Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - In a Dark, Dark Wood

I liked this book and have enjoyed most of Ruth Ware’s books before. I thought the ending was a little predictable which is why I rated it a four. But overall I liked the story and it was something new that I had not read before.

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kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is a very compelling locked-room murder mystery. I usually know whodunnit long before the end but this one kept me guessing right up to the reveal. I had trouble putting this one down. It’s not the heart-racing type of thriller story, but it definitely still gives you the creeps. The chapters were mostly short, the writing is decidedly British, and the plot was incredibly believable. I look forward to reading more of Ware’s work!

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liesvdm's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

I quite enjoyed this, even though I did guess some major plot points as soon as they were hinted at - I mean

once the ouija board said "murder" and Nora felt it might be about her, I figured it would refer to abortion. And when she revealed that James broke up with her via text, it was pretty clear it wasn't him sending the text at all, duh. Also a little far fetched that they then would NEVER EVER be in contact again after that. But okay, books like this often need you to suspend your disbelief a little bit.

However, I was kept guessing who would be the mastermind

as Flo was clearly a little unhinged and Claire was obviously too "perfect" and kind of annoying and phony

Overall I liked this and I kept finding moments to put my headphones on and continue listening. Loved the woody wintery setting and I loved some of the characters, especially Nina, she was cool.
The narrator was good, both the main character and the others in the "hen party" were well done. Most of the other accents were good too (like the Scottish nurse - I think the narrator is Scottish), just a few that were a little off but those were minor. I will put this narrator on my "approved" list ;-)

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aprilblues348's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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starsnotshadows's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Not my favorite from Ruth Ware. I think this is her first, so that makes sense. It was definitely a page-turner, but none of the characters were compelling.

This book should be renamed "An extended explanation of Chekov's gun"

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