I never wanted The Turn of the Key to end.
I’ve read all of author Ruth Ware’s previous novels, save The Death of Mrs. Westaway. I liked In a Dark, Dark Wood. I really liked The Woman in Cabin 10 (though, admittedly, it did nothing to assuage my deep-seated fears of cruise ships… and/or small, confined spaces). I was pretty “meh” about The Lying Game, but I think we all were since no one really seems to talk about that one.
The Turn of the Key, though…this one is fantastic. It’s a delightfully modern twist on a classic ghost story. Ware’s given us an expertly crafted suspense novel that balances delicately on the edge of the supernatural and psychological. The mysteries – yes, there’s more than one – unravel slowly, with steadily mounting tension and carefully revealed clues that drive you deeper into an all-consuming story.
FYI, this novel’s inspired by Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, which I’ve tried reading. Twice. I fell asleep both times after only a few chapters. However, I couldn’t race through The Turn of the Key fast enough.
Actually, that’s a lie. I was full speed ahead for two days straight, and then I did what I usually do when I absolutely love a book – I refused to read the last 40 or so pages because I didn’t want the experience to be over and done with. I actually got into a lil’ depressed funk when I knew I couldn’t put it off anymore and had to finish reading the story.
This book is an immersive experience. Thanks to Ware’s detailed descriptions of the gorgeous remote Scottish landscape and the creepy but impressive smart house that main character Rowan goes to live in, you’re plugged into the action at every turn. Before you know it, you’re holding your breath with Rowan when those footsteps creak overhead at night. You can’t decide if Heatherbrae House is severely haunted, or if someone is severely fucking with the main character’s head.
There’s enough seriously creepy ish going down at this Scottish house to give me the shivers, and I surprisingly loved the fact that, while the goings-on are certifiably supernatural, you can’t deny that a flesh-and-blood person (albeit, a quite fiendish one) could be behind what’s tormenting poor Rowan.
I couldn’t wait to finish up work each day and read a little more of the story. The Turn of the Key kept me guessing, and not much does that these days. I didn’t see the twist coming, despite the fact that I was feverishly trying to piece together the clues Ware drops for her more astute (than I) readers.
And, I really loved the ending. I know some people have been disappointed with it, but I liked how the author left it. It’s a bit different (again, I say this not knowing how The Turn of the Screw ends), and I always like different.
Tartlets, please go read this book. If you like suspense, if you like mystery, if you like psychological thrillers, if you like a little bit of creepy, if you like sweeping Scottish moors…heck, if you like BOTANY (ha! I got ya there, didn’t I??) – you need to read The Turn of the Key.
Go do it, and then come back here and tell me in the comments how much you enjoyed it. (If you don’t like it, we can’t be friends. Just kidding. Kinda. We can still be friends, but I may not acknowledge you in public.)
I’m with you! Henry James and I do not get along – The Turn Of The Screw was tolerable, but The Golden Bowl had me clawing my eyes out and I’ve sworn I’ll never read anything of his again. The Turn Of The Key was FAR more readable! I’m not normally into spooky reads, but this one got me. 😉👍 I guess we can still be friends?
Oh god, I’ve not even HEARD of The Golden Bowl. Seems there’s a reason why, ehh??? 🙂 Thank goodness I’m not the only one who couldn’t get into Henry James. I had to read Turn of the Screw in college for an English class, and I was SO excited — and then I couldn’t force my way through it. I ended up reading the Sparknotes for it instead, haha. I tried again after college and met with the same wall after awhile. Ugh. I’ll take Ruth Ware’s version any day. 😀 So, yes, you’re allowed to still be my friend, haha.