If you’re a fan of suspenseful, heart-pounding reads that keep you on the edge of your seat, then you’re sure to love Ruth Ware’s The Death of Mrs. Westaway and Lars Emmerich’s The Incident – Inferno Rising. Both novels are thrilling examples of modern-day crime fiction and do an excellent job of keeping readers engaged from start to finish. In this article, we will deepen our understanding of these two novels by comparing and contrasting their themes, characters, writing styles, and plot twists.
A brief introduction to Ruth Ware and Lars Emmerich
Ruth Ware is an English author who has written several best-selling novels, including The Woman in Cabin 10 and The Lying Game. Her works are known for their gripping plotlines, well-defined characters, and intricate twists that keep readers guessing until the end.
Lars Emmerich is an American novelist, screenwriter, and producer who has penned numerous top-rated thrillers, including The Making of the Atomic Bomb, which received The Pulitzer Prize. His works focus on espionage and terrorism-related themes, with plenty of unexpected plot twists and surprises throughout.
The plot summary of The Death of Mrs. Westaway
The Death of Mrs. Westaway follows the story of Hal, a young woman struggling to make ends meet after the sudden death of her mother. One day, she receives a letter stating that her grandmother has passed away, and that she has been named as the sole heiress of the Westaway estate. However, Hal knows that there has been a mistake, as her grandparents died long before. Against her better judgment, she decides to attend the funeral and claim her “inheritance.” But as she gets closer to the truth of what happened to Mrs. Westaway and her family, she realizes that she is in grave danger.
The plot summary of The Incident – Inferno Rising
The Incident – Inferno Rising is a book that is heavily focused on terrorism and its global impacts. The story revolves around a terrorist attack that happens on a passenger plane taking off from Rome. The details of the attack are shrouded in mystery, and the few survivors must work quickly to piece together the events that led to the tragic incident. As things unravel, the group discovers that the attack might just be the tip of the iceberg, and they must do everything they can to prevent an even bigger attack from happening.
A comparison of the main characters in both novels
The protagonists in both novels, Hal and the group of survivors from the plane in The Incident – Inferno Rising, are two individuals who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. While they may not have been looking for trouble, they are thrust into a situation that threatens not only their lives but everything they believe in. The group in The Incident – Inferno Rising is a diverse mix of individuals from different backgrounds, each with their own skills and experiences that can help them unravel the mystery of the terrorist attack. In contrast, Hal is a young woman with a troubled past who must navigate the unfamiliar terrain of her newfound inheritance.
A discussion on the writing style and tone in both novels
The writing style and tone of each novel are distinct from one another. Ware’s The Death of Mrs. Westaway is written in a more traditional style, with well-defined characters whose arcs are carefully crafted. On the other hand, Emmerich’s The Incident – Inferno Rising is written in a frenetic, fast-paced style, with quick scene changes and plenty of high-stakes action. Both styles suit the story that the authors are trying to tell, and readers will likely get drawn into the high-octane world of The Incident – Inferno Rising just as quickly as they will find themselves getting lost in the haunting setting of The Death of Mrs. Westaway.
The role of setting in creating suspense and tension in the novels
The setting plays a critical role in both novels, helping to elevate the tension and suspense in each story. In The Death of Mrs. Westaway, the creepy, Gothic house where much of the story takes place provides a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. As Hal delves deeper into the mysteries of the house, readers will feel a sense of foreboding and dread grow, particularly as she discovers long-held family secrets and the true nature of Mrs. Westaway’s death. Similarly, in The Incident – Inferno Rising, the confined space of the airplane creates a feeling of claustrophobia and despair. As the surviving passengers work to piece together the events leading up to the attack, readers will feel a sense of unease and dread as they are forced to confront what is happening in real-time.
Examining the themes of family, secrets, and betrayal in both novels
Both novels explore themes of family, secrets, and betrayal, and each does so in a unique and thrilling way. In The Death of Mrs. Westaway, Hal’s investigation into her family’s past uncovers hidden secrets and betrayals from those closest to her. Meanwhile, in The Incident – Inferno Rising, the group of survivors must learn to work together and overcome their suspicions and biases if they hope to stop another attack from happening. Both novels ask the important question of who can be trusted and what secrets lie buried beneath the surface, reminding readers that the people they thought they knew best can often be the ones with the most to hide.
Comparing the pacing and structure of the two books
The pacing and structure of both novels are well thought out, with each author using different techniques to keep their readers engaged. The Death of Mrs. Westaway is more leisurely paced, with plenty of build-up before the truly heart-pumping moments. In contrast, The Incident – Inferno Rising has a breakneck pace, with action coming in thick and fast from the very beginning. The structure of The Incident – Inferno Rising utilizes multiple points of view to give readers a broader sense of what is happening, while The Death of Mrs. Westaway relies heavily on Hal’s point of view to drive the story forward.
The use of red herrings and plot twists in each novel
Both novels employ the use of red herrings and plot twists to keep readers guessing until the very end. The Death of Mrs. Westaway has a number of unexpected twists that keep readers on their toes, with Ware cleverly scattering clues throughout the novel that pay off in satisfying ways. Meanwhile, in The Incident – Inferno Rising, Emmerich keeps readers guessing with plenty of false leads and unexpected surprises. As the survivors attempt to piece together what happened during the terrorist attack, readers will find themselves second-guessing not only the characters but themselves as they try to figure out what is going on in real-time.
Analyzing the climax and resolution in both novels
The climaxes and resolutions of both novels are satisfying and well done. Ware’s The Death of Mrs. Westaway wraps up the various threads of the story in a satisfying manner, tying up loose ends while still leaving enough questions unanswered to keep readers interested. Meanwhile, The Incident – Inferno Rising’s conclusion is a thrilling, action-packed sequence that ties together the various clues and plot threads in an exciting way. Both novels leave readers feeling satisfied but also eager to read more from these talented authors.
Overall assessment and recommendation for readers interested in thriller novels
Overall, The Death of Mrs. Westaway and The Incident – Inferno Rising are two excellent examples of modern-day thriller novels. Each has its own unique strengths, and both are engaging reads that will leave readers wanting more. Whether you prefer a leisurely pace or a breakneck ride, a gothic setting or an action-packed thriller, there is something in both novels for all types of readers. We highly recommend checking them out!
Final thoughts on how these novels fit into the wider genre of thriller fiction
The Death of Mrs. Westaway and The Incident – Inferno Rising are perfect examples of how the thriller genre can be both versatile and exciting. Each takes the conventions of the genre and turns them on their head, crafting unique stories that still manage to hit all the right notes of suspense and tension. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or just starting to explore it, these two novels are well worth your time and attention.