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Up to this point, Ruth’s novels have been “one for two” for me; one in which I loved (“The Woman in Cabin 10”), and the other two which I haven’t liked too much (“The Lying Game”, and “In a Dark, Dark Wood”). With The Death of Mrs. Westaway(paid link), I feel a bit indifferent about it. The reason for this is because towards the end, the plot definitely does pick up; however, it took too long to do so.

Therefore, I’ve come to the conclusion that Ruth Ware just isn’t that good of a literary writer per say. Her plots are good and intriguing, but she isn’t able to execute them as well as authors such as Gillian Flynn.

This story was about the mysterious past of the main character, Hal Westaway’s, mother who recently passed. Hal must uncover if she is truly entitled to the will of her supposed grandmother or not. She takes a trip to an eerie mansion and is surrounded my strangers who she must act like are her family. Strangers that are much more dangerous than she realizes. You will later find out that each character is connected to Hal and her mother in various ways, ways that will eventually expose themselves and unravel the truth to Hal. She is left to fight for her life.

I do have to say that Ruth does do a great job of building tension, for I found myself holding my breath near the end, BUT I’m never completely satisfied with her endings. I want more plot and events, and less repetition of rambling thoughts.