Review: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
As a book blogger, I’m often drawn to thrillers that promise a twisty ride, and Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10 caught my attention for just that reason. Having heard whispers about its compelling premise—association with a luxury cruise turned nightmare—my curiosity was piqued. However, given my personal experience with Ware’s previous title In a Dark, Dark Wood (which was unfortunately spoiled for me), I approached this book with a mix of excitement and caution. Thanks to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!
Lo Blacklock, a journalist, finds herself aboard a glamorous new cruise ship, tasked with covering a story. From the outset, the theatrical setting invites comparisons to classic Agatha Christie hits—a confined space teeming with suspicious characters, all under the veil of secrecy. Denise, another reviewer, captured this perfectly, indicating that the narrative echoes the essence of Christie’s best works. I adore a good whodunnit, and the promise of rich tension motivated me to dive into the depths of the story.
Initially, I struggled with the beginning and the final act of the novel; however, the middle sixty percent truly shone. The pacing was delightfully taut after the first few chapters, expertly layering suspense until I found myself racing toward the conclusion, desperate to uncover the identity of the culprit. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Ware threw in a twist that genuinely caught me off guard. This unexpected turn was a triumph, though I sensed many readers might grapple with some of the more implausible elements in the plot.
However, it was difficult to forge an emotional connection with our protagonist, Lo. I’ll admit, I found her character peculiar and, at times, entirely unlikable. Her actions often left me scratching my head. How could a woman who ultimately finds her voice seem so out of depth in crucial moments? There’s a particular scene that stands out: in a stressful interaction with Ben, a fellow passenger, Lo’s response felt shockingly out of sync with her earlier characterization, leaving me feeling uncomfortable instead of empathetic.
Despite my frustrations, I must commend Ware’s ability to create a compelling atmosphere and engaging narrative style. The writing flowed beautifully, though the plot occasionally felt jumbled. It’s as if we are introduced to plot points that might have given more depth to Lo’s character but ended up feeling disjointed.
In the end, while The Woman in Cabin 10 didn’t entirely meet my expectations, it was nonetheless an engaging read. If you enjoyed Ware’s first book, this one might just resonate with you as well; it’s quick, captivating, and teeming with intrigue—though perhaps not solid enough to satisfy those seeking a true standout in modern thrillers.
For readers in search of a light yet thrilling escape, I’d recommend giving it a try, but I can’t help but hope that Ware’s next offering showcases her growth and promise as a storyteller more credibly. As for me, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for her next work, curious to see how she evolves as a writer.
Discover more about The Woman in Cabin 10 (Lo Blacklock, #1) on GoodReads >>