Phracking wordpress. Your comment never showed up in my notification bar, sigh.
Anyway. Yes, this turn of the key sounds like a modern retelling of turn of the screw. Or Ware’s version of a re-telling. You might like Screw since you liked this so much.
I’m definitely intrigued and will have to push it higher up my priority list. I’m, however, convinced that Ruth Ware doesn’t incorporate the pure horror elements that are probably in The Turn of the Screw though. That might be difference that would have been needed for me to give 5 stars too hahah Thanks for connecting the dots though, I hadn’t even noticed at first.
Thanks, Tammy! I do hope you’ll enjoy when you get the chance to read it. My favourite by Ruth Ware will probably still be The Death of Mrs. Westaway though but this one can have second place! 😂
I have to say that you are so right about the fact that everything we do these days seems to be monitored. It’s crazy, which is why I think the premise of this book is even more scary. I have never heard of this writer before, but the way you describe this book, I’m going to add it to my to read list for sure now😊 As always this was a terrific review that certainly managed to make me very curious about this one!
Tell me about it. 😂 I tell myself that privacy will end up being a concept with no meaning in the near future. I mean, even if the things that occur in the bedrooms of people (they sexuality) is now a public subject! 😂 nothing is safe from anything in the end. 😜 Glad to hear it piqued your curiosity though. Thank you so much for your kind words, Michel!
Thanks, Shalini! My favourite by Ruth Ware remains The Death of Ms. Westaway but this one is almost just as good too! Hope you enjoy it if you ever give it a try.
Silver platter… hmmm… Sounds like it’s literal. A severed head?
I think I might have to add this to my list. Two questions:
1. What kept you from dropping the book in the first half?
2. Is the plot less than obvious?
I’d hate to read a book that is about a serial killer who hacks the “smart home” and terrorizes her. Only her.
Ah, I can’t tell you how it ends, that would kill the whole goal of this mystery! 😂 I probably kept on going because I’ve read her other 4 books and enjoyed my time with them. I also like how she writes, so it just made it easier to keep on going even if the whole nannying theme isn’t the most exciting subject for me. Well, I’d tell you that it’s probably an ending that not many will like. I personally didn’t find the plot obvious and enjoyed the finale that left my mouth wide open, but some did find it less than impressive. You’d have to read it to find out, so I guess it’s your call if you want to try this author out or nah. 😁
This author has been a little hit or miss for me, but I’ve been hearing good things about this one. I’m glad to see that you enjoyed it! I’m excited to read it.
I do remember that about you and Ruth Ware. It would be hard to say that this is different since I’d be more inclined to say that if you liked Ruth Ware’s books then you’re sure to like this one. 😬😂 I do hope your thoughts for this one will be much much more positive though.
Sounds like a nice change of pace between the usual SFF stuff. Might go with The Turn of the Screw first, though – I knew I read about something similar recently, and indeed – there was a wonderful review of The Turn… that put this book on my TBR 😉
Hahah I definitely need to pick up The Turn of the Screw now though. I feel like I’ll enjoy it even more than The Turn of the Key. But… if someone whose name rhymes with Zola would read and review it first, I’m probably more likely to hunt down a copy and read it myself! 😬😂
Ah shucks, I’m glad to be of service then! It was a suspenseful ride that served as a nice change of scenario from dragons and aliens! 😂 Thank you so much for reading, Sarah! 😁
Exactly that. I’d imagine The Turn of the Screw is something you would have read. Have you? This novel seems to have been inspired by that classic.
P.S. I don’t know how you did it but I really appreciate how you binged through all my posts. You really didn’t have to but won’t lie that I’m always happy to hear your thoughts on everything!
OMG Lashaan I would never have been able either to read it either to stop reading it!!! Just seems like one of these reads that pull you in and don’t let you go before the last page!
GAHHHHHH I’m not sure that I could live in a house so wired up!! Especially as what is essentially a servant. And as a nanny I would totally want to meet the children BEFORE moving out to the middle of no where… I assume that she is accused of murdering someone? I felt like I missed that somewhere. I can see why this has a major creep factor. And it sounds like its Ruth Ware’s style to be such a slow build… If the contrast is really spot on it would seem to be a deliberate choice. Great review Lashaan! 😀
Hahahah I think I’d have passed on the idea of living in a smart house too but then… the amount of money offered would probably counter my desire to leave… In this story, the delay was short to accept the job and almost impossible to know what the kids were really about unless you spend a whole day with them without their parents hahah You don’t really know what the reason is for her being in a prison and writing the letters (unless you read the blurb). Thanks for reading, Dani!! 😀
I’ve been so curious about this book (and the author) for a while- so I’m glad to hear it was good 😀 This has such a creepy concept- I love it! And it’s really cool to hear this has a gothic element mixed in with the ultra modern technology. It’s great the ending worked as well. Fantastic review!
I do wonder if you’ll enjoy her writing style/her stories. My favourite remains The Death of Mrs. Westaway and I do hope you’ll enjoy her work if you ever pick one up. Thank you! 😀
Mysteries aren’t usually my thing, but… this sounds wonderful: a secluded Victorian home, a nanny, devilish children, and maybe ghosts? I love it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m going to add it to Goodreads. 👍✨
Thank you so much for reading! 😍 It was indeed a very modern “spooky” story and it turns out that I enjoy Ruth Ware’s writing, making this a fun ride! 😜
I just finished reading this and have to admit that the only reason why I didn’t throw this book out after the first few pages was your review. I remember that you enjoyed it. The beginning was absolutely horrendous. But I kept on reading. The second half definitely went on by faster. The explanation really was on a silver platter. It’s definitely not ideal in delivery, but I didn’t really care too much. What I did not like is the unanswered questions. 1. about Jack. 2. about how the loud music and lights that one night were triggered. 3. why did “Rowan” write those letters but never sent them?
I’m sorry to hear that, Goldie. I could maybe give you answers for those questions but if your reading experience didn’t allow you to get those answers, I suppose the author’s story has failed you. I hope your next book will be far more successful.
What was the last book you did enjoy though? I feel like I’ve only heard you say you weren’t enjoying the books you’ve been picking up or were recommended ever since we first met here.
HAHHAHAHAH
So I’m THAT kind of person?
It’s not that I didn’t like this one. I just had some … comments on some things…
It’s not easy to find perfection. You didn’t give it max stars, either.
I’m picking up “Best day ever” later today. I tried to look for it on your blog, but I couldn’t find a review. Though I think I remember seeing the cover somewhere…
Hahahahha I’d have a hard time guessing what you favourite genre is too with the amount of complaints you had for all the books you’ve read so far, or movies you’ve seen. I’m guessing thrillers are your go-to, with the occasional SFF?
I haven’t read that thriller but I’ve seen other bloggers talk about it in the past.
Bookidote 
Ok, have you read Turn of the Screw?
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It’s on my infinitely long TBR. 😮 Did you notice massive similarities between what I described of the plot and that classic? 😮
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Phracking wordpress. Your comment never showed up in my notification bar, sigh.
Anyway. Yes, this turn of the key sounds like a modern retelling of turn of the screw. Or Ware’s version of a re-telling. You might like Screw since you liked this so much.
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I’m definitely intrigued and will have to push it higher up my priority list. I’m, however, convinced that Ruth Ware doesn’t incorporate the pure horror elements that are probably in The Turn of the Screw though. That might be difference that would have been needed for me to give 5 stars too hahah Thanks for connecting the dots though, I hadn’t even noticed at first.
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Makes me wonder how many other people will read this and have no idea of its foundation.
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Awesome review, Lashaan! I recently got a surprise copy of this book and now I’m even more excited to read it. This will be my first Ruth Ware😁
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Thanks, Tammy! I do hope you’ll enjoy when you get the chance to read it. My favourite by Ruth Ware will probably still be The Death of Mrs. Westaway though but this one can have second place! 😂
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I have to say that you are so right about the fact that everything we do these days seems to be monitored. It’s crazy, which is why I think the premise of this book is even more scary. I have never heard of this writer before, but the way you describe this book, I’m going to add it to my to read list for sure now😊 As always this was a terrific review that certainly managed to make me very curious about this one!
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Tell me about it. 😂 I tell myself that privacy will end up being a concept with no meaning in the near future. I mean, even if the things that occur in the bedrooms of people (they sexuality) is now a public subject! 😂 nothing is safe from anything in the end. 😜 Glad to hear it piqued your curiosity though. Thank you so much for your kind words, Michel!
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Immersive prose and addictive prose sounds so good. Great review. I have been told to buy this book
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Thanks, Shalini! My favourite by Ruth Ware remains The Death of Ms. Westaway but this one is almost just as good too! Hope you enjoy it if you ever give it a try.
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It is in my amazon wishlist, will try to pick it up during one of those sales
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Wonderful review! I’m definitely adding this to Goodreads as I really don’t like the whole ‘smart’ house scenario.
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Thank you so much, Nicki! Hahahah it is a freaky concept, isn’t it? I wouldn’t want to live in it even if the house would brush my teeth for me! 😂
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Fantastic review!
Unfortunately, I really disliked this one. I found it incredibly boring and the payoff at the end unsatisfying.
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Thanks, Nadine! Hahah your polar opposite thoughts is indeed something! Was it the nail on the coffin for you? No more Ruth Ware?
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Nahh. I’ve enjoyed her other work and I know her mysteries are usually on the slower side, but this one just didn’t work for me 🤷
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Silver platter… hmmm… Sounds like it’s literal. A severed head?
I think I might have to add this to my list. Two questions:
1. What kept you from dropping the book in the first half?
2. Is the plot less than obvious?
I’d hate to read a book that is about a serial killer who hacks the “smart home” and terrorizes her. Only her.
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Ah, I can’t tell you how it ends, that would kill the whole goal of this mystery! 😂 I probably kept on going because I’ve read her other 4 books and enjoyed my time with them. I also like how she writes, so it just made it easier to keep on going even if the whole nannying theme isn’t the most exciting subject for me. Well, I’d tell you that it’s probably an ending that not many will like. I personally didn’t find the plot obvious and enjoyed the finale that left my mouth wide open, but some did find it less than impressive. You’d have to read it to find out, so I guess it’s your call if you want to try this author out or nah. 😁
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I like how “open to interpretation” your reply is. We shall see.
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This author has been a little hit or miss for me, but I’ve been hearing good things about this one. I’m glad to see that you enjoyed it! I’m excited to read it.
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I do remember that about you and Ruth Ware. It would be hard to say that this is different since I’d be more inclined to say that if you liked Ruth Ware’s books then you’re sure to like this one. 😬😂 I do hope your thoughts for this one will be much much more positive though.
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Sounds like a nice change of pace between the usual SFF stuff. Might go with The Turn of the Screw first, though – I knew I read about something similar recently, and indeed – there was a wonderful review of The Turn… that put this book on my TBR 😉
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Hahah I definitely need to pick up The Turn of the Screw now though. I feel like I’ll enjoy it even more than The Turn of the Key. But… if someone whose name rhymes with Zola would read and review it first, I’m probably more likely to hunt down a copy and read it myself! 😬😂
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Sneaky sneaky 😉 I might actually do that, but not before I finish your fellow countryman’s The Deptford Trilogy 😉
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You know- this book held about zero appeal for me til I read your review. Love the themes you mentioned. Fantastic review!
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Ah shucks, I’m glad to be of service then! It was a suspenseful ride that served as a nice change of scenario from dragons and aliens! 😂 Thank you so much for reading, Sarah! 😁
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Sounds almost like a cautionary tale about having smart homes.
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Exactly that. I’d imagine The Turn of the Screw is something you would have read. Have you? This novel seems to have been inspired by that classic.
P.S. I don’t know how you did it but I really appreciate how you binged through all my posts. You really didn’t have to but won’t lie that I’m always happy to hear your thoughts on everything!
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It’s called a Bookidote Binge. Haha
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Hahah I’ll be doing a Pinella Binge soon myself. 😀
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OMG Lashaan I would never have been able either to read it either to stop reading it!!! Just seems like one of these reads that pull you in and don’t let you go before the last page!
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Ohhhh, I assure you that you don’t want to miss out on that LAST page too hahaah 😀
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Brilliant review! This one sounds great, I’ll look out for it!
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Thank you! Glad to hear it’s now on your radar then! 😀
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GAHHHHHH I’m not sure that I could live in a house so wired up!! Especially as what is essentially a servant. And as a nanny I would totally want to meet the children BEFORE moving out to the middle of no where… I assume that she is accused of murdering someone? I felt like I missed that somewhere. I can see why this has a major creep factor. And it sounds like its Ruth Ware’s style to be such a slow build… If the contrast is really spot on it would seem to be a deliberate choice. Great review Lashaan! 😀
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Hahahah I think I’d have passed on the idea of living in a smart house too but then… the amount of money offered would probably counter my desire to leave… In this story, the delay was short to accept the job and almost impossible to know what the kids were really about unless you spend a whole day with them without their parents hahah You don’t really know what the reason is for her being in a prison and writing the letters (unless you read the blurb). Thanks for reading, Dani!! 😀
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I’ve been so curious about this book (and the author) for a while- so I’m glad to hear it was good 😀 This has such a creepy concept- I love it! And it’s really cool to hear this has a gothic element mixed in with the ultra modern technology. It’s great the ending worked as well. Fantastic review!
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I do wonder if you’ll enjoy her writing style/her stories. My favourite remains The Death of Mrs. Westaway and I do hope you’ll enjoy her work if you ever pick one up. Thank you! 😀
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Amazing review 😍 this book sounds fantastic 😱 I love anything that includes a mistery so I would love to read this book 😍
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Thanks, Caroline! Then trying out anything by Ruth Ware might be something you should consider someday! 😀
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Great title for the suspiciousness in our modern world.
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Indeed! Based of the classic horror tale “The Turn of the Screw”.
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Mysteries aren’t usually my thing, but… this sounds wonderful: a secluded Victorian home, a nanny, devilish children, and maybe ghosts? I love it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m going to add it to Goodreads. 👍✨
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Thank you so much for reading! 😍 It was indeed a very modern “spooky” story and it turns out that I enjoy Ruth Ware’s writing, making this a fun ride! 😜
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I just finished reading this and have to admit that the only reason why I didn’t throw this book out after the first few pages was your review. I remember that you enjoyed it. The beginning was absolutely horrendous. But I kept on reading. The second half definitely went on by faster. The explanation really was on a silver platter. It’s definitely not ideal in delivery, but I didn’t really care too much. What I did not like is the unanswered questions. 1. about Jack. 2. about how the loud music and lights that one night were triggered. 3. why did “Rowan” write those letters but never sent them?
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I’m sorry to hear that, Goldie. I could maybe give you answers for those questions but if your reading experience didn’t allow you to get those answers, I suppose the author’s story has failed you. I hope your next book will be far more successful.
What was the last book you did enjoy though? I feel like I’ve only heard you say you weren’t enjoying the books you’ve been picking up or were recommended ever since we first met here.
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HAHHAHAHAH
So I’m THAT kind of person?
It’s not that I didn’t like this one. I just had some … comments on some things…
It’s not easy to find perfection. You didn’t give it max stars, either.
I’m picking up “Best day ever” later today. I tried to look for it on your blog, but I couldn’t find a review. Though I think I remember seeing the cover somewhere…
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Hahahahha I’d have a hard time guessing what you favourite genre is too with the amount of complaints you had for all the books you’ve read so far, or movies you’ve seen. I’m guessing thrillers are your go-to, with the occasional SFF?
I haven’t read that thriller but I’ve seen other bloggers talk about it in the past.
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Yes, definitely thrillers. Mystery. Maybe adventure sometimes. Very occasional SFF. More in movies than books.
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