This is Ruth Ware’s second novel. I have not read her first (I will soon since my local library offers it on audiobook). The premise interested me: Lo Blacklock has the opportunity to go on the maiden voyage on a small cruise ship. One night she hears a body being thrown overboard…. But no one is reported missing on the ship- employees or passengers.

The novel starts out slow. There is a break-in at Lo’s apartment and she is dealing with PTSD issues from the break-in. I wanted her to hurry up and get on the ship! The novel does pick up once she got onboard.

One thing about Lo: She is not likeable. She is yet another female protagonist who has various issues and she also likes to drink… A lot. Since Lo is the narrator of the novel, you can’t help but wonder if the events described are actually happening. Is the alcohol affecting what she experiences, or is someone actually behind everything? Is she doing things during her blackouts or is someone doing something to her?

Despite Lo not being likeable, Ruth Ware is able to pull you in to the story! She writes the fear and paranoia that Lo experiences very well! I was feeling the paranoia that Lo was feeling.

There is a twist which I did not see coming. The twist does not happen at the very end like most novels do. I actually had no idea what direction the novel was going to go in. I was satisfied with the ending.

I do recommend this novel!