In a Dark, Dark Wood
Ruth Ware
2015, 352 pages
English Thriller
What could be more fun than a bachelorette party? Anything, as it turns out. Introverted Lee, a writer who has lived in self-imposed isolation since a traumatic high school event, is invited to her former best friend’s bachelorette party.
Although Lee hasn’t spoken to Clare in years, she reluctantly decides to attend. The party, which is taking place in an isolated glass house in the middle of the woods, gets off to a bad start when Lee arrives late and the other houseguests insist on calling her Nora. Clare’s best friend seems unhinged, the other guests don’t want to be there, and Lee plans to leave as soon as possible. That’s when Clare starts revealing secrets . . . and someone wants to shut her up.
In a Dark, Dark Wood is atmospheric and enjoyable. Although the mystery doesn’t have a lot of twists and turns, the characterization of Lee is well done. What really makes the novel work is the sense of isolation that begins creeping in as Lee spends more time in the glass house, stuck with people whom she can’t escape. Although I guessed the ending well before it arrived, this was a fun beach thriller and I’m looking forward to the author’s next book.
Nora CascaddenConcord Public Library
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