Skip to main content

REVIEW:The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

 

What it’s about: Hal Westaway comes home to find a letter about an inheritance left to her by her grandmother. However, Hal knows it can’t be meant for her, even though it is her name and address on the paper, her grandparents have been dead for years. Hal has been scraping by financially after the tragic death of her mother, working as a Tarot reader on the pier, not to mention, she’s also got involved with some sketchy loan sharks. She wants so badly for there to be even a little money left to her, anything to help her back to her feet. She ends up at the funeral, and then the family home, assuming a role, but everything is not what it seems in the giant estate full of secrets and lies. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this! I had no idea what to expect going into this which I think is the best way to read a horror/mystery. Hal was a strong protagonist, and I really rooted for her as she faced so many problems, however, some of her inner monologue felt repetitive. The pacing of the mystery itself unraveled with much anticipation as it was a slow build with a few scenes that seemed drawn out. Every time I thought I had it figured out, a new twist emerged, which kept me hooked. The climax and resolution felt slightly rushed for my tastes but still delivered an unexpected result. I also appreciated the discussions of grief and the importance of a chosen family. Overall, I really enjoyed this books atmosphere and plot. It was a perfect October read with a unique plot compared to what I typically read! 


Rating: ★★★★

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

TOUR: Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy

Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Publishing Date: March 14, 2024 Synopsis: Six Muslim teens are falsely accused of a deadly attack in this timely and harrowing examination of Americas justice system, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas and Samira Ahmed. As fireworks pop at a rowdy Fourth of July bonfire party, an explosion off the California coast levels an oil rig and a beach town is left reeling from the aftermath of tragedy. At the center are six Muslim teens. An old soul stuck in a modern world. An aspiring doctor caught in the wrong place. An influencer with a reputation to protect. A perfect daughter with secrets. A soccer star headed for Stanford. An immigrant in love. Six strangers with something to hide and everything to lose. Faced with accusations of terrorism, the Six are caught in a political game that will pit them against one another. As police investigate what really happened that night, which secrets will be worth the cost of freedom? ...

REVIEW: Unchosen by Katharyn Blair

  PLOT:  Charlotte thought her childhood crush, Dean, falling in love with her older sister was the end of her world, until the real end came with the Crimson, a curse that is spread though eye contact, transforming humans into monsters. Her older sister in now the Commander of their settlement, while her younger sister, Vanessa, is the Chosen One— the one destined to end the curse, meaning Charlotte is still stuck in their shadows. When they are raided, Charlotte declares herself the Chosen One in order to save her sisters, and she must keep up her lie if she wants to keep them and Dean safe, and better yet, stay alive herslef. This Is her chance to define her own destiny and try to save thee world.   MY THOUGHTS: If I had to describe this book in one word it would be captivating. I have never read anything quite like it. The concept, the most unique twist on a zombie-like-apocalypse (emphasis on like) I’ve ever encountered, was amazing! Sea captains, curses, action, rom...

REVIEW: Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman

This story follows the devastating consequences of climate change through a fictional but chillingly realistic severe drought in Southern California that turns neighbors against one another and our always growing cast of characters are forced to do whatever it takes to survive when the taps run dry.  I enjoyed this story especially as a low commitment stand alone with a gripping plot. I enjoyed how the various characters were built into the story, but never became too hard to keep track. I didn’t particularly adore any of the main characters and I’m sorry but I just kept picturing Kelton as an older version of the annoying kid from Polar Express but luckily I really liked his (much needed) character growth. I still found myself crying a little at the end scenes so clearly they got me invested in the end. It felt pretty realistic (sadly) and a true representation of the darkness inside humanity that we’ve seen glimpses of lately. I actually had to go get myself some water while read...