Reviews - I Will Ruin You | The StoryGraph

172 reviews for:

I Will Ruin You

Linwood Barclay

3.72 AVERAGE

jhillnurse's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 65%

Got boring

mum2harry's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: N/A

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

redheadbookgirl's review against another edition

3.0

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I can always rely on Barclay’s work to be a good, solid thriller. Twisty, fast paced + full of suspense, this was jam packed with so many secrets and lies we have no idea who to trust and plenty of twists + turns.

Packing a punch from the very first action-filled paragraph, the tension never really lets up, making for an unpredictable + entertaining read. From school attacks to drug deals to domestic drama, I really enjoyed the multiple storylines + trying to work out how they linked together.

George Newburn + Johnathan McClain narrated the story brilliantly and really bought the characters to life. Our main character Richard was a compelling lead and the two “bad guys” gave me real vibes of Hazel & Cha Cha from the first season of Umbrella Academy 🥲

This was a compelling + entertaining audio read that I’d recommend! I do think I read my favourite of Barclay’s first (ELEVATOR PITCH) so I feel like I’m always comparing his later books to this.. definitely read EP if you haven’t already!

ashleyalexander's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

aplace_inthesun's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I listened to this studio book courtesy of Librofm’s influencer program.

I was trying to recall if I’ve read a book by this author and don’t think I have, so I’m glad I’ve rectified that! As an audio it was definitely a good way to start, and as fast paced as can be without me feeling as if I was missing any details.

The plot involves a teacher at a US High School who is confronted with a student about to blow up the school. On the day the teacher becomes a hero, by a strange twist of fate he also becomes embroiled in some other circumstances that could have further fatal outcomes in terms of his reputation, career, and marriage. It gives off a bit of The Fugitive vibes with him not knowing who to trust, secrets building on secrets, and you’re constantly thinking this is not going to end well!

I guessed the outcome, which usually disappoints me (love the shock factor of being wrong or not knowing) but whilst the book could be guilty of being ‘too much’ and not being believable that didn’t worry me, it’s fiction - my thoughts are just go with it.

cosiedupwithabook's review against another edition

3.75

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

krispe22's review against another edition

3.0

His weakest work. Every character- save for the policewoman- made the worst decisions. I can’t believe so many stupid people could live in one town, and that they were all teachers and principals. Jeez.