I began and finished Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10 in three days. That should tell you something. This book was the second in my November Book of the Month Club box and I finally had a chance to read it. Late, I know.
The Woman In Cabin 10 is a mystery novel by Ruth Ware. Set on a small luxury cruise ship, the story details how Lo Blacklock is thrust into a cover-up. The story begins with Lo’s house being burgled. When she gets on the cruise ship, to write up a review for work, she is tired and anxious having not slept well for days. She didn’t want to come but this could be her big break at work so, she forces herself to put on a smile and schmooze like the rest of the passengers. That first night she hears a scream and a splash and then sees blood on the partition separating her veranda from the next one over. She is scared and angry but she wants justice for the woman in cabin 10, a woman everyone claims doesn’t exist. Cabin 10 is cleared out, there is no blood and there is no evidence but Lo knows…at least she thinks she does. On board a ship in international waters without internet or cell service, Lo can’t contact anyone and the crew does its best to make Lo feel like she dreamed it all.
Ware includes inserts including media, emails and more, all taking place days after Lo’s expedition begins. These inserts take us for a spin as Ware guides us by the nose straight towards red herrings.
Photo Courtesy of Fantastic Fiction
Fave Quote: “And I thought, There is a murderer on this boat. And no one knows but me” (103).
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It did take me getting past page 100 for me to really enjoy it but after a while, I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the way that I felt the same terror Lo Blacklock was experiencing. Ware has a way with description and I not only pictured the rooms in the ship, I was there with the characters as they stared at Lo with pity and disbelief. She was on medication and she’d been drinking, even the Norwegian crew members who didn’t speak English doubted her. Investigating on her own, trying to prove she’s not crazy. I think it is Lo’s characterization that propelled me forward. What this novel taught me was that paranoia is very, very useful.
Star Rating: 4/5
Have you read any of Ruth Ware’s work? I’m always looking for new books to add to my TBR so feel free to leave your favorite in the comments!
Please follow this blog and check me out on Instagram. I am trying to grow my bookish family. And if you know anyone who would enjoy this post or any of my earlier posts, feel free to share.
Happy Reading!
Chyina