Book Review: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
As I picked up The Woman in Cabin 10, Ruth Ware’s latest psychological thriller, I was excited to dive into a world of suspense crafted by an author who has garnered attention for her thrilling narratives. I should confess, though, that I missed out on Ware’s debut, In a Dark, Dark Wood, due to a well-timed spoiler that ruined its twist for me. While I had my reservations about jumping on the psychological thriller bandwagon—those ever-looming “Gone Girl” comparisons can be exhausting—I was curious to see how Ware would navigate the high seas of suspense this time around.
From the get-go, I was intrigued by the premise: a journalist, Lo Blacklock, swept away on a luxurious cruise where a crime is committed. Who doesn’t love a classic whodunit set against a backdrop of confinement? It’s a nod to the classic Agatha Christie style that had me smiling, as I’m always up for an homage to that master of mystery. The plot unfolds as Lo becomes embroiled in a mystery when she believes she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard.
Now, let’s talk about pacing. After a rather slow start—let’s say the first 25% felt like wading through molasses—the story picks up wonderfully, weaving layers of suspense that left me wanting to devour the rest in one sitting. However, the excitement wanes a bit near the conclusion; the reveal of the culprit happens earlier than I anticipated, leaving me craving more of that delicious tension. Yet, there was one big twist that genuinely caught me off guard, which I always appreciate. It’s refreshing to be surprised, but I can see how that twist might not resonate with everyone given the book’s overall premise.
Now, let’s switch gears to the protagonist, Lo Blacklock. Oh, dear. I found her a challenging character to engage with. At times, I just wanted to shake her and ask her to get it together. Some scenes felt more uncomfortable than necessary, particularly interactions that could be interpreted from multiple angles, like her fraught vulnerabilities and bizarre choices. This left me wondering how I was supposed to empathize with her at times. Though she does show some growth toward the end, I wish she’d come into her own sooner.
On the flip side, Ware’s knack for creating an atmosphere filled with tension and unease is commendable. The writing, particularly in the middle sections, is taut and gripping, making you feel the isolation of that ship as dread settles in. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that there were too many disjointed plot points and random incidents introduced that didn’t quite tie together, which made the narrative feel a bit jumbled at times.
As a quick read with an engaging premise, I can recommend The Woman in Cabin 10 to those looking for a light thriller with a captivating setting. If you enjoyed Ware’s first novel, you might find this one appealing, too. While it didn’t entirely live up to my expectations, I believe there’s genuine talent here, and I’m hopeful that her next offering will show some stronger growth in her storytelling. Although the experience was a mixed bag for me, it certainly didn’t lack in intrigue, and sometimes that’s just what you need.