Under her real name, five young-adult fantasy novels were published but didn’t get much recognition. In 2015, she published her first thriller, ‘In a Dark, Dark Wood’ under her pen name, Ruth Ware. The book became an international bestseller and promoted her literary features similar to Agatha Christie’s. The British author who primarily writes psychological thrillers is appreciated for the ability to create vivid descriptions and flawed, relatable protagonists.
While based majorly on popularity, this ranking considers the full spectrum of each book’s achievements, including their commercial success, critical acclaim, awards, nominations, and cultural influence.
7, The It Girl
‘The It Girl’ is a psychological thriller published in 2022 by Scout Press. The book follows the story of Hannah Jones, plagued by the murder of her best friend at Oxford University.
After Hannah testifies against the former school porter, John Neville, who gets convicted of the crime, she settles down to a new life. Years later, a journalist provides evidence that claims John may have been innocent. Although Hannah is doubtful, she joins in investigating the crime.
The book assesses themes of friendship and guilt. Compared to famous works on dark academia, such as Donna Tartt’s ‘The Secret History,’ the book was nominated for the 2022 Anthony Award for Best Novel.
6, One by One
Published in 2020, ‘One by One’ pays homage to Agatha Christie’s classic mystery ‘And Then There Were None.‘ Told from the perspectives of Erin and Liz, the story is set at a retreat in a ski chalet in the French Alps. The retreat includes shareholders and staff of a music app company discussing a potential business offer.
Unfortunately, a snowstorm disconnects their chalet from the rest of civilization. When they start to die under mysterious circumstances, they become alarmed and struggle to navigate their intentions and perceptions.
The novel examines the themes of technology, class distinction, and trauma. It also became a bestseller in the UK and the US.
5, The Death of Mrs Westaway
‘The Death of Mrs Westaway’ was published in 2018 and delves into topics like family, secrets, and identity. When Harriet Westaway, a poor young woman, receives a letter stating that she had a large inheritance from a grandmother she never knew, she attends the funeral to obtain the money.
Soon, she realizes the wealthy but troubled Westaway family conceals several secrets and lies. Harriet strives to expose the deception and lies the family masks.
‘The Death of Mrs Westaway’ has been compared to books like ‘The Thirteenth Rake’ by Diane Setterfield and ‘The Girl on the Train’ by Paula Hawkins. Ruth Ware wrote the book as an homage to the mystery books she grew up reading.
4, The Lying Game
‘The Lying Game’ was published in 2017. It tells the story of four women who reconnect after several years apart when one of them sends an ‘I need you’ text to the others. In boarding school, the women were inseparable friends. They played a game where they lied to everyone but themselves.
Eventually, the group got expelled when a teacher died under mysterious circumstances. The novel switches between present events and the past, exposing the secrets of each woman. Aware that someone who knows about the death of the teacher may reveal their actions, they face the truth and its possible outcome.
‘The Lying Game’ has been ranked number four due to its literary excellence, evident in its portrayal of female relationships and exploration of the impact of secrets and lies. It was a New York Times and IndieBound bestseller, praised for its vivid scenery and thrilling narrative.
3, The Turn of the Key
Published in 2019, ‘The Turn of the Key’ is written as a letter from Rowan Caine. Rowan is a nanny who gets imprisoned for the murder of one of the children kept under her care. In the letter, she explains her account of the child’s death to her lawyer.
Excited to have earned a job in a remote and magnificent mansion in the Scottish Highlands, Rowan soon realizes that the job is not a dream come true. Haunted and known for killing former nannies and owners, she witnesses alarming circumstances like untraceable noises and ghostly appearances. One night, Maddie, one of the children Rowan watches, is found dead with poison next to her. Unable to prove her innocence, she is arrested and turns to her lawyer, Mr. Wrexham, for help. Known as one of the most memorable characters from Ruth Ware’s novels, Rowan Caine embodies a complex protagonist determined to prove her innocence.
‘The Turn of the Key’ stands out from other Ruth Ware novels by offering a unique and innovative approach to the haunted house genre while retaining the author’s signature style.
It explains the effects of isolation and technology on human relations and psychology. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and a Waterstones Thriller of the Month. It also got nominated for the British Book Awards for Crime and Thriller Book of the Year.
2, In a Dark, Dark Wood
‘The Turn of the Key’ is a high-rated pick by Goodreads readers. Still, it does not have the same acclaim and recognition as ‘In a Dark, Dark Wood.’
Published in 2015, ‘In a Dark, Dark Wood’ examines the themes of memory, betrayal, and vengeance. The book narrates the story of Leonora Shaw, who gets invited to a bachelorette party for her former friend, Clare.
Reluctantly, she attends with an additional guest. At the isolated venue, Leonora notices something is amiss. She discovers Clare is getting married to James, her ex-boyfriend, whom she still cares about.
The plot shifts between the presently hospitalized Nora and the past events she tries to recall. Although experiencing amnesia, Nora knows something happened, leading to someone’s death.
Eventually, she discovers secrets that reveal the evil side of Clare. Nora got invited to the party for a sinister reason.
‘In a Dark, Dark Wood’ has been compared with famous thrillers like ‘Gone Girl‘ and ‘The Girl on the Train.’ It got nominated for many awards, including the Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 2016.
1, The Woman in Cabin 10
‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ is a psychological thriller published in 2016. Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist who recently experienced a traumatizing burglary, witnesses a possible murder on a luxury cruise ship. As she tries to uncover the truth, she faces distrust from other passengers, anxiety, and threats. Although she starts to doubt herself, the earlier encounter with the victim makes her existence real.
In the end, Lo discovers the woman she met is a mistress to the ship owner, Richard Bullmer. Richard murderers his wife on the first night of the cruise, and his mistress, Carrie, starts to impersonate her.
The inclusion of themes relevant to modern society, such as mental health and the use of social media, adds depth to ‘The Woman in Cabin 10,’ elevating it to the top spot. With a 3.8 star rating on Goodreads, based on over 20,000 reviews, the book is considered Ruth Ware’s most acclaimed work. It has sold over two million copies worldwide.
It got nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery and Thriller in 2016. It also received varying evaluations from critics. While some praised its suspenseful plot, others criticized its unlikable protagonist and unrealistic conclusion.
FAQs
What connection does ‘In a Dark, Dark Wood’ have with ‘The Woman in Cabin 10?’
‘In a Dark, Dark Wood’ and ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ are psychological thrillers presenting murder mysteries. Secondly, they have secluded and claustrophobic settings. Their female protagonists do not give credible accounts of important events. Finally, both books explore themes of mental disorder, trauma, perception, and memory.
