As I sat at my desk, staring at the tarot cards spread before me, I couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down my spine. No, I hadn’t suddenly developed psychic abilities or started a new side gig as a fortune teller. I had just finished reading Ruth Ware’s “The Death of Mrs. Westaway,” and the eerie world of tarot readings and family secrets was still clinging to me like a ghostly shroud.
I stumbled upon this book quite by accident. As an author of romance novels, I’m always on the lookout for stories that can sweep readers off their feet. But sometimes, even I need a break from happily-ever-afters. That’s when I spotted “The Death of Mrs. Westaway” on a fellow author’s recommendation list, its gothic-inspired cover practically whispering dark promises of mystery and intrigue.
From the moment I cracked open the spine, I was transported to the chilly streets of Brighton, where our protagonist Hal Westaway ekes out a living as a tarot card reader. Ware’s vivid descriptions painted a picture so real, I could almost feel the salt spray from the sea and hear the cries of seagulls overhead. As a writer who strives to create immersive settings in my own work, I was immediately impressed by Ware’s ability to bring the seaside town to life.
The plot, centered around a mysterious inheritance and a family full of secrets, hooked me from the start. Hal’s decision to claim an inheritance she knows isn’t rightfully hers struck a chord with me. How many times have we all been tempted to take a shortcut when life gets tough? As I followed Hal’s journey to the imposing Trepassen House in Cornwall, I found myself both rooting for her and dreading the consequences of her deception.
Ware’s writing style is a masterclass in building tension. The way she slowly unravels the mystery, dropping breadcrumbs of information that lead to shocking revelations, kept me turning pages well into the night. I’ve written my fair share of plot twists in my romance novels, but Ware’s ability to misdirect and surprise the reader is on another level entirely.
One of the standout elements of the book for me was the atmospheric setting of Trepassen House. As someone who’s dabbled in writing more suspenseful romance, I found myself taking mental notes on how Ware used the creaky old mansion to heighten the sense of unease. There’s a particular scene where Hal is exploring the attic that had me holding my breath, the tension so palpable I could almost feel the dust tickling my nose.
The use of tarot cards as both a plot device and a thematic element was particularly intriguing. As Hal interprets the cards for her clients, the parallels between their meanings and the unfolding story added an extra layer of depth to the narrative. It reminded me of how, in my own writing, I often use symbolism to enhance the emotional journey of my characters.
However, no book is without its flaws, and “The Death of Mrs. Westaway” is no exception. At times, I felt the pacing lagged, particularly in the middle section where Hal is trying to maintain her deception among the Westaway family. While these scenes were necessary for character development, I found myself itching to get back to the main mystery.
That being said, the strengths of the novel far outweigh its weaknesses. Ware’s exploration of themes like identity, belonging, and the power of the past resonated deeply with me. As someone who writes about characters finding their place in the world and coming to terms with their past, I appreciated the nuanced way Ware handled these complex issues.
One quote that particularly stood out to me was: “Sometimes the right thing to do was the thing that felt wrong.” This line encapsulates the moral dilemma at the heart of the story and made me reflect on the choices we make when our backs are against the wall. It’s a sentiment that I might just borrow (with proper attribution, of course) for one of my own characters facing a difficult decision.
As for the author’s writing quality, I can only describe it as top-notch. Ware’s prose is elegant yet accessible, with a knack for creating vivid imagery and authentic dialogue. Her ability to craft complex, flawed characters that still manage to elicit empathy is something I strive for in my own work.
Reading “The Death of Mrs. Westaway” has certainly influenced my thinking about my own writing. While I don’t see myself abandoning the world of romance anytime soon, this book has inspired me to perhaps inject a bit more mystery and suspense into my stories. The way Ware keeps readers guessing until the very end is a skill I’d love to incorporate into my own novels, even if the mystery is of the heart rather than a family secret.
Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely, with a few caveats. For readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a gothic twist, this is a must-read. However, for those who prefer lighter fare or are looking for a quick, easy read, this might not be the best choice. The complex family dynamics and slow-burn suspense require a certain level of patience and engagement from the reader.
As I sit here, reflecting on my journey through the pages of “The Death of Mrs. Westaway,” I’m reminded of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place. It’s books like these, that transport us to another world and make us question our own, that keep the magic of reading alive. While my own stories may end with a kiss rather than a shocking revelation, I hope they can captivate readers just as thoroughly as Ruth Ware has captivated me.
In the end, “The Death of Mrs. Westaway” is more than just a mystery novel. It’s a exploration of the lies we tell ourselves and others, the weight of family secrets, and the lengths we’ll go to find where we belong. As I return to my own writing, I carry with me the lessons learned from Hal’s journey, ready to infuse my romances with a touch of mystery and a dash of the unexpected. After all, isn’t that what love is all about?