In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Genre: Suspense
Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press
Publish Date: 8/4/2015
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover, ebook
ISBN: 9781501112317

My Review:
This was one crazy and suspenseful ride.  If you pick this up, be prepared to read it until you are finished.  It is that good.  I didn't get to read it in one sitting but when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about what I had read and what could possibly happen next. And then I would try and figure out what the twist would be. That made the book even better.

The characters.  Nora is our main character and the book goes from the present which is after the hen party and flashes back to before and during the hen party. It was obvious from the start that something bad has happened.  The problem is Nora can't remember what happened or what role she may have played in it.  I liked Nora; she's a somewhat reclusive writer who has a past that is hinted at through the book.  Nora was very well-developed as the main character and I enjoyed getting to know her.  I also enjoyed the unreliable narrator aspect. That is always fun for me because it keeps me guessing and has me questioning all I thought I knew about the main character. The other characters are Nina, Mel, Thomas, Flo, who hosts the party and of course Claire, who is the bride-to-be.  I really felt like I got to know each character and it felt like I was at the hen party right there with them.  If I had to pick a second-favorite character it would be Nina.  I loved her sarcastic, witty personality.  I liked how she loved deeply and cared for others even through her tough exterior.

The plot was amazing.  While the character development moved things along as the six acquaintances get to know one-another, the plot starts speeding along to what I knew would be an exciting climax/plot twist.  And I was not disappointed.  Did I guess what would happen, I did try and I got part of it right, but the twist was very "dark and twisty" (to coin a Grey's Anatomy phrase).  It was awesome, it was exciting and I enjoyed the ride through the whole book. I found the plot very believable.  I wouldn't want it to happen to me for sure, but I could definitely see it happening.

If you love gothic, psychological-thriller-type books then In a Dark, Dark Wood is just the book for you.  I loved this.  The plot kept me entertained, the characters felt like friends (or frenemies) and I enjoyed every minute of the book.  Ruth Ware can spin a tale and she has spun a great one with this book.

My Rating: 5.0/5.0

Summary

Someone's getting married. Someone's getting murdered.

In a dark, dark wood

Nora hasn't seen Clare for ten years. Not since Nora walked out of school one day and never went back.

There was a dark, dark house

Until, out of the blue, an invitation to Clare’s hen do arrives. Is this a chance for Nora to finally put her past behind her?

And in the dark, dark house there was a dark, dark room

But something goes wrong. Very wrong.

And in the dark, dark room....

Some things can’t stay secret for ever

Amazon        B&N          iBooks         Book Depository

Author Biography

Ruth Ware grew up in Sussex, on the south coast of England. After graduating from Manchester University she moved to Paris, before settling in North London. She has worked as a waitress, a bookseller, a teacher of English as a foreign language and a press officer. She is married with two small children, and In a Dark, Dark Wood is her début thriller.

Social Networking Links
Website
Facebook
Twitter

***I received this book through Netgalley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free. My links for Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. ***

What are you Reading Monday #18

Come post weekly and see what others are reading too just so you can add to your tbr - I always do! For more information go to Book Journey and join in!

Books Completed This Month so far (links go to my review):

• The Wrong Man by Kate White (ebook, netgalley)
• The Melody Lingers On by Mary Higgins Clark (library) 
• Friction by Sandra Brown (ebook, netgalley, review coming mid-August) 
• Forever Odd by Dean Koontz (audiobook, library)
• Fishbowl by Bradley Somer (book for review from publisher, review coming this week!)

Reading Now:

• Rainy Day Sisters by Kate Hewitt (book, for review from publisher)
• The Boleyn King by Laura Anderson (audiobook, audible)

Next: 

• Brother Odd by Dean Koontz (audiobook, library)
• Nation of Enemies by H.A. Raynes (ebook, netgalley, review coming mid-August)

Summary -

Great reading week and I've spent time organizing and planning reviews for my blog.  Right now I'm in a good place to read books and schedule post and still have time for library reads and reads from my own tbr.  I feel good about blogging again and look forward to reconnecting to the blogging world!

This is my last true week of summer.  Our oldest starts high school soccer practice on Monday at 8am, so there went my lazy, get out of bed when I want and go to work when I want schedule.  Even if another Mom takes him, I'll have to get him up and motivated and get him something to eat.  Not sure if practice will stay at 8am, so we'll see.  I love my job and flexible hours and I am not looking forward to starting a routine again.  Oh well.

So how was your week?  What were your temps like where you were?  Are your kids starting sports for the new school year yet? Any great books to share from the past week or ones you are looking forward to?

What's Next #1

What's Next is a meme hosted by IceyBooks, click on the link above to learn more about the meme or go link up at this week's installment.

So I know what is on my to-be-reviewed pile, but as I start the blog back up I'm trying to not overwhelm myself with new books to review and leave time to read some of the books I have accumulated over time.  Yes it's a large stack, both print books and my ebook-library.  So I'm narrowing it down to three choices this week, all by author Jennifer L. Armentrout/J. Lynn. Can you believe I have not read these books?  Help me choose which one to start by casting your vote in the comments.


Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout (A Wicked Saga #1) 
I bought this when it came out in December of last year but haven't read it yet.

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Lux #1)
I've had this forever, heard wonderful things about the series, but never can make the time to start!

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Stay With Me by J. Lynn (Wait for You #3)
So I have actually started this series and love it.  I bought this one when it came out and even have Fall With Me bought and ready to go when I finish this one.


At 21, Calla hasn’t done a lot of things. She’s never been kissed, never seen the ocean, never gone to an amusement park. But growing up, she witnessed some things no child ever should. She still carries the physical and emotional scars of living with a strung-out mother, Mona—secrets she keeps from everyone, including her close circle of college friends.

But the safe cocoon Calla has carefully built is shattered when she discovers her mom has stolen her college money and run up a huge credit card debt in her name. Now, Calla has to go back to the small town she thought she'd left behind and clean up her mom’s mess again. Of course, when she arrives at her mother’s bar, Mona is nowhere to be found. Instead, six feet of hotness named Jackson James is pouring drinks and keeping the place humming.

Sexy and intense, Jax is in Calla’s business from the moment they meet, giving her a job and helping her search for Mona. And the way he looks at her makes it clear he wants to get horizontal . . . and maybe something more. Before Calla can let him get close, though, she’s got to deal with the pain of the past—and some very bad guys out to mess her up if she doesn’t give them her mom. 


So what should I start?  Which series do you love best?  Would love to hear your opinions! 

What Are You Reading Monday #17

Come post weekly and see what others are reading too just so you can add to your tbr - I always do! For more information go to Book Journey and join in!

Books Completed This Month so far (links go to my review):

• Touch and Go by Lisa Gardner (audiobook, library)
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (audiobook, library)
• Knitters on Yarn: Writers on Knitting by Ann Hood (library)
• The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (audiobook, audible)
• The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory (ebook, Scribd)
• The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory (ebook, Scribd)
• Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz (audiobook, library)
• In a Dark, Dark, Wood by Ruth Ware (ebook, netgalley)

Reading Now: 

• Forever Odd by Dean Koontz (audiobook, library)
• The Wrong Man by Kate White (ebook, netgalley)

Next: 

• Not sure yet :)

Summary -

Finally in the last few weeks I really feel like my reading mojo has come back.  I have enjoyed the series by Philippa Gregory and plan to continue with it.  I have been intrigued and sucked into several books I received from Netgalley.  And dare I think it, but I might actually start reviewing again. I've been visiting blogs again and enjoying that reading and look forward to being back in the blogging world after a long hiatus.

Summer is going quickly.  My kids have one last vacation with my parents for the summer next week and then my oldest starts soccer practice at the high school.  But I"m going to enjoy all the lazy boating days that I can until deer season starts and the weather cools!

So how was your week?  What were your temps like where you were?  Are your kids starting sports for the new school year yet? Any great books to share from the past week or ones you are looking forward to?

What I'm Reading Monday #16

Come post weekly and see what others are reading too just so you can add to your tbr - I always do! For more information see Sheila at One Persons Journey Through a World of Books and join in!

Books Completed Last Week (links go to my review):

• Vanished by Joseph Finder
• Weightless by Sarah Bannan
• The Pleasure Palace (Secrets of the Tudor Court #1) by Kate Emerson
  

Reading Now: 

• Knitters on Yarn: Writers on Knitting by Ann Hood
• What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler
• The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory (audiobook, audible)

Next: 

• Not sure yet :)

Summary -

It's been hot here and that leads to me coming home in the afternoon, throwing some laundry in and curling up in a book until it's time to fix supper and the husband and I watch tv.  After that I read until I go to sleep. Some afternoons will find me in the hammock reading, but most have been inside lately.  My reading mojo has come back and that feels good. I loved finding my way back to Joseph Finder's great suspense reading Vanished.  I have immediately requested another one of his books from the library. I also have a great fascination with the Tudors.  We have been making our way through the Showtime series and it has re-awakened my fascination with this time period.  So I have several books coming from the library on this period and group of kings/queens.  I can't wait.  Probably by the time this publishes we will be almost done with the series. 

So how was your week?  What were your temps like where you were?  Any great books to share from the past week or ones you are looking forward to?

Currently Listening: The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory

The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory

Obtained From: Audible

Why I chose this one: I am currently obsessed with the Tudor ruling of England. We are watching the Tudors and I must admit this is the most fascinated I have been by historical fiction in awhile.

Date Started: 6/25/2015

About The Constant Princess:
"I am Catalina, Princess of Spain, daughter of the two greatest monarchs the world has ever known...and I will be Queen of England."

Thus, bestselling author Philippa Gregory introduces one of her most unforgettable heroines: Katherine of Aragon. Known to history as the Queen who was pushed off her throne by Anne Boleyn, here is a Katherine the world has forgotten: the enchanting princess that all England loved. First married to Henry VIII's older brother, Arthur, Katherine's passion turns their arranged marriage into a love match; but when Arthur dies, the merciless English court and her ambitious parents -- the crusading King and Queen of Spain -- have to find a new role for the widow. Ultimately, it is Katherine herself who takes control of her own life by telling the most audacious lie in English history, leading her to the very pinnacle of power in England.

Set in the rich beauty of Moorish Spain and the glamour of the Tudor court, The Constant Princess presents a woman whose constancy helps her endure betrayal, poverty, and despair, until the inevitable moment when she steps into the role she has prepared for all her life: Henry VIII's Queen, Regent, and commander of the English army in their greatest victory against Scotland.

Thoughts So Far
I am loving this book.  The narrator is wonderful and the story has captured my interest right away.  I love Catalina and how sure of herself she is.  I love her romance with Arthur so far and look forward to more intrigue and seeing how this all plays out.

If you haven't watched The Tudors (it's on Netflix streaming), it starts with Henry losing interest in Catherine and the battle to make Anne Boleyn legitimate as his wife.  So it''s interesting to find out more about Catherine's history and what has led up to the start of The Tudor tv show.  I look forward to reading/listening to the whole series (The Tudor Court) by Phillipa Gregory, and if the rest start like this one I know I will be enthralled.

Currently reading: Weightless by Sarah Bannan

Weightless by Sarah Bannan

Obtained From: publisher (St. Martin's Griffin)

Why I chose this one: I received it earlier this week. I'm not sure I requested it. However after I read the blurb I knew I had to read it soon!

Date Started: 6/24/15 (I read over 200 pages the first night!)


About Weightless:

When 15-year-old Carolyn moves from New Jersey to Alabama with her mother, she rattles the status quo of the junior class at Adams High School. A good student and natural athlete, she’s immediately welcomed by the school’s cliques. She’s even nominated to the homecoming court and begins dating a senior, Shane, whose on again/off again girlfriend Brooke becomes Carolyn’s bitter romantic rival. When a video of Carolyn and Shane making out is sent to everyone, Carolyn goes from golden girl to slut, as Brooke and her best friend Gemma try to restore their popularity. Gossip and bullying hound Carolyn, who becomes increasingly private and isolated. When Shane and Brooke—now back together—confront Carolyn in the student parking lot, injuring her, it’s the last attack she can take.

Sarah Bannan's deft use of the first person plural gives Weightless an emotional intensity and remarkable power that will send you flying through the pages and leave you reeling.

My thoughts so far:
At first I wasn't sure about the author's narrative. The story is written from the point-of-view of a group of girls and how they saw things. In the beginning it took some getting use to, but once I started reading I really got into it and really like it from this point-of-view.  I'm still not sure who all the "we" includes, but it doesn't really matter. It's interesting getting a feel for the group and what they see and perceive.

It's a fast read, I read close to 2/3 of the book just the first night and look forward to finishing this afternoon. It's just one of those books that you want to pick up and keep reading because you have to know what happens next.

Have you read this book?  

It officially comes out Tuesday June 30th.