Thursday, July 9, 2020

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware


Ruth Ware can always be counted upon to provide truly escapist literature. Her books are engaging and keep the reader turning the pages late into the night. The Turn of the Key is no different. Tired of the nursery at which she's been working, Rowan is a young woman in search of a new nanny position. When she stumbles upon an ad for a placement in northern Scotland, she thinks it must be too good to be true. The pay is outrageously high and it is in a beautiful home, allowing her almost no expenses. The only concern is that the last several nannies left after only a very short time. It is rumored that the house is haunted, but since Rowan doesn't believe in ghosts, she isn't worried. When a child dies, Rowan insists on her innocence, but there she has a lot of story to tell first.

Told in the format of a letter after the fact in hopes of securing an advocate in court, Rowan describes her situation at great length. It is an interesting device, but I kept thinking it didn't make sense that she would go into such detail in correspondence. There are lots of twists and turns, allowing the reader to think she has it figured out only to pull the rug out again around the next corner. This book was a fun read, especially if you don't over-analyze it. In these times when we all want a little distraction, this book could be just what you need.

*This Advanced Reader Copy was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for and honest review.*

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