The It Girl by Ruth Ware

The 'It Girl' had everything but still ended up dead. When the creepy porter with the 'reedy voice' was jailed for her murder, it seemed to be a shut case. Until he died himself ten years later, in prison, and a journalist claims that he had been wrongly sentenced.

The story is told from the perspective of one of six friends who attended Oxford University together ten years ago, and the present. Chapters are titled 'Before' and 'After' with reference to the murder. Ultimately this is a tale of friendship and the complex behaviour within these relationships. As the book progresses it becomes more of a whodunnit.

The settings are Oxford and Edinburgh and these two picturesque locations are described well and Ware really gives a feeling of the places. The only issue concerns the brands mentioned, probably to indicate symbols of wealth or status, but to me, who is not into this kind of thing, it was just a little over my head. I got the gist though. Minor gripe!

This is an enjoyable read, engaging with distinct characters.  Recommended for those who like the classic murder mystery style.

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Published by Simon & Shuster UK on 4 August 2022.
Advanced review copy supplied by the publisher.