The It Girl

by Ruth Ware

• ISBN10: 1432899627
• ISBN13: 9781432899622
• Publish Date: 2 August 2022 (first published 12 July 2022)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Thorndike Press Large Print
• Edition: Large type / large print edition
• Format: Hardcover (Library Binding)
• Pages: 675
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Ohh! It's that time again! It's time for the latest novel by Ruth Ware. I know fans have been split about her last couple of novels, but I've really been looking forward to The It Girl. Thankfully, BOTM had this as one of their options, so I was able to enjoy it at an affordable price!

Hannah Jones never really felt like she fit in. This feeling only got stronger when she moved to Oxford for her education. That is until April Coutts-Cliveden took her under her wing. This bright and energetic woman knew how to party, make friends, and drive the world into a jealous rage.

A decade later, Hannah is still reeling from the murder of her best friend. It feels like April should walk around the corner at any moment. And Hannah's about to learn how close the past is as dark secrets rise to the surface.

"She was the perfect friend--until she wasn't."

Is it really already time to talk about the latest Ruth Ware novel? It seriously feels like I just got done reading her last book. Man, time really doesn't have any meaning anymore, does it? Anyway, let's talk about The It Girl.

The It Girl is a thriller novel split into two perspectives – one set in the present, the other in the past. Each chapter brings with it another jump, letting the story unfold. The story is the murder of April, aka The It Girl.

The loss of her friend clearly haunts Hannah, yet until recently, she never questioned who took the life of said friend. She thought it was an open and shut case. Now that the past is back in the open, Hannah realizes how much danger she's in.

It's a lot – or rather, it should be. Unfortunately, I felt like the actual killer had been telegraphed a little too early in the novel, so I wasn't remotely surprised when the big reveal finally arrived. I don't mind guessing the killer/conclusion, but I do have a problem with it being that obvious. I want to work for my reveals! (But not too hard – no mustache-twirling, please!).

While I think The It Girl had a lot of potential, I don't think it lived up to my expectations. Maybe it isn't fair for me to hold Ruth Ware to higher expectations – but I know that she can write excellent novels, so of course, I'm going to keep hoping for more!

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[Berls]

4.5 stars.

Ruth Ware continues her perfect record for me with The It Girl. Another captivating story that kept me guessing right up to the last minute!

This kind of reminded me of The Lying Game (also by Ruth Ware) in that we have this adult cast looking back at something huge that happened in their youth and uncovering the secrets and truth with huge revelations and dire consequences. I felt like the back and forth between present and past was delivered a bit better this time around - and I think mostly because I liked the main character so much better. Hannah is grappling with trying to do the right thing despite the fact that it is uncomfortable for her, her husband, and her college friends. For a bit of added tension, Hannah is at the end of her second trimester.

This one kept me guessing right up to the very end. And I was CONVINCED at least two times that I knew the right answer and was shocked when I realized I was wrong, both times. I was wrong all the way up to the end. So many unexpected twists and turns kept me on my toes.

I also found myself having such conflicting feelings about Neville - the man who was (wrongly?) convicted of April's murder - and his interactions with Hannah. On one hand, there is no doubt he was making Hannah feel so uncomfortable. And you have to kind of wonder about the wisdom of having an older, awkward man working as a porter for a dorm where young girls will be living. If you've ever been in a situation where you feel the way Hannah was feeling, it's hard not to be angry at the university for not handling that better. On the other hand, it was hard to not feel like maybe Neville was a decent guy, perhaps with some sort of social disability, that made him very awkward. The things he said and did could be easily perceived (as they were by Hannah at the time) as creepy. But, add in the possibility of social disability (something I think I'm very sensitive to because of Dante's Autism diagnosis), and my heart kind of breaks for someone who is not socially aware of how the things they are saying/doing to be kind are actually coming across as creepy. That aspect made this kind of emotional for me.

As always, Imogen Church delivers an impeccable performance. The character's voices, the pacing, the tension -- it all worked perfectly and only adds to the fantastic story that Ruth Ware weaves. Highly recommend this -- and all Ruth Ware's books -- in audio with Imogen Church narrating.