I will admit that Ruth Ware titles run hot and cold with me. This one ended up cold. The story was okay, but I felt the"who done it" portion was very obvious. I think those who consistently like Ware titles will still enjoy.

Ruth Ware has done it again — a twisty mystery set against a brilliant UK backdrop. Hannah is a first year student at Oxford University, and falls into a tight friend crew through her posh, smart, prankster roommate April. This story is told from two alternating time periods: before the murder of April, the “It Girl,” and 10 years after the tragedy. A university porter was ultimately convicted of the murder based on Hannah’s testimony, but after he dies in custody 10 years after the fact, Hannah starts doubting what actually happened that fateful night.

This book took me a bit to get into, but once I was in I really enjoyed it. Something unique about this read compared with others in the genre was that I actually liked nearly all the characters—that was refreshing. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and appreciated the almost Rashomon quality to the story. At this point in my life, I feel like this genre is hard to do well, but this book pulled it off. I only docked a partial star due to the semi-slow pace to get the story going. Those who enjoyed Turn of the Key will certainly enjoy this read.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

While The It Girl wasn't as fast-paced or gripping as some of Ruth Ware's previous books, I was caught off-guard by how emotional it left me. Ware did a beautiful job of creating a unique nostalgia mixed with regret, set in the timeless world of Oxford. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, even small ones, but there's a scene toward the end of the book that perfectly captures Hannah looking back on her past, and it made me feel as if I lived it, too.

The one thing that I did struggle with, however, was April, who felt very one-dimensional -- a rich, miserable girl. It was hard to understand how her friends put up with her attitude and behavior. And the "It Girl" aspect felt very undeveloped as well. Who was calling her that? How would she get that name merely from being beautiful and rich, especially at such an elite school? Her death still felt tragic, but it would have been even more meaningful had she shown some selfless characteristics as well.

Ruth Ware does it again! Don't start The It Girl unless you have plenty of time, because you won't want to put it down. The story immediately drew me in and kept me turning pages well into the night. Told in alternating "before" and "after" perspectives, this fast-paced book was fun to read. Engaging characters and well-placed twists and turns kept me guessing right through to the end. Well done Ruth Ware!

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ruth Ware does it again! Another engrossing, fast-paced story that I couldn't put down. I loved the dark academia feel from the Oxford setting, and the split timelines provided a fascinating look into the main characters. This book never had a slow moment for me, I was hooked from the first page. A great cast of unique and interesting characters involved in a complicated and twisting story, this book is an absolute must-read!

Love everything by Ruth Ware and The It Girl did not disappoint. Great twisty storyline and loved the characters. Kept me guessing til the very end. Definitely recommend for any thriller lover. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

Ruth Ware does it again. Another psychological thriller with never ending twists and turns that keeps the reader on their toes until the very end. Ruth Ware transports you to college campus in England and had me reliving my college days with the invention of instagram and the thrill of moving into your dorm and meeting new people. She takes you on a journey through past and present as the mystery unfolds. Until the very end she has you thinking you know who done it and then a new piece of information comes to light.

Ruth has a marvelous way of making you feel a part of the story. You can envision the setting and the characters. When you aren’t reading the book you are thinking about it eager to get back. Highly recommend this to thriller, mystery and psychological thriller book readers, Ruth Ware does not disappoint. Can’t wait until her next book comes out.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC. I recently started readying Ruth Ware this past year (I know I'm late to the party) and she is fast becoming one of my favorite offers. The past few ones from this author I have read have been "closed room" type murders. This one was different compared to the ones I've been reading from her and I loved it. It starts for the MC during Freshman year. Events happen and then the book picks up 10 years later. This is definitely a slow burn mystery but the writing is great as always!

I've been dying & patiently waiting for The It Girl by Ruth Ware.
One of my favorite Authors and she delivered with her newest novel.
The It Girl is Ware at her best. And I can't wait to add it to my collection with her previous books!

There was not a dull moment throughout the novel. 
A fantastically written thriller like all Ruth Ware novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the crazy ending.
This is a thriller with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
Be prepared to literally hold your breath in certain parts, afraid of what might be coming next.
This was a stellar read; brilliantly paced, cunningly plotted, and breathtakingly insightful.
The storyline was deftly penned and perceptively written.
Characters that were interesting, intriguing and very entertaining.
With tension that builds throughout. And had me wanting more, not wanting this book to end!
I devoured this in a day, unable to put it down.
And that is always the sign of a great book.
I will read anything she puts out, she is by far one of the best!
She is a superb suspense writer
Ruth Ware fans will not want to miss this!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Gallery/Scout Press,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

Ok, I admit, my detective skills are severely lacking. I commonly get outsmarted while reading thrillers. But The It Girl had a twist I genuinely did not see coming and I think it would even surprise some of the more clever readers.

Ruth Ware is a master at the contemporary whodunnit. She has a skill at casting a band of characters that are equally likable and suspicious.

The It Girl features two timelines of a story simultaneously unfolding. Hannah is excited for her first year at Oxford (cue the very trendy dark academia) and meets her new roommate, April, a mysterious yet flamboyant girl from a rich family. The pair become unlikely besties and are joined by their close knit group of friends. Early in the story tragedy strikes as April is found dead in their dorm room (I didn’t spoil anything here, right? You all read the synopsis?). The remaining pages slowly unravel the mystery.

Rated three stars for me because it is not the most original or innovative book but isn’t there something reassuring in the familiar tropes? If you are a fan of her other books, I think this is one you would enjoy.

If you loved THE LYING GAME, like I did, you will love THE IT GIRL. Superbly written, this book delivers a riveting mystery, compelling characters and rich prose. The author does an impeccable job of setting the scene, in this case, the hallowed halls of an Oxford college, brimming with history and atmosphere. The darker side of youth and the relationships played out in a “coming of age” story alternates with a look at the present-day lives of the now older and presumably wiser characters, all of whom are dealing or not dealing with the past trauma of a murder among their circle of friends. The mystery is well done with a plethora of suspects and drawn to a satisfying conclusion. My favorite touch was the introduction of the character, November, toward the end of the story, which gave the reader an uplifted, hopeful feeling for the future.

If you’re a fan of Ruth Ware, I think you’ll like this book as well. It certainly features her formulaic writing, the ability to build tense situations with a cast of potential suspects. Unfortunately however, this was just an ok thriller for me. I was not invested in the story or any of the characters, I actually didn't like any of them. I also found most of the relationships and decisions unbelievable and/or silly, which detracted from the plot. I did enjoy the premise; a group of college friends from Oxford. as well as the Edinburgh location. Although not my favorite, I'm sure to read whatever Ware writes next.

Thanks to NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. The It Girl publishes 7/12/22.

I'm odd girl out on this possibly.
I usually grab Ruth Ware books to see if it is a hit or bust for me and this was my bust. I enjoyed the murder among college friends at Oxford. Popular April is of course very beautiful, rich, cruel ... and murdered. Soon April's roommate Hannah testifies against John Neville and it sends him to prison where he later dies. Is John really guilty? New information on what really happened that night are starting to be brought to light. Did Hannah get it all wrong? What really happened that freshman year?

I really did try but didn't connect with any of the characters. I did, however, enjoy the first section of the book but eventually the story came to a crawl and I found myself impatiently wanting to push it forward. I also had it figured out early. Maybe that took away a little of the suspense? Sort of disappointing after enjoying a strong start.

Told from a then and now perspective and kept me guessing and trying to figure out who did it right up until the end. Characters were so well developed and felt so real. Well done!

As she arrives at Oxford, April first meets Hannah. They become fast friends and form a friend group by adding Will, Hugh, Ryan, and Emily. This group is inseparable until the end of the second term when April is killed. Oxford porter, John Neville is quickly convicted for April’s murder and sent to prison. Fast forward 10 years and Hannah’s world is shaken by a young reporter that has new evidence that could exonerate Neville. So who murdered April after all?

I am a big fan of Ruth Ware, so I was so excited to read THE IT GIRL! I can tell you I was not disappointed in any way, shape, or form! It was a spectacular book and it had me pulled in on the very first page. Alternating time lines between past and present was perfect for this high suspense mystery. I literally could not put the book down until I was finished. This one deserves all 5 stars!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scout Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

A decade after Hannah arrives at Oxford, the ghosts of her past continue to haunt her. Her best friend April, who is social and exciting and occasionally cruel, was murdered in their second term, and Hannah’s firsthand account of the incident is what puts Oxford porter, John Neville, behind bars. Now, Hannah is married to their mutual friend (and April’s former boyfriend) Will, expecting their first child, and being presented with new evidence that Neville may not have murdered April. But if he didn’t, who did?

I am, admittedly, a former Ruth Ware stan. The Girl in Cabin 10 is, in my opinion, one of the best books of 2016, and since then, I haven’t felt like any of her releases quite lived up to it. The It Girl is that book I’ve been waiting for.

Because I love to ruin a good thing for myself, I suspected the big reveal about a third or halfway through, but Ware had me second guessing myself with every page. here are so many red herrings and the answer is so perfectly weaved in. It reminded me of what I’ve always loved about Agatha Christie’s writing - Which is one of the highest compliments I can give. The plot is well-developed, smart, and captivating… Frankly, The It Girl is what The Maidens wanted to be. Sorry, not sorry!!!

It’s been a minute since I’ve been unable to put a book down, but this didn’t disappoint. It’s going to be a summer must-have, so get your pre-orders in before you stumble across a spoiler!

Ruth Ware does it again!

Admittedly, she's one of those authors who is always on my radar when she's releasing a new book, but her writing just keeps getting better and better. Great tension building. A serious page turner!

I'll admit that this premise did not appeal to me at first. A few pages in I was worried I would feel completely alienated from the very specific environment in which this book takes place but she really invites you into this exclusive setting. I felt that the characters had very distinct personalities and it brought me back to how I felt being in university.

What a very exciting read!

A bit of a disappointment, as I usually like Ruth Ware's books. This is not her best, unfortunately. The plot is weak (like many other reviewers, I had figured out the killer's identity early on), and the main character's thoughts/actions are frustratingly foolish. Thank you for an advance copy in exchange for review, and I look forward to Ruth Ware's next book. I won't give up on her entirely, but can't recommend this one.

Ruth Ware does it again.
With a tight grip on the thriller genre, her newest book stands its ground among its predecessors.
This is a good, suspenseful story about college friends and scandal that haunts them throughout their adult lives.

A special thanks to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this book before it's release date in exchange for an honest review.

If you like Ruth Ware's other books, you will like this book. Ware has a gift for building tense situations with a cast of potential suspects that Christie would love. In this one, our heroine Hannah has a great life: pregnant, married to the man she's loved since college, and working in a bookstore...but she is haunted by the death of her college roommate April. When new evidence comes to light (honestly the weakst part of the story-- why does Hannah meet THIS reporter and hear THIS evidence when she has ignored requests for ten years), Hannah must revisit the murder and everything she thinks she knows about the night it happened and the events leading up to it. Hannah and April's time at Oxford provides that dark academia setting that is so popular these days. Recommended for fans of the genre.