The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

August 13th, 2018 Kimberly Review 52 Comments

13th Aug
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
The Death of Mrs. Westaway
by Ruth Ware
Narrator: Imogen Church
Length: 14 hours and 14 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
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

mystery thriller SUSPENSE twisted

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 Click To Tweet

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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

52 Responses to “The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware”

  1. 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.

  2. 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!

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. sjhigbee

    Thank you for an excellent review – this one sounds my kind of book. I like my whodunits slow-burn with plenty of twists…

  6. 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.

    Ethan recently posted: Circe by Madeline Miller
  7. Heidi

    I love a good mystery with a creepy atmosphere and lots of twists and turns. Adding this to my audiobook list.

    • Kimberly

      I think Church and her accent work wonderfully for Ware’s books. I have been glad to see her continue to narrate them

  8. 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

  9. 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.