This book hit shelves in 2017 and if you haven’t read it by now… you should. Ruth Ware is a wonderful storyteller who keeps you turning the page when you should be doing other things like laundry or that pile of dishes you've been putting off for two days. Back in 2017, however, I had never read anything by Ware and had yet to fall in love with her dark thrillers and British humor.
I was continuously bombarded with advertisements and images for The Woman in Cabin 10 and, for some reason, I was resistant to reading it. This strange rebellion surfaced in me. I had the ludicrous idea that if everyone was raving about this book then it was not for me. I would NOT become a follower. I would NOT be taken in by some “girly” book craze. I’d always chosen books myself. Books filled with darkness, ghosts, and gore. I considered myself an independent book buyer.
Silly, I know. You don’t need to tell me. I've learned from my mistakes. More importantly, I was proven wrong the day I broke down and purchased The Woman in Cabin 10.
I was spending the weekend down in Plymouth, MA. We had rented a house within walking distance to the beach. I don’t know about you guys, but there is nothing I enjoy more than plopping myself in a beach chair, sneaking some wine coolers onto the beach, and opening a good book. Well, I picked up The Woman in Cabin 10 from a local book shop (after muttering something like, "I see this damn book everywhere. I might as well just try it.") and did just that.
I was hooked by the first chapter and proceeded to devour the novel in three days. This book is good for readers who like their plots fast and their twists shocking. It has an Agatha Christie flare with a splash of darkness.
What's the Plot?
Lo Blacklock is a journalist for a travel magazine. She is assigned a week on an intimate luxury cruise. But what begins as a delightful trip soon turns dark. During a stormy evening, Lo witnesses a woman being thrown overboard. When she runs for help, she is told all the passengers are accounted for. So who did she see? And what are they trying to hide?
Whatcha Drinkin'? I chose to pair this novel with a summery Peach Sangria. Not because it’s summer here, in fact, many days it seems far from summer in Massachusetts. But this sangria is reminiscent of reading those first few chapters of this book with my beach chair anchored in the soft sand, the sound of waves in the distance and, of course, a case of those little travel-sized peach Moscatos by my feet.
Peach Sangria
Yield: 8 servings
Total time: 5 minutes
What You Need:
1 bottle white wine (I like Sauvignon Blanc, but a Pinot Grigio works well too)
1 cup peach vodka
½ lemon sliced
1 ½ cups peach juice or nectar
2 cups frozen peaches
1 cup frozen blueberries
What You Do:
Add frozen peaches, blueberries, and sliced lemon to the bottom of a pitcher or punch bowl.
Add white wine, vodka, and peach juice.
Give it a stir. Garnish with more peaches and blueberries if desired.
Drink. Enjoy. Share.
*Peach juice or nectar can be found in most grocery stores. I like Ceres 100% Juice Blend, usually stocked in the natural aisle. I used frozen fruit in this recipe to act as ice. Use fresh fruit if desired, particularly if you do not want the frozen blueberries to stain the drink. Can make ahead. Store in the fridge for a few hours before serving or overnight.