The Woman in Cabin 10Author: Ruth Ware
Published by: Gallery Books
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
In this tightly wound, enthralling story reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s works, Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. The sky is clear, the waters calm, and the veneered, select guests jovial as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the picturesque North Sea. At first, Lo’s stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for—and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong…
This book tested my patience. In a good way! I was in need of a good mystery-thriller and The Woman in Cabin 10 delivered. It was gripping and had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I cursed myself for not having the ability to read faster.
Lo is a travel writer and gets the chance to go on a posh private cruise with a select few. She’s determined to go despite having a scary run-in with a robber the night before. She encounters a woman in the cabin next to hers, but things turn sideways quick. Later, Lo is adamant that the woman she met was murdered. She witnessed it. Or did she? How could that be if all of the guests are accounted for? And if a woman was murdered, then that means Lo is stuck in the middle of the ocean with a murderer and might be in danger.
Lo’s tenacity in discovering who the woman is and what’s going on is infectious, even when her mental stability comes into question. She’s definitely a flawed character that I couldn’t help questioning at times. Even so, Lo is likeable and intriguing. I enjoyed being in her head as she tried working all the different scenarios out.
What also contributes to the mystery are the small chapters throughout the book that add a heavy sense of foreboding. These are told through emails, newspapers, and message boards. The intensity continues to escalate with each new piece of information from these chapters. I really liked this aspect of the story.
I trust no one! Every single person on that damn yacht was a suspect. Just the way I like it. The author kept me guessing. And second guessing. And third guessing. You get the idea. So I was positively giddy once the pieces started to snap together.
The Woman in Cabin 10 has a great deal of suspense and danger that I found completely engrossing. So hold on tight and prepare for a thrilling voyage.
I’m so happy you loved The Woman in Cabin 10 as much as I did, Christy!! It was breath-stealing, right?
I cannot wait to read this one, Christy! I’ve been hearing such terrific things about it. And it sounds so well-executed. I’m very curious about Lo’s character too. I can’t wait to pick it up! 🙂
Great review, Christy!
I am so excited for this one. I loved her last book so much. Sounds like this one is just as good if not better. Great review!!
In the end, that’s all you could really ask for in a mystery novel: that it had the ability to frustrate you and had you thinking that you’re not reading fast enough. 🙂
Trying to get out of my dark phase but this sounds too good to resist!
I really enjoyed this too. The author impressed me yet again. I read it as I got a copy at BEA, but I bet it is awesome on audio too.
I was so deeply disappointed by a YA mystery/thriller just yesterday so I need something good to even things out a bit. I want to be kept on the edge of my seat! Hopefully I’ll find a copy somewhere soon.
I’m so exited about this one! I loved her first book and I absolutely love the premise of this one. I’m definitely in the mood for a good thriller right about now and I love that cover!
I know this is good if it kept you guessing and even second and third guessing. 😉
Ah i’ve been in the mood for a good mystery/thriller that keeps me engaged and guessing. Plus an unreliable narrator is always fun with these types of books. I’m going to have to give this one a try!
I have this one to listen too and I can’t wait as it sounds like it’s a good one. 🙂 Great review!
It does sounds like a good suspense
This sounds great. I think this is next in my Audio TBR…can’t wait to get to it!
This really sounds like a good thriller. Oh man I know what you mean about reading faster… and then if it is a good book you don’t want to read too fast because that means it ends. The conundrum I put myself through! LOL Brilly review.
OMG!!!
This book sounds like my cup of tea. It’s so weird too because I recently done a blog post about what type of books I want to see more of and one of them was a mystery thriller type book that takes place on a cruise because I haven’t read anything like it before.
Super excited for this.
chloreads.blogspot.co.uk ?
Ha! Sounds like this book is meant for you. 🙂
Oh my gosh! This sounds Ahmazing!!! It’s like I was there with you as you were turning the pages (or tapping them). Great review!
OMG I’m such a slow reader, I think reading this one would be torture!! The very best kind of torture though. 🙂
I think I need this book in my life Christy! I’m in the mood for a good thriller, and I LOVE to be kept guessing in terms of suspects. Adding this to the list for sure, thanks for the stellar review!
I’ve really been loving mysteries lately and this sounds awesome! I already want to know all the answers!
Yay, I’m so glad you loved this one! I thought it was great as well, and the little chapters with news reports, etc. WERE really great. They made you want to continue on each and every single time they appeared.
-Lauren
I love it when a book has me suspecting everybody. This sounds great. Thanks, Christy!
Oh that sounds really good. Always guessing who it is. I like a good mystery thriller. Thanks for the great review.
Great to hear that the mystery kept you guessing and was well written
This book is on my wishlist to try. I’ve been in the mood for suspenseful stories. I’m glad to see that you enjoyed this one. I will have to move it up my TBR list. *off to check library for audiobooks*
I’m going to be all over this one, it sounds great. I love the idea of a woman on a cruise and no one believes her… that would be freaky. Will be reading this one!
I’ve got to read this book!
This one sure sounds thrilling and exciting read. That blurb makes me curious. And a cruise sounds like the right type of creepy location for a murder mystery, with how you can’t leave. I love it when the mystery keeps me guessing and everyone could be a suspect. Glad to hear you liked this one! This sounds like one I might enjoy, although I usually don’t read thrillers, but I do like a good mystery, so I might check it out.
I am so into mystery right now. This sounds freaking awesome!!!! I want it. Have you ever been on a cruise? Everyone I know doesn’t like it.
I am looking forward to reading this one, especially now having read In a Dark, Dark Wood. I’ve heard this one is even better. I am glad you enjoyed it so much! The thrillers and mysteries that keep you wanting to read faster than you can turn pages are the best.