Who Would Like This Book:
If you crave a moody, Gothic-style mystery packed with family secrets, crumbling mansions, and a touch of tarot card mystique, this one's for you! Ruth Ware conjures an atmospheric read that channels Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier vibes - a perfect pick for those who love slow-burning suspense and tangled inheritances. Hal, the protagonist, is sympathetic and resourceful, making her easy to root for, even as she wades into morally gray territory. If you enjoy classic mysteries, family dramas, or modern gothic fiction, you'll likely be hooked.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer fast-paced, action-heavy thrillers, this might feel too slow-burn for your taste. Some readers found the pacing sluggish, the plot a bit predictable, or the protagonist overly anxious and indecisive. Repetitive inner monologues and lengthy atmospheric descriptions can be frustrating if you like stories that get straight to the point. Additionally, if you want a mystery full of big shocks and gasp-out-loud twists, this one's more about simmering tension and gradual reveals.
About:
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware follows the story of Harriet Westaway, also known as Hal, who receives a letter about an inheritance from her grandmother, Hester Westaway, a woman she never knew existed. Desperate for money, Hal decides to attend the funeral and reading of the will, only to uncover a web of family secrets and mysteries that she must navigate. As she delves deeper into the Westaway family, Hal finds herself in danger and must untangle the truth about her parentage amidst a backdrop of isolation, deception, and dark revelations.
Ruth Ware's writing in The Death of Mrs. Westaway is described as engrossing, gothic, and suspenseful, reminiscent of classics like Rebecca. The book combines elements of family turmoil, long-buried secrets, and a brooding Cornish mansion, all wrapped up in a twisty mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With a compelling protagonist, shifty characters, and a questionable will, Ware's storytelling style draws readers in and immerses them in a modern take on the classic gothic mystery genre.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains themes of debt, violence, emotional distress, and possibly triggering situations related to familial trauma.
From The Publisher:
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2019
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of In a Dark, Dark Wood, The Woman in Cabin 10, and The Lying Game comes Ruth Ware's fourth novel, "her best yet" (Library Journal, starred review).
On a day that begins like any other, Hal receives a mysterious letter bequeathing her a substantial inheritance. She realizes very quickly that the letter was sent to the wrong person-but also that the cold-reading skills she's honed as a tarot card reader might help her claim the money.
Soon, Hal finds herself at the funeral of the deceased…where it dawns on her that there is something very, very wrong about this strange situation and the inheritance at the center of it.
Full of spellbinding menace and told in Ruth Ware's signature suspenseful style, this is an unputdownable thriller from the Agatha Christie of our time.
Ratings (80)
Incredible (5) | |
Loved It (46) | |
Liked It (17) | |
It Was OK (11) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (146):
Read It (86) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (47) | |
Not Interested (11) |
3 comment(s)
Just want to quickly preface this review with the fact that I received this book as a giveaway winner. I would have purchased it regardless as I enjoy Ruth Ware, but just FYI.
Ruth Ware returns to form with her fourth novel. Wasn't the biggest fan of the Lying Game so I was nervous to see how'd she follow it up. Despite the pacing to be a bit slower with less action, she was still able to keep it interesting with a slow ever growing tension, and delivered a hit. Loved this one.
****4.0****
Review soon
Family at its finest.
What can you read after
The Death of Mrs. Westaway?
About the Author:
Ruth Ware worked as a waitress, a bookseller, a teacher of English as a foreign language, and a press officer before settling down as a full-time writer. She now lives with her family in Sussex, on the south coast of England. She is the #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail (Toronto) bestselling author of In a Dark, Dark Wood; The Woman in Cabin 10; The Lying Game; The Death of Mrs. Westaway; The Turn of the Key; and One by One. Visit her at RuthWare.com or follow her on Twitter @RuthWareWriter.
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