, I kept hoping to uncover hidden nuances, but instead, they remained mere shadows on the page. It’s a shame because the backdrop of a luxury hotel, rich with potential for suspense and secrets, felt underutilized.
Another aspect that weighed heavily on my experience was the use of profanity. Not that I shy away from strong language in literature, but the sheer volume—106 instances of the f-word alone—felt excessive and, frankly, distracting. I began to notice it more than the plot, which should be a red flag for any thriller. It became a challenge to stay engrossed when I was mentally tallying how often these words popped up instead of unraveling the mystery.
Despite these critiques, I can’t deny that part of me was still drawn in by the thrilling premise and wanted to see how it all played out. There was a certain compulsive nature to Ware’s writing that kept me turning the pages, even as frustration simmered in the backdrop.
Ultimately, I find myself in a bit of a conundrum. Would I recommend The Woman in Suite 11? Perhaps, but with caution. Fans of Ruth Ware may find some redeeming elements here, especially if you appreciate her fast-paced style and are looking for a light, albeit flawed, read. Readers drawn to complex, layered characters might feel a bit let down, just as I did.
In all, while this sequel doesn’t quite capture the charm of its predecessor, it’s still a ride worth considering—just be prepared for a mix of nostalgia, disappointment, and the occasional shout of frustration at our dear Lo’s escapades. I hope that in the future, Ware returns us to her earlier brilliance, proving once again why we fell in love with her storytelling.
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