"The Death of Mrs. Westaway, by the author Ruth Ware. written in year of 2018.
- Faith Garcia
- Feb 17, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Feb 19, 2024
Ruth Ware, a master of building atmospheric suspense, weaves another chilling tale in "The Death of Mrs. Westaway." Hal Westaway, a tarot card reader struggling with debt and loneliness, unexpectedly finds herself at the center of a twisted inheritance plot. In this gothic-tinged thriller, mistaken identities, crumbling mansions, and dark family secrets conspire to keep the reader hooked until the very last page.
"The Death of Mrs. Westaway" sees Ruth Ware paying homage to the great mystery writers like Agatha Christie. With a classic premise infused with a contemporary sensibility, Ware delivers a multi-layered puzzle box of a novel. Hal, her endearingly sharp protagonist, must navigate a tangled web of suspicion and untruth to uncover the shocking events surrounding the wealthy Westaway family. Filled with satisfying twists and a haunting atmosphere, this book will delight both fans of Ware and those discovering her for the first time.
A friendly critique; Despite Ruth Ware's reputation for gripping thrillers, "The Death of Mrs. Westaway" falls short in certain areas. While the initial promise of the plot is undeniable, the pacing is somewhat uneven, slowing to a crawl in the middle chapters. While the ending has its satisfying reveals, some of the plot mechanics may strain credulity. It's a compelling read for fans of the genre, but might leave readers looking for tighter plotting and stronger character development wanting more.
If you enjoyed Ware's other works, or the slow-burn suspense of authors like Daphne du Maurier, this is a must-read.
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