A Dive into the Shadows: My Thoughts on The Woman in Suite 11
When I first received an invitation to review The Woman in Suite 11, I felt that familiar tingle of excitement that only a new Ruth Ware novel can bring. Her knack for weaving intricate plots and building a sense of tension had captivated me since the gripping pages of The Woman in Cabin 10. But as I settled into the world of Lo Blacklock once again, I found myself facing a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.
The Woman in Suite 11 reunites us with Lo, now married to Judah and navigating life as a mother of two. After a five-year hiatus from writing, a luxurious press opening at a Swiss hotel seems to promise both adventure and professional rejuvenation. Little does she know that this trip will plunge her back into a tangled web of past relationships and unexpected dangers. Lo’s naïveté in tricky situations felt frustratingly familiar; it was almost as if she hadn’t learned a thing since her harrowing experience on the Aurora. Still, there’s something endearing about her earnestness that keeps you turning the pages.
As the story unfolds, we meet old acquaintances—Ben, Alexander, and Cole—who add layers of complexity to Lo’s returning narrative. I found myself intrigued by the interplay of their past connections and the eerie atmosphere of the opulent hotel. The backdrop of Lake Geneva, a setting so picturesque and yet steeped in underlying menace, amplifies the tension.
Ruth Ware’s writing style remains engaging, her trademark fast-paced narrative drawing readers into the heart of the unfolding mystery. However, amid this gripping pace, I was struck by the excessive profanity, with the f-word and other expletives popping up so frequently that it sometimes overshadowed the storyline. Maybe it’s just me, but I found the use of strong language felt disproportionate—nearly a quarter of the book! It took me out of the thrill and rendered certain moments less impactful than they could have been.
Despite these critiques, perhaps the most troubling aspect of The Woman in Suite 11 is Lo’s repetitive mistakes and decisions. I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of exasperation, wishing she would learn and evolve. It often made her character feel one-dimensional, diminishing the suspense when I found myself shouting into the void: “Why would you do that?!”
Yet, despite my grumbling, I found myself invested—perhaps out of sheer curiosity to see how the plot would resolve itself. And therein lies the genius of Ware: that relentless pull even when the content doesn’t quite come together. The atmospheric tension, amidst my frustrations, did prevail to maintain a level of entertainment.
In conclusion, if you’re a die-hard fan of Ruth Ware, you might still find some enjoyment in The Woman in Suite 11. It has the familiar elements of suspense and intrigue, but be prepared for a character arc that may leave you irritated. While the novel might not reach the heights of her earlier works, it can still be a decent distraction for a cozy reading evening by the fire.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC via NetGalley. As always, my opinions are as honest as they come—no sugarcoating here!
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