Well friends, if you’re in the mood for a page-turner that’ll have you side-eyeing everyone on a luxury cruise ship while clutching your throw blanket and whispering “what just happened?”—then let me introduce you to The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware.
This one is classic book club gold: twisty, tense, and totally unputdownable. It’s the kind of story that makes you cancel your plans, ignore your phone, and finish “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re wide-eyed and suspicious of all cruise itineraries.
Of course, it’s why I chose it for my Jen Hatmaker Book Club, too.
Here’s a spoiler-free overview of this delicious thriller that had my book club buzzing.
Synopsis of ‘The Woman in Cabin 10′ by Ruth Ware
Our main gal, Lo Blacklock, is a travel journalist who lands a cushy assignment on a luxury cruise in the North Sea. Sounds dreamy, right? But just as she’s settling into her swanky cabin and sipping champagne, she hears something in the night—something that feels very wrong. Like… crime wrong.
Cue the slow unraveling of what may—or may not—have happened on board. A woman. A scream. A splash. But when Lo tries to raise the alarm, things get complicated fast.
This The Woman in Cabin 10 book synopsis is just the tip of the iceberg (nautical pun intended), and trust me: the suspense will keep you guessing until the very end.
What Makes ‘The Woman in Cabin 10′ a Must-Read
Here’s what I love most about this book: it’s not just the whodunit—it’s the whom-can-you-trust. Ruth Ware writes with this delicious tension where even the smallest detail feels like a clue, and the isolation of the ship setting turns up the emotional dial.
The Woman in Cabin 10 is a thriller with a side of psychological drama, layered with themes of trauma, gaslighting, and how women are (and aren’t) believed. But don’t worry—it’s still a fun ride. You won’t walk away devastated; you’ll walk away satisfied and maybe just a little wary of room service.
my Take: ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ Book Review
Look, I’ve really been into the mystery/thriller/whodunnit category. And this one has all of it. There’s suspense, but not horror. And so much juicy intrigue. And Lo? She’s flawed and human and sometimes a mess—which makes her exactly the kind of main character I love to root for.
If you’ve been looking for a book that will completely hijack your weekend in the best way possible, The Woman in Cabin 10 delivers. You’ll love dissecting the plot twists, the character motives, and of course, that ending (no spoilers here).
Why You Should Add ‘The Woman in Cabin 10′ to Your TBR pile
Whether you’re a thriller newbie or a seasoned mystery maven, The Woman in Cabin 10 belongs on your To Be Read (TBR) list. Add to cart here. It’s gripping, fast-paced, and just unsettling enough to spark some lively book club convo.
Okay, and fun bonus reason to add this to your TBR pile: The Woman in Cabin 10 is officially being made into a Netflix adaptation, starring none other than Keira Knightley—and it’s coming soon!
So if you’re the kind of reader who loves being that person who says “the book was better” (hi, same), grab your copy now before it hits the screen.
Ready to Talk About It? Join the Book Club!
If you loved The Woman in Cabin 10 (or you’re about to), come join us in the Jen Hatmaker Book Club where we read incredible stories just like this one every month. We laugh, cry, gush over smart female authors who know how to spin a tale, and talk about life things that go way beyond the pages we read.
Join the Jen Hatmaker Book Club and let’s read together!
