Jack and Gabe are hired to test the security of businesses, but when Gabe is found murdered and Jack is the prime suspect, she must find the real killer before she ends up in jail for a crime she didn’t commit.

This is a fast paced whodunnit. There are lots of twists and turns, but ultimately, I felt this was a bit too predictable and I found the starting chapter very long.

The story is more character driven, but this led to repetitiveness I felt. Also, I didn’t really think there was a lot of authenticity in Jack. She was just hard to like.

I was interested enough to keep reading though.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While entertaining, this book did not seem like a typical Ruth Ware novel. I love her books because the writing is stellar. This one felt more like a lacklustre attempt at originality. The plot is certainly interesting but the execution fell short, the ending was easy to predict, and at times the writing felt somewhat juvenile. I’m not sure what happened here.

Zero Days is a middle-of-the-road thriller, but it won’t be a memorable read for me.

Jack and her husband Gabe test company security systems by breaking into them. Jack handles the physical breaking-in while Gabe hacks the digital end.

After completing a job, Jack heads home to find Gabe brutally murdered. In no time at all, Jack becomes a person of interest. But Jack is innocent and decides to evade arrest.

This thriller starts out a bit slow but eventually picks up the pace. It’s told entirely from Jack’s perspective.

Initially, I wasn’t a big fan of Jack. She makes some truly ill-advised decisions, like running from authorities while being interviewed at the police station. And the flirty banter between her and her husband was cringeworthy, even though I’m aware it was supposed to demonstrate their love for each other. But she eventually grew on me with her persistence to find the truth.

The murder reveal was predictable, but I still felt compelled to keep reading.

I’ve enjoyed previous books by the author, but this one felt average. I’ll still definitely read future books.

Thank you to Gallery/Scout Press for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

https://booksandwheels.com

This is a departure from Ruth Ware’s gothic, atmospheric psychological thriller reads. Rather, it is a story about a woman, Jack, on the run after someone murders her husband and she is the only suspect. It’s an action movie type of book with the reader rooting for the likeable Jack to elude the police and figure out who killed her husband. Like some action movies, there are some unbelievable moments as Jack, seriously injured, is able to do some of the physical things she does and the narrow escapes she has. She is a feisty, action heroine à la Jason Bourne.

The easy to read writing style and quick moving story kept my interest throughout and although one of the twists was obvious quite early on, it did not take away from the enjoyment of the plot. I liked the clever use of the time countdown frame as a way to structure the novel although what it meant didn’t become clear until near the end.

This novel has received mixed reviews but I really enjoyed it - it entertained and kept me engaged, rooting for the main character. This novel has been optioned for series development by Universal International Studios and I can well see how the story could translate very well onto the screen.

Thanka to @simonschusterca and @netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Jack and her husband, Gabe, are hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems. They are the best in the game, but after one of their gigs, something goes horribly wrong, and when Jack comes home after getting arrested on the job she finds Gabe dead. Of course, she is the prime suspect. Who can she trust to get her out of this mess?
This is the latest Ruth Ware mystery/thriller. This author is very hit-or-miss for me and I am sorry to say that this one was a miss. It was very repetitive, the same information was given over and over again. It's not a very long book (it's under 400 pages), but at about 15% in I had figured out who the culprit was and that the book was about a 100 pages too long. I did not like the main character, Jack. She was way too impulsive and made very questionable decisions. I do get that she is grieving, and her grief as being a motive for her actions is mentioned a few times but I really didn't feel it. There is no depth to her, and there is no character development during the book. If you are ready to suspend disbelief and are looking for a quick read with lots of chasing scenes? This one may be for you.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A great thriller that I can see being a big hit with book clubs.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review!

That sound you hear is Ruth Ware hitting another one out of the ball park. What a twisty, gripping thriller. Loved every minute of this read.

From almost the very first moment, I connected with Jacintha (Jack) Cross. The banter in the first chapter sets up a dynamic relationship with her husband Gabe. She comes across as warm and funny. And also a whole lot badass. Just the kind of person I like to root for in a book.

By the end Jack is more than a character in a book. Her pain is visceral and real. There were twists I should have seen coming, but I was so engaged with Jack and what she was going through, it felt like I experienced things as Jack did.

That is my favourite kind of connection in a book.

This book definitely started on the right foot, however, soon after it took a bit of a nosedive for me. The story kept me interested but the plot dragged, and it took so long before the action kicked in.

I’m a big Ruth Ware fan but so far, no other books have been able to compete with The Woman in Cabin 10 and One by One. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed this novel, and I can still count on Ruth Ware for atmospheric, binge-worth thrillers, but this one fell a bit short for me.

With Jack being a fugitive, the whole book really was getting repetitive, and I just wanted something to happen. Hence, my 4-start rating.

Otherwise, I loved the cyber security and hacking aspect of this book. I’m a big sucker for heist novels and this one kind of resembled that genre. Ruth’s writing was impeccable as usual and she did a wonderful job at developing compelling characters and gripping narratives.

I shouldn’t have loved this book as much as I did.

I find it really challenging when a beloved author switches genres. Ruth Ware proves that she’s a capable writer regardless of how we readers want to pigeonhole her. That’s skill.

I find reading about tech and apps really boring because I don’t understand it. Ruth Ware proves that she can maintain my interest for 352 pages on a topic I know very little about. That’s skill.

I find reading about gruesome deaths upsetting. Ruth Ware proves that despite her use of detailed description, a scene can be written to minimize the horror. That’s skill.

Again, I shouldn’t have liked this book but in the hands of a master author, it ranks up there in my top suspense novels of the year.

Ruth Ware, you’ve got mad skills.

Don’t let cyber security, zero-day exploits, and bitcoin exchanges give you pause. This adrenaline-filled, in-your-face technology and time countdown novel is one you’ll want to put on the top of your list. Guaranteed.

As I turned over the last page, I commented that this would make a FANTASTIC movie. I hope it is optioned for the silver screen. I’d go see it.

I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

The descriptive writing and the suspense in this kept me on edge until the very end. Although I found the first chapter difficult to read, its impact compelled me to keep reading. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
Thank You to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Ruth Ware for the opportunity to read and enjoy this ARC.

Ruth Ware - Zero Days
Ruth Ware is an automatic read for me. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by her, until now. This one is only a like for me.

Zero Days is an action-packed read.. Jack and her husband Gabe run a “penetration” business where they are paid to find security flaws. After a job gone wrong, Gabe is found murdered in their home and Jack is the main suspect.

What missed the mark for me in this book was I was expecting a Ruth Ware read. You know, atmospheric, psychological, maybe a little gothic, mystery-thriller. If I hadn’t read anything by her before I probably would have enjoyed this one a lot more.

I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for a Hollywood-style mystery adventure!

If you love Ruth Ware, I’d still recommend checking this one out. There are some great sequences and interesting characters.

Thanks to NetGalley, Simon& Schuster Canada, and the author for an ARC.

This was an action packed, high emotion thriller that had me reading well into the night. You couldn’t help rooting for a wife on the run trying to get to the truth before she’s arrested for crimes she didn’t commit. A Ruth Ware bestseller once again.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc

It's best to go into this one without reading anything.

I had forgotten what the novel was about so my mind was going crazy the first few chapters! I had no idea what was going to happen and who I was suppose to root for. Around the middle, I did find that the novel got a bit stale. I was tired reading about Jack when I had figured out who the villain was. Thankfully the novel does pick up at the end and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to Netgallery and Simon & Schuster Canada, Gallery/Scout Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A race against time, a brutal murder, and a suspect on the run... can Jack prove her innocence before it’s too late?...

While reading this book, I could easily picture it being an action movie. It was exciting & intriguing, and I wanted to know what was next for Jack. Though I do wish the chapters were shorter, this was still a good page-turner. A bit of a slow burn mystery, I did find myself wanting just *a little* bit more... something, which resulted in the loss of 1 star. I still really enjoyed this upcoming release by Ruth Ware, and would highly recommend picking it up if you are a fan of hers!

This one started off with a bang. Jack is on the run as she is a suspect in her husband’s death. Where can she go, who can she trust? I was engaged and wanted to see where it was going to lead. Jack is a strong woman and I definitely was rooting for her. I finished it in just over 24 hours so yes, I did like it, but I didn’t love it….I would say, by the end I just wanted to know what happens as I was over it. If you want something fast paced, I’d say definitely give this one a go.

Thanks to Netgalley, Simon & Schuster CanadaGallery/Scout Press for m’y arc in exchange for my honest review

Publish date: June 20, 2023

Ruth Ware is one of my favourite thriller writers and an auto-buy for me (I’ve read all her books). I was so excited to receive an eARC of her latest novel and dive in!

This gave me Night Agent vibes (have you watched on Netflix?) with cyber security, hackers and the dark web. It’s not my typical subject matter but I enjoyed it! Some parts admittedly a bit too detailed for my understanding but I got the gist.

Not my favourite Ware but I found myself not wanting to put it down.

3.5/5

A Riveting Thriller That Will Keep You Guessing - Zero Days by Ruth Ware
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Suspense

Warning: This review may contain spoilers

Ruth Ware's Zero Days is a masterfully crafted thriller that will have you hooked from the very first page!

This is a 5-star read for me 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This tale keeps us guessing chapter by chapter as the clock ticks down--our mystery solving brains are keyed up to hyperdrive trying to figure out who murdered Gabe and who has framed our protagonist, Jack, for the murder.

I’ve enjoyed Ware’s writing since I first picked up The Turn of the Key. I was just as hooked with 2022’s release, The It Girl, as I was with that first novel. This current novel is no different. Ware’s story-telling genius just keeps getting better and better with every new release.

Zero Days explores some urgent themes of our digital age, those with both personal and public relevance–cybersecurity, surveillance culture, corporate espionage, cybercriminals, the dark web intelligence market, and online privacy as it relates to our personal digital footprints and identities.

I stayed up long into the night running with Jack, puzzling through the evidence. I cheered her unyielding drive, and urged her to run faster, to find a better hideout, to keep going even when her energy reserves were flagging. And, I mourned with her as she grieved Gabe’s death and was staggered by the revelation that someone she least suspected had betrayed her and Gabe’s trust in such a devastating way.

I would like to express my gratitude to Ruth Ware, Simon and Schuster Canada, Gallery Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance digital reader copy of Zero Days in exchange for an honest review. The book is scheduled for release on June 20, 2023— for those seeking an escape into a world of suspense and intrigue, Zero Days is an absolute must-read!

Zero Days draws you in quickly to an action packed read that will have you holding your breath as you cheer on Jack (Jacintha) as she races against time as she runs for her life at the same time desperately trying to solve who murdered her husband in cold blood.

Gabe is the other of the team and together they are Pen Specialists hired to test companies security systems by breaking in.

Gabe must have discovered something that got him brutally killed but by whom and what.

Jack only trusts her sister.

Despite injuries that would put most in the hospital she doesn't give up as she runs from the police.

Ruth Ware writes an entertaining book and although Zero Days is not her usual mystery/thriller it certainly keeps you turning the pages long into the night.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada, Gallery/Scout Press for an entertaining action packed read.

This book was a rollercoaster! It gave me so much anxiety I could only read it for so long at any given time. While the ending was pretty lack-luster, and somewhat unresolved (a personal pet-peeve of mine, but oh well), overall the book was quite good. Not my favourite from Ruth Ware, but certainly not her worst. I don't know that I've read one of her's that I hated so that's good too. I'd give this a 3.5/5 stars, but will round up to 4!

Thank you for this ARC!

I really loved this one from the Mission Impossible start to the This Must Be the Place ending. (The ending had me sobbing)

It is DEFINITELY not your normal Ruth Ware book though that’s for sure. This action packed fugitive style isn’t normally what I read, but now I feel like maybe I’ve been missing out.
Right when you think you know what this book is going to be about it, sucker punches you with the murder and whodunnit.
My only real con is the chapter length, but not everyone loves a short chapter.