In a Dark, Dark Wood Book Review

25 March 2022

I have seen some Good Reads reviews from readers who do not seem to enjoy Ruth Ware’s work. I have to say I am a fan. I have enjoyed the books that I have read and am always eager to spend more time on her work. In a Dark, Dark Wood has been sitting on my shelf for a while and I am glad I finally got to this one. This book had me curious from the start, I flipped pages eagerly as I was keen to find out what secrets were to be revealed. This book is a typical Ruth Ware read, it is full of questions that leave you intrigued to solve the mystery.

I enjoy Ruth Ware’s almost old school mystery feel. This book was again an almost classic “whodunnit”, In a Dark, Dark Wood did not disappoint. It is full of intrigue and mystery and keeps you guessing.

When crime writer, Nora Shaw, receives an unexpected invitation to Claire’s hen weekend she is surprised. Convinced that the invite must be a mistake. Sure, once upon a time Nora and Claire were best friends. But Nora has not spoken to Claire in ten years. Reluctantly she agrees to attend. Arriving at the venue she finds herself in a glass house in the woods. The night shadows spilling in through the large glass panes creates an eerie atmosphere, leaving everyone in the house a little on edge. Nora feels out of place among these people who have not been a part of her life for a long time. When a door blows open in the middle of the night, everyone is spooked., only to be woken a little later with the sound of someone downstairs. Huddles together, scared and gripping a shotgun, it’s no surprise when a shot rings out at the sight of a man on the stairs.

Who is the intruder? Why was the gun loaded with a live round when it was supposed to have been a blank? More importantly, why is Nora there?

When Nora wakes up in a hospital, these questions are on a loop in her mind. But she cannot remember what happened. When she finds out that she is a suspect in a murder investigation, it backs a race against time for her to remember, and find a way to prove her innocence.

I was gripped right from the start, quickly wrapped up in the story and eager to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the suspense and the hunt for who did it and why.

Poor Nora simply steals your heart. This young woman has been living with a secret for ten years. A secret that has haunted her and made it impossible for her to move on. She has tried to put her past behind her, tried to distance herself from all the bad memories. When her past comes rushing back she is forced to revisit all the pain and heartache. In a way, it was a good thing, not only forcing her to deal with what she has tried to bury, but also allowing her to see the truth and finally put it behind her.

I am a Ruth Ware fan and can confidently say that I loved this book. It’s everything you expect from her work. I am always surprised when I read reviews that say they do not enjoy her writing style. I love getting caught up in Ruth Ware’s books and am never left disappointed. But each to their own…. I would highly recommend this book. If you enjoy a “whodunnit” then you won’t go wrong by reaching for Ruth Ware.