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The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware - August 2020
I usually try to read these during the actual month, but it came earlier than expected, so I'll be starting today! This will be the fourth Ruth Ware book I've read. The only one I've liked by her so far was The Woman in Cabin 10, which I hear is an unpopular opinion. In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Lying Game were both far too predictable and cookie cutter for my taste. I have heard from others that The Turn of the Key is better than those, so I'm optimistic!
Alright, I'm on page 119 and I have to say I'm intrigued. My sister-in-law was an au pair when she moved to the United States, and up until she married my brother (and even a little after until her contract was up) she lived with the family. I met them once and I got the same vibes Rowan is getting from the Elincourts, except the roles for the parents were reversed. (view spoiler)
Happy reading, everyone!
Lex wrote: "I usually try to read these during the actual month, but it came earlier than expected, so I'll be starting today! This will be the fourth Ruth Ware book I've read. The only one I've liked by her..."
The only other Ruth Ware book I've read (besides this one) is In a Dark, Dark Wood and I also thought it was pretty predictable and a little ridiculous. The Turn of the Key was much better in my opinion. (view spoiler)
Looking forward to seeing what everyone else thinks!
I’m 44% of the way through and enjoying it! Good tension and suspense thus far.
I’ll join you for this one. I have it on scribd.
I have read the book and I would like to share my opinion about it. *SPOILERS AHEAD* (READ ONLY IF YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK OR ARE NOT PLANNING TO)
Firstly, I would like to list the things I liked about the book in particular( which are very few).
The concept and the unique plotline is what basically caught my attention and was fantastic. The building of suspense was great as well and somewhere along the pages it was a little creepy too. The narrative was good throughout the book. I liked that the author didn't completely paint the protagonist as a good and likeable person. She had flaws too and had made mistakes just like a normal person in such a situation would. This drew more of my attention and interest to this book.
Now I will tell you the things I disliked about this book.
It was a page turner definitely but the story wasn't proceeding like a thriller. I won't list it as a thriller. The story was creating suspense but not solving any until the end. So it was like a rushed journey to complete the book( and not enjoy each page and line of it). Next, and undoubtedly the biggest wrong about this story is the culprit behind those scary activities. How can an 8 yr old girl be doing something like this? And even if she does, how can no one figure it out? No child can be this perfect and not make mistakes. Also, even if she did all those things, it doesn't justify on many ends of the story such as the passing of the shadow outside the window and many others. Many things are left unexplained. The ending wasn't great as well. Just a letter and woosh! the story ends and you are left thinking what the hell happened!? Also , no epilogue is given which should sum up the life after of the protagonist which throughout the book was the narrator. For me, it was a mere. 2 star book. I don't recommend it reading for good thrill and suspense.
How many of you people
feel the same way about this book?
Wow. What a ride. 5 stars for me! Had a hard time putting this one down...did not know the “whodunnit” until the very last pages. Recommend!
I am definitely joining this read for August, very excited to read this crime thriller. I have actually been eyeing it for a while now and have wanted to read a Ruth Ware book. Just received this book in the mail yesterday and already don't want to put it down!
I finished this last week, but I forgot to share. Overall, I gave it 4 stars. I took one star off, because I thought some of the storylines were a little predictable and I wanted it to be scarier than it was.(view spoiler)
Just joined the group :-) This is my first Ware book- though I've read a lot of reviews. Is it true that a lot of her books are her own spin on Agatha Christie stories?
Salma wrote: "Just joined the group :-) This is my first Ware book- though I've read a lot of reviews. Is it true that a lot of her books are her own spin on Agatha Christie stories?"I never heard that about her stories being a spin on Agatha Christie, but the first book I read by her was In a Dark, Dark Wood. The thing I loved about that one was the way the author created a creepy setting (which I felt was almost another character in the book!) and gathered the "suspects" there. You know that someone there must be the problem but do not know who, so to me, that is VERY Agatha Christie. The thing I also like about the Ruth Ware books is that I don't feel like it is the same story over and over again. Though there are similarities, I feel like each one has its own personality. And certainly, The Turn of the Key, I felt was different in its ending and style than her other books. I enjoyed it
This one has grabbed me from the start and not let go. It's my first Ruth Ware book as well, and based on this one, I'd be interested to read her others. It's quietly suspenseful with this undercurrent of constant tension, which keeps me wanting to see what comes next and who's causing these weird events. The only downside is going to sleep at night without wanting to keep one eye open!
Laureen wrote: "Salma wrote: "Just joined the group :-) This is my first Ware book- though I've read a lot of reviews. Is it true that a lot of her books are her own spin on Agatha Christie stories?"I never hear..."
That's good to know- Christie's stories do seem to be recycled (maybe that's why she managed to be so prolific?). I love creepy story settings. I'm a huge Tana French fan and she does that very well. Looking forward to this- opened up the first page today and already love the voice
Kat wrote: "This one has grabbed me from the start and not let go. It's my first Ruth Ware book as well, and based on this one, I'd be interested to read her others. It's quietly suspenseful with this undercur..."Those are my favorite kinds of books! :-D
Hello! I’m on page 142, and I’m enjoying this book. I can’t put it down, as I’m wondering when she’s coming face to face with this entity whatever it is. But, my brain has a hard time with how Ware has Rowan writing ALL this detail to Mr. Wrexham. You forget it’s a letter to him! Question- I’m new here. How do you respond to other posts?
Just want to say Hi really, as just joined the group yeaterday. Thanks to Amazon Prime "The Turn of the Key" should be with me by the end of today. I'd not heard of Ruth Ware, but the description sounded like this will be right up my street. Fingers crossed!
Brandi wrote: "... But, my brain has a hard time with how Ware has Rowan writing ALL this detail to Mr. Wrexham. You forget it’s a letter to him!Question- I’m new here. How do you respond to other posts?"
Haha! I had the same thought, Brandi. Mr. Wexham must be a near saint to have to read all of Rowan's musings.
As for responding to other posts, I believe you hit the reply button at the bottom of the post you're responding to, and it will quote some of what the person wrote. I just copy paste the specific words I want to respond to inside the <> brackets. I hope I'm answering what you're asking. If not, I'm sure a mod or seasoned user here will do a much better job! :)
Samantha wrote: "JJust want to say Hi really, as just joined the group yeaterday. "
Hi, Samantha! I'm fairly new to the group too, and am also reading Ruth Ware for the first time. I hope you enjoy it. I'm loving it so far.
Hi Brandi - I’m wondering if you only see a reply button if you are on a computer? I don’t see a reply button on my iPad. Goodreads seems to limit the app for some reason.
Loved this book! I was a bit scared at first, but I couldn't put it down. I flew through, and loved the twist.
i’m new to this group so hi everyone :) butt i just bought the book yesterday night soo i’m going to start the book today and yea :) !
So I just finished this book and overall it was a fast-paced read. (view spoiler)[only thing that bugged me was can a 5 and 8 year old really do such a thing, wasn't that too much
I honestly expected a different ending (hide spoiler)]
Finished this last night. Great, fast, easy read. Agree with Anya though.I'd been giving my husband a summary at points, and based on my summary he was very disappointed with the end, but I thought it was OK.
This book was just as good as her other ones. Every time I read one of her books, I picture how they could make it into a movie. I won't be surprised to see this one, if they can ever start making movies again. Suspenseful and a quick read.
Wow, what a page turner. The ending was definitely not what I was expecting. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book![(view spoiler)I was really enjoying the suspense with the creepy things going on, but would of never imagined an 8 year old could do those things... How did she even know the house had an attic? And how can a 5 year old be that strong to really push her physically bigger sister out at a good distance like that? The author did get me when reveling that they were all sisters though; did not expect that.
Questionable ending, but overall enjoyed the suspense!(hide spoiler)]
Carol wrote: "Hi Brandi - I’m wondering if you only see a reply button if you are on a computer? I don’t see a reply button on my iPad. Goodreads seems to limit the app for some reason."There was not a reply button on my IPAD but yes on the laptop.
I am only on page 81, but to be honest, so far the book seems slow going.
i reads this few months back i liked it but IMO its not one of her best book
I agree The book is a slow read. And I'm getting tired of the first person narration
I listened to this book with a co-worker and she was too freaked out to finish. I agree that aspects of this book were creepy and suspenseful, but like others I was somewhat disappointed in the ending. This book was ok, entertaining but not earth shattering or one that changes me as a person.
Im 175 pages into the book and the smart home with the secret panels and the Happy app is totally creepy. It sure adds to the ambience of the book.
what I find strange is how the parents left their 3 kids all less than 9 alone with a complete stranger. Agreed they had checked her credentials but that doesn't speak about an individual's personality. Maybe a quirk of the rich entitled
Leena wrote: "Im 175 pages into the book and the smart home with the secret panels and the Happy app is totally creepy. It sure adds to the ambience of the book."I agree and I think that is what Ruth Ware does best - create a creepy setting for the story to unfold in. The house in creates a very Agatha Christie like setting. I did not love The Woman in Cabin 10 but she did create a claustrophobic feel on the boat. This "smart house" was weird and creepy at the same time
Rushali wrote: "I have read the book and I would like to share my opinion about it. *SPOILERS AHEAD* (READ ONLY IF YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK OR ARE NOT PLANNING TO)
Firstly, I would like to list the things I liked a..."
Rushali I agree this book lacked a lot for me too, I just thing Ruth Ware is missing something as a writer she has great ideas but the execution just falls short. The setting was perfect for a thriller suspense but the rest just lacked. Completely agree with you on the type of genre this book should be classed as.
I have just finished her book "In a dark dark wood" and if you didn't like this stay well clear of it. I have the "Lying Game" scheduled as one of my want to reads but after two so so reads I'm unsure.
I don't think I would be as harsh in my rating I would rate it a 3.5 star, but maybe thats just my covid lockdown brain clinging to a glimmer of hope, but I can completely see where you are coming from and it doesn't stand up to next Jane Harpers work.
I actually didn't like The Lying Game much. I couldn't finish it. too much rambling around and I lost interest.
It seems to be her style. Even here she is very intent on building the feel of the book but I can see a few loopholes already..The girls have already visited the poison garden and are very adept at picking the lock! And the mother is unaware ? Furthermore, they must have taken the other nannies too so its interesting how Sandra added this little detail in the large file and not marked in Red. I can't seem to like any of the 3 kids at all. None of them are cute or likeable or just acting their age.
Aoife wrote: "Rushali wrote: "I have read the book and I would like to share my opinion about it. *SPOILERS AHEAD* (READ ONLY IF YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK OR ARE NOT PLANNING TO)
Firstly, I would like to list the ..."
I agree with both you and RUshali, I haven't read any of Ruth Ware books this is the first it seemed the setting was really good, but I didn't enjoy the writing style and the execution. There were loads of unexplained things. Everything just seemed a bit too far-fetched.
This book is next on my to read list. I started it before and had to put it down, looking forward to reading all of your thoughts.
Just finished it. This book seemed to run like a Shyamalan movie: slow going without a clear focus, and wham, big twist bang in your face, then the end.Was still enjoyable to go along and see where it would end. Delivery was interesting (don't think I ever any other novel where narration was in the form of one continuous letter) and the main character well-drawn.
I'd recommend it.
I actually didn't like it. So many unexplained events.. are we saying that a child was climbing into a window from another window below and the attic window is not visible to anyone from the outside? nobody knows of the existence of the attic.. so bow did the children discover it? I would have accepted it if there had been a secret stairway to it.2. all these days Maddie isn't experiencing any seep deprivation? she's supposed to be 8. I can immediately see the lack of a few hrs of sleep in my 9yr old.
3. She picks poison flowers without any effects to her? who is tending the garden?Is it the children themselves?
4. what happens to all those letters? didn't Mr
Wrexham receive it?
5. Why didn't the older daughter say anything? it wold have helped clear out most of Rowan' s problems. After all she was with the older girl at that time.
Ms. ware spends 300 pages to build in drama and has definitely not thought of the plot through. One small para to explain Maddie reaching the attic isn't done. I was sorely disappointed and let down.
I liked it but the ending was abrupt. I wish there was an epilogue added to the book to find out what happened to Rachel and Sandra. How the dealt with everything. What happened to Jack and why he never tried to reach out to Rachel after she got arrested. Too many unanswered questions left to the reader’s imagination. But I still gave it a 4-star.
I'd given it 3 for the ambience build up. But then all those unanswered questions made me drop it down to 2
But she seems to do that often. Even her Lying Game didn't appeal much to me.
New to this group, so hi everyone!also, SPOILERS.
I actually read this a couple months ago so I thought I'd pop on and share my thoughts. Honestly, I found this book quite ridiculous. I don't think Ruth Ware is for me. I'm not a fan of books that try so hard to create this creepy atmosphere but the end is resolved so abruptly, and you're like, "oh its just a kid the end." I also just thought the main character was unlikable and silly from the beginning.
I also don't think I cared for the whole format of telling the story through letters to a lawyer; I don't think that was utilized very well, there was no point of "Mr. Wrexham." Anyway, as some others have noted, I thought overall the book was just unrealistic and not well executed.
I completely agree. Tqs my second Ruth Ware book and I'm not going to be picking another of her books anytime soon.
Leena wrote: "what I find strange is how the parents left their 3 kids all less than 9 alone with a complete stranger. Agreed they had checked her credentials but that doesn't speak about an individual's persona..."Just finished- totally agree. And one baby on top of that!
The Perks Of Being A Book Addict
Books mentioned in this topic
In a Dark, Dark Wood (other topics)The Turn of the Key (other topics)
The Woman in Cabin 10 (other topics)
In a Dark, Dark Wood (other topics)
The Lying Game (other topics)
More...
When she stumbles across the ad, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss—a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten—by the luxurious “smart” home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family.
What she doesn’t know is that she’s stepping into a nightmare—one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder.
Writing to her lawyer from prison, she struggles to explain the unravelling events that led to her incarceration. It wasn’t just the constant surveillance from the cameras installed around the house, or the malfunctioning technology that woke the household with booming music, or turned the lights off at the worst possible time. It wasn’t just the girls, who turned out to be a far cry from the immaculately behaved model children she met at her interview. It wasn’t even the way she was left alone for weeks at a time, with no adults around apart from the enigmatic handyman, Jack Grant.
It was everything.
She knows she’s made mistakes. She admits that she lied to obtain the post, and that her behavior toward the children wasn’t always ideal. She’s not innocent, by any means. But, she maintains, she’s not guilty—at least not of murder. Which means someone else is.
Full of spellbinding menace and told in Ruth Ware’s signature suspenseful style, The Turn of the Key is an unputdownable thriller from the Agatha Christie of our time.