by Ruth Ware
Narrator: Imogen Church
Length: 14 hours and 14 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of In a Dark, Dark Wood, The Woman in Cabin 10, and The Lying Game comes Ruth Ware’s highly anticipated fourth novel.
On a day that begins like any other, Hal receives a mysterious letter bequeathing her a substantial inheritance. She realizes very quickly that the letter was sent to the wrong person—but also that the cold-reading skills she’s honed as a tarot card reader might help her claim the money.
Soon, Hal finds herself at the funeral of the deceased…where it dawns on her that there is something very, very wrong about this strange situation and the inheritance at the center of it.
Full of spellbinding menace and told in Ruth Ware’s signature suspenseful style, this is an unputdownable thriller from the Agatha Christie of our time
Ruth Ware has become a must listen author here at Caffeinated. Imogen Church has narrated all her novels. Her accent and tone blend perfectly with Ware’s mystery thrillers. The Death of Mrs. Westaway was a twisted, gothic tale where the characters and subtle tones slowly reveal what we the reader had feared. An atmospheric and addictive whodunit!
Caffeinated reasons to grab you earbuds and listen to The Death of Mrs. Westaway
- Ware offers a classic whodunit with interesting suspects, red herrings, and subtle clues. I found myself compelled to listen to just one more chapter.
- I would not classify this as a thriller although moments are suspenseful. I would instead say this is a mystery that slowly unfolds revealing dark secrets.
- Harriet Westaway, a young single woman who goes prefers to be called Hal, is at the end of her rope financially when she receives a letter bequeathing her a substantial inheritance. She quickly realizes there has been an error, but she poses as the intended recipient and uses the last of her fund to take the train to Mrs. Westaway’s Manor where she meets the rest of the family and benefactors. Ware shrouds the tale that unfolds in memories, secrets and twists.
- We soon share moments from the past as Hal looks to find the truth.
- Don’t expect to love these characters, but, I can assure you they will intrigue you. Dare I say some might even frighten you. Our protagonist Hal is someone I rooted for. She is clever, quiet, and. plagued with guilt. Despite her deception she has a conscience and one cannot help but become caught up in her story. I felt for her and feared for her. There were moments where I wanted her to run.. shut up…run..stop asking questions and run!
- Fans of Agatha Christie will feel right at home as they sort out the clues, piece together bits of conversation and watch as Hal uncovers truths.
- With nods to Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier this gothic tale with its twists, creepy setting and disturbing characters will completely draw you in.
- The setting gave me chills. It’s atmospheric presence from the creepy manor with and its foreboding gate and darken corridors, to the cries of the magpies.
- Imogen Church is a brilliant narrator who knows how to capture the uncertainty, suspense and tone of Ware’s book., She creates unique character voices that will sometimes send chills down your spine. I love when a narrator can enhance a story adding a whole new level of enjoyment.
The Death of Mrs. Westaway was an atmospheric mystery that kept me listening into the wee hours delivering shivers, twists, and an unexpected mystery.
An atmospheric and addictive whodunit! The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware, brilliantly narrated by Imogen Church #loveaudiobooks #mystery Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Stefanie
From reading the summary I didn’t think this book would be my cup of tea but from your review, I’ve changed my mind.
Kimberly
I am glad and hope you grab it.
Courtney Whisenant
Ruth Ware is one of my auto-buy audiobook authors probably because all of her books are narrated by Imogen Church. I agree with you, Imogen is a brilliant narrator!
Kimberly
Yes, I will listen to unknown authors if she narrates.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
“Dare I say some might even frighten you.” Yes, I completely agree with this comment. Some of the characters were definitely on the creepy side. I’m really glad to see you enjoyed this book too. I was my first Ruth Ware read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Kimberly
Yay. I am glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Dani Eide
I have been thinking about reading this book. Love Agatha Christie and Rebecca. Thanks for the great review. ❤️
Kimberly
Happy to share. I hope you get a chance to try this one 🙂
Bookworm Brandee
I’ve been wanting to read RWare and I’m thinking maybe audio is the way to go. This one sounds good and I’m intrigued with Hal and these characters I won’t like. 🙂
Kimberly
Yes, I completely recommend going audio. Her books are made for it.
Leslie @ Leslie's Bookcase
I literally just reviewed this too. I liked it a lot, especially the setting and characters, and the way my opinions/suspicions of the brothers kept changing.
Kimberly
Yes, she kept me guessing!
Laura Thomas
I’ve always enjoyed Agatha Christie books and this sounds like a good fit for me. I’ve also heard nice things about the narrator for this story.
Kimberly
Love this narrator.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Imogen Church is one of my absolute favorite narrators. I think I could listen to her read just about anything and find it fascinating. I’m so excited to get to this one. I loved her first two books but The Lying Game was a bit of a meh for me. This sounds amazing and I can’t wait!
Kimberly
Oh me too Katherine. Yes, this is more in line with her first books.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I am going to have to get this one. I have it on my TBR list but you have me sold! Great review. I just listed to the excerpt you have and I love narrators voice! I love English accents.
Kimberly
This narrator rocks and makes this perfect for audio.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh this sounds good and one that I think I should definitely do on audio. I’m a bit of a wimp but notice I’ve been gravitating toward these reads a bit more. Brilly review.
Kimberly
This is more suspense, mystery so you should be fine…although it does have some creepy moments.
Tyler H. Jolley
I’d take an intriguing character over a likable one any day. You’ve piqued my interest.
Kimberly
Me too Tyler. I love figuring them out.
sjhigbee
Thank you for an excellent review – this one sounds my kind of book. I like my whodunits slow-burn with plenty of twists…
Kimberly
Thank you. I enjoy Ware.
Ethan
I tried to listen to Ware’s The Lying Game last year, but I couldn’t get into it. I know her books or more slow burns, so I probably just need to be in the right mood for them.
Kimberly
Yes, that had a slow build. Try her In Dark, Dark Wood
Melanie Simmons
I’m not familiar with this author or narrator. Sounds interesting. I love the cover.
Kimberly
Oh my…you would love this narrator, and while you don’t read a ton of mysteries, thrillers this is an author to try.
Melanie Simmons
Okay. You convinced me. I’ve added it to my TBR.
Heidi
I love a good mystery with a creepy atmosphere and lots of twists and turns. Adding this to my audiobook list.
Kimberly
I hope you enjoy it Heidi. I loved the whole vibe.
Melliane
oh yes I heard about this one a few times but I haven’t tried it
Kimberly
I hope you get the chance to try her 🙂
Deborah Haupt
Oh good to know the same narrator on all books and that she does it for you Kim, I hate when an author for whatever reason changes narrators. She’s a new to me author, the cover reminds me of Dame Agatha too! Thanks for sharing
Kimberly
I think Church and her accent work wonderfully for Ware’s books. I have been glad to see her continue to narrate them
kindlemom1
Okay, I am definitely checking this author out more. Where do you recommend I start with her books?
Kimberly
This or In A Dark, Dark Wood
Anne
I love English mysteries and Agatha Christie – I’m sure I would love this. The cover is gorgeous. Thanks for the great review. Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
I love the cover too Anne. I hope you try this author,
Nadene
The author is new to me. However, when you mentioned that fans of Agatha Christie would feel right at home with this one you got my immediate attention.
Kimberly
I have really enjoyed all of this authors novels Nadene and hope you try her
Nick
I’ve been meaning to read a Ruth Ware book and I think this will be my first. Mostly because you likened it to something by Agatha Christie. I used to loove reading her books when I was younger.
Great review, Kim!
Kimberly
I did too Nick. I devoured them. I look forward to your thoughts
Angie Elle
Publisher’s really do readers a disservice when they misrepresent a book as far as genre goes, especially when it’s touted as a Thriller. A lot of readers I know get really disgruntled when it doesn’t turn out to be. Thanks for the heads up. Now I can adjust my expectations!
Great review. I’m glad you enjoyed this so much. I’m going to see if my library has the audio.
Kimberly
Yes, atmospheric suspense, mystery would have been more accurate…Although moments did raise the hair on my arm.
Angie Elle
That’s good to know! I’ve heard a lot of people say this is her best so far.
Ailyn Koay
so the moral of the story is .. don’t that things that are not yours?
Kimberly
Nope…but you might not like the answers you find.
Angela @ Simply Angela
I’ve been wondering about Ruth Ware’s writing and you completely convinced me I need to give her a go.
Kimberly
I enjoy her novels, some more than others but always a treat.
Naomi Hop
This sounds like a good suspense/mystery read. The narration really sold you too. Great review!
Kimberly
Thanks Naomi. This was a fun listen.