14.03.2017
There’s been a definite buzz about Ruth Ware lately, they call her the new Agatha Christie. Her novel In a Dark, Dark Wood is coming to life on the big screen, and The Woman in Cabin 10 was one of the bestsellers last year. Ware is one of the authors who is criticized a lot about not having real talent. I read mixed reviews of her books. You can find In a Dark, Dark Wood in Bulgarian (and I own the paperback, surprise here), The Woman in Cabin 10 will be published in Bulgaria this year. I started with the first novel because it was easier to find.
I definitely see why the reviews are polarized. Ware imitates other authors, and Agatha Christie herself. The storyline has a lot of issues and it’s quite predictable. The book follows the models seen in most of the crime novels. If you are a fan of the genre, don’t expect anything new and original. I agree with one of the reviews I read that In a Dark, Dark Wood is a Scooby Do mystery.
My review is not negative, mainly because of Ruth Ware’s writing style. I don’t agree that she’s not talented. The book is a page-turner and it’s very easy to read.
The main character in In a Dark, Dark Wood is the 26 years old Nora. She gets an invitation for a hen party. The bride to be is her best friend since childhood Clare, but they haven’t spoken in ages. Despite that she decides to go. The hen party is in a house in the woods. Nora goes accompanied with one of her and Clare’s mutual friends Nina. She does not know anyone else in the house. You are probably already guessing which Agatha Christie novel it reminds me of. The similarities end here and the storyline is very different, but I wouldn’t say original.
I gave the book three stars, because for me it was a light and pleasant read. I definitely want to read Ware’s other book The Woman in Cabin 10, it is supposed to be the better one of the two. If you haven’t read Agatha Christie, read her novels! If you are looking for a light read to spend the hours after work or take with you on a holiday, In a Dark, Dark Wood would be a good choice. If you enjoy crime novels, this book will probably annoy you.
In a Dark, Dark Wood is a Scooby Do mystery, but I enjoy them sometimes.
