There’s something irresistible about a thriller set in an isolated location, and In a Dark, Dark Wood delivers exactly that. Ruth Ware takes a seemingly harmless hen-do weekend and transforms it into a tense, slow-burning nightmare where nothing is quite as it seems.

The writing is atmospheric and immersive, pulling you straight into the cold, unsettling setting of the remote glass house. Ware knows how to build tension, making every moment feel thick with unease, and the slow unraveling of secrets keeps the pages turning. The protagonist, Nora, is an interesting lead—full of doubt, vulnerability, and a past that refuses to stay buried. The supporting cast adds to the psychological suspense, each character carrying enough mystery to make you question their intentions.

That said, while the build-up was gripping, the ending was a bit more predictable than I had hoped. It wasn’t necessarily disappointing, just a little too easy to see coming. Even so, Ware’s execution of the story made up for it, and I still found myself deeply invested in how everything would unfold.

What I really took away from In a Dark, Dark Wood is that Ruth Ware knows how to craft a thriller that keeps you engaged. Even with its predictability, the journey to the conclusion was enjoyable, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from her. If you love thrillers with a creeping sense of dread and a tightly wound mystery, this one is worth picking up.