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[bookramblings]

The Death of Mrs Westaway

Author: Ruth Ware

Published by: Penguin Random house

Pages: 387

Format Hardback

My Rating ★★★★★

Every family has its secrets. Some are worth killing for.

From number one bestselling author Ruth Ware comes a heart-pounding, twisty thriller that you won’t be able to put down.

When Harriet Westaway receives an unexpected letter telling her she’s inherited a substantial estate from her Cornish grandmother, it seems like the answer to her prayers. She owes money to a loan shark and the threats are getting increasingly aggressive: she needs to get her hands on some cash fast.

There’s just one problem – Hal’s grandparents died more than twenty years ago. The letter has been sent to the wrong person. But Hal knows that the cold-reading techniques she’s honed as a seaside fortune teller could help her con her way to getting the money. If anyone has the skills to turn up at a stranger’s funeral and claim a bequest they’re not entitled to, it’s her.

Hal makes a choice that will change her life forever. But once she embarks on her deception, there is no going back, She must keep going or risk losing everything, even her life…

My thoughts:

Penguin Random House were kind enough to send me an advanced copy of Ruth Ware’s latest novel, in return for an honest review. This book had me completely hooked from day one!

I really loved Ruth Ware’s style, and the plot was original, entertaining and thrilling, with some wonderful twisty dark moments. The writing was gripping and engaging from the beginning to end, with lovely prose and compelling plot twists throughout.

Undoubtedly, Ruth Ware is a great contemporary writer, yet her style in this book felt brilliantly old-fashioned. The pacing was perfect and the book had a wonderful narrative that will keep readers guessing.

The formidable atmosphere was powerful and heightened the sense of a constant unease I felt whilst reading. I especially loved the scenes featuring the mysterious housekeeper, Mrs Warren. She had an air of Mrs Danvers about her, with her secrecy and the hostility she showed Hal during her time at Trespassen House.

Hal’s character was fascinating and I liked how independent she was. Her work as a tarot card reader and fortune-teller was also a really interesting addition, and I felt it contributed to the unpredictable and mysterious atmosphere. As a reader, this book will constantly keep you guessing, on the edge of your seat and desperate for more. It kept me up late into the night, determined to read ‘just a few more chapters’ time and time again.

If, like myself, you’re also a big fan of fantastic female authors such as Daphne Du Maurier, Agatha Christie and Patricia Highsmith, you simply have to read this book. You will love it! The Death of Mrs Westaway feels like an instant classic, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

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