I was very curious when I saw that Cabin 10 was getting a sequel. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I was hoping for something more fresh and unique, plot-wise. And I think cat-and-mouse is just not a favorite thriller trope of mine. Overall, it was just okay. I wouldn't say it's a must-read, but I'd still recommend it to Ware fans.

Another tense chilling novel Ruth Ware never fails to keep me turning the pages on the edge of my seat.I was drawn in from the first page to the last of this thrilling novel.#netgalley #gallerybooks

This book had me hooked from the start—classic Ruth Ware setup: isolated setting, unreliable narrator, secrets piling up fast. The atmosphere on the cruise ship was claustrophobic in the best way, and there were moments I physically couldn’t stop reading.

That said...I was also low-key annoyed. The main character made some decisions that had me yelling internally, and there were points where I felt like the pacing dragged just when things should’ve been ramping up. And yet, despite all that? I still flew through it.

The twist landed, the tension paid off, and I have to admit—Ware knows how to keep you second-guessing everything. Not my favorite of hers, but still a solid thriller if you’re in the mood for a locked-room mystery vibe with a side of “I want to shake this character.”

At the beginning, I would have definitely given this book two and a half--or possibly three-- stars. But it picked up pace towards the middle of the story, and the ending was so satisfying that I was compelled to give it a four. The story features Lo Blacklock, travel writer, who has just been given the assignment of her career: a chance to embark on a luxury five-star cruise to Norway with exclusive interviews with all of the glittering philanthropists, stars, and socialites on board. The first night, she borrows a tube of mascara from the woman in Cabin Ten. The second night, she hears screams and a huge splash from the veranda in that direction as something heavy is tossed overboard. The third night, she frantically begins questioning people around her as she expresses her concerns about what she has heard, and not one person takes her seriously. The cruise staff attempts to remonstrate her with the cold truth: that there has never been a guest in Cabin Ten. But Lo knows what she knows, and what she has seen and heard. And she has the borrowed object to prove it. Unless of course, her evidence is also gone. Similar to what I read from earlier reviews: the only thing that makes this book hard to read is that the main character is not easy to like. She struggles throughout the story with depression, anxiety, post tramautic stress syndrome, and alcoholism, none of which bothered me in the least, because it's relatable, and part of being human. It was also interesting to see how these issues unnecessarily affected her credibility as a witness, somewhat reminiscent of The Girl on the Train. But what actually bothered me was the protagonist's deeply negative and sometimes entitled outlook on everything and everyone; I think sometimes it was meant to be vaguely funny, but after awhile, it left a bit of a cloud over the story. Her responses to the people around her were consistently sharp and biting, and all of her perceptions critical, from start to finish. And the book is written through Lo's eyes, so that taking a step back from her outlook is hard to do. The other characters, likewise, are vaguely narcissistic and difficult to sympathize with. However, if you come into it knowing that, the rest of the book is fantastic. I loved Ruth Ware's first book "In a Dark, Dark Wood" because of its classic whodunnit mystery premise, and this one is no different. At least ten different characters rise in your mind as the main suspect throughout the story, and even in the last few chapters, I didn't see the conclusion coming. As a longtime mystery fan, it usually takes a lot for me to not be able to find the culprit, and this is one that I sadly, and thrillingly, was unable to unravel on my own. I love the hint of old fashioned flavor in Ware's writing style; both of her books reminded me of playing the board game Clue as a middleschooler, never knowing if Miss Violet or Colonel Mustard are innocent, or if the candlestick is what it seems. I will definitely be hoping for more by this author in the future, and I highly recommend this book as a good read for mystery fans. Be prepared though: it might make you not want to go on a cruise for a long, long time.

Honestly, not my favorite Ruth Ware! I'm a big fan of Ware's, but I don't know if I needed to return to Lo Blacklock... This felt a bit too nostalgic for me, when I would have much preferred an original story. All Ruth Wares are good Ruth Wares, but this one wasn't a fave!

This is your typical Ruth Ware, read-in-a-day thriller, which means it’s enjoyable and fast paced. I will say that being a sequel was a little frustrating just because the new book (this one) never gives a full debrief of what happened in the first book … I assume that’s because you can read this one as a standalone but it’s frustrating to have so many references to a book that published almost a decade ago. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed The Woman in Cabin 10, so I was excited to pick this up! Unfortunately, this sequel didn't live up to the first book at all. The main character made frustrating choices throughout the book and missed things that were completely obvious, taking away from the believability. The ending also left much to be desired. If you're a big fan of the first in this series, you may be disappointed by this installment.

In the follow-up to “The Woman in Cabin 10”, Lo Blacklock is back as a happily married, mother of two. When she receives an invitation to a press opening for a ritzy new hotel, she is surprised but a bit excited too. After urging from her husband, she decides to go and enjoy some pampering and alone time, even possibly an interview from the billionaire owner. What she doesn’t expect is to see some old “friends” and be drawn into a web of deceit and tragedy.

This is fast-paced, intriguing and unpredictable, and with Ruth Ware’s gift of writing evocative stories, I highly recommend this one. I was captivated from beginning to end.

Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this 5-star book from one of my favorite authors.

This is a sequel to THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10, a book I haven't read in a long time. Lo Blacklock and her nemesis Carrie both end up in a fancy hotel owned by a billionaire, supposedly so both can write articles and get back into travel journalism. Lo, traveling without her husband and two sons, is shocked when she encounters Carrie and others from the original book. I did not trust Carrie for one minute, but Lo tries to give her the benefit of the doubt. I found that very naive of her. Thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Gallery/Scout Press for providing an ARC.

5/5
I enjoyed this. Ruth Ware did it again. It kept me turning the pages and I couldn’t finish it fast enough. The character development was great and I loved how the characters grew from the first book! I did enjoy this one more than the first. The twists in this one were like 😳 but I was annoyed at Lo a few times…
I recommend this!

Lo Blacklock is now living in NYC with her family and working as a freelance journalist. She is invited to attend the press opening at Grand Hotel du Lac in Switzerland by billionaire Marcus Leidmann. Once she arrives it becomes a chase to find out why she was brought there. Thank you to the publisher for a copy.

Gripping from the first page, this thriller delivers a fast-paced ride packed with suspense, twists, and tension that never lets up. With sharp writing and a plot full of dark secrets and unexpected turns, it’s the kind of book you’ll race through in one sitting.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free ebook ARC of this title in exchange for my review.

I will admit, I'm not the biggest fan of Ruth Ware. Her books are either love or hate for me, so I was a bit nervous to review this one. I didn't realize until I'd finished the book that this is a sequel to "The Woman in Cabin 10", released about 10 years ago. I did read that one, but completely forgot the details, so the reminders in this book were helpful to me. I really don't think reading book 1 is required to read and enjoy this one.

In this book, the Main Character, Lo, has married and had a child since the last book, and has chosen to do freelance journalism rather than her magazine job. But - she's bored, misses the old days. Then - woo hoo! An invitation to a grand opening of an exclusive Swiss hotel arrives, and she's interested. Her husband encourages her to go, and her old magazine hires her to get an interview with the billionaire of the hotel, even though he's well known for not giving interviews. But of course, Lo is determined to get this interview!

This wasn't my favorite, and as I said, I'm not a Ruth Ware fan generally. I felt that it was predictable, but it didn't slow down, the pace stayed fairly fast paced.

3 stars - Ruth Ware fans will like this

My review for The Woman in Cabin 10: "You ever read a book and think, 'It would make more sense if this was written by Caroline Keene and was for 14 year olds?' I think I read this Nancy Drew book before."

There are some Ruth Ware books I adore and some I think work better as a script for a 1980s crime show. This one is definitely in the latter category; it felt like a Matlock episode through and through.

I complained about how in TWIC10, our main character Lo makes some ridiculous choices for plot. Likewise, this book had me screaming "You're being manipulated, Lo!" while Lo's internal dialogue would be like, "Yep, that makes TOTAL sense." Eye roll insert here.

I initially hesitated to read this book because I didn't think The Woman in Cabin 10 needed a sequel. However, I was pleasantly surprised when Ruth Ware, nearly ten years later, chose to revisit the story and write a follow-up. She made it easy to pick up where the previous book left off by providing subtle background information that was very helpful. I had no trouble getting back into Lo Blacklock's world.

This sequel reminded me how much I love Ruth Ware's earlier works. I enjoyed seeing all the familiar characters return in this story. Lo came across as quite naïve, but I found that endearing. I also appreciated the unexpected friendship that developed between Lo and Carrie, which added a lively dynamic to the plot. The mystery was so engaging that I couldn't put the book down, and the unexpected twists captivated me.

Thank you to NetGallery and to Gallery Books for giving me a copy.

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen is a gripping psychological thriller that deftly explores themes of family secrets, identity, and the search for justice. In this twisty narrative, Georgia is at the center of an unsettling mystery. Accused of murdering her sister, she finds herself in a mental hospital, awaiting a trial to determine if she's competent to stand in court. What begins as a seemingly straightforward crime story soon evolves into an intricate exploration of the human mind, the bond between sisters, and the lengths one will go to for the truth.

From the start, Pekkanen sets the stage for a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere within the hospital, cleverly blending a tense, confined setting with a deeper, more unsettling psychological battle. Georgia's experience is anything but typical, and as she interacts with the quirky, sometimes unreliable residents of the ward, the reader is pulled deeper into her fractured sense of reality. Pekkanen does an excellent job of blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined, making readers question the validity of Georgia’s perceptions.

The real hook of the story is the discovery that Georgia has an identical twin, Mandy—someone she never knew existed. This revelation unearths a fresh layer of intrigue, as Georgia’s desperate attempts to contact Mandy and clear her name intensify. The twin dynamic is well-played, with the novel expertly exploring themes of identity and the impact of a fractured family. Mandy's role in the plot is mysterious, and her involvement in Georgia’s quest to uncover the truth adds a fascinating layer of suspense. Pekkanen skillfully weaves in twists that keep readers on edge, making it nearly impossible to predict the final outcome.

Pekkanen’s pacing is sharp, offering just the right balance of character development and plot progression. The psychological tension builds steadily, with each chapter revealing more about Georgia's fractured state of mind and her unsettling past. The interactions between Georgia and the other patients in the mental hospital are equally compelling, offering both empathy and suspicion as the line between friend and foe constantly shifts.

The narrative dives deep into the complexities of trauma and mental health, without ever feeling overly preachy. The themes of how trauma affects our perceptions of reality and shapes our responses to external events are subtly woven throughout the story. At the same time, Pekkanen keeps readers riveted with a well-crafted, suspenseful mystery that is as emotional as it is thrilling.

In terms of character depth, Georgia’s internal conflict is palpable and relatable. As she grapples with the weight of the accusations against her and her growing uncertainty about the truth, readers are left questioning what they would do in her shoes. The author’s portrayal of her vulnerability and determination is masterful, and Georgia becomes a character readers can’t help but root for, even as her reliability comes into question.

Ultimately, The Locked Ward is an absorbing and unpredictable thriller that combines emotional depth with page-turning suspense. While the mystery unfolds with numerous twists and turns, it’s the exploration of Georgia’s psyche and her relationships—particularly with her newfound twin—that truly elevates the story. For fans of psychological thrillers with a focus on character-driven narratives and dark family secrets, this book will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ware does it again. This book had me on the edge of my seat as I waited and guessed at who the killer was. Beginning was a little slow but it built a strong foundation for the rest of the book. Poor Lo has been through so much in two books and this one was a great read!

I recieved this book from was from Netgalley. This is a sequel. I didn’t read the first book, but I love Ruth Ware so I was excited to get this book! I thought it was really good and I don’t feel like I missed anything not having read the first book. I will be reading the first one now!!

I actually enjoyed this more than The Woman In Cabin 10. It had more twists and turns and I wasn’t able to figure out the big plot reveal. This is definitely worth a read when you are in the mood for a fast paced thriller. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

I did not read The Woman in Cabin 10 so that might be why I didn’t enjoy this book. I thought the story was fine but it definitely wasn’t my favorite. It didn’t give me thriller vibes at all. I don’t think I really enjoy Ruth’s writing. Nothing really grabbed my attention and pulled me into the story.

Thank you NetGalley, Ruth and Gallery Books for the eARC!

Rating: ✨✨
Publication Date: July 8th 2025