The Death of Mrs Westaway

A modern-day murder mystery from The Sunday Times Bestseller

By: Ruth Ware

Narrated by: Imogen Church

Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Death of Mrs Westaway by Ruth Ware, read by Imogen Church.

When Harriet Westaway receives an unexpected letter telling her she’s inherited a substantial bequest from her Cornish grandmother, it seems like the answer to her prayers. She owes money to a loan shark and the threats are getting increasingly aggressive: she needs to get her hands on some cash fast.

There's just one problem - Hal's real grandparents died more than twenty years ago. The letter has been sent to the wrong person. But Hal knows that the cold-reading techniques she’s honed as a seaside fortune teller could help her con her way to getting the money. If anyone has the skills to turn up at a stranger's funeral and claim a bequest they’re not entitled to, it’s her.

Hal makes a choice that will change her life for ever. But once she embarks on her deception, there is no going back. She must keep going or risk losing everything, even her life…

The brand new psychological thriller from the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in Cabin 10.

'The Death of Mrs Westaway is Ruth Ware's best: a dark and dramatic thriller, part murder mystery, part family drama, altogether riveting' AJ FINN, bestselling author of THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW

Critic reviews

‘Powerfully atmospheric, unguessably twisty…I devoured it’ -

'I read this in two lightning quick sittings, Hal is the most enthralling anti-heroine and the gothic Cornish setting was riveting. But mainly this was just an incredible story, filled with utterly believable characters and brilliantly told. I absolutely adored it' -

The Death of Mrs Westaway is Ruth Ware's best: a dark and dramatic thriller, part murder mystery, part family drama, altogether riveting.

If you’re an Agatha Christie fan then you’ll love this eerie new offering from mega-author Ruth Ware… Dark, unsettling and brilliant.

A dark tale by one of the best thriller writers around.

Few contemporary novelists understand the power of an isolated landscape better than Ruth Ware… her best yet!

Ruth Ware does that amazing thing of creating a compellingly gripping premise for a book.

Ware’s fourth novel reaffirms her position as one of the best thriller writers around today… This cleverly plotted murder mystery-meets-psychological family drama is dark enough to send a shiver down one’s spine even on the hottest summer’s day.

Deliciously dark and spooky mystery.

Full of eerie atmosphere and intrigue… the story is deftly told and compelling

Couldn’t stop listening

Captivating story with enough twists to keep you guessing and wanting to keep listening. Also excellent performance.

Great story

Kept me involved from beginning to end. Difficult to put down. I really liked the addition of the mystical aspect of the tarot cards and the realistic way with which the protagonist approaches them, sometimes buying into it others being cynical about them. The cards added a nice flavor/metaphor to the story.

Woah! Must listen!

Loved this book so very much! Great story, great narrative and even greater narration! Imogen Church has an incredible voice and I loved loved loved listening to her! Definitely check this audiobook out! I’m actually thinking of buying a hard copy for how good it was...

Enjoyable but predictable

Interesting setting, great atmosphere and emotive characters. A very pleasant listen with some good plot points; unfortunately, most of the "twists" of this story were entirely predictable. The pace also lagged significantly towards the end of the book and made this predictability feel like a drag. Overall I'd recommend it, just don't expect to be wowed by dramatic reveals. As always, Imogen Church is absolutely outstanding.

Very slow

Nothing happened for about 12 hours. I feel it had potential but the plot wasn’t strong enough and did no justice to the lenght of this story. This writer csn do better