Reviews with content warning for Cancer - The It Girl

This is the first novel by Ruth Ware and I hate to say that I'm pretty disappointed. It doesn't;t help that I read a book with this similar trope just a few days prior. I've been reading a lot of thrillers lately so the tropes have definitely been getting repetitive. This book was INCREDIBLY slow. She doesn't even agree to talk to the reporter until about 150-200 pages. I don't know how to describe my experience with this book. I didn't hate it (cuz if I did I wouldn't have finished it), but I didn't particularly like it either. I feel like it dragged when it didn't need to (especially the first 60-70 pages). The last 60 pages were very anxiety-inducing so I'll give her that.

I don't think I'll classify this as a thriller because there wasn't anything "thrilling" anything about it. No bread crumbs to leave you guessing. It really just centered on Hannah's guilt that she could've potentially put an innocent man away. Speaking of him, I know she wrote him as this creepy guy to establish why Hannah felt the way that she felt about him, but even as I was reading his scenes I couldn't help but feel creeped out with her. He was a very odd bloke and his actions towards her were unsettling. Although his actions were creepy, I did see a comment that stated that John Neville's behavior was consistent with someone on the spectrum. I don't want to stigmatize so this is just a theory, but as I was reading about him and his mannerism I couldn't help but think the same thing. I don't think he meant much harm to Hannah. He may just not have understood her discomfort ( just a theory). Also, that teacher is also disgusting. I know good and well he was sleeping with his students.

As for the portion of who did it, I honestly would've preferred if this specific character that they were pointing out for most of the book was the killer.

Although predictable I wish it would've been Will that was the killer. They were alluding to it for a good portion of the second half of the book and I honestly think it would've made more sense. It being Hugh wasn't predictable, but his reasoning did add much impact in my opinion. It just felt like a twist that can out of nowhere. And what was the point of her finding out about that window shortcut if it was;t going to be an important element later? I feel like that was a waste of a potential plot point.

Also, can we just talk about how Hannah barely prioritized her child's health this entire book.

The fact that her baby survived all that stress feels extremely unrealistic even by book standards. I was honestly expecting her to lose it in the end and have Will be the killer.

Content Warnings

doreyghc's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Content Warnings

solouncapitulomas's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

this book like it wanted to be a thrill but without doing any of the job as thriller needs, so many plot holes that do no make sense and the main characters was so bland after reading the girl on the train and gone girl this was very underwhelming, I was surprised by the plot twist so they get a 3.5 stars but I hated all the characters except ryan so...yeah

Content Warnings

soobooksalot's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The It Girl is an academic suspense/thriller, with the prestigious Oxford Pelham College as the backdrop.
Ten years ago, Hannah Jones's wealthy and popular roommate, April Clarke-Cliveden was found murdered in their dorm room.
Convicted for the crime was one of the college's security porters, John Neville, who died in prison while proclaiming his innocence.
Told in two storylines; Hannah's distress and remorse are recounted in After, and events leading to the murder itself a decade earlier in Before.
This is some great slow-burn storytelling, with webs of drama and flawed characters.
This has been a highly-anticipated release for many - myself included - and it absolutely did not disappoint.
Recommended!
For release on July 12.

Content Warnings

uranaishi's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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