Just finished another one from Ruth Ware! This time, it’s In a Dark, Dark Wood.
When reclusive writer Leonora is invited to the English countryside for a weekend away, she reluctantly agrees to make the trip. But as the first night falls, revelations unfold among friends old and new, an unnerving memory shatters Leonora’s reserve, and a haunting realization creeps in: the party is not alone in the woods.
It was immediately compelling. I wanted to know everyone’s backstory. I wanted to know Nora’s secret. I wanted to know why she had been invited to a hen party when the invitation seemed to confuse her. Then she discovers that Clare is marrying her ex-boyfriend, James, and the tension only grows from there.
Soon, mysterious footprints are spotted around the glass house where they’re staying. Then someone breaks in. The girls are terrified. Flo grabs the gun, which everyone believes is loaded with blanks, and fires. Except it wasn’t loaded with blanks at all. It fires a real shot and kills the intruder, who turns out to be James.
And who looks like the murderer? Nora.
As the story unfolds, it seems like all the evidence is pointing toward her. At times, I even suspected Flo was guilty. Ruth Ware does such a great job of making you question everyone’s motives and constantly changing your mind about what really happened. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist sent me in a completely different direction.
In the end, Nora’s name is cleared, and the police realize that Clare was the one orchestrating the entire plan. The truth is both shocking and heartbreaking, and all the pieces finally come together in a way that makes sense.
I loved this book. I loved the way the story slowly unfolded and kept me guessing until the very end. The suspense was excellent, and the atmosphere of the isolated glass house in the woods made everything feel even more unsettling. I also loved that it was written with English phrases and terminology. I know that might bother some readers, but I find it so intriguing and think it adds to the charm of the story.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced psychological thriller with plenty of twists and an ending that keeps you guessing, I would definitely recommend In a Dark, Dark Wood.