Ruth Ware is one of my favourtie mystery thriller authors. I've read all her novels and given them every rating between 2 stars and 5 stars. If you're looking for slow-building tension and an incredible atmosphere, I recommend adding her books to your radar! In this guide, I've reviewed all the Ruth Ware books (currently published) to let you know which I think are most worth your time.
In A Dark Dark Wood (2015)
My rating: 3-stars
In A Dark Dark Wood was Ruth Ware's first published novel. It follows Leonora, who is invited to attend the hen do of her former best friend from school. Lenora never expected to be invited because they haven't spoken in years but after receiving a last-minute invite, she decides it might be a good opportunity to put the past behind them.
My favourite thing about this was the setting. It takes place at this huge glass-fronted lodge in the middle of the woods and it felt very creepy. I found the toxic friendship drama a bit tedious but the ending gripped me so I gave this 3-stars.
The Woman in Cabin 10 (2016)
My rating: 4 stars
This traditional mystery novel follows a journalist who attends the launch of a new cruise sailing to the Norwegian Fjords. On the first night, she hears what sounds like a body being pushed over the balcony next door but when she informs the crew, they tell her that it's impossible. No one was assigned to that cabin and no one from the passenger list is missing.
I think it's a good sign when the first chapter of a book is so tense it actually terrifies you! I could not figure out what direction the plot was going in but when the reveals started happening it made complete sense. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I thought the ending could have been stronger.
The Lying Game (2017)
My rating: 2 stars
When Isa receives a phone call from one of her old school friends saying that she desperately needs to see them, secrets from the past finally come to light.
I thought Ruth Ware did a good job establishing each setting and making me feel like I was there. Part of the book takes place in a small coastal town and there are flashbacks to the main character's time in school. It had the potential to be great but nothing interesting happened. It was boring and the stakes should have felt higher than they were. My least favourite of the Ruth Ware books so far.
The Death of Mrs Westaway (2018)
My rating: 3 stars
The Death of Mrs Westaway follows a main character who lives in a seaside town and works in a booth on the pier as a tarot card reader. She's also a con artist in a difficult financial situation so her prayers seem to be answered when she receives a letter informing her she's inherited a small fortune from "Mrs Westaway" - a woman she has never met.
The atmosphere was great but I felt like I spent the whole book waiting for something interesting to happen. So although it had an intriguing premise, I think there were more interesting directions the plot could have gone in.
The Turn of the Key (2019)
My rating: 5 stars
The Turn of the Key was the first book I read by Ruth Ware and it still remains my favourite. It's written from the perspective of a main character who's writing a letter to a lawyer from prison. She insists she is not guilty of what she's been accused of and desperately needs help. She then begins to recount her story and how she accepted a job as a nanny for a wealthy family who live in an isolated 'smart home' in the Scottish Highlands.
This is the ultimate spooky house story. I love books that make you question whether something supernatural is to blame, or whether there's a more logical explanation. I've recommended it so many times I will continue to recommend it because it's one of my all-time favorites.
One by One (2020)
My rating: 3.5 stars
If you love traditional closed-circle murder mysteries then I think you'll enjoy One by One. It's told from two points of view; a woman who works in a resort as a chalet host, and a guest at the resort who's on a corporate team away weekend.
I loved the isolated setting and I think this is a great book to read in the winter. There were some great moments of tension and while I did think the ending dragged a little, if you like this type of story where people are being killed off one by one and you're trying to work out "whodunit", this was pretty good.
The IT Girl (2022)
My rating: 5 stars
The IT Girl was one of my best books of 20222. I LOVED the atmosphere in this dark academia mystery! It follows Hannah whose university roommate April was murdered before the end of their first year at Oxford. When Hannah learns that the guy convicted of April's murder has died in prison, she is ready to finally put everything behind her. Until a journalist approaches her claiming to have evidence that he was innocent.
This was SO clever! It's longer than your average mystery thriller but I loved the slow and steady pace. I kept trying to work out what direction the plot was going in and when the reveals started happening it felt so satisfying because I didn't see it coming but it made complete sense.
Zero Days (2023)
My rating: 4 stars
Zero Days has a different vibe compared to Ruth Ware's other books as it's very fast-paced and action-packed. The main character is a pen tester which I found fascinating! After something goes wrong with her most recent assignment, Jack ends up going on the run after being accused of murder.
This book had me on the edge of my seat and I thought the suspense was done well. There were some moments where I struggled to suspend disbelief and I thought the ending could have been wrapped up more satisfyingly but if you're looking for an adrenaline-filled ride then I think this delivered.
One Perfect Couple (2024)
My rating: 4 stars
When I see a book being compared to "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie, I assume it's going to be a closed-circle murder mystery. However, I would describe One Perfect Couple as more reminiscent of Lord of the Flies.
It follows Lyla, whose boyfriend convinces her to take part in a new reality TV show that's filming on a remote tropical island. When an overnight storm cuts off all communication with the mainland, tensions rise and the group must band together for survival.
While I enjoyed the suspense and slow-building tension, I wish it had focused more on the reality TV element.
What are your favourite Ruth Ware books?
