The much anticipated sequel, The Woman in Suite 11 came out today and it had all the gasp worthy moments of the first book. It is the return of Lauren Blacklock - this time to a luxury hotel opening in Switzerland, only to get thrown back into the chaos and suspense from the original book. Some returning characters, some new, but all the same intensity as Lo gets mixed up in a cat and mouse chase across Europe. No one can be trusted, nothing is what it seems in this thriller. Did I like it as much as the original? Of course not. But it was the sequel that I didn’t know I needed - twisted excitement to mix up my summer romcoms.

The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware revisits Lo Blacklock, the main character from The Woman in Cabin 10. Ware delivered an intense thriller that had me setting it down and picking it back up, as my heart raced. I read the first book, but this time I read and followed along as Imogen Church narrated.

I read The Woman in Cabin back in 2016. Then Lo was aboard the Aurora as a journalist when it made its maiden voyage on the North Sea. While it isn’t necessary to read it first, you will once again see characters from that ship.

Lo is now married with children, living in the United States, and is ready to resume her career. She has met with little success until she gets an invitation to attend the press opening of a luxury Swiss hotel, owned by reclusive billionaire Marcus Leidmann. It seems like the perfect opportunity to restart her career. The tale that unfolds soon finds Lo involved in a cat-and-mouse game across Europe.

Gads, this was a clever tale, from the beautiful chateau on the shores of Lake Geneva to the unexpected invitation to Marcus Leidmann’s hotel room. Lo made me incredibly nervous, even if she is clever after the fact. She often finds herself in tricky situations, causing my anxiety to spike as I read/listen, making my heart race and my hands sweat. The author does a wonderful job of providing background and motive for Lo’s actions. This, however, doesn’t stop me from having a strong sense of foreboding each time she does so.

The tale offered plenty of twists, and a growing sense of suspense as Lo’s favor, soon puts herself in the middle of a murder investigation. A brilliant and addictive story.

I listened as I read along. How could I not with Imogen Church giving voice to Lo? Church masterfully depicted Lo’s emotional rollercoaster of anxiety, dread, fear, and thought process. Both her male and female voices and accents were well done. I highly recommend listening. Perhaps with a large glass of wine to quell the nerves.

10 years after the events of the Aurora, Lo is invited to a luxury Swiss hotel opening. After her successful book, Lo has been having trouble finding a job after caring for her two kids the past 5 years, so this is the perfect opportunity to get back out there. But when she arrives and spots some familiar faces, people she last saw on the Aurora, she starts to question the real motives for her invite.

Ruth Ware can be hit or miss for me, but when I saw a sequel to Woman in Cabin 10, I jumped on the chance to read it. Unfortunately it was a bit of a letdown for me. Like many of her books. I found there were too many characters tossed in there for no real reason and the book could have deleted 50 or so pages and the story would not have changed at all. There were also some unwrapped storylines in there (Ben's train ticket? Why did Cole have her mom's phone number and hire her a lawyer?) which will continue to drive me nuts. Will I continue to read every book she puts out? Most likely, but I am hoping the next one is better!

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest revierw.

A a bit of a jumbled and disappointing sequel to The Woman in Cabin 10.

Ten years after the events aboard the Aurora (which I had to dig up a plot summary of as the rather oblique references here are not totally self-explanatory), struggling travel journalist Laura Blacklock is invited on a boondoggle to the launch of an ultra high end hotel in Switzerland owned by the secretive Leidmann Group. Commissioned to write a profile of head man Marcus Leidmann, Laura decides it’s worth leaving her husband and children in New York for a chance to revitalize her career. She is somewhat taken aback when she realizes there are other members of the Aurora party present too and even more unnerved when she gets an anonymous invitation to Suite 11.

The novel, broken into five parts, feels quite fragmented and never really coheres into a fluid narrative. Worse, for a thriller, is that it never feels like Laura is in any real jeopardy. Sure, through bad choices (which the author works very hard to justify) and poor assumptions, she gets into a bit of a pickle, but, no matter how anxious Laura gets, I never felt that she was really in any danger, and certainly nothing life threatening.

I’m not sure why, after nearly 10 years, the author decided to revisit this world (maybe something to do with the imminent release of The Woman in Cabin 10 movie?) but, after mostly successfully exploring many different subgenres, this felt like an unnecessary return to old glories.

Thanks to Gallery Books and Netgalley for the digital review copy.

Ten years ago, The Woman in Cabin 10 not only made me fall for Ruth Ware’s writing, but for thrillers as well. Fast-forward almost a decade to the news of a sequel, and I was beyond overjoyed. After all, what could be better than more time with Lo in The Woman in Suite 11? Well, needless to say, while Ware’s classic relentless pace, relatable characters, and oodles of twists were there in spades, there was also a definite need to suspend all disbelief, which took away from the plot just a bit. You see, despite it being fast-paced and addictive, the over-the-top scenes sometimes overrode some of the fun and pulled me out of the fictional reverie, which was a shame.

In spite of the somewhat unhinged lean to the premise, however, for some reason I just couldn’t get enough of the plot or the characters. From the ratcheting suspense to the constant sense of foreboding, my skin tingled with unease as the events got fully underway. As for the characters, I quickly recalled how Lo’s questionable choices made me want to shake her but good. But then, that was a huge part why I loved both her and the plot in general. A naive, overly trusting woman, I had a blast not only revisiting her past misdeeds, but also seeing her come full circle in all of her well-developed, fully fleshed out perfection.

I do have to mention, however, that while it might be possible to read this book without reminding yourself of what happened the last time around, I personally wouldn’t recommend it as you’ll be fighting to recall what happened when. So, if it’s been years since you met Lo and the rest of the crew, you might want to find a comprehensive summary complete with some spoilers. After all, while this story diverged quite a bit from the first book in the series, it also leaned quite heavily on bygone events and you might be somewhat lost between the returning characters and the barely-there mentioning of past of scenes.

All said and done, despite a slow-boiling start and a flair for the dramatic, I loved this one *almost* as much as I hoped I would before diving in. You see, with plenty of cat-and-mouse antics and a whole host of possible mind games, I never knew when the next shoe was going to drop. That being said, it didn’t quite live up to the first book in the series. So while it oozed with rising dread and had me side-eyeing almost every character in turn, it certainly wasn’t my favorite book by this author. Still…If you’re looking for a one-sitting read filled with adrenaline-fueled hijinks, certainly give it a try. I certainly enjoyed it, and I hope you will as well. Rating of 4 stars.

Thank you to Ruth Ware, Gallery/Scout Press, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.

Ruth Ware exceeds expectations with this sequel to Woman in Cabin 10, although I suggest your refresh yourself on the plot lines and characters of Cabin 10. By the way I thought Suite 11 was better structured and more believable than Cabin 10.

The novel twists and turns and builds up to a very suspenseful climax which flows believable from the structure of the novel. Without giving anything away, I suspect that Ruth Ware has plans for a sequel to this sequel.

Ruth Ware has come a long way from the first time I met her at Book Expo when she was signing In a Dark Dark Wood.

It took me a while to get into The Woman in Suite 11, and I’ve been hot and cold with novels by this author. I didn’t remember details from The Woman in Cabin 10, so the characters all felt new. It’s been several years since I read the first Lo Blacklock installment.

Lo is married, has two boys, and published a memoir about her time on the Aurora. She’s invited to a press event at a luxury hotel in Switzerland, and finds herself face-to-face with a few people from her past.

Lo meets “the woman in suite 11”, and the story unfolds from there. There’s mystery and suspense, but it wasn’t a thriller.

Thank You to NetGalley, Scout Press, and Ruth Ware for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ruth Ware writes suspense novels that surround average people put in situations that often lead to serious challenges. Reading the Woman in Cabin 10, the character of Lo seemed to be an average person placed in a situation that forever changed her. Continuing with Lo’s story, The Woman in Suite 11, puts Lo in a very similar position where she must co challenger her way out of a situation that could lead to decades in jail. Invited to the opening of a fabulous hotel in Europe, Lo was forced to face familiar faces and one that she hoped she would never see again. Carrie’s reappearance should have put all of Lo’s senses on high, but she got talked into committing crimes to help Carrie escape. Like most of Ware’s novels the twist at the end was not shocking and this addition was fine.

It's ten years after living through the horrific events on a cruise ship. She's be one an author, wife, mother and moved to America. But Lo has apparently not learned a thing! She allows herself to be manipulated again.

This would be a hard book to read if you hadn't read the Woman in Cabin 10. It's also hard if you dislike Carrie! I spent lots of time yelling (in my mind) at Lo to not .be so gullible. Buy...
Where's Carrie? Can't wait till the next one!

It’s a good thing I reviewed The Woman in Cabin 10 before reading this, because I would have been pretty confused. Even so, I didn’t particularly enjoy this book, although it did keep me reading, It is never fun when the main character continues to make unrealistic and dumb choices. I don’t think any reasonable person would find themselves in the predicament that Lo Blacklock found herself in, and if somehow they did, I believe most people would respond in a more intelligent way. I do like Ruth Ware’s books, so this is a rare miss for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It’s ten years later and Lo and a few other characters are back. I am glad I get I reread the first book although I guess technically you could read this as a stand alone . I found this story a bit long and Lo’s thoughts quite repetitive. I also felt like there were some plot holes - especially as it came to some of the side characters. I listened to this one and I really didn’t enjoy the narration but I was trying to finish this before an author event and that was the faster way to finish it on time
I do love Ruth Ware but this was not a fav
My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Ruth Ware's new book, The Woman in Room 11, we catch up with Elodie "Lo" Cavendish ten years after her last adventure in The Woman in Cabin 10. It's interesting to see how much Lo has changed. People can change a lot in a decade, and Lo certainly has!

She's still dealing with the tough memories from before, but she's also grown into being a mom. She's not the same shaky storyteller she used to be, which makes her feel more real and easier to connect with.

A big part of the story is about women helping women. Even though Carrie has her faults, she's also a victim in some ways, and Lo feels a strong need to help her. It might not be the smartest move, but Lo believes it's the right one to keep Carrie safe from a bad man. Ware is great at creating characters who aren't simply good or bad. Everyone has their flaws, which makes them feel more like real people and easier to understand.

Just like in her other books, Ware fills The Woman in Room 11 with twists that keep you guessing. You'll be wondering who the killer is until the very end. And just when you think you have it all figured out, another surprise pops up! Ware is a master at keeping you on the edge of your seat. I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Gallery book for sharing another great book from Ruth Ware.

It’s been 10 years after Lo left Cabin 10. She gas since married, had 2 children, and weathered Covid. When she’s invited to a Swiss hotel opening she jumps at the chance, knowing her family will be well taken care of in her absence. She pitches the trip to magazines but they are only interested if she can snag an interview w owner, billionaire Marcus Leidmann. From the start when she is mysteriously upgraded to first class on her flight over, Lo recognizes this is going to be an experience unlike any other. When characters from her past suddenly appear she knows life will change on this trip. Classic Ruth Ware. Recommended for all public libraries.

10 years after the events on the Aurora, we catch up with Lo Blalock. She is living with her husband and two young boys in NYC. After relocating across the world and the effects of COVID on the tourist industry, Lo is struggling to revamp her career. She is offered a trip to the opening of a luxury Swiss hotel and specifically to score an interview with the elusive billionaire….Marcus Liedman. It seems like the job of a lifetime! Pretty soon she recognizes some familiar faces, namely 4 of the same people that were on the ill-fated Aurora with her 10 years ago and realizes not all is at it seems. Especially when a certain pink and green mascara mysteriously appears in her makeup bag. Is this a coincident or is something more sinister afoot?
I am a huge fan of Ruth Ware! And while I’d read mixed reviews of the return of Lo and her shenanigans, I was here for all of it. I took me a minute to remember who the players were in The Woman in Cabin 10 but once I was a few chapters in, I was hooked. In true Ware style there are twists, twists and more twists. If you loved The Woman in Cabin 10…don’t miss this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Ten years after the events of Cabin 10, Lo is married with kids and freelancing—but she misses the thrill of her old life. When she’s invited to a lavish Swiss hotel opening hosted by elusive billionaire Marcus Leidmann, she jumps at the chance. Her old magazine wants an interview, and her husband encourages her to go.
But from the moment her flight is mysteriously upgraded, things feel off. Familiar faces from her past reappear—including someone tied to the tragedy that changed everything. This person needs Lo’s help, and saying yes could destroy the peace she’s built.
Fast-paced and gripping, with a thrilling final act. Lo’s choices felt naïve, and one returning character felt unnecessary, but the suspense was irresistible. I was teetering between 2 and 4 stars, so I rounded up to four, simply because the final act had me completely immersed.

Ruth Ware’s Lo is back and she is wasting no time reminding everyone that she makes terrible decisions and seems to always be at the wrong place at the wrong time. A sequel that came ten years after the original book has me realizing how little I remembered of the time aboard the ship but luckily Ware made sure to pepper the early chapters with hints to catch me up!

DNF @ 25%. I even tried to use the audio now that end book has released to help me get through it but both Lo and Carrie are just exhausting and the book isn’t doing anything to hold my attention unfortunately.

It never crossed my mind that there would be a sequel to The Woman in Cabin 10 but I'm so glad Ruth Ware thought otherwise. Ware gives enough of a refresher (helpful since it's been almost 9 years) that I think you could even read this as a standalone. There are plenty of suspects and shady goings-on that this kept me guessing. A classic Ruth Ware thriller, definitely recommend!

I really enjoyed The Woman in Cabin 10, so I was really excited for this next book. While I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first, I still thought it was fun. And you could tell that a lot of research and effort went into the story. Though there were a few plot holes (plot armor?---no cameras in the hallway, etc.) I could suspend my belief because I was just so compelled by wanting to know what would happen next. I will say that it definitely helps to have re-read TWIC10 because the character was much fresher in my mind and I wouldn't say we necessarily get a great feel for Lo because this is a companion/sequel. Overall, this was fun and I would really love to read a few more in this series---I feel like Lo could get up to some shenanigans given her profession and personality, haha.

Like the heroine of this book, I too have duel English/American citizenship. The research was excellent. It showed how much more difficult it was to go from European countries to England, since England left the European Union. I could relate to the hotel with its updated door locks, but no cameras in the hallway? The suspense drew me in and I enjoyed the book, even though it was not perfect. Definitely helped to have read the Woman in Cabin 10 first.