A prestigious school, a young woman who seemingly has everything, a group of friends drawn into her circle, a creepy porter, and a murder are all ingredients in this juicy thriller.
This story is set between two timelines: the before, and the after. Hannah lives in both, but are her memories of the before as accurate as they should be? Has shock taken over her ability to recall detail? As she looks to the past to find answers, doubts creep through her recollections. She begins to question everything and everyone as she gets closer to finding answers of what really happened ten years ago, right in front of her own eyes.

I’m a big fan of Ruth Ware’s writing. Her ability to create such vivid settings, detail her characters, and toss you into a twisted plot are phenomenal.
The beginning of this pulled me right in, so much so that I thought I’d finish in one sitting. Then…. I became impatient as the middle lagged. It was a slow burn for a bit… and the very end nearly left me angry, but the author smacks you one last time, getting your attention again….

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the digital advanced reading copy. This opinion my own.

The It Girl Ruth Ware
Many called April “The It Girl” because she had it all: looks, money, brains.
But if that were true, why was she left brutally murdered in her college set?
Ten years later, her roommate has all she could have hoped for after dropping out of Pelham: a good job at the bookstore, April’s former boyfriend as her husband, and a baby on the way. Doubts plague her, though, because her testimony sent a man to prison for the murder, but Hannah has never been absolutely sure that he was the guilty party, and her search for the truth leaves her open to the loss of her own life.
Another great novel by Ruth Ware!

Ruth Ware’s books are usually fun, quick thrillers and this one did not disappoint. It’s a slow revealing whodunit mystery that at times was a bit too drawn out for me, but the plot and the characters kept me engaged. The premise starts off with a murder among college friends on the Oxford campus and bounces from a past and present timeframe. The story is told through the perspective of the victim’s roommate, Hannah. We learn more about April, the “IT” girl who is beautiful, charismatic, rich, demanding, and often likes to play mean pranks on her friends. The old Oxford college setting was a wonderful visual for a murder mystery. In these types of books I usually end up disappointed in the ending, but this one I liked.. Overall an enjoyable and entertaining read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this, another well-written thriller from Ruth Ware. The world of Oxford colleges came alive, as did the personalities of the characters.

The It Girl
by Ruth Ware
Pub Date: July 12, 2022
Gallery
Thanks to Ruth Ware, Gallery, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I was thrilled to have received this arc and dove right into. I’ve liked some of Ware’s books better than others but this one did not disappoint. Four college friends must revisit the murder of their friend/roommate after the convicted murderer dies claiming his innocence. Hannah, the victim’s roommate, searches to find answers to what really happened.

The multiple time periods, alternating between present day and college, work really well in creating and keeping a high level of suspense through the entirety. There is definitely an Agatha Christie feel to this with several possible suspects. The ending is absolutely brilliant. Ware has once again given readers of psychological fiction a real treat! I will recommend this book and buy it for our library.
5 stars

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It was Hannah who found April's body ten years ago. Hannah who didn't question what she saw that night. But now she's wondering: did she put an innocent man in prison?

She needs to know the truth. Even if that means questioning her own friends. Putting her life at risk. Because if the killer wasn't a stranger, it's someone she knows. *cue spooky music*

Ruth Ware tends to be hit or miss for me. This one is a solid: I liked it but didn't love it. The twists were phenomenal, and the writing was great. But the narrative moved way too slow for me, and the ending felt very rushed. It went from like 10 to 60 in the course of one chapter.

I personally liked the pacing of One By One better, but I think fans of Ruth Ware will love this one!

Thanks so much to @netgalley and @simonandschuster for the #arc 🤗

Although I don't think this book had the spooky vibes I usually get from Ruth Ware's stories, I still loved it. The first half was kind of slow but RW develops her characters and writes so well that she could literally write about nothing and I'd still enjoy reading. Once I got to about 70% I couldn't tear my eyes away from the pages. I was positive I knew who did it about 6 different times and was still surprised by the end. Loved the way it all played out and would definitely recommend!

I will admit that Ruth Ware titles run hot and cold with me. This one ended up cold. The story was okay, but I felt the"who done it" portion was very obvious. I think those who consistently like Ware titles will still enjoy.

Ruth Ware has done it again — a twisty mystery set against a brilliant UK backdrop. Hannah is a first year student at Oxford University, and falls into a tight friend crew through her posh, smart, prankster roommate April. This story is told from two alternating time periods: before the murder of April, the “It Girl,” and 10 years after the tragedy. A university porter was ultimately convicted of the murder based on Hannah’s testimony, but after he dies in custody 10 years after the fact, Hannah starts doubting what actually happened that fateful night.

This book took me a bit to get into, but once I was in I really enjoyed it. Something unique about this read compared with others in the genre was that I actually liked nearly all the characters—that was refreshing. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and appreciated the almost Rashomon quality to the story. At this point in my life, I feel like this genre is hard to do well, but this book pulled it off. I only docked a partial star due to the semi-slow pace to get the story going. Those who enjoyed Turn of the Key will certainly enjoy this read.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

While The It Girl wasn't as fast-paced or gripping as some of Ruth Ware's previous books, I was caught off-guard by how emotional it left me. Ware did a beautiful job of creating a unique nostalgia mixed with regret, set in the timeless world of Oxford. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, even small ones, but there's a scene toward the end of the book that perfectly captures Hannah looking back on her past, and it made me feel as if I lived it, too.

The one thing that I did struggle with, however, was April, who felt very one-dimensional -- a rich, miserable girl. It was hard to understand how her friends put up with her attitude and behavior. And the "It Girl" aspect felt very undeveloped as well. Who was calling her that? How would she get that name merely from being beautiful and rich, especially at such an elite school? Her death still felt tragic, but it would have been even more meaningful had she shown some selfless characteristics as well.

Ruth Ware does it again! Don't start The It Girl unless you have plenty of time, because you won't want to put it down. The story immediately drew me in and kept me turning pages well into the night. Told in alternating "before" and "after" perspectives, this fast-paced book was fun to read. Engaging characters and well-placed twists and turns kept me guessing right through to the end. Well done Ruth Ware!

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ruth Ware does it again! Another engrossing, fast-paced story that I couldn't put down. I loved the dark academia feel from the Oxford setting, and the split timelines provided a fascinating look into the main characters. This book never had a slow moment for me, I was hooked from the first page. A great cast of unique and interesting characters involved in a complicated and twisting story, this book is an absolute must-read!

Love everything by Ruth Ware and The It Girl did not disappoint. Great twisty storyline and loved the characters. Kept me guessing til the very end. Definitely recommend for any thriller lover. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

Ruth Ware does it again. Another psychological thriller with never ending twists and turns that keeps the reader on their toes until the very end. Ruth Ware transports you to college campus in England and had me reliving my college days with the invention of instagram and the thrill of moving into your dorm and meeting new people. She takes you on a journey through past and present as the mystery unfolds. Until the very end she has you thinking you know who done it and then a new piece of information comes to light.

Ruth has a marvelous way of making you feel a part of the story. You can envision the setting and the characters. When you aren’t reading the book you are thinking about it eager to get back. Highly recommend this to thriller, mystery and psychological thriller book readers, Ruth Ware does not disappoint. Can’t wait until her next book comes out.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC. I recently started readying Ruth Ware this past year (I know I'm late to the party) and she is fast becoming one of my favorite offers. The past few ones from this author I have read have been "closed room" type murders. This one was different compared to the ones I've been reading from her and I loved it. It starts for the MC during Freshman year. Events happen and then the book picks up 10 years later. This is definitely a slow burn mystery but the writing is great as always!

I've been dying & patiently waiting for The It Girl by Ruth Ware.
One of my favorite Authors and she delivered with her newest novel.
The It Girl is Ware at her best. And I can't wait to add it to my collection with her previous books!

There was not a dull moment throughout the novel. 
A fantastically written thriller like all Ruth Ware novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the crazy ending.
This is a thriller with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
Be prepared to literally hold your breath in certain parts, afraid of what might be coming next.
This was a stellar read; brilliantly paced, cunningly plotted, and breathtakingly insightful.
The storyline was deftly penned and perceptively written.
Characters that were interesting, intriguing and very entertaining.
With tension that builds throughout. And had me wanting more, not wanting this book to end!
I devoured this in a day, unable to put it down.
And that is always the sign of a great book.
I will read anything she puts out, she is by far one of the best!
She is a superb suspense writer
Ruth Ware fans will not want to miss this!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Gallery/Scout Press,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

Ok, I admit, my detective skills are severely lacking. I commonly get outsmarted while reading thrillers. But The It Girl had a twist I genuinely did not see coming and I think it would even surprise some of the more clever readers.

Ruth Ware is a master at the contemporary whodunnit. She has a skill at casting a band of characters that are equally likable and suspicious.

The It Girl features two timelines of a story simultaneously unfolding. Hannah is excited for her first year at Oxford (cue the very trendy dark academia) and meets her new roommate, April, a mysterious yet flamboyant girl from a rich family. The pair become unlikely besties and are joined by their close knit group of friends. Early in the story tragedy strikes as April is found dead in their dorm room (I didn’t spoil anything here, right? You all read the synopsis?). The remaining pages slowly unravel the mystery.

Rated three stars for me because it is not the most original or innovative book but isn’t there something reassuring in the familiar tropes? If you are a fan of her other books, I think this is one you would enjoy.

If you loved THE LYING GAME, like I did, you will love THE IT GIRL. Superbly written, this book delivers a riveting mystery, compelling characters and rich prose. The author does an impeccable job of setting the scene, in this case, the hallowed halls of an Oxford college, brimming with history and atmosphere. The darker side of youth and the relationships played out in a “coming of age” story alternates with a look at the present-day lives of the now older and presumably wiser characters, all of whom are dealing or not dealing with the past trauma of a murder among their circle of friends. The mystery is well done with a plethora of suspects and drawn to a satisfying conclusion. My favorite touch was the introduction of the character, November, toward the end of the story, which gave the reader an uplifted, hopeful feeling for the future.

If you’re a fan of Ruth Ware, I think you’ll like this book as well. It certainly features her formulaic writing, the ability to build tense situations with a cast of potential suspects. Unfortunately however, this was just an ok thriller for me. I was not invested in the story or any of the characters, I actually didn't like any of them. I also found most of the relationships and decisions unbelievable and/or silly, which detracted from the plot. I did enjoy the premise; a group of college friends from Oxford. as well as the Edinburgh location. Although not my favorite, I'm sure to read whatever Ware writes next.

Thanks to NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. The It Girl publishes 7/12/22.

I'm odd girl out on this possibly.
I usually grab Ruth Ware books to see if it is a hit or bust for me and this was my bust. I enjoyed the murder among college friends at Oxford. Popular April is of course very beautiful, rich, cruel ... and murdered. Soon April's roommate Hannah testifies against John Neville and it sends him to prison where he later dies. Is John really guilty? New information on what really happened that night are starting to be brought to light. Did Hannah get it all wrong? What really happened that freshman year?

I really did try but didn't connect with any of the characters. I did, however, enjoy the first section of the book but eventually the story came to a crawl and I found myself impatiently wanting to push it forward. I also had it figured out early. Maybe that took away a little of the suspense? Sort of disappointing after enjoying a strong start.