The Death Of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

Title: The Death of Mrs. Westaway

Author: Ruth Ware

Pages: 368

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Gallery/ Scout Press

Publication Date: May 29, 2018

Rating: 4/5

On a day that begins like any other, Hal receives a mysterious letter bequeathing her a substantial inheritance. She realizes very quickly that the letter was sent to the wrong person—but also that the cold-reading skills she’s honed as a tarot card reader might help her claim the money.

Soon, Hal finds herself at the funeral of the deceased…where it dawns on her that there is something very, very wrong about this strange situation and the inheritance at the centre of it.

Goodreads

It took me about 100-150 pages to get into this book but once I was I really got into it. I know everyone says it, but I’m going to say it again, Ruth Ware is a brilliant writer. She has the ability to make characters and settings come to live in such a magnificent way, where I actually felt like I was in the house with the family or sitting in the car or train with Hal.

Once Hal reaches the family of the deceased women there is so much that happens and things are constantly shifting and changing. I was so impressed with the twists in this story and the setting of the story was so spooky and chilling. I wish that Ware hadn’t spent so long in setting up the story because to me it just dragged on. To be honest though, I feel like that might be more of a me issue because I was so anxious to “see” the house and for all the family drama to start. Maybe on a re read I will appreciate the beginning more because it was still beautifully written and it really cements the readers relationship to Hal.

I heard or read a review where someone said that reading this book made them feel cold and it is so true! This book would be the perfect read for a cold stormy weekend. I own all four of Ruth Ware’s books and the only one I haven’t read yet is her debut, In A Dark Dark Wood. I’m thinking of reading it in October because I would love to see how her writing as transformed over the years. This book is an excellent mystery that I think any mystery fan would enjoy as well.

~Cassie