The Book Wheel

Books, Politics, & More

  • Genres
    • All Reviews
    • Browse By Title/Authors/Genre
    • #30Authors
      • #30Authors Reviews
      • Lineup
    • Fiction
      • Historical Fiction
      • Mystery/Thriller
    • Non-Fiction
      • Biography
      • Economic
      • Memoir
      • Science/Tech/Psychology
      • True Crime
    • Political
    • More Options
      • 1001 List
      • Classics
      • Diverse
  • Book Club Picks
  • Politics
    • Book Reviews
    • Political Discussions
  • Lists
  • Other
    • Blogging
    • Career
    • Discussions
    • Lifestyle
    • Productivity
  • About
    • Accolades
    • Advertising
    • Policies
    • Resources
      • Authors
      • Contributors
    • What is a ‘Book Wheel’?
  • City Council Race

K.A. Tucker Delivers in ‘He Will Be My Ruin’

June 6, 2016 by Allison Hiltz 8 Comments

K.A. Tucker Delivers in ‘He Will Be My Ruin’He Will Be My Ruin by K.A. Tucker
Published by Atria Books on February 2, 2016
Genres/Lists: Fiction, Mystery/Thriller
Pages: 352
Read synopsis on Goodreads
I received this book for free from TLC Book Tours.
Buy the book: Amazon/Audible (this post includes affiliate links) four-stars


I received a copy of this book for free through TLC Book Tours. See a list of all of the reviews here.

I’ve been reading more mysteries and thrillers lately, and I have to say I’ve really been enjoying them. My latest, He Will Be My Ruin by K.A. Tucker, is no exception. It’s the story of a woman named Maggie who comes home after a friend’s suicide. Convinced her friend would never do such a thing, she sticks around. Even though she knows she could be wrong, she starts investigating. But as she asks more questions and delves deeper into her friend’s past, including her involvement with rare antiques, she finds herself tangled in the web of danger that led to her friend’s death.

He Will Be My Ruin grabbed me from the beginning with its writing style (quick but thorough) and by jumping right into the action. We get to know the friend who died through a series of diary entries punctuated throughout the book and her story is heartbreaking. Although she is the reason for the story, it is Maggie who takes center stage. Maggie, who I had a hard time connecting with at first, quickly grew on me. In addition to being a strong and confident woman, she’s quirky and slightly socially awkward, which I can relate to. Plus, her well-rounded development left me more invested in her story than I would have been, otherwise. Even when I was silently shouting at her for her choices, I was rooting for her.

He Will By My Ruin: A great mystery for the non-mystery fan. Click To Tweet

tlc-logo-resizedTwo things surprised me about this book. First, it reminded me how much I enjoy stories about art. One of my favorite books for a long time was Three Fates by Nora Roberts (clearly my tastes have changed) but I forgot how fun stories about rare art and their histories can be. As soon as I realized this, I fell deeper into the novel, hoping for even more of it. Although this is certainly not an art history book, it provides context and I get the impression the author has a deep appreciation for it. And who doesn’t love a book that inspires more reading on a subject?

Second, I was absolutely certain I had it all figured out early on and was dead wrong. Usually, when I think I know what’s coming, I leave room for doubt but I was so sure of myself that I was blindsided by the ending (avid mystery fans figured it all out but, alas, I did not). This is partly because Tucker subtly weaved small, intricate plot lines into the major ones that I didn’t pick up on until after the fact. The book left me shocked that I was shocked, which is not a feeling I get very often, and I’m glad.

Recommended for: Anyone looking for a mystery that will genuinely surprise them. 

What’s your favorite quick mystery read?

Related Posts

  • Related Posts
  • Same Genre
  • 4 Star Books
  • Atria Books
Author J.J. Hensley On Writing and His Book, ‘RESOLVE’
Ripper via The Book Wheel
Allende Tries Her Hand at Mystery in “Ripper”
Dark Places Disappoints
the clairvoyants by karen brown
The Clairvoyants by Karen Brown
That Night by Chevy Stevens via The Book Wheel
Wrongful Conviction the Focus of ‘That Night’ (Book Review)
Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller (Book Review)
The Clock of Life by Nancy Klann-Moren
Civil Rights and the ‘Clock of Life’
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Book Review)
Sinclair Lewis’ Social Satire in Babbitt (Book Review)
tale for the time being
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki (Book Review)
empty mansions
Huguette Clark, Intrigue, and Mystery Abound in ‘Empty Mansions
Kate Morton Weaves a Rich Tale That Delights
mating for life
‘Mating for Life’ and the Bonds Between Women (Book Review)
sometimes the wolf
‘Sometimes the Wolf’ a Gritty, Family-Driven Mystery
‘The Dinner’ is Delicious
‘Secret Keeper’ Is the Story of Love Lost and Found
distant hours
“The Distant Hours” by Kate Morton
orchid house
Lucinda Riley’s is a House Worth Entering
The Lake House
The Lake House by Kate Morton

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Fiction Tagged With: Mystery/Thriller

Connect

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • rss

SUBSCRIBE

Like books? Subscribe and get reviews, featured products, and more sent straight to your inbox in a way that works for you.

RECENT POSTS

Nothing But Praise For ‘The Nix’

Nothing But Praise For ‘The Nix’

I’m back, folks (and where have I been?)

I’m back, folks (and where have I been?)

Ng’s ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ A Sizzling Sophomore Novel

Ng’s ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ A Sizzling Sophomore Novel

When women run for office, it’s “cute”

When women run for office, it’s “cute”

Wedding Paper Divas - Free Shipping

Popular Books Right Now

‘Shelter’ a Harrowing Story You Won’t Soon Forget

‘Hillbilly Elegy’ and Why Current Policies Aren’t Working

Sit Down With ‘Seating Arrangements’

Women and Maternity Leave Dominate ‘The Creepshow’

Conquering the Classics: ‘The Bell Jar’ Blew Me Away

NORDSTROM - Shop Sale Coats
Content may not be reposted in full or without permission. This site includes affiliate links.

Copyright © 2018 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in